IndiraNaidoo
Dr Karl
Gina Chick Rept
Grug
Sat 6 September, 10am - 2pm
Featuring Dr Karl, Gina Chick, Indira Naidoo, Grug & more!
Join us for Inspire – a free, fun, family-friendly festival featuring inspiring guest speakers, engaging activities, live music, food, markets and more.
Scan to view full program
Follow event signs to Strathnairn Arts Association, Gullifer St, Strathnairn.
FREE all ages event!
T: 02 6175 8800 E: sales@newstimemedia.com.au
3/21 Albany St, Fyshwick ACT 2609
Photo by Wilson Au Yeung.
Pablo Picasso, Woman in a multicoloured hat (Tête de femme au chapeau), 1939, Museum Berggruen, Neue Nationalgalerie— Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz © Succession Picasso/ Copyright Agency, 2025, photo: © bpk/Nationalgalerie, SMB, Museum Berggruen/Jens Ziehe
A sudden diagnosis, a courageous community Out of the : Blue
When David Fintan woke on an ordinary Tuesday morning in May 2018, it felt like any other day: exercise, school drop-o , work. By the close of business, he was fighting for his life.
On his way into the o ce, David took a short detour for a GP-ordered blood test to investigate some strange symptoms: sore eyes, a persistent cough, a racing heart.
Four hours later, his phone rang at work.
“They said, ‘You need to go to emergency. We’re almost certain you’ve got leukaemia.’”
David drove himself to Canberra
Hospital, calling his wife Amanda on the way.
Out of the Blue
One day David was a healthy, active 41-year-old father of three with a busy job. Out of the blue, he was a cancer patient, diagnosed with an aggressive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), facing months of radiation, chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant just to survive.
David’s journey through treatment was long and often frightening, facing intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
After initial elation that David’s brother was a perfect stem cell match and the graft had started to grow new blood cells, things went quickly downhill. A mysterious illness
brought violent attacks of vomiting and diarrhoea up to 20 times a day. Just lying in bed, David’s temperature was 40 degrees and his heart rate was 150 beats per minute, like a man running a marathon.
“I got weaker and weaker and sicker and sicker,” he says. He was tested multiple times for life-threatening graft versus host disease, but the results were always negative.
Close to end of life, David’s medical team told his wife Amanda they had no choice but to try the graft versus host treatment, knowing he was so sick the high dose steroidal therapy was a risk.
Thankfully, the doctor’s instincts were correct and within 24 hours, David was sitting up and eating.
It was his 42nd birthday and David had been given the gift of life.
Why we need to be ready
David’s story is one of hundreds from patients across the ACT and surrounding regions who find themselves in crisis without warning. That’s why the Canberra Hospitals Foundation has made Out of the Blue its 2025 fundraising theme.
Because health emergencies don’t wait for the right time. They arrive in the middle of the night, halfway through a pregnancy, during any ordinary day. They don’t discriminate, and they don’t warn. They strike out of the blue.
Chair of the Canberra Hospitals Foundation board, Susan Proctor, said the Out of the Blue campaign would channel funds into groundbreaking initiatives across patient care and innovation.
“This year, the Out of the Blue campaign will support some extraordinary projects. Reimagining how meals are delivered in hospital through a room-service style model, supporting the Centre for Personalised Medicine, and investing in world-class surgical robotics,” said Ms Proctor.
The Big Wig Challenge
One of the largest fundraising events supporting the Out of the Blue fund is the Big Wig Challenge. This October, Canberra’s business leaders and community champions will raise vital funds by zip-lining from a tall building at Canberra Airport.
Created in partnership with Stephen Byron, CEO of Canberra Airport and Director of the Snow Foundation, the event is more than a fundraising stunt — it’s a symbol of courage, community
Rick Davis Lennock Motors; Susan Proctor CHF Board Chair; Davina McCormick; Icon Water; Gregor Sutherland Workday; Scott Leggo; Todd Handy Bisa Hospitality
Restaurateur Omar Muscat took the leap at last year’s Big Wig Challenge, raising a record $68,000 to support the Canberra Hospitals Foundation.
spirit.
To qualify, each Big Wig must raise a minimum of $5,000. That money goes directly to the Out of the Blue fund, helping provide critical equipment, enhance care, and deliver comfort to patients and families when they need it most.
Susan reflected on the human impact of community support, pointing to David’s story.
“I’m reminded of people like David Fintan, a healthy, active father of three who, out of the blue, was told he had leukaemia. Overnight his life changed forever,” said Susan.
“Thanks to extraordinary care at Canberra Hospital and the generosity of the community, David is here today, cured, hopeful, and preparing to zipline with us this year.”
Canberra Hospitals Foundation CEO Helen Falla says the fund is vital to support local patients, their families, and the frontline sta who care for them through trauma and sickness.
“You can’t predict a crisis — but you can make sure families don’t face it alone.”
A rivalry for good
A friendly fundraising rivalry started in 2024 between Stephen Byron and Omar Muscat, a well-known Canberra hospitality identity with a long history of running popular cafés and restaurants. The challenge? A race to raise the most dollars for the Big Wig Challenge. Omar went on to smash all
fundraising records, raising $68,000 with Stephen close behind. He said his motivation to join the challenge came from personal experiences with his young family in hospital.
“I’ve got two little boys, and through their younger days you end up in hospital unexpectedly. What the team does at the hospital in those moments with trauma and caring for the community was something I wanted to give back to,” he said.
The challenge was put to him, and he roped his good friend Stephen in soon after, who took a little convincing before joining the cause.
“I don’t think I would have done it unless Omar was there. But because we were together, I had no choice,” Stephen said.
“I remember thinking of kids in the hospital getting needles and how much fun that wouldn’t be. I thought, I’m not going to be a bigger wimp than them.”
For Omar, the e ort was about more than raising money.
“For me, personally, it was an achievement to show my children that you’ve got to give back, do the right thing, and not be scared in life. The fact that I did it with Steve was really special. We conquered it, and we raised a lot of money for the hospital.”
This year, Omar and Stephen are throwing down the challenge to the Canberra community and all potential Big Wigs to match, or break, his fundraising total dollar for dollar.
“It’s a good thing to give back for
the Canberra community. And look, if you’re out there, I challenge you to step up and give it a good crack,” said Stephen.
For both men, it’s about more than bragging rights. It’s about inspiring others to give, proving that leadership is about action, and showing that when the community comes together, remarkable things happen.
Why it matters
Today, David Fintan is cured. It’s a bold statement, but it’s true. And he’s determined to give back.
He’s telling his story as part of the Big Wig Challenge, and he’s even planning to don a harness and take the leap on October 17, hoping to raise awareness about how fast life can change and how vital community support is in those moments.
“I want people to know that I didn’t survive this alone,” he says. “I had doctors, nurses, my family — and people I’ll never meet who gave to the Foundation without even knowing my name. That’s powerful.”
How to get involved
On Friday 17 October, 25 local Big Wigs will step up to the zipline, taking the leap not because they’re fearless, quite the opposite. It’s because they believe in standing with patients and their families in their most challenging moments.
To be part of the Big Wig Challenge:
Canberra’s business and community leaders gear up for the 2025 Big Wig Challenge on 17 October, raising vital funds to support patients and families when health emergencies strike.
• Visit canberrahospitalfoundation.org. au to browse the list of registered Big Wigs.
• Read their stories and motivations.
• Donate to support your favourite participant.
Out of the Blue isn’t just a slogan — it’s a frightening fact of life. David was young, healthy, and had very few symptoms. One blood test changed everything. If it can happen to him, it can happen to any of us.
That’s why the Big Wig Challenge matters. Because it’s not just about big wigs and zip lines, it’s about our community being ready to stand tall (or fly high) when others fall.
Because health emergencies come out of the blue, but compassion, community, and care can be ready and waiting.
Give a little. Help a lot. Scan the QR code below to get involved.
After a sudden leukaemia diagnosis, David Fintan’s journey back to health was made possible through extraordinary care and community support.
Voices from the frontline: OzHarvest Canberra
by NICHOLAS FULLER
The food need in Canberra is dire, with many unable to afford groceries — and yet one-third of all food produced in Australia (the equivalent of one in five bags of groceries) ends up as waste, because we buy too much and do not use what we purchase.
Bridging that gap is food relief organisation OzHarvest Canberra, whose three bright yellow trucks collect unused food and deliver it to 64 charities across the ACT working with the most vulnerable.
“Our focus is helping people with what they need today, so it’s one less worry that they have,” engagement and culture lead Christine Scott said. “It’s making sure the food is available now, and it’s making sure that the food that is there is not wasted.”
Ms Scott joined the charity at the end of the last year — ideal work for a ‘feeder’ like her, someone who shows love through food.
“There’s no better place than to work for an
organisation that truly lives and breathes that — bringing together connection with community, connection of food with people, having an uplift in their life.”
Canberra has the highest rate in the country of people accessing food support for the first time: 37 per cent. But that need is often hidden by Canberra’s wealth. Indeed, the ACT is worse than other jurisdictions because it is so highly privileged.
“When I started working with OzHarvest, a number of my peers were surprised that there was a need in Canberra from the community to access support, because in their sphere of influence, they have all they need, and it seemed unlikely that there were those in the community that need it,” Ms Scott said.
“Need is everywhere. It’s in every school, in every office block, it’s in every street.”
door to us — our neighbours and our friends. It’s likely to be people that we know. It’s likely to be people with mortgages and jobs.”
Cost of living is the biggest contributor to food insecurity, Ms Scott explained. The cost of food in the capital has increased by 21 per cent over the last five years, according to ACTCOSS’s recent Cost of Living Report. Mortgage repayments, rents, and the price of pharmaceuticals have also gone up.
“One extra increase in a payment makes it difficult for them to meet all of the demands; they make choices — and, unfortunately, food is one of those sacrifices.”
“But I can tell you, from those that we work with, it is everywhere. It’s in every school, in every office block, it’s in every street…
“The demand is coming from those who live next
Many of those in need are families and single parents. Others are dual-income families. Some workers travel from Canberra to Queanbeyan on the weekend just to use food pantries.
[continued
Reminder for seniors
Event details
Thursday, 18 September 2025
BBosom Buddies
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
osom Buddies ACT has been supporting people diagnosed with breast cancer when they need it most, and this year marks the organisation’s 30th anniversary. Bosom Buddies started with a group of women diagnosed with breast cancer who came together to provide support when there was none. What evolved is a grassroots, independent charity exclusively dedicated to o ering free, hands-on peer and ongoing support to those a ected by breast cancer and their loved ones. Did you know that Bosom Buddies remains the region’s sole provider of this essential service? Made possible through community donations and support, the organisation is able to provide its services free of charge. Breast cancer does not discriminate – it a ects
“What evolved is a grassroots, independent charity exclusively dedicated to offering free, hands-on peer and ongoing support to those affected by breast cancer and their loved ones”
all genders and all age groups. Everyone will know someone who has been a ected, and its impact is far-reaching. To support patients, Bosom Buddies provides a Buddy Bag before surgery, containing practical items to assist both pre- and post-surgery, along with information on available services. Bosom Buddies is able to provide support through one-onone peer support, opportunities to catch up in a group environment and general support through shared services. This support is ongoing and continues for as long as it is needed.
To mark 30 years of support, Bosom Buddies is hosting an evening of community, carnival magic and celebration. Guests will enjoy carnival-themed activities, fantastic prizes, gourmet catering and inspiring guest speakers. All funds raised will go directly to Bosom Buddies to continue supporting those in our community a ected by breast cancer.
59 Cameron Avenue Business and Conference Centre, Belconnen (above The Mercure) 6pm to 9pm
Tickets are $66 (GST incl) per person.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. If you are a business looking for a great charity to support and receive promotion of your business through social media and at the event, please contact Carolyn at Bosom Buddies on 0406 376 500 or email admin@bosombuddies.org.au.
Bosom Buddies needs your support to continue their support of our community a ected by a breast cancer diagnosis.
Bosom Buddies ACT
Building 1 - Room 4, Pearce
Community Centre
Collett Place, Pearce ACT
T: 0406 376 500
E: admin@bosombuddies.org.au
W: bosombuddies.org.au
“While they’re working and gathering income, that’s not going far enough to support them in getting the full package they need,” Ms Scott said.
But every day, starting at 7am, the organisation’s trucks begin their runs to collect food from donors, stop it from going to landfill, and deliver it to organisations working with the most vulnerable: “A continuous ripple of benefit,” Ms Scott said.
Those donors include supermarkets like Woolworths, ALDI, and Harris Farm Markets and niche suppliers like Bega Milk. Other organisations run food drives: the National Convention Centre cooked and packaged frozen soup as part of a winter campaign, while ADFA cadets filled a truck with the largest collection of pantry goods they had ever collected: 1,200 kg, or 2,400 meals.
The charity collects 10,000 kilograms per week, and distributed 1.48 million meals last year. The acquisition of OzHarvest’s third van two years ago increased the charity’s capacity by 38 per cent: this June alone, they delivered nearly 116,400 meals — up from 88,000 per month in 2023.
The charities OzHarvest delivers to include big food pantries — Communities at Work, Vinnies Roadhouse, the Early Morning Centre, and Havelock House — as well as organisations not known for
food relief: Oasis Youth Services (community housing for youth) or Canberra PCYC.
“It’s a gift to be able to give that to people,” Mr Murray said. “We do this because we care for and love our community. … Not only do the services give practical support, but they build a trust and relationship, which means they’re more likely to reach out and make steps towards living the life they want to.”
Demand for food from services has increased by 25 per cent — in some cases, up to 75 per cent, VolunteeringACT reported earlier this year. Nationally, 72 per cent of charities need more food than OzHarvest can deliver; in the ACT, the figure is about half, Ms Scott estimates.
Although its yellow vans are a familiar sight on our roads, OzHarvest Canberra is a small branch: 40 volunteers and the equivalent of five full-time staff.
“We’re a well-known brand; people assume we’re well resourced,” Ms Scott said. “While we do our very best, and we work with the community to make sure that’s the case, we do a lot with very little.”
Ms Scott encourages the public to support OzHarvest Canberra as a local organisation that supports the local community: “Get behind us when and where you can.”
Every $1 OzHarvest receives means it can deliver two meals. This makes a huge contribution, Ms Scott said: the organisations it supports can use their funds in a different way than buying food.
The public can donate money; run food drives; or host dinner parties where guests bring canned goods.
For more information, visit ozharvest.org/your-local-ozharvest/canberra.
Christine Scott (right), OzHarvest Canberra’s engagement and culture lead, with driver Ray Sevita and Vinnies Roadhouse officer Tim Murray.
Father’s brave Canberra Avenue crash act award
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
The father of a student seriously injured after being hit by a car near St Edmund’s College has received an award for his bravery.
Aaron Way and Aiden Stuart were hit by a car on Canberra Avenue on 28 March 2025.
A 31-year-old Victorian man, already subject to interstate parole and bail conditions, was charged in relation to the incident, as well as a second crash in Manuka later that day.
Aaron’s father, Josh Way, rendered first aid to Aiden, not realising his own son was the other student who was injured.
For his brave efforts, Josh was awarded the first St John Ambulance ACT Save a Life Award at Government House in Canberra earlier this month.
St John Ambulance ACT said Josh received the honour from Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn for “the selfless and courageous
action he took earlier this year”.
“Providing life-saving first aid treatment to a young school student who was critically injured when he was hit by a car,” a social media post by St John Ambulance ACT said.
St John ACT thanked Josh for his act of bravery.
In her speech at the ceremony, Ms Mostyn said that the award recognised “the spirit of the Order of St John”.
“Acting with integrity, dedicated to relieving sickness, suffering and distress, and preserving life,” she said.
In a post on her social media account, Ms Mostyn said faced with a life and death situation, Josh Way acted fast and decisively.
“Saving the life of a Canberra student hit by a car,” she said.
“Remarkably, Josh acted to save the life while his own son had been injured in the same incident.”
Ms Mostyn said the citation for the award recognised extraordinary courage and decisive actions in providing life-saving first aid to a member of the public.
Josh Way and Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn at an award ceremony at Government House.
Photo Courtesy of Governor-General of Australia
34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence
with BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD FORMER ACT
Congratulations to the heroic people of Ukraine on last weekend’s 34th anniversary of their independence from the Soviet Union.
I was honoured to attend their regular demonstration and vigil outside the Russian Embassy and say a few words. Ukraine is fighting the West’s fight with very little help from its Western allies. Australia should provide five times as much money and arms as we do at present.
I felt sad seeing there were only
about 40 demonstrators at the Canberra rally, and whilst the Sydney one was larger, the crowds were nothing like the several hundred thousand people across Australia who turned up to the pro-Palestinian, and thus effectively pro-Hamas, demonstrations.
In Ukraine’s case, the issue is very simple: a big, bad bully of a neighbour invaded a small sovereign state it had guaranteed to leave alone — killing whoever got in the way, taking more than 20,000 babies and small children to Russia to turn into “good little Russians,” and showing no compulsion about indiscriminate killing. There are no rules of engagement as far as the Russians are concerned, and they appear once again to have the support of Donald (Neville Chamberlain) Trump. God only knows what Putin has over him, or has Trump simply drunk the same Kool-Aid as our
pro-Palestinian demonstrators?
Sadly, despite their fine words, the weak Western European countries (the UK, France and Germany) do not have the military strength or moral fortitude to support Ukraine properly.
President Zelenskyy should not be intimidated by Trump. The man is a bully, and the heroic Zelenskyy should remember (as I think he does) what happened at Munich in 1938.
There, the gutless British and French sold the strong Czechoslovak state down the drain. They should not have done so, as the German army itself believed it could not break through the strong fortifications in the Sudetenland. If the “allies” had stood firm, the German army would likely have removed Hitler.
Instead, as a result of the cowardly British and French appeasers, the Sudetenland was handed to Germany in exchange for a useless guarantee
of peace, which Hitler tore up in March 1939 when he invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia.
There are two very strong towns in the western Donbass still in Ukrainian hands, and they have resisted every attempt by Russia to take them. These towns are key to the defence of Ukraine. The Ukrainians should not give up any territory in exchange for a flawed “peace” process. Perhaps Crimea could be on the table — but nothing more.
Churchill once said that countries that meekly surrender disappear from history. Countries that go down fighting always tend to rise up again – just look at Poland!
Volodymyr, tell Donald to “F... off” and go it alone if you have to. If you do, Trump will go down in history (despite whatever else he may do right) as an appeaser on par with Neville Chamberlain!
Helping seniors save on energy this Seniors Month
This Seniors Month, older Canberrans are being encouraged to take advantage of free events designed to help them make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient.
The ACT Government’s Home Energy Support Program offers eligible concession card holders up to $5,000 in rebates and a $10,000 interest-free loan to support upgrades such as reverse cycle heating and cooling systems, ceiling insulation, hot water heating systems, electric cooktops and rooftop solar. These upgrades can significantly reduce energy bills and improve year-round comfort.
To help seniors learn more and access these supports, a free morning tea and workshop will be held on Monday 8 September at the ACT Government office in Dickson. Attendees will hear from home energy experts about practical ways to reduce energy costs, including
switching from gas to electric appliances, using induction cooking, and maximising solar benefits. The session will also explain how to apply for rebates and loans.
For those needing more personalised assistance, free one-on-one drop-in help sessions will be available at the same location across four weekdays: 10 September, 18 September, 1 October and 8 October. Staff will be available to guide attendees through the application process and answer questions. No bookings are required.
Join the FREE workshop and morning tea to learn how Canberra Seniors can make their homes more comfortable and reduce their energy bills! Call 1300 141 777 to register.
Don, a local pensioner, used the program to replace his gas heating system.
“My bills for gas heating were increasing dramatically, and I wanted the freedom to use my heating without the dread of large energy bills,” he said.
Canberrans who have accessed the rebate are saving hundreds each year, with rooftop solar offering up to $1,500 in annual savings. The program is helping seniors stay warm, save money, and make their homes more sustainable.
For more information or to register, climatechoices.act.gov.au/hesp
European Masters
NEW HOME DECORATOR SPECIAL
The ACT Government’s Home Energy Support Program is helping Canberra seniors save on bills and improve comfort this Seniors Month.
2025 GALA AWARDS
Raiders break the internet
by GEORGIA CURRY
Nominations are now open to celebrate the outstanding contributions of women in Canberra’s business community!
Recognise the remarkable women making a difference. Explore award categories, review eligibility criteria and submit your nomination at www.cwb.org.au/awards
Follow us on social media for updates. Nominate someone deserving today!
If you watched the stunning Raiders win on telly last Friday night, you were not alone. The match-winning try has gone viral worldwide, with Sky Sports in the UK posting video footage to more than 7 million followers on X.
Ethan Strange’s 90-metre dash was also picked up by BeIn Sports (Qatari multinational network of sports channels), which posted a replay with French commentary to more than 4 million followers on their X account.
The “miracle in Mudgee” will go down in history as the mostwatched try in history.
Closer to home, the Raiders vs Penrith game-winner was watched by more than 1 million followers on the NRL’s Instagram account and a further 600,000 on TikTok.
If you missed it (where on earth were you!?), there were just 1:51min remaining in the first half of golden point when Nathan Cleary’s longrange field goal attempt hit the left upright and rebounded into the field of play for Jed Stuart to pick up the bouncing ball, sending Ethan Strange racing downfield before passing to Kaeo Weekes to score.
The NRL finals race has reached fever pitch. The Raiders fandom
and their green sausages are in rapturous hysteria.
The phenomenal try also rated the biggest broadcast audience for a Friday 6pm match since the NRL expanded to 17 teams in 2023.
The Raiders may well break the internet.
Prior to the game, a video of a young Raiders fan at a Book Week parade taunting Penrith players nearly crashed the web with almost 52,000 likes on TikTok. The hilarious video was of 10-year-old Reuben “the dinosaur kid” Jones, filmed by his dad, opening his T-Rex costume to flash his lime green Raiders jersey at Penrith Panther players. Burn. Reuben became an instant sensation and was even welcomed into Canberra’s sheds after the game to celebrate the win with the players.
Even in sleepy Mudgee (population 12,833), a record was set with Glen Willow Stadium hosting its biggest crowd ever. A record 9,925 fans went through the gates to see the Canberra Raiders defeat the Penrith Panthers in spectacular style and lock in a toptwo spot and two home finals.
The records continue to fall, with the Canberra Raiders set to break a 31-year-old attendance record at GIO Stadium with another sell-out this weekend. Up the Raiders!
Canberra Raiders stars Ethan Strange and Kaeo Weekes celebrate the “miracle in Mudgee”.
Photo Mark Evans/Getty Images
Power to the people: The Lanyon Dog Park saga
with NICOLE LAWDER FORMER ACT MLA AND DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER
I’m humming that John Lennon song “Power to the People” this week as I reflect on the recent battle over Point Hut Dog Exercise Area.
The controversy began when the ACT Government built the new Lanyon Dog Park adjacent to the existing exercise area. This was a 2020 election promise — at the time of writing, not quite open, although it should be very soon — who knew a dog park could take 5 years to build. While the new facility looks like it is going to be great, local residents quickly realised
the new park was quite small, and a huge reduction in dog exercise space compared to the Point Hut Dog Exercise Area which has enabled dogs of all sizes to run, socialise, and simply be dogs for around two decades.
The environmental sensitivity argument used to justify restricting the existing area raised eyebrows among locals who know the land well. Dogs have been safely contained by fencing, kept well away from the Murrumbidgee River corridor and the Bicentennial Trail. The suggestion that this particular patch of disturbed land suddenly required protection seemed disingenuous to those who use it regularly.
The community’s response was swift and organised. A petition to the Legislative Assembly gained momentum rapidly. Local MLAs visited the site and voiced support for residents’ concerns. The campaign highlighted a fundamental disconnect
between government decision-making and community needs.
The resolution, announced in July, vindicated the community’s efforts.
The Conservator of Flora and Fauna accepted advice from ACT Parks and Conservation Service that the core off-leash areas could remain accessible while protecting genuinely environmentally sensitive zones. This outcome represents more than just a win for dog owners. It’s a reminder that community voices — all too often ignored — do matter in urban planning decisions. The original proposal appeared to follow a familiar pattern: government builds new facilities while quietly reducing existing ones, hoping residents won’t notice or complain. When challenged, officials invoke bureaucratic complexity or environmental concerns to deflect criticism.
The Point Hut Dog Exercise Area campaign succeeded because
residents refused to accept this approach. They organised professionally, engaged respectfully, and presented clear evidence that their concerns were legitimate.
As Canberra continues expanding, the Point Hut Dog Exercise Area community victory offers valuable lessons. Communities deserve transparency about proposed changes to beloved facilities. Environmental concerns must be legitimate and evidence-based, not convenient excuses for unpopular decisions. Future planning processes should include meaningful consultation from the outset, particularly when existing community facilities are at stake. When residents (and in this case, their dogs) unite behind reasonable causes, their voices can be heard in the corridors of power.
For further discussion on this topic, head to Bite-sized politics (around 15 minutes easy listening) on Spotify.
Canberra, we’re big in space
by GEORGIA CURRY
Canberra’s currently starring in the ABC TV comedy series Austin (7:30pm Sundays) and we’re quite used to all the attention because even though we’re probably the least-known capital in the world, we’ve been a part of pop culture since the ‘70s.
Most people know our bit-parts in movies like The Castle (starring the High Court) and TV drama Total Control (starring Parliament House), but we’ve also had cameos in major sci-fi sagas. Apparently, we’re big in space.
While most of the world hasn’t heard of us, our little metropolis has been mentioned in War of The Worlds, Star Trek, and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
War of the Worlds (the rock opera by Jeff Wayne, not the Tom Cruise film) mentions Canberra towards the end, after the Martian invasion has been defeated by simple bacteria (spoiler alert).
The story flashes forward to when astronauts land on Mars and witness green flares, then suddenly NASA control loses contact with the astronauts and seeks help from other antennas: “Houston come in, what’s going on, Tracking Station 43 Canberra, come in Canberra.”
The DSS-43 antenna is that big dish at Tidbinbilla, the only antenna on Earth that can send commands to Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 (24 billion km and 20 billion km away). If it wasn’t for our 70-metre dish, which also had a supporting role in the movie, The Dish (in which the Parkes radio telescope stole our thunder), Canberra would never have made the editor’s cut. For the record, the Parkes dish is only 64 metres wide. Size does matter.
Trekkies will be pleased to know that Canberra also rates a mention an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise, in reference to one of the alien races’ embassies (perhaps in upmarket Yarralumla, Deakin or Red Hill).
The story goes, in the mid 22nd century, the
Vulcans maintained a consulate in Canberra. In 2155, after the xenophobic group “Terra Prime” issued an ultimatum demanding all non-humans to immediately leave the Sol system, their operatives reported that the Vulcans were not withdrawing from their consulates in Canberra and Berlin.
Canberra, take a bow. We may not be known by the rest of the planet but we are on the sci-fi radar. Live long and prosper.
Dr Damien Bezzina Skin Doctor
Expertise in the management of Skin Cancer, all lumps & bumps ranging from cysts, lipomas to anal skin tags and most things in between.
Appointments can be made via:
Ginninderra Medical Centre, Belconnen 02 6112 7111 or HotDocs online
QUEANBEYAN GP
SUPER CLINIC
SERVICES:
SKIN CANCER MANAGEMENT (surgical inc skin aps & grafts & non-surgical)
02 6297 3311
SKIN CHECKS (full body & spot checks)
LUMPS & BUMPS MANAGEMENT (cysts, lipomas, skin tags, anal skin tags, any other lesions)
DERMATOLOGY except acne (RASHES, HAIR LOSS/ALOCPECIA)
TEETH GRINDING/CLENCHING/JAW PAIN/Excess sweating/migraines (non-medicare rebatable) management
LASER – age spots on face/hands, spider veins, cherry angiomas, benign lesion removal
@lbsc_clinic | www.drdamienbezzina.com.au
Despite much of the world not knowing where Canberra is, our city has featured heavily in sci-fi pop culture. Artwork: Steve Miller
community noticeboard email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field have you heard?
GIVIT donation of the week: Toddler trike with pedals
GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation in the region that provides various support programs and services to assist parents and young children. They are seeking assistance for a mother and her child who are experiencing isolation and financial hardship. This new mother is a solo parent, taking care of a toddler while her husband is away in a country where there is military conflict. Mum has been worrying about her husband’s safety and is experiencing social isolation. She has obtained casual employment but is not earning enough for their needs. She has also taken steps to reduce social isolation but requires ongoing support so GIVIT is requesting a 3- wheel toddler trike with pedals for her child. This donation will bring joy and enable mum to bond with her son while they wait to be reunited as a family. Generous Canberrans can donate a preloved toddler trike in good condition or fund the purchase of a new one. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase a toddler trike. To help please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘toddler trike with pedals’ and Suburb: ‘Greenway ACT 2900’.
RED DOVE monthly op shop
Join us again this month for the winter sellout and spring arrivals on 4-6 September from 9am to 1pm at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, Comrie St, Wanniassa. Easy car parking and access in a large auditorium with yummy morning tea treats. Grab those winter bargains and new spring arrivals for all the family plus jewellery, linen, bric-a-brac and curtains. Give some great clothing a second chance promoting reusing and recycling. EFTPOS available. You will be coming again.
First Canberra Garden Club
Our next meeting is Tuesday 2 September at the Wesley Centre, Forrest. The talk is presented by Jacqueline Jenkins on Maintaining Plants in a Sealed Environment. Visitors are welcome to join us for a meeting before paying the membership fee of $20 pa. Plus, there is plenty of time to socialise. Contact us on first.cgc@gmail.com.
Canberra Jung Society
Our next meeting on Friday 5 September will feature a presentation “A Dream in a Teacup” by Eve Warren. Eve is an experienced Carer Support Group Facilitator, working particularly with the elderly and people suffering with dementia, and their carers. She discusses her experience of writing her novel, how it became her redemption, her coming out of darkness, and glimpses of self-actualisation. She relates her personal experiences to Carl Jung’s writings on dreams and active imagination. You are most welcome to join us from 7:30pm for music, library, cuppa and chat. Guest speaker at 8pm. Break around 9 for supper, then resume for discussion and questions, ending by 10pm. Location: MacKillop house, 50 Archibald Street, Lyneham. Cost $20 (Senior / Concession $15). Details: CanberraJungSociety.org.au
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.
& STARS
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
Your life vision will start to feel more concrete. It’s not about coming up with fantasies anymore; they’re turning into plans. People around you will provide scaffolding to your process to hold things up while you do the building. They won’t do it for you, but they’ll bring stability.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
Strangers note your charisma, though your close circle has grown accustomed to it. You don’t usually need loved ones to give you any more attention than they naturally would. But soon you’ll crave an audience, a witness to your sparkle. With a little distance, they can see you anew.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 What type of nut is used to decorate the top of a traditional Scottish Dundee cake?
2 The hippogriff (hippogryph) is a legendary creature with the hind half of a what?
3 Which car manufacturer makes a mini-SUV called Jimny?
4 ARS is the currency code for the official currency of which country?
5 Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature during which year?
You’ll see someone try to charm their way through something that requires effort. It won’t work on you. Your honesty isn’t meant to be harsh, just helpful. And there are those around you who can’t take even a tiny hint of it. Avoid them. Help those who appreciate what truth does to situations.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
The most meaningful thing about your week will be the fact that you show up the same way you always do. Whether you’re showing up to an event or a nonevent, your consistency is holding something important together. You’ll hold together a plan or the emotional equilibrium in general.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
Subtle exchanges will mean more than the loudest applause. It’s easy to miss casual moments of praise or support when you’re used to the spotlight, but the type of acknowledgement coming this week will feel deeply earned. It reinforces the idea that you don’t need more – you need real VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
Your attention to detail has effects you’ll never fully know, so it’s lucky that the ones you do see give you satisfaction, and maybe even a whiff of superiority, which you’ve earned. After all, only a superior person would care enough to tend to the granular work that holds it all together.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
You’re reading between the lines. Rather than judging too quickly, you’ll observe with your eyes and heart wide open. You’ll take note of the messy truths and move through it all with that sharp emotional intelligence of yours. It’s a week for discernment, not idealism.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
Boredom is powerlessness. It’s not the absence of stimulation; it’s the absence of agency. Being stuck can’t be changed and must be endured. This week, there’s a change, an exit or a new opening into a source of interest and potential joy – in other words, freedom.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
This week, your emotional state will depend less on what’s happening and more on what you expected to happen. When expectations are set too high, stress and disappointment are inevitable. Instead, you’re flexible, realistic and thus satisfied and in control.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
You’re determined to make a change. One of the most challenging parts is just beginning. You don’t have to know where to start. Just start. An outside perspective makes this easier. If you’re open to asking a friend, you’ll get the helpful bird’s-eye view of your patterns.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
You’ve been strong in ways no one sees, but you know, and this gives you the confidence to do what others don’t even try for. For instance, you take social risks, knowing that most people who look friendly actually are, and even the neutral-seeming ones can surprise you.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
The job of the day isn’t always transcendence. Sometimes it’s just getting through. You can spiral into the metaphysical later when you have the space or the calling for that. For now, keep it simple – less thinking, more pushing forward from laugh to laugh, scene to scene.
DIFFICULTY RATING
Marry Me Beef
Tender beef strips tossed in smoked paprika and garlic, simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan sauce, and orzo pasta. Finished with fresh spinach and basil, this irresistible one-pan dish is rich, comforting, and sure to win hearts.
Serves 4 | Prep 5 mins | Cook
10 mins
Ingredients
500g beef stir-fry strips
2 tbsp cornflour
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes
½ medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup semi-dried (or sun dried)
tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
1½ cups orzo pasta
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups baby spinach
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped finely
In a bowl, toss the beef strips with cornflour, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in batches, searing for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and crispy. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an
additional 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Add the orzo. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream, grated
Parmesan, baby spinach, and chopped basil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the sauce is creamy.
Divide the creamy orzo among serving plates. Top with the seared beef strips. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.
Recipe and image courtesy of Australian Beef
out
Canberra Moon Festival set to light up the city time
by VINCENT SAMARAS
Canberra is preparing to be illuminated this spring, as one of the city’s most vibrant cultural celebrations returns. The Canberra Moon Festival will transform City Walk and Petrie Plaza from 5–7 September 2025, with organisers expecting more than 40,000 people to take part in the three-day multicultural event.
The festival pays tribute to the Mid-Autumn Festival, a tradition celebrated across East Asia that symbolises reunion, harvest and harmony. But under the leadership of founder Suzana Li, the Canberra Moon Festival has become something uniquely local: a free, family-friendly celebration of diversity and togetherness.
“I’ve lived in Canberra since 2001 and noticed there weren’t any large events here with a Chinese cultural background, which is where I come from,” Ms Li says.
“I chose the Mid-Autumn Festival as the foundation because it symbolises family reunion, harvest and
sharing. From there, I wanted to create something unique to Canberra society, something that celebrates unity and the idea of one community, one world, one big family.”
A festival for everyone
This year’s Canberra Moon Festival promises a rich mix of sights, sounds and flavours for all ages. Visitors can expect striking illuminated installations, colourful lantern displays, and a program of live performances showcasing talent from across Canberra and beyond.
“People love coming for the hands-on experiences — from lantern making to fan painting. It’s not just for kids, adults get involved too,” says Ms Li.
Cultural workshops will offer the chance to get hands-on with traditional crafts and activities, while an array of street food stalls will celebrate the flavours of the world. On stage, music and dance will bring together influences from different cultures, with highlights including collaborations that blend traditional Asian instruments with contemporary Western sounds.
For Ms Li, these elements capture what the festival is all about.
“It’s a multicultural celebration where people from all backgrounds can come together,” she says. “The message is about unity: the world as one family.”
A community effort
Run largely on private funding and volunteer effort, the Canberra Moon Festival has grown rapidly in scale and reputation. Last year’s event attracted 35,000 attendees, and with government support secured for 2025, Ms Li hopes to reach even more Canberrans.
“The Canberra Moon Festival is more than just a celebration, it’s a bridge between cultures, a showcase of artistry, and a joyful gathering for families and friends,” she says.
The Canberra Moon Festival runs from 5–7 September in City Walk and Petrie Plaza. Admission is free. For details, visit canberramoonfestival.com.au.
The Canberra Moon Festival returns to the city from 5-7 September.
www.queanbeyan.collinsbooks.com.au
Booktalk
Revenge
This week, Jeff Popple reviews three great books for dad this Father’s Day! More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
of
Odessa
by Frederick Forsyth and Tony Kent Bantam, $34.99
It has been over fifty years since the publication of Frederick Forsyth’s The Odessa File. The book, and subsequent movie, were highly acclaimed and helped cement Forsyth’s reputation as one of the leading thriller writers of his generation. Now Forsyth is back with Revenge of Odessa, which features the journalist grandson of Peter Miller from the original book, who finds himself caught up in an elaborate scheme to put the Nazis back in power in Germany and, credibly, also in America. Full of astute geo-political insight and exciting set-pieces, this is a full-blooded thriller and a fitting finale for the recently deceased Forsyth. Great present!.
ANZAC Guerrillas by Edmund Goldrick Hachette, $34.99
Dads who like military history will enjoy Edmund Goldrick’s ANZAC Guerrillas. Following the disastrous Greek campaign of 1941, thousands of Allied soldiers were captured and imprisoned. A handful of ANZACs, however, escaped from the prison trains and eventually became embroiled in the bloody civil war in Yugoslavia. Included among the escapees were Ross Sayers and Ronald Jones, who found themselves involved in British Intelligence activities and the power play between the different resistance groups and their controversial leaders. ANZAC Guerrillas is a fascinating account of this largely overlooked contribution by Australian soldiers and provides an interesting reflection on the subsequent events in Yugoslavia. Highly recommended.
Die by the Sword by Tony Park Macmillan, $34.99
Tony Park is a terrific adventure writer, and his African-based novels are always a reading highlight. His latest, Die by the Sword, is another top-notch tale, and probably his most ambitious book so far. The novel uses dual timelines from the 1880s and the present day to tell the story about the search for the lost sword of Napoleon Bonaparte. In both time periods, there are murders and suspense, as three key characters follow a trail of blood as they look for the sword. Combining a brisk pace, an intriguing plot and vivid descriptions of Africa, this is an ideal adventure tale for dads.
CANBERRA WEEKLY COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners in Canberra Weekly’s latest round of competition draws are: Penguin Kids Book Pack: R. Gill, Amaroo
LLEWELLYN SERIES
Presented by The European Union in Australia
MOZART’S REQUIEM
7.30pm | 24/25 September
Llewellyn Hall, ANU
Experience Mozart’s final masterpiece live on stage
Now sh wing
Relay (M)
In New York City, Ash (Riz Ahmed) anonymously brokers a payoff on behalf of his client. After handing over incriminating documents to his former CEO, Ash’s client walks free to begin a new life. Soon, Sarah Grant (Lily James) meets with an attorney to arrange a return of stolen, incriminating documents and to ensure her safety, where the attorney refers her to an informal contact.
From the director of the excellent Hell or Highwater (2016) comes a slick and old-school spy thriller. Ash assists would-be whistleblowers who have changed their minds once they realise the consequences and repercussions before them, negotiating quiet resolutions for a tidy profit. Using analogue equipment, postal services and an untraceable phone relay service intended for the deaf and hard of hearing, Ash lives anonymously, untouchable and ultimately alone. Enter the gorgeous Sarah who is a deer in the headlights of this corporate espionage, immediately regretting her decision to expose her former employers and now wanting nothing else but for the whole ordeal to just go away.
Shot in the streets of New York, the movie invokes the feel of 1970’s cinema which oozes a palpable metro ambiance. Lead Riz Ahmed is intriguing; a man with few words whose impeccable process is threatened by the lure of a chance of an authentic human connection. Sam Worthington is a formidable foe, bringing a tenacious brawn against our introverted intellectual in an effort to secure the documents and sever all lose ends.
Verdict: A fun, taught Hitchcockianthriller in the vein of The Bourne Supremancy (2004).
- Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net. Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.
Riz Ahmed stars in Relay
What’s
SPORT
Raiders double header
30 AUG
This Saturday marks the final home games for both the Canberra Raiders’ NRL and NRLW teams. They take on the Wests Tigers during Member Appreciation Week.
GIO Stadium Canberra, Saturday 30 August, gates 11:45am, NRLW 12:45pm, NRL 3pm, NSW Cup 5:30pm; premier.ticketek.com.au
SPORT
Socceroos V NZ
5 SEPT
With both teams fresh off World Cup qualification and the ANZAC Soccer Ashes trophy up for grabs, it’s sure to be a fiercely contested match as each nation looks to continue its momentum on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
GIO Stadium Canberra, Friday 5 September, 7:45pm; premier. ticketek.com.au
FOOD
Onam Sadhya at Le Monsoon
6-7 SEPT
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Kerala at Le Monsoon’s Onam Sadhya! Indulge in a grand vegetarian feast of 24 authentic dishes, lovingly prepared to honour the traditional harvest festival.
G 02/45 Furzer Street, Phillip, 6-7 September; lemonsoon.au
COMMUNITY Kitefest
7 SEPT
Googong’s utterly uplifting kite festival is back to celebrate Father’s Day with a host of flying friends. See giant kites of all kinds, including teddy bears, octopuses, and koalas! Treat your father to lunch from food vendors or bring along a picnic and enjoy the kite spectacle while a DJ provides the in-flight entertainment. You can bring your own kite to this free event.
Rockley Oval, Googong, Sunday 7 September (Father’s Day), 11am-2pm; googong.net/updates/ kitefest-2025
FESTIVAL
Floriade
13 SEPT - 12 OCT
With the theme Science and Nature, wander through vibrant garden beds bursting with blooms, swap your gardening gloves for a lab coat and dive into nature’s laboratory with hands-on workshops, talks and activities for all the family. Enjoy a packed program of entertainment, live music, food and wine, market stalls, etc.
Commonwealth Park, 13 September to 12 October, 9:30am-5:30pm daily; floriadeaustralia.com
WIN! Italian Film Festival double passes
This 17 September to 15 October, the 2025 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival, presented by Palace, is bringing La Dolce Vita to the big screen with the largest celebration of Italian Film and culture outside of Italy.
For more information, please visit italianfilmfestival.com.au
@ItalianFF on Facebook and @ItalianFilmFest on Instagram. Courtesy of Palace Films, we have five double passes for a giveaway.
ENTER TO WIN!
To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberradaily.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find the competition you wish to enter and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 5 September 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
Find more listings at canberradaily.com.au
HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP?
Contact Anand on 0432 887 457 or anand@newstimemedia.com.au
health & wellbeing
Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week
CO N T R IBU
with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
How we think about ourselves has a powerful impact on how we feel, behave, and connect with others. A big part of that self-belief comes from how we see our bodies. For some, body image can mean confidence, acceptance, and appreciation. For others, it may involve shame, rejection, or even disgust.
Research suggests that up to one in five Australians feel unhappy with their bodies, and nearly one million people
are currently living with an eating disorder. These concerns affect people of all ages and genders.
When body image is poor, it can affect many areas of life — selfesteem, social confidence, eating habits, relationships, and even career opportunities. I regularly see people who avoid social events, exercise, or medical appointments because of discomfort about their appearance. These patterns can contribute to anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, not simply lifestyle choices. They require compassion, evidence-based treatment, and community understanding. Families, friends, and carers play an important role in recovery, but so does the broader culture around us. Every time we challenge harmful appearance-
based messages and value people for who they are rather than how they look, we help create a healthier environment.
One of the most effective ways to protect against poor body image is to start young. When children grow up in environments where body diversity is celebrated, they develop stronger resilience against negative cultural messages. Encouraging healthy relationships with food and movement, and focusing on what our bodies can do rather than how they look, makes a significant difference.
For adults, building a more positive body image often involves shifting the way we think and speak to ourselves. Approaches like self-compassion, mindfulness, and reducing comparison with others are shown to help. Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week (1-7 September 2025) is a
chance to talk about these issues more openly, reduce stigma, and remind people that recovery is possible. If you are struggling with body image or disordered eating, please know you are not alone. Reaching out for support is a strong and important first step.
The Butterfly Foundation Helpline is available on 1800 334 673 or via webchat at butterfly.org.au for anyone needing advice.
My forthcoming book, Embracing You: An Improvement Guide to Body Image and Self-Love (Australian Academic Press, 2025), offers practical strategies for developing body acceptance and self-compassion. You can scan the QR code below to be notified when it is released.
Struggling with Thinning Hair?
Discover the Shiseido Sublimic Adenovital Shampoo & Treatment
Exclusively at Bentley’s of Canberra and Xanthus, Jamison
Marie’s Testimonial:
Plaza
“I was initially doubtful about these products: would they help with my thinning hair when other products hadn’t? And would they be value for money, since they were more expensive than my usual Schwarzkopf products?
After 6 weeks of washing my hair every second day using Shiseido Shampoo and Hair Treatment, I noticed a remarkable reduction in hair loss — something no other product had achieved for me. Now, there’s virtually no hair loss when I comb or wash, and no more stray white hairs on my dark clothing.
The Shiseido Shampoo and Hair Treatment are also very economical because I use only a small amount of each (less than enough to cover a scent piece) when I wash my hair.
All in all, I am delighted with the Shiseido Hair Thinning products and would recommend them to anyone struggling with thinning hair or hair loss.”
— Marie Flint
Good food goes begging as Aussies toss the leftovers
by WILLIAM TON, AAP
Before Ally Hunter makes her weekly trip to the shops for groceries, she first stops by the fridge.
“I look in and see what needs to be used, and then I base my meals around that,” she says.
The 24-year-old advertising worker rents with three school friends, and with their busy schedules, food waste can be an issue.
But the household has been actively trying to cut down by meal prepping and reinventing leftovers into new meals.
“From when we first moved in to now, there’s a lot less waste,” she said.
Young Australians are leading a
trend where Australian households are wasting up to $1,500 of perfectly good food annually, according to OzHarvest’s Half Eaten: Australian Household Food Waste Research report.
The survey of over 3,000 households found young adults under 35 are throwing away 113 kilograms annually, 70 per cent more than their parents’ generation.
It was a shock for OzHarvest founder Ronnie Kahn to learn that Generation Z were the “waste generation”.
Ms Hunter has always been mindful about food waste, a skill passed down from her mum, but believes modern society where everything is more accessible, is leading to high waste.
“I would plan my meals around what’s left in the fridge, but that isn’t always convenient and easy for everyone, so it probably does impact (the amount of food waste) in the wider household,” she said.
Uneaten leftovers and fresh produce dominate household waste with nearly half of all surveyed regularly throwing away home-cooked or take-out meals, vegetables and herbs, which can cost over $500 annually.
Tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and leafy greens were the most common vegetables discarded, amounting to 152 kg wasted every year at a cost of about $205, while throwing away perfectly good leftovers are costing households $367 annually.
“We seem to have lost the connection between what it takes to grow food and what it takes to bring food to the table,” Ms Kahn said.
She said the best thing people can do to avoid wasting food and
money is to plan ahead, make a shopping list, check what’s in their pantry before they buy and using up leftovers.
“We need to be reminded. We need to learn. We need to have the awareness around doing that,” she said.
The perennial confusion around best-before and use-by dates was also an issue in 58 per cent of highwasting households.
“Used-by is about safety. Best-before is about quality,” Ms Kahn said.
The Ozharvest founder said people have lost the confidence of the past generations to use their senses to taste and smell when food has gone off before chucking things out.
The impacts also go beyond the hip pocket, with more than half of household food wastage ending up in landfill, generating methane and contributing to climate change.
www.michellerichardshearing.com.au
Local care. Expert solutions. A di erence you can hear.
If you’re experiencing hearing di culties or simply want to stay on top of your hearing health, Michelle Richards Hearing o ers the trusted, personalised care you’ve been looking for — right here in Canberra.
Proudly independent and locally owned, Michelle Richards Hearing is not part of a chain or franchise. That means you receive genuine advice, no sales pressure, just hearing solutions tailored to your unique lifestyle and needs.
Michelle Richards, a highly experienced Audiometrist with over 20 years of clinical expertise in adult hearing rehabilitation, is passionate about supporting people of all ages to live better through better hearing.
Michelle stays at the forefront of audiological innovation, o ering the latest hearing aid technology including discreet, rechargeable, and AI-powered options.
Whether you need a comprehensive hearing assessment, tinnitus support, hearing protection, or hearing aids, Michelle delivers expert care with a warm, community-focused approach.
Conveniently located in Dickson, Michelle Richards Hearing welcomes private, pension, DVA and Hearing Services Program (HSP) clients.
Home visits are also available for those who are unable to travel.
Disability exodus looms as workers face burnout crisis
by SAM KEITH, AAP
Australia’s disability support workforce is suffering from crisis-level concerns about pay, understaffing and burnout, a union survey says.
The Health Services Union study, released on Tuesday, found 63 per cent of the almost 500 workers polled had already left or had planned to leave the industry in the past year.
Almost half of respondents said they lacked staff for safe, quality care in the industry, while 74 per cent said pay did not reflect skill, responsibility and emotional toil.
The federal government last week unveiled plans to rein in spending on the $44 billion
National Disability Insurance Scheme by shifting some children with autism and developmental delays to a separate $2 billion program.
The union’s national secretary Lloyd Williams said many disability workers were “burnt out, underpaid and under-resourced”.
“The people they support feel the consequences. The data unequivocally shows this is a workforce crisis,” Mr Williams said in a statement.
Zelda Riddell, a disability support worker with 13 years’ experience, said it was an “amazing job” but burnout had several times almost pushed her to leave the industry.
Ms Riddell said working with
staff who lacked requisite training meant risks to those under care and extra pressure on colleagues.
“Across the sector increasingly qualifications are not required so you can start up in the sector with no prior understanding of disability or human rights,” she said.
The union delegate said urgent government action was needed to improve standards or else “the danger is that people are getting hurt and neglected”.
“If I leave for something easier
The Future of Dental Cleaning is Here.
and better, the person who replaces me is likely to have far less skills, far less training, far less motivation to do a good job,” she said.
“They need support to get their skills up to the right standard.”
Federal parliament on Tuesday will be the site of an NDIS workforce crisis panel where lawmakers will hear from unions and employers about their experience on the industry’s frontline, the union said.
Australia’s disability support workforce is at risk as staff head for the exit.
Photo: James Ross/AAP Photos
Kick off your project with the right first steps home
with MARIA CERNE
Starting a new build or renovation is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You might have ideas, Pinterest boards, or even a dream floor plan in mind. The question is: where do you begin?
The first steps you take can set the tone for the whole project. If you start well, everything runs smoothly. Start in the wrong place and you might only realise months later you’ve gone off track. Here’s how to make those early moves count.
Explore your options and test what’s possible
Before locking anything in, explore different approaches. Could you extend instead of knocking down? Could you rework the existing floor plan? Feasibility is key. It’s not only about what you want, but what your site and budget will allow. Spending time here helps you avoid costly surprises later.
Get clear on your ‘Why”
It sounds simple but knowing why you’re renovating or building makes every decision easier. Is it about creating more space for a growing family? Future-proofing so you can stay home longer? Improving flow and light so you enjoy being at home more? When you are clear on your ‘why’, you’ve got a compass to guide you. It keeps you focused when the decision list grows and everyone from your builder to your neighbour has an opinion.
Set and respect your budget
One of the most common mistakes I see is people jumping into design without having a firm budget. It
is easy to get carried away with beautiful plans, only to find they’re well beyond what you can afford to build. A clear budget from day one keeps the design grounded. It ensures every choice is made with your financial comfort in mind, so you move forward with confidence instead of fear of the unknown.
Know who to hire and when Bringing the right people on board early can save months of wasted time and thousands in unnecessary costs. Ideally, involve your architect or building designer, interior designer and builder from the start. Each plays a vital role: the architect leads the overall design, the interior designer ensures your home functions beautifully inside with well-considered layouts, finishes and fixtures, while the builder brings practical insights into site conditions, construction methods and real-world budgets.
The goal is a well-resolved design, with every selection in place, so your builder can provide a fixed-priced contract and accurate timeline. Clear, complete documentation reduces costly variations and helps your project run smoothly from day one.
A renovation or new build is a big step, and how you begin makes all the difference. By exploring options, clarifying your ‘why’ and assembling the right team early, you’ll set yourself up for success and create a home that fits the way you live.
Interior design: Studio Black Interiors | Photo: Adam McGrath
Family comfort and flexibility Higgins 36 Lutwyche Street
Set on a generous 697sqm block in leafy Higgins, 36 Lutwyche Street offers space, comfort, and flexibility in one of Belconnen’s most convenient locations. With fresh paint, thoughtful updates, and an extended floorplan, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is ready to move straight in and enjoy.
One of the standout features is the dual living spaces. The front lounge can be completely closed off – ideal for kids or as a home office – while the second living area flows directly off the master suite, giving parents their own private retreat. At the heart of the home, the kitchen connects beautifully to the main lounge and dining space, complete with a charming
server window, electric cooking, and generous storage.
The approved extension adds a spacious master bedroom with ensuite and direct backyard access, while three additional bedrooms are positioned around a central bathroom. Gas heating and upgraded insulation ensure year-round comfort, and the enclosed patio provides a versatile space for entertaining.
Perfectly located just minutes from Kippax Fair, Belconnen Town Centre and only 15 minutes to the city, this adaptable family home combines lifestyle and practicality.
4 2 1
EER: 1
Auction: 10 Sep, 6pm at the LJ Hooker
Canberra City Office
View: Sat 30 Aug, 12pm – 12:30pm
Agent: Hannah Green
Mob: 0422 381 055
Agent: Holly McPherson Mob: 0467 553 040
LJ Hooker Kippax 6255 3888
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION
282 Doust Rd, BYWONG
Imagine yourself here, 20 mins from the City.
Imagine yourself living on 20 acres, with your own creek, established trees, veggie gardens, fenced horse paddocks, and stables.
Imagine sharing this country life with your kids or parents, or running your own business. Imagine waking up to birdsong as the sun breaks behind rolling hills, and watching the sun set to the sound of laughing kookaburras or a frog chorus. It’s all here.
This property contains not one but two super energy-e cient homes designed by Light House architecture + science. This award-winning property o ers you the opportunity to live lightly on the land and enjoy a rural lifestyle, only 20 minutes to town.
Check websites for full details. Selling at Auction. You must inspect, you must not delay.
Peta Swarbrick 0432 391 755 | peta@brybricks.com.au
Brybricks 16 Finniss Cres, Narrabundah ACT 2604 View
Friday August 29th, 4:45–5:30 pm
Auction Friday, September 12th, 5:30 pm ONSITE
Coming Soon - North Facing 3 Bedroom Home
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.
This North facing light and spacious three-bedroom home includes:
• Modern kitchen with granite benchtop, stainless steel appliances including dishwasher
• Large open plan lounge and dining opening onto a covered outdoor area
• Bathroom with separate toilet
• Good sized internal laundry with dryer
• Ample storage
• New paint and flooring
• Staff on-site at all times in case of an emergency
*Please note: Images are of a similar home
This Spring, South Jerrabomberra will welcome two incredible new spaces – a stateof-the-art Town Park and the region’s biggest and best Dog Park. Land size from 592m2 - 2,067m2*
LAND NOW SELLING
real estate
Housing bubble warning as deposit scheme fast-tracked
by JACOB SHTEYMAN AND ANDREW BROWN, AAP
House prices could surge and mortgage defaults rise when a government scheme to help first home buyers begins ahead of schedule, experts warn.
First home buyers will be given a deposit leg-up sooner in an attempt to improve housing affordability but experts caution the fast-tracked policy could cause prices to surge and threaten financial stability.
An expanded federal government initiative allowing those looking to
buy their first property to put down a deposit of as little as five per cent will begin rolling out from October, three months earlier than its original start time of January 2026.
The deposit scheme will be eligible to all first home buyers, after previous versions had a yearly cap on the number of participants.
As part of the scheme, the government will act as guarantor and contribute the remaining 15 per cent of a deposit, allowing buyers to avoid costly lenders mortgage insurance.
The earlier start date will allow aspiring home owners to start paying
off their own mortgage - rather than a landlord’s - sooner, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“We’re absolutely determined to do everything we can to fast-track home ownership,” he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
Price caps for eligible homes in the scheme in almost all jurisdictions have been increased.
A first home buyer looking to purchase a property at the national median price of $844,000 would only need a $42,200 deposit to get their own home.
A deposit of $75,000 would be needed for the maximum property value of $1.5 million in Sydney.
The Property Council of Australia said bringing forward the scheme will help more first home buyers bridge the deposit gap and enter the market but emphasised it needed to be met with more supply.
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said it was fantastic to see a strong level of interest in the scheme after the Housing Australia website momentarily crashed following the announcement.
Modelling by Treasury found an extra 20,000 home buyers would access the uncapped scheme, bringing the total number using it to 70,000 in its first year.
But it will result in house prices rising 0.5 per cent faster over six years, the modelling found.
Centre for Independent Studies chief economist Peter Tulip said it was difficult to gauge the accuracy of the modelling without seeing the numbers underpinning it, but he knew of no research that would support such a low impact on prices.
Letting taxpayers underwrite lowdeposit mortgages would encourage reckless borrowing, Dr Tulip told AAP.
Trades & Services Guide
Trades & Services Guide
Trades & Services Guide
Trades & Services Guide
Trades & Services Guide
LOCAL TILING ACT
•
Reference available on request Antoniak Tiling and Renovations Email: Bantoniak051@gmail.com | 0417 092 760
Sometimes in today’s modern world we can forget the beauty in artisanal craftsmanship. Get in touch to start your dream project today. ✓ Re-Upholstery & Restorations
✓ Custom-Made Furniture
✓ Commercial Fit-Outs
✓ Bedheads and Wall Upholstery Call or email us today! 0422 073 665 / 6181 3511 toni@twinstitchupholstery.com.au
Massive Stock Clearance
THE LAST 2 WEEKS OF THE SALE
Up tp 40% off all jewellery, except pink diamond pieces, estate jewellery, and crystal, by negotiation.
