MIN
Price guide
$2,200,000 — $2,300,000 For more information, contact: JAMES HERBERT on 0400 853 501
Welcome to Ensemble
6 Wedge Crescent, Turner
A limited collection of three residences of absolute distinction in a coveted Inner North address. Perfectly tailored for both grand entertaining and refined daily comfort, Ensemble delivers form and function to your new home.
• 3 & 4 bedroom townhouses
• 218sqm+ internal area spread across multiple living spaces
• 70sqm+ outdoor terraces and balconies
• Oversized 60sqm garages
• 2.9m ceilings, Miele appliances, bespoke joinery
• Estimated completion Q1 2026
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION
ARTIST’S IMPRESSIONS
This Spring, South Jerrabomberra will welcome two incredible new spaces – a stateof-the-art Town Park and the region’s biggest and best Dog Park.
WELCOME HOME TO
Eden Park
DISCOVER THE NATURE OF A HOME
Canberra’s ever-growing north has garnered a strong demand in the property market for its thriving community, with Jacka quietly emerging as one of the city’s most promising residential pockets. Within it, Eden Park o ers something rare: a boutique collection of beautifully designed townhouses that blend nature, convenience, and craftsmanship in seamless balance.
Nestled beside a protected nature reserve, Eden Park invites a slower, more intentional way of living. Here, the morning chorus of native birds replaces tra c noise, and bush trails begin just beyond your backyard. It’s a setting that fosters connection, not just with neighbours, but with the land itself.
Eden Park is more than its location; it’s a masterclass in modern design and attention to detail. Designed by Kasparek Architects and built by Appex Building Group, each of these fourbedroom townhouses showcases exceptional craftsmanship, with high-quality fixtures and fittings to ensure both style and durability.
Inside, spacious floorplans are complemented by premium materials: sleek stone countertops, hybrid timber flooring, contemporary appliances, and designer lighting. It’s a refined living experience where comfort and elegance blend e ortlessly, o ering functionality without compromise.
This intimate collection of townhouses has been designed with liveability at its core. From open-plan interiors that maximise natural light to private outdoor spaces that connect you to
the surrounding landscape, every detail has been considered. These are homes made not just to look beautiful, but to enhance and enrich everyday life.
Unlike many new developments where green space feels like an afterthought, Eden Park places nature at the forefront. The community borders established woodland, providing residents with direct access to kilometres of walking and cycling paths, open parklands, and untouched bush. The result is a rare sense of calm and openness as Canberra continues to expand.
With direct access to scenic trails, native landscaping, and uninterrupted views of Canberra’s natural ridgelines, Eden Park invites residents to reconnect with the land while enjoying the perks of modern urban planning.
Residents will soon find themselves footsteps from Jacka’s upcoming Shopping Centre, featuring everything from cafés and medical facilities to a playground and future retail. For families, the convenience factor is even greater, with schools and childcare centres already operating in nearby Taylor, Moncrie , Bonner, Amaroo, and Gungahlin.
The suburb of Jacka is known for its commitment to open space and ecological planning. Nearly 70 per cent of the suburb is reserved for parklands, woodland, and conservation corridors, a rarity in today’s housing landscape. Eden Park carries that legacy forward, ensuring that residents are not just surrounded by nature but invited to engage with it.
For families, that means more than just scenic views. It means a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Bushwalks before dinner. Bike rides after school. Weekends spent outdoors rather than online. And while sustainability is often a checkbox in development marketing, at Eden Park, it is a lived value. Here, proximity to nature shapes how people move through the neighbourhood, how they spend their time, and how communities are built.
At Eden Park, it’s not just about living, it’s about belonging. Interlinked cycleways, walkable trails, and green meeting points encourage movement, interaction, and mindfulness.
For commuters or those seeking the energy of city life, Eden Park o ers excellent transport links without compromising its peaceful atmosphere. A six-minute drive takes you to the heart of Gungahlin Town Centre, with its supermarkets, dining, and entertainment options.
Canberra’s CBD is just 20 minutes away, and the nearest light rail stop — only seven minutes by car — o ers a sustainable alternative for daily travel. Even the Federal Highway is less than 10 minutes away, enabling e ortless getaways to Sydney and beyond.
Whether you’re commuting to work, heading into the city for a bite to eat, or planning a weekend getaway, Eden Park puts you right where you need to be.
This blend of tranquillity and practicality makes Eden Park a compelling choice for a broad range of buyers: from young families and first-home buyers to downsizers seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing connection to the city.
But perhaps Eden Park’s greatest appeal is its atmosphere. There’s a sense of breathing room that sets it apart from denser developments. Here, community isn’t an afterthought; it’s built into the design. With Jacka’s dedicated Mingle team fostering neighbourhood engagement, Eden Park will grow into more than just a postcode; it will become a network of stories, friendships, and shared futures beneath the dappled light of native gums.
For homebuyers, Eden Park represents a rare opportunity: to invest in a community that has not only imagined a better tomorrow but is actively
creating it. With completion scheduled for the end of 2026, now is the time to secure your place in a neighbourhood where nature isn’t an afterthought, it’s the foundation.
At Eden Park, every path leads to a new exploration: to the bush trails at your back fence, to the neighbours you’ll know by name, to a life that feels both grounded and connected. This isn’t just another development, it’s where Canberra’s future takes root. And it starts at home.
Be one of the first few to explore the expansive floor plans of these generous terraces at Eden Park, Jacka. For more information and to book an appointment, please contact David Shi of LJ Hooker Project Marketing ACT.
Eden Park
T: 0417 668 668
E: David.shi@ljhookerprojects.com.au
W: edenparkjacka.com.au
Eden Park
T E R R A C E S
Artist’s Impression. Min EER7.1
Record-breaking 2025 Summernats
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
The 2025 Summernats event injected a recordbreaking $46 million into the region’s economy, while also bringing in more punters than ever.
The event ran at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) from 2-5 January.
Research by IER reported a $46.6m benefit to the ACT economy, with 47,500 patrons travelling from interstate and overseas for the event.
Summernats has injected more than $900m into the ACT economy over the lifetime of the festival, with $175m coming from the last five events.
Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez said the 2025 event was “without doubt” the best since acquiring the festival in 2009.
“We had a record attendance of over 130,000 patrons and 2800 entrants across the festival period,” he said.
“We’re always making improvements to the show with a massive focus on delivering an excellent
customer experience, and the high satisfaction levels in the research show the event continues to deliver on the expectations of the Summernats community.”
Mr Lopez said it was fabulous to see both records broken.
“The research data showed that the people who came to Summernats – the entrants and spectatorshad a good time,” he told CW
“There were high satisfaction levels and a big vote about wanting to come next year.”
Research by IER - one of Australia’s leading providers in the measurement of the impact and performance of major events - showed an increase in patrons that will ‘likely attend Summernats next year’ from 77 per cent in the 2024 report to 81 per cent following this year’s event.
Mr Lopez said the event also boosted Canberra’s hospitality, tourism and retail sectors, during what was typically a quiet period in the nation’s capital.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Summernats continued to be a high-impact event for Canberra.
“Its record-breaking attendance and economic contribution this year highlights the value that the festival delivers for our city’s hospitality, and local businesses in January,” he said.
City Renewal Authority chief executive officer Craig Gillman said an estimated $1 million-plus was spent at local businesses during this year’s Fringe festival.
BentSpoke Brewing Co. co-founder Richard Watkins said it has been great to see Summernats increase its footprint into other parts of Canberra and engage with these communities.
“At a time of the year when trading can be a bit inconsistent for hospitality, BentSpoke has seen an uplift in trade directly as a result of Summernats,” he said.
Cars, cars and more cars… at the 2025 Summernats.
Photo
Madam
Unbelievable: Kingsley’s sold
by GEORGIA CURRY
Kingsley’s Chicken – Canberra’s iconic “awesome chips” eatery – has been sold to new owners 40 years after it was first established at Woden Plaza in 1984 by Kingsley Varr and his wife, co-director Jenny Stead.
Namesake and founder, Kingsley, quietly retired at the end of 2024 without fanfare, selling the much-loved Canberra company to local buyers, who have owned two Kingsley’s stores for the past 20 years.
The new owners have already announced a ninth Kingsley’s store opening in Casey within the next few months and they have put up a sign at Batemans Bay, scouting for a local manager to potentially run a Kingsley’s franchise at Canberra’s favourite holiday destination.
Kingsley and Jenny are reportedly “enjoying a well-deserved retirement”.
The sale of Kingsley’s Chicken took place
at the end of 2024, just after the company celebrated its 40th anniversary. The new owners and the previous owners wished to keep the news a bit quiet for a while.
Ironically, when Kingsley Varr first came to Australia in 1984, he never had aspirations to be a fast food-chain owner because he was an accountant (trained in Malaysia and Britain). After discovering that he needed more study in order to practise in Australia, he looked for another vocation.
Rather than crunching numbers, Kingsley perfected the crunchy chip and bought a chicken shop in Woden Plaza – Kingsley’s Chicken Pty Ltd was born.
If you’re wondering how Kingsley’s came up with that famous slogan, it’s thanks to Canberra school kids waiting for a bus at the old Woden Bus Interchange.
Kingsley’s staff at Woden Plaza were sent out into the public by their boss to conduct an
impromptu survey of their food. So, armed with hot chips, they gave school kids at the Woden Bus Interchange a free taste.
The most common response (it was the ‘80s after all), was “awesome”. The slogan was born.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Adapted for the stage by Tim McGarry
Iconic Canberra company Kingsley’s Chicken has been sold to new owners 40 years after it was established.
brings comfort, independence, and innovation to Canberra Sleep Electric
For many, a bed is just a place to rest at the end of the day. But for those living with health conditions, mobility challenges or even just the e ects of ageing, the right bed can mean much more than a good night’s sleep. It can mean independence, comfort and improved quality of life.
That’s the philosophy behind Sleep Electric, a national company that has been transforming the way Australians sleep for nearly a decade. Recently, Sleep Electric has launched in Canberra and the NSW South Coast, led locally by Paul Constable, who is passionate about helping people in the community find the right sleep solutions for their needs.
Sleep Electric takes a di erent approach by o ering a mobile showroom service. Instead of asking customers to come to them, the team brings the showroom experience directly to people’s homes.
It’s a convenient way to try out adjustable beds and mattresses in your own environment, making it easier to choose the right fit for your lifestyle and health needs.
Beds that do more than help you sleep
The centrepiece of Sleep Electric’s o ering is their range of adjustable beds paired with premium mattresses. These aren’t your standard bases and mattresses. Each bed features a motorised system that allows users to adjust the head and foot with a simple remote control, allowing users to change position at the touch of a button.
For some, this might mean sitting up comfortably to read or watch TV. For others, it could mean elevating the legs to reduce swelling or slightly raising the head to improve breathing and reduce snoring.
“Our adjustable beds are designed to give people
more than just a place to sleep; they provide comfort, independence and support tailored to individual needs,” says Paul.
Customers can also choose from a variety of mattress options to pair with their adjustable base. Memory foam o ers contouring pressure relief, latex provides natural resilience and breathability, and hybrid designs combine spring support with foam comfort. This ensures that no matter your body type or sleeping preferences, there’s a solution that fits.
Health benefits that go beyond comfort
For people living with chronic pain, illness, or limited mobility, the di erence an adjustable bed can make is life-changing.
“These beds can help with a wide range of conditions, from back pain and arthritis through to sleep apnea, poor circulation and even recovery after surgery,” Paul explains.
“By supporting the body in healthier positions, the beds can reduce discomfort, improve sleep quality, and support day-to-day wellbeing.”
The health benefits of Sleep Electric’s products include:
• Better circulation by elevating the legs
• Improved breathing with the head raised slightly
• Pressure relief to reduce tossing, turning, and bed sores
• Enhanced independence for those with reduced mobility
• Deeper, more restorative sleep through customised comfort
Sleep Electric in Canberra is led by Paul Constable, who is passionate about improving comfort and independence for the community.
The mobile showroom experience
Perhaps the most unique aspect of Sleep Electric’s service is their mobile showroom, which is available for free home trials.
“We know that comfort and support can’t be judged in a showroom alone,” says Paul. “One of our consultants will bring the mobile showroom directly to a customer’s home, allowing them to test the bed and mattress in their own environment.”
The mobile showroom is fully fitted with a ramp and safety rails, making it accessible and safe for anyone to step inside. Whether you’re in Canberra, the South Coast, or a regional area within a three to four hour drive, the mobile showroom brings the full Sleep Electric experience right to your doorstep.
The best part? The free home trial has no added cost. Because Sleep Electric avoids the overheads of expensive shopfronts, they’re able to pass on the savings to customers while o ering a truly personal service.
Supporting independence through NDIS and homecare
One of the most important aspects of Sleep Electric’s Canberra launch is their ability to support people through NDIS and Home Care Package funding.
“As a registered NDIS provider with great relationships with Home Care Providers, we make it simple for participants to access the right equipment to support their health and lifestyle,”
Paul says.
The local team works closely with occupational therapists, case managers and families to ensure the right bed or mattress is chosen to suit each person’s care plan and funding requirements. Customers can often use NDIS or home care funding to cover all or part of their purchase.
This makes Sleep Electric not just a supplier of beds, but a true partner in supporting independence and quality of life.
A new standard in rest and recovery
Ultimately, Sleep Electric’s mission is to change the way people think about their beds. These are not just pieces of furniture, but essential tools for health, wellbeing, and independence.
By o ering advanced adjustable beds, premium mattresses, personalised support, and unique home trials, Sleep Electric is setting a new standard for rest and recovery in Canberra and beyond.
“At Sleep Electric, we’re passionate about giving people their independence back, improving quality of life, and helping families feel confident in their care choices,” says Paul.
Experience it for yourself
For those curious about how an adjustable bed could improve their sleep and wellbeing, Sleep Electric’s message is simple: try it for yourself.
With a free home trial, expert advice, and support for NDIS and home care customers,
there’s no risk in exploring the possibilities.
Sleep Electric has already helped thousands of Australians improve their sleep and regain independence. Now, with a dedicated team in Canberra and the NSW South Coast, it’s easier than ever for locals to experience the benefits first-hand.
“From premium products to expert advice, NDIS and homecare support, and our unique free home trial, we believe we o er a service unlike any other in the industry,” says Paul.
The company’s reputation as a trusted national franchise also gives customers confidence. With nearly a decade of experience across Australia, Sleep Electric combines the resources of a large company with the personal touch of a local team.
Sleep Electric Canberra
Mobile showroom servicing Canberra, the South Coast, and regional areas within a three to four hour radius of the ACT.
For more information or to book a free home trial, call Paul directly on 0497 101 714 or visit sleepelectric.com.au.
Sleep Electric’s mobile showroom is fully fitted with a ramp and safety rails, making it safe and accessible for everyone.
Canberra in Crisis: ACT Shelter
by NICHOLAS FULLER
The first in our Canberra in Crisis series, bringing you the perspective of Canberra’s not-for-profit and community sector on housing, cost of living, food insecurity, and poverty. Today: ACT Shelter, the capital city’s informed and independent voice on housing policy, advocating for affordable, safe, and secure homes for people on low, moderate or no incomes.
ACT Shelter, Canberra’s housing peak body, should be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year — but its future is under threat, at the very moment the capital city groans under the weight of a worsening housing crisis.
Since 1975, ACT Shelter has championed the rights of renters and housing consumers, and advised governments on complex, systemic issues. But it struggles to survive on minimal support. It is the ACT’s least-funded peak body; the small amount of core funding it receives from the government is not enough to employ a full-time CEO and meet operational costs, Ms Dobson says.
It will exhaust its reserves this financial year, and Ms Dobson is considering shutting the office and cutting staff.
In desperation, she has asked the government to provide modest additional funding. The government might do so in next year’s budget — but will Shelter survive that long?
“Without additional funding, the organisation’s viability is under threat,” Ms Dobson said. “The ACT risks losing its only dedicated, independent peak body focused on housing — a critical and complex policy area where independent input is essential… It’s needed more than ever.”
A worsening housing crisis
Decades of poor policy decisions and neglect at both local and federal levels have increased housing inequality in the ACT, Ms Dobson argues. Tax settings treat housing as an investment vehicle rather than a home, fuelling speculation and widening the wealth gap between those who own homes and those who cannot afford to rent.
Although the cost of buying a house has lowered, Canberrans on low or part-time incomes
struggle to secure safe and affordable housing. The supply is falling short; prices are going up; and more than half of lower-income households face housing stress. People simply trying to make ends meet and keep a roof over their heads flood community services in unprecedented numbers.
“The lack of affordable rental housing for people on low income is at an acute point,” Ms Dobson said.
Canberra is in a permanent rental crisis. Although government reforms to tenancy laws have limited rent increases, rents remain among the highest in the country; prices outpace wages;
Corinne Dobson, CEO of ACT Shelter. Photo supplied
and a growing number of earners cannot afford to rent privately. Many tenants will become forever renters, never owning their own homes. Even fulltime workers earning award wages struggle.
“It is very hard for people coming into the housing market if home ownership is out of reach,” Ms Dobson said. “If you don’t have a big income, it means a substantial chunk of your earnings goes into rent.”
Those on income support suffer the highest levels of rental stress in the country. There are few affordable housing options for students on Youth Allowance, JobSeeker recipients, or pensioners.
Public housing is often poorly maintained, and access is increasingly restricted to those on the lowest incomes. The ACT has experienced one of the country’s steepest declines in social housing as a share of total dwellings: there are fewer public housing properties now than there were 30 years ago — the proportion of social housing has fallen from 12 per cent of all housing to only 5.7 per cent — and current policies mean that proportion is shrinking further.
The public housing waiting list increased by 14 per cent over the six months between November 2024 and June 2025, it was revealed this week,
from 2,975 to 3,402. In March, 58 people were waiting more than seven months for priority housing; 1,920 people waited nearly three years for high needs housing; and 1,211 people more than five years for standard housing.
“It’s now reached a crisis point,” Ms Dobson said. “We don’t have enough public housing. We have long waiting lists, and it requires significant investment to get us out of this situation.”
Some end up homeless: rough sleepers are the most visible, but many others are camping in tents, sleeping in cars, or couch surfing. More people are seeking aid from homelessness services, but crisis services are overstretched: the system is focused on response, not early intervention; people have few options other than crisis accommodation; waiting lists are capped, and services are having to turn people away.
“It’s a really challenging situation,” Ms Dobson said. “Unless we see concerted and dedicated action from government, it worries me that the situation will only get worse.”
Government investment not enough
The ACT Budget committed $145 million over four years in housing, including $90 million for social housing and a $20 million increase to the
Affordable Housing Project Fund, bringing it to $100 million.
But Ms Dobson believes the investment falls far short of what is required.
“Social housing has to be the core focus of government, and at the moment, it isn’t,” Ms Dobson said.
Last year, Shelter called for social housing to be restored to 10 per cent of all dwellings by 2036.
“It’s very ambitious, without doubt — but it is actually the scale of ambition that we really need,” Ms Dobson said.
European countries and cities —Finland, the Netherlands, Vienna — have shown that making much of the housing public is viable. It would require significant capital investment — but it must be prioritised, Ms Dobson argues.
“We need to recognise the cost of not investing in social housing,” she said.
Moreover, the budget did not deliver expected additional funding to maintain, modify, and repair public houses; Shelter warns that this risks deterioration of public assets and increases longterm costs to government.
continued on p14
ACT targets may not be met
The ACT has committed to build 30,000 more homes by the end of 2030 as its contribution to the Commonwealth’s National Housing Accord. That includes 5,000 more public, community and affordable rental dwellings, or at least 1,000 new public housing dwellings, as the government aims to grow the public housing stock to 13,200 by 2030.
But Shelter cannot see how the ACT will meet that target.
The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council’s State of the Housing System report forecast that the ACT would deliver 8,000 fewer homes from 2024 to 2029 than in the previous five years — partly due to labour supply and external costs (among the highest in the country), but partly, Ms Dobson argues, because government measures have not gone far enough.
In June 2024, the ACT had nearly 11,000 public housing dwellings; increasing the public housing stock to 13,200 would require a net increase of nearly 2,250 dwellings.
Moreover, some social and affordable housing developments revert to market rates after 10 to 15 years: “A ticking time bomb,” Ms Dobson said.
“We end up right where we started, with people no longer having that affordable option.”
“We are not seeing from government a recognition of the scale of these challenges or of the profound impacts this is having on many households in the ACT.”
Programs cut, pressure rising
Shelter is campaigning for broader reform, including the restoration of the Rent Relief Fund, which was discontinued in the recent budget, despite costing only $1.7 million. The program provided up to four weeks rent (to a maximum of $2,500), and helped, on average, two people in rent arrears each day avoid eviction. Its cancellation, Ms Dobson said, has added to the pressure on support services.
“They would often refer people to this program. There’s nothing else quite like it… It will mean more people will lose their homes and become homeless.”
Shelter has written to senior ministers — treasurer Chris Steel MLA, housing minister Yvette Berry MLA, and attorney-general Tara Cheyne MLA — requesting a roundtable before the Appropriations Bill is passed in September. An e-petition is also open on the ACT Legislative
Assembly website.
Shelter supports the ACT Greens’ bill to enshrine housing as a human right — a reform it has championed for 15 years. The ACT would become the first jurisdiction in Australia to do so, and Ms Dobson believes it would be consistent with the ACT’s nation-leading Human Rights Act.
The organisation has also called for a Rental Commissioner (similar to NSW); increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance; and long-term investment in wraparound support services.
“We do think there have been a lot of improvements,” Ms Dobson said. “The ACT has led the way on many renter reforms. But we think there’s still room to go further.”
“Tackling the housing crisis is the defining social and economic challenge of our time,” Ms Dobson said.
“But the situation is neither hopeless nor inevitable. It can be addressed. We can work together. Governments do have the capacity to address this. It requires leadership and the will to do so.”
ACT Shelter would welcome any support to help it continue.
Few great expectations for next week’s economic round table
with BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD
Firstly, congratulations to the Uni-Norths Rugby Club on winning their way through to their first-ever first-grade grand final since the OWLs were formed by Norths amalgamating with Uni (ANU/Canberra Uni).
It seems Albo and Treasurer Jim Chalmers are hoping to emulate Bob Hawke and Paul Keating’s initial summit, which set the groundwork for recordbreaking reforms to Australia’s financial
system and kick-started our growth and rising prosperity for the next 25 years.
Government, business and unions all played a constructive role in this, and the then Opposition welcomed the reforms. I’m not sure if that’s going to be the case this time.
For starters, the ACTU has flagged some ambitious claims that will stymie productivity and growth. Less work for the same pay is what they are fundamentally offering with their ambit claim for a four-day work week. The amount of government red and green tape has grown tremendously in size since the 1980s. Excessive red and green tape crushes enterprise, employs more public servants (who do not create or make anything), and discourages investment. Albo boasts that he has created hundreds of thousands of new
jobs, but save for 20,000 new jobs, all of them are public service jobs.
People need to be encouraged to work more, not less. Businesses, especially new businesses, need incentives — cheap land to enable them to set up, tax breaks like no payroll tax for five years, or perhaps no payroll tax at all. (I thought the GST was meant to do away with payroll tax.) The 24 people at this forum need to think outside the square.
Countries where business was encouraged and government restrictions and impediments to growth were removed tend to go ahead in leaps and bounds. Trump’s businessoriented approach in his first and now second term, and the resultant increase in productivity and growth in the US, are testimony to this approach. The UK
economy in the 1980s boomed as a result of the business-friendly approach Margaret Thatcher took. I heard yesterday that, as a result of some dramatic action taken by the colourful new Argentinian president, that former basket-case economy is now going gangbusters. He has apparently reduced the number of public servants by half.
During the last Liberal government in the ACT (1994 to 2001), we compensated for the loss of 10,000 federal public servants (in 1996) by incentivising the private sector to invest in Canberra. This was achieved by such initiatives as rates and payroll tax holidays, and cheap grants of land — at no cost to the Territory. This helped create 29 new businesses we didn’t have before, all but three of which survived and prospered, and in three years created 9,990 new jobs — all in the private sector.
We need some lateral thinking at this summit. All attending must be prepared to compromise and be realistic.
Michelle Heyman first signing for surviving Canberra United
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
Record-breaking forward Michelle Heyman is the first signing of Canberra United for the Ninja A-League 2025/26 season.
The Canberra club announced on Monday 18 August that both head coach Antoni Jagarinec and Heyman had signed on for the next season.
In July, it was announced that Canberra United would continue to play in the A-League following an injection of funds from the ACT Government.
Heyman laughed when asked how she felt about pulling on the green once again following a “roller coaster ride to get here”.
“(I) love it. The roller coaster is a joy to be on,” she laughed at a media conference on Monday.
“I’m very lucky to still be playing football and playing for the club that I love.
“So, I’m super excited to start this season, get into a good pre-season and then hopefully do
better than what we did last year, obviously.”
Canberra United was defeated in the season’s elimination final by the Central Coast Mariners 2-1 in April, where Heyman was the only goal scorer for her team.
Heyman told CW it would mean everything for United to go beyond the 2026 season.
“I think it’s silly to have Canberra out of the A-League,” she said.
“I believe that if there’s no football in Canberra, then it doesn’t make any sense in my mind.
“Especially, we were the winners for a very long time here and we’ve had an incredible history at this club.”
Mr Jagarinec returns to the dugout for his second season as head coach of United, having made the step up from being assistant coach at the beginning of last season.
He said he was relieved to have another season locked in.
“The whole off-season was about the girls and making sure that they had a quality club to play for again,” Mr Jagarinec told media.
CW asked what it would mean for the club to remain beyond the 2025/26 season.
“Taking my bias away from it, women’s football needs Canberra United in Canberra,” he said.
“We’ve got such a rich history in the league that we’re the nation’s capital, we belong here, so I’m confident one way or the other.
“Looking into the stars, we will be here for a long, long time to go.”
Canberra United player Michelle Heyman has been signed for the Ninja A-League 2025/26 season.
Photo:
Mark Nolan/Getty Images
Taylor Swift’s Thredbo days
by GEORGIA CURRY
With all the hype surrounding Taylor Swift’s imminent album release, we thought we’d calm the hysteria down by reminding Canberrans that back in 2009, Tay Tay was just a country girl who once played a small gig at Thredbo village.
Swifties may not be aware, but when she was just 19 years old, this mega-star — who injected $300 million into the Australian economy during her 2023-24 Eras Tour — performed at sleepy Thredbo, population 300-400 (in the off-season).
The National Film and Sound Archives has exclusive footage of Tay Tay playing at a festival called CMC Rocks The Snowys (even though it was autumn at the time, so there were no “snowys”).
In the rare clip, Swift electrifies the stage with a spirited rendition of You Belong with Me. She pays tribute to her country roots with a simple black T-shirt and jeans over cowboy boots, before a surprise butterfly-from-a-cocoon costume reveal makes the crowd go wild. This is a performer on the edge of a great transformation, who already has her stagecraft
and genius marketing down pat.
She had world domination in her sights. Today, she has billions of devoted Swifties worldwide and she wields considerable cultural, economic and sociopolitical influence.
Chief curator at the NFSA, Meagan Loader, was amazed that such a global pop icon visited Canberra’s local ski fields.
“It’s incredible to think that Taylor Swift’s secondever Australian show took place at Thredbo, where audiences were able to see her as an artist on the edge of huge transformation,” Meagan said. “It’s a real joy for us to share this as part of our online winter collection and know that the Swifties of the 2070s will still be able to enjoy her early days.”
Even in 2009, Swift was already a sensation with two albums out, Taylor Swift and Fearless (which have now topped 6.5 million and 9.9 million global sales respectively). But she was yet to truly break away from her Nashville origins and enter today’s pop mainstream.
Sixteen years later and Taylor Swift generates her own economy — “Swiftenomics” — wherever she
travels. The Eras tour contributed US$4.3 billion to the GDP of the United States.
Thredbo would no doubt love such an economic injection today. As Australia’s ski seasons get shorter, towns and operators who rely on the snow are looking to diversify in the off-season.
Such is Swift’s influence, when she announced her new album last week on Instagram, it racked up more than 168 million views in a day.
Her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, is due to be released on 3 October.
View Taylor Swift’s Thredbo concert here: nfsa.gov. au/collection/curated/asset/102880-taylor-swift-rockssnowys-you-belong-me
Taylor Swift once took her country music to a little festival at Thredbo Ski Resort.
Photo National Film
Memorable year: Living in the Seventies
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
In 1975, television personality Denise Drysdale won the Gold Logie.
Fifty years later she celebrated that decade at the launch of a new exhibition at the National Library of Australia (NLA).
The 1975: Living in the Seventies exhibition is open at NLA from 14 August 2025 to 1 February 2026.
It brings together a range of objects exploring politics, conflicts and disasters, as well as popular culture, food, fashion and sport, in a colourful celebration of iconic seventies design.
There’s even a cosy little space at the far end that will take you right back to the seventies.
Drysdale said she was excited
to be invited to launch the exhibition.
“It’s a fabulous exhibition for grandparents to bring their children in to show them what it was like, because we’ve got toys and bits and pieces,” she told CW
“Half of them won’t know how to use those [a rotary dial phone] and just what went on.
“Mind you, that [women protesting] could have been yesterday. That photo. Couldn’t it really?”
During that decade, Drysdale worked in England, returning to Australia in 1972.
“I had nothing when I came back from London,” she said.
“And I was getting the tram to work for Ernie’s show [The Ernie Sigley Show where she was a barrel girl and earned her
nickname Ding Dong].
“Until somebody saw me walking up to get the tram home at about 11 o’clock at night. They said ‘What are you doing?’ I said ‘I’m getting the tram to go home.’ They said, ‘We can’t have you getting the tram,’ so I got a cab charge.
She said by the middle of the year she’d bought a car, followed two years later by purchasing a house.
“So, I went from nothing to everything. It was like rags to riches,” Drysdale said.
“To be honest, I’d had money in the sixties. I always worked and always been a hard worker. And did do a bit of entertaining in London but got home with nothing and two cats.”
And her thoughts on winning that Logie in 1975 (which was
followed up by another Gold the following year)?
“When I think about 50 years ago, I just think, ‘And I’m still here,’” she laughed.
NLA director of exhibitions Dr Guy Hansen said 1975 was the midpoint of an amazing decade.
“So obviously a lot of things happening in 1975 had started before then and a lot of things that happened, continued on,” he told CW
“But, when you look at ‘75, it’s sort of like the nodal point, all these amazing things happen.
“You have amazing things with music and culture: television goes colour, AC/DC begins to break out, ABBA becomes famous in Australia.
“You have big movies, both international movies, like Jaws,
but also really important Australian movies like Picnic at Hanging Rock and Sunday Too Far Away
Dr Hansen said when looking at 1975, you see the dotted lines to the past, and present.
“A couple of other amazing things obviously is the end of the Vietnam War,” he said.
“Australia had been involved and had already pulled its troops out, but the war formerly came to an end in 1975.
“And of course, later in the year, you have a dramatic political event in the Dismissal [of Gough Whitlam].
“So, it’s a very memorable year.
“I think if you look at 1975, it sort of gives you a view into the whole decade and how Australia was changing at that time.”
Dr Hansen said, at the time, Canberra was at the centre of the action with the Dismissal.
“But it was also very important
earlier in the year when you look an event like Cyclone Tracy, where it was the Commonwealth Government with the army and the navy who came in to start the reconstruction of Darwin,” he said.
“And also help people leave Darwin after it had been completely demolished by the cyclone.
“So, I think Canberra was a very important place and at the centre of a lot of discussions which were going on in 1975.
“And of course, Canberra was growing, the suburbs were growing, and it was making that journey from a country town into a real city.”
And if you’re wondering, yes, the exhibition is named after the Australian glam rock band Skyhooks’ 1974 song, Living in the 70s.
Flute Bakery
Now open Saturdays too!
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 find mousses, bavarois, macarons, praline, feuilletine and plenty of gluten-free options.
Now open Monday to Saturday 8am to 3pm — drop in for a weekend treat. We’d love to see you!
Photo: Jordan Mirchevski
Denise Drysdale and the swinging seventies are calling for you to attend the 1975: Living in the Seventies exhibition at the National Library of Australia.
Golden year for rising Canberra Raiders star
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
Winning a Grand Final would be “pretty special” so early in his career, says gun Canberra Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes.
“It would be pretty cool. You come to training and you see all the banners and things and all the history the club’s been through,” he told CW.
“And especially having Stick (Ricky Stuart) here, you always talk about being the next.
“You can see how much it means to him and how much it can change your life, so to get to a Grand Final and then to win one, would be pretty special.”
Weekes, 23, began his NRL career with Manly, making his debut in July 2022 before joining Canberra in 2024.
In his NRL career, which just hit 50 games, Weekes has scored 17 tries, eight of them (plus two goals) across 21 appearances in the 2025 season alone.
On top of that, the Raiders re-signed the rising star earlier this year on an extended deal, which will see him remain with the club until the end of the 2029 season.
Weekes told CW the consistency of the team is what has changed since the 2024 season.
“I think just the consistency the boys are playing with at the moment. I think it’s making footy very enjoyable,” he said.
“And personally, I think it’s sort of been a bit of a learning journey for me.
“Our coaches are doing a fantastic job with what we need to do each week and every week we’re trying to get better; I think we’re doing that.
“So yeah, it’s been a good year so far.”
Weekes recently celebrated his 50th NRL appearance milestone alongside second rower Zac Hosking.
“You sort of play a few games and then you think, ‘Oh, how long will it take to get to 50?’”
Weekes said.
“And I didn’t realise that was my 50th until a couple of weeks ago when my cousin and my family started talking about it. So, it was pretty cool.”
Weekes said getting the win against Manly (28-12) at home on Friday 8 August made it even better.
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Kaeo Weekes has been sensational for the Raiders since shifting to fullback.
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
have you heard?
GIVIT donation of the week: Clothing vouchers
GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation in the region that delivers educational services to empower children and young persons. They are seeking assistance for a young man needing support after escaping domestic violence. This young man is experiencing significant trauma and was abandoned by all the trusted adults in his life. He is determined to live independently, find support for his mental health and continue his studies. He requires some assistance with basic essentials, so GIVIT is requesting clothing vouchers. Your donation will greatly help this young man heal and start a new life on his own. Generous Canberrans can donate clothing vouchers or fund the purchase of these items. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase clothing vouchers. To help, please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘clothing vouchers’ and Suburb: ‘Stirling ACT 2611’.
Friends ANBG Thursday Talks
Emeritus Professor Patrick De Deckker will discuss Marine heat waves, ‘the secret killer’ in our oceans. ANBG Theatrette, opposite the Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre – Thursday 28 August, 12:30 to 1:30pm. Trybooking.com/DANDC. Gold coins, notes and EFTPOS donations to fund Friends ANBG Projects always welcome.
VIEW Club
Weston Creek: The next meeting will be held at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Corinna St Woden, on Tuesday 2 September. The meeting will commence at 11:30am, cost is $40 including a two-course meal. RSVP to Barbara on 0408 864 616 by Wednesday 30 July. Our guest speaker is Dr Brad Tucker an Astrophysicist/Cosmologist. As anyone who has been to one of Brad’s presentations they will tell you that they now have a more informed view of the universe in addition to being thoroughly entertained. Belconnen Day: The next meeting of the Belconnen Day View Club will be held on Tuesday 9 September at The Raiders Club Hardwick Cres, Holt at 11:45am for 12 noon. Cost is $32. Bookings and cancellations, contact Chris COLYER by txt mobile 0438 878 120 by midday 4 September. Cancellations or no shows after this date WILL BE required to pay. Woden: Our next meeting will be Tuesday 26 August from 11:30am at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden. If you would like to join us for lunch ($38 for two courses) please advise Monica on 0412 664 195 by Wednesday 20 August.
CWA Father’s Day/Awareness Week Stall
On Saturday 6 September, the Gungahlin Branch of CWA will be holding its annual, combined Father’s Day/Awareness Week Stall from 9am to 1pm, at Gungahlin Village (Coles complex). We’ll be selling a variety of homemade goodies - including cakes, biscuits, slices, jams, relishes, chutneys, lemon butter; handcrafted items - knitted/crocheted items, handtowels, giftware; and CWA merchandise - tea towels, cookbooks, aprons. We’ll also be selling tickets in our fabulous Father’s Day raffle. Payment by cash or card accepted. More info: cwagungahlin@gmail.com
Belconnen Singers
We need more singers please! If you like to sing, please join our singing group at Belconnen Seniors. 14 Chandler Street. It’s $15 to join and $7 each time. I give the program, so words supplied. I play piano. We go to nursing homes. So songs are what our audience knows. Phone 0494 364 573 or email roz.saunders8@gmail.com. Prefer email. Hope to see you there! Roz Saunders, Leader and Piano player.
Tuggeranong Sing Australia
They are presenting their LDK, Greenway Views Winter Concert on Monday 25 August at 1:30pm. Venue is the Auditorium in Greenway Views, 260 Soward Way Greenway. Please come and join us for an afternoon of singing joyous songs and celebrating The Seasons, followed by afternoon tea. Enquiries: Kate on 437 791 837.
ROSTRUM ACT Public Speaking Clubs
Develop your communication, public speaking and leadership skills while gaining experience in meeting procedures in a friendly and supportive group. Lunchtime clubs meet in Civic and Woden weekly on Tuesdays. Evening clubs meet in Barton and Woden fortnightly on alternate Wednesdays. See further details at rostrum.com.au. Visitors welcome free of charge, and members pay a minimal semester fee. For further information, contact actcivicclub@rostrum.com.au or phone 0406 375 080.
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
You’ll notice small things that make life harder than it needs to be: ice cubes get stuck together in the freezer; the workflow is off; there’s static on the line of relationship communication. You don’t tolerate, you fix – one problem after another, with a smarter set-up.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
The task at hand may be asking you to confront a feeling that’s complex. Or perhaps it’s asking you to touch on what’s tender. So, you hesitate, protecting yourself from a feeling you’re not ready to process. Just know that once you name it, movement returns – and then the sweet relief.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 The attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II took place on which island of Hawaii?
2 The symbol of which chemical element comes from the Latin word, cuprum?
3 Who immediately preceded Kim Jong Un as supreme leader of North Korea?
4 The type of stew known as ratatouille originated in which country?
5 Roland Deschain is the protagonist of which series by Stephen King?
Even if you don’t always act wisely, the wisdom is in you. If the clarity doesn’t come right away, that just means it’s not time yet. Don’t force any decision this week. Ask for inner wisdom to enlighten you, then wait. If there’s silence, ask again later when your mind, mood or situation shifts.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
One thing you really want is competing with other needs you haven’t fully admitted. Maybe you want better health or better friendships, but the deeper need might be comfort or control. This week, a conflict is reconciled as you get a clear understanding of your true hierarchy of needs.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
People disappoint, not because they are bad but because that’s what people do. They interrupt, seem distracted, mess up the rhythm or don’t reach to reciprocate and support – not great. But because of your maturity, you wait to see if it was just a blip or a pattern.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
You aim to be the one who gives more. But no matter how abundant, strong and consistent your contribution is, you’re met with even more generosity. It doesn’t always flow from the expected place, but the dynamic still becomes beautifully unbalanced in your favour.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
People don’t always say the right thing, and their delivery might be imperfect. But if they’re being real, you can feel it. Even when the words miss, the intention behind them hits. Instead of getting caught up in how things are said, listen to that deeper signal, and make the right call.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
It can be frustrating to notice that you are not following your own directives. After all, you have the most to gain from it, right? Notice what the hesitation is telling you. When you understand its message, something will release, clearing the way for natural, steady momentum.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
You may fantasise about escape. It’s part of noticing where the cost of a situation has stacked up. Let the urge to flee be a notice about your limits and about how much pressure you should manage before you hit eject. If you feel free to enter and exit at will, you shouldn’t have to flee.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
Those who are truly secure in their strength won’t force outcomes, dominate conversations or react to every challenge. Real power doesn’t need to posture. You’ll feel that kind of grounded confidence and be drawn to it this week because it also happens to be the vibe that you are radiating.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
You hold yourself to a high bar, but you’re also experienced enough to know not everyone operates that way. This week, you’ll see people doing things differently. Instead of judging or correcting, you’ll stay open. Curiosity replaces criticism. Openness becomes a kind of power.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
This week, your big, bold power move is restraint – having the discipline to step back in silence, observe and let the action play out without touching it. It’s not something to do out of fear or apathy, but out of respect. It’s grace with backbone. The strength to do less – on purpose.
DIFFICULTY RATING
Burnt butter oat bars
Rich, chewy and irresistibly toasty, these oat bars make an easy treat you’ll want to bake on repeat.
Ingredients
150g unsalted butter, cubed
1 tbsp golden syrup (light treacle)
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
100g white spelt flour
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
120g quick oats
60g desiccated coconut
110g golden (raw) caster (superfine) sugar
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
180g chocolate of your choice, melted (optional)
Flaky sea salt, to sprinkle (optional)
Line the base and sides of a 20 x 30 cm (8 x 12 inch) slice (slab) or lamington tin with baking paper, leaving enough paper overhanging to lift the cooked slice out of the tin.
First, brown the butter by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter has melted and starts to bubble rapidly. Once the bubbles slow and the butter starts to foam, watch carefully. When small brown flecks appear at the bottom of the pan, quickly remove from the heat. Stir in the golden syrup and vanilla, being careful as the butter might spit, and set aside to cool slightly.
While the butter is cooling, place the flour, bicarbonate of soda, oats, coconut, sugar and fine sea salt in a separate bowl, and use a hand whisk to combine. Pour in the warm browned butter mixture and use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix well. Tip the rubbly mixture into the base of your tin and press it out firmly into an even layer using an offset palette knife or the bottom of a glass. Place the tin in the fridge (or freezer if you have space), until firm.
While the base is chilling, preheat the oven to 150°C fan-forced. When chilled, bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and smelling deliciously toasty. Leave the slice to cool completely before using the extra baking paper to
lift it out of the tin. Pour the melted chocolate over the top (if using), spreading it out evenly across the surface.
Sprinkle with a little sea salt, if you like. Allow the chocolate to set, then slice into bars using a large, hot, sharp knife.
Images and text from Handfuls of Sunshine by Tilly Pamment, photography by Tilly Pamment. Murdoch Books RRP $39.99.
Take time with local comedian Kirsty Webeck
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
Kirsty Webeck entered the Australian comedy circuit in 2013 in an unconventional way.
After doing a five-minute set at the end of a comedy workshop, she launched straight into writing and performing a full-length show.
Kirsty spent about half of her life in the ACT, which included studying at Mount Stromlo High School, Narrabundah College, and the University of Canberra.
She returns to her hometown on 5 September for her show, Everything I Need To say About Sea Creatures, at The Street. Tickets: thestreet.org.au/ shows/kirsty-webeck
How does it feel when you sell out shows in your hometown?
The second time I’d ever been on stage, I sold out. I didn’t know how to get into comedy and get into
rooms and open mics. I wrote a show about 12 years ago and performed it at Smith’s Alternative. I sold the show out because Canberrans are legends. It would have been a rough show because I didn’t know what I was doing; it was an hour of stories with not enough pay out at the end, the people (audience members) were lovely and some of them kept coming to shows.
Tell us a bit about growing up in Canberra. I had a really fun time in school in Canberra, and I’ve still got friends from school. I met all sorts of wild and wonderful characters at Mt Stromlo and Narrabundah; a lot of my fondest memories are probably from doing drama and theatre at Mt Stromlo. In year 10, we did a performance of The Crucible, and I was Goody Putnam, which was quite a funny character to be cast as. I went on to do lots of drama and performances at Narrabundah, which were really fun times. It was a lot of good times and a lot of creativity and that’s obviously helped me a lot in
this career now.
How do you feel about coming back to Canberra through your work as a comedian?
Firstly, it’s a great opportunity to see my family, which is very handy while I travel so much. Canberra audiences are genuinely a real treat. We all talk about this a lot, and I know I’m probably biased because I’m from there, but most of my friends in the stand-up community rate Canberra really highly on their touring schedules as the audiences are really supportive, listen and aren’t afraid to have a big laugh. They’re always highlights for the tour schedule for a bunch of us.
Following sold-out shows in Canberra earlier this year, Australian comedian Kirsty Webeck will make a return to her hometown.
Photo Michelle G Hunder
30+ PARTS FOR MALES AND FEMALES AGES 10 y/o TO 18+y/o
(Many roles can be played by either gender) SINGING, ACTING AND SOME CHOREOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL
Don’t miss out on this exciting production! Register for your audition info pack now
Booktalk
This week, Michael Popple highlights outstanding books from three impressive local authors. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
Death
at Booroomba by A. L. Booth Ventura Press, $32.99
Having survived the horrors of the Great War, returned soldier Jack O’Rourke is surprised to inherit a rural property near Eden from an old man whose life he saved before he enlisted. However, Jack discovers that the previous owner was murdered, and he is now the prime suspect in his death. Forced to prove his innocence, Jack finds himself investigating the locals and soon becomes embroiled in a deadly conspiracy. Canberra author A. L. Booth presents a compelling historical murder mystery set in outback NSW. Perfectly depicting a historical Australian town, this book has an intriguing plot that proves hard to put down.
Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill Ultimo Press, $34.99
Meredith Penvale and her author brother, Joe, are holidaying aboard the Orient Express, hoping to inspire Joe’s next novel with the train’s iconic history. However, a bloody disappearance soon traps the siblings aboard the train with a determined killer. Forced to work with a motley crew of detectives, Meredith and Joe must find the truth before the passengers are all murdered one by one. Five Found Dead is a highly entertaining read that acts as a clever homage to classic mystery tales while also featuring its own distinctive narrative. A fantastic and energetic novel from one of Australia’s best crime authors.
The Bolthole by Peter Papathanasiou MacLehose Press, $34.99
After centuries of carving out its own independent identity, the previously isolated Kangaroo Island has changed, with multimillionaires from the mainland buying properties and edging out the locals. When the rich architect of the island buyout goes missing, detectives Manolis and Sparrow are sent to investigate, only to find themselves thrust into a brewing conflict between the island’s warring inhabitants. With a great story and a highly clever and thought-provoking setting, The Bolthole is one of the more memorable and intense Australian crime fiction reads of 2025. An incredible book from Peter Papathanasiou that comes highly recommended.
B O O K N O W
Presented by The European Union in Australia
L L E W E L L Y N S E R I E S M O Z A R T ’ S R E Q U I E M
7.30pm | 24/25 September
Llewellyn Hall, ANU
E x p e r i e n c e
M o z a r t ’ s
f i n a l c h o r a l
m a s t e r p i e c e
l i v e o n s t a g e
Now sh wing
The Life of Chuck (M)
Starting in Act Three, a narrator, voiced by Nick Offerman, introduces the audience to middle school teacher Marty Anderson (Chiwetel Ejiofor). All while noting several unusual things happening around the world that cause many to think the end of times is coming. Amongst this, Marty notices several billboards and advertisements popping up across town displaying the picture of an accountant named Charles “Chuck” Krantz (Tom Hiddleston) with the words “Charles Krantz: 39 Great Years! Thanks, Chuck!”
The reverse order of the movie, and its apocalyptic premise, immediately hooks the audience into the mystery before them: who is Chuck? and what is happening to the world? Once Act Two plays out, it becomes clear the movie is simply about Chuck’s life, playing his formative memories in reverse order, so the audience can discover pay-offs and ultimately plants of knowledge.
An all-star cast formed by the directors’ regular players does solid work with their relatively minor characters in a nostalgic production shot like a classic Steven Spielberg CinemaScope widescreen blockbuster. Unlike the history-spanning life account of Forrest Gump (1994), Chuck’s life is noticeably smaller, with selected life events oddly insignificant compared to his familial achievements. While the movie aims to be awe-inspiring and life-affirming, its broad and blunt approach instead forgoes any nuance or romance to truly penetrate the heart.
Verdict: An odd, schmaltzy tale from a solid horror production team.
- Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net. Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.
Alice is a talented third-year apprentice at Coco’s Hair and Beauty. Alice’s journey began early: “Ever since I was young I’ve loved playing with hair and seeing what I can create.” She first joined Coco’s as a salon assistant before starting her apprenticeship in Year 10 through an ASBA, balancing school and her passion for hairdressing.
For Alice, the best part of being a stylist is the people.“ I love connecting with clients and helping them find a style they love. Some come in nervous, and it’s special to change how they feel about visiting the salon.”
She also loves the little moments of joy hair can bring: “When you have nice hair, you feel nice and that’s why I love what I do.”
With a supportive team, plenty of training opportunities, and her drive to keep learning, Alice is excited to keep growing her craft and welcoming clients into her chair.
her at Coco’s Hair Watson
health & wellbeing
Why we feel distressed by news from around the world
CO N T R IBU
with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
Have you ever noticed how watching the news can leave you feeling unsettled, anxious, or even a bit helpless? Especially when it’s about wars, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises happening far away? You’re not alone here as many people find themselves deeply affected by events overseas, even if they have no direct connection. Let me explain why. One explanation is empathy. As
humans, we are wired to care about others. When we see images of people suffering, our brains activate the same emotional circuits we use when our loved ones are in distress. This “mirror response” means we almost feel the pain ourselves, even though we are not living it directly. In some ways, this capacity to empathise is one of our greatest strengths, but it can also leave us feeling heavy-hearted.
Another factor is our need for safety and control. The world can feel unpredictable at the best of times, and when the news shows conflict or disaster, our brains start scanning for threats. Even if the event is happening thousands of kilometres away, it can still trigger a sense of unease. This is partly because our brains don’t always distinguish well between immediate and distant threats and our nervous
system can respond as though danger is right outside our door.
We are also influenced by the way news is presented. Media outlets know that dramatic headlines and vivid images grab attention. Unfortunately, this means we’re often exposed to the most extreme and confronting parts of a story. Our brains have a natural bias towards focusing on negative information (sometimes called “doomscrolling”), so we can end up consuming more distressing content than we realise. It’s also common to feel distressed because of a sense of helplessness.
So, what can we do to manage these emotions? Firstly, acknowledge your feelings; it’s a sign of compassion. Secondly, try to set healthy limits on media exposure. Staying informed is important, but constant checking can fuel anxiety. A
balanced approach might be catching up on the news once a day from a reliable source, rather than scrolling endlessly.
Another helpful step is to channel your concern into action. Supporting charities, writing to representatives, or even having conversations to raise awareness can help restore a sense of agency. Small acts remind us that while we can’t solve everything, we can contribute in meaningful ways.
Finally, remember the importance of self-care. If you’re feeling weighed down, take time to connect with your loved ones, get outside in nature, or focus on daily routines that give you a sense of stability. In the end, our distress at global events reflects our humanity. We are built to care, and while the weight of the world can feel overwhelming, it’s also what connects us to one another.
Local care. Expert solutions.
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.
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Michelle Richards, a highly experienced Audiometrist with over 20 years of clinical expertise in adult hearing rehabilitation, is passionate about supporting people of all ages to live better through better hearing.
Michelle stays at the forefront of audiological innovation, offering the latest hearing aid technology including discreet, rechargeable, and AIpowered 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.
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www.michellerichardshearing.com.au
Eat your fruit and veggies to help your mental health
by SAVANNAH MEACHAM, AAP
Eat your five serves of fruit and vegetables a day. That’s the message from scientists to help reduce rates of depression, anxiety and stress.
A study by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has found people who consume less than one serve of vegetables a day, or half a cup or less, have 1.6 times the odds of suffering psychological distress.
That’s compared with people who eat the recommended five or more serves a day.
The study of 45,000 people also found the benefit of vegetables peaks for men around three to four serves, while for women, the more
the better.
“Women appear to go on benefiting from vegetables in their diet up to five or more serves per day,” the lead author of the study from QUT’s School of Clinical Sciences, Dr Kerri Gillespie, said.
Women also benefit from consuming fruit each day, which reduces the occurrence of psychological stress, but only up to two servings a day.
“Correlation is never causation, and we have to be careful about that,” said the last author of the study, Professor Selena Bartlett from the School of Clinical Sciences.
“I think, intuitively, most people know that they should be eating more vegetables but rarely do we
really think deeply about how it affects your psychological health.”
A second study based on an online survey by QUT of 129 people also uncovered a link between sugary soft drinks and depression.
Having seven or more cups of soft drinks a week increased the odds of depression almost five times.
On the other hand, there may be
a relationship between a high-fibre diet and lowered anxiety, with the survey raising questions for further study.
“This can show patterns that we would then look for in a larger sample,” Dr Gillespie said.
The first study has been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and the second in Frontiers in Nutrition.
People who eat less than one serve of vegetables a day are prone to mental distress, a study shows.
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP Photos
Rare Kaleen opportunity
Kaleen 20 Pasmore Close
Welcome to 20 Pasmore Close — a strikingly architecturally designed home that dares to be different. Sure to be captivated by its unique layout, soaring ceilings, and the effortless flow of its open-plan living spaces, this is a property like no other.
Certainly, it’s more than just a home - it’s a rare offering of space, design, and lifestyle.
At the heart of the home lies a stunning central open fireplace, bringing warmth and atmosphere to the living and dining zones - perfect for Canberra winters. Designed to maximise natural light, through its northerly aspect, expansive floorto-ceiling windows flood the home with sunshine all year round, creating a sense of space and comfort that’s hard to match.
Offering four spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an expansive rumpus/ multipurpose room, this home delivers versatility and unmatched flexibility for growing families, entertainers, or those looking for space to work or create.
Outdoors, the massive 1,345m2 block gives you endless possibilities - space for kids to play, and a garden landscape that is just screaming with magnificent potential.
This home has incredible bones and a standout design that still turns heads - it’s just waiting for someone to give it a fresh touch and bring it back to its former glory. With a bit of vision and creativity, you’ve got the perfect canvas to revive and personalise a truly special property. The
potential here is huge, and the rewards will be just as impressive.
20 Pasmore Close is a bold, beautiful home on a block that’s almost impossible to find. Don’t miss your chance to make it yours.
4 3 2
EER: 0
Auction: Wed 27 August at 6pm
Agent: Tim Russell
Mob: 0416 087 834
Agent: Jackson White-Brettell
Mob: 0421 479 376
LJ Hooker Kaleen 6241 1922
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Experience the epitome of urban luxury with our meticulously crafted townhouse residences. Each townhouse boasts a diverse selection of floor plans tailored to accommodate various lifestyles.
Crafted by the seasoned experts at Elevated Living and envisioned by the acclaimed Oztal Architects, every detail reflects a fusion of sophistication and practicality.
Embrace the allure of open-plan living, adorned with premium finishes and flooded with natural light. Salus promises a lifestyle of convenience without sacrificing quality.
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• Boutique complex of well built 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes
• Strategically situated north facing, overlooking the Moncrieff Park
• Boasting high energy ratings, natural sunlight and large private courtyards
• Adjacent to the forthcoming Moncrieff town centre, minutes from Gungahlin town centre
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Lunetta named ACT’s best restaurant by Gourmet Traveller
Australia’s leading food bible, Gourmet Traveller, has named Red Hill venue Lunetta the ACT Restaurant of the Year.
The award was revealed at a gala ceremony at Hobart’s Henry Jones Art Hotel on 18 August, marking a major recognition for Lunetta so soon after opening in November 2024.
Lunetta was also a national finalist in the Gourmet Traveller Best New Restaurant category, one of only six new restaurants across the nation to make the final listing.
The award is the latest recognition for Lunetta, which restaurateur Tracy Keeley and her business partners Nicholas and Matthew Keeley opened after restoring the Red Hill modernist landmark.
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Police warn counterfeit currency circulating in Canberra
ACT Policing is alerting Canberra businesses and members of the public following instances of counterfeit currency being passed to local businesses and private sellers.
Since December last year (2024), police have recorded more than 80 counterfeit cash incidents, with the most recent occurring last week, Thursday 14 August.
“We’re deeply honoured to be named the ACT Restaurant of the Year. Lunetta has been a labour of love from day one, from restoring this beautiful Red Hill landmark to crafting each detail of the dining experience. We’re so grateful for the support from our guests, the Canberra community, and our extraordinary team who bring it all to life each day,” shares Tracy.
Wallabies pull o miracle comeback win over Springboks
O enders have targeted a variety of businesses using larger banknote denominations of either $50 or $100. The o enders often use the fake notes to purchase low-value items, receiving the balance in legitimate notes.
Get visibility of your business. Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800 or email sales@newstimemedia.com.au
Police have also received reports of the counterfeit currency being used to purchase items on Facebook marketplace.
Detective Acting Superintendent of Intelligence, Toby Seppings said these counterfeit banknotes may appear genuine at a first glance but often lack key security features found in Australian currency.
“Often the counterfeit currency has COPY or PROP written on the banknote in small letters and they lack the key security features of legitimate cash,” said Det. A/Supt. Seppings.
How to check security features on Australian banknotes: hold them to the light for a seven-pointed star and Coat of Arms, tilt to see moving colours and shifting numbers, check the clear window, look for the rolling colour e ect, and use a UV light to reveal fluorescent features.
The Wallabies have pulled o a miraculous comeback to open the Rugby Championship in grand style with a famous 38-22 triumph over the world champion Springboks in South Africa.
If this wasn’t the Wallabies’ greatest ever victory, it was most certainly their most improbable after Joe Schmidt’s revitalised outfit recovered from 22-0 down in Johannesburg.
With skipper Harry Wilson, fullback Tom Wright and veteran flyhalf James O’Connor starring, the Wallabies piled on four unanswered second-half tries to record Australia’s first victory over the Springboks at altitude since 1963.
“I’m just blown away a little bit by the way they stayed in the game,” Schmidt said.
“Because at 22-0 down after 20 minutes, it would be easy to fall out of the game.
“I know how much it means to them. They’re incredibly proud of the gold jersey that they wear and the bond that they’re forming between themselves.”
- Darren Walton, AAP
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