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National week shines bright light on volunteers
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
Volunteers help the world go round, and it’s no different in the nation’s capital.
There are 279,000 volunteers in Canberra, according to VolunteeringACT.
National Volunteer Week was celebrated by many from 19-25 May in 2025, to show appreciation for the unpaid heroes.
This year’s theme, Connecting Communities, highlighted the vital role volunteers play in early intervention, community resilience and social cohesion within our community.
VolunteeringACT said volunteers were the backbone of numerous sectors, including health, education, community sport, environmental conservation, and community services.
“Their collective contribution adds up to over $14 billion in value each year,” a statement by VolunteeringACT said.
Disability, Carers and Community Services Minister Suzanne Orr MLA acknowledged the
extraordinary contributions of volunteers across the ACT. She also encouraged Canberrans to explore the many ways they can get involved.
“We’re lucky to have many committed volunteers here in the ACT: three out of four Canberrans aged over 15 years volunteer in our community, either formally or informally,” Ms Orr said.
“From helping people in crisis to supporting environmental and animal welfare, Canberra’s volunteers are the quiet achievers who bring compassion, resilience and hope to our community.”
“It’s not glamorous, but it is really fun. I come to work with a smile on my face, and I leave with a smile on my face,” Ms Dearing said.
National Zoo and Aquarium volunteer coordinator Megan Sharman said the about 130 volunteers were the lifeblood of the award-winning tourist attraction.
“It’s just the most incredible group of people. They all come in every week, and they all help out on different rounds,” Ms Sharman said.
“They basically work alongside our keepers — just having that extra set of hands is absolutely key as the zoo is a massive enterprise, so there’s a lot of work to be done.”
This includes preparing food, cleaning enclosures and conducting checks on the animals.
RSCPA ACT also relies on volunteers — as well as donations — to survive.
Chief Executive Officer Michelle Robertson said despite the mentally and physically demanding challenges of looking after the animals in their shelter, 300 people volunteered or fostered animals for the organisation.
“Our volunteers and fosters give of themselves, generously. Some give themselves every day. Weekends. Sacrificing sleep or family time. Our foster carers open their homes,” she said.
“Each month, we receive 1,400 hours gifted to us through volunteering.
“This does not include the full-time care provided by our foster carers.”
ACT Wildlife president Yana del Valle said volunteers were at the heart of their organisation.
“They give their time not just to save individual animals, but to preserve the natural balance of life in our region,” she said.
“Their collective contribution adds up to over $14 billion in value each year ”
There are many places across Canberra that rely on volunteers, including the National Zoo and Aquarium, as well as RSPCA ACT and ACT Wildlife.
National Zoo and Aquarium volunteer and semiretiree Kirrily Dearing said she loved helping the zookeepers with their day-to-day tasks.
“Every life matters — from a rescued galah to a hand-raised wombat — and every life plays a vital role in the health of our local ecosystems.
“Canberra’s identity as the bush capital means we live alongside a rich diversity of native wildlife, and our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure these animals are given a second chance when they are injured, orphaned, displaced or in distress.”
To celebrate the week, ACT Wildlife launched a new volunteer recognition page on its website, inviting the community to acknowledge the extraordinary individuals who give their time, compassion, and skill to protect native wildlife that share our home in the bush capital. The page can be viewed here: actwildlife.net/volunteer-recognition
Semi-retiree Kirrily Dearing loves helping the zookeepers as a volunteer at the National Zoo and Aquarium.
Photo Lillian Altman
Slipper has Super Rugby record in sight
by MELISSA WOODS, AAP
James Slipper is set to become the most capped Super Rugby player and the second Australian to have played in two British and Irish Lions series after the Wallabies prop signed a contract extension.
The ACT Brumbies stalwart inked a new oneyear deal to stay in Canberra for an eighth year and his 16th Super season after making his debut with Queensland back in 2010.
The most capped Australian in the competition, Slipper has made 195 appearances, seven short of fellow prop Wyatt Crockett, who played for the Crusaders from 2006-2018.
Starting in 11 of his 12 matches for the Brumbies this season, the 35-year-old said it was easy to convince him to stay on for another year.
“When there was an option on the table of playing another season for the Brumbies, I couldn’t say no,” the Gold Coast-born veteran said in a statement.
“I love representing this club and being a part of this group. It’s an incredible place to play footy and I enjoy living in Canberra.
“My body is still good and I feel the fittest that I have done in a long time.
“I feel like I am still playing at a high level and contributing to the team. As long as I can do that, I will keep giving my all for the Brumbies.”
Slipper also made his Test debut in 2010, aged 21, and has become a key cog in the Wallabies forward pack with his ability to play both sides of the scrum.
He became the most-capped Wallaby last September in the Bledisloe Cup against the All Blacks in Sydney, eclipsing fellow Brumbies legend George Gregan.
A certainty for selection next month, Slipper is set to become the second Wallaby in the modern era to face the touring Lions twice, with the series 12 years apart.
Only Brumbies flanker George Smith has
achieved the feat, turning out for the 2001 and 2013 Lions tours.
Fellow Wallabies veteran James O’Connor, currently playing for the Crusaders and who face the Brumbies on Friday night, is also hopeful of earning another Lions call-up.
Meanwhile, Queensland have re-signed young centre Josh Flook until the end of 2026.
The 23-year-old, who made his Wallabies debut last year, has had a tough Super campaign after injuring his hamstring in round two.
He’s set to return for the final round of the regular season with the fifth-placed Reds hosting Fijian Drua, adding to his 55-game tally.
Australia’s most capped player James Slipper has another record in sight after signing on for the Brumbies in 2026.
Photo Richard Wainwright/AAP Photos
People who torture animals should be locked up
wi BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD FORMER ACT
I’ve said in this column a few times that I prefer animals to humans. They tend to be less cruel, kinder, and more tolerant than people. Humans have been very cruel to animals over the centuries.
My old local party, the Belco Party, had a great animal policy it took to the last local election. However, as we were a minor group and the mainstream media couldn’t give a toss about what we thought, it got little coverage.
However, I’d encourage this Assembly to look at it again and any other policies that help animals. The Assembly needs to start with the premise that animals are sentient beings. They feel pain, both physically and mentally.
In my view, the facts that need to be taken into account by this assembly are as follows:
1. The Labor/Greens government in 2020 promised to build a new facility for the RSPCA near Campbell Park for $40 million, to replace the totally inadequate and overcrowded one at Weston. That needs to be done immediately.
2. The RSPCA funds itself primarily through donations, with government grants covering only 13% of its expenses. It receives about $800,000 per year from the ACT Government. I suggested last
year that this should increase to $1.5 million annually.
3. The Animal Welfare Act needs an overhaul. Animals that have been brutalised or neglected are too often returned by the courts to their unfit owners. That needs to change. For starters, the legislation should be tightened to prevent this from happening. Courts should be empowered to impose lifetime bans on owning animals for the worst o enders, and bans of up to 10 years for those found guilty of serious, though lesser, cases of neglect.
4. Anyone who tortures an animal should never be allowed to own one again. The maximum penalties for animal cruelty and serious neglect need to be substantially increased — I would propose a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment. For the most severe cases, a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 12 months should apply. At present, court penalties are woefully inadequate, with serious cases often resulting in nothing more than a bond, sometimes without even a fine — and in some instances, the animal is returned to the o ender.
Animals make our lives better. Dogs, especially, aren’t called man’s best friend for nothing. They live to serve their human companions, and the least we can do is ensure their lives are free from want or abuse. Most people treat their pets and animals well, but sadly, some do not.
The Assembly needs to address this issue — ideally in a bipartisan manner. A short committee inquiry into animal welfare in the ACT could be a good starting point, helping to get the ball rolling so that appropriate steps can be taken to protect our beautiful four-legged and feathered friends.
Canberra winters the envy of Queensland
by GEORGIA CURRY
Gosh Canberra’s frosty mornings are lovely – said no one ever. Actually, one Canberran who eagerly welcomes our sub-zero mornings is Max Baux, who thanks his lucky stars when the mercury dips because that signals the start of sled-dog training season.
While the rest of us gather nuts and prepare for hibernation, Max and his two Siberian Huskies, Onyx and Phinn, prepare their sleds to race at Kowen Forest and pray for a frost (anything warmer than 15 degrees Celsius is too hot for Arctic breeds to race).
“Dog-sled racing is quite challenging in Australia but we’re lucky enough in Canberra to get cold weather but some of the states, like Queensland, they’re not as lucky as us and they do envy us sometimes when they come to our race,” said Max, who’s president of the Canberra Sled Dog Club.
Pity poor Queensland and its “beautiful one day, perfect the next” climate. Their dog sled races have to be held early in the morning (4am) or at night.
It’s not just Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes with their built-in puffer jackets that love our cold weather, the Canberra Sled Dog Club’s 30 members also race Labradors, Kelpies, German Shorthaired Pointers and German Shepherds.
“As soon as new members join, they’re a bit surprised and not sure what to do and the dogs are in a similar situation,” Max said. “But the second time, they know where they are, they can feel the car bumping when you go up in the forest. They just love it. They just want to run.”
Ironically, Max comes from France, where there are 250 dog-sled clubs (and snow), but it wasn’t until he immigrated to arid Australia that he embraced the alpine sport.
“Australia has about 10 clubs, so it’s quite a big difference and a smaller population. The crowd
in France is bigger and there’s a race happening pretty much every weekend,” Max said. “The big difference in Australia is obviously travel. They have races in Queensland as well in WA, so you travel for a two-day race and you travel for 40 hours or more. It’s a long journey and it’s not easy for the sport — the other thing is the weather, the temperatures.”
Canberra’s dog-sled season is relatively short and for the remainder of the year, the dogs are just domestic pets.
“We do this sport for four to five months — six if we’re lucky enough with the cold — and the rest of the year, they’re just our pets mostly,” Max said.
Canberra Sled Dog Club president, Max Baux, loves Canberra’s cold climate.
Photo Samantha Taylor
A time for re ection, renewal and reconnection
JACOB VADAKKEDATHU FORMER CANBERRA LIBERALS SENATE CANDIDATE
The outcome of this Federal election was disappointing and far from what all Liberals and I had hoped for. As the Liberal Senate candidate for the ACT, I campaigned with optimism, believing that many of our policies would resonate with the everyday concerns of Australians. Unfortunately, that optimism was not reflected at the ballot box. While the result is disheartening, it also presents an opportunity for honest, critical reflection on the direction of the Liberal Party and the hard work of renewal.
In hindsight, it is clear that although we had many strong policies o ering practical solutions to ease cost-of-living pressures, they were either introduced
too late in the campaign to gain meaningful traction or poorly explained. Measures such as halving the fuel excise, which would have made petrol 25 cents per litre cheaper, and the proposed $1,200 tax o sets in 2025-26, were designed to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Australians. The first home buyer mortgage interest deductibility scheme was a bold initiative aimed at making home ownership more attainable for young Australians and first-time buyers struggling to enter an increasingly di cult housing market.
Policy is only as e ective as its communication, and in this campaign, we fell short. The timing of these announcements left little room for the public to understand and appreciate their long-term benefits. Meanwhile, some of our other policy positions, particularly proposals around cutting the Australian Public Service and curbing work-from-home arrangements, caused significant concern. Here in the ACT, where so many livelihoods are connected to the APS, these policies understandably created fear and uncertainty. It is clear that we did not listen carefully
enough to the people whose lives these policies would a ect.
This election result is a sobering reminder that Australians want to be heard, not spoken at. They want policies that are not only economically responsible but also compassionate and attuned to their lived experiences. It is time for us, as a party, to listen with humility, to understand the real concerns of Australians, and to reflect those concerns in our policies and actions. We must not retreat into division or blame but instead regroup, unite, and recommit ourselves to the values that have long guided the Liberal Party.
With Sussan Ley now stepping forward to lead, we have the chance to begin that renewal. It is time for all of us to get behind her leadership, work together with unity and purpose, and present a better, more hopeful alternative for the future of our country.
This is not the end. The Liberal Party has a proud history of service to this nation, and I firmly believe we have a vital role to play in its future.
The work begins now.
Patient-focused approach defines the new
CanberraFamily Health Centre
Associate Professor and Canberra
Family Health Centre Principal Practitioner Dr Maryse Badawy is the kind of woman who has always found joy in supporting people on their journey through illness.
Since the age of 14, her dream has been to be a family doctor. This drive has enabled her to build an amazing career that spans not only an eye-watering amount of expertise (including a Bachelor of Medicine, a Bachelor of Surgery, a Fellowship of the Royal Australian Collage of General Practitioners, a Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine, and a Masters in Family Medicine), but also academic experience, and an ongoing commitment to educating the future generation of doctors.
And now, after practising nationally and internationally for many years, she has created a new family health centre in Deakin that champions completepatient care: Canberra Family Health Centre (CFHC).
“I have had the privilege of seeing patients through their life cycle and seeing four generations of the same family — including children I helped deliver, bring their own children to me as patients,” she says.
“I have been involved in medical education for many years, having taught medical students, graduates, and practitioners about the practice of medicine. Having been a clinically practising physician, I have enjoyed imparting experience and knowledge to students and newly graduated
doctors, furthering their education to attain their Fellowship examination, both in Australia and Hong Kong.”
“I have practised nationally and internationally for many years. It is exciting to set up a practice with protocols at all administrative and clinical levels.”
In addition to overseeing the dayto-day operations at CFHC, Maryse remains actively involved in her clinical role as a family doctor.
Passionate about creating a safe and welcoming practice that focuses on a patient-centred approach, she says that at CHFC, the staff are there to treat the whole person, catering to their unique needs at every stage of their life.
“I wholeheartedly embrace the
At
Our initial appointments are one hour (or longer), allowing us to thoroughly assess each patient by
(a) taking a detailed medical history;
(b) performing a comprehensive clinical examination;
(c) arranging any necessary investigations;
(d) developing a tailored management plan;
(e) providing proactive, preventive healthcare.
Consulting hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00 pm We are closed on Saturdays and Public Holidays
special atmosphere of the doctorpatient relationship — the professional involvement in treating a patient plays a pivotal role in the patient’s illness and life, and enriches the doctor’s own life. This experience has certainly enriched my life,” she says.
“I thrive as the patient’s family doctor, to be the guardian by negotiation, to advocate on their behalf, and to be a protective mentor who can contribute to treating, consoling, comforting, reassuring, supporting and healing.”
For more information, visit cfhc.com.au
Jarrod Croker to scare you sudless
by GEORGIA CURRY
Former Raiders player Jarrod Croker doesn’t get rattled easily (he has an 80.4% goal-kicking rate after all), but he does enjoy spooking others, so this Friday the 13th of June, he’s masking up to give Canberrans some jump-scares at a horrorthemed Waves Carwash in Phillip.
He did the same last year for Halloween and 400 thrill-seekers turned up without even knowing the Raiders legend was one of the scary characters in the “haunted tunnel”.
“It’s a bit strange, no one knew it was me at first and then I’d feel guilty and take my mask off,” Jarrod said. “But once I did that, the cars behind me were obviously seeing it, so I’d have to wait for a new lot of cars to come in and start scaring people again.”
Usually there’s a “little scare” for kids and an adult version later on, however, the overwhelming feedback from last year was that
kids wanted it to be scarier.
This is despite the carwash featuring frightening characters (think Scream or that hockey mask-wearing creep from Friday the 13th) who sat in the backseat of your car. Canberrans can’t get enough of horror and they’re happy to pay $30 for a fright.
Jarrod Croker, who’s an ambassador for Waves Carwash and not scared of much at all (except snakes and ghosts), said he loved fancy dress events.
“It brings the kid out of me and I do enjoy doing it,” he said. “I’m going to have to work out a costume and maybe keep myself a little bit discreet. There’s a lot of people doing it so it’s hard to know who’s who. I might just have to keep it on the whole time so no one knows who I am.”
Jarrod’s a fan of the Saw movie horror franchise and he said while he’s not a tough guy, “it takes a bit to get to me”.
This Friday the 13th, if you want to go but you don’t want the dress-up characters to approach your car, just put your hazard lights on. It’s definitely a family-friendly event.
The haunted carwash is at Waves Carwash 82 Parramatta Street, Phillip on Friday the 13th of June from 6pm until late. Get dressed up because there are prizes for the best costume. Visit wavescarwash.com.au to learn more.
Former Raiders player Jarrod Croker and his wife Brittney Wicks are dressing up for a Friday the 13th haunted carwash at Waves Carwash in Phillip in June.
PARTICIPANTS WANTED
Predictors of safe driving in provisional drivers
Scientists at the Australian National University (ANU) are conducting research examining the cognitive processes associated with safe driving in provisional drivers, and you are invited to participate.
Participation involves completing computer-based driving and cognitive tasks for about 90-120 minutes.
The research will take place in the Psychology Building (Building #39) at the ANU.
As a token of appreciation for their time, participants will be provided with $40.
In order to participate you need to:
• Hold a current valid Australian provisional driver’s license
• Be between 17 and 29 years of age
• Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision (glasses OK)
To organise a time to participate, please contact Esther via email: u7277813@anu.edu.au
The ethical aspects of this research have been approved by the ANU Human Research Ethics Committee (protocol number: 2024/1159)
This project is being delivered with the assistance of the ACT Government under the ACT Road Safety Fund Community Grant Program.
Science behind putting Floriade spring festival together
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
ACT chief minister Andrew Barr wants to see Canberra’s annual spring festival, Floriade, reach half a million visitors this year.
Mr Barr made the comment at the Floriade 2025 Media Launch at Yarralumla Nursery on Thursday 20 May, where the theme ‘Science and Nature’ was announced.
Floriade will run at Commonwealth Park from Saturday 13 September to Sunday 12 October.
“Last year the event attracted 470,000 visitors who spent around $62.5 million,” Mr Barr said.
“So, it goes without saying that the success of Floriade each year is not only an important local event, it’s an opportunity for Canberrans to come out of winter hibernation to enjoy the change of season, but it’s also our single biggest tourism drawcard.”
Mr Barr said it would be a remarkable
achievement to reach 500,000 visitors.
“We know event attendance is somewhat impacted by weather, so to get to that half a million, we’re going to need a pretty good run of great Canberra spring weather,” he said.
“If we get that, we’re a chance for that half a million target.”
Mr Barr said he also hoped the economic contribution would grow to $65-70m.
Commonwealth Park head gardener Tim Howard said the garden beds for this year’s festival were designed around the theme of science and flowers.
“We’ve created 12 unique garden designs. We’ve built about 8,000 square metres of gardens and planted about 970,000 flowers ready for spring this year,” Mr Howard said.
He said the planting for the festival at Commonwealth Park began in April.
“We’re about three-quarters of the way through the planting process and then everything gets to grow in the ground ready for springtime,” Mr Howard said.
CW asked Mr Howard what planning went into planting everything to ensure it grew on time.
“This year, with the number of plants we’ve used, we’ve had designs drawn up and Yarralumla (Nursery) kindly counted out all of our stock by hand. It takes about 18 months to get the projects to open day,” he said.
For more information on this year’s festival, visit floriadeaustralia.com
Commonwealth Park head gardener Tim Howard with some bulbs.
Photo Lillian Altman
Missing the point, again
Maybe I’m slipping in my old age, but I thought my qualified references to “liberal democracies” (CW 1 May) would automatically be taken for what they were — purely rhetorical questions, a fairly common way to make a point rather than to seek an answer that assumes the question be taken literally as Peter Robinson has done (CW 15 May). In addition, if Peter didn’t accuse our “Labor/Teal/Green/Pococky stronghold” (sic) of political “extremism”,
perhaps he can tell us what he did mean by his clearly pejorative use of this alleged collective.
Unsurprisingly, Ian Pilsner (CW 15 May) also enters the fray. Ian delights in ignoring the issues raised — instead, he happily sails off into his predictable but frequently misleading tirades against Labor or, indeed, anything or anyone even remotely resembling his broad-brush version of “left”. He’s also scathing about those who dare to query his supposedly infallible interpretation
of the Coalition’s superiority (“whingeing” is his favourite verb). But Ian often errs by picking irrelevant examples to support his ideology-based interpretations. He thus completely misses the mark by accusing me of “denying any extremism on the part of the American left” (sic). Even a cursory scan of my comments would have revealed that I was expressing concern specifically about Trump’s autocratic “extremism” in going against 250 years of US institutional and constitutional legalities and norms. I concluded with: “And that’s hardly due to any ‘extremism’ on the part of the American left, however it may be defined.” QED I think, unless Ian also wants to blame America’s left for Trump’s actions.
- Eric Hunter, Cook
Responding
to letters, CW 15 May
Re letter from Tony Firth: The UN has proclaimed that the figures of
deaths in Gaza are overstated. Israel is defending their country, which was attacked with no provocation. From reports on the TV, Hamas has hidden behind their people, hiding in the homes, in the hope Israel will not attack. They built tunnels under the hospitals so as to hide. What does Tony expect the IDF to do? In a war, a lot of people get hurt and die, including innocent citizens. But they said they have to take out Hamas, who have openly stated that all Jews must die. This is why in all the marches here and overseas, the followers of Hamas chant “From the River to the Sea” I do not hear people complaining about the innocent people in Israel being wiped out and tortured, kidnapped, starved, beaten and raped in the tunnels. War is evil but both sides are losing people. I do not condone it, but that is life on Earth unfortunately.
Re letter from Ian Pilsner: I agree with his points, especially
about the ALP. I decided to write all the incidents of when Albo has told lies over the last three years, distorted the truth, and thrown mud at Dutton with no evidence. There are 29 incidents. I have already found one from this election. Albo said there was no way he was going to make a deal with the Greens, yet in today’s paper (15 May), Chalmers claims they will make a deal with the greens to reduce the debt they have.
- Vi Evans, MacGregor
Hard Labor
After three years of hard “Labor”, what did we get? An exorbitant cost of living, housing, renting, and deeper in debt. After three more years of more of the same, what will we get? A trillion-dollar budget deficit, and even deeper in debt!
- Mario Stivala, Belconnen
Why the Liberals lost
Ian Pilsner (CW 15 May) destructively criticises Eric Hunter’s complaints about
renewable energy policy following the federal election, and people turning away from electric vehicles because of Elon Musk. People are entitled to their opinions and to have their say — whether it’s about nuclear energy, renewables, or whether they can afford electric vehicles.
People rejected the Liberals because they didn’t have a plan for our economy, they didn’t give the full details about how much nuclear was going to cost the taxpayers, and they were going to cut 41,000 public service jobs if elected, which would have put our economy in recession.
That is why they voted Labor, because Albo made new promises that he was going to build Australia’s future, deliver cost of living relief and bring down inflation.
- Anton Rusanov, Kaleen
Rein in Government excess before we go broke
the government skyrockets, with the major beneficiaries appearing to be elected fortunates. The constituents, however, receive a dudding under Hare Clark but line up for more in the mistaken belief a lightning rod exists for happiness, when the truth is the opposite! If Government does not undertake serious housekeeping on operational costs, the message will be ‘Don’t rock the boat’ — no one is interested, it is a loser, hammers aspirations!
A demonstration of ‘serious’ would be eliminating sister city travel where its value is questionable, scrapping domestic air travel when safer, less expensive, and reliable alternatives are available, and insisting on economy class for
overseas trips — particularly when the purpose or success of such travel is not professionally justified. There could also be a change to how leased vehicle payments for members are handled, with a preference for reimbursing the official use of members’ private vehicles — a system already established elsewhere in the public service. Alongside this, there should be a reduction in members’ allowances for postage, printing, and telephone use when economic performance is poor. It is not appropriate for deficit or ‘black hole’ news to be routinely glossed over at public expense — it’s insulting. These are just the tip of the iceberg.
- John Lawrence, Flynn
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Star Raider aiming to create Women’s Origin history
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
The Canberra Raiders are represented on both sides of this year’s Women’s State of Origin.
Lock Simaima Taufa is on the New South Wales side, while fellow teammate, prop Sophie Holyman, is representing Queensland.
The NSW Blues have already claimed the Origin Shield after winning Game One 32-12 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on 1 May, and Game Two 26-6 at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on 15 May.
If successful on Thursday 29 May at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, the NSW side will become the first Women’s Origin team to claim a historic 3-0 series victory.
Taufa told CW it was an incredible feeling going into Game Three as winners.
“We take each game as it comes and we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves,” she said.
Taufa said the team had touched on the series opener, which set the foundations for the series,
“because we know Queensland will come out firing”.
“We had to ensure we were putting our best foot forward in that second match because the last few years we haven’t been able to hold it up.
“We’re constantly chasing greatness, and we’re constantly chasing excellence, but leading into Game Three, we want to create history as well,” Taufa said.
Her State of Origin appearances including its predecessor, the Women’s Interstate Challenge, is in the double figures.
“Every Origin campaign is different, as every year there are new players that come in,” she said.
Taufa said at camp, they trained during the day, using the evenings to connect with their teammates off the field.
“Campaigns like these are a short time enjoying everyone’s company, meaning camp has been a real enjoyment,” she said.
Canberra Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick said the Raiders were lucky to be represented on both sides.
“It’s good to see Simaima back where she belongs. If we talk about Origin, toughness, putting your heart on the line every week, that’s Simaima,” he told media at a press conference.
“(I’m) so happy for Maims to get back to that arena.
“Sophie Holyman has had a really big preseason as well and she worked really hard on her fitness.
“(So I’m) happy for Sophie as well that she’s getting a good crack with Queensland.”
Sophie Holyman scoring a try while Canberra Raiders NRLW teammate Simaima Taufa looks on from above.
Photo Jordan Mirchevski
small business growth
have you heard?
GIVIT donation of the week: Grocery vouchers
GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation that supports people who are sleeping rough in Canberra, with programs focused on both physical and mental health. They are assisting a woman in her 60s and her beloved little dog transitioning out of homelessness. This lady and her dog had been living in her car for a long time. She has finally secured transitional housing while waiting for permanent accommodation, and this will be her first time managing her own home. She needs support, so GIVIT is requesting the donation of some grocery vouchers to help her settle in. Your donation will mean so much to help make her new space feel like home with her beloved pet. Generous Canberrans can donate grocery vouchers or fund its purchase. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase these vouchers. To help, please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘grocery voucher’ and Suburb: ‘Oaks Estate ACT 2620’.
ANBG Thursday Talks
Professor John Brocks will explain “The deep origins of eukaryotic ancestors and the rise of algae in the oceans.” Australian National Botanical Gardens Theatrette, Thursday 5 June from 12:30–1:30pm, opposite ANBG Visitor Centre. Trybooking. com/DALER. Gold coins, notes or EFTPOS donations always welcome.
Craft Morning
Craft morning at the Salvation Army Gungahlin will be held from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 7 June. Everyone is welcome! Bring your unfinished projects to complete. Tea and coffee will be provided.
community noticeboard email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field
Braidwood Book Fair
The Braidwood Book Fair will be held from Friday 6 June to Monday 9 June. Known for its HUGE VARIETY of books as well as DVDs, CDs, records, puzzles, magazines and more, it caters for all ages and tastes. Fantastic children’s section as well as collectables. Hours are 10am-4pm every day expect Monday 10am-2pm. Contact braidwoodbookfair@gmail.com for more information.
Winter Warmers’ Charity Sale
Head to Kangara Waters Retirement Village, Belconnen on Saturday 7 June from 8.30am to 12:30pm for the annual Winter Warmers’ Charity Sale. Shop a range of hand-knitted scarves, hats, and beanies, with all proceeds and donations of winter clothing, knitting, or cash supporting local charities. A donation table will also be available for pre-loved winter items.
Weston Creek Ladies Probus Club
The next meeting of the Weston Creek Ladies Probus Club is at 10am on Tuesday 10 June 2025 at the Southern Cross Club, Woden. Meetings are held monthly and include a club and guest speaker — June’s guest is from Roundabout Canberra. Members also enjoy outings, movies, walking groups, and regular lunches. New members and visitors are very welcome. For details, contact Pat Shaw on 0402 201 613.
First Canberra Garden Club
We have about 100 members and we meet at 10am on the first Tuesday of the month to hear an interesting speaker on a wide range of topics related to gardening or we visit local gardens or places of interest. Morning tea is usually provided and there is a wonderful plant stall with locally grown plants at very reasonable prices. Our next meeting is Tuesday 3 June at 10am at the Wesley Centre, Forrest. The talk is presented by Arien McVeigh on “Seed Savers”. Visitors are welcome to join us for a meeting before paying the membership fee of $20 pa. Contact us on first.cgc@gmail.com.
Country Women’s Association
The Canberra Branch of the Country Women’s Association invites the public to their annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council of the ACT. Come for afternoon tea on Saturday 7 June at 8 Barry Drive, Civic, from 2pm. Cost is $20. The theme is Friendship and parking should be easy. It’s best to approach Moore Street from the western side. RSVP essential to cwacanberra@gmail.com, with any dietary requirements by Monday 3 June. Please bring cash.
RED DOVE Monthly Preloved Clothing Sale
Opening 5–7 June, from 9am to 1pm. The auditorium will be full of great buys – clothing for women, men and children, plus blankets, sheets, doona covers, curtains, shoes, jewellery, books, toys, bric-a-brac, and always a free table. Lots of new winter stock! Give good clothing a second chance and enjoy a yummy morning tea with homemade treats. Easy parking at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, 17 Comrie Street, Wanniassa (opposite the back Erindale carpark).
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.
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
Sometimes you can spot the potential for trouble and exert your influence to get things back on track. But this week’s plot twist is one that’s best accepted, the sooner the better. There’s no time to waste with things like denial or arguing with what is. You’re more powerful when you simply adapt.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
You’re generous. You’ll give your time, your mind, your best creative self to people who matter to you. In some way, you will get free, perhaps free of obligation or a financial constraint, but most importantly free from a weight of self-questioning. You’ll keep your promises to yourself.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 Lance Franklin played for which two teams during his AFL career?
2 In relation to the world’s largest particle collider, the LHC, what does the H stand for?
3 What is the colour of the stripe at the bottom of the flag of Hungary?
4 Limestone is classified as which one of the three main rock types?
5 Rioja, one of the world’s best wine regions, is in which country?
Your creativity is a muscle that’s been working so much it’s strong enough to compete in the big leagues. You instinctually know what to make next and move with a sense of purpose even when you’re not sure yet exactly what that purpose is. Now, your powers of attraction are working overtime.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
You are someone who makes things happen in the middle of the chaos, if you have to. You’ve a burning desire, and as you work toward it, you will come to know that your want is not a maybe, not a someday, not a thing to be earned. It’s there now – working, glowing, messy, relentless.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
You’re not mourning anymore –you’re forging. You’ll declare your direction. Do you feel like that others think you’re delusional? It’s only because they don’t share your scope of vision and they might even be intimidated by it. Don’t be seduced by other points of view.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
An outsider might see the good results you’re getting this week and call it luck, but it’s not luck at all. This is earned strength. This is what happens because you don’t wait for permission. You create value. You recognise where others fall short and instead of resenting it, you rise.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
This week brings a little of everything – caregiving, art, business, healing – and you’ll move through it with focus and self-respect. Your confidence is grounded in truth. Your creativity is lit up and pulsing, and it’s going to carry you, to a destination you aim for, or to an even better place.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
You’re layered and sharp and carrying quite a lot right now. But you laugh at life this week, and you’re funny too, so life will laugh with you. Your words snap and sting and flirt and roll their eyes. Even your disappointments come with punchlines, but don’t worry. You won’t have many of those.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
You’ll make magic this week, designing an experience for others. After you execute the plans, you’ll be charged, carrying the electricity of a whole experience and wanting somewhere to send it. And when you do, with the right people, it will fuel future endeavors.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
Anticipation activates your imagination. This is why it’s better to make plans than to “wing it”, so you’ll have the pleasure of looking forward to events. It’s a highly creative state to hang out in! The hopeful build-up creates a kind of joy more controllable than events themselves.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
You’ll do everything you can for those you love. You’re willing to celebrate them, as well as hold on to pain that isn’t yours but becomes yours because you care. But you’re not a machine. You’re a human being who needs rest. Love deeply but care doesn’t have to cost your well-being.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
Because you dare to follow an instinct, you’ll get to a place in a way that truly only you could arrive. Your heart is so wide, so sincere, so full of feeling. You give love, and you know how to move forward without letting the less-than-ideal parts eat the parts of you that shine.
DIFFICULTY RATING
Baked eggs with native ingredients
When Tahlia entertains over brunch or lunch, this baked egg dish – one of the first she created using native ingredients — always graces the table. Adapted from her cultural roots, this family favourite never fails to gain praise as a one-pot marvel. Pepperberry is a great replacement for traditional pepper, and bush dukkah adds crunch and spice. This can be a standalone dish, but in Tahlia’s kitchen, it is often served with a side salad, dips, smoked salmon and bagels
Serves 8
1 tablespoon oil
1 red onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
½ red capsicum (pepper), diced
1 zucchini (courgette), diced (optional)
½ eggplant (aubergine), diced (optional)
400 g tinned crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon pepperberry powder or 1 teaspoon Salt Rub with Pepperberry
6–8 eggs
1 tablespoon bush dukkah (see p. 154), to serve
Optional extras
Crumbled feta, to taste
Bush basil leaves
In a large frying pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion, garlic and capsicum, stirring until soft and the onion is translucent. If you are using the other vegetables, add them to the pan at this stage as well.
Add the tomatoes and the pepperberry. Fill the empty tomato tin with water and pour it into the mixture, stirring well until fragrant. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Once this mixture is lightly simmering, use a spatula to make little holes in the mixture for the eggs, then crack an egg into each hole. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to the desired consistency.
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flavour at Patissez. From our signature Freakshakes to savory tacos and delightful French toasts, there’s something for everyone.
Visit us for a cozy meal or follow @patissez on Instagram for updates.
Images and text from The Australian Ingredients Kitchen by Elder Bruno Dann and Tahlia Mandie, photography by Alicia Taylor. Murdoch Books RRP $39.99.
‘Bit of a thrill’: Canberran’s photo on show at Vivid Sydney
by LILLIAN ALTMAN
A Canberra photographer’s work could potentially be seen by millions as part of this year’s Vivid Sydney festival.
A photograph by Brian Rope is part of the festival’s Colour the City, where each week, unique artworks will be selected and showcased on the ASN Clock Tower.
Mr Rope’s image can only be viewed from 23-30 May.
Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology, which transforms the capital city with boundary-pushing artists, musicians, thinkers and culinary experts of our time.
Mr Rope said it was exciting to have his work
featured in the festival.
“I shared the news with a lot of my photography friends across Australia, and they’ve all come back and said, ‘That’s exciting, that’s wonderful, and congratulations,’” he told CW
“It’s like 30 seconds of fame for eight nights….
“It means thousands [maybe even millions] of people will see it.
“They’ll never know who created it unless they’re my friends. It’s a bit of a thrill.”
Mr Rope has been to the festival several times but will unfortunately not be attending this year to see his work up in the bright lights.
His selected photograph is a portrait of a Japanese performer.
Mr Rope said he thought it was the perfect
fit to feature on the clock tower, factoring in the location of the structure’s windows and doors.
“I looked at it for a while and I wanted something that would have a face up in the top there,” Mr Rope said.
“I was flicking through thousands of images I’ve got on my computer.
“I suddenly remembered that one, I searched for ages before I found it.”
An image of Canberra photographer Brian Rope’s work on the ASN Clock Tower at The Rocks as part of Vivid Sydney. Image supplied by Brian Rope
Brian Rope’s original photograph. Image supplied by Brian Rope
Booktalk
This week, Michael Popple examines captivating crime fiction from three top Australian authors. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
Vanish by Shelley Burr
Hachette Australia, $34.99
Lane Holland’s private investigator career ended the day he went to prison. However, he is still obsessed with solving an old missing person’s case. Finding an obscure lead, Lane secures work in the last place the victim was seen, a rural farming community. But is the farm a simple commune, or the hunting ground of a dangerous killer who now has Lane in their crosshairs? Burr continues her Lane Holland series in strong fashion with this wonderfully twisty book. A compelling read that combines complex characters with a subtle,
CANBERRA WEEKLY COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners in Canberra Weekly’s latest round of competition draws are: Boobies Cup: S. Di Mezza, Mawson; L. Martin, Theodore; J. Hughes, Belconnen Lovebird Tickets: T. Ezzy, Higgins; G. Kispeti, McKellar; T. Chrysostomou, Kaleen
Whisper in the Wind by Luke Arnold Orbit, $24.99
After failing to bring back magic to his world, former detective Fetch Phillips has retired to become a café owner in Sunder City. However, Fetch can never stay away from trouble and soon finds himself in the crosshairs of a media baron, while around them, the city’s corrupt leaders are being systematically murdered. To survive, Fetch needs to find a hidden revolutionary stirring up trouble before it’s too late. The outstanding Fetch Phillip series returns with a brilliant fourth novel. Exciting, clever and good fun, this is another addictive entry in one of the more compelling ongoing urban fantasy series.
Valley by Joan
After surviving a brutal murder attempt, Rose McHugh continues to settle into the quiet life in the Southern Highlands. But when one of her son’s friends, a famous violinist, goes missing along with his priceless violin, Rose tries to locate him. However, when a body is found, Rose finds herself desperately protecting her son, who has become the police’s main suspect. Joan Sauers returns to the picturesque Southern Highlands with another cozy murder mystery. Part crime read, part slice of life story, Whisky Valley is an intriguing novel that will appeal to all readers familiar with the Highlands.
Whisky
Sauers
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
free exhibition ON NOW I OPEN DAILY
KINGS AVENUE, PARKES ACT
Wiggle it, Canberra hipsters
by GEORGIA CURRY
Picture Murray Cook — aka the OG red Wiggle — drinking beer, playing songs about getting lucky (Daft Punk) and dancing like, well, a 64-year-old. This is what millennials are paying $30 for this Saturday night at CUBE nightclub because it reminds them of simpler times.
Murray’s riding this nostalgic wave with his DJ career to remind 30-somethings of when there was no cost-of-living crisis — just cheap red cordial on tap and a petrol-free Big Red Car. The only difference to the show is, it’s not G-rated.
“Because I was one of the creators of the Wiggles, [the brand] is always in my mind, it’s just second nature to me now to be careful what I put out there,” Murray said.
Murray said he spends a fair bit of time at the gym and he reckons he’s “pretty fit for an older gentleman”. When he’s spinning vinyl he likes to jump down on the dancefloor with the hipsters and bust some old-school moves.
“I do a bit of Wiggles, a bit of daggy dads... I know the Sylvanian two-step,” said Murray, referring to the south Sydney suburb. “I did have a career ‘dancing’, in inverted commas, for quite a long time. I’m sort of beyond embarrassed and your body doesn’t always do what you want it to do.
The DJ set-list for this Saturday night at CUBE (10pm to an eye-watering 5am) will be a mix of the old (think ABBA and Michael Jackson) and new mashups.
“Some of it didn’t certainly even start off as electronic dance music but it just seems to work. A good song is a good song and it doesn’t really matter what the beat is,” Murray said.
Murray’s about to celebrate his 65th birthday next month but the tight red skivvy still fits so he’s taking the millennials along for a hot potato or two.
“We all get nostalgic for things of our youth,” Murray said. “I think it’s when they start getting kind of mid-20s, or even earlier, they’re nostalgic
for their childhoods, just simpler times when they didn’t have to worry about things. When I’m walking down the streets, so many young people say, ‘You were such a big part of my childhood and I got into music because of you,’ which is hugely gratifying and rewarding for me and for the rest of the Wiggles.”
Murray Cook the OG Red Wiggle will play a DJ set at CUBE nightclub 10pm this Saturday. Tickets: intix.com.au/org/cube-nightclub
The OG red Wiggle, Murray Cook, will DJ at CUBE nightclub in Civic this Saturday night.
What’s on!
FOOD
High Tea
ONGOING
Indulge in High Tea at Water’s Edge (40 Parkes Place East, Parkes; 02 6273 5066) with lake views. Sittings are available from 12-3pm. High Tea starts at $40 per person (minimum 6 guests), or a Dome High Tea for $75. Enjoy the winter special three-course lunch for $66 and dinner for $77 (terms apply).
The ACT Brumbies will be looking to claim a top-two finish when they take on the Crusaders in the final round of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
GIO Stadium Canberra, 30 May, gates 5:30pm, kick off 7:35pm; giostadiumcanberra.com.au/giostadium-event/rugby-2025-rd-16
Now sh wing
Lilo & Stitch (PG)
On the planet Turo, Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis) is convicted of illegal genetic experimentation for creating the rambunctious Experiment 626, soon to be known as Stitch (Chris Sanders). Sent to Earth to drown in its vast oceans, 626 instead escapes to the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, where the young and spirited Lilo (Maia Kealoha) mistakes him for a dog and takes him to live with her and her sister Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong).
Borrowing from E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial (1982), the original Lilo & Stitch (2002) was a fan favourite due to the scampish antics of Stitch, and the bond he shares with his friend Lilo. Both orphans and outsiders, the pair see a kindred spirit in the other, with the shared understanding that it really is them against the world as intergalactic
CULTURE
Reconciliation Day 2 JUNE
Reconciliation Day is a chance for Canberrans to come together, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive future. This special day invites our community to engage in truthtelling, knowledge-sharing, and healing. Head to Commonwealth Park for a free, family-friendly event filled with live music, cultural performances, conversation, and food - all celebrating the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The headline act is Kobie Dee.
Commonwealth Park, 2 June, 10am-3pm; reconciliation.events. canberra.com.au
SPORT
Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs
8 JUN
Coming off a few weeks away from home the boys are ready to rip in and get it done. The Raiders take on the Rabbitohs in a thrilling match-up. With former Raider Jack Wighton returning to Canberra, alongside Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell, this clash promises to be full of intensity and excitement. As a family-friendly afternoon game, it’s the perfect opportunity to get the whole family out to support the Raiders and enjoy the atmosphere
bounty hunters, the CIA, teachers, bosses, parental figures and child services are all out to put an end to their way of life together.
Suffering the loss of their parents, young Nani struggles to care for Lilo, whose acting out jeopardises Nani’s employment and their lives together. Bouncing between the roles of sister and mother to little Lilo, Nani has forgone her own prospects to struggle to give Lilo a stable, traditional family life. Stitch is the impetus to suggest that family may be more about the people who care for you, regardless of blood relation.
Verdict: A heart warmer which is at its best when the superb, animated creatures are front and centre..
- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net Viewed at Palace Cinemas.
Is your toothpaste safe? Heavy metal exposure causes alarm
WESLEY SMITH DIRECTOR, LIVE WELL
WELLNESS CENTRE
When we think about maintaining oral hygiene, toothpaste is a staple in our daily routines. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the presence of heavy metals in many toothpaste brands, prompting a closer look at what we’re putting in our mouths.
Heavy metals detected in toothpaste
A comprehensive study conducted by US US-based activist and researcher, Lead Safe Mama, tested 51 popular toothpaste brands and found alarming results: approximately 90 per cent contained detectable levels of lead, 65 per cent had arsenic, nearly half contained mercury, and about onethird had cadmium. All these metals are known to be toxic, even at low levels.
Comparing safe levels: Food vs Toothpaste
In Australia, Food Standards Australia New Zealand monitors and regulates the levels of contaminants in food to ensure consumer safety. Dietary exposure to lead from food is generally below the determined
low-risk level and has decreased over the past decade. However, there is no established safe level of lead exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
The concern with toothpaste arises from the fact that, unlike food, toothpaste is not always swallowed. However, especially in children, some amount of toothpaste can be ingested during brushing, leading to potential exposure to these harmful metals.
Especially when many of the brands marketed at children or ‘natural’ were high in contaminants.
Minimising exposure to heavy metals in toothpaste
To reduce the risk of heavy metal ingestion from toothpaste:
Choose brands tested for safety: Opt for toothpaste brands that have been independently tested and found to have non-detectable levels of heavy metals. For instance, Miessence Mint Toothpaste, an Australian product, has been reported to have non-detectable levels of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.
Supervise children’s brushing: Ensure that children use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and teach them to spit it out rather than swallow.
Stay informed: Keep abreast of reputable studies (such as the work of Lead Safe Mamma) to make informed choices about the products you and your family use daily.
Editor’s note: This wellbeing column provides information that is general in nature. Please always refer to your preferred health professional for advice suited to your personal healthcare requirements.
Want to feel better about your body? Get out in nature
VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
Spending time in nature does more than help us feel calm or clear our heads, it can also support a more positive and respectful relationship with our bodies. In psychology, we refer to nature connection as a sense of being connected to the natural world in a physical and emotional way. This might mean walking through the bush, sitting quietly in a park, spending time near water, or simply noticing trees, sky, or birdsong on your daily walk.
In a culture that places so much emphasis on appearance, many people, particularly young people,
feel pressure to look a certain way. Social media, advertising, and diet culture promote unrealistic and unattainable body ideals, which can lead to body dissatisfaction, where people become critical of how they look. Body dissatisfaction is strongly linked to lower self-esteem, anxiety, disordered eating, and other mental health concerns; issues I see frequently in my clinical work.
Appreciating nature o ers a grounding alternative to this constant appearance focus. When we’re outside or even looking at plants and flowers indoors, our attention often shifts from how we look to what we are experiencing. For example, walking along the beach, noticing the sound of waves, or noticing the sun on our back on a walk can draw our attention outward. This shift reduces self-focused and appearance-based thinking, giving the mind a chance to reset and rest from our inner critic.
Nature also helps us focus on what our body can do rather than how it looks. Climbing a hill, walking
barefoot on grass, playing a ball game, or simply sitting under a tree highlights our body’s movement and strength. This functional appreciation is an important part of building a more respectful and compassionate relationship with our body.
Natural spaces are also free from social evaluation as there are no mirrors, no filters, and no curated images in the bush or by the sea. In nature, we are not being observed or judged. This can create a sense of freedom to be oneself, especially for those who feel constantly evaluated or scrutinised in other environments. Here are a few ideas to try:
• Take a walk in a local park or nature reserve without your phone. Notice the colours and sounds of your surroundings.
• Spend time by water, observing movement, light, and breathing deeply.
• After a bushwalk or run, thank your body for what it allowed you to do.
• If you don’t have access to open spaces, try looking up at the sky, smelling a flower, or watching the stars.
Nature won’t solve body image issues on its own, but it can be a powerful reminder that we are more than our appearance.
CO N T R IBU
WIN! Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning merch packs
Thanks to Dendy and IMAX, CW has three Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning prize packs filled with limited edition merchandise to give away. Book your IMAX tickets now via the Dendy website.and perfect for the whole family these school holidays.
ENTER TO WIN!
To enter, email competitions@canberradaily.com.au with ‘Mission Impossible merch packs’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including street address) and your favourite actor from the Mission: Impossible franchise. Entries close 9am Friday 30 May 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.
WIN! Monopoly Game Packs
Kicking o the beloved brand’s 90th anniversary, players everywhere can breathe new life into their classic MONOPOLY board through three new Expansion Packs: MONOPOLY Go to Jail, MONOPOLY Buy Everything, and MONOPOLY Free Parking Jackpot. These expansions not only provide quick-turn gameplay but also add twists by giving players a chance to win money, collect new cards to get away with mischief, and unlock opportunities to buy every space on the board – you can even buy the bank!
CW has three Monopoly prize packs to give away, valued at $135 each.
ENTER TO WIN!
To enter, email competitions@canberradaily.com.au with ‘Monopoly Game Packs’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including street address) and one of the expansion packs mentioned. Entries close 9am Friday 6 June 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.
Move Freely, with Less Pain
Clinical Exercise goes beyond general fitness- it’s specifically designed to address & improve your musculoskeletal issues Small group classes taught by experienced Physiotherapists & Exercise Physiologists.
At Marigal Gardens, you’re not just moving into a home without the time-consuming maintenance where we’ll even change the lightbulbs —you’re joining a welcoming community where every day is a new opportunity.
Enjoy exclusive facilities like Bennet Lodge and the new Wellness Centre with an indoor pool and gym. With a full calendar of activities, social events, and interest groups, there’s always something to enjoy with friends and neighbours.
Experience the ideal balance of privacy and connection, close to local shops, parks, and medical facilities.
$720,000
This brand-new modern low maintenance home includes:
• A spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area
• A contemporary kitchen with ample storage and user-friendly appliances
• Master bedroom and private ensuite
• Accessible main bathroom
• Double-glazed windows
• Year-round heating and cooling
• Internal access to secure parking with storage cage with power
• An internal laundry
• 24 hour onsite help in case of an emergency
• Close to public transport
It’s more than a home, it’s a community
The Grange retirement village is located in the heart of Deakin, just 300m from the shops and close to medical facilities. Our village offers you independent living in your own private home without the hassle of the building maintenance, and staff onsite 24hours a day for peace of mind in emergencies.
Join the vibrant and welcoming community where you can live life your way. Enjoy lunch or dinner in the private dining room. Take part in the many social activities or interest groups in the village. Keep fit at one of the regular exercise classes, the indoor pool or the many walking tracks nearby including Red Hill. Indulge your passion for culture at the many museums and galleries close by.
This newly renovated 2 bedroom home comes with:
• Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances including dishwasher
• Large open plan lounge and dining opening onto the balcony
• Large master bedroom and ensuite
• Main bathroom
• Built in robes
• Internal laundry with dryer
• Reverse cycle air conditioning
• Internal access lift to secure car park
• Staff on-site at all times in case of an emergency
Unlock Immediate Profits with
a Secondary Dwelling
Amid Canberra’s Housing
Shortage
If you own an existing investment property on a block larger than 500sqm, adding a compliant Secondary Dwelling could significantly increase your cash flow— potentially even triple it. Here’s why now is the right time and how to get started.
Canberra Housing Overview: Population Growth and Reduced Housing Supply Are Driving Rental Prices
• ACT Treasury forecasts population growth at 1.75% per annum over the next two years — approximately 8,400 new residents annually.
• Only around 4,000 new residential properties were completed in Canberra during 2024, primarily multi-unit developments.
• There’s a major undersupply of single-level, disability-friendly homes on smaller blocks.
• In 2025, changes to building codes and planning legislation contributed to a significant reduction in new housing approvals — down approximately 75% — further limiting supply and intensifying the shortage.
• Canberra’s rental vacancy rate is just 1.6%, with a median weekly rent of $700 for houses (Feb 2025) — higher than Sydney and Melbourne.
• Between 2011 and 2023, public housing in the ACT decreased by 1,032 dwellings — while the population grew by 98,813 people.
(Source: Productivity Commission)
Turn Your Investment Property into a Dual-Income Asset: What You Can Expect
• High Occupancy Rates: A $250,000 investment in a 1- or 2-bedroom Secondary Dwelling yields $500–$600 per week, or $25,000–$30,000 annually, using a stressfree long-term tenancy model.
• Tax Advantages: Minimum depreciation of 2.5% per year on $250,000 provides a $6,250 annual tax deduction.
• Leverage Existing Equity: An interestonly loan of $250,000 at 5.5% results in $264.42/week in repayments, with most banks offering full financing using the equity in your existing property.
• Immediate Equity Uplift: Upon completion, most owners experience an uplift in property value of $100,000 to $200,000, representing the increase above the build cost of the Secondary Dwelling.
How to Get Started
We’ve successfully assisted over 300 Canberrans with their Secondary Dwelling projects.
Our experienced team manages the entire process in-house — from initial design and development approvals to construction — providing a streamlined, end-to-end solution. Best of all, you won’t need to make any payments until building commences.
Our build schedule is fully booked for this year, but you can still get started now by entering the approvals phase. We typically complete approvals in just 6 months — significantly faster than the 9-month industry average.
