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If these walls could talk
by GEORGIA CURRY
There’s a saying about historic buildings, “if these walls could talk”, and by golly the 100-year-old hall at The Causeway has some ripper yarns.
A century ago, Canberra’s in the midst of prohibition (thanks to teetotaller politician King O’Malley) and after the war, our city was in dire need of entertainment.
There was no posh Albert Hall, our party central was The Causeway Hall.
Seeing as our population was only about 4,000, of which one third were construction workers, entertainment was eclectic – boxing matches, musicals, social dances (1920s Tinder) and scooter races.
In the dead of winter, according to the National Trust (ACT), movies would be screened in the drafty wooden hall, including Aussie film For the Term of His Natural Life and the silent film with Charlie Chaplin, The Gold Rush (no doubt accompanied on piano for atmospherics).
This tiny little hall (the largest in Canberra and also
in NSW, south of Goulburn) had a lot of firsts.
It housed the first performance by Canberra Philharmonic Society, Canberra’s first boxing match, first motion picture screening (albeit dogged with technical issues) and first opera.
In a nice full circle moment, Canberra City Band will be playing at the Centenary Celebrations just as it did a century ago at The Causeway Hall’s sod-turning and also its grand opening.
Which brings us back to Canberra’s prohibition. The real reason Canberra City Band was formed in the first place – also 100 years ago – was to provide a distraction to construction workers from drinking.
President of Canberra City Band, Simon Mitchell, said building Canberra in the early days was thirsty work.
“They tried to make Canberra a dry town, but listen, there’s a perfectly lovely country town next door called Queanbeyan,” he said. “A bunch of construction workers toiling away, of course there would be drinking.”
The Causeway saw a nightly exodus of workmen to Queanbeyan to drink, leading to problems in
ALICIA PAYNE MP
the camps where most of the workmen lived. Thus, Canberra City Band was formed to distract the workers, and The Causeway Hall became the epicentre of culture in Canberra.
Today, The Causeway Hall is home to ACT Hub, a collaboration of three independent theatre companies – Everyman Theatre, Chaika Theatre, and Free-Rain Theatre.
ACT Hub is throwing a centenary celebration on 7 March with a special concert with Canberra City Band. There will also be a historic photo display. More info: acthub.com.au/event/causeway-hall-centenarycelebration
The Causeway Hall is turning a century and it has some stories to tell.
Awareness
Hearing Week
(1–7 March):
Why early action matters more than you think
Hearing is something most of us take for granted — until it becomes difficult. Unlike sudden health events, hearing loss typically develops gradually, often so slowly that people adapt without realising what they are missing. Hearing Awareness Week is an important reminder that hearing health is not simply about ears; it is deeply connected to brain function, mental wellbeing, physical safety, and quality of life.
Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting adults. In Australia, it is estimated that approximately one in six people experience some degree of hearing difficulty, with prevalence increasing significantly with age. However, hearing changes are not confined to older adults. Noise exposure, genetics, medical conditions, and even certain medications can influence hearing across the lifespan. What makes hearing loss particularly important from a clinical perspective
is not just how common it is, but the far-reaching consequences when it remains unmanaged.
Hearing loss and the brain:
Understanding cognitive load
Hearing is a brain process, not merely an ear function. The ears detect sound, but the brain interprets and assigns meaning. When hearing becomes impaired, the brain must work harder to fill in gaps, distinguish speech from background noise, and maintain comprehension. This increased mental effort is known as cognitive load or listening effort
For individuals with hearing loss, everyday conversations can become mentally exhausting. The brain reallocates resources away from memory, attention, and higherlevel processing simply to decode speech. Over time, this constant strain may contribute to fatigue, reduced concentration, and difficulty retaining information.
Research over the past decade has highlighted strong associations
between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Hearing impairment has been identified as one of the largest potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia in midlife. While hearing loss does not directly “cause” dementia, the link is believed to involve several mechanisms:
• Increased cognitive load and neural fatigue
• Reduced auditory stimulation to the brain
• Greater social withdrawal and reduced engagement
The encouraging message is that early identification and appropriate management of hearing loss may help reduce these risks.
Social isolation: The hidden consequence
One of the earliest behavioural changes associated with hearing loss is subtle withdrawal. People may begin avoiding restaurants, group gatherings, meetings, or family events — not out of preference, but because listening becomes difficult or stressful.
Social connection is a critical protective factor for mental and cognitive health. When hearing difficulties interfere with communication, individuals are at greater risk of loneliness, frustration, anxiety, and depression. Importantly, this withdrawal can occur years before someone seeks professional help.
Many people assume hearing loss is simply an inconvenience. Clinically, it is more accurate to view unmanaged hearing loss as a condition that can reshape daily behaviour, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.
Falls risk and physical safety
Hearing loss is also associated with increased falls risk — a relationship that often surprises people. Studies have demonstrated that even mild hearing impairment may correlate with a higher likelihood of falls.
Michelle Richards is encouraging Canberrans to prioritise hearing health during Hearing Awareness Week (1–7 March).
involving vision, proprioception, and vestibular function. When auditory input is compromised, the brain’s integration of sensory information may be affected, potentially influencing stability.
Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalisation among older adults, making hearing assessment an often-overlooked component of falls prevention strategies.
Why people delay seeking help
Despite the evidence, many individuals wait years before addressing hearing concerns. Common reasons include:
• Belief that hearing loss is a normal part of ageing
• Underestimation of severity (“I hear some things fine”)
• Concerns about stigma or appearance of devices
• Misconceptions about cost or eligibility
Modern hearing technology has evolved dramatically. Contemporary devices are smaller, more sophisticated, and designed to support natural listening in complex environments. More importantly, clinical care today emphasises personalised assessment and evidence-based rehabilitation rather than simple device provision.
Early intervention is not merely about amplification — it is about reducing listening effort, supporting
cognitive function, improving communication, and preserving lifestyle.
The benefits of early identification
Addressing hearing changes early can offer meaningful advantages:
Reduced cognitive strain: Improved access to sound decreases the mental effort required for speech understanding.
Improved communication: Better hearing often leads to greater participation and confidence in conversations.
Enhanced safety: Increased awareness of environmental sounds may support mobility and spatial orientation.
Better long-term outcomes: Earlier management is associated with higher satisfaction and smoother adaptation.
Hearing care should ideally be preventative and proactive, not reactive.
Hearing
loss often affects others first
A recurring clinical observation is that family members or partners frequently notice hearing changes before the individual does. Comments such as “the TV is too loud” or “you’re missing parts of conversations” are often early indicators.
Hearing loss is rarely an isolated experience; it affects communication
dynamics, relationships, and shared environments. Encouraging loved ones to undergo a hearing assessment can be an important act of support.
A broader view of hearing health
Hearing health sits at the intersection of audiology, neurology, psychology, and general wellbeing. It influences how we work, interact, remain socially engaged, and navigate our surroundings.
Regular hearing evaluations should be viewed similarly to eye checks or dental visits — a routine aspect of maintaining health rather than a response to crisis.
Taking the first step
If you or someone you know experiences difficulty following conversations, frequently asks for repetition, struggles in background noise, or feels fatigued by listening, a professional hearing assessment can provide clarity.
At Michelle Richards Hearing, care is grounded in clinical evidence, individualised assessment, and patientcentred outcomes.
Hearing Awareness Week is an ideal time to reflect on the role hearing plays in daily life and to recognise that
small changes can have significant impacts.
Hearing well is not simply about sound — it is about staying connected, mentally sharp, confident, and engaged in the moments that matter.
with BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD FORMER ACT OPPOSITION LEADER
In January, Canberra lost two of its sporting greats.
Jim Ferguson was head of the Australian Sports Commission for 11 years and presided over its halcyon years, which saw Australia win heaps of medals at both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. He led the commission during Australia’s most successful Olympic Games, Sydney 2000, where the nation won 16 gold medals and was also the standout country at the Paralympics.
As local Sports Minister, I had many dealings with Jim, who had also been President of ACT Rugby Union (Brumbies), President of the ANU Rugby Club, a published author and a former Australian ambassador to Peru. In his younger years, he was also a handy first-grade fullback
with ANU.
Jim had a quick wit and was a man who offered sage advice and served as a great mentor to many athletes and others. He is survived by his wife, LiesIngrid, his son Douglas, his daughter Karin and five grandchildren.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the celebration of Jim’s life at his beloved Australian Institute of Sport due to a prior commitment — the celebration of the life of another great sportsman, Brian Friend, in Phillip.
I would not be here today if Brian’s mother-inlaw, the redoubtable Tibby Taber, had not hosted a party for 20 former Polish soldiers who had only recently arrived in Australia — it was there that my mother and father met.
I first met Brian when he was dating his now wife, Prue. He was a young second row/No. 8 forward in Royals first grade and won Man of the Match in the 1965 grand final, which Royals won against Norths.
In 1967, Brian became my junior coach in the Royals under-15s, teaming up with Dave Stafford, my first rugby coach. They were a formidable duo.
Brian and “Staff” coached us together for three years, winning three premierships and going undefeated in the under-16s and under-17s. The team went on to win the under-19s twice as well.
Brian was an excellent coach, and nearly everything I know about forward play I learned from him.
I believe a good coach in any sport is more than just a coach. He/She is also a mentor, a mate and a confidant for young people sometimes struggling to negotiate things that life throws up. Brian was more than just a family friend to me.
He certainly inspired me and several of my teammates to go on and coach — in my case for 40 years on and off. Brian’s second son, former Brumbies coach Andy Friend, was inspired by his dad.
People like Brian Friend and Jim Ferguson are the glue that makes us a community and makes Canberra such a good place to live. They have both touched, in the most positive way possible, hundreds if not thousands of people and will be sadly missed.
Dr Damien Bezzina
Our new clinic, SkinMedics on Cohen Street, is almost open. Tuesday 10 March is the day!
Dr Damien Bezzina will continue to welcome both new and existing patients in a brandnew, dedicated skin clinic, offering his expertise in skin checks, dermoscopy, skin cancer procedures and lumps and bumps removal. If your concern isn’t listed, simply give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist.
Dr Bezzina has extensive experience in the procedural arena and plenty of reviews to boot (on RateMD, Dr Damien Bezzina)!
Joining Dr Bezzina is Dr Puneet Goyal. Dr Goyal will be offering skin checks and reviews using his extensive training in dermoscopy – the art of examining the skin using a specialised tool to check for suspicious skin changes.
Our team is expanding and also includes wonderful medical assistants who assist with our procedures, your aftercare and many other things.
Of course, we couldn’t offer these leading services without the guidance of our Clinic Manager, Kylie, and Business Manager, Kc — both are friendly and ready to assist you!
To complement what we do, total body 3D imaging of your moles will soon be available. This state-of-the-art technology allows for accurate documentation and assessment of your skin, both now and into the future.
This is an exciting time, and it’s worth watching this space and checking back on our website over the coming months for some big news. Visit skinmedicsACT.com.au for more information, book via HotDoc, give us a call, or if you’re in the area, drop into the clinic and say hello.
(Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm)
OUR SERVICES
Skin checks, spot checks, total body photography, skin cancer procedures (simple and complex), lumps, bumps and mole removal, hair loss and thinning management (men and women), teeth grinding and clenching, laser treatments, and corporate skin check services. Are you a business that requires skin checks for employees under the new sun-safe work regulations? We offer tailored and cost-effective corporate skin check services. Contact us for more information.
Happy 60th Nash
by GEORGIA CURRY
A hundred bucks wouldn’t stretch far today but 60 years ago, the National Folk Festival (the “nash” to regulars) was born on a tight budget and at las week’s launch, it toasts not only survival in a precarious festival climate but also its own bespoke folk beer (a stout).
Assembled in hipster Braddon, at Bentspoke Brewery, were a troupe of Indonesian dancers, a guitar-toting Melbourne singer/songwriter and a couple of life-long folkies to officially launch the 2026 National Folk Festival.
It’s come a long way since a bunch of folkies got together at a teachers college in Melbourne and dubbed it “The National Folk Festival”.
Fortunately for us, after touring around the country for about 35 years, they decided to set up base permanently in Canberra and here it has stayed, growing to a five-day extravaganza at Easter chock full of 500 events.
Before you conjure up cliches of fiddles, beards and banjos, the NFF has moved with the times and these days you can catch a rave party (“trad rave”) with electric fiddles, amped-up
bagpipes and doof-doof machine.
For the sensual nocturnal types there’s an adults-only cabaret, while the traditionalists can head along to the old favourite bushrangers ball.
Whatever your preference – music, dance, circus, spoken word – it’s somewhere amongst the colourful bunting, 13 stages and atmospheric bars.
Audience participation is encouraged, so if you don’t just want to be a spectator, join a workshop or the renowned “sessions bar” –the only one like it in Australia and possibly the world where amateurs can jam alongside international artists.
The NFF has always been, and always will be, a non-profit event that is run largely by dedicated volunteers, for the common folk.
Sixty is a significant birthday and there’s more than 120 artists coming to the National Folk Festival this Easter – and it’s right on our doorstep.
The National Folk Festival is on 2-6 April at Exhibition Park. For the full program visit: folkfestival.org.au/program
The 60th National Folk Festival was officially launched ahead of its return on 2-6 April. Photo: Wilson Au Yeung
Police seize posters from ACT venue under new hate-symbol laws
A City venue was forced to temporarily close and cancel a gig after ACT Policing seized five posters from the licensed premises following a complaint
Last week, police received a complaint regarding artwork displayed at Dissent Bar and Cafe. On Wednesday 18 February, officers attended and spoke with the owner, requesting the posters be removed as part of their investigation.
Police said the owner declined the request and a crime scene was subsequently established.
“Five posters were subsequently seized and will be considered under recently enacted Commonwealth legislation regarding hate symbols,” ACT Policing said in a statement.
Nazism, neo-Nazism, or other related ideologies.
Police added they remain committed to ensuring alleged antisemitic, racist and hate incidents are addressed promptly and thoroughly, and that where possible criminality is identified, appropriate action will be taken.
The venue posted on social media that police had “declared a crime scene” and cancelled a scheduled gig.
In a series of posts, the business described the posters as “clearly and obviously parody art with a distinct anti fascist message”.
Police minister Dr Marisa Paterson MLA said she had asked ACT Policing for further clarification.
“I understand that the events of last night at Dissent Cafe and Bar have caused concern for members our community,” Dr Paterson said.
Dissent Cafe and Bar was closed due to “possible hate imagery”, according to ACT Policing. Photo: Dissent Cafe and Bar on Facebook
A new name,
the same local behind it family
There’s a new name in Canberra real estate, but it’s one built on decades of local business experience and family ties.
Muscat Property Co has o cially launched, marking a rebrand for a team that has been operating in the property space since 2020. While the branding is new, the people behind it are anything but.
At its core, Muscat Property Co is a genuine local, family business. Principal and Licensed Agent Oliver Muscat leads the agency alongside his wife, Assistant Agent Jane Rogan. Their children, Kodi and Kai, are also integral to the day-to-day operation, with Kodi contributing his expertise as a Licensed Agent to the team.
Sitting down with the Muscats. “We’re just rebranding ourselves,” Oliver says. “We’ve been here for years; we’re still the same team, just now under the Muscat Property Co name.”
The Muscat name is already well recognised within Canberra’s business community, and embracing it
felt like a natural step forward. Rather than creating something entirely new, the family chose to build on an identity that already carries local trust and familiarity.
Within the business, each family member brings a distinct strength. Oliver, as principal, draws on decades of business ownership in Canberra, combined with extensive project management experience and a trusted network of trades. He is known for his calm, highly organised approach and skilled negotiation style, ensuring every property is carefully prepared, strategically marketed, and seamlessly managed from start to finish. His results are reflected in a consistent five-star rating from more than 90 reviews on RateMyAgent.
“He’s very measured and very focused,” Jane says. “Everything is about preparation, presentation, and reducing stress for our clients.”
Together, their combined expertise in meticulous project management and exceptional people-centred service drives the agency’s direction — delivering polished presentations, thoughtful marketing campaigns, and a genuinely supportive, low-stress
experience for every client.
We’ve providing premium customer service our entire working lives,” Jane says. “Real estate is still about people. It’s still about delivering an experience.”
“Our eye for detail translates into carefully considered property presentation and thoughtful campaign strategy. “We care about how a property feels,” Jane says. “If you give people a fabulous experience and help them truly understand the home, it becomes a win-win.”
The next generation is firmly embedded in the agency’s future. Licensed Agent Kodi supports campaigns with a strong focus on innovation and evolving buyer behaviour, while Administration Assistant Kai plays an integral role behind the scenes, contributing an eye for presentation and emerging marketing trends.
“We all bring something di erent Olly says. “Kodi brings that youthful edge and fresh thinking. Kai has a great eye for presentation. Jane is very stats-driven. And I’m the face of it all. It creates a really fabulous dynamic.”
That dynamic extends beyond o ce hours.
“We live and breathe each property, Olly says with a laugh. “Nothing gets overlooked”
At the heart of Muscat Property Co is a deeply client-focused approach. While the team embraces modern marketing tools, their philosophy remains grounded in personal connection, transparency and community.
“For us, it’s about delivering that personal touch,” Olly says.
For the Muscats, every campaign becomes a shared journey. Communication is central to the process, with regular reporting, open dialogue and real-time updates ensuring vendors feel informed and supported at every stage.
“It’s not an us-and-them relationship,” Jane says. “When we’re selling your home, we’re on your team. We’re all working toward the same goal.”
As a local family with strong ties to Canberra schools, sporting groups and business networks, the Muscats see real estate as a community-based service built on trust and long-term relationships.
“We genuinely care,” Jane says. “It has to feel like a win-win for everyone.”
To learn more about Muscat Property Co, scan the QR code, visit muscatpropertyco.com.au or follow the team on Instagram (@ muscatpropertyco) and Facebook (Muscat Property Co).
‘You shouldn’t have to be lucky to survive abuse’ - Katherine
Berney wins leadership award
Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) today announces Katherine Berney, Director, Gender Based Violence Prevention at the Foundation of Alcohol Research and Education, as the 2026 ACT Award recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.
This prestigious award celebrates exceptional Australian women and gender-diverse people who encourage change and make important contributions to advancing equity across all facets of our society.
Ms Berney is a Canberra-based policy leader whose work focuses on how regulation, public health and long-term systems design shape safety and equality outcomes for women and children.
Known for tackling reforms often considered politically difficult or inconvenient, Ms Berney brings a disciplined, prevention-led approach to policy change that prioritises durability, accountability and impact over short-term responses.
“I have worked in the Gender Based Violence policy and prevention space for over 12 years, I do it because women and children deserve to live safely, and because the systems meant to support them must be stronger, fairer and more accountable.
“This recognition is meaningful not solely as a personal achievement, but as an acknowledgment of the collective effort behind this work. I accept it with gratitude for the advocates, frontline workers and survivors whose voices and experiences continue to guide and shape lasting change,” says Ms Berney.
Ms Berney, whose career started with a music degree from the ANU and a subsequent performance career in opera and acting, felt called to change course due to her own lived experience as a survivor of domestic abuse.
“After that horrific relationship ended, I really found myself at a crossroads asking, ‘Who am I,’” she says.
Ms Berney says that whilst she was lucky to have
the family and support that she had, something didn’t sit right with her when she thought of others who may not.
“I was lucky because I have a great family … but everyone should have an opportunity to recover.
“You shouldn’t have to be ‘lucky’ to be able to recover.
“My motivation for being in this work is that every single person who has experienced violence should have the opportunity to recover.”
Ms Berney, along with all winners, will accept their awards on 26 March, during Celebrating Women of Impact: Lessons from Changemakers, a free online event.
Register to attend at wla.edu.au/impactevent
Katherine Berney has been named the 2026 ACT recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.
FUN RUN
Monday 9 March 2026
7:30am – 11:30am
Gather your friends, family and colleagues, and register today!
Give where you live and run for a cause close to your heart.
Celebrate Canberra Day at the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run on Monday 9 March 2026 at Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, and help support local charities.
Whether you walk, jog, push a pram, or chase a PB, every step helps strengthen our community.
Choose from a 5km or 10km course along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, then stay to enjoy a morning of food, music and family activities from 7:30am to 11:30am.
Proceeds from your entry fee go to Hands Across Canberra, helping fund essential services, local charities and community projects for people doing it tough across our region.
Precinct Partners Produced by
Man jailed for dragging tiedup roo along country road
by GRACE CRIVELLARO, AAP
An unremorseful business owner has been jailed for tying a ligature around a kangaroo’s neck and dragging it along a road, causing severe deformities.
Michael Anthony Holmes, 61, was sentenced at Queanbeyan Local Court on Monday after he pleaded guilty last December to committing an act of
aggravated animal cruelty.
Holmes was handcuffed and escorted into custody after receiving a 15-month jail sentence, with a nonparole period of eight months.
Magistrate Roger Clisdell said Holmes’ lack of remorse, combined with the seriousness of the offending, meant he posed too great a risk to the community.
This left him with no other option but to impose an immediate jail sentence, the court heard.
“The kangaroo had to be euthanised. (Holmes) caused immense suffering to the animal,” the magistrate said. “That sort of behaviour is just absolutely appalling.”
Tendered court documents state Holmes saw a female kangaroo lying down and struggling to get up on the fence-line of his rural property near Bywong, in the NSW Southern Tablelands region, about 7am on 13 April, 2025.
Nine hours later, he returned to the scene and tied a nylon rope around the animal’s neck, attaching the
other end to his vehicle before dragging the roo 400 metres down the road.
Holmes detached the rope, but left a fastened ligature around the kangaroo’s neck.
The animal was still alive but severely deformed when a woman discovered it and called Wildcare, an animal rescue organisation.
The kangaroo suffered severe lacerations to its rib and hip area, consistent with being dragged along a road, court documents state.
It died shortly after being taken by rescuers.
Police were called and inspected the embankment, finding tyre marks mixed with blood and rope at the scene. Officers went to the home on the property and spoke to Holmes, who made full admissions to the offence and showed no remorse, the court heard.
He told police he moved the animal so it “wouldn’t die on his property” and attract maggots, describing kangaroos generally as “complete vermin” and “jumping rats”.
“He simply thinks kangaroos have no rights … no entitlement to treatment,” Mr Clisdell said of the offender. The magistrate said Holmes had hours to call a rescue organisation, but instead chose cruelty against an animal he considered a “pest”.
“He has made admissions, but he’s not sorry about it. That gives me the very strong impression that he
7 - 15 MARCH 2026
Michael Holmes will spend at least eight months behind bars for aggravated animal cruelty.
Canberra Theatre Centre presents a Melbourne Theatre Company production
From hair salon to survival: Canberra lawyer leads Melanoma March
by BERNIE RYAN
Canberra lawyer, Courtney Edwards, 38, was shocked to be diagnosed with melanoma after her hairdresser noticed a spot on her scalp in June 2024.
The melanoma was hidden beneath Ms Edwards’ hair, making it particularly difficult to detect.
With no family history of the disease and a lifetime of sun-safe habits, the diagnosis six months later came as a complete surprise.
“I never used tanning salons, didn’t deliberately tan, and always covered up at the beach,” Ms Edward explains.
Ms Edwards says her experience highlights that melanoma can affect anyone and reinforces the importance of knowing the skin you’re in, including keeping an eye on areas with little sun exposure.
When Ms Edwards initially went to see her doctor, she was told the lump didn’t look like a melanoma, but to recheck in six months.
“When I went back six months later, my doctor suggested that we send off a biopsy,” she says.
nine months,” she says.
After her diagnosis, Ms Edwards underwent a series of surgeries between January and March of 2025.
She then commenced an immunotherapy clinical trial in June of 2025, “… out of an abundance of caution,” she says.
The trial is due to conclude in April.
Ms Edwards is grateful for the trial and the work of the MIA.
“The research that MIA is doing is the reason I am going to be OK.
“It’s a win – win.
“They get to do the research, I get to be OK, and I get to help other people be OK,” she says.
The 2026 Melanoma March campaign helps fuel this critical research and the development of breakthrough new treatments.
Ms Edwards is now fundraising for Melanoma March, which will be held Sunday 1 March in Canberra, to give back to MIA and support ongoing research.
Dr Damien Bezzina & Colleagues
The same expertise, new clinic and name, bringing together colleagues for an even better service!
Proven track record in the management of Skin Cancer, lumps & bumps/ cysts/ lipomas and most things in between.
SkinMedics on Cohen Street Unit 2, 34-42 Cohen Street
Belconnen, 2617 reception@ skinmedicsACT.com.au
SERVICES:
SKIN CHECKS (full body & spot check & total body photography)
SKIN CANCER MANAGEMENT (procedural inc. skin aps & grafts & non-surgical)
LUMPS & BUMPS MANAGEMENT (cysts, lipomas, skin tags, anal skin tags, any other lesions)
LASER – age spots on face/hands, spider veins, cherry angiomas
The biopsy confirmed the melanoma diagnosis.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One person is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes and one person dies from the disease every six hours. It is the most common cancer affecting 20 to 39-year-old Australians.
Less than a decade ago, advanced melanoma was an almost certain death sentence, with people like Ms Edwards, rarely surviving more than a few months.
World-class research by The Melanoma Institute of Australia (MIA) has led to groundbreaking treatment advances and improved patient outcomes.
Close to 60% of advanced melanoma patients are now surviving and are essentially cured because of these treatments.
Thankfully, Ms Edwards is currently showing no evidence of disease.
“I’ve had no signs of cancer for
“I found the event last year so inspiring,” she says.
Reflecting on her experience and what she learned as a result, Ms Edwards warns of having a ‘laidback’ attitude to changes we may see in our bodies.
“Get to the doctor when you see changes that don’t look right,” she says.
“And social media influencers and the concept of burning yourself to get a tan is so irresponsible.
“There is a reason why the rates are so high in younger people.”
Melanoma March Canberra will be held on Sunday 1 March at Black Mountain Peninsula Park on Ngunnawal Country to kick off this year’s marches around the country.
To register to participate or donate to Melanoma March, go to melanomamarch.org.au
An extended version of this article can be found online at canberradaily.com.au.
Courtney Edwards is taking part in an immunotherapy clinical trial following her melanoma diagnosis.
Brumbies end 26-year hoodoo, Slipper scores in game 200
by SEBASTIAN TAN, AAP
James Slipper has scored a rare try in his 200th game to help the ACT Brumbies end a 26-year hoodoo with a 50-24 win against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Having scored just one try in the past two Super Rugby seasons, Slipper was a surprise scorer when he was on the receiving end of an Andy Muirhead offload in the 29th minute on Sunday.
It was his 10th five-pointer in the competition since debuting for the Queensland Reds in 2010.
The try was also the cherry on top for the former Wallaby, as he became the second player to reach the 200-game milestone.
But more significantly, the Canberrans won their first match since 2000 against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
It’s the second time in as many seasons the Brumbies have ended a long winless streak in New Zealand, after they snapped their 12-year losing record against the Auckland Blues at Eden Park last year.
Filling the shoes of injured Wallaby Tom Wright (knee), Muirhead provided the spark, assisting Slipper’s try and scoring one of his own
in the 19th minute.
The Brumbies found a new gear in the second half, scoring five tries, including three in the last 10 minutes to put their opponents to the sword.
“We’ve had a few big milestone wins and it’s all building towards something special,” Brumbies captain Ryan Lonergan said, who was two years old the last time Canberra beat the Crusaders in Christchurch.
“It came down to our discipline. We knew the Crusaders were going to be good down here.
“I’m super stoked to be able to do it for big Jimmy in his 200th.”
The win puts the Brumbies on top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, with fellow Australians the NSW Waratahs in second spot.
The Brumbies have scored more than 50 points in both matches so far as they head back to Canberra for their first home game of the season against the Blues at GIO Stadium on Saturday 28 February at 7:35pm. Visit brumbies.rugby for more information.
James Slipper has scored in his 200th game as Canberra broke a long drought in Christchurch.
Hotel Etico launches new academy and Joshua is up to the challenge!
by BERNIE RYAN
When 37-year-old Joshua Kinsey Ward was born in the old Royal Canberra Hospital, with Down syndrome, doctors told his parents that he would never walk, talk or read.
They could not have been more wrong.
Joshua, who lives in private accommodation in Watson and separately from his parents, belongs to a book club (he is currently reading The Housekeeper), volunteers at The Pantry in Kambah, and, on 21 January, started an employment and independence traineeship at the newly launched Hotel Etico Academy of Independence.
“My parents’ friends told them about Hotel Etico and my parents fell in love with it,” says Joshua.
The new Academy of Independence is a fully integrated campus, located in an upstairs wing of Mercure Canberra.
It is made possible through partnership with the Schwartz Family Company and Trilogy Hotels, and is committed to nurturing the very best, diverse talent for the tourism and hospitality industry.
Joshua is one of eight young people with disability, including Down syndrome and autism, who have started their initial 12-month program and are now on
their path to a career in tourism and hospitality.
The trainees live on-site two days a week, with livein worker support, to experience independent living and work in the hotel. They earn full award wages and rotate through a range of hospitality roles on four-hour shifts. All trainees pay room and board.
“I love it,” says Joshua. “I like the food and beverage … to be honest. Because I thrive in there … I am a people person.”
It was evident from the moment Joshua began his tour of the Academy that he is indeed a people person.
Joshua confidently provided a tour of the apartment-style accommodation, as well as other areas of the hotel, effortlessly greeting staff and colleagues by name.
CEO and Co-founder of Hotel Etico Australia, Andrea Comestri, says that the strength of the Hotel Etico program is not only what it offers the trainees, but what it offers the hotels, their staff and the wider community.
“Feedback from other staff includes things like, ‘I love that you are here, we love working with the guys’ … it’s just a breath of fresh air,” says Andrea.
Andrea says that the program, therefore, can be transformative to the internal culture of the hotels, which flows to the patrons.
“Our trainees further humanise the hotel and guest experience,” he says.
Joshua seems able to do this in under a minute.
Hotel Etico began in Asti, Italy in 2015, with the opening of the world’s first social enterprise hotel offering training and employment for people with disabilities.
The first Hotel Etico in Australia opened in 2020, in the Blue Mountains.
Over the last 12 months, Hotel Etico has expanded its impact with academies now located in other hotels.
“People with disability bring enormous potential to our community, economy and the workforce, yet they remain underrepresented, underemployed and underpaid.
“We are continuing to change that narrative by empowering more young people with disability through our program, “says Mr Comestri.
With only five shifts under his belt, Canberra Academy Director Jen Ruse says that Joshua’s increasing independence and hospitality skills are already evident.
“Joshua is progressing at an incredible rate,” she says.
So, what has Joshua learned so far?
“I can do hospital corners, iron my own shirts and put on my own belt,” he says.
At the end of the program, trainees will transition to the program’s Industry Employment Program and will be supported to secure employment in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Hotel Etico Australia has already supported more than 50 young individuals through this unique program, with 82% of graduates now pursuing rewarding careers.
As part of the launch, Hotel Etico has also unveiled its ‘Long Run to Inclusion’, a major awareness and fundraising initiative, focused on raising awareness about disability inclusion, and essential funds to employ and train more young people with disability.
During February and March, the community can get involved in the Long Run to Inclusion.
And to those who might question whether Australians like Joshua can work in regular employment?
“When people like me get money from the government, because of the disability allowance ... I don’t think I deserve that money.
“I think people who severely can’t talk should have the money because they can’t live life, but if I am able to be here, I think it’s unfair that I am getting money from the government.”
On many levels, Joshua Kinsey Ward is not only already a stellar ambassador for Hotel Etico, but arguably, all Australians.
Joshua Kinsey Ward at the newly launched Hotel Etico Academy of Independence in Canberra.
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GIVIT donation of the week: Children’s books and magazines
GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation that supports newly arrived migrants, refugees, culturally and linguistically diverse families and people with disability. They are seeking support to create a welcoming and safe reception area for the people they serve. This organisation’s reception area is the first point of contact for vulnerable community members experiencing hardship and complex challenges. This space is now in poor condition, but as a community-based non-profit, they lack funds to make improvements. One of their goals is to make this space safe and child-friendly, so they are requesting books and magazines for children. Your donation will help this organisation create a truly safe, welcoming and comforting space for everyone they serve. Generous Canberrans can donate children’s books and magazines or fund the purchase of these items. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase what’s needed. To help please visit: GIVIT. org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘books and magazines - children’ and Suburb: ‘Reid, 2612’.
Friends ANBG Thursday Talks
Bernadette Duncan will present the next Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens Thursday Talk on Thursday 5 March. A Kamilaroi woman, Bernadette will lead an engaging discussion on native plants used for teas and bush medicine, with an opportunity to taste the teas. The talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette, opposite the Visitor Centre, from 12:30–1:30pm. Bookings at trybooking.com/DHLQI. Gold coin and EFTPOS donations welcome.
community noticeboard email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field
International Women’s Day Big Breakfast
Celebrate International Women’s Day at a Big Breakfast fundraising event on Friday 6 March at the Canberra Deakin Football Club, 3 Grose Street, Deakin. Arrive at 6:45am for a 7am start and enjoy a full cooked buffet breakfast while hearing from guest speaker Lorraine Finlay, Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner. Tickets are $60, with all profits funding scholarships for deserving refugee and migrant women. Bookings at trybooking.com/DIEMA. Presented by the Canberra branch of Soroptimist International.
Conder Craft Group
The Conder Craft Group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 1–3pm at the YWCA Mura Lanyon Community Centre, Sydney Nolan Street, Conder. New members are always welcome. Bring along your sewing, knitting or any project you’ve been meaning to finish and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of crafting. Cost is $3. For more information, phone 0406 380 508.
Canberra Jung Society
The Canberra Jung Society presents “Are you living your life, or the one others expect of you?” on Friday 6 March, 7:30pm for an 8pm start at the MacKillop Conference Centre, Lyneham. U3A lecturer Bruce Helyard will introduce Carl Jung’s ideas, including the Shadow, archetypes and personality types. All welcome. Cost $20 ($15 concession) or $10 via Zoom. Supper provided. An experiential workshop follows on Saturday 7 March, 10am–3pm, at Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, exploring Jung’s work in more depth. Cost $50 ($40 concession), including lunch. Details at canberrajungsociety.org.au.
South Canberra Community Markets
The South Canberra Community Markets return on Saturday 7 March, 10am–2pm, at 244 Kambah Pool Road. Enjoy delicious food, local products, live music and kids’ craft sessions, plus the chance to win prizes in the Canberra Day Appeal raffle, with tickets available on the day. Set in a picturesque rural location at Lions Youth Haven working farm, with the Brindabellas as a backdrop. Learn more at commsatwork.org/galilee-school/south-markets
Christ Church Hawker Market
Head along to Christ Church Hawker on Saturday 7 March, 9am–12 noon, on the corner of Beetaloo Street and Belconnen Way. Browse lots of books, games and puzzles, pre-loved clothes, crafts and craft supplies, a new range of trash and treasure items, and special Easter baskets. Free tea, coffee and COVID-safe biscuits will be available for visitors. Enquiries: 0428 266 658.
Belconnen Garden Club
Would you like to meet new people and share your love of gardening with a friendly bunch? The Belconnen Garden Club is welcoming new members and meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Raiders Club, Kippax, during the winter and out and about at garden-related places of interest during summer. If you would like to know more about our Club, please email belcogardenclub@ gmail.com
HYH submissions
Submissions to our free Have You Heard community noticeboard are reserved for charity, not-for-profit and community organisations. Deadline for submissions is 10 days prior to the Thursday edition date. Email your submission with essential details – who, what, where, when, cost, contact details – to news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject heading. Flyers and attachments not accepted. Due to space restrictions, please keep it brief. Please note: publication in print is not guaranteed.
Your ultimate destination for home & lifestyle inspiration
The ShowRoom Canberra Home & Lifestyle Show returns in 2026 – bigger, better and more inspiring than ever. Whether you’re renovating, building, refreshing your space or simply searching for new ideas, this free event brings everything you need together under one roof for one weekend only!
With more than 100 exhibitors, you’ll discover the latest in home design, outdoor living, smart technology, bespoke furniture, home climate solutions, financial advice, floor and wall coverings, sleep systems, window dressings, spas, trade and renovation specialists - all ready to help turn your vision into reality.
This year, the show expands with a brand-new outdoor living area and
the launch of the Meet a Tradie Hub, o ering relaxed access to skilled professionals and practical advice.
Enjoy exclusive show specials and unlimited inspiration!
Join us 14–15 March at EPIC, 9am–3pm. Register for your FREE ticket today!
Explore the new Outdoor Living area at the event this year.
Sunny Homes marks over 10 years of custom home building across Canberra
For ten years, Sunny Homes has been shaping Canberra’s residential landscape, delivering custom homes built on quality, trust and strong family values.
Founded by Sunny Malhotra and operating full-time since 2016, the multi-award-winning local builder has constructed more than 300 custom homes across the ACT and surrounding NSW region. With consistent recognition from the Housing Industry Association and the Master Builders Association, Sunny Homes has established itself as one of the region’s most trusted builders.
The business specialises in a broad range of projects, including single-storey and doublestorey homes, house and land packages, and knockdown rebuilds. However, it is the company’s custom-built homes that truly define its reputation. Nearly half of Sunny Homes’ projects are noncatalogue builds, carefully designed to suit each client’s block, lifestyle and long-term vision.
In a city like Canberra, where slopes and block conditions vary significantly, tailored design is critical. Sunny Homes focuses on maximising each site’s potential, ensuring homes are not only
how tailored design can elevate everyday living.
For those wanting to experience the quality firsthand, Sunny Homes currently has three display homes open across the region:
73 Robin Boyd Crescent, Taylor
60 Edward Drive, Googong NSW
8 Shillam Chase, Whitlam
In addition, the company is preparing to open two new display homes, including a French Provincial design and a dedicated knockdown rebuild display home in Red Hill.
visually striking but also practical, functional and responsive to their environment.
Knockdown rebuilds have become a core strength of the business, particularly as families seek to upgrade their homes without leaving established neighbourhoods. Remaining close to schools, workplaces and community networks while enjoying the benefits of a brand-new home has driven strong demand in this sector.
Sunny Homes’ design excellence has been recognised at a national level. Its Googong display home, a barn-style single-storey residence, received a National MBA Award in the Display Home of the Year category. The award reflects the company’s focus on thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and high-end finishes.
At ShowRoom Canberra, Sunny Homes will showcase its expertise in custom home builds and knockdown rebuilds across the ACT. Visitors can learn more about the company’s design process, transparent quotation system and personalised approach to building. The team will also highlight its popular double-storey split-level designs and luxury inclusions, o ering insight into
Industry trends continue to favour customisation over standard catalogue layouts. Increasingly, homeowners are seeking unique spaces tailored specifically to their lifestyle rather than generic designs. Sunny Homes’ growing portfolio of non-catalogue builds reflects this shift toward individuality and personal expression in residential construction.
What sets the business apart is its commitment to one-on-one service, clear communication and transparency throughout the build journey. From the initial concept through to completion, clients are guided through each stage with detailed planning and open dialogue. The team’s ability to communicate in English, Tagalog, Mandarin, Hindi and Punjabi also ensures accessibility for a diverse client base. Specialised requests, including Vastu and Feng Shui considerations, are accommodated where required.
Visitors to ShowRoom Canberra are encouraged to stop by and meet the team if they are considering building, buying or undertaking a knockdown rebuild. With a strong track record, award-winning designs and a personalised approach, Sunny Homes continues to raise the standard in custom building across the region.
Display homes are open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10am to 6pm.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10am to 6pm.
For more information, visit sunnyhomes.com.au
Sunny Homes continues to raise the standard in custom building across the ACT and NSW.
Renovate smarter with Renovation Matters
When it comes to renovating, success is rarely about simply updating a space. It is about strategy, timing and understanding where to invest for maximum impact. That is the philosophy behind Renovation Matters, founded in December 2021 by Kim Persson.
With more than a decade running her own business in the renovation and property presentation space, Kim has completed more than 110 renovations and earned over 35 five-star reviews in the past four years alone. Her experience dates back to 2016, specialising in renovations designed not just to improve homes, but to add measurable value, particularly for those preparing to sell.
Renovation Matters focuses on pre-sale renovations strategically designed to maximise return on investment. Rather than encouraging large-scale structural overhauls, the approach centres on targeted cosmetic upgrades that transform presentation and appeal without unnecessary overspending. Every project begins with clear planning and a focus on outcome, ensuring homeowners understand exactly where their money is best spent.
Beyond pre-sale projects, Renovation Matters
offers full project management from concept to completion. From coordinating trusted, high-quality trades to managing timelines, budgets and suppliers, the process is streamlined and transparent. Kim’s network of reliable professionals ensures that each project is delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
The service does not stop at renovation.
Decluttering, styling and managing properties through to settlement are all part of the end-to-end offering, allowing clients to feel supported at every stage. Renovation Matters is known for its organised, personable approach, removing much of the stress that often accompanies renovating.
At Showroom Canberra, visitors will have the opportunity to see before-and-after renovation transformations that highlight the power of strategic updates. Budget-versus-value case studies will demonstrate how thoughtful investment can significantly improve sale outcomes. Attendees can also learn about trusted supplier partnerships and gain practical advice tailored to homeowners planning renovations in 2026.
What sets Renovation Matters apart is its commitment to renovating with strategy rather than emotion. The focus remains firmly on return on investment, not just aesthetics. Clear communication
throughout each project ensures homeowners remain informed and confident in every decision.
Across Canberra, renovation trends are shifting. Strategic cosmetic updates are increasingly replacing full structural renovations, as homeowners look for smarter ways to add value. Warm neutrals are overtaking cool greys, textured finishes and natural materials are in demand, and energy-efficient upgrades are becoming standard considerations. Smarter storage solutions are also high on wish lists, reflecting the need for homes that are both functional and beautiful.
Importantly, today’s clients are more informed than ever. They seek clarity on potential return before committing to works and want practical, data-driven guidance. Renovation Matters responds to that demand with clear advice, careful planning and tailored recommendations.
For homeowners considering renovating now or in the coming years, a conversation with an experienced renovation strategist can make all the difference. Understanding what genuinely adds value, and what does not, can prevent costly missteps and protect budgets.
Renovation Matters continues to build its reputation on transparency, organisation and results. For those ready to renovate smarter, the guidance and expertise are already in place.
T: 0427 696 662
E: hello@renovationmatters.com.au
W: renovationmatters.com.au
Kim Persson, founder of Renovation Matters, specialises in strategic renovations designed to maximise return on investment for Canberra homeowners.
Before and after: A renovation by Renovation Matters transforms the space with improved presentation, functionality and market appeal.
RENOVATE TO STAY OR SELL
If your home no longer suits your needs but the thought of selling, moving, or renovating feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.
At Renovation Matters, we help Canberra homeowners unlock the true value of their homes through thoughtful, coste ective renovations that add comfort, function, and style — all delivered with the expertise of some of Canberra’s best tradespeople.
Renovate to sell: We guide you through strategic upgrades that help you sell faster, for a higher price, and with minimal stress — with funding available until settlement.
Renovate to stay: Love where you live? We can help you update your home for comfort, style, and functionality. From decluttering and updating key rooms to managing trusted trades on your behalf, we handle it all with care, clarity, and a personal touch.
“I had a fantastic experience working with Renovation Matters to get my house ready for sale. They did an excellent job with the renovations—everything was completed to a high standard and on schedule. The team was professional, reliable, and Kim kept me informed throughout the whole process. Communication was always clear and prompt. Kim’s management skills are exceptional. She is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is compassionate, professional, thoughtful, clever, and brilliant at her job. I highly recommend Renovation Matters and Kim to anyone needing quality renovation work.”
Canberra’s cold, your house doesn’t have to be
As Canberra faces rising energy prices and more extremes in temperatures, homeowners are looking for practical ways to make their homes warmer in winter, cooler in summer and cheaper to run year-round. That’s where Alexander Watson comes in.
Based in Mitchell, Alexander Watson specialises in improving the comfort and energy e ciency of existing homes, particularly older properties that struggle with heat loss, draughts and inconsistent indoor temperatures. By focusing on how homes retain and resist heat, they help create more stable and comfortable living environments throughout the year. Its core services include insulation upgrades, double glazing and draught sealing, all designed to reduce energy loss and improve thermal performance. These improvements not only enhance comfort but can also significantly lower energy consumption, which is becoming increasingly important as energy costs continue to rise.
Taking a whole-of-home approach, Alexander Watson also integrates reverse cycle air conditioning systems with heat recovery ventilation to control comfort as e ciently as possible. This is supported by solar and battery systems that generate and store the energy
needed to run the home, helping households reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and better manage ongoing costs.
The team also supports homeowners who are renovating or building from scratch, ensuring comfort and e ciency are considered from the very beginning. By developing a prioritised list of improvements tailored to each property, the business helps clients make informed decisions that maximise performance and long-term value.
A key point of di erence is its in-house capability. Alexander Watson employs a large team of certified insulation installers, along with licensed electricians, refrigeration technicians and a licensed builder. This allows the company to deliver integrated solutions and ensure upgrades are completed in the correct order for the best possible outcome.
The business is also product agnostic, meaning recommendations are based on what best suits the home rather than a single brand or system. This flexible approach is particularly valuable in Canberra, where housing styles vary widely, and many homes require customised retrofitting solutions.
Current industry trends are reinforcing the demand for these services. Increasingly extreme temperatures, higher energy prices
and policy shifts away from gas are driving greater awareness of electrification and energy e ciency. With fewer new builds and more people investing in existing housing stock, retrofitting older homes has become a practical and necessary focus.
At Showroom Canberra, Alexander Watson will showcase an insulation house model that demonstrates best-practice installation and highlights the latest trends in high-performance homes. The display is designed to help visitors understand how insulation, electrification and ventilation systems work together to improve comfort and reduce energy use.
Whether upgrading an older, cold home or planning a new build, Alexander Watson o ers a comprehensive, one-stop approach to insulation and electrification, helping Canberrans create homes that are more comfortable, e cient and better suited to the region’s increasingly demanding climate.
3-4/76 Hoskins St, Mitchell, ACT 2911
T: (02) 6181 2750
E: insulation@alexanderwatson.com.au
W: alexanderwatson.com.au
Alexander Watson helps Canberra homeowners create more comfortable, energy-e cient homes year-round.
Riteway Curtains and Blinds shaping Canberra homes for over 50 years
For more than five decades, Riteway Curtains and Blinds has helped Canberra homeowners transform their spaces with custom window furnishings designed for comfort, style and performance. As a proudly family-owned and operated business, Riteway has built its reputation on quality products, trusted advice and a deep understanding of local homes and conditions.
Founded in 1973, Riteway began as a small operation focused on delivering personalised service and well-made curtains. Over the years, the company has evolved alongside changing interior trends and advances in window technology, expanding its range to include blinds, shutters, awnings and motorised systems. Despite its growth, the core philosophy has remained the same: provide tailored solutions that combine beauty, practicality and long-term value.
Operating from its Fyshwick showroom, Riteway offers customers the opportunity to explore an extensive collection of fabrics, finishes and product options. From contemporary sheer curtains that soften
natural light to energy-efficient Luxaflex Duette honeycomb blinds designed to insulate against Canberra’s seasonal extremes, every product is selected with performance in mind. The team understands that window furnishings are more than decorative features — they influence privacy, temperature control, acoustics and overall comfort.
A key part of Riteway’s longevity has been its commitment to end-to-end service. Rather than simply supplying products, the company guides clients through consultation, measure and quote, custom manufacturing and professional installation. This hands-on approach ensures each solution is precisely fitted and suited to the home’s architectural style and the client’s lifestyle needs.
Innovation continues to shape the business. In recent years, Riteway has embraced smart home integration, offering motorised blinds and curtains that can be operated by remote control, smartphone apps or voice activation systems. These technologies not only enhance convenience but also support energy efficiency by allowing homeowners to better manage heat
gain and loss throughout the day.
Sustainability and durability are also central considerations. By partnering with leading suppliers such as Luxaflex, Verosol and BQ Design, Riteway sources materials that meet high standards for quality and environmental responsibility. Long-lasting components and expert installation reduce the need for frequent replacement, making window furnishings a sound long-term investment.
What truly sets Riteway apart, however, is its local focus. As a Canberra business employing local staff, the company understands the region’s unique climate and design preferences. Cold winters, hot summers and strong sunlight demand products that perform year-round, and the team’s experience ensures recommendations are both practical and stylish.
Many of Riteway’s customers are repeat clients or referrals, reflecting decades of trusted relationships within the community. Whether assisting with a new build, renovation or simple room refresh, the company approaches every project with the same attention to detail that has defined it since day one.
As homes continue to evolve into more flexible and technology-driven spaces, Riteway Curtains and Blinds remains committed to helping Canberra residents create interiors that are comfortable, functional and distinctly their own — proving that quality, service and local expertise never go out of style.
1/64 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick
T: 6280 4769
E: fyshwick@riteways.com.au
W: riteways.com.au
Proudly family-owned, Riteway Curtains and Blinds has been serving the Canberra community since 1973.
Objective Wealth: Smarter home loan solutions for every stage
As interest rates, renovation costs and property prices continue to shift, more Canberrans are looking for smarter ways to finance their homes, whether that means buying, refinancing, renovating or investing. For many, navigating the lending landscape alone can feel overwhelming. That is where Objective Wealth & Mortgages steps in, o ering a tailored, client-first approach to home finance.
Based in Curtin, Objective Wealth works with a broad panel of lenders to help clients secure finance solutions that align with their personal goals, not just what a single bank is prepared to o er. Rather than focusing solely on interest rates, the team looks at the bigger picture, including borrowing capacity, lender policies, property value assessments and long-term financial flexibility.
This approach is particularly valuable for homeowners looking to renovate or unlock equity. Instead of a one-size-fits-all loan structure, Objective Wealth assesses how much a client owes, what their property may be worth and how much usable equity is available. From there, solutions can be structured in a way that allows homeowners to fund improvements e ciently, whether through refinancing, equity
release or staged lending options depending on the scope of the works.
With rising energy costs and more homeowners choosing to upgrade existing properties rather than move, strategic financing for renovations has become an increasingly common focus. Objective Wealth helps clients understand how improvements may impact property value and borrowing power, while also ensuring the loan structure remains manageable both now and into the future.
A key advantage of using a mortgage broker is access to real choice. Di erent lenders can assess income, property value and risk in di erent ways, which can significantly influence how much a client can borrow and under what conditions. By comparing multiple lenders rather than relying on a single institution, Objective Wealth can identify opportunities that may reduce costs such as mortgage insurance, improve loan flexibility or provide faster access to funds.
The process begins with a detailed consultation to understand each client’s financial position, lifestyle needs and long-term plans. From there, the team researches suitable products, manages the paperwork, liaises with
lenders and guides the application through to settlement. This streamlined approach is designed to save clients time, reduce stress and simplify what is often seen as a complex process.
Objective Wealth also places strong emphasis on ongoing relationships rather than transactional lending. As circumstances change, whether through career progression, growing families or shifting financial goals, clients can revisit their loan structure to ensure it continues to meet their needs. This long-term perspective is especially important in a lending environment where policy changes, product updates and market conditions can evolve quickly.
With more than half of Australians now choosing to use brokers when securing a home loan, the value of personalised guidance and market-wide comparison is becoming increasingly clear. By combining lender choice, strategic advice and hands-on support throughout the finance journey, Objective Wealth & Mortgages aims to help Canberrans make informed decisions and move forward with confidence, whether they are entering the market for the first time, renovating an existing home or optimising their current loan.
Objective Wealth helps clients find the right home loan solutions tailored to their goals.
Kitchens made to last
For many of us, the kitchen isn’t just where meals happen. It’s where the day begins, where kids do homework, where friends lean on the bench with a cup of tea, and where life gets stitched together in the ordinary moments. And when a space is used that hard, it needs to feel good to be in — not just on day one, but for decades.
That’s the thinking behind Select Custom Joinery. Established in 2000 and based in rural Hall, we’re timber specialists — “Masters in Wood” — designing and manufacturing solid timber kitchens and joinery that are built to last. For the right home, real timber o ers something you can’t replicate with standard materials: warmth, texture, character, and that quiet sense of quality you notice every time you open a drawer or run your hand along a benchtop edge. We’re seeing a clear shift in what people are asking for. More Canberra homeowners want kitchens that reflect who they are, rather than whatever happens to be trending. They’re looking for spaces with personality and integrity — materials that feel real, and choices that make sense over the long term. Sustainability, in this
context, often looks like longevity: a kitchen made from solid timber, designed well, cared for, and still doing its job beautifully 20, 30, even 50+ years later.
At Showroom Canberra, you’ll be able to chat directly with owners Gino and Robyn Monteleone about what’s possible when you start with the right material and build properly. Gino has been a cabinet maker and furniture maker working with timber for 38 years, and that experience shows in the way we think about structure, function and finish — not just how something looks on opening day, but how it performs year after year. We’ll be showcasing solid timber kitchens and joinery, and we’re always happy to talk through ideas, constraints and options in plain language.
If you’ve only ever experienced “standard” kitchens, come and see — and touch — the di erence for yourself. Feel the sturdiness, notice the detail, and imagine what that kind of warmth could bring to the heart of your home.
1182 Wallaroo Road, via Hall, 2618
T: 6230 9414
E: mail@selectcustomjoinery.com.au
W: selectcustomjoinery.com.au
Select Custom Joinery specialises in solid timber kitchens and bespoke joinery designed for long-term living.
Against the Grain: Bespoke timber crafted to last
Against the Grain manufactures high-performance timber windows, doors, gates, and bespoke joinery, crafted to stand the test of time.
We specialise in architectural timber solutions for both contemporary new builds and the careful restoration or retrofitting of heritage homes. Every piece is custom-made to suit the project, enhancing architectural character while delivering highly functional, outstanding energy e ciency, durability and everyday comfort.
Our work is defined by a respect for timber as a living natural material. We guide clients through considered choices of species, glazing systems, finishes and hardware, ensuring each element performs technically while complementing the design intent. Whether the brief calls for bold modern minimalism or authentic heritage detail, we balance aesthetic integrity with building performance. Collaboration is central to how we work. We partner closely with homeowners, builders and architects to refine ideas, solve challenges and achieve the best outcome for each project. From early design discussions through production and delivery, our team brings practical insight and craftsmanship to
every stage.
Our skilled team combines traditional joinery techniques with precision machinery, allowing us to produce work of exceptional accuracy while maintaining the character and warmth that only solid timber can o er.
Based in the Blue Mountains, we manufacture locally and supply projects across the Blue Mountains, Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Central and Southern Tablelands and the Canberra region for both residential and commercial applications.
From a one-o entry door to complex restoration or large-scale architectural projects, every client receives responsive, personalised service. Our commitment doesn’t end at delivery; we stand behind our work and remain available to support our clients long after project completion.
T: 02 47823210
E: info@againstthegrain.net.au
W: againstthegrainwindows.com.au
CUSTOM TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS
Against the Grain manufacture to order, using select grade solid timber, premium hardware and high-performance glazing.
Traditional joinery techniques combined with precision machining ensure your investment remains functional and beautiful for years to come.
Suitable for residential and commercial purposes, we design and supply across the Canberra region and NSW.
Against the Grain creates bespoke timber windows, doors and joinery.
Handcrafted and one-of-a-kind
In a world of mass-produced furniture and décor, Metal Wood & Things stands apart for its dedication to handcrafted, one-of-a-kind design. Based in Murrumbateman and led by owner, sculptor and master craftsman Matthew Harvie, the business specialises in creating bespoke pieces from a diverse range of materials including metal, timber, epoxy, glass, stone and reclaimed elements.
Rather than producing standard items, Metal Wood & Things focuses on custom builds tailored to each client’s vision. From statement dining tables and sculptural works to custom signage and functional pieces for the home or garden, every project is individually designed and handcrafted. The process is highly collaborative, with Matthew working closely with clients to turn ideas into unique, practical and visually striking pieces.
With more than 30 years of experience, Matthew has developed a multi-disciplinary skill set that allows him to work across a wide
range of materials and techniques. While timber is often a preferred medium, many creations incorporate metal, recycled materials and found objects, resulting in designs that feel organic and full of character. His background in sculpture also influences the creative process, with pieces often evolving as they are made rather than following a rigid template.
Sustainability and creativity go hand in hand within the workshop. Early in his career, Matthew frequently used reclaimed and discarded materials, a practice that continues to shape the business today. This resourceful approach not only reduces waste but also gives each piece a story, texture and individuality that cannot be replicated through mass production.
The business is defined by its craftsmanship, attention to detail and willingness to push creative boundaries. Whether it is a custom bed, a river table, bespoke furniture or a sculptural installation, each piece is designed to be durable, functional and entirely unique.
By combining artistic vision with technical expertise, Metal Wood & Things o ers clients across the Canberra region and beyond the opportunity to commission truly bespoke creations that reflect their space, style and imagination.
T: 0400 201 067
E: info@mwat.com.au
W: metalwoodandthings. com.au
Metal Wood & Things creates handcrafted, bespoke pieces.
Swimart set to showcase exclusive deals at Showroom Canberra
by PAUL FAWKES, SWIMART FRANCHISEE
Swimart Belconnen and Erindale are delighted to be part of Showroom Canberra 2026. Having recently taken over as franchisee for the stores, I see this as a great opportunity to promote our services to more Canberrans and offer these exclusive deals at Showroom Canberra 2026:
Buy a heater and get a robotic pool cleaner for FREE*
15% off Daisy Covers – Rollers*
10% of Acoustic Boxes*
These offers are exclusive to The Showroom Canberra!
Come to the show and meet our staff at site 28, who will help you select the right heater to suit your needs. To extend your
swimming season in Canberra, you need to choose the right size heater, so bring photos and measurements of your pool and filtration equipment on the day. This will help ensure we give you the right advice.
Our partners at the show, BWT (Best Water Technology), will be available to talk to you about their range of robotic cleaners and the benefits of including a robot as part of your pool equipment. You’ll be amazed at the difference a robotic cleaner can make. You can also purchase a robot on the day if you wish.
The Daisy representative will be able to fit you with the right cover and roller. Daisy offers a range of covers for pools and spas, so come and take advantage of this opportunity to find the right cover, as well as the various types of rollers to suit your choice.
Daisy is also the distributor for Acoustic Box – ask at the show how it helps keep your filtration system in better condition and reduces noise levels, so it doesn’t disturb you or your neighbours at night while you sleep.
I look forward to personally seeing you at The Showroom Canberra.
*Terms and conditions apply
Visit Swimart at Showroom Canberra for expert advice on heaters, covers and robotic cleaners at site 28.
Redefining Australian home building
With a story beginning in the mid-1980s with founder Warren French, and now led by Managing Director Penelope Haley — with a third generation entering the ranks — Valley Workshop offers Tasmanian clients a personal pathway to thermally efficient, affordable timber homes suited to tough climates. What began as a pursuit of better building methods has evolved into an award-winning design and construction practice grounded in research, craftsmanship and innovation.
Dispelling the myth that prefabricated houses are uniform or generic, Valley Workshop has embraced a factory approach to create highly individual buildings: bespoke, lightweight, hyper-insulated, prefabricated timber homes designed specifically for cold climates and condensation control. Each home responds carefully to its site, climate and client.
As architects, manufacturers and builders working under one roof, the team delivers homes that combine craftsmanship, natural light, proportion and pioneering building systems — at a price that makes high-quality architecture accessible to everyday Australians.
Now it is time for Valley Workshop to take its message beyond Tasmania, with its first mainland
project underway in the Snowy Mountains — a region where performance in extreme conditions truly matters.
At Showroom Canberra, Valley Workshop will showcase its hyper-insulated timber building system and digitally fabricated wall modules. Visitors will see how advanced CNC technology, engineered timber products and precision prefabrication combine to create homes that are stronger, lighter and significantly more energy efficient than conventional builds. Homes are largely manufactured in the workshop, flat packed for transport, and rapidly assembled onsite, reducing waste, delays and weather-related setbacks.
What sets Valley Workshop apart is its fully integrated model: what they design, they build. Few companies in Australia deliver architectdesigned homes using condensation-controlled, environmentally sustainable structural systems of this calibre. The result is superior thermal performance, enhanced durability and long-term carbon storage — a responsible response to both climate and housing challenges.
Visitors to Showroom Canberra are invited
to meet Penny, Warren and the design team to discover a smarter way to build — where architecture, sustainability and advanced manufacturing unite to create beautiful, resilient homes for the future.
T: 0419 647 167
E: admin@valleyworkshop.com
W: valleyworkshop.com
Homes.
Workshop
is a Tasmanian design and build studio redefining how quality homes are created — marrying thoughtful architecture with highperformance, sustainable prefabrication.
We design and fabricate bespoke timber homes and modular solutions in our northern Tasmanian workshop, using award-winning environmental Structurally Insulated Panels (eSIPs) that deliver thermally efficient, low-impact living spaces crafted for comfort and climate-aware performance.
Valley Workshop designs and builds resilient homes for extreme conditions.
A little touch of warmth that makes a big di erence
Warmup underfloor heating o ers a simple, e ective solution that transforms any room into a warm, inviting space by improving air quality, controlling moisture, and creating a more consistent indoor climate.
Warmup’s heating cables or mats are installed discreetly beneath the floor covering. Paired with smart thermostats, the system distributes radiant heat evenly across the entire floor, eliminating cold spots and maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature. This minimises the circulation of dust, allergens, and airborne particles — making the air noticeably easier to breathe, benefiting allergy and asthma su erers.
Choosing Warmup isn’t merely about luxury — it’s a practical
Nordic Blinds brings sleek design and smart comfort to Canberra homes
Nordic Blinds delivers stylish, energyefficient window furnishings tailored to modern Canberra homes.
Australian homes.
Designed with clean lines and a minimalist finish, honeycomb blinds work seamlessly across new builds and renovations alike. Their clever cellular structure traps air within the fabric, helping to keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer, improving comfort and supporting year-round energy efficiency.
investment in your home’s value and your family’s comfort. Safe, durable, and maintenance-free, it’s the little touch that makes a massive di erence.
Today’s homeowners want window furnishings that deliver more than privacy. They are looking for streamlined design, energy efficiency and practical solutions that suit modern living. Nordic Blinds is meeting that demand with its range of slimline honeycomb blinds, tailored to complement contemporary
Beyond honeycomb styles, Nordic Blinds also offers pleated, roller and zebra blinds, customised to suit everything from tilt-and-turn windows to sliding doors and skylights. Cordless systems enhance safety for children and pets while maintaining a refined look. With a wide selection of colours and finishes, Nordic Blinds delivers practical, beautifully designed window solutions for Canberra homes.
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Celebrating 20 Years of Solace Creations
Canberra’s family-owned Solace Creations is celebrating 20 years of transforming homes with insulated windows and doors.
Founder Karen has been asking since 2006, “Why insulate your walls, ceilings and floors, but not your windows and doors?” She notes that with Canberra’s extreme weather, a well-insulated home is vital, and windows/doors comprise over 35% of wall space – a significant area for energy loss.
Solace Creations provides 7-star exceeding, uPVC double-glazed windows and doors from Australiancertified aluplast and deceuninck, ideal for new builds or replacing old ones. They o er custom design with a wide range of colours, opening styles and glass types, expertly installed to
Karen and her team of expert design consultants.
ensure lasting performance.
Visit Solace Creations’ tiny home at The ShowRoom Canberra Lifestyle Show this 14-15 March!
1/17 Townsville St, Fyshwick
T: 02 6260 1621
E: quote@solacecreations.com.au
W: solacecreations.com.au
Homes that feel as good as they look
Tranquil Architecture creates homes that are as clever as they are beautiful. Combining architecture, thermal performance and interior design, the Canberra-based family business specialises in coste ective, comfortable, sustainable and delightful homes.
From thoughtful renovations and seamless extensions to dual occupancies, secondary residences and knockdown rebuilds, every project is carefully planned to maximise space, natural light and energy e ciency.
Using solar passive principles combined with a focus on highperformance construction, the team designs homes that stay warm in winter, cool in summer and comfortable year-round — homes that not only look exceptional, but feel exceptional to live in.
Ready to improve your home?
Let’s design one that truly works for you.
Unit 10, 2-10 Oatley Court, Belconnen
T: 0420 763 695
W: tranquilarchitecture.com.au
Tranquil Architecture specialises in thoughtful, sustainable home design..
PUZZLES & STARS
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
Even if your grievance is justified and you’re 100% in the right, carefully consider whether it’s worth fighting for. Because until it’s over, the fight will keep you emotionally invested in yesterday. Some issues are important enough to take on regardless of this cost. Many are not.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
New may not be better, but it’s happening anyway. However you learned the job, things have changed. What you were taught is now obsolete. Your strength is that you see new information and better methods as a compliment to your discernment rather than a challenge to your authority.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 What is the world’s largest landlocked country?
2 Who won the 2025 Masters golf tournament?
3 The 1980 movie, Coal Miner’s Daughter, is based on the life of which singer?
4 In Germany, what type of food are you eating if you eat kuchen?
5 Chickenpox is also known by what name starting with V?
SOLUTIONS
Early success felt electric and new. But now you’ve reached a level of competence, and the buzz is fading. Time to focus on contribution. When you collaborate with beginners or help create conditions for someone else to succeed, their excitement will refresh yours.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
You’ve felt drawn to wounded souls because you sensed that you could make a difference. The way you help is fortifying for all. But it’s not the only use of your talent. Now there’s a chance to connect with a like mind you can share ideas with, or a role model type you can grow your skills with.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
An unhelpful thought cycle has a way of showing up when you’re under stress. Welcome it and listen to what it has to say. You will figure out how to debunk this little spiral and end it for good. Mindset requires strategy. You’re open, so you’ll find ways that do work to empower you.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
You can create more freedom in your day and make room for what truly benefits you. This is an ideal time to release something that’s been getting in your way. If there’s an idea or unhealthy dynamic that’s been holding you back, the circumstances are right for letting go. Once you do, it’s a fresh start.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
You’re becoming increasingly adept at a skill out of sheer necessity. Perhaps they disappointed, they failed, they abandoned ship, and you took the wheel. However this occurred, and however you were wronged by it, it’s the reason you’re so strong and capable.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
When it comes to getting attention or support of any kind, the moment you strive to get it is the moment it runs farther away from you. Don’t chase or reach. Don’t even want. Attraction is the way. Like attracts like. Focus on the small way you already have your desired outcome.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
You have this amazing ability to make a person in the crowd feel like the only person in the room. While charisma is a gift, it’s also a skill. Furthermore, in your case, it’s a responsibility you wield carefully, and a service you offer generously as you engage, lift and support, one person at a time.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
You’re in a phase where your responsibilities are heavier than those of others. Because of that, your progress depends on sustained attention. Keep moving so you don’t get interrupted or pulled into a side conversation. If they can’t catch you, they can’t distract you.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
Some experience anticipation of a happy event as delightful excitement, but it is just as normal to experience it as dread. Hope has a way of increasing the stakes. Joy can have a cost, and the body senses that vulnerability. Can you let caution coexist with lighter feelings?
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
You’re making your dreams come true by getting ready for them. There’s something dream-related you could be working on. For instance, exercising so you’re healthy when your “ship comes in” or reading so you’re educated and can speak competently on topics related to your dream.
DIFFICULTY RATING
WIN! ! Pyrex Meal Prep Giveaway
Meal prepping with Pyrex containers is a simple way to stay organised and eat healthier throughout the week. The durable glass resists stains and odours, making it perfect for storing meals like roasted vegetables, pasta, or grilled chicken. Because Pyrex is oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher-safe, you can cook, store, reheat, and clean up using the same container. The clear design lets you easily see what’s inside, helping reduce food waste and track portions. With secure lids and stackable shapes, Pyrex makes weekly meal prep efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly.
The prize pack contains: 1x Pyrex® Simply Store 12 Piece Set (RRP $154.99); 1x Pyrex® Large Glass Cutting Board (RRP $15); and 2x Pyrex® Lock N Store 1.05L (RRP $19)
ENTER TO WIN!
To enter, email competitions@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘Pyrex Meal Prep Giveaway’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including street address) and one of the items in the prize pack. Entries close 9am Friday 6 March 2026 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
Crème de la crème of French flicks
by GEORGIA CURRY
Life does imitate art, just look at the upcoming Alliance Francaise French Film Festival that features a movie made a year before the infamous 2025 Louvre art heist – about an art robbery at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris.
You couldn’t make this stuff up. The film, The French Job, is one of 38 French films screening at the French Film Festival from 5 March to 8 April.
Before you dismiss foreign sub-titled films and return to mass-produced Hollywood fare, you should know that A-listers Angelina Jolie and Jodie Foster (both fluent in French) star in the line-up and several blockbusters are French twists on Frozen and Back to the Future
You see, a French Film Festival isn’t a festival just for French people – 77% of their audience are Australian.
Festival CEO Frederic Alliod said the program was far from cliché love stories, offering diverse genres like sci-fi (the psychological thriller Dog 51), horror (the haunting Alpha), and true drama/comedy (The French Job), a true story of how five priceless paintings by the likes of Matisse and Picasso, vanish. Sound familiar?
Frederic summed up French films with one word: “grounded”.
“Our films are not black and white, they are grey because life is grey, which is why the most famous
genre for French cinema would be comedy/dramas because in real life you laugh, you cry,” Frederic said. “It’s both at the same time sometimes.
“Sometimes we have pure comedy and it’s absurd but most of our films click with reality. You have a lot of side stories. In an American action film, for example, they will stick to the plot. In France, you will have side stories to build the character, develop the psychology.”
Fans of French cinema are growing in Australia and last year, almost 200,000 people attended the French Film Festival. In fact, it’s the largest French film fest outside of France.
These select films are hand-picked from the glamorous Festival de Cannes (Cannes Film Festival) where Frederic attends each year – a tough job but someone has to do it.
“I think there are worse jobs,” he admits. “It’s not as glamorous as you would expect ... they have a market where they sell movies and I go there as a buyer.”
The Allaince Francaise French Film Festival is at Palace Electric 5 March to 8 April. Program: affrenchfilmfestival.org/films/canberra
The best French movies have been hand-picked by Alliance Francaise French Film Festival CEO Frederic Alliod.
Photo Georgia Curry
CURRY
Super group flies in
and the noir-ish mood of our music”.
and the noir-ish mood of our music”.
lead vocal duties (between Adalita and Harvey).
ICanberra Theatre four rock royaltySeeds), Adalita Three) and Marty legends, together band was The out and about constantly,” experience mind calling herself because you’ve time,” she said. “I because you have familiarity and ease.
These Melbournian misfits have been living and gigging in the same city for decades so it seems inevitable that they would eventually wind up together.
These Melbournian misfits have been living and gigging in the same city for decades so it seems inevitable that they would eventually wind up together.
“Literally within the first song that we started jamming together, it was so easy and we just didn’t even need to talk,” Adalita said. “We just jammed and it all just flowed out. It was undeniable straight away.”
by GEORGIA CURRY
’m not sure what the capacity of Canberra Theatre is but hopefully there’s room for four rock royaltyMick Harvey (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds), Adalita (Magic Dirt), Mick Turner (Dirty Three) and Marty Brown (Art of Fighting).
“Literally within the first song that we started jamming together, it was so easy and we just didn’t even need to talk,” Adalita said. “We just jammed and it all just flowed out. It was undeniable straight away.”
With so much star power in one band, one wonders if there’s too much ego to fit in a hire van.
With so much star power in one band, one wonders if there’s too much ego to fit in a hire van.
“We’re all pretty easygoing artists and leave our egos at the door and just serve the music, serve the song,” Adalita said.
Separately they’re Oz rock legends, together they’re new supergroup Bleak Squad.
“One of our first names to call the band was The Unavailables because everyone’s just out and about and both of the Micks are in Europe constantly,” Adalita (“Ads” to her bandmates) said.
This unlikely quartet has a tonne of experience between them and Adalita doesn’t mind calling herself “an old showgirl”.
lead vocal duties (between Adalita and Harvey).
After spending her entire life with Magic Dirt, with whom she’s played with since her early 20s for her “bread and butter”, Adalita said joining a new band was akin to a new relationships or even marriage.
After spending her entire life with Magic Dirt, with whom she’s played with since her early 20s for her “bread and butter”, Adalita said joining a new band was akin to a new relationships or even marriage.
“When Marty proposed it, we all said yes straight away so it was an immediate thing but in saying yes, we weren’t sure it was going to work out,” she said. “It was just a little punt to see if it would work. It did thank god.”
“We’re all pretty easygoing artists and leave our egos at the door and just serve the music, serve the song,” Adalita said.
“I love a bit of diva. I love a bit of, ‘I’m the star’. That’s kind of part of many artists’ makeup. There’s being a diva in a negative way and then there’s just being a strong artist who demands a certain standard.”
“When Marty proposed it, we all said yes straight away so it was an immediate thing but in saying yes, we weren’t sure it was going to work out,” she said. “It was just a little punt to see if it would work. It did thank god.”
The vinyl keeps having to get re-pressed so sales are going well. The fans keep coming to gigs, so their debut tour’s off and racing.
“I love a bit of diva. I love a bit of, ‘I’m the star’. That’s kind of part of many artists’ makeup. There’s being a diva in a negative way and then there’s just being a strong artist who demands a certain standard.”
Their hire van will be pulling into Canberra on Wednesday 4 March to share their brooding, noir-rock debut LP, Strange Love
Their hire van will be pulling into Canberra on Wednesday 4 March to share their brooding, noir-rock debut LP, Strange Love
Adalita usually jumps in the front seat to be “climate control”/road trip playlist (and also to avoid car sickness). They’ve just completed a regional tour of their home state, Victoria, and Adalita’s just finished reading Helen Garner’s epic 800-page tome, How to End a Story
“The experience definitely pays off because you’ve sort of been doing it for such a long time,” she said. “I like to call myself an old showgirl because you have a certain level of confidence and familiarity and ease. You know what you’re doing.”
Bleak Squad, collection of misfits
Adalita came up with the name Bleak Squad, saying it “speaks to both this loose collection of misfits
The vinyl keeps having to get re-pressed so sales are going well. The fans keep coming to gigs, so their debut tour’s off and racing.
“I’ve never been in another band so it feels like a totally different beast,” Adalita said. “It’s just come out of nowhere, it was really cool that it worked. We were surprised as well by just little things like Mick Harvey’s vocal and my vocal coming together so well. We weren’t really aware of that until we were in the studio.
Adalita usually jumps in the front seat to be “climate control”/road trip playlist (and also to avoid car sickness). They’ve just completed a regional tour of their home state, Victoria, and Adalita’s just finished reading Helen Garner’s epic 800-page tome, How to End a Story
The band usually opts for chat over music though, there’s a lot to talk about. They each juggle multiple instruments, songwriting, their own idiosyncrasies, and
“I’ve never been in another band so it feels like a totally different beast,” Adalita said. “It’s just come out of nowhere, it was really cool that it worked. We were surprised as well by just little things like Mick Harvey’s vocal and my vocal coming together so well. We weren’t really aware of that until we were in the studio.
“Mick Turner’s guitar is so signatured, such a unique sound that you go, oh, that’s Mick Turner. You can hear little bits of Dirty Three, bits of Bad Needs, a bit of rock coming through and Marty’s style. It really does feel like 25% of each country person coming through and melding together.”
Bleak Squad play at the Canberra Theatre Wednesday 4 March, 7:30pm.
The band usually opts for chat over music though, there’s a lot to talk about. They each juggle multiple instruments, songwriting, their own idiosyncrasies, and
“Mick Turner’s guitar is so signatured, such a unique sound that you go, oh, that’s Mick Turner. You can hear little bits of Dirty Three, bits of Bad Needs, a bit of rock coming through and Marty’s style. It really does feel like 25% of each country person coming through and melding together.”
Bleak Squad play at the Canberra Theatre Wednesday 4 March, 7:30pm.
New supergroup Bleak Squad play at the Canberra Theatre 4 March.
New supergroup Bleak Squad play at the Canberra Theatre 4 March.
Enlighten plugs in
by GEORGIA CURRY
Enlighten Festival 2026 is the only time Canberrans will see our National Triangle become a star, illuminating six national cultural institutions and debuting worldpremiere holographic water and light projections.
One thing Sydney’s Vivid doesn’t have that Enlighten does, is national institutions and Parliament House, so Canberra is dressing up our iconic facades to the nines.
Australian company The Electric Canvas is back behind the projector this year, as it has for the past 16 years, to bring our brutalist/ classical/modernist architecture to life.
It’s not just another light festival, according to creative director Adam Deusien.
“There are so many of these around the country now and what we’ve realised – what we’ve always known and what’s always been at the heart of Enlighten –we tell the story better,” Adam said. “We have the National Cultural Institutions and we have six of them.”
“It is the only time of the year that these cultural institutions come together in a festival context. We celebrate the role that they play in Canberra and in the nation, and really show them in a different light.”
Canberra will be treated to world-premieres, including Serendipity, a giant inflatable artwork of looping interwoven Corinthian columns that depict the passage of time. Canberrans can explore the space in between the loops and coils and ponder the passing of time and the unexpected joy that can be found in the small moments in life.
We will also be the first in the world to witness the ambitious Glitch Monument by Atelier Sisu,
a series of holographic water projects in front of the High Court, which explore identity through distortion, motion and light.
Developed by Collide Public Art in collaboration with artist Joel Zika, this sci-fi projection plays on the importance of monuments and busts in our built environment, of which Canberra has plenty.
“The artists are trying to imagine what happens when you kind of make them a little bit more intangible, a little bit more ephemeral,” Adam said.
Canberrans will also meet Amorphia, three-metre-high puppets of single-celled organisms shimmering with recycled and reclaimed soft plastics and fabric waste. It’s like standing on a petri dish underneath a powerful microscope and coming face-toface with a microscopic organism on steroids.
It poses the question: what if the carbon-based synthetic polymers of soft plastics became sentient?
“They just look so strange and delightful and they’re going to be a hoot,” Adam said. “And really excitingly as well, they are collaborating with some of the performers from Canberra’s own Warehouse Circus to perform them.”
As for the stars of the show, the illuminated buildings, you’ll have to wait until they flick the switch.
We can tell you that The National Library will feature The Page Turner by Eleanor and Giovannia, a stop-motion animated work depicting a child’s adventures through jungles and subterranean caverns, vast oceans battling terrifying monsters as they embark on a journey of curiosity through reading.
And, of course, Parliament House will feature the very apt artwork Democracy! By Philip Bunting, which reminds us that
democracy isn’t just a system, it’s a living shared responsibility and possibility, shaped by us all.
With a budget of just over $1.66 million, this will be the second Enlighten Festival that Adam has overseen as creative director.
“One of our biggest successes is on the weekends where we
see between 25,000 and 40,000 attendances,” he said. “We also saw the highest satisfaction rate [86%] that we’ve seen.”
Average attendance for the past four years has been 287,000. Enlighten Festival runs from 27 February to 7 March. Festival info: enlightencanberra.com
WHAT IF JULIET’S STORY DIDN’T END WITH ROMEO?
Art installation ‘Amorphia’.
Booktalk
This week, Jeff Popple reviews three good crime novels for your late summer reading. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Inside Man by John McMahon
Harper Collins, $34.99
John McMahon made a good entry into the international crime writing ranks with his first FBI novel, Head Cases, and has now followed it up with the even better Inside Man. FBI Agent Gardiner Camden and his idiosyncratic team are on the verge of stopping a rightwing militia group from stockpiling weapons when their confidential informant is killed. As they set about solving his murder, they find themselves caught up in the hunt for a serial killer who has been quietly targeting women for several years. Fast-paced and intriguing, Inside Man keeps you engaged from the beginning to the final bloody shoot-out. Highly recommended.
The Girls Before by Kate
Alice
Marshall
Macmillan, $34.99
Kate Alice Marshall is very good at thrillers set in small-town America with dysfunctional wealthy families and creepy murders. Her latest is no exception and has the added bonus of an engaging central character in the form of search and rescue expert Audrey Dixon. In The Girls Before, a woman is trapped in a dark basement surrounded by the scribbles left by long-dead girls, while above ground, Audrey finds evidence that a teenage runaway might have been kidnapped from land belonging to a prominent local family. With consummate skill, Kate brings the two strands together in a way that thrills and surprises.
I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig Sphere, $32.99
Lastly, Fergus Craig’s I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home combines a good murder mystery with laugh-out-loud moments and a swathe of surprises. Former serial killer Carol is out of jail and nicely ensconced in a pleasant retirement home, when one of the residents, a former police commissioner, is brutally murdered. Suddenly, all eyes are on Carol, and she has to solve who really killed the former copper before she is sent back to jail. Moving along at a nice pace, and aided by Carol’s darkly humorous comments, the story smoothly twists its way to a clever and original resolution. Great fun!
What’s on!
SPORT
ACT Brumbies vs Blues
28 FEB
Fresh off two 50-point performances, the red-hot ACT Brumbies play their first home game of the season against the Blues.
Visit two productive gardens embracing environmental practices, hydroponics, worm farms, raised beds, and much more and talk to the gardeners. New volunteers always welcome. Charnwood Community Garden, adjacent to Sports Way, off Lhotsky St, working 60 allotments by the Canberra Organic Growers Society. Canberra City Care Harvest Garden, 20 Cartwright St, Charnwood, has eleven raised garden beds and provides seasonal produce for its kitchen and clients as part of the circular economy. Refreshments and barbecue available.
In a desert, an Army mechanic (Alan Ritchson) fixes his soldier brother’s (Jai Courtney) vehicle which is experiencing a pressure issue. After a personal tragedy, the mechanic strives to keep his promise to his brother to become an Army Ranger. During the final 24 hours of the gruelling selection process, the newly dubbed Soldier 81’s team gets more than they ever bargained for.
When Bruce Willis mixed his dramatic chops with the action movie genre, the 80’s macho action hero went into a steep decline. Marking the end of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s and Sylvester Stallone’s reign at the action movie top, Die Hard (1988) ushered in a new wave of emotionally intelligent action heroes.
Slowly working his way through a list of archetypal heroes, spanning TV’s Smallville (2001-2011), Titans (2018-2023) and Reacher (2022-2025), Ritchson here is a genuine 80’s action hero throwback with plenty of cinematic references in tow. All grim stoicism, Ritchson’s highly disciplined Soldier 81 is a man on a personal mission with blinkers on to the world around him, including his fellow soldiers. A natural leader, Soldier 81 is reluctant to take on the responsibility, that is, until he has no other choice.
Verdict: Shot in the wilderness of remote Victoria, the movie is an explosive, adrenaline-raising genre mash thrill ride that is best watched without any prior knowledge of what it entails
- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.
FESTIVAL
Enlighten Festival
27 FEB-9 MAR
Enlighten Festival returns, lighting up the nation’s capital with 11 nights of culture, creativity and afterdark discovery. The festival will illuminate Australia’s most iconic national institutions with world-class projections, live music, immersive art and rare after-hours experiences.
Friday 27 February to Monday 9 March; enlightencanberra.com
SHOW
Jimmy Carr –Laughs Funny
2-3 MAR
If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then get ready to be happy. Jimmy Carr is going back on tour with his brand-new show ‘Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny’.
Royal Theatre, 2-3 March; premier. ticketek.com.au
FESTIVAL
Canberra Comedy Festival
11-22 MAR
Canberra Comedy Festival is back for 2026, featuring the Gala, Clean Comedy Spectacular, Festival Club and a bunch of shows from some of the best international, national and local acts getting around. 11-22 March; canberracomedyfestival.com.au
Find more listings at canberradaily.com.au
HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?
Contact Anand on 0432 887 457 or anand@ newstimemedia. com.au
Crime 101 (M)
In LA, the introverted, disciplined, and pacifist loner Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth) pulls off his latest jewel heist. After being rattled by a gunshot, Mike tries to call off his next venture, however his handler (Nick Nolte) hires the volatile Ormon (Barry Keoghan) instead. Soon, loner LAPD Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) links Mike’s string of unsolved robberies together.
Based on a novella, the movie is a stylish, pared-back noir-crime thriller. The night cinematography is smooth and unhurried, capturing our archetypes up close and unfolding the excellent car chases in a clear and easy-to-follow fashion.
Lead Chris Hemsworth unconvincingly plays against his heroic type, here a 6-foot quiet thief who is disturbed by violence and shy around the ladies.
Mike, Detective Lou, and insurance broker Sharon Combs (Halle Berry) share a fear of an uncertain future in a capitalistic society. Becoming increasingly disillusioned with the realities of aging and the twilight of their careers, all three question their professional choices and the lives they have led thus far. While the theme of financial desperation is intriguing, its resolution, along with a relatively quiet third act, is unsatisfying.
Verdict: A strong opening let down by a fizzer of an ending, which upends our lead characters, leaving a generic crime thriller derivative of Heat (1995).
- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net
Viewed at Dendy IMAX Cinema
Health insurance set for biggest rise in nine years
by ANDREW BROWN, AAP
Private health insurance customers are set to fork out more on their policies after the latest premium increase was locked in.
Health Minister Mark Butler said premiums would rise by 4.41 per cent from 1 April, up from a 3.73 per cent increase the year before.
It’s the largest single-year rise in premiums since 2017, when it rose by 4.84 per cent.
The health minister said the rise in premiums reflected a rising cost for medical and hospital services, such as an increase in wage bills.
“The government understands the pressure health insurance premium changes put on Australians and decisions about private health insurance premiums must put consumers first,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
“This premium round has been guided by my commitment to maintain the value of private health insurance for Australians, while making sure the sector plays its part in supporting private hospitals facing rising costs and significant challenges.”
It’s estimated more than 15 million people have private health insurance in Australia.
In the year to the end of September, insurers paid out more than $26 billion in health and medical costs.
Mr Butler said he had rejected previous requests by private health insurance companies for larger increases, but called for insurers to do right by their customers.
“Australians deserve transparency, fair pricing and confidence their premiums are being directed where they are needed most,” he said.
“I expect private health insurers and hospitals to work hard to bring down costs and keep future price increases to a minimum.”
WIN! ! $200 Canberra
Day Spa voucher
International Women’s Day is coming up on 8 March and, thanks to Canberra Day Spa, CW is set to spoil one local woman. The spa has generously offered a $200 voucher to one lucky winner. Located in the heart of the city, Canberra Day Spa offers a range of treatments designed to help you unwind and relax. We want to hear from you about a woman in your life who deserves pampering
ENTER TO WIN!
Is there a special woman in your life who deserves to be pampered? Whether it’s a relative, loved one, carer or someone who has made a difference to you, we’d love to hear about them. In 75 words or fewer, tell us why you’re nominating her to win this prize. Email your entry to competitions@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘Canberra Day Spa voucher’ in the subject line. Entries close 9am Friday 6 March 2026 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.
Note: We would like to interview the winner for an
The latest health premium increase is the largest singleyear rise since 2017. Photo: Diego Fedele/AAP Photos
Why giving a presentation feels like running a marathon
with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA CO N T R IBU
There is a particular kind of exhaustion that follows giving a presentation. It is not the satisfying tiredness you feel after a long run or a productive day in the garden. Instead, it is a full-body depletion, a heavy fatigue that settles in once the adrenaline fades.
Recently, I was talking with colleagues at the University of Canberra about how completely exhausted we feel after delivering a lecture or facilitating an all-day workshop. Despite standing in one place and “just talking,” we often leave feeling as though we have run a marathon.
So why is presenting so exhausting?
First, presenting requires sustained cognitive effort. While speaking, we are simultaneously monitoring our content, watching the audience for cues, adjusting our pace, recalling key points, and staying aware of time. Our brains are juggling multiple tasks at once, and that constant mental multitasking is draining.
Second, there is emotional labour involved. Whether we are teaching students, presenting to colleagues, or speaking at community events, we are managing our own anxiety while projecting confidence and engagement. We read facial expressions, respond to questions, and try to keep everyone included. This level of interpersonal attunement demands emotional energy.
Third, our nervous system is activated. Even experienced presenters experience a surge of adrenaline before speaking. This heightened state of alertness can be helpful in sharpening focus, but once the presentation ends, the body often “crashes,” leaving us feeling depleted.
Perfectionism can make matters worse. If we are overly self-critical, such as replaying what we should have said differently or worrying about how we were perceived, we extend the stress response long after the presentation has ended.
The good news is that there are ways to manage this exhaustion. Here are some key points.
Build in recovery time. Avoid scheduling demanding tasks immediately after presenting.
Hydrate and refuel. Drinking water and eating something nourishing helps restore energy levels.
Move your body. Gentle movement, such as stretching or a short walk, helps release tension and metabolise adrenaline.
Practise self-compassion. Instead of replaying perceived mistakes, remind yourself that presenting is challenging and that “good enough” is truly good enough.
Reduce cognitive load. Clear slides, simple notes, and a wellstructured presentation reduce the mental juggling required on the day.
Normalise the experience. Feeling exhausted after presenting does not mean you did poorly, it means you invested energy, attention and care.
AI chatbots no substitute for human friends
by MELISSA MEEHAN, AAP
Artificial intelligence companions might alleviate loneliness in aged care, but they can’t offer the vital physical touch or address social isolation, experts warn.
Research from Monash University argues new AI ‘digital companions’, marketed as a solution for loneliness, are profoundly unethical, and could even increase social isolation.
The research, Against Imaginary Friends, argues AI chatbots and avatars only offer an illusion of connection and risk worsening isolation.
Lead researcher Robert Sparrow said the push to deploy digital companions ignores the fundamental need for human connection.
“Both loneliness and social isolation are epidemic in our society,” Prof Sparrow told AAP on Monday.
“I can imagine these things working, at least for some people, to reduce loneliness... but what it doesn’t touch is social isolation, because social isolation requires you to have relationships with real people.”
He also raised concerns about privacy, data misuse, and the risk of replacing real human relationships.
Digital companions are deliberately engineered to maximise user engagement, mirroring the addictive mechanics of social media and gaming platforms.
Prof Sparrow said they risked becoming a cheap substitute for real human connection and care, allowing governments to avoid necessary policy reform and potentially worsening the problem.
He also highlighted something called “skin hunger” which is when people crave physical human contact.
“Digital companions can’t do that, and they can’t also express the kind of concern that we express to people when we help them in the real world, doing day-to-day activities,” he said.
“Not having relationships with real people is going to be bad for you in various ways.”
AI or digital companies aren’t the solution to human isolation, research has found. Photo: Rounak Amini/AAP Photos
Designing a home that supports your routine
with MARIA CERNE, INTERIOR DESIGNER
AT STUDIO BLACK INTERIORS, STUDIOBLACK.COM.AU CO N T R IBU
February carries a different kind of energy in Canberra. The holidays are over. School bags are packed. Work calendars fill quickly. Life shifts back into structure, and this is where good design matters most.
When I begin working with a client, I don’t start by asking what colour they love. I ask how their mornings unfold. Where do school shoes land? Where does everyone drop their keys? Who makes the first coffee and where do they stand while it brews? A well-designed home should support your routine. It should remove friction, not create it.
Start with your mornings
Mornings are often the most pressured part of the day. If your kitchen layout forces people to cross paths, if your pantry is overfilled and hard to access, or if there’s nowhere to sit and put on shoes, stress builds quickly.
Consider:
• Clear pathways between fridge, sink and cooktop
• A designated drop zone near the entry for bags and laptops
• Drawers instead of cupboards for easier access
• Adequate bench space around appliances you use daily
Small spatial adjustments create a noticeable shift in how your day begins.
Design your entry with intention
Your front door sets the emotional tone for your home. It should feel calm and organised, even on busy days. Built-in joinery for coats and shoes. A bench to sit. Soft lighting in the evening. Durable materials underfoot. These elements work quietly in the background, keeping clutter contained and protecting your sense of order. An entry is not just another decorative space. It’s functional architecture.
Support focused work
Canberra homes often carry the added layer of hybrid work. A dining table is rarely the right long-term solution. A welldesigned workspace considers natural light, storage, and visual separation from living areas. Even a compact study nook benefits from custom joinery that conceals paperwork and cords. When work has a defined place, it becomes easier to switch off at the end of the day.
Create moments to slow down
Routine is not only about efficiency. It is also about restoration. A reading chair positioned near natural light. A coffee station that feels considered rather than cluttered. A bedroom with layered lighting and quality linen. These details anchor your day with small rituals that feel grounding. Your home should support both productivity and pause.
Think beyond today
Routines evolve. Children grow. Work patterns change. A flexible
floor plan allows rooms to shift purpose over time. A study can become a guest room. A playroom can transition into a teenage retreat. Designing with foresight prevents costly alterations later and protects your investment.
Ultimately, a home that supports your routine is rarely the loudest or most dramatic. It is resolved.
Thoughtful. Intentional. When the layout works, when storage is considered, when each space has a purpose, life feels smoother, and that is the quiet power of design.
At Studio Black Interiors, I believe great homes are not designed around trends. They are designed around how you live.
Interior Design: Studio Black Interiors | Photo: Adam McGrath | Build: Papas Projects
Contemporary calm
Braddon 13/70 Henty Street
Positioned on the edge of Braddon and moments from the CBD, this contemporary residence delivers architectural flair with everyday liveability.
The open plan living area is the undeniable showpiece. Triple-stacked doors open the space entirely to the courtyard, inviting in natural light and fresh air while creating seamless indooroutdoor flow. It is a design that feels impressive yet effortlessly
functional. The kitchen makes a bold statement with its black stone waterfall benchtop and refined finishes, complemented by striking herringbone flooring underfoot.
Upstairs, the main suite offers a private retreat, complete with its own balcony, generous walk-in robe and beautifully appointed ensuite, evoking a boutique hotel experience at home. Downstairs, a versatile multipurpose space provides flexibility rarely found in
city living, ideal as a media room, home office, gym or additional lounge.
With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, one car space and a 5-star EER, the home combines high-end finishes with thoughtful design. Walk to the city’s dining and entertainment precinct while enjoying nearby bike paths and green spaces for a quieter escape.
Auction Sat 14 Mar 2:30pm, onsite
View As Advertised Agent Jane Macken Mob 0408 662 119 Agent Emma Robertson Mob 0422 415 008
LJ Hooker Woden/Weston (02) 6288 8888
New year, new home.
1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments now ready to move in at The Borough, in the heart of Denman Prospect, featuring spacious floorplan and custom Flexi-Space design.
Visit our display apartments at 1 Carden Street, Denman Prospect. For more information, call LJ Hooker on 0417 668 668.
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION
A Premier Development Opportunity In Red Hill
Set in one of Canberra’s most coveted suburbs, this boutique townhouse project offers a rare, high-appeal opportunity for developers.
Designed by award-winning architects Fender Katsalidis (FK Australia), it combines bold, landmark architecture with efficient planning, while its prestigious Inner South location delivers strong buyer confidence and clear sales advantages.
LOCATION + PRIVACY + SPACE
Wake up to all-day sunshine and mesmerising parkland views from this rare north-east gem. Resort-style luxury meets city convenience with total privacy. Imagine a city apartment where your view isn’t another building - it’s parkland and open sky. Perfectly positioned for seclusion, this stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence o ers total privacy, abundant natural light, and uninterrupted views across Glebe Park to Mount Ainslie - no shbowl views overlooking the pool or neighbours, just serene forest-like panoramas. This is one of the most sought-after and functional oor plans in the complex, with bedrooms positioned at opposite ends for optimal privacy, comfort and air ow. High oor-to-ceiling windows ood the spacious open-plan living area with light, owing seamlessly onto a generous covered balcony - ideal for year-round alfresco dining and lounging while soaking in the views as if you are in the middle of a forest. The beautifully appointed kitchen, complete with premium Bosch appliances, stone benchtops, and an oversized island, generous double-panel pantry heights, inspires both everyday convenience and inspired cooking.
AUCTION: On Site 6pm on Friday 27 February 2026
for details
SECOND GENERATION LIVING? HOME BUSINESS? INCOME STREAM?
Second generation living with parents or adult children is now part of how families live. With commercial rates for business, perhaps a home business is better. 76 Eggleston offers so many options on this massive 1036m2, just minutes to Woden shopping precinct. This renovated modern and stylish 5 bedroom family home has three bathrooms, plus there is also the segregated two bedroom one bathroom studio. Both residences have double glazing and have been renovated, ready for you to move in. The open-plan style of the main home allows family to gather when they wish, but also to have their own private space. The kitchen and breakfast bar is the hub of the home, with sliding doors out to a great sized pergola for outdoor living. The segregated king-sized master bedroom has a large walk-in robe, and fantastic ensuite with double vanities. Four additional large bedrooms all have built-in wardrobes. The two bedroom studio is the perfect location for grandparents, adult children just starting out, or as a home-business. The physical separation from the home ensures privacy. Perhaps you might want to rent out the studio to supplement your mortgage payments? Too many choices.
AUCTION: On Site Wednesday 11TH March 2026, 5:30pm OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details
TWO RESIDENCES AND INCOME OF $78,000?
Live in one property and rent the other to supplement your mortgage? Dual income purchasing as an investor / SMSF for an amazing $78k pa income? Multi-generation living with parents or adult children in the second residence? Knockdown/rebuild the front house while you live in the back house? The original home has been renovated and offers a lovely cottage atmosphere for the new owners. The open plan of the lounge, dining and kitchen area allow easy living, and the three bedrooms accommodate queen and double bed furniture and all have built-in robes. The kitchen, laundry and bathroom have been renovated, and the home has been freshly painted - sparkling for a new owner to enjoy. The 2020 three bedroom three ensuite house is slightly smaller in size – and is purpose built for university students. Optimising passive solar design principles, it takes full advantage of the sun and saves energy costs throughout the year. The kitchen and one bedroom / ensuite are compliant with disability guidelines. The location is simply gold. Both homes have north-east orientation, and the quiet street only has traffic from the residents.
March
Please refer to websites for details
luton.com.au
It’s more than a home, it’s a community
The Grange is in the heart of Deakin, just 300m from shops and close to medical services. Enjoy refined, independent living in your own private home, with 24-hour onsite staff for peace of mind.
Be part of a warm and spirited community where every day is yours to enjoy as you choose — from dining out in the Dining Room to social events, fitness classes, and swims in the indoor pool. Stroll nearby walking tracks or explore Canberra’s cultural gems, all just moments away.
Call Michaela Howard on 0447 695 380 to find out more.
We have a North facing light and spacious three-bedroom home which includes:
• Modern kitchen with granite benchtop, stainless steel appliances including dishwasher
• Open plan lounge and dining opening onto an outdoor entertaining area
• Good sized internal laundry with dryer
• Ample storage
• New paint and flooring
• An outdoor entertaining space
• Staff on-site at all times in case of an emergency North facing 3 bedroom home – move in ready
565 Creewah Road, Cathcart
A rare diamond on the Southern Monaro Boasting a well-appointed homestead set on 103.11ha of picturesque countryside with magnificent views over Bibbenluke, “Spring Hills” is located between the Snowy Mountains and the Sapphire Coast and is the perfect lifestyle opportunity for a family that will appreciate its central location.
• Well-appointed homestead with granny flat under same roofline
• Surrounding the homestead -approx 2.5ac of well- maintained lawns and stunning conifer gardens that accentuate the local landscape
• Highly productive basalt soils with pasture improvements, watered by
dams and frontage to Teatree Creek and an average rainfall of approx 800mm
Retained by the same family since 1927, don’t miss this opportunity to make your tree change today.
Home by Holly 60/71 Giles Street, Kingston $880,000 Purnell
133/46 Macquarie Street, Barton $865,000 Ray White
7 Plante Place, Conder $863,500 Ray White 7/79 Crozier Circuit, Kambah $862,000 Home by Holly 57 Maxworthy Street, Kambah $860,000
77 Aerodrome Road, Bombala
Grazing opportunities minutes from Bombala
“High Plains” and “The Farm” are a unique opportunity to acquire highly productive farmland in the tightly held Bombala district and are being offered to the market separately or together.
• High Plains features approx. 231.406ha/571.804ac of gently undulating paddocks watered by dams. Additional improvements include - stone farm cottage, 3 stand shearing shed and machinery/fodder shed
• The Farm is approx. 49.08ha/121.277ac
with an approximate 800m frontage to Saucy Creek and access from Delegate Road
• Total of 280.486ha/693.081ac of gently undulating paddocks with a favourable aspects, improved Phalaris based pastures, watered by dams and frontage to Saucy Creek.
EOI closing 5pm 9th March 2026 Inspections By appointment with the agent
Nutrien Harcourts Bombala
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TIL I N G
Owner
ABN
Nine months on from the Federal Election, the Canberra Independent Network (CIN) has endorsed Claire Miles as an Independent candidate for the electorate of Canberra in the next federal election.
LOCAL TILING ACT
news briefs
Ms Miles stood as a federal candidate in 2025, contesting Labor MP Alicia Payne’s seat of Canberra.
Ms Miles said she believes Canberra deserves an independent, inclusive, and solutions-focused representative.
“An Independent Canberra voice can play a pivotal role in shaping policy and ensuring the electorate’s concerns are heard at the highest level.
“I am honoured by the community’s trust and CIN’s endorsement. My commitment is simple: to listen, to act, and to represent Canberra with integrity.”
From Monday 23 February, Safe Haven Belconnen has expanded its operating hours so distressed people can have more support.
Safe Haven Belconnen provides a welcoming, non-clinical space for people aged 16 and over seeking support.
The service will open an hour earlier each day, and be open on Mondays for the first time. It will now operate six days a week, Monday to Saturday, from 2 pm to 10 pm.
Safe Haven Belconnen is operated by Stride Mental Health in collaboration with ACT Health. It is committed to improving mental health outcomes and ensuring ACT residents have access to high-quality, person-centred care.
“The outstanding work happening at Safe Haven Belconnen is a direct reflection of the dedication and care shown by our staff every day,” regional manager Naomi Herborn said. “We are pleased to see the expansion of the hours of our service, so that more people in our community have access to safe, compassionate support when it matters most.”
Recent data shows that 25 per cent of adults in the ACT experienced mental illness in the past year, and 45.7 per cent have experienced mental illness at some point in their lifetime.
The ACT Greens have released a listening report which they say shows overwhelming preference for Big Splash to remain a water park and public expectation for the government to act.
Lenders repossessed the Macquarie water park last month, and the ACT Greens then urged the ACT Government to take over the site.
The listening report recorded 102 submissions and comments from Canberrans about what they wanted for the water park’s future:
100 per cent of survey respondents said they would visit Big Splash if it was open this summer. 73 per cent of all respondents want Big Splash to remain a water park with slide. When asked what government should do, most wanted to retain the site for community facilities and the water park.
Respondents who wanted additional facilities onsite predominately favoured more pools — such as indoor pools, hydrotherapy pools, heated outdoor pools, a dive pool, a wave pool, and splash pools.
There is a public desire for Big Splash to retain facilities for all-ages and to be open to the public throughout the year.
