Month: September 2025

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Emerging Young Leaders Mentoring Program acknowledgement day

Source:

Mentee Cara Munnings receives her acknowledgement certificate from DCO Gavin Thompson

Thank you on behalf of the Emerging Young Leaders Mentoring Program. We can’t wait to tell you all about our experiences.

Reflecting on the previous six months, the Emerging Young Leaders Mentoring Program participants shared vastly different leadership stories and experiences with highs and lows in their brigades and personal lives.

But one thing they had in common after the experience was the relationships they built along the way and their determination to lead well and let this program be the start of their leadership journey.

A mix of CFA and Life Saving Victoria mentees and mentors gathered at The Views in Port Melbourne last Saturday, 30 August, to acknowledge the completion of the 2025 Emerging Young Leaders Mentoring Program. They were joined by Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Deputy Chief Officer Gavin Thompson, Life Saving Victoria’s Sam Dwyer and the General Manager of People and Culture Torbjorn Servin, plus some special guests.

Earlier in the day, the group toured the State Control Centre and saw the Intelligence and Public Information teams in action. It was also a great opportunity to discuss leadership in incident management teams with the incident controller on duty and other leading staff members.

During the evening, several participants shared their personal acknowledgements. Using an interview-style presentation, Don Cook and Sam Galvin explored what the future of CFA could be like for young people.

Mentor Don said, “The future is in this room, and if we don’t teach ourselves how to communicate and understand what the important things are to young people, we’re in trouble,” Mentor Don Cook said.

“I think the measure of success will be when the emerging young leaders in this room become mentors themselves.”

Mentee Sam Galvin agreed.

“I get to stand on your shoulders now and be the next generation and I’m so grateful for that. I get to go back to my brigade feeling less isolated because of this community we get to rely on and call upon, confident that this is the start of a leadership journey that will continue to grow,” Sam said.

Presenting her initial goals and current progress, Mentee Cara Munnings showed how she measured success throughout the program.

“I can confidently say I have gained so much. The biggest lessons for me are understanding my own strengths and limitations. Knowing these have made me a more effective leader. It’s also helped me accept it’s OK not to know everything and it’s important to use the knowledge of those around us,” she said.

Mentee Adele Hunter discussed her future development plan.

“I now see a future in CFA that I didn’t know was there before. This program is important because people like me gain a lot from the camaraderie and support this program provides. It inspires people to find their voice and give them the tools to help lead CFA into the future. I have the confidence to call out the behaviour that would have prevented me from succeeding previously, ensuring that we are all welcome and that we are all heard,” she said.

Chief Officer Jason Heffernan left the emerging young leaders with a special message.

“I want to encourage each and every one of you to continue. Continue your leadership journey, it doesn’t stop today, it starts today. Like any other skill, if you don’t practise your leadership, if you don’t put it into action, it’s a skill that you do lose. Go forth. Be leaders. Do good things. Be good people. And your organisations will be so much richer for it,” Jason said.

This and many other key mentoring and leadership development programs are supported by the Volunteer Leadership Development Program that builds and enhances volunteer leadership capability through the delivery of a suite of inter-connected leadership development opportunities.

For more information, CFA members can visit Members Onlime. 

Submitted by Alex Reid
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Supporting tourism operators with flexible, industry-focused training

Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

Tourism is vital to Australia, supporting over 706,000 jobs and underpinning more than 360,000 businesses across the country.

Building the workforce these businesses need is a priority for the Albanese Labor Government which is why we are pleased to partner with the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) to launch the Quality Tourism eLearning Hub, a new training hub created for Australia’s tourism industry.

Developed with eLearning specialists, etrainu, the eLearning Hub is designed to support tourism operators and their staff to build and improve skills, enhance professionalism and develop stronger business capability.

The eLearning Hub forms part of ATIC’s Quality Tourism Framework (QTF), which offers industry operators a suite of online training and accreditation programs designed to build capability and quality across the industry.

The Albanese Labor Government has provided $8 million in funding to enhance and improve the QTF, reaffirming its support for small and regional tourism businesses to strengthen quality, accessibility, and sustainability in their operations.

A national library of short, practical courses sits at the heart of the eLearning Hub, developed with input from industry and subject matter experts. Topics include sustainability, accessibility, customer service readiness, and other critical areas to help businesses grow and compete.

Accessible on any device, the eLearning Hub supports learning anywhere and at any time through videos, interactive modules, and downloadable resources.

The Quality Tourism eLearning Hub marks a significant step in ensuring Australia’s tourism industry remains vibrant, resilient, and ready to meet the needs of visitors today and into the future.

Access the Quality Tourism eLearning Hub at: Quality Tourism Framework – Quality Tourism Australia.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to invest in the future workforce of the tourism and travel industry. By supporting this eLearning Hub we’re ensuring people across the sector have access to the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a fast-changing industry.

“The Quality Tourism eLearning Hub will help people to build great careers in the tourism industry, as well as building the skilled workforce that our world-class tourism operators need.

“People are at the heart of our critical tourism sector. With this hub we are investing not just in training, but in innovation, resilience and the long-term growth of the industry.”

Quotes attributable to Australian Tourism Industry Council CEO, Erin McLeod:

“The Quality Tourism eLearning Hub is a natural progression of the Quality Tourism Framework, providing a practical, industry-led platform to build workforce capability nationwide.”

“By collaborating with eLearning experts etrainu, we’ve created a versatile learning platform designed to serve tourism businesses of all sizes and locations throughout Australia.”

Quotes attributable to etrainu CEO, Paul Hoon:

“Together with ATIC, we’ve created a platform that delivers relevant, accessible learning, particularly for the small and regional operators at the heart of Australia’s tourism industry.”

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GST and vouchers

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

What is a voucher

A voucher:

  • is a token, stamp (not a postage stamp), coupon or similar article, such as a physical card or digital gift or retail store voucher, or a prepaid phone card or facility
  • has a stated monetary value, which may be:
    • on the voucher
    • on documents accompanying the voucher
    • a top up amount for a phone card
    • redeemed for goods or services.

There are 2 types of vouchers:

  • face value vouchers
  • non-face value vouchers.

How GST applies to vouchers

The type of voucher you sell will determine when you should account for GST.

Face value vouchers

A face value voucher can be redeemed for a reasonable choice of goods and services.

For example, a $50 voucher issued by a supermarket that allows voucher holders to redeem products at any of its different stores is a face value voucher.

When selling a face value voucher, you only account for GST when the voucher is redeemed for taxable goods and services, not at the time when the voucher is sold. This is because the sale of a face value voucher for an amount not exceeding its face value is not a taxable supply.

If you sell a face value voucher for an amount exceeding its face value (such as selling a $100 voucher for $105), you need to account for GST on the amount exceeding the face value at the time when it’s sold.

Example 1: accounting for GST on face value vouchers

SuperSupermarket sells a $20 gift card to Patti for $20. SuperSupermarket doesn’t need to account for GST when the gift card is purchased as it is not a taxable supply.

Patti redeems the gift card for a non-stick frypan for $15 and a punnet of strawberries for $5 from SuperSupermarket.

SuperSupermarket reports GST on its supply of the frypan as it’s a taxable supply. It doesn’t report GST on the strawberries as they are GST-free.

End of example

Expired or unredeemed face value vouchers

You will need to make an increasing adjustment on your business activity statement (BAS) when a face value voucher you’ve sold:

  • has expired or has not been fully redeemed; and
  • you have written back to current income any reserves for the redemption of the voucher for accounting purposes.

The increasing adjustment is 1/11th of the unredeemed balance. You report it at label 1A on your BAS.

For more information see GSTR 2003/5 Goods and services tax: vouchers.

Example 2: making an increasing adjustment for an unredeemed voucher

Coffee Cafe sells a $100 face value voucher to Adam in March 2024 for $100. The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Adam can redeem it for a range of goods sold by Coffee Cafe up to the amount stated on the voucher.

He redeemed the voucher for goods to a total cost of $67 before the voucher expired in March 2025. As the voucher has now expired, it has an unredeemed amount of $33.

In April 2025, Coffee Cafe writes back to current income the unused credit of $33. At this time, Coffee Cafe is required to make an increasing adjustment of $3 (GST of 1/11 x $33) on its BAS for this tax period.

End of example

Non-face value vouchers

A non-face value voucher can only be redeemed for specific goods and services. For example, a $100 voucher for a facial treatment at a day spa.

You need to account for GST at the time you sell a non-face value voucher, but only if it is redeemable for taxable supplies.

You don’t need to account for GST when the voucher is redeemable for input taxed or GST-free supplies.

Reporting voucher sales

Face value vouchers

If you sell a face value voucher, you don’t account for the sale on your BAS until it’s redeemed.

When it’s redeemed in full for goods or services you sell, the payment for the sale is the stated monetary value of the voucher plus any additional payment received.

Non-face value vouchers

For a non-face value voucher, you account for the sale of it on your BAS in the reporting period when it’s sold.

For more information see when and how to report and pay GST.

Claiming credits for purchases using vouchers

If you buy a voucher and use it to get something that is a taxable supply, you’re entitled to claim a GST credit if that purchase is used in your business.

For a face value voucher, you claim GST credits in your BAS for the reporting period you redeem it, not the reporting period when you buy it.

For a non-face value voucher, you claim GST credits in your BAS for the reporting period when the voucher is bought.

You’re not entitled to claim a GST credit for the purchase if it either:

  • relates to making input taxed sales
  • is of a private or domestic nature.
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Thinking about buying your first home this spring?

Source: Premier of Victoria

Author – Denton Pugh, NAB Executive for Home Lending.

Australia’s housing market is continuing to move as we head into the busy spring selling season. National house prices have now risen six months in a row. That puts values around 3% higher since the start of the year.

Every capital is sharing in the upswing, with smaller cities like Darwin, Brisbane, and Adelaide emerging as standout performers boasting the strongest price growth of all. Regional areas are also pulling in plenty of buyers, offering better bang for your buck than our big cities.

This continued price growth comes despite still relatively high borrowing costs, supported by a noticeable lift in market sentiment. NAB’s Residential Property Index* released this week jumped to +44, its highest level in 12 months, driven by recent rate cuts and growing expectations of further easing. Confidence has turned positive across the country, including in the ACT, which had remained subdued since late 2022.

With lower rates and market sentiment improving, more properties are expected to hit the market over the spring season. There will likely be more homes coming onto the market, but also plenty of eager buyers returning. First-home buyers are already stepping up, with the index showing their share of new housing rising to 40%, the highest since December 2022.

This could be a prime opportunity to make a move. Here are a few things to think about so you’ll be ready to act fast when you find that dream property.

NAB Executive for Home Lending Denton Pugh

Know your strategy

A home to live in or rent-vest (buy where you can afford, rent where you want to live). This will guide many of your decisions, from the type of property you buy, the location, and how you structure your home loan. Buying to live in may prioritise lifestyle factors, whereas an investment property means focussing on rental yield and growth potential. Be clear on your strategy so you can narrow your search and budget accordingly. And consider all the extra costs, remember the price tag isn’t the only cost involved in buying a home.

Get finance pre-approved

Before you start making offers, talk to a banker about getting home loan pre-approval. This gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow so you don’t waste time shopping outside your price range. A pre-approval basically means the bank has agreed in principle to lend you a certain amount, pending final checks.

Timing is key here. Pre-approval typically lasts 90 days, so it’s smart to get it when you’re serious about buying. If you’re buying your first home to live in, you might qualify for various federal and state-based assistance, such as the recently expanded Home Guarantee Scheme. New rules from 1 October mean all Australian first-home buyers can buy a home with a 5% deposit and not pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

Make an offer and stick to your limit

Avoid getting swept up in FOMO. If you pay well above market value, the bank’s valuation of the property might come in lower than your purchase price, which means you might have to cover the gap in order to go through with the sale. Keeping a cool head and not overextending yourself will ensure that when you do make that winning offer, you’ll sail through the last steps and soon collect the keys to your new home.

This spring should be busy. If you’re ready, speak with a banker. They can help you understand your budget, get pre-approval sorted, and make sure you’re prepared when the home you’ve been waiting for hits the market.

* NAB’s Residential Property Index a quarterly survey by NAB of property professionals (agents, developers, and investors) to gauge their views on the Australian housing market.

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Queensland researchers awarded prestigious Smithsonian fellowships

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 2 Sep 2025

Some of Queensland’s brightest minds are set to fly overseas to tackle global challenges in science, conservation, and the environment through the prestigious Queensland–Smithsonian Fellowship Program.

The Queensland Government program funds Queensland-based professionals to work within a Smithsonian Institution for up to 12 weeks, giving them an opportunity to access sought-after expertise and facilities, while increasing their knowledge and skills in their chosen field.

The program aims to drive scientific advancement and foster global collaboration and innovation, allowing fellows to not only advance their own fields of research but also bring back invaluable knowledge, skills and global networks to Queensland.

The latest Queensland–Smithsonian Fellows are:

  • Dr Leah Barclay, Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead – Design, University of Sunshine Coast, receiving $19,800 for the project titled: Sonic Ecologies: Connecting Bocas Del Toro and K’gari Research Stations.
  • Dr Elizabeth Smyth, Research Officer, James Cook University, receiving $26,200 for the project titled: Tropical Rainforest in Expedition Journals.
  • Dr Catherine Kim, Postdoctoral Researcher, Queensland University of Technology, receiving $23,000 for the project titled: Decoding ocean biodiversity: cryptofauna on the Great Barrier Reef.

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said the Queensland Smithsonian Fellowship allows Queensland researchers to tap into the significant resources and expertise available at the world’s largest research and museum complex.

“Queensland’s program with the Smithsonian Institution is the only agreement of its kind in Australia, offering a unique opportunity for researchers to collaborate, connect and share mutually beneficial learnings in their chosen fields,” Prof Wilson said.

“I am eager to see the results of these research projects and how the knowledge and skills gained at the Smithsonian Institution can be brought back to the science ecosystem in Queensland.”

Dr Catherine Kim from the Queensland University of Technology will be travelling to the United States later this year to begin her fellowship, focused on her project – Decoding ocean biodiversity: cryptofauna on the Great Barrier Reef.

“It’s an honour to be selected to represent Queensland to develop a partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History,” Dr Kim said.

“I’m most excited to have access to the world class facilities such as the Laboratories of Analytical Biology and learn the latest genetic techniques and data management processes.

“My research will be analysing legacy samples from Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) deployed in the Great Barrier Reef that were collected as a part of the global Census of Coral Reefs project that started almost 15 years ago.

“There is still so much to learn from these ARMS samples about the diversity of marine life on the Great Barrier Reef.”

Since 2001, the Queensland Government has provided more than $1.1 million through the Smithsonian Fellowship Fund to 64 Fellows from universities, science agencies, museums and art galleries across Queensland.

For more information on the Queensland-Smithsonian Fellowship Program and recipients visit: Queensland–Smithsonian Fellowship Program.

Additional information

Recipient Organisation Project title Project description Funding
Dr Leah Barclay University of the Sunshine Coast Sonic Ecologies: Connecting Bocas Del Toro and K’gari Research Stations Aims to explore innovative strategies for research station design, technology integration and community engagement. Focused sharing ideas and strategies between two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage sites – Panama’s Bocas Del Toro Research Station and Queensland’s K’gari Research Station (run by the University of the Sunshine Coast). $19,800
Dr Elizabeth Smyth James Cook University Tropical Rainforest in Expedition Journals To review journals of colonial naturalists who travelled through tropical Queensland, during the late 19th century with the aim of illuminating historical perspectives on environmental changes across continents. $26,200
Dr Catherine Kim Queensland University of Technology Decoding ocean biodiversity: cryptofauna on the Great Barrier Reef To address a critical gap in marine biodiversity research by using DNA to study and document the hidden (cryptofaunal) species living in the Great Barrier Reef. $23,000
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Canberra’s best accessible tracks

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Canberra has lots of pram-friendly walks so you can enjoy a day out with the whole family.

In brief:

  • This story lists a number of accessible tracks in Canberra.
  • These tracks are pram and wheelchair friendly.
  • Canberra tracks for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re pushing a pram, using a wheelchair or after a smooth and easy walk – these Canberra tracks are for everyone to enjoy.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens is home to many of our native plants and wildlife. It’s a great place to explore with the whole family.

The looped path of the gardens begins from the main parking area. It is a flat, easy 1.4 km paved path that has no steps.

Visitors can hire a free wheelchair or electric mobility scooter.

Little explorers love the Paperbark Treehouse. This has a ramp-accessible platform at the main level.

Cotter Discovery Trail

This short 1 km loop offers pram and wheelchair friendly trail options.

From the Discovery Trail carpark you will see the accessible trailhead.

Enjoy a walk amongst nature, learning about the history of the Cotter Dam along the way.

From the accessible ramp, reach the amphitheatre-style viewing platform which provides direct views of the dam.

Accessible toilets and parking are available at the Cotter Reserve.

For a longer walk, try the Cotter Explorer track.

Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

These wetlands offer great walking tracks through nature.

It’s an important sanctuary for birdlife, frogs and more. Visit one of the birdhides on site to spot some of Australia’s 200+ bird species.

All mapped walks are accessible for both prams and wheelchairs:

  • Kellys Swamp Loop and Billabong Walk (2.6 km)
  • The Woodland Walk (2.6 km)

Find the trailhead in the parking area at the end of Dairy Road in Fyshwick.

Image: Jerrabomberra Wetlands

Mulligans Flat Wetlands Walk

Walking this 3.5 km trail takes around 45 minutes return.

It offers a gentle walk around the wetlands and is great for birdwatching.

The boardwalk is accessible for prams and wheelchairs.

The National Arboretum

The Arboretum has one of the world’s largest collections of rare, endangered and significant trees. You’ll also find the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection.

Smooth, wide pathways connect key attractions such as Pod Playground and café.

There are also all-access paths and grade 1 sealed paths with no steps to help you explore. These include:

  • Events Terrace Loop – 0.6 km
  • Dairy Farmers Hill Lookout – 200 m return
  • Himalayan Cedar Path – 500 m return.

Find more accessible tracks on the National Arboretum website.

There is plenty of disabled parking available, and wheelchairs are available for hire.

Accessible toilets can be found at the Village Centre, the Himalayan Cedar Forest and the children’s playground.

There is also a wheelchair and pram friendly picnic table and seating just outside the playground.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Take the family to see wildlife in a natural setting at Tidbinbilla, just a 40-minute drive from the city.

Tidbinbilla offers mobility access to many popular locations with:

  • accessible toilets
  • designated parking areas
  • paved footpaths for independent wheelchair access.

Some accessible tracks to enjoy include the Sanctuary Loop and Koala Path. If you are in a wheelchair you will need someone to assist you on these paths.

The Nature Discovery Playground has a bird’s nest swing suitable for young children and people with limited mobility.

Mobility-impaired visitors can hire a free all-terrain wheelchair from the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre.

Find out more about hiring a TrailRider on the Parks ACT website.

Image: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Umbagong District Park

Three scenic bridge walks weave through this Belconnen nature park.

It’s a great spot for locals to stop and appreciate their surroundings. Look out for beautiful grasslands, birdlife, frogs, lizards and more.

All bridges are 2 m wide, to ensure they are accessible for prams, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

The larger bridge walk offers an accessible lookout and seating area.

Weston Park

Weston Park is in the heart of Canberra on the western side of Lake Burley Griffin.

This 4.2 km loop trail is an easy, flat path suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

It will lead you through the park, and past a large adventure playground the kids can enjoy.

There are also picnic tables, benches, barbeques and accessible public toilets.

You will find plenty of disabled parking.

Yerrabi Pond

Yerrabi Pond has a picturesque walking track that everyone can enjoy.

The path is around 4.2 km long and flat, making it both pram-friendly and wheelchair friendly.

The Yerrabi Pond District Park features toilets , barbeques, a play space and adventure playground. This includes a wheelchair-accessible liberty swing.

Image: Yerrabi Pond

Plan your next outdoor adventure:

The Find a Park tool can help you find an accessible track or park to visit.

You can narrow your search to include features such as:

  • wheelchair accessible
  • toilets
  • barbeques and more.

Remember to always check weather, alerts and closures on the Parks ACT website before going on your outdoor adventure.

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Acton Emergency Services Station now open

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire & Rescue have been operating from Acton since late July.

In brief:

  • The brand-new Acton Emergency Services Station opened in late July.
  • The station is home to ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire & Rescue.
  • It boosts service capabilities and helps maintain fast response times.

The ACT’s newest emergency services station is now open in Acton.

ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) and ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) are now officially operating from Acton Emergency Services Station.

The purpose-built facility is located on Clunies Ross Street. It boasts:

  • modern technology
  • sustainable design
  • amenities that prioritise staff wellbeing.

Serving the local community

The central location benefits residents and businesses in the Acton and city precinct.

Both services began working from Acton in late July. Since then they have responded to over 900 jobs.

Myriad benefits

The new station has greatly boosted service capabilities.

It also plays a role in:

  • maintaining the ACT’s nation-leading emergency response times
  • improving capacity at nearby stations.

Important preparation

Construction of the station was completed in late June 2025.

Crews then settled into the new space, getting familiar with its facilities before it opened.

This essential step has ensured staff are well supported in their work.

Learnings for the future

Information gleaned from this process will help emergency services as they expand further.

Molonglo Emergency Services Station is due to open in 2026.

Another station will be built in Casey in the coming years.

Find more about Acton Emergency Services Station on the Built for CBR website.

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Things not to miss at this year’s Floriade

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Enjoy vibrant garden beds bursting with blooms, live entertainment, delicious food and drink, and much more.

In Brief:

  • Floriade 2025 will be held from Saturday 13 September to Sunday 12 October 2025.
  • The theme is Science and Nature, bringing to life the scientific fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology and botany.
  • This article lists some of the attractions and activities taking place as part of this year’s event.

Floriade is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring.

This year, Floriade brings Science and Nature to life with over a million blooms that transform the landscape into a living masterpiece.

We’ve rounded up the top things you can’t miss this year. Take a look!

Entertainment

The 2025 program is bursting with must-see experiences:

  • Catch Australia’s favourite doctor/scientist/engineer Dr Karl Kruszelnicki as he shares his enthusiasm for the wonder of science.
  • Immerse yourself in traditional performances, authentic food and drink, and vibrant cultural exhibits at Windows to the World.
  • Experience artists and entertainers like Josh Pyke, Ella Hooper, cabaret acts, street theatre, and glowing lantern workshops at NightFest from 2 to 5 October.

For the kids

The kids have an even more impressive line-up.

  • Enjoy loads of laughter and incredible acrobatics at Children are Stinky.
  • Giggle and Wiggle offers little explorers the opportunity to discover the wonders of nature through playful tales, songs and hands-on fun.
  • Wildlife Reimagined: Bugs Alive offers children an educational and hands-on experience with real life insects.
  • Gnome Knoll is a must-do Floriade tradition. Buy, paint and submit your gnome to win a prize or take your gnome home as a keepsake.
  • Canberra favourite Dr Chloe Lim is back with The Great Pollinator Show. Watch her interactive balloon art show and learn all about how pollinators help our world.

Food and drink

Indulge in a selection of gourmet cuisine and locally crafted beverages — there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Our top picks are:

  • Spring Flora Bento Box or Gourmet Bao Bun from Asian Delight
  • revolutionary vegan shawarma made from Hamsa Hummus Bar
  • classic Italian focaccia sandwiches made with authentic Italian provisions from PapiDeli
  • flower-themed fairy floss and candy-coated fruit skewers from Som Som Candy’s
  • delightful high tea overlooking vibrant blooms at the Floriade Café
  • locally brewed cold beer in the BentSpoke Brewing Beer Garden
  • cocktails and gin-filled teapots from Underground Spirits at the Wine & Gin Garden
  • bespoke wine tastings and with curated pairings and picnic hampers with Contentious Character at the Wine & Gin Garden.

Explore the full list of food and drink vendors.

Walk the Ngunnawal Dreamtime Pathway

Explore the Dreamtime story of the Rainbow Serpent across six unique garden beds. Learn how it shaped the lands we walk on across Ngunnawal Country.

Find out more.

Designer gardens

The Floriade Garden Bed Designs draw inspiration from the 2025 theme Science and Nature, bringing to life the most recognised scientific fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology and botany.

Explore the garden bed designs before you go.

Dogs’ Day Out

On Sunday 12 October, Floriade invites our furry friends to enjoy a day among the blooms.

Enjoy a range of dog-specific retail vendors and dog-friendly programming on stage and throughout the park, including the Annual Dogs’ Day Out Fashion Paw-rade.

Explore the full list of paw-some program and activities.

The Great Big Bulb Dig

If you’ve ever left Floriade wishing you could have a piece of the magic in your very own backyard, you’re in luck. The Great Big Bulb Dig happens on Monday 13 October, the day after Floriade closes.

Buy a 2025 great big bulb dig bag as your entry ticket. There is no limit on the number of bags you can buy. More bags = more bulbs.

Find out more.

Getting to Floriade

Floriade is held at Commonwealth Park in Canberra.

Please be aware there may be road closures and limited car park availability due to construction in the area.

Travel options include:

  • the free Floriade Weekend Express buses
  • a free Floriade Daily Shuttle bus
  • bike and walking routes from the City Centre (15 minutes)
  • bike and walking routes from the Parliamentary Triangle (20 – 30 minutes)
  • limited parking
  • accessible parking options
  • electric scooters available for hire.

Find out more about updates to parking and free services.

Accessibility

Floriade is accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers.

For more information visit the Floriade website.

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City of Wanneroo supports annual business awards

Source: South Australia Police

The City is proud to support the 2025 City of Wanneroo Business Awards.

Established in 2003, Wanneroo Business Association’s annual awards are a highlight of the local business calendar. 

The awards celebrate excellence across 14 categories, including customer service, technology, innovation and leadership.

The highest honour will go to the winner of the Ertech 2025 Business of the Year award, which recognises a business that has achieved outstanding outcomes across all areas.

This category is open to all businesses located in the City of Wanneroo to enter, with the winner to be chosen by a panel of judges.

Local businesses are invited to submit their entries for the 2025 City of Wanneroo Business Awards by Monday 22 September, with the winners to be announced at a presentation dinner on Saturday 1 November.

Find out more about the 2025 City of Wanneroo Business Awards
 

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Two local entrepreneurs given a golden boost by the City

Source: South Australia Police

Two local community-focused start-up businesses will benefit from City funded scholarships for the 2025 Curtin Ignition Program.

Led by Curtin University, the intensive week-long program supports entrepreneurs and innovators in preparing their business ideas for market.

Marangaroo resident Tania McGrath won a place in the program as the founder of Eco Tech Innovations, having developed a patented building solution aimed to solve the housing shortage.

Her innovation aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions and construction costs, offering a faster, greener and more affordable alternative to traditional housing methods.

“It means a lot to be given this kind of support from the City of Wanneroo,” Tania said.

“Getting into the Curtin Ignition Program is such a great opportunity, not just for me personally, but for what I’m trying to build with Eco Tech Innovations.”

Tania said the idea came from her own experiences, struggling with housing security as a single mother.

“I started learning about building systems and sustainable materials years ago and eventually came up with the concept for a prefabricated panel that’s strong, fast to install and much better for the environment,” she said.

“I now hold the Australian patent for the system and have been developing it into a real-world solution ever since.”

Tania said she hopes to come out of the program with a clearer plan to pitch for funding and partnerships, as well as getting her automated manufacturing process launched to be able to start building homes with these panels.

“My goal is to prove how quickly and sustainably we can deliver quality housing — especially for social and affordable housing projects where the need is urgent,” she said.

Eglinton resident Laura Kennedy was awarded a scholarship from the City for her development of a school-based incursion program that fosters emotional wellbeing and creative self-expression.

Her Aqua Kre-Artz program offers students a nurturing space to explore creativity through mindful breathing, gentle movement and engaging art-based activities.

Laura said her goal is to help students build emotional resilience, strengthen social connections and express themselves in healthy, empowering ways.

“I feel incredibly grateful for the scholarship, and it’s heart-warming to know others see value in myself and in my vision,” she said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, whilst learning so much from industry experts and inspiring individuals.”

Following an injury in January 2021 that led to chronic pain, physical, cognitive and mental health challenges, Laura said she reconnected with her love of art through her rehabilitation, sparking the idea to share art therapy with school students.

“I trialled a five-week program at a school with a small group of at-risk students, and it was incredibly rewarding with wonderful feedback, however I understand not all schools currently have the budget to work with this,” she said.

“The idea of incursions was suggested as a way to reach more students in a more sustainable way – bringing the sessions directly into classrooms at a lower cost making this more affordable and accessible for those who could really benefit.”

Laura said she is using the Curtin Ignition Program to help expand the idea and urged other local entrepreneurs to apply for City funding to bring new and innovative ideas to reality.

“The City has been amazing. My advice is to not hesitate to reach out and seek guidance, they really want to see you succeed and will genuinely offer their time and support,” she said.

The Curtin Ignition Program runs from 30 August to 5 September 2025.

For more information on future opportunities, such as business support and scholarships offered by the City of Wanneroo, sign up to our business e-newsletter at businesswanneroo.com.au