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A LOOK AT SUMMERNATS

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MUSTANG SHOW TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER CHARITY

BILL STEFANIAK R2 AND R3 BUSES

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News & communit y ACT Greens: Plans for 2026

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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.

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Canberra ranked third least stressed city in the world

According to a new study, Canberra has been ranked the third least stressed city in the world.

Canberra has been ranked the third least stressed city in the world, according to a new global study that analysed more than 170 major cities.

The research, conducted by international financial services company Remitly, placed the national capital behind only Eindhoven and

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Utrecht in the Netherlands, which took out first and second place, respectively. Brisbane also featured at number nine among the world’s least stressed cities, reinforcing Australia’s reputation for relatively relaxed urban living.

Canberra recorded a stress score of 2.80 out of 10, well below many global cities, with shorter commute times, predictable travel conditions and some of the cleanest air in the world contributing to its result. IQAir data shows Canberra’s average annual air pollution level was just 3.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2024. While Canberra’s cost of living is lower than the two Dutch cities in the spots above (69.3), it’s the higher crime scores (26.8) and lower healthcare quality (72.6) that mean it misses out on gold or silver.

At the other end of the scale, New York was ranked the most stressed city in the world, with a score of 7.56 out of 10. Dublin followed closely behind, while Mexico City rounded out the top

three most stressed locations, driven by long commutes, high living costs and safety concerns.

Remitly’s index assessed cities across five measurable factors linked to stress: average commute time over 10 kilometres, cost of living, healthcare quality and access, crime levels and air pollution. Each factor was scored and combined to create an overall stress score out of 10, with higher scores indicating more stressful living conditions.

European cities dominated the least stressed rankings, with four Dutch cities featuring in the top 10. The study found that cities with strong healthcare systems, cleaner air and manageable commute times consistently ranked as more relaxed places to live.

While individual experiences of stress vary, the findings suggest Canberra’s balance of infrastructure, environment and lifestyle places it among the calmest cities globally.

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FORMER ACT OPPOSITION LEADER

To begin with, better late than never, and I’m pleased to see that Albo has finally called a Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack.

I believe it was ultimately the strong support of swimming legend Dawn Fraser that proved the clincher. Albo was incredibly stupid to hold out for so long.

The terms of reference seem reasonable, and we all wait with bated breath to see whether Albo’s pick for commissioner, former High Court judge Virginia Bell, who has immaculate Labor credentials, will run a genuine “seek the truth” Royal Commission or attempt to steer it in a direction the government prefers.

Everything needs to be on the table, no matter how unpalatable it may be for some members of the government or for certain groups in our community. A well-conducted Royal Commission can lead to meaningful outcomes that allow us all to move forward. A sham inquiry, however, would be an insult to the nation and a betrayal of the 15 Australians who died at Bondi due to the actions of two hatefilled Islamic extremists.

I like taking ACTION buses and was therefore very disappointed to learn that the popular R2 (Fyshwick to Fraser) and R3 (Airport to Spence) rapid transit routes will, from February this year, terminate at the Belconnen interchange. Why this is happening is beyond me. I have heard all sorts of excuses, from the need to avoid the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge (helpful hint, Mr Steele, that’s nowhere near West Belconnen) to explanations somehow involving the tram.

I regularly take the R2, using the park and ride from Kippax to Civic and beyond. By the time you read this, I will have taken that bus from Macgregor to the Kingston railway station to

travel to Sydney, and I will be taking it back from the station to Macgregor when I return. I also usually take the bus into Civic to go to court or to meet friends for a few beers.

The bus is full most weekdays between the Belconnen interchange and Kippax during peak hours, and even outside peak times it usually carries quite a few passengers.

I was talking to the local member for Ginninderra, Peter Cain, the other day and told him I had heard that local Greens member Jo Clay has a petition calling on the ACT Government to keep the R2 and R3 routes as they are. The people of West Belconnen need this rapid transit service left alone and not interfered with.

Peter Cain said the Liberals support Jo Clay on this issue. As there are nine Liberals and four Greens in the Assembly, they have the numbers to force the government to back down if it refuses to listen, and they should use those numbers if necessary.

I hope common sense prevails and these two important services for the people of West Belconnen are kept as they are. In the meantime, I urge readers to sign Jo Clay’s petition.

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Canberra is one of Australia’s wealthiest and most educated cities, but sending children back to school is causing deep anxiety for families who cannot afford essentials such as laptops, uniforms, and shoes.

Across Australia — including in the ACT — one in six children live in poverty, and disadvantaged children can be five years behind their peers in literacy and numeracy.

The Smith Family today launched its 2026 Back to School Appeal, hoping to secure 3,500 new sponsors to help more children in need through its Learning for Life scholarship program.

The program provides financial support for school essentials such as shoes, bags, digital devices and uniforms; access to out-of-schoolhours learning and mentoring programs; and personal support from a dedicated Smith Family team member throughout a child’s education, from the start of primary school to the end of their tertiary study.

The program supports more than 2,000 Canberra students, and The Smith Family works with 40 ACT schools to deliver a suite of programs.

“The start of the school year is a pivotal time to set children up with the tools they need to make the most of their education,” CEO Doug Taylor said.

“We’re calling on those generous Australians who can, to give a child

in need the support to reach their full potential and create a better future for themselves.”

The charity’s surveys show that more than 80 per cent of families they support worry their children will miss out on digital devices (56 per cent); educational activities outside school (43.9 per cent); shoes and uniforms (40.8 per cent); school excursions (35.8 per cent); exercise books and stationery (20.6 per cent); and internet access for schoolwork (20.5 per cent).

Not having everything needed for school can have serious, wideranging implications for children, Mr Taylor said.

“From the moment students step through the school gate on their first day, not having the correct shoes or uniform can make them feel different and severely impact their confidence.”

Olga Srbovski, NSW/ACT Regional Programs Manager, argued that digital access was fundamental.

“Laptops are now as important as books and pencils were a generation ago,” she said.

“The reliance on digital-based learning has increased tremendously, so those students without access to a personal device or a reliable home internet really struggle to keep up with their peers.”

To donate or sponsor visit thesmithfamily.com.au/ sponsor-a-child

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Canberra Mustang Car Show to support breast cancer charity

by NICHOLAS FULLER

Ford Mustangs will take over Viking Park in February to raise funds for Bosom Buddies ACT. Photo: Geoff Rech

Ford Mustangs will roar into Viking Park next month for a good cause: raising funds for Bosom Buddies ACT, a grassroots charity that has supported hundreds of Canberrans with breast cancer over the past 30 years.

With entrants coming from as far away as Queensland and Tasmania, the Canberra Mustang Car Show (8 February) is expected to draw more than

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2,000 spectators and feature more than 200 cars — a 25 per cent increase over the last event held in 2023 — from 1960s classics to the new Dark Horse and E Mustangs, the first model to enter the electric vehicle market.

“Since their debut at the New York World’s Fair in 1964, Ford Mustangs have enjoyed a worldwide following as an affordable sports car,” event organiser John Perryman said.

Mr Perryman said the Show would be “a colourful, family-oriented event that will have something for everyone”.

Members of the public can have photos taken with — or even behind the wheel of — the vehicles.

Owners of vehicles will be interviewed every halfhour, so the public can learn about owning and enjoying these vehicles. There will also be vendors selling food, drinks, and ice cream; a charity fundraising prize raffle; and Hot Wheel toy car giveaways for young children.

All proceeds go to Bosom Buddies, “to assist it

with providing ongoing support to those touched by breast cancer, and their families, within the greater Canberra region,” Mr Perryman said.

“Our club enjoys a very close-knit membership, and many of us have, or know someone who has, been touched by breast cancer. Indeed, there are several of our members who themselves have been treated for this illness.”

The 2023 show raised $15,293 for the AFP Veterans’ Association, and Mr Perryman expects to exceed that figure this year.

Bosom Buddies — run by volunteers, many of whom have survived breast cancer — provides personalised on-the-ground support services to help people affected by breast cancer in Canberra and surrounding NSW. Executive officer Ijeoma Onwuka said the funds raised from the Canberra Mustang Show would support their core services, “enabling us to make an immediate and meaningful difference for those diagnosed with breast cancer”.

The Canberra Mustang Car Show: Viking Park, Wanniassa, 10am to 2.30pm, Sunday 8 February.

Hosted by the Canberra and Southern NSW chapter of the NSW Branch of the Mustang Owners Club of Australia. For more information, visit facebook.com/ groups/canberramustangshow.

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Through

The Lens

Red Sun, Silent Waters Photo by Marsha Dovgun Heatwave and the side effect of a bushfire nearby filling up the skies with heaving smoke blocking the sun making it look like a red planet. Photo was taken at Lake Tuggeranong.

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

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ACT Greens: Plans for 2026

by NICHOLAS FULLER

ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury MLA. Photo: Kerrie Brewer

Inequality, housing, health, environment and climate will be key priorities for the ACT Greens this year, party leader Shane Rattenbury MLA says, warning that many residents of this outwardly prosperous city are being left behind.

“Over the last 12 months, lots of things have not changed,” Mr Rattenbury said. “It’s still really hard for people to get a free visit to a doctor in Canberra; housing remains largely unaffordable; and we’ve seen real lack of action on climate change from the government.

“The big one affecting our community is growing inequality.

The gap between those who are doing well and those who are really struggling just continues to grow.

That inequality is symptomatic at

those other points, whether it’s the doctor, housing, or cost of groceries.

“Inequality grew in 2025, and for us, it’s going to be a significant focus in 2026: really thinking about how we ensure economic justice for Canberrans and making sure that everyone in this city is doing OK — not just those that are in a fortunate position.

“Plenty of Canberrans are doing quite well, and that’s great, but in a city like this, it’s very easy for those who are struggling to be forgotten about.”

Community sector under pressure Some of the inequality the ACT faces is driven by federal policy settings, such as negative gearing and capital gains tax, which cannot be changed at territory level, Mr Rattenbury said.

But local drivers matter too. The community sector provides free

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news meals, material aid, and mental health, employment, and housing support for those struggling in this city — but funding has not kept up with population growth, according to ACTCOSS data.

“Where those organisations are struggling to deliver means the community is missing out,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“Many organisations have received annual inflation-based funding increases, but over 15 or 20 years Canberra’s population has grown significantly. When you’re only keeping up with inflation, you’re actually going backwards. Why don’t you add the demand growth on top of that? We haven’t seen a reasonable adjustment for the community sector. That is a factor driving inequality in the ACT… “We cannot afford to lose people that do those roles. They lift up others in the community, because they’re passionate, but they also

deserve to have a decent work balance, and not be absolutely ground into the dirt because they’re committed.

“We owe gratitude as a community, but we can’t take advantage of that goodwill. People who work in the community sector — whether it’s domestic, family violence, crisis services, housing services, food relief — we can’t thank them enough, and yet we’re taking advantage of their goodwill as a system.”

Housing waiting list rises The public housing waiting list increased by 14 per cent in seven months — from 3,000 to 3,500 applicants — reflecting both rising demand and insufficient supply, Mr Rattenbury said.

“People are going on the waiting list because they desperately need it,” Mr Rattenbury said. “In my and the Greens’ view, it’s a fundamental role

for government to make sure people don’t fall through the cracks. The ACT Government needs to think very carefully about what it can do.”

Mr Rattenbury said housing policy this year must consider planning and zoning for the ‘missing middle’ reforms, “unlocking more opportunities for people to live close to where they work, where the shops are, where the schools are, rather than just continuing to push the city out. Getting that zoning reform right is going to be incredibly important, essentially creating more housing availability.”

The Greens want to see a range of choices — apartments, terrace houses, townhouses — while retaining the green spaces, trees, and birds that define Canberra.

Health and bulk billing ACT bulk billing rates remain among the nation’s lowest, meaning that people are not getting the health

care they need early, and instead end up in the most expensive part of the system: the emergency department and the hospital.

Mr Rattenbury believes the health system must be overhauled, and the government must rethink its approach to primary care to reduce pressure on hospitals and rein in rising costs.

“We have to tackle the health system. It’s incredibly expensive — and it’s been the driver of budget pressure.”

While the federal government has promised investments to bulk billing incentives, Mr Rattenbury said the data showed no significant turnaround in Canberra. He criticised ACT health minister Rachel StephenSmith MLA for declining a Green proposal to trial government-run clinics where visiting doctors bulk bill patients on-site — a model adopted by both major parties in the recent Tasmanian election.

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“We still think there are good ideas on the table that could lift the bulk billing rates now,” Mr Rattenbury said. “It’s fundamental to reining in the health budget; giving more people access to the health care they need early in their pathway, or [regular treatment] for chronic conditions, so they don’t find themselves suddenly in the emergency department.”

Mr Rattenbury also called for a fresh review of the ACT’s nurse-led walk-in centres, which have not been reassessed in more than a decade.

While the Greens support their continued operation, they believe the new federal urgent care clinics — which combine nurses and GPs — should prompt a rethink of local models.

Climate action/environment Mr Rattenbury accused the ACT Government of letting environmental policy drift, warning that Canberra’s

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climate and biodiversity goals are slipping backwards due to inaction and short-sighted decisions.

“We need to see Labor come out of their malaise on climate action,” Mr Rattenbury said. “The environment is going backwards under this government.”

He said Labor entered the 2024 election with only minimal climate commitments, such as maintaining the Sustainable Household Scheme.

However, the once interest-free scheme now includes interest charges. “They haven’t even stuck to their own commitments.”

Likewise, the ACT’s Climate Change Strategy expired at the end of 2025, and has not been updated, despite the government having more than a year to prepare, Mr Rattenbury said.

Environmental protection has also suffered, Mr Rattenbury warned: the government has not invested in the Healthy Waterways program that

cleans up lakes and waterways and maintain the ecological benefits of wetlands, nor in weed control.

A proposed road at Canberra Airport that threatens the critically endangered Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon is “incredibly frustrating”, Mr Rattenbury said.

“We’ve got a critically endangered species, and we’re now building a road in their habitat. It just makes no sense. It just speaks to a system that grinds on like it’s always done in the middle of an ecological crisis.

The federal government have a goal of no more extinctions in Australia, and yet they’re approving projects like this for species on the edge of extinction.”

Mr Rattenbury said the Greens would push for stronger action in 2026, particularly through reviewing environmental legislation. He pointed to the government’s commitment, secured by the Greens, to set an urban growth boundary, and said

the Greens will push for greater protection for native wildlife habitat, and to maintain nature corridors and waterways in suburbs.

“These local ecosystems at our reserves and parks across the city aren’t all protected, so as part of the Nature Conservation Act review later this year this will be a key focus for the ACT Greens. The Greens believe we can build enough housing across Canberra without paving over habitat and ecologically important areas within our city’s footprint.”

Indigenous disadvantage Mr Rattenbury believes the ACT must do more to tackle Indigenous disadvantage, especially in justice and early childhood.

“The overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system is a national travesty, and the ACT is not immune,” Mr Rattenbury said.

canberradaily.com.au

news He pointed to the Jumbunna Review into First Nations OverRepresentation, which he commissioned in the previous term as Attorney-General, as offering practical reform, but said too many successful programs lack followthrough. Justice reinvestment programs like Yeddung Mura and the Bush Healing Farm are underutilised or do not receive continuing funding after the pilot.

“There are good solutions out there, but they are not being followed through as effectively as they might be,” Mr Rattenbury said.

He also highlighted “very concerning” Early Childhood Development Census results for Indigenous children.

“So many people end up involved in the justice system because of poverty.”

Budget repair without austerity The Greens and the Canberra

Liberals are working to review the ACT’s fiscal position — Greens deputy leader Jo Clay MLA is chairing the committee. It will, Mr Rattenbury said, be “an important forum to think about how we start to repair the budget”. The committee will build a common understanding of the problem and what solutions look like — but, based on Tasmania’s experience addressing its fiscal problems, he expects it will take a decade.

Mr Rattenbury insists that repairing the budget must not come at the expense of the most needy in the community.

“An austerity drive is often the classic way: ‘We’ll fix the budget; we’re just going to cut all these things.’ We can’t do that either, because that will widen inequality.

It’s about tax settings, making sure we’re spending our money in priority places.

“This year the government didn’t

really tackle the budget situation, but the couple of changes they did make totally got it wrong when it came to issues of inequality. They cut the Rent Relief Fund — $1.7 million in the scheme of a $9 billion ACT Budget, a program that kept hundreds of households out of homelessness by maintaining their tenancies. An $11 charge on working with vulnerable people cards — the volunteers out there are so often the glue that holds the community together. We saw these really poorly targeted budget repair measures that actually would have made the situation frankly worse. They just were not smart solutions.”

Mr Rattenbury, however, was pleased that the Greens already had a proposal to tax large corporations, raising more revenue than the health levy would bring in.

“If you’re Qantas or banks, this is a very profitable market to operate in; our view was that they should

make a greater contribution.”

Conclusion “We’re not here to be an opposition party,” Mr Rattenbury said. “We’re here to be a party of both ideas and accountability, and that means sometimes working with the government and other times working with others to pressure the government or the government to account. And we’ve endeavoured to take each issue and think about the best strategy to get an outcome for the community.

“Not only do we pick up individual issues, but we also have the bigger picture of systemic change and wanting to create a different future — as opposed to picking up the issue of today and dealing with it, we’ve got a well-articulated vision of a different style of government, of democracy, of how to tackle issues like climate and economic change.”

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news

First Strike takes laser tag outdoors and to the next level

by VINCENT SAMARAS

First Strike Laser Tag transforms Fadden Pines into a liveaction playing field.

For most people, laser tag brings to mind dark rooms, flashing lights and running between plastic barriers. First Strike Laser Tag flips that idea completely, taking the game outdoors and turning it into a full-scale bushland experience.

Run by co-owners Simon Heery and Jon Yagos, First Strike Laser Tag operates regular field days at Fadden Pines Bushland, offering players the chance to run, hide and strategise across 2,400 square metres of natural terrain. Trees, scrub and open space replace narrow corridors, creating what the pair describe as a far more immersive and dynamic way to play.

“Our field days are really the heart of what we do,” Simon says. “You’re not confined to a small, dark room. You’ve got space to move, natural cover, and a completely different atmosphere.”

The idea grew out of a shared childhood love of laser tag, combined with a sense that Canberra was missing something new. Jon’s early experiments with commercial-grade laser tag equipment led to a chance meeting with Simon, a robotics engineer fascinated by how far the technology had evolved.

“Laser tag has changed massively since the 90s,” Simon says. “The gear we use works in full sunlight, has a range of up to 180 metres, and can be customised in ways most people wouldn’t expect.”

That customisation is key to the First Strike experience. Sessions are actively game-mastered, with staff adjusting gameplay on the fly to suit each group. Health levels, weapon types, sound, lights and recoil can all be tweaked, making the game accessible for younger players, older participants and those with sensory or physical needs.

“We don’t mix groups,” Jon says. “When you book an hour, it’s just your group. We usually run four or five different games, and we tailor them to what people want, whether that’s fast-paced chaos or something more tactical.”

Players can choose different weapon styles, from sniper rifles to machine guns, and even select classbased roles like medic or assault trooper. Each tagger includes recoil and reload functions, giving the game a physical, almost video game–like feel.

“We want it to feel like a real-life game,” Simon says. “It’s active, it’s social, and it gets people outdoors having fun.”

For families, kids’ parties, sports fans and anyone looking for something different, First Strike Laser Tag offers a uniquely Canberra experience, blending technology, movement and bushland into something far removed from traditional laser tag. Visit firststrikelasertag.com.au for more information.

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news

Hate crackdown revealed as day of mourning for Bondi victims announced

Anthony Albanese wants the day of mourning for Bondi victims to be about unity and remembrance.

Photo: Lukas Coch

by DOMINIC GIANNINI, AAP People who join or support prescribed hate groups will face 15 years behind bars as the prime minister unveils a day of mourning to commemorate victims of Bondi’s terror attack.

The federal government would have new powers

to prescribe hate groups that currently fall below terrorist listing thresholds, with organisers, supporters and recruiters facing 15 years in prison while members face seven.

The beefed-up hate laws create offences for publicly promoting or inciting racial hatred as the government vows to crack down on hate preachers following an Islamic State-inspired father-son duo killing 15 people at a Bondi Hanukkah celebration on 14 December.

A day of mourning will take place on 22 January, with flags flown at half-mast, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday.

“This will have a theme of light … a gathering of unity and remembrance,” he told reporters in Canberra.

People face five years behind bars if they promote or incite hatred against another person or group because of race, colour or national or ethnic origin, according to the legislation.

SAT 21 FEB 3PM canberradaily.com.au

Aggravated offences include if a religious preacher is involved or if it targets children, as the government vows to tackle youth radicalisation.

Disseminating ideas of superiority over or hatred of another person or group because of their race, colour or national and ethnic origin is also an offence.

It would be an offence if “the conduct would, in all the circumstances, cause a reasonable person who is the target, or a member of the target group, to be intimidated, to fear harassment or violence, or to fear for their safety,” the draft legislation states.

There are already concerns within the coalition about provisions of the hate speech bill, including a passage that exempts “directly quoting from or otherwise referencing a religious text for the purpose of religious teaching or discussion”.

The apprehension within the coalition is this may fail to tackle some radical Islamic preachers who would be able to fall back on that defence.

Mr Albanese didn’t explicitly address why religion wasn’t included when asked about concerns from Muslim communities about Islamophobia not being adequately covered.

Jewish people are considered an ethno-religious group, meaning they’re protected under the race provision.

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Inclusivity – not just a catch phrase for these Canberrans!

by BERNIE RYAN According to the ACT Government, there are more than 80,000 Canberrans who identify as people with disability.

And their experiences participating in society can be very different to those of Canberrans without a disability. Unfortunately, this may include discrimination, fewer job opportunities, higher levels of underemployment and greater

Raffy Sgroi was recognised at the 2025 Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards for her work creating inclusive and accessible workplaces in Canberra. Photo: Grace Costa Photography

difficulty accessing health services.

There are, however, Canberrans who are making our city more inclusive and accessible for people with a disability, and in turn, allowing the wider community to benefit from their unique talents and contributions.

The efforts of these Canberrabased individuals and organisations were acknowledged and celebrated at the annual gala event of the Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards on 10 December last year.

“These awards highlight the many practical actions we can all adopt to make our society more accessible for all Canberrans,” says ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

The awards recognise local champions who are making a real difference in the lives of people by breaking down barriers in ACT workplaces, businesses, cultural spaces and communities through

innovative and inclusive initiatives.

There were six 2025 award categories: Leader in Inclusion – Emma Myers; Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices – Raffy Sgroi; Excellence in Collaborating with people with Disability – Stellar Company and the Chamaeleon Collective; Excellence in Access and Inclusion – Tahlya O’Toole; Excellence in Innovation and Impact – Eloise Higgins; Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality – Ebe Ganon.

Award recipient, Mrs Raffy Sgroi says, “It feels funny to be recognised for something that should be the norm.”

Mrs Sgroi and her husband Charlie founded Car Mechanical Services in 2007, inspired to create a place of purpose for Charlie’s brother

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Ricardo, who was born with Down Syndrome.

Mrs Sgroi believed that real cultural change is needed in the employment sector, because inclusivity and diversity are not just about ‘ticking boxes’.

“I can have a list of diverse people working for me, but we are missing one big point – equality,” she says.

“If I don’t give everybody the same tools to succeed, nothing will change,” she says.

Mrs Sgroi added that it’s important for employers to ask if they are really providing employees with what they need.

“Because you know the reality is, it’s not just about employing people with disability, it’s about how long they are going to keep a job, because the retention rates are alarming.”

Mrs Sgroi has created accessible and inclusive workplaces across her multiple businesses, implementing groundbreaking workplace modifications and adaptive technologies. She has also developed an innovative program called Transforming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which has been adopted by more than 30 businesses.

Similarly, this year’s winner of the Excellence in Collaborating with People with Disability award,

Liz Lea, artistic director of the Stellar Company and Chamaeleon Collective, said she was very grateful for the recognition of the company’s commitment to inclusivity in Canberra.

Ms Lea, a dancer herself for over forty years and involved in inclusive practice for over thirty years, says that the idea for the Chamaeleon Collective took root when a parent of one of her students asked about professional pathways.

“One of the mum’s asked if there was a professional pathway for dancers living with a disability,” she said.

“So, Chamaeleon Collective was formed to provide professional pathways, professional training and mentoring,” she said.

“Chameleon is our flagship dance company, and the company is made up of between 10-12 dancers.

There are four emerging professional dancers who do not live with an intellectual disability, and there are four to six emerging artists who do live with intellectual disability, so it’s very much an inclusive process” Ms Lea believes in the power of inclusive art practice. Not just for the performers who live with a disability.

“The power of inclusive art practice is in

bringing together people who live with and without intellectual disability. It is a powerful space for creating,” she said.

Mrs Sgroi agrees that not only should inclusive practice be part of every business, but that it is very good for business.

“These days, you’re actually competing nationally,” she says. “Because people can buy anything online.”

“So, if you really want to be competitive, you need to start having that shift and realising that if they choose you locally, they choose you because you’re putting purpose before your dollar.”

Does this mean you have to become a nonprofit?

“It’s actually the opposite! You can create 50 per cent more revenue, because people are looking for you,” she says.

This year’s nominees and award winners have a lot to be proud of.

“Inclusion is for everyone and it’s something we all can contribute too. Every nominee in this year’s awards demonstrates what can be achieved when people are empowered to fully participate in our community”, says Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Suzanne Orr.

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news

Summernats 38 in Canberra. Photos Wilson Au Yeung 22

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news

Summernats from the outside looking in

by VINCENT SAMARAS I was born in Canberra and have lived here for almost all of my 31 years, but until last Saturday, Summernats had always been something I experienced from a distance, usually through headlines and strong opinions.

I’m not a car person and it’s never been an event that’s appealed to me, but I figured it was time to see it for myself.

Summernats arrives when Canberra is otherwise quiet, and for a few days, it completely changes the rhythm of the city.

My dad used to go once a year to meet his nephew, who owns a diecast model car shop (shoutout to Motorfocus) and sets up a

stall at Summernats every year. He describes that annual hike from the car park to the Motorfocus stall as his “yearly walk through hell”. I now know exactly what he means.

Canberra always seems to turn up the heat when Summernats is on, and it didn’t disappoint this year. I went along to the City Cruise down Northbourne on Thursday afternoon, with the temperature well on its way to hitting the 39°C it eventually reached. Still, people were lined up, hiding in the shade, along Northbourne to catch a glimpse of the extravagant cars.

The 15-minute parade offered plenty to take in, from an old-school police car whose passenger barked,

Summernats is one of Canberra’s most polarising events. Photo: Wilson Au Yeung

“Get back to work, and that’s an order!”, to a cool minibus and a tiny three-wheeled Peel P50 that stole the show.

Then, to truly get the Summernats experience, I headed along to EPIC on Saturday afternoon when the temperature was around 37°C. I’ve been to many major events in Canberra, but from the smells to the sights and the demographic, this was certainly like no other.

The burnout pit epitomised Summernats. The smell alone was enough to turn me off, but seeing people cheering while being completely engulfed in smoke was something else.

Outside of the burnouts, I walked around checking out a host of incredible cars that must have cost a small fortune to put together. My favourite part, however, was watching people slowly cruise around the circuit set up to keep cars moving almost non-stop. Crowds gathered along the barricades, urging drivers to let their engines roar. It was a simple part of the 24

15 January 2026

festival, but one that perfectly captured the joy and energy that Summernats brings out in its fans.

There are a few negatives associated with the event that people tend to raise each year.

The amount of burnt rubber is unlikely to be great for the environment, particularly in a city and under a government that prides itself on being climate conscious (although the roughly $45 million plus Summernats generates may make it easier for the government to cover their eyes from the smoke). The crowd also tends to spill beyond the festival grounds, leaving burnout markings across the city, and there have been occasional instances of bad behaviour and violence over the years.

While I’m not sure I would do the ‘walk through hell’ again, but after finally seeing it up close, I understand why it has lasted nearly four decades. Canberrans do not need to love every event we host, but it does benefit from being a city that makes room for them. canberradaily.com.au

have you heard?

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

GIVIT donation of the week: Washing machine GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation that provides whole-of-life support to women such as housing, counselling, family and children’s support and many other programs. They are seeking support for a young client who had fled her home due to family violence. This young lady in her early 20s has had a traumatic childhood. She had an abusive father and a mother who was addicted to drugs. She left home in fear of her stepfather’s release from prison and sought emergency accommodation. Despite her past, she is determined to live a full life. She volunteers to help the less fortunate and is learning sign language to be able to assist others in the future. She is currently on priority for public housing and will need support with some furniture and white goods. This organisation is seeking the donation of a washing machine for her long term accommodation. This donation will greatly help her as she starts a new life on her own. Generous Canberrans can donate a washing machine or fund its purchase.

100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase what’s needed. To help please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘washing machine’ and Suburb: ‘Ainslie, 2602’.

Bold Bandannas Charity Stall The Bold Bandannas Relay for Life team will be selling a range of handmade and homemade items, including preserves (regular and sugar-reduced), lemon butter, crocheted hand towels, padded coat hangers, and handmade knee rugs and blankets. They are also the sole sellers of the children’s book Who Stole the Egg?, a unique gift idea. All proceeds support cancer research, prevention and support.

Enquiries: Jan 0451 679 220.

Canberra Lakes Ladies Probus Club Canberra Lakes Ladies Probus Club will hold its first meeting for 2026 on Monday 19 January, 10am, at the Eastlake Football Club, 3 Oxley Street, Griffith. The club meets on the third Monday of each month and welcomes retired or semi-retired women interested in friendship, outings, books, games, movies and social activities. The January meeting will include a short meeting, a cuppa and a relaxed get-to-know-you session. Guests are welcome. RSVP to Enid on 6258 7709.

Enquiries: President Joan 0406 377 855.

Sunday Brunch Toastmasters Club Build confidence in public speaking in a friendly, supportive environment with the Sunday Brunch Toastmasters Club. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, 10am for a 10:15am start until 12pm. Join in person at the Australian Croatian Club, 68 McCaughey Street, Turner, or via Zoom.

Guests are welcome. Details: sundaybrunchtoastmastersclubs.org or email sundaybrunch1015@gmail.com.

HYH submissions Submissions to our free Have You Heard community noticeboard are reserved for charity, not-for-profit and community organisations. Deadline for submissions is 10 days prior to the Thursday edition date. Email your submission with essential details – who, what, where, when, cost, contact details – to news@ newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject heading. Flyers and attachments not accepted. Due to space restrictions, please keep it brief. Please note: publication in print is not guaranteed. canberradaily.com.au

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taste

Chorizo Baked Eggs Ingredients 1 small brown onion 1 clove of garlic ½ Tbsp smoked paprika 1 tsp cumin Recipe and image from Australian Eggs.

1 chorizo sliced 200g crushed tomato 4 eggs 100g mozzarella Sourdough, to serve

Method Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the chorizo has a brown crust.

Slice the onion thin and add to a frying pan on medium heat with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 2 minutes

until translucent. Add cumin and paprika, stirring to combine. Toast spices for 30 seconds.

Grate in fresh garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add in tomato and mozzarella, stirring to combine.

Transfer to an oven-safe dish and crack 4 eggs on top.

Bake in an oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked to your liking.

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.

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time out

Ovation promises great music, memories and connection at Canberra Theatre

by VINCENT SAMARAS

David Hobson, Silvie Paladino, Michael Cormick and Marina Prior will perform at Canberra Theatre on Saturday 21 February.

Four of Australia’s most celebrated stage performers will reunite at Canberra Theatre on Saturday 21 February for Ovation, a concert bringing together

Marina Prior, David Hobson, Silvie Paladino and Michael Cormick.

On paper, it is a powerhouse line-up, featuring a program of musical theatre and opera classics delivered by four of the country’s most recognisable voices. But when David and Marina talk about Ovation, it quickly becomes clear the show is driven as much by friendship and shared history as it is by repertoire.

“We’ve been performing together in different combinations for years,” Marina tells CW. “David and I have been doing concerts together for the last eight to ten years, and they’ve been incredibly successful and a lot of fun. What’s special about this show is bringing Silvie and Michael into the mix and finally doing a full tour together.”

Between them, the four performers have shared stages, dressing rooms and productions for decades.

Ovation marks the first time they have created a concert built on that shared history and are now taking it on the road, with Canberra the opening stop.

“There’s a real ease between us,” David says.

“People sometimes expect us to be very formal because of the worlds we come from, but that’s not really what this show is. Yes, there’s still polish and structure, but we can be loose. We lift the lid a bit.”

Musically, audiences can expect the big numbers, the songs people know, love and expect, alongside a few surprises.

“The hardest thing is choosing what not to do,” Marina laughs. “There are too many songs. If we did everything we love, it would be an eight-hour concert.”

David agrees. “We’ll absolutely be doing the big guns from shows like Phantom, Les Misérables and Cats, along with operatic favourites. But we also throw in some unexpected moments, quirky pieces, character songs and even some comedy. Things people might not expect from us.”

Ovation will be performed at Canberra Theatre on Saturday 21 February 2026, starting at 7:30pm.

To book, visit canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/ ovation-2026

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OPEN 7 DAYS Phone: 02 6290 2077 15 January 2026

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time out

The king and I

Photo Georgia Curry

by GEORGIA CURRY

Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott at Sydney’s Central Station for the Elvis Express train.

Not wanting to boast, but over the summer holidays, I met Elvis (he’s alive and well in Parkes, NSW) and who knew that he was a Scottish claytarget-shooter from Sydney?

It’s possible he may have been an impersonator, but for all intents and purposes,

he looked legit (except maybe the tartan-trim jumpsuit). We were both catching the Elvis Express train from Sydney’s Central Station to Parkes Elvis Festival, along with 220 other Presleys.

Even train driver Pete White ditched his plain blue Transport NSW uniform for a white jumpsuit and mutton chops.

Seated beside me in the All Shook Up carriage was Elvis (a middle-aged surfer from Newcastle) dressed in gold bling from head to toe. He said he once skydived out of a plane dressed as Elvis, losing his wig and aviator sunnies on the way down.

This seven-hour train journey was anything but dull.

Priscilla Presley herself, from the Central Coast, was seated across the aisle and as the train embarked on its 365km journey, we were transported back to the 1950s as the live entertainment began.

First up was Kiwi Elvis, sporting a mullet, who told us that perfecting Elvis’ dance moves was easy: “You just get on the train and it’ll do the rest.”

As we shake, rattle and roll along, the cafe car is serving peanut butter, jelly, banana and bacon sandwiches, with doughnuts for dessert (I do hope

there was a defibrillator onboard).

Even though I gleefully joined in the conga line weaving its way down the Burning Love Bullet carriage (tricky but achievable), I should state that I’m not actually an Elvis fan. This bizarre rail experience, however, is for anyone who likes fancy dress, karaoke and frivolity.

If the official-looking Mayor of Parkes, Neil Westcott, can turn up on Pitt Street in a dazzling blue jumpsuit, anyone can. Even NSW Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, donned a beehive hairdo for the occasion.

As we rolled into Parkes Railway Station, the temperature outside was 38 degrees, but it didn’t stop us belting out Viva Las Vegas to greet the town crier (Elvis), a troupe of swing dancers, and about 25,000 raving Elvis fans.

The tiny town of Parkes, population 12,000, had miraculously transformed into Memphis, Tennessee.

Elvis has not left the building.

Thankyerverymuch.

The Elvis Parkes Festival is held every year in the second week in January, coinciding with Elvis Presley’s birthday. Info: parkeselvisfestival.com.au

Canberra Theatre Centre presents a Melbourne Theatre Company production

7 - 15 MARCH 2026 A new musical based on the novel by Miles Franklin.

Book by Sheridan Harbridge & Dean Bryant.

Music by Mathew Frank. Lyrics by Dean Bryant.

Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks.

MELBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY IS A DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE AND IS SUPPORTED BY CREATIVE AUSTRALIA AND CREATIVE VICTORIA. MY BRILLIANT CAREER WAS DEVELOPED BY MONASH UNIVERSITY, MELBOURNE, AS PART OF THE JEANNE PRATT ARTIST IN RESIDENCY PROGRAM, CITY OF STONNINGTON AND MELBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY’S NEXT STAGE WRITERS’ PROGRAM.

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time out

Book talk

This week, Jeff Popple reviews three enjoyable summer reads! More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Dark Desert Road by Tim Ayliffe Echo, $34.99

Tim Ayliffe mixes sharp-eyed social commentary with fast-paced action in his latest novel, Dark Desert Road. Burnt-out Sydney police officer Kit McCarthy has been ordered to take time off work to recover from a recent case. Any respite is short-lived, however, when she gets a frantic cry for help from her estranged identical sister. Billie has been living off the grid with her young son and American marine husband in a sovereign citizen camp in outback New South Wales and is now in trouble. As Kit searches for Billie, others are also in pursuit, leading to a blood-soaked climax.

Superior Australian crime fiction.

MEDIA PARTNER

The First Law of the Bush

by Geoff Parkes Penguin, $34.99 Geoff Parkes made an impressive entry into the crime fiction realm with his first novel, When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole. His new book is set ten years after the first and finds young lawyer Ryan Bradley back in the remote New Zealand rural town of Nashville. Hired to seek compensation for the death of a local resident, Ryan finds himself caught up in something a lot nastier and more dangerous. Parkes once more excels in his depiction of time and place, and his characters vividly come to life as the story gradually weaves its way to a strong conclusion.

A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage by M. K. Oliver Hemlock Press, $32.99 Providing lighter, albeit dark at times, reading is M. K. Oliver’s sparkling debut, A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage. Lalla Rook has a lot on her plate. She needs to ensure that her unambitious husband makes partner at his firm, secure her dream house in Hampstead, get her slightly odd daughter into a prestigious prep school and deal with the corpse in her living room. She also has to host a four-yearold’s birthday party without anyone noticing the body of the stranger she stabbed seven times. Fortunately, Lalla has her lists to keep her focused and her ability to compartmentalise. A hilarious and brilliantly executed beach novel.

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OVER THREE BIG NIGHTS ON AUSTRALIA DAY LONG WEEKEND NATIONAL CAPITAL AUTHORITY & NATIONAL AUSTRALIA DAY COUNCIL PRESENT

DRONE SKYSHOW + NIGHT MARKETS 9:00pm and 10:00pm I 5:00pm–10:30pm

24–26 JANUARY 2026

RETURNS BIGGER, BRIGHTER AND BOLDER THAN EVER BEFORE! 600 drones lighting up the sky in two different shows Night markets, live music and roving entertainment Huge variety of food and drink available Special FLIGHT soundtrack with narration On beautiful Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra’s National Triangle

RETURNS BIGGER, BRIGHTER AND BOLDER THAN EVER BEFORE!

Night Markets | 5:00pm – 10:30pm

Explore the bustling stalls featuring an array of local vendors, mouthwatering cuisines, unique crafts, and roaming entertainment.

Show 1 | Dream Big | 9:00pm

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Public Transport

Free NCA shuttle buses nightly to City and Woden

Dream Big is a tribute to the possibility, curiosity, courage and ambition that lives in every young Australian. Follow a young girl’s dreams as they imagine her future, with everyday heroes, big ideas and unlimited potential. From sports to mega pop stardom, Dream Big is an uplifting and powerful reminder that in Australia, dreaming big belongs to everyone.

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Event Hubs

Show 2 | Aussie Icons | 10:00pm

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Listen Live

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Parking

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Markets, Food and Entertainment

Commonwealth Place (Hub 1) for food, markets and music. Kings Park (Hub 2) for food and roving entertainers.

Bring a speaker and scan the QR code to enjoy the drone show soundtrack.

Parking locations on NCA website.

Arrive early and consider your commute.

Allow time to arrive and depart.

Accessible parking at Questacon.

From 5:00pm to 10:30pm nightly at Hub 1. Food and drink at both Hubs.

Music at Hub 1 from 5:30pm nightly.

Aussie Icons celebrates the colourful mix of humour and pride that binds Australians together - from the outback to the coast, and every community in between. Follow a shimmering Christmas beetle as it zips across Uluru, dives the Great Barrier Reef and dodges a crocodile. It’s a cinematic celebration of the landscapes, symbols and spirit that make us uniquely Australian.

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Hub 1 – Night Markets + Beer Garden + Live Music

Shuttle Bus Stop

Road Closure

Toilets

Parking

Exclusion Zone

First Aid + Information

Hub 2 – Family Hub

Accessible Parking Only

Food + Drink

Viewing Points

TRANSPORT + EVENT INFO

SOUNDTRACK + NARRATION

Entertainment

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PUZZLES & STARS

PLAY UNLIMITED PUZZLES ONLINE canberradaily.com.au/puzzles

CROSSWORD NO. 0745

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Down 1 Henhouses 2 Picturesque 3 Sailor 4 Gem 5 Rubbed out 6 Fashionable garment 7 Changes 8 Observe 9 Unassuming 15 Theatrical production 16 Play on words 17 Limb 18 Keen to do 20 Sane 23 Nourished 24 Opening 25 Means of transport 26 Fight 27 Shooting star 28 Clergyman 29 Cuts off 32 Discover 34 Pinch 36 Regret

BRAIN BUSTERS 1 The 1894 poem, Saltbush Bill, is a humorous poem by which iconic Australian?

2 In relation to recording and producing audio files, what does DAW stand for?

3 Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of which car manufacturer?

4 Who stars in the title role in the 2024 movie, Madame Web? 5 Which countries share a land border with Belgium?

SOLUTIONS

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)

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)

The week demands high energy, and you’ll need help. Maybe it’s cheerful company. Maybe it’s coffee. It works. Plan a chill day for the near future. It’s harder to plan this kind of day than it is to drive yourself with an ambitious to-do list. Relaxation time is sacred and needs protection.

DIFFICULTY RATING

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Across 1 Put back 6 Yawning fissure 10 Headwear 11 Zodiac sign 12 Musical drama 13 Made watchful 14 Journey 17 Instructional discourses 19 Made safe 21 Used a seat 22 Inferior horse 23 Thick mist 25 Bath 27 Threatens 30 Understood clearly 31 Unmixed 33 Extreme 35 Angry 37 No score 38 Fastener 39 Charm 40 Buys back

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ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

The way you greet people has evolved through the years. It’s about to change again, intentionally, because you aim to bring more warmth and safety even to casual interactions. You sense people need it. You don’t just accept the tone – you set it, ensuring your influence is felt.

“How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?” asks Bob Dylan. The answer is not blowing in the wind as there are definite markers of maturity and worthiness for some roles. You’ll make sure to meet the requirements. Also, ensure that you require this of others.

BRAIN BUSTERS 1 Banjo Paterson 2 Digital audio workstation 3 Toyota Motor Corporation 4 Dakota Johnson 5 Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France

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15 JANUARY — 21 JANUARY

You feel right with the world when all your relationships are in good standing. You’re willing to let certain things go or let another person win because you’d rather not be bothered with petty scores. They pull focus from the projects and goals you will be progressing this week.

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STARS BY HOLIDAY MATHIS

When things don’t go to plan, the immature seek a scapegoat. You prefer to be more scientific. It’s not about who is to blame. Rather, it’s about how things work, and that can usually be figured out with observation, intelligence and perseverance – all qualities you have plenty of this week.

The mighty oak grew on its own, without a parent standing over it giving it an allowance, or chores, or even a cheer squad. If you’ve been under-supported, just know that it may have nothing to do with how things turn out for you. You’re strong, and you’re destined to endure as you reach for the sun.

If someone keeps coming back to you but you can’t return the impulse, it’s usually a sign that they were getting a more of what they needed out of the relationship than you were. Consider getting outside opinions because a clear perspective is needed for the happiest outcome here.

You go into a situation or just hoping to connect, and emotions erupt. It’s not you. It’s a combination of factors. And though you’re not the sole cause, you can be the sole fixer by simply walking away. Your fine character will shine this week as you give people respect and space.

It’s not that you don’t have a support system, it’s just that it’s a little bit decentralised. Often it feels like there’s no one to lean, and maybe that is for the best.

There are things you’ll need, and it’s a real variety pack of needs at that. Ask for 10% from 10 different people, and all will be fulfilled.

A servant’s heart is a character trait that may or may not exist in the person who provide service.

Some people are too needy to correctly fulfill the role, and will, in some way or another, take from the ones they are supposed to be helping. Stay aware of the many currencies in play.

The magic question now is not How, or Who but When? If you act at the right time, all else falls into place. When is the right time?

Be ready, stay alert and act upon your first inkling that opportunity is at hand. Your instincts are spoton; it will almost feel as though you were being nudged to move.

Even cold days have optimal hours where the temperature is more conducive to a walk in the fresh air. The metaphor applies to a challenge you face this week.

Even a difficult stretch will have its moments of sunshine. You’ll be on top because you make the most of the lighter moments.

Discover. Explore. Enjoy.

Daily News directly to you.

Subscribe today! canberradaily.com.au

15 January 2026

35

health & wellbeing

The psychology of why we talk behind people’s backs

C

W

R

We’ve all been there. You’re having coffee with a friend and before you know it, you’re complaining that your partner never picks up their phone or sighing about your teenager leaving wet towels on the floor. Sometimes it’s a workmate who drives you mad, or a parent whose “helpful advice” feels more like criticism. Afterwards, you might feel guilty; after all, these are people you care about. So why do we talk behind people’s backs? Let’s have a look at what the research says.

CO

NTRIBU

TO

friend forgot your birthday, or your flatmate left the fridge empty again.

Sharing the story with someone else helps us check in, “Would you be upset too?” That reassurance can make us feel less alone or help us see the situation in a different light.

Avoiding conflict: Many of us hate confrontation, especially with the people we love. Rather than risk a big argument, we complain to someone else instead. While this can feel safer in the short term, it doesn’t solve the issue.

A social glue: Believe it or not, talking about others, even negatively, can strengthen bonds between the people

with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

Letting off steam: Often it’s simply about letting off steam. When someone close to us frustrates us, it can feel too risky or uncomfortable to bring it up directly. Talking it through with a trusted friend gives us a safe outlet to release frustration and calm down before deciding what to do next.

Checking we’re not overreacting: Sometimes we’re not sure if our feelings are justified. Maybe your best

sharing the conversation. Psychologists point out that gossip has always served as a kind of social glue. Of course, when it’s about people we care about, that bonding moment can come with guilt.

When it crosses the line: There’s a difference between a quick vent and repeated, harsh criticism. If talking behind someone’s back becomes your only outlet, or if the comments are cruel, it can damage trust and leave the relationship stuck. And let’s face it, if word gets back to the person, it can really hurt.

A better way forward: It’s natural to want to talk things through with others.

But it’s worth pausing to ask: Am I using this chat to work out what I want to say, or to avoid saying it at all? If the issue matters, the healthier move is to gently raise it with the person themselves.

Here’s a quick guide.

Quick Guide to talking the issue out with the person • Pick your moment — a calm, private setting works best.

• Say how you feel — use “I” statements rather than blame.

• Stick to one issue — don’t pile on a list of complaints.

• Balance it out — remind them what you value as well as what’s hard.

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15 January 2026

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Some social media use can benefit teen mental health

by TESS IKONOMOU, AAP Australian teenagers who never use social media are at higher risk of low wellbeing than their peers who spend some time online, a study suggests.

Research by the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics analysed three years of data from more than 100,000 Australian children spanning years four to 12.

It found adolescents reporting moderate use of social media generally had the “most favourable wellbeing profiles”.

Both non-users and those on social media at the highest levels were at elevated risk for poorer wellbeing.

“The results of this study highlight a nonlinear, u-shaped association between social media use and

wellbeing,” the report found.

“This ... study provides compelling evidence that high social media use was consistently associated with poorer wellbeing.”

For younger girls between grades four to six, wellbeing was highest with no use, but from middle adolescence and older, moderate use was most advantageous. In boys, non-use became increasingly associated with poorer outcomes the older they became from mid-adolescence.

“These associations highlight that both abstinence and heavy use can be problematic and that the impact of social media is contingent on age and sex,” the report reads.

It recommends public health measures move from simple timebased limits to promotion of balanced and “purposeful” digital engagement as part of a broader strategy.

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15 January 2026

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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.

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home

The little things that make a house feel like home A house can be perfectly styled, freshly painted and immaculately furnished, yet still feel oddly empty.

What turns a house into a home is rarely the big-ticket items. More often, it’s the small, everyday details that quietly shape how a space feels to live in.

Light is a good place to start.

Warm lamps in corners, a soft glow in the evening and natural light during the day instantly make a space feel more inviting than harsh overhead lighting. The same goes for texture.

Cushions you actually lean on, throws within arm’s reach and rugs underfoot create comfort in ways polished surfaces never can.

Smell plays a bigger role than many people realise. The scent of cooking, fresh laundry, a candle or

even clean air drifting through open windows can trigger a sense of familiarity and calm. It’s often the first thing people notice when they walk through the door.

Then there are the personal touches. Photos that tell a story, a child’s artwork on the fridge, books that are clearly being read rather than styled, souvenirs that spark a memory. These aren’t decorative choices, they’re markers of life being lived.

Clutter, too, has its place. Not mess, but the kind of lived-in clutter that suggests someone has just stepped out of the room and will be back shortly. A pair of shoes by the door, a coffee mug on the bench, a dog bed in the sun.

Summer Design & Heritage Assessment — $395 Flat Fee Expert guidance for homes with character, restrictions, or big potential.

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Canberra’s specialists in architecture, interiors, and heritage 40

15 January 2026

canberradaily.com.au

RENOVATE

TO STAY OR SELL If your home no longer suits your needs but the thought of selling, moving, or renovating feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.

After

At Renovation Matters, we help Canberra homeowners unlock the true value of their homes through thoughtful, costeffective renovations that add comfort, function, and style — all delivered with the expertise of some of Canberra’s best tradespeople.

Renovate to sell: We guide you through strategic upgrades that help you sell faster, for a higher price, and with minimal stress — with funding available until settlement.

Renovate to stay: Love where you live? We can help you update your home for comfort, style, and functionality. From decluttering and updating key rooms to managing trusted trades on your behalf, we handle it all with care, clarity, and a personal touch.

“I had a fantastic experience working with Renovation Matters to get my house ready for sale. They did an excellent job with the renovations—everything was completed to a high standard and on schedule.

The team was professional, reliable, and Kim kept me informed throughout the whole process. Communication was always clear and prompt. Kim’s management skills are exceptional. She is an absolute pleasure to work with.

She is compassionate, professional, thoughtful, clever, and brilliant at her job. I highly recommend Renovation Matters and Kim to anyone needing quality renovation work.”

RENOVATION MATTERS Transforming homes for staying or selling Call Kim on 0427 696 662 www.renovationmatters.com.au Local. Trusted. Female-led.

Before

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property of the week

find more at canberradaily.com.au

Space and comfort Evatt 56 Levine St Set on a generous block in a quiet, family-friendly pocket of Evatt, this well-maintained home offers comfortable living with space to grow and an easy, lowmaintenance lifestyle.

Designed with great separation between living and bedroom zones, the home features a tiled open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, three bedrooms with built-in robes, and a central family bathroom with a separate toilet. The modern kitchen is well equipped with ample bench and storage space, a full pantry, gas cooktop, under-bench oven and dishwasher, making everyday living and entertaining effortless. Sliding doors open directly to the backyard and covered patio, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Comfort is assured year-round with reverse-cycle air conditioning, ceiling fans, security screens and window furnishings throughout. Additional features include an internal laundry with yard access, a single lock-up carport with drive-through access, and extra off-street parking.

Outside, the landscaped yard is fully fenced, low maintenance and ideal for children and pets, with established trees, paved areas and space to relax or entertain.

Within walking distance to primary and secondary schools, buses and Evatt shops, and just 10 minutes from Belconnen, this solid home offers a sought-after location on a quiet street.

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Trades & Services Guide INDEX

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

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Air Conditioning/Heating

59

Arborist

59

Bathroom Renovations

59

Bathrooms & Kitchens

59

Car Detailing

59

Carpet Laying

60

Cleaning Service

60

Concreting & Related

60

Construction

60

Decks

60

Electrical

60

Engineering Services

60

Excavation

60

Fencing

61

Gardening

61

Gutter Cleaning

61

Handyperson

61

Call Emmett 0417 411 487

Home Renovations

61

Mechanics

61

FULLY INSURED, PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE

Painting

61

Plastering & Painting

62

Plumbing & Gasfitting

62

Roofing

62

Rubbish Removals

62

Tiling

63

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

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Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800 or email sales@newstimemedia.com.au 15 January 2026

59

Trades & Services Guide CARPET LAYING

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

CONSTRUCTION

ELECTRICAL

GT

PRIME ONE ELECTRICAL

Carpet Service

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CLEANING SERVICE

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

$250

ACT license No. 2018491

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Trades & Services Guide EXCAVATION

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

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Trades & Services Guide

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

PAINTING

PLUMBING & GASFITTING

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JUST A PLUMBER

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

ROOFING

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

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news briefs

ACT Policing cracks down on ‘hoon drivers’ over Summernats weekend

ACT Policing seized 19 vehicles and caught 22 impaired drivers in the lead up to and during this year’s Summernats.

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

Policing conducted high-visibility patrols both 12 year Guarantee: Locally owned & operated in and around the event, and on Canberra roads.

Contact Carl or Tracie at All-Tile Regrouting for a free inspection & quote on 0427 617 365 | Six arrests were made at the event, with a 0426 251 763 or email carle14@hotmail.com further eight arrests made on ACT roads as a result of impaired driving and dangerous driving behaviour, including burnouts. A total of 197 traffic infringement notices for speeding and other unsafe driving behaviour were Delivering comprehensivetiling tilingservice servicetoto the Delivering aa comprehensive domestic and and commercial market; enabling clients to issued across the four days. the domestic commercial market; enabling ACT Policing Detective Inspector Mark enjoy results. clientsthe to quality enjoy the quality results.

Steel said that while Summernats crowds were Punctualand and Reliable Service.

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Summernats rubber set to hit New Zealand roads in 2027 In 2027, any long white cloud you see might be coming from the wheels of a burnout car as Summernats continues its international expansion, just announcing the New Zealand edition of the world’s wildest car festival is set to be staged at Mystery Creek in Hamilton on February 26-28, 2027.

Summernats injects over $45 million into the Canberra economy each year. There were around 3000 entries this year, and an estimated 130,000 attendees.

Following last September’s announcement that Summernats would be taking place 12-14 March 2026 in Florida at the world-renowned Freedom Factory and Bradenton Motorsports Park, Summernats organisers declared that the festival is heading across the pond to deliver a slice of petrol head heaven in 2027.

Googong man caught drug driving twice in one day A 25-year-old Googong man was allegedly caught drug driving twice in the space of a few hours.

Police first stopped the man on Majura Parkway about 11.30am on Sunday 11 January, where a roadside drug test returned a positive result. Further testing at Gungahlin Police Station also detected a prescribed drug.

He was issued with a 12-hour direction not to drive and released shortly after 12.30pm.

Police later saw the same man driving again on Majura Parkway. He initially refused a drug test and was taken into custody about 1.40pm, where further testing at City Police Station again returned a positive result.

Australia’s Rose Byrne wins Golden Globe award Australian Rose Byrne has joined the winners’ list at the Golden Globe Awards, taking out the gong for best performance by a female actor in a musical or comedy.

Byrne won for her performance as a psychotherapist in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, saying the award was a surprise despite her being considered the favourite.

“Of course I didn’t prepare anything. I didn’t sing in this movie. Thank you so much. This is such a shock!” Byrne said.

“Thanks so much to my parents for getting Paramount+ so they can watch in Sydney.”

Byrne paid tribute to If I Had Legs I’d Kick You writer-director Mary Bronstein.

“She wrote this unbelievable screenplay and she wanted me to do it, and I can’t believe you wanted me to do it … We shot this movie in 25 days for like $8.50. This is a tiny film so this is a huge thing to be up here.”

15 January 2026

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