Final Developer Release
1, 2, 3 Bed & Sky Townhouses
Available from $484,900
FEATURES
Amazing views across Canberra from the upper levels
Boutique development
Construction has commenced, move in 2026
Designed to be low maintenance
Double glazing
Multiple atrium gardens
Bosch appliances
In the heart of one of Canberra’s best restaurant districts
For daily news visit us at canberradaily.com.au, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on socials @canberradaily
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Nick Samaras
EDITOR Vincent Samaras news@newstimemedia.com.au
GENERAL MANAGER Alan Biddle
ART DIRECTOR Wilson Au Yeung
EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
T: 02 6175 8800 E: sales@newstimemedia.com.au
3/21 Albany St, Fyshwick ACT 2609
Woden Green is building connection and community with residents.
Photo by Wilson Au Yeung.
Canberra’s Independent Hearing Care
FOUNDER
“When I founded Empower Hearing, my goal was simple—to provide honest, independent hearing care where every recommendation is based on what’s best for the individual.
Opening our permanent clinic at South.Point Shopping Centre is an exciting milestone, and we look forward to welcoming you and your family.”
Hebin Henry Kallikkadan - Founder & Audiologist
room to the library, cinema, work-from-home spaces and landscaped podium gardens, the shared facilities are designed to be warm, inviting encourage residents to spend time together rather than simply pass through them.
More than an apartment, a place to belong
As lifestyles evolve, today’s homebuyers are placing greater value on spacious homes, thoughtfully designed amenities, beautifully landscaped green spaces and a genuine sense of community. Developed by family-owned company Hindmarsh, which has more than 45 years of experience delivering residential communities, Woden Green brings those elements together, creating a completed residential community that o ers not only contemporary apartments, but a lifestyle designed around connection, convenience and everyday living.
According to Ben Wilson, Listing Agent at The Property Collective Projects, that focus has helped create something much more than an apartment development.
“What Hindmarsh has delivered here is a new neighbourhood,” he says. “The communities that
are forming aren’t happening by accident. They’re happening because the amenity has been really well executed.”
Now complete and welcoming residents, Woden Green o ers buyers the rare opportunity to experience exactly what they’re purchasing. Instead of imagining what life might look like, they can walk through the finished apartments, explore the gardens, visit the resident facilities and see the community already taking shape.
“For me, that’s one of the biggest di erences,” Ben says. “People can come here and actually experience it. They can see the apartments, they can see the amenities and they can see the community that’s already forming.”
That sense of community is something Ben believes has been carefully designed into every aspect of the development.
From the heated indoor lap pool and private dining
“I’ve seen engagement parties, birthday celebrations, kids doing homework in the library, people reading books by the reflection ponds, grandparents bringing their grandkids to the pool and neighbours catching up in the dog park. That’s what good amenity should do,” says Ben.
It’s these everyday moments that Ben believes create a genuine sense of belonging.
“For me, coming home should start the moment you arrive,” he says. “At Woden Green, I think people feel at home from the moment they arrive and walk through the gardens and shared spaces.”
While the community facilities are a standout feature, Ben says the apartments themselves have also been designed to remove many of the compromises traditionally associated with apartment living.
Higher ceilings, generous kitchens, ample storage and spacious living areas feature throughout the development, while even the one-bedroom apartments retain the same kitchen footprint found in the larger homes.
“Space has been a real priority,” Ben says. “Even our entry-level apartments feel generous because we’ve focused on keeping the living areas and kitchens spacious rather than scaling everything back.”
That flexibility has proven particularly popular with
Woden Green combines the convenience of town centre living with beautifully landscaped surrounds.
Backed
by more than 45 years of experience,
Hindmarsh has created Woden Green as a community focused on connection, convenience and everyday living.
downsizers and empty nesters, who now make up much of Woden Green’s buyer profile.
“People often think downsizing means compromising,” says Ben. “I honestly believe they’re upgrading in so many ways. They’re not just getting rid of things they no longer need, they’re gaining a whole level of amenity that they probably never had before.”
Buyers are also coming from well beyond the Woden Valley, with strong interest from established Inner South suburbs including Red Hill, Forrest, Yarralumla, Garran, Hughes and Chifley. Ben says many have been searching for spacious, high-quality apartments without compromising on lifestyle or amenity.
“We’ve actually converted a lot of buyers from the Inner South who were looking for this level of quality and amenity, but simply couldn’t find it,” he says. “There are new developments there, but because of the location everything is generally smaller. Here, people are finding the space and the lifestyle they’ve been looking for.”
quieter side of the town centre, and that’s something people really value.”
As more residents make Woden Green home, the vision behind the development continues to come to life, with thoughtfully designed homes, premium shared amenities and a growing community creating a place people are proud to call home.
“We’re not just creating apartments, we’re creating a new neighbourhood,” Ben says. “The community that’s forming here is exactly what we hoped Woden Green would become.”
“At Woden Green, I think people feel at home from the moment they arrive and walk through the gardens and shared spaces.”
Along with its generous apartments and extensive shared facilities, Ben says Woden Green’s location has become another major drawcard. Positioned on the quieter, greener eastern side of the Woden town centre, residents enjoy easy access to Westfield Woden, Canberra Hospital, restaurants, public transport and nearby Eddison Park.
“The connectivity is a big selling point,” he says. “You’re close to the hospital, the town centre and all the amenities people use every day, but you’re also surrounded by green space. It’s on the greener,
A selection of one-bedroom plus study, two-bedroom, twobedroom plus media and a premium penthouse apartment are still available. To experience the completed development and explore the display apartments, visit wodengreen.com.au or contact The Property Collective Projects to arrange an inspection.
Visit the display apartments at 102 Easty Street: Saturday, 10-11:30am Sunday, 12:30 - 1:30pm
Ben Wilson, Listing Agent at The Property Collective Projects.
Bringing joy and soul: Joshua’s journey with Hotel Etico lights up Mercure Canberra
by BERNIE RYAN
Earlier this year, Canberra Weekly visited Mercure Canberra to discuss the launch of Hotel Etico Australia, a hospitality social enterprise and supported-living program for young adults living with disability.
As part of the program, trainees spend two nights a week living in the dedicated Hotel Etico wing of Mercure Canberra and are allocated shifts across various departments, including room service, housekeeping, restaurant and events.
Joshua Kinsey Ward commenced his traineeship in March.
Joshua, who lives with Down syndrome, was finishing a four-hour breakfast shift in the hotel’s Courtyard Restaurant where he was cleaning tables and chairs and resetting them for the next sitting.
Apart from his continuing improvement, “… ironing my own clothes,” Joshua reports that one of the things he has learned is how to navigate relationships with people who also live with disability.
“What else have I learned?” Joshua says.
“To get along with other people, other people who have disabilities.”
Hotel Etico CEO and Co-founder Andrea Comastri says that this area of development in trainees is a key element of the program’s success.
“The biggest gift we give them, is the confidence in themselves,” he says.
Hotel General Manager Lukas Wilfling reports that Joshua and his trainee colleagues are an asset to the Mercure.
“Josh’s main strength, besides being a hard worker, is just that he’s so talkative,” says Mr Wilfling.
“He just loves hanging out with guests… he is… genuine.”
Mr Wilfling says that what
trainees like Josh bring to the guest experience is something that used to be a fundamental of hotel customer service, “people taking time out of their day to have a conversation with guests and provide that genuine care for people”.
Hotel Etico Australia has supported 70 trainees since its launch in Australia and now employs 57 staff across the hotel and program, including 25 current trainees; proof that disability employment scales when the model is right.
As a result of this success, Mr Comastri was a finalist in last year’s Kismet Awards for Health and Disability Services, and entries for the 2026 awards close on 17 July.
According to Joshua, everyone should be nominating Mr Comastri again this year.
“I love this guy very much. He is one of the best CEO’s I’ve ever worked with,” says Joshua.
Hotel Etico trainee Joshua Kinsey Ward and Hotel Etico CEO and Co-founder Andrea Comastri.
Photo Bernie
Weston:
Fetherston
development approved
F a y.... Fe er !
The highly anticipated milestone has arrived for Weston Creek, with Village Building Co. confirming development approval for Fetherston at Weston, a new community set to transform the former AFP college site between Unwin Street and Heysen Street. The approval is set for construction of 168 modern townhomes, marking the beginning of a significant new chapter for one of Canberra’s most established suburbs.
Fetherston will o er a mix of 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes priced from $699,900, thoughtfully designed to appeal to first home buyers, professionals, downsizers and growing families. The masterplan includes multiple parks and open spaces, along with a new childcare centre to support young families from the outset. It’s a community designed to blend the comfort of a brand-new home with the convenience of an already-established neighbourhood.
Fetherston places residents within easy reach of everyday amenities, with Cooleman Court Shopping Centre at the heart of local convenience. Schools, cafés/restaurants, parks, shopping and recreational facilities are all close
by, strengthening the development’s connection to the wider Weston Creek community. Beyond the neighbourhood, Woden Town Centre, Canberra City, the Parliamentary Triangle and other major employment hubs are also easily accessible, o ering a lifestyle that balances ease, accessibility and belonging.
Interest in the site has remained strong throughout the lengthy and complex approval process. Village Building Co. CEO Rob Fisher says the announcement provides clarity for locals who have watched the site evolve over many years.
“The number one question I am asked around town is ‘what’s happening at Weston?’ and today we can answer that question with certainty,” said Mr Fisher.
“We are delighted to receive approval for this development and acknowledge the recent improvements in the ACT planning process which allow us to bring it to market. Minister Steel and his team are making real progress, and we support their continued e orts. A large site like this requires a lot of work and I extend my thanks to the many Village sta and consultants
who have worked tirelessly to get to this point.”
Fetherston will be delivered in stages, with the first release comprising 49 townhomes from the approved masterplan. Construction of Stage One is anticipated to begin in early 2027, with the first residents expected to move in during the first quarter of 2028. Future stages will be released progressively as the community grows.
The project will be delivered by Village Building Co.’s in-house construction team, ensuring continuity from planning through to construction and delivery.
Mr Fisher added, “Fetherston represents an important new chapter for Weston, delivering much-needed housing choice within one of Canberra’s most established and connected communities. Village Building Co. looks forward to bringing the project to life and welcoming the first residents to the community in 2028.”
The Fetherston sales o ce is located on Heysen Street. More details can be found at fetherston. com.au.
Heysen Street, Weston
T: Daniel Beames | 0416 386 877
E: marketing@villagebuilding.com.au
W: fetherston.com.au
I was saddened to see, but not surprised, that new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham (remember, I said he’d be worse than Sir Keir) has confirmed he will go ahead with the lunatic Chagos Islands deal, where the UK puts Western security at risk by giving the Chagos Islands (aka Diego Garcia and home to a US air and naval base in the middle of the Indian Ocean) to the Mauritian Government, then leasing them back for £35 billion for 99 years, so the Mauritian Government can then lease some of them to the Chinese. You could not make this up.
Please, Mr Trump, do something to stop this madness!
Apart from the sheer unadulterated stupidity of this “deal” – why not just keep the islands British? – it also has the hallmarks of a potential ecological disaster.
The Chagos Islands are home to a unique ecosystem and include huge, untapped native fish stocks that the Mauritian and Chinese eco-vandals would love to get their hands on, and thus destroy the fragile, pristine ecology of the islands.
The UK and US military have protected the unique ecology of the islands since the mid-1960s.
Our own ADF are also generally excellent conservationists.
I was involved from the late 1970s through to the mid-1990s in various activities in our state forests, rural and bush areas, military training areas, and field firing ranges used for military exercises and training.
As an infantry o cer, I dug lots of weapon pits, created lots of defensive positions, and traversed a lot of bushland.
We would always try to put the land back to the state it was in when we finished the exercise.
The Singleton Field Firing Range was the safest place to be if you were a native animal. Whilst outside the range it was open season on kangaroos, the roos on the range thrived. The range was a haven for wildlife generally, and I recall a family of emus relocated from the Western Plains Zoo thriving and multiplying there for many years. I also remember a sergeant instructor on a mortar course being heavily fined for unlawfully shooting a kangaroo – and rightly so.
During the controversial kangaroo cull of 2009, when there were thousands of kangaroos on Majura Range near the airport, the military were very concerned to do the right thing as conservationists and limit the number culled. The range was also home to several endangered species of flora and fauna. I presided over that case as Appeals President at ACAT.
As much as I condemn the idiocy of the Chinese being given the Chagos Islands on a plate by the hopeless UK Government, I feel very sorry for the fish and all the other unique marine life now threatened as a result of the UK military relinquishing ownership of the islands.
Spiritual healing: A personal account
by DEBORAH PACKER
All during my childhood and into my adult life I suffered terribly from allergies. There were many things in the environment that seemed to trigger reactions but the thing that upset me the most was my reaction to cats. I loved cats but to be even in a house where one had been caused me hours of distress. I grew up in a Christian Science family and through my parents’ prayers, I avoided, or recovered quickly from, many childhood illnesses. Somehow the allergies persisted.
As an adult, I joined the Christian Science church and gained much comfort from the teachings, based in the example of Jesus Christ, but I also sought medical help for the allergies. There was never any pressure on me not to do this, but after trying many remedies, I still had no relief. Sometimes the side effects of the medication were worse than the condition so I
stopped and just tried to manage the situation by avoiding as many of the irritants as I could.
On one occasion I travelled to the coast to stay with my parents for a few days. When I arrived, I found that they were minding my sister’s cat. When I went to bed that night, I found this large fluffy cat asleep on my pillow. Within a few minutes, I was in great distress. I struggled to stay calm. Though I knew they weren’t of God, recriminating thoughts flooded in as I tried to make sense of my continued suffering. I felt beaten.
But in that moment, as a result of my prayers, I also began to feel the touch of God’s love and grace. I realised that as much as this condition had been part of my life for many years, it did not define me. Christian Science had been teaching me all along that my true identity is more than my body – as the Bible teaches, it is spiritual and good; that I am the image of God who is Love. In deep humility I accepted this with all my heart, and I felt a great sense of peace and
Canberra’s ring masters
by GEORGIA CURRY
A cult wrestling movement is taking over Canberra that draws record crowds like no other city in Australia (2,400+ at AIS in 2024), and hardcore fans are driving 10 hours from Melbourne to see a match. SLAM! Pro Wrestling League started here in 2021, but followers (6,500 on Facebook) adore our homegrown “sport theatre”, with characters like Crofty
the Kambah Klepto, melodramatic soap operas and pantomime cheering and booing.
It’s a theatre-in-the-round if you like, showing good versus evil, mock violence without the gore (family-friendly, so no swearing) and spectacular pyrotechnics.
Co-owner Mark said Canberra did things di erently, featuring only Australian talent and Canberra wrestlers (some are public servants and car salesmen) rather than international wrestlers.
“There’s no other promotion in the Southern Hemisphere that does our kind of numbers.” Mark said. “No-one else has come close to 2,400 spectators since the ‘70s and ‘80s.”
The storylines are every bit as scandalous as Days of our Lives, with feuding and corruption going on in the Bronson United team (starring Canberra’s own Josh Torney of The Ned & Josh Podcast fame).
“They’ve just put one of the good guys, Hugh Beauty, in hospital at our last event but they used an illegal object to win,” Mark said. “I know local wrestler Luke Watts is looking for revenge.”
Reigning champion is Dan Archer, who’s 30 years
of being loved. I fell asleep. I slept soundly till morning and woke completely well. Since that day I have never had an allergic reaction and for many years now I have lived happily with cats! This healing has encouraged me to find out more about my spiritual identity and how this understanding brings healing.
To find out more log onto christiansciencecanberra.com or visit us on the corner of Macquarie and Bligh Streets in Barton. Opening and service times are on the website.
old and has wrestled since he was 16.
He said his body feels like he’s 45 (he’s had broken legs, broken sternum, broken collarbone and torn ligaments).
“It’s a bit of wear and tear and it’s a lot of toll on the body,” Dan said. “You’ve got to really keep yourself in good shape to be able to do this long-term.”
The fights may not be real (spoiler alert: they’re choreographed) but the pain is real because there’s nothing soft to break your fall (the 18-square-foot steel wrestling ring has a layer of wood and a small layer of padding).
Reigning champ Dan Archer is about to defend his title against Crofty the Kambah Klepto in a “no disqualification” match (anything is legal: ladders, wooden tables, steel chairs, metal bins).
SLAM! Pro Wrestling League is on Facebook and Instagram. Tickets to the 8 August match at UC: eventbrite.com.au/e/live-pro-wrestlingin-canberra-slam-prowrestling-league-25-tickets1989885750847?a =erelexpmlt
A cult wrestling movement has taken over Canberra with home-grown talent in the ring and on the ropes.
Western Edge petition tops 2,000 as ACT considers city limits
by NICHOLAS FULLER
Canberra’s future western limit is becoming a flashpoint: more than 2,000 people
signed a petition calling on the ACT Government to keep almost 10,000 hectares of bushland, farms, and endangered habitat out of future
development plans.
The ACT Government will set Canberra’s urban boundary — the hard line beyond which the city cannot sprawl — next year.
The Conservation Council ACT Region wants the government “to draw that line in such a way that protects our Western Edge for generations to come”, campaign organiser Aoibhinn Crimmins said.
“This area of bush to Canberra’s west is critically endangered, home to farming families, Indigenous sites, and a place that Canberrans just love to get out and enjoy,” Ms Crimmins said.
The Western Edge — some 9,800 hectares between the Molonglo River and the Murrumbidgee River — contains some of Australia’s last box gum grassy woodlands, and is home to threatened species such as the superb parrot, pink-tailed wormlizard, and the Murray cod.
It acts as a buffer zone for residents in Belconnen, Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek and Kambah from bushfires, extreme heat, and flooding, which the Council warns will be more frequent and severe. It also includes Ngunnawal occupation sites and trading and ceremony pathways, and is a popular spot for bushwalking, horse-riding, and
The Council said the government had bought land in the Western Edge Investigation Area over two decades, and is investigating potential future uses, including urban
“We’re talking bulldozers rolling through this pristine environment,” Ms Crimmins said.
The government had not made any decision to develop the Western Edge Investigation Area, a spokesperson said. It is developing a landscape plan for the ACT which will include proactive protection of areas of environmental value in the Western Edge. The spokesperson said preliminary investigations have been completed, and further environmental studies are underway.
“No decisions have been made about future land uses in the
Western Edge,” the spokesperson said.
“The Conservation Council is asking the Government to make decisions before the necessary environmental studies are completed. The ACT Government is undertaking the work needed to build a robust evidence base before options and recommendations regarding future land uses are developed. This approach is intended to support informed and considered decision-making and consultation with the community.”
“They’re still only talking of plans of plans of plans,” Ms Crimmins said. “We’re yet to have any community consultation on this significant decision of where Canberra city limits are set. They’re meant to be set in a year, and we think there needs to be much more genuine community consultation on such a big decision for our city.”
The government has set a target of 70 per cent of new housing within established urban areas and 30 per cent in greenfield locations.
The Conservation Council believes Canberra can meet housing demand through infill, missingmiddle reform, and better urban design without pushing further west.
“We want to see more houses,” Ms Crimmins said. “We think the housing crisis is just as big of an issue as the biodiversity and climate crises that Canberrans are facing, but the good news is we can actually address all three crises in the one go. We don’t have to choose one over the other.
“When you build people really far away from the things they need, that’s not a very liveable city.”
The Conservation Council will hold a campaign information night on Wednesday 22 July at the Food Co-op in the Cit, 6 to 7:30pm. It will present a proposal on how to protect the Western Edge later this year, with backing from farmers, traditional owners, and conservationists. The Council’s documentary On the Edge is on YouTube.
Western Edge river landscape.
Photo Richie Southerton
Tolkien’s in town
by GEORGIA CURRY
For those who’d like to suspend reality for a while and escape into fantasy, Geek Expo is on this weekend (18-19 July), and The Hobbit is here to transport you to Middle Earth.
NZ actor Stephen Hunter, who played Bombur in The Hobbit trilogy, will drive down the Federal Highway this weekend with his acting mate Matthew Doran (The Matrix and Star Wars) to greet some Canberra fans.
The last time Stephen worked in Canberra was to film a low-budget sci-fi flick, Blue World Order, and blow up Telstra Tower (there were also eight Deloreans parked on a dry Lake George).
This time round, there’s no destruction of Canberra landmarks, just autographs and selfies for Tolkien and Thor fans (Stephen also played the Fur God in Thor: Love and Thunder).
“Coming from the world of Tolkien, which I was lucky enough to do, there’s a responsibility because you’re a caretaker for this amazing world,” Stephen said. “People are genuinely excited to see you.
“Some actors don’t like conventions because a lot of actors are introverts but I’m more an extrovert. People come up and have lovely things to say to you and they’re excited to see you.”
The sheer good fortune of being in two of the world’s biggest film franchises is not lost on Stephen.
“I was lucky to make the cut in Thor: Love and Thunder because I know a lot of very big names who just missed the cut because [director] Taika Waititi shot so much film,” he said. “I’ve been in the Tolkien universe and Marvel – the only one left is Star Wars.”
Hardcore fans aren’t the only ones geeking out this weekend – even seasoned actors like Stephen geek-
out at conventions.
“Star Wars is what I geek out on and that’s always been my fandom,” he said. “At a Supanova comic convention I got to meet Christopher Lloyd from Back to the Future and I got to meet Anthony Daniels, who voiced C-3PO. My biggest fan moment was when I got to meet [Six Million Dollar Man actor] Lee Majors.”
But back to Middle-Earth, where coincidentally Stephen grew up ((if you look from the Green Dragon to Bag End in The Hobbit, the hill in the background is the farm where Stephen lived).
During the making of The Hobbit trilogy, Stephen spent two hours in make-up (and 90 mins to remove it) to recreate Bombur, which required five separate prosthetic pieces to cover his entire head (a foam cowl with ears, a wraparound face piece, a silicone chin over the foam, and a two-piece bald cap).
“I’ve got a couple of ears and a prosthetic nose that I’ll bring with me, and I’ve got my weaponry,” he said. “I also had the very first Bombur Lego figure.
“One of the great things I love about conventions and Geek Expo is that it brings it all back and reminds you of the amazing time it was. It was extraordinary and I don’t think I’ll ever do anything like that again –particularly to that scale.
“A lot of people like the character [Bombur] and they like what I’ve done and I’m very proud of what I did in the movies. When people come up, you can tell that they’re quite moved.”
Stephen had only two or three spoken lines in The Hobbit trilogy (he was mostly used for physical comedy bar a few grunts and pants). However, he did learn how to speak Dwarvish.
“I actually learned Dwarvish so I speak Australian, Kiwi and Dwarvish,” he said. “I wouldn’t say fluent. I mean, being fluent in Kiwi is just raising your eyebrows pretty much. That’s all you need to know about New Zealand, or just say ‘sweet’ and that covers everything.”
Geek Expo is on 18-19 July at Exhibition Park. Info: events.humanitix. com/geek-expo-canberra
The Hobbit’s Bombur – aka NZ actor Stephen Hunter – comes to Canberra this weekend for Geek Expo.
Experience compelling stories
When Life Changes Out of the Blue, Canberra Gives
What if today was the day your life changed?
A cancer diagnosis.
A premature birth.
An accident.
A mental health crisis.
A phone call that changes everything.
When these moments happen, Canberra’s healthcare team is ready.
For one day each year – for 12 hours only –Canberra has the opportunity to stand beside them and say thank you. Doubling donations. Doubling the impact made for the people who care for us and the people who need them most.
What if your business could help change someone else’s tomorrow?
Real sta . Real stories. Real outcomes.
Last year’s CAN GIVE DAY delivered a range of projects that enhanced the care and support available to people and families, from paediatric to palliative care.
One of the many projects made possible by CAN GIVE DAY was the transformation of the Cancer Rapid Assessment Unit at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre.
A room can’t cure cancer. But it can strengthen the spirit of someone facing it.
For people attending the Cancer Rapid Assessment Unit, every visit can bring uncertainty. They may be experiencing complications from treatment, awaiting answers, or simply hoping they can return home rather than be admitted to hospital. Today, thanks to the generosity of the Canberra community through CAN GIVE DAY, they are
welcomed into a space designed to promote calm, dignity and comfort – an environment that better reflects the compassion of the care being delivered.
It’s proof that community giving doesn’t replace essential healthcare; it helps create places where people feel supported when they need it most. What could your generosity make possible next? That’s the power of community giving.
Now imagine what we can achieve together this year.
This year, community donations will again help fund projects that support people and families through every stage of their healthcare journey by:
• Giving comfort
• Powering research
• Shaping tomorrow
• Building community
Can your business help Canberra double the impact?
On August 27, for 12 hours only, local businesses and families can become Matched Givers, pledging funds to match community donations dollar-for-dollar –doubling donations, doubling the impact made on local health services.
Our Matched Givers are the champions behind the day, dedicated to supporting the health heroes who support our families all year long. What if Canberra’s business community came together?
Becoming a Matched Giver is more than a sponsorship.
It’s commitment to the health of our community.
It’s leadership in action.
It shows your customers, sta and the community that when Canberra needs you most, you’re prepared to step forward.
When Life Changes Out of the Blue, Canberra Gives
For 12 hours only, double the donation, every act of generosity amplified
As a Matched Giver, you’ll receive:
• Recognition as an o cial CAN GIVE DAY 2026
Matched Giver
• Acknowledgement during Mix 106.3’s live broadcasts throughout the appeal
• Inclusion on the CAN GIVE DAY website, with your logo displayed alongside the live fundraising tally as donations are matched throughout the day
• Recognition across Canberra Hospitals Foundation social media channels in the lead-up to, during and following CAN GIVE DAY
• Inclusion in CAN GIVE DAY campaign collateral, including digital marketing, promotional materials and supporter communications where applicable
• An invitation to your team to attend Canberra and North Canberra Hospitals on CAN GIVE DAY, man the Call Centre in Giving Central and be part of the Festival of Giving with local Health sta .
• Recognition in pre- and post-campaign communications celebrating the success of the appeal and the impact made possible through matched giving
When Life Changes Out of the Blue … Healthcare teams are there.
Families are there.
Researchers are there.
Volunteers are there.
On CAN GIVE DAY … Canberra is there too.
Become a CAN GIVE DAY 2026
Matched Giver today.
For more information, contact hello@chfoundation.org.au
The Workday team on duty in the phone room on CAN GIVE DAY 2025
Arthur Boyd, Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre (tapestry workshop), Lurdes Serra (weaving drawer), The Wolf of Gubbio with St Francis in a bent tree (detail), 1974, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 1975, Arthur Boyd’s works reproduced with the permission of Bundanon Trust
community noticeboard email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field
GIVIT donation of the week: Nappy bags
GIVIT is currently seeking support for a mother experiencing housing problems and financial hardship. This mum and her three children have been living in an overcrowded public housing property. They have been approved for a transfer but are still waiting for housing. This delay and continued stay in an overcrowded space is significantly impacting the family’s health and wellbeing, with mum feeling overwhelmed and experiencing depression. This mother urgently requires support for their immediate needs, so GIVIT is requesting packs of nappies for her youngest child. This simple donation will help ease mum’s financial pressure while they continue to wait for housing. Generous Canberrans can donate nappy bags or fund the purchase of this item. 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: ‘nappy bags’ and Suburb: ‘Belconnen, 2616’.
Birthing Kit Assembly Day
The Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast is inviting community members to help assemble 3,000 life-saving birthing kits on Saturday 25 July, 9:30am–2pm, at 102 Wattle Street, O’Connor. The kits will be distributed to women in developing countries to support safer childbirth. Individuals, families, schools, workplaces and community groups are welcome. Register or find out more at events.humanitix.com/zonta-breakfastclubof-canberra-birthing-kit-assembly-day/tickets
Friends ANBG Thursday Talks
Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens will host a Thursday Talk featuring Dr John Turnbull, former Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO, on “Trees, woods and man”, tracing the importance of trees from earliest times to the present day. The talk will be held at the ANBG Theatrette, opposite the ANBG Visitor Centre, 12:30–1:30pm. Bookings: trybooking.com/DKZGH. Gold coin, note and EFTPOS donations support Friends’ special projects at the gardens.
Candid Conversations on the US midterm elections
Join Lifeline Canberra for Candid Conversations on the US midterm elections on Monday 27 July, 5:30–8pm, at the ACC Centre, Charles Sturt University, 15 Blackall Street, Barton. The panel features Jared Mondschein, John Hart and Karen Middleton discussing the upcoming US elections. Tickets include a drink on arrival and light grazing table, with free parking available on site. Book via Humanitix or lifelinecanberra.com.au/events/
Midwinter Warmer Bush Dance
The Monaro Folk Society will host its Midwinter Warmer Bush Dance on Saturday 25 July at the Baptist Church Hall, 11 Currie Crescent, Kingston. Warm up with minestrone soup from 7pm before dancing from 7:30–10:30pm to live music by the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra, with all dances taught and called by Mark Simmons. No experience is necessary. Tickets are available at the door only: $25 general admission, $23 concession, $20 MFS and Meet Up members, $10 students, and free for under 18s. Please bring a plate of supper to share. For more information, visit monarofolk.org.au/midwinter-warmer-bush-dance or call 0413 295 004.
PUZZLES & STARS
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
This week highlights your ability to read people and respond strategically. You’re like that salesperson who senses a customer is intrigued, though hesitant, and provides exactly the information needed to move them closer to a purchase. That’s talent, and you’ll be paid for it in more than dollars.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
Dreams become reality when they occupy space and time, have their own date, invitation and the like. What has lived in imagination takes shape in the calendar, where progress becomes measurable. This week, your choices add up to an experience, and it’s only the beginning.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 Which Queen was often referred to as the “widow of Windsor”?
2 Ben Chifley served as prime minister of Australia during which decade?
3 What is the largest US state by area?
4 Rambutan is a type of fruit that is native to which continent?
5 Which word is used to represent the letter U in the NATO phonetic alphabet?
SOLUTIONS
Your poise under pressure is remarkable. The thing about staying cool and controlled is that it looks a lot easier than it is. If it were so easy, humankind wouldn’t have taken thousands of years to invent refrigeration. You’ll be richly rewarded this week for how you handle yourself.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
People draw their conclusions from experiences very different from your own. Maybe they see danger where you see opportunity. Maybe they assume motives you would never assume. You’re ready to learn. You don’t have to agree to be enriched by another point of view.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
Paradoxically, there’s freedom in narrowing your options – or, even better, just pick one thing and wholly commit to it. It simplifies things by untangling several issues at once. You’ll have clarity across multiple areas of life. You’ll gain relief from no longer carrying competing possibilities.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
A past influence continues to affect your choices. It’s easy to believe there are invisible ties that bind you to your people over distance, over the years and over all the changes that those years bring. In certain moments this week, you’ll know the evidence of their enduring strength.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
Your responsibilities matter much less to your wellbeing than how you feel about them. The meeting isn’t just a meeting; maybe it’s an opportunity, a challenge or a privilege. So much depends on context, which colours the lens significantly and either drains or buoys your energy.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
Curiosity has served its purpose, and reflection has done its job. Even if you can’t quite put your finger on what you’ve learned, you can trust that its participation you need now, not another round of speculation. The answer isn’t hiding in a theory. It’s waiting inside your beautiful life.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
Constantly performing pleasantness while suppressing everything else can leave a person disconnected from their own feelings. You need a place where you don’t have to perform. This week, you’ll find that place in honest moments with those who make room for the real you.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
This week abides by an amusement park philosophy. You’re on a ride that has already started moving. Grabbing harder at the wheel isn’t going to determine where it goes. Your ability to influence events hasn’t disappeared; it’s just temporarily parked beside the ride.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
The data is in. The answers won’t be hard to find. But the problem can’t be solved by facts. It will be solved by people. Human beings aren’t machines that respond solely to information. We exist in a mix of emotions and drives. This week, don’t mistake having the answer for having the solution.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
A person who assumes goodwill may build deeper connections, but they may also miss warning signs. A person who is highly selfprotective may avoid harm, but they may also miss opportunities for closeness. This week, you find good fortune in the sweet spot of knowing how to protect yourself.
DIFFICULTY RATING
Book talk
The Lineup by Nicholas Timms
Penguin, $34.99
Bo Curren was once a champion surfer, until a tragic accident scared him off the waves. Alone and depressed, Bo spends his days drinking and watching surfers via a 24-hour live webcam. However, when Bo witnesses a murder through the camera, he finds himself drawn back into his old life in Byron Bay, attempting to find the killer while being haunted by his past. Nicholas Timms debuts one of the more intriguing novels of 2026. An addictive thriller perfectly centred around a traumatised protagonist and the Australian surf culture; The Lineup is an exceptional novel from an amazing new author.
This week, Michael Popple reviews three impressive and distinctive new Australian crime fiction novels. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
We Did It Anyway by Carla Salmon
Pan Macmillan
Australian, $19.99
When teenagers Alex, Jasper and Otto camp out at an isolated beach island, the last thing they expected to find was a hidden fortune in gold bars. Impulsively taking the gold, the boys soon find themselves being hunted by smugglers. With the adults missing, it falls to their friends Luna and Milly to help save them, while also uncovering the dark secrets of the island. The young adult excitement continues in this second book from Carla Salmon. Serving as a fun sequel to the author’s 2025 debut, this is a great teen adventure with some amazing heart behind it.
Every Time She Wakes by
Petronella McGovern
Allen & Unwin, $34.99
It is the worst night of Suze’s life, when amid a bushfire evacuation, she and her family are kidnapped and their van crashes. However, Suze is shocked to discover that this terrible event wasn’t the end. Instead, she wakes up two weeks in the past, with no one remembering what occurred. Forced to relive different versions of this night, Suze must uncover why this is happening before it’s too late. Every Time She Wakes is a fantastic Australian thriller from author Petronella McGovern. Featuring a memorable and cleverly executed story idea, this is an amazing standalone novel that expertly grabs your attention.
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It’s not just you
DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
This week’s column is a little di erent because it’s a chance for me to say thank you. It has been a privilege to write this weekly psychology column for Canberra Weekly. Every week I’ve had the opportunity to share practical, evidence-based ideas to help make sense of the challenges we all face. We’ve explored everything from anxiety, relationships and body image to grief, confidence, parenting and emotional wellbeing. My hope has always been that these columns have helped you feel a little more understood and a little less alone.
This month, those columns have become a book. It’s Not Just You is a collection of many of the topics we’ve explored together over the past two
years, along with additional reflections and practical strategies. The title wasn’t di cult to choose because it captures the message that has become central to both my work as a psychologist and my writing that so many of the struggles we experience are shared by others.
Almost every day in my consulting room I hear someone say, “I thought I was the only one.” They think they’re the only person who worries too much, who struggles with confidence, who finds relationships complicated, who feels overwhelmed, or who wonders whether they’re doing a good enough job. They’re not the only one.
One of the greatest misconceptions we have is that everyone else has life figured out. We compare our behind-the-scenes struggles with everyone else’s carefully edited highlights. We assume that if we’re finding something di cult, there must be something wrong with us. The reality is much kinder than that. Being human means experiencing self-doubt, sadness, anxiety, disappointment and uncertainty. It means making mistakes, facing setbacks and sometimes feeling lost. None of those experiences mean you’re failing. They simply mean you’re human. That’s why I’ve always tried to write these columns in
a way that is practical rather than preachy, evidencebased rather than opinion-based, and hopeful without pretending life is always easy.
Many of these columns have been inspired by conversations with clients, questions from students, and discussions with readers who have shared their own experiences. Those conversations have continually reinforced that people don’t expect perfection. They want reassurance, practical ideas and the knowledge that someone else understands what they’re going through.
So, thank you for inviting me into your home, o ce or quiet space each week over the past two years. Thank you for reading, for sharing these columns with others, and for reminding me why making psychology accessible really matters.
If there’s one message I hope you take from both this column and my new book, it’s the same message I’ve tried to share every week: Whatever you’re facing, you’re probably far less alone than you think. It’s not just you.
Copies can be ordered directly from Australian Academic Press at the special publisher price of $28.95 (RRP $34.9): ausapress.com/p/9781923114227/
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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.
Professor Ian Hickie says technology and community key to tackling youth mental health crisis
by BERNIE RYAN
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) Australia’s Health 2026 report released last week paints an alarming picture of the escalating mental health crisis being faced by young Aussies.
Mental disorders among young people aged 16-24 have increased dramatically, jumping from 26% in 2007 to a staggering 39% in 2020-2022.
Suicide and self-inflicted injuries are now the leading cause of disease burden for young men (aged 15-44), while anxiety and depressive disorders are the leading causes for females in the same bracket.
Locally, according to the ACT’s Capital Health Network (ACT PHN) 2024 – 2027 Health Needs Assessment Report, the demand for mental health services for Canberra’s young people is equally alarming with 35.1% of those aged 18-24 reporting a mental condition.
The new data speaks directly to the work of the Youth Mental Health and Technology team at the
University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre.
Professor Ian Hickie, Co-Director of Health and Policy at the Brain and Mind Centre, says the findings reflect a much broader issue.
“Today’s data shows that we’re seeing a structural crisis in youth mental health, with young people carrying a disproportionate and growing share of the burden,” he says. “And a system that was built decades ago wasn’t designed for numbers like this.”
Professor Hickie says that the Albanese Government’s commitment to expanding Headspace clinics to over 200 is welcome.
However, given the way young people communicate and use technology, technology driven interventions, like digital and AI-based mental health tools, can be part of the solution.
“If it’s designed with them, if it’s effective, then it has the potential to be there when people really need it to commence the journey into more complex care,” Professor Hickie says.
For those who might argue that more needs to be done about prevention. Professor Hickie says
that physical places for mental health treatment services have in no way kept pace with the ongoing construction and expansion of physical health services.
Is Professor Hickie suggesting that AI can replace the skills and intervention of human clinicians? No.
“These things are excellent in tone, engagement and listening which is very therapeutic …but the extent to which they change behaviour as a consequence and deliver real outcomes is not the same,” he says.
The erosion of social cohesion as a protective factor, is at the top of his list.
The solutions?
1. Acknowledge the severity of the problem and act.
2. Use the technology with appropriate development and safeguards.
3. Expose our young people to more human interaction.
Above all, says Professor Hickie, we need to talk to people.
“The more we do something, the less anxious we are going to be about it,” he says.
Affordable Psychology Support for Children, Teens and Adults
The UC Psychology Clinic provides low-cost, evidence-based psychological services for the Canberra community. Our services are delivered by provisional psychologists who are completing a masters degree in clinical psychology and are supervised by registered clinical psychologists.
Why choose UC Psychology Clinic?
Affordable services
Evidence-based treatment plans
Extended appointment times
Personalised care
Supervised clinical training environment
We support children (7+ years), adolescents and adults experiencing:
• Anxiety and mood concerns
• Stress, grief and life adjustments
• Low self-esteem
• Sleep difficulties
• Anger and emotional regulation challenges
• Social skills concerns
We also offer:
• Cognitive and neuropsychological assessments
• Cool Little Kids®️ anxiety program (ages 3–7)
• Cool Kids®️ anxiety program (ages 7–12)
• Group programs for anxiety, procrastination and stress management
Hughes 3 Coxen Street
Perfect for first-home buyers, downsizers or investors, this stylish three-bedroom duplex offers lowmaintenance living in one of Woden’s most sought-after suburbs. just moments from Hughes Shops, local schools, parks and Red Hill Nature Reserve.
Introducing Grove.
Grove is a boutique release of architecturally designed townhouses within one of the region’s fastest-growing masterplanned communities.
A thoughtfully crafted collection of 2 and 3 bedroom residences, Grove o ers a fresh approach to townhome living, shaped by natural materials and grounded in a design philosophy that celebrates simplicity, comfort and connection. Positioned alongside open green space and moments from Googong’s evolving town centre, Grove delivers everyday convenience without compromising its natural surrounds.
Whether you’re stepping into your rst home, starting a new chapter or seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle, Grove sets the foundation for living well, every day.
Key Features:
• 2 & 3 bedroom architecturally designed townhouses
• Hybrid timber ooring inspired by natural grain
• Modern stone-style benchtops with durable nishes
• Quality kitchen appliances and functional layout planning
• Light- lled living spaces designed for comfort
• Private courtyards or terraces to extend living outdoors
• Secure garaging and practical storage solutions
• Focus on natural textures and long-lasting materials
• Close to schools, childcare, shops and lifestyle amenities
• 25 mins to Canberra CBD*
Artist’s Impression
THE LIFESTYLE YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR
A new chapter deserves a home to match. Denman Peninsula is an exclusive collection of spacious riverfront residences designed for those seeking more freedom, less maintenance and the opportunity to enjoy life at your own pace without compromising on space, comfort, quality or convenience.
Discover Denman Peninsula today by visiting our newly completed, fully furnished Display Townhouse.
RESIDENCES AT A GLANCE
• Residences ranging from 182m2 to 235m2
• Up to 3.5m ceilings in many living areas
• Bathrooms & ensuites with Villeroy & Boch ings
• Reverse cycle ducted heating and cooling
• Under-tile heating
• 5KW roo op solar system to each residence
• Kitchen with Smeg appliances, stone benchtops & butler’s pantry
• Landscaped courtyard & gardens
• Dual lock-up garaging with remote access & provisioning for EV Charging
VISIT THE DISPLAY TOWNHOUSE
Stella Young Way
Denman Prospect Thu & Fri : 2PM - 4PM Sat & Sun : 11AM - 3PM
OR BY APPOINTMENT:
Keenan Veraar — 0402 914 037
denmanpeninsula.com.au
Artist’s Impression
Vuez Eco Resort sits across 167 acres of alpine land on the foreshore of Lake Jindabyne, in the NSW Snowy Mountains. Positioned between the lake and Kosciuszko National Park, it pairs a genuine connection to nature with considered design, comfort and sustainability. As the flagship development within the NSW Government’s Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct, Vuez is built around low-impact development and environmental stewardship. Accommodation ranges from off-grid Eco Villas to Executive Suites, complemented by a cafe, restaurant, function and event centre, and an adventure hub. Walking trails, conservation zones and landscaped open spaces invite exploration.
Vuez Eco Resort & Retreat —built for a sustainable future
luton.com.au
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