2 April 2026

A celebration of music, story and artistic expression

This autumn, Canberra becomes a city of sound as the Canberra International Music Festival returns from 29 April to 3 May 2026. Concert halls, galleries, embassies and unexpected spaces across the capital will come alive with classical masterpieces, contemporary works, jazz, world music and First Nations storytelling.

With internationally acclaimed artists alongside Canberra’s own musical talent, the Festival blends world‑class performance with a strong local spirit. Daytime concerts, immersive experiences and special events make it accessible for everyone. Discover something new, follow your curiosity and experience the sound of Canberra at this premier festival cimf.org.au

29 APRIL — 3 MAY

2026 FESTIVAL SNAPSHOT

Songs Beyond Twilight

SNOW CONCERT HALL

Anna-Louise Cole / soprano, Australian String Quartet , Ensemble Liaison, James Crabb / accordion, Lina Tur Bonet (Spain) / violin

Mahler’s introspective RückertLieder, Adès’s inventive clarinet quintet Alchymia, and Aaron Wyatt’s reflective trio Where to from Here?

anchor this evening of chamber music. Strauss’s Four Last Songs, arranged for accordion and string trio, offer an intimate reimagining of his late masterpiece. Together, these works explore transformation, memory and emotional clarity, shaped by shifting colours and finely drawn expression.

Folias de España

GANDEL HALL

Lina Tur Bonet (Spain) / violin, Neal Peres Da Costa / harpsichord

Spanish Baroque masterpieces bloom with fiery elegance, from Selma y Salaverde to Scarlatti, revealing centuries of Mediterranean musical splendour.

Schubert & Syrah

GANDEL HALL, NGA

Kristian Chong / solo piano

Folk and Tango

MANNING CLARK HALL, ANU

James Crabb / accordion, Ensemble Liaison, Lina Tur Bonet (Spain) / violin, Australian String Quartet

Scottish folk, nuevo tango, Dvořák Bagatelles and klezmer ignite a joyous global journey of rhythm, dance and collective celebration.

Bell Curve

SCAN FOR FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAM AND TICKET SALES

Tissages du Temps

SNOW CONCERT HALL

PARLIAMENT HOUSE OF AUSTRALIA

Ensemble Contrechamps (Switzerland), Lyrebird Brass, Kristian Chong / piano, Timothy Young / piano

French music’s grand arc from Couperin to Ravel and Grisey shimmers through Baroque brilliance, Impressionist colour and spectral transformation.

Schubert’s final sonata unfolds alongside curated wines, uniting taste, memory and music in an immersive multisensory experience.

Speak Percussion, Aaron Wyatt / Indigenous leader, Community performers Federation Handbells transform Parliament’s heart into a resonant field of spatial sound.

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Ronald McDonald House: Driving support where it matters most

For families navigating the unimaginable, when a child is seriously ill, every moment matters. Being close to care can make all the di erence, but for many across Canberra and the surrounding regions, that comes with emotional and financial strain.

That’s where Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW steps in, providing a place for families to stay, rest and remain together during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Based at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children in Garran, the organisation o ers accommodation and support services designed to ease the burden on families while they focus on what matters most, their child’s health.

“Our mission is to keep families close during some of the toughest times they’ll ever face,” says Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW CEO Eoghan O’Byrne.

“It’s about removing the stress of accommodation and everyday living, so families can focus entirely on being there for their child. The level of demand we’re

At the centre of the event is a long-standing partnership with Lexus of Canberra, whose support has helped turn generosity into local impact for more than a decade.

Each year, Lexus of Canberra donates a luxury vehicle to power a major ra e initiative, giving attendees and the broader community the chance to win a brand-new Lexus while directly supporting families in need.

“It’s a very rewarding charity to be involved in,” says Lexus of Canberra Dealer Principal Mirko Milic. “It’s not just about the child. It’s about supporting the whole family during a really di cult time.”

This year’s prize is the Lexus LBX, a compact luxury SUV designed to bring a new generation into the brand and a major drawcard for fundraising e orts.

The car ra e has become a key driver of support, with every ticket sold contributing to the essential services Ronald McDonald House provides. Importantly, every dollar raised stays local, directly supporting families across the ACT and South East NSW.

For Mirko, the partnership reflects a deeper responsibility.

seeing shows just how many families rely on this kind of support.”

In the past year, more than 4,000 families have been supported through essential programs, including accommodation, the hospital’s Family Room and the Family Retreat Batemans Bay. Behind every number is a family being given the space, care and support they need to get through.

“We take care of the everyday things so families can focus on what really matters, being there for their child,” says Eoghan.

But delivering that support relies heavily on the generosity of the local community, and one of the most significant ways that happens each year is through the Ronald McDonald House Gala Ball.

While it is one of Canberra’s most spectacular nights on the events calendar, the Gala Ball plays a vital role in keeping services running.

“The Gala Ball quite literally keeps the lights on,” Eoghan says. “Last year, we raised around $500,000 in one night, which helps carry us through the year. Hopefully, this year we can go even bigger.”

“It’s about being a good corporate citizen and giving back to the community that supports us,” he says. “We’ve been involved for more than a decade, and that long-term commitment is something we’re really proud of.”

As demand for services continues to grow, the importance of events like the Gala Ball, and the partnerships behind them, becomes even more critical.

For those looking to support Ronald McDonald House ACT & South East NSW, visit actfundraising. rmhc.org.au/donate-act

To enter the draw to win a Lexus LBX Luxury SUV, scan the QR code or visit actfundraising.rmhc.org.au/ ra e/lexuscar2026

“THE

school holiday fun back to the c munity South.Point bring

With school holidays just around the corner, South.

Point is once again stepping up as a go-to destination for families, delivering a packed program of free activities designed to entertain, educate and bring the community together.

From Easter-themed adventures to hands-on wildlife encounters and creative workshops, this year’s autumn school holiday line-up is all about giving kids the chance to explore, learn and play, while making it easier for families to enjoy quality time together without the added cost.

The festivities begin with a classic Easter favourite, reimagined with a South.Point twist. From 4–6 April, children can take part in a free Easter egg hunt that transforms the centre into an interactive scavenger trail. Starting at a dedicated Easter cart, participants collect a clue card that leads them on a journey through six retailers. Along the way, they’ll solve clues, collect stamps and receive chocolate treats before returning to complete their baskets.

It’s a simple concept, but one that encourages movement, problem-solving and a sense of discovery, all while engaging with the centre in a fun way.

From 7–11 April and again from 14–18 April, the focus shifts to something a little wilder, with a program inspired by Earth Day on 22 April. Designed to spark curiosity about the natural world, the centre will host interactive experiences in partnership with Canberra Reptile Zoo.

Set up opposite Big W, the reptile zoo team will run workshops and educational sessions, giving children the chance to get up close with a variety of reptiles while learning about their habitats and the importance of environmental care. Alongside this, a free craft corner will o er daily nature-themed activities, providing a creative outlet for kids to express what they’ve learned.

At the heart of the program is a strong

emphasis on empowering young people. South.Point is encouraging kids to take the lead through an interactive competition that asks them to answer five questions about the environment. Those who enter go into the draw to win a ‘Wild Family Adventure’ to Taralga, which includes a family pass to Taralga Wildlife Park, an overnight stay at Charlie’s on Church and a BMW for the weekend.

Adding to the excitement, the first 25 children to correctly complete the competition each day will receive family passes to Limelight Cinemas, o ering another incentive to get involved.

There are also a few surprises woven throughout the program. From 7–18 April, visitors can take advantage of a special Donut King promotion, with a free mini iced donut included when purchasing two cinnamon donuts. Hidden within some of these treats are golden tickets, with two lucky winners each day able to redeem a family pass to the reptile zoo.

While the activities themselves are varied, the underlying goal is consistent: to create meaningful, accessible experiences for families at a time when many are feeling the pressure of rising living costs.

South.Point’s program has been designed with a ordability in mind, ensuring families can still enjoy the school holidays without needing to stretch their budgets. By o ering free, engaging activities, the centre is positioning itself as more than just a retail destination, but a genuine community hub.

There is also a clear focus on encouraging children to step away from screens and reconnect with hands-on experiences. Whether it’s following clues through the Easter hunt, interacting with animals or getting creative at the craft station, each activity is designed to spark curiosity and engagement in the real world.

It’s an approach that reflects broader concerns among families about screen time and the challenge of balancing digital entertainment with more active, social experiences. By providing structured, in-person activities, South.Point is giving both kids and parents an opportunity to slow down and enjoy shared moments.

The emphasis on learning through play is another key element. By incorporating educational themes, particularly around the environment, the program encourages children to think about their role in the future of the planet, while still keeping the experience fun and accessible.

Importantly, the centre’s approach has been

shaped by community feedback. South.Point’s growing focus on free, family-friendly events comes directly from what locals have asked for, with ongoing engagement helping to shape the types of experiences on o er.

As a result, the school holiday program is not just a one-o initiative, but part of a broader strategy to build stronger connections within the community and create a space where people feel welcome to gather, interact and participate. With a mix of entertainment, education and plenty of surprises along the way, South. Point’s school holiday line-up o ers something for families of all ages. Whether it’s chasing clues, meeting reptiles or simply enjoying time together, the focus is firmly on creating experiences that bring people together.

And in a time when that connection feels more important than ever, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best school holiday memories are the simplest ones.

See what’s happening and plan your visit at southpointcanberra.com.au

T: 02 6293 1000

E: marketingmanager@southpointcanberra.com.au

W: southpointcanberra.com.au @southpointcbr

Too many excuses, too few buses: How Canberra’s government stopped believing it could deliver

by SHANE RATTENBURY, MLA FOR KURRAJONG AND LEADER OF THE ACTS GREENS

Sitting through last week’s transport debate in the ACT Legislative Assembly, what stands out isn’t just disagreement over buses or fares.

It’s something deeper, and more concerning: a political culture that has become far more comfortable explaining why things can’t be done than actually doing them.

Case in point: last week, the Transport Minister encouraged Canberrans to use public transport more during the fuel crisis, while simultaneously

refusing to make it free because he’s worried too many people might catch the bus.

The message we are hearing is completely incoherent. We’re told we need to drive less, to rely more on public transport, to be part of the solution to congestion and climate change.

But when it comes to making that shift possible, making buses free, frequent, and genuinely accessible, the answer is hesitation. Caveats.

Limits. Excuses about capacity, cost, and risk.

Over the past few decades, governments haven’t just made individual bad decisions.

They’ve internalised a way of thinking that treats ambition as dangerous and public investment as something to be contained rather than expanded.

The result is a kind of permanent caution, where the role of government is no longer to lead or deliver, but to manage expectations downward.

This situation is something I know many Canberrans have felt the impact of. They feel it

when services don’t improve, even as the need grows.

They feel it when bold ideas are dismissed before they’re even seriously considered.

And they feel it when responsibility is pushed back onto them - change your behaviour, lower your expectations, accept the limits - while government steps away from its own capacity to act.

So when politicians wonder why trust is eroding, why people are disengaging, why younger generations in particular are starting to question whether the system works at all, they don’t need to look very far.

Because the crisis isn’t just about transport, it’s about a government that has slowly stopped believing in its own ability to deliver.

It’s on all of us, Greens, people of any political persuasion, and the broader public, to keep the pressure on, because sooner or later those cracks have to give way to real change.

Sugar, ah honey honey: Could you have diabetes?

with NICOLE LAWDER

FORMER ACT MLA AND DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER

“Sugar Sugar” was the most successful song by the fictional rock band The Archies, who featured in The Archie Show comics. I remember watching reruns on afternoon TV throughout my childhood, following Archie, Jughead, Reggie, Betty and Veronica. It’s a song that’s stayed with me — and in more recent years, one of the things I’ve had to examine very carefully since being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes nearly ten years ago is sugar. Also chocolate. And butter — in our family, we had such

generous servings that the standing joke was, “Would you like some bread with your butter?”

When I was diagnosed, I was overweight. During my time in the ACT Legislative Assembly, I’d gradually become less physically active. Instead of exercise and sport, I was attending functions and meetings night after night. Add in a pair of dodgy knees, a punishing schedule, and the convenient excuse that I only had time for a quick takeaway at lunch, and the result was predictable.

Over the past several years, I’ve managed to shed a lot of that weight and my health is far better for it. A double knee replacement in 2021 allowed me back into sport and exercise, but diet was the real turning point.

Two million Australians currently have pre-diabetes and are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

“Dad isn’t ready for aged care”

Additionally, approximately 1.5 million Australians — around 5.6% of the population — are living with diabetes. Type 2 is by far the most common form, accounting for nearly 88% of cases, with Type 1 making up around 10%. And those are only the diagnosed cases — studies suggest that up to half of all Type 2 cases remain undiagnosed.

Diabetes is considered one of the top ten leading causes of death in Australia, and it now costs the Australian health system an estimated $9.1 billion annually. The human cost is even more confronting: unmanaged diabetes significantly raises the risk of stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. I can tell you from personal experience that the prospect of those outcomes is terrifying. Prevention and early management aren’t just smart economics — they’re about preserving a life worth living.

Dad was lonely in the house by himself. He was still independent but needed a little domestic help.

The leading risk factors contributing to the Type 2 diabetes burden in Australia are overweight and obesity, dietary risks, and physical inactivity. Other factors include age, gender (males are 1.3 times as likely to be living with Type 2 diabetes), family history and genetics and a few others.

Many Australians brush off the symptoms of Type 2 — persistent tiredness, increased thirst, slow-healing cuts — as just part of getting older. They’re not. That’s why I urge you to get tested. It’s simple, painless, and it’s always better to know.

I was genuinely pleased to recently become an Advocate for Diabetes Australia as part of their new Blue Circle Collective — a group dedicated to amplifying the voices of people living with diabetes in shaping care, policy and awareness across the country. Lived experience matters, and it must inform decision-makers.

Then we found The Grange Deakin Serviced Apartments. After a little encouragement Dad moved in and within days couldn’t stop thanking me. Dad has his own apartment, he’s surrounded by company and regular social activities. The household chores are no longer a burden, the apartment is cleaned, and the linen changed weekly. Plus the pressure of the building maintenance is gone. Dad’s now out doing things he loves again.

I know Dad gets breakfast in the morning and two home cooked meals. For added peace of mind there is someone there 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. The Grange isn’t aged care, but I know when the

time comes, I can organise external community home care support to help Dad stay independent longer.

Now when we talk it’s without the worry and nagging. Dad couldn’t be happier.

One giant leap for Canberra

by GEORGIA CURRY

When NASA sends astronauts to the moon this week, on the first crewed mission beyond Earth’s orbit in more than 50 years, Canberra’s Mt Stromlo Observatory will supply the communication line.

Nestled amongst the gumtrees and kangaroos

on Mt Stromlo, the Australian National University (ANU) has a Quantum Optical Ground Station that can track, transmit and receive communications from the Orion spacecraft.

It’s all part of a trial of NASA’s new laser communication system and Canberra’s state-ofthe-art telescope is capable of space-to-ground laser communications, which could pave the way for future lunar-based missions for NASA.

The ANU Space Centre’s Dr Kate Ferguson said that building this capability in the Southern Hemisphere was critical to establishing reliable communication to the moon and the Solar System.

“This demonstration will showcase the University’s research expertise in optical ground stations and optical communication capabilities,” Dr Kate said. “This mission is the culmination of years of capability development in optical communications at ANU and validates that ANU and Australia are ready to support future space exploration and commercial missions.”

During the mission, ANU researchers at Mount

Stromlo will work with their counterparts from NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and with the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Communicating in space usually relies on radio waves. By using laser communications, data can be sent and received up to 100 times faster.

Instead of radio signals, laser communications systems use infrared light to transmit highdefinition video, picture, voice and science data across vast distances in less time.

NASA has used laser communications during previous technology demonstrations, but the 10-day Artemis II test flight will be the first crewed mission to attempt using lasers to transmit data from such a distance.

Mount Stromlo Observatory will serve as an important test location for the new transceiver design, which will examine how lasers send data to and from deep space.

The 10-day Artemis II test flight is scheduled for no earlier than Thursday 2 April Canberra time. Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts to explore the moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.

Kanga Cup concerns

After reading Nicole Lawder and her column on the Kanga Cup (CW 19 March), I was horrified to learn that Capital Football receives $30,000 from the Government to help fund the tournament, for it to be taken away by the GOVERNMENT for Venue hire fees! But in turn, the Canberra economy makes more than $10 million in tourism revenue from this event alone! What is going on here? As a proud parent, my sons have played in the tournament since 1993 when it started in Canberra and now coach their own children who also play.

The Government should be ashamed when you think this is the largest youth football tournament in the Southern Hemisphere and the support they are given is nothing short of disgraceful. You truly don’t deserve the support of the Canberra people and all the families from around Australia. Thank you, Nicole, for highlighting this.

- Linda Hall

ACT renewable claim questioned I write in relation to Ian Pilsner’s letter (CW 12 Mar). Back in June last year, I submitted a letter to the editor (unpublished) which touched on this topic, asking: Finally, when will someone do a valid fact check of the ACT’s assertion that they are (allegedly) 100% renewable? The only place the ACT can get its electricity from is NSW and the eastern electricity network as operated by the NEM (National Electricity Market). There is no way that anyone can tell which electrons that enter the ACT’s grid from NSW are coming from coal, gas, hydro, solar, wind, etc. The ACT may be 100% renewable “on paper” but that doesn’t mean that the ACT is actually 100% renewable. I’d be interested to hear where I may be wrong in this. Ian’s letter responds to this for me and as usual, Ian has hit the nail on the head in his comments.

- Paul Myers

Concerns over modern curriculum

Don’t worry. Reading, writing/grammar, science, maths, stuff like that, it’s all had its day. Yes, when you were at school - so long ago, you had lots of it. Once/twice a month you had to write a long essay on your own. And you even had to spend school time getting instruction and doing exercises. None

of this “group work” stuff, where 4 out 5 students do bugger-all.

Yes, I know that your school work used to get corrected in red pen, but nowadays students don’t even get any individual correction. Too stressful. However, they have lots of excursions to help them cope with the stress they would have had if they’d had any corrections. They even have surfing “excursions” where they spend school time playing with foam boards at the beach. No, it’s not meant to be a holiday, and yes, I know this is what parents are for.

But the modern curriculum (a largely unintelligible self-serving waffle) is focused on cultural conditioning. Yes, that’s right; doing the parents’ job, but to a government-approved formula. Education today isn’t about learning stuff. It’s about settling for mediocrity in the guise of equality and opportunity.

Learning how to read, write, communicate, add up, and think, that’s old-school. There’s good news, though. AI is replacing all the stuff students used to learn. And since the students no longer have any useful skills, we might as well get rid of them, too. That will take a lot of stress out of life.

-

H.K. Brown, Batemans Bay

The oil crisis and time for the West to get

with BILL STEFANIAK AM RFD FORMER ACT OPPOSITION LEADER

This current oil crisis, if not handled well by the Australian government, could not only see diesel and petrol supplies dry up, leading to petrol rationing (a sensible move) coming in, but also, in a worst-case scenario, food rationing. If the farmers can’t grow and get food to the cities, we starve. This is a very real scenario.

It is imperative the Australian government gets its immediate

response right, and quickly, but also takes the necessary steps to ensure we are never caught short again. Regardless of this current crisis, we were always vulnerable as a result of having low stocks of fuel, but also closing perfectly good oil refineries and stopping drilling for and producing oil. We also stopped or restricted gas production. 90% of our fuel came in big, vulnerable tankers from overseas. The late, great Jim Molan saw this 15 years ago, and none of his colleagues in the federal parliament took any notice.

This country, with its ample supply of oil, gas, coal, uranium and other energy sources, should, if we play our cards right, not only be self-sufficient but also be in the box seat to make a lot of money out of supplying other countries with more of our energy products, gas

to give just one example. It’s good to see the Queensland government planning to open up a new oil field. Other governments must follow suit. It seems you can bring on a new oil field in a couple of years, if not sooner. We need the whole suite – new gas fields, new oil fields, and to build nuclear reactors for the future. We can become a real energy superpower, not some fairyland version of one Chris Bowen dreams about.

The world needs oil for moving things around, powering industry, making fertilisers and making plastic pipes. We are absolutely stuffed without it. It is criminal how governments of all persuasions have ignored the need for securing our energy future. We need rationing of diesel to ensure only farmers and essential services get it.

Let’s also get smart and start taxing our gas sales properly. As Qatar has lost about 20% of capacity as a result of Iranian missile strikes, it’s a heaven-sent opportunity for us to profitably fill the void. Instead of the paltry 2% tax we pay for gas, I agree with the ACTU that we should charge 25%. That will pay for the new oil fields and gas fields and probably have money left over to spend on more defence. This current disaster could be a great opportunity for Australia yet, if properly handled.

On the war itself, I dread the US losing interest due to problems with the Strait of Hormuz. We are not dealing with normal world leaders. We are dealing with extreme mahdists who don’t care how many people they kill, including themselves.

World Down Syndrome Day at Parliament House

by SAM CHAPMAN

World Down Syndrome Day is on 21 March because people with Down syndrome, like me, have three copies of chromosome 21 (3/21). There was a special morning tea hosted by Down Syndrome Australia at Parliament House on Monday to celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome.

The theme of this year’s World

Down Syndrome Day was “Together Against Loneliness”. We had two young speakers from Canberra that I know, Matthew Barrett and Annie Lee. They gave talks about how they manage loneliness. Matt likes hanging out with mates and reaching out when he feels sad. Annie likes to do

things that she enjoys, like listening to music and going to the movies. I like taking photos and I took photos of some politicians who came to enjoy morning tea with us. I took a photo of Member for Dickson, Ali France, buying a pair of socks. The “Lots of Socks” are a theme of World Down Syndrome Day and they show that like lots of different socks, people with Down syndrome are also very different. Wearing brightly coloured socks on the day shows that you

are supporting Down syndrome awareness.

I also met Independent senator for the ACT, David Pocock. He spent a long time talking to people at the morning tea and let me take a photo of him. There were a lot of people that I know from Canberra at the morning tea, but there were also a lot of people from across Australia. It was a lovely event and I feel happy and proud to be able to attend and take photos.

Fixing bikes, winning hearts: The rise of ‘Simon the Bike Guy’ and his upcoming world record attempt

by BERNIE RYAN

If you regularly walk, run or cycle past Bowen Park on Lake Burley Griffin on a Saturday or Sunday, you have likely had the pleasure of seeing or meeting 31-year-old Simon the Bike Guy.

Whether it is tuning up bikes on the spot in his pop-up tent (for whatever people want to pay), playing his guitar in between jobs, or even riding his large-wheeled penny farthing for everyone’s entertainment, Simon seems to have found a winning formula for all kinds of success.

And hot on the heels of his fourth consecutive championship win at the Evandale Penny Farthing Championships in February this year, Simon is about to take on yet another challenge.

This Easter Saturday 4 April, Simon will attempt the World Guinness Book of Records Penny Farthing record of riding for one hour. The event will take place at Brad Haddin Oval in Queanbeyan Park from 9am to 1pm.

“I’m thrilled to be staging the event at my local oval, which also has the perfect surface for penny farthings,” says Simon.

So how did this bike mechanic and former high-level age-group triathlete find himself both riding penny farthings and spending so much time at Bowen Park each weekend?

“After working as a bike mechanic for many years in bike stores, I realised that bike mechanics were being run off their feet, due to costs like rent,” says Simon.

“So, about four years ago, I decided to start a mobile service where I go to

bike owners’ homes instead.

“The pop-up tent was initially a marketing strategy to get my name out there and drive people back to my mobile business.”

Four years on, Simon is still showing up at Bowen Park to provide on-thespot emergency repairs and tune-ups.

“I decided to help people, person by person, and it just took off,” he says.

“Since then, I’ve fixed bikes for everyone from Canberra’s homeless to the Governor General.”

Simon credits Irene Lemon via the Canberra Innovation Network with coining his business name, “Simon the Bike Guy”.

Part of Simon’s success is also likely due to his fee structure, which is basically what customers think, “…is fair”, he says.

“I tell people what a bike shop is likely to charge, and then just ask them to pay what they would like,” he says.

Perhaps due to this goodwill, and as Simon says, “…the generosity of Canberrans”. Simon does not appear to have any problem making ends meet.

“Things just pay forward,” he says.

“I remember I fixed one guy’s bike who was very apologetic that he didn’t have any cash on him at the time, which I never mind at all.”

“But then he appeared six months later with a $50 note.”

It doesn’t hurt that Simon is nifty on the guitar, something that also seems to be amassing a little fan base of its own.

“There is a nice group of about thirty locals who come down just

for the music, which is really great,” he says.

“The funny thing is that I am coincidentally drawn to the music that corresponds with the penny farthing era!”

And on his interest in penny farthing bikes themselves, Simon says that it started as another way to engage people in conversation.

“And this ended up being extremely successful too,” he says.

“I then started to ride the bike more and thought, ‘ This is really fun!’”

Later, Simon discovered the Tasmanian races and began competing and winning!

“Since then, I’ve been invited to all kinds of things, including to Hong Kong to work with the Asia Penny Farthing Association ( APFA), and an entrepreneur, April Fong,” he says.

So if you also find these 19thcentury bikes fascinating, Simon would love to see you on Saturday as he attempts the record.

The gold coin donation event will also include mini penny farthing races (please bring your own helmet!), and other family activities.

Food will also be available on site.

Simon would like to give his Mum, Joanne a shout out too, for helping with the event and basically “…being such a great influence”, he says.

What else does Simon love about being Simon the Bike Guy?

“One thing I’ve learned through going to people’s homes and fixing their bikes is seeing the same kinds of things in the corners of people’s garages,” he says.

“Really, we all have so much in common.”

have you heard?

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

GIVIT donation of the week: King single bedding

GIVIT is seeking support for a young mother and her children were forced to leave their home after experiencing domestic violence. This young mother’s four boys live with different degrees of disability, each requiring unique care, attention, and support. Mum is trying her best to take care of herself and her children but is struggling significantly due to limited resources. She is doing everything she can to rebuild and hold her family together but requires urgent support. The organisation is requesting king single bedding such as quilts, covers, sheets and pillows. Your donation will provide much comfort as she tries to overcome overwhelming challenges. Generous Canberrans can donate king size beddings or fund the purchase of this item. 100% of your financial donation will be used to purchase what’s needed. To help please visit: GIVIT. org.au/what’s-needed, search; Location State: ‘ACT’, Keywords: ‘king single’ and Suburb: ‘Spence, 2615’.

Christ Church Hawker Market

Head along to Christ Church Hawker on Saturday 11 April, 9am–12 noon, on the corner of Beetaloo Street and Belconnen Way. Browse trash and treasure, pre-loved books, games and puzzles, winter clothing, jewellery and a cake stall, along with a selection of craft items. Free tea, coffee and COVID-safe biscuits will be available for visitors. Enquiries: 0428 266 658.

Friends ANBG Thursday Talks

Pat Wright will present the next Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens Thursday Talk, asking “Who’s the smartest – plants or animals?” A long-time adult educator, retired ANBG guide and ambassador, Pat will explore the complex relationships between plants and animals. The talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette, from 12:30–1:30pm. Bookings at trybooking.com/DHLQY. Gold coin, note and EFTPOS donations support Friends programs at ANBG.

Canberra Jung Society

The Canberra Jung Society will host a talk by Theodora Volti on Friday 10 April, 7:30pm for an 8pm start, at the MacKillop Conference Centre, 50 Archibald Street, Lyneham. Theodora will explore parallels between Carl Jung’s analytical psychology and Fritz Perls’ Gestalt psychotherapy, including their approaches to the unconscious, dreams and psychological defence mechanisms. Cost is $20 ($15 concession) or $10 via Zoom. Details at canberrajungsociety.org.au

Kippax Kids Holiday Happenings

Kippax Uniting Church (opposite the Kippax Woolworths carpark) will host Kids Holiday Happenings on Thursdays 9 and 16 April, 10am–2pm. Enjoy fun days of crafts and games for primary school children. Cost is $5 per child, or $10 per family. Morning tea is provided; children should bring lunch, a hat and a drink bottle. Bookings via the church office on 6254 1733.

HYH submissions

Submissions to our free Have You Heard community noticeboard are reserved for charity, not-for-profit and community organisations. Deadline for submissions is 10 days prior to the Thursday edition date. Email your submission with essential details – who, what, where, when, cost, contact details – to news@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘HYH’ in the subject heading. Flyers and attachments not accepted. Due to space restrictions, please keep it brief. Please note: publication in print is not guaranteed.

LEAD THE WAY. SLEEP OUT. TRANSFORM LIVES.

We need your leadership. We need your drive.

Help us create a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.

Register or nominate a CEO or senior leader by scanning the QR code or go to ceosleepout.org.au.

& STARS

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

Events on the horizon are to be celebrated in particular ways, and the details will matter. A great deal of organisation will be needed to bring it together, but it’s so fun for you. In fact, it takes something on this scale to really show you the extent of your creativity and leadership.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

Having more people involved in a project doesn’t automatically mean cooperation will happen. You’ve a sense for putting together teams this week. Not everyone will be good at the same thing. You’re a genius at offering inclusion and structuring roles around people’s strengths.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21)

BRAIN BUSTERS

1 The year 2026 is the Chinese Year of the what?

2 In which year did Gavrilo Princip assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

3 The main ingredients of traditional pesto are basil, garlic, olive oil, cheese and what?

4 Tzeitel and Hodel are sisters in which popular musical?

5 Which planet is the sixth planet from the Sun in our solar system?

SOLUTIONS

People want to share a lot with you now, and you don’t flinch. You just listen. This isn’t about guiding anyone’s behaviour. It’s about sitting with the anxiety underneath it. The most useful thing isn’t advice, support or a framework; it’s showing up, listening well and staying when it matters.

CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22)

Whatever the problem, we are just a few clicks away from a solution. But knowledge isn’t the barrier to living the way you want to. Behavior is. This week, you’ll solve problems in a different way. You’ll decide who you are, act like that person, and create the change you want.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22)

You’ll be reminded that some things come easily to you, and others not so much. You’re not bad at the skill – you’re undertrained. Practice will change that. No need to wrap your identity around ‘bad at’ or ‘good at’, for that matter. This week, it’s about doing what you enjoy.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

Even though you know the next move, you feel compelled to do something else entirely. It’s a rebellion against convention, against doing the expected thing and against doing the same thing. This rebellion, however small it may be, will make a statement –personal, artistic or social.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 23)

The myth is that work comes from inspiration or positivity, but a lot of real output comes from people who simply say, “Fine. I’ll do it anyway.” You can be tired and unimpressed with everyone and still move the ball forward. It’s a form of resilience that translates into beautiful momentum.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24-NOV. 21)

How can anyone coming into a situation for the first time have insights more useful than those who’ve been on the scene forever? Because being too close to an issue can cause one to lose sight of the big picture. This week, you’re both outsider and insider. You’ll give value in both roles.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

Convenience has a cost, and that cost is isolation. For instance, when you have groceries delivered, you miss out on the fun little interactions at the store and the general atmosphere of life. If you outsourced everything, you would be outsourcing the joy of community.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19)

A faint signal is coming through like a drippy tap in a distant room of the mind. It repeats, “Can I really do this?” But you can –you already are. If you can’t shut off the doubt, try to ignore it until it goes away. Showing up to work time and again will eventually eliminate your doubt completely.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18)

Life brings many lessons. You have an excellent sense about which ones are important. It’s like you can predict what’s going to be on the ‘test’ and you’re right about it, too. So follow through with your instincts. By the week’s end, you’ll see the beginnings of a payout that will continue for months.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20)

Wherever you go, you intend to leave things better than you found them. The trouble is that ‘better’ is subjective. It means something different to everyone you ask. This week, you will improve what you can, then stay open to input from others. You’ll be among those who make quality contributions.

Taking a broader view of dental health in Canberra

When it comes to health and wellbeing, dental care is often treated as a separate category. But for the team at Mawson Dental Care, the connection between oral health and overall wellbeing is central to everything they do.

The long-standing Canberra practice takes a comprehensive, prevention-focused approach, helping patients understand that what happens in the mouth can have far-reaching e ects on the rest of the body. From supporting good nutrition and confidence to its links with conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, oral health plays a more significant role than many people realise.

Rather than simply treating problems as they arise, Mawson Dental Care focuses on early intervention and long-term outcomes. Regular check-ups, early diagnosis and personalised care plans are designed to help patients stay ahead of issues, reducing the need for more complex treatment down the track.

A key concern the team is seeing is gum disease, which can often develop without obvious pain. Many patients are unaware that symptoms like bleeding gums are not normal and may indicate underlying inflammation. Left untreated, gum disease has been linked to broader health conditions, reinforcing the importance of early detection and ongoing care.

At the same time, lifestyle factors are increasingly influencing oral health. Stress-related conditions such as teeth grinding and clenching are becoming more common, leading to tooth wear, jaw discomfort and headaches. These habits can go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred, making education and awareness a key part of patient care.

Encouragingly, there has been a noticeable shift in how people approach their health. More patients are recognising the importance of prevention and are seeking long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. There is also a growing interest in understanding how oral health connects to broader conditions, as well as a desire for more personalised and supportive healthcare experiences.

Mawson Dental Care has evolved alongside these changing expectations. The practice combines modern technology with a patient-centred approach, using digital imaging and advanced diagnostic tools to detect issues earlier and monitor changes over time. This allows for more proactive and precise care, tailored to each individual.

Importantly, the clinic o ers a wide scope of services, from routine maintenance through to more complex treatments such as implants, aligners and restorative procedures. This continuity of care means

patients can receive consistent, high-quality treatment in one place, while also benefiting from a more holistic view of their health journey.

Equally significant is the environment the team has created. Recognising that many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist or may have delayed treatment, Mawson Dental Care places a strong emphasis on providing a judgement-free, supportive experience. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, understand their options and feel in control of their care.

Education also plays a central role. By taking the time to explain conditions and treatment pathways, the team empowers patients to make informed decisions and maintain sustainable habits that support their longterm wellbeing.

For those looking for a simple place to start, the advice is clear: don’t ignore bleeding gums. While it may seem minor, it is often an early sign of gum disease and can usually be managed e ectively if addressed early. Maintaining a consistent routine of brushing, cleaning between the teeth and attending regular check-ups can make a significant di erence not only to oral health, but to overall wellbeing.

As more Canberrans take a proactive approach to their health, practices like Mawson Dental Care are helping to shift the conversation, showing that a healthy smile is just one part of a much bigger picture.

Mawson Dental Care

3/142-152 Mawson Pl, Mawson ACT 2607

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

T: (02) 6290 0055

E: reception@mawsondentalcare.com.au

W: mawsondentalcare.com.au

and then I graduated from the University of Newcastle, NSW, with a Bachelor of Oral Health. I began my career as a Dental Hygienist in Sydney. My first job was at a dental clinic in Woollahra. In 2010, I moved to Canberra with my family. My first job in Canberra was at a Periodontist Clinic. Since then, I have worked in various General dental and specialist practices. I am also a Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, which is a practise that works with the muscles of the lips, tongue, cheeks and face and their related functions.

In 2020, the Dental Board of Australia introduced reforms granting oral health practitioners greater professional autonomy, enabling them to establish their own practices. This change inspired me to pursue my long-held goal of opening my own dental clinic. Drawing on years of experience working alongside dentists, dental specialists, and multidisciplinary teams, I was able to create a practice founded on patient-centred care.

What do you consider to be your key strengths?

AFRA

My Dentist Canberra Practice Owner

Building a community of healthy smiles

My key strengths are providing high-quality customer care and service. As a result, many of my patients continue to follow me when I change workplaces. What advice do you have for the next generation of women in business?

First, one must love the profession they choose, whatever it may be. Then, they should gain enough experience in their chosen field. After that, they can consider starting their own business. It’s important to do research and talk to experts. They should not get discouraged by naysayers, if deep down they truly believe they can do it, they should go for it.

What strategies do you use to stay motivated at work?

Patient satisfaction and happy co-workers motivate me at work.

What methods do you use to unwind from work?

Afra’s story is one of determination, resilience and purpose. As the owner of My Dentist Canberra, she brings more than 16 years of experience and a deep commitment to patient-centred care. After overcoming barriers to education in Iran, Afra migrated to Australia, where she fulfilled her dream of becoming a dental professional. Opening her own clinic in Bruce in 2024, she now leads a team dedicated to providing exceptional oral health care while creating a welcoming environment built on trust, compassion and community connection.

Tell us about your organisation, how long you have been there and your role within it.

I am a Dental Hygienist with 16 years of experience. I opened my dental clinic in December 2024. My role is to work as a Dental Hygienist, manage the clinic and support my sta .

Can you share your career journey so far and how it brought you to your current role?

Growing up as a Bahá’í in Iran, I was denied the right to higher education by the Islamic government. After migrating to Australia, I was finally able to pursue my education.

As a result, I studied a Bachelor of Applied Physics from the University of Western Sydney

Running a business, one can never totally unwind from work. However, I use my spare time to go to the gym, meet friends and cook.

36/21 Thynne St, Bruce, ACT 2617

T: 6225 2855

E: info@mydentistcanberra.com.au

W: mydentistcanberra.com.au mydentistcanberra @mydentistcanberra @mydentistcanberra

Skin checks made simple at SkinMedics

With Australia’s high rates of skin cancer, early detection and timely treatment are more important than ever. For the team at SkinMedics in Belconnen, making that care accessible, affordable and stress-free is at the heart of what they do.

Led by Dr Damien Bezzina, the clinic provides comprehensive skin checks and procedures for both cancerous and benign conditions, helping Canberrans stay on top of their skin health. From suspicious lesions to everyday concerns like cysts, lipomas and ingrown toenails, SkinMedics offers a one-stop approach to diagnosis and treatment.

“Our team strives to provide accessible and affordable skin checks and procedures so the community can get the care they need, when they need it,” Dr Bezzina says. “We also offer urgent consults, so if something appears suddenly or causes concern, it can be assessed quickly, with biopsies performed on the spot if required.”

Skin cancer and pre-cancerous lesions remain among the most common conditions seen at the clinic. While many are linked to sun exposure, Dr Bezzina says it is important to remember that not all skin cancers are sun-dependent.

“Melanoma can appear on parts of the body that don’t see the sun, so understanding the difference between melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers is essential,” he says. “They present differently, which means self-monitoring also needs to be different.”

What sets SkinMedics apart is its relaxed and patient-focused approach. The team prioritises clear communication and a welcoming environment, helping patients feel comfortable, even when facing potentially confronting news.

“We aim to create an open, friendly space where patients feel supported every step of the way,” Dr Bezzina says. “That sense of ease can make a real difference to outcomes.”

The clinic is also embracing advanced technology to enhance care. Alongside Dr Bezzina’s procedural expertise, dermoscopist Dr Puneet Goyal specialises in skin checks, bringing an additional layer of precision in identifying suspicious lesions. SkinMedics has also introduced 3D whole-body scanning, allowing for detailed mole mapping and ongoing monitoring.

and expert

With demand for skin health services continuing to grow, SkinMedics remains focused on delivering timely, high-quality care that supports the wellbeing of the Canberra community.

Unit 2, 34–42 Cohen Street, Belconnen

T: 02 5101 4061

E: reception@skinmedicsACT.com.au

W: skinmedicsACT.com.au

Skinmedics on Cohen Street Unit 2, 34-42 Cohen Street, BELCONNEN 02 5101 4061 (Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm)

The same expertise, new clinic and name, bringing together colleagues for an even better service!

SERVICES:

Proven track record in the management of Skin Cancer, lumps & bumps/ cysts/ lipomas and most things in between.

 SKIN CHECKS (full body & spot check & total body photography)

 SKIN CANCER MANAGEMENT (procedural inc. skin aps & grafts & non-surgical)

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

 RASHES, HAIR LOSS/ALOCPECIA

 TEETH GRINDING/CLENCHING/JAW PAIN/Excess sweating/migraines management

 LASER – age spots on face/hands, spider veins, cherry angiomas

OUR SERVICES

www.skinmedicsACT.com.au

Skin Checks, Spot checks, Total body photography, Skin cancer procedures (simple & complex), Lumps, bumps & mole removal, Hair Loss/thinning management (Men & women), Teeth grinding/clenching, Laser.

Barton General Practice is here for you and your family this winter

Winter is right around the corner, which means now is the time to start thinking about protecting yourself and your loved ones from the fl u and other seasonal viruses such as RSV and COVID-19.

Annual fl u vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and over, with the ideal time for vaccination being in April or May, before the peak of fl u season starts in June. This year, children aged two years to fi ve years also have the option of having the Intranasal Infl uenza Vaccine, which is administered via a quick spray into each nostril.

Barton General Practice is committed to supporting the local community with all aspects of their health, including fl u and other seasonal vaccinations. Their highly experienced team of male and female doctors

are here to help guide you through your vaccination options and what will work best for you and your family.

The centre prides itself on providing bestin-class service for regular and new patients across every stage of life, including young families and Veterans and their families with DVA / CVC cards.

In addition to a full range of GP services, Barton General Practice o er skin cancer checks and procedures, as well as sun damage management; vasectomies; employment medicals, including rail medicals and commercial driver’s licence checks; and travel vaccinations, including Yellow Fever vaccines and Q Fever vaccines and testing.

The clinic also provides consultations for patients seeking weight loss management and

cosmetic treatment advice.

Currently welcoming new patients, scan the QR code to book an appointment at Barton General Practice today.

Capital Brewing opens Lager House in Campbell

Canberra’s craft beer scene is set for a new addition, with Capital Brewing Co. opening its new venue, Lager House, this Friday 27 March.

Located within East Traders Hall in Campbell, the purpose-built venue marks the brewery’s move further into full-service hospitality. Focused on the art of lager, Lager House combines precision brewing with elevated yet approachable food in a space designed to feel instantly familiar.

Working alongside Capezio Copeland, the venue draws inspiration from the classic Australian neighbourhood pub, reimagined through a modern brewery lens.

“The idea was to create a space that feels both familiar and considered,” said Laurence Kain, Managing Director of Capital Brewing Co.

“The U-shaped bar sits right at the centre of the room, encouraging people to perch, settle in and connect with the room’s energy, whether they’re here for a quick beer or staying for the night.”

At the heart of the venue is a strong connection between brewing, cooking and the overall guest experience, with an open kitchen, wood-fired grill

and three 1500L tanks pouring fresh seasonal lagers.

Locally sourced materials also play a key role in shaping the space, with salvaged Australian hardwoods from Canberra business Thor’s Hammer adding warmth and texture.

“It was important that the venue felt grounded from day one,” Kain said.

“Using recycled local materials adds a lived-in quality, while the precision of our Czech side-pour taps ensures the beer experience is world-class.”

The kitchen is led by Head Chef Paul Starley, with a menu designed to reflect how people eat in a brewery setting.

“The Lager House menu is centred around the wood-fired grill, generous, and absolutely not shy about flavour,” Starly said.

“The inspiration came from how people actually eat in a brewery. Some want a feast, some want a snack, and some just want something to keep them upright between pints.”

Standout dishes include a crispy pork knuckle with smoky crackling and a prawn roll offering a

lighter option.

“The crispy pork knuckle is the show-off. It’s smoky, crackly, and impossible to eat quietly,” Starly said.

“The prawn roll is the crowd-pleaser. Bright, fresh, and gone in about three bites if you’re not paying attention.”

A weekly program will also run alongside the core offering, including a $19 schnitty night on Mondays, Wednesday trivia and weekday express lunch options.

“Lager House should feel like the place you accidentally stay longer than planned. Good food, good beer, good company,” Kain said.

Lager House opens from 3pm on Friday 27 March at East Traders Hall, 62 Constitution Avenue, Campbell.

Bookings are available via capitalbrewing. co/pages/lagerhouse, with free parking in the basement off Wendourie Drive. You can follow @ lagerhouse.cbr on Instagram to see more.

time out

Mooseheads goes G-rated

by GEORGIA CURRY

For the first time since it was established in 1990, Mooseheads nightclub is flipping the script with a family-friendly event, gaining permission from the ACT Government to host primary school-aged kids in an adults-only area at licensed premises.

Mooseheads probably won’t be checking IDs at next month’s silent disco for kids, as the clientele will be aged 6 to 14 (accompanied by parents and grandparents).

No bouncers, no DJs, no alcohol, no loud music.

Rather than a late-night blurry timeslot, Mr Moose’s Wonderful Silent Disco will kick off at the respectable hour of 10am (a second session at 12 midday) so kids can be home by bedtime.

It’s not unlike Mooseheads’ matinee for over-30s, which starts at 4pm, allowing tired middle-aged folk to party like its 1999 – and get home for a Bex and a lie-down.

Mooseheads is nothing if not innovative, tapping into all demographics, not just the twenty-something hipster crowd.

Nan and Pop, and Mum and Dad can tag along with their little ones in an intergenerational disco. Rather than the popular catchphrase “Get loose at the Moose”, it’s more like Mother Goose at the Moose.

Instead of strobe lighting and smoke machines, there will be bubble effects and face painting.

The music won’t be booming doof doof, children will have wireless headphones with multiple music channels so they can choose their own soundtrack. Channels include G-rated kid-friendly pop favourites, nostalgic classics for ma and pa and culturally diverse global music.

Of course, Mr Moose will be on hand (Mooseheads mascot) to meet and greet the kids.

This is the first time Mooseheads has been reimagined in the cold, hard light of day – a one-off for the City Renewal Authority’s Wonderful World Festival.

Ryan Dyson, Head of Brand & Experience at Mooseheads, said hosting a disco in the daytime challenged perceptions of what a venue like Mooseheads could be.

Mooseheads is putting on a kid-friendly silent disco as part of the Wonderful World Festival.

“Wonderful World is all about reimagining the city, and we saw an opportunity to completely flip what people expect from Mooseheads,” Mr Dyson said. “By night, we’re known for high-energy nightlife, but by day, we’re creating something entirely different. This is about giving families a chance to experience the venue in a new and welcoming way.”

Dress code: come as you are.

Mr Moose’s Wonderful Silent Disco is on Saturday 11 April, 10am and 12 midday.

Tickets: moshtix.com.au/v2/event/mr-moose’swonderful-silent-disco/192429

"A delight to see so much young talent and enthusiasm."

Booktalk

This week, Jeff Popple reviews three enjoyable books to keep you entertained over the Easter eggstra-long weekend. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

Haze by Sam Elliott Macmillan,

$34.99

Fans of Australian outback noir will enjoy reading Sam Elliott’s Haze over the long weekend. Containing the usual tropes of old secrets, murder, a damaged local cop and a sinister cult, Haze gets off to a good start with a harrowing scene set at the height of a devastating bushfire. With flames lapping at her heels, Constable Dahlia Turner finds the bodies of her murdered

best friends among the burning ruins of their home and realises that their young son has been abducted. From there, the story races along as Dahlia desperately tries to find the missing child and the killer. A criminally good Easter read.

Love is an Algorithm by Laura Brooke Robson Text,

$34.99

Readers who prefer witty, quirky, modern romances will enjoy Laura Brooke Robson’s Love is an Algorithm. Eve is a creative New York songwriter who reconnects with an old friend, Danny, after a disastrous relationship. Danny is the creator of a revolutionary relationship AI program that can quantify relationship health and potential. As users of Danny’s program begin to outsource more of their life decisions to his algorithms, Eve grows increasingly sceptical about the app’s impact on genuine connection and their own relationship. An engaging, fun take on modern relationships, of all types, written in a zippy, non-linear style. Thoughtful and amusing.

When Books Go Bad by Alex Johnson

British Library, $29.99

When Books Go Bad is an entertaining collection of anecdotes about literary mishaps, insulting reviews, misbehaving authors and nasty feuds that will delight and captivate. From authors who killed, to wild conspiracy theories about various novels, to literary fakes and inappropriate relationships, Johnson has collected a diverse compilation of tales. There are also amusingly withering reviews, including one by Ernest Hemingway’s mother, who said that every page of his debut filled her with a “sick loathing”. While a critic wittily noted that: “The cruellest thing anyone can do with Portnoy’s Complaint is to read it twice.” A fun book to dip into this Easter long weekend. Recommended.

Canberra’s home of windows, doors, and more continues to offer great value for home

improvement projects

For more than four decades, Handyman’s Trading Post has been a trusted name for Canberrans tackling everything from small DIY jobs to fullscale renovations. Since opening its doors in 1981, the business has built a strong reputation for offering quality factorysecond and second-hand building materials at accessible prices, helping generations of homeowners and tradies bring their projects to life without blowing the budget.

While many locals will fondly remember its long-standing home on Geelong Street in Fyshwick, the business entered a new chapter last year, relocating to make way for redevelopment at the original site. Now settled into its new premises at Unit 1, 167 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick, Handyman’s Trading Post continues to deliver the same value-driven offering and down-to-earth service that has defined it for over 45 years.

Owners John and Lauren Rivers, alongside

their experienced team, have carried that legacy forward into the new space. Regular customers will find the same practical advice, approachable service and ever-changing stock that has made the store a go-to for so many across the region.

Inside, the range is as extensive as ever. Customers can browse a wide selection of sliding, French and bi-fold doors, as well as internal and external panel doors. There is also a strong offering of windows, including fixed, awning, sliding and sash styles, alongside glass panes and mirrors. Beyond that, the store stocks timber, fencing and roofing materials, plus a variety of hardware and plumbing fittings.

For those seeking something a little different, Handyman’s Trading Post also deals in leadlight windows and other antique fixtures and tools, adding a unique edge for renovators looking to incorporate character into their projects.

This diverse range makes the business particularly popular for budget-conscious builds and upgrades. Whether it’s enclosing a patio,

adding an alfresco area, constructing a granny flat or working on a tiny home, the availability of affordable materials opens up possibilities for projects that might otherwise be out of reach.

It’s this practicality, combined with the thrill of finding something unexpected, that has helped build a loyal following over the years. From seasoned builders and tradespeople to first-time renovators and weekend DIYers, customers regularly travel from across Canberra and surrounding regions to see what’s in stock.

One of the key draws is the constant turnover. New stock arrives weekly, meaning no two visits are ever quite the same. For those on the hunt for something specific, the team encourages customers to keep an eye on the store’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates, or to leave their details in-store or via email so staff can help track down particular items.

SPECIAL OFFER

Canberra Weekly readers can receive an additional 10% off all second-hand items by mentioning this article in-store. (Excludes never-used, factory-second items and products already discounted by more than 10%)

Handyman’s Trading Post

1 & 3/167 Newcastle Street Fyshwick 2609

T: 02 6280 4036

E: enquiries@handymans. com.au

W: facebook.com/profile. php?id=100047632246581

Leon came, he saw, he conquered

by GEORGIA CURRY

Whenever Canberra born-and-bred actor Leon Ford is on TV (ABC’s Dog Park) or on the big screen (Elvis), his old drama teacher from Narrabundah College always sends him a text.

Mr Wilkins played a formative role in Leon’s acting journey and 33 years later he still keeps in touch as Leon prepares for Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at the Canberra Theatre next week.

“He texted me the other day actually because he saw me on a bus stop,” Leon said. “He ran a really great drama school and that was like a sanctuary in what is an otherwise turbulent time in your life.

“When you’re 16 and 17 you go through all sorts of emotional ups

and downs but the drama area at Narrabundah, we were always welcome there. He ran incredibly interesting classes, introduced us all to [Russian character actor] Stanislavski and method acting –not that I took that up but it was all just fascinating to see the different techniques and experience.”

Whilst at college, Leon said there was so much going on in his teenage brain that he didn’t have space to appreciate the metaphysical depth of Shakespeare.

“But I think it’s so embedded in our language, like Julius Caesar is a perfect example, there are so many quotes that are now just part of our vernacular. I brought my kids to see Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar, and the amount of times

they’re going, ‘Hang on, did he say that first? Why does it sound so modern?’”

Similarly, the storylines of Shakespeare’s works are timeless – and very familiar,

The upcoming Julius Caesar play tells a story of the 44 BC conspiracy against the Roman dictator, his assassination on the Ides of March, and the resulting civil war.

“Well [the ousting of] Venezuela president happened while we were rehearsing and now the Iran war’s happening,” Leon said. “The last time Bell Shakespeare did it, it was killing season in Canberra in Parliament, with the Libs and then Labor, so it’s always something going on that people can just tap right into.”

It’s been 500 years since Shakespeare penned Julius Caesar but it could well have been written last week.

“Which is slightly depressing really, isn’t it, that we haven’t learned anything,” Leon said. “We haven’t particularly set Julius Caesar in any exact time, it’s more of a representation of Rome and the political shift in Europe. But for the most part, audiences are finding that it could have been written now because they’re literally talking about replacing a tyrant.”

Leon plays Cassius, a Roman senator and the primary mastermind behind the assassination of Julius Caesar.

He said Shakepeare’s

depiction of Julius Casear had an uncanny resemblance to a current political leader.

“The director saw no point making that point overtly because it’s just there,” he said. “When Caesar’s character says that these women were adoring him and that it doesn’t matter what he did – he could have killed these women’s mothers and they still would have adored him.

“It’s so close to when [US president] Trump said, ‘I could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and I’d still be popular’. It’s so close.”

Another influential teacher in Leon’s acting life was Mrs Edgerton at Telopea Park School.

“So I did everything in French, which probably explains my maths grades,” Leon said. “Mrs Edgerton really opened up interesting texts like [American writer] Arthur Miller. She was the one I remember a lot.”

As to why Leon attended a French-speaking school, that’s a mystery.

“Still to this day I have no idea why I went there,” he said. “My brother went to the English side, the English stream, and they put me into the French stream, so I really think I was just an experiment.”

Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is on at the Canberra Theatre 10-18 April. Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au/ show/julius-caesar-2026

All folk welcome at the National Folk Festival

by GEORGIA CURRY

If you don’t know what to expect at the National Folk Festival, that’s the best attitude to have, because there could be Nordic heavy metal (like in 2024) or this year’s fiddle trio pumping electronic trance music at a rave party.

Just like common folk (people), the music is a melting pot.

Of course there will be traditional, English, Scottish and Celtic folk music but after dark, anything can – and does – happen.

Like at the famous Sessions Bar, where internationally-acclaimed artists jam alongside amateurs, and spontaneous 100-piece bands play until dawn.

No other festival in the country has a dedicated Sessions Bar like the National Folk Festival.

So be advised to expect the unexpected when you walk amongst the colourful bunting and roaming minstrels this Easter (2–6 April) as Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) is transformed into a cultural kaleidoscope.

Every year is a massive party but this year the National Folk Festival is turning 60 so it’s going to be big.

Just ask American artist Elias Alexander, who uses electronics to turn bagpipes into doof doof frenzy, making the crowd go wild.

Want to hear something you’ve never heard before? Check out the bizarre nyckelharpa – a freakish hybrid of fiddle with 30 wooden keys that will be taught during a workshop by the Brisbane Nyckelharpa society.

That brings us to the participatory part of the National Folk Festival, don’t just be a spectator, be an active participant.

Artistic director Holly Downes said the National Folk Festival boasted a swag of interactive workshops and ensembles that everyone could participate in.

“That’s one of the unique things, participation, being at the core of what folk is,” Holly said. “Music that you do, dancing that you do, stories that you tell, and then also this idea of discovering new artists that you might not have heard of before, rather than

expecting someone that you know exactly what they’re going to sound like.

“Discovering new favourites and coming away enriched, with new skills, and having created transformative experiences together with your fellow folk.”

Ever since the National Folk Festival started 60 years ago – back in Melbourne when it was a travelling show (it even visited Alice Springs) – it’s always been a friendly gathering. Just ask folk singer Warren Fahey who’s been going every year since the very beginning.

“Most people knew each other, and certainly by the end of the weekend they knew each other,” Warren said. “The festival still upholds that storyline.”

There are more than 50 folk festivals dotted around the country but Warren reckons the National Folk Festival is “the big daddy”.

The very first festival attracted a few hundred folkies and a weekend ticket cost you $5.

The National Folk Festival runs from 2–6 April at Exhibition Park in Canberra. Program and tickets: folkfestival.org.au

Moo and the zoo

by GEORGIA CURRY

giveaway

WIN! Constellations double passes

A physicist and a beekeeper fall in and out of love across multiple parallel universes in Nick Payne’s acclaimed two-hander. Intimate, inventive and emotionally charged, Constellations explores fate, choice and the infinite possibilities of a single relationship.

CW has four double passes to the Thursday 16 April preview show to give away. For more info, visit acthub.com.au/production/constellations/

ENTER TO WIN!

To enter, email competitions@newstimemedia.com.au with ‘Constellations’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including street address) and when the preview show is running. Entries close 9am Friday 10 April 2026 and winners drawn same day. One entry per person. Entrants must be aged 18+. To enter, you must be subscribed to a Canberra Daily newsletter.

There’s a 33-year-old emu called “Moo” (inspired by the American mispronunciation), who has seen the National Zoo and Aquarium grow over 36 years from a native animal park and aquarium, to circus animal rescue, to today’s 19-hectare tourism attraction.

Moo would be ideal to give a first-hand historical account of the zoo but ... he’s a bird, so human Sabrina Lloyd, senior education officer, is giving a history tour as part of the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival (11 April – 10 May).

When the zoo first opened in 1990, it was just a native animal park and aquarium – the largest and only inland aquarium in Australia.

When private owners Richard and Maureen Tindale took over in 1998, they began taking in exotic rescue animals following bans on the use of exotic animals in the circus.

“We had three brown bears that had come from a circus and a couple of rescued lions and tigers,” Sabrina said. “We also ended up with tigons – this lion-tiger hybrid is completely illegal now, but they were bred accidentally at a circus. So, we took them in and we were able to rehabilitate them. They formed our original inhabitants.”

Because Canberra has a city zoo (roaring lions can be heard in suburbs three kilometres away) the owners decided not to take large animals like elephants. Instead, they built enclosures that were on average 20 to 30 per cent larger than the national standard size.

When the 2003 bushfires claimed the neighbouring pine plantation, the land was put up for sale and the zoo acquired the space, doubling its size.

As visitors move towards the back of the zoo, they enter the newer open-plain section, home to African animals like giraffes (which eat 3040kg of hay a day) and rhinos (which eat 60-65kg a day).

At the very back you might spy Solo the cheetah – the first and only cheetah born at the zoo, hence his name. Solo is significant because he’s part of the zoo’s successful

breeding programme, which also includes 27 zebra foals to date.

Interestingly, animals at the National Zoo and Aquarium are not bought or sold. Instead, the zoo is custodian of each species they protect.

“We don’t have monetary exchange for animals,” Sabrina said. “We are selectively breeding animals to ensure no inbreeding occurs, no over-breeding occurs, so in 50 years from now we will have a healthy, genetically-diverse population. One of the major purposes of zoos in Australia today is to conserve these animals.”

Back to 33-year-old Moo, who may not be the zoo’s oldest inhabitant (that’s “Speedy” the Coahuila Box Tortoise who is over 60 years old) but he he’s seen a lot in his time.

“We now have people employed at the zoo as keepers and guides who say, ‘when I was a kid on a school tour I remember feeding Moo’. And he’s still here and now they are running tours where they get kids to feed Moo.”

The most difficult animal to take care of is not what you’d expect.

“If you ask any keeper, the hardest animal they’ve ever had to look after was the dog [“Zama”], she was pretty energetic this one,” Sabrina said. “When Solo [the cheetah] was a baby, he grew up with a dog because his mum abandoned him. As a substitute companion we got him a dog and they were together three and a half years.

“The number of alarmed phone calls and guests we’d have at our reception point saying someone has thrown their dog into the cheetah enclosure and you need to help. In fact, the dog is the one in charge and stayed the one in charge for the whole time they were together.”

To book a history tour of the National Zoo and Aquarium from Saturday 11 April to Saturday 9 May, visit environment.act.gov.au/heritage/ heritage-festival

health & wellbeing

Self-care: It’s not just bubble baths and blocking people

with DR VIVIENNE LEWIS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA CO N T R IBU

Self-care has become one of those phrases that gets thrown around so often it risks losing all meaning. Scroll social media and you’ll see self-care presented as scented candles, bath bombs, green smoothies and the occasional declaration that you should cut people out of your life to protect your peace. While a warm bath is

lovely and saying no can be healthy, real self-care is both less glamorous and far more meaningful than the curated versions we see online. True self-care is not about escaping life, it’s about sustaining yourself within it. What self-care is not

Self-care is not ignoring responsibilities and calling it “boundaries.” It is not staying up until 1am watching a series because you “deserve downtime,” only to wake exhausted and irritable. And while a doona day can be restorative when you are unwell, using it to avoid di cult conversations, deadlines, or life decisions usually makes things worse. Nor is self-care always comfortable. In fact, the most powerful acts of self-care are often the least

Instagrammable. What self-care actually is It’s made up of small, practical decisions that support your wellbeing over time, such as going to bed earlier, booking the medical checkup you’ve been putting o , or eating regular meals so your brain and mood remain steady during a busy week. It’s also moving your body to feel stronger, calmer and more energised, choosing to attend the gathering even when worries are loud, and reminding yourself of your worth. It involves setting boundaries kindly and clearly, rather than letting resentment build and having the di cult conversation you would rather avoid, preventing stress from accumulating.

The psychology behind it

Self-care is about regulating your nervous system and protecting your mental resources. When we are chronically stressed, sleep-deprived, undernourished, or emotionally overloaded, our capacity to cope shrinks dramatically. What looks like irritability, poor concentration, or low

motivation is often depletion. Self-care is less about indulgence and more about maintenance. Just like our cars, we need fuel, servicing and rest. Small acts matter There is a misconception that self-care must be time-consuming, whereas in reality, small, consistent acts are what make the di erence. Nourishment might also be unfollowing accounts that make you feel inadequate, speaking to yourself with the same kindness you would o er a friend, a good book, or a cup of tea.

Self-care is about keeping ourselves well, not waiting until we fall apart.

If self-care feels di cult, especially when self-criticism gets in the way, my book Embracing You: A Practical Guide to Body-Image and SelfAcceptance o ers practical strategies for treating yourself with greater kindness, nourishing your body without guilt, and building sustainable habits for mental and physical wellbeing.

Hidden breast cancer costs increase burden of disease

by MAEVE BANNISTER, AAP

Breast cancer patients are facing wide-ranging financial, emotional and social burdens following their diagnosis as many grapple with significant up-front

costs alongside a disease that often strikes without warning.

More than 21,000 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, yet despite huge advances in treatment and survival prognosis, hidden costs continue to devastate lives.

Rhiannon Abshoff was 32 and on maternity leave with her one-year-old son when she was diagnosed with hormone-positive breast cancer a few days before Christmas.

She had no family history of the disease and no warning signs other than discovering a lump.

What followed was an abundance of scans, appointments, fertility treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, medication and psychology sessions, most of which had associated out-of-pocket costs.

“In the first six months following the diagnosis, it was about $30,000 for all the medications, scans, biopsies, mammograms,” she said.

“I’m a patient who had gold-tier private health cover after having a baby, had access to Medicare and

still paid an exorbitant amount; it’s just lucky that we had the savings to cover it, but that’s not a reality for everyone.”

Almost 90 per cent of Australians diagnosed with breast cancer face significant out-of-pocket costs that accumulate rapidly, a report examining the hidden costs of early breast cancer sponsored by healthcare giant Novartis and launched at Parliament House on Thursday has found.

One in five people delay or skip treatment due to these cost pressures, and the broader economic fallout is equally profound yet often overlooked.

Research by Monash University has found

Australians diagnosed with breast cancer lose, on average, the equivalent of 1.5 years of full-time work.

The report calls for meaningful change across the healthcare system and policies to improve access to innovative therapies, address growing financial burdens on patients by reforming funding models and strengthening psychosocial support.

It was clear the burden of the disease extends far beyond the clinical setting, Senator Wendy Askew said.

“The financial, emotional and social cost faced by Australians diagnosed with early breast cancer, but indeed any cancer diagnosis, are profound,” she said.

Hidden Hearing Loss:

When Hearing Tests Say “Normal” but Listening Feels Hard

by Michelle Richards, Director

& Accredited Hearing Specialist — Michelle Richards Hearing, Dickson

Many people come to my clinic feeling confused, frustrated, and sometimes even doubting themselves.

They’ll say things like: “I can hear sounds, but I can’t follow conversations.” “Voices blur together in cafés or family gatherings.” “I hear people talking, but I can’t make out the words.”

Often, they’ve already had a hearing test elsewhere and been told, “Your hearing is normal.”

So why does listening still feel so hard? This is where hidden hearing loss comes in.

What is hidden hearing loss?

Hidden hearing loss is a form of hearing difficulty that does not always show up clearly on a standard hearing test, particularly in the early stages. Traditional hearing tests measure how softly you can hear tones in a quiet room. Hidden hearing loss, however, affects how your brain processes sound, especially speech in real-world environments where background noise is present.

In other words, your ears may be detecting sound — but your brain is struggling to make sense of it. Common signs of hidden hearing loss

People with hidden hearing loss often report:

• Difficulty understanding speech in noise (restaurants, meetings, family events)

• Feeling mentally exhausted after conversations

• Struggling with soft voices or fast talkers

• Needing subtitles for TV or movies

• Feeling that people “mumble”

• Avoiding social situations because listening feels too hard

Importantly, these difficulties are real, even if a basic hearing test looks “within normal limits”.

What causes hidden hearing loss?

Hidden hearing loss is often linked to damage to the nerve connections between the inner ear and the brain, rather than damage to the ear itself.

Common contributing factors include:

• Long-term noise exposure (workplaces, concerts, gyms, power tools)

• A single significant noise event

• Age-related changes in auditory processing

• Ongoing listening fatigue or stress

• Certain medical or neurological factors

Because these nerve pathways don’t regenerate easily, early identification is important.

Why standard hearing tests can miss it

Most hearing tests are designed to detect volume

loss, not clarity loss.

Hidden hearing loss affects:

• Speech discrimination

• Listening effort

• Processing speed

• The ability to separate speech from background noise

Without more detailed assessment — including speech-in-noise testing and real-world listening evaluation — these issues can remain invisible.

Why being told “your hearing is normal” can be harmful

One of the most difficult things I see is people who have been dismissed.

They start to think:

• “Maybe I’m just getting old”

• “Maybe I’m not concentrating enough”

• “Maybe it’s anxiety”

Over time, this can lead to:

• Withdrawal from conversations

• Reduced confidence

• Increased fatigue

• Social isolation

Hearing difficulties are not just about ears — they affect connection, identity, and wellbeing.

What can be done?

The good news is that hidden hearing loss can be managed, once it’s properly identified.

Support may include:

• Advanced diagnostic testing

• Education about listening strategies

• Assistive listening technology

• Carefully selected hearing devices (even when hearing thresholds appear “normal”)

• Environmental and communication adjustments

There is no one-size-fits-all solution — which is why individualised assessment and continuity of care matter.

If this sounds like you

If you’ve ever felt that something isn’t quite right with your hearing — even after being told everything looks “fine” — trust that instinct.

Listening should not feel exhausting. Hearing healthcare should involve:

• Time

• Proper explanation

• Respect for lived experience

• Ongoing support, not dismissal

Hidden hearing loss is real — and you deserve to be heard.

New bulk-billing clinics for Canberra

by NICHOLAS FULLER

Three new bulk-billing GP Clinics will be built in the ACT this year, while the Interchange Health Co-op at the Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre has a new lease on life, as part of a $24.3 million federal investment in health care.

The bulk-billing clinics — a Labor promise at the last election — will open by the end of June.

Macquarie General Practice will establish a clinic in Gungahlin; Next Practice Deakin one in South Tuggeranong; and Ochre Health one in Molonglo. More GPs will be encouraged to come to the ACT through a $10.5 million scheme.

Health minister Mark Butler MP said: “Canberra has had issues with GP availability for a long time. Having three new GP clinics will help make medical care cheaper and more accessible for many Canberrans.”

Dr Andrew Leigh MP added: “When a child spikes a fever or an injury flares, people want help that’s free and close to home. Bulk-billing clinics are the social plumbing of a modern capital: practical and indispensable.”

Independent Senator David Pocock said he was excited to finally see the announcement of the locations for the ACT’s three new fully bulk-billed clinics, and that local providers had been chosen.

“The ACT has the lowest bulk-billing rates in the nation,” Senator Pocock noted. Only 11.1 per cent of ACT clinics fully bulk-bill, and the standard consultation fee is the most expensive in Australia ($100.33), the ABC reported earlier this year.

“Measures like this to bring in more GPs and increase bulk billing are very welcome. We still have a long way to go to, if the aim is still for 9/10 consults to be bulk billed, but this is a great start.”

Independent MLA Fiona Carrick welcomed the new bulk-billing clinic in the Molonglo Valley. “As the fuel crisis escalates the cost-of-living challenges facing Canberrans, free access to primary healthcare is as important as ever,” she said.

The government has also secured services for the former Interchange Health Co-op in Tuggeranong. Before closing last year, it supported 5,000 patients with complex health needs in South Canberra. A new

provider, ForHealth Group, will take over and maintain services.

Mr Butler said: “Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre will continue to bulk bill for its services, so they will be accessible to patients who need affordable care.”

Nineteen ACT practices are registered with the Bulk-billing Incentive Program. Eight transitioned from a mixed billing to a bulk-billing model since November.

Finance minister Senator Katy Gallagher said: “This investment is about making sure Canberrans can see a doctor when they need to, without worrying about the cost.

“For too long, access to bulk-billing GPs has been a challenge in the ACT. These new clinics and support for Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre will make a real difference for families right across our city.”

The three new Bulk-billing Clinics, and Interchange Health Co-Op are in addition to the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic network in Woden, Gungahlin, the Inner North (Dickson), Belconnen, Weston Creek, and Tuggeranong.

WHERE CANBERRA Connects!

Comprehensive Care, Right from the Start with Dr. Maryse Badawy

Services include

• Women’s and Men’s health

• Paediatrics

• Sexual health

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• Neurological presentations

• Kidney and Urinary health

• Lifestyle factors which result in disease

• Gastrointestinal conditions

• Haematological conditions

• Ear, nose, throat and oral health

• Musculoskeletal presentations

• Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)

• Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine ( Family Medicine)

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• Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine

• Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery

• Member of Australasian Menopause Society

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Scan QR Code for an Appointment or

(02) 5133 7112

Suite 6 Level 3 – Peter Yorke Building, 173 Strickland Crescent, Deakin ACT

Consulting hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00 pm We are closed on Saturdays and Public Holidays

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Beautiful

A charming cottage-style home set on a generous 4046 sqm block. This delightful property offers a perfect blend of comfort and nature, making it an ideal retreat for families or those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

The heart of the home is the inviting open-plan living-kitchen-dining room, adorned with beautiful floorboards that enhance the warm ambiance.

3 LIVING AREAS + 5 BEDROOMS

Was Christmas 2025 the last time you were squished entertaining in your home? Perhaps your two-storey Jerrabomberra home is too big and you do not want to leave this amazing suburb? This very much treasured family home, beautifully maintained and extremely wellbuilt, has so much space to spread out. The floorplan on offer is north-facing and generous with three separate living areas for your family. As a fourth living area, the large deck spilling out from the family room affords lovely views of Black Mountain and the surrounding hills. Your new home already offers a flexible floorplan where existing bedrooms could be used as TV rooms or studies. The rumpus room could be a future media room or even a 6th bedroom. The kitchen cupboard profile is still available in today’s modern catalogues. The master bedroom has a well-equipped walk-in robe with double hanging, as well as a master ensuite, and the remaining four bedroom can easily fit double or queen sized beds. Three of the four remaining bedrooms have built-in robes. A spectacular opportunity!

AUCTION: On Site Saturday 11th April 2026 at 10am OPEN TIMES: Please refer to websites for details

GET READY FOR AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY!

This brand-new estate features 11 stunning proposed lifestyle lots, each offering expansive space ranging from 2 hectares (4.94 acres) to an impressive 3.81 hectares (9.41 acres).

WONGA PARK ESTATE - LOTS 2-12, 81 WONGA ROAD, NAROOMA

This brand-new estate features 11 stunning proposed lifestyle lots, each offering expansive space ranging from 2 hectares (4.94 acres) to an impressive 3.81 hectares (9.41 acres).

Prices starting from $650,000

Key features include:

- Underground & overhead power connections

- Building envelopes established and pegged

- BAL ratings of 12.5

- Soil testing completed

- Zoned RU4 - Primary Production Small Lots

- Located less than 2.5km from Narooma Township

- Views of Gulaga Mountain and Barunguba (Montague Island).

COASTAL OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

Perched on approximately 5.2 acres of serene rural surrounds, with direct Corunna Lake access, this eco-conscious sanctuary is not to be missed. Blending modern energy efficiency with flexible indoor-outdoor living, it’s a rural haven designed with future in mind.

View: By Appointment

Contact: John Murray 0475 053 869

$1,595,000 $845,000

john@whalecoastrealty.com.au

Beautifully presented and renovated, this warm and welcoming single-level home impresses from the moment you step inside. Restored timber floors flow throughout, creating a sense of character and quality. Tucked away in the heart of Narooma, the home offers the ideal blend of privacy and convenience.

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Contact: John Murray 0475 053 869 john@whalecoastrealty.com.au

$2,050,000 - 2,150,000

A total transformation, this fully renovated terrace at 73 Dalmeny Drive is now a showstopping coastal retreat and an entertainer’s dream, perfectly positioned directly across from the beach.

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Contact: John Murray 0475 053 869

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Positioned directly across the road from the beach, 202 Mystery Bay Road offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and breathtaking ocean views. This well-presented four bedroom, two bathroom home is ideal for families, holidaymakers, or those seeking a relaxed seaside lifestyle.

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john@whalecoastrealty.com.au

Offering a rare combination of established commercial income and comfortable residential living, this corner property is perfectly positioned in a busy, flat area of Narooma, providing excellent exposure and easy accessibility. Ideal for investors or owner-occupiers, the property benefits from long-standing tenants and a highly visible location.

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$1,589,000

This stunning north-facing 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home has been crafted for luxury beachside living, blending modern technology with effortless style.

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Contact: John Murray 0475 053 869

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UP TO $50,000 DEPOSIT ASSISTANCE*

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It’s more than a home, it’s a community

The Grange is in the heart of Deakin, just 300m from shops and close to medical services. Enjoy refined, independent living in your own private home, with 24-hour onsite staff for peace of mind.

Be part of a warm and spirited community where every day is yours to enjoy as you choose — from dining out in the Dining Room to social events, fitness classes, and swims in the indoor pool. Stroll nearby walking tracks or explore Canberra’s cultural gems, all just moments away.

Call Michaela Howard on 0447 695 380 to find out more.

We have a North facing light and spacious three-bedroom home which includes:

• Modern kitchen with granite benchtop, stainless steel appliances including dishwasher

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• Good sized internal laundry with dryer

• Ample storage

• New paint and flooring

• An outdoor entertaining space

• Staff on-site at all times in case of an emergency North facing 3 bedroom home – move in ready

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CANBERRA MINI DIGGERS

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