05 September 2024

ADVERISTING

MARKETING

ART

Vincent Samaras news@newstimemedia.com.au

Mohit Gaur mohit@newstimemedia.com.au

FROM THE BACKBENCH ROUND 6

ACT JEREMY HANSON MARISA PATERSON 2024 ELECTION

Light rail is about more than a public transport policy. It is a vision for a more liveable and sustainable city. There is always the rhetoric in Canberra of the southside being left behind. If we don’t see light rail south of this city – don’t be mistaken, the south really will get left behind. The southside of Canberra should not miss out on the advantages that Stage 1 of light rail has delivered for the north. And to be very clear – Canberra Liberals will not build light rail, and no independents have disclosed if they support light rail or not.

Stage 1 of the light rail from Gungahlin to Civic has been incredibly successful and more than 15 million people have already used the service. As shown in the Light Rail Five Years On: Benefits Realisation Report 2024, light rail is also great for business, significantly eases congestion and provides an incentive for housing. Light rail to Woden will deliver these proven benefits to the south.

However, an integrated public transport system is more than just light rail. A re-elected ACT Labor Government has a practical plan to expand our bus network. We will purchase an additional 110 zeroemission buses, hire over 350 new bus drivers and deliver bus priority

upgrades along key corridors. Importantly, ACT Labor will ensure these bus operators have secure, well-paid public jobs.

We will deliver three new Rapid Bus Services to connect Ginninderry and West Belconnen, Lanyon and Molonglo to the City, and uplift the frequency of the existing R2 and R10 Rapid services. All local services will run at least every 20 minutes on weekdays by the end of next term, and we will start improving the weekend timetable by increasing the frequency of local routes to hourly during the day on Sundays from next year.

This November also sees the launch of the new MyWay+ ticketing system, which includes a new smartphone app to provide easier journey planning and real-time tracking of services.

A vote for ACT Labor isn’t a choice between light rail and buses, it’s a vote for a practical and progressive plan to deliver a modern integrated public transport network for Canberrans. All the Canberra Liberals have is a plan to increase congestion on our roads.

- Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, Australian Labor Party, Member for Murrumbidgee

Calvary shows you can’t trust this government – even with written contracts. Even if some cynics say you shouldn’t trust politicians, you do need to be able to trust governments. Especially when that government issues a contract in writing. That’s why the decision by this government to forcibly take over Calvary Hospital was such a massive breach of trust.

In 2011, the Government signed a 99-year contract with Calvary to provide health services. In 2022, that contract was ripped up.

The decision was developed in secret and announced without normal Legislative Assembly procedures, including committee scrutiny.

Calvary was ‘blindsided’, being told by the Minister: “I’m introducing legislation that will compulsorily acquire your land and buildings, and will also terminate the contract you have in place.”

It shocked professionals across the Territory and around the country.

The Nurses and Midwifery Federation stated they were “excluded from consultation”, and that proceeding would be in direct contravention of their EBA.

Senior Nurses from Calvary wrote to the Minister claiming the way it was done was “covert”, “arrogant” and “absolutely disgraceful.”

Doctors, through the AMA, have

said they were ‘shocked, dismayed and angry’. This government proceeded anyway.

When given the opportunity to delay the forced takeover and negotiate with Calvary, the Minister refused.

When the Canberra Liberals moved to delay the legislation to consult with sta and doctors, the Minister refused.

Calvary took the government to court, but the Minister would not back down. They were the government; they could make their actions legal. That does not make those actions right.

I said it at the time, and I repeat it now – no one should ever trust this government again. Their actions were undemocratic and unfair. The truth is that they cannot be trusted.

As Archbishop Christopher Prowse said at the time: “These are not agreements signed by some long past government. It is the same ACT government that signed the deal that now wants to tear up the contract it signed.”

If they are prepared to break their word – on a written contract to a respected hospital – then they will break their word to anyone.

- Jeremy Hanson CSC, MLA Canberra Liberals, Member for Murrumbidgee

E CAN DAY Give brings community together to help Canberra’s patients

ntering a medical facility, whether it be for an emergency, scheduled surgery or ongoing care, can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Working to ease the nervousness of clinical encounters is the Canberra Hospital Foundation (CHF). CHF’s annual flagship fundraiser event CAN GIVE DAY returns on 26 September.

“We’re the conduit between the generosity of people who want to support, say thank you, and show gratitude, and the recipients benefiting from our grant rounds. The funds raised at CAN GIVE DAY support one of those grant rounds,” says Helen Falla, CEO, Canberra Hospital Foundation.

Operating under a couple of different titles since 2008, it was in 2020 that CHF became its own legal charitable entity. Keeping the moniker, they were able to broaden their charitable efforts to encompass all public hospitals, walk-in centres and healthcare centres around the Canberra region.

“We support anybody going through a healthcare journey that lives in Canberra, plus the surrounding regional area as well. In fact, 35 per cent of patients that come to the health services in ACT are regional,” says Ms Falla.

During the fundraising day, heroes spring into action as Batman and Catwoman scale one of the hospital walls in the Big Wig Challenge. Joining these crusaders are Susan Proctor, Chair of the Canberra Hospital Foundation, and other influential community figures,

all showing their support for Canberra’s healthcare workers.

Not classifying herself as a ‘Big Wig’, Ms Proctor says she is a small business owner who sees the experience as confronting your fears and reaching fundraising goals. She says to become a Big Wig, all you need to do is fundraise the $10,000 target. Although she is terrified of heights, Ms Proctor has a special reason for participating in this year’s challenge.

“I’m terrified of heights, however, what gives me strength is my colleague Gabry who was in the hospital going through her healthcare journey and she has now passed away. If she can do what she did and go through all of that, I can come off a wall.”

Supporting her colleague and friend, Ms Proctor attended Gabry’s first chemotherapy treatment with her at Canberra Hospital. In the chemo ward, they were visited by the tea trolley whose volunteers offered cuppas and biscuits, which she said was a comforting break from the reality of what was happening.

“It was incredible to know that CHF funds the tea trolley items in such an environment. Then, walking out and seeing beautiful artwork, also funded by CHF, you realise how much it helps to escape from this alien world where you feel scared, intimidated, and uncertain about what’s going to happen. It transports you into a different environment, even if just for a moment.”

Throughout her journey, Ms Proctor’s tenacious friend continuously sought ways to help

others, including guiding CHF’s chair to see areas where CHF could improve or provide additional support.

“Even while dealing with all the terrifying things, she was still thinking of others experiencing that environment. As a legacy to Gabry, I’m doing this [Big Wig Challenge] and then I’m going to take all of those learnings and work with the professionals who understand the needs of their staff and patients to see what else we can do.”

Locals can come and watch the Big Wig Challenge on the day and are encouraged to host their fundraising activities or events in their own offices and spaces. Plans for the day include the return of the much-loved Canberra Region Cancer Centre bake sale. You can buy a ticket to the Master Cook Challenge (16 October) which sees

four chefs battle it out to be the best cook in town.

If the day brings in its average of $350,000 this year, it will bring the total raised by the event in the past five years to $1.5 million, but both women say they are hoping to break records this year. All the money raised will go towards the goal of making health spaces less clinical and ensuring patients and families are comfortable while receiving the highest quality care. From conception to the end of life, CHF supports people accessing ACT medical services. Their initiatives make medical spaces less clinical through the addition of comfortable furnishing and artworks, funding clinical trials and research and state-of-the-art medical equipment like the Robotics Rehabilitation Program at the University of Canberra Hospital.

“What this does for a patient is enable them to receive treatment more quickly, easing the burden on physiotherapists and occupational therapists,” says Ms Falla. “With this fantastic equipment, patients don’t have to wait for their bodies to reach a certain strength level — repetitions are more frequent and faster. It’s a unique way for patients to feel like they’re making progress because everything is displayed on screen.”

“You can track your performance and achieve goals on the screen, providing motivation to continue moving your arm in the way the physio has programmed the machine to suit your needs,” says Ms Proctor.

Therapeutic programs like the SPICE Dementia Program and therapy dogs for patients and health workers are also high

added special touches, including two rooms with virtual reality technology embedded in the walls and floor. This interactive feature allows leaves to fall or animals to appear in response to movement, creating a soothing environment for the littlest visitors.

priorities for CHF. Supporting mental health and wellbeing throughout any medical journey is a key aspect of their holistic approach. One example is the new Wellbeing Space set to open at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre in December.

“That will provide a space for people to step away from the clinical side of treatment and doctor’s appointments, allowing them to be around others who are going through similar journeys. We can also bring in external organisations to offer additional support to those patients,” says Ms Falla.

In the brand-new Critical Services Building is an emergency department fitted out with state-of-the-art medical equipment. To make the space more comforting for young patients, CHF

“When you come into the ED, something’s happened, and you’re not feeling great—you’re upset. For a child in that environment, with all the unfamiliar smells, people, and activity, having a special room where they can go to be soothed and calmed helps everyone,” says Ms Falla.

CHF is deeply integrated with the community, they have over 120 groups and individuals they collaborate with to make the medical journey easier for those receiving care of some kind. Some organisations craft handmade blankets and toys to be distributed to patients.

“It’s incredible the difference a small blanket or a teddy bear can make. Knowing that someone in the community, who doesn’t even know them, has given it to them makes a huge impact on their day and their recovery,” says Ms Falla.

“One of my clients was very sick in hospital earlier this year and when I went to visit him, he had a

teddy on his bed. That was a talking point for him, his wife, his visitors, bringing some normality back to a foreign, often difficult situation,” says Ms Proctor. Gratitude is part of the healing process, says Ms Falla. Often, previous patients and their loved ones donate or volunteer after their journey with the health services. Donating to CAN GIVE DAY is also a way to thank our tireless healthcare workers for all the work they do. So, whether you want to thank someone for the help you or your family have received or make a meaningful difference in the life of someone going through a tough time, jump on the CHF website and get involved today.

For every dollar donated to CAN GIVE DAY’s fundraising efforts, CHF’s generous supporting organisations around the community have promised to match it. Locals are invited to sign up for the inaugural Can Golf Day, supported by Workday, as part of the fundraising or can keep an eye out for some great buys in the All Bids auction.

Support those who support our community in CAN GIVE DAY on Thursday 26 September; canberrahospitalfoundation.org.au

Susan Proctor Chair, Canberra Hospital Foundation (left) and Helen Falla CEO, are hoping to break donation records this CAN GIVE DAY, 26 September. Photos: Jordan Mirchevski.

Wedge-tailed eagle ‘Reggie” joins Canberra paragliding club

Next time you’re stewing in peak-hour traffic, look up because you might spot a smug paraglider soaring alongside a wedge-tailed eagle named Reggie.

The morning commute from Murrumbateman to Russell, for Defence contract worker Paul Shipley, usually coincides with a detour to Spring Hill (near Poachers Pantry), where he squeezes in a 10-minute flight before work. Often riding the thermals alongside him is his wingman, “Reggie the wedgie”.

Reggie has taken to joining Paul and other members of the ACT Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association regularly and serves as a sort of weather beacon or windsock, letting members know the wind conditions.

“He’s really friendly and he’ll sit on the power pole and squawk at you and then go off flying,” Paul said. “When we’re looking to fly, we want to see the thermals and be able to gain height. If we’re on a hill getting ready to fly and we

see Reggie’s out front of the hill, we watch him. When you see him in the lift and he’s circling, we follow him.”

But don’t let Reggie’s friendly demeanour lull you into a false sense of security, because the local eagles at the club’s other flying site – Lake George – aren’t so cute. It’s worth remembering that wedge-tailed eagles are the largest flying raptor in Australia. These birds of prey are powerful, carnivorous hunters and they can spot their next meal from two kilometres away.

“There are some quite miserable ones at Lake George,” Paul said. “We’ve been attacked, and I’ve had holes in my wing. One of them is very territorial to the south of our takeoff. It’s worse in nesting season but I think it just doesn’t like paragliders. They’re just saying get out of my territory.”

Paul’s had to patch up a couple of holes on his paraglider as a result of air attacks, though fortunately, none have caused him to crash land.

The paraglider is pretty resilient and quite a few cells can be damaged before it affects its flight.

Canberra is one of only two places in Australia with a paragliding simulator, located in Lyneham. Beginners can fly a paraglider (virtually) in a harness and rotate 360 degrees while only a couple of feet off the ground. Paragliding instructors also run courses in the ACT.

For more info visit ACT Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association on Facebook or acthgpa.org

- Georgia Curry

Wedge-tailed eagles often join members of the ACT Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club during flights.

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Integrity Commissioner needs teeth

BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD

OPPOSITION LEADER

uncover some real problems, or (hopefully), if not, put the community concerns to rest.

I have thought about this problem for a number of years now, and feel it could be largely solved by government appointing four to six experienced former detective sergeants, say for an initial period of two years on contract, and placing them in the o ce of the Integrity Commissioner. Their job would be to go out to any government departments where there were suspicions that things were not

The ACT has not had (until recently, perhaps) any real allegations of political wrongdoing and even corruption, which have been not infrequent occurrences in other jurisdictions. Indeed, across the border in NSW, allegations of corrupt behaviour go back to the NSW Rum Corps in the early 1800s. During my time in the Legislative Assembly (covering 1989 to 2008), I cannot recall any real issues pointing to corrupt behaviour by politicians or public servants. Incompetence, maybe, but not dishonest behaviour. It is, therefore, disturbing that I now hear allegations that behavioural standards in the Government and the local public service may be loosening more than they should. It is timely, then, that steps should be taken to ensure the highest standards of political behaviour and public administration are maintained in the ACT in future.

quite right and above board, ensconce themselves there for a few weeks or more, and investigate matters on the ground.

These ex-police detectives could be sworn in as special constables detached to the Integrity Commission, and thus have all the powers of search, seizure of evidence, and arrest a normal o cer would have. They would be able to charge people if any crimes were discovered; and, even if not, they could suggest ways for the wayward government department and its relevant o cers to clean up their act.

I have always been troubled by allegations coming out of our planning department/s, and, whilst not knowing the truth or otherwise of these claims and allegations, the deployment of two or three of these o cers for a few weeks (or as long as it takes) would either

Research Participants Needed!

We are looking for men with prostate cancer to participate in a research project which aims to understand the effect of physical and cognitive training on brain health and cognition.

This project is approved by the University of Canberra Human Research Ethics Committee (approval #11955)

This project is registered as a clinical trial: ACTRN12623000767606.

For further information

Scan the QR code or contact the study team on prostatebrainhealth@canberra.edu.au

0405 645 139

or Professor Ben Rattray via Ben.Rattray@canberra.edu.au

The Belco Party actually announced this as a policy last week, but only a few news sites ran with it.

Integrity in all forms of government – be they elected o cials, public servants, or members of the public who deal with them seeking government contracts or land deals – is essential for a modern, fair, well-run democracy. Corruption is a scourge that has destroyed governments and countries over the centuries.

I hope there are no Eddie Obeids lurking out there, but if there are, the above Belco Party policy may well be a good way of stopping any embryonic corruption in the ACT in its tracks before it gets started. I commend this policy or something similar to the current parties in the Assembly and to other parties standing for election in October.

Who can participate?

Males over the age of 18, diagnosed with prostate cancer and currently receiving primary Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) for either metastatic or nonmetastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

To be included, you must also meet the following criteria:

• Have had at least one dose of ADT in the last 6 months, with life expectancy of >12 months

• no chemotherapy or radiation within the last 3 months

• not currently receiving steroids equivalent to >10 mg of prednisolone a day

• no opioid-based medication within the last 28 days

What is involved?

Eight weeks of fully supervised physical and cognitive training

• (2x ~1hour sessions per week each)

Pre-and post-intervention testing including:

• Blood test at a pathology clinic

• In person questionnaires

• Cognitive and physical fitness assessments

Participants will be compensated for their involvement on completion of the study

“WHITLAM FEELS SPACIOUS COMPARED TO OTHER NEW SUBURBS.”

Baxter Family Whitlam Residents

Read their story online

Discover the open spaces and community spirit of Whitlam Hills.

Enjoy breathtaking views from generous blocks that are ideal for family living. Whitlam Hills offers a rare opportunity to design and build your dream home with modern amenities and natural beauty on your doorstep.

The Baxter family already calls Whitlam home. They enjoy proximity to parks, playgrounds and look forward to the upcoming Molonglo Town Centre.

The Whitlam community is strong, with events and activities bringing neighbours together.

Whether it’s walking trails, bird watching, or simply enjoying the beautiful views, Whitlam Hills offers a lifestyle that combines the best of city living with the serenity of nature.

“The size of the blocks really lend themselves to big family homes. It just gives you that opportunity to design and build a house of your own.”

This is your opportunity to build and design your dream home… in Whitlam Hills.

part of a broader industrial relations reform package. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s firm stance

Workshops helping cancer patients to Look Good Feel Better

Warm sunlight beams through glass windows as participants of this month’s Look Good Feel Better workshop sit at their stations. Surrounded by complimentary beauty and skincare products, a small group of women undergoing cancer treatment are gently guided through simple self-care routines.

Operating in Australia since 1990, the global cancer-support program takes people at various stages of their cancer journey through self-care workshops. Supported by generous corporate and community organisations, workshops are offered free of charge to participants thanks to The Cancer Patients Foundation (in Australia).

The monthly workshop welcomes people with any type of cancer to manage the most common physical impacts of treatments by providing practical tips and tools.

“Ultimately, we just try and take the mystery away because some people probably don’t know what’s going to happen with the hair loss. If there are other people in the room who can say ‘Oh yes, I know,’ it

helps,” says Catherine Hampstead, volunteer.

The session begins with Catherine talking about what will happen over the next couple of hours. Volunteering with the program for the past 24 years, Catherine knows the routine by heart.

“We do a simple basic skincare and makeup application, everyone follows along and then I cover a bit about hair loss, wigs, turbans, hats,” she says. “It is also about networking, so the other ladies can talk and chat and get to know each other and swap numbers at the end.”

Stepping away from a clinical setting, Southern Cross Club Woden provides a room free of charge. The workshop empowers participants and helps them regain control, confidence and a sense of self.

“A lot of the ladies feel a bit on their own, isolated, so when they come into a fun room like this, they may not have any experience with make-up,” says Catherine. “We’re not going to teach them glam make-up, it’s just that little bit extra, touching base with your femininity again and having a bit of power

on how you look.”

Those who do have experience with skincare and make-up are invited to share their tips and tricks, Catherine says it is a fun and safe environment. Everyone leaves with a bit of knowledge, a few new friends, the products they used throughout the session, a workbook of tips and an eyebrow mapping sheet. Some of the biggest cosmetic companies in the world donate products to the initiative, Catherine says they never know exactly what will come through.

Extended version on canberradaily.com.au. Find out more about Look Good Feel Better; lgfb.org.au

- Jessica Cordwell

The Look Good Feel Better workshops take patients undergoing cancer treatment through simple self-care routines.

Photo: Jordan Mirchevski.

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Driving a better car could save you thousands in income tax and GST. Find out how novating changes the equation.

Helping ACT seniors love later life

This September, COTA ACT is proud to present ACT Seniors Month –headlined by the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo on 25 September.

“At COTA ACT, we recognise that ageing is a diverse journey for each individual,” said Jenny Mobbs, CEO of COTA ACT. “Our goal is to provide a platform where seniors can explore a range of options and resources to support their unique ageing journey.”

COTA ACT will list the ACT Seniors Month events on their website and invite community

Make next month a turning point in the cost-of-living crisis

organisations and groups to reach out and host their own gathering to focus their September activities on the ageing population.

Join COTA ACT in celebrating ageing and embracing the diverse journeys of seniors across the ACT during ACT Seniors Month.

Hughes Community Centre, 2 Wisdom St Hughes T: 6282 3777 E: info@cotaact.org.au W: cotaact.org.au

Over the weekend, the ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS) issued a challenge to candidates running in October’s election to take bold and transformative action to prevent the cost-of-living crisis permanently reshaping our community for the worse. Canberra is great for many, but there are people doing it tough. Not just a few people, but more and more people – visiting a food bank for the first time in their lives, getting sick because it’s impossible to keep their homes at a safe temperature, putting o visits to the doctor because bulkbilling GPs are seeming to vanish into thin air, struggling to get from A to B because petrol costs so much, and struggling to even a ord a place to live.

The cost-of-living crisis is an inequality crisis. It exposes the discomfort many of us feel, alongside the validation, of seeing Canberra listed as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The cost-of-living crisis seems too big to fix, but there’s so much we can do to make Canberra liveable for all. The best news is, we can get started next month, if you choose to vote for it.

As a Greens representative, I was proud that the election policies we’ve already announced answer ACTCOSS’s calls to urgently build thousands more public homes, immediately help low-income households to switch from gas to electric, and support the community sector to support local people.

The ACT Greens’ focus is on making tangible improvements to

your life. We want you to see new services and new opportunities, and to feel the relief their support will provide. To visit one of the free GP clinics we’ll set up across Canberra. To use the extra hours of free care and education we’ll provide to your three- and four-year-olds. To take your local bus once it’s running every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. Transport is also responsible for more than 16 per cent of household expenditure and 60 per cent of climate pollution in the ACT. Building ever more suburbs on the outskirts and investing in roads instead of public transport locks people into the expense of owning a car, and makes their whole life less convenient. Building Canberra up as a more compact, convenient city is part of our fight against climate change, the housing crisis, and the cost of living.

The Greens are the changemakers in the ACT. The more of us you put into the Legislative Assembly, the further and faster we can shape Canberra into a truly liveable city for all.

At the National Press Club last week, Australian Greens Leader Adam Bandt pointed out that the other parties can’t even bring themselves to say the words “housing crisis”. How can we trust them to fix it?

Only the Greens have both the ambition to try a di erent way of doing things and the experience to make it a reality. You can make October a turning point in the cost-of-living crisis, but only if you vote for it.

ANDREW BRADDOCK GREENS MLA FOR YERRABI

Your for good influence

People calling themselves influencers seem to be proliferating on social media nowadays. A quick Google search reveals that they are often people who have come to prominence because of their particular skills. Some are wildlife ‘warriors’, some are sports people, some musicians, and some seem to be famous just for being famous. There are many!

This started me thinking about what it means to be an influencer. Are we not all influencers in some respect? When my son was in primary school, each year he was seated next to classmates who found listening to instructions and staying on task difficult. The idea was that my son, who was a steady and capable worker, would be a good influence on his desk-mate. I asked him if he minded this. He said that if he could help someone else achieve more or be more successful, then he would be happy to do this.

When I thought more about this, I realised that

news

all of us are exerting an influence in some form. I ask myself: Am I, like my son, accepting that the way I handle life can be an influence for good?

In our day-to-day lives dealing with routine tasks at work, in the family or the community, our actions are not neutral. We are always contributing to the mental atmosphere for better or for worse. The way we handle situations that seem not to go smoothly can have a big impact on those around us. Our response when we think someone has acted thoughtlessly, or has inconvenienced us, influences the mental atmosphere. If we meet each of these situations with grace, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity, then we have been an influencer for good.

Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science writes: Your influence for good depends upon the weight you throw into the right scale. The good you do and embody gives you the only power obtainable. (p192 Science and

Binalong, the little town that could

It’s been over a century since the sleepy town of Binalong saw any action (when notorious bushranger Johnny Gilbert was shot dead) but this month it will host international and national pro-golfers for a PGA tour - with a country twist.

This tiny town (population 543), just an hour’s drive from Canberra, has re-invented itself as the home of Australia’s first ever Men’s World Sand Greens Championship with a purse of $140,000.

Whether you like golf or not, this is groundbreaking for both the town and the sport.

Many country towns have had to forge new identities to stay viable - Trundle has its ABBA festival, Parkes has Elvis, and now Binalong has the inaugural Men’s World Sand Greens Championships for the next three years.

What’s a sand green? The opposite of Royal Canberra Golf Club’s lush fairways. Sand greens are perfectly suited to small rural clubs (Binalong’s golf membership is 45) due to the high cost of watering and mowing.

President of the Binalong Golf Club, Michael Brayshaw, said you might not see Tiger Woods on a sand green but come 28 September, you’ll see 120 professional golfers and 40 elite amateurs, all with a

handicap of 4.4 or less.

“It’s only just starting to sink in,” Michael said. “We’ve booked out all the local accommodation for the event and we’ve got people staying in Harden, Jugiong, Yass, Young and Goulburn. Some of the bigger names will travel back to Canberra.”

Who’d have thought the stomping ground of notorious bushranger Johnny Gilbert would be up staged by a civilised game of golf? After all, Johnny Gilbert was the worst bushranger of them all, with 630 armed hold-ups. At the time of his death at just 23 (in 1865), he was the most infamous criminal in Australia, a one-time member of Ben Hall’s gang.

Not far from the Binalong Golf Course, Johnny Gilbert was shot dead in a paddock on the bank of the Balgalal Creek. Now Gilbert’s historic gravesite will join the Men’s World Sand Greens Championships as Binalong’s top tourist attractions.

“It’s not only a boon for the town, it’s a boon for Yass Valley,” Michael said. “The tournament on the final day is to be televised on 7Mate, 7 plus free to air and it’ll showcase not only the grounds and the golf course but Binalong and Yass Valley as a whole.”

Playing a professional PGA tournament on sand surfaces is a first in Australia, and Binalong will test

Health with Key to the Scriptures). This is an hourly – even a moment by moment demand on each of us. This is how we too can be real influencers for good.

Contributed by Deborah Packer. Read more at christiansciencecanberra.com

the skill and creativity of pro-golfers - some of whom will travel from South Africa and New Zealand.

The golf rules are the same with one exceptiondisturbed sand may be smoothed (not scraped) with the implement provided.

Dress rules are standard at Binalong’s clubhouse (est. 1857) – no rubber thongs or singlets. The old club was actually once a horse racing venue (and clay pigeon shooting) until a nine-hole golf course was set up in the middle of the track in 1927. Today it boasts a bowling green, bar and kitchen.

So come on Canberra, make a daytrip to Binalong and witness Australia’s first ever Men’s World Sand Greens Championships on 28-29 September. Entry is free and there will be coffee vans, barbecue, market stalls and live music. (The town’s accommodation is booked-out but camping is available at the recreation grounds).

- Georgia Curry

The sleepy country town of Binalong will host Australia’s first ever Men’s World Sand Greens Championship.

for Fundraising luncheon Ukraine’s children

Two and a half years ago this week, Russia invaded Ukraine; the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, has returned from his homeland with a stark update on the conflict and a passionate appeal for support.

“Everybody has somebody in their family who’s been fighting on the front lines; some people have been killed, many have been wounded, and they return without limbs,” Mr Myroshnychenko said. “The whole society has been traumatised, and we feel the toll of this war on society.”

The ambassador urged Canberrans to attend a fundraising luncheon at the OTIS Dining Hall on Sunday 8 September.

The event aims to raise $20,000 for the Ukraine Crisis Appeal, the largest Ukrainian charity in Australia. Established by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations in 2015, the charity works with Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) to support those a ected by the conflict. The charity has already raised several million dollars to support Ukraine; much of the money is used for temporary shelters, food, water, medicine, and other humanitarian support, including clothes for displaced people, the ambassador said.

The luncheon is expected to make a significant contribution to the Ukrainian cause. All proceeds from the luncheon will be directed towards supporting Ukrainian children, many of whom have been

in need

displaced. Some of the money could be used to rebuild the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, which the Russians bombed in July.

Attending the luncheon “would be the right thing to do”, the ambassador said. “It would be a way to support a country fighting for its survival. Australians have always been very generous, and they’ve always supported the underdogs in the past. I know that Australians don’t tolerate bullies, and Ukraine has been bullied by Russia. Supporting this event is a way for Australians to demonstrate that they will not put up with that, and that they are extending their support to our country.”

Fresh from attending an intensive series of meetings in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the ambassador described the situation on the ground as tense but hopeful, and the people su ering but resolute.

“There are some heavy battles taking place throughout the entire front line,” Mr Myroshnychenko said. “Russians are gradually advancing in the areas of Donetsk [eastern Ukraine]. We’re holding the ground.”

The Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk in early August provided a much-needed boost to the nation’s morale, and to those fighting on the front lines, Mr Myroshnychenko said.

“Certainly, we are not looking for any of the Russian land; all we want is Russia’s troops out of Ukraine,” Mr Myroshnychenko said.

A parallel diplomatic track aims to bring about a

peaceful resolution, the ambassador explained. At a peace summit held in Switzerland in June, representatives from more than 100 countries worked on a 10-point peace plan addressing energy security, nuclear safety, food security, and humanitarian concerns, including the return of Ukrainian children and prisoners of war.

“We want to force Russia into peace,” Mr Myroshnychenko said. “Ukraine remains hopeful that there will be another summit sometime this year or early next year, where Russia may participate.”

However, he stressed that any diplomatic negotiations must be underpinned by strength on the battlefield.

The ambassador acknowledged the di culties that lie ahead. Russian attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure have already led to blackouts in several regions, which will impact general morale come the European winter.

“Nevertheless, people understand that we are fighting a war of survival,” Mr Myroshnychenko said. “We are the victims, we’ve been attacked by Russia, and therefore we have to stay focused and united in our fight for existence.”

As the war grinds on, Mr Myroshnychenko highlighted the pressing humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian population, five million of whom have been displaced in Europe, and another seven million displaced within Ukraine.

“These people need housing, medical supplies, and healthcare services, as well as other public services,” the ambassador said. “Sometimes they need just basic food and water.”

Military support is also vital: Ukraine is forming mechanical brigades that need ammunition and armoured personnel carriers.

President Zelenskyy has said that diplomats must convince Ukraine’s partners to support Ukraine to the maximum, with no shortage of bravery. The ambassador expressed his gratitude for Australia’s support: although the two countries are 15,000 kilometres apart, Australian assistance has totalled $1.3 billion so far, primarily for military and humanitarian needs.

“We’ll never forget it, and we hope that Australia will continue to support us,” Mr Myroshnychenko said.

As the ambassador prepares to address the attendees at the luncheon, his message is clear: Ukraine needs your support now more than ever. Canberrans can make a tangible di erence in the lives of those a ected by the conflict and stand in solidarity with a nation under siege.

Ukraine Crisis Appeal: Fundraising Luncheon, September 8, 12pm, OTIS Dining Hall. Three-course lunch paired with Canberra district wines, including an address by the ambassador and a charity auction. Ambassador’s Table: $395 per head; general seats: $295 per head.

The Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko.

Photo: Kerrie Brewer

Suited for persons who are retired or semi-retired looking for additional income. Applicants need a driver’s licence and one tonne ute, van or equivalent.

Must be available on Thursday mornings from 8am to commence deliveries.

have you heard?

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

GIVIT donation of the week: Photography camera

GIVIT is requesting the donation of a camera and/or a camera lens for a refugee living in Canberra who has been earning an income from photography. He is being supported by an organisation that provides settlement and related services for migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants in the ACT. This gentleman has a passion for photography and has made it his main source of income. While taking photos at a community event, his camera was damaged. He cannot afford a new lens or camera due to financial hardship. GIVIT is requesting support to help him get a new Cannon lens (Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM) or camera. Generous Canberrans can donate a lens or camera or fund the purchase of one. 100% of your financial donation will be used to buy a lens or camera. To help please visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search Category: ‘photography camera’; Location: ‘ACT’.

ANBG Thursday Talks

Anthony Whalen, Director of the National Research Collections Australia CSIRO, will outline the careful planning for CSIRO and ANBG’s precious collections of preserved plants, vertebrate and invertebrate animals and other organisms, and how a new laboratory, and new technology, contribute to biodiversity research. The talk takes place at ANBG Theatrette, opposite the Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, Thursday 5 September from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Bookings desirable at trybooking.com/CTFWP. Gold coins, notes or EFTPOS entry donations always welcome.

Yarralumla CRAFT DESTASH Market

A trash and treasure market specialising in craft materials - fabric, wool, papercraft, buttons, embellishments, ribbons, craft magazines, stamps and much more! It’s a great opportunity if you are looking to buy craft materials. Saturday 14 September, 10am to 1pm, Yarralumla Uniting Church Centre, Denman St, Yarralumla, ACT, gold coin entry.

Hawker Men’s Shed Markets

The Hawker Men’s Shed Inc. is hosting its quarterly Hawker Community Repair Café and “Made Local” Markets on Sunday 15 September from 10am to 1pm at the Hawker International Softball Centre, 45 Walhallow Street. Entry is by gold coin donation. The event features live music, market stalls with handmade crafts, and repair services for various items, including clothing, jewellery, and household appliances. Enjoy coffee, cakes, and a sausage sizzle while supporting local sustainability initiatives. Don’t miss the chance to reduce waste and find unique, locally made products. Visit hawkermensshed.com.au for more information.

Money for Jam

The Bold Bandannas Relay for Life team will be holding their next stall at Bunnings, Majura Park on Saturday 14 September 10am to 4:30pm. We will have our usual selection of renowned homemade preserves, plus plenty more. There will also be handcrafted items, plenty for shoppers to choose from. All money raised goes to the Cancer Council ACT for Research, Education and Support Services. For more information, contact Rosemary on 6288 7752.

PUZZLES & STARS

VIRGO AUG 24 – SEPT 23

Chatty Mercury enters Virgo on Monday, bringing a busy phase. It’s an ideal time to connect with people, both at work and at home. Key decisions can be made, especially at work and with personal matters. Be adventurous but tactful too.

LIBRA SEPT 24 – OCT 23

This is a good time to build stability and security in your life, as your efforts are likely to succeed, especially at work, with health and family. But if developments seem restrictive, consider practicalities; everything else will flow from there.

SCORPIO OCT 24 – NOV 22

Domestic and family duties will need to be weighed up in contrast with career aspirations or your general direction. You may need to make a tough choice, and so it will be in your interest to be diplomatic for best results.

BRAIN BUSTERS

1 Murder at the End of the World star Emma Corrin came to prominence through which other TV show?

ACROSS

1 Scoundrels (7)

5 Unopened rose (7)

9 Curious (9)

10 Disdain (5)

11 Part of the torso structure (7)

12 Oceanfront (7)

13 Writer of burlesque (12)

17 Mutually (12)

22 Landlocked European nation (7)

23 Sermon (7)

24 Ratio; climb (5)

25 Settlers (9)

26 Rose-shaped ornament (7)

27 Ways of behaving (7)

DOWN

1 Limit (8)

2 Sheath (8)

3 Very outdated (7)

4 Glow (5)

5 University record-keeper (9)

6 Glides (7)

7 Biographical film (6)

8 Ballerina (6)

14 East Asian nationality (9)

15 Union or association formed for mutual benefit (8)

16 Process of mesmerisation (8)

18 Ardently serious (7)

19 Mortification (7)

20 Former Roman consul, Julius – (6)

21 Academy Awards (6)

23 Abhorrence (5)

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

2 Taoiseach is a title used by the leader of which country?

3 Vespers are Catholic prayers during what part of the day?

4 Masking, packing and duct are all types of what?

5 Which common house plant is also known as the Swiss cheese plant?

SOLUTIONS

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 – DEC 21

You could make great progress in your career and general direction, so ensure you take the initiative. But if you’re unsure of your next step, it’s important you seek expert advice. Be careful with communications especially on Sunday and Monday.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 20

Where would you like to see more stability in your life? The next few weeks will be perfect for discussions and organising yourself. You’re in a strong position to negotiate fresh arrangements, either in your personal life or at work.

AQUARIUS JAN 21 – FEB 19

A financial or personal matter will benefit from serious focus. A father or authority figure may play a central role in your decisionmaking. A plan could bring rewards further down the line, but you must avoid gambling.

PISCES FEB 20 – MAR 20

Where you’re unsure of a decision, avoid gambling on your future and instead, obtain specific and trusted advice. A group, friend or organisation can provide you with guidance, so ensure you reach out. Your knowledge may be sought-after too.

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20

A clever and exciting plan that merits analysis and scheduling could take a giant leap forward. Take the initiative and put building blocks in place that will provide structure for your plans. You may be prepared to make a commitment.

TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21

Key decisions merit research. Avoid taking risks or making investments without considering your options. If you’re unsure of someone, ask where you stand, and be prepared for the answer. Be sure to discuss commitments with those your decisions impact.

GEMINI MAY 22 – JUN 21

A realistic and practical approach to your work will put you in a strong position. Trust your intuition and your values and avoid restricting your options. Research property or domestic matters carefully to avoid making mistakes.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22

As proactive Mars enters your sign, where it will be for the next two months, you’ll increasingly gain energy and motivation. You may sometimes feel feistier too, so be careful. Be practical with investments, debts and spending to avoid mistakes.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 23

Developments concerning finances or a close relationship will merit attention to detail, as you could make an important commitment, or take a key financial step. Ensure you avoid rushing in without the facts.

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

HOLIDAY GUIDE

activity

This year, spring break for ACT schools begins on Friday 27 September and continues until Term 4 starts on Tuesday 15 October. Check out the advertisers in our special school holiday activity guide and discover activities, attractions or hidden gems in and around Canberra that o er fun for all the family.

Capital Athletics has something for everyone!

Athletics is a fun, accessible sport for people of all ages and abilities. From children in Little Athletics to masters-aged athletes, there are plenty of opportunities to run, jump, walk, roll or throw. Capital Athletics will o er the well-known Little Athletics program at clubs across the ACT and surrounding regions starting in October 2024, teaching kids fundamental movement skills while having fun with friends.

Adults have plenty of opportunities for recreational exercise and competition, including track and field events, and the ever-popular crosscountry events. Athletics is an inclusive sport, if you have specific requirements or a

disability, contact us to connect you with a suitable club that meets your needs. To register for the 2024/25 season, visit capitalathletics.au. There is a club near you, so register now!

T: (02) 6247 1296

E: admin@capitalathletics.au

W: capitalathletics.au

Adventure Awaits at Treetops Canberra

Located in Majura Pines, what was once an active pine plantation, is now a scenic forest boasting our high ropes course with over 90 obstacles and 16 exhilarating ziplines. The courses are designed to cater to all levels, with five stages that range from beginnerfriendly heights of 5 metres to the heart-pounding 15-metre expert level - a perfect mix of excitement and natural beauty.

Located just 20 minutes from the CBD, Treetops Canberra sits within the lush, green landscape of Majura Pines. With spring in full swing, it's the perfect time for the kids to step outside and challenge themselves. Treetops Canberra offers the ultimate adventure, ideal for team-building activities, family outings, or just a thrilling day with friends in the ACT.

Our park is also right next door to the nearby Majura Pines Mountain Bike Trails, offering some of the best biking tracks in the region if you want to keep the adventure going.

Book online in advance to ensure a spot on the day, tickets start from $35 for children, with our instructor-hosted Kids Club tickets at $60 for ages 8-12 years. Book

Looking for a break while the kids are entertained? Kids Club is just what you need and is an exclusive school holiday session for ages 8-12. With Treetops instructors leading the way, your children will embark on a guided climb experiencing the excitement of climbing, balancing, and zipping through the trees. Meanwhile, you’ll get to keep your feet on the ground, knowing they’re having a blast while you enjoy a drink and snacks from our solarpowered kiosk.

as a group and save 10% when you have 10 or more friends! The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm. For more details and booking information, visit treetopsadventure.com.au

treetopsadventure.com.au

W: treetopsadventure.com.au/ location/act-canberra

Fun in the School Holidays at the Circus

Warehouse Circus runs circus programs every school holidays! A full week of training, games, and circus fun for ages 8-12 running from 9am to 3pm, and a full-week, half-day program for ages 5-7. Running across two venues, Chifley in the south and Kaleen in the north, there is a program to suit kids of any experience.

Circus is a physical, creative, inclusive, non-competitive activity that is adaptable to different needs, a great physical activity for kids not drawn to traditional sports as well as those who are.

Kids can challenge themselves to learn acrobatics, trapeze, juggling, unicycling and more, supportive environment.

70 Maclaurin Cres, Chifley T: (02) 6260 3626 E: programs@warehousecircus.org.au

Spring into the Glassworks Holiday Program

Don't be a wallflower—create one!

This spring, step into our special kiln-formed Wall Flowers class at Canberra Glassworks and design your own unique glass flower to hang proudly on your wall. Plus, our popular Teen Glass Blowing, Kids Holiday Tiles, and Holiday Bowls are back for another exciting season offering creative

fun for kids and teens of all ages.

Inspired by the season of Floriade, make sure this Canberra icon is also on your Spring bucket list. The kids will thank you later!

Open Wed to Sun 10am to 4pm.

1 Wentworth Ave Kingston ACT W: canberraglassworks.com

The Bakehouse Mitchell delights with new menu

With new ownership taking over in January this year, The Bakehouse Mitchell has quickly become a favourite destination for north Canberrans to grab a coffee or a bite to eat.

Located on Lysaght Street in Mitchell, the first thing you notice is the incredibly diverse range of food options available. From your bakery staples such as pies and sausage rolls to burgers, hot dogs, croissants and a decadent variety of hand-crafted sweets, The Bakehouse has everything you could possibly want.

They have now launched a brand new spring menu featuring four breakfast options, two lunch items and four different smoothies.

CW was fortunate enough to head in and try several items from their

new spring menu and a few of their classic hits.

First up were a few delights from their regular menu, with the mac n cheese and bacon pie, and the fireball vanilla slice the highlights.

We then moved on to the offerings from the new spring menu. The first dish we tried was the Green Eggs and Ham with two poached eggs, ham, grilled asparagus, almond dukkah and fresh lemon and pesto sauce on a slice of their house baked sourdough. The eggs were cooked to perfection, the lemon pesto added a nice zing, and the bread was wonderfully crusty, providing the perfect base for the flavours to come together.

Next up, the Loaded Cheese and Chive Scone – with roasted pumpkin,

feta, chorizo, shallots, ‘mum’s relish’ and lemon. The scone was delightfully soft, allowing the rest of the flavours to combine beautifully, while the homemade relish complemented the dish perfectly.

Last, but most certainly not least, was The Roast Lamb Stack. Sitting on a slice of their delicious sourdough is a stack of pulled roast lamb, roast potatoes, pea and raisin salsa and cucumber yoghurt. Given my love of lamb and tzatziki, this was my favourite dish of the day and well worth a trip to the Bakehouse for lunch.

The new menu also featured a few other enticing items that we didn’t get to try—this time, at least. These include the Potato Rosti Eggs Benedict, The

Bakehouse Fruit & Nut Loaf, The Spring Chicken Stack, and three smoothies: The Cherry is Ripe, The Banana Butter, and The Tropical Sunset.

As we left, the wonderful owner Caley generously handed us a few sweet treats to take back to the office, which were quickly devoured.

Given the range of options and the quality of the food and service, The Bakehouse Mitchell is well worth a visit for anyone even remotely in the area.

Located at 83/81-101 Lysaght St, Mitchell. Open Mon-Fri 6am-2pm and Sat 7am-2pm.

Follow @thebakehousemitchell on Instagram for more.

- Vincent Samaras

Family secrets and dramas come home to ACT Hub

Homecomings aren’t always sweet, especially when it was the inhabitants of that home you were trying to escape. A renowned tale of generational trauma and family secrets makes itself at home at ACT Hub in August: Osage County on 5-15 September.

Written by Tracy Letts in 2007, the play has won both a Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Drawing from his own experiences, Letts explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional family.

“It’s a bit of a semiautobiographical story for him, he has been inspired by the life that he led in Oklahoma,” says Crystal Mahon, actress. “He talked about how the lead characters, the mother and father, were inspired by his mother’s parents and the ongoing family drama and generational trauma that happened as a result of their very unhappy marriage.”

The Kingston theatre has been

transformed into a rambling southern home in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, where the secrets that have remained unspoken are at boiling point. The patriarch, Beverly Weston, has disappeared, leaving his unwell, drug-addicted, and cruel wife, Violet, to call their daughters back home.

“The story revolves around unravelling the mystery basically of what happened to the father and also what happens to various members of the family as a result of their relationship deteriorating,” says Ms Mahon.

Boasting a three-hour run time, with three parts and two intervals, the dialogue-heavy production is one for theatre lovers, says Ms Mahon. Once you are seated and the players take the stage, she says that the story is enthralling and the revealing of secrets is so captivating that the time flies by.

(continued page 28)

The lives and secrets of the Weston family unravel in August: Osage County at ACT Hub on 5-15 September. Photo: Jane Duong.

(from page 27)

The powerful writing brings a beautiful realism to the interactions between the characters, says the actress.

“The audiences recognise in the stories that they see on stage, stories that have played out in their own lives and their own families. I would challenge anyone to go to it and not have a moment where they think ‘Wow, that’s my family around the dinner table at Christmas’,” says Ms Mahon.

Of the three sisters, only one stayed close to home to care for their parents, Ivy, the character Ms Mahon plays in this production. She says Ivy is the quietest and gentlest of the Weston sisters and a bit of a tragic figure.

“She stayed home to look after her ailing parents because there was no one else to do it. She’s been unlucky in love, she’s a librarian who works at the local university, she’s 44 and she hasn’t been able to find a man.”

Although she was the one child to remain close to the family home, Ivy’s mother doesn’t appreciate the sacrifice she has made and the unending support she provides.

“She leans on her heavily, but she also picks at

her constantly, telling her she needs to wear makeup, her hair is straight, she looks like a lesbian and needs to wear dresses,” says Ms Mahon. “This poor character is trying to do the right thing all the time whilst being constantly undermined by the people she loves.”

The other siblings also carry their own burdens and traumas which they bring back into the home with them. The middle sibling in her own family, Ms Mahon says it is interesting the way that no matter how grown you are, when you are back in that family home, you slip into old patterns.

“You’re easily offended by each other because you’re remembering childhood issues and traumas and the way you were treated. Perhaps you don’t cut people a break in the same way you do in everyday life like you do with strangers.”

Ms Mahon believes that, despite how much you may love, respect, or adore your parents, there’s something about returning to the family home that can erode the life you’ve built for yourself.

“The family is that one relationship in your life that you cannot escape, even if you try to. A lot of people who come from a family of trauma try to leave their family behind, but it is really true that

CAPO 2024 Art

your family does drag you back in.”

Whether it is perceived guilt for failing as a sibling, spouse or parent, Ms Mahon says people are always trying to find a way to bring their family back together and succeed. This is what makes August: Osage County so real, it taps into that desire to do things differently, break cycles and generational trauma and the way it can fail.

“We try so hard not to do the things that we have identified that our parents got wrong, we try not to do that with our own children, or we try not to be that person and yet those family cycles tend to repeat over and over again.”

A chance for audiences to reflect on their family dynamics, Ms Mahon hopes that people will be able to make better choices than some of the characters in the play and know when enough is enough.

“When is the moment that you can truly be yourself, that you can leave thinking ‘This is working, I’ve got to leave my family behind, I’ve got to focus on myself.’”

Witness family secrets unravel in August: Osage County at ACT Hub on 5-15 September; acthub.com.au

- Jessica Cordwell

RED CENTRE SPECTACULAR

The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide, and guided Red Centre tour with Outback Spirit

11 Days

Darwin - Adelaide

Apr - Oct 2025

Australia is a land of endless adventure. We can all experience it. But to truly cherish what’s there, to uncover the magic of our most profound places, you need a travel partner that goes further to take you deeper. Where the destination doesn’t define the journey, it’s just a starting point for all the special moments to come. Settle into The Ghan’s gentle rhythm as you travel through the country and immerse yourself in the Northern Territory’s breathtaking natural wonders on this spectacular 11-day journey. From exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges to taking your place beside spiritual Uluru and Kata Tjuta, you’ll understand why people travel great distances to see the Territory’s remarkable landscape and icons with Outback Spirit.

Highlights & Inclusions

• 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide including all meals, beverages, and Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy

• 7 nights of intimate small-group Red Centre touring with Outback Spirit, including accommodation, meals, beverages and guided touring

• Visit Kings Canyon, and journey through the West MacDonnell Ranges, visiting Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge

• Visit World Heritage-listed Uluru and enjoy a guided base tour

• Dine under the stars at the ‘Sounds of Silence’ dining experience

• Admire the internationally acclaimed ‘Field of Light’ display at Uluru

Field of Light, NT

Sculpting successnational

Dance Sculpt’s path to recognition

In the vibrant world of fitness, Dance Sculpt has carved out a unique space, recently earning the prestigious Australian Women’s Small Business Award in the fitness category. This achievement reflects the hard work and vision of its team and the unwavering support of the community that has grown around it. In a Q&A with Dance Sculpt Founder, Owner and Director, Natasha Vujic, we explore the inspiration behind the business, the journey to becoming an award-winning company, and how the studio continues to empower its members through a blend of dance-inspired workouts and a deeply connected community.

Congratulations on winning the Australian Women’s Small Business Award in the fitness category! What does this achievement mean to you?

Thank you so much! This achievement is a dream come true and a huge milestone for Dance Sculpt. Winning this award means that the passion, effort, and vision we put into creating something truly special is being recognised on a national level. It’s not just a win for me, but for everyone who has been part of this journey—my incredible team, our dedicated members, and all the people who inspire us every day. It’s a powerful reminder that when we create spaces that empower and uplift, we can achieve amazing things together.

What inspired you to start Dance Sculpt, and what has the journey to becoming an award-winning business been like?

Dance Sculpt was born from a place of resilience and a desire to turn a difficult experience into something positive. After leaving a toxic work environment where I was bullied and harassed, I realised I had the chance to create a space where no one would ever feel that way. I started Dance Sculpt with the goal of empowering anyone who walked through my doors to feel strong, confident, and supported. The journey has been filled with learning curves, but seeing how our community has grown and thrived makes every challenge worth it.

What are some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had as the owner of Dance Sculpt?

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the transformations that happen within our studio. It’s not just about physical changes—though those are incredible—but the boost in confidence, the friendships formed, and the way our members start to carry themselves differently. Watching someone come in shy and unsure, and then blossom into a vibrant, confident version of themselves, is the most fulfilling part of what we do. Every success story reminds me why we started, and it fuels me to keep pushing forward.

Can you tell us the different classes you offer and the benefits for participants?

At Dance Sculpt, we’re all about creating an inspiring and enjoyable fitness journey. Our signature classes are where the magic happens. Barre mixes the grace of ballet, the strength of Pilates, and the intensity of full-body training to sculpt and tone in the most satisfying way. Full Body steps it up with a challenging routine that works every major muscle group, leaving you feeling strong and unstoppable. Mat Fusion is the perfect blend of Barre’s burn and Full Body’s intensity—it’s where flow meets fire.

We also offer Reformer Pilates, which focuses on building core strength and overall conditioning, and Reformer Stretch, which takes it a step further with deep stretching and lengthening for flexibility. Plus, we’re super excited to launch our Mumma + Mini class in September—a special class for mums and their little ones to bond and get moving together.

For those who love the elegance of dance, our Adult Ballet class offers a pure ballet experience that’s open to everyone. And with the new season, we’re bringing back some all-time favourites: Dance Cardio, for when you want to get your heart pumping in a fun and high-energy way; Mat Sculpt, combining mat Pilates with dynamic stretches; and Sculpt Stretch, which blends flexibility with relaxation.

We also have Yoga Sculpt, which reimagines traditional yoga by incorporating resistance and flow to build strength in a fresh and engaging way.

What sets Dance Sculpt apart is our focus on flowing movements and deep stretching that you just don’t find anywhere else—it’s our secret sauce that keeps members coming back. And with our small, boutique class sizes, you’ll always get that personal touch and guidance in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to up your fitness game, Dance Sculpt is here to help you feel strong, empowered, and ready to take on anything. Come join us—you’ll love it!

What role do community and connection play in the Dance Sculpt experience?

Community and connection are at the heart of Dance Sculpt. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel the difference—a welcoming, uplifting environment where everyone is rooting for each other. We believe that fitness is more than just working out; it’s about finding a tribe that supports and inspires you. Our members and team share a unique bond that goes beyond the studio walls, making every class not just a workout, but a chance to connect, grow, and thrive together. It’s this sense of belonging that keeps people coming back, and it’s what makes Dance Sculpt truly special.

Dance Sculpt is located on Level 1 21-25 Altree Court, Phillip, ACT 2606. Visit dancesculpt.com for more information or follow @dancesculpt on Instagram.

Canberra business Dance Sculpt recently took home the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award in the fitness category.

feature Humble House

Pass the Observing Shorelines at Humble House

Petros Papoulis’ love of being by the waterside continues in his new exhibition Observing Shorelines at Humble House gallery from 14 September to 13 October.

Feeling inspired by both public and industrial spaces bordered by water, Papoulis has crafted a collection of drawings, paintings and mixed-media works.

From the small yet intricately detailed works to larger pieces with 3D elements, each creation draws the viewer in.

This exhibition marks a departure from the artist’s previous showcases, as he incorporates more figures into his compositions. Gazing over the water, older characters appear to be contemplating the passage of time—or perhaps something else entirely.

Papoulis invites the audience to create their own narratives from these scenes. Observing Shorelines at Humble House gallery from 14 September to 13 October; humblehouse.com.au

Observing Shorelines

Solo exhibition by Petros Papoulis

14 September – 13 October

An extended focus on the margins and objects between land and water. All welcome to the opening 2pm Saturday 14 September and Artist Talk 12 noon Sunday 29 September.

93 Wollongong St Fyshwick Canberra ACT

Open Wed - Sun 10am - 4pm Phone (02) 6228 1988 @humblehousegallery

time out

The eye-boggling science of singing

Singing has been brought into the science lab for dissection and an ANU PhD student has proven that tone quality - quite literally – is an eye opener.

We weep when we hear Ava Maria, we shiver when Bocelli sings The Prayer, but School of Music student Sarah Mann has written a thesis on how our pupils dilate to the perfect tone.

She’s even crossed music with medical research, via the John Curtin School of Medical Research, to show how tone quality can elicit an unconscious physical response.

Her test subjects – or ‘mice’ if you like – were uni students and their reward for being experimented on was a free coffee and snack from a vending machine.

Over a 40-minute session, students listened to three-second grabs of an aria by Puccini repeated 36 times with subtle differences (vibrato, breathless) and Sarah tested the arousal levels by measuring their pupil diameter.

It turns out that tone clarity is an eye-opener.

“There’s something about clarity that we unconsciously discern,” Sarah said. “Our pupil

diameter can pick up clarity more readily than our evaluative mind can.”

Clarity basically means there’s no breathlessness in a note, when the singer efficiently controls their breathing to deliver a pure tone. Opera singers (like Sarah) are great at this.

Sarah said opera singers have optimal breathing that allows them to deliver long phrases.

“Opera singers don’t waste any extra breath,” she said. “It’s all turned into sound, or phonated air.”

Our eyes also pop when we hear vibrato - the bigger the oscillation, the bigger our pupils. We also love surprises.

“We see reactions when there’s a violation of our brain’s prediction of what’s going to happen,” Sarah said. “So when we’re sitting there, we have a whole lot of expectations. Our brain is just sitting there waiting for the next bit of information and if it’s something that’s unexpected - never heard before or something that we can’t do - we get an awe-inspiring response, a wow moment.”

Of course, the great composers deserve some

kudos for the rapturous applause and tears their music evokes, but Sarah has shown that tone quality counts for a lot.

“Sometimes after one note, people would just gasp or tear up or get the chills and it struck me - I used to think that it was something to do with the composers and the music but more and more it’s because of this one note idea. There’s something in the actual tone of the voice.”

Singers have long been searching for ways to move audiences and now there’s a published thesis on it, thanks to Sarah.

-

ANU PhD student Sarah Mann has discovered that a singer’s tone causes our pupils to dilate.

Georgia Curry

Canberra musician defined by dreams, not disability

To the naysayers who told Tim Murdoch - who was born with Cerebral Palsy - that he’d never make it in the music industry, well he’s about to release his ninth single and has just collaborated with five-time ARIA award-winner Rick Price.

Canberra-born-and-bred Tim was “bullied mercilessly” at school and his teachers told him that music wasn’t a good occupation for him. But now, the full-time muso has a bachelor’s degree in composition and production and a seven-year residency in Sydney under his belt.

“My parents were told that music’s not a good thing for Tim,” he said. “He’s never going to achieve anything in that area. I’ve been told that all my life.”

When Tim finished his Year 12 studies, he embarked on a 17-year-long busking journey out the front of Westfield at Woden, Westfield Belconnen and Civic, playing keyboard and singing. Every single day - rain, hail or shine.

“It was just a hard slog, and that’s kind of

been the story of my whole life,” Tim said. “I’ve never looked at my disability as a disadvantage, but when I was busking, people would ask, ‘What’s this guy doing?’ A gift that I have is just tenacity and determination.”

While he was busking, Tim started releasing his own music and raising money for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Suddenly, he’s starring on ABC television’s Stateline, local news bulletins and newspapers - even though his promotional budget was zero.

Getting that taste of fame at 21 years of age, Tim decided he needed a manager, so he looked for the biggest ad in the paper, which was local promoter Laing Entertainment (which has managed the likes of Kasey Chambers and Daryl Braithwaite).

Let the name-dropping begin. In the ‘90s, Tim was asked to be the support act for Australian singer Wendy Matthews at the Southern Cross Club and later, ARIA-award winner Rick Price.

It’s little wonder that Tim has been chosen to be a disability advocate for the upcoming Canberra Disability Expo. His entire modus operandi is: “To prove to people that anything’s possible”.

“It’s an honour and a joy and a privilege for me to hopefully inspire other people with disabilities about what’s possible,” he said.

Tim’s stage name is TJ James and you check out his music at tjjames.com.au. The Canberra Disability Expo is on 6-7 September, 9am-3pm, at Exhibition Park. For more, visit canberradisabilityexpo.com.au

- Georgia Curry

SLAP. BANG. KISS.

Canberra muso Tim Murdoch, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, has just collaborated on a single with ARIA-Award winner Rick Price.

Experience the great Australian Holiday in Away at Rep Theatre

The end-of-year break is one that all students look forward to, it is Christmas and the time when families are likely to head off on a holiday together. Transporting the audiences to a caravan park, grand hotel and beautiful beach is the classic play Away, showing at Canberra Rep Theatre on 6-21 September.

“You can almost hear the waves, hear the cicadas, smell the sausages cooking at the campsite next to you. There’s something really familiar about the great Australian holiday,” Says Lainie Hart, director.

Written by Michael Gow in the 1980s and set towards the end of the 1960s, Away follows three families on a journey of grief, connection, healing and hope. A decade of much-loved fashion and tunes, Ms Hart says it was a fascinating time.

“Also, historically it is an interesting time in Australia’s history with the Vietnam War going on, conscription was happening, we’d had a referendum, lots was happening in human rights and feminism,” says Ms Hart.

The story brings together three families from different classes and

Catholic Church

backgrounds. The lower-class family have immigrated from England and are trying their hardest to create happy memories for their teenage son during their camp stay on the beach. The middle-class family come from poverty and has fought their way to their class status, they take up residence at the caravan park where tension is rife between

parents and their teen daughter. The upper-middle-class family, the school principal and his wife, are staying at a nice hotel, grappling with the loss of their son.

“Three families go off on their separate holidays but end up together on the beach and each family is wrestling with loss and change. Each of the families is doing their best but not doing it

Lainie Hart directs the Australian Classic Away at Canberra Rep Theatre on 6-21 September.

Photo: Eve Murray

well, they are all kind of wrestling with it as individuals but not together,” says Ms Hart.

Normally on stage rather than directing it, Ms Hart says it felt like the time was right for her to take the director seat. She was in a space where she felt like she could bring something more to the table and was inspired by plays of all kinds.

“I am always interested in plays that have psychological themes that are about relationships, about people coming together in the theatre to watch something around human nature or what happens to humans,” she says.

Away offered Ms Hart all those things whilst also tying in another great love, the Australian landscape. Ms Hart says Australian storytelling is still in a time of finding our own voice, influenced by American and British classics but there is one big character that we can offer that they

can’t - our beautiful landscape. “Away is very much about needing to get into the natural environment to heal and process. If you’re stuck inside your normal routine, you can’t do that.”

As a tragicomedy, the audience will be led through light-hearted moments of joy and laughter and also times of sadness and reflection. Ms Hart says it is lined with real moments that can move real people.

“The play is about ultimately, how families need to come together to get through difficult times… It is a play about hope, a play about change, and coming through being isolated in grief to feeling like you can have renewal at that end of that.”

Find an escape in Away at Canberra Rep Theatre on 6-21 September; canberrarep.org.au

-

Jessica Cordwell

showingNow

the talent beneath the rough and unruly surface, and the group’s effect on young women.

Midas Man (M)

In 1961, Brian Epstein (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) convinces his father (Eddie Marsan) to allow him to start a record section in his father’s megastore. After establishing himself as a hit-spotter, Brian’s assistant flags that a band who have released a popular, but hard to get, record are playing at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. Brian rushes down to the subterranean lair to see the band that calls itself The Beatles.

The movie follows the development of the most influential band in the world and the man behind it. Dubbed ‘the fifth Beatle’, the influence Brian Epstein had on the band cannot be overstated. A young, handsome, and successful gentleman, Brian was perfectly placed in history, skills, and experience to recognise

The movie takes a slightly more serious tone once we discover Brian’s secret and dangerous double life. As homosexuality was criminalised at the time, Brian was forced to go out under the cover of night at risk of arrest, assault, and potential extortion.

Like I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022), the movie comes close to devolving into a by-the-numbers musical biopic checklist as opposed to telling a complete story focused on a specific period of time. The movie is at its strongest when focusing on Brian and his interactions with the band.

Verdict: A solid study of a misplaced character searching for love, without recognising his perfect position to gift it to the world.

- Luke McWilliams themovieclub.net

Viewed at Dendy Cinemas.

Friday 20 Sep

NOW OPEN Registrations

This week Michael Popple highlights three fantastic and thrilling novels. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog, unseenlibrary.com

Fleeing from her divorce, Australian scientist Kit Bitterfeld accepts a research position at Macpherson Station in Antarctica. However, things quickly go awry when Kit and her colleagues rescue the amnesiac survivor of a shipwreck, Nick Coltheart. Arriving at Macpherson, it becomes clear that Nick is hiding something about the events on his ship, and Kit needs is a gripping and

captivating debut from new Australian author Riley James. Featuring a powerful atmosphere and making excellent use of its bleak setting, The is an awesome book that comes highly recommended.

Eddie Flynn, former conman turned trial lawyer, finds himself defending an innocent man for murder. But Flynn is unaware that the primary witness, nanny Ruby Johnson, is manipulating events to suit her own twisted agenda. Contending with mysterious motivations, dark secrets, and deadly hitmen stalking him, can Flynn discover the truth behind the murder before his client’s life is destroyed? Cavanagh continues his incredibly entertaining Eddie Flynn series in a big way with Witness 8. A constant thrill ride of over-the-top legal shenanigans, complex characters, and near-death experiences, Witness 8 is guaranteed to keep you glued to the page.

The Youngest Son

by John Byres Macmillan, $34.99

In 1920s Sydney, the working-class Leach family face struggle and setbacks in life. Oldest son John attempts to walk the straight line, daughter Maureen finds heartbreak following her bad decisions, while the youngest son, Bob, makes only enemies as he works with his fists. But with war on the horizon, can this fractious family survive these turbulent times? The Youngest Son is an excellent historical read from rising Australian author John Byres. Following the intriguing lives of three damaged siblings as they experience the various turmoils of 20th-century Sydney, The Youngest Son is an outstanding book with some real heart to it.

What's on

05- 07 SEP

English

A small classroom in Iran is the birthplace of a bighearted comedy. From the absurd conversations you’ll only hear in a language lesson to the hilarity of serious subjects lost in translation.

Canberra Theatre Centre, 5-7 September; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Find more listings at canberradaily.com.au

To advertise here, contact Mohit on 0406 378 673 or mohit@newstimemedia.com.au

Ordinary Days

The lives of four young people living in New York City intersect in this funny yet moving musical.

The Q - Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 5-7 September; theq.net.au

06- 08 SEP

Once Upon a Grimm Night

You have stumbled onto the domain of the Narrator as characters of Everafter are spilling into our world. You must join the quest and uncover the truth.

Tuggeranong Homestead, 6-8 September; odysseytheatre.com.au

07-29 SEP

Chicago the Musical

The longestrunning Broadway musical finally arrives in Canberra, step back into the dazzling 1920s as two accused murderesses defend their innocence.

Canberra Theatre Centre, 7-29 September; canberratheatrecentre.com.au

September. 08 SEP 05- 07 SEP

WIN! BAROSSAN X wine pack

Peter Lehmann Wines has launched BAROSSAN X, a new range of Shiraz wines o ering innovative twists on the classic Barossa Valley varietal. The collection includes three unique blends: Twisted Shiraz (with Tempranillo), Daring Shiraz (with Montepulciano), and Radical Shiraz (with Touriga). Crafted by winemaker Lauren Hutton, these wines blend traditional Barossa Shiraz flavors with vibrant alternative varietals, showcasing the diversity of Barossa vineyards. BAROSSAN X is available at BWS and Dan Murphy’s for $23. For more information, visit their website: peterlehmannwines.com/pages/barossan-x.

Thanks to Peter Lehmann Wines, two CW readers will win a prize pack featuring three bottles from the new BAROSSAN X range.

Enter to win!

To enter, scan the QR code or visit canberradaily. com.au and click on the ‘Entertainment’ tab to ‘Competitions’, find the competition you wish to enter and follow the entry instructions. Entries close 9am Friday 13 September 2024 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person per giveaway. Entrants must be aged 18+.

Heroes

& Villians

Music From The Movies

Join the NCO for a thrilling afternoon of movie music. Featuring the soaring melodies of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more. This concert of fan-favourite film scores is sure to leave audiences wanting more!

Snow Concert Hall, Sunday 8 September 3pm; nationalcapitalorchestra.org.au

WIN! RUNT lm passes

Craig Silvey’s beloved best-selling novel leaps onto the big screen in a charming new Australian family movie. RUNT is the heartfelt and hilarious tale of eleven-year-old Annie Shearer and her best friend Runt, an adopted stray dog with remarkable abilities. In a bid to save their family farm, the two aspire to compete in the Agility Course Championships at the prestigious Krumpets Dog Show in London, whilst overcoming hurdles, obstacles and nefarious villains.

12

SEP

Instant Comedy

Delight in the quick wit and creativity of improvised comedy masterminds; all inspired by a single word from the audience. Combining the wit of stand-up and the intimacy of live theatre, Lightbulb Improv creates memorable stories, colourful characters, enchanting songs and plenty of laughs. Tickets $15. Smith’s Alternative, Thursday 12 September 7pm; smithsalternative.com

CW has five double passes to RUNT to give away. In Cinemas 19 September.

WIN! RUKVESTS from RUKSAK

Enter to win one of two RUKVESTS from RUKSAK, valued at $160 each! The RUKVEST aims to make your movement more meaningful, turning your ordinary walks into full-body workouts by adding weight, enhancing both strength training and cardio benefits. Ideal for busy schedules, these vests are your perfect fitness companion. And if you’re looking for customisable weight options, RUKSAK is home to Australia's newest adjustable rucksacks, allowing you to tailor your workouts to what you need, by just 1kg at a time.

Enter to win one of two RUKVESTS from RUKSAK, valued at $160 each!

Heroes & Villains - Music From The Movies at Snow Concert Hall on 8

Lightbulb Improv presents Instant Comedy at Smith’s Alternative on 12 September.

Long, lush lashes

The focal point of the face, eyes draw people in! Having long, lush lashes can bring together a glam make-up look or add a bit of punch to a natural face. Here are some of our products the perfect lash.

WITH FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR, JESSICA CORDWELL

Prioriteyes Mascara, $49.50, okkiyo.com

This lengthening serum has been designed by ophthalmologist Dr. Jacqueline Beltz specifically for sensitive eyes. This sell-out product adds length and volume without irritating or causing excess running. Highly recommended for anyone who struggles with mascara.

Benefit BADgal Bang! Volumizing Mascara, $49, Sephora

There is a reason one of these bad gals sells every 8 seconds, they are a cult favourite. Water-resistant, volumising, and buildable, it provides the perfect base for any eye look. It is now available in four colours - black, brown, plum and an electric blue.

This is definitely one to add to the make-up bag. It is volumising while the tubing formula eliminates any smudging or running and on top of that, it is so a ordable!

If you are after a smooth, non-clumping buildable mascara, this is the one for you. While the price might be on the higher end, this is a luxury brand beauty product that does not disappoint.

You get what you expect with this one, thick is in the name after all. It volumises and thickens the lash, drawing attention to the eye. It may be too much for the natural look but for those looking to make a statement, it is perfect.

Tube Tech Tubular Mascara Jet Black, $22, modelrocklashes.com

Yves Saint Laurent Last Clash Mascara, $68, Myer

Fenty Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara Cuz I’m Black, $35, Sephora

Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum, $122, Mecca

The trick to creating perfect long lashes is the hair you are working with, if you need a bit of a boost to your natural lashes, try a building serum. Olaplex’s o ering is gentle on the eyes, and after using it for a few weeks, my lashes look longer and slightly fuller.

My Podiatrist Canberra

Simon is an experienced podiatrist who provides expert, high-quality care.

WE OFFER:

• General nail care

• Diabetic foot care

• Custom orthotics

• Children’s podiatry

• Ingrown nail treatment

Lash Starter Kit, $134.95, lecil.com.au

After something even bigger but don’t want to splash out for lash extension or apply false lashes every day, then meet LeCil. While the kit might look confronting, a placement guide and how-to videos on the website make the process simple. The best part? These lashes can last for ten days or more!

• DVA podiatry

We also treat foot pain and the following conditions: plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns and ankle sprains, warts, fungal nails and forefoot pain.

We have dedicated parking, and are close to trams and public transport.

NO REFERRALS NEEDED

Mention this ad and get 10% off your first treatment

BOOK TODAY: Simon Hrobelko 02 6109 8183 mypodiatristcanberra.bookings.pracsuite.com www.mypodiatristcanberra.com.au

Suite 7/5 McKay Gardens, Turner ACT 2612 Clinic open Monday to Friday

Charming family home in Holder

Holder 2 Frankland Street

Nestled in the heart of Holder, 2 Frankland Street offers a solid brick home that is perfect for families.

With light-filled areas and secure under-house storage, this property is both practical and welcoming.

The secure yard provides a safe space for children to play, while the low-maintenance gardens are ideal for those looking to put their own stamp on the property.

Located just a stone’s throw away from local

schools, Cooleman Court, and nearby ovals, the convenience is unmatched.

The home’s original design offers a great canvas for customisation, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to create their dream home in a well-established neighbourhood.

Whether you’re a growing family or looking to downsize, this home combines a fantastic location with the potential for personal touches, making it a must-see property in Holder.

3 Callitris Place, Jerrabomberra $1,900,000 Ward

36 Scott Street, Narrabundah $1,835,000 Belle Property 111 Ivo Whitton Circuit, Kambah $1,770,000 Blackshaw 55 Florence Fuller Crescent, Conder $1,720,000 Luton

6 Meredith Street, Queanbeyan $1,480,000 Ward

50/7 Light Street, Gri th

$1,325,000 Hive

Dennis Street, Garran $1,285,000 Blackshaw 2 Heales Place, Curtin $1,260,000 Blackshaw 3 Gurnai Place, Aranda

Ray White 65 Scrivener Street, O'Connor $1,230,000 Blackshaw 7 Myall Street, O'Connor $1,200,000 Blackshaw 40 Beltana Avenue, Googong $1,150,000 Ward 29 Dumas Street, McKellar $1,100,000 LJ Hooker

11 Dengate Crescent, Moncrie $1,025,000 Town Residential 40 Stockdale Street, Dickson $1,005,000 LJ Hooker

2 Kumm Place, Cook $990,000 Ray White 58 Piddington Street, Watson $950,000 Blackshaw 73 Thomas Royal Gardens, Queanbeyan$940,000 Ward

10 Pitcairn Street, Evatt $901,000 Timothy Rd 15 Archdall Street, MacGregor $900,000 Hive 27/2 Torrens Street, Braddon $900,000 Hive 92/121 Thynne Street, Bruce $879,000 Home by Holly

19 Freehill Street, Evatt $855,000 LJ Hooker

21 Bywaters Street, Amaroo

66 Lawrenson Circuit, Jacka

$840,000 Stone

$840,000 Hive

328 Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin$825,000 New Door Properties

13 Couchman Crescent, Chisholm

11 Simson Place, Kambah

21 Scarlett Street, Melba

56 Downard Street, Calwell

21/65 Frencham Street, Downer

11 Tadgell Place, Florey

67 Downard Street, Calwell

6/123 Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls

15 Marlock Street, Rivett

13/28 David Street, Turner

81 Limb Circuit, Moncrie

6 Macintyre Place, Charnwood

33/17 Eldridge Crescent, Garran

3/34 Dooring Street, Dickson

$820,000 LJ Hooker

$815,000 My Morris

$815,000 Blackshaw

$810,000 Ray White

$805,000 Belle Property

$800,000 Timothy Rd

$795,000 Blackshaw

$792,000 Blackshaw

$750,000 Blackshaw

$730,000 LJ Hooker

$723,000 Ray White

$716,000 Ray White

$710,000 LJ Hooker

$700,000 Belle Property

1/83-85 Tharwa Road, Queanbeyan $697,500 Ward

216/15 Irving Street, Phillip $695,000 Timothy Rd

4 Rosanove Crescent, Denman Prospect$685,000 Belle Property

7 Berkeley Street, Dunlop

4/2 Mary Street, Googong

35 Margaret Street, Karabar

$673,000 LJ Hooker

$655,000 Ray White

$647,500 LJ Hooker

37/100 Chewings Street, Page $622,250 Hive

23/15 Strangways Street, Curtin $608,000 Home by Holly

67/30 Blackall Street, Barton $595,000 Purnell

51/64 Kings Canyon Street, Harrison $595,000 Stone

38/11 Wanderlight Avenue, Lawson $595,000 Town Residential

16 Blandon Place, Holt $590,000 Suburbia

211/8 Cape Street, Dickson $585,000 Independent

203/258 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson $553,000 Independent

1905/49 Furzer Street, Phillip $549,950 Independent

1/11 Wise Street, Braddon $518,000 Belle Property

76/1 Mouat Street, Lyneham

Dickson

Hely

Blocks range from 732sqm to an impressive 2067sqm. Only 17 blocks now available - Dont miss out!

Canberra home prices grow in August real estate property news

In August, Canberra’s housing market experienced a slight uptick, with home prices increasing by 0.04%, bringing the year-on-year growth to 0.43%, according to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index report.

Despite these gains, prices remain 5.53% below their March 2022 peak. However, since the pandemic’s onset in March 2020, Canberra’s home prices have surged by 35.9%.

Nationally, home prices rose by 0.22% in August, with the combined capital cities seeing a 6.49% increase over the past year.

While Canberra’s growth is modest compared to other capitals like Perth and Adelaide, it reflects the broader resilience of Australia’s housing market amidst varying regional performances.

Despite slower growth, Canberra’s steady market highlights its ongoing appeal, even as other cities experience faster or more volatile changes.

As the market adjusts, Canberra continues to offer stability and gradual appreciation, making it a consistent option for homeowners and investors alike.

Level 1070sqm* block

Four spacious bedrooms all with built-inwardrobes

The master bedroom is fully self-contained with luxury walk-in robe and ensuite

Separate bathroom with shower and bath tub, plus an additional powder room

Chefs kitchen with a practical butler’s pantry

This spacious home will be constructed on a neat 1070sqm* block and is perfectly located across from the golf course and is only 700m* from Boorowa’s boutique coffee shops, pool and parks.

Market Street, Boorowa NSW

Trades & Services Guide

Trades & Services Guide

ATTENTION TRADIES

Trades & Services Guide

Trades & Services Guide

pet of the week

Bronson the Border Collie

Recently celebrating his 1st birthday, Bronson the Border Collie is a charmer - most of the time.

Cheeky and excitable Bronson loves visitors, especially his cousin Polly the Shitzu, the pair play and egg each other on all day long.

Favourite way to spend the day:

Meeting best pals Louie and Winnie at the dog park where he loves to splash in the water troughs and run through the mud. This is followed by a bath at home.

Favourite snack: Bronson loves

5am yoghurt put in his bowl and anything Polly might be given.

Favourite toy: A yellow and black braided number called The Bee; Bronson loves to shake it and growl like the animal he is.

Special talent: Constantly praised for his many talents, Bronson knows he is special, he can high-fi ve with his left paw and shake with his right.

Each week CW will share a furry, feathered or scaly face from around the region. To have your best friend featured, send your answers to the questions below and an image of your pet looking their best to news@newstimemedia.com.au

Rescue a lonely heart!

Poppy

A beautiful lady, who is affectionate and loyal. While I love all people, I am hoping to finally find my person.

Name: Poppy

Sex: Female

Age: 5 years

Breed: Staff y Cross

What are you looking for?

I am looking for a family of my own who will include me in their

daily lives and love me as much as I love them.

Any Tattoos? Yes, just the one from when I was desexed.

Do you want kids? I would be fine with older children, no young ones, please. Dogs or cats? I want to be your one and only.

When was your last relationship?

I have had some long-term relationships but I’m looking for happy ever after.

Active or couch potato?

Moderately active. I enjoy a long walk and jog but love people-watching, car rides and cuddles just as much.

What would your perfect day look like? A car ride together before a nice hike with lots of pats, and afterwards a snuggle on the couch would be divine.

See if it is love at first meet with Poppy through ACT Foster and Rescue; fosterdogs.org