A guide to Tuggeranong for families

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

Your legal right to a clean, healthy environment

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

Meet the 2025 ACT Women’s Awards winners

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Educacion Diversa CEO and Founder Lauren Cannell has been named 2025 ACT Woman of the Year

In brief:

  • Three Canberra women have been recognised at the 2025 ACT Women’s Awards.
  • The Awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have contributed to the lives of women and girls in the ACT.
  • This article introduces the three winners.

Three impressive Canberrans have been recognised at the annual ACT Women’s Awards.

The Awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT.

2025 ACT Woman of the Year

Lauren Cannell – CEO and Founder, Educacion Diversa

Lauren Cannell leads international not-for-profit Educacion Diversa.

Educacion Diversa provides free inclusive art-based education in:

  • human rights
  • sexual and reproductive health
  • the elimination of violence.

It has had significant impact on advancing the status of women and girls in the ACT.

This is through educational programs, campaigns and projects, including:

  • petitioning to mandate teaching gender equality in schools
  • a Sports Puberty Program and Period Dignity project. This contributed to the early thinking about the ACT Government’s commitment to free period products.

“[This award] is so important because it will help me to expand the program,” Lauren said.


2025 ACT Senior of the Year

Jayanti Gupta – Founder/Presenter, Gender Equity Matters

Jayanti Gupta is the founder and presenter of Gender Equity Matters, a weekly 2XX radio program.

Jayanti provides women with training in radio presentation and leadership skills. She has broadcast about issues relating to gender, women and girls in the ACT.

Jayanti is the Founder and Chair of the Integrated Women’s Network (IWN). She is also one of the founders of Integrated Cultures ACT Inc.

“I always like to fight for the underdog, and I realised that women are not getting the same rights as men,” Jayanti said.


2025 ACT Young Woman of the Year Award

Anjali Sharma – climate change activist

Anjali Sharma co-introduced the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill.

She also coordinated the Melbourne School Strike and was lead litigant in a court case that found the Federal Government had a duty of care towards future generations (later overturned).

She works to develop the capacity of young women as climate activists in the ACT. Anjali is currently leading a team of young women in Canberra to advocate for and champion the Duty of Care Bill.

“… the need to tackle [climate change] is focused on people, including women and young people, and the rights of all these communities to thrive and prosper the way generations before us have been able to,” Anjali said.

See past winners of the ACT Women’s Awards on the ACT Women’s Honour Roll.

Read more about the ACT Woman of the Year and Honour Roll.


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Youths charged in relation to aggravated robbery at Prospect

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Youths charged in relation to aggravated robbery at Prospect

Saturday, 10 May 2025 – 10:51 pm.

Police have charged two youths in relation to an aggravated robbery at a shop at Prospect Marketplace yesterday (Friday).
Police will allege that around 2.10pm, two youths entered the store and stole a quantity of money.
During the incident, a man in the store sustained minor injuries when they reportedly attempted to restrain a youth.
A 14-year-old from Invermay and a 16-year-old from Newstead have been charged with aggravated robbery and appeared before the Youth Justice Court today.

Your guide to crafting groups in Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

There’s a group for all kinds of crafting activities here in our creative capital.

In brief:

  • There are a lot of groups in Canberra for people who like to craft.
  • People can also pursue a passion through a class or workshop.
  • This article details some of what’s on offer.

Canberra offers plenty of opportunities to craft in company.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or looking around for a new hobby, you won’t need to look far for like-minded people.

We’ve pulled together a range of ideas for your calendar.  You could:

  • handcraft treasured items for a charity
  • spend hours on your latest project at a crafternoon
  • drop into a crafting hour in your lunch break
  • head to the pub with your sketchpad
  • start your own workplace crafting group.

Make a child something cosy via Roundabout

Local charity Roundabout welcomes crafted items made with care.

Roundabout provides vulnerable local families with packs of kids’ clothing and essentials.

Adding a handmade item to each pack makes it even more special.

You could:

  • knit a beanie
  • crochet a blanket
  • sew a book bag
  • repair an otherwise perfect item of clothing.

Find a list of Roundabout’s most-needed crafted items as well as links to patterns.

Create something comforting for a hospital patient

You could also use your talent to handcraft a comfort item for someone in hospital.

The Canberra Hospital Foundation Donation Station accepts handmade and new items. It’s located across from the Yamba Cafe in the Building 2 foyer.

Knitted bears and padded toys are preferred.

These offer distraction, comfort and a splash of colour in their room.

It’s also reminder that a stranger in the community is thinking of them.

Donation Station Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Read more about the Canberra Hospital Foundation Donation Station.

Get involved with Good Omen Goodeze

Good Omen Goodeze facilitates a host of events, including free knitting and crocheting workshops.

Their workshops focus on building craft skills as well as self-care, mental health and wellness.

You’ll find details and patterns on their website.

They are also looking for volunteers.

Find out more about how to get involved.

Get along to a Crafternoon at Cafe Stepping Stone

Relax with fellow crafters at one of Cafe Stepping Stone’s Crafternoons.

These are held every second Sunday, 2pm–4pm, at the café’s Strathnairn location.

Whatever your skill level you’re sure to enjoy this free afternoon of creativity and community.

There is no need to register – just turn up.

Craft away your lunch break at Smiths

Fancy a spot of craft in your lunch hour? Smith’s Alternative has you covered.

This city favourite runs relaxed social craft sessions each Wednesday, 12:30–1:30pm.

Bring the project you’re working on and hang out with other crafty types.

From bead stringing to wire weaving, embroidery to knitting, there’s a place for all crafts and crafters.

Find out more

Combine craft with conversation through Northside Community Service

Whatever your crafting experience, you’ll find Craft and Conversation meet-ups welcoming and supportive.

You’ll find the group at:

  • Majura Community Hall, Dickson – Thursdays, 10am–1pm
  • Margaret Hendry School Community Hub, Taylor – Thursdays, 1:30pm–3pm.

Good Omen Goodeze volunteers teach knitting and crocheting. You don’t need any prior knowledge.

Once you’ve nailed the basics, you’re welcome to handcraft gifts for Canberra Hospital patients.

Find out more on the Northside Community Service website.

Get crafty with Diversity ACT

Diversity ACT in Kambah runs the Southside Queer Arts & Craft Collective.

Join this inclusive event for LGBTQIA+ allies on the second Saturday of each month, from 2–4:30pm.

It’s a great place to pick up some new skills and meet people.

You don’t need to book – simply bring your artistic energy. They’ll provide the sewing machines and refreshments.

Find the Facebook event

Enjoy craft and a cuppa with Capital Crafters

Capital Crafters is held at Duntroon Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm.

Bring what you’re working on and share ideas with like-minded people.

You can also join one of the organised events run throughout the year.

Both Defence and non-Defence members are welcome.

Learn more about the group

Head to a meetup with Canberra Knitters and Crocheters

Canberra Knitters and Crocheters is a welcoming and inclusive group of local crafters.

The group runs meetups many days of the week and inform members of other events taking place.

There’s also an active Facebook group for members to chat all things yarn.

Find out more on Facebook

Embrace the body beautiful with life drawing

You’ll find plenty of life drawing classes around Canberra.

If you’re keen to pair your drawing with a drink, try The Tipsy Sketching Club. They run sessions in several local pubs and lounges.

You can also search Class Bento for more options.

Sign up for a class or workshop

Canberra Institute of Technology offers loads of creative arts and crafts short courses.

You can also find plenty of places that run workshops and classes. Some of these include:

Note: This is but a small selection on what you can find in our crafty capital.

Why craft?

Whichever your craft of choice, it likely offers benefits beyond the final product.

The activity is known to improve wellbeing. Crafting of all kinds can promote mindfulness, relieve stress and improve dexterity for people of all ages.

Crafting groups also allow people to

  • build social connections
  • learn new skills
  • volunteer their time and talent
  • practise English.

And of course, it’s lots of fun.


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Ways you can help a vulnerable person in Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

In brief:

  • There are many Canberrans who can do with a helping hand.
  • The ACT has many services and initiatives that may be of benefit, whatever the situation.
  • This article features a list of some of these services.

There are many vulnerable people in our community. Perhaps you know someone who is:

  • at risk
  • chronically unwell
  • unhappy, lonely or isolated
  • elderly or frail
  • facing financial difficulty
  • new to Canberra.

Whether it’s a family member, neighbour or colleague you’re concerned about, reaching out is a great first step.

Where relevant, you could help them make a call or fill out a form. You could even go along to an appointment or event with them.

The list of services below is not exhaustive but may benefit someone you know. Most are free or low cost.

Help with day-to-day living

Eligible ACT residents who cannot take their bins out to the kerb, due to chronic illness, frail age or disability, can apply to have this done for them.

A Companion Card allows people with significant and permanent disabilities to bring a companion for free to certain events and venues.

Canberrans having difficulty paying for groceries can visit Communities at Work pantries for discounted food and other essentials.

Communities at Work also provides free clothing, shoes and accessories for job interviews, court, funerals and other important events.

Canberrans can access free period products throughout the ACT.

Find more information on cost-of-living assistance.

Help with transport

Community bus services are for ACT residents who find it hard to use other forms of transport. They run from Monday to Friday and have flexible routes.

The ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme provides financial help to ACT residents with a disability or significant mobility restriction that prevents them from using public and community transport.

Transport Canberra’s Flexible Bus Service helps Canberrans, such as the aged or people with mobility difficulties, get from their home to local community locations. Booking is required. Carers with a valid carers card are also welcome to travel.

Special needs transport is available for eligible students. Please check the application open dates and guidelines in advance.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bus service provides opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to connect with their communities and culture in the ACT and surrounding regions.

More information regarding bus operating and booking hours, eligibility and guidelines for all services is available on Transport Canberra’s website.

The Fitness to Drive Medical Clinic assesses fitness to drive a motor vehicle.

Help with health care and wellbeing

Mobile dental clinics Mobile Dental Clinics are an additional service for aged, school children and vulnerable Canberrans to access dental care in the community.

Canberrans can access short term loan equipment via the ACT Equipment Loan Service. This is available on referral and includes:

  • mobility aids
  • hoists
  • wheelchairs
  • hospital beds and more.

This free, short-term service is for anyone being discharged from hospital and for ACT residents needing rehab or to trial equipment.

Eligible Canberrans with a lifelong or long-term disability  may be able to  access the ACT Equipment Scheme. The scheme can provide long term loan equipment that will help people live at home safely.

Know someone who already has a mobility aid or appliance? Why not remind them they can have it serviced or repaired through the Clinical Technology Workshop?

Anyone needing a walking aid can reach out to the Walking Aid Clinic.

The Canberra Sexual Health Centre offers all Canberrans aged 14 and over professional care without judgment.

Help is available to Canberrans who have experienced a change in their ability to carry out everyday activities due to a medical or health condition or disability. Brindabella Day and Ambulatory Rehabilitation Service provides a range of rehabilitation therapies.

Community Care Nursing can assist people with a range of conditions and healthcare needs. It can also be accessed in the home, if medically necessary. Nursing services include wound care, medication management and more.

Nutrition is a key part of health and wellbeing. The Community Care Nutrition Service offers specialised nutrition services to adults. As well as general healthy eating and nutrition support, the service can advise on chronic health conditions.

The Liaison and Navigation Service helps adults with complex needs navigate health and other services.

Adults with a chronic health condition affecting their quality of life may benefit from the Take Control – Live Well program. The three-week program helps people gain the skills and confidence to:

  • take control of their condition/s
  • reach health goals
  • make connections.

Other services available include:

You can find a range of other services on the Canberra Health Services website.

Help to reduce loneliness

Social isolation and loneliness can be harmful to mental and physical health. Visiting people or inviting them places can be extremely helpful. There is also a variety of ways people can meet others or find a new interest.

Volunteering can be a great way to find connection and purpose. Canberrans looking for volunteering opportunities, workshops and advice can contact VolunteeringACT.

There are lots of events happening every day on the Meetup website. From bushwalking to trivia, book clubs to dancing, there’s something to suit every interest.

Older Canberrans could consider getting involved in an Intergenerational Playgroup through ACT Playgroups. These can help isolated residents and parents to connect.

Social enterprise Café Stepping Stone runs various events at its Dickson and Strathnairn locations.

There are also plenty of weird and wacky sports to consider. This is a great way of trying something new and meeting new people at the same time.

Work-related help

ACT Women’s Return to Work workshops support women and gender diverse people returning to the workforce with grants and advice on next steps.

There is a free office skills course and ACT Government work placement for culturally and linguistically diverse Canberrans seeking meaningful employment.

The ACT Government can help veterans transition from employment in the Australian Defence Force to the ACT Government.

The RSL Veterans’ Employment Program is a free program helping veterans, family members and partners to find rewarding work.

Canberrans with a business can get free business support from the Access Canberra Business Assist Team. They can help you understand permits, licenses and approvals.

The Women’s Legal Centre ACT offers free legal advice to women in low-paid and/or precarious employment who are experiencing problems at work.

Crisis help

There is help for those who have experienced domestic and family violence.

Through a range of support services, Canberrans can apply for financial support following domestic and family violence.

Canberrans can get help to plan for safety, support children, find accommodation, sort out finances, take legal action and stay safe online.

Tenants experiencing domestic and family violence can also break a rental lease immediately, if needed.

There is support available to understand legal options in these circumstances.

Find more on domestic, family and sexual violence services.

Communities at Work Crisis Support can give immediate help with food, medical scripts and other essential supports. They can also provide:

  • bus tickets
  • phone vouchers and charging
  • showers
  • hygiene products
  • information and referral services.

If you know someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, there is help available. Find out about more services that can help with finding a safe place to stay, getting a free meal, having a shower or doing laundry.

There are a number of ways you can get help for your mental health in the ACT.

If you are in crisis or need support after hours, contact:

If you or a loved one are in an unsafe or life-threatening situation, call triple 000 immediately.

More avenues for help include:

Read more like this


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Charges – Firearm offences discovered after aggravated assault incident

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police Regional Crime Command has charged a 34-year-old male after he assaulted a man and was found in possession of an illegally manufactured firearm.

On 6 May, police received reports of a male physically assaulting another male and threatening him with a knife in relation to an ongoing altercation between the pair.

The following day, police conducted a random traffic apprehension on a vehicle belonging to the alleged offender and he returned a positive roadside drug test. He was also in possession of a less than Traffickable quantity of a schedule 2 dangerous drug.

Police conducted searches on several dwellings at the alleged offender’s property and subsequently seized ammunition and a disassembled firearm. The male he has since been charged with:

  • Aggravated Assault
  • Driver with Prohibited Drug in Body
  • Possess / Use firearm whilst unlicensed
  • Unlawfully manufacture firearm
  • Possess or use prohibited firearm
  • Possess less than traffickable schedule 2 dangerous drug
  • Possess ammunition without a permit/license
  • Failure to meet storage requirements x2
  • Possess unregistered firearm
  • Unlawfully modify or repair firearm

He was remanded to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court on Monday 12 May 2025.

Man arrested for endangering life

Source: New South Wales – News

A man has been arrested following a pursuit through the south-western suburbs last night.

About 8.30pm on Friday 9 May, patrols were called to Bonython Avenue at Novar Gardens after reports there was a man in the rear yard of a unit who was unknown to the residents.

Police spotted the man behind the locked gate and told him to come out from the yard however he entered a vehicle and drove through the gate.

The white Holden Commodore took off and as he headed out the driveway he swerved towards police who had to move to avoid being hit.

The car then headed east towards Morphett Road and continued onto Mooringe Avenue and south on Marion Road where PolAir started tracking the car.

The car was tracked by PolAir travelling without head lights and at high speeds to Lindsay Avenue where it was dumped in a shopping centre car park and the driver attempted to run from the area.

Patrols located the driver a short distance away hiding behind skip bins and he was arrested.

Police searched the vehicle where they located methamphetamine and item suspected to have been stolen.

A 33-year-old man from Stockport was charged with acts to endanger life, dangerous driving to cause a police pursuit, driving at a speed dangerous, unlawfully on premises, driving disqualified and possessing a controlled drug.  He was refused police bail and will appear in court on Monday 12 May.

Dolphin euthanised after Townsville stranding

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 9 May 2025

A rough-toothed dolphin has been euthanised after beaching itself near the rockpool at the Strand in Townsville.

A member of the public advised the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) that the dolphin stranded around 2:45pm on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

The dolphin was in poor condition and following a health assessment by a veterinarian, a decision was made to euthanise the animal.

Project Manager Tina Alderson said marine animal strandings occurred along Queensland’s vast coastline, and DETSI had added a new function to the QWildlife app that allowed people to report strandings.

“Marine animals strand for several reasons including age, illness, disease, injuries from predators or boat strikes and entanglement in fishing equipment,” Ms Alderson said.

“Strandings such as these are sad and can impact on local communities. I encourage everyone who lives or visits Queensland’s coastal communities to download the QWildlife app.

“A necropsy will be conducted on the dolphin to help determine the reasons it stranded and the results could take several weeks.”

Fast facts – rough-toothed dolphins:

  • Usually found in deep warm and tropical waters around the world
  • They have a narrow beak and rough teeth with narrow, irregular ridges
  • Adults can grow to 2.8m in length and weigh up to 155kg, with males being larger than females
  • Older individuals have distinctive pinkish, white or yellow markings on their underside
  • Their diet consists mainly of fish
  • Their dorsal fin can be almost 30cm long

The QWildlife app can be downloaded by visiting the app store or Google Play.

View more information on downloading the QWildlife app to report a marine animal strandingMarine wildlife strandings including strandings data.

For the record

Source: New South Wales – News

In response to inaccurate reporting on Channel 7, SAPOL wishes to correct the record with the following statement.

Assistant Commissioner (Crime Services) John Venditto is on paid leave.

Mr Venditto has not been suspended from duty, nor did he “storm out’’ of any police premises and he has not cleared his office out.