The Markets Residences is a landmark address in the heart of Belconnen. Designed by Cox Architecture, this exclusive release brings together a collection of loft residences, spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and a limited number of premium penthouses, each defined by generous proportions, natural light and effortless living.
The interiors are thoughtfully crafted to maximise space and comfort, with open-plan layouts, quality appliances and refined finishes throughout. Positioned within a vibrant, evolving precinct directly opposite the established Capital Food Market - a thriving all-day dining destination showcasing fresh food providores, local producers and casual dining - The Markets Residences sits at the centre of one of Canberra’s most active and connected urban hubs.
KEY FEATURES
Double glazing
High-end custom joinery
Smeg Linea appliances
Fully integrated dishwasher
Lakewood hybrid flooring
Ducted heating and cooling
EV charging provision
Premium inclusions and quality finishes
Prime position in Belconnen Town Centre
Directly opposite Capital Food Market
Under 10 minutes to UC, AIS & North Canberra Hospital*
Feel at home, every day at Sense Yowani
Premium resort-style retirement living, set on the doorstep of Yowani Golf Course. Sense offers unparalleled amenities including an exclusive indoor pool, restaurant, gym and cafe, all in an even better location.
Afamily holiday to Fiji is up for grabs as part of South.Point’s Christmas in July celebrations, which will bring festive fun, entertainment and family-friendly activities to Tuggeranong throughout the school holidays.
Running from 4 to 19 July, the free event will transform South.Point into a festive winter destination, with Christmas crafts, live entertainment, visits from Mrs Claus and her elves, festive train rides and seasonal treats all on o er.
Visitors who spend $100 or more in a single transaction at a South.Point specialty store can
enter the draw to win a family holiday for two adults and two children to Nadi, Fiji, giving one lucky family the chance to swap Canberra’s winter chill for tropical sunshine.
Christmas in July has become an increasingly popular winter tradition across Australia, o ering people a taste of the festive atmosphere traditionally associated with Christmas in the northern hemisphere. With Canberra’s crisp mornings and chilly evenings providing the perfect backdrop, South.Point’s celebrations aim to capture that cosy seasonal spirit while giving families another reason to get out and explore during the school holidays.
Running daily from 10am to 1pm opposite Big
W, the centre’s Christmas in July celebrations will feature appearances from Mrs Claus and her cheerful band of elves, along with live performances from local entertainers including Legs Performing Arts and the Salvos Band. Visitors can also enjoy the familiar sounds of Christmas carols as they browse the centre or take part in the holiday activities on o er.
Families looking for ways to keep children entertained during the school break can take advantage of free Christmas-themed craft activities, running every day throughout the event. The hands-on sessions are expected to be a popular attraction for younger visitors, providing an opportunity to get creative while embracing the festive spirit.
Adding to the excitement, South.Point’s popular train will receive a Christmas makeover for the duration of the event. The much-loved attraction will be transformed into a festive Christmas train, complete with Christmas music to help spread holiday cheer throughout the centre. Train rides will be available daily, with tickets available for purchase directly from the driver.
Visitors will also have the chance to test their guessing skills in the Count the Baubles competition. Located in Centre Court, the competition challenges shoppers to estimate how many baubles are contained within a display box. Those who correctly guess the number will go into the running to win a family snow play experience at Corin Forest, one of the region’s most popular winter destinations.
For adults wanting to embrace the Christmas in July theme, several South.Point businesses will be serving seasonal treats throughout the
event, including Co ee Club, Burrito Bar and Wonder by Alice. Visitors can warm up with mulled wine, indulge in gingerbread cookies or enjoy a hot chocolate while taking in the festive atmosphere.
The event also coincides with the July school holiday period, making it an ideal opportunity for families to combine a day of shopping with entertainment, activities and the chance to win prizes.
With free entertainment, daily activities, festive treats and major prizes on o er, South.Point’s Christmas in July celebrations are set to provide plenty of reasons for locals to visit during the school holidays.
Whether it’s meeting Mrs Claus, creating Christmas crafts, taking a ride on the festive train, entering to win a family holiday to Fiji or simply enjoying a hot chocolate while listening to carols, the event promises a fun and familyfriendly way to celebrate winter in Canberra.
Christmas in July runs from 4 to 19 July, from 10am to 1pm daily, opposite Big W at South.Point in Tuggeranong.
Win a Family Holiday to Fiji
Spend $100 or more in a single transaction at any South.Point specialty store and present your receipt to concierge sta for the chance to win a family holiday for two adults and two children to Nadi, Fiji.
*Terms and conditions apply.
WIN A SNOW DAY AT CORIN FOREST
Think you can guess how many baubles are in the box? Head to Centre Court and enter the Count the Baubles competition for your chance to win a family snow play experience at Corin Forest.
Christmas in July at South.Point
When: 4-19 July
Time: 10am-1pm daily
Where: Opposite Big W, South.Point Highlights
• Meet Mrs Claus and the elves
• Christmas carols and live entertainment
• Free Christmas craft activities
• Christmas-themed train rides
• Count the Baubles competition
• Mulled wine, gingerbread and hot chocolate
Christmas in July returns to South.Point from 4-19 July, bringing festive fun, live entertainment and family-friendly activities to Tuggeranong.
Special thanks to Displays by Angela and Sweet Apple Fancy Dress Hire.
When Maria Jerez was 36 weeks pregnant with her third baby, she woke overnight in pain to what she later learned was a partial placental abruption.
A partial placental abruption occurs when the placenta partially detaches from the uterine wall.
As a result, baby Mateo was delivered by emergency caesarean and was born fighting for life due to the lack of oxygen he experienced.
Maria, Mateo’s dad, Frank, and their family were told that Mateo suffered hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and he subsequently spent a month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Canberra Hospital.
The family were told that Mateo was likely to be severely disabled.
Maria had two other small children at the time.
“We joined the disability world pretty much overnight,” says Maria.
Maria recalls feeling overwhelmed with the
challenges she and her family had to start navigating, and all the things they would need to provide care for Mateo.
“As time passed, it became clear that Mateo would have cerebral palsy,” she added.
Mateo is now 14 and lives with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy, dysphagia (which affects swallowing), visual impairment and a range of other diagnoses.
He is non-mobile, nonverbal, completely tube-fed, requires 24/7 care and is very loved.
“The problems became apparent very early on for me, when Mateo needed all these things and I started looking around for them … and realised it was so difficult,” she says.
Maria recalls having to ask around “just for the basics” and spending a lot of time searching online for what Mateo needed.
Simple things like finding a ‘bandana’ bib to catch saliva, because a baby-sized bib wasn’t appropriate.
“It really made me feel frustrated and exhausted,” she says.
“But on top of that, it made me feel isolated … and like I must be the only person on earth who was looking for these things and maybe there’s no one like Mateo who needs these things.”
As Mateo grew, Maria realised that there were millions of people like Mateo and millions of families trying to source products, services and events.
“I also realised that there were lots of amazing home-based businesses that sell these products, but that not many people knew about them,” she says.
So, when Mateo was about three or four years old and back in hospital with pneumonia, with just the two of them there, Maria says she really started thinking.
“I decided then that I wanted to do something to help other families like mine,” she says.
“Mateo was my inspiration.”
Fourteen years on, Maria is delighted to launch her dream to make daily life easier for families like hers.
Accessilife is an online platform which is free to the public and supports people with a disability and their families.
“It brings together disability providers, products and events in one central place … and has been designed from lived experience,” says Maria.
Products like Mimi Blankets, a Canberra-based business which designs and sells blankets for wheelchairs and strollers, feature on the site.
Providers pay a small fee to list their products, services and events, but there is no cost to the public to use the directory.
There is also a listing area for items people no longer need, which connects those selling with those purchasing.
As well as her family, Maria is also grateful for the support she has received over the last 12 months from the AMP Foundation Tomorrow Maker program which supports early-stage social enterprises and has included a significant grant.
The grant has enabled Maria the ability to focus on the business and take it forward.
Maria says that while life is full and busy as she continues to navigate motherhood, work and caring for Mateo, she can’t imagine any other way.
“Mateo is who he is, and we love him so much,” she says.
Had Accessilife existed during those early days, Maria says it would have made a significant difference to her family.
“I would have been less stressed,” she says.
“I would have had more time to do the caring and the loving.”
To the 5.5 million people in Australia also living with disability, and their families, Maria has this to say:
“We get it. We are you; we live this day to day as well … so we know what you are going through. Accessilife is for you.”
Maria and Mateo Jerez at home.
Photo Bernie ryan
When I’m sixty-four
wi NICOLE LAWDER FORMER ACT MLA AND DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER
Getting closer to this age myself, I hear the old Beatles song playing in my head: “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m sixty-four?” In Canberra, we have an ageing population. According to the ACT’s Age-Friendly City Plan from 2021, there were 62,203 people over 65 in the ACT, representing 13.3% of the total population, with that share projected to rise to 14.6% by 2060. How are they getting on?
Earlier this year, I attended a talk about a Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia report called State of the Older Nation 2025, which examined the lives and views of older citizens. I attended as a guest of COTA ACT, where I am a board member, but the views I express here are entirely my own and not those of COTA ACT.
The report provides a nationally representative
survey of older Australians, capturing their experiences, views, and quality of life. While many report satisfaction with their lives, the findings challenge the comfortable stereotype that all older people are financially secure — around one in four are living in poverty.
Key findings include:
More than three-quarters of older Australians report satisfaction with their quality of life, reflecting a broadly positive outlook. But optimism is far from universal, and significant challenges persist for many.
Financial insecurity remains a serious concern. Many older Australians struggle to meet basic needs, and the report highlights the inadequacy of current supports. The Aged Care Accommodation Supplement, for instance, covers less than half the actual cost of safe, quality accommodation.
Access to services is uneven. Older Australians in regional and remote areas, or from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, face significant barriers to health and aged care services — barriers that compound social isolation and reduce wellbeing.
Ageism is real and harmful. Persistent stereotypes and discrimination undermine the dignity and
participation of older people. The report calls for genuine recognition of their diverse needs and contributions.
Digital exclusion is a growing risk. Low digital literacy leaves many older Australians vulnerable to scams and locked out of online services. Free digital safety sessions can make a meaningful di erence.
The report calls for evidence-based policy responses: increased financial support for low-income older Australians, particularly in aged care; expanded culturally safe services for remote communities; better digital literacy programs; and a concerted e ort to address ageism in policy and community planning.
The picture that emerges is nuanced. Many older Australians are living well, but too many are not, particularly those facing poverty, isolation, or barriers to services.
For Canberrans, this matters. The ACT Government has made progress on age-friendly initiatives and combatting elder abuse, but more can be done on cost-of-living relief, scam protection, and maintaining (or improving) basic local services to ensure our city genuinely works for people at every stage of life. The song asks whether we’ll still be needed and fed at sixty-four. The honest answer, for too many Australians, and Canberrans, is that it remains an open question.
Arthur Boyd, Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre (tapestry workshop), Lurdes Serra (weaving drawer), The Wolf of Gubbio with St Francis in a bent tree (detail), 1974, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 1975, Arthur Boyd’s works reproduced with the permission of Bundanon Trust
Canberra leaders raise $938,000 in Vinnies CEO Sleepout
by NICHOLAS FULLER
At the 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday 18 June, more than 110 Canberra leaders slept rough at the Museum of Australian Democracy, raising more than $938,000 for homeless
people.
Senior figures from government, business, and the community sector swapped warm beds and doonas for cardboard and sleeping bags as rain fell and temperatures dropped.
The annual fundraiser supports Vinnies’ frontline services across the ACT region, including emergency relief, homelessness programs, and early intervention.
Vinnies had hoped to raise $900,000, but by 5am, the total had already passed $938,000. Fundraising remains open until 31 July.
There are 1,777 homeless people in Canberra, according to the 2023 ACT Homelessness Data Snapshot — but the real figure is probably far higher, Vinnies believes.
They include families sleeping in cars, young people couch surfing, and women over 55 staying with their families. 22 per cent of them have jobs.
Services cannot meet demand: Vinnies operates Samaritan House, the only 24-hour men’s crisis
housing service in Canberra; it has 13 rooms, but more than 50 people are on the waiting list.
This year, participants were asked to make a personal pledge to use their leadership, influence, and networks to drive change after the event.
Lucy Hohnen, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, said: “The night is powerful, but it’s what we do next that truly matters. We’re asking leaders not just to witness disadvantage, but to respond to it, to carry this experience into their decisions, their workplaces, and their communities.”
A standout team was Women Building Change, a group of female leaders from the building and construction industry. The team raised more than $404,000, making it the leading team nationally.
David Austin, principal of Sacred Heart Primary School, Peace, took part in his ninth Sleepout and served as one of this year’s Ambassadors for the cause.
“As a principal, I see how stability and dignity shape young lives,” Mr Austin said. “Tonight I’m standing in solidarity with those who don’t have that security, and supporting Vinnies’ vital work in our community.”
Donations can be made at ceosleepout.org.au/ event/act until 31 July.
An exhibition developed by the State Library of South Australia, in partnership with Adelaide University.
KINGS AVENUE, PARKES ACT
St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn CEO Lucy Hohnen and 2024 ACT Australian of the Year Jo Farrell.
Photo: Wilson Au Yeung
Trump fails principles of war test
wi BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD FORMER ACT
LEADER
I’m not going to say commiserations to UK PM Keir Starmer on his resignation. He was a terrible PM, even if he is a nice man, and his weak leadership and indecision have hurt the UK. I doubt if his successor will do any better. I don’t see any budding Tony Blairs in the current UK Labour Party. What a mess the Middle East is.
I was not unhappy when the US and Israel attacked Iran in February. The Iranian regime wants to kill all
Israelis and probably all Americans too. It has been at war with Israel and the US for 47 years. However, as a former senior Army o cer said to me at the time, “What exactly are the US’s war aims?”
Now, a fundamental principle of war is “selection and maintenance of the aim”. You need to know what you want to achieve before you start. At a tactical level, it may be as simple as: “B Company will clear the enemy from Tharwa.”
An appreciation of the task is then made, leading to a plan.
The SMEAC principles are used: Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration and Logistics, and Communications.
A crucial factor in all this is the enemy. Who is he, where is he, what support does he have, and what are his strengths and weaknesses? Also required is
an appreciation of the forces supporting you. In our Tharwa example above, it might be: “B Company will be supported by a troop of Abrams tanks and a battery of 105s.” In the US-Iran context, it was Israel.
Iran has certainly been weakened militarily, but the peace deal (if it holds) looks as though the US lost the war, not Iran.
Trump seems to operate (as do many US leaders) on the need to get in there, try to win quickly, and then get out. That’s not so easy with an enemy that is quite happy to see its people slaughtered and to be killed themselves, if need be. I’m no expert by any stretch, but I think a valid aim could have been “to destroy the evil Iranian regime” or maybe “to force the government of Iran to hold free elections supervised by the US and
Gulf states”.
This would have meant a commitment to put troops on the ground (ideally Iranian opponents of the regime, such as the Iranian Kurds and other regime opponents), seize some ground inside Iran that was easily defensible by US air power and special forces, and then gradually seize more ground. Care should be taken not to encourage the Iranian people to rise up until they could be properly protected by the US and its allies.
God knows what’s going to happen next in the Gulf, but I doubt this ceasefire will hold. What a muddle, largely because Trump could not select and maintain an aim.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre:
by NICHOLAS FULLER
For 50 years, the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, the ACT’s only specialist sexual violence service, has stood with victim-survivors and provided hope. But half a century later, the need for support has not diminished.
Demand for the CRCC’s services is growing, and complexity is rising, CEO Tiffany Karlsson said. In the last financial year, the CRCC assisted more than 5,500 victim-survivors and provided 13,000 crisis supports.
“The prevalence still remains alarmingly high,” Ms Karlsson said. “The rates of sexual violence unfortunately are not reducing at all.”
A Women’s Health Matters survey suggests 40 per cent of ACT women have experienced sexual violence — double the national rate of one in five women. One in 16 men are victim-survivors of sexual violence, while more than one in four children have been sexually abused.
“Those statistics are alarming, and it demonstrates
that our services are needed more than ever,” Ms Karlsson said.
The CRCC was one of Australia’s first specialist sexual assault services. In 1976, two women set up a rape crisis service with a single phone line and one desk. In 1996, the organisation brought together the Incest Centre (Annadora); SAMSSA, which supports male victim-survivors; and the Nguru Program, which provides culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Today, the CRCC provides free and confidential services for children, young people, and adults, including men, women, and non-binary people, who have experienced any form of sexual violence, whether recent or historic. It also supports families, friends, and professionals.
“We are here for anyone impacted by sexual violence,” Ms Karlsson said. “No-one has to face sexual violence alone. We’re here to believe, support,
specialist trauma counselling, advocacy, court support, and education and training.
“The earlier we can support people, the better the outcomes for individuals in terms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and educational and economic outcomes,” Ms Karlsson said. “Specialist support works.”
Ms Karlsson also urged people to listen to and believe victim-survivors in their own lives.
“We really want to be the kind of community where victim-survivors feel safe to disclose, so that we can get them the support that they need,” Ms Karlsson said.
“Our vision for the next 50 years is really a community where sexual violence is no longer a part of people’s lives.”
To mark its 50th anniversary, the CRCC is sharing 50 Stories of Hope, Resilience and Support, publishing weekly stories from victim-survivors and staff.
“The support we provide is valuable and helps transform people’s lives,” Ms Karlsson said. “We see Stories of Hope every day of the week in supporting our clients.”
Experience compelling stories
Young Canberra martial artists kick into action for Camp Quality
by NICHOLAS FULLER
This month, young Canberra martial artists are raising $10,000 to support Camp Quality, a charity that brings positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer and those whose parents are undergoing treatment.
Sixteen students at Canberra Martial Arts and Fitness have signed up for Kick for Camp Quality, a fundraiser ending on 27 June.
The students set up profiles; take on daily training-inspired activities — kicks, strikes, and flips; and ask family and friends to sponsor their efforts. So far, the campaign has raised
$3,880. Donations can be made through the Kick for Camp Quality Canberra Martial Arts fundraising page (fundraise.campquality.org.au/ event/kick-for-camp-quality-canberramartial-arts).
“I don’t know anybody whose life hasn’t been touched by cancer,” chief instructor and founder Tom Adam said. “Even $10 will go a long way to supporting those families and children with activities and camps.
“I know times are tough, but you can imagine those guys are really going through it. People stop working to support their children going through cancer treatment, and anything we can do to help would be a great thing
to do.”
Including getting gunged. The campaign will finish with an event at the club’s Coombs location on 27 June — and the top fundraiser will have the honour of tipping a bucket of slime over Mr Adam’s head.
One student, ‘Night Fury’, has already raised more than $800 of his $900 goal.
“That kid is so keen to slime me!” Mr Adam said.
Camp Quality approached the club after running a similar program with a martial arts club in the Hunter region.
Mr Adam agreed before the charity had finished pitching the idea because the cause was so close to his own life.
“My dad passed away from cancer when I was 13,” Mr Adam said. “I changed schools; I lost my friends; and I didn’t have a support network of people who understood what I was going through.
“I would have really appreciated the services Camp Quality run, and for me to be able to give back, to support families and children going through possibly the hardest time, is really important.”
Cooler temperatures can make recovery more comfortable
Tom Adam (left) and Canberra Martial Arts and Fitness. Photo supplied
167 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan Ph. 6299 7600
Quality Hats, Boots, Clothing for Women and Men Sale Starts June 18 and Ends July 18th
20-30% Off Australian Made Fur Felt Hats
20-30% Off Womens and Mens Jackets, Vests, Shirts,
20-30% Off Womens and Mens Boots and Shoes
From asthma breaks
Don’t miss out: Australia Post grants open for community mental health
by BERNIE RYAN
Australia Post is again calling on community organisations across ACT to apply for its Community Grants Program.
This follows another successful year of supporting grassroots initiatives that foster social connection to help strengthen mental wellbeing and resilience in local communities across Australia.
In the ACT, 2 grassroots organisations received a combined total of $15,000 in funding through the 2025 Community Grants program.
These organisations were Music for Canberra, who received $10,000, and the African Australian Council ACT, who received $5,000.
“Some of the surprising impacts of the grant has included the collaboration and connection we have had with other organisations, including Rise Above, a local charity which provides assistance and support to those living with cancer,” says Music for Canberra General Manager Dr Rebecca Rivera.
“It’s been a beautiful collaboration and now we have been able to have multiple drum circles,” says Dr Rivera. Music for Canberra’s Drum Circles for Joy helps participants
reduce anxiety and stress, feel more grounded, and mindfully connected.
Applications are now open for eligible not-for-profit groups who are seeking grants of up to $10,000.
Youth Worker for the African Australian Council, Celestina Emmy Rabi, encourages other organisation to apply for the next round of grants.
“What Australia Post is doing is really great for the community,” she says.
“Anyone who is capable and able to apply should, as it leaves a very big impact when an entity like Australia Post shows that they care about people here.”
Ms Celestina says that the grant they received is being used to promote and run another youth sports day later this year.
This event is aimed at engaging young people in sporting activity to help them reconnect with what they enjoy, positively impact mental health and provide a constructive alternative to being ‘misled’ in other ways.
“We are working with the Government to help reduce the crime rate that is associated with our community,” says Ms Celestina.
“At last year’s sports day we had organisations like Headspace, the Multicultural Hub and Communities at Work present to provide information on their services, and we hope to add more this year,” says Ms Celestina.
Ms Celestina also acknowledged Capital Athletics for their support.
Application details and full eligibility criteria are available at Australia Post Community Grants Program.
Applications are open until 11:59pm on Monday 6 July 2026.
The African Australian Council ACT Sports Day.
Menslink urges young men to stay connected
by NICHOLAS FULLER
One in four young men suffers from depression and anxiety, but only one in 10 will talk to someone and get help. Ben Gathercole, CEO of Menslink, urges young men to speak up early before problems reach crisis point.
“No matter what, times will get better,” Mr Gathercole said. “Some young guys are in a dire situation. With a bit of time and a bit of help, and the ability to talk about it, those things do come good, so there is hope.”
For 24 years, Menslink has been a safe, recurring, male-friendly place where young guys can eat, talk, be mentored, and learn ordinary life skills.
“The great magic of Menslink is young guys feeling comfortable that they can reach out,” Mr Gathercole said.
It provides short-term counselling to help 10to 25-year-olds get through stressful life events, and long-term mentoring for 10- to 16-year-
olds who are socially isolated or don’t have a consistent male rôle model. It runs outreach programs in schools, beginning in primary school, to teach boys early that seeking help is okay.
“It’s not an easy thing to seek help,” Mr Gathercole said. “Young guys, in particular, are not conditioned to it. Sometimes they just don’t feel comfortable asking for help.”
Menslink also runs fun social activities ranging from barbecues to water sports and archery.
The biggest issue facing young men, Mr Gathercole says, is disconnection: from school, sport, work, family, and community. Screens and the internet have made it easy for young men to withdraw from real-world relationships and activities such as “kicking the footy with a mate, going to your first job at the café or the chemist or the milk run”.
“Going through adolescence is hard enough,” Mr Gathercole said. “Going through adolescence with [a mobile phone] in your pocket is really difficult.”
He is also concerned about gambling. Advertising romanticises betting, making it look “quite cool” to boys in their mid-teens by linking it with sport, mateship, and pretty girls. Online pornography and trends such as ‘looksmaxxing’ warp young men’s expectations of sex and self-image.
Mr Gathercole said the consequences of not seeking help were not always dramatic or immediate, but lack of support could mean young men drop out of school, apprenticeships, university or work, and lessen their ability to fulfil their potential.
“The greatest gift we can give our young people is a solid education… because when you see guys drop out, you know you certainly know that their life’s probably going to be a little more difficult,” Mr Gathercole said.
Nine out of ten people caught up in the juvenile justice system are men, rising to 50 to one in the adult system.
Four in five suicides are men. Suicide is the leading cause of male death in every age group
from 15 to 44. Each year, more young men die by their own hand than the entire national road toll.
Mr Gathercole encourages adults to notice when young men miss sports practice for several weeks, skip school, miss work shifts, or stop going to other social groups – and check in with them.
For parents worried about a young man, Mr Gathercole’s first advice is simple: “Firstly, stay calm.”
“Help seeking behavior is not something that can be forced upon someone (young or old),” Mr Gathercole said. “The worst thing you can say is, ‘I’m going to make you go to Menslink or other such services’.”
After counselling, Menslink advises parents not to immediately demand: “How did it go?” Instead, parents should give the young person space. A calmer side-by-side conversation in the car may work better than badgering them in the corridor.
Menslink is well supported in Canberra — Mr Gathercole says he often meets adults whom the organisation helped, and who want to stand him a coffee — but the organisation has a long waiting list for its services.
“We’re most certainly at capacity,” Mr Gathercole said. “We can’t keep up with the demand. Nonetheless, we are grateful for the support from the Canberra community, and know our impact with young men will always be needed.”
Canberrans can help by donating; attending events and supporting fundraisers such as the Big Night Out, the Menslink Business Breakfast, or the Menslink Great Walk; or volunteering as mentors. For more information, visit menslink. org.au
SUN JULY | 4PM THE STREET THEATRE
TICKETS: $45 | $40
Menslink CEO Ben Gathercole. Photo: Nicholas Fuller
Dinner and Dungeons and Dragons with friends
with SAM CHAPMAN
SHARING HIS PERSPECTIVE AS A PERSON WITH DOWN SYNDROME
I love going out with my friends. Last week my friends Dr V (Dr Vanessa de Kauwe), Danny, Moss, James and I went out to dinner together at the RUC in Turner. I like going to the RUC because the food is good and it isn’t too noisy, so we can play games like UNO and Dungeons and Dragons. One of our friends, Anna, works there on Thursday evenings. She has a support person who goes with her. Anna works behind the bar and also collects empty glasses from tables. After her shift she sat down with us and had her dinner and then we all played Dungeons and Dragons.
Some of my friends (Danny, James and Anna) are new to playing D&D. So the rest of us (Dr V, Moss and me) have to help them. I have been
playing for a while and I play as a wolf character. Dr V is the Dungeon Master and Moss plays as a small dragon called Splinter.
D&D is a really good game because we go on adventures and have to make decisions by rolling dice to decide what happens next. We have to work together to solve problems and support each other. Sometimes it is hard to remember everything but Dr V helps keep the game on track and she doesn’t mind if someone does something that seems a bit crazy - that just makes it more fun. We never seem to finish a game because there are always new adventures.
Dr V made a map for our game and this was really helpful for showing us what everything looked like and we could really imagine ourselves in the game. Dr V gave us little models of what our characters look like and we could move them around on the map as the game goes on. It was a fun night and I am looking forward to going out again with my friends really soon.
have you heard?
GIVIT donation of the week: Double blanket
GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation that provides support to women impacted by domestic violence, homelessness, institutions and substance dependency to create better life outcomes and community change. They are currently seeking support for a young woman who has a history of homelessness and domestic violence. This young woman had endured family violence since childhood. She had also been homeless, but is finally waiting to move into a safe, long term home. She is a kind, intelligent young lady and is actively involved in the arts community. She is committed to creating a stable future for herself but needs support with home essentials.
GIVIT is requesting the donation of a double size blanket. Your donation will provide comfort and safety as she settles into her new home and rebuilds her life. Generous Canberrans can donate a high-quality double blanket or fund the purchase of this item. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase what’s needed. To help please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘blanket – double’ and Suburb: ‘Scullin, 2614’.
Roundabout Canberra Donations
Roundabout Canberra is a local charity that supports families by providing essential items for babies and children. In 2025, we supported over 5,400 local children, all thanks to the generous donations from the Canberra community. In winter, we are especially grateful for donations that can help a family through the colder months, such as good quality children’s pants, jumpers and jackets (newborn to size 16 youth), single bed linen, new socks, underwear and pyjamas. Drop off at our Holt warehouse or at Club Kalina in Tuggeranong. For further details on donations, please visit our website: roundaboutcanberra.org/ donate-goods
Friends ANBG Thursday Talks
Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens will host a Thursday Talk on 2 July at the ANBG Theatrette, opposite the ANBG Visitor Centre, 12:30–1:30pm. Dr Gine Henderson will present “Darling to Sea – Murray River endangered ecological community listing”. Bookings: trybooking.com/DKZGE. Gold coin, note and EFTPOS donations support Friends ANBG special projects at the gardens.
Red Dove monthly op shop
Red Dove Op Shop will be open Thursday to Saturday, 2–4 July, 9am–1pm, at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, Comrie Street, Wanniassa. Browse warm winter clothing bargains for women, men and children, along with shoes, bags, jewellery, books and bric-a-brac. Enjoy homemade treats at the Coffee Spot and help give quality clothing and household goods a second life through reusing and recycling. On Saturday, SEE-Change will host a clothing swap in the foyer, so bring along a couple of items to exchange. Easy parking and EFTPOS available.
Christ Church Hawker coffee and op shop
Christ Church Hawker will host a coffee and op shop morning on Saturday 4 July, 9am–12pm, at the corner of Beetaloo Street and Belconnen Way, Hawker. Browse books, games, puzzles, DVDs, pre-loved clothing, jewellery, craft items, cakes, trash and treasure, and bric-a-brac. Free tea, coffee and COVID-safe biscuits will be available for all visitors. For enquiries, call 0428 266 658.
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Belconnen Garden Club
Would you like to meet new people and share your love of gardening? The Belconnen Garden Club is welcoming new members and meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Raiders Club, Kippax, during winter, and visits garden-related places of interest during summer. For more information, email belcogardenclub@gmail.com
ANU Classics Museum public tour
The Friends of the ANU Classics Museum will host a free public tour on Friday 10 July, 11am–12pm, at the A.D. Hope Building, ANU. Led by volunteer guides, the tour offers insights into the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. No bookings are required. For more information, visit slll. cass.anu.edu.au/classics-museum.
Weston Creek VIEW Club
The next meeting of the Weston Creek VIEW Club will be held at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Corinna Street, Woden, on Tuesday 7 July 2026. The meeting will commence at 11:30am and costs $40, including a two-course meal. After lunch, George Der Matossian from Westpac will present a talk on scams. RSVP to Barbara on 0408 864 616 by 5pm on Wednesday 1 July.
Comfort food made easy
From cheesy stuffed pasta shells to a flavour-packed Greek chicken traybake, these hearty recipes from Amanda Michetti deliver maximum flavour with minimal fuss.
Pork and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Serves 4 | 25 mins prep | 60 mins cook
Ingredients
400g jumbo pasta shells
350g Italian style pork sausages, casing removed and in small pieces
1 1/4 cups fresh ricotta
1 tsp minced garlic
1 large egg
1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Large handful continental parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup thickened cream
Salt & Pepper, to taste
1L good quality Italian pasta sauce
200g mozzarella, torn
Greek Chicken Traybake
Serves 4 | 20 mins prep | 45 mins cook
Ingredients
4 skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Large handful fresh oregano, finely chopped (+ more togarnish)
Large handful continental parsley
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
500g baby potatoes, halved
175g sweet baby capsicum, halved and deseeded
1 spanish onion, cut in wedges
1 large lemon, cut in wedges
1 zucchini, halved lengthways and sliced in 1cm pieces
Handful kalamata olives
250g baby truss tomatoes
100g Greek fetta, cubed
Method
Preheat oven to 190°C. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil then add the pasta shells and cook until they are al dente (8-10 mins). Drain well and set aside in a baking pan to cool. In a large bowl combine the pork sausage, ricotta, garlic, egg, cheese, parsley and cream. Then, season with salt and pepper and mix well. Add half the pasta sauce to the base of a Pyrex 2.6L BakeN Serve dish (or other dish). Stuff each shell with a heaped tablespoon of the pork and ricotta filling and place it into the baking dish in the sauce. Repeat with all the shells ensuring they fit in one even layer. Spoon over the remaining sauce and scatter the torn mozzarella on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 mins, then uncover and bake for 15 minutes longer until the top is golden. Stand for 10 mins, top with a more chopped parsley and serve.
Method
Preheat oven to 180*C. In a medium zip lock bag combine the olive oil, chopped oregano, chopped parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken thighs to marinate and set aside for 15 mins.
Add the potatoes, capsicum, onion and zucchini to the base of a 4.2L Pyrex Bake N Serve Roaster. Top with the Lemon thighs then pour any remaining marinade over the vegetables. Transfer to the oven and bake for 30-40 mins.
After 30 mins, add the tomatoes, kalamata olives and lemon wedges to the dish, then drizzle with olive oil and roast for a further 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with feta and some fresh oregano leaves and serve immediately.
Recipes and images courtesy of Amanda Michetti and Pyrex.
A monumental yarn
by GEORGIA CURRY
It’s taken 51 years to exhibit Arthur Boyd’s full suite of 20 monumental tapestries – a feat even the late artist never saw – and this world-first display at the National Gallery of Australia is free.
But there’s another reason to see these vast tapestries – they were painstakingly woven (each one has between 4 million to 8.5 million stitches) in Portugal by weavers with their bare hands, achieving just 3cm a day on a massive 2.5m x 3.4m tapestry.
The signed name on the tapestries is Arthur Boyd, but there were dozens of nameless women (sometimes six weavers sitting side-byside) replicating Boyd’s vision at a scale more than 20 times larger than the original.
They only had a photo to work from.
Such was the challenge that Portuguese weavers had to use 5,000 different colours of wool to replicate Boyd’s paint pallet.
“I wish we had his pastels,” said the director
of Manufactura de Tapecarias de Portalegre in Portugal, Dr Vera Fino, whose father established the weaving workshop.
“Some of these tapestries required three shifts of weavers to complete them so there might be 21 weavers to a tapestry,” Dr Vera said. “An artist mixes paint but the weavers had to match the colours. [Boyd] must have liked it because he signed his name on the back.”
To see such a rare and major exhibition for free is unusual – in fact it’s the first time in more than two decades – but this is the NGA’s way of “paying it forward”.
Back in 1975, Arthur Boyd gave the nation the most significant gift an artist had ever given a cultural institution in Australia: 3,000 works.
NGA director Dr Nick Mitzevich said that “never have we seen an Australian artist so generous to the Australian public”.
“Because of Boyd’s generosity, the National Gallery of Australia’s Winter Masterpiece Exhibition is free to the public,” Dr Mitzevich said.
These monumental tapestries, referred to as the Life of St Francis series, are on show alongside Boyd’s lithographs, pastels and drawings.
Arthur Boyd: Tapestries is at the National Gallery of Australia from 20 June to 18 October. The NGA will also host a series of events including live professional weaving demos, workshops, and talks. For more info, visit nga. gov.au/exhibitions/arthur-boyd-tapestries
After 51 years, Arthur Boyd’s monumental tapestries are on display in full for the first time at the National Gallery of Australia. Photo: NGA
Booktalk
This week, Michael Popple reviews three excellent crime fiction novels filled with sinister secrets and lies. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
The Yacht by Kayte Nunn
Harper Collins, $34.99
The Thyssen clan are an infamous family of dysfunctional elites, known for their taste and controversy. Gathered by patriarch Evan, the Thyssens arrive for the maiden voyage of his new mega-yacht. However, everyone in this family has secrets, and soon their turmoil will spill over, threatening the entire ship. As well, the yacht’s new crewmember also has a significant grudge against the family. The Yacht is an outstanding and deeply compelling thriller from Australian author Kayte Nunn. Masterfully setting a tale of revenge around Succession-level family tensions, this impressive novel will hook readers from the very beginning, and comes highly recommended.
Drop Dead Famous by Jennifer Pearson
Simon & Schuster Children’s UK, $22.99
A triumphal musical return turns to tragedy when global superstar Blair Baker appears murdered on stage during the opening night of her hometown tour. Needing justice, Blair’s younger sister Stevie begins her own investigation with an unlikely partner. However, the further she digs, the darker the lies she uncovers, and soon Stevie will find her entire life turned upside down. Jennifer Pearson drops one of the most addictive and twisty novels of 2026 with Drop Dead Famous
An impressive young adult murder mystery that will appeal to all crime fiction readers, this is an exceptional read with some powerful heart behind it.
LIT by Anna Woods
Echo Publishing, $34.99
Gin is a struggling architect, desperate to keep LIT, the Auckland-based firm she runs with her girlfriend Clary, afloat. However, Clary hasn’t been the same since their third partner, and Clary’s ex-boyfriend, Billy, disappeared, presumed dead. Now, with Gin’s financial problems at their worst, she starts to catch glimpses of Billy all around her, and must determine if she is seeing things, or whether Billy is back to reveal the shocking truth. LIT is an intriguing debut from New Zealand author Anna Woods. A moody and atmospheric read, it is a great psychological thriller with a complex story behind it.
In a sweat about middle-age
by GEORGIA CURRY
As far back as 400 BC, Greek physician Hippocrates associated many women’s health issues with what became known as “hysteria”, a term that remained in medical dictionaries until 1980.
That’s just one startling fact in the hilarious song A Brief History of Menopause from the upcoming musical, Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown (8-11 July at The Playhouse).
Incidentally, so-called “hysteria” was treated by giving women horse urine and pulverised cow testicles.
“That was Hippocrates’ lasting gift to women,” said Queenie van de Zandt, the show’s co-writer. “Thank you, Hippocrates, for how much damage that’s done to us all those years. Basically, any woman that had an opinion was called hysterical.”
Middle-Raged is much more than a girls’ night out (even though it does open with a karaoke party of ‘80s feminist bangers) as it’s based on real stories from hundreds of women across
Australia.
“The very first scene is at a 50th birthday party with all these women and that’s because that’s actually how we came up with the show,” said Queenie, who’s a born-and-bred Canberran and a Daramalan College alumni.
“We were all bitching about what was going on with us and I said, ‘Oh my God we’re not middleaged, we’re middle-raged’ and everyone just went, ‘Oh that’s it.’”
It took Queenie and co-writer Tiffany Noack five years to survey women and to collect their stories.
“There’s a very funny song called The To-Do List, which is made up of all these women from our survey, who we got to write down their to-do list, which was just fascinating to read,” Queenie said.
“It’s like: get Brian’s braces taken off, fix the shoes for Max, buy the dog biscuits. We had massive amounts of everybody’s to-do lists and wrote this extraordinarily funny song. It’s wonderful.”
While writing the show – which is not quite a
musical or a revue, more a revue-sical – Queenie said Middle-Raged had to contain the three Es: entertainment, education and empowerment.
“We were all lost in the woods at this period of our lives, walking around going, ‘What fresh hell is this? And why did nobody tell me this is coming?’” she said. “We really wanted to bridge the knowledge because lot of women still don’t know what’s going on with them in middle age.”
Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown is on 8-11 July at The Playhouse. For tickets, visit canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/ middle-raged-2026
Canberra star Queenie Van de Zandt sings and dances her way through her show, Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown at The Playhouse 8-11 July.
Art laundering
by GEORGIA CURRY
Bryan Fitzpatrick failed art at Weston Creek High, but after making homemade Halloween decorations a couple of years ago, he has transformed 1,300 laundry hamper lids into a kaleidoscope of art.
His preferred medium: the lid from a $7 plastic laundry hamper at Kmart.
For the first time in a long time, Bryan can walk around his house without ducking underneath hanging art because 45 sculptures now hang at Canberra Museum and Gallery in his exhibition: Worlds Beyond Waste
Using countless cable ties, Bryan’s created a surreal menagerie of fish skeletons, seahorses, angler fish and spinning geometric-patterned lanterns.
“I failed art in high school in year seven and just took my art teacher’s word for it, I’m not an artist,” Bryan said.
But when Bryan threw a Halloween party a couple of years ago, he made a decision to not buy disposable $2 shop trash and instead created his own works of art.
“I just started getting black and yellow safety tape and extension cords and before I knew it, made these weird decorations out of 72 power plugs or a bunch of squiggly spare leads,” he said. “I thought ‘Oh, this looks a bit like art’ and then it just popped into my head that maybe I wasn’t so unartistic after all.”
The catalyst for the laundry basket hamper lids was a forest dance party (bush doof).
“We needed lanterns to light this path through the forest to get to this clearing and I had this idea that a laundry hamper with holes, turned upside down with a light in it, would be a good lantern,” he said.
It was. A visual artist was born.
“Kmart had 140 lids with this beautiful pattern in it, sitting on the shelf right above an empty gap where the baskets were supposed to be,” Bryan said. “The staff member said, ‘We’re out of stock and you can’t buy the lid separately, it’s a two-piece set.’”
So these lonely lids accumulated on the shelf and eventually got thrown out – until Bryan rescued them.
Within two days of scoring free laundry hamper lids, Bryan made a mesmerising floating jellyfish.
“I looked at it and thought, ‘Golly, that looks like art,’” he said.
Bryan, who exhibits under the name Flutterbry, has since exhibited at the National Folk Festival and he has his sights set on a laundromat art gallery in Barcelona, Spain.
“It’s like the world’s coolest laundromat. If you Google it, and they do occasional dance parties as well so I’ve been trying to get in touch with them to say, ‘If you’re the world’s coolest laundromat, I swear I make the world’s coolest laundry baskets,’” Bryan said.
Bryan’s even kept all the packets for the cable ties, in the hope that they too may be transformed into art – an outfit for the Met Gala perhaps.
He’s already made a tutu and midriff top out of laundry hamper lids, and worn them out on the town.
Worlds Beyond Waste is at CMAG until 17 August and is visible 24/7, offering a different experience by day and by night, with creative lighting and dramatic shadows bringing the works to life.
Follow @flutterbry on Instagram.
Visual artist Bryan Fitzpatrick has created art out of plastic laundry hamper lids from Kmart.
Now sh wing
Toy Story 5 (G)
From the ruins of a cargo ship on the shore of a tropical, deserted island, numerous hi-tech Buzz Lightyear toys (Tim Allen) activate and start following the North Star to return home to “Star Command”. Meanwhile, eight-year-old Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) is having trouble playing with new friends. To help their shy daughter socialise with children her own age, Bonnie’s parents buy her a frog-themed digital tablet named “Lily” (Greta Lee) who immediately disrupts the status quo amongst Bonnie’s second-hand toys who advocate for the importance of playtime.
Produced to make up for the box office failure of Lightyear (2022), the fifth outing of Toy Story serves up more of the same while looking the best of the franchise. Thanks to innovative software and technology, the movie looks photo realistic. While modern themes such as the pros-and-cons of screentime, social networking and keeping up with ever evolving technology, the main theme is largely repetitive of the first Toy Story (1995), where the classic toy cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks) faced his own obsoletion with the addition of the futuristic sci-fi Buzz Lightyear toy.
To keep the franchise fresh, the female cowboy toy protagonist Jessie (Joan Cusack) leads the charge here, with Buzz playing a secondary character and Woody serving as little more than a cameo. As expected, the movie pulls its punches on its position on the evils of modern-day toy tech in-line with the story progression of the first Toy Story
Verdict:
A beautiful looking, enjoyable, but slightly redundant, return to the franchise.
- Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net. Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.
Buzz and Woody are back for another adventure.
Dealing with a glass-half-empty person
with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
We all know someone who can spot the downside before the delight. Good news is met with hesitation. Compliments are brushed o . Plans are quickly followed by a list of what could go wrong. Spending time with a glass-half-empty person can drain your energy, particularly when you care deeply about them and don’t want to dismiss their feelings.
Why? From a psychological perspective, pessimism is rarely about being di cult or dramatic. More often, it’s a learned coping strategy. Many people develop a negative outlook early in life after repeated experiences of disappointment, criticism, unpredictability, or emotional invalidation. Over time, the brain learns that expecting the worst feels safer than hoping for the best.
This pattern is closely linked to anxiety and hypervigilance. When someone has experienced emotional or relational pain, their nervous system may remain stuck in a threat-focused state. Their brain constantly scans for danger, flaws, or potential problems in an e ort to prevent future harm.
Another powerful driver is deeply ingrained core beliefs such as “I’m not enough,” “Good things don’t last,” or “If something feels good, it won’t stay that way.” These beliefs quietly shape how people interpret everyday experiences, often without their awareness. The world is filtered through expectation of loss or failure.
I see this frequently in my work around body image. A client might receive a genuine compliment, “You look great today,” and immediately respond with, “Yes, but my thighs still look awful.” This isn’t vanity or reassurance-seeking. It’s negative attentional bias, the brain automatically zooming in on perceived flaws because it believes constant self-criticism keeps the person acceptable, controlled, or safe. What to do? Trying to argue pessimism away with logic or forced positivity rarely helps. When
someone is catastrophising, their nervous system is usually in fight-or-flight, not rational problem-solving mode. What’s far more e ective is validation without reinforcement, acknowledging the feeling without agreeing with the negative prediction.
The same principle applies in everyday life. You can empathise without joining the spiral. Phrases such as, “I can see why that feels worrying,” or “That sounds really stressful,” help calm the nervous system without feeding the fear.
At the same time, it’s important to notice the impact on you. Constant pessimism can lead to emotional contagion, where another person’s outlook gradually chips away at your own optimism. This is where emotional boundaries matter, naming your experience or limiting how much time you spend in worst-case conversations.
Finally, an important reminder: you are not responsible for changing someone else’s mindset. These patterns are often long-standing, protective, and deeply learned. You are allowed to protect your own hope.
CO N T R IBU
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you’ve been looking for — right here in Canberra.
Proudly independent and locally owned, Michelle Richards Hearing is not part of a chain or franchise. That means you receive genuine advice, no sales pressure, just hearing solutions tailored to your unique lifestyle and needs.
Michelle Richards, a highly experienced Audiometrist with over 20 years of clinical expertise in adult hearing rehabilitation, is passionate about supporting people of all ages to live better through better hearing.
hearing aid technology including discreet, rechargeable, and AI-powered options.
Whether you need a comprehensive hearing assessment, tinnitus support, hearing protection, or hearing aids, Michelle delivers expert care with a warm, community-focused approach.
Conveniently located in Dickson, Michelle Richards Hearing welcomes private, pension, DVA and Hearing Services Program (HSP) clients.
Home visits are also available for those who are unable to travel.
Is ‘baby brain’ real? A neuroscientist explains
by SARAH HELLEWELL
You walk into the kitchen and forget why you’re there. You put the milk in the pantry and the keys in the fridge. You lose your train of thought halfway through a sentence.
If you’ve recently had a baby, you might blame all this on “baby brain” –that foggy, forgetful feeling so many new mothers describe.
But is “baby brain” real? Does the brain really change during pregnancy? And if so, how’s all this related to how new mothers think?
Yes, pregnancy can reshape the brain
Pregnancy reshapes the brain in quite dramatic ways. In fact, we can tell if someone has been pregnant by looking at their brain structure.
There are changes in the brain’s grey matter volume. These are in regions that control complex thinking, mood and “social cognition”, or our ability to understand the needs and wants of others.
These changes are long-lasting. They’ve been detected in women six years after birth. Large-scale population studies have even shown this grey matter signature of pregnancy decades later.
More recently, a remarkable study scanned one woman 26 times from before conception through to two years after birth, to map these changes as they actually unfolded.
The researchers watched the volume of her grey matter decline across the pregnancy. The outer layer of her brain, the cortex, also got thinner.
These changes were a response to the enormous rise in pregnancy hormones, and the brain changes tracked these hormone surges closely.
At the same time, her brain’s white matter, the wiring that connects different brain regions, was strengthened during pregnancy. This means brain signals can travel faster and more efficiently. This strengthening occurred during the first and second trimesters before settling back to pre-pregnancy levels after birth.
It might sound alarming that the brain loses grey matter during pregnancy, but this is almost certainly not damage.
Instead, scientists think this reflects a kind of fine-tuning, with the brain preparing itself for the demands of motherhood. This is in a similar way to the adolescent brain reorganising itself during puberty.
So far from breaking down, mothers’ brains appear to be purposefully remodelling. But how does this actually affect mothers?
If the brain is undergoing such substantial structural change, you might expect problems to show up when we test how new mothers actually think –but mostly, we don’t see such problems.
The largest study of its kind, published recently by Australian and US scientists, measured memory, thinking and processing speed in 150 new mums and 150 new dads. They then compared them to women and men who did not have children.
New parents performed just as well as everyone else, with no sign that becoming a parent impaired memory or thinking. These skills also didn’t worsen or improve over time, with similar performance over the first two years of being a new parent.
This comprehensive study is the latest to confirm a mismatch between what mothers report experiencing and what we see on objective tests.
Some studies do find subtle changes, particularly in memory during pregnancy itself. But the effects are small and inconsistent, and rarely match the experiences mothers describe.
What’s really going on?
So what actually causes baby brain? We don’t fully know. But the evidence leads us away from pronounced shifts in brain function and towards the circumstances of new parenthood.
The most obvious culprit is sleep. New parents are chronically sleepdeprived, and we know sleep loss alone degrades attention, working memory and processing speed.
Tellingly, the Australian-US study found fathers (who don’t undergo pregnancy’s hormonal upheaval) showed subtle memory and thinking effects too. The researchers linked this to lack of sleep.
Then there’s the “cognitive load” of a new baby. There are so many things for a new parent to think about – including tracking feeds, sleep schedules and nappy changes – while adjusting to their new life.
So forgetting why you walked into the kitchen may say less about your memory than about the fact that your mind is holding far too much at once.
So, fact or fiction?
The brain changes are real and lasting. The memory and attention decline is likely mostly fiction, or at least, far less of a culprit than the stereotype suggests.
The fog new parents feel is real, but it seems to be driven less by motherhood rewiring the brain than by exhaustion, overload and the relentless demands of caring for a tiny human.
Sarah Hellewell, Senior Research Fellow, The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, and Research Fellow, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
Comprehensive Care, Right from the Start with Dr. Maryse Badawy
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Canberra Walks: The Link to Shepherds Lookout
by VINCENT SAMARAS
If you’re looking for a quiet walk that feels well away from the city, The Link to Shepherds Lookout is hard to beat.
Where is it? The track begins in Strathnairn (the far west of Belconnen) and heads further west, providing views of the Murrumbidgee River.
Getting there: Park at The Link (the community information centre) in Strathnairn, or just past it on McClymont Way, and you will see the signs to begin the walk. There
are a number of trails in the area, and it is quite open in some areas, so there is plenty to explore.
The walk: I parked at The Link and walked the 400-odd metres to the start of the Shepherds Lookout trail. After some initial tree cover, the path really opens up, providing sweeping views over the hills, which sets the scene nicely. There are a few signposts along the way to ensure you stay on the right path, but it’s really not a particularly challenging walk, with some small inclines but nothing too steep. Arriving at Shepherds Lookout, I was greeted
by a rather spectacular view across the Murrumbidgee River weaving through the surrounding hills. If you are just after the view, you can park closer to the lookout, but I feel the longer walk is worth the effort and makes it more rewarding. It’s always nice seeing some animals on a hike, so it was great strolling past a mob of kangaroos. Then, after what may have been a wrong turn on the way back, I stumbled across some friendly cows standing right on the path.
Verdict: With open landscapes, wildlife on show and a rewarding view at the end, this is an easy walk to recommend. It feels very remote without having to travel too far.
Distance: 7.3km return
• Time: 2.5-3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy-moderate
• Rating: 8.9/10
Views across the Murrumbidgee River from Shepherds Lookout. Photo: Vincent Samaras
PUZZLES & STARS
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
Many of your sources of nourishment aren’t grand declarations of love. They’re tiny moments when someone says, “I see you. Tell me more.” Your hunger this week is about relationships. It will be pretty obvious which people, places and activities nourish you.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
In the same way a teacher’s passing comment can echo through an entire lifetime, a brief interaction this week leaves a lasting impression. You’ll get clarity about the direction you should go or the hidden talent you can work on – insights that expand your realm of possibility.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 How many medals in total did Mollie O’Callaghan win at the 2024 Summer Olympics?
2 In Western astrology, what is the first astrological sign in the Zodiac?
3 Traditional Kimchi, consisting of fermented vegetables, originated on which continent?
4 The Crimean War took place during which decade of the 19th century?
5 What is the name of the Cockney flower girl in the musical, My Fair Lady?
SOLUTIONS
You’re outwardly focused to good effect. You’ll tune into what others are doing, how they move and what drives them. Understanding their rhythms helps you find common ground and finally make something work. There’s a recipe for progress: observe, understand, adapt, succeed.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
A younger version of you might be impressed by the obvious things that are going well in your life. Don’t forget, you’ve worked up to this. Your abilities have been built through repetition, responsibility, mistakes, adaptation and years of practice. You deserve every reward coming to you. Accept it.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
Some people don’t appreciate what you bring to the table; they’re not the right audience for your particular strengths. You could try to win them over, but why not go where your contributions are naturally recognised? Life is easier around people who appreciate the things you do well.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
Your talent is undeniable, but it takes more than talent to get to where you’re aimed. Your true advantage is that you keep going. People trust someone who shows up consistently, and many of your best opportunities come because you stay in the game long enough to find them.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
You’re trying to get something important done, but you’re getting in your own way somehow. Procrastination and distraction are all normal responses. Stay aware and don’t give up – you’ll get past this. Experiment until you find what works. It’s about adaptation, not force.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
Because you know what it’s like to open up and share your dreams, only to have them dashed, you recognise the courage it takes to be vulnerable in this way. This week, the tenderness and support you give will become the foundation for future friendship and collaboration.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
This week reminds you how important it is to make things. Creation is part of your identity and how you explore and process your life. Because of this, you know how to support the creativity in others. The spark you nurture in others has a way of brightening your own path, too.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
You’ll see the problem and you’ll see others stepping back from it, reticent to take it on. Not you. You don’t view challenges the way others do. You see them as games, as gym equipment, as opportunities to get stronger, smarter and faster – as chances to shine. Now you’ll make it so.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
People are trying their best, even when it doesn’t look that way. You account for immaturity and the mistakes that every human makes. Some use cynicism to avoid disappointment. But you recognise that would only close off the best things in life, like human connection.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
The week is filled with offers and favours. Before saying yes, ensure you’re willing to pay the price, be it time, attention, loyalty, obligation or just plain money. Also, you don’t have to pass judgment on everyone’s motives. You only have to decide whether the arrangement works for you.
DIFFICULTY RATING
The furniture you keep
DESIGNER
There is a chair in my parents’ home that has been there for as long as I can remember.
It isn’t trendy. It doesn’t follow the latest colour forecasts. It wasn’t purchased because it was on sale. It is simply a beautiful piece of furniture. Well made. Timeless.
Decades later, it is still there. I often think about that chair when I work with clients.
We live in a world where almost everything feels temporary. Trends move quickly. Products are designed to be replaced. Social media constantly tells us there is something newer, better or more fashionable waiting around the corner.
Yet the homes that stay with me are rarely filled with the newest things. They are filled with pieces that have a sense of permanence.
A dining table that has hosted twenty years of family dinners. A leather armchair that has softened beautifully with age. A timber sideboard passed down from one generation to the next. These pieces tell a story.
As an interior designer, I spend a lot of time talking with clients about furniture. Not because furniture is simply another item on the specification schedule, but because it
shapes how we experience our homes every day.
The sofa where you collapse after
a long week. The dining table where birthdays are celebrated. The armchair where you sit with your morning
Interior design: Studio Black Interiors | Photo: Adam McGrath
coffee before the rest of the house wakes up.
These are the pieces that quietly become part of the rhythm of life.
When selecting furniture, I always encourage clients to think beyond the immediate purchase.
Instead of asking, “How much does it cost today?” I ask, “Will you still love it in ten years?”
The answer often changes the conversation.
Quality furniture has a different presence. The materials feel richer, the proportions feel more resolved. The craftsmanship is evident in the details. There is a confidence to it. Nothing is trying too hard.
The best pieces don’t demand attention, they simply belong. This doesn’t mean every item in your home needs to come from a luxury showroom.
In fact, some of the most interesting homes combine investment pieces with more
affordable finds. The secret is knowing where quality matters most.
I always encourage clients to invest in the furniture they touch, use and interact with every day. Your sofa, your dining chairs and your bed. These are the foundations of daily life.
Decorative accessories can change over time. Cushions come and go. Artwork evolves. Styling shifts. The anchor pieces remain.
Perhaps that is why I find myself drawn to homes that feel collected rather than decorated. Homes where furniture has been chosen thoughtfully and slowly. Homes where every piece has earned its place, because great furniture isn’t really about furniture at all. It’s about creating a home that grows with you.
A home that feels just as beautiful ten years from now as it does today, and in a world that moves as quickly as ours, there is something deeply reassuring about that.
WHERE CANBERRA Connects!
A Latham home to love
Latham 4 Moorehead Place
Nestled in a peaceful cul-de-sac in Latham, this beautifully maintained single-level home offers the perfect balance of timeless character and modern comfort.
Originally built in the 1970s and thoughtfully updated over the years, the three-bedroom residence is move-in ready while still retaining the warmth and charm that makes it feel instantly welcoming. Freshly painted interiors, timber-look flooring
and an abundance of natural light create a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout.
At the heart of the home is a spacious living area designed for everyday family life, while the updated kitchen combines practicality and style with generous storage and seamless connection to the surrounding living spaces.
The master bedroom enjoys built-in robes and a private ensuite, while two additional bedrooms offer
flexibility for families, guests or those working from home.
Outside, a private front courtyard provides the perfect spot for a morning coffee, while the lowmaintenance backyard allows more time to enjoy the lifestyle on offer and less time spent on upkeep.
Located moments from Kippax Fair, local schools, parks and the walking trails of Ginninderra Creek, this charming home delivers convenience, comfort and easy
living in one of Belconnen’s most family-friendly suburbs.
3 2
EER 1.5
Auction Wed 15 July, 6pm
Agent Olivia Schultz
Mob 0415 366 287
LJ Hooker Kippax 6255 3888
THE LIFESTYLE YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR
A new chapter deserves a home to match. Denman Peninsula is an exclusive collection of spacious riverfront residences designed for those seeking more freedom, less maintenance and the opportunity to enjoy life at your own pace without compromising on space, comfort, quality or convenience. Discover Denman Peninsula today by visiting our newly completed, fully furnished Display Townhouse.
RESIDENCES AT A GLANCE
• Residences ranging from 182m2 to 235m2
• Up to 3.5m ceilings in many living areas
• Bathrooms & ensuites with Villeroy and Boch fittings
• Reverse cycle ducted heating and cooling
• Under-tile heating
• 5KW rooftop solar system to each residence
• Kitchen with Smeg appliances, stone benchtops & butler’s pantry
• Landscaped courtyard & gardens
• Dual lock-up garaging with remote access & provisioning for EV Charging
VISIT THE DISPLAY
STELLA YOUNG WAY DENMAN PROSPECT THU & FRI : 2PM - 4PM SAT & SUN : 11AM - 3PM
More than a home, it’s a community Move in ready
Family owned and operated for over 35 years, The Grange retirement village enjoys an unbeatable location in the ACT. Set among the leafy, tree‑lined streets of Deakin and just 300 metres from local shops, the village is also close to medical facilities and essential services.
Enjoy a low‑maintenance lifestyle within a warm, welcoming community, supported by a range of quality facilities including an indoor heated pool and spa, library, hairdressing salon, community gardens, onsite dining, and a pet‑friendly environment.
24‑hour onsite emergency support provides added peace of mind. A trained staff member is always onsite to offer calm assistance, basic first aid, and to contact emergency services if required, remaining with you until help arrives.
Our spacious independent living homes feature:
• Modern kitchens with stone benchtops and stainless‑steel appliances
• Open plan living and dining areas
• Most homes opening onto a generous balcony or courtyard
• Contemporary bathrooms
• Internal laundry
• Heating and cooling for year‑round comfort.
For future peace of mind, The Grange also offers one‑bedroom serviced apartments located onsite. Should a resident’s needs change, they may choose to move from an independent home into a serviced apartment, where assistance is provided with cleaning, all meals prepared onsite, and heavy laundry such as washing and changing bedding and towels. Personal care is not provided; however residents are welcome to continue with their own preferred personal care provider if required.
BRADDON LIVING AT ITS VERY BEST
Are you searching for a large, established two bedroom apartment in the heart of Canberra’s vibrant Braddon neighbourhood? Contemporary design meets ultimate convenience with an urban lifestyle. Completely updated with new carpet and freshly painted, the home radiates a sense of modern sophistication, inviting you to move in and start enjoying the best of Braddon right away. Its spacious open-plan layout offers a seamless flow from the kitchen to the living area, making it ideal for entertaining or simply relaxing after a busy day. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, including a stone benchtop with breakfast bar, Bosch electric oven and cooktop, and dishwasher. It’s a space where functionality meets form, allowing for both casual meals and elaborate culinary endeavours. The floorplan is simply perfect, with the two bedrooms having no shared walls. The extra-large master bedroom provides the perfect retreat, complete with a study nook. As well as an actual laundry room, the treed outlook is simply amazing.
LUXURY LIVING
Thermopylae Lane is an exclusive enclave like no other in the Red Hill Precinct. This stunning terrace home offers the perfect blend of contemporary living without any body corporate fees. The double-glazed windows provide excellent insulation, while the solar panels contribute to reduced energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. The owners also altered the plans prior to build for a better layout. The two spacious open plan living areas plus bedrooms are enhanced by both levels having generous ceiling heights. The luxurious master suite is a true retreat, featuring walk-in robe and stunning views of the park. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with high-end Miele appliances, making it a delight for any home chef, and the outdoor alfresco with full kitchen is perfect for entertaining. There is only one shared wall, with this terrace home having a larger parcel of land compared to many others.
THERMOPYLAE LANE, RED HILL
13 Jumping Creek Road, Greenleigh
7/58 Shackleton Circuit, Mawson
25 Finniss Crescent, Narrabundah
123 Launceston Street, Lyons
41 Diamond Street, Amaroo
2 Amangu Street, Aranda
24 Digby Circuit, Crace
3 McRae Place, Kambah
17 Meerup Street, Amaroo
8 Becker Place, Downer
30 Alison Ashby Crescent, Banks
13 Darke Street, Torrens
38 Tycho Street, Moncrie
1 Onkaparinga Crescent, Kaleen
10 Stanley Street, Hackett
21 Oberon Close, Harrison
30 Manning Street, Watson
32/20 Leahy Close, Narrabundah
32 Belconnen Way, Page
28 Wambool Street, Narrabundah
10 Sunray Street, Tralee
18 Teague Street, Cook
$2,060,000 Ian McNamee
$1,600,000 AM Property
$1,555,000 Luton
$1,510,000 Home by Holly
$1,495,000 LJ Hooker
$1,480,000 Onyx
$1,350,000 Home by Holly
$1,252,500 My Morris
$1,150,000 Marq
$1,125,000 Home by Holly
$1,120,000 Ray White
$1,100,000 Ray White
$1,092,000 New Door Properties
$1,065,000 Suburbia
$1,050,000 Home by Holly
$1,050,000 Impact Properties
$1,030,000 Home by Holly
$1,020,000 Independent
$1,005,000 Ray White
$995,000 Someday
$972,500 Civium
$970,000 Ray White
8/42 Adder Street, Harrison
32 Fiveash Street, Chisholm
173 Heagney Crescent, Chisholm
2 Carolyn Jackson Drive, Jerrabomberra
7 Kubbadang Street, Ngunnawal
31 Baracchi Crescent, Giralang
7 Vallance Place, Cook
73 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa
23 McEachern Crescent, Melba
25A Brigden Crescent, Theodore
40 Shenton Crescent, Stirling
87 Jabanungga Avenue, Ngunnawal
3/30 Magenta Square, Amaroo
39 Rosman Circuit, Gilmore
1/9 Totterdell Street, Belconnen
63A Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin
3/17 Thynne Street, Bruce
5/111 Canberra Avenue, Gri th
12 Nangor Street, Waramanga
$966,000 Marq
$965,000 Belle Property
$955,000 Stone
$950,000 Belle Property
$950,000 LJ Hooker
$950,000 LJ Hooker
$900,000 Blackshaw
$890,000 McCann
$875,000 Home by Holly
$875,000 Momentum
$845,000 LJ Hooker
$843,000 Marq
$835,000 LJ Hooker
$820,000 McIntyre Property
$810,000 Lystr
$800,000 Blackshaw
$797,000 Onyx
$795,000 McIntyre Property
$790,000 Blackshaw
1 Yandell Way, Casey $785,000 Stone
16 Wilson Crescent, Banks $780,500 The Property Collective
6/15 Zakharov Avenue, Forde $760,000 Stone
8/3 Barrington Crescent, Amaroo $755,000 Solely
10/41 Arthur Blakeley Way, Coombs $750,000
Lort Place, Chisholm
18B Wootton Crescent, Gordon $730,000
Trades & Services Guide
Trades & Services Guide
Trades & Services Guide
Trades & Services Guide
Trades & Services Guide
news briefs
TIL I N G
Barry Richards Ceramic Tiling
Bathroom Renovations, Leaking Showers
Small Jobs, For All Your Tiling Needs PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE
P: 0435 015 647
E: barric666@aol.com
www.barryrichardsceramictiling.com.au
ABN 609 0723 0907
Antoniak Tiling and Renovations
Email: Bantoniak051@gmail.com | 0417 092 760
Brodie Antoniak
Owner and contractor
ABN 14724243822
Reference available on request
U P H O LST E RY
Sometimes in today’s modern world we can forget the beauty in artisanal craftsmanship. Get in touch to start your dream project today.
✓ Re-Upholstery & Restorations
✓ Custom-Made Furniture
✓ Commercial Fit-Outs
✓ Bedheads and Wall Upholstery Call or email us today! 0422 073 665 / 6181 3511 toni@twinstitchupholstery.com.au
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
Give your business a boost! Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800
Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au
Gungahlin Community Centre opens next month
Canberrans will get a first look at the new Gungahlin Community Centre at an open day on Saturday 4 July, two days before the facility o cially opens.
The Open Day, running from 10am to 1pm, will include tours, demonstrations, and activities, while the community can also meet local artists and community groups and enjoy performances.
Located on the corner of E arpidis Street and Gungahlin Place, the purpose-built centre includes hireable spaces, creative studios, a gallery room, dance studio, multipurpose hall, commercial kitchen, and outdoor gathering areas.
Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, minister for the public service, said the facility would help support
community connections in one of Canberra’s fastest-growing regions.
“These spaces will support a wide range of activities and services, from creative programs and cultural events to everyday community connections, providing a place for people to come together close to home,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
A co-located youth hub will become the new home of Gunners Place, a youth and community space.
The centre is accessible by light rail and bus, with nearby parking and bike facilities.
Bookings for the facility are now open: act.gov. au/venues-spaces-and-precincts
Canberra Liberals launch ACT debt tracker
The Canberra Liberals have launched a new website, ACTDebtWatch.com, tracking ACT Government debt, borrowing, interest, and longterm fiscal risks.
Opposition leader Mark Parton MLA and shadow treasurer Ed Cocks MLA accused the ACT Government of burdening future generations with rising borrowings. The Liberals are campaigning for what they describe as honest budgeting and stronger financial accountability.
In the 2026-27 ACT Budget, Treasurer Chris Steel MLA forecast a deficit of $323.4 million for the coming financial year, while projecting a return
to surplus of $244.2 million by 2028-29. The Budget papers predict a year-to-year improvement of $178.3 million in the Headline Net Operating Balance from the estimated 2025-26 outcome and a cash operating surplus from 2026-27.
According to the Liberals’ website, however, the ACT is paying $2.3 million a day in interest on government debt, while total borrowings are forecast to reach $23.7 billion by 2029-30.
An ACT Government spokesperson said the data the website used was based on figures from the 2025–26 financial year, and did not reflect the latest budget forecasts.
Two dead after crash on Kings Highway near Batemans Bay
Two people died following a crash on the Kings Highway near Batemans Bay on Sunday 21 June.
At about 1:30pm, emergency services were called to the Kings Highway near Old Bolaro Road, Nelligen (approximately 15km north west of
Batemans Bay), after reports of a crash.
O cers attached to South Coast Police District arrived to find two vehicles had collided.
The drivers and sole occupants – two males aged 23 and 59 – died at the scene.
Auditor-General says Phillip Pool analysis claim was misleading
ACT Auditor-General Ajay Sharma PSM has found the ACT Government misrepresented the analysis used to justify a planning change that would allow a 50-metre replacement pool at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre to be reduced to 25 metres.
The Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre is a privately owned facility in Woden. Under the 2008 Territory Plan, any redevelopment was required to retain a 50-metre public pool. Changes made in the 2023 Territory Plan allow a 25-metre indoor pool
and additional aquatic facilities instead, and the iceskating rink to be removed.
Mr Sharma’s report, submitted to the Legislative Assembly today, found there was “no rigorous or specific analysis” supporting changes to Territory Plan requirements.
The audit found ACT Government agencies had been considering the future of aquatic facilities at the site because the pool was ageing and the centre’s long-term viability uncertain.
Accommodation Vacancies for People with Disability
SUPPORTED INDEPENDENT LIVING (SIL)
Are you or someone you support looking for a safe, welcoming, and empowering long‑term home?
Hartley has been an NDIS-registered provider in the ACT since the scheme began, building on more than 60 years’ experience in disability support.
We work with each person and their family to understand what matters to them and provide support that builds skills, confidence and connection to community.
Hartley Lifecare currently has openings in a selection of our Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes. These vacancies may be suitable for adults with disability seeking a supportive shared living environment with 24-hour support.
Each enquiry is considered individually to ensure the right fit for the person and the household.
Enquiries and expressions of interest:
Kathy Le Mesurier, Senior Manager – NDIS and Service Development E: Reception@Hartley.org.au • Ph: (02) 6282 4411 • W: www.hartley.org.au
Hartley Hydrotherapy Pool
Open to the public
34O C • FULLY ACCESSIBLE
AMPLE FREE PARKING • AFFORDABLE
Located centrally in Hughes, our pool is available to everyone in the Canberra community and surrounding areas, with flexible options for self managed or exclusive use.
Hydrotherapy is a gentle, water-based therapy designed to improve movement, reduce pain, and support recovery.
For more information on the Hartley Hydrotherapy Pool: P: 02 6185 1653 • E: hydrotherapy@hartley.org.au W: www.hartley.org.au/hartley-hydrotherapy
