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news news RSPCA ACT to relocate

After years of waiting, RSPCA ACT last week announced it will relocate to a new purpose-built facility in Pialligo.

Now more than 50 years old, the Weston facility has done its best to accommodate RSPCA ACT employees, volunteers, and rescued and surrendered animals since 1966.

The new Pialligo site will include enclosed dog kennels and cattery facilities, and a purpose-built vet clinic, which means the RSPCA ACT will be better able to offer clinical services to the animals in their care and to low-income pet owners.

ACT Minister for City Services Chris Steel said the ACT Government “made an election commitment to work with the RSPCA and find them a new facility, and we found a particular block in Pialligo which is well situated, zoned appropriately for an animal care facility, and is near existing vet facilities”.

While there has been some suggestion the site is inappropriate due to its proximity to the airport runway, Mr Steel was adamant the site is suitable.

CEO of RSPCA ACT Michelle Roberston said she’s “busting” to do all the amazing things the animal welfare organisation has been holding off for years.

“We’ve been on this site {Weston] for a long time, but we are not able to meet the current needs of the community ... and we can’t do the things we should be doing – educating the community, having spaces where children, students, the elderly, and everyone in the community can come and learn about the beauty of animals and how to be a responsible pet owner.”

Wighton stars as Raiders win thriller

Jack Wighton starred in his 200th NRL match, leading the Raiders to a thrilling 24-19 win over Cronulla in front of 15,224 fans at GIO Stadium last Friday night, 11 March.

Wighton scored the opening try as the Raiders dominated the first half, heading into the break leading 18-6.

However, Canberra’s second half woes from 2021 resurfaced as Cronulla hit back with two quick tries, before a Matt Moylan field goal gave them a 19-18 lead with eight minutes to go.

With the Raiders in range to level the scores with a field goal of their own, a gutsy decision from Wighton to run the ball on the last tackle led to Hudson Young charging over the line for the match winner, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The Raiders now head to Townsville to take on the Cowboys without Josh Hodgson (knee) and Brad Schneider (COVID).

Brumbies remain undefeated

The Brumbies have maintained their perfect record in 2022 with a 36-17 thumping over the Rebels at AAMI Park.

Tom Wright collected a double among the Brumbies’ haul of six tries to put them in first place on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.

The Brumbies are now set for their biggest test of the season as they take on the Queensland Reds in a rematch of last year’s Super Rugby AU grand final.

It will be the second match of a double header at GIO Stadium on Friday night 18 March, with the Super W game between the Brumbies and Reds to kick-start the evening.

Jack Wighton scoring a try in his 200th NRL match. Mick Tsikas AAP Image.

Caps topple Lynx

The Canberra Capitals have announced their championship credentials with a 96-80 win over the Perth Lynx in WA on Saturday 12 March.

The Caps have now leapfrogged the Lynx for first place on the WNBL ladder as finals approach.

Britt Sykes was superb with 32 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Kelsey Griffin had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds and Jade Melbourne added 20 points off the bench.

The Caps take on the Adelaide Lightning tonight, 17 March, and the Melbourne Boomers on Saturday 19 March in their final two games of the regular season.

Giants and Swans to start their seasons

The AFL season will start with a bang for both Sydney sides as the Giants and Swans meet at Stadium Australia on Saturday 19 March at 5pm.

Giants’ fans are encouraged to head out for the club’s first home game since June last year, while Swans’ fans will be hopeful of celebrating Lance Franklin’s 1000th goal with the superstar currently on 995 goals. Head to ticketek.com.au for tickets.