This Spring, South Jerrabomberra will welcome two incredible new spaces – a stateof-the-art Town Park and the region’s biggest and best Dog Park.
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Canberra’s gateway boulevard is changing before our eyes. The Northbourne Precinct, a landmark project by Art Group, is reshaping the city’s northern entrance into a connected and vibrant community. With Mulberry and Kashmir sold out before completion, and Calypso at 90 per cent sold, Vermillion is the final piece of the precinct, with buyers now presented one last opportunity to secure a home in this award-winning development.
“Vermillion represents the final chance to buy into the Northbourne Precinct,” says Rita Feng, Art Group Sales Director.
“These projects are so popular because of their location and high-quality fit-outs. For buyers, it’s a great opportunity to purchase off the plan, and
owner-occupiers can even have their stamp duty fully waived.”
A precinct designed to belong
Art Group’s vision for Northbourne was to create a development that blended seamlessly into Canberra’s landscape.
“The precinct is created to be very nice and welcoming for residents, with heavy investment in landscaping,” says Ms Feng.
“There are pathways, parks and trees throughout the area. After it’s completed, it will be an ideal precinct for living.”
Four unique developments make up the precinct: Mulberry, Kashmir, Calypso and Vermillion. Each has its own distinct design, but together they form a cohesive and inviting neighbourhood.
“All of these developments have been designed with a very different and unique façade,” Feng explains.
“By linking them together, they create landscaped walkways and green spaces that surround each building. It’s a welcoming area for residents to live in.”
Calypso and Vermillion: the final opportunities
With Calypso already 90 per cent sold and residents set to move in by the end of 2025, Vermillion is the final building in the precinct, and buyers last chance to live in this prime location.
“Both of these projects are very popular due to their location and high-end quality fit-out,” says Ms Feng.
Unlike many off-the-plan developments where timelines are uncertain, Calypso and Vermillion offer buyers greater confidence.
“Construction is well underway across both buildings, and buyers can see there’s an accurate timeframe to work with in terms of settlement. Basically, if they’re interested, it’s a $1,000 deposit, with 5 per cent on exchange and the rest at settlement,” says Ms Feng.
Calypso’s final developer release includes oneand two-bedroom apartments, some with two car
parks, a rare offering in Canberra.
Vermillion provides even more variety, with studios, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts. There are also double-storey townhouses with private yards, as well as exclusive penthouses with private rooftop gardens.
Lifestyle has been a driving force behind the design of Calypso and Vermillion.
“There are rooftop gardens with barbecue areas, a gym provided for residents to use, and communal areas specifically designed for working from home or catching up with friends,” says Ms Feng.
“There are parcel lockers, electric vehicle share bays in the basement, and compared to many other developments with very limited visitor parking, we’ve included over 40 visitor car parks in the secure basement garage.”
Dickson adds another layer of appeal. The suburb is undergoing revitalisation, including a new Coles and a growing mix of cafés, restaurants and services.
“It’s a great option, especially for first-home buyers. It’s convenient, affordable, and in the long term, as the suburb continues to grow, it offers strong potential for capital growth and rental return if they later choose to turn it into an investment property,” says Ms Feng.
“For families, including downsizers or larger
households, there are spacious floorplans designed to suit their needs. It’s both convenient and offers a generous lifestyle.”
Looking ahead to completion, Ms Feng says buyers can expect homes with a real sense of quality.
“Owners will be impressed by the high-end quality of the finishes. Kitchens will feature stone benchtops, LED lighting and wide splashbacks,” she says.
“Bathrooms will have floor-to-ceiling tiling, recessed toilets and plenty of storage. People will feel like they are living in a home, not just a basic apartment.”
This attention to detail is already being recognised in the market. Rental demand remains high in Canberra, with tight vacancy rates and rising returns attracting investors alongside owneroccupiers. Recent interest rate cuts have also boosted buyer confidence.
“It’s a good time to get in,” says Ms Feng. “Because the development is currently under construction, you can still get the advantage of saving stamp duty by purchasing off the plan. But unlike some projects where you might be waiting years, here you can actually see the product taking shape. You’re not waiting long before you settle.”
By April 2026, when Vermillion is complete, the Northbourne Precinct will stand as a landmark project: four distinct developments linked by landscaped pathways, green spaces and community amenities, creating a welcoming new neighbourhood along Canberra’s gateway boulevard.
For buyers, opportunities are limited. Calypso is almost sold out, and Vermillion is the final chance to secure a home in this transformative precinct.
As Ms Feng puts it: “It’s central, it’s connected, and it’s designed for lifestyle. This is the last chance to be part of the Northbourne Precinct story.”
Visit Art Group at the Lifestyle Gallery, Cnr Northbourne and Macarthur Avenue. Open all weekend.
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Recent court cases in the ACT saw, finally, victims of crime, or at least their families, get some closure. It reminds me of an old Cher song (also covered by Nancy Sinatra) “Bang Bang, my baby shot me down”, in terms of a sad song about a woman betrayed by her lover.
The ACT has among the lowest number of police per capita in Australia and has done for many years. The problem is that the Labor Government – and until a year
ago, very much influenced by their coalition partners the Greens – are not backing up our police with su cient resources.
If you have been the victim of crime, or someone in your family has, you can see the hard work of the police and how frustrating it must be for them. Canberrans paradoxically feel quite safe, and this is a testament to our hard-working police force.
Issues with sentencing and prosecution compound this. You can just think of families like that of Matthew McLuckie, tragically killed by a woman with no driver’s license, driving on the wrong side of the road at 177kph in a stolen car. Three years later, the woman pleaded guilty to culpable driving.
Matthew’s father, Tom McLuckie, spearheaded a community campaign to make Canberra’s roads safer through sentencing guidelines, more
police presence, and a review of rehabilitation programs for criminal o enders.
Tom’s campaign highlighted issues like our high incarceration rates for repeat o enders, both youth and adults; the exponential growth of our Aboriginal incarceration rates; the low finalisation rates for sexual assault in the ACT; that our youth justice facility Bimberi is full and understa ed and under scrutiny, as is the Alexander Maconochie Centre (our prison); our Director of Public Prosecutions and our Courts are seriously under resourced too, which is part of the reason it took three years for the matter of Matthew’s death to reach this point. The DPP explained that her o ce is underfunded and extra money for another witness assistance service o cer would not meet current demand.
In another recent case, the release
of brutal double murderer Scott Alexander McDougall was stopped. The families of victims Julie Tattersall and Struan Bolas had to undertake sustained advocacy to achieve this result.
Advocates for victims of crime, and their families, such as John Mikita, whose own family has been deeply a ected by a tragic crime, stress how important communication with families is. I spoke with John Mikita recently, and you can hear more about his advocacy on my podcast.
We need to back our police and ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs, keeping us all safe, and going home safely themselves at the end of their shift.
And we also need to look at our sentencing and rehabilitation. When will the government ensure community safety is a priority?
For further discussion on this topic, head to Bite-sized politics (around 15 minutes easy listening) on Spotify.
CO N T R IBU
FORMER ACT
OPPOSITION LEADER
As dictators and presidents, Xi of China, Putin of Russia, and Kim Jong Un of North Korea, and even our very own Dan Andrews and Bob Carr, celebrated the 80th anniversary of World War II in China, the story they were celebrating was a lie.
Firstly, the war against Japan was won largely by the US Navy, Marines, and Air Force, aided in no small measure by the Australian Army in the South-West Pacific and
the Anglo-Indian 14th Army under Britain’s best general of World War II, Sir William Slim (also a former Governor-General of Australia), which destroyed the Japanese Army in Burma in 1944–45.
The victory was greatly helped by the heroic defence of China by the Nationalist Army of the Republic of China (KMT), led by President Chiang Kai-shek. The Chinese tied down one million Japanese troops that could have been deployed elsewhere. The KMT accounted for 90 per cent of Japanese casualties and bore the brunt of the losses inflicted by the Japanese Army.
By contrast, Mao Zedong’s PLA fought only one major battle, restricting itself mostly to small though useful guerrilla actions in northern China. Mao deliberately avoided major engagements in order to preserve his forces for the
civil war against Chiang from 1946 to 1949, which he subsequently won.
For Xi and the CCP to claim that the Communist Party was a major player in the war against Japan is an insult to the KMT and to all the other nations who fought. One example of a true Chinese hero is General Xue Yue, who lived to 101 and died in Taiwan in 1998. Xue fought in every major Chinese conflict since the fall of the Manchu dynasty in 1912. He commanded the Chinese forces that bloodied the Japanese in Shanghai in 1932, and again during the three-month Battle of Shanghai in 1937, when Japan launched its fullscale invasion of China — the true beginning of World War II.
General Xue fought and won the first (1938) and third (1942) Battles of Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, depriving the Japanese of consolidating their conquest of
southern China. The second battle (December 1941–January 1942) ended in a draw.
After the war, General Xue withdrew from Hainan Island in 1950 and spent the rest of his life in Taiwan.
China at the time was a struggling, impoverished, peasantbased nation just emerging from the chaos of the warlord era. Corruption was rife, the army was poorly supplied with food and modern weapons, yet the country still made a significant contribution in World War II. But it was the KMT — and men like General Xue — who did the lion’s share of the fighting against Japan and ultimately helped bring about its defeat, not the PLA. So, Bob Carr and Dan Andrews — what do you say to that? Talk about useful idiots!
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by GEORGIA CURRY
Canberra has just represented Australia at the 2025 World Jump Rope Championships in Kawasaki, Japan, alongside 2,400 athletes from 34 countries and the results are in.
Considering the sheer scale of the event, Canberra did exceptionally well to gain fourth place in both the juniors’ single rope speed relay and wheel pair freestyle. The local team also claimed a fifth place in the Open Tournament for triple unders and sixth place in the double dutch single freestyle.
This is no schoolyard play but rather an elite comp with strict
governing body.
Canberra’s Jazzy Jumpers sent 26 competitors (aged 12 and up) to the world titles, where 240+ judges were present.
Coach Lisa Buchanan said Canberra’s co-ed team trained three times a week in the lead-up to the comp.
“The difficulty level goes up depending on how many times the rope goes under your body as you do the tricks,” Lisa said. “They’re always coming up with new tricks to try, a bit like gymnastics. There’s new technology that’s coming out for the handles, trying to make it spin faster, less friction.”
This isn’t jump rope for amateurs, competitive jump rope
with some athletes doing 113 skips in 30 seconds flat.
Jazzy Jumpers has been running for 15 years and the club competes regularly in international competitions. They also happen to hold several national jump rope records.
B u b b l e s o n t h e l a w n t o s t a r t
hear of skipping, they think maybe ‘jump rope for heart’, which is what people are familiar with from school. They don’t realise where it can go but I think as a country, we hold our weight overseas.”
Skipping clubs are springing up everywhere (a second club has just emerged in Canberra called Bluebell Skippers).
Jazzy jumpers is on Facebook.
“We’d love to grow a bit more in Australia,” Lisa said. “It’s still quite a small sport and not a lot of people know about it. When you
h e t h i rd y e a r r u n n i n g , t h e b e a u t i f u l a n d h i s t o r i c
C u p p a c u m b a l o n g H o m e s t e a d o p e n s i t s d o o r s
e x c l u s i v e l y f o r C a n b e r r a H o s p i t a l s F o u n d a t i o n .
A R a re O p p o r t u n i t y
C u p p a c u m b a l o n g i s n o l o n g e r o p e n t o t h e
p u b l i c s o t a k e t h i s u n i q u e o p p o r t u n i t y t o h o s t
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a f t e r n o o n w i t h f r i e n d s .
F i v e - c o u r s e m e n u b y B y C a t h C a t e r i n g
L i v e m u s i c a n d m o re
S e c u re y o u r s e a t s t o d a y
Dementia is a growing global health challenge, affecting millions of lives and impacting entire families. In Australia alone, over 421,000 people are living with dementia, a number that is predicted to double by 2054 without significant intervention. The theme of Dementia Action Week 2025 (15-21 September), “Nobody can do it alone,” powerfully captures the reality of this journey.
In the ACT there are an estimated 6,100 people living with all forms of dementia. For them, finding a support system that not only understands the complexities of dementia but also provides a nurturing environment is
crucial. This is where Goodwin steps in, guided by a simple, yet profound philosophy: “It takes a village.”
A diagnosis of dementia is a lifealtering event for both the individual and their loved ones. It can bring feelings of isolation, confusion, and fear. At Goodwin, the approach to dementia care goes beyond a clinical model. It is a holistic, communitycentred philosophy that recognises the power of a supportive network. With a dedicated team of employees across Goodwin’s Residential Care facilities in Ainslie, Farrer, Monash and Batemans Bay, Goodwin has created a very special “village-of-care” where every person, from residents and their families to the staff who provide daily care, plays a vital role.
A dementia-friendly environment is essential for promoting comfort, autonomy, and safety for residents. Over the past year, Goodwin has undertaken significant upgrades to its Memory Support Unit (MSU) at Goodwin House in Ainslie, incorporating best-practice dementia design.
The redesign of the Goodwin House MSU has created familiar, homelike spaces. Key improvements included the creation of a central kitchen-dining-living area, improved lighting, and a focus on intuitive design to help residents feel secure and oriented.
Goodwin is dedicated to creating a supportive and therapeutic
environment for residents with dementia. “We are committed to creating environmentally responsive dementia design and integrated clinical-social care frameworks at our MSU at Goodwin House and also across all our Residential Care facilities where some of our residents are impacted by dementia,” says Sarah Lewis, Executive Manager of Residential Care. This approach leads to increased resident engagement and a reduction in responsive behaviours, creating a calmer and more comforting atmosphere for everyone.
For families whose loved ones reside at Goodwin, this commitment to excellence is truly comforting. The welcoming design and compassionate care help residents feel at ease, creating a sense of familiarity and security. Peter Barclay, whose mother Dorothy lives at Goodwin House, can attest to this. “I’m so happy with the care my mum receives at Goodwin,” he shares. “Sometimes when I visit her, I don’t want to leave because it’s so
nice and ‘homey’ there.” This feeling of warmth and comfort is a testament to Goodwin’s person-centred care.
The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, effective from 1 November 2025, place a stronger emphasis on person-centred care, a principle Goodwin has long embraced.
“We ensure that individual needs and preferences are at the forefront of all care decisions, treating each person as a valued individual who is more than their diagnosis,” says John Penca, Goodwin General Manager Residential Care and Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards Lead. For residents in the MSU, this means incorporating elements from their life stories, such as familiar furniture, personal music collections, or memory boxes outside their rooms, to help them feel settled and connected.
For many families, the decision to move a loved one into residential care is difficult. Goodwin’s dementia care model aims to ease this transition by providing a safe and dignified environment where the family remains a core part of the “village”. Staff are trained to build strong, supportive relationships not just with the resident, but with their family members too. Families can be assured that their loved ones are in a safe place with 24-hour support from a compassionate team.
Beyond the physical environment,
Goodwin’s care focuses on helping residents live a life of purpose and connection. The organisation offers a wide range of stimulating activities designed to build self-esteem and encourage social interaction. This includes everything from Humour Therapy and Montessori Methods for Dementia to church services and daily wellness sessions. The secure courtyard garden at the Goodwin House MSU, specifically designed for dementia care, provides a tranquil setting where residents can enjoy the outdoors, with a bird aviary, BBQ area, and paved walking paths.
A community united:
The Memory Walk & Jog campaign
of people together each year to raise vital funds for support services and pioneering dementia research.
“I’m so happy with the care my mum receives at Goodwin,” he shares.
The “Nobody can do it alone” theme for Dementia Action Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support in the fight against dementia. Goodwin embodies this spirit not only through its daily care but also through its unwavering support for the Dementia Australia Memory Walk & Jog campaign. This event brings thousands
“Sometimes when I visit her, I don’t want to leave because it’s so nice and ‘homey’ there.”
In 2025, Goodwin was the State sponsor of the event in the ACT and raised a total of $80,000 for Dementia Australia. Staff, clients, residents, and families were active participants and supporters. The campaign provides an opportunity for the entire Goodwin community to unite for a cause that is deeply personal to many. “We are looking forward to the 2026 Memory Walk and Jog and hope to see a sea of purple coming together in support of this life-altering disease”, says Elna Jennings, General Manager Marketing
and Communications.
“As a community, every kilometre and every dollar raised makes a difference, helping to provide vital services like counselling, support groups, education, and research. This coming together to raise awareness and funds perfectly encapsulates the ‘It takes a village’ ethos that defines Goodwin’s approach to care. By working together, we can move closer to a future free from dementia,” Jennings concludes.
Goodwin Aged Care: goodwin.org.au/residential-care
by NICHOLAS FULLER
“The last few years have been very difficult for many in the community sector, because our ability to provide the help that we signed up to provide, that government and the community expect citizens to receive, has been eroded,” says Dr Devin Bowles, CEO of the ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS), the sector’s peak body.
Help has never been more desperately needed, yet under-resourced community services, “often the last safety net for those in poverty”, cannot provide all the help they want to.
The rise of the working poor ACTCOSS’s recent report found that the cost-of-living crisis had entered a new phase: those on the lowest incomes faced unbearable pressures and risked being left further behind.
One in 10 Canberrans — between 40,000 and 50,000 people — are in poverty, unable to meet their basic needs, and trapped in a cycle of survival, Dr Bowles said.
Over the past five years, the cost of essentials has risen faster than inflation — education by 31 per cent, housing by 22 per cent, and food by 21 per cent — and wages have not kept pace. Tenants choose between paying rent and buying food or medicine. Families endure Canberra winters without heating.
The number of working poor has increased. Those who were poor five years ago are even deeper in poverty, their life chances squeezed even harder, their days eaten up with finding food. Those on income support cannot afford to rent, and are 14 times more likely to skip meals than the general population. Hungry children cannot concentrate at school, or sometimes even imagine a different life. Those who never needed assistance before — even families with two incomes — now turn to community services.
we’re telling people that they’re going to need to wait a really long time, or that we can give them half of what they need, or that in some cases our waiting list is full…
“Much of the community sector’s work is about providing financial or material assistance — but, given that most of our clients experience discrimination and exclusion, even just from their poverty, much of the assistance is emotional… Our task is always to recognise the humanity of people whose humanity is too often overlooked.”
Demand has risen to the point that some charities are turning desperate people away.
Turning people
“People who need and deserve our help can’t get it — that takes a toll,” Dr Bowles said. “Too often,
The community sector is underfunded, Dr Bowles explains, due to an increase in Canberra’s population (by 30 per cent in the last decade); increased demand per person (more people wanting support with mental health, food, or alcohol and other drugs); and increased cost to deliver a service to one person (changes in superannuation increase staffing costs, which account for 80 per cent of expenditure).
Following the launch of the ACT for Community campaign last year, the ACT Government’s recent $10 million boost to the community sector, Dr Bowles says, has bought a window to work out a permanent solution.
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“There’s some optimism that the government recognises the unsustainability of support for our sector and is prepared to do something about that,” Dr Bowles said.
Housing is the single biggest driver of the cost-ofliving crisis.
“Housing pressure and availability have ratcheted up pressure on many families,” Dr Bowles said. The proportion of social housing stock fell from 12 per cent three decades ago to only 5.7 per cent today, pushing more people into an unaffordable rental market or into homelessness. Full-time minimum wage earners could only afford 1 per cent of rentals in Canberra, and people on Jobseeker or Youth Allowance cannot afford to rent at all; rent costs more than their entire payment.
Homelessness has worsened. Visible rough sleeping is “just the tip of the iceberg”, Dr Bowles said, and hides a much deeper problem: people couch surfing, living in cars, or insecure housing. Lack of housing deters domestic and family violence survivors from leaving unsafe homes to protect themselves, or results in more women becoming homeless. People who want to avoid
sleeping rough are privately renting, paying far more than they can afford.
The ACT Government has pledged to grow the public housing stock to 13,200 dwellings by 2030, reversing the downward trend. That, Dr Bowles said, would “be a real win, if it can happen”.
Although housing peak body ACT Shelter is concerned the ACT will not meet its housing targets, Dr Bowles does not “underestimate the challenge”, but believes Labor is “broadly on track to do that this term of government”, if it keeps the targets front of mind.
At the federal level, ACTCOSS wants the government to ‘Raise the Rate’ of income payments to at least $82 a day, on par with the pension.
“Our pension is set so that people can retire in dignity,” Dr Bowles said. “Why do they have to get to retirement age to live in dignity?”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government raised income payments, lifting many out of poverty; when they were lowered, welfare recipients tumbled into destitution once again. Countries with lower GDP
per capita than Australia, such as Slovenia or the Czech Republic, have kept homelessness and deep poverty to a minimum; conversely, wealthier countries — the USA, for instance — have far higher levels of poverty and inequality.
Poverty ‘a political choice’ – write to your member
“There might be light at the end of the tunnel,” Dr Bowles said. “I’m optimistic that the government will focus on addressing poverty and the effects of discrimination and exclusion, but it really is a political choice for the government.”
Dr Bowles encourages people to email or talk to their MLAs, and tell them: ‘Poverty is a real issue. The most important infrastructure spend in front of Canberra is social housing.’
by NICHOLAS FULLER
After 25 years with Care Financial Counselling Service, and 16 years as its CEO, Carmel Franklin retired earlier this month. She intends to spend time with her family — but Care has been her second family, she says.
Care provides free and confidential support and assistance to people living on low to moderate incomes, or experiencing financial difficulty. Its work, Ms Franklin says, is practical: “People come out of the work that they do with our team here in a better position than they came in.”
Ms Carmel first became involved with Care in 1992, when she worked part-time in an education role. Although she left when her next child was born, she stayed in touch and came back in 2000.
“I didn’t expect that I was going to be here until I retired. That wasn’t the plan, but I believe Care is so valuable. I just love what Care stands for, what we do, and how we do it. So I stayed…
“I’m proud I’ve had an opportunity to be part of, and grow, an organisation that is able to expand, adapt, change our programs to meet community need. I’m proud of the fact that we are an organisation that people in the community want to access if they’re in financial difficulty. We’re an organisation that staff want to work in. We’re an organisation that government and other funders trust to deliver services in the community.”
Last year, Care provided 17 per cent more support to clients experiencing financial hardship since 2022-23; that figure increased by 10 per cent this year. When interest rates rose, many could not afford mortgage repayments.
Anybody can find themselves in financial stress, Ms Franklin emphasises. It is usually outside their control, and not due to poor budgeting. Often, people lose jobs unexpectedly, their relationship breaks up, or health issues make it difficult for them to stay in stable employment.
“Canberra might be an affluent city, but there’s a
lot of hidden poverty. We need to care about that; we need to focus on that.”
Ms Franklin intends to focus on her large family, and sit on panels and boards.
“I’d love to stay busy, and I’d love to stay connected to the sector, either through Care or through other organisations.
“This has been the most rewarding time at Care. It was a privilege and an honour to lead this organisation, and I really hope that it continues to flourish in the way it has over the last period of time.”
Amy Kilpatrick, senior legal manager at LegalAid and public interest advocate, will succeed Ms Franklin next month.
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‘Raiders aren’t just a team, they’re a community’:
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
Rugby league is a sport that isn’t “part of the world” in Sri Lanka, where Canberran Ajanthan ‘AJ’ Bala was born.
But in the late 1980s, his family discovered the Canberra Raiders.
They stumbled upon rugby league through the “rising glory” of the Raiders at the time.
“Everyone in Canberra was talking about them,” AJ recalled on the Raiders.com.au website.
“The Green Machine was becoming a phenomenon, and in the middle of all that buzz, we got curious.
“One weekend, Dad turned on the radio. We didn’t know the rules, but it didn’t matter. There was a rhythm to the game, a heartbeat that matched our own. We were hooked.”
While AJ was only three when his family moved to Australia in 1985, he said rugby league wasn’t part of the world back home.
“In Sri Lanka, cricket ruled everything — the streets, the schools, the radio,” he told CW
“Cricket was more than a game; it was a national heartbeat.”
“Rugby, when it was played, was usually the union code and mostly followed by the elite schools.
“Rugby league, though, is virtually unknown.
“To think that a game so central to our family’s identity here in Canberra was completely absent from our lives in Sri Lanka still amazes me.”
AJ said discovering the Raiders felt like stumbling onto a piece of Australia that somehow felt made for them.
“Falling in love with the club wasn’t just about the game itself — it was about finding belonging, and knowing we finally had a team, and a community, to call our own.”
AJ said his team gave him plenty of reasons to celebrate this year.
“Honestly, the season itself feels like a highlight
reel — but a few games will be remembered forever,” he said.
“The nail-biting finish against Melbourne in magic round with the rain pouring, with Kaeo’s (Weekes) chip-and-chase try, was pure magic.
“And can anyone in rugby league look past the ‘Miracle in Mudgee’? Absolutely not — that was a moment that will live on in Raiders folklore forever!
“Add to that the way the boys kicked off the year, with all eyes on (Las) Vegas and a big win over the Warriors — it set the tone for everything that followed.”
His lowlight was the heartbreak of seeing Xavier Savage sidelined for the rest of the season after he sustained a shoulder injury during the Mudgee match.
Showcasing more than 150 exhibitors featuring their services, programs, advice, and products in the active ageing, wellness, and lifestyle space. Enjoy interactive performances and demonstrations, local food and coffee vendors and more!
More information and free tickets: https://cotaact.org.au/events/ act-seniors-and-better-ageing-expo/ or via the QR code.
Email: contact@cotaact.org.au cotaact.org.au
Super Rugby AUS has arrived! With Round 1 beginning on Saturday 13 September, the four Australian Super Rugby franchises will do battle in the competition’s exciting first edition.
The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies will hit the road to take on the Queensland Reds and the Western Force in the first two rounds, before a blockbuster home encounter with the NSW Waratahs. The fixtures promise to feature a blend of established stars alongside the next generation of Brumbies and Wallabies talent. A trip to Brisbane is first up for the Canberrans, where the Brumbies will look to maintain their 100% record over the Reds in 2025. Having defeated the Queensland side both home and away in Super Rugby Pacific, confidence will be high ahead of the clash in the sunshine state. Round 2 will see our Brumbies venture across the Nullarbor to play the Western Force, before all roads lead to
Canberra for a final round epic, which is a triple header with both our U16s and U19s.
The Brumbies and Waratahs have long shared one of the great rivalries of modern rugby, and 27 September promises to be another lasting chapter, with the triple header making the day an unmissable event. Viking Park in Tuggeranong is set to provide a ‘suburban footy’ feel to watch some world class rugby.
The Brumbies squad features superstars who have recently been included in the Wallabies international set-up, such as Rhys van Nek, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer and David Feliuai. Alongside up and coming talent like the recently signed and former Australia U20s captain Toby Macpherson and Jarrah McLeod, who made an enormous impact for the First Nations & Pasifika XV against the British & Irish Lions in his professional debut in July.
Whether you’re a fan of the Brumbies, a lover of sports, or simply looking for something to do in Canberra, head to Viking Park on Saturday 27 September. Visit brumbies.rugby for tickets and more information.
T: 1300 228 278
E: membership@brumbies.rugby W: brumbies.rugby
Volunteering at Vinnies takes heart and helps provide assistance to those in need in our community
community noticeboard
email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field
GIVIT is seeking assistance for a young, single father facing financial hardship. This young father has escaped an unsafe situation and is very concerned about his son’s safety. This has impacted his mental health and finances, but this dad is trying his best to provide for his son. He is seeking some support, so GIVIT is requesting a vacuum cleaner to help make their home life more manageable. Your donation will mean a lot to this father as he tries to heal and find stability. Generous Canberrans can donate a vacuum cleaner or fund its purchase. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase a vacuum cleaner. To help, visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’sneeded, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘vacuum cleaner’ and
Professor Andy Whitely, from CSIRO, and the BioPlastics Innovation Hub, aim to replace fossil fuel derived plastics with fully compostable alternatives. ANBG Theatrette opposite Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, Thursday 18 September, 12:30 to 1:30pm. Trybooking.com/DDEFI. Gold coins, notes and EFTPOS donations support
Scan to Volunteer with Vinnies
Bring along broken items for repair, from clothes and toys to small appliances, tools and jewellery, at the next Hawker Community Repair Café and Made Local Markets. Enjoy over 25 stalls offering handmade and eco-friendly goods, watch local artisans at work, and take part in children’s weaving activities. There’ll also be food, coffee, a sausage sizzle, and even an electric vehicle display with test rides. Sun 21 Sep, 10am–1pm, Hawker International Softball Centre, Walhallow St. Gold coin entry (EFTPOS
Spring is in the air so let’s celebrate at the Pearce Community Centre Spring Markets from 10am to 2:30pm on Saturday 13 September. Stalls include quality handmade art, homemade crafts, assorted homewares, second-hand books, jewellery, beauty products and accessories, plus a variety of refreshments, including the Rotary BBQ. Trained dogs on a lead are welcome. Profits support the local, national and international projects of the Woden Daybreak Rotary Club. For more information, visit the PCC Markets Facebook page or contact info@pearcerotarymarket.org
Join us for a mini market & activities day at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Charnwood on Saturday 13 September from 10am to 1pm. There will be a craft stall, cake stall & gold coin menu for sausage sizzle & morning tea! “Barney’s Boutique” will be open with new season clothes & children’s clothes at half price.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra will host ‘Thai Festival 2025’ on Sunday 14 September from 10am to 5pm at Royal Thai Embassy Premises. Enjoy a vibrant celebration of Thai culture with: Flavourful food - Authentic Thai dishes, desserts and drinks; Fun: Activities and games for kids and adults; Fantastic performances; including Muay Thai, traditional and contemporary Thai music and performances; Friendly stalls showcasing Thailand and an opportunity to buy Thai products! Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL
If you’re always around people who drain, provoke or exploit you, it’s harder to sustain a charming attitude. You could say that part of your charm is curating where your energy goes. You’ll do this so well this week, protecting your time and talent so you can put it where it will do the most good.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
When people don’t understand something, they often react with suspicion, avoidance or fear. To offset that, you focus on clear communication, doing all you can to make yourself easy to “get”. You earn people’s trust, and they feel they know how to work with you for mutual benefit.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
1 Which chemical element derives its symbol from the Latin word, ferrum?
2 Which year in the 17th century uses all the Roman numerals in descending order?
3 Who wrote the classic novel, Mrs Dalloway?
4 What is the base spirit in a traditional daiquiri cocktail?
5 Which popular musical features a character named Louisa von Trapp?
There will be a moment when you can’t seem to move forward on a task. The “stuck” feeling is just a signal that you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle. There’s a bit of information or a skill you still need, and awareness is the first step in picking it up. Your work is better for this journey.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
You’ll thrive working with a variety of people. Someone great at crushing deadlines may be hopeless at planning a party. Someone who’s perfect for fun might flounder in a professional setting. Instead of trying to make one group (or person) fit every role, you adapt to the task.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
You find joy and pleasure in both wonderful and ordinary scenarios. Your delight won’t stop at the surface. Taste, touch and beauty are only part of the magic. You also savour the story. How it’s made, who made it, why it exists. This week brings treasures rich in meaning, layered with love.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
You’re an unintentional role model in joy and you come by it honestly. Studying psychology, mindfulness or self-help isn’t necessary because you have a natural gift for cultivating moments of resilience and perspective. The happiness you bring will be a highlight this week.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
Things are coming together slowly – perhaps so slowly you can’t see the progress. Trust. Because if you’re impatient, and you decide to change tactics, it will only set you further back. Stick to the plan a little longer. Momentum takes time to build. Thursday brings a breakthrough.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
Like a lot of brilliant people, you sometimes feel a gap between how you show up live and the “you” that shines through your more polished work. It’s OK to be quirky, scruffy and humorous. Defying expectation makes you magnetic. You can still achieve elegance when you need to.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
It’s about embodiment versus instruction this week. Some people inspire as they talk; others inspire it because they show it. That’s you. Your interest and expertise (however you define it) radiates enough to influence those in your orbit, not as a formal class, but as a lived example.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
A reason good things happen for you is that you work hard to earn them or create them. But that’s not the only reason or way good things can come to you. You’re due for some effortless “dumb luck”. It comes while you’re strolling through your regular routine, simply open to receiving.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
Life gives out free treasures, and you’re all about savoring them. It’s like the sun is splashing colours over the horizon just for you, a bit of beauty for the early riser or the sky-gazer before dusk. By appreciating what’s freely available, you open yourself to receiving larger, more “expensive” blessings, too.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) Your expansiveness is your superpower. And you’ve created a ritual out of showing up to witness yourself, organise the chaos and keep your dreams alive. Keep checking in with yourself, as many times as you need or want to. Check in endlessly to scheme, vent, reflect or recalibrate.
Floriade, Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring, returns to Commonwealth Park in Canberra from Saturday 13 September to Sunday 12 October 2025. This year’s theme Science and Nature will transform Commonwealth Park into a space of discovery and learning, with a dynamic program of workshops, food and wine, entertainment, market traders, recreational activities and more. And when the sun goes down, discover Floriade’s dark side at NightFest from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 October. Experience Commonwealth Park brimming with after-dark illuminations, live music, entertainment and fantastic food. CW has four double passes to give away to NightFest. Plan your visit to Floriade and NightFest at floriadeaustralia.com
ENTER TO WIN!
To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberradaily.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find the competition you wish to enter and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 19 September 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
CCGC o ers a fun and engaging school holiday program to keep kids entertained while on break from school. The program is open to all primary school-aged children.
Throughout the day, participants will complete gymnastics circuits, a variety of games, experience free play/exploration of the equipment and will have downtime watching a couple of episodes after lunch.
CCGC provides morning and afternoon tea for participants, so families only need to ensure that lunch is packed.
Participants do not need to have any gymnastics experience, and this is a great way for kids to give something new a try.
Our coaches are able to adapt the circuits to adjust each individual’s skill level and experience, so everyone can be included.
Contact our friendly o ce team to book now:
T: 6251 1131 E: o ce@canberracity.org.au
This spring, the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House is celebrating Floriade with handson activities that bring nature,
The program continues outdoors with painting workshops led by local artist Ineka Voigt. On 8 and 9 October, young artists aged 5 to 12 can
Rediscover the lost art of letter , where vintage typewriters invite visitors to send letters to family, friends, DressUP ,
inspired by modern heroes, from Frida Kahlo to Adam Goodes, sparking playful ideas about how anyone can make a difference.
18 King George Terrace, Parkes
For many families, balancing work and childcare is easier said than done. That is where YWCA Canberra’s School Holiday Programs provide the perfect solution. Safe, engaging and affordable, they keep children active and connected while giving parents peace of mind.
1. Active and engaged children are happy children (no screens!)
Our programs ensure children spend the day participating in stimulating activities instead of sitting in front of screens! From games and sports to creative projects, kids stay mentally and physically active from start to finish.
2. Building social connections
Social interaction is essential for growing minds. Each program is designed by experienced educators to help children form friendships, practice teamwork and build confidence. Your child will return to school with new friends and stronger communication skills.
3. Safe supervision you can trust
Every program is led by passionate, professional educators who prioritise structure, safety and nurture. Parents can focus on their commitments knowing children are well cared for and enjoying themselves.
4. Independence and resilience
Exposure to new environments helps children develop adaptability, resilience, and independence. Leadership, teamwork, and creative problem solving are encouraged naturally during planned activities.
5. Exciting and enriching experiences
From STEAM activities to art, drama, music, excursions and themed workshops, our programs offer opportunities for creativity and discovery. Children broaden their interests, explore talents and leave with lasting memories.
This spring, give your child the chance to thrive while you enjoy peace of mind. Book them into YWCA Canberra’s School Holiday Program today.
school holiday feature
Athletics is a fun, inclusive sport for all ages and abilities. From children in Little Athletics to masters athletes, there are opportunities to run, jump, walk, roll or throw. Registrations are now open for our well-known Little Athletics program, running at clubs across the ACT and surrounding regions from October 2025. It’s the perfect way for kids to learn fundamental movement skills while having fun with friends.
T: 02 6247 1296
E: admin@capitalathletics.au
W: capitalathletics.au
Spring into Canberra Glassworks, the largest glassmaking facility in the Southern Hemisphere dedicated to studio glass. This season, we’re offering three Floriade-inspired workshops where participants learn from and create alongside professional glass artists. Kids 8yrs+ can discover the magic of fused glass as they cut, shape and create their very own Glass Garden Charm or iridescent fused Shimmer Bug. For those 14yrs+, step into the heart of the Hotshop at Canberra Glassworks and experience the thrill of working with molten glass in our seasonal Make Your Own Spring Vase class, running every weekend until November. These Spring classes are the perfect opportunity for handmade Christmas gifts that Nana won’t be expecting!
Book your spring class online canberraglassworks.com/spring-into-the-glassworks
Open Wed to Sun 10am to 4pm
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
As you walk into the National Portrait Gallery’s (NPG) exhibition space, the first image you see is iconic Australian musician Tina Arena, a place the subject says she belongs.
“I feel that that’s where the portrait deserves to be in the 50th year and I’m incredibly honoured to be in that position,” she told CW
The portrait celebrates the 50th anniversary of her stellar career since we first saw Arena on our television screens as a contestant on Young Talent Time when she was eight.
She has since released 21 albums and received a slew of national and international awards.
When asked by CW how it felt to be featured in the gallery alongside other iconic Australian musicians, including Jimmy and Jane Barnes and Nick Cave, she pointed out the lack of women being represented.
“Well, I’ve been doing it a loooooong time. I know Jimmy’s been around for a long time. Nick is extraordinary, but there’s not a lot of females on walls,”
she said.
“So, I certainly hope that I’m one of several now that will be able to really feel great because that’s where they belong.”
Arena said Australia was a country that didn’t typically celebrate females, particularly in the music industry, a landscape she said hadn’t been kind to women.
“Females are pitted against one another in a competitive fashion, which is extraordinarily boring and stifling humanly and spiritually,” she said.
“It’s not something I endorse. I’ve always loved women coming together.”
Arena said she hoped it was the beginning of many more women in different domains coming out, feeling comfortable, and not feeling like they’re second-class.
many levels,” she said.
“Yet, we inherently have adopted this thing of ‘Oh, we’re not good enough’. Or ‘we must celebrate others as opposed to celebrating ourselves’.”
Arena said this cultural cringe was stifling.
“We are worthy, we do beautiful things, and I would just love to see that validated a little bit more as opposed to this tall poppy (syndrome) thing, which has been at the forefront of our cultural landscape for a long time,” she said.
“I am no shrinking violet, and I deserve to be treated no differently to any other female who has had success internationally or not.”
Arena said women in Australia should be celebrated.
“We should continue to support and love one another through it genuinely, not in a faux fashion,” she said.
“It’s really important to me because growing up and being pitted against other women: ’ you’re not this’, ‘you’re not enough of that’, ‘why don’t you do this because somebody else is doing it’, ‘you need to do more of this’. No, I don’t. I just need to be me, whatever the imperfections and all. Not perfect, but I’m just happy to be me and that’s what I want to impart.”
The photographer behind the two portraits is Georges Antoni.
“To be honest, I still can’t come to terms with the fact that I’ve personally got a portrait in here, but the fact that it’s Tina Arena as well,” he told media.
“It’s probably a bit too much to fathom at the moment. It just feels like an incredible privilege and an absolute gift. I feel very lucky to have this opportunity.”
Antoni said he decided to make the portrait black and white because doing it any other way would be a “disservice”.
“One of the things I felt is there is so much value in Tina’s personality and her feeling and what she delivered,” he told CW
“Arena said Australia was a country that didn’t typically celebrate females, particularly in the music industry. ”
“And Australia ultimately is an incredibly brilliant country with some unbelievable innovation on so
“That anything else that felt like even a marginal distraction was a real disservice to the portrait but more than anything is a disservice to the amount of energy and the amount of feeling that Tina gave to the picture.
“So, I felt like colour was a distraction to the core of her soul of what she was giving us.”
NPG director Bree Pickering said the portrait captured the grace and grit that have enabled Arena to forge such an exceptional career.
“To survive and thrive for five decades in the global music industry takes courage, talent and determination,” she said.
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
If you’ve ever wanted to join a choir, now’s your chance — just for the night.
You may have seen Astrid Jorgensen audition for this year’s America’s Got Talent (AGT), and now she’s bringing her show to Canberra.
Pub Choir’s Average at Best tour will hit the UC Refectory, University of Canberra, stage on 26 and 27 October. Tickets are sold out for the Monday show but are still available for the Sunday.
If you’re not familiar with what Pub Choir is all about, Jorgensen, a music teacher-turnedconductor, runs entirely improvised comedy music lessons.
By the end of the show, the audience is belting out a popular song in three-part harmony.
“I bring an arrangement I create for the show,” Jorgensen told CW
“I adjust my lesson on the fly, so it makes sense for the people that are there.
“At the end, we perform it. It’s just one song for the show. Hopefully it’s a bit of a laugh for people.”
While for other tours the song may change from venue to venue, Jorgensen said the Average at Best shows will be different as she will teach the same song across the tour.
“I add layers in each show,” Jorgensen said.
“I’ll find local Canberra musicians to add to the show.
“At the end of the tour I’ll put all the performances together, so there’s about 30,000 people singing the same song.”
Jorgensen said the comedy element came into the show via visual gags.
“I’ve created a new style of music notation, colour coding and GIFs to help people remember what I taught them.”
While the audience is encouraged not to film the experience of the show, Jorgensen said each show was recorded by the Pub Choir crew.
“If you spend your time filming the lesson, you
won’t receive the lesson,” she said.
“Choir can only be achieved in the presence of other people.
“I encourage people to experience the show.”
Jorgensen said the thing she loved the most about being on stage for the choir sessions was that everyone there was everyday people.
“I really love that it’s entirely unique to whoever is there,” she said.
Jorgensen’s AGT audition, where she teaches the audience to sing Africa’s Toto, has been viewed millions of times.
free exhibition ON NOW UNTIL 19 OCTOBER I OPEN DAILY
KINGS AVENUE, PARKES ACT
This week, Michael Popple highlights an impressive crime fiction novel from a talented Australian author. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
The Stolen by
Vikki Petraitis
Allen & Unwin, $34.99
Writer Vikki Petraitis delivers a thought-provoking read with The Stolen, an outstanding crime fiction novel that skilfully examines concerning societal elements in small-town Australia.
Senior Detective Antigone Pollard of the Victorian Police has finally settled back into the coastal town of Deception Bay. However, her new quiet life is disrupted when a baby is kidnapped from its mother, and the town’s population turn against each other. Forced to deal with growing prejudice, longstanding small-town secrets, her own family drama and the vengeful return of her former boss, Antigone will need to use all her skills to find the missing child before it is too late.
Petraitis continues to highlight why she is one of Australia’s most exciting emerging authors with this incredible novel. A powerful sequel to Petraitis’s 2022 fiction debut, The Unbelieved, The Stolen continues several story elements from this previous book, while also producing its own distinctive narrative surrounding the search for a missing child. Cleverly working in discussions about hidden violence, misleading media, and gender imbalance, The Stolen goes in some unexpected directions, and crime fiction fans will have an outstanding time unwinding the author’s excellent mystery.
Thanks to Petraitis’s sharp writing and damaged characters, The Stolen proves to be an easy book to get lost in. The excellent main narrative is perfectly enhanced by several secondary storylines that increase the emotional pressure on the protagonist. This includes some interesting dives into dark historical issues, as well as the return of an aggravating character from The Unbelieved
All these outstanding elements allow for a particularly compelling read that proves very hard to put down. Vikki Petraitis is in top form while writing The Stolen, and this is one of the more emotionally charged Australian books of 2025. A highly recommended crime fiction novel with some timely messaging behind it.
The winners in Canberra Weekly’s latest round of competition draws are: Italian Film Festival: M. Shiell, Braddon; N. Bowman, Higgins; A. Martiniello, Watson; J. Raynor, Nicholls; S. Geddes, Weston
In a quiet, forested rural area in New England, Lydie (Naomi Ackie) arrives at an isolated house to meet her friend Agnes (Eva Victor), a literature professor at the local liberal arts college. Agnes lives a lonely, quiet life with her grey cat. Lydie shares that she is pregnant, and the duo have a dinner with their former graduate students. Flashing back, the grad students work under literature professor Preston Decker (Louis Cancelmi), who has nothing but praise for Agnes’ latest thesis.
Written and directed by lead Naomi Ackie in her feature-length directorial debut, Sorry, Baby is a quirky and oddly affecting independent movie in the vein of Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s back catalogue (e.g. Mistress America, 2015). Despite their academic credentials, Agnes and Lydie share an immature language, bonding over silly observational humour. This bond becomes a lifesaver after Agnes suffers a traumatic event that she otherwise chooses to navigate largely by herself.
Like The Life of Chuck (2025), the movie is presented non-linearly, revealing the possible causes of Agnes’ mannerisms, fashion, and independent and
isolated lifestyle as it unravels. Although quiet and introspective, the sparse cast and landscape place the leads centre stage so that the subtler acting and story cues are clearly read. While some character choices may seem frustrating, there is a lot to chew on over a post-movie discussion.
Verdict: An odd and quirky slice of life which is a career maker for its lead, writer and director Eva Victor. The Oscar season starts here!
- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.
It’s one singular sensation! The ground-breaking, Pulitzer Prize-winning concept musical that captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Delving into the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers, it delivers one powerhouse number after another. More than just a glittering dance show, this Tony Awardwinning masterpiece is a raw, heartfelt celebration of the people who make theatre magic happen. With iconic songs — including One, What I Did for Love, and I Hope I Get It — it speaks to anyone who’s faced pressure, competition, or the longing to belong. Expect a dazzling, deeply human night at the theatre. CW has two double passes to give away to the preview show of A Chorus Line on Thursday 1 October.
Tuesday 30 September to Sunday 19 October | The Q, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Book tickets at theq.net.au
To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberradaily.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find the competition you wish to enter and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 19 September 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
20 S E P 20 25 J oin us at the expo to step i nside o ur oneof - a-kin d M ercedes Benz 4WD coach !
Presented by The European Union in Australia
7.30pm | 24/25 September
Llewellyn Hall, ANU
Experience Mozart’s final masterpiece live on stage
Italian Film Festival
Various Italian films available to watch throughout the month.
Palace Electric Cinema Canberra, August and September, various times; italianfilmfestival.com.au/ venues/Canberra
11 - 22 SEP
An exhibition of artworks honouring 208 Japanese civilians interned in Australia and died during World War II. The works were created by an international community of 166 artists from seven countries.
HC Coombs Building, ANU, Acton, launch 11 September 5:30-7pm, exhibition runs 1222 September; mayu.com.au/ WhenYouCallMyName-arts
12 - 23 SEP
The Expo will connect thousands of people who live with a disability with close to 100 product, service and employment providers. Across two days, attendees will be able to explore financial and legal services, education, training and employment providers, social
and leisure options, transport and vehicles, health and medical products and services.
Exhibition Park in Canberra, 12-13 September, 9am-3pm; canberradisabilityexpo.com.au
African Soccer Tournament 2025
13 SEP
Raising mental health awareness through soccer. ACT police, fire, and emergency services personnel will play a friendly match with the African teams.
Willows Oval, Acton, 13 September, 9am-6pm; eventbrite.com.au/e/ african-soccer-tournament-2025tickets-1546333698719
13 SEP
Round 5 of the AFLW 2025 season sees the Giants host the Bulldogs in Canberra.
Manuka Oval, Saturday 13 September, gates 3:35pm, match 4:35pm; premier.ticketek.com.au/ shows/show.aspx?sh=WGWS0525
14 SEP
There will be an array of family fun, including face painting, games, showbags, reptiles, mini golf, food, prizes, plants, preloved books, market stalls, a barbecue,
Goodberry’s and a raffle. All money raised will go towards supporting the school.
Fadden Primary School oval, Sunday 14 September, noon-4pm; faddenfete.com.au
Raiders vs Broncos
14 SEP
It’s finals time! Watch the Canberra Raiders take on the Brisbane Broncos in a blockbuster qualifying final at GIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
GIO Stadium, Sunday 14 September, kick off 4:05pm; premier.ticketek.com.au
20 SEP
Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre invites the Canberra community to its much-awaited annual cultural function 2025 Navrang, full of cultural classical performances by local and interstate artists and schools. For more details, please contact Santosh Gupta on 0468 901 860.
20 September, newly built Shanti Niketan Hall, 81 Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey, 2:45-6pm; please buy
tickets at - eventstickets.com.au/ event/navrang/
20 - 21 SEP
Join the inaugural Riverina Long Lunch & Good Food Weekend, a two-day celebration of local growers, makers, chefs, and storytellers. Highlights include The Riverina Long Lunch (celebrating Riverina produce at a shared table, hosted by the family behind Farm Door Riverina at their family farm, catered by Chef Charly Pretet from Terra Firma Dining) and The Sunday Drive (a selfguided regional food trail for families).
Riverina NSW, events across Wagga Wagga, Junee, Coolamon, Temora and surrounds; events.humanitix. com/riverina-long-lunchseptember-2025
Kangaroo is a heart-warming family comedy about ex-TV personality, Chris Masterman, who becomes stranded in an Outback town outside Alice Springs. There, he teams up with 12-year-old Indigenous girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship and work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the remote but stunning Outback community - an endeavour that proves to be life-changing for them both.
CW is giving away one Kangaroo prize pack valued at $182 and four family passes to see the movie.
To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberradaily.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find the competition you wish to enter and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 19 September 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
We’re a face-to-face support group for people with chronic lung conditions, along with their families and carers.
Come and meet us on the second Thursday of every month from 10.15 to 12.00, at the Weston Creek Labor Club, 4 Teasdale Pl Stirling, or contact us via Email: lung.life1@hotmail.com
For more information visit our website at https:// sites.google.com/view/ canberralunglife
by MELISSA MEEHAN, AAP
A perfect storm of record demand for blood over winter, coupled with cancellations, has left Australia’s stock levels critically low.
Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for donors as reserves of most blood types and plasma drop to critical levels.
An extra 12,500 donors are needed in the next seven days to ensure Lifeblood can continue to meet patient needs across the country.
Data show that demand for blood reached record levels in June, July, and August.
That demand surge coincided with the highest appointment cancellation rates since the COVID-19 pandemic, severely impacting the supply of multiple blood types.
Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornellison said it wasn’t unusual to see a spike in cancellations and lower appointment bookings during winter, due to people contracting colds, the flu, and Covid-19.
But this winter hit particularly hard.
“We experienced our highest ever winter demand for blood, which has significantly impacted Lifeblood supplies,” Mr Cornellison
EMS AIRFLOW® is an advanced dental cleaning system that uses a gentle combination of air, warm water, and a fine cleaning powder to remove plaque, stains, and bacteria from your teeth.
Gently
Targeting bacteria under the gumline
said on Tuesday.
“We’re urging anyone who is eligible and feeling healthy and well to book a donation immediately and help restore our blood stocks.
“Right now, we need donors of all blood types. If you’ve never donated before, now is the time to start.”
A blood donor is needed every 18 seconds in Australia to help patients undergoing cancer treatment, major surgery, trauma, pregnancy and childbirth, and a range of other conditions.
Just one blood donation can
DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
Getting older happens to all of us, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to accept. In my work as a psychologist, I often hear people describe unease about the passing years. For some, it’s a fear of losing independence, for others it’s changes in appearance, health, or simply the sense that time is running out. These feelings are normal but how we respond to them makes a big di erence to our wellbeing.
One of the first challenges of ageing is noticing physical changes. Wrinkles, greying hair, and a body that doesn’t move as freely can feel confronting in a culture that prizes youth. It’s natural to grieve the loss of a younger self. But instead of fighting these changes, it helps to
shift perspective. Lines and scars tell the story of a life lived. Rather than focusing only on what’s been lost, try noticing what has been gained, such as wisdom, resilience, and relationships that younger years didn’t yet allow.
Another di culty is the fear of decline. Many worry about illness, frailty, or memory loss as they age. These are real concerns, but they don’t have to dominate your thoughts. Staying active, eating well, keeping medical appointments, and engaging your brain through reading, puzzles, or learning can help you feel more in control.
For some, the greatest fear is not just decline but dying itself. Thinking about mortality can be uncomfortable, but it’s part of being human. Talking openly with loved ones about your wishes, reflecting on what gives your life meaning, and exploring spiritual or philosophical beliefs can ease this fear and bring a greater sense of peace.
Social connection is also key to coping with ageing. Loneliness is one of the biggest risks to both mental and physical health in later years. Staying connected with family, friends,
and community, whether through volunteering, hobbies, or regular catch-ups, provides a sense of belonging and purpose. If your social circle has shrunk over time, you could expand it by joining a group of interest.
Emotional acceptance matters as much as physical health. Many people reflect more deeply on life’s meaning as they get older, often feeling both gratitude and regret. If regrets weigh heavily, it may help to talk them through with someone you trust or a professional who can help you process these feelings. Practising selfcompassion is vital in navigating these transitions.
Ageing also brings opportunities. Many find they have more freedom as careers wind down and family responsibilities shift. There can be more time for hobbies, travel, or simply enjoying everyday moments without the pressures of earlier life stages.
Ageing is not something to fear, but to embrace as a natural part of being human. By focusing on connection, health, meaning, and self-compassion, we can face the passing years with greater ease and even joy.
by MAEVE BANNISTER, AAP
Early encounters with pornography are playing a major role in shaping attitudes to sex, particularly among boys, and often lead to long-term struggles including addiction and relationship breakdowns.
Yet while many want help, stigma and shame stop them reaching out to a professional.
Most boys encounter porn well before their first sexual experience. The median age for initial exposure is just 13.
A 2023 study on young Australians found many discover porn unintentionally through pop-ups, social media or links shared by friends.
Mental health experts say open conversations are needed about addiction, as stigma can cause many to avoid seeking help.
There is also no official diagnosis
for porn addiction or problematic porn use disorder which can make it difficult to track treatment plans and research.
A global study found while up to 37 per cent of people wanted to find help for PPU, only between four and 10 per cent ever did.
Many men have watched porn from a young age and breaking the cycle of dependence can be difficult, according to clinical psychologist Brendon Wright.
The issue is particularly prevalent among 18- to 35-year-olds but about 15 per cent of his clients are over 60.
“A lot ... have been struggling with an addiction for 10-plus years ... the global prevalence of help seeking is quite low,” Mr Wright said.
“Using it a couple of times a week without impact on work, relationships or mental health isn’t necessarily a
problem but when it starts disrupting life or becomes a way to escape, that’s when it edges into unhealthy territory.”
Jason is in his mid-30s and has been struggling with compulsive use of pornography for most of his life.
His first exposure was at 11 years old when he found a hidden VHS tape in his older brother’s bedroom.
But over time, what began as a curiosity escalated and as Jason moved into adulthood, the pornography he sought became more intense.
He now spends at least one and up to four hours viewing it on four or more days per week.
For over a decade, Jason never sought out formal therapy even though he recognised his behaviour was problematic.
“I’ve tried to stop on my own for
years and I just can’t but I don’t want to spend the next decade of my life trapped in this cycle,” he said.
It was only when his partner caught him secretly watching pornography when he thought she was asleep that he decided to get professional help.
The role of technology and the addictive nature of pornography makes it harder for people to break the habit, Mr Wright said.
“We’ve basically got access in our pockets at all times,” he said.
There are effective treatments for PPU but until the conversation is normalised, stigma will remain a treatment barrier, Mr Wright said.
He believes a public health approach of early education, greater awareness and access to youthfocused mental health services is necessary.
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From the moment you step inside, the home impresses with soaring ceilings and a dramatic void that frames sweeping mountain views. Flooded with natural light, the interiors flow across multiple living spaces, making it an ideal retreat for
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The home spans 314sqm on a
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Only minutes from shops, schools, walking trails and arterial roads, this residence offers the ultimate in convenience while embracing the warmth of the Jerrabomberra community.
This is more than a home, it’s a lifestyle that’s rarely available.
321 The Forest Road Bywong NSW
When you think of country living done right, it looks a lot like this.
Tucked away in the hills of Bywong, ‘Possum Hill’ is more than just a home - it’s a lifestyle. Set on over 60 acres of natural bushland with sweeping views across Lake George, this private north-facing retreat has been thoughtfully designed to capture light, warmth and a deep connection to nature.
• Light-filled, north-facing home designed to capture sun and lake views
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• 4.14kW single phase solar system with feed-in tariff
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Sat 11.15am-11.45am, Sun 1.15-2pm
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by JACOB SHTEYMAN, AAP
Australian home prices have clocked the fastest month of growth since May 2024, as a drop in building approvals clouds the outlook for housing affordability.
The 0.7 per cent rise in August marks the seventh consecutive month of growth and lifts the annual change in dwelling values to 4.1 per cent, according to Cotality’s home value index.
Nationally, prospective homebuyers must now fork out a record $848,858 for a median dwelling.
The property analytics firm says
the cycle has been gradually building since a rate cut in February, with demand spurred by a lift in borrowing capacity, wages growth, confidence and urgency as advertised stock levels remain tight.
“Once again we are seeing a clear mismatch between available supply and demonstrated demand placing upwards pressure on values,” Cotality director Tim Lawless said.
“The annual trend in estimated home sales is up two per cent on last year and tracking almost four per cent above the previous five-year average.”
At the same time, advertised supply levels remain about 20 per cent below
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what is considered average for this time of year.
Dwelling approvals slumped 8.2 per cent in July, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported on Monday, reflecting some reversion to the mean after a sharp 12.2 per cent jump the month prior.
Despite recent volatility in housing consents, the trend is clearly in an upswing.
Timothy Hibbert, head of property and building forecasting for Oxford Economics Australia, expects commencements to approach 200,000 in 2026.
That would still be 40,000 homes short of the rate required to meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes over five years.
“We expect the late decade apartment upturn will be different to the last,” Mr Hibbert said.
“The accumulation of rezoning, planning concessions, institutional investment incentives and social housing renewal will play a defining role.”
The Property Council’s policy and advocacy executive Matthew Kandelaars said progress was being made but the numbers showed the supply pipeline remained constrained.
“A mix of elevated construction costs, shortages of labour, complex approval processes, punitive state taxes and low productivity on construction sites is putting strain on the industry’s ability to deliver housing,” he said.
Mr Lawless says vendors are in a strong position as spring gets under way.
Auction clearances climbed to a 20-month peak of 70 per cent in August and competition among sellers is comparatively mild.
“We are starting to see the usual
start of spring upswing in new listings coming to market but from a low base,” he said.
“A pick up in the flow of stock ... will be good news for buyers who generally have limited choice at the moment.”
AMP chief economist Shane Oliver expects home prices to rise about seven per cent this year, but could grow as fast as 10 per cent in 2026 as interest rate cuts and government support for first home buyers drive demand.
“Some more gradual RBA rate cuts, real wages growth, the ongoing housing shortage and more support for first home buyers from October are expected to drive further gains in average prices this year,” Dr Oliver said.
“Poor affordability, rates remaining relatively high compared to the 2021 low and slowing population growth will act as constraints though.”
Cotality found nearly every Australian region recorded a rise in values over the month, with Tasmania’s drop of 0.2 per cent the exception.
Mid-sized capitals continue to lead the way, with August’s highest gains reached by Brisbane at 1.2 per cent and Perth at 1.1 per cent.
Adelaide wasn’t far behind with a 0.9 per cent lift in August, while Sydney came in at 0.8 per cent and Melbourne 0.3 per cent.
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the government was delivering on its agenda to boost supply.
More than 5000 social and affordable homes had been completed with the help of Commonwealth funding since the Albanese government was first elected, she said.
downie100@ozemail.com.au www.dcbathrooms.net
