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News & communit y Ending placement poverty for health workers

27 Ta ste

Canberra’s biggest Easter Egg

For daily news visit canberradaily.com.au, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on socials @canberradaily

on the cover In real life explores the stories behind Australia’s most iconic inventions

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Nick Samaras EDITOR Vincent Samaras news@newstimemedia.com.au

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Take control of your energy use and stay cool for less this summer.

For information on how to slash energy bills, boost your home’s energy efficiency and electrify your home contact the Sustainable Home Advice Program team.

1300 141 777

SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au

Small Steps. Smart Choices. www.climatechoices.act.gov.au Produced by the City and Environment Directorate

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Canberra’s parched peacocks

by GEORGIA CURRY

The 2025/26 breeding season of Narrabundah’s peafowls has suffered this dry summer. Pictured is one of the few surviving chicks. Photo: Sarah Rose

The dry spell that has baked Canberra this summer has left our Narrabundah peacocks wanting because their breeding and mating rituals align with the monsoon season – no rain, no chicks.

Our suburban peacocks (“blue roosters”) are a long way from their native home in monsoonal India, and Canberra’s lack of rainfall this summer (apart from last weekend’s belated dumping) has stifled the peacock’s elaborate “rain dance”.

Narrabundah resident Timothy DeWan, convenor of Save The Narrabundah Peafowl, said this mating season has been unusual.

“A very small number of chicks hatched, some sadly succumbing to foxes, illness or the heat,” Tim said. “For the first time in years, I did not see any. Also unusual was the peahens that abandoned their eggs. Charmaine, the rare white peahen, dropped five eggs in a nest she made near our front door and then left them.

Another peahen did the same nearby.”

Usually at this time of year, Narrabundah residents prop up ladders against street trees for chicks to escape prowling foxes.

“Sadly, due to the rare sightings of the chicks this season, we didn’t see the need to put out the call for ladders,” Tim said. “We have been calling out for bowls of water to be left out and

community members are responding.”

Already, male peafowls have dropped their feathers even though it’s only early February.

They are in preparation for winter.

“We will keep our fingers crossed for the pea-mum with her five chicks that was spotted recently by one of our followers,” Tim said.

“The chicks are at a very vulnerable stage so hopefully they will make it.”

Narrabundah’s wild colony of about 40 peacocks has inhabited the inner-south suburb for more than 30 years.

While the peacocks don’t actually dance because it’s raining, they are highly sensitive to humidity and barometric pressure, becoming more active and performing their elaborate tailspreading rituals as monsoonal rain arrives.

Summer rainfall for December and January has been well below average in the ACT, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Canberra received only 38mm in December and 14mm in January, 50% and 25% of the average for those months.

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Join Me or Donate From 7:30am Sunday 22 February 2026 Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Parkes Platinum Sponsor

goodwin.org.au/mwj26 Media Partners

sponsored National Archives of Australia

Exhibition unites archival records with everyday Australian inventions From the earliest First Nations inventions to the Hills Hoist and spray-on skin, National Archives of Australia’s current exhibition, In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists, uncovers the stories behind Australia’s most familiar, surprising and treasured inventions.

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he free exhibition invites visitors to explore the history of Australian invention, from First Nations’ creativity to 150 years of patents, trademarks and design registrations, by bringing original archival records together with the real-life inventions they produced. In real life celebrates Australian creativity, determination and ingenuity through inventions that continue to shape daily life.

“Records in the national archival collection are a treasure trove of fascinating stories waiting to be

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shared,” says National Archives’ Director-General Simon Froude.

“National Archives plays a key role in keeping a trusted record of the history of Australian innovation and its impact on the lives of all Australians.”

In real life features intellectual property records dating back to the 19th century and reflects the diversity of Australian society, bringing to light the contributions of First Nations’ peoples, Australia’s rich migrant history and pioneering women.

“This meticulously curated exhibition connects us to stories of imagination and daring creativity.

Australia is a nation of innovators, and National Archives is pleased to provide access to this history in a novel way,” Mr Froude says.

National Archives curator, Lucie Shawcross, says that the exhibition highlights inventions, designs and trademarks that have shaped the everyday lives of Australians.

“It reveals how people from all walks of life have pursued their ideas in laboratories, at drafting tables and in humble backyard sheds.”

First Nations’ peoples are Australia’s first inventors. Indigenous Australian technologies such as the boomerang, the woomera, the didgeridoo and fish traps are well known, yet the sophistication of these innovations has not always been documented in official records.

A highlight of the exhibition is a patent submitted

by Aboriginal orator, inventor and author David Ngunaitponi (Unaipon), often referred to as ‘Australia’s Leonardo’. Unaipon, who appears on the Australian $50 note in recognition of his work, took out 19 provisional patents during his lifetime. The patent featured in In real life is a sheep-shearing handpiece that transforms circular motion into linear motion — an elegant engineering solution canberradaily.com.au

Wine bags in production at ACI Engineering, Burwood, Victoria, about 1977. NAA: B4498, 187C1

The exhibition also foregrounds the remarkable grounded in practical need. contributions of pioneering women. Among them Australian innovation has long been shaped is Australian librarian Mary Halls ‘Minnie’ Crabb, by the country’s unique environment and way of inventor of the first Australian braille printing press. life. The exhibition presents records of inventions Believed to be the only braille printing press in the ranging from the life-changing to the eccentric, Southern Hemisphere at the time, Crabb designed from internationally recognised breakthroughs to the machine in her role as librarian of the Braille Australian brands and designs that have endured.

Library of South Yarra in Victoria.

Among the most significant is the polymer Another is the self-described ‘inventress’ Myra banknote, developed and patented by the Reserve Juliet Farrell, who submitted dozens of patent Bank of Australia in collaboration with CSIRO, applications across an astonishing range, from a Australia’s national science agency. Originally step-in corset to a bulletproof fence. designed to deter counterfeiting, The exhibition also uncovers the polymer banknote has lesser-known histories. Australians are proven durable enough to Australia familiar with poet Henry Lawson, but survive Australia’s beaches — fewer know that his mother, Louisa even the surf. is a nation of Lawson, was not only a pivotal figure Other needs-based innovators, in the suffrage movement and a inventions reflect distinctly and National campaigner for women’s rights, but also Australian challenges and Archives is an inventor. Louisa Lawson submitted habits. CSIRO developed the several patent applications in support formula for Aerogard to counter pleased to of women’s right to invent and to be the idiosyncratic ‘Australian provide access recognised for their ideas. salute’, while the dual-flush to this history in In real life: inventors, innovators and toilet addressed water scarcity, a novel way. opportunists is an inspiring experience particularly during drought. The for all ages — a discovery voyage ‘goon bag’ and Splayd cutlery through patents, trademarks and were designed to suit outdoor designs that Australians regularly see, hear, use living and picnics, while the Victa lawnmower and and even flush. With its mix of recognisable objects Hills Hoist became fixtures of Australian backyards. and surprising stories, the exhibition is engaging for While In real life playfully celebrates these all generations, curious about how ideas become iconic designs, it also draws attention to inventions inventions. that have saved lives and improved wellbeing.

The exhibition is showing at National Archives’ These include the baby capsule, spray-on skin, historic East Block venue on Kings Avenue, Parkes, the Cochlear implant and the PB5 audio tactile until 17 May 2026. Entry is free, and the exhibition is pedestrian crossing button - innovations so open daily from 9am to 5pm. embedded in our lives that their origins are often forgotten.

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The innovative Splayd combines a knife, fork and spoon into a single utensil.

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David Unaipon’s patent application for the ‘Improved mechanical motion device’, which underpinned his improved shears, 1909.

Patent No. 1909015624 NAA: A13882, 015624/09 12 February 2026

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FORMER ACT OPPOSITION LEADER

On Monday evening, I attended the Palestine Action Group’s anti-Israel/Jewish demonstration in Garema Place.

To start with, however, my congratulations to the NSW Police for arresting 27 violent anti-Israel/ Jewish demonstrators in Sydney. It seems there are a number of paid agitators in the Palestine Action Group in Sydney, and I hope ASIO and others are looking into them.

In good old sleepy Canberra, there were no violent clashes and, while the 450 or so demonstrators were vocal, they were not violent.

Indeed, I had a chat with several of them.

One guy I spoke to had some knowledge of the Middle East but selectively quoted some data and seemed at a bit of a loss when I asked why he was not protesting against the evil Iranian regime that, in the last few weeks, has killed 50,000 of its own citizens.

I asked a group of Indigenous demonstrators why they were supporting the protest when they more naturally should be supporting Israel and the Jews. After all, like our Indigenous brothers and sisters, the Jews were in Israel first and their land was stolen by “Johnny-come-latelys” too. The young bloke I put this to was just not interested in talking to me about it.

You will never have peace in the world if you don’t have dialogue. A number of protesters I spoke to just didn’t want to discuss the issue and seemed totally blinkered and ignorant, which is a pity. At least I found them polite, unlike their Sydney comrades.

There were the usual chants of “from the river to the sea”, and I think I heard “globalise the intifada”. These examples of antisemitic hate speech, now banned by the Queensland Government — well done, David Crisafulli — urge the killing of Jews in Israel (it’s Hamas policy, after all), and “globalise the intifada” suggests the same on a worldwide scale.

I asked the police attending if they could act against the protesters chanting “from the river to the sea”. I think they would have liked to, but as it’s not specifically banned in the ACT, they couldn’t. We need to follow Queensland on that score.

I don’t mind a good protest — it’s all part of democratic life, even if it’s by gullible people who have no real idea of what the issues are about.

But I would have thought demonstrating against a left-wing, decent president of the only democracy in the Middle East coming to Australia to give comfort to his co-religionists after 15 of their kin were brutally slaughtered on Bondi Beach, with their bodies not yet even cold in the grave, is, at the very least, in appallingly bad taste, if not obscene — regardless of the pros and cons of the issue they are demonstrating against.

CANBERRA SENIORS AND PENSIONERS KIT Government Services Pension Information Aged Care Services ACT Government Services Activities Directory Useful Contacts Email my office at Alicia.Payne.MP@aph.gov.au to get your copy today!

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Authorised by Alicia Payne MP, ALP, 221 London Circuit Canberra ACT, 2601.

Hateful pro-Palestine protests hardly conducive to national unity

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Weston Community Centre Grants up for grabs now

Photo Cornelius Weber

by BERNIE RYAN

Participants from the School of Arms and Armour’s ‘Fight Like a Girl’ program.

If you run a community organisation in the Weston Creek or Molongolo region and are running a bit short on cash to deliver your programs this year, some help may literally be around the corner.

For the third year, the Weston Creek Community Association (WCCA) is funding a Community Grants Program (the Program) to provide financial support for projects that promote community cohesion, development and support, primarily in Weston Creek, Molonglo and surrounding suburbs.

Projects that deliver a benefit to the community, have an impact on social equity and equality, as well as community and/or individual health and wellbeing will receive high priority.

A total fund of $20,000 for the Program is available for applications from $1,000 and upwards and applications must be submitted on or before 27 February 2026.

According to Yung Tran, Manager Weston Creek Community Centre, “Previous recipients of the community grants include Stromlo Christian Church for their playground equipment, Lions Youth Haven to upgrade their animal care facilities and gardening tools, and Roundabout Canberra for car seats for lowincome families.”

“Last year, St Peter’s Anglican Church received a grant for tables and safety mats for their playgroup and Featherstone Gardens used their grant to establish their camelia garden. The School of Arms and Armour also benefited from masks, chest plates and training swords for their ‘Fight Like a Girl’, medieval martial arts program,” he said.

Weston Creek Community Association Inc. (WCCA) is a local association formed in 1972.

The WCCA administers the Weston Creek Community Centre, the Weston Neighbourhood Hall, Flynn Community Hall, Holt Neighbourhood Hall and Chifley Community Meeting Room on behalf of the ACT Government.

WCCA’s income comes from the hire fees for their facilities and WCCA’s operating surpluses are reinvested in its services and maintaining the high quality of the facilities it manages.

Any funds left over after meeting its obligations, however, can be directed to activities in line with the WCCA’s objectives, which include the community grants.

Information on the program guidelines, including the application form, can be obtained by contacting Mr Tran on 6288 0144, or 0466 726 785, or by email at info@westoncccentre.org.au.

Madam Lu Canberra

Phone Number 0435 333 342 20 West Row Canberra ACT 2601

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FUN RUN

Monday 9 March 2026 7:30am – 11:30am

Gather your friends, family and colleagues, and register today!

Give where you live and run for a cause close to your heart.

Celebrate Canberra Day at the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run on Monday 9 March 2026 at Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, and help support local charities.

Whether you walk, jog, push a pram, or chase a PB, every step helps strengthen our community.

Choose from a 5km or 10km course along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, then stay to enjoy a morning of food, music and family activities from 7:30am to 11:30am.

Proceeds from your entry fee go to Hands Across Canberra, helping fund essential services, local charities and community projects for people doing it tough across our region.

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From asthma breaks child health crutches foot care fractures hearing tests infections mammograms mental health nutrition sexual health stitches to x-rays

(and everything in between)

Know where to go for your health care. canberrahealthservices. act.gov.au 16

12 February 2026

Pocock: Ending placement poverty for health workers

by NICHOLAS FULLER Senator David Pocock and independent MP Dr Helen Haines MP believe ending placement poverty for the next generation of Australia’s health workforce is within reach, according to costings from the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) they commissioned.

Many professional courses require work placements to qualify for a degree and to get professional certification. Many students forego paid work to undertake unpaid placements and relocate away from home, leading to ‘placement poverty’. This results in poor early experiences in the workplace and negative perceptions of employment in the relevant industries, many of which have longstanding skills shortages.

Following strong advocacy from advocates and the crossbench, the federal Labor Government commenced the Commonwealth Prac Payment on 1 July 2025 for nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work students.

Senator Pocock and Dr Haines are pushing for the payment to be expanded in line with the recommendations of the Universities Accord Final Report.

Expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme to include medical and allied health students would cost $290 million over the four years of the forward estimates, PBO costings the independent politicians commissioned show.

The PBO costings also modelled the cost of lifting the payment rate from the current $338.60 per week benchmarked to the single Austudy per week rate while undertaking the placement.

“Most Australians have experienced firsthand the impacts from the acute shortage of qualified professionals, from psychologists to dentists to speech pathologists,” Senator Pocock said.

“Extending Commonwealth Paid Prac to enable more Australians to qualify in the professions we so desperately need makes sense and will help ease that shortage.

“Over the longer term, it will cost the Federal Government more if they fail to support the pipeline of medical and allied health students Australians right around the country rely on.

“Investing some $80 million a year in expanding a means-tested payment to enable more people from all backgrounds — be they First Nations peoples, people with disability, single parents or singleincome households — will improve equity and make sure we are training and qualifying the medical and allied health professionals we need, not just the ones who can afford it.”

The PBO costings coincide with the release of new survey data from the Health Students Alliance showing 42 per cent of students were going hungry while on placement.

“Unpaid mandatory placements are pushing thousands of students into financial hardship at a time of acute workforce shortages and a cost-of-living crisis,” Dr Haines said.

Senator Pocock and Dr Haines have partnered with peak body Allied Health Professions Australia to launch an online petition calling on the Federal Government to expand the Prac Payment Scheme.

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Skinmedics on Cohen Street Unit 2, 34-42 Cohen Street, BELCONNEN

From the 9th March 2026 we’ll be opening our new clinic, consolidating the other sites into this single clinic, this will bring together the same expertise of Dr Damien Bezzina, plus the skill of his colleagues to offer a full skin service.

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Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness: New champion for women in technology

Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness

by BERNIE RYAN Canberra-based not-for-profit organisation Women in ICT (WIC) empowers women to participate in information and communication technology in Australia – leading the way to remove barriers, foster

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equality and provide support for them to thrive.

The organisation announced this week the appointment of Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC as their new patron.

Lieutenant General McGuinness was appointed Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator in February 2024 and leads whole-of-government coordination of the National Cyber Security Strategy.

Lieutenant General McGuinness has also served in the Australian Defence Force for more than 30 years, holding senior tactical, operational and strategic roles in Australia and internationally.

“Lieutenant General McGuinness is an exceptional leader and role model in our industry, and we’re honoured to welcome her as our Patron,” said WIC Board President Josephine Calabria.

According to a report by the Commonwealth Bank and Tech Council of Australia, ‘Women make up just

20% of the highly technical workforce in Australia, dropping to 16% after age 40’, and ‘After age 40, women leave the highly technical workforce at almost double the rate of men.’

The report notes that ‘Australia’s ability to realise the AI opportunity depends on unlocking the full potential of our nation’.

Lieutenant General McGuinness agrees.

“Strengthening and encouraging diversity in Australia’s cyber and digital workforce is critical for our nation’s capabilities.

“I am excited to support Women in ICT (WIC) as their new Patron, working alongside the organisation to encourage more women and girls to pursue pathways in ICT,” she says.

The WIC organisation was established in 2000 and is run by volunteers. It encourages all young girls and women who want to work, or who are currently working in or with technology, to become members.

One of WIC’s flagship programs is the Work Experience Connection Program, which collaborates with schools to assist students who want to undertake work experience in ICT roles.

“We are connecting young girls with organisations in Canberra.

“And when they go to get a job, they have this big network to support them,” says Ms Calabria.

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Canberra love stories (clockwise from left) Chamaine and James Blundell, Brad and Kellie Evans, Vijay Singh and Rachael Turner, and Raimo and Tarra Heikkinen.

Romancing the capital

by GEORGIA CURRY Well-worn Mills & Boon romance novels were plentiful at the recent Lifeline Canberra Bookfair and with Valentine’s Day looming, CW thought it would be fun to find the most quintessential Canberra love stories.

Chapter one: Private Bin In 1990, 19-year-old Tarra Heikkinen was a nursing student who met 29-year-old Raimo from Finland, an electrician who came to Canberra to work on the construction of new Parliament House. He’d spent the first

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few winter months living in a tent at the Cotter with his father.

Tarra usually hung out upstairs at the Private Bin – the classy section – but on this particular occasion, she was downstairs when she met Raimo.

“He drove me home [from the Private Bin] that night as a real gentleman, dropped me off at the door,” Tarra said. “I said I would meet him 8pm the next day with some friends at the Kingo.”

But Tarra didn’t end up going.

“Since there were no mobile phones back then, poor Raimo got stood up but he didn’t give up, he called the next day. I keep saying he came all the way from Finland to meet me.”

What is so intrinsically Canberran about this love story is that Tarra’s maiden name is Southwell, the earliest, and probably the largest, pioneering family in the settlement of Canberra.

Tarra and Raimo were engaged three months later and are still happily married, with three beautiful children.

Chapter two: The Moonlight Bus It was the Canberra Day long weekend in 1996 when Kellie Evans boarded a party bus departing from Liquid Lounge.

“My next-door neighbour at the time invited me on a night out and I really didn’t want to go, but in the end, ended up going,” Kellie said.

“Many years later, my husband [Brad] said to me that he saw me walking up towards the Liquid Lounge and said to his mate, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl.’”

True story (verified by Brad’s best mate Ken).

“We just hit it off straight away, we just spent the night talking and then at the end of the night he said, ‘Can I get your number,’ and I only had my eyeliner pencil in my bag.”

A year later Brad and Kellie got engaged, they have two daughters and they’ve just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

Chapter three: Mooseheads It was 2014, when a visiting Scottish girl, Chamaine, met a local boy, James Blundell, who was out partying with his footy mates.

“It’s one of the biggest clichés going but the whole thing was fate,” Chamaine said. “He never went there normally, and I just happened to be out with a bunch of other au pairs. Our eyes locked in upstairs Mooseheads, had a few dances, then he bought me chips, cheese and gravy. We chatted and the rest is history.”

James up and left Canberra for Scotland, and he and Chamaine have been married for five years, with a five-year-old.

Chapter four: Old Canberra Inn It was 2010 and Rachael Turner was on an epic all-nighter with friends starting at the Old Canberra Inn, when she met the love of her life, Vijay Singh.

“I still remember the first time I saw him across the room, I was like, ‘Oh my god, he’s so handsome,’” Rachael said. “I laid eyes on him, and I was like, ‘Rightio, here we go!’”

They kicked on from the Old Canberra Inn to King O’Malleys, then Mooseheads (a Canberra trifecta).

“We partied the whole night away and then the lights came on in Mooseheads, the sun was rising and it was daylight outside. I said, ‘This has been great, but I probably won’t see you again. I don’t really do dates.’”

Vijay got her number anyway and the next day he picked Rachael up for coffee – at 8:45pm on a Sunday mind you – and took her to the very romantic Canberra Labor Club.

Four years later, they eloped on the South Coast (so Canberran) and it turned out that the celebrant’s husband, who was a witness at the ceremony, was Rachael’s old high school teacher (how very Canberran).

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News briefs ACT Government releases Nature Conservation Strategy The ACT Government has opened community consultation on a new Nature Conservation Strategy that will guide how Canberra protects, restores and manages its natural environment.

Community consultation is open until Monday 23 March. All residents are encouraged to share their views on the future of nature conservation in the ACT. The ACT Government is seeking feedback on the draft Strategy’s guiding principles, strategic targets, and how effectively it supports community participation.

Visit yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/natureconservation-strategy-2025-2035 Chief Minister Barr visits India Chief Minister Andrew Barr has gone on a sixday trade mission to India aimed at strengthening Canberra’s education, tourism and sporting ties with one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies.

Over two days in Delhi, the Chief Minister and his entourage will host education agent events, attend a reception hosted by the Australian High

Commissioner, and lead a tourism roundtable. They will visit the Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters exhibition at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, a joint exhibition with the National Museum of Australia that showcases cooperation between Delhi and Canberra institutions.

In Bengaluru, Mr Barr will meet government and education sector representatives; speak at a Consulate-hosted reception for education, aviation and tourism agents; join school counsellors and principals at a roundtable; and help launch the 2026 University of Canberra/Cricket ACT T10 Cricket Challenge.

India is the ACT’s largest diaspora community, and the two have education, research, and economic relationships. The mission forms part of the ACT’s International Engagement Strategy, and aims to promote Canberra’s two major export industries – international education and tourism.

India is the ACT’s second largest market for international students: more than 2,500 Indian students undertook tertiary studies in the ACT last year – “A testament to the strong ties between Canberra and India,” Mr Barr said. “It makes sense to

strengthen and expand the opportunities from this relationship.”

Legislative Assembly: ACT in housing crisis The ACT Legislative Assembly has unanimously acknowledged that Canberra is in a housing crisis, more than 1,100 homes behind what is required to meet its target of 30,000 new dwellings by 2030.

A Canberra Liberals motion noted that meeting the target would require 1,250 new dwellings each quarter, but Australian Bureau of Statistics data show completions, commencements and approvals are well below that pace: dwelling approvals are less than half their 2018 levels.

Deborah Morris MLA, Shadow Minister for Home Ownership and Housing Affordability, said: “The ACT Government is failing to provide the homes needed for a fast-growing population.

“In the middle of a housing crisis, the ACT is approving less than half the number of dwellings they were seven years ago. It’s not good enough.

“The Assembly has unanimously recognised the housing crisis is real, and that home ownership feels out of reach for many young Canberrans.

“We need more transparency of Canberra’s housing supply as this will be critical to the future of our city.”

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through the lens

Photo by Calvin Ng During the last week of December, my wife and I took a stroll at the Jerrabomberra Wetland in the early morning. With luck, I may take some interesting wildlife photos. Instead, the harsh morning sun caught my eyes.

Photo by Chris Chia A photo of the sunset above Parliament House on Tuesday 3 February.

Send us your best shot of the Canberra region it can be of anything from landscapes to city icons and more – and you could be featured.

Email your photo to news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘Through the Lens’ in the subject line and a brief description of your photo. canberradaily.com.au

12 February 2026

23

have you heard?

One Walk Canberra supporting type 1 diabetes research One Walk Canberra will take place on Sunday 1 March at Rond Terrace, with a 3.5km walk over Kings Avenue Bridge. One Walk is the world’s largest fundraiser for type 1 diabetes research, bringing together families, friends and the wider community to walk, connect and raise vital funds to help turn type one into type none. The event is designed to support and celebrate children and families living with type 1 diabetes. The day will include a sausage sizzle, food, snacks and drinks, BYO picnics, kids’ activities including balloon modelling, face painting, temporary tattoos and crazy hair, live music, outdoor games, a chill-out zone for teens, raffles, plus marquees and seating. Register at onewalkcanberra.org.au or via Breakthrough T1D.

The View Club Tuggeranong Day: The next lunch meeting will be held on Tuesday 17 February 2026, 11am–2pm, at the Vikings Town Centre Club, corner Athllon Drive and Rowland Rees Crescent. Guest speaker: Livia Tigwell, Secretary of the Careers Association. Cost: $36 for a two-course lunch. RSVP by Thursday 12 February to Sharron on 0422 799 913 or kupke@internode.on.net.

Yerrabi: The club will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 19 February at the Eastlake Gungahlin Club, Hinder Street, Gungahlin, commencing at 11am for an 11:30am start. All are welcome to attend; voting is open to financial members only. New members are always welcome. For details, contact Cheryl at chanily3@bigpond.com.

community noticeboard email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field

GIVIT donation of the week: Groceries GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation that provides accommodation and support for families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

They are seeking support for a mother and her six children who had escaped domestic violence. After fleeing from domestic abuse, this family had to sleep in their car after failing to get support from housing crisis services. This mother is now staying in temporary accommodation and is finally preparing to move into a permanent home, but they need support for essentials. This organisation is requesting non-perishable grocery items or grocery vouchers to assist the family during their transition. Your donation will provide much-needed support as they move into their new home and start a new life. Generous Canberrans can donate non-perishable groceries or fund the purchase of grocery vouchers. 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: ‘groceries – non-perishable’ and Suburb: ‘Kambah, 2902’.

Canberra Foundations Collaborative grant round The Canberra Foundations Collaborative has opened its fifth joint grant round, with $1 million available to support ACT community organisations improving outcomes across the region. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $50,000, with larger or multi-year grants considered. Expressions of Interest close 27 February 2026. Since 2021, the Collaborative has distributed more than $6.8 million to over 310 local projects. Details and eligibility at canberrafoundations.org.

Canberra Flower Club Floral Art The Canberra Flower Club’s first meeting for 2026 will be held on Tuesday 10 February at the Downer Community Centre, Frencham Place, Downer, from 9:30am for a 10am–12:30pm session. The meeting will feature a demonstration of a petite floral design followed by a hands-on workshop. Just bring yourself — materials will be provided.

Sidewalk Mini-Market in Crace A sidewalk mini-market will be held on Abena Avenue, Crace, on Saturday 14 February from 10am to 12:30pm. Bring cash to shop for cakes, books, trinkets and treasures, art and craft. Organised by Goodwin Crace residents, the market will raise funds to support people living with dementia and their families.

Canberra Jung Society The Canberra Jung Society’s Dorothea’s Six-Week Dream Group returns for five Sunday afternoons on 15 and 22 February, and 1, 8 and 15 March. Facilitated by Jungian analyst Dorothea Wojnar, the group invites participants to share and work with dreams using active imagination.

Sessions run from 2pm to 4:30pm at Wesley Uniting Church, 22 National Circuit, Forrest. Cost is $60 for the remainder of the series or $15 per session. Details at canberrajungsociety.org.au 24

12 February 2026

canberradaily.com.au

social scene

National Multicultural Festival. Photos: Wilson Au Yeung canberradaily.com.au

12 February 2026

25

taste

Barbecued lamb chops with pesto & cous cous salad Serves 2 | prep 10 mins | cook 20 mins Ingredients 2 lamb forequarter chops (approx 225g each), fat trimmed 125g pearl cous cous ½ bunch baby carrots, peeled, cut into ribbons 30g baby spinach leaves 1 ½ tbsp currants Zest and juice of ½ lemon, +extra wedges to serve 1 tbsp olive oil 50g fresh ricotta cheese Image and recipe from Australian Lamb.

Parsley leaves, pre-made pesto, to serve

Method Heat a lightly oiled char-grill or barbecue over medium-high heat. Season chops and cook for 4-5 minutes each side, or until cooked to your liking. Rest on a plate loosely covered with foil for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, place couscous and 1 cup (250ml) boiling water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Cover. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes or until tender and liquid has absorbed. Remove lid. Stand for 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly in a large bowl.

Add carrots, spinach, currants, lemon zest, juice and oil. Season and toss to coat. Top salad with ricotta and sprinkle with parsley leaves.

Serve chops with pesto, cous cous salad and lemon wedges.

Tips Lamb cutlets, loin chops or rump steaks would also work well in this recipe.

Use feta or goats cheese instead of ricotta, mint or coriander instead of parsley.

Brown rice, cauliflower rice or quinoa would be good substitutes for cous cous.

Step into the vibrant world of Greek gastronomy Embark on a culinary odyssey through the sun-drenched landscapes and azure waters of Greece.

Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of flavours, aromas, and cultural treasures— right here in Canberra.

Celebrate Love with us this Valentine’s Day! 33 Mort Street, Braddon ACT 2612 02 6231 3753 1 Matilda St, Phillip ACT 2606 02 6281 1466

Reserve Now Scan the QR code to book your table: https://kivotoscbr.com.au/

26

12 February 2026

Opening Hours Please visit our website at www.kivotoscbr.com.au for opening hours.

Follow Us on Instagram Stay updated and inspired—scan the QR code or visit: instagram.com/kivotos.cbr

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taste

The five-kilo, $750 Easter egg handcrafted at Bruno’s Truffles in Mawson.

Mawson shop selling five-kilo, $750 Easter egg

by VINCENT SAMARAS Have you ever felt like Easter chocolate is getting a little expensive?

Try this on for size. Bruno’s Truffles has handcrafted what is surely Canberra’s most expensive Easter egg, a five-kilo creation priced at $750 and standing almost half a metre tall.

The Mawson shop owner Bruno Ehrensperger says the eggstravagant treat took around two full days to make and is crafted entirely by hand in the shop.

“Everything is made in here,” he says. “It’s all done properly, using professional skills.”

The egg is made using 100 per cent couverture chocolate, which Bruno describes as the highest quality eating chocolate available.

While this monster egg is one-of-a-kind so far, Bruno is open to making more.

“We can make more if people want to order them,” he says.

Bruno was reluctant to move the egg from the shelf, concerned it could break or lose its perfect finish.

While it may seem like a novelty move, Bruno says the giant egg is more about showcasing craftsmanship.

“It’s about quality,” he says. “Using the best chocolate and making everything by hand is what we’ve always done.”

The business has been part of Canberra’s chocolate scene for more than four decades, with 20 years spent in Narrabundah before relocating to Mawson, where it has now been operating for 21 years.

If you are after quality chocolate this Easter but don’t want to spend $750, Bruno’s Truffles also has a range of smaller, handmade treats on offer. canberradaily.com.au

DISCOVER

what matters IN CANBERRA all day, every day, any way you like it … and it’s free canberraweekly.com.au

12 February 2026

27

PUZZLES & STARS

PLAY UNLIMITED PUZZLES ONLINE canberradaily.com.au/puzzles

CROSSWORD NO. 0749 1

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DIFFICULTY RATING

BRAIN BUSTERS

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TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)

You’ll be extra aware by the way you shape and are shaped by a certain someone. It’s not that one is a sculptor and one is clay.

You’re both clay, working out the form of your relationship. You may not settle into one shape. It may keep changing and be fun to play with because it remains pliable.

BRAIN BUSTERS 1 Pianist 2 Huckleberry Finn 3 Twin sticks 4 California 5 Rubella

4 2 3 9 8 1 7 5 6

SOLUTIONS

9 6 7 5 3 8 1 4 2

S E N A T O R P R O B E O E E U R N W A L L U D E D E X T R A I R S S A I D R O T A T I O N E R O S T N A G N O N A G O N G P E W Y E S S C U B S D E S P A I R A L S O R E A C T I O N N U C F C O I I R O N S M I N A R E T E E O N V T E R E D E E M S S O R T S

Down 1 Country 2 Idea 3 Lacerate 4 Sanity 5 Throbs 6 Confer holy orders upon 7 Conclusion 11 Scoundrel 12 Plant juice 13 Argument 14 Fertile spot 16 Expressive movements 19 Japanese monetary unit 20 Mineral spring 21 Violations of law 22 Flag 23 Physician 24 Recess 25 Henhouses 28 Discover

8 1 2 6 7 4 9 3 5

Across 1 Politician 5 Examine thoroughly 8 Additional 9 Referred 10 Love god 13 Regularly recurring succession 15 Nine-sided figure 17 Find fault constantly 18 Church seat 19 Acceptance 21 Young bear 23 Loss of hope 26 Response 27 As well 29 Mosque tower 30 Golf clubs 31 Classifies 32 Buys back

1 Geoffrey Tozer, born in 1954, was known as an “Australian virtuoso” what?

2 The 2024 best-selling novel, James, tells the story of the companion of which famous character?

3 In relation to chocolate bars, Twix is a portmanteau of which two words?

4 Alcatraz Island is a major tourist attraction in which US state?

5 What does the R in an MMR vaccine stand for?

2 7 8 4 5 6 3 1 9

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LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)

You bring the magic. You don’t need permission. In the past, someone benefited from you shrinking. Someone else decided what counted, and you had to go with it. But this is no longer your situation. You have the magic. You can use it without upsetting the hierarchy. You’ll be celebrated.

30

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ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

It’s helpful to observe life without always feeling you need to react to it. Indifference can be extremely useful in situations where you have very little control over an outcome. Sometimes caring less is not being careless.

It’s conserving energy to apply it to what you’re responsible for.

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12 FEBRUARY — 18 FEBRUARY

As people who ruffle your confidence, it’s only because you perceive they hold power over you, which isn’t necessarily true.

They may hold purse strings, permissions or status, but since those things are also available elsewhere, you needn’t be beholden to any individual

SUPER SUDOKU NO. 016

4

STARS BY HOLIDAY MATHIS

As carnival performers know, wearing a mask takes energy.

You may have to put on a socially acceptable face reflecting something different from what you’re feeling on the inside. At least your smile gives the rest of you a cue: it’s going to be OK. Your competence, in time, turns to confidence.

It’s important to have events in your future you’re looking forward to because the anticipation of pleasure is a form of pleasure, too. Days are made lighter simply because they are leading up to the exciting event. If the event lives up to the hype, that’s a bonus.

Love isn’t doing someone’s work for them. It’s doing the work of being the best human you can be, which sometimes involves helping others. This week, you will often be serving those around you, but you’re not their servant.

Think of your effort as mastering your own gifts.

You don’t have to be pedantic about the rules because everyone involved has space to be themselves and the integrity to respect the expression of others.

This is the ideal to strive for.

You’ll be sensitive and observant.

Outlining the boundaries will be your peacekeeping measure.

Your conscience has served you well. You’ve done the moral work, so improvement or vigilance is unnecessary. You need only accept that the accounting is finished. Now, grant yourself the mercy you would extend to anyone else who had learned and changed.

Time for an audit on your sources of relaxation, leisure and fun.

Are some of them simply too expensive? It’s not just about money. Pleasure that extracts without replenishing may have too high a cost. You’ll cultivate joyful habits and nurture relationships that pay you back.

Your emotions are a compass.

It’s safe to tune into emotional sensations without judging what comes up, whether it’s joy, irritation, tenderness or feelings that you have yet to define. There is no wrong or right way to feel, only the way you actually feel, and many ways to interpret.

You don’t have to make big decisions this week, so avoid jumping to conclusions. It’s more helpful to simply keep seeing, and it’s very fun to gather feedback.

Ask insiders, experts and newbies alike to weigh in. There’s brilliance in a balanced picture. You’ll make a friend in the process.

Discover. Explore. Enjoy.

Daily News directly to you.

Subscribe today!

28

12 February 2026

canberradaily.com.au

time out

‘Bedroom Farce’ promises big laughs behind closed doors at Canberra REP

by BERNIE RYAN Canberra Repertory Society (REP) launches its 2026 season with a comic masterpiece from one of the world’s most prolific playwrights.

Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce is a whirlwind of marital mishaps, midnight disasters, and three bedrooms that witness far more than they should.

Bedroom Farce was last performed at REP in 1981, and this return brings the classic back to the stage with new energy, sharp timing, and a director who knows Ayckbourn’s world.

Director Aarne Neeme AM, whose association with REP spans more than four decades and more than a dozen productions, describes the play as “a hectic night in which three bedrooms are presented simultaneously on stage and the action flows in and out from one to another”.

Mr Neeme says, “Ernest and Delia go out to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Malcolm and

Kate are preparing a housewarming party. Nick has hurt his back and is confined to bed. All three preparations are doomed to disaster by the marital problems of Trevor and Susannah, who descend on each couple in turn, leaving chaos in their wake.”

With a career that began in the early 1960s and professional directing credits across theatre, television, and drama schools, Mr Neeme brings a wealth of experience and a deep affection for REP to this production.

His past REP credits include Just Between Ourselves, Arcadia, The Threepenny Opera, Witness for the Prosecution, A Doll’s House, and many more.

“Being part of the REP family has always been a joy,” he says. “And Bedroom Farce is a wonderful opportunity to revisit Ayckbourn’s razor sharp humour and his extraordinary understanding of human relationships.”

Ayckbourn’s comedy is a masterclass in timing, structure, and character. With three bedrooms on stage at once, scenes collide, relationships unravel,

and the night spirals into chaos.

Mr Neeme says, “It’s a play full of movement, mischief, and emotional truth. The cast have created wonderfully inventive physical moments — including some spectacularly chaotic fight choreography — and the set is a superb creation thanks to Russell Brown.”

Antonia Kitzel, who plays the character Kate, says, “This is a comedy about relationships.”

“Because it was written in the 70’s, when you watch it now, the way we look at relationships has changed,” Ms Kitzel adds.

So what is different?

“It’s how we talk about relationships feelings and emotions and what is considered a ‘good conversation’ today … some of the lines that were written as a full-on comedy then, can seem a bit ‘mean today,” she says.

These differences between then and now, “…make if funnier but they also make you think more”, says Ms Ketzel.

Bedroom Farce runs 19 February – 7 March, for three weeks only at Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Repertory Lane, Acton, Canberra.

Bookings: canberrarep.org.au/content/book-onlinechoose-production

INVITING ALL OUR PATRONS TO FLIGHT OF FANCY’S ON 13TH FEBRUARY 2026 GALENTINE’S DAY • DROP IN BETWEEN 4:00 – 6:30 PM FOR SOME CHAMPAGNE AND NIBBLES CELEBRATION • ALL OUR VALUED CLIENTELE GET A 14% TO HELP SUPPORT DISCOUNT ON ALL ITEMS • 5% OF OUR TOTAL SALES WILL A WORTHY CAUSE BE DONATED TO THE MCGRATH FOUNDATION

Visit us Shop 10, Federation Square Gold Creek, Nicholls ACT 2913 canberradaily.com.au

OPEN 7 DAYS Phone: 02 6290 2077 12 February 2026

29

time out

Now sh wing We Bury the Dead (MA15+)

The United States has accidentally detonated an experimental weapon off the eastern coast of Tasmania, destroying the city of Hobart and its inhabitants while leaving those not caught in the immediate blast rendered brain dead. With some of them coming back to a resemblance of life, volunteers are called upon to clean up the remnants. Soon, American physiotherapist, Ava Newman (Daisy Ridley), comes down under to search for her husband.

Hot off the back of zombie post-apocalyptic survivalist thriller 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the writer/director of the nihilistic These Final Hours (2013) serves up a surprisingly effective meditation on grief, loss and the importance of letting go. Ava quickly goes

AWOL beyond the relative safety of the quarantine zone in search of her husband, ready to deal with whatever form he may be in.

Along this journey into her Heart of Darkness (1899), Ava discovers the true nature of the undead and the living alike.

The cinematography is gorgeous, patiently capturing the Australian landscape in its vast, isolating beauty. Matched with a haunting soundtrack, the movie’s strength is its consistent morbid and bittersweet tone. While zombie aficionados may be let down by the lack of overt scares and action scenes, the story is focused more on the pull of seeking closure for those lost and the associated relationships. It is a shame that some melodramatic missteps in the

Daisy Ridley stars in We Bury the Dead. Photo: Getty Images

final act trip up a solid landing.

Verdict: beautiful journey of grief, let down slightly by misguided conventional story resolutions..

- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.

Canberra Psychic Fair

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February 2026

10AM – 5PM

AINSLEY FOOTBALL CLUB, 52 WAKEFIELD AVENUE, AINSLIE ACT 2602

EN T RY FEE

$5.00 AND CHILDREN UNDER 16 YEARS FREE OF CHARGE Many stall holders, Crystals, Psychic readings and healers, Food and Coffee Van’s 30

12 February 2026

www.canberrapsychicfair.com

canberradaily.com.au

SUNDAY 22 FEB - ENTERTAINMENT

e Pavilion / king Barn

king Demo king Barn

p Shearing

Main Arena

Other Shows

Free Camel Rides Racing Pigs Pigs Raceway

Horse Competitions all day

Racing Pigs Pig Raceway

Chicken & Fox Chase Airtime Motorcross

Horse Competitions until 3pm

Free kids activites inlcuding balloon workshop, circus zone and giant games.

Kids Gaming Grounds

Racing Pigs Pigs Raceway

Remote Control Zone Kids Gaming Grounds Sideshow Alley Rides.

Memphis Moovers + Crack up Sisters roving entertainment

Racing Pigs Pigs Raceway

Crafting activities Craft Expo - Coorong

Hobby Horse Kids Gaming Grounds

Racing Pigs Pigs Raceway

COMPETITION & EXHIBITIONS LOCATION

FINISH TIME

Gumeroo & Drovers Square

5.00pm (4.00pm Sunday)

xpo

Sheep & Alpaca Area

5.00pm (4.00pm Sunday)

expo

Sheep & Alpaca Area

5.00pm (4.00pm Sunday)

Dogs Area

5.00pm

Cat Café

5.00pm

on*

Woodchop arena

5.00pm

ion

German Shepherd Bldg

5.00pm

tion & show

PLAN YOUR DAY A AY 8.30am 9.30am

p Shearing

king Demo king Barn

Farmyard Nursery Flying Doctors interactive plane expo Budawang Science Extravaganza Show - in link building between Coorong & Budawang

king Demo king Barn

p Shearing

All Day Shows

Mallee/Milking Barn

5.00pm

Flyball Area

5.00pm (4.00pm Sunday)

xpo

Art & Craft Pavilion/Coorong

8.00pm (6.00pm Sunday)

on & Expo

Art & Craft Pavilion/Coorong

8.00pm (6.00pm Sunday)

mp. & Expo

Harvest Hall/Fitzroy

8.00pm (6.00pm Sunday)

op commences at 3.30pm on Friday Not available on Friday 20Feb

10.30am 11.30am 12.30pm 1.30pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 4.30pm 5.30pm

Thank Thank youyou to our to our 20262026 Royal Royal Canberra Canberra Show Show Sponsors Sponsors andand Supporters Supporter

Public Public Parking Parking

Horse Horse Precinct Precinct

GATE GATE 1 1

Horse Horse Precinct Precinct

Western Western TrailTrail Exhibitors Exhibitors

Accessible && Accessible Members Members Parking Parking

CatCat Show Show

H H Members Members Dining Dining

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GATE GATE 2 2

OranaOrana Bar &Bar & PicnicPicnic Area Area

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Main Main Arena Arena

Showjumping Showjumping Horse Horse Competition Competition Grand Grand Parade Parade K9 -K9 Dog - Dog Highjump Highjump Motorbike Motorbike Stunts Stunts Fireworks Fireworks

Cattle Cattle Precinct Precinct

Thoroughbred Thoroughbred Park Park

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Art &Art Craft & Craft ExpoExpo

Camel Camel Rides Rides

te te Remo es es RemoZone GamGam Zone

GATE GATE 4 4

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CARPARK CARPARK EXITEXIT

Public Public Parking Parking

Public Public Ticket Ticket and and GATE GATE 1 - 71 - 7EntryEntry Gates Gates

Public Public

ON ON Parking Parking E WE W AY AY TR TR AF AF FI FI C C

G-9 G-9

Olive Olive Grove Grove

Public Public Parking Parking Accessible Accessible Parking Parking Information Information

LightLight Rail Stop Rail Stop

G-8 G-8 Public Public Parking Parking Shuttle Shuttle Bus Stop Bus Stop

G-7BG-7B

Guinea Guinea PigsPigs Arena Arena 2/ 2/ Warm-up Warm-up Horse Horse Precinct Precinct

Alpacas Alpacas

Sheep Sheep Show Show

Accessible Accessible && Members Members Parking Parking G-7 G-7

GATE GATE 7 7 Accessible Accessible && Members Members Parking Parking

DogDog Show Show G-6 G-6 TrickTrick DogsDogs

Cancer Cancer Council Council ACT ACT - Sunscreen - Sunscreen

CARPARK CARPARK

ENTRY ENTRY FirstFirst Aid Aid Day Day & Night & Night FirstFirst Aid Unit Aid Unit Night Night onlyonly Toilets Toilets incl. incl.

Disabled Disabled & & Baby Baby change change

Showbags Showbags

FoodFood & & Beverage Beverage

CARPARK CARPARK EXIT EXIT

Wheelchair Wheelchair H H HireHire

ALLALL DAYDAY COMPETITION COMPETITION & EXHIBITIONS & EXHIBITIONS START START ACTIVITY ACTIVITY TIME TIME

FINISH TIME LOCATION LOCATION FINISH TIME

Gumeroo Gumeroo & & 5.00pm 5.00pm (4.00pm (4.00pm Cattle Cattle Competi Competi ti onsti ons 9.00a9.00a m m Drovers Drovers SquaSqua re re Sunda Sunda y) y) Sheep Sheep competi competi ti on ti on Sheep Sheep & Al & paAl capa ca5.00pm 5.00pm (4.00pm (4.00pm 9.00a9.00a m m & expo & expo AreaArea Sunda Sunda y) y) Alpaca Alpaca competi competi ti on ti on Sheep Sheep & Al & paAl capa ca5.00pm 5.00pm (4.00pm (4.00pm 9.00a9.00a m m a nd aexpo nd expo AreaArea Sunda Sunda y) y)

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5.00pm 5.00pm

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5.00pm 5.00pm

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Flyball Flyball Competi Competi ti on ti onFl ybaFllyba l Area l l Area 9.00a9.00a m m

5.00pm 5.00pm

5.00pm 5.00pm (4.00pm (4.00pm Sunda Sunda y) y)

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9.00a9.00a m m Crafts Crafts ExpoExpo

Copyright Copyright 20262026 RoyalRoyal National National Capital Capital Agricultural Agricultural Society Society

* Woodchop * Woodchop commences commences a t 3.30pm a t 3.30pm on Fri ondaFri y da y ** Not ** Not a va ial avabli lea on bl eFri ondaFri y da 20Feb y 20Feb

FRIDAY 20 FEB - ENTERTAINMENT

TIME

Mallee Pavilion / Milking Barn

Main Arena

Other shows

Racing Pigs Pigs Raceway

9.30am

10.30am

Milking Demo Milking Barn Sheep Shearing

Horse Competitions all day

Racing Pigs Pigs Raceway

11.30am 12.00pm

Chicken & Fox Chase Airtime Motocross

12.30pm 1.00pm

Milking Demo Milking Barn

1.30pm

Sheep Shearing

Racing Pigs Pigs Raceway

2.00pm 2.30pm 3.00pm

Sheep Shearing

3.30pm

Milking Demo Milking Barn

Horse Competitions all day

Racing Pigs Pigs Raceway

Farmyard Nursery Flying Doctors interactive plane expo Budawang

Free kids activites inlcuding balloon workshop, circus zone and giant games.

Kids Gaming Grounds

Main Arena

Other Shows

Racing Pigs Pigs Raceway

4.30pm

Racing Pigs Pig Raceway Milking Demo Milking Barn Sheep Shearing

Horse Competitions all day Racing Pigs Pig Raceway

Milking Demo Milking Barn Sheep Shearing

Chicken & Fox Chase Airtime Motocross

Hot Saw Shootout Woodchop Area

Racing Pigs Pig Raceway

Memphis Moovers + Crack up Sisters roving entertainment

Farmyard Nursery Flying Doctors interactive plane exp Budawang

Milk Milk

Science Extravaganza Show - in link building between Coorong & Budawang

Sheep Shearing

Racing Pig Pig Raceway

Hobby Horse Kids Gaming Grounds

Sheep

Sheep

Milk Milk

Hobby Horse Kids Gaming Grounds

Hot Saw Shootout Woodchop Area

SATURDAY NIGHT

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT MAIN ARENA

Milk Milk

Memphis Moovers + Crack up Sisters roving entertainment

Crafting activities Craft Expo - Coorong

Milking Demo Milking Barn

Sheep

Free kids activites inlcuding balloon workshop, circus zone and giant games.

Kids Gaming Grounds

Horse Competitions all day

GRAND PARADE

TIME

Mallee Milk

Remote Control Zone Kids Gaming Grounds Sideshow Alley Rides.

Fashions on the Field

FRIDAY NIGHT

All Day Entertainment Free Camel Rides

Remote Control Zone Kids Gaming Grounds Sideshow Alley Rides.

Crafting activities Craft Expo - Coorong

4.00pm

5.30pm

Mallee Pavilion / Milking Barn

Science Extravaganza Show - in link building between Coorong & Budawang

11.00am

5.00pm

All Day Entertainment Free Camel Rides

8.30am

10.00am

SATURDAY 21 FEB - ENTERTAINMENT

ALL DAY C START TIME

ACTIVITY

Emma Irene - National Anthem

6.00pm

Emma Irene - National Anthem

9.00am

Cattle Competitions

K9 Superwall - Dog highjump

6.10pm

K9 Superwall - Dog highjump

9.00am

Sheep competition & ex

Chicken & Fox Run 2.0 - Quad Bikes

6.30pm

Chicken & Fox Run 2.0 - Quad Bikes

9.00am

Alpaca competition and e

Showjumping demonstration

7.00pm

Showjumping demonstration

9.00am

Dogs and Trick Dogs competit

Crack up entertainment

7.45pm

Crack up Entertainment

9.00am

Cats expo**

Airtime FMX Show - Motocross

8.00pm

Airtime FMX Show - Motocross

9.00am

Woodchop competitio

Musical entertainment

8.40pm

Musical entertainment

9.00am

Guinea Pigs Competiti

Fireworks

9.00pm

Fireworks

9.00am

Wool Competition

9.00am

Flyball Competition

9.00am

Craft Competition & Ex

9.00am

Art & Photography Competitio

9.00am

Horticulture & Produce Com

* Woodcho ** N

time out

Take 5 with Craig McLachlan

by GEORGIA CURRY Craig McLachlan – actor, singer, musician – is known from TV’s Ramsay Street to stages across the world.

You might know him as Henry, Doctor Blake, Frank n Furter, or Doctor Zuko, from his varied entertainment career over the past three decades.

Craig is in Canberra next week with his Six String Stories show and Canberra Weekly wanted to get to know the Gold Logie/ARIA-winner a bit better, away from all the paparazzi and hype.

Your show promises a “strange musical journey”, any weirder than yodelling with the Bee Gees while waiting to sing for the Queen?

Yes, it truly is an occasion where the old adage “you never know whatcha gonna get” applies. It’s tough to top yodelling with the brothers Gibb, but whether it’s a yarn about being introduced to insanely strong Egyptian coffee by Omar Sharif (who delighted in my struggle to get it down and keep it down) or being quizzed by The Queen Mother about Henry Ramsay’s short-lived garden gnome manufacturing business, it has been a strange journey.

What’s one behind-the-scenes moment from Neighbours that fans would lose their minds over?

Hmmm…perhaps the day we shot the legendary “Henry nude dash”, shot on location. No-one in production factored in that it was school holidays in the state of Victoria… let’s just say in a pre-smartphone world, the sound of clicking Kodak cameras was deafening. Yep, dozens of people sticking their heads over Mrs Mangels’ back fence, aiming their pocket brownies at yours truly in the buff!

What’s the hardest lesson fame taught you that an acting coach could never teach?

Where do I start? The big one, for me at least, a life away from “celebrity”.

Your show is called “live and intimate”, just how private/confidential are we talking?

That’s a good question. Well, the emphasis is on fun, all of us having a good time together, but it’s all quite interactive. The audience will often lead me down a particular path that can be surprising for all of us. Even my lifelong friend and musical collaborator Dave will look at me bug-eyed & say, “I didn’t know that!”

The spotlight can turn unforgiving. How do you handle that?

Ooh another good question! I learned very early on that a) don’t believe your own publicity and hype and b) be careful who you trust. And acknowledge the strange cycle of celebrity and fame and the many elements powering that strange cycle. Chances are you’re gonna be liked, loved, loathed … liked, loved, loathed, and so on. True friends, family and the occasional quality vanilla slice will get you through. Oh and sharing fun intimate nights of musical mayhem with good people is an extraordinary tonic!

Craig McLachlan performs Six String Stories at The Street Theatre on Friday 20 February at 8pm. Info: thestreet.org.au/shows/craig-mclachlan-live-intimate-0

You & your family/friends are welcome to join us the coming

LUNAR NEW YEAR Family Festival

Celebrating YEAR OF THE HORSE ENJOY EXCITING ACTIVITES • Lion Dance performing by Mountains Lion Dance Team • Red Lucky Envelope & 1000s FREE Buddhism Books to ALL • New Year Gift presented to all Children

• Lucky Fruits & Well Wishing Verses to ALL • FireCrackers, Music performance & Food Stalls • COURTESY Annual Vegetarian Dinner, ALL INVITED (strictly between 6.30pm to 7.30pm)

Monday, 16 February 2026 at 6.00pm to 1.00am Sakyamuni Buddhist Centre, 32 Archibald St, LYNEHAM, ACT 2602

ADMISSION FREE – ALL WELCOME For more information, please contact: Most. Ven. Thich Quang Ba Mob. 0412-224-553 | thichquangba@gmail.com canberradaily.com.au

12 February 2026

35

time out

Smith’s Alternative celebrates local songwriters of the 70s!

by BERNIE RYAN If you were fortunate enough to be exposed to the Canberra local music scene in the 1970’s you may have had some nostalgic moments since, wondering if the music from that era can still be heard anywhere?

Luckily, and thanks to musicians Peter and Sue McMahon, you can either relive or discover it at their Always Entertaining show on Saturday 28 February at Smith’s Alternative.

Peter, who performed under the name ‘Oyster’ in the 70s, was also part of the Canberra folk club Poetry, Song and Lies Club (P.S.L.), which met regularly and inspired performances of “…original song, disinhibited verse and generally untrue storytelling,” Peter says.

The touring arm of the P.S.L. club was The Culture and Anarchy Green Society and was founded by performance poet Geoff Shera and toured Armidale, Wagga Wagga, Brisbane, Sydney and beyond.

Canberra Weekly spoke with Peter last year about

the original recordings made during this era, which the McMahons later spent eight years digitising. This resulted in a 21-track album, which was played at an event at the Irish Club in 2025.

Thanks to a call out at that time by Peter, the Irish Club event became a ‘reunion’ of those who were involved in or remembered the music and poetry of that time.

“The article that ran in Canberra Weekly was extremely helpful and the interest it created led to a reunion of over 35 people who had a strong interest in the restored audio,” he says.

“Therefore, I’m back to showcase obscure songwriters from that era.”

Although this time it will be performed live by the McMahons rather than presenting the recorded album. The McMahons will bring a show that encompasses 50 years of selected songs and poems.

Sue will be playing both a 100-year-old concertina and a musical saw, and there will also be an acoustic

Musicians Peter and Sue McMahon, bringing Canberra’s 1970s songwriting era back to the stage at Smith’s Alternative.

guitar and an Appalachian Dulcimer made by Peter used in the performance.

“The only way you’re going to hear this material is through me or my wife at the moment”, says Peter.

Sue says that the show is, “… an opportunity to be transported back to 70s and beyond, to experience songs and poems that were crafted with passion and bravery”.

“This is genuine music made by real people.

No digital backing files and a total absence of AI,” she adds.

Selling points that in the 70s would certainly have made no sense at all.

To book, smithsalternative.com/calendar

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time out

Book talk

This week, Jeff Popple recommends three Australian romances for St Valentine’s Day. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Engaged, Apparently

by Amy Andrews

HQ, $32.99 Rural and smalltown romance is one of the leading genres in Australian popular fiction.

Bestselling author Amy Andrews provides an entertaining twist on the form, with her fake-dating story about two old friends who return to their old hometown to find that they are engaged, apparently. When Finn and Sweeney unexpectedly return to small town Ballyshannon to attend their mothers’ joint sixtieth birthday party, they are surprised to discover that everyone has been told that they are getting married.

Forced to live the lie to save their mothers from embarrassment, things quickly spin out of control for Finn and Sweeney. Lots of fun.

Side Character Energy

by Olivia Tolich Fremantle Text, $34.99 Gertrude has been living in the shadow of her best friend Bee for as long as she can remember.

After years of helping Bee through romantic missteps and being her Insta content videographer, Gertrude decides that it is time to become the main character in her own life and not just a side one. She turns to the friend of Bee’s latest beau for help, and finds herself questioning everything about her life.

Side Character Energy is an enjoyable, witty story that explores the different forms of love and the importance of making your own way. A wonderful late summer weekend read.

How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates

by Shailee Thompson Atria, $34.99 Those who enjoy a darker edge to their romance reading will appreciate Shailee Thompson’s genre-blending How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates. When cinephile Jamie Prescott attends a speed-dating event, she expects to meet some mediocre men and have a laugh. What she does not expect is for one of her dates to have his throat slit during a blackout, and for the body count to quickly rise thereafter.

Armed with makeshift weapons and her extensive knowledge of what not to do in a slasher movie, Jamie has to survive the night and maybe meet her perfect date. A gripping and funny read.

The Canberra Retirement Village & Resort Expo Sunday 15th & Monday 16th February 2026 Canberra Southern Cross Club 92-96 Corinna St, Woden ACT 10am-3pm daily | FREE ADMISSION

Wonderful opportunity to ask questions and gather information canberradaily.com.au

On display will be the latest resort style developments as well as established villages from many different organisations, all offering a wide range of services & facilities, sizes, prices and locations. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and gather information about many different retirement communities, all under one roof with free admission.

retirementexpo.com.au 12 February 2026

37

time out

Canberra’s alter-ego

Doors, Windows and More!

(02) 6280 4036 enquiries@handymans.com.au 167 Newcastle St, Fyshwick

Lake Burley Merman by artist Aviva Kidd.

by GEORGIA CURRY Whoever said Canberra was dull must have missed the evil empire of the Carillon, the killer koala straddling Telstra Tower and the vampire of Canberra’s bus/bomb shelters.

Okay, so these may be fictional

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12 February 2026

creations by Canberra artist Aviva Kidd, who wanted to make Canberra’s “ordinary” a little extraordinary, but it makes for a more interesting story.

You see Aviva moved from Melbourne to Canberra six years ago and while all her city friends were regaling her with thrilling stories about city life, she felt the urge to embellish Canberra life.

Her dry response to her city friends inspired the title of her new exhibition – “Meanwhile in Canberra”.

“In the early days I remember having arrived here and basic things like the wideness of the streets here and how quiet it was,” Aviva said.

“So they’d just be talking about their lives as usual and I kept starting text messages with, well meanwhile in Canberra...”

Walter Burley Griffin would never have dreamt up Aviva’s mythical merman lurking with carp in the lake’s murky depths. It sure shakes up our sedate planned city.

“That’s kind of the basic inspiration that I was imagining a world where it was something slightly more paranormal or more extraordinary than the kinds of things I was messaging my friends about,” Aviva said. “It’s just a fun revisiting of Canberra icons and public art – but I like creatures and monsters. I put my own spin on it.”

Just like the great Japanese woodblock artist Hokusai (36 Views of Mt Fuji) Aviva wants to elevate

Canberra’s icons to a higher status.

She too utilises lino print, risograph and mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock) printmaking (Aviva recently completed an artistic residency at Karuizawa Mokuhanga School in Japan). Mokuhanga requires painstaking execution but produces lustrous results that cannot be replicated digitally.

Aviva’s take on Belco’s phallic Owl, which has already reached legendary status, adds a dark and sinister side to this viral icon.

“Because you see these landmarks every other day, they become part of the furniture, but then you suddenly look at them again,” Aviva said.

“Like the National Carillion, they sometimes light it up for special events and I remember I was taking a night-time lake walk and it was bright red – it looked like something out of Star Wars, like some evil empire. It just looked so sinister and so that was the trigger.”

Even though Aviva’s relatively new to Canberra, she’s a proud defender of our fair city and her first solo exhibition here is homage to Canberra.

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of poetic licence to zhoosh up our tidy symmetrical city, like a menacing koala atop Telstra Tower attacking our beloved Canberra Balloon Spectacular.

“It makes us more exciting than perhaps we really are, which is fine because I think we feel an endearment towards these iconic landmarks and we’ll defend them to the hilt, to anyone from the outside,” Aviva said. “But between us we’re like, it’s a bit boring but that’s okay, that’s why we like it.”

“Meanwhile in Canberra” – a collection prints that find the extraordinary in a city too often dismissed by outsiders as boringly ordinary – is at Belconnen Arts Centre until 22 March.

canberradaily.com.au

time out

What’s on!

FESTIVAL SPORT

MUSIC

Pink Floyd’s Great Gig in the Sky 14 MAR Australian Pink Floyd tribute Run Like Hell returns to the Q with a new show for 2026, featuring a seven-piece band and a visceral video, lights and laser spectacular.

Bask in the iconic soaring guitar solos and rainbow of keyboard colours that made Pink Floyd instantly identifiable.

Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 14 March 8pm; qprc. sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ salesevent/156242

Find more listings at canberradaily.com.au

HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?

Contact Anand on 0432 887 457 or anand@newstimemedia.com.au

canberradaily.com.au

Australia vs India women’s T20 19 FEB Canberra will host the second T20I cricket match at Manuka Oval when the Australian women go up against India.

Manuka Oval, Thursday 19 February; premier.ticketek.com.au

Canberra Lunar New Year Festival 21 FEB Celebrate Lunar New Year in Dickson as Woolley Street comes alive with colour, music and community spirit.

Woolley Street, Dickson, 21 February, 10am to 10pm; lunarnewyearcanberra.com FESTIVAL

Enlighten FUN

Royal Canberra Show 20-22 FEB The Royal Canberra Show returns to EPIC with over 150 captivating attractions, 5,000 fascinating animals, 450 diverse trade displays, and 1,500 talented competitors.

Exhibition Park in Canberra, 20-22 February; canberrashow. org.au

27 FEB-9 MAR One of Canberra’s favourite festivals returns, once again lighting up the nation’s capital with 11 nights of culture, creativity and after-dark discovery. Now in its 16th year, the festival will illuminate Australia’s most iconic national institutions with world-class projections, live music, immersive art and rare after-hours experiences.

Various locations, starts 27 February; enlightencanberra.com

12 February 2026

39

health & wellbeing

C

W

R

What our pets can teach us about mental health

CO

NTRIBU

TO

wi DR VIVIENNE LEWIS

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

As a clinical psychologist, much of my work focuses on relationships: how we connect, attach, cope, and regulate our emotions in the context of other people.

Increasingly, however, clients speak to me about relationships that don’t involve humans at all. They talk about their dogs, cats, horses, and other animals, often hesitantly, as though these relationships might somehow be less valid. But they are not.

From a psychological perspective,

relationships with pets can play a significant role in emotional regulation, attachment, and mental health. For many people, pets provide a consistent, non-judgemental presence that is difficult to find elsewhere. They respond to us without evaluating our worth, productivity, appearance, or emotional performance, something many of us, particularly those who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, or perfectionism, find deeply soothing.

Research consistently shows that interacting with pets can reduce physiological markers of stress, including cortisol, while increasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding, safety, and calm. This is not simply a comforting idea; it is a measurable biological response. When people instinctively reach for their pet during moments of distress, their nervous system is doing exactly what it is designed to do, seeking

regulation through safe connection.

Pets also provide routine and behavioural activation, both of which are foundational to good mental health.

When someone is depressed or overwhelmed, motivation is often the first thing to disappear. Pets create an external structure that requires engagement regardless of mood. Feeding, walking, grooming, and caring for another living being can act as a protective factor, helping people stay connected to daily life when they might otherwise withdraw.

Importantly, pets can also play a subtle but meaningful role in supporting body image and eating disorder recovery, an area I specialise in. Animals relate to bodies in functional, rather than aesthetic, ways. They do not judge size, shape, weight, or appearance, they respond to movement, presence, energy, and care. I often see that when clients are feeding their pets regularly, walking

them, and responding to their physical cues, it becomes easier to extend some of that same care and consistency to themselves.

Pets can provide socialisation too through meeting other dog walkers, seeing familiar faces at local parks, and sharing information about our pets with others.

Pet ownership also comes with grief. Pets age, become unwell, and eventually die. The grief that follows can be profound.

It is also important to say that pets are not a substitute for human relationships or professional mental health care. They cannot meet all emotional needs, nor should they be expected to. However, they can be a powerful adjunct to psychological wellbeing, offering comfort, routine, connection, and emotional grounding.

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12 February 2026

canberradaily.com.au

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A difference you can hear.

If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties or simply want to stay on top of your hearing health, Michelle Richards Hearing offers the trusted, personalised care you’ve been looking for — right here in Canberra.

Proudly independent and locally owned, Michelle Richards Hearing is not part of a chain or franchise. That means you receive genuine advice, no sales pressure, just hearing solutions tailored to your unique lifestyle and needs.

Michelle Richards, a highly experienced Audiometrist with over 20 years of clinical expertise in adult hearing rehabilitation, is passionate about supporting people of all ages to live better through better hearing.

Michelle stays at the forefront of audiological innovation, offering the latest hearing aid technology including discreet, rechargeable, and AI-powered options.

Whether you need a comprehensive hearing assessment, tinnitus support, hearing protection, or hearing aids, Michelle delivers expert care with a warm, community-focused approach.

Conveniently located in Dickson, Michelle Richards Hearing welcomes private, pension, DVA and Hearing Services Program (HSP) clients.

Home visits are also available for those who are unable to travel.

Ethical. Local. Independent

Visit us at 490 Northbourne Ave Dickson ACT Call (02) 6281 0222 Book Online: www.michellerichardshearing.com.au

opinion health & wellbeing

Nipah virus and the new public health order

by DR DAVID BELL A large outbreak of hysteria occurred in the media recently, regarding a small Nipah virus outbreak in eastern India.

‘Hysteria’ is the correct word in terms of proportionality.

Ten years ago, this episode of Nipah virus disease would barely have rated a mention internationally, and certainly not stimulated airport screening and travel warnings – there have been many larger outbreaks of Nipah virus than this one, which did not.

The change over recent years is not that people have lost their minds.

It relates to the adoption of the fearpanic-profit model that has entrenched itself in international public health. Tens of billions in annual funding are on the table, and they depend – with the

thousands of salaries and exorbitant Pharma profits tied to the pandemic industry – on the maintenance of a constant sense of imminent threat.

The World Health Organization reports two cases from this Nipah outbreak, which is less than usual.

The deliberate hysteria and fearmongering these cases are being used to promote will kill lots more, because it diverts resources from programs aimed at far worse health problems.

What is Nipah virus disease?

An outbreak of encephalitis (brain inflammation) occurred in a semi-rural area of Malaysia in 1998. It was quite severe, with almost half of the early cases dying.

Initially assumed to be an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis (a more common mosquito-borne disease), it

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12 February 2026

was noted that early cases were associated with illness in nearby pigs. The initial outbreak was on a farm where pigs and an orchard were in close proximity.

Unusual characteristics noted in this 1998 outbreak raised questions as to whether this was a new disease.

This outbreak became the first recorded outbreak of Nipah virus, named after Sungai Nipah (the Nipah river) in peninsular Malaysia.

The virus is now known to be endemic in various bat species that range across much of Asia and Africa.

Why new viruses are not necessarily new Since the Malaysian episode, recurrent outbreaks have been recorded, particularly in the northeast and southwest of the Indian subcontinent.

These have been small outbreaks, less than 110 deaths in the worst, with well under 1000 people recorded ever dying from Nipah virus globally.

The difference between now and the years before 1998 is almost certainly not that a new virus has emerged, but that we have simply developed the means to detect it.

We simply could not distinguish Nipah virus outbreaks from other causes of encephalitis.

Evidence of the virus in fruit bats across Asia and Africa means it has almost certainly been around for a very long time, perhaps many thousands of years.

Avoiding irritations like reality None of the above stops Nipah virus being portrayed as a new and emerging threat, because when it comes to the money to be made from the pandemic industry, reality is but a minor impediment to progress.

This “emerging infection” label is common in the infectious disease and pandemic industries.

We pretend, as public health professionals, that the thing that changes when we learn how to detect a disease, and start reporting it, is the prevalence of that disease.

We completely ignore the fact that there was no way to detect and report it before someone gave us the necessary tools.

By insisting that threats are emerging rather than having always been there, public health is much more exciting, and we are far more likely to get funding for further work.

This narrative helps drive an entire industry based on the idea that these ‘rapidly emerging diseases’ constitute an existential threat to humanity.

Forty billion dollars a year in funding proposed for the pandemic and One Health agendas is based on this premise.

This money, about half intended as new money taken from hapless taxpayers globally, is to support thousands of salaries and very large potential profits for multinational corporations.

It all depends on maintaining a narrative of exponentially increasing risk.

It is silly, readily refutable, but repeated so often that even our governments are widely taken in.

The depressing recurrence of stupidity There was a time when international public health was relatively free to focus on interventions that prolong life and wellbeing.

It had more integrity and was more reliable in the information it provided.

Almost everyone who works in the field knows that most people will die not from occasional acute outbreaks like Nipah virus disease but from those diseases that offer poorer financial return on investment.

We could, surely, serve the public better.

Editor’s note: Dr David Bell is a clinical and public health physician specialising in global health technologies and infectious disease diagnostics.

canberradaily.com.au

health & wellbeing

Not a real doctor: AI struggles to treat human patients

by JENNIFER DUDLEY-NICHOLSON, AAP Just because artificially intelligent chatbots can pass medical exams does not mean they should operate as doctors, a study warns, as they can provide deadly medical advice.

In one case, two men who asked an AI tool about a brain bleed received opposite guidance, with one urged to seek immediate medical attention while the other was told to rest in a quiet room.

Researchers from Oxford University published the warning in the Nature Medicine journal on Tuesday following a large-scale randomised trial involving 1300 participants.

The research comes one month after OpenAI announced its ChatGPT Health service and revealed the popular AI tool handled more than 230 million health-related questions every day.

The study, created by researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute and University of Oxford, tested

canberradaily.com.au

whether three large language models could help people identify a medical condition and the correct course of action to treat it.

Each of the 1298 participants were given one of 10 medical scenarios to pursue, with conditions ranging from the common cold and pneumonia to gallstones and a pulmonary embolism.

One group used traditional sources of information to identify their condition, such as web searches, while the other group used large language models GPT-4o used by ChatGPT, Llama 3 from Meta, and Command R+.

Using the AI tools, only 34.5 per cent of participants identified their medical condition, and 44.2 per cent found the right course of action to take, whether that was calling an ambulance or caring for themselves at home.

In one case, two participants describing the symptoms of a subarachnoid haemorrhage were given different guidance by GPT-4o, with only one told to

seek medical help immediately, while indigestion or reflux was suggested when a participant described gallstones.

The findings highlighted some of the difficulties involved in creating technology to address human problems, University of Oxford Clarendon-Reuben doctoral scholar Rebecca Payne said.

“Despite all the hype, AI just isn’t ready to take on the role of physician,” Dr Payne said.

“Patients need to be aware that asking a large language model about their symptoms can be dangerous, giving wrong diagnoses and failing to recognise when urgent help is needed.”

The AI tools made more accurate medical assessments when human participants were not involved in the questions, and correctly diagnosed conditions in 94.7 per cent of cases and provided the correct course of treatment more than half the time (56.3 per cent).

The findings suggested a communication breakdown between people and AI, Oxford Internet Institute researcher and lead author Andrew Bean said, and the need to find better ways to test software solutions.

12 February 2026

43

real estate

find more listings here

property of the week

find more at canberradaily.com.au

Sky-high living in Red Hill Red Hill 9/2 Lady Nelson Place Perched above the treetops in one of Canberra’s most sought-after Inner South suburbs, this Red Hill penthouse delivers house-like proportions with the ease of apartment living.

Occupying an entire floor within the Lady Nelson Park precinct, the residence offers a rare sense of privacy alongside sweeping views across Canberra’s iconic landscape.

Inside, the home features generous open-plan living framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that capture a remarkable 270-degree outlook, stretching from Black Mountain Tower to the Captain Cook Fountain and across the Parliamentary skyline. The expansive master suite occupies its own wing of the penthouse, creating a private retreat separate from the additional bedrooms.

Outdoor living is a standout feature, with four balconies providing more than 80 square metres of space to relax, entertain, or simply take in the surrounding greenery. Owners often find themselves spending much 44

12 February 2026

of their time outdoors, enjoying the peaceful vista while still having the convenience of a secure lock-andleave lifestyle.

Set within a boutique precinct of just six buildings opposite local shops and surrounded by established trees, the property combines the feeling of suburban living with the exclusivity of a one-of-a-kind sky home.

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EER Auction: Price: View: Agent: Mob:

3* 6 Sat 14 Feb, 9:30am On Site Over $2.7m Sat 14 Feb, 9am Christine Shaw 0405 135 009

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real estate

recent sales

find more at canberradaily.com.au

15 Abbott Street, Yarralumla

$3,250,000 Marq

50 Forsythe Street, Banks

$1,080,000 LJ Hooker

98 Buxton Street, Deakin

$3,200,000 Hive

8 Hesba Brinsmead Street, Franklin

$1,072,500 Stone

6A Stokes Street, Griffith

$2,776,000 Belle Property

2 Jackie Howe Crescent, Macarthur

$1,042,000 Christine Shaw

10 Geerilong Gardens, Reid

$2,050,000 Home by Holly

1 Maclurcan Street, Franklin

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$1,800,000 LJ Hooker

$1,040,000 Impact Properties

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$1,695,000 Independent

8 Clucas Place, Bonython

$1,010,000 Luton

5 Ray Ellis Crescent, Forde

$1,430,000 Stone

6 Lord Street, O'Connor

$1,430,000 Home by Holly

$1,120,000

14 Legge Street, Downer LJ Hooker 3/21 Gordon Withnall Crescent, Dunlop

$827,000 Irwin Property

8 Lodder Place, Chisholm

$999,999 Ray White

40 Scantlebury Crescent, Theodore

$815,000 LJ Hooker

42 Rochelle Street, Moncrieff

$999,000 New Door Properties

129 Sutherland Crescent, Taylor

$805,000 Impact Properties

2/12 Pollock Street, Chifley

$987,000 Hive

18 Hughes Crescent, Ngunnawal

$805,000 Stone

1/1 De Burgh Street, Lyneham

$1,420,000 Ray White

12 Landor Place, Kambah

$1,325,000 My Morris

48 Tregellas Crescent, Banks

$975,000 Jonny Warren

1/39 Troughton Street, Banks

$760,000 Ray White

7/18 Jaeger Circuit, Bruce

$1,315,000 Catherine O'Halloran

5 Tanami Street, Harrison

$952,250 Blackshaw

1 Cooney Court, Charnwood

45 Finemore Street, Coombs

$947,000 LJ Hooker

$743,500 The Property Collective

325/15 Jardine Street, Kingston

$930,000 Christine Shaw

46/60 Henty Street, Braddon

$737,500 The Property Collective

19 Heydon Crescent, Evatt

$920,000 Ray White $900,999 Blackshaw

603/358 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson

$730,000 Hive

11 Clermont Street, Fisher 56 Collyburl Crescent, Isabella Plains

$900,000 LJ Hooker

10 Macandie Street, Casey

$720,000 Ray White $715,000 Independent

7B Cassia Place, Rivett

$1,300,000 Bastion

9 Wadeye Street, Crace

$1,267,500 Area Specialist

36 Beveridge Crescent, Forde

$1,266,500 Stone

26 Greenough Circuit, Kaleen

$1,260,000 Bastion

10 Mills Place, Hackett

$1,225,000 Hive

17/37 Ipima Street, Braddon

$1,200,000 Home by Holly

31 Phillipson Crescent, Calwell

$1,190,000 Hayman Partners

7/37 Ipima Street, Braddon

$1,175,000 Home by Holly

4 Devlin Street, Gungahlin

$1,140,000 Stone

14 Legge Street, Downer

$1,120,000 LJ Hooker

51 Antill Street, Downer

$1,115,000 Marq

53 Gurrang Avenue, Ngunnawal

$876,000 LJ Hooker

185/15 Irving Street, Phillip

62 Lionel Rose Street, Holt

$865,000 Suburbia

144 Harry Seidler Crescent, Taylor

$710,000 Timothy Rd

1 Nymagee Place, Fisher

$850,000 Luton

81 Abercorn Crescent, Isabella Plains

$705,500 Jonny Warren

2 Dale Circuit, Kambah

$850,000 My Morris

15/24 Damala Street, Waramanga

$690,000 Solely

A6/2 Currie Crescent, Griffith

$840,000 Purnell

3/15 Stace Place, Gordon

$685,000 Marq

2/13 Frederick Street, Crestwood

$830,000 Edge

Data is provided by agents. Source: Realestate.com.au

Larger blocks now selling.

Large lots offering a family-focused lifestyle without the high price tag of city living.

e lac eP tt rlo

Sales office

a

Ch

• • • • •

Lot sizes ranging from 850m² to 1,547m² All lots are fully serviced and ready to build on Freehold Land with no time limit to build $80m state-of-the-art High School (opening 2027) $2.5m Bungendore Sports Hub (now open)

For the latest plans and prices visit Elm Grove Sales Office 1 Charlotte Place, Bungendore Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 4pm elmgroveestate.com.au Aaron Papahatzis 0438 254 990 aaron.papahatzis@belleproperty.com

canberradaily.com.au

FOR A LIMITED TIME: FREE STAMP DUTY *Conditions apply

12 February 2026

45

New year, new home.

1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments now ready to move in at The Borough, in the heart of Denman Prospect, featuring spacious floorplan and custom Flexi-Space design.

Visit our display apartments at 1 Carden Street, Denman Prospect.

For more information, call LJ Hooker on 0417 668 668.

Flexi-Time

Flexi-Theatre

Flexi-Move

Flexi-Ride

Built and designed by

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

419/240 BUNDA STREET, CITY

2

2

2 EER: 6

LOCATION + PRIVACY + SPACE Wake up to all-day sunshine and mesmerising parkland views from this rare north-east gem.

Resort-style luxury meets city convenience with total privacy. Imagine a city apartment where your view isn’t another building - it’s parkland and open sky. Perfectly positioned for seclusion, this stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence offers total privacy, abundant natural light, and uninterrupted views across Glebe Park to Mount Ainslie - no fishbowl views overlooking the pool or neighbours, just serene forest-like panoramas. This is one of the most sought-after and functional floor plans in the complex, with bedrooms positioned at opposite ends for optimal privacy, comfort and airflow. High floor-to-ceiling windows flood the spacious open-plan living area with light, flowing seamlessly onto a generous covered balcony - ideal for year-round alfresco dining and lounging while soaking in the views as if you are in the middle of a forest. The beautifully appointed kitchen, complete with premium Bosch appliances, stone benchtops, and an oversized island, generous double-panel pantry heights, inspires both everyday convenience and inspired cooking.

AUCTION: On Site 6pm on Friday 27 February 2026 OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

23 SHENTON CRESCENT, STIRLING

5

3

4 EER: 1.5

ENTERTAINER’S DELIGHT WITH SO MUCH SPACE Set on a large parcel of land and enjoying a northerly aspect, absolute liveability is the phrase that comes to mind when visiting this well-designed two storey renovated five bedroom, three bathroom family residence. Free-flowing living areas feature a fireplace, family room and adjacent kitchen, offering a fluid indoor and outdoor flow, perfect for all those future family events. Segregated master bedroom, with another wing of the home having 4 king, queen and double sized bedrooms ensure everyone has their own space.

Downstairs could be a third living area or second generation living, with an additional bathroom close to the pool. The outdoor oasis is the crown jewel of the property. Dive into the mineral-rich waters of your MagnaPool, which uses magnesium to provide a luxurious, eco-friendly swim, with a heat pump and solar blanket extending the swimming season. As well as a 7.92kW solar array and a 10kWh LG battery, and smart transfer of fireplace heat, there are too many features to mention here. Please visit prior to Auction.

AUCTION: On Site Saturday 14TH February 2026, 1:30pm OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

5/6 TOWNS CRESCENT, TURNER

3

2

2 EER: 3.5

TRANQUIL LIFESTYLE SO CLOSE TO EVERYTHING Nestled in one of Turner’s most tranquil, tree-lined streets, this elegant Architect designed three-bedroom townhouse built by one of Canberra’s best builders offers a rare blend of comfort, privacy and central convenience. This refined residence delivers not just a home, but a lifestyle in a boutique complex of only 6 residences. The design has been thoughtfully curated for comfort and ease, flowing over two levels. A spacious living room looks out to the back courtyard and the open-plan kitchen and dining space blends style with practicality. The king-sized master suite offers a tranquil retreat with a large walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. Two additional bedrooms easily accommodate queen and double bed furniture, and the second bedroom has its own private balcony overlooking lush treetops, filling the room with soft natural light. Every space speaks to quality, calm and thoughtful design. You’ll love the quietness of this location and yet, everything is at your fingertips. From light rail access to early morning coffee in Braddon, to peaceful parkland strolls, weekend barefoot bowls at the Turner RUC, or walking the kids to school, it’s all just moments away. – time to immerse yourself in this desirable location.

AUCTION: On Site Thursday 26th February 2026, 6pm OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

5 565 Creewah Road, Cathcart • •

•

Well-appointed homestead with granny flat under same roofline Surrounding the homestead -approx 2.5ac of well- maintained lawns and stunning conifer gardens that accentuate the local landscape Highly productive basalt soils with pasture improvements, watered by

3

For Sale $2,500,000

A rare diamond on the Southern Monaro Boasting a well-appointed homestead set on 103.11ha of picturesque countryside with magnificent views over Bibbenluke, “Spring Hills” is located between the Snowy Mountains and the Sapphire Coast and is the perfect lifestyle opportunity for a family that will appreciate its central location.

4

dams and frontage to Teatree Creek and an average rainfall of approx 800mm Retained by the same family since 1927, don’t miss this opportunity to make your tree change today.

Inspections By appointment with the agent Christine McIntosh M 0427 584 004 christine.mcintosh@nh.com.au Nutrien Harcourts Bombala

nutrienharcourts.com.au

77 Aerodrome Road, Bombala

Auction EOI closing 5pm 9th March 2026

Grazing opportunities minutes from Bombala “High Plains” and “The Farm” are a unique opportunity to acquire highly productive farmland in the tightly held Bombala district and are being offered to the market separately or together.

•

•

High Plains features approx.

231.406ha/571.804ac of gently undulating paddocks watered by dams. Additional improvements include - stone farm cottage, 3 stand shearing shed and machinery/fodder shed The Farm is approx. 49.08ha/121.277ac

•

with an approximate 800m frontage to Saucy Creek and access from Delegate Road Total of 280.486ha/693.081ac of gently undulating paddocks with a favourable aspects, improved Phalaris based pastures, watered by dams and frontage to Saucy Creek.

Inspections By appointment with the agent Christine McIntosh M 0427 584 004 christine.mcintosh@nh.com.au Nutrien Harcourts Bombala

nutrienharcourts.com.au 56

12 February 2026

canberradaily.com.au

luton.com.au

Trades & Services Guide INDEX

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Air Conditioning/Heating

59

Arborist

59

Bathroom Renovations

59

Bathrooms & Kitchens

59

Car Detailing

60

Carpet Laying

60

Cleaning Service

60

Concreting & Related

60

Construction

60

Decks

60

Electrical

60

Excavation

61

Fencing

61

Garden Maintenance

61

Gardening

61

Call Emmett 0417 411 487

Gutter Cleaning

61

FULLY INSURED, PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE

Handyperson

61

Mechanics

61

Painting

61

Plastering & Painting

62

Plumbing & Gasfitting

62

Roofing

62

Tiling

63

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING ARC AU35206

YOUR ONE STOP ENERGY SHOP

Electrify with ActewAGL replace your gas heating with reverse cycle air conditioning rebates up to $6000 • Borrow up to $15K with Brighte Finance • Concession Card rebates available • Terms and conditions apply

FINANCE AVAILABLE

100 Gladstone St, Fyshwick 02 6280 0994 ENERGYPEOPLE.COM.AU 58

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

12 February 2026

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

NSW & ACT Industrial & Commercial Electricians Phone Data & TV Cabling Ducted Heating & Cooling Systems Split System Installations

www.ceejayandpartners.com.au

Lic #: 254692C ABN: 30371455991 ARC: L125523 ACT: 2018719

josh@ceejayandpartners.com.au 0400 880 164

ARBORIST

COMPLETE TREE SERVICES Expertise in Hedge and Tree Trimming Inc. Tree Removal for advice and free quote

www.completetreeservices.com.au

Bathroom, Toilet and Laundry Renovation Electrical Under Floor Heating All Professional Tradies No Headaches Start to Finish All Suburbs

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE CONTACT US FOR YOUR QUOTE

0475 000 528

localtilingact@hotmail.com

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS POOL RENOVATIONS AND GENERAL TILING

Complete Project Management All Trades Free Quotes

Rob: 0412 017 832 | Shane: 0412 942 041 email: downie100@ozemail.com.au www.dcbathrooms.net

ABN: 62973049707

ATTENTION TRADIES

CWM0085-V2

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

DIRTY TILES/GROUT NEW IN NO TIME

• • • •

Tile & Grout cleaning experts Detect/Fix leaking showers Stone & Slate sealing Pressure & Acid wash cleaning services

• • • •

Grout/Colour matching & advice All products used by us are Mould and mildew resistant 12 years warranty 10% pensioner discount

0452 538 503

CALL BRENT / LANEEN FOR FREE QUOTES & INSPECTION

STOP LEAKING SHOWERS

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Give your business a boost!

Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800

89% of readers will use a tradie in the next 12 months.

Call CW on 6175 8800 canberradaily.com.au

Trades & Services Guide CONCRETING & RELATED

CAR DETAILING

ADVANCED CAR DETAILING ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Buff and Polishing

EST. 25 YEARS

Interior Detailing Pre-Sale Detailing All Work Guaranteed

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

1/17 Strangways St, Curtin ACT 2605 BEHIND SHELL SERVICE STATION

CALL RICK TODAY ON

(02) 6285 4145 CARPET LAYING

GT

Carpet Service

Carpet Repairs Supply & Install Carpets Domestic and Commercial 40+ years experience Specialising in Axminster, Wilton and Carpet Tiles

FREE QUOTATIONS TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE WITH OUR EXPERT CONCRETING SERVICES. ✓ Concrete driveways ✓ Retaining walls ✓ Concrete decking ✓ Garage/shed slabs ✓ Patios and pergolas

✓ Footings ✓ Footpaths ✓ Pool surrounds ✓ House slabs ✓ Waffle pod slabs

Call Bill: 0410 135 629

Canberra, Queanbeyan & Surrounds

I CAME, I SAW, I CONCRETED

DECKS

RENO DECKS

✓ Decks ✓ Pergolas ✓ Renovations ✓ Painting ✓ Bathrooms ✓ Kitchens

FRIENDLY | RELIABLE | LICENSED

0431 163 015 renodecks1@gmail.com

SUMMER IS HERE Timber Decks & Pergolas METAL PERGOLAS

BH CARPENTRY ACT

Call BrendAn 0407 763 597

ACT and NSW contractors lic available

Call 0499 033 433 ABN: 45 163 588 458 Contractors Licence No: 1988 4459

CONSTRUCTION

has you covered!

FREE QUOTE

ELECTRICAL

ABZ

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS P/L

ELECTRIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING BATHROOMS, LIVING AREAS, BEDROOMS AND MORE

Call Gary 0414 863 195 gary@pcug.org.au

CLEANING SERVICE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE

Monarch Window Cleaning Average 3 BR Home From Free Flyscreen & Tracks Clean

$250

COMMERCIAL CLEANING, OFFICES, CLUBS, CHILDCARE. FREE QUOTES

Protective COVID Cleaning Call 0407 263 812 / 6259 3200 today monarchservices@live.com.au

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS canberradaily.com.au

Be a part of our Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800

0424 805 010 | Alex2022au@hotmail.com

aceassetsco.com.au

Electrical, Labour, & Hazardous Works

Quality renovations for your home Extensions and Renovations Bathroom, Kitchen, Laundry Outdoor entertainment areas Decks and pergolas

All ACT & REGIONAL NSW Locations 15% Pensioner and Solo Parent discount Domestic Development Works Domestic Switchboard Upgrades Project Labour Supply Underground and Shed Power Asbestos and Demo Isolation works

0490 793 900

Call Chris 0412 938 682

www.conductelectrical.au

0408 336 098

admin@clarityconstructions.com.au ACT 201939 | NSW 360769c

CAPTURE THE SPOTLIGHT

Be the one they call.

Call CW on 6175 8800

LIC ACT 2024859

lpc@aceassetsco.com.au

conductelectrical@outlook.com

YOUR CANBERRA ELECTRICAL & DATA EXPERTS • Licensed Electricians • Locally Owned and Operated in Canberra • No Call Out Fee • 24/7 Emergency Service • Free Consultation • Pensioners Discount

• Lighting Upgrades • Power Point Installations • Switchboard Upgrades • Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations • TV and Data Cabling • EV Charging Installations

10% Discount on all Electrical Services to Senior Community 12 February 2026

59

Trades & Services Guide GARDEN MAINTENANCE A1 Gardening Services Canberra For ALL your gardening needs. Covering all suburbs.

SMALL JOB SPECIALIST LED LIGHT UPGRADES METERBOARD/SWITCHBOARD UPGRADES SMOKE DETECTOR SERVICE INSTALLATIONS REPORTS EXTRA POWER • POINTS • LIGHTS

Lawn Mowing•Pruning•Trimming•Weeding •Rubbish removal Gutter cleaning•Mulching •All maintenance •Handyman •Solar Cleaning

Fully equipped INSURED-Guaranteed.

Well presented after completion.

10% Pensioner discounts

ACT license No. 2018491

0449 898 527

EXCAVATION

GARDENING

Phone Daniel on 0418 419 383 or email prime1q@outlook.com

CANBERRA MINI DIGGERS FENCING

GLENN’S BRUSH FENCING REPAIRS

Garden & Tree Services

• Mowing / Edging • Gutter Cleaning • Pruning / Odd jobs • Tree Services • Rubbish Removal • Small landscaping

Ph/Fax: 6241 9413 Mob: 0413 088 908

CWM0116

Mowing & Edging Pruning & Mulching Hedge Trimming Weed Control Fertilisation

Roo� Paintin�

Paintin� � Plasterin� Flat Pack Furniture

Free Quote

General Repairs

... and more

Call Patrick

�� �� �� �� ��

Kaushik Makwana

Garden Cleanup Qualified Horticulturist Rubbish Removal CALL: 0430 582 821 Gutter Cleaning Free no obligation quotes Regular Maintenance Fully insured Customer service from a Commercial or Domestic company you can trust

Fence Repairs Roofing & Gutters Cleaning

Plumber Specialising in Private Home

All Canberra areas 10% Pensioners discount Free Quotes | No job too big or too small Guarantee jobs done

luis.painter@hotmail.com (02) 6140 1317 | 0404605687 or 0406525842

GUTTER CLEANING

MECHANICS

Gutter Clean The gutter vacuum specialist Pergola repairs • Glass • Modular walls • Concrete sleeper walls • All fabricated works

0421 193 553

Monteleone Car Works & Metal Fabrication Mechanical | Metal Fabrication | Mobile Welding Tyres | Brakes | ACT/NSW Regos | & more

Ph: 02 6241 0222 Mobile: 0438 469 138

Unit 6, 91-93 Grimwade Street Mitchell

All areas Free estimates CWM0812

CWM10402AA

EÆĨèſħÆĨ ̗ aÆċĨŞìĨÆĨâì

A WELL MAINTAINED GARDEN ADDS VALUE TO A PROPERTY

Call us today for an obligation-free quote.

60

Work

Painting & Plastering Tiling

Whether you need an old fence repaired, spruced up or if it’s time for a new fence…

0431 251 882

Quality

WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU

AFTER

canfencecanberra@gmail.com

Peter 0499 849 008

HANDY MAN & CONTRACTOR

GLENNMADDEN@ICLOUD.COM | 0412 636 880

• Colourbond fence • Aluminium Slats • Timber • Chainmesh • Security

Free Quotes

EZY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.

BEFORE

Gutter cleaning Rubbish removal Solar Panel cleaning Home maintenance General gardening Welding

HANDYPERSON

Baya’s Backyard

CWM0128

• Tight Access Earthworks • Support For DIY Projects • Small Job Spcialists • contact@canberradiggers.com • 0430 086 866

General Yard & House Maintenance

gutter_clean@hotmail.com

PAINTING QualityPainting&Building Maintenance PtyLtd

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Plastering Services • Gyprock Water Damage Replacement Cornice Services • Roof Restoration • Pressure Cleaning Windows Restoration • General Carpentry Maintenance

Give your business a boost!

Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800 or email sales@newstimemedia.com.au

0421724612 - Amir (Alex) Email: aualitypainting2005@gmail.com Licence No.: 229807C ABN: 63646353335

12 February 2026

CWM0550

PRIME ONE ELECTRICAL

GUTTER CLEANING

CWM1051

ELECTRICAL

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING

qualitypaintingandplastering.com.au

canberradaily.com.au

Trades & Services Guide PAINTING

PLASTERING & PAINTING

NATIONAL CAPITAL PAINTERS SPRING SPECIAL Re-paint specialists for Commercial, Residential and Body corporate All work is Guaranteed & Fully insured Local family-owned business servicing the Canberra region for 28 years

Come Home to a Fresh New LOOK

INTERIOR PAINTING • Ceilings, walls, and cornices

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

PLUMBING & GASFITTING

JUST A PLUMBER Residential Plumbing Maintenance Specialist Owner-operated local small business 20+ years plumbing experience Seniors Discount

Call Emmett 0417 411 487

www.justaplumber.com.au ACT Licence 20081145

$80 OFF

(minimum 3 rooms)

$350 per room canberrapainting.com.au | 02 6262 3788

15 YEARS

EXPERIENCE

Taqwa

EXCELLENCE

IN PAINTING

Painting

QUALITY MATTERS 98 AND COUNTING FIVE STAR REVIEWS

TAQWAPAINTING.COM.AU 0451 031 550 0419 186 171

contact@danthepaintman.com.au

EXTERIOR PAINTING

Taps And Toilets

• Includes gutters, fascia, eaves, and downpipes

Hot Water/Solar

• High-pressure water blasting included

Blocked Drains

WHEN YOU QUOTE THIS AD ANY SERVICES *CONDITIONS APPLY

• Three-coat application using Wattyl Solagard (25-year guarantee)

Gas Fitting

From $1500 Your choice of colours

Bathroom Renovations

Obligation-free quote All work guaranteed for 10 years

• • • • • •

Burst Pipes Roofing/Guttering

Local Professional Service Seniors Discount No Call Out Fee All Work Guaranteed Support Local Business 24/7 Emergency service

Phone 0421 038 243 Web capitalpd.com.au

Plumbing Lic 2013728 ABN: 53193588524

Email: admin@capitalpd.com.au

FOR EXPERT, FRIENDLY ADVICE:

Call 0415 395 050 FOR A FREE ON-THE-SPOT QUOTE CWM00445AA

$100 OFF

terms and conditions apply

24/7 emergency services

Plumbing: • Installation • Repairs & Maintenance • Blocked drains • Water Heaters • Gas Fitting

www.danthepaintman.com.au

Roofing: • All aspects of Colourbond & Tiled • Repairs & Maintenance • Gutter & Roof Cleaning • Tiling & Sealing

Call your local plumber Shane 0411 591 615 or email lucidplumbingandroofi TAKE ng@gmail.com

PRIDE

ROOFING IN YOUR ROOF

BE SEEN

Get visibility of your business.

Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800 or email sales@newstimemedia.com.au canberradaily.com.au

IS YOUR ROOF LEAKING YOUR ROOF ORIS IN NEED OF REPAIR?

TAKE

PRIDE IN YOUR ROOF

LEAKING OR IN

Call us for an obligation free quote:

NEED OF REPAIR?

• Roof repairs • New roofs Call us for an obligation free quote: • Extensions • Roof repairs • Re-roofs • Re-roofs • Gutters cleaned • Gutters cleaned • New roofs • Ridge-capping • Extensions • Ridge-capping

YEARS EX FULLY PERIENCE INSURED Lic. No. 252 440C

0407 789 258 www.prideroofing.com.au

Have your business listed here.

Call CW on 6175 8800

CAPTURE THE SPOTLIGHT

Be the one they call.

Call CW on 6175 8800

0407 789 258

prideroofingcanberra.com.au 12 February 2026 61

Trades & Services Guide ROOFING www.arizonaroofing.com.au

Our Services for Metal and Tiled Roofs:

• Rebedding & Repointing • New Roof Installations • Roof Insulation Services • General Roof Maintenance • Professional Leak Detection & Repair • Quality Guttering & Fascia Installation • Complete Roof Restoration Services

Reliable Residential and Commercial Roofing Solutions in Canberra Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.

5/293 FLEMINGTON ROAD FRANKLIN 0421149431 info@arizonaroofing.com.au

TILING

LOCAL TILING ACT All suburbs

For all your tiling needs:

Bathroom, Laundry and Kitchen tiling Walls and floors tiling Bathroom Renovations No job too big or small Water proofing shower leaks

Call Alex today 0475 000 528

CWM0477

ROOFING

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

localtilingact@hotmail.com

RUBBISH REMOVALS Delivering comprehensivetiling tilingservice servicetoto the Delivering aa comprehensive domestic and commercial market; enabling clients to the domestic and commercial market; enabling enjoy results. clientsthe to quality enjoy the quality results.

Punctualand and Reliable Service.

FROM $22sqm Reliable Service.

FROM $22sqm Delivering a comprehensive tiling service to the •••• Punctual NoJob JobToo Too or small.

No bigbig or small.

Contact Quote: 04030403 614 617 domestic and commercial market; enabling clientsContact to Bill Billforfora Free a Free Quote: 614 617 Wright Way enjoy the quality results.

(ABN: 50 509 749 822) (ABN: 50 509 749 822)

Rubbish Removal

Barry Richards Ceramic Tiling • Punctual and Reliable Service.

FROM $22sqm We load up and remove anything Bathroom Renovations, Leaking Showers Let’s transform your home together.

• No Job Too big or small. at all no job too big or too small Small Jobs, For All Your Tiling Needs Find us at:

Contact Bill for a Free Quote: 0403 614 617 (ABN: 50 509 PROMPT 749 822) RELIABLE SERVICE

FREE QUOTE

2/58 Wollongong St, Fyshwick Call us at: (02) 6176 2807

servicing all of Canberra and Queanbeyan

ww.inhausliving.com.au

Your local roofing experts Our services for both Metal and Tiled roofs include but are not limited to: • Leak Detection • Rebedding & & Repair Repointing • Guttering • New Roofs • Gutterguards • Roof Insulation • Fascias • General • Full roof ongoing roof restoration maintenance

CALL/TEXT: 0458 807 882 E: admin@alpharoofingact.com.au

ABN 609 0723 0907

ALL-TILE REGROUTING CWM0085-V2

ALPHA ROOFING CANBERRA

0404 621 313 call or text

P: 0435 015 647 E: barric666@aol.com www.barryrichardsceramictiling.com.au

Done once Done...WRIGHT TILING Antoniak Tiling and Renovations Email: Bantoniak051@gmail.com | 0417 092 760

Brodie Antoniak Owner and contractor ABN 14724243822

Reference available on request

ABN 156 905 615 00

Family based business servicing Canberra & surrounds for over 25 years

FIVE STAR RATING

Why retile, when you can regrout?

If you like your original tiles but have unsightly, discoloured grout lines, Carl can provide a quick and affordable solution where no tiles are removed & seal leaking shower recesses.

THAT’S TWO SERVICES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE All Silicon is mould & mildew resistant! Looks like you have retiled, and at a fraction of the cost!

12 year Guarantee: Locally owned & operated Contact Carl or Tracie at All-Tile Regrouting for a free inspection & quote on 0427 617 365 | 0426 251 763 or email carle14@hotmail.com

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Give your business a boost!

Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800

62

12 February 2026

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