“Jewel in the Crown” within the exclusive Kingston Sapphire development. No other property in Canberra can boast the enormous house-like proportions of this bespoke penthouse, or the exclusive waterfront location. Walls of glass frame magical vistas of the lake, iconic Canberra landmarks, mountain peaks and a tranquil habitat sanctuary, with nothing before you to break the spell. The visual spoils are rivalled only by the astounding scale, amenity, and stunning bespoke interior spaces.
SOLD Winter 2024
Front Cover Image - 405/45 Honeysett View, Kingston
Jessica
CREATIVE
Jessica
Amy
Sophie
Kiernan
Welcome
Welcome to the Spring 2025 issue of the Inspired Living Magazine. Brought to our community by Blackshaw to showcase and provide readers with the current trends and topics related to homes, from the nation’s capital to the south coast region of Batemans Bay.
Inspired Living is all about discovering possibilities. Being inspired in life and in your home, and gaining insights into local causes and topics that matter. Providing our readers with a unique perspective from property enthusiasts and local talents. We are always on the lookout to showcase collections from local designers, artists and more.
Step into spring with our latest edition, full of ideas to elevate your lifestyle. Discover the timeless charm of picnics - the often-overlooked beauty of outdoor dining that’s perfect for spring. Leverage expert advice to keep your home pristine and clean, and explore our thoughtfully selected to-do list designed to simplify your seasonal tasks. Horse enthusiasts will love our spotlight on local equestrian, featuring the best events, shops, and riding spots in your area. Join the movement toward meaningful giving with our charitable initiatives, and declutter your digital life with our top 10 tips for a cleaner, calmer online space.
Enjoy this complimentary magazine and continue to feel inspired to find endless possibilities to enhance your own living.
Belinda Chamberlain, Corporate Director Blackshaw Real Estate
Photography by John Bell
10 tips for spring cleaning your digital life
Just like your home, garage or garden, your digital spaces can get messy and cluttered over time. By giving your digital environment some TLC, you can reduce mental clutter, boost productivity and create a safer online environment for you and your family.
Here are 10 easy ways to spring clean your digital life this season.
Photography by Sumup Em
1. EMAIL
Start by cleaning up your email. Clear your inbox by deleting or filing emails. Unsubscribe from newsletters, email alerts and mailing lists you no longer read. Set up filters to automatically sort incoming emails into folders and keep things organised. Tools like Unroll.Me or Gmail’s built-in filters can make this a breeze.
2. LAPTOP AND PC
Next, declutter your computer desktop and downloads folder by deleting duplicates and organising important files. Set up a simple, logical folder structure in your cloud storage or local drive with clear naming to help you find things. Cleaning your computer can also help improve the speed and performance of the device and software that you use. Always empty the bin when you’re done.
3. PASSWORDS
Replace weak and duplicate passwords with a complex and unique password for each account. Enable the strongest authentication tools, such as multi-factor or two-factor authentication wherever possible. Use a password manager to help you review, store, organise, protect and strengthen your passwords. Consider using a password, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition to log into all devices.
4. PHOTOS AND SCREENSHOTS
Go through your camera roll or photo library and give it a good clean out by deleting screenshots, blurry pics and duplicates. Organise your remaining photos into albums or back them up using services like Google Photos, Apple iCloud, or your storage of choice.
5. WEB BROWSERS
Start by tidying up your countless browser tabs by reading, filing or saving them as bookmarks in simple and easy-to-navigate folders. Delete unneeded bookmarks and remove unused extensions. Clear your browsing history, cookies and cache. Delete old autofill information and stored passwords, and ensure your browser is set not to store passwords. Delete unused browser apps or software on all devices.
Photography by Brian j Tromp
Photography by Kiril Krsteski
6. SOCIAL MEDIA
Delete any social media accounts or apps you no longer use. Declutter your social media by unfollowing people or accounts that longer bring you joy or value. Update your bios and clean up old posts. Review your privacy settings and manage your tracking and location services, Bluetooth, microphone and camera for each app.
7. APPS
Scroll through your phone and do an audit of the apps you actually use. Delete the ones you haven’t touched in months. Not only does this free up space, but it also reduces background activity that can slow things down. Update your apps regularly to reduce risks from malware and infections and keep them running efficiently.
8. BACK UP
Don’t wait for a crash to remind you to back up files that are important to you. Ideally safeguard your important files, photos and documents in two places – the cloud and physical, such as an external hard drive. Protect all backup drives with a password.
9. NOTIFICATIONS
Remove countless notifications by going into your settings and turning off alerts that you don’t need or want, or that aren’t urgent. Disable non-essential alerts on your phone and apps for a calmer, more focused day.
10. THROW AWAY
Once you’ve done a spring clean of the tech you use, look at any old electronic devices that you own and no longer use and consider disposing of them securely. Before getting rid of any device, back up all files and then thoroughly wipe each one clean of your personal information.
Photography by Sara Kurfess
Photography by Free Mrbai
Connecting with community, volunteering and giving back this spring
Spring is a great time to get involved in the local community and donate your time to a greater cause. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, animal rights, or helping people in need, here are some valuable ways to give back this season.
Photography by Katt Yukawa
WHY YOU SHOULD GIVE BACK
Without volunteers, many of the initiatives, services and events in our community simply wouldn’t happen. Volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about can have a range of benefits – it can enrich your life and give you a feeling of fulfillment, it can get you closer to your community and give you a greater sense of belonging, it can open your world to new people, ideas and skills that can positively impact your perspective and personal growth, and it can increase your self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing. If you’re not sure where to start, then pick something that you’re interested in or something that will make a positive impact to a person, group or organisation. There are many causes, charities and community services that are always in need of volunteers – even donating a few hours of your time each month can make a huge difference.
Photography by Joel Muniz
Photography by Joel Muniz
WHO YOU CAN HELP
CLEAN UP
For over 30 years, Clean Up Australia has been spearheading initiatives to conserve the environment, eliminate litter and end waste. The organisation is one of the country’s most recognised, credible and trusted environmental charities, and since they launched over three decades ago, more than 23 million Aussies have participated in their events and over 46 million hours of volunteer time has been donated to their environmental initiatives. This September and October, they are hosting The Great Spring Clean Up, a nationwide initiative to tackle litter in our cities, streets, parks and waterways, and improve our environment. Do your bit to help and sign up with your family, friends, school, local community or work colleagues. For more information, go to cleanup.org.au
LIFELINE CANBERRA
Lifeline Canberra exists to support people in crisis and save the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide with their 24/7 support service (13 11 14), their community-wide awareness for mental health advocacy, and their annual fundraising Bookfairs, which attract over 50,000 people each year. You can support Lifeline in a number of ways –from rattling tins, sizzling sausages, selling merchandise, sorting books, helping at sporting events – and there’s no obligation or minimum hours you need to do. For more information, go to lifelinecanberra.org.au
FOODBANK
Foodbank is an organisation that is working hard to ensure everyone has access to good food no matter their situation. They provide food and grocery relief to 2,929 frontline charities and 3,220 school breakfast programs to help feed people in need. In fact, last year alone they sourced enough food for 92 million meals. You can help Foodbank in a number of ways – by fundraising, holding a food drive, donating food and money, and volunteering your time in person. For more information, go to foodbank.org.au
RSPCA
This spring show some love for our favourite furry friends and celebrate the RSPCA’s Cupcake Day. This annual event is back for the whole month of September, and all you need to do is gather a group of people and host your own sweet-tastic Cupcake Day event to raise much-needed funds for the charity. Last year, 81,669 animals turned to the RSPCA looking for warmth, love and shelter, so take this opportunity to bake, fundraise and help fight animal cruelty. For more information, go to rspcacupcakeday. com.au. For other volunteering opportunities at the RSPCA, go to rspca-act.org.au
Photography by Premium Photo
BLACKSHAW IN THE COMMUNITY
Community service is a key part of the values, culture and DNA of the Blackshaw Real Estate network.
For the past three years, the Coastal office has hosted a winter appeal for Campbell Page, a not-for-profit organisation delivering a range of employment, community and commercial services. Each year, the Coastal office’s appeal supports over 300 young people and families facing hardship during the colder months, providing them with muchneeded winter clothing, warm blankets, sleeping bags and nonperishable food.
The Gungahlin office’s Blackshaw Charity Golf Day raises funds for the Stella Bella Foundation, a charity that supports seriously ill local children and their families in their deepest time of need. In 2025, the Blackshaw Charity Golf Day raised $71,000, and has raised a total of $325,580 since the very first golf day almost a decade ago.
For the Manuka’s office’s Mario and Fiona Sanfrancesco, community service has always been an important part of their lives. For nearly 25 years, Mario has conducted hundreds of charity auctions for organisations like Starlight Children’s Foundation, Canberra Cancerians, Menslink, Southcare Helicopter, Bosom Buddies, AFFIRM, the RSPCA and more.
Last year, the Belconnen office held its inaugural charity Bowls Day, which raised $15,000 for the Black Dog Institute. Esther Sebbens, Principal of Blackshaw Belconnen says giving back to the community is all about coming together, having fun, and raising money for causes that truly matter. “We don’t stick to just one charity because there are so many worthy organisations out there, so this year, 2025, we’re thrilled to be supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, jumping on board with their Hallowish campaign, which perfectly aligns with our 31 October event,” says Esther. “Giving back means the world to us because we believe everyone has the power to make a difference, and when we do it together, the impact is even greater.”
Photography by Blackshaw Real Estate
Photography by Josue Michel
Your guide to spring maintenance and cleaning
As the weather begins to warm, there’s no better time than now to kick off a good oldfashioned spring clean. While you’re at it, check your home for any maintenance issues that might’ve slipped under the radar over winter.
Whether you own your home or rent, taking a proactive approach to cleaning and upkeep can help you avoid costly repairs and maintain a safe, comfortable living environment year-round.
Use this handy checklist to help you tackle every part of your home this spring.
INDOORS
ALL ROOMS
● Remove clutter and put things back where they belong.
● Deep clean all surfaces including walls, floors, windows, fixtures and doors.
● Steam clean carpets and rugs, treat timber floors, and mop tiles.
● Fill any gaps between floorboards or tiles if necessary.
● Clean light fixtures, and if you can, remove the fixtures and clean with hot, soapy water or run through the dishwasher.
● Dust the tops of ceiling fans, skirting boards, around door frames and any other hard to reach places.
KITCHEN
● Clean and organise cabinets and drawers.
● Remove excess clutter to free up storage space and benchtops.
● Wipe down countertops and appliances.
● Take out your stove’s exhaust fan covers to remove grease and grime.
● Clean your oven inside and out.
Photography by Ruben Ramirez
Photography by Igor Rand
STAIRS AND HALLWAYS
● Dust railings and wipe down skirting boards.
● Make sure stairs are safe – check that railings are securely fastened and that there is adequate lighting.
LIVING AREAS
● Wash and clean soft furnishings, including throw pillows and blankets.
● Clear away clutter and organise display units, cupboards and shelving.
BATHROOMS
● Clean and disinfect all surfaces – clean tile grout, wipe down shower screens, replace old or dirty shower curtains, and clean mirrors.
● Remove clutter from vanity tops: Keep toiletries and personal items tidied away.
● Repair leaky taps and ensure drains are unblocked and cleaned.
LAUNDRY
● Wipe down the washing machine and tumble dryer.
● Tidy away laundry detergents and cleaning supplies.
● Clean the laundry sink and ensure the drain is clear.
● Organise cupboards, shelving, and storage areas.
● Ensure the ceiling is clean and free from mildew or mould.
Photography by CDC
Photography by Jimmy Nilsson
Photography by Zak Neilson
OUTDOORS
GARDEN
● Tame overgrown landscaping.
● Sweep up leaves, prune trees, lay down fresh mulch, and pull up weeds.
● Sweep decks, balconies, and walkways.
● Remove any excess furniture or clutter.
● If you have a wooden deck, treat and stain as necessary.
WINDOWS
● Clean windows and tracks inside and out.
● Repair or replace any broken or cracked window panes.
● Make sure flyscreens are clean and free from dirt and cobwebs.
FRONT ENTRANCE AND EXTERIOR
● Sweep or pressure hose driveways, paths and steps.
● Remove cobwebs from around your doorway.
● Remove clutter from around the front entry or the sides of your home.
GARAGE
● Organise and declutter the garage to increase storage space and accessibility.
● Ensure the garage door is functioning properly and repair if necessary.
Photography by Theme Photos
Photography by Liz Crosswell
Photography by Premium Images
Spring into equestrian excellence
Did you know that spring is when many of Australia’s biggest and best equestrian events are held? Here’s our pick of some fantastic competitions, country shows, campdrafts and rodeos to check out across the ACT and NSW.
Photograph Provided by Campbell Jones
EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
● 5-7th: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) will host the 2025 ACT & Southern NSW Show Horse Championships, run by the Show Horse Council of Australia. The event includes competitions in various show horse categories and riding classes.
● 12-14th: Marrar Madness, located just north of Wagga Wagga, is a three-day campdraft and rodeo with a full calendar including steer wrestling, live music, trade stalls, food trucks and carnival rides.
● 18-21st: Willinga Park near the South Coast’s Bawley Point, is hosting its annual four-day showjumping event. It is one of the industry’s premier events that attracts the nation’s top equestrian talent.
● 27-28th: The ACT Dressage Association will host an official competition weekend.
OCTOBER
● 4th: Add the 99th Bribbaree Show to your spring calendar. Expect fantastic horse events for all ages, plus livestock exhibits, arts and crafts, crop competitions and everything you love about a country show.
● 5th: The Young Horse Show is a fantastic event that showcases talented horses and riders across various disciplines like dressage, showjumping and group riding.
● 5th: Cowra’s Morongla Show will return for its 107th year, featuring all your favourite country exhibits and stalls, including a jam-packed schedule of horse events.
● 10-12th: The Battle of the Bidgee is a three-day horse event held on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in Gundagai. This great event showcases Australia’s finest stockmen and women, and attracts visitors from all over the country.
● 23-25th: The ACT Dressage Association will host the Australian Masters Games.
● 26th: At the one-day Bungendore Show, you can expect all the typical family fun of a local show, with champion animals, arts and crafts, and a horse program you shouldn’t miss.
NOVEMBER
● 2nd: The Bungendore Rodeo returns for another year to celebrate cowboy culture, rodeo sports, amazing animal athletes and family entertainment.
● 8-9th: This year’s 128th Queanbeyan Show is set to deliver fun for all ages, with a horse schedule that includes showjumping, sporting, time trials, and a Brumby challenge.
● 14-16th: The ACT Dressage Association will host the ACT Dressage Championships.
● 23rd: The Yass Rodeo is back again with thrilling events, including bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and many other attractions. Don’t miss this free family event.
Photograph Provided by Campbell Jones
Photograph Provided by Campbell Jones
Photograph Provided by Campbell Jones
Photograph Provided by Campbell Jones
WHERE TO RIDE
The ACT is home to over 500km of designated horse trails, from parts of Mt Stromlo, Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie, several reserves within Canberra Nature Park like Cooleman Ridge and Dunlop Grasslands, Pinnacle Nature Reserve, and the National Arboretum.
The NSW South Coast is also home to hundreds of kilometres of trails scattered through lush national parks, charming coastal towns and along serene beaches. Bawley Point is a popular location for riding with a range of well-marked trails through dense bushland and coastal scenery, suitable for all experience levels.
For young families with horses, there are many local pony clubs across the ACT and around the NSW South Coast. There are also many adult riding clubs, many of which hold monthly rallies and training days, and offer group and private lessons.
Photograph Provided by Campbell Jones
Photograph Provided by Campbell Jones
SUPPLIES
Where to go for equipment, clothing, feed, repairs, float hire and all things equestrian.
● Horseland, Fyshwick ACT.
● Glen Mia Saddlery, Thoroughbred Park, ACT + mobile shop.
● Saddleworld, Queanbeyan and Shoalhaven, NSW.
● The Horse Rug Whisperer, Murrumbateman NSW.
● Canberra Stockfeeds, Hall NSW.
● Turnbulls Fuel & Produce, Moruya NSW.
● Petstock, Batemans Bay, NSW.
Photography by Mikayla Storm
Photography by Elisa Pitkanen
Photography by Valerie Semenova
BLACKSHAW, WE PROUDLY HOLD 23 SUBURB PRICE RECORDS
SOURCE:WEB PORTAL RECORDS / INTERNAL DATA
YEARS IN REAL ESTATE
OFFICES IN ACT & NSW
If you’re thinking of selling, talk to the team at your local Blackshaw office because we are always striving for the best possible outcome for every client.
Belconnen
Nature-inspired decor ideas for a bright and cheerful home
Brighten up your home this season by bringing a touch of nature indoors. From botanical prints, natural materials and fresh florals, try these easy decor tips to help you create a refreshing, effortless atmosphere this spring.
Photography by Europeana YFT
PLANT LIFE
Nothing says spring more than fresh blooms and thriving plant life. Your local florist, farmers market and grocery store will be brimming with seasonal florals, so pick up a colourful bunch or two next time you’re out. You can also subscribe to a regular delivery service at your local florist or through businesses like Juniper Blooms, Floraly, and Daily Blooms. Just like flowers, adding household plants to your home will give it an instant facelift and make your interior feel bright, fresh and cosy. Be bold with some large statement greenery near your home’s entry and in living areas, and then add pops of freshness with smaller plants scattered around bedrooms and bathrooms.
Photography by Premium Photo
ART
What better way to welcome spring into your home than with a nature-inspired painting, a bright botanical print, or some striking landscape photography. To find some fantastic local art on the South Coast, head to Batehaven’s Market Gallery on Edward, the Batemans Bay Visitors Centre Art Gallery, and the Mogo Collective to explore the creative works of local artisans, many of which are inspired by the Eurobodalla region, including its stunning landscapes, beaches, forests and wildlife. In the capital, you can find the works of local creatives through the Artists Society of Canberra (asoc. com.au), and on Instagram via Canberra Artists and BEAUTY-full Art Canberra, and on Etsy. Another fantastic online resource is Blue Thumb Art (bluethumb.com.au), where you can search for, and buy, nature-inspired art specifically from artists located in the ACT and NSW, but also across the country.
Photography by Europeana
Photography by The Cleveland Museum
Photography by Art Institute of Chicago
Photography by Boston Public Libary
COLOUR AND TEXTURE
Interiors with nature-inspired colour palettes are growing in popularity, so lean into the trend and add a dash of colour to your home this spring, either with paint, furniture or soft furnishings. Try subtle colours and understated hues like sage green, lilac, light blue, creams, and earthy browns, which make the perfect backdrop for any living space, bedroom or office. Alternatively, go maximalist with vibrant blues inspired by the sky and ocean, or bright green tones to reflect exotic, tropical greenery. To top it off, layer soft furnishings like throws, cushions and fabrics using natural textures to add depth and variety to living spaces and bedrooms. Opt for natural textiles and plantbased materials such as cotton, linen, wool, hessian, bamboo, jute and pampas.
Photography by Fig Rosewood
Photography by Adhishek Sharma
Photography by Laura Cleffman
Photography by Ashley Byrd
Photography by Martha Monjaras
Photography by Julia
Essential elements when marketing your property
SOCIAL MEDIA
PRINT ADS
A highly targeted, visual presentation of your property.
Print publications with large audience reach and a glossy finish.
MAIL FLYERS
Tailored insights for specific markets and communities.
ONLINE LISTING
A detailed resource for those who like their research.
LOOKING TO SELL OR LEASE YOUR PROPERTY?
There are a range of advertising platforms and tools to consider when showcasing your property’s finest features, to ensure it makes the right impact in the real estate market. Experience our professional perspective and see what we do to ensure a successful property marketing campaign.
The joy of picnics
Enjoy the outdoors this spring with a simple, tasty picnic. Whether it be at your local park or garden, by a lake or pond, or even your own backyard – anywhere can be the perfect backdrop when you’re making memories with friends and loved ones. Here are some great ideas to help you plan a picnic this season.
Photography by Evangelina Silina
POLLEN CAFE
pollencafe.com.au/picnic-hamper
Did you know the Australian National Botanic Gardens’ very own Pollen Cafe offers delicious picnic hampers for you to preorder? All you need to do is bring a rug and stroll through the gardens to find a perfect spot to enjoy your picnic feast. Pollen Cafe’s baskets are filled with delicious cheeses, charcuterie, dips, olives, crackers and bread from the capital’s artisanal bakery, Sonoma.
AMAZINGCO MYSTERY PICNICS
AmazingCo are well-known for their fun mystery picnic experiences across Canberra and Yass. They offer self-guided food and adventure experiences with a difference, each one thoughtfully selected to showcase the unique food, places and attractions of the region. Picnic goers start by solving personally curated clues and riddles that will take you on a flavour-filled journey to collect your special gourmet treats, then eventually bring you to a fantastic picnic location.
Bangalay Dining in Shoalhaven Heads is not only recognised as an award-winning dining destination, but they also curate a stunning picnic as the perfect accompaniment for a day exploring the South Coast. Each pre-ordered hamper contains a delicious selection of gourmet local produce and tasty treats, so pick one up this spring, then head down to the beach to enjoy every mouthful. To complete the experience, you can also use one of their eskies and picnic rugs.
Photography by Pollen Cafe
Photography by AmazingCo
Photography by Bangalay Dining
HOTEL REALM
hotelrealm.com.au/products/luxe-picnic-box
For a little bit of luxury, order one of Hotel Realm’s picnic boxes and indulge in some delicious treats this spring. Each box includes a quality selection of cold meats, cheeses, olives, hummus, crackers, dried fruits, nuts, freshly baked bread rolls with butter, and you guessed it – wine. What more could you ask for!
THE PICNIC COLLECTIVE
thepicniccollectivecbr.com.au
The Picnic Collective knows a thing or two about crafting beautiful, bespoke picnic experiences across Canberra. They have a diverse range of carefully curated packages for you to choose from, each thoughtfully designed to suit every occasion, from intimate dates to large gatherings, and everything in between. You can even hire lawn games to accompany your picnic experience.
CARTEL TAQUERIA
carteltacos.au
If you like Mexican food and fancy trying something a little different for your picnic, then head to Cartel Taqueria, located in Queanbeyan and Belconnen. Be sure to try their famous tacos, nachos, waffle bites and fritter fries, then add some churros or the Tres Leches cake to your takeaway order. Finally, finish off your feast with sangria or a frozen margarita while you sit back and watch the sun set. Perfection!
Photography by Doma Hotels
Photography by Picnic Collective
Photography by Doris Morgan
A picnic can be as much of a treat with loved ones as it is a cost-efficient lunch – with a little forward planning, you can save a fortune on days out by preparing your own food instead of dining at a cafe or restaurant. Look in your fridge and cupboard to see what you can pull together, including sandwiches and leftovers, or pop to your local supermarket or bakery and pick up some of your favourite nibbles, pies or pastries. Whatever you take on your picnic should be easy to eat, so the fewer utensils required, the better. Then all you need is a comfy picnic blanket, some great company, and you’re all set.
Photography by Rosalind Chang
Photography by Oliver Olah
Photography by Birk Enwald
WANT TO REACH A WIDER AUDIENCE?
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