5 February 2026

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thursday 5 february 2026

Duck the ripper SOPHIE’S BALL SHINES LIGHT ON VETERINARY SUICIDE CRISIS VALENTINE’S DAY WITHOUT A VALENTINE

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Leading The Charge PURPLE POWER: Young and old unite to outpace dementia with Team Goodwin

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news

Duck the ripper There’s a carnivorous duck called Ripper at Tidbinbilla’s Sanctuary (which ducklings avoid lest they become lunch), and now Ripper’s officially the world’s oldest musk duck.

At 27, he’s a fine specimen of Australia’s largest duck (and our only duck that’s a carnivore), and he’s also the Sanctuary’s last survivor of the 2003 bushfires.

ACT Parks ranger Scott Ryan described Ripper as a “submarine”, attacking from beneath, grabbing unsuspecting ducklings, drowning them, beating them up and swallowing them whole.

“It’s just another one of those endearing features of why we love musk ducks,” Scott said.

“The ducks have sort of cottoned on to avoid Ripper these days”.

While Ripper might be enjoying newfound fame as the world’s oldest musk duck (they normally live for about 20 years), his dad was famous for his potty mouth.

Ripper senior could mimic human voices and a researcher recorded him repeatedly saying “you bloody fool” more than three decades ago (the first documented instance of ducks being able to mimic sounds).

Ripper senior’s foul language (pun intended) could be heard during aggressive mating displays – quite the lady’s man. He was also adept at mimicking the sound of doors closing.

Sadly, Ripper senior perished in the 2003 bushfires and with him, the Sanctuary’s musk

Photo Rebecca Mack

by GEORGIA CURRY

The world’s oldest musk duck is Tidbinbilla resident, “little Ripper”, who’s just turned 27.

duck breeding program (Tidbinbilla was one of the few places in the world that was able to breed musk ducks successfully).

Ripper’s son, “little Ripper”, is not much of a talker though, more the silent broody type.

He spends his time in captivity at the Sanctuary dining on fish, baby turtles, frogs, yabbies, molluscs and the occasional unlucky duckling.

Very few conservation facilities have kept musk ducks long-term, so this secondgeneration Ripper is invaluable to research.

“Little Ripper flaps his wings and blows his whistle and squirts water because that’s part of their courtship display,” Scott said. “So in the middle of summer he’s busy doing his little courtship display and then just foraging around and harassing the other ducks. No girls have

landed in here yet.”

If Ripper sounds a little intimidating, you’re safe on dry land because he’s not the most athletic bird out of water.

“They are a diving duck and they spend most of their time in the water,” Scott said. “They’re really clumsy on land because of the way they’re shaped. Their legs stick out the back as opposed to underneath them, so when they do try and walk on land they sort of slide along like the hull of a boat. They‘re really awkward.”

Happy birthday, you little Ripper.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is open daily from 7:30am to 8pm during daylight saving time.

The Sanctuary is a large wetlands ecosystem surrounded by bushland that has been protected by a predator-proof fence for about 40 years, creating a refuge for native animals.

Homeowners with a concession card may be able to access up to $5,000 in rebates for sustainable home upgrades.

Call the friendly team to find out if you are eligible

1300 141 777

SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au

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5 February 2026

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sponsored Goodwin Aged Care Services

Generations United:

Team Goodwin’s

$100,000 Mission

to Outpace Dementia

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Team Goodwin will join many other Canberrans at Lake Burley Griffin on Sunday 22 February for the Dementia Australia Memory Walk & Jog.

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s the Canberra summer reaches its peak, a distinct shade of purple is beginning to colour the capital’s landscape. On Sunday 22 February, the shores of Lake Burley Griffin will transform into a sea of purple as Team Goodwin gathers for the Dementia Australia Memory Walk & Jog. For the second consecutive year, Goodwin Aged Care Services has stepped up as the ACT State Sponsor, leading a community-wide charge with a monumental fundraising target of $100,000.

This ambitious goal follows a record-breaking 2025 campaign that saw over 300 participants under the Team Goodwin banner raise more than $63,000, establishing Goodwin as a dominant force in the region’s philanthropic efforts for dementia research and support services.

“For Goodwin, this campaign is far more than a fundraiser; it is a profound declaration of our core values. Dementia remains one of the most significant health challenges facing older Australians and is now tragically recognised as the leading cause of death in the country,” says Stephen Holmes, Goodwin CEO. “In the ACT alone, an estimated 6,100 people are currently living with the disease, a figure that highlights the urgent need for the increased awareness and canberradaily.com.au

funding that Team Goodwin’s fundraising efforts for Dementia Australia provide.”

The engine driving Team Goodwin’s massive fundraising effort this year is again their unique “Suburb Showdown”, which they launched in 2025.

It’s a friendly but spirited competition that pits various Goodwin locations and suburbs across Canberra and Batemans Bay against one another on a digital leaderboard.

“By giving everyone a local team to get behind, the Suburb Showdown has turned a serious cause into a spirited neighbourhood rivalry between the different Goodwin villages. Whether it’s the Goodwin team at Ainslie, Batemans Bay, Crace, Downer, Farrer, Fisher, Monash, or Queanbeyan, or our Home Care community, each team is racing to the top of the leaderboard, transforming a shared mission for our residents, clients and staff into a point of local pride & purpose,” says Elna Jennings, General Manager, Marketing & Communications at Goodwin.

“It’s been great to also see the momentum of our campaign reaching local businesses, clubs, and cafes that have stepped up as ‘Community Champions’ or ‘Outpacers’ for Team Goodwin.”

With the Suburb Showdown, Team Goodwin has created a Canberra-wide movement where every suburb has a stake in the finish line, and more importantly, supports the call to action to “outpace dementia”.

Among these local champions is Peter Barclay, the well-known owner of King O’Malley’s pub. His connection to the cause is deeply personal, as his mother, Dorothy, is a resident at Goodwin House’s Memory Support Unit in Ainslie. Peter speaks with heartfelt gratitude about the “homey” environment his mother enjoys, often noting that the care is so welcoming he finds it hard to leave after a visit. “As a family, we support this cause wholeheartedly,” Mr Barclay says. “If you’ve walked in these shoes before, no doubt you want to lace up and walk for change”.

Goodwin’s 2026 campaign has also introduced a powerful new intergenerational element: the Team Goodwin Schools Challenge. By pairing local schools with their neighbourhood Goodwin teams, the Schools Challenge is opening the door to vital conversations between young and old. The initiative gives students a meaningful way to understand what is happening when their ‘nans and pops’ begin to lose their memories, turning a difficult topic into a lesson on empathy. These intergenerational friendships are key to removing the stigma around dementia, proving that you’re never too young to make a difference.

Seven-year-old Lia Casao from a local primary school is an enthusiastic ambassador for the Team Goodwin Schools Challenge. She has a simple message for the city: “I want everyone to come walk with me and Goodwin. We are walking together for our nans and pops, because we don’t want them to canberradaily.com.au

forget our names.” Lia’s mum, Gail, is a Goodwin Home Care Support Worker. They proudly represented Team Goodwin last year and are ready to walk side-by-side with the community again at this year’s event.

Goodwin’s commitment to this cause is mirrored in the clinical excellence provided within its facilities.

The organisation’s approach is guided by a “villageof-care” philosophy, recognising that a holistic, supportive network is essential for those navigating a dementia diagnosis.

This clinical expertise is most visible within Goodwin’s specialised Memory Support Units (MSUs) at Ainslie, Farrer, and Batemans Bay, all of which serve as regional benchmarks for dementia care.

World-class dementia support, informed by rigorous environmental audits and national design principles, Goodwin’s MSUs are designed around offering familiar, homelike spaces that prioritise the comfort, safety, and dignity of every individual. Plans are currently well underway to also expand this service to Monash, with a 13-bed Memory Support Unit in Goodwin’s Residential Care Home, David Harper House.

Teddy Morados, the Director of Nursing at Goodwin House Ainslie and a 2026 Team Goodwin Campaign Ambassador, sees the Memory Walk & Jog as a natural extension of his daily work. “Every day, I see the power of movement and connection in improving the lives of our residents,” Mr Morados explains. “This walk is physical proof of our commitment. We are not just walking for research; we are walking to show every family facing this disease that they are not alone”.

The business community has also rallied behind Team Goodwin with unprecedented force. Guide Healthcare has signed on as the exclusive Platinum Partner for the next three years. Beyond financial backing, Guide Healthcare will host a “Recovery Zone” at the event, where their team will offer light recovery massages for the weary feet and legs of participants, as well as cognitive games and tips. Simon Kerrigan, Managing Director of Guide Healthcare, notes that the partnership is a perfect alignment of purpose.

“We believe that physical movement and community connection are vital, especially for those navigating the challenges of dementia,” Mr Kerrigan states.

Further corporate support comes from a roster of local leaders, including Higgins Paint, Manteena Group, Dowse Projects, Schindler Lifts, and MBS FM. Cassandra Keller, head of CK Architecture, is leading the charge as a Corporate supporter for Team Monash and has issued a direct challenge to her peers in the business sector. “We are proud to support an initiative that places the dignity of older Australians at the centre of care,” says Ms Keller. “I’m challenging all local Canberra businesses to get behind one of the Goodwin teams and see what we can achieve together.”

Erik Boddeus, Goodwin’s Executive Manager, Retirement Living, Property and Development, and the “Corporate & Friends” ambassador for Team Goodwin, emphasises that this event is critical for fostering a broader community village. He believes that when corporate partners, staff, residents, families and local leaders walk side-by-side, it creates a powerful support system that extends far beyond a single day.

The momentum toward race day will build significantly on 12 February, when all Goodwin sites host simultaneous “Practice Walks”. These warm-up events will see residents, staff, and clients joined by local MPs, offering a chance for community members to engage directly with their representatives in a relaxed, purple-clad setting. These walks serve as a final fundraising sprint and a way to build palpable excitement for the main event.

On the day of the walk, the atmosphere at Stage 88 will be one of celebration and solidarity. Goodwin will also host a community sausage sizzle, generously sponsored by Alpha Fresh Foods, BIDFOOD, CocaCola, and PFD Food Services, which will keep energy levels high and hungry tummies full. Team Goodwin participants will also have the chance to win a range of prizes for top fundraising efforts, with sponsorships from Higgins Paint, Belgravia Leisure, NextGen, Novotel Canberra, Mercure Hotel Canberra, and King O’Malley’s.

The spirit of the campaign also reaches the coast.

While there is no official Dementia Australia event in Batemans Bay, Goodwin’s teams at The Manor and The Glen will host a DIY Memory Walk & Jog on the same day. Starting at The Manor, the event will also conclude with a community sausage sizzle.

Canberrans spending their weekend at the coast or local friends & family are warmly invited to join Team Goodwin Batemans Bay. Goodwin CEO Stephen Holmes remains steadfast in his commitment to the mission. “We’re proud to lead the charge again in 2026, bringing our community together to raise vital funds and awareness. Every step we take is a step towards better care, more research, and hope for families facing this disease. Whether you choose to walk, run, or donate, every contribution brings Canberra (and Australia) one step closer to outpacing dementia,” he concludes.

To join a team, sponsor a walker, or learn more about the Team Goodwin campaign, scan the QR code or visit goodwin.org.au/mwj26

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opinion fit the bill

Is the Race Commissioner the right person for the job? with C

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BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD CO

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FORMER ACT OPPOSITION LEADER

I was listening to an interesting report on Monday about controversial comments the Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner had made about Australia Day on SBS. I actually applied for that job when I was at the AAT in 2018 and was pleased to be interviewed. I was also pleased to see Victorian lawyer Chin Tan (of Chinese-Australian background) appointed to the role over me. He was highly impressive. He said the role of the Human Rights Commissioner is not meant to divide communities, but to strengthen them, and not to simply echo what politicians say.

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Unlike Mr Tan, the current commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, a Queensland lawyer who has done some good work in anti-discrimination law and came to Australia from India as a young child, seems to get heavily involved in what I feel are very problematic views to express around Australia Day and race relations.

Basically, he pushed a very strong “black armband” view of history and made comments such as Australian governments are “still stealing Aboriginal kids even now”. Hello!?

He went on to comment that we are all here on stolen land, said Australia Day made him feel conflicted, and noted “undercurrents of nationalism and a ‘kiss the flag, love the country or go away’ attitude to Australia Day”. I must say, what’s wrong with that? What’s wrong with celebrating the good in our nation and kissing, rather than burning, our flag?

Australia Day is meant to be inclusive of us all and to bring us together. Funnily enough, the role of

the Race Discrimination Commissioner is, first and foremost, “to promote equality between people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds”. How do comments such as saying that our institutions are “built to really privilege colonialism and whiteness” help do that, and are such comments not discrimination against whites? The current commissioner’s anti-white settler version of history and concerns about Australia Day do not sit well with his role. He is meant to unite, not divide.

It is tempting to add that if he feels we are all on stolen land, why doesn’t he give his house and the land it sits on to the local Aboriginal group, who are the traditional owners of that part of Australia? At the very least, he could pay some of his $400,000 annual salary to them as rent. Put your money where your mouth is, mate.

After Bondi, the last thing we need is the Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner sowing division, especially around Australia Day, which most Australians now not only want to keep, but also want to celebrate for the good things about our country.

Talk about a privileged member of the inner-city elite lecturing the rest of us. No wonder Pauline is doing so well in the polls.

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news

Four times the risk: Sophie’s Ball highlights vet suicide crisis

Photo Bernie Ryan

by BERNIE RYAN

Sophie’s Ball event organisers Pip Atyeo and Dr Jana Walsh.

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Dr Sophie Putland was a daughter, sister, friend, and beloved vet who, whilst working in Melbourne, tragically took her own life in September 2021 at the age of 33.

Shockingly, Dr Putland’s death is far from an isolated incident.

According to a 2020 study by Monash University, “The suicide rate amongst vets is twice as high than in other health disciplines - and four times higher than the general population”.

Every 12 weeks, a veterinarian takes their own life and a study by psychologist Dr Nadine Hamilton found that “…nearly 70% of veterinarians have lost a colleague or peer to suicide and 60% have sought professional help for their mental health”.

Most Australians are likely unaware of the degree to which veterinary doctors, nurses and other team members are suffering, and why.

Dr Putland’s family founded the organisation,

Sophie’s Legacy, to address this lack of awareness and empower veterinary staff to feel supported, valued and safe. They engage with government and industry bodies and strive to create positive change through education and advocacy.

Moved by the cause, local veterinary surgeon Dr Jana Walsh and veterinary practice administrator Pip Atyeo stepped forward to help.

Together, they will run Sophie’s Ball on 14 March at the Hellenic Club.

Profits will be donated to Sophie’s Legacy.

Dr Walsh, who has been practising veterinary medicine for over thirty years, says that she too has been affected by the suicide of colleagues.

“I’ve known two people who have committed suicide in that time. One was actually a nurse; it’s not only vets,” she said.

Why are rates of suicide so high?

Dr Warwick Vale, former President of the Australian Veterinary Association, puts the worsening mental health of vets down to ‘increasing client demands, changes in attitudes towards veterinary care, increasing costs and dealing with people who can’t afford them’.

[continued on page 12]

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news [continued from page 10]

Mrs Atyeo adds that most people are unaware of the constraints that veterinary professionals work within.

“Many people have unrealistic expectations,” she says.

“Particularly regarding the fees, they are charged and the costs involved with providing the high-level veterinary care. Pet owners can accuse vets of being heartless if their pets are not treated for free.”

Dr Walsh adds, “There’s no Medicare for animals. We’re running hospitals … imaging, surgery, labs … and people don’t see those costs. The industry needs to be more transparent about them.”

Pet ownership in Australia also sky-rocketed post COVID-19 to 69%.

With only 15,000 vets in Australia, that equates to around one vet for every 2,026 pets. Which doesn’t include horses, wildlife and livestock.

“Many vets are also graduating without a realistic picture of the harder aspects of veterinary medicine. Extended hours, short staffing, the impact of euthanising pets, financial pressures they are personally under, and the

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abuse levelled at them by pet owners,” says Mrs Atyeo.

“Sometimes you might euthanise three animals in an afternoon,” says Dr Walsh.

A survey of just under 600 vets, vet practice owners, vet nurses and other staff was undertaken by Sophie’s Legacy.

It revealed that 88% of the respondents cited client abuse and expectation as the number one contributor to poor mental health.

According to Sophie’s Legacy, “Sophie experienced a serious form of ‘client abuse’ the Monday prior to her death.”

What can help?

Dr Walsh and Mrs Atyeo ask that people remember that their veterinary professionals “are human too”. Which is one of the media campaigns launched by Sophie’s Legacy.

For many veterinary staff, they have a relationship with a pet and their family for the lifetime of the pet.

“Most doctors don’t carry patients from infancy to death. Vets do. You often get more upset for the people than for the animal. That emotional load builds up,” says Dr Walsh.

“People see a bill and think vets are greedy — they don’t understand the real costs because they’re used to Medicare.”

Mrs Atyeo adds, “We ask that the public become more aware of just how much vets care about their patients and families, and to be kind.”

“Sophie’s Ball is a celebration, a show of support and an opportunity to give back to those who give so much.”

Guests on the night will be treated to music from the community Big Band – Prism Jazz Ensemble (which includes several veterinary professionals), a glass of bubbly on arrival, a three-course meal, wine, raffles and dancing.

Guests are invited to book now as there are limited tickets remaining.

So, grab a ticket, select your favourite outfit from the ’20s to the ’70s, and raise a glass for hope to show the people who care for our beloved pets that we care for them too.

To book, visit trybooking.com/events/ landing/1498502 or scan the QR code. To learn more about Sophie’s Legacy, visit sophieslegacy.com

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news

Housing and homelessness worsening in Australia: ACOSS

by NICHOLAS FULLER Australia’s housing and homelessness crisis is worsening, according to the Productivity Commission.

At the same time, the federal government is spending more on tax breaks for property investors ($12.3 billion in 2025) than on social housing, homelessness services and rent assistance combined ($9.6 billion), new analysis from the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) shows.

ACOSS has called on governments to curb property investor tax breaks and to build more social homes.

Around 190,000 households are on the public housing waitlist, up from around 169,000 in 2024 and around 141,000 in 2018, the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services (ROGS) reveals.

41 per cent of people waiting for public housing are homeless or at risk of homelessness – up from 26 per cent in 2015.

Social housing makes up only 3.6 per cent of all

dwellings, down from nearly 5.7 per cent in the 1980s (ROGS) — and less than 2 per cent of dwellings built annually, down from 22 per cent in the 1950s and 15 per cent in the 1970s (ACOSS).

Additionally, 18 per cent of Commonwealth Rent Assistance households are in severe rental stress (paying more than half their income on rent), up from 8.1 per cent in 2004.

27 per cent of people using homelessness services are persistently homeless (homeless for more than seven months out of two years), up from 22 per cent in 2019.

ACOSS — backed by St Vincent de Paul — called on the Federal Government to gradually halve the 50 per cent Capital Gains Tax discount and phase out negative gearing over five years. It should also set national social housing targets and substantially boost social housing supply to meet these targets.

Acting CEO Jacqueline Phillips said: “This report today shows housing stress and homelessness are getting worse while absurdly generous tax breaks

drive up home prices and supercharge inequality in our society.

“More people are struggling to afford the private rental market, pushing them into homelessness and onto growing social housing waitlists. With new social housing accounting for less than two per cent of homes built each year, the situation is set to worsen, not improve.”

The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) supports ACOSS’s calls for more social housing and reducing tax breaks for housing investors.

“The need for federal and territory government housing policy change has never been clearer in the ACT,” CEO Dr Devin Bowles said.

“As the ACT public housing waiting list grows, and housing stress overwhelms so many households, the need for more investment in social housing is obvious to most Canberrans.”

Senator David Pocock (Independent) said: “This new report from ACOSS shows just how cooked Australia’s housing system is, with the government spending billions more on tax concessions for investors than they do on social housing, homelessness services and rent assistance.

“I’ve had the Parliamentary Budget Office model some really sensible changes to cap some of these concessions, and continue to call for the government to start treating housing as a human right.”

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opinion bite-sized politics

Government appointments: (no) ‘Working Class Man’ with

NICOLE LAWDER FORMER ACT MLA AND DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER

This week I’m humming the Jimmy Barnes song ‘Working Class Man’ as a sarcastic tribute to the ‘jobs for mates’ culture that seems to abound in Australian politics.

After Labor’s 2022 federal election win, Minister for Public Services Katy Gallagher called for an investigation into government appointments to public boards. When former Public Service Commissioner Lynelle Briggs handed her completed independent report on the matter to the government in 2023, it took the government, through Minister Gallagher, until December 2025 to release the report, and then only after much lobbying from the Opposition and crossbench.

Presumably, this was because the report showed that the tendency to appoint mates to these positions

had actually worsened since Labor took office.

Minister Gallagher has unveiled a new framework for government appointments in response, but the government has rejected a number of key recommendations.

In some cases, it is possible, even likely, that the appointee is a good fit irrespective of their political bent. But it is hard to argue that only those of a particular political persuasion are suitable, time after time. Ms Briggs found that the current arrangements were not fit for purpose and “do not always provide the best person for the job” and that the level of appointments is ‘without parallel in other similar Westminster countries and has brought about a climate where Australians now think that all appointments are political appointments.’

This is not a new situation, and it is not confined to federal appointments. A 2022 Grattan Institute report identified Australian politics has a growing ‘jobs for mates’ culture, which is undermining our democracy.

The report, titled ‘New politics: A better process for public appointments’, shows that many federal and state government boards, tribunals, and agencies are stacked with people who have

worked in politics – almost always for the party that was in government when they got the job. While the Commonwealth government takes the cake for political appointments (around 22 per cent of appointments with political affiliations), the ACT government was found to be equal next likely (with Queensland, each around 14 per cent) to make government appointments aligned with the government of the day – in both cases, Labor governments. It may well be that since Labor has been in government for a long time in the ACT, it makes sense that their appointments have been more skewed to their own political side. And there have been a couple of notable exceptions to appointments in the ACT of Liberal politicians, although I would argue that these appointments, particularly with regards to the timing of them just before an election, were politically-driven.

These types of appointments erode public trust in democracy and feed the perception that people in government are only interested in looking after themselves. Some even argue that these ‘jobs for mates’ are damaging to institutional culture and morale and can promote a culture of corruption.

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Canberra Festival of Speed at Thoroughbred Park. Photos: Wilson Au Yeung

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sponsored COTA ACT

ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory Updated for 2026–27 ACT seniors have more opportunities to save with the release of the updated ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory 2026–27, launched last week by Minister for Seniors Suzanne Orr MLA at Sense Yowani in Lyneham.

Managed by COTA (Council on the Ageing) ACT on behalf of the ACT Government, the new Directory reflects a strong commitment to supporting older Canberrans with practical, everyday cost-of-living relief. The 2026–27 edition features discounts from more than 450 participating businesses, including a wide range of new and returning offers.

Business discounts span hospitality, retail, health and wellbeing, trades, leisure and professional services, highlighting the ongoing support of the local business community for ACT Seniors Card holders. Many businesses have refreshed their offers for the new edition, with new businesses also joining the program.

The Directory also includes clear, easy-toaccess information about ACT Government concessions available to eligible seniors, such as reduced vehicle registration, public transport concessions and free green waste bins.

COTA ACT CEO Jenny Mobbs said the Directory remains a valuable resource for older Canberrans. “The ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory helps seniors stretch their budgets while staying connected to local services and businesses,” Ms Mobbs said. “Each updated edition ensures seniors have access to current discounts and information they can use every day.”

In addition to the printed Directory, seniors are encouraged to use the online ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory, which is updated regularly as new businesses and offers are added. A limited number of printed copies of the 2026–27 Directory are available from ACT

The updated ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory 2026– 27 highlights hundreds of savings for older Canberrans across the ACT.

Libraries and the COTA ACT office in Hughes.

The ACT Seniors Card program continues to support older Canberrans to stay informed, connected and financially supported.

There is still an opportunity for businesses to join the ACT Seniors Card program and have their discount displayed on the ACT Seniors Card website which is frequently updated with new offerings. Please visit the ACT Seniors Card website to register your business or email seniorscard@cotaact.org.au for more information.

Arboretum at Sunset Acrylic.Christiaan Rudolph Victor Slotemaker de Bruine 1941-2024

The 2026-27 ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory is out now, featuring discounts from 450+ local businesses and key government concessions.

Pick up a free copy at ACT Libraries, drop into the COTA ACT office at Hughes or explore the regularly updated online directory to start saving on everyday essentials.

02 6282 3777 canberradaily.com.au

www.cotaact.org.au

ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory 2026-2027

www.actseniorscard.org.au 5 February 2026

19

sponsored Hands Across Canberra

Kookaburra Kids staff and volunteers at the Canberra Day Appeal, supporting local young people and families impacted by mental illness across the ACT.

How the Canberra Day Appeal is helping Kookaburra Kids support local kids

F

or many Canberrans, the Canberra Day Appeal is a chance to give where they live. For local charities, it’s a vital opportunity to keep doing work that changes lives close to home.

Driven by Hands Across Canberra, the annual appeal brings together community organisations across the ACT, encouraging residents to support local causes that make a difference to the community.

This year, Kookaburra Kids is taking part for the second time, using the appeal to raise funds for programs supporting young people growing up in families impacted by mental illness.

Kookaburra Kids provides clinically designed, evidence-based mental health education in a setting that feels anything but clinical. Through camps, activity days and structured sessions, young people aged eight to 18 are given space to have fun, build friendships and learn practical skills that support long-term mental wellbeing.

Kookaburra Kids CEO Sean O’Halloran says the organisation was founded more than 25 years ago to meet a need that is still growing.

“Young people today are facing

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increasing challenges around mental health,” he says. “Research shows that if a child is living in a family where a parent has a mental health challenge, they are two to four times more likely to develop their own mental illness. That’s where early intervention becomes so important.”

The camps and activity days give young people a break from pressures at home, while helping them understand mental illness and how to seek support.

Mr O’Halloran often explains the program’s impact through a simple analogy.

“It’s like teaching kids how to recognise a rip at the beach,” he says.

“You learn how to read the conditions, understand the danger and know what to do if you need help. That knowledge can make all the difference.”

The need for that support is significant in the ACT. According to the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Study, more than 36,000 ACT households with dependent children have experienced mental illness at some point.

Much of that impact is delivered by volunteers, who are trained to support young people and help run camps and activity days. Mr O’Halloran says

Canberra’s strong volunteer culture has been central to the organisation’s work in the ACT, with many volunteers also taking part in the Canberra Day Fun Run as a show of local support.

“Our volunteers are a huge part of how we deliver that support,” Mr O’Halloran says. “Canberra has an incredibly strong volunteer culture, and that makes a real difference to the young people we work with.”

For Canberra mum Kirsty, Kookaburra Kids has been life-changing for her family. She is a parent to two children and a step-parent to two more, with eldest Ollie, 16, joined by Laurel, 12, Lex, 10, and Patrick, nine.

As a Defence family, Kirsty and her children moved frequently around Australia, and it was through a Defence family liaison officer that she first learned about Kookaburra Kids. With mental health challenges within the family, her eldest son, Ollie, attended a camp first.

“He absolutely loved it,” she says.

“My younger son was so jealous and as soon as he turned eight, he said, ‘Now I get to go.’ He went on his first camp and had an absolute ball.”

Since then, all four of Kirsty’s children have taken part in Kookaburra Kids

programs. School holidays now come with one recurring question.

“They always ask, ‘Is there a Kookaburra Kids camp to go to?’” she says. “They’ve got friends at school, but they’ve also formed friendships outside of school through the program.”

Beyond the fun and adventure, Kirsty says the impact on her family has been profound.

“They come back talking about different ways of coping, and about how everyone’s brain works a little differently,” she says. “Our whole family is neurodivergent, so that understanding has helped them show patience with their siblings and friends.

They use language they understand, which makes it really powerful.”

As Canberra Day approaches, Kirsty says supporting organisations like Kookaburra Kids is more important than ever.

“Young people are desperate for support,” she says. “Programs like this can only exist if they’re funded. I would much rather my kids be involved in Kookaburra Kids than some of the other things kids their age can get into. It’s screen-free, it’s positive, and it lets them just be kids again.”

During the Canberra Day Appeal, every dollar donated to Kookaburra Kids will be matched up to $2,500, doubling the impact of each gift. All funds raised go directly to supporting local programs in the ACT. For Mr O’Halloran, that local focus is what makes the appeal so powerful.

“The sense of community in Canberra is incredibly strong,” he says. “The more support we receive, the more young people we can reach. Giving where you live really does change lives.”

Canberrans can support Kookaburra Kids by donating through the Canberra Day Appeal and selecting the organisation as their chosen charity, helping local children build resilience, confidence and connection where it matters most.

To donate, scan the QR code or head to canberra-day-appeal-2026. raiselysite.com.

To learn more about Kookaburra Kids, head to kookaburrakids. org.au.

5 February 2026

21

have you heard?

community noticeboard email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field

GIVIT donation of the week: Clothing vouchers

WELCOME BACK TO BUSINESS COCKTAIL PARTY 2026 THE RED SHED THURSDAY 26 FEB 2026 5:30 PM

SCAN FOR TICKET

GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation that provides support to cancer patients and their families. They are seeking support for a parent who is currently undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing financial hardship.

Unable to work for months due to cancer, this parent has been struggling with expenses for cancer treatment and the back-to-school needs of their child. They are focused on getting better, but this parent requires support to meet their child’s educational needs. This organisation is requesting clothing vouchers to assist this family during this difficult time. Your donation will mean a lot to this parent who is trying their best to heal and at the same time provide for the needs of their child.

Generous Canberrans can donate clothing vouchers or fund its purchase. 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: ‘clothing vouchers’ and Suburb: ‘Queanbeyan, 2620’.

Valentine’s Day Bush Dance Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a traditional Australian bush dance on Saturday 14 February at Currie Crescent Community Hall (Canberra Baptist Church), Kingston.

Dancing runs from 7:30–10:30pm with the Argyll Ceilidh Band and caller Jude Stuart.

All dances are taught, so no experience is needed; singles and couples welcome.

Tickets $25, with discounts for Monaro Folk Society members, concessions and students; under 18s free. Please bring a plate to share for supper. Details: monarofolk.org.au/st-valentines-day-bush-dance or phone/text 0413 295 004.

CLEMENTE EDUCATION PROGRAM IS ENROLLING NOW FOR SEMESTER ONE 2026 About the Clemente Education Program Clemente is a FREE university-level humanities program designed to empower adults who have experienced disruption to their education, with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to move forward in their lives.

Am I ready for the Clemente program?

To be considered for Clemente, you would demonstrate: a desire to learn willingness to commit to the course available to attend 4 hours per week + study at home a sufficient English literacy level current stability in your life - stable health and housing.

To be eligible you would be: 18 years of age or older

an Australian citizen or have the right to study in Australia.

Find out more OR refer a student Contact the Clemente Education Program: 0418 714 835 clemente@vinnies-cg.org.au

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5 February 2026

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PUZZLES & STARS

PLAY UNLIMITED PUZZLES ONLINE canberradaily.com.au/puzzles

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Across 1 Mend 5 Assists 8 Blackboard support 10 Fashion 12 Vestiges 13 Sadly thoughtful 14 Vigour 15 Church services 18 Even 21 Measure of length 22 Minute particle 24 Knight’s title 26 Musical sound 27 Time long past 28 Dance 29 Deviate suddenly 31 Kitchen utensil 33 Left empty 35 Pleasure voyage 37 Object of worship 38 Courage 39 Proverb 40 Precious metal

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Down 2 Run away to marry 3 Prayer ending 4 Repeats from memory 5 Pronoun 6 Slipping by 7 Head pupil 9 Slender support 11 Regret deeply 14 Supplicates 16 Pried 17 Lustre 19 Coming forth 20 Ignited 23 Stood on high 25 Stock farms 30 Eternally 32 Worship 34 Money drawer 36 Observe

1 DIFFICULTY RATING

BRAIN BUSTERS 1 What is the capital city of Belize?

2 Who won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2025?

3 What do ticks eat as their primary food source?

4 Welcome Sir I’m So Delighted is a song from which famous musical?

5 The “Australian Made” logo is predominantly what colour?

SOLUTIONS

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)

Your approach to the week is beautifully intentional. What you want to accomplish is foremost on your mind, and it’s also in your notes, so you stay on track. You know what you’re giving and getting, and you make sure it’s fair. But what matters most of all is how you want to feel.

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Progress over perfection? Sure, for typical efforts but that’s not what you’re up to. You’re so close to doing stunning work, making truly impactful contributions and being so impressive that you can charge top dollar for your goods.

You’re chasing perfection for reasons that will count.

BRAIN BUSTERS 1 Belmopan 2 Adrien Brody 3 Blood 4 Phantom of the Opera 5 Green

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R E P A I R H E L P S L M E A S E L R M O D E C T R A C E S P E N S I V E P F P E P T M A S S E S L E V E L I N C H R S I R N O T E A T O M T A N G O E Y O R E N P A N S W E R V E E G V A C A T E D C R U I S E H I D O L E N E R V E L R A D A G E S I L V E R

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If someone monitored your every move, you’d find it intrusive. So don’t let your own mind scrutinise your behaviour. What needs attention are not your habits but the constant oversight, especially around basic needs such as eating and sleeping. Your body has its reasons.

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5 FEBRUARY — 11 FEBRUARY

Stress has a way of narrowing thought processes, but at least everyone around you feels it, too, so it becomes a reason to help one another. Someone special helps you relax and laugh. Your slightly twisted whimsy finds its match, and together you create a private little bubble of fun.

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STARS BY HOLIDAY MATHIS

You value independence and personal boundaries, and not just your own. You truly believe that each person is operating under circumstances that may never be known or understood by you, and though you’re curious, you’re not nosy. It is this respect that makes you a peaceful force in the world.

You have patience, observation and timing in abundance. It’s actually more fun that not everything is given or revealed at once. Ask the wrong kind of questions and you may never get to the answers. But wait and watch. Doors, hearts and worlds will open to you.

Progress rarely happens in a straight line. Renovations involve chaos, and relationships have blips on the road to intimacy.

Expecting constant improvement is unrealistic and can trap you in frustration. The ups, downs, hits and misses are all essential to ultimate success.

You love a particular activity so much that it wouldn’t matter if you failed or even felt embarrass-ed in the process. Success isn’t the point; the payoff is the work itself. When you have this kind of special interest, making time for it regularly is an act of self-love, nourishment or even destiny.

Everything you’ve learned is worth learning. Just because you rarely get to apply the lesson doesn’t mean your mind and being aren’t better for the exercise of engaging with various aspects of the world.

This week brings high hopes and deep self-respect and love for this journey of no regrets.

Tenderness has healing powers you could use now. A little sweetness is just what the cosmic doctor ordered. Stars urge you to avoid those who offer a subtle form of control instead of the genuine understanding you need.

Seek comfort from those who have one agenda: to uplift you.

Just because you’ve tried a dozen methods that don’t work, it doesn’t mean the problem is unsolvable. Your right answer is still out there, and the fact that you’re trying so many things just makes you more informed and well-rounded. This is your lucky week to widen the search.

Why do you need things to go a certain way? Is it about feeling seen and being respected? Or do the details and methods serve the greater good? Both reasons are valid. Knowing the truth gives you the objectivity and detachment that ultimately puts you in a more powerful position.

5 February 2026

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taste

Where to dine this Valentine’s Day in Canberra Looking to book a table for two for Valentine’s Day this year? Or perhaps just dining out with friends?

Look no further than our round-up of some of the best restaurants in Canberra for a romantic meal, or just good eating, depending on whose company you choose to keep on the international day of love.

Kivotos Wine Bar Inspired by Greek hospitality, Kivotos is all about shared plates, conversation and lingering over food and wine. Expect modern Greek flavours, a strong Mediterranean wine list and a warm, vibrant atmosphere that naturally suits a Valentine’s celebration.

33 Mort St, Braddon & 1 Matilda St, Phillip Water’s Edge A go-to for classic romance. Refined dining, impeccable service and views out to Lake Burley Griffin make this ideal for couples who love a specialoccasion dinner.

40 Parkes Pl, Parkes

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Lunetta For a Valentine’s Day that feels indulgent and considered, Lunetta delivers Italian-inspired dining with a sense of occasion. Expect top-shelf food at this award-winning restaurant and stunning views over Canberra. Perfect for a special date night.

60 Red Hill Dr, Red Hill MED A relaxed and flavour-packed Valentine’s option, MED is serving a Mediterranean-inspired banquet menu. Expect vibrant dishes, generous plates and a sweet finish, paired with wines or a special Valentine’s cocktail.

1/1 Burbury Cl, Barton The Meat & Wine Co The Meat & Wine Co is serving up a curated Valentine’s set menu for two, designed to showcase their most loved dishes. Or if you want to celebrate the day early, their à la carte menu is open for lunch.

220 London Cct, Ground Lvl, 1 Constitution Ave

Kivotos is one of our top picks for a Valentine’s Day dinner in Canberra.

KOTO For a Valentine’s night that’s fun, stylish and full of flavour, KOTO brings modern Japanese dining to the table. Think shareable plates, bold flavours and a lively atmosphere that suits couples who prefer energy over formality, with cocktails and dishes designed to keep the night moving.

1 King George Terrace, Parkes

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sponsored Fyshwick Markets

Plonk brings local wine to the fore at Canberra Wine Day Out Canberra’s local wine scene will be in the spotlight when Canberra Wine Day Out arrives at the Fyshwick Markets on Sunday 8 February, bringing together winemakers, wine lovers and market-goers for a relaxed afternoon of tasting and connection.

Hosted by local bottle shop Plonk, the event builds on the success of the Markets’ popular Beer Day Out, this time turning the focus to Canberra and regional wines.

Plonk owner Stephen Royds says the idea came naturally after seeing how much people enjoyed meeting brewers and trying new styles at previous events.

“We have had huge success with our Beer Day Out event in promoting local and regional breweries, and thought that it would be great showcase some of our local winemakers,” he says. “People love having the opportunity to try different varieties and styles, and we wanted to support our local wineries in the same way they have supported us over the years. It is also a

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great way to promote the fantastic quality of wine that is produced in Canberra.”

Guests can expect a walk-through tasting experience, with 13 wineries offering free tastings of their ranges, some represented by the winemakers themselves.

“We have 13 wineries hosting free tastings of their range, with some represented by the winemakers themselves,” Mr Royds says. “Guests will be able to chat with the winemaker and ask questions to get an insight into what they are producing.”

Wineries on the day include Capital Wines, Collector Wines, Dog Trap Vineyard, Eden Road Wines, Gallagher Wines, Kosciuszko Wines, Linear Wines, Mada Wines, Mount Majura Wines, Nick O’Leary Wines, Sapling Yard Wines, Ravensworth Wines and Wimbaliri Wines.

As a local, family-owned business, Plonk sees the event as an important way to give back to the region.

“We are a local, family-owned, and independent

Plonk hosts Canberra Wine Day Out at the Fyshwick Markets on Sunday 8 February.

small business, and we know the importance of supporting other local businesses,” Mr Royds says.

“We stock approximately 200 different wines from almost 40 local wineries and are proud to recommend them to our customers.”

Guests are also able to pre-purchase a charcuterie plate from Deli Planet to enjoy alongside their wine.

Canberra Wine Day Out is on at the Fyshwick Markets on Sunday 8 February, 123pm. Attendance is free, but registrations are essential.

Scan the QR code to register.

5 February 2026

25

time out

time out

Book talk ‘Bedroom Farce’ promises big laughs

This week, Michael Popple highlights three amazing recent fantasy and science fiction the unseenlibrary.com night spirals into chaos. releases. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on hisand blog:

behind closed doors at Canberra REP Twelve Months Red Star Rebels

by BERNIE RYAN

by Jim Butcher Orbit, $34.99

Following a magical invasion, Chicago has Canberra Repertory Society (REP) launches its 2026 been devastated, season with a comic masterpiece from one of the and its wizard protector, world’s most prolific playwrights. is Alan Ayckbourn’s BedroomHarry FarceDresden, is a whirlwind lost in grief.

But with of marital mishaps, midnight disasters, and three citythey in ruins, Harry bedrooms that witness far morehisthan should. doesn’t have to Bedroom Farce was last performed at REPtime in 1981, mourn.

Forced to face and this return brings the classic back to the stage ghouls; with new energy, sharp timing, rampaging and a director who while also trying to knows Ayckbourn’s world. save his dying brother and navigate a political Director Aarne Neeme AM, whose association marriage to a vampire queen, can Harry survive with REP spans more than four decades and more the turbulent year?

Jim Butcher continues thanfollowing a dozen productions, describes the play as “a his iconic in epic with hectic nightDresden in whichFiles threeseries bedrooms arefashion presented this exceptionalonnovel. powerful simultaneously stageAn andelaborate the actionand flows in and addition, Twelve Months perfectly showcases grief out from one to another”. andMr regret andsays, is one of the best fantasy of Neeme “Ernest and Delia go outnovels to 2026, so far. celebrate their wedding anniversary. Malcolm and

by Amie Kate are preparing a housewarming party.Kaufman Nick Allen & Unwin, $24.99 has hurt his back and is confined to bed.

All three preparations are doomed to disaster by the marital Mars, 2067. The planet problems of Trevor and Susannah, who descend has been colonised,on each couple in turn, leaving chaos in their wake.” although only the rich, With a career that began insuch the early 1960sGraves, and as Hunter professional directing credits across theatre, can travel to it. television, However, and drama schools, Mr NeemeHunter bringsarrives a wealth justof experience and a deep affection for REP to this minutes before Mar’s production. main settlement is His past REP credits includeevacuated, Just Between leaving him Ourselves, Arcadia, The Threepenny Witness behind.Opera, Encountering for the Prosecution, A Doll’s House, and many more. resourceful stowaway “Being partteens of themust REP work familytohas always beenof Cleo, the two survive a gang a joy,” he says.

“And Bedroom Farce is abase, wonderful mercenaries who intend to blow up the and opportunityinto Ayckbourn’s razorromance sharp humour everyone it. revisit Prepare for excitement, and his extraordinary understanding of human aand whole lot of snarky humour in this new young adult relationships.” novel from Australian Amie Kaufman. Following two Ayckbourn’s comedyinisaagreat masterclass timing, entertaining characters scienceinfiction structure, and character. three bedrooms on adventure, Kaufman hasWith produced another awesome stage that at once, scenes collide, relationships book young readers will deeply enjoy. unravel,

Mr Neeme says, “It’s a play full of movement, mischief, and emotional truth. The cast have created wonderfully inventive physical moments — including Dawn of the — and some spectacularly chaotic fight choreography Firebird the set is a superb creation thanks to Russell Brown.” bycharacter Sarah Kate, says, Antonia Kitzel, who plays the Mughal Rana “This is a comedy about relationships.”

“Because it was written in Bloomsbury, the 70’s, when you watch $32.99 it now, the way we look at relationships has changed,” Khamilla Zahr-zad is the Ms Kitzel adds. daughter of an emperor, So what is different? who enters his service “It’s how we talk about relationships feelings she after it is discovered and emotions and what is considered a ‘good wields great magical conversation’ today … some ofpower. the lines that were However, written as a full-on comedy then, seemof a bit ‘mean aftercan a series tragic today,” she says. invasions destroys between then andand now, “…make herThese family,differences Khamilla swears vengeance works iftofunnier but they also make you think more”, says infiltrate the empire responsible for her pain. Ms Ketzel.

But the more she learns from her enemies, the Bedroom Farce runs 19 February – 7 March, more she questions everything she thought she for three weeks only at Canberra REP knew. From the mind of a talented newTheatre, author 3 Repertory Acton, Canberra. comes theLane, elaborate fantasy debut, Dawn of the Bookings: canberrarep.org.au/content/book-onlineFirebird. A heartfelt and complex novel loaded with choose-production beautiful Middle Eastern cultural elements; this is an outstanding debut that is really worth reading.

Sandy’s

Grooming Tails and K9 Cafe www.sandysgroomingtails.com.au

Dogs Dig It You’ll Love It!

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Shop for your dog, relax in our mini cafe and K9 social area, we offer an array of professional services, including our expert dog grooming salon, day boarding with play, and family dog training.

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5 February 2026

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sponsored King O’Malley’s

Why King O’Malley’s is stepping up to dementia research

support

One of Canberra’s best-known pubs, King O’Malley’s is again supporting the Memory Walk & Jog, with owner Peter Barclay saying returning to help raise dementia awareness and much-needed research funds was an easy decision.

“It’s such an important way of communicating to the community about dementia, the importance of awareness, and raising funds to assist with research and hopefully discovering a cure,” he said.

The event invites participants to register to walk or run around Lake Burley Griffin, with distances catering to all abilities. Funds raised through registrations and sponsorships go towards dementia research via Dementia Australia.

For Peter, the cause is deeply personal. His mother, Dorothy (Dodi), has lived with dementia for about a decade and is now residing at Goodwin in Ainslie.

“I’ve seen the progressive decline over the last ten years, from when she was living with us to later moving into care,” he said. “It really reinforces that dementia care is a community responsibility. It truly

does take a village. The network of friends, carers and community members working together makes a huge difference.”

He said the event creates a space where people can share experiences and feel less alone in what can be an isolating journey. “When people walk together at this event, share stories and experiences, it helps people realise they’re not alone,” said Peter.

“There can be a lot of guilt, people wondering if they could have done things differently, recorded more stories or spent more time together. Once dementia progresses, those memories can be lost, so sharing experiences becomes really important.”

Peter praised the care his mother receives at Goodwin, particularly the memory support unit, which he described as a warm and welcoming environment that encourages connection and dignity.

For families newly navigating a dementia diagnosis, his advice is simple: reach out.

“There is a lot of support out there, and people shouldn’t be afraid to access it,” said Peter.

Alison, Peter, Maddie and Katrina from King O’Malley’s at last year’s Memory Walk & Jog.

“Dementia is a journey, and while it’s challenging, it can also be rewarding. Science is making real progress, and simple things like good nutrition, exercise and social connection can make a difference right now. Community really is at the heart of it all.”

He said events like the walk highlight the importance of community, compassion and connection. “Dementia is a journey. It’s challenging, but it can also be meaningful. Community really is at the heart of it all.”

The Memory Walk & Jog returns on Sunday 22 February. To register, visit memorywalk.com.au/ register/canberra. To donate to Peter and the Goodwin Ainslie team, visit memorywalk.com.au/fundraisers/ GoodwinAinslie or scan the QR Code

th Tuesday Sunday 17 17th March March

Open Open From From 10am-late 9 am-late

ST. PATRICK’S DAY @ KING O’MALLEYS “ WE’VE GOT THE BEST CRAIC” Guinness Live Nusic ALL DAY Liz Gregory Academy Irish Dancers

www.kingomalleys.com.au

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5 February 2026

27

time out

A comedian walks into Cockington Green

by GEORGIA CURRY For the first time, Canberra’s Multicultural Festival is including comedy (and drag queens), so comedian Michael Hing is in town and it’s not his first time – he’s been to Cockington Green, hot-air ballooned during Enlighten and dined at Happy’s Chinese Restaurant in Garema Place.

This fifth-generation Chinese-Australian is virtually a local (he loves the coffee at The Cupping Room) and he recalls fondly the train ride at Cockington Green.

“When I was working on Triple J, we did live shows in Canberra and we went to Cockington Green, the miniature village, so we could do the world’s biggest radio show in relation to its surrounds,” Michael said.

“We got on the train and we got David Pocock and the ACT Brumbies, because our producer needed a bunch of really big people to come on the train with us so that we seem like an even bigger radio show ... we just rode the miniature train with the ACT Brumbies for 20 minutes

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while we did our radio show. It was such a weird, surreal experience.”

Michael often comes to Canberra for comedy shows (and to make the trip a tax deduction) and in all seriousness, he loves our city and wants to move here.

“My wife is always telling me we should move to Canberra,” he said. “She would love to live in Canberra, it’s actually a nice place. Here’s why I think Canberra is cool: Canberra has a university and that brings young people, which is kind of cool.

“Canberra is affordable, right? I mean nothing’s affordable but it’s more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne. Also, there are times of the year where all the losers leave, all the politicians and the politicos leave and I think that changes the vibe.”

Michael’s been instructed to deliver a “familyfriendly” show at the multi culti with no swearing, which poses a bit of a challenge to this cussing comedian.

“It is like part of the job,” he said. “I’m

obviously not [a swearer] on broadcast media but yeah, I just did a show last night in Perth and there’s an eight-minute bit I’m doing right now about the Epstein files. That won’t be coming to Canberra.”

As a self-confessed fussy eater with a lot of “weird food rules”, hopefully Michael will find something to eat at one of the multi culti’s 260+ stalls.

“I don’t eat meat and I try not to eat animal products, but because I was a very picky eater as a child, I try to be, within those strictures, very adventurous now.”

Chip-on-a-stick perhaps?

Michael’s more than qualified to talk all things multicultural, after making three seasons of the SBS documentary, Where Are You Really From?

– a question he still gets asked despite his family having lived in Australia for more than 100 years.

Michael grew up in Sydney, his mum’s family hails from Walgett and Lightning Ridge and his dad’s from Maitland and Thursday Island. You have to trace back four or five generations to

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get to an ancestor who was a migrant, but still people assume Michael was born elsewhere because of his appearance.

“The documentary was all about migrant communities that have been in Australia for over 100 years all across the country,” he said. “And you think oh, maybe it’s just in the big cities. No, it’s in country towns.

“It’s in regional rural areas. The story of this country post-colonisation or post-settlement has been one of people of different walks of life, different faiths, different cultures existing in this country.”

More than 250 performances are scheduled for the multi culti, including Michael Hing at 8:40pm on 6 Friday February at Ainslie Place Stage. The 28th National Multicultural Festival is on 6-8 February. Info: multiculturalfestival.com.au

Comedian Michael Hing brings comedy for the first time to the National Multicultural Festival.

The Canberra Retirement Village & Resort Expo Sunday 15th & Monday 16th February 2026 Canberra Southern Cross Club 92-96 Corinna St, Woden ACT 10am-3pm daily | FREE ADMISSION

Wonderful opportunity to ask questions and gather information canberradaily.com.au

On display will be the latest resort style developments as well as established villages from many different organisations, all offering a wide range of services & facilities, sizes, prices and locations. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and gather information about many different retirement communities, all under one roof with free admission.

retirementexpo.com.au 5 February 2026

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You & your family/friends are welcome to join us the coming

LUNAR NEW YEAR Family Festival

Celebrating

YEAR OF THE HORSE ENJOY EXCITING ACTIVITES • Lion Dance performing by Mountains Lion Dance Team • Red Lucky Envelope & 1000s FREE Buddhism Books to ALL • New Year Gift presented to all Children • Lucky Fruits & Well Wishing Verses to ALL • FireCrackers, Music performance & Food Stalls • COURTESY Annual Vegetarian Dinner, ALL INVITED (strictly between 6.30pm to 7.30pm) Monday, 16 February 2026 at 6.00pm to 1.00am Sakyamuni Buddhist Centre 32 Archibald St, LYNEHAM, ACT 2602

ADMISSION FREE – ALL WELCOME For more information, please contact: Most. Ven. Thich Quang Ba Mob. 0412-224-553 | thichquangba@gmail.com

time out

Now sh wing Send Help (MA15+)

Meek corporate strategist and planner Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams) looks forward to a long-deserved promotion.

Her preppy new boss, Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien), however, gives it to his old college buddy instead. Soon, Bradley offers Linda a chance to prove her worth by accompanying him on a business trip to Bangkok. On the way, however, the plane crashes, with the two ending up stranded on a remote, deserted island.

Usually, movies about opposing personalities stuck on an island are romantic comedy dramas such as The Blue Lagoon (1980), Swept Away (1974/2002) and Six Days, Seven Nights (1998). While trying to survive inhospitable, but ultimately romantic, tropical settings, the pair undergo a battle of the sexes with fluctuating

statuses with love as an inevitable outcome. Send Help plays up to this genre, with director Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead franchise) interweaving his signature comedy horror stylings.

Struggling in the corporate world, Linda thrives on the island. Yuppy boss Bradley, however, is at a complete loss without his office fixtures, his value tied to pre-established connections and material goods. It is a shame that the movie ignores the possibility of each character learning from each other’s strengths, instead borrowing liberally and lazily from Triangle of Sadness (2022).

Verdict: A fun concept let down by a lazy, inconsistent, pandering ending.

- Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net Viewed at Palace Cinemas.

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5 February 2026 1 BC26_Half_Page_Horizontal_213x125.indd

canberradaily.com.au 2/12/2025 2:24:42 PM

Canberra Psychic Fair

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February 2026

10AM – 5PM

AINSLEY FOOTBALL CLUB, 52 WAKEFIELD AVENUE, AINSLIE ACT 2602

EN T RY FEE

$5.00 AND CHILDREN UNDER 16 YEARS FREE OF CHARGE Many stall holders, Crystals, Psychic readings and healers, Food and Coffee Van’s

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5 February 2026

31

health & wellbeing

Valentine’s Day: Surviving it without a valentine with C

W

R

DR VIVIENNE LEWIS

CO

NTRIBU

TO

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

Valentine’s Day has a habit of turning ordinary places into reminders that you’re single. School corridors, uni campuses, supermarkets, group chats and social media suddenly feel louder, pinker and more focused on who’s dating who. If you don’t have a Valentine, or you’re not sure you even want one, the day can feel awkward.

As a clinical psychologist, I see people of all ages struggle with Valentine’s Day, but for different reasons at different stages of life. Adolescents and young adults often feel pressure to be ‘chosen’ or worry they are falling behind some invisible timeline. For others, Valentine’s Day can reopen more complicated wounds, reminding them of a relationship that has ended, a marriage that didn’t last, or a partner who is no longer

here. Whether you are single by circumstance or by loss, the emotional impact can be just as strong.

One of the biggest challenges of Valentine’s Day is comparison. We compare our lives to couples on social media, to romantic expectations shaped by movies and advertising, or to where we thought we would be by now. These comparisons often fuel harsh self-talk, such as “Everyone else has someone,” or “I’ve failed at relationships.” These thoughts are understandable, but they are not facts.

A healthier approach starts with acknowledging how the day feels, without judgement. Feeling sad, flat, awkward, lonely or grief-stricken on Valentine’s Day makes sense in a culture that places such heavy emphasis on romantic love.

It also helps to broaden the definition of love.

Romantic love is only one form of connection.

Friendships, family relationships, pets, neighbours, colleagues and community connections all provide genuine care and belonging. For people who have experienced separation, divorce or bereavement, these connections are often what carry them through the hardest seasons.

Being intentional with the day can also help. You might choose to ignore Valentine’s Day entirely, or you might plan something nurturing, such as a walk, a gym class, cooking a favourite meal, spending time with people who feel safe, or quietly honouring a relationship that mattered.

Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Valentine’s Day can trigger painful narratives about being unlovable, behind, or broken. Gently challenge these stories. Relationship status is not a measure of worth, and the end of a relationship does not erase the love that existed or the value you bring.

For parents supporting teenagers, your response can make a real difference. Avoid minimising their feelings. Instead, listen, validate, and remind them that relationships develop at different times for different people, and that being single at any age is completely normal.

Finally, remember this: being alone does not mean being broken, and it does not mean this is permanent. Valentine’s Day will pass. What matters far more than one day is how kindly we speak to ourselves, and to each other, when it feels hard.

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sponsored Michelle Richards Hearing: Edition 02

Reclaiming life with better hearing by

Michelle Richards, Director & Accredited Hearing Specialist — Michelle Richards Hearing, Dickson

W

e often think of hearing loss as “just getting older” or a minor irritation. But the real impact goes far beyond missed words — it touches our relationships, confidence, safety, and even our brain health.

That’s why supporting your hearing early isn’t just about hearing better today — it’s about living brighter tomorrow.

Why hearing makes life richer Hearing connects us to the people and experiences that matter. It helps us: • Enjoy shared conversations during the holidays and at family gatherings.

• Stay alert to important sounds — from a friend calling your name to the bell of an approaching bicycle.

• Feel confident and engaged in social and work life.

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When hearing slips gradually, your brain works harder to fill in the gaps. Over time, this extra effort can contribute to mental fatigue and social withdrawal — and research suggests a strong link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline later in life.

It’s not just about volume — it’s about clarity Hearing loss isn’t simply “louder” or “quieter.”

Often, people struggle to hear: • Conversations in noisy places • Women’s and children’s voices • Speech consonants that make language clear These subtle changes can make socialising tiring and frustrating — and many people adapt without realising how much they’re missing.

Solutions that fit your life, not just your ears Today’s hearing technology has moved far beyond bulky, old-fashioned devices. Modern hearing aids can be: • Discreet and comfortable

• Rechargeable and maintenance-friendly • Wireless and phone-connected • Smart-noise-filtering for busy environments As an independent hearing practice, we don’t push a single brand. Instead, we match the best possible technology to your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget — whether you’re self-funding, using the Hearing Services Program (HSP), or accessing DVA support.

Real people, real outcomes For many Canberrans, a simple hearing test has been life-changing. One client, John, rediscovered joy in conversation after years of struggling to understand everyday speech.

Through personalised assessment and support, his hearing aids helped him reconnect with friends and family — and regain confidence in social settings.

Your hearing health checklist You might consider a hearing check if you’ve noticed: Turning up the TV louder than others Asking people to repeat themselves more often Feeling drained after social interactions Friends or family noticing changes in your hearing Even small signs matter — and early support makes rehabilitation easier and more effective.

What happens at your first visit?

A thorough hearing assessment with us includes: • A caring discussion about your hearing experience • A full ear and auditory evaluation • Clear, jargon-free explanation of your results • Tailored recommendations to suit your unique hearing needs There’s no pressure — just a personalised path forward.

Michelle Richards Hearing — Ethical. Local.

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Located in Dickson, Canberra.

Book online at michellerichardshearing.com.au or call 02 6281 0222.

5 February 2026

33

health & wellbeing

‘Long overdue’: states sign off on $25b hospital deal

By ANDREW BROWN &

TESS IKONOMOU, AAP

States and territories will get more funding for public hospitals from the federal government after an eleventhhour deal was reached.

Jurisdictions will get $25 billion extra in Commonwealth funding for hospitals, following a meeting of national cabinet on Friday.

Anthony Albanese said the five-year deal, which will come into effect from July, will see more than $219 billion provided, which is triple the amount previously given to jurisdictions under the last agreement.

It’s $2 billion more than what the

prime minister earlier put on the table to premiers and chief ministers when renegotiating hospital funding arrangements.

“It is a major step forward in addressing the pressures that are there on our health and aged care systems, as well as on the NDIS, ensuring their sustainability into the future,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

“Under our federation system, what that requires is for the Commonwealth, together with states and territories, to work together in the interests of the respective states, but also in the national interest.

“That is what we have been

The federal government has signed off on a new five-year hospital funding deal with the states.

Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP Photos

provided for with this agreement.”

The national cabinet meeting was the last chance for federal, state and territory leaders to agree to hospital funding measures before the current arrangements lapsed.

While it wasn’t due to expire until the end of June, an impending election in South Australia in march meant that government would go into caretaker mode and negotiations could not be carried out with all jurisdictions.

The Albanese government in December had offered $23 billion for public hospitals across five years, including $2 billion to help states manage elderly patients languishing

in hospitals while they wait for aged care beds.

States and territories had insisted the federal government stick to a 2023 agreement that the Commonwealth would increase its share of public hospital funding to 42.5 per cent by 2030 and 45 per cent by 2035.

The government had offered greater hospital funding in exchange for states and territories picking up more of the cost of disability services such as the NDIS. ACT reactions: Labor government and Opposition ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Territory would benefit significantly

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from new funding arrangements.

“The ACT Government welcomes the agreement that has been reached at National Cabinet today on the health and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms,” he said.

“We are pleased the Commonwealth has acknowledged the pressure in meeting our future hospital and public health demands, particularly for a smaller jurisdiction like the ACT where it costs more to run a health system.

“As part of the agreement today, the ACT is forecasted to receive from the Commonwealth $4.1 billion over five years to 2030-31. This includes an additional $557 million in public hospital funding and a significant uplift of $150 million over the next two years to address the challenges smaller jurisdictions face delivering health services, while more permanent arrangements are concluded.”

However, the Canberra Liberals

said that Labor governments were short-changing ACT Health. Party leader Mark Parton MLA, the shadow health minister, said: “The Canberra Liberals acknowledge the additional health funding identified for the ACT in today’s National Cabinet announcement, but Canberrans deserve to see the fine print before celebrating.

“While ACT Labor will rush to declare a win, the reality is that the reported $557 million over five years equates to around $111 million per year, barely a drop in the bucket when the Territory lost more than half a billion dollars last year to interest expenses alone.

“Canberrans need transparency on the year-by-year funding schedule, and proof this agreement will actually strengthen frontline health services, rather than continuing the longrunning cost-shifting blame game between governments.”

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35

real estate

property of the week

find more at canberradaily.com.au

Light-filled apartment Turner 188/56 Forbes Street

Positioned high within the soughtafter On Forbes complex, this beautifully presented apartment delivers a refined inner-north lifestyle with treetop views stretching to Black Mountain Tower. Thoughtfully finished to exacting standards, the home features hardwood floors, doubleglazed windows and a generous wraparound balcony that effectively extends the living space and provides an ideal setting for entertaining.

The open-plan layout is designed to maximise light and outlook, while the segregated bedrooms offer privacy. Both bedrooms are generous in size and include built-in robes and ensuitestyle bathrooms finished with floorto-ceiling tiles.

Location is a standout, with the Macarthur Light Rail stop just

a short walk away, along with the shops and cafés of Dickson, Lyneham and O’Connor. Braddon and the city centre are also within easy reach, making this an outstanding home or investment in one of Canberra’s most connected neighbourhoods.

2 EER Price View Agent Mob

2

2 6 $690,000+ Saturday 9:30 – 10am Andrew Browne 0403 169 259

LJ Hooker Dickson 026257 2111

Larger blocks now selling.

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Lot sizes ranging from 850m² to 1,547m² All lots are fully serviced and ready to build on Freehold Land with no time limit to build $80m state-of-the-art High School (opening 2027) $2.5m Bungendore Sports Hub (now open)

For the latest plans and prices visit Elm Grove Sales Office 1 Charlotte Place, Bungendore Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 4pm elmgroveestate.com.au Aaron Papahatzis 0438 254 990 aaron.papahatzis@belleproperty.com

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5 February 2026

FOR A LIMITED TIME: FREE STAMP DUTY *Conditions apply

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0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

5/6 TOWNS CRESCENT, TURNER

3

2

2 EER: 3.5

TRANQUIL LIFESTYLE SO CLOSE TO EVERYTHING Nestled in one of Turner’s most tranquil, tree-lined streets, this elegant Architect designed three-bedroom townhouse built by one of Canberra’s best builders offers a rare blend of comfort, privacy and central convenience. This refined residence delivers not just a home, but a lifestyle in a boutique complex of only 6 residences. The design has been thoughtfully curated for comfort and ease, flowing over two levels. A spacious living room looks out to the back courtyard and the open-plan kitchen and dining space blends style with practicality. The king-sized master suite offers a tranquil retreat with a large walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. Two additional bedrooms easily accommodate queen and double bed furniture, and the second bedroom has its own private balcony overlooking lush treetops, filling the room with soft natural light. Every space speaks to quality, calm and thoughtful design. You’ll love the quietness of this location and yet, everything is at your fingertips. From light rail access to early morning coffee in Braddon, to peaceful parkland strolls, weekend barefoot bowls at the Turner RUC, or walking the kids to school, it’s all just moments away. – time to immerse yourself in this desirable location.

AUCTION: On Site Thursday 26th February 2026, 6pm OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

23 SHENTON CRESCENT, STIRLING

5

3

4 EER: 1.5

ENTERTAINER’S DELIGHT WITH SO MUCH SPACE Set on a large parcel of land and enjoying a northerly aspect, absolute liveability is the phrase that comes to mind when visiting this well-designed two storey renovated five bedroom, three bathroom family residence. Free-flowing living areas feature a fireplace, family room and adjacent kitchen, offering a fluid indoor and outdoor flow, perfect for all those future family events. Segregated master bedroom, with another wing of the home having 4 king, queen and double sized bedrooms ensure everyone has their own space.

Downstairs could be a third living area or second generation living, with an additional bathroom close to the pool. The outdoor oasis is the crown jewel of the property. Dive into the mineral-rich waters of your MagnaPool, which uses magnesium to provide a luxurious, eco-friendly swim, with a heat pump and solar blanket extending the swimming season. As well as a 7.92kW solar array and a 10kWh LG battery, and smart transfer of fireplace heat, there are too many features to mention here. Please visit prior to Auction.

AUCTION: On Site Saturday 14TH February 2026, 1:30pm OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

325/15 JARDINE STREET, KINGSTON FULLY RENOVATED TREASURE! There are only 8 of this floorplan available and a fully renovated version like this rarely comes to the market. Owners have undertaken these renovations for their own comfort, and buyers will appreciate everything is to a very high standard. Located in the heart of cosmopolitan Kingston, this trendy two-storey three bedroom ensuite apartment is sure to impress those who yearn for space to spread out. The apartment includes open plan living with a large formal lounge, separate dining area, an informal living room plus space for a study nook near the stairwell. The master bedroom with ensuite and a huge double shower is on the lower level, while upstairs includes the bathroom with skylight and the other two queen sized bedrooms with built-in robes. The laundry space and attic storage will set this apartment from others, with such a well-considered design to maximise the upstairs bathroom space.

The home enjoys leafy views from its two balconies with ideal space for alfresco meals or morning coffee with the papers.

3

2

1 EER: 3.5

AUCTION: On Site Saturday 7th February 2026 at 1130am OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

9/2 LADY NELSON PLACE, RED HILL

3

2

3 EER: 6

PENTHOUSE WITH HOUSE PROPORTIONS Penthouse views to make your heart sing! No other Red Hill apartment can boast the size, or AUCTION: On Site privacy or the mesmerising views of this bespoke Penthouse. Walls of floor to ceiling windows Saturday 14 February 2026, 9:30am frame the magical vistas of the iconic Canberra landscape within this tranquil habitat, with OPEN TIMES: nothing before you to break the spell. In terms of design, this is the only Penthouse surrounding Please refer to websites for details Lady Nelson Park that has total coverage of the top floor as a single residence. No other neighbours on the same floor, and no sharing of your foyer. This is an exquisitely crafted sky home way above the Red Hill tree canopy with views beyond, incorporating a vista of 270 degrees of the Inner South / Parliamentary skyline. Fine craftmanship, meticulous attention to detail and a bespoke sensibility defines this most distinguished address in “The Parks”. Flooded with natural light, it reveals a considered design with sleek open planned living areas, customized kitchen with breakfast bar all spilling out to three huge balconies ready for future entertaining.

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

0405 135 009

cs@csproperties.com.au

2 JACKIE HOWE CRESCENT, MACARTHUR

4

2

2 EER: 2.5

EVER WANTED TO OWN AN EX-DISPLAY HOME This 1983 ex display home is a credit to the owners, offering privacy and seamless integration so close to nature and great walking tracks. Dial back to 1983 when ex display homes were the pinnacle of craftsmanship. The well-designed floorplan ensures great liveability for all members of the family. The home is situated on 911m2, with double glazed windows along one side of the home with visitors commenting on how quiet it is. Two living areas, plus a separate dining room area allow the family enough room to spread out for any number of activities. The kitchen has a great position for entertaining with the outdoor pergola so close by. All bedrooms easily accommodate a mixture of king, queen and double bed furniture, with plenty of robes for storage. Whether this is a larger home than your current residence, or perhaps you wish to downsize from a two-storey home, this offers the very best for your future. Now you have the chance to be the lucky new owner.

AUCTION: On Site Saturday 7 February 2026, 1:30pm OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details

GIVING 25% OF AGENT FEE TO HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVES

1495 Burrinjuck Road Yass NSW 2582 Waterview

A Magnificent Rural Holding set amid gently undulating countryside with sweeping valley views, this exceptional 45 ha property offers a rare blend of lifestyle, beauty and history with farm stay, B&B, Agri business opportunities.

The Main Homestead

A beautifully styled and extensively renovated main residence , includes; 4 generous bedrooms (main with ens) 4 ½ bathrooms, elegant formal lounge, sitting room, billiard room, gorgeous country style kitchen dining for 12, elegant covered verandah Shearers Quarters includes; 6 bedrooms, (Sleeps 12) , 2 bathrooms, lounge and dining.

Infra structure & Improvements

• Original timber 5-stand Shearing Shed, large Hay Shed + Machinery Shed • Silo, Sheep Yards,2 Dams, Permanent Creek • Bore, Multiple water tanks, New fencing Ideally positioned just 10–15 minutes from Burrinjuck Dam, offering boating, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Approximately 25 minutes to Yass, 55 mins to Canberra.

Enquiries Bill Frew Delta Ag 0428 482 686 Bernie Johnson Yass First National R/E 0427 394 482 View OPEN Saturday 7th & 14th Feb - 12.45 – 1.30pm Price $ 2,200,000

482 Walls Junction Road Yass NSW 2582 Country Escape!

This lifestyle property is surrounded by abundant bird and wildlife. It is just 15 k’s north of Yass, and an approximate 50-min to Canberra.

Approx. 129 acres /52.3 ha of great potential and diversity, undulating granite country , scattered shade trees.

The Homestead

A very stylish and immaculate ‘Hamptons” style home.

Features include:

Light and sunny living room and formal sitting room, open plan kitchen, butler’s pantry, dining with cozy wood fire +spacious informal and formal living rooms, glorious, covered deck.

There are 4 bedrooms, the master has an ensuite with separated WC + under floor heating & WIR, the other 3 bedrooms are segregated at the other end of the house.

Double attached garage with WC, 5 Bay shed, 2 secure stables, workshop + storage.

Large (8mx5m) under cover carport with extra height.

Approx 25 solar panels providing 10.375KWs There are 11 paddocks, 4 with creek frontage, and laneway system to paddocks, Enquiries Bernie Johnson 0427394481 View OPEN Saturday 7th & 14th Feb - 11.00 – 11.30pm Price $ 1,585,000

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SOUTH JERRABOMBERRA AT TRALEE

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Artist’s Impression

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Read more on our terms and conditions at southjerra.com.au.

INTRODUCING THE BRONTE AT SOUTH JERRABOMBERRA The Bronte is one of The Village Building Company’s most sought after home designs, now available within this growing community. Available with three different façade colour options, the Bronte has been designed for modern living, combining practical layout, generous living space and quality inclusions to create a home that’s as comfortable as it is functional. With a strong track record across VBC communities, the Bronte offers buyers the confidence of a design that’s been tried, tested and refined over time.

Artist’s Impression

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Trades & Services Guide INDEX

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING

Air Conditioning/Heating

59

Arborist

59

Bathroom Renovations

59

Bathrooms & Kitchens

59

Car Detailing

60

Carpet Laying

60

Cleaning Service

60

Concreting & Related

60

Construction

60

Decks

60

Electrical

60

Excavation

61

Fencing

61

Gardening

61

Gutter Cleaning

61

Call Emmett 0417 411 487

Handyperson

61

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Mechanics

61

Painting

61

Plastering & Painting

62

Plumbing & Gasfitting

62

Roofing

62

Rubbish Removals

63

Tiling

63

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BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

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Grout/Colour matching & advice All products used by us are Mould and mildew resistant 12 years warranty 10% pensioner discount

0452 538 503

CALL BRENT / LANEEN FOR FREE QUOTES & INSPECTION

STOP LEAKING SHOWERS

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Give your business a boost!

Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800

Get visibility of your business.

Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800 5 February 2026

59

Trades & Services Guide CONCRETING & RELATED

CAR DETAILING

ADVANCED CAR DETAILING ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Buff and Polishing

EST. 25 YEARS

Interior Detailing Pre-Sale Detailing All Work Guaranteed

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

1/17 Strangways St, Curtin ACT 2605 BEHIND SHELL SERVICE STATION

CALL RICK TODAY ON

FREE QUOTATIONS TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE WITH OUR EXPERT CONCRETING SERVICES. ✓ Concrete driveways ✓ Retaining walls ✓ Concrete decking ✓ Garage/shed slabs ✓ Patios and pergolas

✓ Footings ✓ Footpaths ✓ Pool surrounds ✓ House slabs ✓ Waffle pod slabs

Canberra, Queanbeyan & Surrounds

CARPET LAYING

CONSTRUCTION

Carpet Service

Carpet Repairs Supply & Install Carpets Domestic and Commercial 40+ years experience Specialising in Axminster, Wilton and Carpet Tiles

CLEANING SERVICE

Monarch Window Cleaning Average 3 BR Home From Free Flyscreen & Tracks Clean

$250

COMMERCIAL CLEANING, OFFICES, CLUBS, CHILDCARE. FREE QUOTES

Protective COVID Cleaning Call 0407 263 812 / 6259 3200 today monarchservices@live.com.au

STAND OUT Connect with more clients.

Call CW on 6175 8800 60

5 February 2026

Timber Decks & Pergolas METAL PERGOLAS

BH CARPENTRY ACT has you covered!

FREE QUOTE

Call BrendAn 0407 763 597

ELECTRICAL www.conductelectrical.au

0408 336 098 conductelectrical@outlook.com

YOUR CANBERRA ELECTRICAL & DATA EXPERTS • Licensed Electricians • Locally Owned and Operated in Canberra • No Call Out Fee • 24/7 Emergency Service • Free Consultation • Pensioners Discount

GT

gary@pcug.org.au

SUMMER IS HERE

Call Bill: 0410 135 629

(02) 6285 4145

Call Gary 0414 863 195

DECKS

• Lighting Upgrades • Power Point Installations • Switchboard Upgrades • Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations • TV and Data Cabling • EV Charging Installations

10% Discount on all Electrical Services to Senior Community

aceassetsco.com.au

Electrical, Labour, & Hazardous Works All ACT & REGIONAL NSW Locations 15% Pensioner and Solo Parent discount Domestic Development Works Domestic Switchboard Upgrades Project Labour Supply Underground and Shed Power Asbestos and Demo Isolation works

Quality renovations for your home Extensions and Renovations Bathroom, Kitchen, Laundry Outdoor entertainment areas Decks and pergolas

Call Chris 0412 938 682

0490 793 900

lpc@aceassetsco.com.au

ABZ

LIC ACT 2024859

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS P/L

ELECTRIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING BATHROOMS, LIVING AREAS, BEDROOMS AND MORE

admin@clarityconstructions.com.au ACT 201939 | NSW 360769c

DECKS

RENO DECKS

✓ Decks ✓ Pergolas ✓ Renovations ✓ Painting ✓ Bathrooms ✓ Kitchens

FRIENDLY | RELIABLE | LICENSED

0431 163 015 renodecks1@gmail.com Have your business listed here.

Call CW on 6175 8800

CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE 0424 805 010 | Alex2022au@hotmail.com

PRIME ONE ELECTRICAL SMALL JOB SPECIALIST LED LIGHT UPGRADES METERBOARD/SWITCHBOARD UPGRADES SMOKE DETECTOR SERVICE INSTALLATIONS REPORTS EXTRA POWER • POINTS • LIGHTS

Phone Daniel on 0418 419 383 or email prime1q@outlook.com ACT license No. 2018491

canberradaily.com.au

Trades & Services Guide GARDENING

Mowing & Edging Pruning & Mulching Hedge Trimming Weed Control Fertilisation

FENCING Whether you need an old fence repaired, spruced up or if it’s time for a new fence…

• Colourbond fence • Aluminium Slats • Timber • Chainmesh • Security

company you can trust

A WELL MAINTAINED GARDEN ADDS VALUE TO A PROPERTY

OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.

Gutter Clean 0421 193 553 All areas Free estimates CWM0812

gutter_clean@hotmail.com

AFTER

GLENNMADDEN@ICLOUD.COM | 0412 636 880

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS TODAY

MECHANICS Monteleone Car Works & Metal Fabrication

Roo� Paintin�

Paintin� � Plasterin�

15 YEARS

EXPERIENCE

EXCELLENCE

IN PAINTING

Painting

QUALITY MATTERS

Work

General Repairs

... and more

98 AND COUNTING FIVE STAR REVIEWS TAQWAPAINTING.COM.AU 0451 031 550 0419 186 171

contact@danthepaintman.com.au

Call Patrick

�� �� �� �� ��

STAND OUT Connect with more clients.

Call CW on 6175 8800

canberradaily.com.au

luis.painter@hotmail.com (02) 6140 1317 | 0404605687 or 0406525842

Taqwa

EÆĨèſħÆĨ ̗ aÆċĨŞìĨÆĨâì

Free Quote

Free Quotes | No job too big or too small Guarantee jobs done

PAINTING

Peter 0499 849 008

Flat Pack Furniture

All Canberra areas 10% Pensioners discount

Ph: 02 6241 0222 Mobile: 0438 469 138

Free Quotes

Quality

Plumber Specialising in Private Home

Unit 6, 91-93 Grimwade Street Mitchell

HANDYPERSON Be a part of our Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800

Fence Repairs Roofing & Gutters Cleaning

Mechanical | Metal Fabrication | Mobile Welding Tyres | Brakes | ACT/NSW Regos | & more

General Yard & House Maintenance

Gutter cleaning Rubbish removal Solar Panel cleaning Home maintenance General gardening Welding

BEFORE

Jason 0484 870 398 jcreativepainting@yahoo.com www.jcreative.au | Calling hours - 1:35PM - 5:35PM

Painting & Plastering Tiling

Pergola repairs

GLENN’S BRUSH FENCING REPAIRS

10% OFF SENIORS

HANDY MAN & CONTRACTOR

• Glass • Modular walls • Concrete sleeper walls • All fabricated works

0431 251 882

FREE QUOTES

GUTTER CLEANING

The gutter vacuum specialist

canfencecanberra@gmail.com

• House Painting Interior & Exterior • Plaster & Render Repairs • Ceiling Repairs • Blocking off ceiling vents • Furniture Assemble • General Repairs

Kaushik Makwana

Garden Cleanup Qualified Horticulturist Rubbish Removal CALL: 0430 582 821 Gutter Cleaning Free no obligation quotes Regular Maintenance Fully insured Customer service from a Commercial or Domestic

Call us today for an obligation-free quote.

CWM10402AA

& Maintenance

CWM0550

WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU

CWM0085-V2

• Tight Access Earthworks • Support For DIY Projects • Small Job Spcialists • contact@canberradiggers.com • 0430 086 866

Handyman

EZY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

CWM0116

CANBERRA MINI DIGGERS

HANDYPERSON

CWM1051

EXCAVATION

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

www.danthepaintman.com.au

Have your business listed here.

Call CW on 6175 8800 5 February 2026

61

Trades & Services Guide PAINTING

Re-paint specialists for Commercial, Residential and Body corporate All work is Guaranteed & Fully insured Local family-owned business servicing the Canberra region for 28 years

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

PLASTERING & PAINTING

PLUMBING & GASFITTING

NATIONAL CAPITAL PAINTERS SPRING SPECIAL

$80 OFF Taps And Toilets

QualityPainting&Building Maintenance PtyLtd INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING Plastering Services • Gyprock Water Damage Replacement Cornice Services • Roof Restoration • Pressure Cleaning Windows Restoration • General Carpentry Maintenance

qualitypaintingandplastering.com.au 0421724612 - Amir (Alex) Email: aualitypainting2005@gmail.com Licence No.: 229807C ABN: 63646353335

PLASTERING & PAINTING

*CONDITIONS APPLY

Hot Water/Solar

Come Home to a Fresh New LOOK

Blocked Drains Gas Fitting

INTERIOR PAINTING

Burst Pipes Bathroom Renovations

• Ceilings, walls, and cornices

Roofing/Guttering

(minimum 3 rooms)

• • • • • •

Local Professional Service Seniors Discount No Call Out Fee All Work Guaranteed Support Local Business 24/7 Emergency service

Phone 0421 038 243 Web capitalpd.com.au

$350 per room canberrapainting.com.au | 02 6262 3788

WHEN YOU QUOTE THIS AD ANY SERVICES

Plumbing Lic 2013728 ABN: 53193588524

Email: admin@capitalpd.com.au

EXTERIOR PAINTING

JUST A PLUMBER

• Includes gutters, fascia, eaves, and downpipes • High-pressure water blasting included • Three-coat application using Wattyl Solagard (25-year guarantee)

Residential Plumbing Maintenance Specialist Owner-operated local small business 20+ years plumbing experience Seniors Discount

From $1500 Your choice of colours

Call Emmett 0417 411 487

Obligation-free quote All work guaranteed for 10 years

www.justaplumber.com.au ACT Licence 20081145

FOR EXPERT, FRIENDLY ADVICE:

ROOFING

Call 0415 395 050

ALPHA ROOFING CANBERRA

FOR A FREE ON-THE-SPOT QUOTE

PLUMBING & GASFITTING

$100 OFF

terms and conditions apply

24/7 emergency services

Plumbing: • Installation • Repairs & Maintenance • Blocked drains • Water Heaters • Gas Fitting

Roofing: • All aspects of Colourbond & Tiled • Repairs & Maintenance • Gutter & Roof Cleaning • Tiling & Sealing

Call your local plumber Shane 0411 591 615 or email lucidplumbingandroofing@gmail.com

CAPTURE THE SPOTLIGHT

Be the one they call.

Call CW on 6175 8800 62

5 February 2026

89% 85% 95%

of our readers will seek trades and services of our readers read the advertisements each week

average pick-up rate

Call CW on 6175 8800 to get your business listed today!

CWM00445AA

Your local roofing experts Our services for both Metal and Tiled roofs include but are not limited to: • Leak Detection • Rebedding & & Repair Repointing • Guttering • New Roofs • Gutterguards • Roof Insulation • Fascias • General • Full roof ongoing roof restoration maintenance

CALL/TEXT: 0458 807 882 E: admin@alpharoofingact.com.au ABN 156 905 615 00

www.arizonaroofing.com.au

Reliable Residential and Commercial Roofing Solutions in Canberra Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.

5/293 FLEMINGTON ROAD FRANKLIN 0421149431 info@arizonaroofing.com.au canberradaily.com.au

Trades &TAKE Services Guide PRIDE

ROOFING IN YOUR ROOF

TILING

IS YOUR ROOF LEAKING YOUR ROOF ORIS IN NEED OF REPAIR?

TAKE

PRIDE IN YOUR ROOF

LEAKING OR IN

Call us for an obligation free quote:

NEED OF REPAIR?

• Roof repairs • New roofs

Call us for an obligation free quote: • Extensions • Roof repairs • Re-roofs • Re-roofs • Gutters cleaned • New roofs • Gutters cleaned • Ridge-capping • Extensions • Ridge-capping

Contact the trades & services team 6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au

ALL-TILE REGROUTING Family based business servicing Canberra & surrounds for over 25 years

YEARS EX FULLY PERIENCE INSURED Lic. No. 252

FIVE STAR RATING

440C

0407 789 258

Why retile, when you can regrout?

www.prideroofing.com.au

If you like your original tiles but have unsightly, discoloured grout lines, Carl can provide a quick and affordable solution where no tiles are removed & seal leaking shower recesses.

RUBBISH REMOVALS

THAT’S TWO SERVICES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

0407 789 258

prideroofingcanberra.com.au

All Silicon is mould & mildew resistant! Looks like you have retiled, and at a fraction of the cost!

12 year Guarantee: Locally owned & operated Contact Carl or Tracie at All-Tile Regrouting for a free inspection & quote on 0427 617 365 | 0426 251 763 or email carle14@hotmail.com

Wright Way Rubbish Removal

Barry Richards Ceramic Tiling

We load up and remove anything at all no job too big or too small

Bathroom Renovations, Leaking Showers Small Jobs, For All Your Tiling Needs PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE

FREE QUOTE

P: 0435 015 647 E: barric666@aol.com www.barryrichardsceramictiling.com.au

servicing all of Canberra and Queanbeyan 0404 621 313 call or text

ABN 609 0723 0907

Antoniak Tiling and Renovations CWM0085-V2

Email: Bantoniak051@gmail.com | 0417 092 760

Brodie Antoniak

Done once Done...WRIGHT

Owner and contractor ABN 14724243822

TILING

Reference available on request

LOCAL TILING ACT All suburbs

Call Alex today 0475 000 528

localtilingact@hotmail.com

CAPTURE THE SPOTLIGHT

Be the one they call.

Call CW on 6175 8800 canberradaily.com.au

CWM0477

For all your tiling needs:

Bathroom, Laundry and Kitchen tiling Walls and floors tiling Bathroom Renovations No job too big or small Water proofing shower leaks

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Give your business a boost!

Register today in the Trades & Services Guide, call CW on 6175 8800

news briefs

$185K federal funding to protect Mulligans Flat wildlife from bird flu The federal government will invest $185,000 in Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary to protect the eastern quoll — an endangered native species — from the threat of H5 bird flu.

Australia is the only continent that has remained free from H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, but bird flu was detected last year in southern elephant seals on Heard Island, a remote sub-Antarctic Australian external territory 4,000 km south-west of Perth.

The government’s investment in Mulligans Flat, the largest box-gum grassy-woodland area managed for conservation in Australia, will be used to install biosecurity elements in enclosures; upgrade wildlife triage and isolation for injured and sick animals; and train staff in biosecurity.

School’s back – so slow down!

Canberrans must slow down in school zones as children return to the classroom, ACT Policing states.

Since the school term started this week, 40km/h speed limits will be in effect across all ACT school zones. Drivers caught speeding in a school zone can face a fine, incur demerit points, and have their licence suspended.

In 2025, ACT Policing issued 264 fines and 47 cautions to drivers caught speeding in school zones, including one driver who was caught travelling at 89km/h.

ACT moves closer to potential Big Splash lease termination The ACT Government has taken a step towards terminating the Crown lease for Big Splash waterpark, with Access Canberra formally notifying the site’s owners that regulatory action is being considered.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry confirmed that the Territory Planning Authority has issued a letter to the owners, advising it is considering terminating the lease.

Big Splash has remained closed for the past two summers, prompting ongoing community frustration and calls for the ACT Government to intervene. The facility has not reopened since being leased to its current operators in 2021.

A petition calling on the government to save Big Splash and take action on the site has attracted strong public support, with more than 2,900 signatures to date.

5 February 2026

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