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by SHANE RETTENBURY, MLA FOR KURRAJONG AND LEADER OF THE ACTS GREENS
We’ve been hearing it for decades now: ‘This is a critical decade to prevent the worst impacts of climate change’. As each decade passes with inadequate global action, the refrain remains true. It is a warning, a challenge and an opportunity – one the ACT must act on.
The ACT has been a national leader on climate action, because Canberrans take the climate crisis seriously. It’s no coincidence that
the only jurisdiction with Greens in government was Australia’s first to be powered by 100% renewable energy, to begin phasing out the use of fossil fuel gas, to lead the uptake of electric vehicles, and to set the strongest emissions reduction targets. But right now, Canberra is at risk of falling off our perch as Australia’s climate action capital and we need your help to get back on track.
Failure to plan is a plan to fail and sadly, we’ve seen that failure play out as soon as Labor took over the climate portfolio. A government Climate Strategy that I put in place as Minister expired in 2025, with no replacement ready to go from Labor. They promised “no backwards steps” on climate at the last election – tragically underwhelming to begin with – but it’s obvious that if you’re standing still, you’re going
backwards.
Canberra is a very highconsumption city. We’re growing. We need to do more, not less, if we’re to achieve net-zero emissions and live sustainably, as so many people are already working to do.
I love being part of this community that is so rich in ideas, efforts and practices that all contribute to stabilising the climate we all depend on. We have academics, engineers, growers, designers – innovators of all kinds who are creating the building blocks of the future we want to live in.
Canberrans are leaders on climate action and we deserve that from our government too.
Right now, the ACT Government is (finally) consulting on the next Climate Strategy and I urge everyone in Canberra: if you’ve ever worried about climate change
or thought of something you’d change if you could, tell the ACT Government now.
The Greens are hosting a series of workshops to facilitate making submissions to the public consultation. Following Sunday’s session at the Gungahlin Library and Tuesday’s at our party office in Turner, we’ve got another one coming up at King O’Malley’s at 6pm next Friday 13 March.
We’re also hosting a big town hall event next Wednesday 11 March, with a community panel of climate experts and advocates at DKB Hall in Dickson. You can register on the events page of the ACT Greens website.
This is not just a critical decade; It’s a critical fortnight for climate action in the ACT, to ensure the strategy Labor produces is not a plan to fail.
by BERNIE RYAN
A stone barn that survived Canberra’s 2003 bushfires could soon help rebuild the futures of vulnerable young people.
Bosco’s Barn, which was constructed by former staff and students of the Galilee School in Kambah, is one of the few structures to survive the fires that destroyed the newly built school more than two decades ago.
The barn, which has become a quiet symbol of resilience, is now set to be transformed into a hands-on training café for students, many of whom are dealing with issues of trauma and disengagement.
And it is this same resilience that defines the students whom Galilee School supports.
“I am especially grateful to be given the
opportunity to see these young people find their feet, establish trust once more and look to the future with renewed hope,” says school principal of ten years, Tim McNevin.
The Galilee School works with young people in Years 7–12 who are at risk of disengaging from mainstream education.
It provides “… everything students need to thrive at school,” says Mr McNevin.
This includes transport to and from school, breakfast, lunches, all learning materials and technological aids.
The school now supports 150 students at a ratio of five students to one teacher, across its two campuses in Kambah and Holder, and in 2024 celebrated its 25-year anniversary.
The Galilee School recently launched a $15,000 fundraising campaign through the
Hands Across Canberra 2026 Canberra Day Appeal to convert Bosco’s Barn into Bosco’s Café — a working training café designed to give students practical skills and real-world experience.
Mr McNevin says that funds donated by the community will help equip the café with fresh, plumbed, potable water and suitable café-style equipment, including display cabinets, a service counter and payment centre.
“Our goal is to have the café open to students, parents, carers and visitors to the school, sometime this year,” says Mr McNevin.
Bosco’s Café is about far more than just transforming a building, however.
“For many of our students, the idea of having a job once felt impossible,” Mr McNevin says.
“The cafe will help students build confidence as they learn to prepare food, make coffee, serve customers and develop teamwork and communication skills. This real workplace experience can open pathways into employment.”
Donations can be made via the Canberra Day Appeal website: canberra-day-appeal-2026. raiselysite.com/o/galilee-school
Harmony Week (16-22 March) is a reminder that diversity is not an abstract idea. It lives in our
homes, our stories, our languages and the way we care for one another.
For the first time, Warrigal is bringing our Celebrate Harmony Week for Older People event to the Canberra region. In partnership with MCCI, we are coming together at the Hellenic Club in Woden to recognise the rich cultural heritage of older people in our community and the importance of inclusive aged and community services.
For many older Australians, culture shapes identity, family life and expectations of care. As our population becomes more diverse, aged care must respond with understanding, respect and practical support. This event has been designed for older people and their loved ones to learn more about multicultural aged care services and the support available locally.
Guests will hear directly from a Warrigal resident, who will share their personal
for older people Tuesday 24 March 2026 10am-12pm Hellenic Club Woden Celebrate Enjoy performances, conversations about diverse care and services and light refreshments featuring flavours from around the world.
experience of living in a community that values background, language and story. A Warrigal representative will speak about working across residential care and community living villages supported by sta from many di erent cultures. MCCI will present on their services and their deep connection with multicultural communities.
The morning will also be a celebration. Performances by Wiradjuri Echoes, Warrigal PALM participants and the Canberra Prosperous Dragon and Lion Dance group will bring colour, music and energy. Attendees will enjoy a taste of food from around the world, including Spanish, Greek, French, Italian and other food from around the world.
At its heart, this event is about connection. By working together, Warrigal and MCCI are strengthening our commitment to ensuring older people in Canberra feel known, loved and connected…and truly at home.
Join us from 10am to 12pm at the Hellenic Club Woden, Apollo Room, 1 Matilda Street, Phillip. Bookings are essential. To reserve your place, visit warrigal.com.au/harmonyday
wi NICOLE LAWDER FORMER ACT MLA AND DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER
“Sign, sign, everywhere a sign…”
Those words from a 1970 song by the Five Man Electrical Band sprang to mind recently. I had to look it up — I remembered the tune but not the band — yet the lyrics remain instantly familiar.
The song was more about social and property rights than literal signage, but it is hard not to think of it when considering the sheer number of signs across Canberra. They guide us, inform us, and make getting around
Canberra easier. At least, that is their intention.
Recently, while driving into Canberra, I was genuinely shocked by the state of some of the directional signs on the way in. Several were so weathered or vandalised that they were barely readable. These are not obscure back roads: they are key entry points used by residents, and, importantly, by visitors.
Concerned, I contacted Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum, to talk about it. I recalled that he had spoken in the media about the poor condition of many of our directional signs, particularly on major roads that tourists coming into Canberra would use.
David has, for some time, highlighted that the fading, damaged – including gra ti-covered - and peeling signs reflect badly on Canberra’s status as the National
Capital. Additionally, this undermines the pride that the ACT Government speaks about wanting to foster among Canberrans.
The Tourism Leaders Forum is the ACT and region’s peak tourism and events industry representative organisation, with members from the tourism, business, sports, arts, cultural, aviation and educational sectors in the ACT, along with Destination Southern New South Wales. The need to upgrade these signs was part of the five key policy areas raised in their 2024-25 Budget submission.
At first glance, signs might not seem that important. But for visitors, they do far more than point the way. They shape first impressions and contribute to the overall experience of a city. More than 5.5 million tourists visit Canberra each year (not quite back to pre-pandemic numbers), and tourism injected $3.66 billion in the year to
September 2023.
The Tourism Leaders Forum argues that the quality and amenity of facilities and environment are critical to the visitor experience and need urgent action. They point to a noticeable deterioration in the maintenance and upkeep of the city. They believe – and I agree – that Canberra should be the showcase of the nation.
David has been raising this issue with the government for years and has been told the signs are scheduled to be replaced. When will the government urgently replace or repair signs on key approaches, not to mention scheduling an annual review and improvement program of priority wayfinding signs?
Why is it that we can spend millions or billions on some projects, but cannot maintain basic infrastructure? I guess it is a matter of priorities for this government.
What if ageing wasn’t about slowing down, but about turning up the volume?
UPSTAGEING Canberra is a bold new festival celebrating creativity across generations – and the invitation is simple: come and be part of it. Whether you’re 9 or 99, there’s something waiting for you.
From 20-29 March, over 50 di erent venues across the ACT will come alive with music, art, performance and hands-on experiences that showcase the talent, humour and wisdom of older Canberrans – while warmly welcoming audiences of all ages.
With 160+ activities and performances across the Canberra region, there’s something for everyone to explore:
• Get moving with ZEST Dance for Wellbeing, watch Waltzing with the Matildas at the Portrait Gallery, free ballet classes, tap with Silver Tread Tappers or try a tango.
• Try your hand at creativity – from crochet and
knitting to Crafting Connections at the Fitters Workshop, relief carving, pastel drawing and paper quilling – all there to try.
• Lift your voice with community singing at Ainslie Arts Centre or groove with dance workshops like It’s Never Too Late to Swing
• Enjoy theatre, including The Dear Departed, films at Arc Cinema and dozens of live music showcases across town.
Add to these, the headline-grabbing events that anchor the festival: the Retro Disco or the Womens’ Room comedy at the Ainslie Football Club, the raucous Live Fast Die Old rock concert at Rose Cottage, Long Play at the Dissent Café, the uplifting Choral stories at the National Gallery, and the vibrant Makers Showcase and live art demonstrations at the Fitters Workshop. From big band sounds and dance floors to theatre, storytelling and hands-on creative experiences, these are the moments where the whole Canberran community comes together – to move, to
make, to sing and to celebrate.
This festival isn’t just about watching – it’s about doing. It’s about trying something new, sharing laughter and connecting with people you might never otherwise meet. Many events are free or low cost, making it easy for families, friends and neighbours of all ages to take part.
Discover the full program, book tickets and see how you can get involved at cotaact.org.au/ upstageing-program or just search #UPSTAGEING (with an “E”)
isc he cel wit sto a joy o ful oss - packe k d shops, exhibitions, n creative fun.
The UPSTAGEING Canberra Festival is a joyful celebration of the arts across generations - packed with performances, workshops, exhibitions, music, storytelling and hands-on creative fun.
Discover something new. Share a laugh. Try your hand at something unexpected. Cheer on local artists. Connect, create and celebrate together. Whether you’re 9 or 99, there’s over 160 activities waiting for you and your gang, with loads of free and low-cost excitement
Explore the program and get involved at: www.cotaact.org.au/upstageing
Last Saturday, I attended the weekly protest outside the Russian Embassy by the Canberra/Queanbeyan Ukrainian community and their supporters, this week marking the fourth anniversary of Putin’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. It was good to see local MLA Shane Rattenbury and Senator David Pocock attend. Both of them spoke, as did I.
Despite being betrayed by Trump and the wavering interest of some
countries, the Ukrainian armed forces, under their inspiring leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, fight on against overwhelming odds. So far, Russian casualties (killed, wounded and MIA) amount to about 1.2 million, and Ukrainian casualties are about 500,000, including civilians. The US under Trump has pulled back its support and, while European countries remain very supportive vocally, they could still do much more. The EU needs not only to freeze Russian assets but to release them to Ukraine to help pay the ongoing costs of running the country. They seem too reluctant to do so. Why, I do not know. Putin only respects strength. At least most continental Western European countries are now in the process of significantly increasing defence spending.
I suggested to the crowd that
Australia should do more and spend about $5 billion a year supporting Ukraine. So far, we have provided only $1.5 billion over the past four years, including around 200 Bushmaster armoured vehicles. Ukraine’s fight is our fight, after all. The Ukrainian army loves our Bushmasters, and we have about 1,050 of them. We make them in Australia, and there is no reason why we can’t send 200 a year to Ukraine and replace them with new ones made in Australia. We could make much mileage by shipping them over on either or both of the LHD ships HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Canberra to Gdansk in Poland, and then drive them to Lviv in western Ukraine. Imagine the great publicity to be gained for Australia if a convoy of Bushmasters travelled through the streets and highways of eastern Poland bound for Lviv, proudly flying
Australian, Polish and Ukrainian flags. In the meantime, David Pocock said he will bring all this up in the Senate, and he will suggest, to start with, that we give Ukraine all the guns handed in during the latest buyback. They can actually be useful for Ukrainian civilians to shoot down Russian drones. Push the Bushmaster idea too, David!
Despite the unbelievably counterproductive attempts by Trump to get Ukraine to surrender strategic land it still holds in the Donbas to Russia, there will be no Sudetenland moments by the Ukrainian government, unlike in Munich in 1938, and the brave Ukrainians will fight on rather than surrender their land. Ukraine needs all the support it can get, and I’d urge our local Canberra/ Queanbeyan residents to help out in any way they can.
Slava Ukraini!
Monday 9 March 2026
7:30am – 11:30am
Gather your friends, family and colleagues, and register today!
Give where you live and run for a cause close to your heart.
Celebrate Canberra Day at the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run on Monday 9 March 2026 at Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, and help support local charities.
Whether you walk, jog, push a pram, or chase a PB, every step helps strengthen our community.
Choose from a 5km or 10km course along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, then stay to enjoy a morning of food, music and family activities from 7:30am to 11:30am.
Proceeds from your entry fee go to Hands Across Canberra, helping fund essential services, local charities and community projects for people doing it tough across our region.
Precinct Partners Produced by
For more than three decades, ACT Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability has supported Canberrans with intellectual disability and their families, offering practical programs, advocacy and a strong sense of community.
Originally founded in the late 1980s as the ACT Down Syndrome Association, the organisation expanded its focus four years ago to support people with all intellectual disability across the ACT.
“The primary purpose of our organisation is to provide information, referrals, capacity building and peer-to-peer support for people with intellectual disability and their family members,” says CEO Shannon Kolak. “We also provide support for employers, school teachers and other community groups that want to work with people with intellectual disability but might need a little more information or help to make that possible.”
Capacity building sits at the heart of the organisation’s work. Programs include Science Alliance, where adults take part in hands-on
experiments and learning, and Maths for Everyday Living, which focuses on practical skills such as budgeting and managing money. A dance fitness group promotes physical health while also building confidence and social connection.
The organisation also operates as a Disabled Persons Organisation, meaning lived experience shapes its leadership and direction.
“More than 50 per cent of our staff have intellectual disability,” Shannon says. “We strongly believe we need to listen to the voices of people with intellectual disability because they’re the people we support.”
Advocacy is another key focus. Ambassadors with intellectual disability deliver workshops on self-advocacy, supported decision-making, inclusive healthcare and employment. The team also works alongside local employers to help create inclusive workplaces.
Importantly, most services are offered free of charge.
“If a person with intellectual disability comes to us
by BERNIE RYAN
Last week, National Capital Authority (NCA) Chief Executive Karen Doran and key NCA staff members provided a media tour of the refurbished National Rose Gardens and Federation Centenary Fountains.
Refurbishments include a stormwater upgrade, 3,000 new roses in the National Rose Garden, the side garden design at the Federation Centenary Fountains and the new hard stand plaza that has enabled the Leonardo da Vinci: 500 years of Genius exhibition.
According to the NCA, the original storm water network in the area was around 60 years old and as a result, sections of the pipeline had deteriorated, leaving cracks, breaks, and deformations. The storm water network has now been replaced.
“We removed the old storm water system and used existing alignment to put in new
infrastructure, which has enabled additional pits and drainage, and will prolong the life of the area,” says NCA Project Manager Mitchell Whyte.
As the stormwater system needed replacing, Mr Whyte said that it presented another opportunity to rejuvenate the area in its entirety, which included the rebuilding of all garden beds and replanting them with new roses.
NCA Senior Project Officer Brad Doherty, says that the old roses were at the end of their life, so the timing of the mutual projects worked well.
Regarding the 3,000 new roses, “In both east and west garden beds they have been carefully selected to best suit the Canberra environment and the colours were selected to match the Heritage Management Plan,” he says.
“The project started in May 2025, and we’ve just completed it, this last month.”
Rose enthusiasts may be interested to know that the roses also have some unique names.
“These include, ‘Dear Father’, ‘Fragrant
needing support, for themselves or their family, we don’t charge,” Shannon says. “We want to continue being a place where people can come and seek support for free.”
That commitment relies heavily on fundraising support. Through the Canberra Day Appeal, the community can help ensure the organisation continues providing vital services.
“Without fundraising, we couldn’t keep the doors open,” Shannon says. “There’s a huge shortfall between what our grants fund and what it actually costs to run the organisation.”
To donate, scan the QR code or head to canberra-day-appeal-2026. raiselysite.com. To learn more about ACT Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability, visit downsyndrome. org.au/act
Cloud’, ‘Queen Elizabeth ‘and ‘Blue Moon’…good old classic roses,” says Mr Doherty.
“But we also have some new ones like ‘Oranges and Lemons’ that have been planted too as a trial across the area.
“All the roses are of the hybrid tea and floribunda varieties.”
Further details regarding the refurbishment of the National Rose Gardens and Federation Centenary Fountains can be found at nca.gov.au
LONG WEEKEND = BIG BRANDS ON SALE
SATURDAY 7 MARCH TO MONDAY 9 MARCH
Enjoy 3 days of exclusive offers and FREE entertainment
10AM - 6PM
by GEORGIA CURRY
Reforms to the decriminalisation of sex work are being progressed by the ACT Government with the release of a discussion paper this Wednesday 4 March.
Hilary Caldwell from DecrimACT, said current ACT sex work laws “cause us harm in the way they shuttle us into industrial areas or force us to work alone at home”.
And for the first time in Canberra, sex workers are taking to the stage at Smith’s Alternative to share intimate tales of their lives and the challenges they face to work safely and lawfully.
The ACT Government’s discussion paper includes a reform proposal that mirrors recent reforms undertaken in Queensland and Victoria – that is, creating a legal framework for the sex work industry where criminal penalties are removed while improving sex workers’ health, safety and rights.
Sex worker, author and activist Dr
“People think we need to be saved from sex work,” Dr Caldwell said. “We need to be saved from bad laws so we can get on and do our work.”
This is why Dr Caldwell is staging a tell-all stage show, Bedtime Tales, billed as entertainment (wear your PJs) but with a serious side. It will be staged at an early timeslot, 6pm, with a combination of acting, storytelling and a few trade secrets.
“In the show you’ll find out things you never thought to ask,” Dr Caldwell said. “We’re going to have a skit about democracy in action and a session with a dominatrix. We want the whole
audience to feel like they’re being invited into our parlours where they can just sit back and relax.”
Due to confidentiality, sex workers will not disclose personal details about clients – but we can tell you that sex workers’ busiest times are during Summernats and parliamentary sittings.
In fact, it’s reported that the busiest night in the history of the capital’s brothels was in 1992, during the World Council of Churches annual conference.
“We’re certainly not going to reveal identities,” Dr Caldwell said. “Confidentiality is something that clients absolutely pay for and sex workers pay dearly if our confidentiality is breached. We’re very careful.”
been able to subsidise her education – two Master’s, in Health Science and Applied Science, plus 12 years of postgraduate study earning a PhD.
Sex work in the ACT is regulated by the Sex Work Act 1992, including a registration framework where sex workers can lawfully operate (there are criminal penalties for operating outside this framework).
There are currently five commercial brothels/escort agencies registered with Access Canberra.
The proposed reforms mean that sex work could be regulated through general laws that apply to any other business in the jurisdiction, such as employment, work health and safety, planning and public health laws, and advertising codes of conduct.
At 60, Dr Caldwell is of retirement age but she said, “I still do sex work because I still love it”.
What she doesn’t love is the stigma and discrimination.
“Maybe that’s the real reason people are afraid of whores, they’re afraid of how much information we’re holding,” she said. “Although I do suffer a lot of stigma and discrimination, I’ve had far too many orgasms to be able to stay angry for long.”
Dr Caldwell has been a sex worker for 23 years and in that time she’s
Attorney-General of the ACT, Tara Cheyne, said reforming the regulation of sex work “would mean treating sex work like any other type of employment”.
“This will better protect the safety and human rights of sex workers,” Ms Cheyne said.
The ACT Government’s discussion paper on reforms to the decriminalisation of sex work is subject to community consultation.
Bedtime Tales is at Smith’s Alternative at 6pm, Tuesday 7 April. Tickets: smithsalternative.com
by NICHOLAS FULLER
The Conservation Council ACT Region has urged the ACT Government to abandon any plans for lethal control of bare-nosed wombats, arguing such a policy lacks sufficient scientific evidence.
In its formal response to the ACT Government’s Draft Technical Report on wombat management, the Council rejected the proposed creation of a Controlled Native Species Management Plan, which could permit wombats to be shot under certain conditions.
The government last year rejected claims it was moving towards lethal management of wombats.
Executive director Dr Simon Copland said the draft report acknowledged it did not have reliable population estimates, and relied on anecdotal evidence and decades-old reports to suggest wombat numbers were increasing.
“Active management and lethal control of wombats as set out in the Draft Technical Paper are unjustified
due to a profound lack of reliable data,” Dr Copland said.
The Council also criticised the consultation process, claiming that fewer than 1 per cent of rural landholders were consulted, and that community members, developers, and Traditional Custodians were excluded.
“While we recognise that the concerns of many landholders about wombat management are real, we believe we need a much stronger evidence base to justify such a significant shift in policy,” Dr Copland said.
The Council said non-lethal approaches should be prioritised, such as wombat gates, burrow flaps that medicated wombats against parasites and mange, fencing, and community-based monitoring programs.
“Wombats act as essential ecosystem engineers whose burrows enhance soil health and provide critical refuge for other animals during bushfires and floods,” Dr Copland said. “By prioritising collaboration and evidence-based strategies, the ACT can mitigate
landholder conflicts fairly while ensuring wombats continue to support the region’s biodiversity.”
The ACT Greens last year raised concerns about the draft report. Deputy leader Jo Clay said the document “paves a pathway” for reclassifying wombats as a controlled native species without a strong ecological and animal welfare evidence base.
“If the government is going to allow farmers to kill wombats, they need good and valid evidence that it’s necessary,” Ms Clay said.
Ginninderry is looking to engage a suitably qualified landscape maintenance contractor to undertake 3 years of open space maintenance in Strathnairn and Macnamara. This contract will require 3 full time team members along with a range of commercial maintenance equipment.
To request a copy of the RFT documents please contact bede@ginninderry.com
Tender closing date of 20/3/26
GIVIT is an ACT Government partner working with an organisation that provides settlement and support services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. They are seeking support for a young refugee girl and her family. This young girl’s family is experiencing significant financial hardship, but she is determined to support them. She is currently studying English and hopes to use her sewing skills to earn income by doing some mending and alteration work. The organisation is requesting support for a sewing machine so she can earn a living while continuing her studies. Your donation will help provide a brighter future for this girl and her family in their new home country. Generous Canberrans can donate a sewing machine or fund the purchase of this item. 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: ‘sewing machine’ and Suburb: ‘McKellar, 2617’.
Professor Eric Warrant will present the next Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens Thursday Talk on Thursday 12 March. An Australian scientist at Lund University, Sweden, and visiting fellow at ANU, Professor Warrant will discuss “The art of coming far with a tiny brain: The remarkable navigational abilities of the Bogong moth.” The talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette, opposite the Visitor Centre. Bookings at trybooking.com/DJKKG. Gold coin, note and EFTPOS donations welcome.
The Hawker Men’s Shed will host its quarterly Hawker Community Repair Café and Made Local Markets on Sunday 15 March, 10am–1pm, at the Hawker International Softball Centre, end of Walhallow Street, Hawker. Entry is a gold coin donation, with EFTPOS available. Bring broken items for repair, browse more than 30 local market stalls and enjoy coffee and hot food from the canteen. A Justice of the Peace and IT advice will also be available.
Rise Above is marking 40 years of supporting local cancer patients, assisting 788 individuals and families last year alone. You can help by turning your bottles and cans into care through the ACT Container Deposit Scheme. Simply print a Rise Above label at a Return-It EXPRESS machine, attach it to your pre-bagged containers and place the bag in the Drop and Go area. No counting required. Rise Above provides financial assistance to cancer patients across Canberra and Queanbeyan. Find your nearest depot at actcds.org.au/return-points. Donate at riseabovecbr.org.au or contact community@riseabovecbr.org.au.
Australian founder of The School of St Jude, Gemma Sisia, is visiting Canberra in March with school alumna Faith to share how the Tanzanian school has grown from just three students to transforming thousands of lives through free, quality education. She will speak at three local events: Wednesday 11 March, 6–8pm at the Canberra Deakin Football Club ($30, bookings with Ross Power on 0418 628 935); Thursday 12 March, 10–11.30am at Woden Valley Uniting Church Community Hall (free, no bookings required); and Thursday 12 March, 6pm at Tuggeranong Uniting Church (free, book at trybooking.com/events/landing/1518133).
community noticeboard
email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field
Lifeline Canberra presents its next Open Book panel, exploring why developments in Greenland matter for Australia and our strategic partnerships with the US, NATO and Europe. The panel features John McCarthy, Dr Elizabeth Buchanan and Andrew Greene. Monday 16 March, 5.30–8pm at the ACC Centre, Charles Sturt University, 15 Blackall Street, Barton. Free parking on site. Tickets via Humanitix or lifelinecanberra.org.au/ events. Ticket price includes a drink on arrival and light grazing.
Support childhood brain cancer research at the Dainere’s Rainbow Book Character High Tea on Saturday 13 June, 2–4pm, at Old Parliament House, Canberra. Enjoy an afternoon of literary elegance, enchantment and hope, with funds supporting children in Canberra and across Australia. Tickets: Adults $100, children (12 years and under) $50. Book at daineresrainbow. com.au
Join the Yass Valley History Centre for a special Celtic-themed Cemetery Walk to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Sunday 15 March, 10am at Yass Cemetery, Irvine Drive, Yass. Bookings essential at trybooking.com/events/ landing/1525511
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
You see it one way. Others see it another. Your imagination and empathy are so strong that you can pretty much step into whatever viewpoint you wish, so play around with the lens until you find one that’s more fun, empowering or enlightened. Your breakthrough comes this week.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
Working for people’s attention is an ineffective strategy because people like to give their attention. They don’t like it wrestled from them. The effort that counts will happen before you ever get in the room. Find out what people need and want. Bring it. They’ll repay the effort with their full attention.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
1 The 2024 album, Eternal Sunshine, is the seventh studio album by which artist?
2 MLXXVI represents which number in Roman numerals?
3 Who wrote the best-selling children’s book, The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin?
4 Which well-known person was assassinated on 4 April 1968?
5 Which famous play features characters named Elmire, Damis and Flipote?
A big project is on the agenda. Whether you are designing or high-level socialising, some approaches will work, others won’t, and that is exactly how you find the one that’s so you. Every misstep, adjustment or sideways try is getting to something that couldn’t exist any other way.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
You are there for others to the extent that is humanly possible, responding quickly to be with them in important moments. You don’t make the decision to be there, as that would require time to think. Instead, you activate and you go – an instinct, a reflex of the heart. Your love makes it so.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
You’re a natural-born coach. You notice where people hesitate, you remove obstacles, and you pass along skills to instill confidence to those you teach. You’ll be thrilled to see that growth. You’ll feel proud when they make decisions on their own without waiting for permission or approval.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
Group work toward a common purpose is the hope this week. Check to make sure before you get too far into this because if there are any misunderstandings, now is the time to sort them out. Make sure you’re all on the same page. Then it’s smooth and steady progress for weeks to come.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
To be loved and respected by yourself and others, you don’t need to change in any way at all. But you still want to. You want to learn and practice skills to have more options, more excitement, novelty, adventure and more security. And that’s what this week is about for you.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
Valour is just courage with skin on it, not necessarily on the battlefield. Today, you’ll show everyday valour by telling the truth when it would be smoother to gloss over it, or standing up for yourself without turning it into a fight. You’ll do the right thing even when it costs you.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
It’s easier for you to be patient with others than it is for you to find patience with your own process. But this week, you’re the one who needs your compassion the most, as the work before you is creative, interesting and ultimately, very meaningful. Allow yourself the full exploratory path..
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
Why does the veteran miss the war? One reason is that familiarity is its own draw, even when what we’re familiar with is terrible. You’ll be called to a circumstance that echoes back to another time. You’ll ask: Do I really need or want this? Or is it just attractive because it’s familiar to me?
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
You’re not inclined to voice your opinions today. Why do you hold back? You see the truth, and you’re not afraid to voice it, but you’re socially astute, empathetic and ultimately strategic. So you make your best guess about what will actually help the situation before you give it breath.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
The best people for you are the ones who see and focus on your strengths. You don’t need to seek hard teachers and critics to become better, as life does that for you. Revel in the multitude of things going your way. You can’t go wrong by surrounding yourself with sweethearts.
Check out the advertisers in this special 18-page Seniors feature for ideas on keeping fit, healthy and fully engaged in life as you age, as well as aged care options, at-home services, and more.
Established in 2021, Community Home Australia is a registered NDIS provider and Australian charity offering a more personal alternative to traditional large-scale nursing homes. Designed for people who prefer a smaller, home-style setting, Community Home Australia provides safe, supportive care in quiet suburban neighbourhoods across Canberra.
With community houses in Gordon and Wanniassa, residents receive 24/7 support in a genuine home environment. Community Home Australia welcomes guests with NDIS funding, Support at Home aged care packages and private feefor-service arrangements.
Services include permanent Supported Independent Living as well as planned and emergency respite care, from one day to one month. This flexible approach gives families and carers valuable support while ensuring guests feel comfortable and cared for.
For those looking to stay active and socially connected, Club Kalina in Greenway operates Monday to Friday, including public holidays, offering engaging activities and outings.
Community Home Australia also provides supported holidays to its fully accessible Balinese resort, Aashaya Jasri, catering to people living with dementia and disability.
Led by experienced Registered Nurses, the Canberra-based team focuses on personalised care plans tailored to individual needs and preferences. The goal is simple: to support independence, dignity and quality of life in a place that truly feels like home.
To learn more, call their 1800 free call number, email admin@communityhomeaustralia.org, or visit communityhomeaustralia.org
Supported Independent Living
Emergency & Planned Respite
Club Kalina Day Centre
Highly Trained and Compassionate Support
NDIS, SAH aged care and private fee guests welcome
Monica (85) currently receives support from The Benevolent Society (Benevolent) through the Support at Home program. This program delivers government-funded services so she can remain independent at home and stay connected to her community through personalised support such as domestic help, shopping and outings.
Benevolent’s Aged Care Services team can help navigate all the services and government funding available, so clients like Monica and her family can make informed choices about what is best for their individual circumstances. This includes choosing what services are appropriate, accessing a funding package and what goals to consider when creating a care plan.
Monica’s level of support considers her individual needs so she can live life to the fullest. With support from Benevolent, she’s received home modifications that have significantly improved her comfort and safety at home.
“Benevolent organised handrails for the path to the garage and throughout the house, as well as gardening and general maintenance,” her son Jason said. “It’s been a huge relief, because my dad just can’t do everything anymore.”
Monica’s funding package and support includes weekly outings that have given her something special to look forward to. Each Monday, Monica is accompanied by her support worker to attend a dance and movement session at her local RSL club.
“The first week we came, Monica immediately started dancing with the singers and performers,” her support worker said. “It’s like the music transforms her – her face just lights up.”
Dancing has brought positivity into Monica’s life as she navigates the challenges of declining health, and it has also provided comfort to her family during what can be an emotionally difficult time.
The Support at Home program has enabled Monica and her husband to continue living independently and enjoy a quality of life that may not otherwise have been possible. Her support worker believes the impact of this support has been life changing.
“If you’re thinking about getting extra support, I’d say don’t hesitate,” she says. “It can mean so much – just having a new face come into the home and lend a helping hand.”
The Benevolent Society is an approved aged care provider with over 200 years of supporting Australians to live their best life. If you’re already with another provider, we can also support you to make the switch to us.
Call 1800 236 762 today and find out more about how we can support you to live a happy, healthy and connected life in your own home and the community.
Feel empowered to live independently in your own home. We’ll support you to make the most of every day and keep you doing what you love.
Our services:
• Personal care
• Maintaining health
• Social activities
• Housekeeping
• Nursing and clinical care
Palm Lake Resort Paynesville is ushering in a new era of over-50s lifestyle living in Gippsland, Victoria. Purpose-built for those ready to downsize without compromising on comfort, style or connection, the resort represents a refined approach to this exciting life stage — where beautifully designed homes meet a vibrant, engaged community.
“Creating a community is about so much more than just building homes,” says Alysia Nechvoglod, Sales and Marketing General Manager. “Our goal is to establish a place where every homeowner can live a life filled with comfort, connection and opportunity. Palm Lake Resort Paynesville truly embodies that vision — it’s a community where people thrive.”
With more than 48 years’ experience delivering lifestyle communities across Australia, Palm Lake Resort has carefully refined what over-50s living should look and feel like. The Paynesville address is a significant addition to the Gippsland region in Eastern Victoria, o ering locals the opportunity to embrace an enriched lifestyle that brings together quality design, resort-style amenity and everyday convenience in one thoughtfully masterplanned setting.
Homes at Palm Lake Resort Paynesville have been created with modern over-50s homeowners in mind. Spacious open-plan layouts allow
for seamless day-to-day living and e ortless entertaining. Designer kitchens, generous living zones and expansive outdoor areas make the most of the surrounding natural beauty, while premium finishes ensure both sophistication and durability.
“Our designs focus on comfort and liveability,” says Nechvoglod. “We want homeowners spending less time on maintenance and more time enjoying the things they love.” Built using high-quality materials and incorporating sustainable principles, the homes balance luxury with practicality, o ering energy e ciency and low-maintenance ease. Four beautifully appointed display homes are open, giving prospective buyers the opportunity to experience firsthand the architectural quality and attention to detail synonymous with the Palm Lake Resort name.
Beyond the homes themselves lies the true heart of the community. Palm Lake Resort Paynesville fosters a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where friendships flourish and new interests are discovered. Sales Manager Sandy Martin explains, “This community is about o ering choice — whether that’s joining a book club, enjoying dinner with neighbours, or taking part in wellness activities. This stage of life should be about freedom and fulfilment, and we’re here to support homeowners in living fully.”
That lifestyle is now further elevated with the completion of the impressive Latitude Country Club. This state-of-the-art facility is fully operational and has quickly become the social and recreational hub of the community. Designed to support relaxation, wellbeing and connection, the Country Club features a heated indoor swimming pool and spa, a Milon gymnasium, luxury movie theatre, arts and crafts studios, a ten-pin bowling alley and a collection of beautifully appointed lounges and gathering spaces.
“Our Country Club was designed to be far more than a building,” says Nechvoglod. “It’s where neighbours become friends and where connection happens naturally. Seeing it now complete and enjoyed by our homeowners is incredibly rewarding.”
Financial transparency is another defining feature of Palm Lake Resort Paynesville. Unlike some over-50s communities, there are no deferred management fees (DMFs), providing homeowners with greater clarity and peace of mind. “Our noDMF structure is part of our commitment to making the transition into this next chapter as smooth and stress-free as possible,” Nechvoglod explains.
Built on a foundation of community, quality and genuine care, Palm Lake Resort Paynesville continues a legacy that has welcomed more than 10,000 homeowners across Australia. For Gippsland’s over-50s, it presents a rare opportunity to join a luxurious, supportive and fully realised lifestyle community designed for connection, wellbeing and enjoyment.
Private inspections of the display homes are now available by appointment. Discover firsthand why so many Australians have chosen to call Palm Lake Resort home by calling 1800 960 943.
HOMES FROM $884,000
Palm Lake Resort Paynesville is the perfect blend of contemporary living and world-class amenities, tailored to over-50s. Indulge in world-class amenities, like the undercover bowling green, heated indoor pool, spa and sauna, along with a wealth of activities to support your wellness. Homes are free from Deferred Management Fees (DMF), discover why 12,000 people call Palm Lake Resort home. Travelling from out of town? Ask us about our accommodation offer.
with its #GiveToGain theme.
As International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches on 8 March 2026, Canberra pauses to reflect on the collective e ort required to drive progress. This year’s theme, #GiveToGain, resonates deeply Goodwin Aged Care Services, an organisation whose very existence is a testament to the power of women’s advocacy.
The foundation of Goodwin was laid on 17 May 1954, when a group of dedicated citizens led by the National Council of Women united to address a critical shortage of housing for older Canberrans. Today, that same spirit of generosity and purpose is carried forward by the women who lead, care, and innovate across the organisation.
“I am proud to be part of an organisation that is committed to empowering women to lead, grow, and succeed,” says Pauline Hugler, Executive Manager Development People & Culture. “The #GiveToGain theme reflects what we see every day – a legacy that began on 17 May 1954. When we invest in women and lift each other up, we honour those foundations and strengthen the future for those we serve.”
This sentiment is echoed by Goodwin Board Chair, Fiona Jolly, who highlights the impact of women across the entire Goodwin community. ‘To Balance the Scales is to ensure every woman is safe, heard and
free to shape her own future. At Goodwin, we celebrate the remarkable women in the Canberra community who established Goodwin and our residents, clients, and dedicated sta and volunteers who have shaped our history and guide our future. Together, we commit to a future of justice, safety and equity for all women in the ACT and across our community.”
In the Home Care sector, Jo Latimer, General Manager Home Care, and Jessica Cowie, Operations Manager Home Care, have exemplified leadership through transformation. Latimer has been instrumental in navigating complex reforms with a “steady leadership” that ensures quality outcomes for clients. Similarly, Cowie spent the last 18 months leading the implementation of a new care management system, focusing on “building capability and confidence” across her team.
Breaking Barriers and Building Community
Representation matters, and Erin Aveyard, Property Contracts Manager, is a standout example of women thriving in traditionally male-dominated industries. By managing inspections and contractors with high standards of accountability, Erin highlights the valuable contribution women make in operational roles,
breaking down industry stereotypes.
In Retirement Living, Leanne Thompson, Village Manager at Goodwin Village Crace, represents the “poster child” for internal growth. Starting as an Activities Coordinator 24 years ago, Leanne’s dedication is reflected in the numbers: under her guidance, resident Net Promoter Score at Crace soared to an incredible +70 in 2025, well above the national average of +43.
The “Give to Gain” ethos is perhaps most visible in those providing direct care. Leonie Smith, a Home Care Support Worker, was recently recognised with an Annual Award for Care. Beyond her clinical excellence, she serves as a trusted mentor and “buddy” to other carers.
Within the Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF), Rainyzami Padona, Acting Residential Care General Manager, is noted for her “genuine authenticity,” placing residents at the centre of her leadership. Meanwhile, the duo of Bev Webb and Gaki Zangmo, Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinators, bring the community to life by developing innovative and inclusive programs that reflect the diverse cultures of their residents.
International Women’s Day is powered by the collective e orts of all. From the trailblazing spirit of its 1954 founders to the visionary women leading the way in 2026, Goodwin remains a masterclass in what happens when women advocate for one another. By embracing the #GiveToGain ethos, these leaders prove that a compassionate future isn’t just a goal, it is a legacy built through every hand extended and every barrier broken. Stephen Holmes, Goodwin Chief Executive O cer concludes: “At Goodwin, the scale isn’t just being balanced; it is being redefined by a community where every woman’s contribution is the heartbeat of our success. From the front line to the executive o ce, the dedication shown by our team members creates a ripple e ect of empowerment that transforms the lives of our residents and clients. By championing these diverse voices, we aren’t just celebrating a single day; we are sustaining a 70-year legacy of excellence and ensuring that our commitment to community and care remains the defining hallmark of our future.”
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of the women of Goodwin!
To Balance the Scales is to ensure every woman is safe, heard and free to shape her own future.
At Goodwin, we celebrate the remarkable women in the Canberra community who established Goodwin and our residents, clients, and dedicated sta and volunteers who have shaped our history and guide our future.
Together, we commit to a future of justice, safety and equity for all women in the ACT and across our community.
For many Australians, chronic fatigue, snoring, jaw pain, headaches, and teeth grinding are quietly accepted as unavoidable parts of modern life. Often dismissed as minor inconveniences, these symptoms can profoundly impact daily functioning, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and long-term health. Yet, emerging advances in dental sleep medicine and orofacial pain management are offering new hope — and first of its kind clinic in Canberra, leading this transformation.
Located in Phillip, Dental Sleep & TMJ Therapy has been serving the community since 2024, delivering a multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach to conditions that affect both sleep quality and facial comfort. The clinic is led by Dr Kavitha Vegunta, BDS, MSc (Pain Medicine) (USyd), Fellowship in Dental Sleep Medicine awarded by The Australian Sleep Association, a dentist with a special interest in orofacial pain and sleep medicine. She has graduated from the University of Sydney in MSc Pain Medicine and has undertaken several residencies in the United States to further advance her skills and clinical expertise. Dr Kavitha also operates Precision Dental Care in Kingston, allowing her to seamlessly integrate general dentistry with advanced sleep and pain therapies. For Dr Kavitha, the connection between oral health, airway function, and facial pain is both scientific and deeply personal. “Too many people believe they must
live with poor sleep or chronic jaw discomfort,” she explains. “But with proper diagnosis and tailored care, meaningful improvement is not only possible — it is achievable.”
Traditionally, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has been regarded as the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. While clinically effective, many patients struggle with discomfort, mask intolerance, dryness, and long-term compliance. Dental Sleep & TMJ Therapy Canberra offers evidence-based alternatives, particularly Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) — custom-made oral appliances designed to gently reposition the lower jaw, maintaining an open airway during sleep. For suitable patients, MAS therapy provides a comfortable, discreet, and portable solution that significantly improves sleep quality and reduces snoring. Treatment protocols combine splint therapy with innovative technology, including NightLase® laser therapy, delivered using the advanced LightWalker® 2 system from Fotona. This non-surgical treatment gently tightens airway tissues, improving airflow and significantly reducing snoring, with no needles, downtime, or discomfort.
The clinic regularly receives referrals from sleep physicians, physiotherapists, general medical practitioners, and dental colleagues, particularly for patients who have not achieved success with CPAP or are seeking non-invasive treatment options. Beyond sleep disorders, the clinic provides advanced care for
TMJ dysfunction, bruxism, chronic facial pain, tension headaches, and muscular jaw conditions. Additional therapies include Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) to reduce inflammation and promote healing, and dry needling, a targeted approach to relieving deep muscle tension and chronic pain.
What distinguishes the clinic is its holistic philosophy: every patient is thoroughly assessed, carefully listened to, and supported with education and long-term treatment planning. Appointments do not require referrals, and most services are covered under dental health insurance, making care both accessible and affordable.
At its core, Dental Sleep & TMJ Therapy Canberra exists to empower patients to reclaim their health. “Better sleep changes everything,” says Dr Kavitha. “It improves energy, mood, productivity, and overall quality of life. Our role is to guide patients toward that transformation.”
For those struggling with snoring, sleep apnoea, jaw pain, or facial tension, the first step toward lasting relief begins in Phillip.
Do You Need a TMJ Assessment?
Answer YES or NO to the following:
1. Do you experience jaw pain or tenderness, especially near your ears?
2. Do you hear clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth?
3. Do you get frequent headaches, especially in the temples or behind the eyes?
4. Do you wake up with jaw soreness or facial muscle tightness?
5. Do you clench or grind your teeth (or has someone told you that you do)?
6. Do you have difficulty opening your mouth wide or does your jaw ever feel “locked”?
7. Do you experience neck pain, earaches, or facial pain without a clear dental cause?
• 0–1 YES → Symptoms are likely mild, but monitor changes.
• 2–3 YES → You may benefit from a TMJ consultation.
• 4+ YES → A comprehensive TMJ assessment is strongly recommended.
Dental Sleep & TMJ Therapy – Phillip
Book your consultation today.
No referral required.
Sleep better to live better.
Dental sleep and TMJ Therapy
Suite 7-Francis Chambers, 40-42 Corinna Street,Phillip-ACT 2606
T: (02) 6106 9307
Alternatively, contact us at:
E: reception@dentalsleeptherapy.au Scan to book
Led by Dr. Kavitha Vegunta (Master’s in Pain & Orofacial Management, 15+ years’ experience).
with LightWalker® 2 (Fotona) — non-surgical, no downtime. TMJ & Orofacial Pain Management Splint therapy, Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM), and dry needling.
Where independent living meets a warm and welcoming community. Set in the heart of Deakin, just 300m from shops and close to medical services, The Grange offers refined, independent living in your own private home — with 24-hour onsite staff for peace of mind. Be part of a warm, spirited community where every day is yours — enjoy the dining room, social events, fitness classes, and the indoor pool. Stroll the nearby walking tracks or explore Canberra’s cultural gems, all moments away. Pets are very welcome too!
Our low maintenance homes are made for entertaining and unwinding. Each includes:
• A modern kitchen with granite benchtops and stainless steel appliances
Open-plan living and dining, with spacious outdoor entertaining areas
• Renovated modern bathroom(s)
• An internal laundry with dryer •
• Reverse cycle heating and cooling for year-round comfort
Our one-bedroom Serviced Apartments are perfect for those who value independence but welcome a helping hand. Privately located in the heart of the village, each includes:
• A kitchenette with fridge and microwave
• Open-plan living and dining area
• Master bedroom with large ensuite
• Private balcony or courtyard
Plus, the added luxury of having the everyday taken care of:
• Three meals daily, freshly prepared by our resident chef
• Weekly apartment cleaning, linen and towel change
• Medication reminders
Access to all the wonderful village amenities. And if personal care is ever needed, your
own preferred provider can come directly to you.
Are you or someone you support looking for a safe, welcoming and empowering long-term home?
For more than 60 years, Hartley Lifecare has provided trusted disability support in the ACT community. As an NDIS registered provider since the scheme began, Hartley combines experience with a clear focus on quality, safety and person-centred support.
Supported Independent Living is about more than accommodation. It is about creating a stable home environment where a person with disability can live as independently as possible, with the right supports in place. Hartley works closely with each person and their family to understand what matters most, then builds support around individual goals, daily living skills and connection to community.
Hartley currently has vacancies in a small
number of its Supported Independent Living homes across Canberra. These homes o er a supportive shared living environment with 24-hour support, delivered by professional and compassionate sta . Each enquiry is considered individually to ensure the right fit for both the person and the household.
Families and support networks want confidence that their loved one is in a secure, well-governed and values-led organisation. Hartley’s long-standing presence in the ACT, robust governance and commitment to inclusion
provide that reassurance.
A home should o er safety, respect and opportunity. For adults with disability seeking long-term accommodation with tailored support, Hartley’s Supported Independent Living homes provide exactly that.
If you are interested in learning more or simply starting the conversation, phone 6282 4411 or email reception@hartley.org.au.
Are you or someone you support looking for a safe, welcoming, and empowering long‑term home?
Hartley has been an NDIS-registered provider in the ACT since the scheme began, building on more than 60 years’ experience in disability support.
We work with each person and their family to understand what matters to them and provide support that builds skills, confidence and connection to community.
Hartley Lifecare currently has openings in a selection of our Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes. These vacancies may be suitable for adults with disability seeking a supportive shared living environment with 24-hour support.
Each enquiry is considered individually to ensure the right fit for the person and the household.
Enquiries and expressions of interest:
Kathy Le Mesurier, Senior Manager – NDIS and Service Development E: Reception@Hartley.org.au • Ph: (02) 6282 4411 • W: www.hartley.org.au
Hartley’s accessible hydrotherapy pool in Hughes supports rehabilitation and low-impact exercise.
Owned and operated by Hartley Lifecare, the Hartley Hydrotherapy Pool is one of the few dedicated hydrotherapy facilities in Canberra that is both fully accessible and open to the wider community.
Located in Hughes, the pool maintains a consistent 34-degree environment designed to support rehabilitation, pain management and improved mobility. For people recovering from injury, living with disability, or managing arthritis and other chronic conditions, water-based therapy can enable movement that is difficult or painful on land. The buoyancy of warm water reduces joint loading, supports muscle relaxation and allows for controlled, low-impact exercise.
What sets this facility apart is its accessibility and flexibility. The pool includes ramp and hoist access, handrails and non-slip surfaces, ensuring people with varying mobility levels can use the space safely. It can be booked for self-managed sessions or exclusive use, making it suitable for individuals, allied health professionals and small groups. The setting is practical and community-focused rather than commercial or high traffic, which supports privacy and comfort.
Importantly, community-based hydrotherapy expands access beyond acute care settings and
short-term treatment plans. It provides a local, reliable option for people to maintain therapy over time, not just during periods of crisis or formal intervention. Regular access can assist with strength, balance and endurance, contributing to long term independence and quality of life.
Facilities such as this also create opportunities for preventative health, particularly for older Canberrans seeking safe, low-impact exercise. As demand grows for inclusive health infrastructure, affordable and centrally located services are essential.
The Hartley Hydrotherapy Pool is a clear example of community-focused design responding to genuine need and delivering practical, lasting benefit.
Hartley Hydro It is accessible to anyone however, bookings are essential. Phone 6185 1653 or email the team at hydrotherapy@hartley.org.au to lock in your next session.
Retirement today is all about choice — choosing lifestyle, choosing community, choosing what matters most. And in Canberra, Keyton offers three exceptional ways to shape that next chapter: The Aerie at Narrabundah, Isabella Gardens, and The Grove Ngunnawal.
Across these three villages, retirees are discovering modern living that blends freedom, connection and peace of mind. Resort-style facilities, beautifully maintained grounds, welcoming neighbours and low-maintenance homes mean more time to do what you love — and less time worrying about the “what ifs.” Whether you’re after adventure, wellbeing, community, or a comfortable lock-up-andgo lifestyle, Keyton makes choosing the right fit easy. But the best stories come from the residents who live it every day.
At The Grove Ngunnawal, Anita chose safety, comfort and community when she moved in as a single resident. “The safety facilities and sense of security made all the difference… I’ve never had a
moment where I haven’t felt safe,” she says. What she cherishes most now is the warmth of the people around her: “You can’t put a price on being part of such a kind community.”
Mick and Julie, also from The Grove, chose friendship and a carefree lifestyle — and haven’t looked back once. Mick values the gated access and quiet surroundings, while Julie brings the village to life through committees, social nights and dinners. “There are so many benefits to living here… it’s been fantastic,” she says.
For Kathy, village life helped her rediscover joy after a major life transition. She’s embraced activities from aqua aerobics to Mahjong. “It’s like being on a cruise!” she laughs — a testament to the community that supported her when she needed it most.
Over at The Aerie at Narrabundah, Harry and Margaret chose freedom and peace of mind in early retirement. With low-maintenance living and a secure community, they can lock up and head off travelling without a second thought. “We have complete peace
of mind knowing our home is secure and everything is taken care of while we’re away.”
With 2- and 3-bedroom villas now available and even more beautiful spaces coming, now is the perfect moment to choose your next step.
I choose comfort. I choose connection. I choose confidence. I choose Keyton.
Discover more at keyton.com.au or contact us:
T: 1800 550 550
E: rlsales@keyton.com.au
W: keyton.com.au
We choose to start our weekends on Wednesdays.
With three Keyton villages in Canberra – Isabella Gardens, The Aerie at Narrabundah and The Grove Ngunnawal – finding the home and lifestyle that feels right for you is easy.
Enjoy resort-inspired leisure facilities, welcoming communities and a team that makes life simple.
With 3 villages in Canberra, it’s easy to make your confident next step. keyton.com.au | 1800 550 550
At Active Recovery, we work with you to build knowledge and confidence through contemporary physiotherapy and meaningful rehabilitation, helping you to recapture the important things in life through exceptional care.
At Active Recovery we offer hydrotherapy services. This can support movements and build strengths in a low impact environment guided by the physiotherapists.
We offer a range of physiotherapy services, treatment techniques, and education designed to help you understand your condition and what works for you.
Falls are not an inevitable part of getting older. With the right support and a few simple habits, you can stay strong, steady and confident on your feet.
Here are some easy, practical tips from the friendly team at Active Recovery in Phillip to help reduce your risk. Keep moving
Regular movement keeps your muscles strong, your joints mobile and your balance sharp — all essential for preventing falls. It also boosts your energy, mood and overall wellbeing.
Whether it’s walking, gardening, hydrotherapy or a group gym session, find activities you genuinely enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with them. Aim for around 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week.
Feeling overwhelmed? Start small. Three 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day still makes a difference. Something is always better than nothing.
At Active Recovery, we offer a range of supportive options to keep you moving — from physiotherapist-led gym groups (in our beautiful gym overlooking the trees), to hydrotherapy sessions and personalised 1:1 appointments. We create a welcoming, encouraging space where movement feels empowering — not intimidating.
Good nutrition supports strong muscles, healthy bones and steady energy levels.
Aim for a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit and lean protein. Staying hydrated is equally important — dehydration can lead to low blood pressure and dizziness, increasing your risk of falls.
If you’re unsure about your diet or struggling with appetite, consider speaking with a dietitian for personalised guidance.
Look after your feet
Healthy feet are the foundation of good balance. Sore feet or poorly fitting shoes can increase your risk of falling. Choose supportive, well-fitting footwear with enough room in the toe box. If you’re experiencing ongoing foot discomfort or have more complex concerns, check in with a physiotherapist or podiatrist.
Keep an eye on your eyes
Vision plays a key role in balance and spatial awareness.
Have your eyes tested by an optometrist each year, keep your prescription up to date, and ensure your home is well lit — especially in hallways and bathrooms.
Support strong bones
While we work to prevent falls, it’s also important to protect your bones in case one does happen.
Adequate vitamin D and calcium intake helps maintain bone strength and reduce the risk of serious injury. If you’re unsure whether you’re getting enough, have a chat with your GP. Practice your balance
Balance isn’t just luck — it’s trainable.
Specific balance exercises help your body activate the right muscles at the right time, particularly when navigating uneven surfaces or obstacles. Just 20 minutes a day of targeted balance work is an evidence-based way to improve stability and confidence.
That’s exactly what we focus on in our Falls Prevention Program.
Active Recovery’s 6-week program is designed to build strength, improve balance and restore confidence. Through guided group classes and a personalised home exercise program, you’ll gain practical tools to reduce your risk of falls and stay active in your community.
Ready to feel steadier and more confident?
If you’d like support to stay strong, independent and confident on your feet, we’d love to help. Get in touch with the team at Active Recovery in Phillip to learn more about our Falls Prevention Program or to book an appointment.
Because staying active isn’t just about preventing falls — it’s about continuing to live life on your terms.
For 10 years, Momentum Therapy: Physio & Rehab has supported the Canberra community to move better and live well at every stage of life.
Recently named Leader in Health and Medical Services at the 2025 Australian Professionals Small Business Champion Awards, Momentum Therapy invests time in understanding your goals, challenges, and obstacles so we can provide solutions that promise long-term benefits. Whether through personalised one-on-one sessions in the clinic or
group classes, our allied health team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, and allied health assistants all work together to reach your goals.
“Our goal is simple,” says Director Nigel Freeman, “Help people stay strong for the life they love.”
Suite 6 Traeger Court, Business Park, 28 Thynne St, Bruce T: (02) 6160 2828
E: contact.bruce@mtherapy.com.au W: mtherapy.com.au
As we get older, it’s natural to worry about falling — especially after a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. What many don’t realise is that targeted, supervised bone and balance exercise can significantly reduce fracture and falls risk.
NeuroStudio in Phillip delivers evidence-based programs designed for men and women. Following a personalised assessment, clients complete structured strength and balance training proven to improve stability, posture and bone health.
The result? Greater confidence walking, moving and living
independently.
If you’ve been told to “be careful,” it may be time to do something proactive instead. Book a Healthy Bones Assessment at NeuroStudio in Phillip today.
56 Colbee Court, Phillip T: (02) 6160 2828
E: contact.phillip@mtherapy.com.au
W: mtherapy.com.au
2026 ACT RETIREMENT VILLAGE EDUCATIONAL FORUM
As more senior Canberrans look to downsize from the family home and simplify responsibilities, the choice of desirable accommodation and lifestyle is a key decision.
ACT Retirement Villages offer an independent lifestyle and provide a variable range of services, facilities and pleasant activities from which new friendships can be forged. In turn, residents pay to enter and reside in a village and charges may also be levied on village exit.
This year, the ACT Retirement Village Residents Association (ACT RVRA) teamed up with Phillips Wealth and KJB Law to present a FREE 2-hour morning program on the Transition into and Experience of Retirement Village Living
We are delighted to have the ACT Attorney General, the Hon. Tara Cheyne open proceedings. A program of fantastic speakers will discuss legal and financial considerations when entering a Retirement Village; residents will share their insights regarding Retirement Village living; and the ACT Human Rights Commissioner for Retirement Villages will talk about relevant matters that cross her desk.
Copies of the slides will be available at the event.
A complimentary light lunch will be served during which several businesses and services can talk with you about their products and services for seniors.
The ACT RVRA informs and advises Retirement Village residents and those interested in village living. Importantly, we also represent their interests to operators and government. If you find this major annual event informative and helpful, why not become a member of the ACT RVRA on the day?
Registration is essential and a gold coin donation welcome.
The FORUM is proudly supported by Phillips Wealth Partners, KJB Law, Tetlow Legal and the ACT Human Rights Commission. The ACT RVRA is grateful to the Hellenic Club for its support.
Retirement Village Educational Forum 2026
Transitioning into & Experiencing Retirement Village Living
Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Hellenic Club, 1 Matilda St, Phillip ACT 2606
Opening: The Hon. Tara Cheyne MLA, Attorney General for the ACT
Jo Twible & Emma Bragg: Village Models and Legal Considerations when Entering a Village
Craig Phillips: Financial Considerations when Entering a Village
Meet the residents: Village residents share their experience. Moderated by Luisa Capezio
Karen Toohey, ACT Discrimination, Health Services, Disability & Community Services
Commissioner: My Experiences in Supporting Retirement Village Residents
Online: Scan the QR code to register
Email: enquiries@actrvra.org.au Call: 02 6179 6003
Set among established streets and mature greenery, RSL LifeCare introduces St. Quentin Place, a contemporary approach to retirement living that feels distinctly of its time. Rather than positioning itself as a lifestyle change, it offers something more subtle: an environment designed to support how people already want to live, with fewer compromises and more room to breathe.
This is a community expressed through considered architecture, thoughtful shared spaces and a clear understanding of the rhythms of later life.
Design that does the heavy lifting
What stands out at St. Quentin Place is its attention to design. The buildings sit comfortably within their surroundings, oriented to capture light and outlook, with a scale that feels intentional rather than imposing. Apartments and townhouses prioritise space, flow and natural light.
Crucially, the design looks ahead. Ageing in place features are integrated discreetly, ensuring homes remain functional and comfortable over time without feeling clinical. It is future ready living.
Shared spaces that feel genuinely shared
At the heart of the community is the Clubhouse, conceived not as a statement building, but as a natural extension of everyday life. Shared dining areas, lounges, a library, gym and outdoor spaces are designed to encourage casual connection rather than programmed participation.
Wellbeing is central to the design, with fitness and social spaces supporting wellbeing and connection.
Sustainability, built in rather than bolted on Homes incorporate energy efficient appliances, double glazing, solar integration and fully electric systems designed to reduce ongoing costs and environmental impact. EV charging and smart energy features reflect an understanding that residents are thinking long term, for themselves and for the community they are part of.
A community shaped by choice
Residents live independently, with the reassurance that services and support can be introduced seamlessly, if and when they are needed.
Owned and operated by not-for-profit RSL
LifeCare, the community is guided by long-term thinking and reinvestment in people and services. More information can be found here: stquentinplace.com.au
Display apartment now open, book your private tour today!
Display Apartment: 160 Ellenborough Street, Kaleen, ACT 2617
T: Ellen 0427 159 540 E: live@stquentinplace.com.au
If your home no longer suits your needs but the thought of selling, moving, or renovating feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.
At Renovation Matters, we help Canberra homeowners unlock the true value of their homes through thoughtful, coste ective renovations that add comfort, function, and style — all delivered with the expertise of some of Canberra’s best tradespeople.
Renovate to sell: We guide you through strategic upgrades that help you sell faster, for a higher price, and with minimal stress — with funding available until settlement.
Renovate to stay: Love where you live? We can help you update your home for comfort, style, and functionality. From decluttering and updating key rooms to managing trusted trades on your behalf, we handle it all with care, clarity, and a personal touch.
“I had a fantastic experience working with Renovation Matters to get my house ready for sale. They did an excellent job with the renovations—everything was completed to a high standard and on schedule. The team was professional, reliable, and Kim kept me informed throughout the whole process. Communication was always clear and prompt. Kim’s management skills are exceptional. She is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is compassionate, professional, thoughtful, clever, and brilliant at her job. I highly recommend Renovation Matters and Kim to anyone needing quality renovation work.”
High
Hard-wearing and
Perfect
Slimline,
Extensive range of fabrics, colours and patterns
Suitable
Against the Grain manufacture to order, in your choice of select grade solid timber, premium hardware and high-performance glazing.
Handcrafted with care in the Blue Mountains, using traditional joinery techniques alongside precision machining to ensure your investment remains functional and beautiful for years to come.
Supplied across the Canberra region and New South Wales
Prep 15 mins | Cook 130mins | Serves 4
Ingredients
800g beef chuck steak, diced into 4cm pieces
1 ½ tbsp sweet paprika
½ tsp dried chilli flakes
2 tsp caraway seeds
¼ cup plain flour
2 tbsp olive oil
2 brown onions, thinly sliced
2 cups (500ml) salt-reduced beef stock
8 chat potatoes, quartered
1/2 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves shredded
Steamed green beans, sour cream, finely chopped chives, lemon wedges, to serve
Method
Place beef, paprika, chilli, caraway and flour in a large snap lock bag. Season and toss well to coat. Heat half the oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat and cook beef, shaking off excess flour, in batches, for 4-5 minutes or until browned. Set aside on a plate.
Heat remaining oil in same casserole dish over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 4-5 minutes or until softened. Return beef to pan, add stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook, covered, for 1 hour 15 minutes. Add potatoes, cover and cook for a further 30 minutes or until beef and potatoes are tender, adding extra stock or water, if required. Remove from oven, stir through kale, replace lid and set aside for 5 minutes.
Serve beef with beans, sour cream, chives and lemon wedges.
Tips
1. Gravy beef or blade would also work well in this recipe.
2. Add sliced capsicum or fresh chilli to the beef, if desired.
3. This recipe will freeze well for a hearty midweek winter meal.
by GEORGIA CURRY
It’s hard to believe that before Ocean Alley were famous, they played a tiny gig at Batemans Bay Workers Club for $250, which didn’t even cover petrol, and all four had to share one hotel room. Flash forward to 2026 and the psychedelic
rock band from Sydney’s north shore just played at The Domain Sydney – one of only three Aussie rock bands to headline there (including Midnight Oil and Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds).
There were probably 80,790 more people than they had in the audience at Batemans Bay.
“There was a handful of people that were there to see us and the rest of the patrons in the venue were just giving us some very stern looks,” said guitarist Mitch Galbraith. “I don’t know if they were enjoying the music... can someone tell these hippies to shut up?”
Before their breakthrough in 2016, these surfers would drive themselves to gigs in their own 4WD, taking Friday and Monday off work to drive to Rye in Victoria and then a Batemans Bay show on the way home.
“We’d get paid $250 a gig but we loved it anyway,” Mitch said. “One motel room and then the least hungover person would get to drive first.”
Mitch is calling from his beach cabin where the walls are lined with his prized surfboard collection
(there’s 15 more in his garage).
Speaking of surf, I ask Mitch what he thinks of our surf break at Acton Peninsula.
“I’ve been there before and marvelled at the wonderful beaches of Canberra on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin,” he said. “There was a music festival there and I think it was a hot day and we were wondering, can we go swimming in there? It didn’t look that inviting ... I’d rather deal with bluegreen algae than bull sharks.”
It’s quite amazing that Canberra is included on their Aus coastal tour because, well, we’re landlocked.
“It was funny, we had a couple of meetings and everywhere else was coastal and the tour manager was going, well, if anyone asks if it’s coastal, you can maybe talk about the rivers or the lake,” Mitch said.
SummerSalt presents Ocean Alley on their AUS Coastal 2026 tour at Exhibition Park on Saturday 7 March. Tix: ticketmaster.com.au/ event/2500635BA29E713C
by GEORGIA CURRY
When rock and classical music collide at Symphony in the Park this Sunday, we asked the conductor of Canberra Symphony Orchestra how a grungy trombone or wailing oboe could honour Hunters and Collectors.
Jessica Gethin is 45 years old and used to play electric violin in an indie band, so she knows how to cross over from classical to pub rock.
She’s actually never seen Hunters and Collectors play live, but she knows how to transform a four-piece rock band into a 35-piece symphonic explosion.
“There are some beautiful moments where you can have a really gorgeous singing string line or you might have the trombones giving heavy grunge, a bass drone line which everything else changes over,” Jessica said.
“Or you suddenly hear a solo that you’re used to hearing on electric guitar and this time it’s played by an oboe, and it has so much more of a
lyrical singing line through it.”
Not wanting to name drop, but Jessica has worked with Oz rock royalty like the late great Chrissy Amphlett from Divinyls and Baby Animals.
She’s also broken a few batons in the past, although not in the destructive rock ‘n’ roll styling of Nirvana or The Who.
“Look, I have snapped a few in the past but not deliberately,” Jessica said. “I haven’t done it for a while, but if you’re not holding on tight enough or gripping in the spirit of the moment, it’s sort of being released from my hands and landed somewhere in the viola section.”
When Jessica’s up on the podium and frontman Mark Seymour belts out Throw Your Arms Around Me, does she feel the temptation to bust a move?
“It’s not something that I’m ever aware of or plan to do, but often people comment on that and I think it’s simply because as a conductor you have to be able to embody the temperature of the piece,” Jessica said. “So if there’s a certain
energy that you’re trying to capture, if I’m really motionless and no expression on my face, we’re human beings, so we mirror each other a lot in body language. If I don’t have the energy, the musicians won’t play with energy.”
Symphony in the Park is a free, all-ages, open-air concert at Stage 88 on Sunday 8 March from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Info: events.humanitix.com/ symphony-in-the-park
time out
This week, Michael Popple reviews three exciting and highly entertaining new books from across the genres. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan Tor Australia, $34.99
1785. Professor Sebastian Grave is summoned by his former lover back to France, where 20 years before, he helped kill the legendary Beast of Gévaudan. However, the Beast has returned and now threatens to plunge the continent into war, unless Grave and the demon bound within him can defeat it for good. Loaded with great characters, a complex story and a fun take on a fascinating piece of history, Australian author Cameron Sullivan deeply impresses with this remarkable novel. A wonderful debut, The Red Winter is an excellent read that drags you in with its magical charm.
Michael Joseph, $34.99
Principal Adviser / Founder
PSS, CSS, MSBS and DFRDB Specialist
“My practice focuses on providing advice to people nearing retirement, Australian public servants and anyone with a membership of government or military defined benefit schemes”
Phone: 0422 354 617
Email: serhan@canberraadvice.com.au
Website: www.canberraadvice.com.au
After years of isolation, the colony planet of New Sonora has established a transfer gate with Earth, allowing instant travel. However, instead of peace, New Sonora finds itself under attack by an evil corporation, utilising mechs remotely piloted by bored gamers back on Earth. To survive, farmer Oliver Lewis and his friends convert their aging agricultural robots into defensive war machines. Let the games begin! From the deranged mind behind the bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl books comes this heartfelt, standalone science fiction novel. Perfectly utilising its unique scenario, Operation Bounce House is a crazy and thought-provoking novel that I cannot recommend enough.
Antihero by Gregg Hurwitz
Michael Joseph, $34.99
Office: Suite 258, 44 Constitution Avenue Parkes ACT 2600
Former assassin Evan Smoak is the Nowhere Man, a vigilante of last resort for the desperate. His latest mission sees him summoned to New York by a spiralling tech billionaire, who needs him to help the victim of a heinous crime. However, this time Evan must also facilitate a request for mercy from his new client against those that hurt her. The Orphan X series continues to shine as one of the more reflective ongoing spy thriller series. Following Hurwitz’s damaged protagonist on a layered mission for justice, Antihero is an outstanding novel that expertly combines gritty violence with distinctive character work. the A fascinating and informative read.
Pink Floyd’s Great Gig in the Sky
14 MAR
Australian Pink Floyd tribute Run Like Hell returns to the Q with a new show for 2026, featuring a seven-piece band and a visceral video, lights and laser spectacular. Bask in the iconic soaring guitar solos and rainbow of keyboard colours that made Pink Floyd instantly identifiable. Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 14 March 8pm; qprc.sales. ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/156242
9 MAR
Celebrate Canberra Day and support your community by joining the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run at Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla. Proceeds from the fun run entry fees will go to the Hands Across Canberra Canberra Day Appeal. Lennox Gardens, Monday 9 March; canberra-day.events. canberra.com.au
7 MAR
The Brumbies will look to keep their perfect season alive when they host the Reds in an exciting Australian derby.
GIO Stadium, Saturday 7 March; brumbies.rugby
Scream 7 (MA15+)
Back in Woodsboro, another young couple is murdered by a figure wearing the Ghostface costume in Stu Macher’s (Matthew Lillard) house, who is rumoured to have survived the climax of Scream (1996). In Pine Grove, Indiana, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) receives a FaceTime call from Ghostface, who threatens to go after Sidney’s teenage daughter, Tatum (Isabel May)!
The original Scream (1996), directed by horror maestro Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street, 1984), kicked off proceedings with a Hitchcockian last girl fake-out, packed with meta references on the slasher genre with plenty of tense set-ups and shocking payoffs. Scream 2 (1997) moved things to a university setting with the trauma-bonded survivors, and Scream 3 (2000) tied the meta commentary up by going to Hollywood!
Ever since, the franchise has failed
Marvel at hot air balloons floating across the city during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. This event is weather dependent. Daily announcements if balloons will launch and fly are made at around 6am each morning and published on Events ACT website and social channels.
Patrick White Lawns, Parkes, 14-22 March; canberraballoonspectacular.com
in its attempts at booting up another trilogy. Scream 7 brings back the original franchise’s scream-queen and writer, here taking up the directing reins. The result is a tired, bland rehash with no identifiable signature. Even the meta-commentary on the slasher genre is brushed off as non-essential by the young carboncopied characters. In line with recent instalments, the series has become increasingly buried under its own mythology rather than the genre it had originally commented on.
The lack of in-universe realism is also noticeable, highlighting a rushed script in the aftermath of a dropped trilogy capper.
Verdict: A disappointing entry that holds back on its introduced ideas of generational trauma and nostalgic potential.
- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.
CO N T R IBU
with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
“Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Easy to say. Much harder to live by, especially when the small stuff feels relentless. It’s the traffic lights that turn red just as you approach, the email that hasn’t been replied to, the tone in a text that feels off, the groceries that cost more than last week, or the dinner that didn’t quite turn out right. None of these things are life-threatening, yet they have an uncanny ability to hijack our mood, our nervous system, and sometimes our
entire day.
The psychology behind it
From a psychological perspective, sweating the small stuff makes sense. Our brains are wired to scan for threat and thousands of years ago, this helped keep us alive. Today, the “threats” are rarely predators, they’re perceived judgments, uncertainty, and minor inconveniences. When life feels busy, pressured, or out of control, the brain often latches onto small, concrete stressors because they feel immediate and solvable. If we can’t fix the big stuff, we fixate on the small. It gives us the illusion of control in a world that feels overwhelming.
The cost
The problem is that small stressors don’t stay small when they accumulate. Common culprits I hear about include running late, making minor mistakes, clutter, unread messages, other
people’s reactions, and not doing things “perfectly.” Many of us are also highly skilled at mind-reading, assuming we know what others are thinking, usually something critical. Add fatigue, hunger, or chronic stress, and suddenly a missed phone call or delayed reply feels like a personal failure.
Over time, this constant reactivity takes a toll. Stress hormones remain elevated, irritability increases, and emotional energy is drained. Joy gets squeezed out by vigilance. We end up exhausted, not because life is catastrophic, but because we’re constantly braced for the next irritation. How to stop getting hooked
Step 1: Don’t be reactive, zoom out.
Ask yourself: Will this matter in a week? A month? A year? Most small stressors don’t survive this question.
Step 2: Notice your triggers. If you unravel more easily when you’re tired,
hungry, overwhelmed, or stretched thin, that’s not a character flaw, it’s biology. Step 3: Challenge the story you’re telling yourself. A delayed reply rarely means rejection. A mistake rarely defines your worth. Often, we suffer more from the meaning we attach to events than from the events themselves.
Step 4: Practise letting “good enough” be enough. Perfectionism is a major driver of sweating the small stuff, at work, at home, and in how we judge ourselves. Life is rarely improved by being harder on yourself. Instead, bring your focus back to what truly matters: connection, health, values, and moments of meaning.
Life will always contain small stuff. The aim isn’t to eliminate it, it’s to stop giving it centre stage. And that’s a skill worth practising.
by DOMINIC GIANNINI, AAP
A push to list gambling as a public health risk has been backed by reform advocates, who point to the economic, financial and emotional harms it unleashes on millions of people.
The Albanese government has long been under fire for a lack of action on gambling reform, failing to respond to the recommendations of a landmark review of gambling harm after almost three years.
The “you win some, you lose more” report, chaired by late-Labor MP Peta Murphy, called for a total ban on gambling advertising as well as more harm-reduction measures, including national data collection on gambling harms and suicides and a national strategy.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control – a powerhouse of public health data and advice - would formally recognise gambling harm as a significant public health issue under a private member’s bill introduced by independent MP Monique Ryan.
In practice, the bill would increase data collection on the issue and allow for more effective strategies to protect Australians and their families, Dr Ryan said.
“Gambling is the root cause of so many harms,
including family and relationship breakdowns, domestic violence, mental distress, job losses, crime and of course suicide,” independent MP and former GP Sophie Scamps said.
“How could it be treated as anything other than a public health crisis?”
The government has routinely defended its actions on gambling harm, saying it set up the self-exclusion register BetStop and banned credit cards for online gambling.
“The Australian government takes seriously our responsibility to protect Australians – particularly young and vulnerable people – from the harms of online gambling,” a government spokesperson said in a statement.
“The government has undertaken the most significant gambling harm reduction measures in the past decade.”
Public health and gambling expert Samantha Thomas said the industry was engineering harm by using a range of tactics to lure people into betting more.
“Recognising gambling as a public health issue will help us to change how we understand and respond to
gambling industry harm,” Professor Thomas said.
Wesley Mission supported gambling being treated as “a public health catastrophe”.
“Our frontline teams see the daily toll, from housing stress and domestic and family violence to mental health distress and suicidal ideation,” CEO the Reverend Stu Cameron said.
“Governments must act decisively to prevent and reduce gambling harm through strong evidencebased public health measures that will positively impact and save lives.”
Peak industry body Responsible Wagering Australia said the sector had introduced harmreduction measures but there was more to be done.
“We are so highly regulated and ... rightly so. We offer a product that can cause harm if not used correctly,” CEO Kai Cantwell told a parliamentary hearing on Monday.
“There’s still work for the industry to do as well. We’re not shirking our responsibility.”
The government said it would continue to work with stakeholders to reduce gambling harms.
National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858
www.michellerichardshearing.com.au
If you’re experiencing hearing di culties or simply want to stay on top of your hearing health, Michelle Richards Hearing o ers the trusted, personalised care you’ve been looking for — right here in Canberra.
Proudly independent and locally owned, Michelle Richards Hearing is not part of a chain or franchise. That means you receive genuine advice, no sales pressure, just hearing solutions tailored to your unique lifestyle and needs.
Michelle Richards, a highly experienced Audiometrist with over 20 years of clinical expertise in adult hearing rehabilitation, is passionate about supporting people of all ages to live better through better hearing.
Michelle stays at the forefront of audiological innovation, o ering the latest hearing aid technology including discreet, rechargeable, and AI-powered options.
Whether you need a comprehensive hearing assessment, tinnitus support, hearing protection, or hearing aids, Michelle delivers expert care with a warm, community-focused approach.
Conveniently located in Dickson, Michelle Richards Hearing welcomes private, pension, DVA and Hearing Services Program (HSP) clients. Home visits are also available for those who are unable to travel.
by NICK WILSON, AAP
Sudden weakness at the gym, muscle cramps and twitches affecting only his arms were the first signs for Mike O’Hehir that something was wrong.
His failing body came as a shock to the former marathon runner, hiker and Sydney father-of-two, then in his late 60s.
Concerned, he visited a neurologist who assured him what he was experiencing was just the latest in a string of complications from an old surfing injury.
“Go away and do pilates,” was the takeaway, So, much relieved, he took the advice on board.
But over the following 12 months, Mr O’Hehir continued to grow weaker.
The problem gnawed at him until he felt his only option was to seek a second opinion.
After one look at his results, the specialist told him: “I’m sorry, it’s motor neurone disease. You’ve got three years. Maybe.”
Dubbed “the beast” by former Australian of the Year Neale Daniher AO, the disease gradually kills the nerve cells responsible for muscle movement.
Patients gradually lose their ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe.
About 2800 Australians live with it, while two are diagnosed with it each day and another two die. There is no known cure and treatment options are limited, underlining the importance of pioneering research and clinical trials.
University of Wollongong’s Dr Alexander Mason is spearheading one such effort.
His research team plans to grow miniature, cellular models of the human spinal cord to chart how the disease spreads throughout the body.
The models will mirror the complexity of real spinal cords, allowing researchers to study MND at a level of detail not possible in living patients or via existing research.
“It’s really important for understanding the disease to look at the connection between different motor neurons and how the disease spreads between different regions,” Dr Mason said.
“If we can arrest that spread or halt it, then you potentially prolong that person’s life.”
Funded by MND Australia, Dr Mason’s work could allow researchers to observe how treatments interact with the disease in microscopic detail.
While the research does not promise a cure and success is not guaranteed, for patients like Mr O’Hehir, it’s a welcome sign science is searching for new ways to understand the disease.
“I hold out big hope that research will find an answer because it’s such a difficult disease,” he said.
It’s been six years since he was told he had half as many to live, meaning the 75-year-old continues to defy the odds.
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Scan QR Code for an Appointment or
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Suite 6 Level 3 – Peter Yorke Building, 173 Strickland Crescent, Deakin ACT
Consulting hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00 pm We are closed on Saturdays and Public Holidays
From Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind Spider-ManTM: Across the Spider-Verse and the artists that made KPop Demon Hunters, comes GOAT, an original action-comedy set in an all-animal world.
The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a oncein-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will’s new teammates aren’t thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionise the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”
To enter, email competitions@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘GOAT’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including street address) and your favourite basketball player. Entries close 9am Friday 13 March 2026 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
Elevate everyday dining with the timeless elegance of Corelle’s Bella Faenza dinnerware. Featuring delicate embossed floral scrolls and a refined tone-on-tone white finish, this luxurious set offers just the right amount of detail to feel special while remaining effortlessly versatile. Designed to complement any table setting, Bella Faenza is perfect for both relaxed family meals and sophisticated entertaining.
Crafted from Corelle’s signature three-layer Vitrelle® glass, each piece is lightweight, chip-resistant and built to last. Beautiful yet practical, it’s dinnerware made for real life - durable enough for daily use and elegant enough for every occasion.
To enter, email competitions@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘Corelle’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including street address) and the name of the dinner set. Entries close 9am Friday 13 March 2026 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.
Positioned high above the city, this north-east facing apartment delivers a rare sense of openness in the heart of Canberra. Rather than neighbouring rooftops, the uninterrupted view spans Glebe Park through to Mount Ainslie, bathing the home in all-day sunshine and a leafy, forest-like panorama.
Inside, the two-bedroom floor plan is one of the most functional in the complex. Bedrooms are thoughtfully positioned at opposite ends of the apartment, maximising privacy, comfort and natural airflow, with no shared walls and no wasted hallway space. Floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings enhance the feeling of space,
filling the open-plan living and dining area with natural light.
The beautifully appointed kitchen is designed for both practicality and style, featuring premium Bosch appliances, stone benchtops, an oversized island and generous pantry storage. The living area flows seamlessly onto a covered balcony, ideal for year-round alfresco dining while taking in the tranquil park views.
Set within a resort-style complex, the location places Glebe Park, Lake Burley Griffin and the City’s dining and entertainment precinct at your doorstep, delivering a vibrant yet serene cosmopolitan lifestyle.
2 2 2
EER 6
Price: $888,000
View: Visit christineshawproperties.com.au
Agent: Christine Shaw
Mob: 0405 135 009
Christine Shaw Properties
Second generation living with parents or adult children is now part of how families live. With commercial rates for business, perhaps a home business is better. 76 Eggleston offers so many options on this massive 1036m2, just minutes to Woden shopping precinct. This renovated modern and stylish 5 bedroom family home has three bathrooms, plus there is also the segregated two bedroom one bathroom studio. Both residences have double glazing and have been renovated, ready for you to move in. The open-plan style of the main home allows family to gather when they wish, but also to have their own private space. The kitchen and breakfast bar is the hub of the home, with sliding doors out to a great sized pergola for outdoor living. The segregated king-sized master bedroom has a large walk-in robe, and fantastic ensuite with double vanities. Four additional large bedrooms all have built-in wardrobes. The two bedroom studio is the perfect location for grandparents, adult children just starting out, or as a home-business. The physical separation from the home ensures privacy. Perhaps you might want to rent out the studio to supplement your mortgage payments? Too many choices.
AUCTION: On Site Wednesday 11TH March 2026, 5:30pm OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details
Live in one property and rent the other to supplement your mortgage? Dual income purchasing as an investor / SMSF for an amazing $78k pa income? Multi-generation living with parents or adult children in the second residence? Knockdown/rebuild the front house while you live in the back house? The original home has been renovated and offers a lovely cottage atmosphere for the new owners. The open plan of the lounge, dining and kitchen area allow easy living, and the three bedrooms accommodate queen and double bed furniture and all have built-in robes. The kitchen, laundry and bathroom have been renovated, and the home has been freshly painted - sparkling for a new owner to enjoy. The 2020 three bedroom three ensuite house is slightly smaller in size – and is purpose built for university students. Optimising passive solar design principles, it takes full advantage of the sun and saves energy costs throughout the year. The kitchen and one bedroom / ensuite are compliant with disability guidelines. The location is simply gold. Both homes have north-east orientation, and the quiet street only has traffic from the residents.
March
Please refer to websites for details
The Grange is in the heart of Deakin, just 300m from shops and close to medical services. Enjoy refined, independent living in your own private home, with 24-hour onsite staff for peace of mind.
Be part of a warm and spirited community where every day is yours to enjoy as you choose — from dining out in the Dining Room to social events, fitness classes, and swims in the indoor pool. Stroll nearby walking tracks or explore Canberra’s cultural gems, all just moments away.
Call Michaela Howard on 0447 695 380 to find out more.
We have a North facing light and spacious three-bedroom home which includes:
• Modern kitchen with granite benchtop, stainless steel appliances including dishwasher
• Open plan lounge and dining opening onto an outdoor entertaining area
• Good sized internal laundry with dryer
• Ample storage
• New paint and flooring
• An outdoor entertaining space
• Staff on-site at all times in case of an emergency North facing 3 bedroom home – move in ready
