Mush, mush - dog sleds hit the dirt in Canberra Classic

We have no snow and no sleds, but the Canberra Sled Dog Club has dogs champing at the bit for its annual 2023 Classic competition in August. The club’s 25 members are preparing for the race, which has been running at Kowen Forest since 1997.

Canberra Sled Dog Club treasurer, Samantha Taylor, is probably the only person I know who thinks Canberra’s “lucky” to have colder morning for so many months.

“We need to be training in the cold weather because if it gets above 15 degrees the dogs can’t run, so it is a winter sport,” Samantha says.

The course for the Classic competition is a 3.5km dirt track and the sleds are kickbikes (like mountain bikes except you stand on them). Competitors can clock up to 35km/h and the race categories cover one-dog entries up to eight-dog teams. The only hazards are pitch invaders.

“The races are timed but I couldn’t care less about times, I like to have fun with no incidents – no kangaroos,” Samantha says. “They do jump on the track. It happened to me once and I did fall off and get a few bruises but the dogs just wanted to keep going.”

Samantha is the club’s longest-running member, joining 18 years ago, but she says numbers are dwindling and it’s a nationwide trend. When the Canberra Sled Dog Club started 26 years ago, it had 60 members.

“People’s lifestyles are changing,” Samantha says.

“When we first started we had members with large teams – four and 12 dogs. As their kids got older and their dogs got older, they retired. Now we find that most people who come out just have the one dog.”

Samantha will be racing in the Canberra Classic with her two dogs (Millie and Archer) and all they care about is the grand prize – 20kg of premium dog food!

Humans get a trophy.

There are some competitors, who Samantha calls “crazy people”, who compete in the Canicross category with the dog lead tied around their waist. Instead of the dogs pulling sleds, the dogs pull them.

If you have a hyperactive pooch (Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Labrador, Newfoundlands, English Pointers) come and try it out, equipment can be loaned for a test-run. Visit www.canberrasleddogclub.com

- Georgia Curry

HAVE YOU HEARD?

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

GIVIT donation of the week: Kitchen starter pack

GIVIT is calling for assistance to support a single mother and her children through the donation of kitchen items. This mother had recently escaped domestic violence and was living in unsuitable housing where she was a victim of theft. She is now being assisted by an organisation in Canberra to help her rebuild her life. The family has been placed in a small unit and need kitchen items to cook and prepare meals, including saucepans, pots and utensils. Any assistance will be received gratefully to help them to get back on their feet. 100 per cent of donated funds will be used to purchase these kitchen essentials. Generous Canberrans can fund this request by visiting givit.org.au/whats-needed; Search category: keyword ‘kitchen starter pack’; Location: ACT.

Kippax Kids Holiday Happenings

On again these school holidays, on Thursdays 6 and 13 July 10am–2pm. Children of primary school age can have a fun time with craft and activities at Kippax Uniting Church. Morning tea is provided. Bring lunch and a water bottle. Still only $5 per child or $10 per family. Bookings recommended on 6254 1733.

Coffee/Op Shop

Trash & Treasure, books and games, pre-loved clothes and jewellery, craft items, a well-stocked cake stall, free tea/coffee and biscuits at Christ Church Hawker, corner Beetaloo Street and Belconnen Way, on Saturday 1 July 9am–12pm. More info: 0428 266 658.

Country Women’s Association (CWA)

Canberra Branch: We’ll be holding a session of learning ‘how to read crochet patterns’ on Friday 7 July 10am-12pm at our rooms, 8 Barry Drive, Civic. Free of charge. More info: email cwacanberra@gmail.com

Red Dove preloved clothing

Monthly Red Dove preloved clothing at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, Comrie St, Wanniassa on Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 July 9am-1pm and then 3-5 August. Spacious auditorium and easy parking with lots of winter clothing for women, men and kids, books, linen and bric-a-brac. Support us and keep reusable items out of landfill. Lots of great items for upcycling. Great coffee and cake for morning tea for $3. More info: Jenny on 0409 306 031.

Canberra Jung Society

Our next meeting is on Friday 7 July 7.30pm at MacKillop House, 50 Archibald St, Lyneham (and by Zoom). Guest speaker: David Russell, a renowned psychotherapist, on ‘The experience of beauty in psychotherapy’. Guests $15; Seniors/Concession $10. On Saturday 8 July, David will be conducting a day workshop on ‘Carl Jung and the healing archetype, being touched and touching’. Details: 0406 375 670 or CanberraJungSociety.org.au

Free Meditation Classes

Presented by the Sri Chinmoy Centre Canberra 3-20 July, Monday and Thursday evenings 6.30-8pm at the Griffin Centre. Please register on 0404 071 327.

Lifeline Canberra Southside Bookfair

Lifeline Canberra Southside Bookfair returns to Southern Cross Basketball Stadium, Tuggeranong from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 July. If you would like to volunteer for a few hours or the whole Bookfair, or help set up and pack down, please visit lifelinecanberra.org.au/volunteering

Probus Club

Narrabundah: Our next meeting is on Tuesday 11 July 11am at Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah. Guest speaker: Steph Harvey, Community First Development, a First Nations community development and research organisation that promotes the skills, talents and cultural strength of their people. Members usually enjoy lunch afterwards in the bistro and visitors are always welcome. Anyone with an interest is invited to just come along. Probus activities provide a great social experience for retired people. Details: John on 6295 7836 or 0432 435 053.

HYH submissions

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ACROSS

1 Credenza (9)

6 German automobile manufacturer (4)

10 Eggs (3)

11 Formal statement about another’s character (11)

12 Bearing (8)

13 Counterreply (6)

14 Desideratum (4)

15 Preserved with sugar syrup (7)

20 Gala (7)

21 Just (4)

25 Glossy type of glass applied to surfaces for protection (6)

26 Poisonous (8)

28 Reciprocal (11)

29 Tune (3)

30 Borough (4)

31 Visible features of an area (9) canberraweekly.com.au/puzzles

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22

This is an excellent week to engage in activities you love, as your efforts will be rewarding. Keep an eye on developments on Sunday and/or Monday concerning an unpredictable financial or personal circumstance. Look for a realistic outcome.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 23

You’ll enjoy broadening horizons and the opportunity this week to build a strong network and enjoy a stabilising environment in your social circle and personal relationships. Just avoid investing too heavily in an unpredictable situation to avoid disappointment.

VIRGO AUG 24 – SEPT 23

You’ll appreciate the chance to build a stable and secure situation. For August Virgos, this will be in your personal life and for September Virgos at work or health-wise. Be prepared to navigate surprise developments on Sunday or Monday.

Brain Busters

1 Which African lake is divided between Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania?

LIBRA SEPT 24 – OCT 23

DOWN

1 Magpie attack (8)

2 Width of a circle (8)

3 Head servant of a household (6)

4 Partner (9)

5 Speaker’s platform (4)

7 Harmony (6)

8 Land mass surrounded by water (6)

9 Supervisors (7)

16 Flower tea (9)

17 Pigeonholed (7)

18 Landscape (8)

19 Keep (8)

22 A poetic unit of three lines (6)

23 Mature zucchini (6)

24 Accommodations (6)

27 One of the seasons (US) (4)

2 Who plays the title character in the 2011 film Albert Nobbs?

3 Yellowfin, southern bluefin and albacore are all types of what fish?

4 In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, what type of enchanted sweet is Edmund fed by the White Witch?

5 True or false: Jane Austen wrote both Sense and Sensibility (1811) and Pride and Prejudice (1813)?

Solutions

A fresh concept of stability at home and with someone important will materialise, either in your personal life or at work. In the process you may be surprised by developments this weekend or on Monday, but a steady approach will build good ties.

SCORPIO OCT 24 – NOV 22

A fresh approach to key relationships, communications and projects will appeal and you’ll find some communications will blossom, while others will be less predictable. The key to navigating circumstances now lies in investing in your talents and being optimistic.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 – DEC 21

You’ll appreciate gaining a sense of security at home. A fresh financial or work chapter could boost your self-esteem. The key to moving ahead with more certainty lies in your ability to be flexible and to navigate moving goalposts.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 20

Monday’s Capricorn full moon brings the chance for December Capricorns to revitalise a personal situation; and for January Capricorns to build more security at work or health-wise. Consider navigating an obstacle or surprise on Sunday or Monday with least fuss.

AQUARIUS JAN 21 – FEB 19

This is a good week to improve your daily schedule and health, as your efforts are likely to succeed and build resilience. Avoid allowing circumstances beyond your control at home or concerning someone else to disturb your peace of mind.

PISCES FEB 20 – MAR 20

You’ll enjoy a reunion and the chance to improve your comfort level at home or at work. The next few months will be excellent for self-development and building self-confidence. Avoid gambling, both financially and emotionally this weekend and early next week.

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20

You’ll enjoy socialising and networking, and a positive outlook will bring lovely people into your life. A resolute and calm approach to a surprise, change of schedule or chance encounter towards Sunday or Monday will prove useful to you.

TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21

Monday’s full moon will help you to build a sense of stability, both in your personal life and financially, so be sure to take the initiative. Consider navigating an unpredictable element at home or in your personal life carefully on Sunday/Monday.

GEMINI MAY 22 – JUN 21

You’ll appreciate investing in the projects and people who mean the most to you. You’ll enjoy socialising and may also build a strong network. Monday’s full moon brings to a close a work or financial collaboration, creating space for a new one.

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