19 February 2026

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thursday 19 february 2026

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Belco Pride NICOLE LAWDER WATER QUALITY IN LAKE TUGGERANONG

KOLAK LIVING:

Custom hom es made easy Discover the family-run builder setting the standard

Real estate

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BILL STEFANIAK NEW LIBERAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

FUN RUN

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

Monday 9 March 2026 7:30am – 11:30am

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

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

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

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

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

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contents 18

/ 19 FEBRUARY 2026

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News & communit y Canberra author’s funny debut

27 Ta ste

Prawn and chorizo pasta

28 Time out

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

The bold Bald Archy returns

on the cover

32 Health & wellbeing

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Nick Samaras

From family roots to award-winning homes, Kolak Living continues its Canberra story

I know what to do, why don’t I do it?

EDITOR Vincent Samaras news@newstimemedia.com.au

Regulars

GENERAL MANAGER Alan Biddle

08 16 25 26 27 28 32 36 51

ART DIRECTOR Wilson Au Yeung

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News & community Fit the bill Have you heard?

Puzzles & stars Taste Time out Health & wellbeing Real estate Trades & services

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3/21 Albany St, Fyshwick ACT 2609

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Homeowners with a concession card may be able to access up to $5,000 in rebates for sustainable home upgrades.

Call the friendly team to find out if you are eligible

1300 141 777

SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au

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

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SELLING from $774,900* Discover a curated collection of 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes in the heart of Weston. EER 7+

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opinion bite-sized politics

Water quality in Lake Tuggeranong: Lake of Fire

with NICOLE LAWDER

FORMER ACT MLA AND DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER

If you are a Nirvana fan, you will recognise ‘Lake of Fire’, which inspired this week’s column. I have lived in Tuggeranong for well over 30 years, spending many hours around Lake Tuggeranong – walking, cycling, parkrunning, kayaking. Residents want it to be cleaner and open more, without algal blooms and their associated odour and health impacts.

Over 10 years ago, the Australian Government committed $85 million, and the ACT Government $8.5 million to the ACT Healthy Waterways Project

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19 February 2026

(Stage 1), with construction completed

by June 2019.

The largest recipient of the funding was the Lake Tuggeranong catchment ($30.2 million). My understanding is that this was because Lake Tuggeranong was the worst-affected waterway. As part of the Healthy Waterways Stage 1, seven projects were constructed in the Lake Tuggeranong catchment, including two wetlands at Isabella Pond/Monash (the first projects built, constructed 2017), rain gardens at Isabella Plains (upstream from Upper Stranger Pond, with a treatment area of 5,200m² described as the biggest rain garden in the southern hemisphere), Wanniassa (Athllon Drive between Langdon Avenue and Fincham Crescent), Fadden Pines, Gowrie (on the southern edge of Gowrie Playing Fields). There was also a pond at Kambah, and part of the concrete channel between Corlette Street, Monash and Isabella Pond was

converted to a vegetated swale.

As part of the Healthy Waterways Program Stage 2, in 2021, the ACT Government funded over 500 square metres of floating wetlands on Lake Tuggeranong for a cost of around $400,000 (excluding GST), including maintenance. Wet weather and storms in early 2022 dislodged the wetlands from their location, requiring repositioning to a less turbulent area of the lake. In late 2025, one of the floating wetlands caught fire (not sure how) and required significant work in early 2026 to remediate it, cost unknown at this time. Floating wetlands directly compete with algae for light and nutrients and while their performance has yet to be evaluated, it seems clear that on their own, the wetlands are not enough to prevent algal blooms in the lake. A recent (October 2025) consultation document mentions that the Lake Tuggeranong (and Yerrabi Pond)

wetlands are still awaiting evaluation: does this suggest the outcomes that were anticipated have not been confirmed?

The initial phases focused on infrastructure. The latest document suggests that long-term improvement requires shifting focus towards stopping pollution at its source.

While it is unlikely that we can completely stop algal blooms in Lake Tuggeranong, we should be able to reduce their frequency and severity if each of us takes more care with our lawn clippings, fallen leaves, and fertiliser to prevent them from entering our drains. The government needs to do their part (definitely more street sweeping please), but residents can also share responsibility for what enters Lake Tuggeranong.

Finally, best wishes to Dr Ralph Ogden for a well-earned retirement after tireless work on water quality.

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CONSIDER YOUR COMMUTE

MAJOR CHANGES IN PLACE ON COMMONWEALTH AVENUE BRIDGE

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THIS MIGHT IMPACT YOU WWW.NCA.GOV.AU/COMMBRIDGE

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KOLAK W LIVING

BUILDING ON DECADES OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE 10

19 February 2026

ith roots in Canberra’s building industry dating back to the late 1970s, Kolak Living brings decades of local experience to every home it builds. Owner Gabe Kolak now leads the second-generation family business, continuing a local building legacy that spans decades.

Today, the business specialises in high-quality custom homes, guiding clients from concept through to completion.

“As a kid, you’d be on site with your dad doing whatever jobs needed doing: sweeping, site cleans, putting insulation in roofs,” Gabe recalls.

“You don’t really understand it at the time, but later you appreciate what you learned from your parents running a small business.”

After studying at university, Gabe gained experience working with large-scale developers before returning to Canberra around 15 years ago to take over the family business, continuing the company’s local legacy. That experience now shapes Kolak Living’s approach to building custom homes.

Each project is defined by thoughtful design, high-

quality finishes and attention to detail. Working closely with experienced architects, designers and interior specialists, the company aims to deliver homes that are both visually striking and practical to live in.

“We like to focus on high-quality finishes,” says Gabe.

“We build custom designs from excellent designers and architects, and we work with interior designers to turn out something unique with a high level of finish.”

That approach has led to Kolak Living collecting numerous industry accolades over the past decade, including multiple Housing Industry Association (HIA) awards. Most notably, the company has been recognised as the HIA ACT Medium Builder of the Year for three consecutive years, alongside a host of other awards for custom homes, display homes and project homes.

Gabe says the success of Kolak Living comes down to the team behind the business.

“It’s a strong team,” he says. “We employ well-seasoned individuals who have been very successful in their own right. We’ve got a great mix of practical construction knowledge and strong project management skills.”

“For example, our construction manager started as a carpenter, became an excellent builder himself, and has been with us for almost six years. The same goes for our project management team; we’ve got engineers and qualified quantity surveyors. So you’ve canberradaily.com.au

The award-winning Kolak Living team continues a second-generation building legacy in Canberra.

The company’s commitment to craftsmanship can got a good mix of on-the-ground construction skills also be seen in its display homes, including recent and strong management.” projects in Whitlam. Kolak Living previously built a That experience amongst the team brings a broad display home in Denman Prospect that set a suburb range of expertise to every project. That balance sales record when sold, and the company has since of hands-on building knowledge and professional been invited to join the Suburban Land Agency’s management helps ensure projects run smoothly from display village in Whitlam. concept to completion.

The display homes provide potential clients with “We make sure the connection between the client, the opportunity to experience the scale, finishes and the contract and what’s happening on site is always design philosophy of Kolak Living firsthand. maintained,” Gabe says.

“Nothing beats walking through the For clients building a custom home, space,” Gabe says. “People can really Kolak Living works closely with them We see the volumes, the finishes and the from the earliest design stages, helping like to level of detail.” guide what can often feel like an Looking ahead, Kolak Living overwhelming process. focus on plans to continue building custom “We guide people step by step,” high-quality homes across Canberra, including Gabe says. “From the initial concept, finishes,” says opportunities in new land releases in we work with the architect to make sure Gabe” Whitlam and surrounding suburbs. building smarts are integrated early For Gabe, maintaining the so we can build efficiently and avoid company’s local identity remains unnecessary costs or design flaws.” central to its future.

That early involvement helps avoid costly “We’ve employed local trades for more than 15 redesigns and ensures architectural ideas translate years,” he says. “Being local matters; the money stays successfully into construction. in the community, and so does the experience.”

“Architects can draw something that looks fantastic, After more than four decades connected to but it also needs to be buildable,” Gabe says. “We Canberra’s building industry, Kolak Living continues to make sure there’s strong buildability in every design.” combine local knowledge with modern construction Once construction begins, Kolak Living’s project expertise. management team continues to support clients “At the end of the day, we’re with clients all the through selections, documentation and coordination way,” Gabe says. with interior designers, ensuring the original vision is carried through to completion.

“

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Display home: 14 Klaus Moje St, Whitlam T: 0408 038 314 W: kolakliving.com.au Kolak Living @kolakliving 19 February 2026

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news

Good boy, Barnaby!

The incredible “wall dogs” will be scaling three-metrehigh walls at this weekend’s Royal Canberra Show.

by GEORGIA CURRY Barnaby will be at the Royal Canberra Show this weekend, scaling three-metre-high walls, but he’s not scrambling up the political ladder like his parliamentary namesake; he’s doing it for pats.

To clarify, Barnaby is a kelpie named after the former Nationals MP and his handler is “Farmer

Dave” (Dave Graham), who tours K9 Superwall around Australia and happens to be good mates with Barnaby Joyce.

Farmer Dave has known the MP since he was a teenager growing up on a sheep station in Barnaby’s New England electorate.

“On a station you have up to 20 dogs, so you’ve got to go through a lot of names,” Dave said. “No I do not have an Albo, they often say that the most useless dog lives the longest ... you always lose your best dog. I’d be worried if I had an Albo, I’d be stuck with a dog for 30 years.”

Enough with politics. Farmer Dave is in town with his famous “wall dogs”, and it’s been a long time coming. The last time he was at the Royal Canberra Show was 2014.

“I haven’t been to the Canberra Royal since, oh crikey, I think it was back when Quentin Bryce was Governor General and I was doing Dockdogs – the giant pool with the dogs racing along and splashing in a 100,000-litre pool,” Dave said.

“The Governor General was walking along the side of the pool and she had the brass in the front and she had the brass behind her; she had nowhere to go. Then a pitbull by the name of Nadia actually did a jump and had the biggest spray of water right across the crowd, and of course, the Governor General got drenched.

Royal faux pas aside, Dave’s canine crew is exceptional, clearing 3.2 metre walls with ease (that’s higher than the human record for high jump).

“We’re talking world records mate,” Dave said.

“The dogs in Australia are breaking the world records. We breed them extremely tough. All our eyes are on an event in Texas [in March].

The Americans reckon they’ve got dogs that can do it.”

At the Royal Canberra Show, the plan is to “just go higher”.

Dave and his K9 Superwall will be in the main arena of the Royal Canberra Show 20-22 February. This time, Dave isn’t bringing a pool.

Info and tickets: canberrashow.org.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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19 February 2026

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sponsored Brumbies Rugby

Brumbies to kick off home opener against familiar foe The ACT Brumbies are set to celebrate 30 years of Super Rugby in Round 3 at GIO Stadium on Saturday 28 February!

With a 56-24 Round 1 demolition of the Western Force complete, anticipation continues to build for the Brumbies’ opening home clash of the season against the Blues. The Brumbies will be looking to carry their momentum into what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the club’s storied history.

The matchup itself is fitting, given the Brumbies defeated the Auckland-based side 40-34 in Round 3 of the inaugural Super Rugby season 30 years ago. Just as it was in 1996, the clash shapes up as a pivotal one between two of the competition’s premier sides. And while that encounter featured a host of legends, including George Gregan, Joe Roff, and current head coach Stephen Larkham, the 2026 Brumbies continue to write their own names into the history books. Spearheaded by superstars Billy

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Pollard, Rob Valetini, and Ryan Lonergan, the current squad will be desperate to replicate the heroics of 2001 and 2004 by returning the title to the capital.

On the home front, it all starts Saturday 28 February, where late summer weather is set to meet captivating football. The evening guarantees a trip down memory lane for Canberrans, with activations around the ground set to highlight the club’s fondest memories. Whilst the past has long been a source of pride for the Brumbies, it is the present that Stephen Larkham’s men are focused on. A similar result to that of the ’96 clash would go a long way in establishing the side as one of the competition’s fiercest.

The first home match of the season offers the chance for all generations of Brumbies fans to get behind the current squad in their pursuit of glory.

For tickets, scan the QR code or visit the Ticketek website.

The Brumbies host the Blues in their home opener on Saturday 28 February.

T: 1300 228 278 E: membership@brumbies.rugby W: brumbies.rugby

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opinion fit the bill

New Liberal leadership team with C

W

R

BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD CO

NTRIBU

TO

FORMER ACT OPPOSITION LEADER

Now I thought Sussan Ley was very unlucky to have been given the poisoned chalice of the Liberal leadership in May last year, and I felt she was not doing a bad job. She was inspirational in her genuine concern for the victims of the Bondi massacre, but she could not lay a glove on Albanese despite his appalling track record in handling the rise of antisemitism in our country.

I hope new leader Angus Taylor does well.

We need a strong opposition and, potentially, a new government after five years of a very ordinary, uninspiring and at times positively dangerous federal Labor government. Recent figures, for example, have shown that since Labor came to government, over 41,000 businesses have gone broke, the most recent

including the iconic firm Barbeques Galore.

Taylor’s first news conference as leader seemed to go well, and I liked the optics of him and his deputy, Jane Hume, standing in front of six Australian flags instead of the confused optics of Albanese in front of the Australian flag and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. We have one national flag, after all, and there is a place for state and territory flags and ATSI flags, but there is only one national flag.

We are one of the few countries left stubbornly refusing to ditch net zero despite the obvious economic harm it is doing, and that nothing we do can make a jot of difference to climate change due to the rest of the world going their own way. If Angus sticks to the things that matter to all Australians and gets his social media right so as to connect to younger Australians, we may well see a turnaround.

Pauline Hanson and One Nation do social media well and are reaping the reward of young Australians becoming keener to vote for her party. At least One Nation stands for something.

Despite the understandable hubris of Labor,

the Greens and the teals, the Voice showed that about 60% of Australians are basically conservative. The latest state poll out of Victoria shows 29% supporting the LNP, 22% the ALP government and 21% One Nation. That could lead to a change of government in that longsuffering state later this year.

The LNP should not fear One Nation, but make the best of a bad deal.

The conservative parties need to, at the very least, ensure they have a strong preference deal and educate their supporters to follow their howto-vote cards.

At the end of the day, One Nation are patriots who love Australia, while the Greens seem to hate Australia.

Albo is very much in the box seat, but if Angus can get his act together and show some mongrel in parliament, he should do well as leader and, if he does, we all benefit. However you vote, in our system of democracy you need a strong opposition, if nothing else.

National Collecting Institutions Touring & Outreach Program KINGS AVENUE, PARKES ACT

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news

Canberra author’s funny debut for teenage boys

by BERNIE RYAN

Proud Tuggeranong local since 2021, Scott Woodward, has spent the last six years revelling in the company of his friends, Nolan, Edward and James.

But there is something extra special about these ‘friends.’

They aren’t who you might expect the dad of one and former radio host to be spending so much time with.

Nolan, Edward and James are, in fact, the fictional characters in Mr Woodward’s debut book and young adult coming-of-age story, Poster Boys.

“Poster Boys has been my passion project for the last five years,” says Mr Woodward.

“I’ve loved spending every day with these characters and working with them to unpack the themes of toxic masculinity, power imbalance and media misinformation.”

Poster Boys follows three unlikely heroes who, tired of their archaic and traditional grammar school, decide to stage a revolution.

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What inspired the book?

“It was a happy accident,” says Mr Woodward.

Mr Woodward grew up in Melbourne, but at the age of 25, after completing a radio course, he moved to Port Augusta in South Australia for his first commercial radio position.

After enjoying living and working there, Mr Woodward later secured a position with Power FM in Ballarat, where he was delighted to find the writers group, Words Out Loud.

Writers read their stories to an audience, and Mr Woodward quickly discovered that he loved the feedback from a live audience.

“I found myself chasing the laughs and started writing humorous stories,” he said.

Although Mr Woodward stressed that the private school in which the story is set, and the characters are fictional, “… there are definitely elements of the characters Nolan and Edward that are based on me,” he said.

“There is a lot of the teenage me in Edward, who is a massive people pleaser and wants to be accepted

Scott Woodward’s debut book Poster Boys explores friendship, identity and growing up.

and popular and buys into everything.

“Whereas Nolan is just happy being himself and definitely who I wish I could have been.”

With reading rates plummeting and young boys representing the smallest proportion of readers overall, Mr Woodward says he really wanted to write a book about positive, funny and compassionate teenage boys who can see themselves in the pages.

“What I hope is that first and foremost, they are entertained. If we want to get more young boys reading, we’ve got to write books that compete with screens,” he says.

The Canberra launch for Poster Boys will be at the Book Cow in Kingston on Thursday 12 March at 6pm.

Tickets are available via Humanitix.

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canberradaily.com.au

19 February 2026

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news

Photo: Mustard Flats

Belco pride

The world watches Belco Bowl Jam, Australia’s oldest skateboarding competition.

by GEORGIA CURRY Not one single hotel room is available in Belconnen this weekend, 20-22 February, as hundreds of international and interstate skateboarders turn up for the world-renowned Belco Bowl Jam.

It’s more famous than Floriade.

Even Olympic skateboarders and world record holders from the United States, Japan and Denmark have heard of Belco Bowl Jam, whose Instagram highlight video received 55.1 million views.

Belco’s Lighthouse Pub is bracing for the influx at the neighbouring skate park, which in previous years has seen its Bottlo do three months of trade in one day.

Merchandise has already sold out for t-shirts (size L) before the event has even begun.

At last year’s event, Baso Canberra reporting its highest ever single night sales, with about 900 patrons on Saturday evening.

Woolworths Belconnen recorded a $30,000+ increase, the largest weekend of sales in the store’s history.

This freestyle event is held in such high regard that American professional skateboarder Tom Schaar, who won a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics, went on a social media posting spree about Belco.

“He started posting highlights from last year’s event with the caption, ‘funnest event of the year’,” said Brenden Wood (Woody), vice president of the Canberra Skateboarding Association.

“Coming from someone like him, that’s a huge

deal because that guy goes to everything. He travels the world all year round going to skateboarding events.”

What makes this suburban skatepark event so famous is its lack of rules, where skateboarders perform tricks with no time-limits, no judging, just a consensus from the crowd for $60,000 in prize money.

Incredibly, this international event is entirely volunteer-run and Woody doesn’t make a cent out of it.

The three-day event is held across Canberra, including Belco Skate Park, Kambah’s U-Pipe, Braddon’s half pipe and for the first time, at The Erindale Brick Banks (or “Snakepit”) at Wanniassa, which was recently heritage-listed. There’s also adhoc street meetups around the city and for the first time, secret obstacles will be thrown into the mix.

This year marks a quarter-of-a-century for Belco Bowl Jam, Australia’s oldest skateboarding event, which started out as a barbecue at Belco Skate Park with about 30 local skaters. Today, it has become a global skateboarding calendar event.

If you can’t get a seat at Belco’s famous bowl, the action will be live streamed at The Lighthouse Pub. For more info, follow @BelcoBowlJam on Instagram.

Birthdays. Celebrations. Catch-ups.

And the everyday moments worth enjoying.

At Flute, we create pastries and cakes that feel right at home, no matter the reason or no reason at all.

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19 February 2026

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sponsored Hands Across Canberra

Hands Across Canberra CEO Genevieve Jacobs with HelpingACT Founder Mohammed Ali.

Canberra Day Appeal:

HelpingACT

P

overty relief organisation HelpingACT is one of over 80 charities taking part in this year’s Canberra Day Appeal, a two-month initiative where Hands Across Canberra will match every dollar raised to a total of $2500 per charity.

Founded by Mohammed Ali, 2022 Canberra Citizen of the Year, HelpingACT’s mission is to ensure that “nobody should sleep hungry in Canberra” — whether they be average Australian families, refugees, asylum seekers, international students, or homeless people.

HelpingACT has set a target of $10,000. Donations will help the charity provide free community meals, school breakfasts, fresh/long-life food hampers, stock up local food pantries, supply food to community organisations, or give white goods to people in need.

During Ramadan (16 February to 18 March), HelpingACT will also hold iftar dinners at ANU every Thursday for students — anyone, regardless of faith, is welcome — and provide dresses for women and children.

“With every donation to HelpingACT — no matter how small — you are giving directly to those who need our help,” Mr Ali said. “We are all volunteers, and 90 per cent of funds raised go directly into the local

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community.

“We need people to come forward and support us with their donations, whether they be individuals, families, or corporates. Canberra is a very generous place; my salutes to the community — they have never failed us.”

For all its beauty, Canberra has a growing stain of hardship, Mr Ali says. 40,000 people (including 10,000 children) live below the poverty line. The number of working poor in the ACT has increased: fully employed people — including public servants, teachers, and nurses — cannot make ends meet, as grocery prices have risen by 22 per cent in the last few years, and rents and mortgages have soared.

Parents are skipping meals so their children can eat, while almost every week, another family is added to HelpingACT’s list of people seeking support.

Attendance at community food vans has risen from 50 to 75 people, while HelpingACT is now serving breakfast at some schools four days a week, not once a week, so great is the need. Mr Ali believes more schools will request food, and invites any school to contact the charity.

And Mr Ali fears that matters will worsen.

“People will be worse off, and the challenges for organisations like HelpingACT and Hands Across

Canberra will be more,” Mr Ali said. “We’ll have to find more ways to raise donations, to support the community, to meet the increased demand.

“We will never say no to any food requirement — never ever. Whatever we have to do, we’ll do it, to make sure that no-one who approaches us sleeps hungry.”

Being part of the Canberra Day Appeal would make it easier for the charity to raise funds and support people in need, Mr Ali said.

“Hands Across Canberra is a gift to Canberra people,” Mr Ali said. “We’re so relieved that we, and the other organisations, are part of this year’s campaign. You think of any charity project and at the end of the day, if you feel that this must be done, but you are struggling to find money, then you know that you can talk to Hands Across Canberra. If they have the money or resources, they will never say no to you; they ensure that people are helped in society.”

Mr Ali appealed to everyone in Canberra to support the Canberra Day Appeal — whether by donating to HelpingACT or to another charity. Doing so, he said, is “supporting our own selves, and saving the dignity and respect of those people who are in need at the moment”.

Many people in Canberra are under financial pressure, Mr Ali acknowledged, but, he emphasises that nine out of ten Canberrans are in a position to help those who are struggling, to “take them under their wings, so they can have a respectable life”.

Mr Ali urged the business sector and the public service to help Hands Across Canberra in raising much-needed funds, as the Department of Education’s graduate program has recently done to support HelpingACT. With more government funding, Mr Ali believes, HelpingACT would be able to help more charities.

“We want to sleep at night knowing this is a city where we are able to address the needs of [everyday] people — those people who are honest and true in their lives, and doing their best on their own, but still unable to meet rising demands due to factors that were never under their control. A homeless person or someone affected by domestic violence didn’t contribute to inflation — so why should they take the brunt of this changed situation?

“Together, we can certainly do a lot better. My hats off to Hands Across Canberra for what they are doing.”

To donate, visit canberra-dayappeal-2026.raiselysite.com/o/ helping-act 19 February 2026

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news

A few Aussie headlines from the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Australia’s most successful campaign ever with three gold medals, one silver and one bronze (so far).

Moguls master Cooper Woods snatches gold Australia’s first gold medal of the Milan-Cortina Games was presented by one of the country’s most decorated Olympians to one of the most unlikely, with Jessica Fox awarding mogul winner Cooper Woods with his prize.

Having never won a World Cup, only making the podium once in 51 starts and coming into the Olympics on the back of an underwhelming season, the 25-year-old was considered a long-shot to be

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amongst the medals.

“It was an amazing honour to receive my gold medal from a fellow champion,” Woods said.

“She’s an Aussie icon – so lovely, but it threw me off guard, she was very emotional handing me the medal and it brought a lot of significance to that moment.”

Aussie Josie Baff storms to snowboard cross gold medal With an army of pink-hatted fans watching on, Josie Baff wiped away her tears of joy after claiming a gold medal in the women’s snowboard cross event at Milan-Cortina.

The 23-year-old cried and jumped in delight on the podium after becoming the first Australian woman to medal in the event.

Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP Image

Australia’s golden Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina

Australian Winter Olympic medalists Josie Baff, Cooper Woods, Scotty James, Matt Graham and Jakara Anthony.

Baff said she had grown as a racer and a person since her Beijing Olympic disappointment, when her campaign ended in the opening race.

“It’s very amazing – I would like to say that I can’t believe it but I kind of can,” she said.

“I feel like I deserve it and I put in a lot of hard work so I knew I could do it but to actually have

the medal around my neck is very, very cool.

“It’s definitely something that I’ve been working towards for a very long time and my team has been helping me achieve that every step of the way.”

Jakara Anthony powers to historic third Aussie Olympic gold A “very quiet, shy girl who loved skiing” has become Australia’s

canberradaily.com.au

news greatest Winter Olympian after Jakara Anthony rebounded from devastation to make history at the Milan-Cortina Games.

Anthony became the first Australian athlete ever to annex two Winter Games gold medals, clinching the first-ever dual moguls title amid a Livigno snowfall.

She had entered the new event to the Olympic program with steely determination after failing to defend her Beijing title in the individual when she crossed her skis during her medal round run just three days earlier.

Anthony admitted she had some self-doubt following the shattering result, when she finished eighth after appearing to be destined for back-to-back titles.

“I was doubting myself a bit this morning after what happened the other day,” she said.

“That was really heartbreaking, the singles. I came in here with

such a great chance of taking home that top step, but elite sport, you know, it’s hundredths of a second, and one little mistake, and it was all over.

“To be able to turn that around with the help of my support crew around me, has been a pretty massive feat, I think, and makes this medal even more special.”

Aussie medal party continues with Graham moguls bronze Matt Graham is hoping his baby daughter Ada is more impressed with his bronze medal than his silver as the Australian veteran formed part of a “dad podium” in the first-ever Olympic dual moguls event.

With the duals a new Olympic event, the 31-year-old bounced back from individual disappointment to add another medal to the one he collected eight years ago in PyeongChang and continue the Aussie success story

at Milan-Cortina.

“This means a lot, the other day was a bit bittersweet, coming fifth when I knew I had enough to get on the podium so today was a bit about redemption, I was fired up,” the four-time Olympian said.

Scotty James settles for second Olympic silver Snowboard great Scotty James says he will be back for a sixth Olympics after his high-risk bid for an elusive gold medal failed at the Milan-Cortina Games.

James was looking to complete his medal collection but was left in tears after he finished with silver for the second straight Olympics.

With three medals to his name, he became Australia’s most decorated Winter Olympian and he was also part of the country’s most successful single day – his second place coming after Josie Baff clinched gold in the snowboard cross earlier in Livigno.

Injured Canberra aerials champion misses Olympics A heartbroken Laura Peel has withdrawn from the Olympics, with Australia’s two-time aerials world champion unable to recover from a serious knee injury.

Peel ruptured her ACL at a pre-Games training camp in Airolo, Switzerland, in early February but refused to give up hope of winning her first medal at her fourth Olympics.

“Two weeks ago I took a hit in training and ruptured my ACL, along with a couple of other things,” the 36-year-old posted on social media.

“I have given absolutely everything to keep this Olympic dream alive, but ultimately my knee is not stable enough to fall 15m from the sky, no matter how much my heart wants it.”

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19 February 2026

23

Through

The Lens Photo by Michelle Rixon A male bowerbird collecting twigs for his nest, taken at the National Botanical Gardens in Canberra.

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.

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• New villas located close to restored Gold Creek Homestead event space and arts studio * Information about the services and facilities provided in the village is correct at the time of printing but may change. Photographs are for illustrative purposes. Some images may depict items not provided by Keyton within the units such as furniture and other decorative items. February 2026. Published by Keyton Realty (ACT) Pty Ltd ABN 73 605 042 537.

19 February 2026

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have you heard?

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

GIVIT donation of the week: Children’s clothing GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation that provides accommodation and support for families and individuals experiencing homelessness. They are seeking support for a homeless mother and her two children. This family of three had experienced violence in a previously shared accommodation. Mum is struggling to find a new home due to trauma and the high cost of rent, but she is determined to study to improve their financial situation. In the meantime, Mum needs support with her children’s clothing needs for autumn and winter. This organisation is requesting children’s clothing or a gift voucher for Kmart so mum can buy clothes for her children. Your donation will provide warmth and comfort for this family during their time of need. Generous Canberrans can donate children’s clothing or fund the purchase of these items. 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: ‘children’s clothing’ and Suburb: ‘Yarralumla, 2600’.

Friends ANBG Thursday Talks Chris Mobbs will present the next Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens Thursday Talk on 26 February. A Hackett resident, Chris will share the story of Bragg Street Park and how locals transformed a drainage problem into an urban oasis supporting diverse native plants and small creatures. The talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette, opposite the Visitor Centre, from 12:30–1:30pm. Bookings at trybooking.com/DHLQG. Gold coin and EFTPOS donations welcome.

Weston Creek VIEW Club The Weston Creek VIEW Club will meet on Tuesday 3 March at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Corinna Street, Woden. The meeting begins at 11:30am and includes a two-course meal ($40). Guest speaker Heather Jackson from Bosom Buddies will present. RSVP to Barbara on 0408 864 616 by 5pm, Wednesday 25 February.

Boorowa Rotary Community Market The Boorowa Rotary Community Market will be held on the fourth Saturday of the month, 9am–1pm, at the Old Court House grounds, Marsden Street, Boorowa, NSW. 2026 dates are: 28 February, 28 March, 23 May, 26 September, 24 October, 28 November and 19 December (no market on 25 April – ANZAC Day).

Chinese New Year Lantern Festival The Australia China Friendship Society ACT Branch will host a Lantern Festival to celebrate the Year of the Horse on Saturday 28 February, 6–8:30pm, at the Canberra Beijing Garden, Lennox Garden, Yarralumla.

Entry is free. Bring your own lantern or purchase one on the night. Enjoy Chinese classical music, dance, martial arts, dragon and lion dances, with a lantern parade finale along the lake and through the gardens.

Enquiries: acfsevent@gmail.com or 02 6247 8231. For cancellation updates, visit acfs.org.au. canberradaily.com.au

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christiansciencecanberra.com 19 February 2026

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PUZZLES & STARS

PLAY UNLIMITED PUZZLES ONLINE canberradaily.com.au/puzzles

CROSSWORD NO. 0750

SUPER SUDOKU NO. 016 6

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Down 1 Separated 2 Make known 3 Mature 4 Alone 5 Letting contracts 6 Reputation acquired 7 Get 8 Golf mound 9 Composed 15 Unit of capacity 16 Seize 17 Colour 18 Yields 20 Small dogs 23 Do wrong 24 Opening 25 Draws forth 26 Be eager to do 27 Fault 28 Give to charity 29 Find out 32 Layer 34 Headwear 36 Male sheep

19 February 2026

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BRAIN BUSTERS 1 The 2024 album, Eternal Sunshine, is the seventh studio album by which artist?

2 MLXXVI represents which number in Roman numerals?

3 Who wrote the best-selling children’s book, The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin?

4 Which well-known person was assassinated on 4 April 1968?

5 Which famous play features characters named Elmire, Damis and Flipote?

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)

A big project is on the agenda.

Whether you are designing or high-level socialising, some approaches will work, others won’t, and that is exactly how you find the one that’s so you. Every misstep, adjustment or sideways try is getting to something that couldn’t exist any other way.

DIFFICULTY RATING

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Across 1 Sunshade 6 Schemes 10 Self 11 Insect 12 Make merry 13 Warded off 14 Dash 17 Keep within limits 19 Widens 21 Born 22 Resting place 23 Incite 25 Period of time 27 Feared greatly 30 Army quitter 31 Assumed attitude 33 Language 35 Angry 37 Corn spike 38 Consume 39 Slender supports 40 Annoy excessively

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You are there for others to the extent that is humanly possible, responding quickly to be with them in important moments. You don’t make the decision to be there, as that would require time to think. Instead, you activate and you go – an instinct, a reflex of the heart. Your love makes it so.

BRAIN BUSTERS 1 Ariana Grande 2 1076 3 Beatrix Potter 4 Martin Luther King Jr 5 Tartuffe

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ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

Working for people’s attention is an ineffective strategy because people like to give their attention.

They don’t like it wrestled from them. The effort that counts will happen before you ever get in the room. Find out what people need and want. Bring it. They’ll repay the effort with their full attention.

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19 FEBRUARY — 25 FEBRUARY

You see it one way. Others see it another. Your imagination and empathy are so strong that you can pretty much step into whatever viewpoint you wish, so play around with the lens until you find one that’s more fun, empowering or enlightened. Your breakthrough comes this week.

9 4 3 5 6 8 2 1 7

1

STARS BY HOLIDAY MATHIS

You’re a natural-born coach. You notice where people hesitate, you remove obstacles, and you pass along skills to instill confidence to those you teach. You’ll be thrilled to see that growth. You’ll feel proud when they make decisions on their own without waiting for permission or approval.

Group work toward a common purpose is the hope this week.

Check to make sure before you get too far into this because if there are any misunderstandings, now is the time to sort them out.

Make sure you’re all on the same page. Then it’s smooth and steady progress for weeks to come.

To be loved and respected by yourself and others, you don’t need to change in any way at all.

But you still want to. You want to learn and practice skills to have more options, more excitement, novelty, adventure and more security. And that’s what this week is about for you.

Valour is just courage with skin on it, not necessarily on the battlefield. Today, you’ll show everyday valour by telling the truth when it would be smoother to gloss over it, or standing up for yourself without turning it into a fight. You’ll do the right thing even when it costs you.

It’s easier for you to be patient with others than it is for you to find patience with your own process. But this week, you’re the one who needs your compassion the most, as the work before you is creative, interesting and ultimately, very meaningful. Allow yourself the full exploratory path..

Why does the veteran miss the war? One reason is that familiarity is its own draw, even when what we’re familiar with is terrible. You’ll be called to a circumstance that echoes back to another time.

You’ll ask: Do I really need or want this? Or is it just attractive because it’s familiar to me?

You’re not inclined to voice your opinions today. Why do you hold back? You see the truth, and you’re not afraid to voice it, but you’re socially astute, empathetic and ultimately strategic. So you make your best guess about what will actually help the situation before you give it breath.

The best people for you are the ones who see and focus on your strengths. You don’t need to seek hard teachers and critics to become better, as life does that for you. Revel in the multitude of things going your way. You can’t go wrong by surrounding yourself with sweethearts.

canberradaily.com.au

taste

Easy Garlic Prawn and Chorizo Pasta

Simple. Tasty. Healthy. Affordable.

Prawns are high in protein and low in fat, so making this dish is good for your body and taste buds.

Prep 15 mins Cook 20 mins Ingredients 400g linguine ¼ cup olive oil 2 chorizo, peeled and finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 tbsp finely grated lemon zest 24 green Australian prawns, peeled and deveined tails intact ¼ cup pasta water ¼ cup finely grated parmesan + extra to serve Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Method Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water.

Meanwhile, heat half the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over med high heat.

Add chorizo, garlic, and lemon zest and cook for 4-5 minutes or until chorizo is crisp. Set aside and keep warm.

Heat the remaining oil over high heat and cook the prawns, turning for 4-5 minutes or until golden.

Return the chorizo to the pan along with the pasta, pasta water as needed and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.

Serve with fresh lemon, baby herbs and extra parmesan.

¼ cup each of baby basil and parsley Fresh lemon to serve Recipe and image from Australian Prawns.

canberradaily.com.au

19 February 2026

27

time out

The bold Bald Archy returns

by GEORGIA CURRY

As if we haven’t had enough coverage of Toto the “first dog”, there are two paintings of the PM’s pooch in the irreverent Bald Archy Prize this year.

No matter how high your office, no one is spared ridicule in the Bald Archy (there’s even a painting titled “Dutt Plug”).

Stop laughing, this is serious.

The Bald Archy Prize is nothing but professional, judged by Professor Maude Cockatoo, the sole avian judge. Maude (an actual sulphur-crested cockatoo) selects the winner by squawking at her favourite artwork (she often goes for the colour blue in paintings).

This feather-ruffling exhibition is no laughing matter, with 69 entries in this year’s Bald Archy Prize – the highest number of entries in the past 15 years.

Of the 43 finalists, there are a lot of Albos and a good mix of Australian celebs like musicians Paul Kelly and Tim Rogers, and comedian Luke McGregor.

Interestingly, Celeste Barber, the queen of satire who mercilessly lampoons models and wannabes on social media, is the subject of satire herself.

According to Tim Kurylowicz, manager of the Museum of the Riverina (which administers the Bald Archy Prize), thousands flock to this touring regional exhibition.

“Possibly more than the crowds at the famed Archibald Prize,” Tim said. “The Bald Archy is such an underdog in the art world, I actually think that we might be sitting on the largest touring exhibition outside of a capital city. It often draws crowds bigger than the population of the town it’s in – in towns like Holbrook they’ll get thousands coming through, which is just extraordinary.”

While the prestigious Archibald Prize flatters the celebrity class, the Bald Archy takes no prisoners.

And you couldn’t have a Bald Archy without a caricature of One Nation’s Pauline Hanson or Barnaby Joyce.

“To get satire right, it’s actually hard,” Tim said.

“We give Oscars for people who act in dramas, but the satirists actually have a harder job.”

The winning portrait in the 2026 Bald Archy Prize, Emperor Australis by Mark Davis.

And you, dear reader, get to vote in the People’s Choice Award, worth $2,000.

The 30th Bald Archy Prize is on until 15 March at the Watson Art Centre. Info: canberrapotters.com. au/2026-bald-archy-prize

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19 February 2026

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time out

No grades, No pressure – just joy: Inside Canberra’s new creative studio

Photo Jenny Wu

by BERNIE RYAN

The Joyful Creative Studio’ Founder Deborah O’Toole and participants.

Remember when more of us spent time relaxing or trying new things, with, well, other human beings?

Since a demanding and frenetic pace of life now seems to be the norm, and ‘connecting’ with others is increasingly a ‘virtual’ experience, many of us now find ourselves yearning for what sitting down with real people can bring.

Or just time and space to slow down, breathe and do something joyful without judgement or pressure.

Deborah O’Toole, a professional performer of over 35 years and former lead vocalist with the Australian Army Band, has created The Joyful Creative Studio in response to a growing need for accessible, restorative wellbeing practices centred around creativity.

This new creative space is opening its doors in Narrabundah this month, inviting Canberrans to come in, slow down and remember how good it feels to make something – just for the fun of it.

And, says Ms O’Toole, “Flex their creative muscles for wellness.”

The Joyful Creative Studio has been designed as ‘a

gym for creatives’ – a bright, welcoming studio where curiosity is encouraged, materials are ready to go, and there’s no pressure to be productive or ‘good at art’.

“We all know that physical exercise is good for the body, but what many don’t realise is that creative practice is good for the nervous system,” says Ms O’Toole.

Keeping stress at bay is one of the key objectives of The Joyful Creative.

“We want people to de-stress and help reset their nervous system from fight or flight to rest and digest,” says Ms O’Toole.

“It’s also not about being ‘good at art’,” says Ms O’Toole.

“If technique and skills come with the experience, that’s great, but it isn’t the focus,” she says.

It’s a space to make connections, enjoy the sense of community, share ideas and receive creative advice and encouragement.

Members are also welcome to bring in their own projects like knitting, cross-stitch, crochet, scrapbooking, etc.

The Joyful Creative Studio will officially launch with open studio sessions from 10am-4pm on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, and welcome the community to explore the new space, meet the founder and enjoy relaxed, gently guided creative exploration.

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SCAN ME

19 February 2026

29

time out

Book talk

This week, Jeff Popple reviews three entertaining books about vampires, both real and fictional. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Killing the Dead by John Blair Princeton, $59.99

Community hysteria about the dead rising and causing trouble has been around for centuries, and there are still occasional rural outbreaks today. Thanks to popular fiction, it has traditionally been viewed as a European phenomenon, but as respected Oxford professor John Blair shows in Killing the Dead, so called ‘vampire epidemics’ date back to ancient times and across geographic regions.

Drawing on extensive archaeological and historical research, he charts the occurrence of ‘undead’ hysteria in times of societal unrest, from ancient Mesopotamia, China and Rome, through to medieval and early modern Europe and the Americas. Richly illustrated and lucidly written, Killing the Dead is a fascinating history book.

A Grave Mistake by Steffanie Holmes Atria, $34.99 The mixture of romance and fantasy, popularly known as ‘Romantasy’, is one of the hottest genres in the publishing world. Combining familiar romance tropes with fantasy storylines of different hues, it is finding a very eager audience.

Bestselling author Steffanie Holmes is known for her tales of paranormal passion, and in A Grave Mistake, she provides a cosy vampire romance story that also has elements of a murder mystery to it. Arabella Lestrange and Gideon Blake used to be lovers in 1880s Paris, but are now arch enemies. Arabella has held a grudge against Gideon for eternity, but can things change? Light romantic fun!

Vow of Eternal Night by Lily Crozier Penguin, $34.99 Described as a slow-burn gothic romance, Vow of Eternal Night is a magical retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with vampires! When Clara Wagner finds herself abducted and forced into a betrothal with the fearsome Prince Raleigh of Rostenburg, she will do anything to escape her fate. Reluctantly, she agrees to an ultimatum: lift the prince’s vampiric curse before the end of the year or become his bride for eternity.

Showing a real flair for supernatural romance, popular Australian publishing figure Lily Crozier has produced a great read that is a must for ‘Romantasy’ fans.

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19 February 2026

canberradaily.com.au

www.michellerichardshearing.com.au michellerichardshearing @michelle_richards_hearing

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A difference you can hear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ethical. Local. Independent

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

health & wellbeing

C

W

R

I know what to do… So why don’t I do it?

CO

NTRIBU

TO

with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

“I know what I should be doing.” Eat regularly, be kinder to myself, stop overthinking, go to bed earlier, move my body, set boundaries, breathe.

The list is familiar, sensible, and usually accurate. So the obvious question becomes, if we know what helps, why don’t we do it? At first glance, it can look like procrastination, laziness, or a lack of motivation. But psychologically, it’s rarely that simple. Most people

are not short on information. They are short on safety, belief, and emotional readiness.

Knowing isn’t the same as understanding Often, people think they know what to do, but what they actually know is a checklist, a set of instructions absorbed from books, social media, or well-meaning advice. Knowing that something is recommended is not the same as knowing how to apply it in real life, on a bad day, when you’re exhausted, stressed, or emotionally overwhelmed.

Advice tends to live in the rational part of the brain. Behaviour, however, is driven by emotion, habit, and past experience. So when someone says, “I know what to do,” what they often mean is, ‘I know what I’m supposed to do, but I don’t feel able to do it.’

Do I believe this will actually work?

This is the question that often sits underneath. If you’ve tried something before and it didn’t bring immediate relief, eating regularly but still feeling uncomfortable in your body, resting but still feeling anxious, speaking up but still feeling guilty, your brain remembers that. It quietly files the strategy away as ineffective or not worth the effort.

Our brains are efficiency machines.

If something feels uncomfortable and the payoff isn’t obvious or immediate, motivation drops quickly.

Old patterns once kept you safe Many unhelpful patterns once served a purpose. Restricting food, overworking, avoiding emotions and pleasing others often reduced distress at some point in life. They worked, until they didn’t.

Letting them go can feel threatening, even when we intellectually understand they’re no longer helpful.

The brain prefers what is familiar over what is unknown, even if the familiar comes at a cost.

Knowledge is not the same as readiness Change doesn’t happen because information finally lands. It happens when safety, support, timing, and belief line up. Sometimes the missing piece isn’t more insight, but compassion, repetition, or permission to go slowly.

A more helpful question Instead of asking, ‘Why don’t I just do it?’, a more useful question is: ‘What makes this hard right now? What part of me is resisting and why?’

When we stop shaming ourselves for not doing what we know, we create space for real change. Not perfect change, not overnight change, but change that lasts, because it’s built on understanding rather than pressure.

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health & wellbeing

Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life

by NICK WILSON, AAP

Mikaela Carroll and her partner Ryan have left Brisbane behind and relocated to Tasmania.

Gen Z is leading a new wave of city dwellers eyeing a move to the regions, with almost half considering swapping skyscrapers for the great outdoors.

Australians aged 18 to 29 have overtaken

millennials (aged 30 to 45) as the cohort most eager to leave the city for the regions, with 49 per cent considering the move, Regional Australia Institute research shows.

More than 5.3 million Australians – about 37 per cent of metropolitan residents – say they would consider making the shift.

For Generation Z, the financial pull is particularly strong, with more than half (52 per cent) citing cheaper living costs as a key driver and 50 per cent pointing to more affordable housing.

At 28, economic development worker Mikaela Carroll is part of that shift.

After finishing university at the onset of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she and her partner Ryan left Brisbane in a van with plans to stop briefly in Bunbury, a regional town south of Perth.

“We ended up staying there for five years,” she said.

“We really loved it.”

The pair have since relocated to Launceston in

Tasmania, where they retain the benefits of regional life while being closer to family.

“Living down here, we were able to buy a place that’s only a six-minute drive to work,” Ms Carroll said.

“That, in itself, is a huge, huge challenge in metropolitan areas.”

Only 23 per cent of Gen Z Australians considering the move said they would do so in the next two years, climbing to 37 per cent in the next five years.

Fear of isolation remains the biggest hurdle preventing young Australians from making the move, with 44 per cent worried about being cut off from family and friends.

Ms Carroll admitted the distance had been trying, but said the benefits outweighed the downsides.

“I definitely feel like I’ve got better mental health than I did when I was living in Brisbane because I’m not constantly worrying about the end of my lease,” she said.

While more Australians are leaving cities for the regions than the reverse, the think tank’s Regional Movers Index shows it is not a one-way phenomenon.

Capital-to-region migration accounted for 11.5 per cent of all major relocations in the September quarter, only a few points ahead of the 8.4 per cent who moved the other way.

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health & wellbeing

Data doesn’t match hype on intermittent fasting: study

by ELLA PICKOVER, AAP The evidence behind intermittent fasting doesn’t justify the enthusiasm about the dieting technique, experts say. The diet has grown in popularity, but a new study suggests science doesn’t back intermittent fasting.

There are a number of different fasting methods. Alternate-day fasting involves a 24-hour fast on every second day, and has become more popular in recent years.

Another approach is timerestricted eating, where people only eat for a certain number of hours in the day, such as the 16:8 diet involving a 16-hour fasting period followed by an eight-hour eating window.

Whole-day fasting includes the 5:2 diet involving five days of eating and

two days of fasting periods.

Now, a new review has examined 22 trials studying intermittent fasting involving almost 2000 adults across North America, Europe, China, Australia and South America.

The international team of researchers, led by academics in Argentina, compared intermittent fasting with traditional dietary advice.

The authors concluded “intermittent fasting may result in little to no difference in weight loss, measured as change from starting weight”.

“Intermittent fasting just doesn’t seem to work for overweight or obese adults trying to lose weight,” said Luis Garegnani, lead author of the review from the Universidad Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires Cochrane Associate Centre.

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35

real estate

property of the week

find more listings here

Sky-high living in Red Hill Red Hill 9/2 Lady Nelson Place Perched above the treetops in one of Canberra’s most sought-after Inner South suburbs, this Red Hill penthouse delivers house-like proportions with the ease of apartment living. Occupying an entire floor within the Lady Nelson Park precinct, the residence offers a rare sense of privacy alongside sweeping views across Canberra’s iconic landscape.

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

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

spending much of their time outdoors, enjoying the peaceful vista while still having the convenience of a secure lock-and-leave lifestyle.

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

3

2

3*

EER: 6 For sale: $2,999,000 Please visit the website for the open times.

Agent: Christine Shaw Mob: 0405 135 009 Christine Shaw Properties *Not car spaces but a three-car garage

Larger blocks now selling.

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

• • • • •

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

For the latest plans and prices visit Elm Grove Sales Office 1 Charlotte Place, Bungendore Sunday 12pm – 4pm elmgroveestate.com.au

Aaron Papahatzis 0438 254 990 aaron.papahatzis@belleproperty.com 36

19 February 2026

FOR A LIMITED TIME: FREE STAMP DUTY *Conditions apply

canberradaily.com.au

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

5/6 TOWNS CRESCENT, TURNER

3

2

2 EER: 3.5

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

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

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

419/240 BUNDA STREET, CITY LOCATION + PRIVACY + SPACE Wake up to all-day sunshine and mesmerising parkland views from this rare northeast gem. Resort-style luxury meets city convenience with total privacy. Imagine a city apartment where your view isn’t another building - it’s parkland and open sky.

Perfectly positioned for seclusion, this stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence offers total privacy, abundant natural light, and uninterrupted views across Glebe Park to Mount Ainslie - no fishbowl views overlooking the pool or neighbours, just serene forest-like panoramas. This is one of the most sought-after and functional floor plans in the complex, with bedrooms positioned at opposite ends for optimal privacy, comfort and airflow. High floor-to-ceiling windows flood the spacious openplan living area with light, flowing seamlessly onto a generous covered balcony - ideal for year-round alfresco dining and lounging while soaking in the views as if you are in the middle of a forest. The beautifully appointed kitchen, complete with premium

2

2

2 EER: 6

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

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

76 EGGLESTON CRESCENT, CHIFLEY

7

4

4

SECOND GENERATION LIVING? HOME BUSINESS? INCOME STREAM? Second generation living with parents or adult children is now part of how families live. With AUCTION: On Site TH Wednesday 11 March 2026, 5:30pm commercial rates for business, perhaps a home business is better. 76 Eggleston offers so many options on this massive 1036m2, just minutes to Woden shopping precinct. This renovated OPEN TIMES: modern and stylish 5 bedroom family home has three bathrooms, plus there is also the Please refer to websites for details segregated two bedroom one bathroom studio. Both residences have double glazing and have been renovated, ready for you to move in. The open-plan style of the main home allows family to gather when they wish, but also to have their own private space. The kitchen and breakfast bar is the hub of the home, with sliding doors out to a great sized pergola for outdoor living.

The segregated king-sized master bedroom has a large walk-in robe, and fantastic ensuite with double vanities. Four additional large bedrooms all have built-in wardrobes. The two bedroom studio is the perfect location for grandparents, adult children just starting out, or as a home-business. The physical separation from the home ensures privacy. Perhaps you might want to rent out the studio to supplement your mortgage payments? Too many choices.

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

7 & 7A HAKEA CRESCENT, O’CONNOR

6

4

4

ERR 1 House EER 6 Studio

TWO RESIDENCES AND INCOME OF $78,000?

Live in one property and rent the other to supplement your mortgage? Dual income purchasing as an investor / SMSF for an amazing $78k pa income? Multi-generation living with parents or adult children in the second residence? Knockdown/rebuild the front house while you live in the back house? The original home has been renovated and offers a lovely cottage atmosphere for the new owners. The open plan of the lounge, dining and kitchen area allow easy living, and the three bedrooms accommodate queen and double bed furniture and all have built-in robes. The kitchen, laundry and bathroom have been renovated, and the home has been freshly painted - sparkling for a new owner to enjoy. The 2020 three bedroom three ensuite house is slightly smaller in size – and is purpose built for university students. Optimising passive solar design principles, it takes full advantage of the sun and saves energy costs throughout the year. The kitchen and one bedroom / ensuite are compliant with disability guidelines. The location is simply gold. Both homes have north-east orientation, and the quiet street only has traffic from the residents.

AUCTION: On Site Saturday 14 March 2026, 10am TH

OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

Trades & Services Guide INDEX

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING 51

Bathroom Renovations

51

Bathrooms & Kitchens

51

Car Detailing

51

Carpet Laying

52

Cleaning Service

52

Concreting & Related

52

Construction

52

Decks

52

Electrical

52

Excavation

53

Fencing

53

Garden Maintenance

53

Gardening

53

Gutter Cleaning

53

Handyperson

53

Mechanics

53

Painting

54

Plastering & Painting

54

Plumbing & Gasfitting

54

Roofing

55

Rubbish Removals

55

Tiling

55

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING ARC AU35206

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BATHROOM RENOVATIONS BATHROOM RENOVATIONS POOL RENOVATIONS AND GENERAL TILING

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CWM0085-V2

51

Arborist

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

CAR DETAILING

ADVANCED CAR DETAILING

ABN: 62973049707

Barry Richards Ceramic Tiling Bathroom Renovations, Leaking Showers Small Jobs, For All Your Tiling Needs PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE

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CWM0477

Air Conditioning/Heating

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

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email sales@newstimemedia.com.au 19 February 2026

51

Trades & Services Guide CARPET LAYING

GT

Carpet Service

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

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

CONCRETING & RELATED

DECKS

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RENO DECKS

ACT and NSW contractors lic available

Call 0499 033 433

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

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ABN: 45 163 588 458 Contractors Licence No: 1988 4459

0431 163 015 renodecks1@gmail.com

CONSTRUCTION

ELECTRICAL

Call Gary 0414 863 195

ABZ

gary@pcug.org.au

CLEANING SERVICE

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS P/L

ELECTRIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING BATHROOMS, LIVING AREAS, BEDROOMS AND MORE

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

$250

COMMERCIAL CLEANING, OFFICES, CLUBS, CHILDCARE. FREE QUOTES

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

CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE

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

CONCRETING & RELATED

Call Chris 0412 938 682 admin@clarityconstructions.com.au ACT 201939 | NSW 360769c

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

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

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52

19 February 2026

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10% Discount on all Electrical Services to Senior Community

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

Phone Daniel on 0418 419 383 or email prime1q@outlook.com ACT license No. 2018491

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Trades & Services Guide GARDENING

FENCING

0431 251 882

canfencecanberra@gmail.com

GLENN’S BRUSH FENCING REPAIRS OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.

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CWM0812

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Jason 0484 870 398 jcreativepainting@yahoo.com www.jcreative.au | Calling hours - 1:35PM - 5:35PM

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Fence Repairs Roofing & Gutters Cleaning

Plumber Specialising in Private Home

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

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General Repairs

& Maintenance

Peter 0499 849 008

BEFORE

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CWM0085-V2

CWM0116

• Glass • Modular walls • Concrete sleeper walls • All fabricated works

Roo� Paintin�

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CWM10402AA

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

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Quality

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CWM0128

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EXCAVATION

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

19 February 2026

53

Trades & Services Guide PAINTING

PLASTERING & PAINTING CANBERRA’S LEADING PAINTING EXPERTS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

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

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15 YEARS

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QUALITY MATTERS 98 AND COUNTING FIVE STAR REVIEWS

TAQWAPAINTING.COM.AU 0451 031 550

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

PLASTERING & PAINTING

NATIONAL CAPITAL PAINTERS SPRING SPECIAL Come Home to a Fresh New LOOK

INTERIOR PAINTING • Ceilings, walls, and cornices (minimum 3 rooms)

$350 per room EXTERIOR PAINTING

(INCLUDES FASCIA, GUTTER, EVES AND DOWNPIPES)

• Includes gutters, fascia, eaves, and downpipes

2 COAT APPLICATION QUALITY PAINTS

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

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

• High-pressure water blasting included

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FOR EXPERT, FRIENDLY ADVICE:

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

PLUMBING & GASFITTING

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

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terms and conditions apply

CWM00445AA

0419 186 171

contact@danthepaintman.com.au

24/7 emergency services

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

www.danthepaintman.com.au

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Call your local plumber Shane 0411 591 615 or email lucidplumbingandroofing@gmail.com

JUST A PLUMBER

Give your business a boost!

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

Have your business listed here.

Call CW on 6175 8800 54

19 February 2026

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

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

Call Emmett 0417 411 487

www.justaplumber.com.au ACT Licence 20081145 canberradaily.com.au

Trades & Services Guide

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

ROOFING

PLUMBING & GASFITTING

$80 OFF WHEN YOU QUOTE THIS AD ANY SERVICES

Taps And Toilets Hot Water/Solar

• • • • • •

Gas Fitting Burst Pipes Bathroom Renovations Roofing/Guttering

Phone 0421 038 243 Web capitalpd.com.au

www.arizonaroofing.com.au

Reliable Residential and Commercial Roofing Solutions in Canberra

*CONDITIONS APPLY

Blocked Drains

TILING

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

Family based business servicing Canberra & surrounds for over 25 years

FIVE STAR RATING

Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.

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

Why retile, when you can regrout?

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

RUBBISH REMOVALS

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THAT’S TWO SERVICES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

TAKE

Email: admin@capitalpd.com.au

All Silicon is mould & mildew resistant! Looks like you have retiled, and at a fraction of the cost!

PRIDE

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

Wright Way Rubbish Removal

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

LEAKING OR IN

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• Roof repairs • New roofs

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

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We load up and remove anything at all no job too big or too small

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

Email: Bantoniak051@gmail.com | 0417 092 760

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0407 789 258

Brodie Antoniak Owner and contractor ABN 14724243822

servicing all of Canberra and Queanbeyan

www.prideroofing.com.au

• Roof maintenance both tile and colourbond • Roof leaks • Roof restorations • New roofs 0407 789 258

Reference available on request

0404 621 313 call or text

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

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

FROM THE CROWD

Done once Done...WRIGHT

Give your business a boost!

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

TILING

LOCAL TILING ACT All suburbs

For all your tiling needs:

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

Call Alex today 0475 000 528

CWM0477

ALPHA ROOFING CANBERRA

CWM0085-V2

prideroofingcanberra.com.au

Ph: 0473 536 741

ALL-TILE REGROUTING

localtilingact@hotmail.com

CAPTURE THE SPOTLIGHT

Be the one they call.

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canberradaily.com.au

19 February 2026

55

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