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Canberra family trekking Kokoda for MS
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
In 2015, Canberra mother Kath Welling was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Ten years later, from 25 November this year, she is trekking the gruelling Kokoda Track to show others with MS that anything is possible.
“One of the reasons why I’m doing this is not just because it’s a chronic illness; I want folks who have a chronic illness, especially MS, to never give up hope,” Kath told CW
“And as hard as it’s going to be, it’s that light at the end of the tunnel.
“I just want other folks with MS to know whatever they set their minds to do, it’s possible.”
Joining Kath on the trip is her wife, Kiz, and their youngest child, daughter Rosie, who is 12.
The Australian War Memorial (AWM) website said that about 625 Australians were killed along the Kokoda Track, more than 1,600 were
wounded, and a further 4,000 were casualties due to sickness during the Second World War.
Kath is a former US Navy naval officer, and Kiz is currently serving as a public affairs officer with the Royal Australian Navy.
The couple are training four to five times at B.FIRM each week, which has a military style course to prepare for the trek. Rosie trains three times a week with an additional 20 hours spent in dance classes.
Kath said she was proud of her daughter for joining them.
“It’s just amazing when your children overtly do something that is so selfless and I’m just a very proud mum,” she said.
Kiz said the training included endurance and strength for both upper and lower body, as well as mental strength.
The full trek is 96 kilometres, but the family will complete as much as they are capable of doing.
Rosie said she decided to jump on board because she thought it would be a good experience.
“Then I just had the idea that because Tinks (Kath) was doing it and she has MS, that we could do it as a charity, because I wanted to help people,” Rosie told CW
You can donate to the cause here: gofundme. com/f/ballet-to-kokoda-for-people-living-withmultiple-sclerosis
Eighty per cent of the funds raised will go towards MS Plus, which helps families affected by MS, with the remaining 20 per cent going towards training.
Kiz, Rosie (centre) and Kath Welling from Canberra will tackle the Kokoda Track in November
Photo
How to make our assembly more accountable
Now, this week’s article is really directed at the people of Canberra, who, after all, elect the local government.
It’s no good complaining when you keep electing the same government over and over again.
I’ve pointed out on a number of occasions that local and state government is about doing the basics well. It’s largely not ideological.
For the purpose of this article, I’m accepting that the Liberals are unlikely
to win more than 9 or 10 seats, and that Labor will win at least the same.
Let’s assume the two big parties each win 9 seats in 2028, leaving 7 up for grabs.
Let’s also assume the Greens will always favour Labor. Ideally, we’d need 7 true independents — people willing to work with either Labor or Liberal while keeping them honest. But if we accept that 2 of those seats will likely go to the Greens, that leaves about 5 true independents in play.
Now, at the next election, these 5 should, in the first instance, join with the Liberals to form government.
So, you would have 14 members of the government, 9 ALP in opposition, and 2 Greens on the crossbench or in alliance with the opposition. The government would need to be collegiate.
There are two good examples of such arrangements in the Assembly’s
history. The last time this occurred under a non-Labor government was when Kate Carnell invited my old mate, independent Michael Moore, into the ministry as our independent Minister for Health. It worked well, and I enjoyed working with Michael.
He brought a di erent dimension to our team.
The other example, which is probably even more relevant, was the three-party Alliance Government from December 1989 to June 1991 — comprising four Liberals, three Residents Rally members, and three No Self-Government members.
Despite significant personality clashes and di ering ideological views, it worked quite well. I pay special tribute to Craig Duby, David Prowse, Norm Jensen, Carmel Maher, and the late Trevor Kaine, who initially brought it all together. The rest of us did our jobs, but tensions between some colleagues
THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS
meant the arrangement didn’t last. Still, a lot was achieved in a short time.
I’d suggest that there’s no reason a similar arrangement couldn’t work again — and it would be infinitely better than what we have now: a tired Labor government. There’s also no reason why the Chief Minister must always come from one of the two major parties. It’s simply a matter of those in the new Assembly agreeing on the ground rules before forming a government.
Canberrans’ current interest in electing community independents may well lead to even more independents being elected to the Assembly in 2028. This presents a real opportunity for a change of government — a positive outcome for democracy. An infusion of new blood, particularly from people with diverse real-life experience, would greatly enhance governance in the ACT.
wi BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD
CANBERRA
How generational care defines
Canberra Family Health Centre
At Canberra Family Health Centre (CFHC) in Deakin, healthcare is more than treating illness — it’s about building trust across lifetimes.
Led by Associate Professor Dr Maryse Badawy, CFHC has been founded on a deeply personal philosophy: that medicine should serve the whole person, not just the disease. Over her decades-long career, Maryse has treated patients from infancy into adulthood — and now even their children.
“I’ve had the privilege of seeing four generations of the same family,” she shares. “Some children I helped deliver are now grown up, and bringing in their own children to see me as patients. That continuity is at the heart of my practice.”
At CFHC, every new patient receives a onehour consultation, giving space to discuss their medical history, environment, and emotional wellbeing. It’s an approach that allows for indepth understanding.
“Understanding how a person views
their illness, what their fears are, and what’s happening in their life helps guide care,” says Maryse. “It’s not just about managing disease. It’s about understanding people.”
At CFHC, patients are supported throughout every stage of life. Whether it’s preventative care, mental health support, or ongoing chronic disease management, each appointment is built around time, attentiveness and empathy.
Follow-up appointments are also longer than standard, allowing room for reflection, next steps, and care coordination. The clinic’s central location makes it easy for patients to access additional services, from pathology to radiology and allied health.
“Over time, a deep bond forms. Patients care about me, too. That reciprocity is what makes general practice so powerful.”
At CFHC, care doesn’t stop when the appointment ends — it grows across generations.
To learn more, visit cfhc.com.au
At our practice, we take the time to understand our patients fully, ensuring we address all their health concerns and ongoing healthcare needs.
Our initial appointments are one hour (or longer), allowing us to thoroughly assess each patient by
(a) taking a detailed medical history;
(b) performing a comprehensive clinical examination;
(c) arranging any necessary investigations;
(d) developing a tailored management plan;
(e) providing proactive, preventive healthcare.
Consulting hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00 pm We are closed on Saturdays and Public Holidays
Getting chilly for charity
by GEORGIA CURRY
Strict policies regarding nudity on social media are great — except when you’re trying to promote Lifeline’s Canberra Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim (this Saturday), and Instagram and Facebook keep shutting you down.
“We’re constantly battling with the social media platform because they keep taking the photos down,” Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson said. “Then we have to work to explain to them what it is and then within seconds it’s back up,”
Fully exposed buttocks are unacceptable with Meta (unless it’s in an artistic context like Michelangelo’s David), so advertising the annual skinny dip does come with its challenges.
Canberrans’ private parts may not be sculpted like Michelangelo’s David, but, giggles aside, there is a serious side to this annual fundraiser — to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention, specifically supporting Lifeline Canberra’s crisis support service.
At precisely 7:12am this Saturday 21 June — the winter solstice — about 400 streakers are expected to run into the icy waters (a surprisingly balmy 15 degrees) of Lake Burley Griffin at Yarralumla Beach (no spectators allowed).
“The actual swim itself is measured in nanoseconds, some people are straight in and out,” Carrie said. “Now that there’s so much research into cold plunges and people have got a greater appreciation for hot/cold therapies, it is making more sense to people to immerse themselves on the coldest winter morning in Lake Burley Griffin — they can see the sense of it now.”
Now that Canberrans can see the sense of it all, crowd participation is capped at 400 for insurance and safety purposes. When the event first went public in 2018, it attracted about 80 people, but last year it hit a record of 400, raising about $85,000 for Lifeline Canberra.
“We never saw it growing to greater than 200 or 300,” Carrie said. “With a larger crowd, you need more in terms of medical, life-saving safety
and security, so it is just about scaling the event safely for everyone and making it an intimate and enjoyable event.”
It’s about as intimate as you can get with 400 people in a public space (there is a nudity law exemption in place to avoid a one-year imprisonment or $3,200 fine).
On the day, there’ll be warm fire pits, a sausage sizzle, hot drinks and good vibes.
One hundred per cent of proceeds from the Lifeline Canberra Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim go to Lifeline Canberra. Registrations and donations: wintersolsticenudeswim.gofundraise. com.au/cms/home
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About 400 Canberrans are expected to get their kit off this Saturday for Lifeline’s Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim.
Photo Supplied
You are invited to a free talk on Christian Science: …Today! Spiritual Healing
by international speaker and full-time Christian Science healer, Patricia Cohan Woodard
This lecture dives into the transformative power of spiritual healing, showing how Christ Jesus’ teachings provide solutions to daily struggles — whether health, relationships, or personal challenges. Through examples of compelling healings and insights from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, Patty illustrates how Christian Science helps us “live outside the box” of material limitations. By embracing divine Truth, we discover that healing isn’t just possible — it is a present, dependable reality. In this talk, Patty shares examples of healing from her own life and professional practice of Christian Science. She will explain why Christian Science is
both Christian and scientific, meaning that people can prove its effectiveness for themselves, as fully described in the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, written by the founder of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy.
For over 150 years, people around the world have worked to follow Christ Jesus in this practice of Christianity and continue to do so today, with healings of physical ills and personal difficulties. Please join us as Patty explains how we too can heal spiritually today.
WHEN: Friday 27 June, 12:30pm
WHERE: The Reception Room of the Legislative Assembly Building, London Circuit, Canberra City
Patricia Woodard has been a Christian Science practitioner for many years, helping people on a daily basis through this scientific approach to prayer. She travels from her home base in Dallas, Texas, to speak to audiences around the world as a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship. Everyone is Welcome – Please join us For more information, visit christiansciencecanberra.com or contact 0408 274 498 and 0409 719 446.
Update for seniors
COVID-19 vaccinations no longer recommended by ATAGI for healthy children and adolescents under 18
by BERNIE RYAN
A significant change has been made to the Australian Immunisation Handbook regarding COVID-19 vaccines, last updated on 3 June 2025 by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI):
“COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended for healthy infants, children or adolescents who do not have medical conditions that increase their risk of severe illness. This is because the risk of severe illness was extremely low in this cohort over the course of the pandemic, and benefits of vaccination are not considered to outweigh the potential harms.”
The Australian Medical Association was contacted for comment.
However, according to the Australian Medical Professionals Society (AMPS):
“COVID-19 poses a minimal threat to healthy children, and this change aligns with international trends toward re-evaluating the use of these vaccines in younger populations.”
Canberra Weekly contacted the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to request details on the specific risks this updated statement refers to. A TGA spokesperson provided the following:
“Up-to-date information regarding all COVID-19 vaccines, including details of known potential side effects (also known as adverse events), can be found in the Product Information (PI) and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) documents for each vaccine. PIs (for health professionals) and CMIs (for consumers) are freely available on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website at: tga.gov.au/products/ australian-register-therapeutic-goods-artg.”
The COVID-19 vaccines available to infants, children and adolescents under 18 in Australia, include Comirnaty JN.1 and Comirnaty Omicron XBB. 1.5.
Some of the listed side effects for Comirnaty JN.1 and Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 include headache, fever, fatigue, pain at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, rash, hives, joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph glands and weakness, facial paralysis, severe
allergic reaction, myocarditis and pericarditis.
ATAGI’s revised guidelines continue to recommend vaccination only for children and adolescents aged 5–17 years who have severe immunocompromise or complex medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
A spokesperson for the Australian Medical Professionals Society (AMPS) added:
“Despite the major implications of this decision, the government has not issued a formal public announcement. This stands in stark contrast to the high-profile campaigns that accompanied the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for children. It has come to our attention that many doctors across Australia remain unaware of this critical update.”
AMPS are urging all medical practitioners to immediately review the updated ATAGI guidelines and ensure their vaccination practices reflect the most current evidence and policy.
View the official ATAGI guideline update on their website.
BIG NAME, NO BLANKETS
ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre present
Written by Andrea James
Co-Directed by Dr Rachael Maza AM and Anyupa Butcher
“A joyous, rollicking tribute” The Guardian
BUILDING GREEN COULD SAVE YOU THOUSANDS
When buying a block in Jacka, you could be eligible for up to $13,000 in sustainability rebates.
Visit the Suburban Land Agency website to read the rebate guidelines and eligibility criteria in detail.
Unique to the suburb, these rebates reflect Suburban Land Agency’s commitment to long‑term liveability and thoughtful design.
THE HOME ENERGY REBATE
Claim up to $7,000
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Consider the local climate. Support the surrounding ecosystem. Limit your water usage.
BUY IN JACKA
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Googong deputy principal marches on for brain cancer
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
Googong Public School deputy principal Dave Gwyther-Marchant is taking part in charity events to raise money for a brain cancer charity while being treated for the disease himself.
Dave received his brain cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
An ultramarathon runner, he said it came as a shock to everyone, including himself and his family. Dave underwent surgery the following month to safely remove as much of the tumour as possible.
Subsequently, the results came back with another form of cancer, which is incurable.
Dave is raising money for Big Trek Three, an event he will take part in, which has surpassed $32,000 in donations.
“Fundraising isn’t my thing, I find it quite difficult because I don’t like asking people for things,” he said.
“I started with $5,000 and realised pretty
quickly if you need to raise money you have to be transparent about your situation.”
Dave said this prompted him to jump back on social media to raise awareness.
He said support flooded in from people he grew up with or went to school with, family friends and others he hadn’t spoken to for 10 years.
All the donated funds will go towards the Mark Hughes Foundation to raise much needed funds for vital research.
The Big Three Trek is a 150km hike from the Sydney Cricket Ground to arrive at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on 27 June for the opening of the Beanie for Brain Cancer NRL Round.
“I’m looking forward to the trek. There’s about 70 people doing it: four or five of us with brain cancer, families directly affected by brain cancer who have lost loved ones or currently have a family member with cancer, media and ex-NRL players. A good bunch to have a yarn with and get to know and build my network,” Dave said.
“(Former NRL player) Mark Hughes will be doing it. It will be good, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Dave said the group will arrive at the stadium one hour before kick-off and head to the field for a lap of honour and photograph before watching the match.
“Family can walk with you for the last 1km or so. My wife, Fiona, and kids (daughters aged 4, 6 and 7) will join me for the last 1km so that will be nice,” he said.
Dave said his family have been very supportive throughout, including his wife attending appointments and doing all the driving, which he is unable to do during treatment.
To raise more money and awareness, Dave took on other challenges during his treatment period: run five kilometres every day during radiation treatment, run the Canberra Marathon (which he did only 10 days after finishing radiation treatment), run the Wollongong Marathon and beat his personal best for a 50-kilometre ultramarathon.
While he has been on leave since November, several fundraisers have also run at the school.
Donations to Dave’s fundraiser can be made here: bigthreetrek5.gofundraise.com.au/page/ DaveGwyther-Marchant
Help available for Canberrans caring for loved ones
by BERNIE RYAN
Seventy-seven-year-old Val from Tuggeranong became the primary carer for her husband Ray 12 years ago, when he was diagnosed with a nonaggressive form of Parkinson’s disease.
And while, for a long time, Val felt that she and her husband were ‘managing’, she said, “The bottom line was that I needed help. It’s very isolating at times because you’re in a different zone… caring for somebody. You make sacrifices, you forego different things that you may have made commitments for yourself to.”
For some time, a friend of Val’s had been asking her if she was registered for support with Carers ACT. However, a few years ago she said she finally answered, “No, I’m not, but why
aren’t I?!”
Val promptly registered via the Carers ACT Carer Portal and began accessing the many services offered and has not looked back.
“It really blew my mind as to what was available,” she said.
Newly appointed Carers ACT CEO, Mr Cain Beckett, who has worked closely with carers and families throughout his 30-year career and has lived experience with disability, says that Val is one of 58,000 carers in Canberra. And that nationally, carers deliver more care than the entire hospital system.
“From a systems point of view, if the carers weren’t there, the health system would fall over overnight, because we just can’t support that volume of people,” he said.
Dr Damien Bezzina Skin Physician
Expertise in the management of Skin Cancer, all lumps & bumps ranging from cysts, lipomas to anal skin tags and most things in between.
SERVICES:
“It’s hard to appreciate the impact of caring.
“Many underestimate the effort, psychological stress, and social isolation that comes with having to look after one of your family members,” he said.
Results of the National Carer Survey published this April, confirm that psychological stress is an ever increasing issue for carers. The number of respondents who experienced high to very high levels of psychological distress has risen to 53.7% in 2024, while 61.2% reported feeling socially isolated or highly socially isolated.
Carers ACT provides direct support to carers via access to funded in-home services, counselling, coaching, respite day programs for care recipients, peer socialisation, resources and more. It also advocates for change and policy
work in government.
Carers do not need to be ‘full-time’ carers to access help from Carers ACT either.
“There isn’t really an accepted definition of who a carer is, so we urge people to contact us to see how we can help,” says Mr Beckett.
Val agrees.
“Apart from a lot of fun, what you get from Carers ACT is support and knowing you aren’t alone. So even if you don’t know what you need or what you’re’ looking for, just get in touch. It can make all the difference”
• LUMPS & BUMPS MANAGEMENT (cysts, lipomas, skin tags, anal skin tags, any other lesions)
• DERMATOLOGY (Rash, eczema etc)
• HAIR LOSS (Alopecia, Male & Female pattern baldness/thinning) – PRP treatments, steroid intra-lesional treatments, LED scalp therapy, micro-needling
• COSMETICS (PRP for ne facial lines & improved skin quality & Anti-wrinkle injections)
• BOTULINUM TOXIN FOR TEETH GRINDING/ CLENCHING/JAW PAIN
77-year-old carer Val holds up the artwork she completed at a recent ACT Carers retreat.
have you heard?
GIVIT donation of the week: Kitchen appliance pack
GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation in the region who are supporting a woman living with disability who has been impacted by domestic and family violence. This woman had finally moved into her new home after living in refuge, but she requires support to furnish her house. GIVIT is requesting the donation of kitchen appliances such as a kettle, toaster and microwave. Your donation will mean a lot to her as she settles into her new home and starts over. Generous Canberrans can donate a kitchen appliance pack or fund its purchase. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase these appliances. To help please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘kitchen appliance pack’ and Suburb: ‘Belconnen ACT 2616’.
Bold Bandanas
The Bold Bandannas Relay for Life Team is holding a stall at The Harmonie German Club from 9am to 1pm on Sunday 22 June. We shall be selling our trademark jams, pickles, chutneys, marmalades and lemon butter and of course our sugar-reduced products. Winter is here, so we have beanies, scarves, mittens, ear warmers, knee rugs and children’s hand-knitted jumpers to keep out the chills. We shall also be offering for sale many handmade items, including crocheted hand towels, knitted and lace coat hangers, and children’s dramatic play items. For more info, please contact Jan on 6231 0761.
news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field
VIEW Club
Gungahlin Day: The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 25 June from 11:30am/12pm at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls. Cost of $35 per head for a 2-course lunch. Please phone 0413 923 933 before Sunday 22 June 22 if you would like to attend or for any more information about our club. Carol Mead, who represents Canberra Circle of Women, will be our guest speaker.
Belconnen: The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 July at The Raiders Club, Hardwick Cres, Holt at 11:45am for 12 noon. Cost is $32. Bookings and cancellations, please contact Chris Colyer by txt mobile: 0438 878 120 by midday 3 July. Cancellations or no shows after this date will be required to pay.
Friends ANBG Thursday Talks
John Feehan, Braidwood born, formerly of CSIRO, will talk about how dung beetles, the ultimate recyclers, are a win-win for farmers and the environment. ANBG Theatrette, Thursday 26 June from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, opposite the Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre. Trybooking.com/DALGA. Gold coins, notes and EFTPOS donations are used to fund special ANBG Friends projects at the Gardens.
ArtsNational
The group at ArtsNational, Canberra, have another great event coming up when Kathleen Olive will give an illustrated lecture on the Norman conquest of Sicily, called ‘Norman Magnificence in Sicily’, which will show the fabulous art and design which emerged from this amazing cultural amalgamation. Hear about this on Tuesday 24 June at 6pm at the National Library of Australia. Refreshments follow. To book, visit trybooking.com/CXBGA. For further information, email adfasmembership@gmail.com
Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin
The Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin meets every Thursday morning at 7am for a 7:30am start, concluding at 8:30am at Siren Bar, 85 Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin. If you are interested in joining the Club or are interested in understanding the projects the Club has completed, and projects we are working towards, for the community of Gungahlin and the broader Canberra region, we would welcome you joining us for breakfast. You can find out about the Club and its successes here: auroragungahlinrotary.org. Please drop an email to the Club Secretary at aurora.gungahlin@gmail.com.au with your name and contact details to ensure you receive an appropriate welcome to the Club meeting.
Coffee/Op Shop
Head along to Christ Church, Hawker (corner of Beetaloo Street and Belconnen Way) on Saturday 5 July from 9am to 12 noon. We will have lots of second-hand books, craft items and ideas, good quality winter clothes, assorted jewellery, games, DVDs, puzzles, trash & treasure (ideal for setting up house!) and a well-stocked cake stall! We offer free tea/coffee and biscuits to all visitors! For enquiries: 0428 266 658
Conder Craft Group
Our Group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 1pm-3pm at the YWCA Mura Lanyon Community Centre, Sydney Nolan Street, Conder. New members to our group are always welcome. Ladies, come along with your sewing, knitting or those projects you have always wanted to complete. Cost is $3. For further information, please phone 0406 380 508.
The Great Kimberly Wilderness virtual reality experience
Be transported to one of the world’s most breathtaking and pristine landscapes in The Great Kimberley Wilderness – a 35-minute virtual reality documentary narrated by Luke Hemsworth.
Guided by scientists and Traditional Owners, this journey crosses stunning coastlines and majestic gorges, venturing deep into these timeless lands. Soar over the thundering King George Falls, explore the remarkable striped sandstone domes of the UNESCO-listed Purnululu National Park, and travel back more than 350 million years to the Devonian Reef, uncovering the ancient geology that has shaped life as we know it.
This experience reveals the history, geology, culture and wonder of the remarkable Kimberley wilderness, which has been nearly two billion years in the making.
There is a special school holiday screening schedule in place to make it easy for families to attend, with sessions hourly from 9:15am to 4:15pm. Prior bookings are highly recommended.
The Great Kimberley Wilderness is suitable for all audiences, however the virtual reality (VR) headset is recommended for users 8 years and older. Specific guidance is provided in the health and safety notice on our website for young users aged 8 to 13 years. Children under the age of 8 are still welcome to attend a session but parent discretion is advised for wearing VR headsets. Not recommended for people with certain medical conditions; glasses can be worn under the headset, but the focus cannot be adjusted.
TICKET PRICES
Adult $20
Child $17.50
Family $60 (2 adults and 2 children)
Companion card holders free with paying adult (Companion does not have a headset as they are duty as a support) - they can watch on the big screen and still hear it with the surround sound.
National Museum of Australia Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra T: 1800 026 132
E: information@nma.gov.au W: nma.gov.au/kimberley
and pristine landscapes in this stunning virtual reality
experience narrated by Luke Hemsworth.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
See website for session times nma.gov.au/kimberley
Questacon’s latest exhibition Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW! is an engaging, hands-on reminder that science is not just for the textbooks. It’s for curious kids, busy brains and anyone who has ever asked ‘What happens if I pull this?’
From the moment you step into the exhibition, you are greeted by 17 interactive exhibits that transform fundamental scientific concepts into immersive, full-body experiences. Whether you lift yourself off the ground using pulleys, explore the invisible forces of magnetism, or launch things that fly, every exhibit showcases science you can feel, build, move — and have fun with.
Designed to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the science that powers our planet, this vibrant exhibition brings together electricity, motion and mechanics in a bright, high-energy space that’s as entertaining as it is educational.
Each exhibit has been thoughtfully designed to make science fun and accessible for visitors of all ages. By doing first and understanding later, visitors absorb scientific concepts almost effortlessly. It is learning that sticks — because it’s powered by play.
What makes Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW! truly special is its ability to turn everyone into a scientist, without any pressure. This exhibition is a place where learning sneaks up on you while you’re too busy spinning, building, testing and tinkering to notice.
Adding to the excitement is the exhibition’s comic book-inspired aesthetic, which fills the space with bold and playful energy. The sensoryrich environment is filled with colourful graphics, fun sound effects and plenty of opportunities for visitors to problem-solve and spark their creativity. It’s a dynamic space where science feels alive and accessible.
Three spectacular superheroes – Pickle, Bip and Spud – are featured throughout the exhibition to guide, question and encourage visitors on their journey of discovery. You’ll find them on the panels and integrated within the exhibits, nudging everyone to keep exploring and ask: “What if?”
Pickle, known as the Connector, helps visitors link ideas together. Bip, the Dreamer, sparks imagination and big-picture thinking. Spud, the Experimenter, invites hands-on investigation, encouraging visitors to try things out and see what happens.
Perfectly suited for the school holidays, Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW! offers a weatherproof, brain-boosting activity that is genuinely fun for the whole family. It’s ideal for kids to burn energy and curiosity alike while parents get to rediscover the joy of science in action.
And the fun doesn’t have to end at Questacon. Each exhibit features a QR code that links visitors to simple, safe experiments you can try at home. These resources extend learning beyond the Centre walls, encouraging families to continue exploring the principles of electricity, forces and machines together.
Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW! is included in general admission and is free for Questacon members. The exhibition runs through until 1 February 2026, making it the perfect pick for these school holidays and return visits across the year.
So, gather the family, and get ready to pull, push, crank and launch your way through a world where science isn’t just learned — it’s experienced.
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
King Edward Terrace, Canberra 2600
T: 02 6270 2800
E: info@questacon.edu.au
W: questacon.edu.au
Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW! runs until 1 February 2026.
F L THE F S OF SCIENCE
MEGAfauna: Look-Alike
Get ready for an exciting adventure into the world of megafauna! The Australian National Botanic Gardens invites you to dive deep into the fascinating creatures that roamed Australia during the last Ice Age.
Encounter massive megafauna that once roamed Australia and discover the megaflora that they ate. Compare living relatives to extinct megafauna, investigate fossil evidence, and delve into the past as you follow the MEGAfauna Look-Alike trail.
Join children’s author Bronwyn Saunders for MEGAfauna Fun, an enthralling presentation all about the largest marsupials to ever walk the Earth!
Or take on the roles of both paleontologists and artists as you sculpt your own magnificent megafauna using natural materials such as native leaves, seeds, sticks, and clay with artist Tom Buckland in an art workshop.
MEGAfauna: Look-Alike runs from 1 to 31 July. Head to visit.anbg.gov.au to learn more.
MEGAfauna: Look-Alike
1 – 31 July 2025 | 8.30 am – 5pm | Free
Get ready for adventure as you come face to face with giant creatures from the past!
Encounter massive megafauna that once roamed Australia and discover the megaflora that they ate.
Compare living relatives to extinct megafauna, investigate fossil evidence and delve into the past as you follow the MEGAfauna Look-Alike trail.
MEGAfauna is a fully accessible event.
visit.anbg.gov.au
Canberra Glassworks feature
Chillin’ with the kilns at the
Glassworks
There is nowhere warmer in Canberra these holidays than the Glassworks. Join us for our Winter Program, including Rizz Bowls: Kiln Formed character bowls, Glassworks Tour + Tile Experience and Teen Glass Blowing. Teens 12 years+ can become glass jewellery artists in our new workshop — Pendant Play: Engraved Glass Charms. This hands-on workshop offers young artists the opportunity to design and engrave words, symbols, initials, or simple drawings on glass pendants. The kids will thank you later! Book at canberraglassworks.com/holiday-program
Open Wed to Sun 10am to 4pm 11 Wentworth Ave Kingston ACT T: 02 6260 7005
E: contactus@canberraglassworks.com
W: canberraglassworks.com
Photo: Canberra Glassworks Pendant Play: Engraved Glass Charms workshop
Aesth ic Medicine Canberra ONE STOP SHOP
With 37 years of excellence in the beauty industry, I am a multi-award-winning professional who has successfully combined a deep passion for aesthetics with clinical expertise. As the recipient of numerous business accolades—including the prestigious ABIA Hall of Fame Award—I have led highperforming teams, built trusted client relationships, and elevated industry standards through innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication.
Now also a Registered Nurse, I bring a unique blend of clinical knowledge and aesthetic artistry to every client interaction. My strong assets include advanced skin science expertise, a commitment to compliance and safety, and a proven ability to grow and lead successful businesses. I am driven by results, excellence in care, and a genuine passion for empowering others to look and feel their best.
I offer a comprehensive range of advanced aesthetic treatments designed to rejuvenate, refine, and restore skin health and confidence. My services include cosmetic injectables such as anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers for naturallooking facial enhancement and volume restoration.
Cutting-edge technologies like Clear + Brilliant and Fraxis Laser target pigmentation, fine lines, and overall skin tone and texture. Radio Frequency (Dual and Dana) and HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) provide non-surgical skin tightening and lifting by stimulating collagen at a deeper level.
For skin renewal, I provide microneedling, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, and Jett Plasma to address scarring, fine lines, and skin laxity. WishPro offers magnetic infusion therapy to deeply nourish the skin, while our tailored facials and peels cater to individual concerns such as acne, dullness, and ageing.
Additionally, I offer cosmetic tattooing for long-lasting enhancement of brows, eyes, and lips, along with a variety of customized skin treatments. All procedures are performed with a strong focus on safety, results, and personalized care.
With over 20 years serving the Fyshwick community, The Flute Bakery creates sumptuous gateaux for special occasions alongside an array of small cakes, tarts, fresh breads and pies. You’ll also nd mousses, bavarois, macarons, praline, feuilletine and plenty of gluten-free options.
We’re now open Saturdays from 5 July, 8am–3pm, and offering free coffee on opening weekend. Pop in on opening Saturday—we’d love to see you!
The Butler provides a level of support that empowers you to remain independent, and live well in your own home. From personal care through to lifestyle, social and transport services, we’re with you every step of the way.
Whether you’re adjusting to a health change, supporting a loved one, or simply need a little extra help, we take the time to understand your needs and tailor our services to suit your life.
Reduce Re-Use Recycle
Reduce Re-Use Recycle
The Green Shed For Canberra Weekly
The Green Shed For Canberra Weekly
Providing sustainable solutions for unwanted items
Providing sustainable solutions for unwanted items
Written By: Tom B.W Director of The Green Shed
Written By: Tom B.W Director of The Green Shed
The Green Shed (TGS) for me is a truly Canberra institution. And as a lifelong Canberran I think I speak for us all that those green sheds (intentionally lowercase) at Mitchell and Mugga Lane simply aren’t the same in the hands of a multinational organisation. I personally have made an e ort to steer away from public commentary over the decision
The Green Shed (TGS) for me is a truly Canberra institution. And as a lifelong Canberran I think I speak for us all that those green sheds (intentionally lowercase) at Mitchell and Mugga Lane simply aren’t the same in the hands of a multinational organisation. I personally have made an e ort to steer away from public commentary over the decision
last year. Not because I haven’t had anything to say, but I haven’t yet found the means to express it in my own terms. Said frankly, TGS didn’t deserve to be replaced by St Vincent De Paul Society. We know it, they know it, we knew it at the time and we know it now. This decision has set Re-Use in Canberra back 7-8 years. Yes, the new operators are making improvements, but we had bigs plans and great personnel built over a long 35 years in the industry.
last year. Not because I haven’t had anything to say, but I haven’t yet found the means to express it in my own terms. Said frankly, TGS didn’t deserve to be replaced by St Vincent De Paul Society. We know it, they know it, we knew it at the time and we know it now. This decision has set Re-Use in Canberra back 7-8 years. Yes, the new operators are making improvements, but we had bigs plans and great personnel built over a long 35 years in the industry.
Now in 2025 TGS is forging a new identity. An identity sadly set apart from the sheds from which we got our name. I am pushing this business in a few di erent directions. All guided by the principles of Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle. Keep an eye out as over the next year you will see the launch of...
Now in 2025 TGS is forging a new identity. An identity sadly set apart from the sheds from which we got our name. I am pushing this business in a few di erent directions. All guided by the principles of Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle. Keep an eye out as over the next year you will see the launch of...
1. The Green Shed Upcycled
2. The Green Shed Commercial Both will help promote Canberra’s circular economy and keep items out of land ll.
1. The Green Shed Upcycled 2. The Green Shed Commercial Both will help promote Canberra’s circular economy and keep items out of land ll.
For now, We are in our shop Underground in Civic. The essential avour (as well as many of the shop ttings) of TGS has been preserved. We have been stocking the store with goods recovered from deceased estates, alongside an expanding network of Drop-O bins and household collections. More about our services can be found on our website! www.thegreenshed.net
For now, We are in our shop Underground in Civic. The essential avour (as well as many of the shop ttings) of TGS has been preserved. We have been stocking the store with goods recovered from deceased estates, alongside an expanding network of Drop-O bins and household collections. More about our services can be found on our website! www.thegreenshed.net
TGS is just getting started on our reboot back to being a large scale, community oriented business.
TGS is just getting started on our reboot back to being a large scale, community oriented business.
I am very happy to be a Canberran and I am pleased by the way The Green Shed re ects our community.
I am very happy to be a Canberran and I am pleased by the way The Green Shed re ects our community.
I’d like to say thank you to my mum Sandie, and my dad Charlie for gifting me the brand and the opportunity to make a di erence in this important line of work.
I’d like to say thank you to my mum Sandie, and my dad Charlie for gifting me the brand and the opportunity to make a di erence in this important line of work.
I look forward to many more years of Reduce, Re-Use! Recycle.
I look forward to many more years of Reduce, Re-Use! Recycle.
www.thegreenshed.net.au
The National Library of Australia invites you to attend the
Kenneth Myer Lecture
Professor Brett Sutton AO will share his passion and commitment to advancing health outcomes both globally and locally, exploring ways of responding to current environmental, social and political threats.
29 July, 6–8pm, Attend in person or online Entry is free but bookings are essential.
Paradiso Ceramics brings the colour and dolce vita of Italy to you through exquisite products, hand crafted by Italian artisans.
Award-Winning Fine Dining in the Heart of Canberra. Indulge in the ultimate fine dining experience at Canberra’s Hatted Water’s Edge Restaurant, now offering high tea sittings from 12–3pm.
You’ve been trying life in different configurations, sometimes the same familiar elements – people, projects, activities – in different amounts or a different order. You are so very close to the lifestyle that makes sense. And this week, someone is there nodding and whispering, “Keep going.”
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
The world is filled with amazing treasures, though the ones that appeal to you are but a few. This is what it means to have taste and discernment. The thing you really want comes with a hefty price tag, but don’t let anyone tell you it’s out of your reach, because it is, in fact, just within it.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 Who wrote the Treehouse series of children’s books, starting with The 13-Storey Treehouse?
2 A lusophone is a person who speaks which language?
3 The echidna is featured on the reverse of which Australian coin?
4 Which company makes Weet-Bix?
5 What is Earth’s current geological era?
There are those who cannot tell what emotional gift will help a situation. They give their passion to situations that need practical assistance. It is in these moments that your gifts will be most appreciated. You pay attention, and you’ll give – and ask for – the right solution for the moment.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
You walk inside a feeling you can’t quite name, something like awe mixed with fatigue. You’ve known life as a symphony of clarity and longing – and through it all, your luminous, wry soul is totally intact. Even if things don’t resolve soon, you’ll have witnessed something rare and entirely yours.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
Though you’re grateful for what you have, you’re conscious of all the beautiful potential. You are full of love for your endeavours, for those you care about and for others who don’t yet know how much they need what you’re building. Get more support this week so you can keep building.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
You’ll show your willingness to compromise, and people want to meet you in agreement. You’ll be the first to make a concession. Your spirit will speak to their heart; negotiations transcend the transactional. The deal on the table is a vehicle to witness the work and choices of all involved.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
It’s a week for initiating projects or going back to the early stages of ongoing projects to reimagine what could be. Brainstorming and plotting your future brings a rush of excitement, possibility and power. That surge of adrenaline is your body saying, “This matters. This lights you up. Keep going.”
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
You may be surprised at which of your many interactions make an indelible impression. Impact isn’t always proportional to effort or intention. A small moment will land deeply with someone. What feels ordinary to you will hit a nerve, fill a need and stay with someone for years.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
You’ll take on a job and make visible progress, but then there’s a lull. The final stretch will be slow and painstaking – refining and aligning all the moving parts. The last bit will take almost as long as the entire endeavour. If you budget resources accordingly, you’ll come out ahead and happy.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
Shared goals are the theme, and your team grows and changes, though you might not feel this when it’s all shifting. Roles will switch during the week, and each person will get a turn to be the leader. That’s part of the grand motor that is propelling your group to the finish line.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
You’ll sleep but you won’t dream. Your dreams are for the times that appear to you like a problem to solve, a need to provide for, a void to fill with your version of reality, a version that starts with the alternate reality that could only come from your imagination. Now you are doing the work of a visionary.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
The word “sorcery” is from a Latin root meaning “fate.” Your hard work now culminates in a result that seems fated, and it appears to be in a puff of magic – instant transformation. You know better –your “overnight success” is an illusion and is actually the result of a thousand small efforts.
DIFFICULTY RATING
EXCLUSIVE: Canberran returns home for iconic ballet
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
Growing up in Canberra playing rugby, Drew Hedditch dreamed of becoming Australia’s first tapdancing Wallaby.
But a career with The Australian Ballet was the path he took.
Drew Hedditch spoke exclusively to CW about being part of The Australian Ballet’s Carmen, which runs at Canberra Theatre Centre from 20-25 June.
Created in 2015, Johan Inger’s contemporary retelling of Prosper Mérimée’s 1845 novella is a darkly compelling story of the dangerously seductive Carmen, whose love affair with Don José ends in brutal tragedy.
Hedditch told CW the Canberra Theatre Centre stage was familiar to him.
“When I was younger at the Lisa Clark Dance Centre, we did our yearly concerts at the Canberra Theatre Centre,” he said.
“I do know it (the venue) well because I spent a lot of time between the change room and backstage.”
This is the third time he will perform at the venue
as part of The Australian Ballet, also having been part of the Giselle and The Merry Widow productions.
Carmen will be a significant event for the venue.
The Canberra Theatre Centre opened on 24 June 1965 with a ‘gala’ performance by The Australian Ballet, according to an article published by the ACT Government’s ArchivesACT.
“It is really special to be included in the history of that and to be returning home and leave another historical mark with the connection between The Australian Ballet and Canberra Theatre Centre,” Hedditch said.
Hedditch said while the show was more modern than the original, it also touched on the darker aspects within the production.
“The inner demons the characters have are really in depth in the second act,” he said.
“It can be a little bit confronting at times, but it’s an amazing production for that reason; it’s great art that can convey those messages.”
Canberra Theatre Centre director Alex Budd said the return of The Australian Ballet during the venue’s
anniversary was a “fortuitous confluence of events”.
“The ballet, their main performance venue, the State Theatre (in Melbourne), is under renovation, so they have a little bit more flexibility in their performance schedule,” Mr Budd said.
“We’ve been talking to them about coming back with their full company ever since I was handed the keys to the theatre six weeks before (the) COVID-19 (pandemic) hit. COVID got in the way of some of our earlier plans, so I’m delighted it’s coming together.
“When we realised it came across the birthday, it made sense that it was the perfect dates.”
He said having a Canberran as part of the show was special.
“It also shows why support of these major national companies is so important across Australia, because it shows pathways for artists in ballet and opera,” Mr Budd said.
“That’s why it’s so important to bring these companies to Canberra, they get to see them working professionally.
“…Hopefully the Drews of the future are in the audience.”
Hedditch isn’t the only Canberran to be part of the dance company; Lana Jones and Robert Curran have also danced with The Australian Ballet.
“These people don’t just grow up in Melbourne and walk off to The Australian Ballet school, they find remarkable dancers in this tradition across the country,” Mr Budd said.
Tickets for Carmen can be purchased here: canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/carmen-2025
Carmen will run at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 20-25 June.
Canberra-born ballet dancer Drew Hedditch
Photo Pierre Toussaint
Photo Kate Longley
free exhibition ON NOW I OPEN DAILY
KINGS AVENUE, PARKES ACT
Booktalk
This week, Jeff Popple reviews three good crime novels for your winter reading. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Melaleuca by Angie Faye Martin
HQ, $34.99
One of the major Australian crime novels of the year is Angie Faye Martin’s Melaleuca. Set in a small Queensland country town, it follows the efforts of Indigenous policewoman Renee Taylor as she investigates the murder of a woman found down by the local creek. A crime that strangely seems to be connected to the disappearance of two young Aboriginal women thirty years before. This is an evocative and moving crime novel that deals with major themes around racism and poverty, while also delivering the suspense and surprises expected of a crime novel. A fresh and provocative mystery that will leave you thinking.
The Chemist by A. A. Dhand HQ, $34.99
Set a long way from outback Queensland is A. A. Dhand’s exciting new book The Chemist. Idris Khan is a pharmacist working in a deprived area in Leeds, doling out methadone to addicts and trying to make ends meet. A trusted member of the community, Idris is also in debt to a local gang leader. When the woman he loves gets caught up in a murder, Idris becomes trapped in a criminal turf war and has to use his deadly professional skills to keep those he loves safe. This is a gritty, fast-paced tale with plenty of good twists and turns. Recommended.
The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North
Michael Joseph, $34.99
Also very dark in tone is Alex North’s The Man Made of Smoke. As a boy, Dan witnessed a crime involving a notorious serial killer, known as ‘The Pied Piper’, and has been haunted his entire life by that day. His father, who was a police officer at the time, has also spent many years fruitlessly looking into the case, to the point of obsession. When Dan is informed that his father has died under suspicious circumstances, he returns home and finds that the past is still alive and dangerous. Skilfully interweaving multiple timelines and various characters, North gradually builds the tension to a powerful climax.
VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT
Going through a break-up, whether it’s with a friend or partner, can be very painful and we can feel mixed emotions about it. Whether it was sudden or something you’d seen coming for a while, the end of a relationship can lead to a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, relief, or even numbness. There’s no single right way to cope, and everyone processes loss di erently and takes varying lengths of time to heal. I’ve put together a few research-backed psychological tips to help you cope with a break-up.
Name your feelings. Simply naming what’s going on, like “I feel lonely” or “I feel wounded,” can help reduce the intensity of your feelings
and make them easier to manage and explain to others trying to help.
Challenge unhelpful thoughts. Break-ups often bring up thoughts that aren’t helpful or make us feel bad, such as “I’ll never get over this” or “It’s all my fault.” Try challenging these thoughts by asking, “Is this the whole story?” or “Is that 100% true?” Sometimes saying to yourself, “What would I say to a friend who was going through this?” can help us be kinder to ourselves.
Set boundaries with your ex. You need emotional space to heal. This might mean taking a break from messaging, unfollowing them on social media, or not seeing them for a while. Boundaries are a way to protect your wellbeing while you’re healing.
Set a daily routine. When everything feels uncertain, small routines can help you feel more present and less in your head. This might include getting out of bed at a regular time, eating proper meals, going for a walk, or making a to-do list.
Seek support. You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to someone you trust. You
don’t need to talk about the break-up in detail unless you want to; just being around supportive people can make a big di erence. Let them know what helps, whether it’s listening, keeping you company, or doing something to take your mind o things.
Engage in pleasure and relaxation. It can feel strange or even wrong to enjoy things after a break-up but giving yourself permission to experience pleasure is important for recovery. Watch a comforting show, listen to music you like, pamper your body, or do something creative.
Take your time with a new relationship. Don’t be too quick to jump into a new relationship. Sometimes we must sit with feelings of loneliness and despair to help us grieve, reflect and process what’s happened. It also helps us make healthy choices around who we share our lives with.
If after a few weeks you’re still feeling overwhelmed or stuck, speaking to a psychologist can really help. Psychologists can help you process what’s happened, understand your reactions, and rebuild your sense of self.
CO N T R IBU
WIN! WD-40 vouchers
To celebrate the launch of the WD-40 Repair Challenge, WD40 is giving away five prize packs worth $50 each. Winners will be emailed a voucher to purchase their preferred WD40 products to the value of $50 at any Bunnings store, including:
• WD-40 Ez-Reach
• WD-40 Low Odour
• WD-40 Smart Straw
Entrants are encouraged to participate in the WD40 Challenge, a global initiative that encourages people to repair items, tools and equipment, keeping them in circulation for longer and away from landfill for a chance to win 1 x $5,000 Visa Gift Card and minor prizes. For more details on how to enter the WD-40 Repair Challenge 2025, visit: repairchallenge.wd40.com.au
ENTER TO WIN!
To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberradaily.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find the competition you wish to enter and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 27 June 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra
Four in five sunscreens fail SPF test: consumer group
by FARID FARID, AAP
Slip, slop, slap is drilled into Australians as a motto to live by but testing shows four in five sunscreens are failing to provide protection, prompting the Cancer Council to vow to send its products to the lab again.
Consumer advocacy group Choice tested 20 sunscreens with SPF 50 or 50+ labels and found only four met the criteria.
“Consumers expect sunscreen to protect them in line with the SPF rating on the product, but as our testing has shown, the SPF label doesn’t always match what’s in the bottle,” Choice CEO Ashley de Silva said.
Some of the Cancer Council’s sunscreen products were egregiously falling behind.
The Kids Clear Zinc 50+ tested at 33, the Everyday Value Sunscreen 50 scored 27 and the Ultra Sunscreen 50+ came in at just 24.
Only one product from the council matched the label - the Kid Sunscreen 50+, which scored a strong
52.
However, the council said it was complying with all the SPF ratings tagged on its bottles.
“Noting the test results published by Choice and out of an abundance of caution, we have submitted the four referenced products for further testing by an independent international laboratory,” the council said.
Three other products from well-known brands — La Roche-Posay, Neutrogena and Mecca Cosmetica — delivered on their dermatological declarations.
Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen scored the lowest, the consumer group said, returning an SPF of four.
Ultra Violette disputed Choice’s testing methodology and results, saying it followed Therapeutic Goods Administration guidelines and did not arbitrarily slap on a SPF 50+ label.
“We do not accept these results as even remotely accurate,” the company told AAP.
“Lean Screen contains 22.75 per cent zinc oxide, a
level at which, when applied sufficiently, would render a testing result of SPF four scientifically impossible.”
Industry body Consumer Healthcare Products
Australia assured people they could step out into the sun “with full confidence in the quality, safety and effectiveness of Australian sunscreens”.
The body said in a statement it worked closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Standards Australia to ensure consumers were protected by some of “the most stringent requirements in the world”.
Choice said it had informed the brands concerned, the goods administration and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission of the results.
Mr de Silva tempered any concerns for people heading to beaches or enjoying scorching sunny days, noting that “any sunscreen is better than none at all”.
Most sunscreen brands with SPF 50 or 50+ labels allegedly fail to live up to their claims.
The invisible language of space
wi MARIA CERNE, INTERIOR DESIGNER AT STUDIO BLACK INTERIORS, STUDIOBLACK.COM.AU CO
Have you ever walked into a room and felt yourself exhale?
Maybe it was the way the light spilled across the floor, or how the warmth of timber underfoot made the space feel instantly familiar, even if you’d never been there before.
Interior design is often mistaken for decoration. Cushions, colours, pretty things. But great design is something deeper. It’s how a space makes you feel.
Design speaks, without words. The rhythm of natural light through a window can lift your spirits in ways you can’t quite explain. A curved wall can feel like a gentle embrace. A soft sage green can quiet a racing mind.
These aren’t accidents. They’re decisions, conscious, deliberate, and layered with emotional intention.
As a designer, I don’t just look at a room and ask, “How can this be more beautiful?” I ask, “How can this space calm you? Energise you? Welcome you home?”
This is the invisible language of space, something we feel long before we understand it. It’s why we gravitate toward some spaces and avoid others. Why certain homes feel warm, inviting, and
alive and others leave us wanting to escape. Good design doesn’t always shout, often, it whispers.
Design a ects our psychology in subtle but powerful ways.
Ceiling heights influence our sense of freedom. Textures can ground us or elevate us. Thoughtful lighting helps regulate our body clocks. The way rooms connect, or don’t, can deeply a ect how we interact, rest, and reconnect with ourselves and others.
Even scent plays a role; the faint aroma of timber, linen, or fresh air through open windows can trigger emotion and memory. These details may seem small, but together, they build a sensory experience that shapes our everyday life.
I’ve seen it time and time again, the way a resolved space softens daily stress. How an ensuite is designed to feel serene and tranquil can bring a sense of calm after a long day, or how a private nook becomes a teenager’s sanctuary.
Design is not just about style. It’s about soul.
So, the next time you walk into a room and feel something, pause. Notice.
The hush of that moment? That’s design doing its quiet, powerful work.
As designers, our role is to shape emotion through space. We think not just in colours and materials, but in feelings and flow. We listen for what’s not said, and we design for how you want to feel. Because when design is done well, we don’t just see it, we feel it, and that is where the magic truly lives.
Interior design: Studio Black Interiors
Photo Adam McGrath
Family living in Kambah
Kambah 69 Kingsmill Street
Set on a generous 751sqm block in sought-after Kambah, this fourbedroom home offers comfort, space and lifestyle convenience for growing families. Inside, the updated kitchen features ample storage and stainless steel appliances, while the formal living and dining spaces are perfect for entertaining. Ducted heating and cooling ensure year-round comfort, and the home’s layout offers both function and flexibility.
Step outside to a covered deck and expansive lawn — ideal for hosting guests or letting the kids run free. The double lock-up garage includes built-in shelving
and a workbench, ideal for storage or DIY projects.
Located near schools, shops and parks, and just 10 minutes from South.Point Tuggeranong, this well-maintained home is perfectly positioned for family life or a smart investment opportunity.
4 1 2
Price
$850,000+
Agent Robert Peaker
Mob 0412 726 025
Agent Rick Dickson
Mob 0419 208 353
Blackshaw Woden 6282 8686
If you see us at auction, you’d better hope we are on .
Without us:
Inexperience at an auction can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Fear of missing out creates panic bidding just to “win.”
Most buyers walk in unprepared… and walk out disappointed.
With Hyde Burchell Buyers Agents:
We don’t guess the price — we predict it with precision, using deep market insight and real-time data to set smart, strategic auction limits.
We take the reins, bidding strategically within your limits to secure the property, not the panic.
Our clients have achieved a 100% auction success rate in 2025.
Book us now for your next auction to make sure we’re bidding for you, not against you.
Unlock Immediate Profits with
a Secondary Dwelling
Amid Canberra’s Housing
Shortage
If you own an existing investment property on a block larger than 500sqm, adding a compliant Secondary Dwelling could significantly increase your cash flow— potentially even triple it. Here’s why now is the right time and how to get started.
Canberra Housing Overview: Population Growth and Reduced Housing Supply Are Driving Rental Prices
• ACT Treasury forecasts population growth at 1.75% per annum over the next two years — approximately 8,400 new residents annually.
• Only around 4,000 new residential properties were completed in Canberra during 2024, primarily multi-unit developments.
• There’s a major undersupply of single-level, disability-friendly homes on smaller blocks.
• In 2025, changes to building codes and planning legislation contributed to a significant reduction in new housing approvals — down approximately 75% — further limiting supply and intensifying the shortage.
• Canberra’s rental vacancy rate is just 1.6%, with a median weekly rent of $700 for houses (Feb 2025) — higher than Sydney and Melbourne.
• Between 2011 and 2023, public housing in the ACT decreased by 1,032 dwellings — while the population grew by 98,813 people.
(Source: Productivity Commission)
Turn Your Investment Property into a Dual-Income Asset: What You Can Expect
• High Occupancy Rates: A $250,000 investment in a 1- or 2-bedroom Secondary Dwelling yields $500–$600 per week, or $25,000–$30,000 annually, using a stressfree long-term tenancy model.
• Tax Advantages: Minimum depreciation of 2.5% per year on $250,000 provides a $6,250 annual tax deduction.
• Leverage Existing Equity: An interestonly loan of $250,000 at 5.5% results in $264.42/week in repayments, with most banks offering full financing using the equity in your existing property.
• Immediate Equity Uplift: Upon completion, most owners experience an uplift in property value of $100,000 to $200,000, representing the increase above the build cost of the Secondary Dwelling.
How to Get Started
We’ve successfully assisted over 300 Canberrans with their Secondary Dwelling projects.
Our experienced team manages the entire process in-house — from initial design and development approvals to construction — providing a streamlined, end-to-end solution. Best of all, you won’t need to make any payments until building commences.
Our build schedule is fully booked for this year, but you can still get started now by entering the approvals phase. We typically complete approvals in just 6 months — significantly faster than the 9-month industry average.
At Marigal Gardens, you’re not just moving into a home without the time-consuming maintenance where we’ll even change the lightbulbs —you’re joining a welcoming community where every day is a new opportunity.
Enjoy exclusive facilities like Bennet Lodge and the new Wellness Centre with an indoor pool and gym. With a full calendar of activities, social events, and interest groups, there’s always something to enjoy with friends and neighbours.
Experience the ideal balance of privacy and connection, close to local shops, parks, and medical facilities.
$720,000
This brand-new modern low maintenance home includes:
• A spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area
• A contemporary kitchen with ample storage and user-friendly appliances
• Master bedroom and private ensuite
• Accessible main bathroom
• Double-glazed windows
• Year-round heating and cooling
• Internal access to secure parking with storage cage with power
