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The 2025 National Multicultural Festival: and c munity
I Celebration of culture
7-9
February | Canberra CBD
n the heart of Canberra, an extraordinary event unfolds each year, transforming the city into a vibrant, multicultural hub. From Friday 7 to Sunday 9 February, the city centre will come alive with a kaleidoscope of colours, rhythms, and flavours as the National Multicultural Festival returns for another unforgettable celebration of global diversity.
With over 170 multicultural communities, 270 stalls, and more than 200 performances, this three-day event reflects the rich cultural tapestry that defines Australia. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned festival-goer, there’s something for everyone.
The festival is more than just a celebration —it’s a vibrant gathering of people, stories, and traditions from across the globe, o ering an immersive experience where attendees can explore, learn, and connect, embracing the beauty of cultural exchange.
Cultural music and performances
This year promises an unforgettable lineup of performances, bringing together diverse sounds and cultures from around the world.
The festival kicks o at 5pm on Friday with an unforgettable opening ceremony showcasing Ngunnawal culture, including a Welcome to Country by Aunty Violet Sheridan, storytelling by Johnny Huckle, and a performance
from the Ngunnawal Dance Academy, setting the tone for an exciting weekend of cultural exploration.
Later that evening, don’t miss Zimbabwean-born Thndo, Canberra’s own soul and R&B sensation, who will bring her electrifying stage presence and powerful voice to the stage.
On Sunday, experience the soulful ballads of the festival’s headline act, Thelma Plum, a proud Gamilaraay woman and ARIA-winning singer-songwriter. Thelma’s deeply personal lyrics, rich with culture and resilience, will resonate with attendees for a memorable afternoon performance.
Throughout the weekend, over eight stages and venues will showcase a vibrant mix of performances from diverse cultures.
Dive into the Mini Nepal in Australia Showcase, featuring Nepalese popstar Asmita Adhikari, followed by the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Showcase where Frank Yamma brings his powerful storytelling and soulful voice to the stage.
Continue your cultural exploration with the Cowboys & Cowgirls from Around the World Showcase, featuring Josh Setterfield channelling the spirit of the Wild West, or the Azerbaijan Dance & Music Workshop, o ering an immersive experience in Azerbaijan’s traditional dance and music.
From the irresistible reggae beats and vibrant K-pop
performances to the mystical melodies of Tibetan singer and instrumentalist Tenzin Choegyal, discover a variety of performances from across the globe.
Be captivated by the graceful dancers of Son de Mexico, the high-energy moves of Rio Samba and Kokoloco dancers, and the soulful sounds of The Seben Brothers. Don’t miss the passionate belly dance showcase, the lively swing rhythms of Jumptown Jammers, and the multigenerational Assyrian dance-rock group Azadoota.
Food from around the world
Food lovers will be in heaven with hundreds of stalls o ering an exceptional opportunity to embark
on a culinary adventure around the world. From smoky, slow-cooked meats and sizzling kebabs to delicate baos and crunchy empanadas, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
The food journey kicks o with Foodie Friday, a spectacular opening night featuring everything from rich, savory paella and gooey raclette to Brazilian hot dogs and Japanese rice burgers.
As you explore Food Truck Alley on Akuna Street, the tantalising smells of smoked meats, tacos, and specialty drinks will guide you to the perfect bite. Dumpling lovers won’t want to miss the diverse selection—from juicy Chinese xiaolongbao to flavourful Tibetan momos.
Celebrate over 170 communities through food, music, and dance.
No meal is complete without dessert, and the festival delivers in spades, o ering indulgent baklava, cannoli, and creamy Portuguese tarts.
Whether you’re a connoisseur of global flavours or simply in search of a delicious meal, the food at the festival promises to be a highlight of your experience. Come hungry, explore new tastes, and leave with a belly full of new favourites and a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary traditions of the world.
Hands-on cultural activities
The festival o ers much more than food and performances; it’s a rich, immersive experience.
Festival-goers can explore cultural arts, crafts, and traditions through hands-on workshops—try draping a saree, explore Chinese ink painting, or feel the rhythm of African drumming.
Film enthusiasts can enjoy the Multicultural Film Festival at Elise’s
Film House, screening iconic films from around the world.
On Sunday, cooking demonstrations will inspire visitors to try dishes like Chinese chive buns and crispy street-style tofu. Beyond these activities, the festival features diverse stalls and Embassy Villages where visitors can learn about global cultures. Don’t miss the Sunday-only market stalls, featuring jewellery, handicrafts, and clothing.
Family-friendly fun
For families, there’s no shortage of fun and entertainment. A highlight is the Smartraveller Parade, a lively procession that celebrates over 50 cultures with stunning presentations of national and traditional clothing and energetic performances. Held on Saturday at 4pm, the parade will wind through the city, o ering a vibrant showcase of multiculturalism.
At the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG), children can explore instruments from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra at the Instrument Petting Zoo, while parents take a moment to relax in the Family Sanctuary, which features quiet spaces and activities like face painting and craft workshops.
Throughout the weekend, families can enjoy bilingual story time sessions where children can listen to stories from around the world. For some nighttime fun, families can also join the silent disco. For those seeking a quieter space, the Seniors Chill Zone, hosted by COTA at the Civic Library, o ers a peaceful respite from the festival’s bustling energy.
A festival to remember
With an incredible lineup of performances, food, cultural activities, workshops, and family-friendly fun, the National
Multicultural Festival promises to be a weekend to remember. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in flavours, connect with new cultures, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. The festival’s central location makes it easy to access, with free public transport and shuttle bus services available throughout the weekend. If you’re coming from out of town, discounted accommodation o ers are available with participating hotels. Mark your calendar for 7 to 9 February 2025 and join in the celebration of diversity in the heart of Canberra. For more details on the full program, festival map, accommodation o ers, and accessibility information, visit multiculturalfestival.com.au or scan the QR code.
Explore music and traditions from around the world at this year’s Multicultural Festival.
Feel the energy of the festival crowd while enjoying a range of performances.
Local heroes become national heroes
LILLIAN ALTMAN
Café Stepping Stone founders Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello have become national heroes.
The 2025 ACT Local Hero winners were announced as Australia’s Local Heroes for 2025 at a ceremony in Canberra on Saturday 25 January.
The joint winners told CW they were overwhelmed by the win.
Café Stepping Stone is a sustainable vegetarian café that runs across two locations, Strathnairn and Dickson.
It is a social enterprise and registered charity that helps migrant women gain on-the-job training and qualifications through partnerships with registered training organisations.
Ms Brettell said she was still processing the win.
“[I’m] very happy, overwhelmed, proud and a bit nervous,” she said.
“We had our family with us on the evening for support.”
She said following the ceremony at the National Arboretum, they went back to the café to celebrate with their staff.
Ms Brettell said it was surreal to hear their names called out.
“I didn’t quite believe it. We both froze for a bit and thought ‘Okay, we need to get up, this is being broadcast on national television,’” she said.
She said while it was out of their comfort zone, it was a great opportunity to talk about what they do, its impact, to encourage people to support social enterprises and to learn about what the migrant women faced.
The Australian of the Year Awards nominees attended various events across the Australia Day long weekend, visiting the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House, while also meeting previous winners, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn.
Ms Costello said they were both surprised when they were announced as winners.
“We really didn’t think it would be our names called out,” she said.
“They make everyone prepare and have a speech ready to read out in case they win.
“It was nice to feel that we were prepared, it’s quite an experience.”
It was straight back to work for the pair.
“Nothing stops; it’s been really nice being back and seeing our staff and giving them congratulations because it’s their award just as much as it is ours,” Ms Costello said.
“I’m happy and positive about how we can grow in the next year.”
She said their aim was to champion the voices of the women they worked with.
Ms Costello said anyone who felt their community needed a social enterprise could reach out to them.
Australia’s Local Heroes Hannah Costello and Vanessa Brettell with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on stage at the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards. Photo: NADC/Salty Dingo
Canberra’s Everest - the final ascent
Canberra’s climbing community is in free-fall with the closing of the 25-year-old Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing (CIRC) business in Mitchell – the oldest climbing gym in Australia. Its lease runs out on 31 January 2025 and is not being renewed.
CIRC boasts Canberra’s longest-running youth program (est. 1999) and has given rise to dozens of champions who’ve competed at Oceanic titles and World Championships. Its sudden exit will be keenly felt throughout Canberra, with the business sponsoring dozens of sporting groups and local charities over twoand-a-half decades.
Owner Gordon Kelly, who purchased the business in 1999 (it was first established in Kingston in 1990), said he would not be relocating the business.
“I love what I’ve been doing and it’s been a privilege,” Gordon said. “We’ve taken in everybody, the Ted Noffs Foundation brings people here, schools from interstate, scouting
groups. I’ve sponsored footy teams, netball teams, soccer teams, rugby league teams. I was the sponsor of the Gungahlin Jets for 16 years - pretty much anyone who sends me a letter asking for a donation for a raffle or a prize, I’m happy to do that.”
What started out as Canberra’s first climbing gym (at the old Bus Depot Markets) has since become a hub for Canberra’s tight-knit, rockclimbing community. Former coach of Australia’s climbing team, Cait Horan, said CIRC had impacted her life “deeply”.
“It afforded me leadership opportunities in the sport that I love and allowed me to travel the world as Australian Climbing Coach,” Cait said. “Through the gym I built a second family in the climbing community that proved to be one of my greatest supports as I tried to rehabilitate from Leukemia.
“Without the support of Gordon and the gym, I would not be the climber, but more importantly, the person I am today. The loss of CIRC is not only very sad for me but for the Canberra climbing community.”
CIRC has also supported people with disabilities and those with dementia. One regular climber, who developed dementia, would be brought in by his friends and family and Cait said his face would light up as his climbing memories returned.
For one final ascent, Canberra’s climbing community is saying goodbye to CIRC on Friday, 31 January, 5:30pm, with a final climb and sausage sizzle.
Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing is on Facebook and Instagram and is located at 38 Essington Street Mitchell.
Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing will close its doors on 31st January after 25 years in business. Photo: supplied.
GEORGIA CURRY
DECISION TIME where to live ?
Critical questions for those seeking independent living and/or retirement! A vital 10 point checklist...
1
2
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IS THE PROPERTY FREEHOLD? Will I own both the house and the land, be in full control of my assets and maintain my independence?
DO I HAVE AMPLE SPACE AND STORAGE? Will my new home have ample storage, so I can keep my cherished memories and favourite possessions?
IS THE HOME WELL DESIGNED, SUSTAINABLE + FUNCTIONAL?
Will I own a stylish, energy-efficient home that I can enjoy year-round while keeping power and water usage low?
ARE MY ON-GOING COSTS AFFORDABLE? Have I confirmed it’s freehold, so I only cover rates, insurance, repairs, and a low annual fee for common property upkeep?
5 ARE THERE ENTRY OR EXIT FEES? Forget exit or entry fees - are the capital gains mine to keep and pass on as I choose? I’m definitely not spending my ‘kids’ inheritance’!
6 IS IT A GREAT LOCATION – SPACE TO BREATH? Do I have a home where family and friends can visit freely, with easy access to everything that enhances my lifestyle—shopping, home care, transport, medical services, hobbies, and more?
7
WHAT ABOUT MY HEALTH AND WELLNESS? Will I join a community that fosters independence while offering support and activities to keep me fit and healthy - like a heated indoor pool, gym, yoga, and an active social calendar? The choice is always mine.
8 HAVE I RESEARCHED THE VALUE COMPARISON? Does my new home offer real value? By comparing the purchase price and annual maintenance costs to other retirement options, can I confidently say I’ve made a smart and financially sound choice for my future retirement?
9 HAVE I CONSIDERED THE INVEST-RETIRE PROGRAM BENEFITS?
The homes are freehold, allowing me to secure a loan now while I’m working and pay it off over time. This way, it’s ready for me when I decide to downsize and embrace the lifestyle. Plus, if I travel, I can easily rent it out without any issues.
10 IS AN AMAZING LIFESTYLE OFFERED?
Vibrant Braidwood offers endless activities in a fresh, open country settinghave I considered a place not just to live, but to love!
Great Theatre in Canberra and congratulations to Moby Dicks tavern Kippax
Time for some good news stories!
I must confess to being a fan of live theatre and have even acted in a few plays myself. I played the King in The King and I at the then-Narrabundah High School in 1967 and the leading man (Petruchio) in Kiss Me Kate in 1968. After leaving Narrabundah High, I had a few bit parts with Canberra Repertory as well as modest roles in The White Horse Inn (Emperor Franz
Josef) and as pilot Lt. Buzz Adams in South Pacific with the Muswellbrook Amateur Theatrical Society in 1977 and 1978.
I was therefore delighted to see an excellent play, The Chalk Pit, written and directed by former Narrabundah College drama teacher Peter Wilkins, at the new Mill Theatre in Fyshwick.
I attended with my old friend Julie McKaren-Benson, of ex-Democrat fame, who is a playwright and filmmaker herself. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had a great talk with the cast and Peter afterwards over a convivial glass of red.
The play cleverly and convincingly follows the career of Thomas John Ley, a Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly from around 1918 to 1946 with the National Australia Party. Ley was a womaniser and murderer,
infamous for defrauding many innocent people with a fake cure for the prickly pear plague that was devastating rural land in NSW and Victoria during the 1920s and 1930s.
Ley killed at least four people who could have exposed him, and probably a fifth. He was finally convicted of murder in the UK in 1946, but his death sentence was commuted to detention “at His Majesty’s pleasure” due to insanity. He survived in prison for six months before dying of a brain aneurysm.
Peter Wilkins told me he had read Ley’s diary, which suddenly tapered o mid-sentence. It’s likely that Ley died while writing it.
I thoroughly recommend a trip to the Mill Theatre for lovers of live theatre.
Last Thursday, I had cause to walk through one of my favourite taverns
in Canberra – Moby Dicks at Kippax. My old friend Darcy Henry has long since retired, and many residents of NW Belconnen will remember Darcy fondly as a much-loved publican, as well as a colourful racing identity and all-around good bloke.
The current owners and sta , however, are to be congratulated on fitting out the tavern with bunting and large Australian flags, both inside and on the windows, in preparation for Australia Day.
Moby Dicks has been expanded in recent years and now serves great pub food in a family-friendly atmosphere. It has always been popular with tradies and locals and sponsors many community events. It’s great to see the old tavern still doing so well.
Indeed, it seems that this Australia Day saw a significant increase in people across our great land coming together to have a good time, give thanks, and celebrate all that is good in Australia.
Raiders fans follow 2025 season from Antarctica
Antarctica will turn a shade of green in 2025 as several Canberra Raiders fans working there vow to follow the entire season.
Mark Green and Cameron Griffin have been working in Antarctica since last October and will spend about a year there.
But that isn’t stopping either of the tradesmen from watching their beloved NRL team.
The pair even became friends through their shared passion for the Raiders.
They reside at Davis Research Station, the most southerly Australian Antarctic station, located about 20 kilometres from the edge of the continental ice sheet.
Mark has been a fan of the Raiders since 1982.
“I grew up in Canberra and was born and bred there, so you follow your team; it was non-negotiable,” he said.
“It was just the right thing to do, much to my brother’s disgust because he’s a Manly fan.
“Back in the glory days when we won the premierships, I loved Bradley Clyde, Laurie (Daley), (Gary) Belcher, Jacko (Steve Jackson) and Laz (Glenn Lazarus), that whole era.”
Mark is working in Antarctica as a carpenter, where over the summer he built the structures that house reverse osmosis (which converts salt
water to drinking water), and in the upcoming winter will renovate and re-fit the operations building.
They will watch the matches on a projector screen alongside other NRL fans at Davis Station.
“I’ve saved a carton (of beer) if they make the finals,” Mark said.
This is Mark’s third trip to Antarctica for work.
“I love the place; I love the isolation and the brutality of the environment. I love the brutal weather until I’m out in it working,” he said.
“You come down here and they say you get ice in your veins; it keeps dragging you back.”
While Mark enjoys the job, he said it was hard leaving his wife, children and dog behind.
Cameron, who resides in Darwin, has been a Raiders fan since 1989.
“I turned the television on when I was five years old, fresh in kindy, and went for the green team,” he said.
“Mal Meninga was my hero and Laurie Daley as well. I’ve always been a one-club man.”
Free entertainment and activities for kids all day, every day.
Rides and Showbags to keep the big kids smiling and thrilled.
Farmyard animals to cuddle all day including puppies, chicks and ducks.
Sheep shearing, cow milking, pig racing, arts, crafts and even hobby horse races.
There are many facilities available, including a music room, a bar, a gym, a spa and sauna, a living area with various recreational activities available to play, a theatre and a hobby hut. There are also opportunities to ride a mountain bike or cross-country ski.
Science extravaganza, Showjumping, Motorcross stunts, Fireworks nale... ...and more.
Cameron Griffin, Louis Brown and Mark Green are Canberra Raiders fans working in Antarctica.
Photo supplied.
LILLIAN ALTMAN
Artist harnesses Canberra’s iconic American eagle
An artist has staged a protest at Canberra’s high-security Russell Offices, projecting the word “genocide” on the towering AustralianAmerican Memorial.
The protest – the only known activism ever to take place on Canberra’s iconic, 79m-high American Eagle – occurred on Sunday 19 January at 8.30pm and was only detected by patrolling defence personnel after the event.
The 59-year-old activist is artist Doctor Mary Lou Pavlovic, from Bowral, who used a projector to shine the word “genocide” in giant writing on the aluminium-plated column.
Dr Pavlovic is known for her high-profile protests, including skywriting above the MCG in Melbourne in 2005 to highlight the increase in domestic violence related to the annual AFL grand finals.
Her latest protest regarding the Israel-Palestine
conflict attracted the attention of defence personnel and she was asked to stop shining light on the sculpture. She was later pulled over by Australian Federal Police for a breath test.
Prior to carrying out her planned protest, Dr Pavlovic said she sought legal advice on the use of light projections on public property.
“[They] told me all the risks that could be involved and I weighed them up and I thought it would be worth it,” Dr Pavlovic said. “I did ask them specifically about using light because I’ve noticed so many artists have done that and they said it would be difficult to prosecute on those grounds because I wasn’t defacing or changing the structure in any way.”
“I was feeling very distressed by what I was seeing on the television every night for nearly a year and I also felt that the moment should be captured somehow by artists,” she said.
“Obviously there have been protests but a lot of people have felt very frightened to say anything
or don’t want to risk their careers and I think that’s really a shame because that’s not what art’s about. It’s about reflecting the times we live in.
“When art leaves the gallery and goes into the social sphere, artists can contribute images that galvanise issues.”
Dr Pavlovic said she wasn’t intimidated by protesting.
“Something in me just shuts down and just does it,” she said.
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A protestor projects the word “genocide” on Canberra’s iconic Australian-American Memorial in Canberra.
GEORGIA CURRY
The story behind the Australian of the Year award trophies
LILLIAN ALTMAN
The trophies for the Australian of the Year Awards are made right here in Canberra, at the Australian National University’s Glass Workshop.
The trophies were handed out to the 2025 winners on 25 January at 7:30pm.
It takes months to put the trophy together with the process repeated to make 36.
Australian of the Year Awards lead fabricator and ANU alumni Louis Grant said the trophies are developed at the workshop, in association with the university’s physics department.
“[We use] computer modelling and threedimensional (3D) printing to get that really angular, really perfect shape,” Grant said.
“Then from the 3D prints we take a silicone mould.
“There are two parts of the silicone - there’s getting the negative of the 3D print and then flipping it over and taking the positive from that
silicone to another silicone, which we then make a plaster silicone mould.
“We then fill the glass with a lead crystal from Germany.“
He said after the trophy is shaped, they spend about 10 hours on each trophy hand grinding and polishing almost all the surfaces.
That means it takes weeks to polish all 36 trophies.
“You have to be careful because the glass is quite soft, so you have to do it in stages and be really careful because they can get scratched,” Grant said.
The names are then engraved up to two weeks before the award ceremony by Capital Trophies and Sportswear.
The trophies are then handed back to the workshop.
“Once they’re engraved, we clean them and double check to make sure all the names are exactly correct in their titles and everything,” Grant said.
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“Then we glue on the little metal base and give it a bit of a finishing up, clean and seal the back. Then they get boxed by us as well.”
The boxes, emblazoned with the words Australian of the Year Awards and ANU, are handmade in South Australia.
ANU Head of Glass Dr Jeffrey Sarmiento said the blue crystal colour represented the Australian sky, and the geometric design represented the values shaping the Australian society.
He said it also includes the points of the Southern Cross, with the faceted surface bearing the Star of Federation.
*Eligible new customers can receive a $200 cashback or a complimentary gift when they settle their mortgage through our services. This promotion is valid for new customers who apply and settle their mortgage by December 31, 2025. Contact us by phone: 1300 628 673, text 0412 022 290, email: info@oaum.com.au website: www.oaum.com.au Follow us on social media to gain insights and be informed on finance updates on the economy that impact investing. oaumsecurities, OAUM Securities For new customers that refinance or purchase by 30/12/2025, we will give $200 back to you at settlement.* Promo code: Oaumie1
ANU Head of Glass Dr Jeffrey Sarmiento, Australian of the Year Awards lead fabricator and ANU Alumni Louis Grant and ANU School of Art and Design technical officer Catherine Newton. Picture: Jordan Mirchevski
WIN! $150 cookbook bundle
Think you’re a general knowledge whiz? Test your skills with our 10-question quiz for a chance to win a cookbook pack valued at over $150! Answer all the questions below and submit your responses to competitions@newstimemedia.com.au with ’30 January Quiz’ in the subject field. Entries close 9am Friday 7 February 2025 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+. Good luck!
1. Which year was Canberra officially declared the capital of Australia?
2. What is the name of the longest river in the world?
3. What is the name of the fictional wizarding school in the Harry Potter series?
4. Who was recently named the 2025 Australian of the Year?
5. Name either the men’s or women’s 2025 Australian Open champions.
6. Where do the Canberra Raiders play their 2025 NRL round one match?
7. Who is the ACT Brumbies head coach?
8. What is the smallest country in the world by land area?
9. Name the Canberra suburb starting with Y.
10. Which element has the chemical symbol ‘O’?
Attention book lovers!
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• • •
•
• textbooks puzzles, console & board games computer software & games lego, war gaming, models & miniatures magazines, pamphlets & comics maps & atlases
The Lifeline Canberra EPIC Bookfair is back 9am - 6pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 4pm
cds, records & sheet music talking books DVDs & blu-ray calendars & postcards note books & diaries bookmarks, posters & prints stamps & trading cards sets & encyclopaedias
Friday 7 February
Saturday 8 February
Sunday 9 February
Gold coin donation entry Book donations will be accepted
Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) Cnr Northbourne Av & Flemington Rd, Mitchell ACT 2911
Proudly supported by:
have you heard?
GIVIT donation of the week: Laptop
community noticeboard email news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject field
GIVIT is requesting the donation of a laptop for a young woman who is going back to school after escaping DV. She is being assisted by an organisation in the ACT that provides support services for children, young people and their families. This young woman is trying to rebuild her life and is now studying for a career in community service as a way of giving back to the community that supports her. GIVIT is requesting the donation of a laptop with basic word-processing functions to help her complete the course. Your donation will empower her and others like her to pursue their education. Generous Canberrans can donate a laptop in good working condition or fund the purchase of a new one. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase this item. To help please visit: GIVIT.org. au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keyword: ‘laptop’ and Suburb: ‘Bruce ACT 2617’.
ANBG Thursday Talks
The 6 February talk by Dr Roger Farrow will discuss ‘Plant recovery after 2020 mega fires’. Roger is an unretired entomologist previously with the CSIRO. He will describe the resilience of flora after the infernos in the Morton and Tallagandra National Parks. ANBG Theatrette, opposite Australian National Botanic gardens Visitor Centre, 12:30 to 1:30pm. The booking link can be found on friendsanbg.org.au/calendar.
Conder Craft Group
Our Group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 1pm-3pm at the YWCA Mura Lanyon Community Centre, Sydney Nolan Street, Conder. New members to our group are always welcome. Ladies come along with your sewing, knitting or those projects you have always wanted to complete. Cost is $3. For further information please phone: 0406 380 508.
RED DOVE preloved clothing
Our monthly openings will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 6, 7, and 8 February and March, from 9am to 1pm at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, 17 Comrie Street, Wanniassa. An auditorium full of great buys and plenty of new stock! Find clothing for women, men, and children, as well as linen, shoes, bags, jewellery, and an array of bricabrac. Enjoy lots of specials, including summer dresses and kids’ clothing. Reduce, reuse, and recycle by giving good clothing a second chance. Delicious morning tea will be available, with easy access and convenient car parking.
Canberra Flower Club
The Canberra Flower Club welcomes new members and visitors to join our activities. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at the Downer Community Centre, Frencham Place, Downer, from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Our motto, “Friendship thru Flowers,” reflects our focus on sharing the joy of flower arranging through lectures, demonstrations, and workshops. Our February meeting is on the 11th at 10 am, featuring a visiting demonstrator from Bowral with extensive experience in floristry and floral art competitions. A $10 fee applies to cover costs.
EMERGENCY RELIEF HELPLINE
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If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call our team: assistance with food utility bills clothing education support referrals to other services
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
If you’re always justifying your choices to someone, consider why. Imagine how much smoother and more joyful your journey could be without having to constantly stop to catch others up. Some folks would meet you where you are if they only knew a little more about it.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
There are things you’ve disagreed with or said you didn’t want. In the spirit of radical acceptance, you’ll try something new. You’ll say yes to it all. You find your truest resonance as you integrate into your surroundings. You’ll find balance between your inner voice and the world’s melody.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)
BRAIN BUSTERS
1 The 1847 novel, Jane Eyre, was the first published novel by which author?
2 Brunei is a country located on which island?
3 A traditional caipirinha cocktail contains which two non-alcoholic ingredients?
4 Which European dictator was executed on 28 April 1945?
5 The dromedary camel has how many humps on its back?
You once believed that you could sway someone’s opinion. But opinions aren’t necessarily hinged in the world of logic. They’re tethered to emotion, history and identity. Understanding this and accepting the illogic will unlock compassion, even in disagreement.
CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)
You’re like a farmer collaborating with the seasons and weather patterns to grow crops, or a writer collaborating with time by setting realistic deadlines and working within the rhythm of their energy cycles, you will successfully manage the unmanageable and work within immutable laws.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)
You will often pause to look up to observe the silent networks of life you affect – people, rivers, roots, sky. In doing so you become a steward of something far greater. In that stewardship, you find strength beyond your solitary self. Small, everyday moments and exchanges will shift the course.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)
This week, let your heart guide while your ego supports. The ego is necessary part of your persona. You will seek understanding of your ego needs and honor them. You’ll thrive when you invite your ego to sit in the passenger seat of the “you” car while the rest of you remains the sole driver.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)
You’re getting better at aligning your energy with your deepest desires. An important part of this is your willingness to surrender: to release attachment to outcomes and trust the universe to deliver the details. You are in partnership with the greater whole. No, it’s less about force, more about flow.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)
New ideas rarely come fully formed. Don’t hesitate to express your rough ideas. Communication is the first step toward shaping them into something stronger. Clarity emerges after you’ve shared your thoughts, worked through them aloud or written them down.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)
When people feel they are lacking, their behavior reflects greed as they scramble to fill that void. We can ward against greed, gluttony and entitlement by honoring our deeper hungers and appetite. What wholesome need needs nourishing? Reflect on the deeper hungers and appetites.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)
Challenge the guilt over spending time on yourself. You’ve watched others invest in their pursuits and seen how their joy and identity grew from it. Give yourself that same freedom. What you’re doing isn’t selfish. It’s self-belief that your family and friends may even admire and rally around.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)
Instead of waiting for the work that fits your idea of what you should be doing, you fit your skills and talents to the work at hand, to brilliant effect. Your adaptability expands the range of your capabilities. You transform each opportunity into a step toward mastery and fulfillment.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)
To care only for what brushes our skin is to walk a narrow path, missing the beauty of the forest at large. True connection requires stepping beyond what concerns you directly and into the lives of others. In this openness, the world expands, offering you wonders you hadn’t seen before.
DIFFICULTY RATING
Grilled peach salad with burrata and green peppercorns
Peaches bring playfulness and satisfaction to the table, even if they’re not perfect. Grill lacklustre peaches to caramelise their natural sweetness, or slice super-sweet ones fresh to enjoy as they are. Plums and nectarines also thrive on the barbecue. If you’ve grabbed green peppercorns for your dish, use leftovers for a sauce with roast veg or steak.
ORGANIC FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
6–8 fi rm ripe freestone peaches
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for fi nishing
Green Peppercorn Vinaigrette
1 bruised garlic clove
1 teaspoon green peppercorns, chopped
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt fl akes
Final Bits & Bobs
2–3 burrata balls, about 120 g (4¼ oz) each, drained
¼ cup loosely packed mint leaves
2 tablespoons fi nely sliced chives
Heat a barbecue grill plate or heavybased griddle pan on medium heat. Have a piece of baking paper and foil handy (this’ll help keep the peaches
intact, without leaving half the best burnished bits on the grill).
Cut peaches in half and remove the stone. Brush the cut peach halves with a little of the olive oil.
Lay the baking paper on top of the foil, then lay it foil-side down onto the hot grill, placing the peaches cut-side down on top of the baking paper.
Cook for 5–10 minutes until the peaches have burnished evenly, softening slightly, then turn over to just warm through.
Meanwhile, to make the vinaigrette, put all of the ingredients into a small bowl and whisk until emulsifi ed. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Place the peaches cut-side up on a serving platter, leaving gaps for the burrata balls. Remove the garlic clove from the vinaigrette and pour the dressing over the peaches while they are still hot. Blob in the burrata, scatter with the mint leaves and fi nely sliced chives and dress with salt and pepper and a fi nal fl ourish of olive oil.
Images and text from Salad for Days by Alice Zaslavsky, photography by Rochelle Eagle. Murdoch Books RRP $45.
Canberran breaks free from life’s shackles
GEORGIA CURRY
A 28-year-old Waramanga woman has traded a high-paid real estate job and a new home in Coombs for a nomadic life in a van and it’s all thanks to TikTok.
Sofia Ligeros was born and bred in Canberra, picked up 16 awards working at Independent Property Group and owned her first home at 22. She gave it all up to become a nomad and, after amassing 1.2 million TikTok followers, Sofia now gets paid to travel full-time.
The irony is beautiful - quitting a real estate career to have no fixed address. It’s also ironic that this Gen X reporter is writing about TikTok when it’s just onomatopoeia to me.
When I caught up with Sofia, she was at an auction house waiting to sell her van, in which she’s racked up 60,000 kilometres traversing around Australia.
“I started {in real estate] when I was 18, I loved it, I was thriving, working my way up the ladder,” she said. “I was making pretty good money when I was younger, it was basically a 24-7 job for me. I lived it, I
getting all the awards.”
Then Sofia walked away from it all. She hasn’t looked back since.
“I remember one day realising that I became the person where people would invite me to things but they knew I would say no because I was too busy working,” Sofia said. “My dad said to me one day, ‘Sofia, I just know that if I call you, you’re never going to answer’.”
Boom. That was the turning point.
Today, Sofia has no mortgage and no electricity or water bills (just $15 for 10 cans of gas). What she does have is a swag of sponsors (mostly Australian brands).
Her day job is content creator and travel blogger and after six months she’d already attracted 600,000 TikTok followers. After 18 months she had 1.2 million.
Singapore Tourism Board Oceania, in partnership with global social media and influencer marketing agency Komodo, has just launched The Journey: Singapore – the world’s first gamified TikTok travel mini-series.
Australia’s top content creators competing to win the title of ‘The Destination’s Most Viral Creator’, with an added bonus of a trip-for-two to Singapore for one of their followers.
Sofia Ligeros is on TikTok and Instagram. The Journey premiers on 3 February. To watch the show, and enter to win a trip to Singapore,
CLASSIC PENGUINS
Waramanga resident Sofia Ligeros is now a full-time nomad living out of a van thanks to 1.2 million TikTok followers and sponsors.
Proudly sponsored by
Garry Starr
Booktalk
This week, Jeff Popple reviews three books to set you on the right path in 2025! More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
The Joy of Connections by Dr Ruth K. Westheimer
Scribe, $2.99
The holiday season is over, and people are back at work, study, and school. Now is the perfect time to put those New Year’s resolutions into action! Loneliness is increasingly becoming recognised as a major health concern. Spurred on by the overuse of social media, expanded work from home and lingering effects of the pandemic, more and more people are feeling alone and isolated. Drawing from her extensive experience as a therapist and New York’s first Ambassador to Loneliness, Dr Westheimer, who unfortunately passed away last year, provides an invaluable guide to overcoming loneliness, and suggests a hundred ways to increase connectivity with others.
A Second Act by Dr Matthew Morgan
Simon
& Schuster, $34.99
As an intensive care doctor, Matt Morgan has met hundreds of people who have come back from the dead. Their hearts have stopped, but they have been brought back to life by modern medical techniques. In A Second Act, Morgan introduces the reader to many of his patients, and others, who have been transformed by the second chance that they have been given and who now live a little differently. He shares the lessons that they have learned and his own views on how to make the most of life. A fascinating book that is full of inspiring stories and useful reflections.
Becoming Magnetic by Erika Cramer
Penguin, $36.99
According to mindset coach Erika Cramer, magnetism is the energy that occurs when you live perfectly in alignment with your true values. It is a force fuelled by authenticity, charisma and personal power that helps you to develop your own style and attract what you desire. Known as the ‘Queen of Confidence’, Erika provides straightforward, no-holds-barred advice on how to be confident, and shares the exact strategies and mindset shifts that she used to become successful and magnetic. Complete with a down-to-earth toolkit for creating energy and charisma, Becoming Magnetic is ideal for those after a feel-good, inspirational talk.
CANBERRA WEEKLY COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners in Canberra Weekly’s latest round of competition draws are: Panda Party: G. Nizam, Holt; J. Ockwell, Holt; F. Solari, Evatt; C. Muecke, Garran; J. Bumaat, Narrabundah
Irish tone Canberran singer-songwriters’ first release
Listen to the dulcet tones of Ireland-born Canberra singer Inez Hargaden as she launches her EP Dear Songs, all while sipping a tipple of wine or two.
The singer-songwriter will perform at Tallagandra Hill Winery on Sunday 9 February.
The album will also be released on all major streaming platforms.
Hargaden said the EP was recorded at Amberly Studios, which is situated on a farm in Kambah.
“The songs go way back; some of the older songs I wrote eight years ago,” she said.
“But the project from mixing and mastering, to distribution, was 12 months.
“It’s so nice to record out there. It feels like you’ve left the city behind.”
Inez is originally from a small village in the Republic of Ireland called Glangevlin.
“It is genuinely so beautiful. I have lived away from Ireland for 11 years (Canada and Australia)
and when I go back, I think ‘good god, it’s one of the best places on earth’. The time slows down there,” she said.
Inez said music was played at every event in Ireland.
“I’ve sung my whole life. I’ve always played guitar. Santa Claus bought me my first guitar when I was 10,” she said.
“The Irish heritage part of it – the joke I make is ‘that the weather in Ireland is so terrible all we can do is sit inside and tell stories and make music’.
“I think those values surrounding storytelling and connecting with people and spending time with people together – they’re the things I try to incorporate when I perform.
“I try to tell stories through the songs. Connection is the driver.”
Since moving to Canberra with her partner six years ago, she has become part of the local music scene, inspired by those around her to
continue playing music
“Finally, everything lined up and I was able to bring the project together,” Inez said. CDs will be available to purchase at the event.
9 February 2025 at 4pm Tallagandra Hill Winery
Tickets available here: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/inez-hargaden-tickets-1106049055499?aff=oddtdtcreator
Photo Katie McAllister
YK Orthodontics expands with Dickson clinic new
To meet the growing demand for orthodontic care in Canberra’s north, specialist orthodontist Dr Yul Kim is opening a new YK Orthodontics clinic in Dickson this February. Conveniently located within walking distance of several local schools, the new clinic complements the existing Tuggeranong location, making personalised orthodontic care more accessible to patients in Canberra’s north.
At YK Orthodontics, every treatment plan is carefully tailored to suit the unique needs of each patient. Dr Kim combines his extensive expertise with the latest advancements in orthodontic technology to deliver exceptional results. The practice uses state-of-the-art tools such as digital scanners, 3D printers, and digitally positioned braces to ensure treatments are precise, e ective, and as comfortable as possible. By embracing this technology, YK Orthodontics reduces treatment times and enhances the accuracy of every procedure.
Patients of all ages and preferences are welcome at YK Orthodontics, with a wide range of treatment options available. These include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. This comprehensive approach ensures everyone can find a solution that fits their individual needs, lifestyle, and goals, whether they’re a teenager seeking confidence or an adult looking to improve their smile discreetly.
In addition to providing advanced treatment options, YK Orthodontics is committed to making orthodontic care a ordable and accessible. Flexible, interest-free payment plans ranging from 6 to 36 months allow patients to prioritise their oral health without financial stress. The team prides itself on delivering high-quality care with a focus on creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient.
The opening of the Dickson clinic reflects YK Orthodontics’ dedication to innovation, quality
care, and community service. Dr Kim and his highly trained team look forward to welcoming new and returning patients to their state-of-the-art facilities.
With the addition of the Dickson location, patients in Canberra’s north can now enjoy expert orthodontic care close to home. For more information or to book a consultation, visit ykorthodontics. com.au, or call 02 6293 1575.
Multicultural Home Care Services
MCCI’s compassionate, reliable, and bilingual staff provide tailored support to older people to maintain independence, live well at home, and participate in the community.
• Home Care Packages
• Personal care
• Nursing care
• Allied health services
• Light cleaning & gardening
• Community outings, shopping & transport
• Social visits & groups Supporting Multicultural Communities for 50 Years
Dr Yul Kim is bringing expert orthodontic care to Dickson.
health & wellbeing
Mental wellbeing in the workplace
VIVIENNE LEWIS
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
We hear a lot about physical health and safety in the workplace, but you might not have heard of the term ‘psychosocial safety’. Psychosocial safety is about the mental and emotional wellbeing of an employee and their right to feel safe, from a mental health point of view, in the workplace.
As a clinical psychologist, I often hear about the mental health effects of workplaces that lack psychosocial safety. People affected describe environments where there may be excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, poor communication, and/ or little social support.
Some of these signs are physical and some emotional. Persistent feelings of stress, burnout, and
physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or insomnia often indicate an unhealthy environment. For example, you might dread work every morning, to the point of feeling physically unwell or even experiencing panic attacks. This uncertainty can drive overworking to demonstrate value, which only exacerbates stress and exhaustion.
So, what do I do? When dealing with a psychologically unsafe workplace, it’s essential to focus on what you can control. Setting boundaries is a critical first step. For instance, communicate your workload limits and establish clear expectations for working hours. If it’s really affecting you, consider professional support from a psychologist who can help you achieve a healthier work-life balance or perhaps move away from a toxic workplace.
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BACK TO SCHOOL- IT’S TIME FOR DENTAL CHECK
Special Offer to our CDBS client from My Dentist Canberra
New eligible patients for Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS) will also receive a Dental Care Kit worth $50 for ABSOLUTELY FREE.
Your child could be eligible for dental benefits up to $1,132
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is part of Medicare. It covers part or all the cost of basic dental services for children who are eligible.
Your child could be eligible for the CDBS if they are:
• Under 18 years of age
• Eligible for Medicare, and
• Getting a government support payment at least once a year, or have a parent, carer or guardian who is getting a government support payment.
Check if your child is eligible at servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule Or just ring us on 02 6225 2855 and our friendly reception staff can check this for you.
Not Eligible for CDBS? – Don’t
worry!
For new clients, we are currently running a promotion. For 13 y/o and younger, we are charging $220 and for 14 y/o and older, we are charging $290 (you can use your health fund and pay less).
This promotion includes a check-up, clean, 2 x-rays and fluoride treatment.
This stunning AV Jennings home in Latham is a rare find, o ering a perfect blend of charm, modern touches, and a serene location. Built in the 1970s, the split-level design features a pitched roof with a skylight, east-facing living spaces filled with natural light, and warm timber floors throughout. Thoughtful renovations to the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry bring a contemporary edge, while the iconic Canberra red bricks and cottage-style gardens add timeless character.
Nestled just 200 metres from Umbagong District Park, this home o ers peaceful nature walks at your doorstep, making you feel far
removed from the city’s hustle and bustle. Yet, Latham shops, Kippax Fair, and Westfield Belconnen are all conveniently close, giving you the best of both worlds—tranquillity and urban accessibility.
What truly sets this property apart is the ambiance. The lush native gardens, lovingly curated by the current owners, provide privacy and serenity, with greenery visible from every window. Double-glazed windows and a cosy lounge with a server hutch complete the picture of a home designed for comfort and relaxation.
If you’re looking for a unique, light-filled retreat
in a fantastic location, 66 Macrossan Crescent could be your dream home.
EER 1.0
Auction 1 Feb 2025 at 10am
Price $819,000+
View 1 Feb at 9:30am or private viewing
Agent Hannah Green Mob 0422 381 055
Latham 66 Macrossan Cres
Land Now Selling From $457,900 - $960,900 Blocks range from 433sqm - 2067sqm
Choose experience
The LJ Hooker Canberra network combines over 250 years of expertise with multi-award-winning teams celebrated locally, nationally, and internationally. Backed by industry veterans and top-performing specialists, as you can see, we are proven performers in property management.
Allow us to show you how easy change can be and step into 2025 with confidence.
‘Ray White_Know How’ for all your coastal property needs.
‘Dunes’ Awe inspiring Beachfront Acres
Rare and awe-inspiring coastal haven perched on 12 acres of absolute beachfront land at one of the most coveted addresses along the NSW South Coast. A haven of privacy, this sprawling coastal property offers a lifestyle few will ever know, and even fewer will experience. With its uninterrupted views stretching the sands of Racecourse Beach to Brush Island and beyond, Dunes is an extraordinary canvas of natural beauty, where sweeping dunes, a wild arc of coastline, and endless ocean vistas provide a timeless backdrop for seaside living.
Every corner of this magnificent 6-bedroom residence has been designed with generosity of space and a deep connection to its environment. Whether you seek a multi-generational family retreat, an entertainer’s dream, or an ultimate holiday sanctuary, Dunes offers the versatility to meet your every need.
Inside, high-raked, white-washed ceilings soar, while walls of glass seamlessly merge the indoors with the ocean views beyond. The home’s flowing design is anchored by an expansive open plan living area, inviting the light and sea breezes to flood every room. The lush garden atrium, a central feature, brings nature indoors, infusing the home with warmth and vitality.
Dunes is a rare treasure on the NSW South Coast, a place where luxury, nature, and lifestyle blend in perfect harmony. Embrace the chance to own a piece of beachfront paradise, your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits.
Expressions of Interest
Agent Ben Pryde 0410 324 209 I bpryde@mollymook.rh.com.au I rh.com.au/ulladulla
16 Bent Street Batemans Bay
Prime Development Site DA approved for 8 Luxury apartments !! This prime parcel of land is now available, complete with approved plans for 8 residential units. The DA has ‘Physical commencement’ from Eurobodalla Shire Council, ensuring it won’t expire. Cleared and zoned R3 (maximum height 11.5m).
Comprising of:
- 2 x 1 bed and study
- 4 x 2 bed
251 Annetts Parade
Mossy Point
Eclectic Pole Home with a Fantastic Bungalow Vibe... only 1km to Boat Ramp !
‘The Treehouse’ is an enchanting eclectic pole home nestled amidst nature, designed to harmonize seamlessly with its surroundings.
The centrepiece is its architectural design, where doors and windows fully open onto an expansive deck. This transformative feature blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating a breezy, lightfilled haven ideal for entertaining or soaking in the serene views.
Just 1 km from the Mossy Point Boat Ramp and Tomaga River.
5-minute walk to the Mossy Café
Candlagan Creek and Broulee Beach 1.1 km away
• Zoned C4 on 3 lots - one title
• 2091m2 block
Saturday, 8 February at 12noon on site
Agent
Van Der Stelt 0413 221 504 property.ljhooker.com.au/12def8f 2 1
batemansbay.ljhooker.com.au
Trades & Services Guide
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Neale Daniher named Australian of the Year
Motor neurone disease may have “robbed” Neale Daniher of many things, but it also gave him a renewed resolve to fight for others battling the condition.
The AFL legend and FightMND founder was awarded the 2025 Australian of the Year for his work over a decade in raising more than $100 million to find a cure for the disease.
After being diagnosed in 2013, Mr Daniher has led to spearhead the FightMND charity, which has gone on to fund medical research.
6175 8800 | sales@newstimemedia.com.au
news briefs
Skyfire returns for 2025
On Saturday, 15 March, the skies above Lake Burley Griffin will burst to life with an incredible night of fireworks, music, and entertainment as Skyfire returns, thanks to Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3.
The festivities kick off earlier in the day with food trucks, the Southside Markets, and two entertainment hubs featuring live radio broadcasts, big screens, and plenty of action to keep the whole family entertained. If you forget your radio, no problem—there will be speakers set up around the lake so everyone can enjoy the soundtrack.
In the lead-up to the main event, look to the skies for an incredible RAAF F-35 Lightning Fighter Jet display that’s sure to wow the crowd. Then, at 8:30pm, the night truly begins with over 40,000 pyrotechnic effects, 2,500 shells, and 25,000 shooting comets lighting up the night in a dazzling 20-minute show. The soundtrack, specially synchronised to the fireworks, will be broadcast live on Mix 106.3 and Hit 104.7.
Canberran Laura Peel wins another World Cup aerials
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“(MND) doesn’t discriminate, it robs you of your ability to move, speak, swallow and eventually breathe,” he said upon accepting the award.
“But it did something else too: it lit a fire within me, a determination to fight for those who are currently affected and those who will face it after me.”
The 63-year-old said he hoped the title of Australian of the Year would give a bigger focus to efforts in tackling the disease.
“Imagine unlocking the mysteries of the neurological frontier right here in Australia,” he said.
“Imagine a world where families don’t lose their loved ones to this cruel disease, and imagine the power of what we can achieve together when we each take small steps to make a difference.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Mr Daniher.
“The way that he has been determined to turn what is an extraordinarily difficult situation into helping others is amazing, and a very worthy recipient,” he said.
Canberran aerial skiing superstar Laura Peel and her fast-improving compatriot Airleigh Frigo have finished first and third at the World Cup event in Lac-Beauport, Canada.
Peel claimed back-to-back wins at the Canadian resort, capping another remarkable weekend of success for Australia’s winter athletes, 12 months out from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
After dominating the opening round of finals on Sunday (Monday AEDT), the 35-year-old Peel upped the degree of difficulty in the super-final, scoring 102.17 points for her full-full-full jump to record her 11th career World Cup victory.
“I feel relieved. It’s been all kinds of weather and it’s hard to stay calm up there and trust yourself,” said double world champion Peel.
“I had my plan from the beginning. I didn’t want to change it. I wanted to be able to execute those jumps in all conditions. The difficulty will ramp up going into the (MilanCortina) Games, and I want to be ready.
“It’s been some really early mornings and long days. I’ll relax for a couple of days, get some good sleep, and get back to work.”
