11 May 2023

From the editor

Throughout your life’s journey, people join you on the path at various times for various reasons – perhaps to o er love, friendship or guidance, to test your patience or your boundaries, to challenge, to encourage, to inspire ...

With Mother’s Day approaching, I reflect on my journey as both a daughter and a mum. I was fortunate to experience a safe, happy childhood, and, whenever I stumbled on the path of life, Mum was there to see I dusted myself o and got up and going again. Resilience and stoicism were the lessons of the day, taught with love, and have largely served me well. I also feel truly blessed to have been granted the privilege of motherhood, and my children, now adults, are the greatest gifts of my life. Thank you.

Reasons to be grateful this past week include a night of delicious food and an entertaining movie at the Dendy Premium Lounge new menu launch (best arancini ever!), outstanding cinema at the German Film Festival opening night, sharing amazing food with colleagues at Capitol Bar & Grill, the uplifting Hope Starts here Mother’s Day lunch to benefit Karinya House and Roundabout Canberra at Hyatt Hotel Canberra, the privilege of experiencing the astonishing William Barton perform at the National Arboretum Canberra 10-year celebrations on Friday night, my pu er jacket, and redeeming my Pink Hope silent auction item donated by the lovely and generous Jessica Barnier. Take care,

on the cover

Clayton is one of the many animals cared for at the RSPCA ACT shelter in Weston, which will make good use of the much-needed funds raised through the Million Paws Walk on 28 May. Photo by Kerrie Brewer. See cover story, page 6.

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Paws hit the pavement to raise funds for RSPCA ACT

With more animals in their care and longer shelter stays than ever before, the need for RSPCA ACT’s annual Million Paws Walk to raise much-needed funds has never been greater. They are calling on dog-loving locals to join them in their walk against animal cruelty on Sunday 28 May.

The event kicks off at Patrick White Lawns at 9am with stall holders, information hubs, snacks and beverages on offer. Throughout the day, there will be opportunities for you and your pooch to participate in competitions like the best dressed, activities, and play with other dogs.

“Be aware of your dog’s tolerance,” says RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robinson. “Some dogs are very chill, they can hang out here the whole day but if your dog is more of a get-in, get-out sort of dog then just time it so that you’re around for the walk.”

There are a couple of requirements to bring your dog, says Ms Robinson; they must be up to date on their vaccinations and remain on-lead for the walk. They also have a few recommendations –that your pooch is sociable, friendly with all other

creatures, and okay in crowded environments.

The duration of the walk depends on your pace, generally taking about 30 minutes to do the circuit. Attendees are welcome to bring as many dogs as they can safely walk. However, with the rising popularity of cats hitting the town, Ms Robinson wanted to remind pet owners that not all occasions are suitable for all furry friends.

“Not all dogs are good with cats and, because it’s such a big event, I wouldn’t recommend it for the safety of your cat,” she says.

Taking a stand to fight animal cruelty, the funds raised through the event go directly towards helping care for the animals sheltered at the RSPCA ACT facility. Ms Robinson says they have been unbelievably full, and their waitlist is growing longer each week.

“They have medical issues, we have had a lot of older cats coming in so and the older the animal, generally speaking, it means that there’s some complexity,” explains Ms Robinson. Register for the Million Paws Walk in Canberra on Sunday 28 May 9am via millionpawswalk.com.au

Canberra Weekly readers are invited to save 30 per cent of their MPW entry price with the discount code CANWEEKLY30.

Full story online. - Jessica

Cordwell

RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robinson with some of the shelter’s pooches, ready for the Million Paws Walk at Patrick White Lawns beside Lake Burley Griffin.

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New AMC custodial officer looks forward to making a difference

Most people want to keep out of prison, but Leigh Coates says she “can’t wait to start”.

She is one of 20 new custodial officers – 10 men and 10 women, some culturally diverse – at the Alexander Maconochie Centre who graduated on Friday 5 May.

“It looks like it’s going to be a fantastic job,” Ms Coates said.

“We’re in there, and we can make a difference to people’s lives.”

Ms Coates was working at ALS – Environmental Services, sampling and testing water and sewage, when she saw that ACT Corrective Services was recruiting.

“I love a challenge; I’m always up for a challenge,” Ms Coates said.

She has driven trucks and was a courier.) “It ticked all my boxes. Challenge: yes. Shifts were brilliant; I’ve now got a grandson, so I have a bit more time with him and the family.”

More than 260 people applied; 20 were chosen,

after what ACTCS Commissioner Ray Johnson called a “stringent” selection process.

“Training was brilliant,” Ms Coates said.

Over 13 weeks, the recruits were led through every process of the corrective facility, from working with radios, writing reports, and getting protocols right to the “really boring stuff” (policies and legislation).

One “lovely day”, the recruits sprayed each other with oleoresin capsicum aerosol spray (aka pepper spray), used to subdue rumbunctious detainees, and learned how to decontaminate.

“It’s not pleasant,” Ms Coates said. “Childbirth, OC – I’m still not sure which one is the better of the two!”

The trainers themselves, she said, were “really approachable” and “supportive”, no matter what their rank.

“Every time I’ve gone in there, it’s been such a positive group. They’re always willing to help you.”

In fact, Ms Coates was quite surprised by how

upbeat the AMC was.

“It’s a pretty positive place,” she said. “The people in there [the prison staff] bounce off one another. It’s just an uplifting feeling. You can even see the detainees get positive vibes from the officers themselves. So, it does make for a good day.” (She has no doubt, though, that some days will not be “all that great”.)

Ms Coates’s first day was on Tuesday.

“I can’t wait to hit the floor,” she said.

At the moment, she is on a relief line.

“Each day could be a different day, which suits me fine. It’s a nice variety in life.”

She will work 12-hour shifts, from 7.30am in the morning to 7.30pm at night. “They are long days, (continued page 10)

St John Paul II College

Year 7 – 12 Catholic Co-Educational College

Throughout May St John Paul II College (JPC) welcomes families to visit our innovative educational environment. JPC is a welcoming and inclusive learning community where diversity is embraced and learning outcomes are maximised for each individual.

• Tours | Small group tours are available during May

• Senior College Expo (Year 9-12) Students | Wednesday 17 May 2023 from 4.30-7.00pm

• Try JPC Day (for Year 7 2024 & 2025 students) | Friday 19 May or Monday 22 May

For more information and for bookings, visit our website www.jpc.act.edu.au

Leigh Coates (third from right) is one of 20 new custodial officers who graduated earlier this month.

St John Paul II College

Year 7 – 12 Catholic Co-Educational College

17 May 2023

St John Paul II College (JPC) is a welcoming and inclusive learning community where diversity is embraced and learning outcomes are maximised for each individual. The college is a flagship in education and provides a unique, innovative educational environment where all students can flourish. The college’s core principles of Justice, Peace and Courage support the holistic development of students as they navigate an ever changing world.

We invite students and their families in years 9 to 12 to attend the JPC Senior College Expo Schedule:

4.30 - 7.00pm - Expo and faculty information

4.30 - 4.50pm - Australian School Based Apprenticeship Information Session

5.30 - 6.15 pm - Principal Welcome and Panel discussion

7.00 pm – Close

During the evening, students and families will have the opportunity to:

• Explore the ‘Careers Expo’ where Universities and Training Organisations will be showcasing their courses - see website for complete list of exhibitors

• Discover JPCs student leadership and co-curricular opportunities

• Meet with teachers and discuss information about senior subjects that JPC is offering for 2024 and beyond. Tours will be available during the evening for families new to JPC. Or book a small group tour during the month of May. For more information and for bookings, visit our website www.jpc.act.edu.au

(from page 8) but you get more time off.” Which she will spend with her children and grandchildren.

What most excites her is helping the detainees pick up their lives, “steering people on the right course”. The AMC, for instance, offers white card programs (for construction work), responsible service of alcohol (RSA) courses, and asbestos training.

“It’s all little steps to be able to come out into society and just function,” Ms Coates said.

Over the next year, Ms Coates and her fellow recruits will complete national credited Correctional Services qualifications.

“These graduates join their colleagues in helping to transform the lives of those in our care, while performing a vital role helping to keep the community safe,” Commissioner Johnson said. “They should all feel incredibly proud of how far they have come.”

- Nick Fuller

Restoring our national cultural institutions

In March 2018, the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories announced an inquiry into Canberra’s national institutions. The inquiry held hearings and received submissions and provided an opportunity for committee members to visit sites to see firsthand the challenges facing the institutions in managing their collections, providing access to them, and ensuring staff had skills required in largely expert roles.

I was a latecomer to the inquiry, joining the committee halfway through the year, but had the opportunity to talk to archivists, curators, librarians, sound engineers and others doing their best in their work within, and in some cases across, institutions. It was obvious how thin the resourcing was and, as a result of ongoing funding cuts, the risk it created to these institutions if

the issues weren’t addressed.

Our National Institutions are undoubtedly the guardians of our nation’s story, and they endeavour to share our history, our unique Australian story, with as many visitors as possible and yet, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted, our National Gallery can house hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of paintings, but must resort to buckets and towels to contain leaks from the roof.

Earlier this month, I joined Prime Minister Albanese and Minister for the Arts Tony Burke to announce the Government will invest $535.3 million towards the nine National Collecting Institutions over the next four years. This investment will guarantee ongoing, indexed funding and ensure that vital repairs and urgent safety improvements can finally be made. This funding will ensure Australia

has a strong cultural infrastructure – which is a key pillar of ‘Revive’, the Government’s new National Cultural Policy.

Our National Cultural Institutions contribute significantly to the ACT economy and to the character of Canberra as the national capital. They have an integral role as part of the Canberra visitor experience and have contributed to our recovery in overnight tourism, and visitor expenditure for 2022, which increased 144 per cent to $3.03 billion – the highest ever visitor expenditure in a 12-month period in Canberra.

As the heart of the nation, Canberra is rightly home to the nation’s most iconic national institutions. They tell our Australian story. It is, therefore, essential that they receive the funding that reflects their importance and significant cultural contribution.

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Canberra nun scores a century

I’d like you to meet 100-year-old nun, Sister Veronica Dunphy, who’s on Whatsapp and has never said no to a spot of hang-gliding or a cruise on a Harley Davidson.

For her recent 100th party, she received birthday wishes from the Pope (not the King, apparently, as she’s a New Zealander and not on our electoral roll but that didn’t fuss Sister Veronica) and she had a real knees-up with 80 friends at the local footy club to celebrate.

“I love life, I love living,” Sister Veronica says from her sunny flat in Hackett. “I’m not special, people say I am but I’ve just followed my calling. I didn’t choose this life, it was chosen

Sacred Heart.

“I feel lucky to have had a blessed life, I’ve been looked after by the church and I’ve never had any worries,” she said. “I’ve been lucky.”

Veronica loves socialising and she does this through gardening with the Canberra Organic Growers Society and teaching local college students how to make jam and chutney.

“I love connecting with people, especially young people. We should all be more accepting of one another and learn to live with one another. Not just work alongside people or tolerate each other but accept each other and live with each other,” she says.

Sister Veronica, of Hackett, is 100 years old and still young at heart.

Photo Georgia Curry

From politician to refugee

When you think of refugees, you probably wouldn’t think of politicians. More like boat people, perhaps. Well, Dr Nilofar Ibrahimi was a member of parliament in Afghanistan for 12 years and a qualified general practitioner – yet here she is, living in Canberra.

When we meet for an interview, Nilofar had baked me traditional cake spiced with cardamom, then proceeded to tell me that when she was two years old, her father had been buried alive by the then communist regime.

But it’s not her past we’re here to discuss, it’s her selfless quest to help fellow Afghani refugees who are new to our shores. Somehow, when she’s not caring for her five children (including twins), she has found time to help create a book, Getting to Know Your New Home, Australia – kind of like ‘Australia 101’.

“When I go outside and talk with Afghan community they have a lot of problems - they don’t know language, didn’t know there were people like me to help them, they didn’t know where to go to learn English,” Nilofar says.

“I felt they need some guidelines to give them basic information in Australia in their language. We teach about Australia’s history, culture, social and political systems.”

Nilofar arrived in Australia in 2021, however her children and husband had moved here seven years earlier – “to keep them safe”.

“The second name of women in Afghanistan, in my opinion, is ‘struggle’,” Nilofar says. “They can’t even go out shopping without a man. The Taliban regime has taken away their basic human rights, such as education and work.”

Before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the number of girls at school was about 2.5 million. It is now almost zero. And even though Nilofar had rights as a doctor and as a member of parliament, she says she didn’t have security.

“The situation was not safe because of the war. They killed, they bombed. But I was happy because I would fight for justice, I fight for peace, I fight for gender equality in Afghanistan. I get results, no matter [if] it’s

small … I miss my country, I miss my people.”

- Georgia Curry

Books are available through Red Cross Canberra, Canberra Multicultural Hub, MARSS and Companion House.

Now living in Canberra with her family, Dr Nilofar Ibrahimi has published a book to help her fellow Afghani refugees feel more at home in Australia.

Photo Kerrie Brewer

Central Social Club at

Canberra Labor Club’s newest Central Social Club is bringing new life to their iconic corner of City Walk. Designed by CTRL Space Australia and fitted out by Braddon’s own Fore Group, its interiors are now awash with natural light, warm shades of terracotta and greenery, and with Espresso Martinis on tap, it’s worthy of any Instagram feed.

However, stay a moment, and you will quickly find the warmth, comfort, affordability, and big portions in the heart of the city that the Club does best.

Complementing the contemporary feel, 2022’s AHA Chef of the Year, Sam McCarthy has stepped on as Executive Chef, creating an all-day dining menu that you don’t want to miss out on.

“The vision was to keep the club classics but provide an elevated dining experience for members and guests,” he told CW.

“We’re using as much local produce as possible, which adds up to a big difference in the final product.”

Sam honed his skills in London before becoming Executive Chef of the National Gallery of Australia, then working as part of the Burley Group.

His top pick from the menu is the braised

Cowra lamb shoulder pappardelle, seasoned with rosemary pangritata picked from the Chef’s own garden.

“We offer three desserts which are all knockouts, although my favourite is the salted caramel dolce de leche tart with lemon sorbet.”

Breakfast is served until 11.30am.

All day dining kicks off at 11.30am, and then the Club’s late-night pizza menu is dished up until midnight. Gluten-free pizza is also on offer.

Canberrans can continue to look forward to the biggest chicken schnitzel for the best price in the city, which continues to be a sell-out, the scrumptious lamb cutlets, and sweet corn and pea risotto – a vegetarian must-try.

Despite only having opened its doors two weeks ago, members and guests alike are flocking to get social at Central Social.

Soon, live music will also join the Club’s Friday night offerings, as local Canberra talent will help welcome in the end of the work week.

Jim Webster, who has relished the role of Club Manager for 15 years, says the fit-out is bringing new life to the club for its members, while still keeping that same warmth and friendly faces.

“The venue is fantastic, the staff are great, the food is brilliant. It’s just magic,” he smiles.

Jim started out at the Canberra Labor Club in Belconnen for two years, before going on to manage the Canberra City Labor Club for well over a decade.

He says that while the Club is at least four times busier than it was before, thanks to our fantastic elevated offering, some things never change.

“It’s always been like a really big family,” he says. “Our chicken schnitzels are awesome. The steaks are mouth-watering, and we have the best beers on tap in Canberra.”

The premium steak cuts are sourced from a supplier right here in Canberra and a variety of local beers are always flowing.

“If you’re in Canberra and you haven’t been here yet, you don’t know what you’re missing,” Jim says.

Central Social Club, 202 City Walk, Canberra City; Bookings: 6230 0404

The new offerings are popular with members and guests, old and new.

Members and guests are flocking to get social at Central Social Club.

The new-look Central Social Club on City Walk offers the same friendly service, inviting atmosphere and generous meals that keep members coming back.

Central Social Club offers an elevated dining experience, but still with all your favourite pub style classics.

Friendly faces and a fresh new look

Building financial literacy for neurodivergent women

A video game that aims to build financial literacy for neurodivergent women, and a print edition of ANU’s Bossy Magazine are among the recipients of YWCA Canberra’s 2023 Great Ydeas Small Grants Program.

Each year, the feminist not-for-profit provides $9,000 in micro grants to women, girls, and nonbinary people in the ACT. In 2023, Beyond Bank, Sustineo, Ernst & Young (EY) and The Joyful Business Club each sponsored an additional grant, bringing the total funding pool to $18,500.

YWCA Canberra CEO Frances Crimmins said these projects prove how the whole community can benefit “when we support and empower women and non-binary people to explore their great ideas”.

Local mum and financial counsellor Deb Shroot was the recipient of EY’s grant for her mission to build financial literacy for neurodivergent women via gamification.

She was inspired by the risk of financial insecurity that women face due to disproportionate caring and unpaid work, lower average incomes, and domestic violence, which is even higher for neurodivergent women.

“I want to develop a financial literacy tool, thinking in the way of Game of Life,” Ms Shroot told CW. Her project is a free, not-for-profit, financial literacy program for neurodivergent young people to help them develop skills that keep them safer from financial harm.

“It’s important to me because I’m neurodiverse, my children are neurodiverse – it’s a very vulnerable group.”

Through her career, Ms Shroot witnesses every day how important financial literacy is. “I see how it’s a really big barrier to people gaining independence.”

ANU student Imogen McDonald won the Beyond Bank Grant to fund a 2023 print edition of Bossy Magazine, the ANU Women’s Department’s autonomous feminist publication, “dedicated to upholding intersectional feminism and empowering the community”.

As content editor, Ms McDonald created the theme of the print edition, ‘Vestige.’

She hopes to encourage the community to delve deeper into the “relics of the past” that have been used to shape the history of women and

marginalised identities, and “reclaim these vestiges to form empowering depictions of history and identity”.

“Bossy Magazine accepts submissions from women and non-binary students, alumni, and staff of the ANU,” said Ms McDonald. “It’s a safe space for them to express themselves, share their stories, and what they want the wider Canberra community to be aware of.”

In a full circle moment, The Joyful Business Club Grant was awarded to Hayley McClellan by Serina Bird, who was herself a Great Ydeas grant recipient.

Ms McClellan’s program, EmpowerHER, aims to run a one-off (initially) Neurodiverse Expo for Canberra providing an opportunity for creative, young, neurodiverse women to showcase their artistic talents.

Pauline Siteaud received the Sustineo Grant for her program, Project Empower, which consists of volunteer-run workshops that educate students about gender equality and encourage young women and non-binary people to embrace their leadership strengths. Full story online.

- Anja de Rozario

One giant leap for womankind

The book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus should probably read “men and women are from Earth” because the Australian Space Agency has just committed to a diversity and inclusion statement for the space industry.

In an Australian first, such a commitment is essential when you look at history: When the first female astronaut went into space for a week – NASA suggested she take 100 tampons. When the first all-female space-walk was announced, NASA had to cancel because there was only one space suit that would fit a woman.

ANU gender researcher Dr Elise Stephenson says Australia’s industry is growing rapidly, particularly in the ACT, and there is an opportunity to do it differently, “to get it right from the start”.

“This new inclusion statement is pretty awesome to think about, not only creating a policy statement but also about what do we want the sector to look like in the future,” Dr Stephenson says.

“The ACT is positioning itself to be a

gateway, a national or international hub for the space sector. Although there’s this enormous opportunity, we’re seeing a lot of inequality.

“The space sector doesn’t just involve people who have STEM skills, it’s an under-utilised opportunity. They need to get better at how they market opportunities and the pathways into the sector, such as more traineeships, on-the-job training, thinking about lateral transfer, re-skilling mothers returning to the workforce or changing careers.”

It’s worth remembering that if it wasn’t for female mathematicians, the US might not have successfully sent people into space or to the moon and back.

“We’ve got some big organisational issues that the space industry and government has to grapple with to ensure that their workforce is inclusive,” Dr Stephenson says.

“Space hasn’t been designed around women and If we’re ever to settle future planets, that’s obviously a problem. To be able to sustainably reproduce humanity, we actually need all kinds

of people from all kinds of backgrounds. We have a practical imperative in making sure everyone’s involved.”

Save the date: NASA’s Christina Koch is set to become the first woman on the moon in late 2024.

home

- Georgia Curry

There were some women in secretarial roles at Honeysuckle Creek in 1969 and these roles were technical and vital.

Photo Hamish Lindsay and honeysucklecreek.net

Canberra crew in space race pit-stop

When the bearings in your car are worn you need a service but when the bearings happen to be one tonne and a metre wide, you’re going to need a bigger jack.

A massive mechanical service is underway at Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex to replace the elevation bearings underneath the 4,000-tonne main dish.

The 10-yearly service required cranes and hydraulic lifts, according to Outreach and Visitor Centre manager Glen Nagle.

“We’re looking at a structure that’s 4,000 tonnes of moving structure – four million kilograms – and that places a lot of weight on the bearings,” Glen says. “When you relieve that pressure, the sound of that release coming off the bearing echoes out through the valley.”

Shipped in from NASA, the bearings allow smooth movement of the main dish, which is the only one in the world that can communicate with the twin spacecraft Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, which were launched by NASA

in 1977. Incidentally, Voyager 2 has just ticked over the 20 billion-kilometre mark from home.

While the 70-metre dish is in the garage, two smaller 34-metre dishes combined continue to maintain communications.

“There were no micro fractures in the old bearings so that’s a great testament to the excellent preventative maintenance done by our engineering teams to make sure they’re in good condition,” Glen says.

“It is effectively a 22-storey building that you have to turn on its side and spin around every day. That creates wear-and-tear on anything.”

The dish is also gaining a low-noise amplifier. Glen says the signals received from space are incredibly small and “tens of billions times weaker than the power of a watch battery”.

“You need very sensitive receivers on the antennae to pick up those signals. It helps to

improve its capability to pick up these very tiny whispers from space.”

The main dish will be back online on 2 June.

At the Grange Deakin, our serviced apartments allow you to enjoy the comfort of your own one bedroom apartment with meals prepared by our chef onsite, your apartment cleaned, and bedlinen and towels changed weekly. All this with the added benefit of no home maintenance, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the things you love.

Take a stroll through the village gardens, a dip in the pool, enjoy a chat with your neighbours or participate in the village activities. All before you step outside the village or wander to the Deakin shops, just 300m up the road.

Open Monday to Friday. Book a tour, or visit our open for inspection every Friday 10am-2pm

- Georgia Curry

Engineers inspect a new, one-tonne bearing for the main dish at Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.

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Vale, Gordon Scott – Canberra rugby and choral legend

Last Friday, 5 May, local identity, rugby and singing legend Gordon Alexander Kendall Scott passed away after a 14-year battle with cancer and other ailments.

Gordon was born in 1944 in Poona, India. His family came to Canberra in 1953, and settled in the then wilds of Yarralumla. Gordon attended Telopea Park primary and high school. He and his older brother Peter were both good rugby players: both represented the ACT, and Peter went on to be the ACT’s first local Wallaby. Gordon played one year of grade with Canberra Royals, where he played in centres with his brother and won a firstgrade premiership. Otherwise, Gordon was an Easts man, and was associated with that club from 1966 until his death. He played 460 grade games with Easts, and still holds the record for 12 years straight as president.

Gordon was more than a rugby player, however. He had a great voice, and did a striking impersonation of Harry Belafonte. His

best-known song was the ‘Banana Boat Song’, and he would sing it and others as a regular visitor to aged care homes and seniors’ charity events. He organised many charity events for good causes as varied as the Nepalese Earthquake Appeal, sporting charities, and most recently a fundraiser for Ukraine.

He was a great friend of mine from the 1970s onwards, and was a pallbearer at my younger son Joe’s funeral in 2018 and the soloist at my wife’s funeral last October. He stood unsuccessfully for the seat of Molonglo for the Liberal Party in 2004.

Many sporting clubs in Canberra have often struggled to make ends meet. Many amateur sports often only keep going because of the dedication of one or two individuals. This certainly applied to Easts: despite many bad times and the not infrequent likelihood of the club folding, Gordon almost singlehandedly kept that club going.

His most recent legacy was to form an

under-18 boys’ side, largely from Narrabundah College, to play in the junior rugby comp. He had done this for the last six or so years. Some of his team joined him at an aged care facility in Red Hill to sing and chat to the elderly residents, much to their enjoyment. As a result of Gordon’s efforts, Easts now have a team of keen young men who can progress to grade football and help one of Canberra’s original grand old clubs survive. He was a mentor and friend to many, and he inspired countless individuals to follow in his footsteps and give back to their community.

My elder son, John, wrote a fitting Facebook tribute to Gordon, with which I will end: “We will never forget the impact he had on our lives and the Canberra community. His legacy will live on through the countless individuals he mentored and coached at Easts and the memories we hold dear. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

COMFORT & Style

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GIVIT seeks school shoes

GIVIT is calling for the donation of school shoes for two young children living in a family experiencing financial hardship due to the rising cost of living and mental illness. This family is currently being assisted by a charity that supports children and families in crisis. One of the parents has been hospitalised after experiencing a mental illness and the other is struggling to get by on a minimum wage. The stress of caring for two kids, taking care of a partner who is unwell and put food on the table is taking a toll. Any support for this family would be greatly appreciated. Generous Canberrans can fund this request with 100% of money donated used to purchase two pairs of school shoes for the children. To find out how you can help please visit givit.org. au/whats-needed; Search Category: keyword ‘school shoes’; Location: ‘ACT’. GIVIT supports more than 400 charities and community groups across the Capital Region by matching your items with people who need them most.

Mother’s Day Stall

Relay for Life Team, the Bold Bandannas, will hold a Mother’s Day Stall at Bunnings Majura on Saturday 13 May 9am-4pm to raise funds for the Cancer Council ACT. There will be a range of gifts for Mum: homemade jams, pickles, marmalades, lemon butter, and sugar-reduced items; shortbread and rum balls; handcrafted coat hangers, hand towels, beanies, scarves, and bookmarks. More info: call Jan on 6231 0761.

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• SKIN CANCER MANAGEMENT (surgical inc skin aps & grafts & non-surgical)

• LUMPS & BUMPS MANAGEMENT (cysts, lipomas, skin tags, anal skin tags, any other lesions)

• DERMATOLOGY (RASHES, HAIR LOSS, ALOPECIA ETC)

• BOTULINUM TOXIN FOR TEETH GRINDING/ CLENCHING/JAW PAIN

Appointments can be made via:

Ochre BRUCE 02 6180 8500 or HotDoc online

QUEANBEYAN GP SUPERCLINIC 02 6297 3311 or www.qgpsc.com.au/appointments/

@lbsc_clinic

Book Sale @ St Ninian’s

Second-hand books for all occasions – fiction and non-fiction, cookery, gardening, manuals, children, magazines and more – at St Ninian’s Uniting Church, Lyneham on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 May 9am-1pm. Freshly baked scones, morning tea and lunch will also be available.

Community Dance

No Lights No Lycra Canberra Belconnen is having an All Aussie Artists theme playlist on Wednesday 17 May 7.30-8.30pm at Flynn Community Hall, 21 Bingle St (at the back of the Flynn Community Hub). Come celebrate all our amazing Aussie singer/songwriters and the great music they have produced. Tickets: $10 via TryBooking NLNL Belconnen Ticket Link. More info: email nlnlcanberrabelconnen@gmail.com or find NLNL Canberra Belconnen on Facebook.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Weston Creek Community Centre (WCCC) is hosting Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on Friday 19 May 11am-1pm in the WCCC Hall. Let’s get together to enjoy a cuppa so we can support those impacted by cancer. If you are unable to join us, you can donate anytime at our office or by phone with your card details.

Weston Creek Gardeners’ Club

The Weston Creek Gardeners’ Club will hold our first indoor meeting for the year at Raiders Weston Club (Loft Room) on Thursday 18 May 1.30pm. Guest speaker: Tracey Bool, horticulturalist and garden writer. New members welcome. More info: Helen on 0409 035 685.

VIEW Club

Woden: Our next meeting is on Tuesday 23 May 11.30am at Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden. Guest speaker: Jaclyn Callaghan from Marymead, talking about Marymead’s Grandparents Group. Cost: $34 for lunch. RSVP to Monica on 0412 664 195 by Wednesday 17 May.

Walk Safely to School Day

National Walk Safely to School Day is on again this year, taking place Friday 19 May. Primary schools across the ACT are encouraged to get walking and be involved in this great community initiative. Championed by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking, or alternative active transport (especially to and from school) can provide for the long-term wellbeing of our children, not just on 19 May, but every day.

More info: walk.com.au/wstsd

Arthritis Pain Support

Chronic pain, what is it? Is it all in your head? Actually no, it’s in your nerves (nervous system). Arthritis Pain Support invites you to a free online talk by physiotherapist Anan Asger Ali on Thursday 18 May 12-1.15pm. Join us for a practical guide on how a physio can help you navigate your pain journey to live life to the full, in spite of pain. Register at 6251 2055 or info@arthritisact.org.au

Take a step towards a career with purpose

No experience? No worries. We have excellent training programs to develop your skills.

Already working in the industry?

Great! We provide numerous opportunitiesfor career growth throughout our different services. Experience working in a different industry? Excellent. Let’s see how we can transfer your skills and get started on a new, meaningful path.

Scan to see our available positions

We provide:

• Flexible hours to fit your schedule, and set rosters so you can plan your life in advance.

• Competitive salaries and great salary packaging options so you can save big on tax.

• A friendly and supportive work environment that cares for you so you can care for others.

A career at Goodwin means making a real difference to the lives of seniors while giving you the opportunity to shine

SOCIAL SCENE

Erin Adams, Yasmin Coe, Jeanette Dyer, Sarah Rajic Taylor Harrison, Carlee Scullin, Mary Smith, Bridget Bateup

Susannah MacFarlane, Chanelle Tagliapietra

Sart Spinks, Kathleen Buckley, Rus Livermore, Sonya Thompson

Hannah Andreveski, Melissa Waring

Stacey McGee, Angelique Gross, Marisa Paterson MLA, Jing Chua, Nimali Peters

Sarah Kelly, Lavinia Tyrrel, Amanda Walker

Suzanne Howarth, Lea Duval, Karen Porter, Justine Lennane, Sheena Ireland

Tianai Dong, Florence Ngu

Hope Starts Here Mother’s Day Luncheon for Roundabout Canberra and Karinya House, Hyatt Hotel Canberra.

How to Host a Murder mystery night, The Carrington Inn, Bungendore.

Two huge days to celebrate all things wool!

Annette and Chris Byrne Kellie O’Connor, Briony Young Lucy, Jason, Cindie and Lauren

Russel, Penny, Craig and Mel Peter and Karinna Ugov Greg and Debbie

CANBERRA’S BEST CURTAIN AND BLINDS INSTALLERS

CANBERRA’S BEST CURTAIN INSTALLERS

Over 100 categories to discover. Find Canberra’s expert leaders in one location, offering quality and reliable services across the ACT.

Clinton McCosker, Thirusha Obeyesekere, Ashleigh Bujaroski, Ashley Jenkins, Maree Harman

Brock O’Connell, Jess Ashcroft, Rich Baz, Mel O’Hanlon

Glenn Hughes, Julie West Lesley Johnston, Erna Glassford

Louise Bilston, Scott Sadler, Shane Rattenbury MLA

Winston Yien, Kamini Sathananthar

William Barton, Lisa Morisset

Anita Burgess, Danielle Burgess, Lise Waring

Nadine Ellis, John Ellis

National Arboretum Canberra celebrating 10 years, Village Centre.

ACROSS

1 Reason for doing or not doing something (6)

4 In very high spirits (8)

9 Recipe (7)

11 f ormer first l ady, – ' l ady Bird' Johnson (7)

12 flash of lightning (11)

13 Cover (3)

14 Reasonable lengths (8)

16 Governs (5)

19 Expel (5)

20 a type of pasta (8)

22 Hot beverage (3)

24 Great playwright (11)

26 Persecute (7)

27 Having three dimensions (7)

29 Expenditure (8)

30 a bandon (6)

PLAY UNLIMITED PUZZLES ONLINE

canberraweekly.com.au/puzzles

TAu R u S aPR 21 – May 21

Positive developments at home or with family are possible this week, so take the initiative to improve your creature comforts domestically. You could also make a breakthrough financially via work or by making fresh arrangements with a group or organisation.

g E mi N i May 22 – Jun 21

Your sign’s ruler Mercury ends its retrograde phase on Monday, bringing key developments that could be beneficial, especially in your personal life and financially. If you’ve felt under the weather, your energy levels are likely to improve over the coming weeks.

CANCER Jun 22 – Jul 22

Venus will bring some lovely get-togethers and the chance to improve your personal and career status, so be sure to take the initiative. A lovely trip or project will be inspiring and bring a sense of purpose. It’s a good time for self-development and the arts.

BRAIN BUSTERS

1 What highly contagious infection is caused by the varicella zoster virus?

LE O Jul 23 – auG 23

DOWN

1 Pixie (3)

2 Move in a circuit (9)

3 Small military unit (5)

5 Swathe (6)

6 Restaurant in Italy (9)

7 Of the tide (5)

8 Secret (11)

10 Were of the same opinion (6)

12 Stormy (11)

15 fully informed; performing at the right rate (2,2,5)

17 Doppelganger (4-5)

18 Strata (6)

21 Sherlock Holmes’ companion, Dr – (6)

23 fruit (5)

25 Carpentry tool (5)

28 tenanted (3)

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

2 What is the chemical symbol for bohrium?

3 In which australian national park would you find Jim Jim falls?

4 In what country is the state of u ttar Pradesh?

5 according to the nursery rhyme, how many blackbirds were baked in a pie?

SOLUTIONS

You’ll appreciate the chance to reconnect with someone special. Work or a project could flourish. Romance is also on the cards, so be sure to make time for a special treat. A trip or gathering will be especially poignant and could open doors to a fresh commitment.

vi R g O auG 24 – SEPt 23

If you’ve been looking for a commitment from someone regarding work or your direction, it’s likely you’ll gain it this week, so be prepared to negotiate. August-born Virgos could obtain a romantic commitment. Financial news will come early in the week.

L i BRA SEPt 24 – OCt 23

A business or personal partner will have news, and it will enable you to plan your own arrangements more easily. There will be the chance to secure a more workable daily or health routine that suits your needs. It’s a good time to plan a break.

SCOR pi O OCt 24 – nOv 22

There will be a great deal to consider regarding work, health matters and your plans moving forward regarding family. A lucky break is on the way; a mini holiday or simply the chance to indulge in your favourite pasttimes will feel revitalising.

SAgi TTAR iu S nOv 23 – DEC 21

You’ll enjoy gaining a sense of closeness with someone special and if some issues have been difficult, you’re likely to attain a breakthrough, so be sure to take the initiative to move things along. A domestic or family development could be particularly beneficial.

CA p R i CORN DEC 22 – Jan 20

This is a good weekend for lovely get-togethers, and also for work. It’s a good week to be practical with outstanding paperwork and domestic matters, as your efforts are likely to succeed. A trip or romantic development could be ideal, so put your best foot forward.

AquAR iu S Jan 21 – fEB 19

You’ll gain a sense of direction, especially with matters that have been delayed or unclear. A financial matter could be settled so be prepared to seek the kind of outcome you want, as your efforts are likely to succeed. You may also experience progress at work.

pi SCES fEB 20 – MaR 20

Some truly positive astrological aspects this week bring the chance to develop a better and deeper understanding of those you love, so consider organising a treat or a special event. Key personal or financial news early in the week will provide clarity.

AR i ES MaR 21 – aPR 20

There is a positive opportunity this week to rearrange some of your commitments. So if you’re considering a fresh budget, this is a good time to make enquiries. If communications have been tense, they'll improve over the next few weeks.

iN THE STARS with PatSy BEnnEtt

For personal readings, contact Patsy through her website to make an appointment, or call 0448 808 333.

Facebook: facebook.com/patsybennettpsychicastrology

Instagram: instagram.com/patsybennettastrology www.patsybennett.com

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WOMEN’S HEALTH

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ADVENTURER WITH WOMEN WANT ADVENTURE

Discover your inner wild woman with Women Want Adventure! Join our small group meetups, day hikes, or multi-day trips, including an overnight canoe and camping adventure. Say goodbye to endless searches for a friend to do something with or waiting to arrange a weekend that works, and join us to explore stunning destinations and try new activities. Our supportive community of like-minded women will help you discover new places and form lasting friendships. Experience the thrill of hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and more with us, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newbie, start your journey towards a more fulfilling life today by contacting us at info@womenwantadventure.com.au or visiting www.womenwantadventure.com.au.

M: 0403 918 346

“A woman’s health is her capital.” Attributed to Harriet Beecher Stowe, a well-known American abolitionist writer in the 19th century, this adage remains as relevant today as ever.

As we approach Mother’s Day – and every day – women and girls of all cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and gender and sexual identities, are encouraged to make the time to stop and focus on your health and wellbeing. Find out how the advertisers in this special feature can help you.

3 NATURAL WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS AND FEEL GOOD AGAIN

Stress can be overwhelming, but there are natural ways to reduce it and improve your overall wellbeing.

Alternative Therapist Jessica Read understands the toll that on-going stress can have on your physical, mental and emotional health and is here to share three simple techniques that can help you take a step back from the chaos and find some inner peace:

1. Breathe: Breathing practices counteract your body’s response to stress. Try this: place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for two, and exhale out of your mouth for six counts. Repeat for two to three minutes.

2. EFT Tapping: An evidence-based, self-applied, self-soothing technique that has been proven

to send a calming signal to your brain with studies showing up to a 43 per cent reduction in cortisol (stress hormone) levels after just one hour of tapping. Suitable for all ages, tapping is a fantastic tool for emotional regulation and stress reduction. Learn how to tap for free on the Inspired Life Collective website.

3. FLOWpresso® Bodysuit Therapy: The only one of its kind in the ACT, experience 40 minutes of intentional relaxation with this revolutionary 3-in-1 technology that combines compression, thermodynamic heat and deep pressure therapy in one treatment. While you lay in a peaceful state, the bodysuit helps your body and mind rest and recover, while calming your nervous system.

4. Inspired Life Collective specialises in alternative and holistic approaches to emotional wellbeing. If you are ready to stop

living on autopilot and break free from the “normal” of stress, anxiety and overwhelm, then Jessica is here to help. Book a complimentary chat today.

W: inspiredlifecollective.com.au

Alternative Therapist Jessica Read from Inspired Life Collective.

Learn more

I was so relaxed during the process. The music through the headphones was perfect and I had the best night sleep afterward.

I will definitely go back again. Jessica is a beautiful soul doing great things in the world to enhance people ’ s experience of themselves. Highly recommend.

Anna K

I found it to be amazing

HAPPY FIT FOOTWEAR: PUT YOUR BEST FEET FORWARD

Did you know, the average person will walk about 104,400 km in a lifetime? That’s the equivalent to travelling nearly three times around the world! Are you giving your feet the attention they deserve? Or are you, like so many of us, compromising your foot health in the name of style and fashion?

Wearing high heels or pointed toe footwear consistently, can cause deformities such as clawed toes, bunions, corns and ingrown toenails. And it’s not only our feet that su er: our ankles, knees, hips, and backs can also be strained by gait and postural changes.

The e ects of high heeled shoes are proportional to heel height. Wearing heels increases the pressure through the balls of the feet, causing pain and injury to the area. High heels also decrease the angle of your lumbar spine, causing a more unstable posture, increased compression of the lumbar vertebrae, and muscle strain. These e ects are compounded by repeated use of high heels, and heel heights greater than 7cm.

At Happy Fit Footwear, we are making it easier for women to make healthy choices. Our range of stylish, podiatrist-approved footwear will challenge your expectations of what comfort looks like. Granny shoes are so last year! And even Granny likes a bit of style … and why shouldn’t she? We believe that to truly feel your most comfortable, you must also love the way you look.

If you do choose to wear high heels, try to limit yourself to 4cm. Take time to stretch your calves to avoid permanent adaptive shortening of these important muscles. Try to mix your footwear up throughout the week to allow your body time to recover. Plan your outfit around your shoes … if you expect to be on your feet a lot, or doing a lot of walking, opt for a brogue or loafer style. Or why not capitalise on the growing trend for army style boots or the white sneaker look. Remember, feet are for life, and you only get one pair!

I use my Shoe Pyramid to educate patients about healthy footwear choices. Much like the food pyramid, it’s all about balance. If you’re naughty one day, you might pay for it the next with sore feet and blisters. It’s the time we spend on our feet most, either standing or walking, that we really need to be mindful of. Opt for styles with support through the heel

counter and midfoot in preference to shoes which are overly soft and cushioned. Whilst soft shoes may feel comfortable initially, and may be okay for some people, most of us need more support and stability. So many of the conditions we treat as podiatrists are the result of excessive motion through the feet and into lower limbs, so let’s target the source by wearing the right footwear and help prevent some of these issues before they arise!

COMING SOON: HAPPY FIT FOOTWEAR, MANUKA!

It is our mission at Happy Fit Footwear to make it easier for people to access quality, stylish, supportive footwear. Many of our styles are orthotic friendly, and we also carry a diverse range of sizes and width fittings for di cult-to-fit feet.

We are Canberra’s largest supplier of podiatristapproved footwear, and in spring, we will be opening a second store location in Manuka. Although we do have our online store, we know how much you value the quality fitting service provided by our friendly and knowledgeable sta , and we hope our second store will make us more accessible to people living outside of the Tuggeranong Valley.

- Jane Earl, Podiatrist, ACT Podiatry and Director, Happy Fit Footwear

Take a break from the heels: Why not capitalise on the growing trend for army style boots?

Plenty of orthotic friendly shoes available.

Mix your footwear up with low heeled options.

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH LIFE-CHANGING TREATMENTS

Femme Aesthetics by the R Clinic is on a mission to help women in the ACT with their concerns and to remove the stigma around women’s health.

The team from Femme Aesthetics is dedicated to breaking down the social barriers surrounding women’s health and assisting women with their intimate health matters.

In this Q&A, we look at the clinic’s philosophy and the importance of what EmpowerRF treatments can bring in improving overall women’s health.

Q: What is your philosophy on women’s health?

A: We believe strongly that addressing the health of women’s intimacy is an important part of improving overall women’s health. The issues with women’s intimacy and health have been long-neglected and often have negative

impacts on women’s physical and mental health. There are technological advances to help women with these issues around the world. Femme Aesthetics by the R Clinic is the first to bring the latest technology, EmpowerRF, to women in the ACT and surrounds.

Q: What are EmpowerRF treatments?

A: EmpowerRF treatments are a comprehensive non-surgical women’s wellness platform that delivers life-changing treatments with new multi-functional, radiofrequency-based technology. They are completely customisable with layered procedures to address a broad range of feminine conditions. The treatments are performed in-office with no surgery.

Q: Why are EmpowerRF treatments important for women’s health?

A: EmpowerRF treatments can address

different women’s health concerns, such as sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor weakness, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vulvar atrophy, dryness, itching, reduced elasticity, and burning during menopause. By offering the latest technology with EmpowerRF treatments, we provide the latest treatment options to our clients, ultimately improving overall women’s health, self-esteem, and their sexual relationships.

Q: How does EmpowerRF fit into Femme Aesthetics’ approach to women’s health?

A: EmpowerRF is a carefully considered and selected technology by Femme Aesthetics to help our women clients achieve their women’s health goals. Femme Aesthetics wants to play a crucial role in improving overall

women’s health, and EmpowerRF offers a number of advanced treatment options to address these important women’s issues.

Femme Aesthetics by The R Clinic

C01 / 4 Grazier Lane, Belconnen 2617

T: 02 5119 3898

E: contact@rclinic.com.au

W: www.rclinic.com.au

Dr Melanie Sung for Femme Aesthetics.

LADIES, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VARICOSE VEINS

Women are up to three times more likely to get varicose veins.

Fluctuating progesterone levels during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause relax vein walls, making it harder for valves to close. As the valves stop your blood from flowing backwards, when they can’t close, blood pools, making vein walls bulge out and turn varicose.

Forty per cent of pregnant women get varicose veins.

Pregnancy causes your blood volume to double to supply the baby. As the baby grows, it strains your abdominal and pelvic veins. These factors, combined with fluctuating progesterone levels, create a ‘perfect storm’ for this condition. There are 4 steps you can take to minimise your risk:

1. Go on daily 30-minute walks and

take some yoga classes. These will boost circulation and tone your leg muscles without straining your veins.

2. Eat a more vein-friendly diet. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and seeds contain the vitamins and nutrients your veins need to stay healthy. Cut down on salty, greasy, and sugary foods, as they can damage your veins over time.

3. Take movement breaks. Sitting or standing for long hours makes it hard for your veins to pull blood to your heart. Try to get up, stretch, wander around, or do some squats every 30 minutes.

4. Get compression stockings. They squeeze blood out of congested veins into deep veins that transport it to the heart. They’ll also activate

muscles to pump blood upward more e ciently.

If you think you have varicose veins, see a specialist.

Leaving varicose veins untreated may lead to ulceration, deep vein thrombosis, and sometimes irreversible skin damage. So, if you see large, twisted, and bulging veins on your legs or get common symptoms like swelling, limb fatigue, and aches, book a consultation

with a vein specialist. Start your varicose vein treatment journey at The Vein Institute's Canberra clinic.

The Vein Institute, Barton Street Specialist Centre, Level 2, 3 Sydney Avenue, Barton ACT

T: 13 VEINS (13 83467)

E: info@theveininstitute.com.au

W: theveininstitute.com.au

For expert varicose vein treatment, see a vein specialist at the Vein Institute’s Canberra clinic. your leg

LET’S GET FIT FOR TRAVEL!

Do you have a holiday planned soon? Do you want to feel more confident in your fitness, mobility and increase your energy? Get out of the bus and be fit to see the sights and explore!

This six-week program is for ladies looking to boost their confidence to feel fitter and stronger.

No more making excuses, let’s get fit for travel!

It's time to fire up your fitness journey and make a change. Do you want extra strength to carry your suitcase or maybe for all that extra shopping!

We have almost 15 years of experience amongst our Curves Fitness Coaches who will encourage and support you in your preparation for your holiday adventures.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So, start yours today! Let’s work towards better health and your holiday destination!

Curves Jamison, cnr Redfern and Bowman St, Macquarie ACT

T: 6251 1111 | W: curvesbelconnenoffer.com

SAUNA FLOAT ACT: YOUR BODY NEEDS INFRARED LIGHT AND MAGNESIUM TO THRIVE

Did you know that infrared saunas are excellent for detoxing and de-stressing? In fact, says Sauna Float ACT, infrared light is scientifically proven to penetrate deeply into your joints, muscles and tissues, increasing oxygen flow and circulation. This results in a whole-body hyperthermia to make you sweat and release toxins.

And if you are deficient in magnesium, this is exactly what our floatation tanks are designed for: to help assist in gently replenishing your magnesium levels in a relaxing and restful setting. If you often feel tired, then come for a magnesium salt float.

Curves Jamison’s new six-week program helps women feel fitter and stronger for travel.

If you're feeling tired, try a magnesium salt float at Sauna Float ACT.

MD COSMEDICAL SOLUTIONS: ADVANCED SKIN TIGHTENING & REJUVENATION WITH FOTONA 4D

Introducing the revolutionary new Fotona 4D Laser at MD Cosmedical Solutions – the advanced medical laser technology with amazing skin tightening and rejuvenation results that you can see and feel. The scientifically proven Fotona SP Dynamis Laser System, via the Fotona 4D treatment platform, delivers excellent non-invasive medical skin treatments.

Whether you have skin laxity, sun damage, ageing skin, wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, rosacea, scars or stretch marks, Fotona Laser treatments deliver remarkable results.

Fotona4D is a series of synergistic, non-invasive laser treatments of both the exterior facial and interior oral cavity, enabling full-thickness contraction of collagen for

Skin

Before

after

the new Fotona 4D Laser at MD Cosmedical Solutions. approached from four different levels, working on deeper, medial and superficial connective structures of the skin, as well as targeting imperfections. The four “dimensions” of Fotona4D® refer to four distinct treatments with Fotona’s SP Dynamis or SP Spectro systems: SmoothLiftinTM,

For this month only, MD Cosmedical Solutions are offering 20 per cent off all our Fotona 4D treatments. All patients must have a free consultation prior to treatment.

Suite 3C / 3 Sydney Ave, Barton ACT 2600

(left) and

(right):

Vengeance or justice, discover which is right in The Trials

In a world destroyed by inaction of others, where do you draw the line between justice and revenge? The Trials put those who did nothing to prevent the climate crisis in the defendant seat at Canberra Theatre Centre, 19-28 May.

In the role of judge, jury and potential executioner are a group of teenagers; the defendants are their parents. Set in a not-to-distant future, the climate crisis has escalated, the heat is near unbearable, and the air thick and hard to swallow. The damage is already done, and to stop the world from being completely uninhabitable, people need to take action, yesterday.

Producing the Australian premiere of the Dawn King play is the Canberra Youth Theatre with a cast of 12 youth actors and three adults. The first production of their 2023 season focuses on a real issue that young people and future generations will face, in the world they are inheriting.

“I’ve been learning about it and trying to help do things my whole life, it’s been a really big part

and that is one of the reasons I was drawn to this pay play because it seemed like a really interesting way to be part of the solution,” says Alexi Clark Mitchell.

Clark Mitchell plays the role of Chris, who is disinterested in the situation and much more interested in their co-juror Noah. While Chris represents those who are disconnected from the seriousness of it all, Noah is the opposite; he is passionate and wants people to be held responsible.

“The more I listened to their speeches, the more it humanises them and the harder I personally would find it to convict someone being guilty,” says Joshua James.

With a death sentence looming, the play explores the grey areas. They all agree that the parents on trial didn’t do enough to prevent climate change, but should they pay with their lives; would their individual contributions have been enough to change the outcome? James says he wants the audience to walk away with

climate action in mind and hopefully change some of their behaviours.

“We’re not there yet, this is a place set in the future and the hope is that people will see this play and go ‘we don’t want to get to that point’.”

See The Trials at Canberra Theatre Centre, 19-28 May; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

- Jessica Cordwell

Photo Kerrie STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Brewer

Presented by free-rain theatre Give our Box Office a call on 02 6210 8748 for access and companion card bookings BOOK TICKETS ACTHUB.COM.AU 10th - 20th May ✯✯✯“Funny & Heartwarming”✯✯✯ Explore the many ways people have achieved social change in Australia. Learn about Australia’s progress in areas such as women’s rights, marriage equality, science and technological invention and much more. Free Exhibition closing 12 June 2023 This exhibition is supported by Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program. National Archives of Australia Kings Avenue, Parkes ACT naa.gov.au | lastweeks!

Show how much you love her Mother’s Day

Spend $50 in Centre* and receive a FREE Dusk Candle from the Artisan Collection.

*T&C’s Apply. See website for full details.

6 - 14 May

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

We invite all mums and mums at heart to enjoy themselves at our Mother’s Day Pamper Place!

There will be lots of freebies including a ‘Mum-Osa’, Mother’s Day cards, hamper giveaways and grazing platters!

13 and 14 May | 11am – 2pm

Documentary captures Canberrans shooting for the NBA

A love letter to their hometown, basketball and big dreams, Something’s Cooking In The Capital follows four Canberrans on their journey to the NBA. Spearheaded by a team of Canberra filmmakers, the documentary sparks hope of a professional pathway for local basketballers.

It was created as part of the NBA Films for Fans initiative, an outreach program that invited filmmakers from 11 countries to develop a short documentary on their cultural perspective of basketball. Of the 24 films, seven were chosen to premiere at the NBA All-Star 2023 event in Salt Lake City, Utah back in February – one of which was Something’s Cooking In

The Capital.

“Sometimes there are certain stories where you feel like you’re born to make them. Lachlan and I being Canberrans, being through the basketball pathway, we were prepared to just do anything to make this happen,” says the film’s producer, Dylan Simpson.

Wanting to challenge the perception that Canberra is the whipping boy of the rest of the country, the filmmakers focused on the pathway of ACT players making it into the NBA and those who are on the journey.

“There’s this whole new wave of players coming through that are doing incredible things on the world stage … and I felt people weren’t necessarily

talking about it as much as they should have been,” says director, Lachlan Ross.

The filmmakers say that if there was one message they want the audience to take from the film it is that anything is possible. Simpson says nobody embodies that more than Chima Moneke, with whom he grew up playing in the same teams.

“I still remember us being 15, 16 years old and him singing to the rafters and telling everybody that he is going to make the NBA. I remember laughing at him, rolling my eyes; there is almost this tall poppy syndrome in Australia, to dream too big almost seems too silly,” says Simpson.

The producer says seeing Moneke at the NBA facility in Sacramento was a reminder to continue to dream big. In true Canberra fashion, the filmmakers also had connections to the other players featured in the film. They knew Bul

Kuol, who is now playing for the Cairns Taipans in the NBL through the Canberra Gunners team. For the two young up-and-coming players, Alex Toohey’s older brother plays in the Gunners, while Bowyn Beatty’s mum is one of the UC Capitals’ players.

One of their favourite parts of the story is the many different ways the players came to Canberra: Moneke’s parents were diplomats and he spent a large chunk of his youth here; Kuol arrived as a Sudanese refugee as a child; Bowyn came from Adelaide when his mum signed on to the Capitals; while Toohey was born here. Through the film, they showcase the enormous talent coming from this small multicultural city.

Learn more about Canberrans making their mark on the NBA in Something’s Cooking In The Capital; available via nba.com Full story online.

- Jessica Cordwell

Something’s Cooking In The Capital director Lachlan Ross (left) and producer Dylan Simpson.

Photo Kerrie Brewer

Now showing

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (M)

At the new headquarters of the Guardians of the Galaxy, the Guardians are still reeling from the fallout of the Infinity War. Out of nowhere, a Sovereign warrior named Adam (Will Poulter) tries to abduct Rocket (Bradley Cooper). Left seriously injured from the attempt, the Guardians are unable to assist Rocket due to a kill-switch on his heart made by a company called Orgocorp, which leads the group to its headquarters.

The first Guardians reinvigorated the Marvel Cinematic Universe at that point, shifting the series from its traditional stoic and dour hero origin stories to embracing their more comical, colourful and cosmic source material. The Guardians kept things light and fun, being a rag-tag team of space pirates while also serving as a surrogate family for one another due to sharing tragic and traumatic pasts. Vol. 2 doubled

down on this message of the importance of the family one chooses, especially with its unexpected and exhilarating third act. Vol. 3 serves as a wrapping up of the current cast of characters’ stories and as writer and director James Gunn’s swansong for the MCU before jumping ship to relaunch the DC Universe.

Focusing heavily on the tragic backstory of Rocket Raccoon, the Guardians must break from their individual grief to reconnect to save their friend from an antagonist who, while attempting to create a perfect society, misses out on the point of human imperfection.

Verdict: A beautifully produced best-of compilation track, hitting the same old notes to once again pull at the heartstrings. 3 stars.

- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net. Viewed at Dendy cinemas.

WIN! Book of the Month tickets

Tempo Theatre is bringing you a fantastic 1950s English comedy, Book of the Month by Basil Thomas, and directed by Jon Elphick.

Teenager Betty Halliday has written her first novel and it’s been published. Not just any novel, a steamy tale of love and lust and it’s tipped to be a best seller! It features characters obviously based on her family and the neighbours; she has changed the names, but her parents see big problems ahead.

Book of the Month is on at Belconnen Community Theatre from 26 May to 3 June; tickets available from canberraticketing.com.au or phone 6275 2700.

CW has 3 pairs of tickets to opening night of Book of the Month to be won.

Enter to win

To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberraweekly.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find this competition and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 19 May 2023 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+. Winners must be able to attend.

Donizetti’s Elixir of Love

This weekend, National Opera will serve Canberrans a favourite tipple, grown in Italy’s musical vineyards: Gaetano Donizetti’s Elixir of Love

This is a ‘pocket version’, sung in English, and half the length of the full Elisir d’amore. “All the best bits put together,” says director Ylaria Rogers. Including the famous tenor aria, “Una furtiva lagrima”.

At 75 minutes, it’s enough to make one merry, but won’t leave opera novices with that hungover ‘morning after’ feeling.

“If you’re new to opera, or looking at dipping your toes into opera, this is a really perfect format,” conductor Leonard Weiss says.

Elisir was the prolific Donizetti’s 37th opera, out of nearly 70, and the fourth he composed in 1832 alone. While the three other operas Donizetti wrote that year are melodramas about forbidden love, murder, and madness in royal families, Elisir is a rom com.

Nemorino (‘Little Nobody’), a nice but simple guy, loves the smart Adina, who won’t admit her feelings for him. Is she outside his league? Worse, Nemorino has a rival in the swaggering soldier Belcore (the jock type). When a quack doctor, Dr Dulcamara, arrives selling what he claims are magic love potions, Nemorino hopes he has found the answer to his problems.

“There are moments of love and heartbreak and earnestness and connectedness, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Rogers says.

National Opera prides itself on working with local artists, Weiss explains, and most of the singers are Canberrans. Soprano Sarah Darnley-Stuart, who sings the commanding Adina, comes from the ACT. Bass Sitiveni Talei (the swashbuckling Belcore), a

member of Opera Australia, is another Canberran. So is mezzo Elsa Huber (Giannetta, Adina’s best friend), whom Weiss taught at ANU. Tenor Daniel Verschuer (Nemorino) and bass-baritone Matthew Avery (Dr Dulcamara) are from Sydney.

“It’s an amazing team of people who are very musically skilled, have a lot of dramatic experience, know how to embrace a character, and make their onstage personality interesting and convincing,” Weiss said.

Weiss himself is a rapidly rising young conductor, who recently worked with Riccardo Muti in Tokyo (“The most inspiring experience of my whole life”), and will assist the Metropolitan Opera’s music director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, later this year. This is his third time with National Opera: he conducted the pocket version of Mozart’s Così fan tutte last year, and was assistant conductor for the company’s inaugural production, La clemenza di Tito, in 2021.

“People should walk away feeling like they’ve seen something beautiful, magical, and just enjoyable,” Rogers said. “The music’s great; it’s going to be fun.”

As Dr Dulcamara boasts of his wares, the Elixir can make the old feel young, set the dead on their feet, and put a smile on the faces of the miserable.

Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love – A Pocket Opera will be performed at Albert Hall on Thursday 11 (6pm) and Saturday 13 May (2pm and 6pm). Tickets: adults: $55; concession: $45; full-time students: $20; under 18: $10. For more information, visit nationalopera.org.au/ elixir-of-love-a-pocket-opera/.

Full story online. - Nick Fuller

Book talk

This week, Michael Popple reviews three outstanding books from some very talented Australian authors. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com

Fire With Fire

by Candice Fox Bantam Australia, $32.99

When two determined parents take over a Los Angeles forensics centre, their ultimatum is simple, find their missing daughter within 24 hours or watch key evidence be destroyed. As the police besiege the centre, it falls to two unlikely partners, a hardened cop who just escaped a harrowing undercover operation and a rookie fired on her first day, to find the girl. One of Australia’s best crime fiction authors returns with another gritty and compelling standalone thriller. Fast paced and intense, but with some real heart to it, Fire With Fire is a gripping read that proves very hard to put down.

The Isles of the Gods

by Amie Kaufman Allen & Unwin, $24.99

Selly is a sailor who is desperate to reunite with her father and make her mark on the world. But when she runs into the spoiled Prince Leander, she and her ship are dragged into an adventure they never expected. Their new passenger needs to reach the sacred Isles of the Gods before another war between gods begins and all hell is unleashed. This was a deeply enjoyable young adult fantasy novel from the always impressive Amie Kaufman. Featuring entertaining teenage characters, an elaborate new fantasy realm, and a ton of action, this is a brilliant novel for readers of all ages.

Echo Lake

by Joan Sauers

Allen & Unwin, $32.99

After finalising her divorce, historian Rose McHugh moves to the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Buying a scenic cottage outside Berrima, Rose soon finds that the area has a dark secret. A woman went missing years ago and a roll of film Rose finds in her backyard entices her to learn more. But will her actions force a dangerous killer to strike again?

Screenwriter Joan Sauers makes her crime fiction debut in a big way with Echo Lake, which combines distinctive characters with a detailed look at the beautiful Highlands area. A fantastic murder mystery that will appeal to Canberra readers.

Canberra Weekly competition winners

The winners in Canberra Weekly’s latest round of competition draws are: Ana de la Vega tickets: M Wyett, Fadden; R Cairns, Florey. Disney Doorables Squish’Alots: E Watson, Banks; P Cunningham, Ainslie; S Dentrinos, Nicholls.

Your local, independent bookshop in Kingston

Canberra’s newest independent bookshop - stocking a large range of quality new books for readers of all ages.

We sell pages for all ages

PUFFS

This fun and bizarre play allows viewers to see what the non-heroes were doing during the magical war and that certain wizarding school.

The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 11-20 May; theq.net.au

BRICKS @ WODEN

More than 40 local and visiting exhibitors show their creative and fun Lego displays with interactive activities, a barbecue, and markets stalls. All funds go to support The Woden School.

The Woden School, Deakin, 20-21 May; trybooking.com

GERMAN FILM FESTIVAL

Take a look at the German way of life and culture in this catalogue of the finest films from German-speaking countries, with dramas, comedies, thrillers and family-friendly flicks.

Palace Electric, until 24 May; germanfilmfestival.com.au

BATLOW CIDERFEST

A colourful party celebrating the end of apple harvest and the best boutique ciders from around the country, including locally produced specialties. Enjoy some hard-earned downtime with live entertainment, market stalls, locally grown produce, homemade treats, food from around the globe and of course, the sound of fresh cider being poured in the clear mountain air.

Pioneer Street, Batlow, Saturday 20 May 10am-4pm; batlowciderfest.com.au

SWING THAT MUSIC

Ed Wilson (Daly-Wilson Big Band) and Emma Pask (The Voice) are coming to Canberra with their amazing jazz/ swing/big band skills for a strictly one-off celebration. This energyfilled event brings two hours of swing classics, all with the full might of the incredible Australian Wind Symphony on stage.

Hellenic Club Woden, Thursday 25 May 8pm; australianwindsymphony.com.au

TAPESTRY OF CULTURES

Travel around the world without leaving Canberra in this family festival; explore international dance, live performances, music and food with market stalls and activities available throughout the day.

National Museum of Australia, Saturday 13 May 10am-4pm; nma.gov.au

HIGH TEA AND TOUR

The National Dinosaur Museum celebrates mums with their special Mother’s Day event including a savoury and sweet buffet, an ode to Mum gallery tour and a special treat for Mum.

National Dinosaur Museum, Sunday 14 May 2.30pm; nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

Find more listings at canberraweekly.com.au

To advertise here, contact Samantha on 0423 355 536 or samantha@canberraweekly.com.au

Batlow CiderFest celebrates the end of the harvest season with a big party on 20 May.

Swing That Music brings a lively performance to Hellenic Club Woden, 25 May.

WITH WESLEY SMITH, DIRECTOR, LIVE

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTRE MANUKA LIVEWELLNATURALLY.COM.AU

Salt: Good or bad, less or more?

I grew up in a household where cooking together and sharing meals was integral to family life. When attempting to recreate my grandmother’s delicious recipes, the true flavour only emerges when a very liberal dosing of salt is applied.

So, no doubt my formative years shaped my salt preferences. But isn’t salt bad for you? Let’s find out more.

When salt first got its bad reputation

In the early 1900s, scientists advanced the theory that increased dietary salt intake led to hypertension (high blood pressure), which in turn increased the risk of cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks.

Later research was seen to reinforce this evidence, such as a prominent 1970s study by Lewis Dahl which involved observing hypertension in rats after they were fed 500 grams of sodium a day. Notwithstanding this is around 150 times the amount of sodium the average human eats a day, the prevailing ‘salt is bad’ narrative was reinforced.

Despite the advances in science and the emergence of conflicting evidence, the notion that reduced-salt diets were beneficial has remained the prevailing view.

Take it with a grain of salt

In a watershed study, a 2011 meta-analysis (where the results of many studies are collated) found no evidence that a low-salt diet is associated with better health outcomes. However, it seems it’s hard to change the narrative on salt. A quick Google search confirms that many health ‘experts’ continue to tell us to avoid salt altogether.

So, if we accept that reducing salt doesn’t make us healthier, does that mean salt is good for you?

Salt is a key dietary source of sodium which we need for our blood,

organs, and tissues. Sodium helps to produce nerve impulses, contract muscles, and regulate fluid in your body.

It’s probably fair to say we can relax about including salt in our diets, however, determining what a healthy salt intake is varies between individuals, depending on age, lifestyle and even ethnicity.

Salt of the earth, or the sea?

There are a lot of salts to choose from, so which is best? They are all chemically very similar, containing around 40 per cent sodium and 60 per cent chlorine, however, the less refined the salt is, the more likely it is to contain trace elements and other naturally occurring minerals.

Standard table salt has trace elements stripped out in the manufacturing process, although iodised table salt has iodine added back in, which is an essential mineral that many need for thyroid health and is crucial for women in pregnancy.

Himalayan pink salt seems popular judging by the rows of it at the supermarket, however, a better option is a local sea salt if you want to get all the good stuff and reduce the carbon footprint at the same time. Editor’s note: This wellbeing column provides information that is general in nature. Please always refer to your preferred health professional for advice suited to your personal healthcare requirements.

Salt may not be as harmful to our diets as health “experts” have us believe.

Why have op shops become so expensive?

Major charity op shops have undergone a mass makeover in the last 10 years, and it’s reflected in the prices.

This comment was left for my favourite Dickson date night haunt, the local Vinnies: “Ridiculously overpriced for items that are donated … You should be ashamed.”

“$20 for a shirt … That’s pricier than some fast fashion retailers!” another commenter proclaims.

With Barbies on the roof, vinyl on the walls, and a slew of funky individuals outside the changing rooms on Thursday to Saturday nights, Vinnies Dickson doesn’t look like your average op shop.

Likewise, traditional op shop prices are a thing of the past in many charity shops today. Where previously an op shop dress would cost $7-$8, it now costs closer to $20.

It’s easy to point a finger at the charities themselves. However, Lindsay Rae, Director of Commercial Operations for Vinnies Canberra/ Goulburn, urges locals to consider that while the items are donated, the expenses involved in sorting those goods are enormous.

“Vinnies receives tonnes of clothing donations in any given week… Because of fast fashion, the amount of goods coming in has dramatically increased.

“Three-quarters of the people we employ sort product.

“We are very grateful to the public who donate good quality, pre-loved items, as the proceeds from our shops provide a substantial source of funding needed to run our local programs and services.

“The rule of thumb that I tell people is if you wouldn’t lend it or give it to a

mate then Vinnies probably won’t be able to sell it either.”

Even if op shops need to mark their clothes up slightly to keep up with the times, why are certain items priced in the hundreds?

Apps like Depop and Poshmark are specifically targeted towards selling unwanted clothing. However, the popularity of the apps has caused a spike in the number of resellers trading op shop clothing at a significantly higher price than for what it was purchased.

“It’s very frustrating when we see complaints about a pair of boots that originally cost $1500 selling at $300 in one of our shops, when we know they would be sold by an online dealer for $600,” said Lindsay.

“People say, why should an op shop sell anything for $300? They should sell it for 50 bucks.

“It’s important to remember why we’re here in the first place; we’re here to raise funds to give out to the most vulnerable.

“Second-hand dealers are running a business, that’s fair enough, but they’re making money that we could be putting

back into the community.

“Our stores work very hard at trying to price things fairly, especially on high value designer goods and by increasing that price to somewhere in the middle, everyone benefits.

“And I say everyone, because raising the prices on the most popular goods has reduced the amount that goes to dealers, leaving exciting goods on our shelves for the locals to buy.”

Despite the complaints, the number of customers buying at Vinnies shops per day has more than doubled over the last 10 years.

“You just have to look around to see what we have done to improve stores. The offer is much better than it was 10 years ago.”

True to his word, the fashionable patrons who frequent Vinnies Dickson following the Friday night dinner rush are a stark comparison to the musty stigma attached to the op shops of 20 years ago.

“You would be hard pressed to find someone who isn’t proud to wear their op shop clothes today,” he smiles.

- Anja de Rozario

Director of Commercial Operations for Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn, Lindsay Rae, explains how fast fashion and online resellers affect op shop prices.

Photo Kerrie Brwer

Mirror, mirror WIN! Uniden Dash View 30R

The humble mirror is more than practical – used as a decorating device it can reflect light, make a room look bigger, amp up the glam, and double as wall art.

Interior expert Heather Nette King, stylist for Early Settler, is a big fan of mirrors to provide great décor solutions. Here are her top styling tips:

• Round mirrors are perfect when their curves mimic other round objects in a room, like a round dining table. Repeat the curve with accessories like rugs and vases for a cohesive look.

• Don’t overlook the hallway. Go for a big mirror and set the right first impression.

• Cluster rustic mirrors with geometric styles leant against the wall for an ‘undone’ look. More tips online at canberraweekly.com.au

The ultra-compact Dash View 30 features a 2.5K Video Resolution Front Camera and Full HD 30fps rear camera on the Dash View 30R, with both providing a 140-degree wide angle lens. The addition of Sony’s Starvis Image Sensor provides back-illuminated pixel technology used in CMOS image sensors for optimum video quality and with WDR allowing you to capture clearer vision in bright and low light environments. This premium technology ensures the Dash View 30 and 30R deliver high video quality in visible-light and near infrared light regions. Built using Japanese engineering technology and designed for Australian road conditions; available online at uniden.com.au or major electronics retailers. One lucky CW reader will win a Uniden Dash View 30R dashcam, valued at $399.95.

Enter to win

To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberraweekly.com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find this competition and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 19 May 2023 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+.

Are you choosing fixtures, tiles, flooring, etc. but having trouble with colours and worried that your house won’t flow?

We are here to help you! It’s called our Designer for a Day package where we come to your rescue, Your styles and ideas, but pulled together.

After visiting your home, we take you shopping to the stores that we know we can trust. We help you make the best choices for your taste, and you walk away with confident decisions.

Avoid costly mistakes that leave you feeling disappointed with your renovation, call for a chat or check it out on our website.

REAL ESTATE Light-filled home in Crace

Crace 104 Langtree Crescent

This home at the top of Langtree Crescent is framed by manicured gardens on one of the best streets in Crace - which is itself among Gungahlin’s most desirable suburbs.

Designed to maximise and accentuate its natural light, this north-facing home is smart, sophisticated, and comfortable from the moment you walk in the door.

Agent Antony Damiano’s favourite feature is the open plan lounge and dining space. “It’s the heart of the home, seamlessly integrating the

The peaceful enclosed sunroom is complemented by a sheltered pergola area that has all your dining and entertaining needs covered year-round.

Defined by clean, contemporary lines throughout, every detail and finish of 104 Langtree Crescent has been carefully considered and crafted.

“The great use of the space across a single level is what separates this property from the rest,” says Anthony. “This is luxury modern living

4 2 2

EER 4.5

Auction Sat 20 May 12pm

Price Contact Agent View Thu 11 May 5.30-6pm Sat 13 May 10.30-11am

Agent Antony Damiano

Mob 0473 444 666

Agent Sam Walker

Mob 0434 962 490

LJ Hooker Canberra City | 6249 7700

REAL ESTATE • RECENT SALES

38 Scottsdale Street, Lyons $2,825,000 Blackshaw

69 Franklin Street, Forrest $2,790,000 Blackshaw

3 MacGillivray Street, Yarralumla $1,931,000 Blackshaw

10 Kleinig Street, Nicholls $1,850,000 Stone

11 Cumberlege Crescent, Pearce $1,810,000 Blackshaw

25 MacDonnell Street, Yarralumla $1,805,000 Blackshaw

3 Briggs Street, Downer $1,575,000 LJ Hooker

32 Nungara Place, Aranda $1,455,000 LJ Hooker

36 Aurora Close, Mawson $1,450,000 Hive

14 Cashman Street, Denman Prospect $1,410,000 Blackshaw

69 Baracchi Crescent, Giralang $1,335,000 Stone

11 Quinn Street, O'Connor $1,300,000 Verv

10/25 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah $1,300,000 Belle

7 Callum Street, Queanbeyan $1,275,000 Ray White

33 Courtney Street, Googong $1,255,000 White Rhino

10 Ada Baker Street, Forde $1,230,000 Stone

3/10 Ijong Street, Braddon $1,196,000 Home by Holly

3/96 Dooring Street, Dickson $1,179,000 LJ Hooker

41 McGlashan Street, Taylor $1,175,000 MARQ

14 Wighton Terrace, Casey $1,170,000 MARQ

18/35 Edie Payne Close, Nicholls $1,150,000 Independent

48 Lycett Street, Weston $1,150,000 Luton

13 Ainsworth Street, Mawson $1,100,000 Crowthers

30B Parker Street, Curtin $1,100,000 Hayman Partners

45 Hinkler Street, Scullin $1,090,000 Purnell

15 Stringybark Drive, Jerrabomberra $1,090,000 Blackshaw

71 Hawdon Street, Dickson $1,085,000 LJ Hooker

20 Ehrlich Circuit, Watson $1,077,500 Independent

84 Goodwin Place, Lyneham $1,060,000 Independent

48 Wambool Street, Narrabundah $1,055,000 Independent

5 Cusack Place, Yass $1,050,000 Independent

75 Namadgi Circuit, Palmerston $1,030,000 Binalong

42 Mt Warning Crescent, Palmerston $1,023,000 Hugo.

11/64 Wattle Street, Lyneham $976,000 Maloneys

6 Ebor Lane, Harrison $960,000 Blackshaw

50 Fairbrother Street, Strathnairn $950,000 MARQ

3 O'Grady Place, Wanniassa $918,000 Independent

3 Meston Place, Fadden $915,000 Independent

13 Favco Place, Dunlop $895,000 LJ Hooker

58 Belconnen Way, Page $894,000 Francis

41 Helen Turner Street, Gungahlin $890,000 LJ Hooker

24 Kallara Close, Duffy $886,000 LJ Hooker

47 Hanrahan

- Super-sized fully serviced lots ranging from 850m2 to 1,547m2

- The largest lots at the lowest prices within 30mins of Canberra’s CBD

- Freehold Land with no time limit to build (save now, build later)

- Spend less on your land leaving you more $$ to build your new home

- 30 mins to Canberra’s CBD and under 20mins to Queanbeyan

- Exchange on 5% deposit with no more to pay until Aug/Sept 2023

161/45 Catalano Street, Wright $505,000 LJ Hooker

1504/2 Marcus Clarke Street, City $500,000 Blackshaw

99/41 Philip Hodgins Street, Wright $498,000 Cream Residential

35/9 Oxley Street, Griffith $455,000 Upside

200/15 Mower Place, Phillip $451,000 Raine & Horne

621/253 Northbourne Ave, Lyneham $450,000 Cercis

25/27 Coxen Street, Hughes $326,000 Impact

Data is provided by agents. Source: Realestate.com.au

Request

Three-bedroom townhouse with single garage.

6/21 Namadgi Circuit, Palmerston ACT 2913

3 | 2 | 1 | EER 0.5

This single level home is tucked away at the end of a quiet townhouse complex and presents as a blank canvas to add your own personal touch. Vacant and ready for immediate occupation, make sure you add this property to your inspection list. A short walk to Palmerston Shops and the sought-after Palmerston District Primary School, with Burgmann Anglican School, Gungahlin College, and Gungahlin Town Centre all very close by.

• All bedrooms with built in robes

• Main bedroom with ensuite plus bathroom with separate shower and bathtub

• Combined living and dining room

• Separate family room adjacent to kitchen

• NBN Connection, Fibre to the Premises

• Entertaining deck

• Single garage with internal access

• Vacant and ready to occupy

• Close to walking/cycling trails and Palmerston Oval

Hugo Mendez

hugo@hugocanberra.com.au

0421 349 916

Auction: Saturday 13 May, 9:30am on site

View: Saturday 13 May, 9:00am - 9:30am

One Bedroom Home Available Now

We have a modern one-bedroom apartment available soon This home comes with:

• Generous open plan living space opening onto a balcony

• Modern kitchen with stone benchtops and user friendly appliances

• Large master bedroom

• Reverse cycle air conditioning to keep you comfortable all year round

• An accessible bathroom

• Internal laundry

• Smart metering and community solar electricity to reduce you energy footprint, and cost of living

Our residents love calling Bellerive Village home – and you will too.

Our relaxed, contemporary retirement village makes it easy for you to make the most of every day. Ditch the mower and enjoy the social community, neighbours you know, and your own home without the time-consuming maintenance. We’ll even change the lightbulbs.

For your day-to-day needs, Bellerive’s conveniently located close to the Canberra Hospital and the heart of Woden, home to Westfield, the bus interchange and many of Canberra’s premier clubs. Call Donna Blackwell on 0400 055 299 to book a tour now

Plan your move for 2024

Let someone else do the mowing and weeding.

Display Suite open Monday to Friday. Book a private tour or join us at our Open for Inspections every Wednesday, 10am to 2pm.

With construction started, now is the perfect time to secure your brand new low maintenance 1,2 or 3 bedroom apartment with plenty of time to plan your move.

We believe a home is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a sanctuary that allows you more time to do the things you love. At Marigal Gardens retirement village, you’ll enjoy access to fabulous facilities and services at your doorstep, plus an established and thriving community.

And, when you’re ready to unwind or entertain in the privacy of your own home, you’ll enjoy:

• generous open plan living areas designed to be practical and inviting

• spacious balconies or courtyards to enjoy the paper and a coffee, or dabble in some gardening

• well-appointed kitchens with all the modern conveniences

• reverse cycle air-conditioning for all year round comfort

• double glazing

• abundant light and ingenious use of space

• sophisticated neutral palette and subtle textures that create a timeless canvas to add your own personal touch

• internal access to a secure car space with a storage cage

• 24-hour emergency assistance at the push of a button for peace of mind. Experience convenient and comfortable living, where someone else mows the lawns and takes care of the extensive village gardens there for your enjoyment.

F O R S A L E

H I S T O R I C H O M E O N 1 0 A C R E S *

' W a r a t a h ' - 1 5 0 B a c k B r a w l i n R o a d C o o t a m u n d r a

F i v e b e d r o o m s , m a i n w i t h w a l k - i n - r o b e a n d e n s u i t e F o r m a l l o u n g e r o o m w i t h m a r b l e f i r e p l a c e S u n l i t c o u n t r y - s t y l e k i t c h e n o p e n i n g t o a l a r g e f a m i l y r o o m w i t h g a s l o g f i r e I n - g r o u n d p o o l w i t h s e p a r a t e h e a t e d s p a F u l l s i z e d a r t i f i c i a l t e n n i s c o u r t E x c e l l e n t w a t e r s e c u r i t y w i t h t o w n w a t e r , b o r e a n d r a i n w a t e r t a n k s

G a r a g e + e x p a n s i v e s h e d f o r c a r a v a n o r b o a t

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Eden, South Coast NSW

F O R S A L E C o n t a c t A g e n t

• Irreplaceable turn of the 20th Century Landmark property, Eden’s Old Post Office.

$1,400,000

• Amazing solid masonry brick, resplendent with period features inc 10ft ceilings, open fireplaces, 6 inch hardwood floors and ornate cornices.

• Perfectly blended and revitalised with modern amenities including excellent kitchen & bathroom facilities.

• Currently used as a sumptuous 8 roomed residence – Perfect for professional suite, office accommodation, art gallery etc (STCA).

• Fantastic dual access 1581m2 allotment (zoned B2) complete with 4 roomed holiday cottage (Air BnB etc)

• Surrounds inc European courtyard, Mexican bar/BBQ area, sauna and established gardens.

Full particulars & inspections contact selling agent Chris Wilson

(02) 6496 3583

chriswilson@cwree.com.au

174 Imlay St, Eden

www.chriswilsonrealestateeden.com.au

WIN! Signature Peter Rabbit and Flopsy ring rattles

The adorable Signature Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Ring Rattles feature di erent textures and a soft chime rattle to provide sensory stimulation and encourage baby to explore their senses through play.

The wooden ring with antibacterial properties also o ers relief for teething little ones. Suitable for all ages from birth.

CW has 6 bundles of both the Peter Rabbit and Flopsy ring rattles to be won.