Denman Peninsula is an inspired collection of only 35 impressively spacious three and four bedroom town residences on an unparalleled site fronting the Molonglo River corridor and heritage trail.
Opening this weekend, visit our fully furnished Display Townhouse, and discover the unique location at this exclusive development. Agents will be available to discuss the highly unique design-by- you features and options.
• Oversized, executive residences ranging from 182m2 to 235m2 of living space offering multiple living options
• Luxurious customised interior with multiple choices for finishes and fittings
• Bathrooms and ensuites with Villeroy & Boch fittings, complemented by under-tile heating
• Reverse cycle ducted heating and cooling
• 5KW rooftop solar system to each residence
• Kitchen with Smeg appliances, stone benchtops and opulent butler’s pantries
• Up to 3.5 metre ceilings in many living areas
• Landscaped courtyard and gardens, many with access to the heritage trail
• Dual lock-up garaging with remote access and provisioning for EV Charging
• High energy rating of minimum 6.1 EER
VISIT THE DISPLAY:
STELLA YOUNG WAY DENMAN PROSPECT
SAT & SUN: 11am — 3pm
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3/21 Albany St, Fyshwick ACT 2609
12 JUNE - 11 OCTOBER 2026
FREE EXHIBITION | OPEN DAILY
Take a drive through the story of an Australian icon, from 19th-century saddlery to ‘Australia’s Own Car’, and Holden’s lasting impact on the nation.
An exhibition developed by the State Library of South Australia, in partnership with Adelaide University.
KINGS AVENUE, PARKES ACT
ACTCOSS publishes 2026 cost of living report: ‘Truly terrifying’
by NICHOLAS FULLER
The 2020s have been “a decade of inflationary pain” for the ACT, as rising prices push more Canberrans into poverty and financial precarity, ACTCOSS’s cost-of-living report, published last week, warns.
“[The report] paints a truly terrifying picture”, CEO Dr Devin Bowles said. “The cost of living is being ratcheted up every year, putting more and more households under pressure.”
Over the last five years, the cost of essential goods has increased faster than inflation, the report shows. Between 2020 and 2025, the price of automotive fuel increased by 48.6 per cent; education by 34.7 per cent; medical and hospital services by 25.6 per cent; utilities by 23.5 per cent; and food and beverages by 22.2 per cent.
“When critical necessities of life go up in price like this, people who are doing it toughest are put under unbearable pressure,” Dr Bowles said. “For families that were already at the margin … there’s nowhere to go. They have to choose between feeding and paying their kids’ school fees,
between adequate food and health expenses.”
As a result, financial hardship is no longer restricted to people on income support; it now encompasses full-time workers struggling to meet basic needs, Amy Kilpatrick, CEO of Care Financial Counselling, said.
JobSeeker recipients are below the poverty line, trapped by poverty, Dr Bowles said, while Anglicare’s rental snapshot, published last month, shows that people on welfare payments cannot afford to rent in Canberra.
Students have dropped out of courses because classes conflict with the only time food banks are open. “They literally have to choose between their future career and feeding themselves,” Dr Bowles said.
All of Canberra’s food relief providers say they have increased the services they deliver by up to 75 per cent in the past year. Some food relief providers support up to 100 families a day, Jean Giese, CEO of VolunteeringACT, said.
Housing is the largest driver of cost-of-living pressures in the ACT, the report states. The price
of housing increased by 26.3 per cent between 2020 and 2025, while rental and mortgage payments are the single biggest expense for many households, Dr Bowles said.
ACTCOSS has urged both the ACT and federal governments to restore social housing to above 10 per cent by 2036. The proportion of social housing has fallen from 12 per cent of all housing to only 5.7 per cent, and housing peak body ACT Shelter warned last year that proportion is shrinking further. The high numbers of rough sleepers — once “not something you saw frequently here” — is a result of the decline in social housing, Dr Bowles argued.
As of 31 March, more than 3,550 people were waiting for public housing — including more than 1,930 people waiting three years for high needs housing, and nearly 1,500 people waiting five years for standard housing.
Utility costs are the second-biggest reason why people are financial hardship, Ms Kilpatrick said. First Nations people have the highest rates of utility disconnection and the highest debts, ranging between $10,000 and $15,000.
ACTCOSS has called on the ACT Government to • Refresh the ACT Targeted Assistance Strategy, which allocates additional payments for people in crisis; this has not been reviewed since it was introduced in 2012.
• Review eligibility and payment rates for the ACT Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate.
• Provide ongoing funding for the food relief sector; and
• Re-introduce a one-off payment for people on low incomes who face eviction during financial hardship
ACTCOSS welcomed pre-budget announcements of additional funding for food relief and emergency rent assistance for people on low incomes.
“People are finding it tougher and tougher, so we’re really grateful for the additional assistance,” Dr Bowles said. But: “I’m not sure that it will be enough in the coming months.”
ACTCOSS has also called on the federal government to increase JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, and related income support payments to parity with pension payments, indexing these payments to wages and prices at least twice a year; and to introduce supplementary payments to single parents and to people with disability and illness.
ACTCOSS was disappointed the government did not adjust income support payments more in this year’s budget.
The ACT Government has been asked for comment.
Jean Giese (Volunteering ACT), Dr Devin Bowles (ACTCOSS), and Amy Kilpatrick (Care Financial Counselling). Photo: Nicholas Fuller
Newlyne,
a precinct done di erently
On nine hectares at the gateway to Canberra, a new chapter of inner north living is taking shape, anchored by parkland, golf course views, and a sense of community designed in from the start.
LYNEHAM, ACT
01
· THE PRECINCT
About Newlyne
Newlyne is a new mixed-use precinct rising in the heart of Lyneham, set across nine hectares of land at the historic Yowani Country Club site on Northbourne Avenue. It brings together oversized luxury apartments and townhomes, a five-star retirement living community, and a future o ering of curated retail, wellness, dining and medical experiences, all framed by parkland and golf course views.
At the centre of the precinct sits a generous 10,000 square metre central park, rejuvenating the natural corridor of Sullivans Creek and anchoring Newlyne in landscape. Across 15 architecturally diverse buildings, the masterplan dedicates 30 per cent of the total footprint to open space, with tree-lined paths weaving between residences, gardens and shared amenity.
Newlyne is shaped around walkability, connection and the rhythms of daily life. Rather than retreating behind gated pools and private gyms, residents are connected to a world-class network of established sporting and recreation facilities at their doorstep, including the Yowani Golf Course, Lyneham Tennis Centre, the National Hockey Centre, Southwell Park and the Australian Institute of Sport.
“A new way to live in Canberra’s inner north. From everywhere to home.”
02 · LOCATION
Gateway to Canberra
Location sets Newlyne apart. Sitting at the top of
Northbourne Avenue, the precinct welcomes anyone arriving in Canberra from the north, and places residents just four to five kilometres from the CBD. The light rail stops at the front door, making Civic, Braddon and Gungahlin a short ride away.
For everyday rituals, Dickson’s restaurants and shops are a comfortable walk or cycle. The Australian National University, the Canberra Centre, and the country’s leading national institutions all sit within a 10-kilometre radius. Dedicated bike paths and active travel routes connect Newlyne to the wider city network.
It is a position that delivers ease without compromise: close enough to the city to feel central, removed enough from the noise to feel restorative.
03 · THE RESIDENCES
Three o erings, one precinct
Stage One of Newlyne introduces three distinct residential collections: Moiré, Mattone and Mason. Each has its own character, its own scale and its own buyer in mind. Together they form the first chapter of Newlyne’s residential story.
Moiré
Moiré is the headline release of Stage One, a collection of 54 oversized apartments and penthouses for buyers who refuse to compromise on space.
One-bedroom homes begin at 68 square metres of internal living, comfortably above Canberra’s innercity average.
Two-bedroom apartments range from 116 to 125 square metres.
Three-bedroom apartments range from 118 to 154 square metres.
Four-bedroom apartments range from 143 to 241 square metres.
A single five-bedroom penthouse occupies 286 square metres on the top floor.
With just three to seven homes per floor, every Moiré residence feels considered. Each apartment is paired with either a generous courtyard or an elevated balcony, with most homes oriented to capture views across the central park, the golf course or the broader Canberra landscape.
FROM · $649,000
For more information, visit moire.newlyne.com.au Mattone
Mattone is Newlyne’s flexible, design-led o ering, with 87 apartments across one, two and threebedroom layouts that suit downsizers, professionals and growing households alike.
One-bedroom homes range from 54 to 59 square metres.
Newlyne in Lyneham, a new mixed-use precinct bringing luxury residences, green open space and future wellness, retail and lifestyle o erings to Canberra’s inner north. Artist’s impression.
Two-bedroom apartments range from 79 to 85 square metres.
Three-bedroom apartments range from 100 to 152 square metres, with the largest three-bedroom layouts arriving as full-floor penthouses incorporating a study. Every Mattone residence includes 2.7-metre ceilings in living areas, SMEG appliances, stone benchtops, full-height bathroom tiles, reverse-cycle air conditioning, double-glazed windows, and secure basement parking.
It is a confident, contemporary apartment o ering, scaled for real life.
FROM · $589,000
For more information, visit mattone.newlyne.com.au Mason
At the most exclusive end of Stage One sits Mason, an intimate collection of just 10 architecturally designed townhomes overlooking the Yowani Golf Course.
Three and four-bedroom configurations stretch from approximately 262 to 313 square metres of internal living, accompanied by generous private courtyards.
Mason o ers a rare proposition in Canberra: oversized townhome living with golf course views, in the heart of the inner north.
Contracts of sale are available now for buyers ready to explore the collection ahead of formal launch.
FROM · $2,890,000
Website coming soon.
04 · RETIREMENT LIVING
Sense of Yowani
Set alongside Stage One is Sense of Yowani, TP Dynamics’ five-star retirement living community.
Designed as a boutique village within the wider Newlyne precinct, Sense brings together one, two and three-bedroom residences, each with private balconies and views to the surrounding parkland and golf course.
One-bedroom homes are approximately 59 square metres.
Two-bedroom homes range from 86 to 102 square metres.
Three-bedroom homes range from 118 to 142 square metres, with penthouses occupying entire top floors.
A second stage of Sense of Yowani is coming soon, with further flexibility in layout and outlook.
Residents enjoy full access to the precinct’s amenities: cafes, restaurants and bars; a wellness pool and sauna; yoga and multi-use studios; a gym; library; allied health; and a theatre.
It is retirement living reimagined, not as a destination on the edge of life, but as a connected, social, beautifully appointed chapter at the centre of one of Canberra’s most exciting new communities.
For pricing and availability at Sense of Yowani, please contact the team directly.
05 · THE VISION
Future retail, wellness and care
Newlyne’s commercial life will unfold across the precinct’s ground planes and lower levels, anchored by Central Park.
The vision is one of careful curation, not scale: a thoughtfully chosen mix of cafes, restaurants and bars that earn their place through quality and character.
Spaces are being shaped to support the rituals of daily life: a morning co ee under the trees; long lunch by the water; or an evening drink on the way home.
Tenancies are currently being curated, with TP Dynamics actively engaging with operators who share Newlyne’s vision.
Proposed wellness experience
Subject to approvals, Newlyne will be home to a proposed 5,000 square metre wellness building.
Conceived as a vertical wellness village, the building will integrate movement, recovery, longevity and social wellness across multiple connected floors.
The proposed o ering will include a fully equipped gym with strength, cardio and functional training zones; group studios for hot pilates, yoga, reformer pilates, run club and recovery; a longevity and spa floor with diagnostics, biomarker testing, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, red light therapy, cryotherapy and luxury treatment rooms; and a rooftop social wellness floor with a pool club, sauna and plunge, members’ wellness bar and regenerative garden supplying onsite herbs, citrus and produce.
Proposed luxury hotel
Also subject to approvals, a proposed 5,000 square metre luxury hotel will anchor a future stage of the precinct, introducing a hospitality o ering to Canberra’s inner north that complements both the residential community and the wider city.
Proposed medical precinct
Newlyne’s vision for connected living extends to health.
Subject to approvals, the precinct will also comprise a diverse range of new medical and health facilities.
Together, these proposed buildings will deliver a premium health destination integrated seamlessly with the wellness building and the broader community, curated around the needs of Canberra’s inner north.
VISIT NOW
Your journey starts at Newlyne. For more information, scan the QR code or visit newlyne.com.au
Explore detailed scale models of the precinct, walk through full-size apartment displays, and meet the team behind the vision.
Newlyne Experience Centre 455 Northbourne Avenue, Lyneham
Turning off the gas
with NICOLE LAWDER
FORMER ACT MLA AND DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER
You won’t be surprised to hear that I struggled to find a suitable song to accompany this week’s column about gas. Eventually, I settled on “Weird Al” Jankovic’s The Plumbing Song as the closest I could get, because plumbing and gasfitting go hand in hand. Climate action matters, and Canberra has long prided itself on leading the way when it comes to sustainability. But good intentions don’t always mean good policy, and the ACT government’s decision to phase out
natural gas by 2045 deserves a bit of scrutiny.
Gas came to Canberra in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and in a city that regularly dips below zero in winter, it proved genuinely transformative. There are well over a hundred thousand properties across the ACT and surrounds connected to the network.
Joe Prevedello, CEO of Master Plumbers ACT, puts it plainly: the ACT government is essentially going it alone on this. Victoria has made some moves in the same direction, but the rest of the country is not following suit. That raises a fair question — why is natural gas being singled out as the scapegoat for climate policy when other jurisdictions are finding ways to reduce emissions without switching it off entirely?
What troubles Prevedello most isn’t the climate goal itself. It’s the lack of a plan for everyone caught in the
Ginninderry’s Training + Employment Initiative
middle. The plumbing industry, which integrates gasfitting as a core part of its trade, was barely consulted before the decision was announced. That’s a major issue. It’s an industry in need of a serious transition plan. And as yet, there isn’t one.
The costs are also worth confronting honestly. Fully electrifying a home can run to tens of thousands of dollars. Government loans can help, but the scale of what’s coming hasn’t yet landed for many Canberrans who don’t even know this change is looming.
Then there are the unintended consequences already emerging. In suburbs without gas connections, plumbers are encountering alarming scenes such as residents rigging up LPG barbecue bottles to kitchen cooktops because they want to cook with gas and have no legal alternative. The fire and explosion risk from that kind of improvisation is serious. Removing a safe, regulated product
SPARK Electrotechnology Taster Program
Ginninderry proudly supports training and employment initiatives for local people.
The SPARK Electrotechnology Taster Program is an accredited training program focusing on skills development and further education, training and employment opportunities within the electrotechnology, renewables and construction sectors. This Program is delivered in partnership with The Canberra Institute of Technology (RTO Code: 0101), CIT Renewable Energy Skills Centre of Excellence, The Umbrella Collective, UnitingCare Kippax and Local Jobs Capital Region.
Commencing Tuesday 21 July 2026, this program will be delivered at CIT Fyshwick campus and run for 7 weeks, 3 days per week (Tuesday–Thursday, 18–21 hours a week) during Term 3. This program will be a combination of theory, practical hands-on learning, site tours and guest speakers.
Participants who successfully complete this taster program have the option of continuing in the Certificate II in Electronics (UEE21920) at CIT Fyshwick in 2027.
from the market doesn’t eliminate demand; it can push people toward dangerous workarounds.
And what of Queanbeyan? The ACT and Queanbeyan networks are, for practical purposes, one. If the ACT network is decommissioned, real questions emerge about whether the cross-border network remains viable, particularly when NSW has no plans to phase out gas at all.
None of this means the government should abandon its environmental commitments. But eliminating energy choice entirely — gas going, wood heating going, electric or nothing — removes resilience from the system at the very time we should be building more of it. Particularly in our city, which knows what a cold winter is.
The question isn’t whether Canberra should reduce emissions. Of course it should. The question is whether this is the smartest way to get there.
Places may be available under the ACT’s Fee-Free TAFE program for those that meet eligibility criteria. Fee-Free TAFE is a jointly funded initiative of the ACT and Australian governments.
To register for the information session please contact Mel on 1800 316 900, email spark@ginninderry.com or scan the QR code.
Justice crusader Tom McLuckie leaving Canberra
with BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD FORMER ACT
I got to know local justice crusader Tom McLuckie quite well, as we both had the sad distinction of losing a son to a drug (ice)-crazed driver.
My son Joe’s driver was his mate’s girlfriend, who managed in only 1500 metres of driving to roll the car he was a passenger in and then flee the scene with her boyfriend and say to the police that Joe was driving. She got a five-year head sentence and three years
non-parole. A little inadequate in my view (I would have given eight, serve five).
Tom’s son Matthew, a fine lad aged 20, was coming home from work late one night. He was near the top of Hindmarsh Drive before it goes down towards Woden when a drug-crazed driver, high on ice and travelling at 177 kph on the wrong side of Hindmarsh Drive, slammed into him. He didn’t have a chance. She was racing a mate who was on the correct side of the road and who has never come forward to face justice. She was badly injured but lived, and Tom tells me she has largely recovered. She had been travelling at high speeds for over nine kilometres before the crash.
She received a sentence of 14 years with nine years non-parole. She has appealed that for severity.
Tom is fed up with the ACT
Government and the justice system in the ACT, which puts the rights of criminals over the rights of victims, and he is leaving Canberra and moving to the coast as a result.
Let me say I don’t think that sentence is remotely excessive, and Tom is right when he criticises the ACT courts for excessive leniency when it comes to sentencing for serious crimes.
I would not hold my breath, but the ACT Court of Appeal, which will hear the appeal, can either reduce the sentence (that would be a travesty of justice in my view), adopt the default position and leave it as it is, or increase the sentence, which in my view would be a good outcome.
This does occur occasionally, even in the ACT. I recall in the 1980s a serial petty offender, who I will call Mr O, was sentenced by
the Magistrates Court to a ninemonth suspended sentence for some offence. Now Mr O had a fair amount of form for many offences. He felt he had been hard done by, so he appealed the severity of his sentence to the Supreme Court. His appeal came before a colourful, crusty old judge by the name of John Gallop.
Judge Gallop felt the sentence was too lenient and promptly altered it to one of full-time imprisonment for nine months.
So there’s a precedent for you, and I’d suggest the DPP might like to try having the sentence increased when the appeal comes before the Court of Appeal.
In the meantime, sorry to see you leave, Tom, and the ACT owes you a debt of gratitude for your efforts in trying to improve the standard of justice for victims in the ACT.
E R N A T I O N A L D A Y O Y O G A 2 0 2 6
I N F Free
Registration
Rebecca Vassarotti returns to Legislative Assembly
by NICHOLAS FULLER
Rebecca Vassarotti, former deputy leader of the ACT Greens, has been returned to the Legislative Assembly in a countback following the resignation of Shane Rattenbury last month.
Ms Vassarotti said she felt delighted and privileged to return.
“I’m here to work beside the communities of the inner north and the inner south, and tackle the big problems,” she said.
Her priorities include dealing with the skyrocketing cost of living; housing affordability; access to affordable services; and climate collapse and environmental degradation.
Ms Vassarotti was elected to the Assembly in 2020; in the previous term, she served as minister for the environment, heritage, homelessness and housing services, and sustainable building and construction. She lost her seat in the 2024 election.
Ms Vassrotti described herself as “a lifelong
advocate and community organiser”. She has spent the past 18 months “on the front lines, working with vulnerable people”, and involved with causes from food relief to community housing. Before entering politics in 2020, she held leadership positions in YWCA Canberra, ACOSS, and the International Network on Hepatitis and Substance Use.
Following Mr Rattenbury’s resignation, Ms Vassarotti and other unsuccessful candidates for the seat of Kurrajong, Marilena Damiano (independent), Harrison Pike (First Nations Party), Jenny Hentzschel (Family First), Ramon Bouckaert (Canberra Liberals), and James Cruz (ACT Greens), contested the seat.
ACT Electoral Commissioner Damian Cantwell AM conducted the countback of votes. A computer program counted the original scrutiny up to the point when Mr Rattenbury was elected, using ballot papers that listed him as their first preference and other ballot papers that distributed preferences to him.
Ms Vassarotti, who was expected to be re-elected, returned in a landslide: several thousand votes ahead
of the runner-up.
Party leader Jo Clay warmly welcomed Ms Vassarotti back on behalf of the ACT Greens.
“She comes to us with experience from the last term — that is fantastic, because there is a lot of work to do for our Canberra community here in Kurrajong. We are really pleased to have Rebecca to rejoin our team today.”
Both women politicians are now in the running to lead the ACT Greens. The party’s grassroots members will choose the leader.
“This is not a contest between two individuals; this is an opportunity to have deep conversations with our membership [about] the direction and vision for our party,” Ms Vassarotti said.
The ACT Government will build and buy 450 new public homes, as part of what it says is the biggest-ever investment in affordable, community and public housing in Canberra.
“In times of economic uncertainty nothing is more important than having stable and secure housing,” treasurer Chris Steel MLA said.
The $364 million Public Housing Pipeline program will use a mix of new builds on greenfield land, redevelopments of existing sites, and market purchases. It is supported by the Territory Priority Projects legislation.
More than half the homes will be supported through the Commonwealth Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) Facility Round 3. The government will own the dwellings, but community housing providers will manage them for 25 years.
The government says the investment will help grow the ACT’s public housing portfolio to 13,200 homes by the end of 2030, and contribute to its target of 5,000 additional public, community and affordable rental
homes by the same date.
The Budget will also include a $39 million loan guarantee program to support community housing projects worth around $650 million, which the government says could help the sector get more than 1,000 affordable homes off the ground through the HAFF.
A further $183.4 million will be spent in repairing and maintaining public housing, bringing total funding for that program to $401.5 million.
Another $15.8 million will go towards progressively bringing parts of public housing repairs and maintenance services back in-house.
The budget will provide indexed funding over 20 years to operate new crisis and transitional housing for vulnerable people facing homelessness, in partnership with the Commonwealth.
It will also support Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to deliver social and affordable housing, including through the HAFF’s First Nations stream.
Yvette Berry MLA, Minister for Homes, Homelessness and New Suburbs, said: “Safe and stable housing is the foundation for better health,
stronger communities, and improved life outcomes.”
ACT Shelter welcomed the announcement. CEO Corinne Dobson said: “Every additional social housing home changes lives.”
However, the peak body warned that Canberra’s housing shortage had been decades in the making and would require sustained investment over many years.
“While today’s announcement is an important step forward, social housing will continue to shrink as a proportion of all housing in the ACT unless governments commit to a much larger program of growth,” Ms Dobson said.
“This investment is welcome — but it must be the foundation for even greater ambition in the years ahead.”
Master Builders ACT also welcomed the investment, saying it would provide much-needed homes while strengthening the local construction pipeline.
“This is a smart investment that can help expand housing supply and provide a steadier pipeline of work for industry, but it must also deliver real opportunities for local builders and local workers,” CEO Anna Neelagama said.
P A R T I C I P A N
T S W A N T E D
New Screening Tools for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
Scientists at the Australian National University (ANU) are conducting research examining new tools for screening mild cognitive impairment in older adults and you are invited to participate. To do this, this project is seeking to recruit two groups of older adults – one who have Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and one who do not.
Participation involves, completing cognitive tasks and questionnaires about your health and cognition for about 40-60 minutes. Eligibility will be confirmed at the ANU (via cognitive screening) and ineligibility is possible.
The research will take place in the Psychology Building (Building #39) at the ANU (participants will need to travel to the ANU to participate).
As a token of appreciation, participants will be provided with $ 20.
In order to participate you need to:
anan.wang@anu.edu.au
The ethical aspects of this research have been approved by the ANU Human Research Ethics Committee (protocol number: 2025/0420)
‘The need is wild’: HelpingACT urges public to help as food demand rises
by NICHOLAS FULLER
As more Canberrans turn to HelpingACT for food and other essentials, founder Mohammed Ali OAM urges the public to donate to the charity.
“The need at the moment is wild,” Mr Ali said. “The number of families approaching us for help has skyrocketed.”
One in four families in Canberra struggles to put food on the table, while fuel costs and accommodation worsen the situation.
HelpingACT runs several food relief programs across Canberra. It packs weekly food hampers; runs breakfast programs in 10 schools and two colleges; hosts community dinners and lunches; stocks food pantries; and supports people affected by domestic violence with food, furniture, and white goods. It also provides Ramadan iftar dinners for students and hundreds of Christmas hampers.
HelpingACT gave out $84,000 worth of free food last year; this year, that figure rose to $97,000 — a
nearly 20 per cent increase.
Every week, at least one new family, and often as many as three, approaches the charity for help. HelpingACT now supports an average of 14 families a week with food hampers, up from eight to 10 families two years ago, as well as responding to emergency calls.
Demand is also growing for the charity’s school breakfast program; some schools are now seeking help four days a week.
Newly arrived refugee families and domestic violence victims are among those increasingly seeking support.
“Canberra has opened their hearts — but whatever is coming in is far less than what is required at the moment, and therefore there is a need,” Mr Ali said.
HelpingACT will hold its annual fundraising dinner, JuneroCity, at Taj Agra Belconnen on 16 June. It aims to raise $15,000.
Since the event is almost sold out, Mr Ali is urging the public to donate via their website (helpingact.org/
donate), or even to become regular donors.
“If 3,000 people in Canberra give $10 a month — the price of two cups of coffee — the whole situation is not insurmountable; it could be in our control,” Mr Ali said.
HelpingACT is also running an appeal to replace their food van, which broke down in April. Without it, they cannot host their Friday dinners in Tuggeranong, Civic, Queanbeyan, Woden, and Kippax or lunch for homeless people at the Early Morning Centre. ACT Greens leader Jo Clay MLA has been raising funds in the Legislative Assembly.
Sainath Mallapur, Mohammed Ali and Basil La Brooy of Helping ACT deliver supplies to the free breakfast program at Mount Stromlo High School. Photo: Kerrie Brewer
Mohammed Ali OAM: HelpingACT founder honoured
by NICHOLAS FULLER
Mohammed Ali, founder of food relief charity HelpingACT, has been awarded an OAM in the King’s Birthday Honours this year, in recognition of his charity’s tireless efforts to ensure that “nobody sleeps hungry” in Canberra.
But as demand across the ACT rises, Mr Ali urges the public to support HelpingACT’s work.
Mr Ali, a retired biochemist, founded HelpingACT in 2018 to provide food security to the vulnerable: refugees and asylum seekers, homeless people, international students, and anyone else in need.
“Hunger has no belief, and poverty has no religion, so we cannot discriminate on the basis of colour or race when it comes to the basic need of food,” Mr Ali said. “Food and respectable living under a roof are basic human rights — that is what we are working for.”
HelpingACT now runs several food relief programs across Canberra. It packs weekly food hampers; runs breakfast programs in 10 schools and two colleges;
hosts community dinners and lunches; stocks food pantries; and supports people affected by domestic violence with food, furniture, and white goods. It also provides Ramadan iftar dinners for students and hundreds of Christmas hampers.
For his efforts, Mr Ali was named Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2022, while then-Governor General David Hurley personally thanked Mr Ali and colleague Manar Ahmad for feeding hungry Canberrans during the 2021 lockdown.
Since 2018, HelpingACT has developed into a family, with more than 50 volunteers, Mr Ali says.
“My sincerest thanks and my hat’s off to their dedication, devotion, and continuing help. They are the real fighters on the ground. HelpingACT is for Canberra by Canberra. We are simply the foot soldiers to make it happen.”
Mr Ali says his desire to help people came from seeing life very closely.
One of seven siblings from a humble Pakistani family, he saw poverty up close, both in Pakistan and
in Nigeria (where he taught for three years) – families whose ego and self-respect would not allow them to seek help, children begging for food.
“I had a dream that when I went to Australia, I wouldn’t see these problems – but here also you see struggling families and homeless people,” he told Canberra Daily some years ago.
Instead, he was shocked that homelessness and poverty existed in Canberra, Australia’s most affluent city. When he retired, Mr Ali and other Canberra residents founded HelpingACT to provide benevolent support and relief without fear or favour to community members suffering from poverty, sickness, distress, destitution, misfortune, disability, or helplessness.
A seasonal escape, from soil to plate
Begin with a chau eured escape from QT Canberra, where the thrill of the hunt awaits, think curious noses, fresh earth and the quiet luxury of uncovering tru es at their source. Then lean all the way in with a four-course menu highlighting the hero of the show (yes, that includes tru e-infused tiramisu).
Friday 26 June, 2:30pm $300 per person
Return journey from QT Canberra. Matching wines included.
Mohammed Ali, HelpingACT’s president and founder.
Photo Kerrie Brewer
Gleefully musical obsessed
by GEORGIA CURRY
Two days after Madeleine Rowland got married, she was on stage playing a nun in The Sound of Music – such is her love of musicals – and now she’s running Canberra’s first ever Glee Club.
Based loosely on the US comedy-drama series Glee (about misfit high-school students who compete in the show choir circuit), Canberra’s Glee Club is just about a shared love of musicals.
Madeleine’s seen about 100 musicals live to date, performed in 20, and she doesn’t regret signing up to play a nun in The Sound of Music (which she’s watched about 30 times) just days before her wedding.
“I was literally getting married one weekend and then the next day we were doing our tech run and then we opened,” Madeleine said. “It was a little bit crazy and looking back, maybe I shouldn't have done that,’but I was offered a part in the chorus and I went, ‘Oh I really want to do that.’”
She’s just opened Canberra Glee Club this year and already the theatrical fever’s catching on.
Canberra Glee Club is just like the TV show –without the melodrama.
While Glee is based in the fictional William McKinley High School in Ohio, Canberra Glee Club is based at Kama Scout Hall in Macquarie.
“Similarities with Glee are that we sing songs individually, we do staging, dancing and we perform,” Madeleine said.
“Differences are that we don’t do competitions or get scored or judged. In the TV show, the kids that do Glee always get teased and get slushies thrown in their face – we don’t have people throwing slushies in our faces and we don’t have a villain character called Sue Sylvester, who is always trying to shut down the Glee Club.”
Canberra Glee Club is not a choir. Its mantra is: rehearses like a choir, vibes like a musical, and rocks like a band.
Glee Club delivers exactly what it says on the
box: glee.
“We had a couple of new people join the over-40s class and the feedback was, ‘Oh, I had such an endorphin rush coming home after that and I don't often get that,’” Madeleine said. “It's really lovely to be able to create a space where people feel comfortable and can connect with others and get that nice, warm feeling.”
For more info, visit canberragleeclub.com.au or follow Canberra Glee Club on Facebook and Instagram.
Glee fan Madeleine Rowland has started Canberra’s first Glee Club for all musical lovers. Photo: Georgia Curry
Capturing Canberra’s cockatoos with your phone
by JACKY LEE
Canberrans don’t have to travel far or carry bulky gear to photograph wildlife. The ACT’s suburbs and reserves are home to sulphur-crested cockatoos, kookaburras and other birds that happily coexist with humans. With a little patience, a modern smartphone can capture them beautifully.
I took the photograph above on an iPhone at its 4× optical zoom setting, which corresponds to a 100 mm telephoto lens, a focal length long favoured for portraits and wildlife. The general rule with any phone is to stay within its optical zoom range. Digital zoom is just cropping into the sensor, so the further you push it, the softer and noisier the image becomes. Different phones have different lens setups, so it’s worth checking your camera settings; many let you switch digital zoom off altogether. If your phone only goes to 2× or 3×, move a little closer while keeping a respectful distance.
The cockatoo was feeding in a wattle tree right
next to the pavement in a suburban park. The tree wasn’t tall, and the bird was perched just slightly above my head, so 100 mm was plenty. With cockatoos, your ears usually find them before your eyes do. Their calls carry a long way, and once you’ve heard one it doesn’t take long to work out which tree it’s in. I kept the sun behind me and waited for the bird to look up. Combined with Portrait mode, the telephoto lens blurred the background foliage for pleasing separation.
Composition: the rule of thirds
A common mistake, and not only when photographing animals, is to place the subject dead in the centre of the frame. Centred compositions can work, but they rely on strong symmetry, a topic for another day. The rule of thirds divides the picture into nine rectangles using two horizontal and two vertical gridlines. Placing your subject on one of the four intersection points adds balance and dynamism. On an iPhone, enable the grid in Settings →
Camera → Grid. In my photo I positioned the bird’s eye near the upper left intersection. Ethical tips
• Be patient. Move slowly so birds don’t feel threatened.
• Keep your distance. Use the telephoto rather than crowding.
• Respect habitat. Stay on paths and never trim branches.
• Don’t feed wildlife. Human food can harm birds. Canberra’s wildlife offers endless opportunities, and the best camera is the one in your pocket.
Jacky Lee is a Canberra-based photographer whose work explores the natural and built environment, and has been exhibited internationally.
Teddy and Bandi
Photo:
Jacky Lee
have you heard?
GIVIT donation of the week:
Drawing and Colouring Supplies
GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation that provides settlement services for migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants in the ACT. They are currently seeking support for children of migrant and refugee families who are experiencing hardship. This organisation holds an annual event where they provide toys, clothes, vouchers and household essentials distributed to new families based on need. They also provide food and entertainment to make these families feel welcome and connect with others. The organisation relies on the community to help make this day special, so GIVIT is requesting the donation of drawing and colouring supplies for the children. Your kindness and generosity will mean a lot to these families who have fled war-torn countries and are starting over. Generous Canberrans can donate drawing and colouring materials or fund the purchase. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase what’s needed. To help please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘drawing and colouring’ and Suburb: ‘Reid, 2612’.
Friends ANBG Thursday Talks
Dr Rosemarry Purdie, botanist and plant ecologist, will present “After the Rain, Chasing the Blooming Flora” on the Murray River floodplain around Coopers Creek. Thursday 18 June 2026, 12:30pm–1:30pm, ANBG Theatrette, opposite the ANBG Visitor Centre. Bookings: Trybooking.com/DKZGC. Gold coin, cash and eftpos donations support Friends ANBG special projects.
community noticeboard email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field
Austrian Harmonie Choir
Enjoy a winter concert featuring a variety of songs from the Austrian Harmonie Choir, joined by guests Canberra Harmony Chorus and accompanist Linus Lee with a special piano recital. Sunday 14 June, 2pm, Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah. Coffee, tea and homemade cake available at interval. Admission: $25, under 18s free. Tickets via harmonieclub.com.au and at the door.
Independence Illuminated
Project Independence’s annual gala evening returns on Saturday 27 June from 6pm–10pm at The Village Centre, National Arboretum Canberra. The black-tie event will feature cocktails, canapés, performances and curated experiences celebrating impact, inclusion and community. Dress code: black tie with a touch of glitter or gold. More information via projectindependence.com.au/events with tickets available through Humanitix.
Bold Bandannas Fundraiser Stall
Relay for Life team the Bold Bandannas will hold a fundraising stall for Cancer Council ACT on Sunday 21 June from 9am–1pm at the Harmonie German Club. Homemade jams, marmalades, pickles, chutneys and lemon butter will be available, along with winter beanies, scarves and rugs for adults and children. Fairy wings, skirts, dancing ribbons and animal tails will also be for sale for children. More information: Jan on 0451 679 220.
Winter Warmers Indoor Marketplace
Kippax Uniting Church, opposite the Woolworths Kippax carpark, will hold its regular third Saturday Marketplace on 20 June from 9am–1pm. Alongside the usual barbecue, Devonshire morning teas, community stallholders and pre-loved goods, this month’s theme is Winter Warmers, featuring items to help through the colder months and a soup lunch. Cash and card accepted. Community donations welcome on Friday 19 June.
Auxiliary Winter Garage & Plant Sale
Marymead CatholicCare’s much-loved Garage & Plant Sale returns on Saturday 20 June from 9am–1pm at 255 Goyder Street, Narrabundah. Browse a wide range of plants, bric-a-brac, toys, clothing, craft items, homewares, handbags, jewellery, shoes, accessories and books, with plenty of bargains on offer. Homemade cakes and sausage sandwiches will also be available, with funds raised supporting Marymead CatholicCare.
Million men at risk of prostate cancer
Around one million Australian men may be at increased risk of prostate cancer due to family history, yet many remain unaware of their risk, prompting the launch of a new national survey ahead of Men’s Health Week. The five-question survey aims to better understand community attitudes towards testing, treatment access and barriers to care. Nearly 29,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and more than 4,000 die from the disease annually. The survey can be completed at pcfa.org.au/mens-health-survey
Sahaja Yoga – Thoughtless Awareness Meditation
Free Sahaja Yoga meditation classes are held every Wednesday from 6pm–7pm, from March to the end of November 2026, at Erindale Neighbourhood Centre, corner of Sternberg Crescent and Comrie Street, Wanniassa. No exercises involved. More ACT programs at meditatecanberra.com.au or phone 6257 2057.
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
You’ll be in project management mode this week. You’ll outline the steps for the task and follow through like a pro, delegating to the right people for the job and handling the parts that only you can. Maybe you didn’t expect to be in charge like this but consider it a gift from the universe.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
Group dynamics happen on a subconscious level. When you have the impulse to make yourself smaller, there are good reasons for this, which you will work out. You’ll decide who makes you feel creative, who inspires you and who will be on your team going forward.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 The German word, badezimmer, refers to what part of a house?
2 The quote, “the unexamined life is not worth living” is generally attributed to which philosopher?
3 Who became King of the Belgians in 2013, a title still held in 2026?
4 In 1999, who won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Shakespeare in Love?
5 What is the capital city of Portugal?
Sometimes destiny happens to you. More often, destiny is what you make happen. This week, you’ll execute a single change that will handle so many other areas of your life at once. The move is small. What’s harder is commiting to the repetition, so keep seeking inspiration.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
You play a vital role in a group. Because of this, responsibility follows you invisibly through ordinary activities that may appear simple. In quiet moments, your attention remains occupied with logistics and risks. You’re more important than you know. Ensure your needs get met, too.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
Just because a person hasn’t done something so far in life doesn’t mean they won’t. As you place your belief in others, you pay tribute to the power that exists in humanity itself, a spirit that is very much alive in you. The encouragement you have so freely given now energises you.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
You’re working for the greater good. You’ll take a few swings that don’t make sense to everyone – at least not in the moment – but what matters more than public approval is your pure intent to serve the highest good for all involved. And you have knowledge that they don’t. Trust yourself.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
You’re well aware of people’s vulnerabilities and could encounter them more than usual this week. It’s kind to work toward the dignity of those whose egos are on the fragile side. Small choices around tone and respect will influence another person’s emotional experience profoundly.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
As it goes with everything in life, there’s an upside and a downside. The good thing about a short attention span is that it keeps you from wasting time. This week, you’ll have little tolerance for the uninteresting, and it keeps you moving the action along lines you’ll find truly engaging.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
You’d love it if someone would step up to take care of you, but this week, you’re too aligned with reality to expect it. You will have the white-glove treatment soon, complete with surprises that make you smile. For now, treating yourself is the most efficient thing to do.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
You see who’s on board and let the others go. Your relationship with time itself changes because certain systems will work so well, a new “zero-waste” standard is established. Energy stops leaking through forgotten tasks and unnecessary friction so you can concentrate on the win.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
Some people enter rooms seeking attention. Not you. It’s not your style to imitate dominant person-alities. You’d rather find your power by observing the room and assessing what you might add. You’re not interested in taking without giving, and that’s a natural strength for you.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
You’ll teach something this week. You make difficult concepts understandable. This shows mastery far more effectively than overwhelming people with jargon. You don’t need to signal your expertise to feel powerful. You don’t have to exercise power to know it’s there.
DIFFICULTY RATING
It’s snow joke! The kids love Canberra Glassworks
Canberra Glassworks have holiday classes to defrost the kids and teens 5 years and up. Make individually unique glass snowflakes in Fire & Fire: Kilnformed Snowflakes or draw in glass in our Painting with Frit: Bowl Making class. Learning the basics of cutting and fusing glass, each child will leave with their own glass creation with guidance from experienced teaching
artists. Sessions are small and popular, so early booking is recommended. And don’t miss our Kids Design Competition! Open to young artists aged 17 years and under, design a glass creation inspired by Art in Bloom. The winning design will be blown in glass in our Hotshop!
Canberra Glassworks
Visit us Wed to Sun, 10 am to 4pm 11 Wentworth Ave Kingston canberraglassworks.com/ holiday-program/
Now sh wing
The Christophers (MA15+)
In a London pub, the adult children of famous painter Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) try to hire Lori Butler (Michaela Coel) to pose as Julian’s assistant to ‘finish’ the third series of The Christophers, a series based on Julian’s lover in the 1990’s, to sell for profit after their elderly father’s expected death. Soon, Lori meets the curmudgeon Julian in his messy flat, and the pair begin to spar.
From the director of Ocean’s 11 (2001) and Black Bag (2025), the movie touches on a myriad of themes connected to the world of visual artsJulian is an ageing artist who has turned his back on the industry he deems superficial, despite having previously served as a judge on an arts reality TV program, flirted with the press, and now relying on recording Cameos for a living. Whereas Julian is content on shutting himself off to the art public, his children are
worried about their inheritance in the form of the unfinished and highly anticipated masterpieces. Not seeing the importance of who actually finishes the work, the pair leave it to Lori to wrestle with any associated moral and legal implications. Lori also must bear the strain of her relationship with Julian, who is conflicted with rebelling against the art industry, and his children, by destroying the portraits of the man he once loved.
Verdict: A two-hander expertly improvised in part by its strong leads. One to watch along with The Burnt Orange Heresy (2019), The Last Vermeer (2019) and The Lost Leonardo (2021).
-Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.
Michaela Coel and Ian McKellen star in The Christophers.
School holiday movie magic is back at Limelight Tuggeranong
School holidays are coming. The kids are excited. Parents are already wondering how many times they can hear “I’m bored” before lunch. Thankfully, Limelight Tuggeranong has a pretty good solution.
The big family event this winter is Toy Story 5, with Woody, Buzz and the gang returning for another adventure. This time, the toys are facing a challenge every modern parent will recognise — competing with phones, tablets and technology for the attention of kids. It’s a clever new twist on one of cinema’s most-loved franchises, packed with the humour, heart and emotional punches Pixar does better than just
about anyone.
If your family prefers its entertainment a little more chaotic, Minions & Monsters arrives on 25 June, bringing a fresh dose of mayhem from the world’s favourite yellow troublemakers. Expect plenty of laughs, ridiculous situations and enough Minion nonsense to keep the whole family entertained.
Also flying into cinemas on 25 June is Supergirl, with Australian actress Milly Alcock taking centre stage as one of DC’s most iconic heroes. It’s shaping up to be one of the biggest action-adventure movies of the season and a perfect pick for older kids, teens and superhero fans.
Then from 8 July, Disney’s Moana returns to the big screen in a spectacular live-action reimagining. Australian star Catherine Laga’aia takes the lead as Moana, with Dwayne Johnson back as Maui, bringing a fresh take on the beloved story that captured the hearts of
audiences around the world.
And if you’re the sort of movie fan who likes to plan ahead, July has even more to get excited about, with Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day both waiting just over the horizon.
Of course, school holidays are about more than just the movies. They’re about getting out of the house, sharing some laughs, demolishing a bucket of popcorn and making memories together.
That’s why Limelight’s Legends Rewards Family Pass returns from 4 July, with selected family movie tickets from just $11.50 per person for Legends members. Membership is free, leaving more money for the important stu — like popcorn.
So whether your family is chasing toys, superheroes, Minions, Disney magic or just an excuse to spend a couple of hours together, Limelight Tuggeranong has your school holiday movie plans sorted.
time out
Indiana Jones in reverse
by GEORGIA CURRY
There’s a running joke about Marc Fennell‘s documentary series, Stuff the British Stole, that he’s Indiana Jones in reverse – he finds treasures in museums and tracks down the rightful owners.
He may not carry a whip or wear a fedora, but
boy does Marc have some ripper yarns to tell about stolen loot when he comes to Canberra on Tuesday 30 June.
It’s a good thing Marc has an Irish passport and an Australian passport to travel on, after publicly exposing the British Empire for owning treasures that were stolen in wildly dodgy ways.
“The number one question I get asked is: ‘is there a picture of me at the front door of the British Museum saying ‘do not let this man in’, and let me tell you, there is not,” Marc said. “I walk in and out freely.”
But the red carpet isn’t exactly rolled out either, after Marc revealed to the world that the British Empire “acquired” thousands of treasures (even the crown jewels) either through conquest, looting, or unequal colonial agreements.
“In terms of institutions, they would really just prefer the whole thing disappeared,” Marc said. “They routinely deny everything. They obviously won’t let us film any of the objects inside the museum, they refuse to answer questions.”
That’s the sanitised version of events, but if
you want to go behind-the-scenes for an offthe-record, warts-and-all peek at how Marc gets around filming restrictions, his upcoming live show is for you.
But before we get all self-righteous and point the finger at the Brits, Canberrans should know that we also feature in his show (11 countries are in the show’s second season).
In season one, Marc featured an ancient mosaic at the Australian War Memorial that has questionable provenance.
When Marc first pitched the series internationally, the British distributors asked him if he’d mind changing the word “stole”.
“I don’t care. If you want to change the name to Zealot Overseas, go for gold,” he said. “Perhaps ‘Stuff the British accidentally picked up and took home’, or ‘Stuff the British saved’, that’s my favourite.”
An evening with Marc Fennell – Stuff The British Stole is on Tuesday 30 June at The Playhouse. Tix: canberratheatrecentre.com.au/ show/marc-fennell-2026
LUXURY MEKONG RIVER CRUISING
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Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell brings his live Stuff The British Stole show to the Playhouse on 30 June.
AUSTRALIA by Train
BY 30 JUNE & STAY FREE IN DARWIN *
DARWIN CLASSIC CITY STAY 2026
Adelaide to Darwin | 3 Day All-inclusive Rail Journey plus 3 nights’ FREE* accommodation in Darwin
Explore Australia by train on The Legendary Ghan. Arriving in Darwin, it’s yours to explore with three nights’ accommodation as your base. Toast the Top End’s legendary sunsets on a sunset dinner cruise.
Highlights & Inclusions
• 2 nights aboard The Legendary Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Marla, Alice Springs and Katherine
• FREE* 3 nights’ accommodation in Darwin, including breakfast daily
• FREE* Darwin Harbour sunset dinner cruise
• Explore the outback town of Alice Springs
• Cruise through ancient Nitmiluk Gorge in Katherine
• Transfer from Darwin Rail Terminal to hotel
• 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Premium Twin from $3,690*pp
time out
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Booktalk
This week, Michael Popple highlights three crazy and fun fantasy and science fiction releases. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
Our Lady of Blades by Sebastien de Castell
Arcadia, $34.99
In the city of Rijou, justice has been bought by the powerful Ascendent Houses, whose duellists kill those who oppose them. Into this melee of corruption appears a mysterious duellist daring to oppose the elites. They call her Lady Consequence, but years ago she had a different name. Returned from exile, Lady Consequence must face the city’s most manipulative monster to get her revenge. The amazing Sebastien de Castell presents another elaborate standalone novel in his Greatcoats universe. A powerful book loaded with intrigue, betrayal and a complex set of protagonists, this is an exceptional and highly recommended read.
A Parade of Horribles by Matt Dinniman
Michael Joseph, $55.00
Having survived Faction Wars, Carl and Princess Donut continue to descend the futuristic dungeon. Arriving on the tenth floor, they are forced into a series of deadly races designed to pit the surviving crawlers against each other. However, this is only the start of the chaos, as the unhinged AI running the dungeon has something special planned for the eleventh floor. The groundbreaking and addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series continues in epic fashion with this latest incredible entry. A perfect blend of humour, tragedy and utter insanity, this new novel was so damn good and is one of the best releases of 2026.
Sisters of the Lizard by Jackson Ford
Orbit, $24.99
After taming the giant fire-breathing lizards of the Tapestry and freeing themselves from the Great Khan’s army, Sayana and her fellow raiders thought they could relax. However, their success has only brought greater disaster upon them, with rival raiders and invading armies arriving in mass. Worse, their lizards are getting sick, and the only way to survive is to embark on an impossible quest. Jackson Ford continues to impress with his second Rakada novel. A captivating book filled with cool action, sassy characters and a unique fantasy scenario, this is a great read that proves very hard to put down.
What’s on!
Clueless!
18 - 20 JUN
Six suspects. One victim. No script. Clueless. It’s a whodunnit with a twist from the start: you get to choose the victim! Then kick
back and watch Lightbulb Improv create murder mystery mayhem right before your eyes. Nothing has been planned or written in advance for this comedic romp. Not even the murderer knows who did it!
Conc. $36, General $45, Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, 18-20 June; canberratheatrecentre.com. au/show/clueless-murder-witha-twist-2026
MARKET
Capital Region
Farmers Market
13 JUN
There are over 100 stallholders each week who bring their freshly picked, grown and hand crafted produce to the Market. Speak to a stallholder and ask them where their produce comes from – you’ll be surprised what you’ll learn and pick up cooking, storage and usage tips.
Exhibition Park in Canberra, Saturday 13 June; capitalregionfarmersmarket. com.au
SPORT
CBR Brave vs Perth Thunder
20-21 JUN
The Canberra Brave and Perth Thunder face off in a highly anticipated weekend double header, renewing one of the Australian Ice Hockey League’s most physical and closely contested rivalries. AIS Arena, 20-21 June; canberrabrave.com.au
THEATRE
Stuff the British Stole
30 JUN
Join Marc Fennell live on stage for a mischievous conversation about history’s most hotly debated loot. British museums are home to millions of fascinating objects. The trouble is a whole bunch of them
were stolen in wildly dodgy ways. A chance encounter with one of these items prompted journalist Marc Fennell to ask: ‘What is that? And how the hell did it get here?’ Canberra Theatre Centre, Tuesday 30 June; canberratheatrecentre.com.au/ show/marc-fennell-2026
MARKET
Christmas in July
1 - 5 JUL
The festival transforms the heart of Canberra into a festive alpine village filled with authentic wooden chalets, twinkling fairy lights, giant nutcrackers, falling snow effects, live music, and cosy winter experiences inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. Entry to the festival is completely free, with a range of optional ticketed experiences available throughout the event.’ Parkes Place West Lawns, 1-5 July; christmasinjuly.com.au/ canberra
giveaway
WIN! The Good Boy Game tickets
The Good Boy Game is part satire, part warning, and part catharsis: a black comedy powered by four of Canberra’s sharpest actors, led by one of Canberra’s most unrelenting young female directors, and confronting the evil that lurks within bedrooms, family photos, and online rabbit holes.
The show runs from 18-20 June at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre. Thanks to The Q, CW has two double passes to give away to see The Good Boy Game
ENTER TO WIN!
To enter, email competitions@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘The Good Boy Game’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including street address) and where the show is running. Entries close 9am Tuesday 16 June 2026 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
Music, mental health, and the way we experience our bodies
with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA CO N T R IBU
Music plays a powerful role in mental health, yet it is often underestimated as a legitimate psychological resource. From a clinical perspective, music influences mood, stress levels, emotional regulation, memory, and even how we experience our bodies. These processes sit at the core of psychological wellbeing and shape
how we move through the world each day.
Why does it help our mental health? Listening to music we enjoy activates reward pathways in the brain, increasing dopamine while reducing cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. This physiological shift can slow heart rate, ease muscle tension, and support nervous system regulation. As a result, we feel calmer, more energised, or emotionally steadier. For individuals experiencing anxiety, burnout, or low mood, music can offer a gentle form of regulation. Music does not need to be upbeat to be helpful. People often gravitate toward slower or more melancholic music when distressed, and research suggests
this can support emotional processing rather than worsen mood. Music can reflect internal states, give shape to complex feelings, and offer a sense of being understood. Feeling emotionally validated in this way is psychologically protective, particularly for people who struggle to articulate emotions verbally. Body image and music Music also influences how we experience our bodies. When stress or body dissatisfaction is present, attention often narrows onto perceived flaws, discomfort, or self-critical thoughts. Music can shift attention outward and into the present moment, helping people reconnect with bodily sensations in a more neutral or compassionate way. Rhythm supports grounding and embodiment, drawing awareness away from rumination and back into the present.
Many people with poor body image engage in constant self-monitoring and comparison, particularly in visually saturated environments such as social media. Music offers a non-visual form of connection. Unlike mirrors or
images, music does not evaluate the body’s appearance. Instead, it invites movement, emotion, and presence, allowing people to experience their bodies as functional, expressive, and responsive rather than objects to be judged.
Active engagement with music is especially beneficial. Singing, playing an instrument, or moving to music engages multiple brain networks involved in attention, coordination, and emotion regulation. Group-based activities such as choirs, bands, or dance classes are associated with reduced loneliness and increased wellbeing. Feeling connected and accepted by others is also strongly linked to more positive body image and self-worth.
Ultimately, music supports mental health not by changing how bodies look, but by changing how they are experienced. It offers rhythm, meaning, and emotional resonance, reminding us that our bodies are not problems to be fixed, but vehicles for living, connecting, and expressing who we are.
Comprehensive Care, Right from the Start with Dr. Maryse Badawy
Services include
• Women’s and Men’s health
• Paediatrics
• Sexual health
• Mental health
• Skin conditions
• Cardiovascular health
• Endocrine and Metabolic health
• Respiratory conditions
• Travel medicine
• Preventative medicine
• Neurological presentations
• Kidney and Urinary health
• Lifestyle factors which result in disease
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Haematological conditions
• Ear, nose, throat and oral health
• Musculoskeletal presentations
• Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)
• Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine ( Family Medicine)
• Master of Family Medicine Dr. Maryse’s qualifications
• Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine
• Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
• Member of Australasian Menopause Society
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Scan QR Code for an Appointment or
(02) 5133 7112
Suite 6 Level 3 – Peter Yorke Building, 173 Strickland Crescent, Deakin ACT
Consulting hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00 pm We are closed on Saturdays and Public Holidays
Canberra Walks: Gibraltar Peak
by VINCENT SAMARAS
Gibraltar Peak is one of the more popular walks in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, offering a peaceful trail with some nice views from the top.
Where is it? The Gibraltar Peak track is located within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, roughly a 45-minute drive south-west of Canberra.
Getting there: Make your way to the Dalsetta car park in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. There are several walks that begin from this area, but the Gibraltar Peak track is clearly marked on the information boards and trail signs.
The walk: I started the walk at around 8am on a cool morning in
May, so the track was fairly quiet, although it can get busier later in the day and during warmer weather.
The trail is well maintained and easy to follow, with clear signage throughout. The climb is steady for most of the walk, but it never feels overly steep or exhausting. Towards the top, the path becomes a little rockier, so it’s definitely worth wearing decent hiking shoes with good grip.
If you’re comfortable with heights, there are some spectacular lookout points near the summit with steep views down across the surrounding bushland. My legs get a little shaky and palms sweaty when it comes to heights, so I was happy to keep some
distance from the edge while still enjoying the view.
It’s always nice to see some wildlife on a hike and there were a number of kangaroos down the bottom and there were plenty of vocal birds. It is recommended to do the walk with someone in case something happens, but I did the walk solo, so suit yourself. Also, there is very limited mobile reception in the area. I am with Optus and had zero service the entire walk, which was actually kind of nice.
Verdict: With the well-maintained track, peaceful climb and scenic views, it’s easy to see why Gibraltar Peak is a popular spot for a hike for Canberrans.
• Distance: 8.2km return
• Time: 2.5-3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate-hard
• Rating: 8/10
Views from the Gibraltar Peak walk in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Photo: Vincent Samaras
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Pioneering researcher remembered as cancer fight ends
by ALEX MITCHELL, AAP
The family of a world-renowned pathologist say his legacy will live on through his melanoma research and the inspirational way he dealt with his own brain cancer diagnosis.
Richard Scolyer, the 2024 Australian of the Year, will be honoured with a state funeral after his death on Sunday at the age of 59.
He helped save the lives of thousands of people through his groundbreaking work on skin cancer.
Along with colleague Georgina Long, he took melanoma from being a common death sentence to a disease that was largely curable through treatment that activated a patient’s immune system, bringing hope and healing to many.
Professor Scolyer’s brother-inlaw Charlie Nicoll reflected on the leading researcher’s three-year battle with an incurable and aggressive brain cancer, glioblastoma, after he was given as little as six months to live in 2023.
“Rather than just accepting the terminal prognosis, he applied the same driven, interrogating, sciencebased attitude to his own cancer battle,” Mr Nicoll said on Monday.
Prof Scolyer undertook a worldfirst experimental treatment based on his and Professor Long’s melanoma research, despite the risk it could cut his life further.
Immunotherapy before surgery to remove the tumour and a personalised vaccine helped stave off the disease for almost two years.
“His rationale was simple - he wanted to continue to make a difference and he wanted cancer patients to know they weren’t alone,” Mr Nicoll said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the offer of a state funeral for his “personal friend” had been accepted.
“Australia has lost one of our brightest lights and our biggest hearts,” he said.
“The world is a better place because of Richard Scolyer’s contribution, that’s a contribution that will go on through the work done in his name, but also the work that he has done.”
Prof Scolyer, a keen triathlete, studied medicine at the University of Tasmania before specialising in pathology at the University of Sydney.
He shared his cancer journey on social media and earned praise for his bravery in advancing scientific understanding.
Prof Scolyer continued taking part in community park runs after his diagnosis and rode 500km through Tasmania earlier in 2026 as part of cancer fundraiser Tour de Cure.
“It was a physically challenging and extremely emotional ride for Richard, visiting his childhood home and the places he grew up, even a special stop for a presentation from the family’s beloved footy club, the Bridgenorth Parotts,” Tour de Cure organisers said following the death.
In March 2025, Prof Scolyer revealed a recurrent tumour had returned and was quickly growing like tree roots in the left side of his brain after complex surgery was unable to remove the entire mass.
He told followers the immunotherapy treatments and a vaccine might have made a difference and the potential benefits of the experimental procedures were worth the risks.
Last week, his family released an open letter Prof Scolyer penned before his final stages of illness.
“I haven’t sugarcoated my journey and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all,” he said.
“I hope I have in some small way made the road ahead easier and smoother for others.”
Prof Scolyer’s family said he would be missed but never forgotten.
“He will live on through his published work in melanoma, his impact on brain cancer treatment, his honest and raw interviews and social posts which lifted the veil of secrecy around cancer and through the traits he passed onto his family,” Mr Nicoll said.
Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with an incurable and aggressive stage four brain cancer in June 2023. Photo: Lukas Coch
Women to be hardest hit by sweeping NDIS changes
by LUCINDA GARBUTT-YOUNG, AAP
Women and families of disabled Australians will be unfairly affected by a sweeping rewrite of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, advocacy groups have warned.
A government inquiry into proposed NDIS changes is this week expected to hear evidence that access changes - designed in part to halt ballooning costs - will negatively impact mothers of disabled children, even if they are adults.
About $11 billion of the $16.6 billion savings forecast for 2029/30 will come from eligibility changes, including more detailed assessments, modelling from the Grattan Institute shows.
The changes are likely to reduce NDIS participants to 598,000 in 2030/31 - a third of the expected numbers if no changes were made.
But before changes kick in fully, the majority of cuts will be made in short-term measures, particularly social and community participation funding, which
means many clients will rely on their families to help them participate in everyday activities.
“These savings won’t be achieved without shifting costs onto families and informal carers,” the Grattan Institute said in its submission to the inquiry.
“For many, particularly those with more complex needs, community participation depends on the right individualised support.”
Community participation spending, which is used by disabled people to access medical appointments, social activities and even work, is expected to be halved.
Women With Disabilities Australia warned care responsibilities were likely to shift disproportionately to women, who might need to take time out of work to look after disabled friends or relatives.
“Where funded amounts fall below actual support costs, the gap will be carried by participants, families and unpaid carers, with predictable gendered impacts,” the advocacy organisation said in its submission to the inquiry.
Women currently make up more than 71 per cent of all primary carers in Australia.
A 2020 report estimated it would cost the government $77.9 billion to replace unpaid disability care with paid support - more than twice the NDIS bill for the same period.
The Child and Family Disability Alliance recommended family and household circumstances be taken into account when funding is assessed, so people do not lose NDIS help in circumstances where they can not afford to replace it privately.
If that was not done, the alliance suggested mothers in particular would suffer and their well-being and workforce participation would decrease.
“Current government planning and attention to these areas do not appear adequately developed ahead of the scheduled implementation of the legislative reform,” its submission to the inquiry said.
Women currently make up more than 71 per cent of all primary carers in Australia. Photo: Joe Castro
WHERE CANBERRA
Is your home ready for a Canberra winter?
It may have felt like a slightly warmer autumn than usual, but winter has most certainly arrived in Canberra. Along with crisp mornings and clear blue skies come icy floors, freezing temperatures and, unfortunately, rising power bills. With temperatures regularly dropping below zero, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your home warm is by keeping cold air out. Making sure windows and doors are properly closed, particularly at night, can help prevent heat from escaping and reduce the strain on heaters. Gaps around doors and windows can still let warmth out surprisingly quickly, increasing
energy costs. Door snakes, weather seals and thicker curtains can make a noticeable difference, especially in older Canberra homes.
Soft furnishings also play a big role in creating warmth. Layering rugs over timber or tiled floors can instantly make rooms feel more comfortable underfoot, while blankets, cushions and warmer-toned lighting can help create a cosy winter atmosphere without relying solely on heating.
When it comes to heating, experts recommend using reverse-cycle systems efficiently by heating only the rooms you are using and keeping doors closed where possible.
Condensation and mould are another common issue during
Canberra winters, particularly in homes with poor ventilation. Opening windows briefly during the warmer part of the day, using exhaust fans and avoiding drying clothes indoors where possible can help reduce moisture build-up.
Outdoor areas can also still be enjoyed during winter with a few simple additions. Fire pits, outdoor heaters, warm lighting and weatherresistant throws can help transform patios and decks into inviting entertaining spaces, even on chilly
evenings.
For homeowners considering larger upgrades, insulation remains one of the most valuable long-term investments. Proper roof and wall insulation can significantly improve comfort while helping reduce heating costs year after year.
Preparing your home for winter doesn’t always require a major renovation. Sometimes, a few simple changes can make all the difference between enduring Canberra’s cold and enjoying it in comfort.
Design Studio EOFY Floor Stock Sale
Cooling house market offers hope to first-time buyers
by LUCINDA GARBUTT-YOUNG, AAP
Australia’s housing market is experiencing rapid downward pressure because of global conflict and the federal budget, but the conditions are unlikely to benefit renters.
Just 51.1 per cent of homes auctioned across capital cities this weekend sold, compared with more than 60 per cent a year prior, according to Cotality data.
Brisbane had the lowest figures, at 31.9 per cent, while just under 53 per cent of homes under then hammer in Sydney sold.
The percentages are the lowest Australia has had in five years, as the economy is stretched by conflict in the Middle East and measures announced in the budget cause investors to leave the market.
While the market was already softening, incoming government changes to the capital gains
tax discount and negative gearing have likely amplified the downturn.
“Investors are going to have to switch strategies. Most have been very focused on capital growth,” Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said.
Sydney - as the most expensive and volatile market - is leading the trend.
Ms Conisbee said the market was likely to become more accessible to first home buyers by the end of 2026, though it may take several months for any benefit to be felt.
“Serviceability is hard, because we have had three interest rate rises and building costs have risen,” she said.
“The fact that price growth is slowing is a good thing, it will just take time.”
While young buyers will benefit, the downturn is unlikely to help renters in any serious way.
Investors are shifting their strategy to focus on
yield, rather than capital growth, which could push up weekly rental prices in already-tight markets.
“Investors will do their best to pass through higher costs to renters, but can the market tolerate a material rise in rents? I’m not too sure about that,” Cotality’s head of research Tim Lawless said.
Canberra is also beginning to show signs of cooling, with the latest PropTrack Home Price Index showing ACT home prices fell 0.4 per cent in May. Despite the monthly drop, Canberra’s median home price remains above $1 million at $1.011 million, and prices are still 2.4 per cent higher than a year ago.
Rental vacancy rates are now at some of their lowest since the pandemic. A national average of 1.6 per cent in the April quarter is half that of five years ago, and renters are spending an average of a third of their income on rates.
Mr Lawless said household sizes are likely to grow, as people either move back with parents or stay longer in share houses.
Household sizes shrank to record lows of 2.5 people during the pandemic as the rental market weakened, but have picked back up in the years since.
Packed with potential
Weetangera 13 Shumack Street
Positioned on a generous 962sqm RZ2-zoned block in the heart of Weetangera, this original 1970s home presents a rare opportunity packed with potential.
Offered to the market for the first time in decades, the solid brick residence is currently configured for dual living, featuring a selfcontained one-bedroom granny flat with its own entrance alongside the main three-bedroom home. Whether you’re seeking space for extended family, an investment opportunity or a future development project, the possibilities here are extensive.
Inside, the home retains much of its retro charm, offering the perfect blank canvas for renovators and design enthusiasts looking to
restore or reimagine the space. Multiple living areas, two kitchens and flexible accommodation add to the home’s appeal, while the sunny east-facing backyard provides plenty of room for children, pets or future landscaping plans.
A separate double garage, circular driveway and additional onsite parking further enhance practicality.
Located within walking distance to schools, shops, parks, sporting fields and public transport, and only moments from Belconnen Town Centre, this is an exciting opportunity in one of Belconnen’s most tightly held suburbs. 4 2 2
EER 1.0
Auction Sat 27 June, 11am
Agent Treston Bamber
Mob 0488 488 956
Ray White Canberra 6173 6300
The Markets Residences is a landmark address in the heart of Belconnen. Designed by Cox Architecture, this exclusive release brings together a collection of loft residences, spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and a limited number of premium penthouses, each defined by generous proportions, natural light and effortless living.
KEY FEATURES
Double glazing
High-end custom joinery
Smeg Linea appliances
Fully integrated dishwasher
Lakewood hybrid flooring
Ducted heating and cooling
EV charging provision
Premium inclusions and quality finishes
Prime position in Belconnen Town Centre
Directly opposite Capital Food Market
Under 10 minutes to UC, AIS & North Canberra Hospital*
Vuez Eco Resort sits across 167 acres of alpine land on the foreshore of Lake Jindabyne, in the NSW Snowy Mountains. Positioned between the lake and Kosciuszko National Park, it pairs a genuine connection to nature with considered design, comfort and sustainability. As the flagship development within the NSW Government’s Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct, Vuez is built around low-impact development and environmental stewardship. Accommodation ranges from off-grid Eco Villas to Executive Suites, complemented by a cafe, restaurant, function and event centre, and an adventure hub. Walking trails, conservation zones and landscaped open spaces invite exploration.
Vuez Eco Resort & Retreat —built for a sustainable future
Our residents love calling Bellerive Village home – and you will too.
Our relaxed, contemporary retirement village makes it easy for you to make the most of every day. Ditch the mower and enjoy the social community, neighbours you know, and your own home without the time-consuming maintenance. We’ll even change the lightbulbs.
For your day-to-day needs, Bellerive’s conveniently located close to the Canberra Hospital and the heart of Woden, home to Westfield, the bus interchange and many of Canberra’s premier clubs.
Apartment features include:
• Light-filled open plan lounge, dining, and kitchen opening onto a balcony
• Modern kitchen with stainless-steel appliances and dishwasher
• Two balconies, providing excellent indoor-outdoor flow and flexibility
• Reverse cycle air conditioning in the living area and master bedroom
• Spacious master bedroom with built-in wardrobe and ensuite
• Two additional bedrooms, with built-in wardrobes
• Large amounts of storage throughout
• Internal laundry with dryer
• Quality fixtures and fittings throughout
• Secure parking with internal building access
• Storage cage
• Option for a second car space (costs apply)
• Solar electricity supporting community living
Vinnies CEO Sleepout Ambassador
Christine Shaw
Help break the cycle of homelessness
Depending when you read this, we are within a week or less of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on the longest night of the year – Thursday 18th June, near the winter solstice. It is not too late to show your support.
I am raising money for this cause close to my heart and would truly love your support. Fundraising for homelessness is the core reason I established my social impact model of “real estate with a purpose TM” over 8 years ago.
Every night, 1,800 people in the Canberra region are experiencing homelessness. On 18th June, leaders in business, community and government will do the same with an aim to raise millions of dollars for Vinnies’ homelessness services.
Please scan the QR Code and donate to receive a tax deductible receipt.
265/7 Irving Street, Phillip $550,000 The Property Collective
49 Banksia Drive, Symonston $545,000 LJ Hooker
91/104 Henry Kendall Street, Franklin $530,000 New Door Properties Data is provided by agents. Source: Realestate.com.au $980,000 Torrens 26 Horrocks Street LJ Hooker
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ACT land release plan targets 26,000 homes over ve years
The ACT Government says it will release land to support almost 26,000 new homes over the next five years, as part of its broader target to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030.
The Housing Supply and Land Release program for 2026-27 to 2030-31, released today ahead of this week’s ACT Budget, sets out planned land releases for residential, commercial, community and mixed-use development across Canberra.
This includes sites for nearly 4,300 homes this financial year, housing minister Yvette Berry MLA said.
15 per cent of suitable residential land releases would be reserved for nearly 300 public, community and a ordable dwellings.
The government says most new homes will be located within Canberra’s existing urban footprint, close to jobs, transport, and services, while growth areas such as Molonglo Town Centre and Macnamara will be linked to infrastructure planning.
The 2026-27 Budget will include $4.6 million over two years for planning reform, technical studies, and precinct readiness, which the government says will speed up the delivery of housing.
Busted Brumbies belted by Hurricanes
A record onslaught has sunk the ACT Brumbies as the Hurricanes emphatically extended Australian misery in New Zealand Super Rugby finals games.
The top-placed Hurricanes won Friday’s Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final 66-12, scoring five tries before the break to quickly snu out the prospect of a hoodoo-busting e ort from Stephen Larkham’s men. They led 31-0 before going to the break ahead 38-7 and remaining ruthless enough to inflict the biggest finals defeat on an Australian team in competition history.
It was more points than the Brumbies had ever conceded in a first half and a record score from the Hurricanes against their rivals, as the hosts clinically ended a Brumbies season that began with promise before slowly withering in a sixth-place finish.
The Brumbies had won four of their previous six games in New Zealand and beaten the Hurricanes in their past three post-season match-ups.
It o ered some hope that, finally, after 21 attempts, an Australian team could win a Super Rugby finals game in New Zealand.
But on a wet, windy, cold Wellington night they were never in the hunt, left to rue a handful of early errors that sent the hosts on their way.
“Very impressive from the Hurricanes; they had to withstand our pressure at the start of the game, then capitalised on opportunities and then things started to fall apart, and by halftime the game was over,” Larkham said.
“Too many fundamentals of our game were not consistent.”
Big bank changes RBA rate call as cost pressures ease
A record onslaught has sunk the ACT Brumbies as the Hurricanes emphatically extended Australian misery in New Zealand Super Rugby finals games.
The top-placed Hurricanes won Friday’s Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final 66-12, scoring five tries before the break to quickly snu out the prospect of a hoodoo-busting e ort from Stephen Larkham’s men.
They led 31-0 before going to the break ahead 38-7 and remaining ruthless enough to inflict the biggest finals defeat on an Australian team in competition history.
It was more points than the Brumbies had ever conceded in a first half and a record score from the Hurricanes against their rivals, as the hosts clinically ended a Brumbies season that began with promise before slowly withering in a sixth-place finish.
The Brumbies had won four of their previous six games in New Zealand and beaten the Hurricanes in their past three post-season match-ups.
It o ered some hope that, finally, after 21 attempts, an Australian team could win a Super Rugby finals game in New Zealand.
But on a wet, windy, cold Wellington night they were never in the hunt, left to rue a handful of early errors that sent the hosts on their way.
“Very impressive from the Hurricanes; they had to withstand our pressure at the start of the game, then capitalised on opportunities and then things started to fall apart, and by halftime the game was over,” Larkham said.
“Too many fundamentals of our game were not consistent.”
