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Mother’s
at South.Point.
Photos by Wilson Au Yeung
South.Point This Mother’s Day gives
Mum the royal treatment
South.Point is inviting the community to celebrate Mother’s Day in style, with a three-day activation designed to help mums relax, refresh and feel like a queen.
Running from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May, Centre Court will transform into The Queen Zone, a welcoming and thoughtfully designed space where mums can take a welldeserved break while enjoying time with family. The activation brings together a mix of pampering, experiences and giveaways, all centred around celebrating mums and everything they do.
Step into The Queen Zone*
At the heart of the campaign is The Queen Zone, a dedicated space where mums can step away from the everyday and enjoy a moment just for themselves. Customers who present a receipt from any South. Point retailer at the centre’s Concierge Desk will receive access to the experience. Inside, they’ll find a range of pamper stations, a complimentary bar, and a styled photo moment designed to make the experience both relaxing and memorable.
Mums can enjoy makeup touch-ups, hair styling, hand massages and brow styling, or simply unwind
FREE Kids’ Activities
To keep kids entertained while mums are being pampered, there will be free card making and flower arranging on all three days from 10am to 1pm.
with a cocktail, mocktail or water served by Burrito Bar. Whether they choose to indulge in a treatment or sit back and soak up the atmosphere, the space has been designed to feel easy, comfortable and celebratory.
Wonder by Alice has designed a specially curated Mother’s Day High Tea that should not be missed. A chance to spend time with loved ones in a magical environment. Or just to say thank you to mum!
A throne-inspired photo moment will also be available, giving families the chance to capture a special memory together. Same-day photo prints will be available via The Framing Doctor, allowing visitors to take home a keepsake from the experience.
More than just pampering
The experience goes beyond a moment of indulgence, with added elements designed to make mums feel truly valued and appreciated.
The first 300 mums to visit The Queen Zone will receive a complimentary wellbeing pack, o ering something to take home and enjoy beyond the day. Visitors will also have the opportunity to connect with author and wellbeing advocate Franchesca Isla across all three days, adding a meaningful and personal touch to the event.
Win the Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift*
Shoppers can also go in the draw to win a $500 Mother’s Day hamper.
To enter, simply present a South.Point receipt at the Concierge between 4 May and 10 May.
Each session will cater for 10 children, with four sessions held daily at 10am, 10:45am, 11:30am and 12:15pm.
A moment that’s all about Mum
“We wanted to create something that genuinely gives back to mums,” said Carole Arulantu, Marketing Manager for South.Point. “The Queen Zone is about giving mums a space to pause, be looked after, and feel appreciated while still enjoying family outings over the Mother’s Day weekend.”
Event details
Date: Friday 8 May – Sunday 10 May 2026
Time: 10am – 1pm daily
Location: Centre Court, South.Point Shopping Centre, Tuggeranong
For more information, visit southpointcanberra. com.au or follow South.Point on Facebook and Instagram.
*Terms & conditions apply
Proudly supported by
Izzy Kane’s comeback: From ACL injury to business owner at 16
by BERNIE RYAN
12 months ago, when aspiring local soccer player,16-year-old Izzy Kane, badly injured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a competition, it could have signalled the beginning of a depressing spiral.
“I was feeling very isolated, and like I’d lost a part of myself,” she said.
“I was thinking, ‘What am I going to do now?’”
Thankfully, Izzy not only found something to do, but a whole new sense of purpose.
Whilst feeling cold sitting on her couch at home recovering, Izzy realised that whilst she feels comfortable wearing hoodies, just a hoodie by itself is never quite warm enough.
“I was sick of having to wear jackets over the top,” she said.
So, Izzy decided to make a warmer one!
As a result, on 17 April this year, Izzy launched
[continued from page 8]
the Shoodie Hoodie, a hoodie with an extra-thick, fluffy inner lining that reduces the need for more layers.
With the help of YouTube, many podcasts, some artificial intelligence and a commitment to creating a financial opportunity for herself, Izzy says she is proud to say that she has built her brand independently from the ground up.
“From product design to sourcing and branding, I have been responsible for the entire process, whilst balancing school and recovering from a serious ACL injury,” she said.
“My story is not just about the product, but about what it takes for a young person to actually create something real.”
After designing her product, Izzy did her own research to find an ethical supplier.
“It was important to me that it wasn’t a sweat shop,” she said.
“I was doing everything myself, as neither of my
parents are in business,” she said.
Izzy was, however, required to make a full and comprehensive pitch to her parents to get them over the line as initial investors.
“My parents are very supportive, but they said, ‘Izzy, we’re not going to blindly invest. You need to show us that you’ve done your research and know what you’re talking about,’” she said.
Izzy also researched and organised her own ABN and trademark and says she encourages any young person, especially those met by adversity like she was, to “…set a goal for yourself.”
The Shoodie Hoodie is available in two designs and can be purchased online at: shoodie-hoodie-2.myshopify.com
Izzy Kane turned a setback into a startup, launching her Shoodie Hoodie at just 16 while recovering from an ACL injury.
Anzac Day Junee and One Nation likely to win Farrer by-election
CO N T R IBU
wi BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD FORMER ACT OPPOSITION LEADER
It was good to see Anzac Day crowds all over Australia getting bigger and bigger. I had the honour of being asked by my old Company Commander, Lt Col Doug Bell (R’td) (B Coy 3 RNSWR – the Riverina company), and my old neighbour from Macgregor, Greg Zakharo , President of the Junee RSL, to give the Anzac Day address
at Junee and then at the rural hamlet of Junee Reef. It was great to catch up with them both, and one of my 5 Platoon Cootamundra diggers, Cpl Steve Adams, and great to see how well the Junee district supported Anzac Day. At Junee Reef, a young bloke in Year 11 read out a wonderful tribute to his great aunt, “Tootie”, an Army nurse who was captured by the Japanese, and who it turned out had been at school with my mother in Wagga in the 1920s. Small world.
Not many kilometres to the south of Junee is the electorate of Farrer. Pre-polling has started in the Farrer by-election to elect a replacement for former Liberal leader Susan Ley. Farrer takes in the southern NSW towns of
Albury, Wentworth and Gri th and is a food bowl for Australia. Labor is not standing, and the standardbearer for the left will be popular high school teacher Michelle Milthorpe, who is supported and financed by Climate 200 and GetUp (i.e. Teals).
The Libs and Nats are predicted to not do well, and a poll of 1,116 voters in early April showed a two-candidate preferred vote of 53% for popular One Nation local agribusiness consultant David Farley against 47% for Michelle Milthorpe. The first preferences had Mr Farley on 31%, Ms Milthorpe on 30%, and the National and Liberal candidates on 7% and 16% respectively.
As the Nats, Liberals and Family First are preferencing Mr Farley ahead of Ms Milthorpe, he is expected to win One Nation’s first ever federal seat at an election.
Let me say from the outset I hope he does. I’d normally want the Nats or Libs to win, but many voters see One Nation as displaying, as one voter put it, “more political courage and political tenacity.”
I have said repeatedly in recent times the LNP should not overreact to One Nation. You are all centre-right parties at the end of the day.
With the Libs and Nats finally preferencing One Nation, and vice versa, this may well see the LNP and One Nation be at least competitive, if not in with a real show of winning the next federal election due in 2028. Farrer will be a litmus test. I think the LNP will get its mojo back quicker if it embraces One Nation and exploits the positives in One Nation’s policies (and maybe helps refine and moderate some of them along the way), rather than having a knee-jerk reaction of opposing them. It’s good to see the Nats putting the Greens last on the ballot paper too in Farrer (for reasons I have referred to in numerous articles in this magazine, basically the Greens seem to be too full of anti-Semites who hate Australian values). Whoever wins, at least both major candidates seem to be very decent people who should do a good job for their constituents as local members.
Photography: Daniel Boud
ACT BRUMBIES PLAYER PROFILE DECLAN MEREDITH
Who was your favourite rugby player as a kid?
Quade Cooper
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Mum and Dad
Career highlight to date?
Making my debut for the Brumbies and versing the British and Irish Lions
Favourite team to beat?
Queensland Reds
Favourite Super Rugby away trip?
Perth
Favourite ground to play at?
Suncorp Stadium
Any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Carbonara for dinner before every game
Best player you’ve played against?
Beauden Barrett
Most underrated player at the Brumbies?
Dan Nelson
Funniest teammate?
Charlie Cale
Most annoying teammate?
Tane Edmed
What are your hobbies away from rugby?
Golf
What would you be doing if not playing rugby?
HPE teacher
Favourite holiday destination? Cairns
Favourite TV series right now?
The Rookie
Favourite movie?
Anchorman
Favourite musician or song on repeat?
Backbone - Stormzy
Best restaurant or café in Canberra?
U & CO
Favourite thing about living in Canberra?
Strong sport culture and easy living
Over the border: Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council
wi NICOLE LAWDER FORMER ACT MLA AND DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER
Over the Border is a 1979 Skyhooks song, perhaps not as well-known as some of their bangers — All My Friends Are Getting Married, Horror Movie, Livin’ in the Seventies, or even You Just Like Me Cos I’m Good in Bed. When I was at high school, you were generally either in team Skyhooks or team Sherbet.
Just over the ACT’s eastern border lies the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC), formed on 12 May 2016 through the merger of the former City of Queanbeyan and Palerang Council. It’s a substantial patch of New South Wales: covering 5,319 square kilometres,
stretching between the ACT’s eastern boundary and the coastal escarpment on both sides of the Great Dividing Range. The region is home to an estimated 66,855 residents — that’s around 12.57 persons per square kilometre — and is forecast to grow to over 85,000 by 2041.
I recently had a co ee with QPRC Councillor Ross McDonald. The council comprises eleven councillors, with Kenrick Winchester serving as Mayor. Esma Livermore is Deputy Mayor, and the most recent election was held in 2024. I always think it’s a good sign when an elected member walks into a local shop and the sta greet them by name — and that’s exactly what happened
overdue, construction has a very real and immediate impact on trade. It’s reminiscent of the light rail project here in the ACT — whatever your view of light rail, the construction phase hits local businesses hard. I’d encourage everyone to get along and support those businesses, both along the ACT light rail corridor and across the border in Queanbeyan.
The Monaro Street Refresh Project is just one of many pressures on QPRC. Ross and I also discussed infrastructure, water security, rates, and the perennial bane of regional councils everywhere — potholes. QPRC is responsible for around 1,600 kilometres of road, most of them rural and a lot of that unsealed. Maintaining roads across such a vast and varied landscape is a significant logistical and financial challenge. Bushfire risk compounds these pressures — much of the region’s rural land is bushfire-prone, a reality that shapes planning, infrastructure decisions, and community preparedness year-round.
For most councillors, this is a part-time role alongside other employment. Yet as Ross puts it, local government o ers something substantial: the chance to be genuinely close to the people you serve, making decisions that have a direct and tangible impact on everyday life.
Veteran praises trauma-aware ANZAC Hall
by BERNIE RYAN
On April 10 this year, Rod Henderson, a 22-year veteran paratrooper and helicopter aircrewman, climbed into a Boeing CH-47 Chinook, like he had ‘a thousand times before’.
“Every time I step in there and I smell it, it brings back everything. The good, the bad, the funny,” he said. This time, however, neither the Chinook nor Mr Henderson were about to leave a field in East Timor,
Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, or Afghanistan.
Both have found a more peaceful purpose in the newly developed and unveiled ANZAC Hall at the Australian War Memorial (AWM), where Mr Henderson now volunteers as a visitor guide.
And, where Mr Henderson says he has found a “Certain kind of peace, purpose and healing,” following the psychological and emotional impact of his own service.
Mr Henderson’s memorabilia are also featured in one of the exhibitions.
The galleries impress on many levels, from the immersive contemporary storytelling and personal accounts of those who served, to reconstructed environments, perspectives of diaspora communities and an expanded peacekeeping exhibition.
However, it is the consideration of the needs of visitors living with the effects of service-related or other trauma that stands out in a unique way.
Bliss Jensen, Director, Gallery Development at the AWM, says that trauma-informed engagement was very important during development.
“The AWM has always had a policy on vicarious trauma; however, it was a bit difficult to navigate when we can’t completely ‘remove the risk,” she said.
“That just doesn’t work in this project environment.
“We had to lean in to the reality of trauma, rather than avoid it. “To honour service, while protecting the wellbeing of those who lived it,” she said.
Consultants with expertise in trauma were engaged to provide bespoke training to the AWM staff and volunteers and the AWM’s Visitor Service Officers (VSOs) are also trained in psychological first aid to identify and support visitors experiencing a triggered response.
Beyond training, the physical spaces were also built with specific ‘decompression spaces’, and safety features, including veterans’ rooms, which “feature soft furnishings, light shafts, and full bathroom facilities, and which are located behind doors that lead directly to fire escapes for a quick exit if needed,” said Ms Jensen.
For Mr Henderson, who lives with PTSD and is the author of Stop Screaming I’m Scared Too, these considerations were vitally important.
“To try and to build a half-billion-dollar extension with trauma front of mind is a challenge,” Henderson admits. “But from my perspective, the AWM have got it right.”
Rod Henderson points to his own memorabilia featured in one of the new galleries.
Photo Bernie Ryan
The Artemis effect
by GEORGIA CURRY
Public interest in the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) at Tidbinbilla has skyrocketed following Artemis II and visitors are still buzzing over Canberra’s role in the mission.
It’s been 57 years since the moon landing (Canberra received the first eight and a half minutes of the Apollo 11 moon landing), so the CDSCC is enjoying the attention.
Education officer at CDSCC, Rhianna Lyons, said 70 per cent of the world’s population was not alive for the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, so Artemis II had become “a defining moment to a new generation”.
Rhianna watched the Artemis II Mission live from the Tidbinbilla tracking station.
“Being at the station meant I could go and actually be in the operations room at times during the mission when we weren’t tracking,” the 23-year-old astrophysics
graduate said. “I could sit in while they’ve got the live stream going, we can hear the Houston relay.”
Although Canberra shared one-third of communications with Madrid in Spain and Goldstone in California, we were the sole communication line when Artemis II made its lonely journey to the dark side of the moon.
“During the blackout period when they went behind the moon, our station was the one tracking them right up until we lost the signal with them and then we were the ones receiving the signal when they came back around the other
side,” Rhianna said.
School excursions and tourists to CDSCC now come with a payload of Artemis questions.
“This is not a generation defined by age, it’s a generation defined by ideas,” Rhianna said. “They’re a part of the Artemis generation because this mission has gone out to do what it’s set to achieve, which was to inspire people to continue exploring in space.”
Canberra was responsible for most of the key milestones of the mission because we had the moon in our sky for the majority of the mission.
“We acquired the signal after it had gone up into Earth orbit and was preparing to exit,” Rhianna said. “We received the lunar flyby signal and we also were tracking it
right up until it came into Earth orbit again.”
While educating school kids during the Easter holidays, Rhianna described the Deep Space Network as a “post office”.
“We make sure that the ‘parcel’ is in good condition – loud and clear – before transferring it to the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena California for distribution to the mission team,” she said.
About 90 Canberra staff worked at this “post office” during the Artemis II mission, with some doing the nightshift to maintain vital 24/7 coverage.
“It was a textbook mission and everything went exactly as they planned – besides the toilet,” Rhianna said. “But even then, that was because they’d never
had a toilet that far away from us before. It’s the first toilet to leave lower orbit so you would expect there’d be a bit of troubleshooting needed.”
Canberra tracked the four astronauts up until an hour before their module was due to splash down, after which it was switched over to a satellite tracking system, the same one used by the International Space Station.
Our 70-metre-wide antenna, built back in 1972, played a starring role.
To NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, we are known as “Deep Space Station 43”.
And unlike the fictionalised movie, The Dish, our dish can withstand winds of 160km/h (although it’s protected in a valley) and it can tilt almost vertically to the horizon (Parkes Observatory can go to 15 degrees above the horizon).
“I grew up hearing stories of Apollo 11 and hearing about it from my grandparents and watching The Dish as a kid,” Rhianna said. “So I’ve always been looking up towards the stars.
“I wasn’t born in time for Apollo but I was born in time for Artemis.”
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex visitor centre is open Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Info: cdscc. nasa.gov
Education officer at Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, Rhianna Lyons, had a front-row seat for NASA’s Artemis II mission.
‘Biggest honour of my life’: Aviator’s key Anzac speech
by TESS IKONOMOU, AAP
Kbora Ali was separated from her father for several years after he and other Afghan refugees were rescued at sea by the Australian Navy more than 20 years ago.
The 28-year-old flying officer has become one
of the most junior people to deliver the Anzac Day commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
“It’s honestly the biggest honour of my whole life, being able to speak on behalf of thousands of men and women who have served before me and who are currently serving,” she said following the speech.
“It’s huge to be able to stand on that stage and have words that resonate with a lot of people.”
She became the first female of Afghan descent to join the Australian Army in 2016, before transferring to the air force in 2022.
“Wearing the uniform, there’s a sense of responsibility to give back and I felt that since I arrived in Australia, everything that we have here the opportunities and education, I feel super grateful,” she said.
“I made a promise to give back when I was really young, and I could do that in uniform.”
Her sister also serves in the Australian Defence Force.
About 35,000 people attended the dawn service in the nation’s capital. Crowds packed the Australian War Memorial’s forecourt as lines of people spilled down Anzac Parade.
A group of people performed the traditional Maori haka outside the war memorial after the service finished.
Participating later in the march, 97-year-old Korean War veteran Ted Wilson shook hands with Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
“I’m here, and the majority of servicemen are here for one reason only, and that’s to honour our friends who did not come back,” he said after the parade finished.
“Just lately I wondered whether I would put my medals back on. So much negative talk about it (Anzac Day) and I’m glad to see I was wrong.”
Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson said he was very proud of the increase in the number of people attending the dawn service this year.
“There’s something about me standing in the privileged position I have looking back out over the crowd to just watch them as the dawn arrives,” he said.
Flying Officer Kbora Ali delivered the commemorative address at Canberra’s Anzac Day dawn service.
HelpingACT needs the ACT public’s help
by NICHOLAS FULLER
Charity HelpingACT is pleading with the Canberra public to help them repair or replace their station wagon ‘Trudie’. Without it, they cannot transport necessary items to families in need, or hold their weekly free community dinners.
The charity aims to raise $20,000 over the next month to purchase a new or second-hand vehicle. Information about how to donate is on their Facebook page: facebook.com/HelpingACT
“The situation is really urgent, and it’s demanding an urgent response,” chair Mohammed Ali, former Canberra Citizen of the Year, said.
“Demand for food is skyrocketing; sometimes you feel depressed about how to meet the demand. Given the precarious food situation in Canberra, it is essential — it’s vital — that we
have ‘Trudie’ with us to make sure our services continue.”
HelpingACT purchased ‘Trudie’ second-hand; in recent months, the engine has overheated — the vehicle was taken to the garage for repairs four times in the last year alone.
As replacing the fuel injectors or engine would cost $12 to $14,000, a replacement would be more cost-effective in the long run, Mr Ali says.
HelpingACT uses ‘Trudie’ to deliver food, white goods, and household items to families in need.
Only this past week, they brought refrigerators, washing machines, a television, and furniture to a family fleeing domestic violence.
‘Trudie’ also pulls their food trailer to the charity’s free weekly dinners and lunches in Tuggeranong, Civic, Queanbeyan, Woden, and Kippax.
On average, 50 people attend each meal, and as many as 90 to the Tuggeranong and Kippax events.
One guest told the charity: “This is an everyday activity for you people — but we wait for this day to come.”
But Mr Ali said: “Without Trudie, we cannot bring a food van to all these places. We cannot
“Dad isn’t ready for aged care”
afford that the food van discontinues for some time.
“I really plead with all Canberra that, just as you have been generous in the past, please turn out now. This is for many people. This is a situation where you cannot afford to leave them alone.”
Need in Canberra is surging, with the ongoing war in the Middle East. Every week, a couple of new families seek food relief from HelpingACT.
“Canberra is facing so many problems at the moment,” Mr Ali said. “The wedge between haves and have-nots is widening at an alarmingly faster rate than one would think.”
Going forward, Mr Ali urged the public to make monthly donations: if 3,000 people donated $10, it would make an enormous difference to the charity.
“Please join hands with each other so we can defeat hunger and poverty, this illness of our society, which is raising its head every day,” Mr Ali said. “We’ll come out of this situation if we help each other.”
HelpingACT will hold its annual fundraising dinner on Tuesday 16 June.
Dad was lonely in the house by himself. He was still independent but needed a little domestic help.
Then we found The Grange Deakin Serviced Apartments. After a little encouragement Dad moved in and within days couldn’t stop thanking me.
I know Dad gets breakfast in the morning and two home cooked meals. For added peace of mind there is someone there 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. The Grange isn’t aged care, but I know when the
Dad has his own apartment, he’s surrounded by company and regular social activities. The household chores are no longer a burden, the apartment is cleaned, and the linen changed weekly. Plus the pressure of the building maintenance is gone. Dad’s now out doing things he loves again. time comes, I can organise external community home care support to help Dad stay independent longer.
Now when we talk it’s without the worry and nagging. Dad couldn’t be happier.
Disgracefully growing old
by GEORGIA CURRY
There’s an over-40s motorbike club in Australia with the logo “Grow Old Disgracefully” that’s not to be confused with an over-55s dance group in Canberra with the same slogan.
For copyright’s sake, Canberra’s over-55s dance group is called GOLD (Growing Old Disgracefully) and there’s not a leather jacket or helmet in sight.
These mature dancers (the oldest is over 90) don’t mind getting a bit risqué (donning costumes like bathing suits and dressing gowns) and reverse community stereotypes of who older people are and what they offer to society.
Canberra Dance Theatre artistic director Jacqui Simmonds
said the dancers didn’t hold back when invited to express various emotional states through movement.
“I think people enjoy finding their ugly side and finding their angry side and finding it through negative emotions,” Jacqui said.
“It’s an opportunity where you don’t have to be pretty, you don’t have to be gorgeous all the time. You find all those different emotions and play with that whole palette of possibilities. It was wonderful to see them do that.”
GOLD was supposed to be a 10week performance project in 2011 but they had so much fun they’re still dancing 15 years on.
Members include retired diplomats, architects and public servants and a lifelong high school dance teacher.
They might not be able to do the splits but they can perfectly and simultaneously execute both vulnerability and strength.
“Personally, high legs and multiple backflips don’t really excite me very much but okay, what else can you do? I’m interested in the quality of the movement,” Jacqui said.
“They bring life skills, they bring a whole smorgasbord of emotions that younger people might not
necessarily have encountered yet.”
The key to GOLD’s success is pairing back the movement, yet still being evocative.
“We have to work with our own bodies as they’re getting older but we also have this really clear strength of purpose,” Jacqui said.
Australian Dance Week is 29 April to 6 May. For the program visit ausdanceact.org.au/australiandance-week. For info on GOLD visit canberradancetheatre.org/golds
Growing Old Disgracefully (GOLD) dancers challenge community stereotypes of who older people are and what they offer to society. Photo: Art Atelier.
Symphonic aphrodisiac
by GEORGIA CURRY
Even an accomplished pianist like Tim Freedman gets a little shy performing on street pianos, despite having played the keys for about 50 years.
There’s a weathered old street piano outside Victoria Park Pool in Sydney where he used to swim, but he never played it.
“It was just down from the University of Sydney and all these atomic physicists and PhD students and maths nerds would swim at the pool as well, and they would get on there and play Franz Liszt for five minutes,” Tim said.
“The standard was frankly too high for a street piano at my local pool because it was too close to the university. I was too shy to play my simple little noodlings with all these academics ... basically, the pool was full of savants.”
Tim’s so-called “noodlings” happen to be exquisite compositions like No Aphrodisiac and
Buy Now, Pay Later, which Canberra will get to hear when he collaborates with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra on May 8-9.
Tim is opting for an electric keyboard when The Whitlams play with the 35-piece Canberra Symphony Orchestra next week, and he’s quite modest about his contribution.
“You never expect it to be sitting in a stage in the middle of 50 people while they all work towards your little vision,” he said. “So it is a thrill.”
This is probably the 60th time Tim has collaborated with an orchestra in the past 20 years, but he said he loved hearing the arrangements that you don’t hear on any albums.
“I let the composers in our concert, like Peter Sculthorpe and Benjamin Northey, I let them throw the kitchen sink at the songs,” he said.
“Because they’re trained as composers, whereas I just put rhyming couplets to a few major chords. They’re far more equipped in that job than me. Part of being a band leader is basically knowing when to say nothing. There was a moment where it paid off dividends. If you put a leash on someone, you never know what would have happened if you’d let them roam freely.”
The Whitlams and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra will perform 22 songs at the Canberra Theatre 8-9 May.
The Whitlams perform with Canberra Symphony Orchestra on May 8-9.
Photo Damian Bennett
Youth homelessness in Canberra
by NICHOLAS FULLER
Homeless young people are more likely to be homeless later in life and face complex problems — but advocates say the scale of youth homelessness in Canberra is not fully known, and that support services focus too much on crisis rather than on prevention.
“A lot of the service system is very much at the service end, responding after the fact, once young people are homeless,” Corinne Dobson, CEO of housing peak body ACT Shelter, said. “That end of the service system is underresourced, and there are gaps. But we should also make sure we are focusing on preventing young people from becoming homeless in the first place, or on early intervention if they are on the brink of homelessness, or are homeless.
“The longer people are homeless, the worse the longer-term outcomes for them. Young people who experience homelessness are, unfortunately, much more likely to experience homelessness as adults, and their social and economic outcomes can be worse.
“That’s not inevitable. If we have the right supports in place, young people can get back on track, and live productive, thriving lives. But unfortunately, our service system is failing too many young people at the moment.
“They either don’t get the support they need; they don’t get the right type of support; or they don’t get that support at the right time. It comes too late, when issues have escalated and they’re in a crisis situation. What happens to young people has long-term downstream consequences.”
In 2024-25, 25 per cent of young people using homelessness services were aged between 15 and 25. On any given day, 250 young people aged 12 to 24 presented to homelessness services alone, seeking help for themselves.
But this is “only the tip of the iceberg”, Ms Dobson said. Many young people do not engage with services at all.
Youth homelessness, in fact, is hidden and more episodic than adult homelessness, Ms
Dobson said.
Young people cycle between couch surfing, temporary stays, and periods of rough sleeping. They are “squeezed out of both the private and social housing systems”. They cannot afford private rentals, and are locked out of community housing because they receive lower rates of income support and Commonwealth Rent Assistance (the “youth housing penalty”).
Youth Allowance recipients’ incomes are “woefully inadequate”, Ms Dobson said: 46 per cent less than older tenants on higher income support payments, so community housing providers operating on tight margins will choose a JobSeeker recipient (who brings in more money) over a Youth Allowance recipient. As a result, young people have “pretty slim chances” of finding accommodation.
“Because community housing rents are typically set as a proportion of income, this creates a structural funding shortfall for providers, making young people less financially viable tenants despite often having higher needs,” Ms Dobson said.
Canberra’s homeless youth have higher rates of mental health issues than in other jurisdictions (66 per cent in the ACT, compared to 44 per cent nationally). They are also more likely (43 per cent versus 26 per cent) to have two or more issues, including domestic and family violence or problematic drug and alcohol use.
Many become homeless because of family conflict or violence. Most drop out of school: 94 per cent of young people seeking or receiving assistance from homeless services were neither in education nor in training.
Almost one in three young people leaving outof-home care become homeless within a year of leaving out-of-home care or other institutions.
“When young people exit the care and protection system, they are not necessarily provided with the supports they need, particularly young people without parents,” Ms Dobson said.
At least 164 people in 2024, although the ACT Government does not have a single, consolidated measure capturing how many young people experience homelessness or housing insecurity within one year of leaving care, a spokesperson from the Health and Community Services Directorate said.
The government says it is improving how it captures data, but at the moment, tracking outcomes over time is complex, the spokesperson explained, especially when young people disengage from services, or move between service systems, while young people do not need to disclose personal information of this kind to receive other supports.
The ACT Greens believe the government should do more.
“We still don’t know the whole story,” Laura Nuttall MLA, spokesperson for young people, said. “The Government cannot tell us how many young people are seeking support for homelessness each night in the ACT. Government does not know the scale of the need in front of them, and they don’t have a strategy to understand it and respond appropriately.”
In the ACT, youth homelessness is managed as part of the broader Housing Strategy, which funds specific programs for young people, who can seek assistance as individuals, as part of a family, or even as young parents themselves.
The government funds homelessness services that partner with organisations that support young people. Salvation Army’s Oasis Program partners with Headspace to provide mental health support and resolve family conflicts. The central intake service, FIRST Canberra, connects homeless young people with mental health services, advocacy, school liaison, parenting skills (for young parents), and helps them remain tenants.
But Ms Dobson said that service systems in the ACT do not work well together.
“We need to look more at the interface between mental health and housing and homelessness. Young people might engage with service systems, but they’re not always connected to the supports they need. No one service can do everything, but sometimes it’s a bit of a lottery. The onus certainly shouldn’t be on young people to navigate that complex service system.”
In her view, “Responses must go beyond housing alone,” including early intervention, family mediation, education continuity, and trauma-informed supports to prevent longer-term, entrenched homelessness.
The government states that accommodation for homeless young people has increased since 2022, from 124 to 150 beds. Although the number of crisis beds has decreased from 24 to 18, there are 32 more beds in youth transitional accommodation that provide more stability for young people, including programs that support young people while they study or exit homelessness (including into private rental).
But Woden Youth Foyer, at the Woden CIT campus, will only have its first residents this month, despite being approved last year, while the Our Place Youth Foyer medium-term accommodation service in Braddon was unsure whether it would be funded this financial year.
All Saints Cafe
with SAM CHAPMAN
SHARING HIS PERSPECTIVE AS A PERSON WITH DOWN SYNDROME
My friend Lucy works in a small cafe at All Saints Anglican Church in Ainslie. The cafe is open every Tuesday morning after the 10am church service finishes, from 10:30am until 12:30pm and is held in the Parish Hall. I go there most weeks to take photos in the cafe and hang out with Lucy.
The cafe has been going for about six years and was started by Lucy’s dad, Steven, who wanted to start something to help people like Lucy develop skills that are within her abilities and that could be useful in other jobs. The people who work in the cafe are volunteers and sit down to enjoy a meal with the churchgoers as well. I love going there because the atmosphere is warm and welcoming and there is cheerful music playing. There is usually a hot meal and a cake which is made fresh in the kitchen on the day.
There is often a variety of people attending, from the older parishioners to students who live in the onsite residences.
A while ago, a lady who does karaoke came along and we had fun singing and entertaining the other people dining at the cafe. Sometimes we celebrate each other’s birthdays and other special occasions. The All Saints Church is really old and was moved from Sydney. The Cafe is a big part of my life. If anyone is interested in the cafe, please contact Lucy’s dad, Steven, at stevenbarraclough1970@gmail.com.
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GIVIT is seeking support for a man with a terminal cancer diagnosis. This man lost his family when he was forced to leave his country and has been experiencing hardship ever since. He had been homeless and has lived without support most of his life. He currently lives in the organisation’s housing complex so that he can be supported and cared for while undergoing this battle with cancer. GIVIT is requesting the donation of cleaning products. A sanitised environment is crucial for someone living with cancer as it acts as a protective shield while they undergo treatment and care. Your donation will allow the organisation to continue to provide a safe, clean and comfortable space where he can live with dignity. Canberrans can donate cleaning products or fund the purchase of these items. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase what’s needed. To help, please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords:
The Bold Bandannas will host a fundraising stall on Saturday 9 May, 9:30am–4:30pm, at Bunnings Majura, raising funds for Cancer Council ACT. With winter approaching, pick up beanies for adults and children, scarves and knee rugs, along with their popular jams, chutneys, marmalades and lemon and passionfruit butter, including reduced sugar options. There will also be teddies, dress-up skirts, wings and animal tails for kids. For more information, contact Jan on 0451 679 220.
Friends ANBG Thursday Talks
Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens will host a Thursday Talk on 7 May, 12:30–1:30pm, at the ANBG Theatrette (opposite the Visitor Centre). Kristy Gould, working with Ngunnawal Cultural Advisors, will present “Conserving Canberra: healing country through restoration of bush”. Book at trybooking.com/ DHLQN. Gold coin, cash and EFTPOS donations support Friends of the ANBG special projects at the Gardens.
ANU Classics Museum public tour
The Friends of the ANU Classics Museum will host a free public tour on Friday 8 May, 11am–12pm, at the A.D. Hope Building, ANU. Led by volunteer guides, the tour offers insights into the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. No bookings required. For more information, visit slll.cass.anu.edu.au/classics-museum
Dragons Abreast Canberra come and try
Dragons Abreast Canberra is hosting a “Come and Try” dragon boating session on Saturday 2 May, 9–11am, at Grevillea Park, Barton. The event is designed for people recovering from breast cancer, offering a supportive environment to reconnect with physical activity, meet others with shared experiences and enjoy time on the water. No experience is needed. For info, email comeandtry@dragonsabreastcanberra.org.au or call 0407 250 651.
Craft and Remnant Sale
St Ninian’s Market @ The Meeting Place will host a Craft and Remnant Sale on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May, 9:30am–1pm, at St Ninian’s Uniting Church Hall, Lyneham. Browse handmade items, sewing fabrics, knitting yarns, haberdashery, books, baubles and more, alongside the usual market stalls with clothing, treasures and bric-a-brac. Stay for morning tea or lunch and enjoy a coffee. All welcome.
PUZZLES & STARS
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
On this plane of existence, value is not intrinsic. The cosmic scales tilt with our opinions. You get to decide what counts. This week, you realise how you’re being influenced on the matter. You’ll have a realisation and the opportunity to adjust so you can get more of what you really want.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
You have goals that you have no idea how to reach. They involve new projects, fresh skills and topics that are completely foreign to you. But almost everything you’re doing had to be, at some point, learned. And you’ll learn this, too. You’ll enjoy learning it. So go forward in faith.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 An Arnott’s Iced VoVo biscuit has a strip of what type of jam?
2 The navicular bone is found in which part of the human body?
3 Who served as prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007?
4 In which decade was the Church of Scientology established?
5 In 2024, which actor released the memoir, You Never Know: A Memoir?
SOLUTIONS
Asking excellent questions will be your specialty this week. Not just more questions, which would potentially be off-putting to the subject and counterproductive to gathering knowledge, but the kind of questions that make people want to open up. You’ll make everyone think a little differently.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
A lifestyle upgrade means something different to you than it means to your friend or that person you follow on Instagram. This week, you’re paying attention to exactly what it is that gives you a sense that things are better now. You’re craving beauty that’s unmistakably yours.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
You’re intuitive, observant and tactful, so you don’t talk about what you see. You simply clock it and keep tuning in to see what pattern emerges. Bide your time. Let everything settle into an order. There will come a time when you must act. You’ll know it when the moment is upon you.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
There’s an opening in your world, but you’re not desperate to fill it. As far as you’re concerned, the role can remain open. You are, however, aware of the qualities that would be a good fit. When you see them in the wild, you take note. Yours is very much a mind at work, waiting for stars to align.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
Of course, love doesn’t mean always giving into what your partner wants, and yet you’re so accommodating that people don’t realise that you serve their preferences even when you don’t share them. This week, decide what you want before others are involved, then stick to it.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
Your positivity boosts everything it touches: your thoughts, your immune system, your finances and more. Now you’ll make your way to the empowerment by going around obstacles. First, you acknowledge what’s getting in the way, so it doesn’t creep up on you or catch you by surprise.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
You might not be able to get rid of the things that make your life harder. But if you start seeing those challenges as something that strengthens you, you’ll notice ways they give you an edge. It’s not about removing what’s in your way but working with it, knowing it gives you things others don’t have.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
It’s like you have a sensor for everyone and everything that can lead to your success. When you’re drawn to unusual things, you go with it. Why ask why? Trust you are guided by a wisdom that, though seemingly nonsensical, will connect all the right elements in a way that works.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
You’ll be inspired to put extraordinary energy into an ordinary thing, elevating daily life for more than just you. Others want to help you. For some, it’s their job. For others, it’s their comfort or calling. You could do this on your own, but involving others will be more meaningful.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
To recognise other people’s intelligence has an invigorating effect on your own. Whether you feel heartened by the company, or excited at the prospect of collaboration, the potential for more ideas in the mix creates an opportunity for curiosity and growth.
DIFFICULTY RATING
WIN! Mr Roses flower voucher
This Mother’s Day, spoil Mum with premium blooms from Mr Roses. Delivering across Canberra for several years, Mr Roses is known for its beautifully curated arrangements made using the highest quality stems. With a boutique in Dickson, finding the perfect last-minute gift has never been easier.
Canberra Weekly readers now have the chance to win a $50 voucher to put towards their Mother’s Day flowers. Enter now for your chance to win and treat Mum to something special.
ENTER TO WIN!
To enter, email competitions@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘Mr Roses’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including street address) and your favourite flower. Entries close 9am Friday 8 May 2026 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+.
To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
SUNDAY 10TH MAY
is Mother’s Day, spoil your mum with a decadent experience for the senses.
Our QTea High Tea in the QT Lounge, 15 oors up, features a scent and sip bar. Indulge in an exclusive sensory journey guided by our fragrance expert.
Sip Mumm sparkling wine, then make a personalised fragrance inspired by its signature notes (think creamy honey and fresh apple), uniquely yours to take home. Swap the ordinary for the extraordinary and create a sensory moment she’ll cherish forever.
Mother’s Day Specials
SUNDAY 10TH MAY
Minestrone Soup | 18
A comforting classic from Italy, featuring a wholesome mix of seasonal vegetables, kidney beans, pasta, and fresh herbs in a rich broth. Served with a warm bread roll and butter
Cajun Chicken Rice Bowl | 25
Cajun-spiced chicken served over nutty brown rice with bell peppers, mango, avocado, and fresh herbs
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Supreme | 26
Tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, served with golden potatoes, steamed vegetables and creamy mushroom sauce.
Oven Baked Whole Barramundi | 32
Angus Beef Pie | 30
Slow-cooked Angus beef in rich gravy, encased in flaky pastry. Served with creamy mash, sweet green peas, and rosemary gravy
Crumbed French Lamb Cutlets (3 pcs) | 36
Golden crumbed lamb cutlets served with roasted vegetables, greens, and mint jelly
Chocolate Brownie | 15
Rich chocolate brownie served with silky chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries
Apple Crumble | 18
Warm apple crumble served with creamy custard and seasonal berries
Whole barramundi stuffed with seasonal vegetables and baked in herb butter. Served with chips, fresh salad and garlic butter
Canberra Labor Club Belconnen, 51 Chandler Street Belconnen 2617 m 6251 5522 laborclub.com.au Q claborclubgroup E Canberra Labor Club Group
Lemon Meringue Tart | 18 A zesty lemon tart topped with light, toasted meringue
The genesis of Genesis Owusu
by GEORGIA CURRY
The Slovenian Club in Phillip is the unlikely spot where Canberra rapper Genesis Owusu (who’s just sold out his Paris and London shows) wrote his first verse.
Actually it was in the bathroom of the Slovenian Club where Kofi (Genesis’ real name) wrote down the verse, after listening to some beats on his MP3 player that his brother gave him (his brother is local hip hop rapper Citizen Kay).
“[My brother] kind of honestly forced me to be a musician,” Kofi said. “I was writing short stories and then I was writing poetry and he was already making music but he was the older brother so I didn’t want to be following the older brother’s footsteps, so I was very hesitant about it.”
In fact, Kofi said he “didn’t want any part of it”.
“When we were both living with our parents, he’d made our computer room into his studio and he’d always be making beats and having
people come in to record so it was inescapable and he finally got me one day,” Kofi said.
“He gave me one beat on like a little MP3 player and I was in a public bathroom and that beat came on shuffle on the MP3 player and I wrote my first verse to that beat.”
Kofi’s poetry transitioned perfectly into hip hop, so Woden Valley became the birthplace of Genesis Owusu.
Kofi grew up in suburban Lyons and he credits his Southside upbringing with influencing his artistic identity.
He was in his sunny Canberra backyard when we caught up for a Zoom-chat to discuss the upcoming (15 May) release of his new album, Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge
The “Redstar” in the album title came from Kofi’s identity as a Ghanaian man (the Ghanaian flag is red, gold and green with a black star).
“Red throughout my whole career has kind of been a very poignant colour to me, from album
one, I’ve been in red suits and if you go on any of my socials you’ll definitely see very stark red aesthetics,” he said. “I’ve always thought red was a ferocious colour, a bold colour, an unwavering colour, and I was a big Prince fan and he had purple so I wanted to have red.”
Kofi’s been gigging since he was 14, when he was still a student at St Mary MacKillop College.
“I started gigging at 14 because I had a really big beard and I looked older than my brother,” Kofi said. “So he would get ID’d and I wouldn’t. I was living like a little double life as a high schooler.”
Kofi’s early gigs were at the Transit Bar in Civic and La De Da in Belconnen, both of which are now closed. As for a hip hop scene in Canberra, Kofi didn’t find one.
“Since I started at least, [Canberra] has always been populated with such great artists but I don’t know if it’s an infrastructure thing but it’s like I could never call it a hip hop ‘scene scene’,” Kofi said.
“It’s a bunch of artists who are really great in their own right and doing their own thing. I think it’s what created me in a sense, that there wasn’t necessarily a certain scene or trend or movement that I had to dig into. I guess that allowed me to grow into my own right as an artist.”
Now 28 years old, Kofi has a swag of ARIAs – plus a Degree in Journalism from University of Canberra.
“I graduated in 2018 and you know, I’m a man of side quests,” Kofi said. “I’m a man of many lives.”
Unsurprisingly, English was Kofi’s favourite subject at school (plus his mum was an English teacher).
“My music is very literary,” he said. “The art of using words has always been my weapon, my weapon and my solace and my therapy.”
Kofi said his new album was “very political and it’s extremely unabashedly left”.
“I feel like there’s an influx of things that can be said and should be said and need to be said, and I’ve got the platform to say it,” he said.
“I felt a very unquenchable urge to just speak my truth... It was Nina Simone that said, ‘The duty of the artist to reflect the times that they’re in.’ It’s not that I necessarily take it on as a responsibility but throughout life, I’ve never been one to shy away from an uncomfortable or, political conversation.”
Genesis Owusu performs at UC Refectory on Friday 15 May. Tix: moshtix.com.au/v2/event/ genesis-owusu-red-star-wus-pirate-radiotour/193067
Canberra rapper and ARIA-award-winner, Genesis Owusu, returns home to prepare for the release of his new album Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge.
A celebration of music, story and artistic expression
This autumn, Canberra becomes a city of sound as the Canberra International Music Festival returns from 29 April to 3 May 2026. Concert halls, galleries, embassies and unexpected spaces across the capital will come alive with classical masterpieces, contemporary works, jazz, world music and First Nations storytelling.
With internationally acclaimed artists alongside Canberra’s own musical talent, the Festival blends world‑class performance with a strong local spirit. Daytime concerts, immersive experiences and special events make it accessible for everyone. Discover something new, follow your curiosity and experience the sound of Canberra at this premier festival cimf.org.au
29 APRIL — 3 MAY
2026 FESTIVAL SNAPSHOT
Songs Beyond Twilight
SNOW CONCERT HALL
Anna-Louise Cole / soprano, Australian String Quartet , Ensemble Liaison, James Crabb / accordion, Lina Tur Bonet (Spain) / violin
Mahler’s introspective RückertLieder, Adès’s inventive clarinet quintet Alchymia, and Aaron Wyatt’s reflective trio Where to from Here?
anchor this evening of chamber music. Strauss’s Four Last Songs, arranged for accordion and string trio, offer an intimate reimagining of his late masterpiece. Together, these works explore transformation, memory and emotional clarity, shaped by shifting colours and finely drawn expression.
Folias de España
GANDEL HALL
Lina Tur Bonet (Spain) / violin, Neal Peres Da Costa / harpsichord
Spanish Baroque masterpieces bloom with fiery elegance, from Selma y Salaverde to Scarlatti, revealing centuries of Mediterranean musical splendour.
Schubert & Syrah
GANDEL HALL, NGA
Kristian Chong / solo piano
Folk and Tango
MANNING CLARK HALL, ANU
James Crabb / accordion, Ensemble Liaison, Lina Tur Bonet (Spain) / violin, Australian String Quartet
Scottish folk, nuevo tango, Dvořák Bagatelles and klezmer ignite a joyous global journey of rhythm, dance and collective celebration.
Bell Curve
SCAN FOR FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAM AND TICKET SALES
Tissages du Temps
SNOW CONCERT HALL
PARLIAMENT HOUSE OF AUSTRALIA
Ensemble Contrechamps (Switzerland), Lyrebird Brass, Kristian Chong / piano, Timothy Young / piano
French music’s grand arc from Couperin to Ravel and Grisey shimmers through Baroque brilliance, Impressionist colour and spectral transformation.
Schubert’s final sonata unfolds alongside curated wines, uniting taste, memory and music in an immersive multisensory experience.
Speak Percussion, Aaron Wyatt / Indigenous leader, Community performers Federation Handbells transform Parliament’s heart into a resonant field of spatial sound.
Spending a weekend in Bathurst recently, the town pleasantly surprised me. I hadn’t been since I was a kid, so the only thing I really knew about Bathurst was the iconic Mount Panorama track and the Supercars race each year. It didn’t take long to realise there’s much more to it, with a blend of heritage charm, good food and a growing cultural scene set within a relaxed city.
The town itself
My first impression driving into Bathurst was just how beautiful the town was. The roads were nice and wide (probably enough room for three lanes each way if it were a big city) and lined with trees that had started to change into their autumn colours. The streets give the town a sense of openness, and the heritage architecture is everywhere you look. There are beautiful buildings and monuments across the city, even the
six guest rooms, along with a well-appointed kitchen, a chapel and private gardens. The property feels peaceful and secluded, yet is still close to the town centre, another perk of a country setting where everything is within easy reach.
From the building to the rooms and the gardens, everything is exactly how you would hope. But what really sets the Bishop’s Court Estate apart is the hospitality.
jail and courthouse feel grand, though perhaps not quite nice enough to explore from the inside.
The main streets carry that classic country town feel, but with a polished edge. Boutique shops sit alongside local stores and cafés, creating a charming atmosphere you want to explore. One of my favourite parts of the trip was just walking down the main strip, checking out a couple of shops and bakeries, including the Bathurst Chocolate Boutique, Annie’s Ice Cream and Dejorja & Co.
The accommodation
Talk about stunning heritage. Bishop’s Court Estate was the accommodation for the weekend and sums up all things beautiful about Bathurst.
This award-winning boutique hotel, set within a restored Victorian mansion, leans fully into Bathurst’s heritage character while delivering a genuinely warm and personal stay. The historic two-storey building has been reworked to include
Christine, the host and owner, creates an atmosphere that feels more like staying with friends than checking into a hotel. Alongside Barb, she prepares breakfast each morning, bringing a personal touch that you don’t often find. In the afternoons, guests are invited to a relaxed golden hour of champagne and nibbles in the garden, where Christine joins in, chats with everyone and makes sure no one feels like a stranger.
It’s these small moments that leave the biggest impression. If you are planning a Bathurst trip, I could not recommend staying with Christine at Bishop’s Court Estate enough. To find out more or to book, visit bishopscourtestate.com.au
The
activities
The first item on the itinerary was checking out the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail. The event showcases over 100 local artists, makers and creators and gives visitors the unique chance to explore the trades and traditions that have shaped
Bathurst is home to many wonderful heritage buildings, including the Bathurst Courthouse. Photo: Visit Bathurst
Driving around the Mount Panorama track is a must-do when in Bathurst. Photo: David Roma
the region. It was fascinating seeing some of the old trades in action, including blacksmithing, carpentry, glass artistry, embroidery, whip cracking and plenty more. I even made it out of there with some homemade soap and local honey.
While I mentioned that Bathurst has a lot more to offer than just the Bathurst 1000 every year, the highlight of the trip was no doubt driving a lap of Mount Panorama. Apart from when the races are on, the track is just a public road that anybody can access, so it was very cool to be able to drive it yourself. The speed limit is 60 the whole way around, and honestly, even that was too quick in some sections. Hard to believe the professionals can drive through some of those tight areas close to 200km/h. We were then taken for a lap in an old heritage car from the Bathurst Regional Motor Museum, which was truly special. The museum is also well worth checking out for car lovers, with a host of vehicles and other memorabilia on display. If you are ever in the Bathurst area, I highly recommend driving a few laps of Mount Panorama and checking out the
museum.
After spending a bit more time looking around the city, it was time to venture just 15 minutes out of town to the Bathurst Grange Distillery. Located on a heritage farm, the venue makes award-winning small batch gin and whisky. It’s a beautiful setting, with animals roaming the property, including a couple of cute ponies, while inside is a really nice setting to taste some of the award-winning product. I am not a huge drinker myself, but the gins were all very nice, and it was a lovely location to just unwind with a couple of drinks.
“Bishop’s Court Estate was the accommodation for the weekend and sums up all things beautiful about Bathurst. ”
always found gnocchi can be hit or miss, but their version of it was simply delicious. The Wagyu steak, cooked over charcoal, was equally as good. Perhaps it’s my ignorance, but a very nice surprise to find a place like this in a regional town like Bathurst.
On the next night, The Oxford offered a completely different experience, but one that was just as enjoyable. The two-storey venue has been built into a lively, social space. Downstairs, there’s a beautiful bar, large screens showing live sport and a welcoming beer garden, where the fire was lit for the first time all year as the temperature dropped close to zero. Upstairs, the Americanstyle barbecue restaurant brings bold, smoky flavours and a more casual dining atmosphere. It feels like a fun community hub that caters to a wide mix of people and occasions.
The food
Bathurst’s food scene is another pleasant surprise, with a mix of refined dining and relaxed local venues. Bootleg Dining was a standout. Perhaps something you may not associate with a town like Bathurst, it leans into an elevated dining experience and absolutely nails it. The menu could be described as modern Australian, leaning into European influences and built around quality produce. I’ve
The wrap
Most people may just think of car racing when they think of Bathurst, but there’s more to enjoy beyond the track. Whether you’re there for the drive around Mount Panorama or simply to enjoy a weekend away discovering one of the many great Australian towns, Bathurst delivers an experience that feels genuine, easy and with a drive just over three hours from Canberra, it is well worth the trip.
To find out more, visit bathurstregion.com.au and follow @visitbathurst on Instagram.
Bathurst Grange Distillery is a lovely place to unwind with a drink of gin.
The wonderful Christine will make you feel at home when you stay at Bishop’s Court Estate.
Music Theatre Classes for All Ages
Booktalk
Jeff Popple reviews three great books for mum this Mother’s Day! More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
The Marriage Trap by Victoria Purman HQ, $32.99
Mothers who like engrossing dramas with an empowering message will appreciate and enjoy The Marriage Trap by Victoria Purman. Set in 1960s Adelaide, it follows the fortunes of the Langley family as they cope with the changing expectations of the time. Twentyyear-old Cathy, training to be a teacher, wants more out of life than having to give up her work and dreams to become a wife and mother.
While ten-year-old Evelyn wants to be a fairy princess until she sees the price that women pay for such dreams. Evocative and moving, The Marriage Trap is an engaging tale by one of our best historical novelists.
MOVIE MOVIE MUSICALS MUSICALS S
Why We Garden by Hannah Moloney Affirm Press, $34.99
Every weekend throughout Australia, millions of people spend time working in their gardens or tending to the small plots on their balconies, often for little return. But why?
This is the question that has long fascinated avid gardener, and presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia, Hannah Moloney. To find the answer, she asked celebrities, politicians, community leaders, and everyday Australians what they gain from gardening. The answers ranged from the practical to the philosophical, and are surprising, insightful, and occasionally moving. A joyful celebration of life, Why We Garden is a terrific book that will make for a great gift this Mother’s Day.
Sound Mind Dead Body by Dave Warner
Fremantle Press, $34.99
Fans of classic mysteries will love Sound Mind Dead Body by the very versatile Dave Warner. Drawing on his fondness for Agatha Christie’s cosy crime novels, Warner has crafted an enjoyable traditional whodunit set in an English manor house. It is 1929 and the Pedhurst and de Reve families are gathered in Devon for the reading of a will. However, the event is delayed when the unpopular family matriarch is found dead and another guest is killed. Fortunately, former Australian war ace turned policeman, Fred Willets, is on hand to investigate, along with the quick-witted local pharmacist Prudence Meadows. A delightful and surprising mystery.
Liaisons dangereuses: Swords, sex, and scandal at Canberra Rep
by NICHOLAS FULLER
In late 18th century France, a young military officer, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, set out to write “a work which departed from the ordinary, which made a noise, and which would remain on earth after his death”. He succeeded with Les Liaisons dangereuses, a novel told entirely through letters, describing the schemes of two cruel libertines who prey on the innocent.
Liaisons dangereuses scandalised France: Parisian society closed its doors to Laclos, society ladies declaring themselves too frightened to be alone with him. It was banned during the 19th century as “an outrage to public morality”, and Charles X’s conservative government ordered it destroyed as “dangerous” in 1824. The Pope forbade anyone to read it, placing it on the Index of Prohibited Books. Only the poet Baudelaire championed it. Rediscovered in the 1870s, it has since been seen as one of France’s classic
novels. Even today, though, the work remains controversial.
And it’s a great theatrical experience for an audience, says Lainie Hart, directing Christopher Hampton’s award-winning adaptation for Canberra Rep, opening this week.
There are sword fights and sex scenes; beautiful sets, costumes, and music — and a cautionary tale.
“People who like production values, or really want to feel they get their money’s worth when there’s real attention and time put into design, are going to get that,” Hart says. “People who like a good story that has light and dark and highs and lows are going to get that. People who want to see good, solid acting are going to get that. I really feel it’s a great night.”
Husband-and-wife couple Jordan Best and Jim Adamik play the nefarious couple. The Marquise de Merteuil (Best) plots to corrupt young and innocent Cécile de Volanges (Jamie Johnston),
while her ally and rival, the Vicomte de Valmont (Adamik), wants to seduce the virtuous Mme de Tourvel (Yanina Clifton, just returned from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art).
“I’m very interested in the dark elements of the play,” Hart says. “It’s witty and funny, and the characters are very charismatic. It should feel at the beginning like champagne bottles popping, but by the end, it’s quite dark and sombre as the world falls apart. I wanted to capture how as they continue with this behaviour, the world starts to shut down; how things start to disintegrate as that immoral behaviour escalates.”
The sumptuous set — autumnal hues, redbrown walls, tapestries, portraits, and, of course, a rather large bed — is designed by Kayla Ciceran. The play happens in eight different rooms, and no two scenes are consecutively in the same place; the action moves rapidly from a Paris salon to a château salon to a bedroom, back to a salon, then to a second bedroom — and, in the penultimate scene, to a winter duel.
Les Liaisons dangereuses, by Christopher Hampton, directed by Lainie Hart, Canberra Rep, 23 April to 9 May. Tickets: canberrarep.org.au/ content/les-liaisons-dangereuses
What’s on!
EXHIBITION
Warped and Twisted
1-9 MAY
It’s Warped and Twisted Exhibition time again and once again we’ve been hard at work: Weaving, Spinning, Knitting, Crocheting, Basket Making. Come along, check out the warm, woolie garments, elegant home furnishings, accessories and toys in our Gallery and Shop. See us in action – come along, get involved.
Chifley Health and Wellbeing Hub, 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Chifley, 1-9 May; canberraspinnersandweavers.org.au
FUN
Brick by Brick
9 MAY
Celebrate Australian ingenuity with a building block design competition inspired by the exhibition ‘In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists’. Open to ages seven and up, the competition invites participants to create a design using construction blocks at home, which is then delivered to the National Archives of Australia for display and judging. Then there will be a free screening of The Lego Movie.
National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes, Saturday 9 May; eventbrite.com.au
WIN! German Film Festival tickets
The 2026 HSBC German Film Festival takes place nationally from 6 May to 27 May. Featuring gripping true stories, delightful family films, comedy and powerful new drama from Germany’s finest filmmakers and actorsincluding a selection direct from this year’s Berlinale, - the Festival is an unmissable showcase of contemporary cinema from the region.
The 2026 HSBC German Film Festival takes place from 6 May –27 May. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, please visit germanfilmfestival.com.au
ENTER TO WIN!
To enter, email competitions@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘German Film Festival’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including street address) and your favourite thing about Germany. Entries close 9am Friday 8 May 2026 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
SPORT
Raiders vs Panthers
10 MAY
The Raiders will have their work cut out for them when they face the Panthers on Sunday afternoon.
GIO Stadium Canberra, Sunday 10 May, 4:05pm; premier.ticketek.com.au
BOOKS
Embracing You book launch
12 MAY
Join University of Canberra clinical psychologist and Canberra Weekly Health and Wellbeing columnist Dr Vivienne Lewis for the launch of her new book, Embracing You: A Practical Guide to Body Image and SelfAcceptance. Drawing on over 20 years of clinical experience and research, Dr Lewis shares practical, compassionate strategies to help readers build a healthier relationship with their bodies and themselves. The event will feature
Now sh
wing
Exit 8 (M)
In a Japanese subway train, a man (Kazunari Ninomiya) witnesses another man scolding a mother over her crying baby. Getting off the train, the man receives a call from his exgirlfriend (Nana Komatsu), informing him that she is pregnant with his child and asking him what to do. As his phone connection fails, the man realises he is in an endlessly looping subway tunnel. Soon, the man reads a set of instructions on a wall, informing him that he must reach Exit 8 by turning back whenever he notices an anomaly in the corridor, lest he be stuck in the loop forever.
Based on a 2023 video game, the movie’s seemingly simple concept entices the audience into the main character’s plight in following the rules and clues to get out of this psychological and surreal puzzle
guest speaker Tim Gavel, who will officially launch the book, followed by a short talk from Dr Lewis and an opportunity for book signings. Light refreshments provided. All welcome.
University of Canberra Library, Level C, Tuesday 12 May, 12pm
EXPO
Your Local Wedding Guide
17 MAY
At Your Local Wedding Guide Expo, you can create your perfect wedding day with the help of the best wedding industry suppliers in the Canberra region. Find new products and ideas, listen to live music, see gorgeous displays, plus go in the draw to win great prizes!
Exhibition Park in Canberra, Sunday 17 May, weddingguide.com. au/expo-canberra
maze. Like Groundhog Day (1993), the lead character finds himself in a never-ending limbo after facing a life-altering choice. The repetitive scenery punctuated with increasingly obvious and alarming anomalies mirrors the character’s guilt, anxieties, and fears of potential impending fatherhood.
The characters are avatars for the audience, and ‘The Lost Man’ is easy to empathise with. Starting from his literal point of view, we follow his shock with his exgirlfriend’s revelation, his confusion when faced with his predicament, and his determination to solve it.
Two chapters are dedicated to other characters, embellishing them while also informing us of the ‘game mechanics’ of the limbo tunnel. Verdict: An intriguing morality play and fantastic video game adaptation.
- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net
Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.
health & wellbeing
Small psychological shifts that change how we see ourselves
with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
If you’ve read my column for a while, you’ll know that I often come back to the same idea: Change doesn’t usually come from doing something dramatic. It comes from small, consistent shifts in how we think, how we respond to ourselves, and how we make sense of our experiences.
That theme runs through everything I do, my clinical work, my teaching and research at the University of Canberra, and the books I’ve written alongside this column. For me, books and columns go hand in hand. The books allow me to explore these ideas in depth, bringing together research, clinical experience, and the
broader picture, while the column is where I can distil that thinking into practical, everyday moments.
My new book, Embracing You: A Practical Guide to Body Image and Self-Acceptance, is my fourth, and it continues that same focus. It’s about deepening the conversation around body image and self-worth, areas where we have a strong body of research, yet people continue to struggle in very real ways.
What I see, time and again, is that people don’t just feel dissatisfied with their bodies, they feel dissatisfied with themselves. There’s a constant internal commentary, a tendency to compare, and a sense that worth is something that must be earned. And those patterns don’t shift simply because we understand them intellectually.
So what helps?
It starts with something quite small, such as noticing the critical voice. Then rather than automatically believing it, questioning it. It’s also about recognising the role of comparison. We often assume the problem is how we
Happy Mother’s Day
Dental Health during Pregnancy
look, when it’s the constant measuring of ourselves against others that shapes how we feel. Stepping back from that can reduce a surprising amount of pressure. And then there’s the idea of allowing yourself to take up space. Not because you’ve achieved something or met a standard, but simply because you exist. It’s a shift that can feel uncomfortable, but it’s central to developing a more stable and compassionate sense of self.
These are the kinds of small, evidence-based shifts I explore more fully in Embracing You, but they’re also the same ideas I return to here each week, just in a di erent form.
On Tuesday 12 May at 12pm, I’ll be launching the book at the University of Canberra Library (Level C), and it feels like a lovely way to bring these ideas into the community. I’m also delighted that sports commentator Tim Gavel will be joining as a guest speaker. If you’re interested, I’d genuinely love you to come along, meet me, and be part of the conversation. Copies of the book will be available for purchase on the day, and I’ll be there to sign them.
Whether it’s through this column or my book, the message is the same: Meaningful change comes from small shifts, repeated over time, in how we understand and treat ourselves.
Canberra lights up to support the complex genetic condition, Neuro bromatosis
by BERNIE RYAN
As part of the Shine a Light campaign to support those living with Neurofibromatosis (NF), landmarks will be lit up across the nation, including Canberra, on 17 May.
These include the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Questacon, National Museum of Australia and the Royal Australian Mint.
NF is a lifelong genetic condition that causes tumours to form on the nerves throughout the body, which can lead to serious complications like vision and hearing loss, chronic pain, mobility loss and cancer.
During NF Awareness Month this May, the Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF) is advocating for better standard models of care and greater access to specialists, centres of excellence and coordinated care centres for those living with NF.
As Australia’s leading charitable authority to support people impacted by NF, the CTF supports families navigating a fragmented health care system that often lets down the people who need it most.
Retired Canberra teacher and CTF Australia Community Advisory Panel Member, Brian Marsh, would like Canberrans to know more about
the disease, the CTF, and how to help those living with NF.
“Based on the statistics I have seen, approximately 150 – 170 people in Canberra and its regions are likely a ected by this disease,” he says.
Mr Marsh also lives with NF.
“As a lifelong disease, I have had numerous operations to remove, thankfully, benign tumours from my skin and eye. These tumours can be painful as they are nerve-based tumours.
“Lots of operations meant a lot of school time was missed growing up,” says Mr Marsh.
The condition a ects multiple body systems, is highly variable, progresses over time, and requires specialised care. Despite this, coordinated care centres are limited, which play a crucial role in how people manage their condition.
The complexity of NF means some families see up to a dozen specialists and children with a rare condition can have up to 240 health care visits per year. This can also come at a huge financial cost to a family, with a
recent Health and Social Impact Study uncovering that almost 30% forgo treatment altogether, due to financial pressures.
Andy Moore, Chief Executive O cer at the Children’s Tumour Foundation says, “When coordinated care is out of reach, caregivers are forced to take on the role of a medical researcher, nurse and advocate, all while still bearing the responsibilities of everyday life.”
You can show your support by donating here at the Donate to CTF - Children’s Tumour Foundation of Australia.
The Shine a Light campaign is raising awareness and support for those living with Neurofibromatosis.
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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.
Scales tip in favour of seafood on the dinner table
by AARON BUNCH, AAP
Eating seafood twice per week can boost heart and brain function, improve overall health, and lower the risk of developing some deadly diseases, scientists say.
Cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s disease risk could fall by 30 per cent, and dementia by 10 per cent, with about 300 grams of seafood on the menu weekly, a study into its benefits has found.
Higher seafood consumption has also been linked to improved mental health outcomes, with adults eating regular weekly servings showing a lower risk of depression and anxiety.
“Two servings of fish a week can give you enormous benefits for every system in your body,” Curtin University epidemiologist Alexandra McManus said.
“We’re not talking about a huge amount, and we’re not talking about anything really expensive, either.
“It’s all about being healthy throughout our lifespan.”
Researchers stipulate that at least one serving must be high in Omega-3s fatty acids, but they also recommend eating a “variety of seafood because it has so many health benefits”.
“Whilst there are a number of supplements on the market that are high in Omega-3s and can provide good health benefits, there are many more benefits to eating whole seafood,” Professor McManus said.
“Seafood is a great source of lean protein and provides other nutrients, including vitamins A and D, B group vitamins, iodine, zinc, selenium and iron.”
For older adults, regularly eating seafood can help boost bone health and muscle strength.
“If you have, say, four servings of seafood a week, you can maintain that strength in your muscles and that overall function,” Prof McManus said.
“Once you have good muscle strength and good muscle function, then you’ve got less chance of falling.”
Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, allergies and asthma, and support blood vessel function and
maintain brain structure.
There are also benefits for common conditions that are now becoming endemic, like diabetes, behavioural and mental health issues and cancer, Prof McManus said.
During pregnancy, eating seafood can help reduce preterm birth and low birth weights, and improve a mother’s overall health.
Omega-3s are also critical for foetal and baby brain development.
There is also emerging evidence that high doses of Omega-3s can also benefit critically ill hospital patients by protecting them from infection, reducing the time spent in care, Prof McManus said.
The research - the largest independent review of seafood and human health conducted in the last decade, analysing more than 250 scientific studies - has helped scientists broaden their understanding of how much seafood people should eat and what types.
“Previously, it was just eat more fish, but this is eat more seafood as part of a healthy diet,” Prof McManus said.
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The ANU scientist helping protect the ocean’s giants
by NICHOLAS FULLER
One-third of marine megafauna is threatened with extinction due to human activity — but an ANU marine ecologist could reshape how the world protects the high seas.
This week, A/Professor Ana Sequeira won global recognition for her work tracking whales, sharks, seals, penguins, turtles, and seabirds: a United Nations-endorsed global research project called MegaMove.
A/Prof Sequeira was named Australia’s National Champion in the world’s largest science competition focused on planetary health, the Frontiers Planet Prize. If selected as
one of three international champions later this year, she stands to win US$1 million to further her research.
“It’s a huge honour to be recognised internationally like this,”
A/Prof Sequeira said. “It’s a great recognition for the work that I’ve been doing in the last few years, collaborating with hundreds of people from around the world.”
Ever since she can remember, she has been fascinated by how animals move through the ocean.
“I just couldn’t believe that these animals could travel underwater for long distances. Since I was a very young girl, that’s really what I’ve been curious about. As I grew older and started understanding
what was happening, how these species have different behaviours, and how our human activities are encroaching into their space, I was interested in understanding how they use the ocean, because we can use that information to better manage our own activities and make it better.”
Her fascination with sea life brought her to Australia from Portugal to work with whale sharks.
“That first time getting in the water and seeing a giant shark swimming towards me was something I’ll never forget. These animals can be eight metres long, 10 metres long. They are huge animals, but they are a docile species; they eat plankton, so it’s safe to be in the water with them. It’s just astonishing to be in the water with an animal like that.”
In 2020, A/Prof Sequeira launched MegaMove, working with 400 researchers from more than 50 countries to achieve something that had never been done before: tracking the movement of more than 100 marine megafauna species (more than 12,000 individuals) to identify the areas they rely on for feeding, mating, breeding, resting, and migration.
A third of the species could disappear as human activity intensifies across the oceans, from fishing and shipping to climate change, noise pollution, and warming waters, A/Prof Sequeira explains.
“The animals need time to adapt, or sometimes they don’t even have really an option: they need to deal with it. So a lot of these threats together, taking place simultaneously, increases the chances of populations decreasing and declining.”
The species’ movements cover more than 70 per cent of the globe’s oceans, travelling thousands of kilometres, and connecting entire ocean basins — but few of the areas they rely on are protected. MegaMove found that while 8 per cent of the world’s oceans are protected, only 5 per cent of the areas used by marine megafauna are covered.
A/Prof Sequeira hopes that the MegaMove research will be used to protect areas of the ocean that are important for “these charismatic and threatened marine species”. The United Nations High Seas Treaty, which came into effect in January, seeks to protect 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030; Australia’s High Seas Biodiversity Bill, passed last month, implements it into Australian law.
“Meaningful protection is going to be key to demonstrate that we can coexist with these animals that are essential to the health of the ocean. Without the ocean being healthy, we won’t have our resources either. We need to understand that we are sharing this space, and we need to be able to do it in a better way.”
A Professor Ana Sequiera swimming with a whale shark
Photo supplied
Space, Style and Family Living
Kambah 17 Buckley Circuit
Set across multiple levels and designed with families in mind, this home delivers a rare sense of space, flexibility and lifestyle appeal in one impressive package.
From the moment you step inside, the home feels warm and inviting, with a light-filled living area anchored by an open wood fireplace, ideal for Canberra’s cooler months. Double glazing throughout enhances comfort year-round, while also adding to the home’s energy efficiency.
At its heart, a well-appointed kitchen connects seamlessly to the dining and family zones, creating an easy flow for both everyday living and entertaining. Generous bench space, quality appliances and thoughtful inclusions ensure it caters effortlessly to busy households.
The standout main bedroom offers a true parents’ retreat, complete with a walk-in robe and spacious ensuite. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms with their own bathroom provide a private zone for teenagers or guests, while three further bedrooms downstairs ensure there is room for everyone.
Outdoors, the home continues to impress, with a covered entertaining area featuring a pizza oven and fireplace, perfect for year-round gatherings.
Positioned close to local shops, schools and parklands, this is a home that balances practicality with lifestyle, offering families the space they need without compromising on comfort. 6 3 4 EER 4
Auction Sat 16 May, 1:30pm
View Sat 2 May, 9 to 9:30am
Agent Andrew Grenfell Mob 0424 858 529
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YOUR PLACE TO CALL HOME
Magnificently maintained, this delightful comfortable and spacious family home is surprisingly quiet due to the privacy of the double glazing on some of the windows. The lounge and separate dining room with so many large windows allows the light to stream in during all seasons. The floorplan just flows naturally to the well-positioned kitchen next to the spacious family room – and an even bigger outdoor pergola area, perfect for all types of entertaining. The king-size master bedroom has a large ensuite bathroom and plenty of wardrobe space. The remaining three bedrooms all have built-in robes. Outdoor living offers so many outdoor “rooms” for family and friends visiting throughout the year, and there is even space for a caravan or boat.
On site 10 am, Saturday 9 May 2026
for
UP TO $50,000 DEPOSIT ASSISTANCE*
CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE
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FIND YOUR HOME IN BELCONNEN’S NEXT CHAPTER
The Markets Residences is a landmark address in the heart of Belconnen. Designed by Cox Architecture, this exclusive release brings together a collection of loft residences, spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and a limited number of premium penthouses, each defined by generous proportions, natural light and effortless living.
Selection of lofts, apartments and luxury penthouses
Generous layouts with abundant natural light
Premium inclusions and quality finishes throughout
Prime position in Belconnen Town Centre
Directly opposite the Belconnen Markets redevelopment
Under 10 minutes to UC, AIS & North Canberra Hospital
Strong lifestyle and investment appeal
More than a home, it’s a community
Family owned and operated for over 35 years, The Grange retirement village enjoys an unbeatable location in the ACT. Set among the leafy, tree‑lined streets of Deakin and just 300 metres from local shops, the village is also close to medical facilities and essential services.
Enjoy a low‑maintenance lifestyle within a warm, welcoming community, supported by a range of quality facilities including an indoor heated pool and spa, library, hairdressing salon, community gardens, onsite dining, and a pet‑friendly environment.
24‑hour onsite emergency support provides added peace of mind. A trained staff member is always onsite to offer calm assistance, basic first aid, and to contact emergency services if required, remaining with you until help arrives.
Our spacious independent living homes feature:
• Modern kitchens with stone benchtops and stainless‑steel appliances
• Open plan living and dining areas
• Most homes opening onto a generous balcony or courtyard
• Contemporary bathrooms
• Internal laundry
• Heating and cooling for year‑round comfort.
For future peace of mind, The Grange also offers one‑bedroom serviced apartments located onsite. Should a resident’s needs change, they may choose to move from an independent home into a serviced apartment, where assistance is provided with cleaning, all meals prepared onsite, and heavy laundry such as washing and changing bedding and towels. Personal care is not provided; however residents are welcome to continue with their own preferred personal care provider if required.
Open Home Friday 10am to 12pm
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Bumbling Brumbies
blown away by Super Hurricanes
Calamitous first-half kicking gave the ACT Brumbies no hope as the table-topping Hurricanes struck a blow for New Zealand rugby in a 45-12 Super Round win.
The bonus point victory pushed the Hurricanes (7-2) to the top of the ladder and left the Brumbies (5-5) in danger of slipping to sixth, after the Crusaders had jumped them into fourth on Friday thanks to a bonus-point win against the NSW Waratahs.
It was the Brumbies’ first loss to New Zealand opposition in fi ve games this season. But two losses to Fijian Drua - as well as defeats against the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds in Canberra - have undone that good work.
Woman dies in crash near Yass
Shortly before 1:45pm on Saturday 25 April, emergency services responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hume Highway and Yass Valley Way, Manton, 10km north of Yass.
O cers from The Hume Police District attended and found a Mazda sedan had collided head-on with a Ford station wagon.
NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and treated the driver of the Mazda, a 37-year-old man, for chest and pelvis injuries.
He was taken to Canberra hospital in a critical condition.
A woman aged in her 30s, who was a passenger in the Mazda, was treated at the scene before being airlifted to to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition.
A second passenger, a 70-year-old man, was treated by paramedics before being taken to Canberra Hospital in a serious condition. A third passenger, a 69-year-old woman, died at the scene.
It’s bigger than me’: Ben Roberts Smith at Dawn Service
Australia’s most decorated living soldier – and now an accused war criminal – Ben Roberts-Smith arrived quietly before first light at an Anzac Day service on the Gold Coast.
As rain sheeted across Currumbin Beach and thunder rolled in from the Pacific, Mr RobertsSmith, with medals pinned to his chest, stood tall among thousands of silent onlookers.
The 47-year-old Victoria Cross recipient was released on bail last week after being charged with war crime murder o ences.
He mingled briefl y with fellow Diggers, exchanging handshakes and hushed words, before slipping into a seat among the crowd gathered at the beachfront.
High above the ceremony, residents declared their backing for Mr Roberts-Smith with “We support BRS” on a banner hanging from a balcony.
But for his part, he insisted the day was not about him.
“Anzac Day is sacred to me and every other veteran. I will be attending to pay my respects, and I encourage everyone else to,” he said in a statement reported by the ABC and other media outlets.
The former soldier was determined to take part in Anzac Day ceremonies.
“I’ve never thought about not coming, I was always going to be here,” he said, briefl y speaking to the media.
