Laurie has fought fires in France, New Caledonia and Australia
South Morang Fire Brigade volunteer Laurie Naveaux knew she wanted to be a firefighter from a young age.
Originally hailing from Oyonnax, France, Laurie joined CFA three years ago – marking the third fire service she has been a member of around the globe.
“I first joined as a junior cadet when I was 12 years old in France. I became a part-time firefighter when I was 16, and still at school. I just fell in love with it,” Laurie said.
“When I turned 18, my parents told me ‘you have to go to university!’, and I thought, ‘but I just want to be a firefighter!’. I continued as a part-time firefighter in France, while also doing my degree.”
In 2014, Laurie moved to New Caledonia with her partner. She continued her role as a part-time firefighter, joining the New Caledonia Fire Service.
When her full-time work brought them to Australia, Laurie’s only condition for the move was that she was wanted to continue in some capacity as a firefighter.
“The only thing I said to them [her work] was ‘I need to continue my journey as a firefighter’, and that’s how I ended up becoming a CFA volunteer.”
Joining South Morang Fire Brigade helped Laurie settle into her new home.
“It definitely helped me make new connections in the community when I first moved to Australia. When you spend time with people with the same mindset and the same values as you, you grow those relationships with people and make those connections.”
Laurie said volunteering with CFA combines her love of firefighting with helping others.
“At the end of the day, I wasn’t doing it because of the pay. It’s in my blood, it’s in my DNA – I just love helping the community, being there for a fire call, or any type of call,” Laurie said.
“I have the firefighting side of what I loved in the past, and helping the community, being there for them and trying to handle any situation for them.”
Today CFA celebrates International Volunteer Day, an annual celebration of the contributions volunteers make to society globally. This year’s theme ‘every contribution matters’ celebrates the thousands of CFA volunteers across Victoria, including Laurie, who contribute daily, in many different ways, to making Victoria a safer place.
We recognise the dedication and spirit of our members to protecting their communities, and celebrate and thank them for their commitment – today and every day.
The FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow features 3D designs and music.
In brief:
The FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets are on from 24 – 26 January.
The show was popular last year and promises a great family night out.
This story includes all you need to know about the event.
FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets will return on the Australia Day long weekend.
The Canberra sky will transform into a canvas of lights over three nights: 24 – 26 January 2026.
There will be:
a sky show with 3D designs and music
night markets and entertainment at Commonwealth Place.
The show
FLIGHT 2026 promises to be a great night for locals and visitors alike.
Entry is free and bookings are not required.
Over 15 minutes, experience a dazzling sky show. Hundreds of drones will move through the sky to a musical soundtrack, lighting up the sky with amazing 3D designs.
There will be two shows each evening:
show 1: 9 pm – 9:15 pm
show 2: 10 pm – 10:15 pm.
Bring a chair or a picnic blanket and enjoy one or both shows.
Event hubs and alternative viewing locations
Event hubs will be set up at:
Commonwealth Place
Kings Park.
Night markets and entertainment
Food and drink stalls will be set up in both hubs from 5 pm – 10:30 pm each night.
Bring your appetite and sample tasty dishes or browse market stalls (only at Commonwealth Place).
There will also be plenty of entertainment to keep the family smiling as you await the show.
Getting there
E-scooters: Commonwealth Place is a no-ride zone. There will be designated e-scooter parking on either side of the event areas.
ACT ambulances are now equipped with handmade toys to reassure young patients.
In brief:
ACT ambulances are now equipped with handmade toys to reassure young patients.
The toys were made and donated by volunteers at local charity Good Omen Goodeze.
The ACT Ambulance Service say the toys are already having a positive impact.
New handmade toys are bringing comfort to young patients being transported by ambulance.
Local charity Good Omen Goodeze Inc. has donated a range of lovingly crafted toys and ‘fiddle mitts’ to the ACT Ambulance Service.
The toys are now on hand in paramedic kits to help young patients feel calmer.
Being in an ambulance can be emotional for children. Sirens, medical equipment and unfamiliar faces can be a lot to take in.
Providing a soft toy to hold is an easy, gentle way to help them feel safe in a stressful situation.
Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPT) team leader Paul Hughes has witness this firsthand.
‘While trying to reassure our patient as we moved out to the ambulance, I was still aware that they were still emotionally overwhelmed,’ he said.
‘The situation was transformed when I gave the patient a knitted doll with a red dress. The patient burst into tears of joy.’
This is just one of the many stories.
‘The work we do to support their patients is only possible because of the generosity, skill and kindness of our amazing GOG members and supporters,’ a representative from Good Omen Goodeze said.
‘Every stitch, every handmade Goodie, every bit of time you give helps make a real difference to people in their most vulnerable moments.’
This article lists op shops and thrift stores selling second-hand goods across Canberra.
It includes some benefits of buying second-hand instead of new.
It also looks at different ways you can support the Canberra community.
Looking for that perfect outfit, a cute vase or comfy chair?
There’s no need to shop for something new. Canberra has lots of great thrift stores for everyone.
Thrifting is more than just a trend – it’s a smart and sustainable way to shop. Australians are embracing second-hand fashion, as well as repairing clothes and reselling items to extend their life.
Why is buying second-hand is important
It reduces waste and pollution.
It can save you money – second-hand items are usually cheaper than those bought new.
It supports the community – the money goes back into supporting local people and services, many of which are charities.
It encourages re-use. Op shopping can be part of a more sustainable way of living, helping reduce the 222,000+ tonnes of clothing that ends up in landfill each year.
What can you find in Canberra’s thrift stores?
It may be more of a case of what can’t you find? Local thrift stores stock a wealth of items, including:
furniture
clothing, including designer pieces
gardening and outdoor equipment
electrical goods
bikes, skateboards, scooters, including those for kids
antiques.
Hunting for a bargain, a vintage treasure or just want to shop more sustainably? Check out this list of Canberra thrift stores.
Be sure to check opening times before you head in.
A second-hand clothing and accessories store with a resale service for all your designer goods. It’s currently located in four states and territories around Australia.
Shop a huge range of quality clothing, shoes, toys, household goods and more. There’s everything from modern jewellery to kitchen items that spark nostalgia.
Lifeline Canberra’s permanent store offers books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, comics and more. Stock from their popular bookfairs is refreshed daily, so there’s always something new to discover.
A family-owned favourite. It specialises in buying and selling antique, vintage and retro items. These include clothing, furniture, collectibles and books.
For lovers of antiques, vintage treasures and handcrafted pieces. Dirty Janes offers a thoughtfully curated collection and a warm, community-focused shopping experience.
A collective of passionate small businesses, each specialising in a diverse range of unique collectibles. Shop pre-loved designer fashion, vintage and retro treasures, interiors, luxury consignment and more.
A specialist second-hand store buying and selling recent designer pieces. Visit this popular shop to discover designer labels and unique finds from emerging talent.
The Salvos have some of the biggest op-shops in Canberra, with something for everyone. You can find second-hand furniture, clothes, toys, homewares, linens and much, much more.
Pay a visit for good-quality clothes and accessories. The Phillip store mostly sells clothes and shoes, but there’s also a small section with books and toys.
These popular stores always offer a large range of clothes, kids’ toys, books and accessories. If you’re out in the evening, the Braddon and Dickson stores are often open until 8:30pm for late-night shopping.
Goodies Junction– Mitchell and Mugga Lane Resource Management Centres
You can find almost anything – books, furniture, kids’ toys, clothes, bikes, outdoor furniture, electronics and more. Drop off things you no longer need and maybe find something new to take home.
These community events are held to fix broken household items, so they don’t end up in landfill. Volunteers carry out repairs for free (but you may need to pay for parts). You can also volunteer or learn how to fix things yourself!
Commonly fixed items include clothes, electronics, bikes, toys, tools, blankets and phones. What can be fixed depends on which volunteers are there, so it’s best to check with the organiser first.
Lifeline Bookfairs likely need no introduction. These popular events raise money for local crisis support services.
There are loads of books of all genres, from kids’ books to textbooks and bestsellers to books in other languages. Plus, there are magazines, comics, maps, CDs, DVDs, games and puzzles.
This niche Canberra market is dedicated to sustainable fashion. Stalls sell high-end designer and vintage clothing and accessories, and only quality gently used or new goods are accepted.
‘Australia’s Biggest Curated Fashion Market’, Fashion Thrift Society aims to change the way people shop. It comes to Canberra each year, bringing cool vintage and pre-loved clothes to the capital. Local brands also show their unique styles.
It’s more than shopping; it’s a fun festival with fashion, music and a friendly group of people who love style.
When this event runs in Canberra, it often sells out. It’s a must if you love shopping for vintage and pre-loved clothes while supporting small businesses. And yep, everything is priced by the kilo. Keep an eye on upcoming events.
WORKPLACE THRIFTS
Why not organise your own clothing swaps at work? Give your team a fun, sustainable way to refresh your wardrobes by exchanging unwanted items.
ONLINE THRIFTING
Facebook Marketplace, Buy, Swap, Sell and second-hand groups are great places to buy and sell your second-hand goods.
Buy and sell on Depop
Using this app, you can find one-of-a-kind fashion pieces you won’t see in regular stores, often at cheaper prices. It encourages people to reuse clothes instead of throwing them away. Plus, it supports small sellers.
Rent a dress
Instead of buying a new dress for a special event you might only wear once, try renting one. It can save you money and is better for the planet.
Many Australian companies offer dress rentals and have large collections of designer outfits for weddings, school formals and parties.
Want the best deal? Protect yourself from scams.
Buying and selling second-hand goods online can be risky if you’re not scam aware.
Original publication:Thursday, 4 December 2025 12:33pm
Police are seeking witnesses after a pedestrian was hit by a car in the city in September.
About 4:45pm on Monday, 20 September 2025, a man was crossing Mort Street near City Walk when he was struck by a white vehicle.
The man suffered minor injuries and following enquiries, police are seeking any witnesses to the incident.
Given the time and location of the incident, police believe there are witnesses that have not yet spoken to police.
Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote 8167041. Information can be provided anonymously.
Original publication:Thursday, 4 December 2025 8:16am
ACT Policing is seeking information following a serious assault last week which resulted in a man being transported to The Canberra Hospital with serious injuries.
About 11:30pm on Sunday (30 November 2025), police attended Kanangra Court in Reid following reports of a disturbance.
A man with serious injuries was located by police and ambulance assistance was immediate sought.
The man was treated at the scene by ACT Ambulance Service paramedics before he was transported to hospital.
Police are now urging anyone with information about the assault to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote 8232323. Information can be provided anonymously.
Original publication:Wednesday, 3 December 2025 8:40pm
A 22-year-old man has died following a two-vehicle collision on Brindabella Road this evening.
Police and emergency services were called to Brindabella Road south of the Uriarra Village about 4.50pm today (Wednesday, 3 December 2025).
Initial investigations indicate that the 22-year-old riding a motorbike collided with a Honda SUV. Despite the efforts of witnesses and ACT Ambulance Service paramedics, the man was declared deceased at the scene.
ACT Road Policing’s Major Collision Team is investigating the circumstances of the collision, and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.
This is the eighth road death in the ACT this year and the fourth involving a motorcycle.
Police are urging anyone who has dashcam footage of the area between 4pm and 4.50pm this afternoon to come forward.
Anyone who can assist police should provide their contact details to Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, quoting P2403404.
Original publication:Wednesday, 3 December 2025 12:52pm
ACT Policing is seeking dash-cam footage of a single vehicle collision that occurred in Parkes last Friday night.
About 8:30pm (Friday 28 November 2025), police were called to a single vehicle collision on Kings Avenue in Parkes, where a black Mazda 3 sedan, bearing ACT registration YNL 44A, had collided with a concrete wall.
Members of the public had earlier observed the sedan travelling at excessive speeds before losing control and hitting the wall.
The 26-year-old male driver was subject to alcohol and drug screening tests, with both returning positive results.
The man was immediately issued with a suspension notice, suspending his driver’s licence for 90 days. He will face court at a later date.
Police are asking anyone who has dashcam footage of the black Mazda 3 driving erratically from about 8pm onwards to come forward.
Anyone who can assist police should provide their contact details to Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, quoting 8230368.
Original publication:Wednesday, 3 December 2025 11:05am
A 51-year-old man has been arrested and charged with multiple family violence offences overnight following a six-hour negotiated surrender.
In early November, the alleged actions of a family violence offender were referred to the Domestic and Family Violence Investigation Unit (DFVIU).
On the 28 November (2025), an arrest warrant was issued for the man in relation to his alleged family violence offending.
DFVIU officers conducted numerous enquiries to locate the man, who was actively avoiding police.
Further enquiries were made to find him and yesterday (Tuesday, 2 December 2025), police located the man at a hotel in Braddon.
About 6pm last night, investigators engaged with the man who was unwilling to leave the premises. AFP specialist negotiators attended the location and the man compliantly surrendered to police about 12:30am this morning (Wednesday, 3 December 2025).
The man will face the ACT Magistrates Court today charged with intentional threat to kill, aggravated common assault, two counts of contravening a family violence order, minor theft, aggravated destroy/damage property, aggravated theft and falsely represent self as Territory public official.
ACT Policing stands ready to assist victims experiencing family violence.
If you are in this situation – when it is safe to do so – please contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or contact a support service who can assist with crisis support, safety planning and advice.
If you require assistance, you can contact:
Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or life-threatening situation.
Police Assistance on 131 444 if it is a non-emergency, but you require police assistance.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides a 24-hour crisis line, advice, safety planning and information every day of the year and can be reached on 02 6280 0900.
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre provides a 24-hour crisis line and can be contacted on 02 6247 2525
Original publication:Wednesday, 3 December 2025 10:38am
A 27-year-old Duffy man will face court today after allegedly stealing from multiple retail stores across the ACT during the past three months.
The man is alleged to have stolen or attempted to steal from 13 retail stores in September, October and November.
Police will allege the man has stolen items such as an inflatable spa, televisions, a tent, a portable fridge freezer, a BBQ, an outside heater, a range of electrical items and fuel estimated to total $20,000.
Working with retailers and examining CCTV footage, ACT Policing was able to confirm the same man was allegedly responsible for all these incidents.
Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 2 December 2025) police executed a search warrant at the man’s residence in Duffy and he was subsequently arrested.
He was later charged with 12 counts of minor theft, four counts of theft and three counts of attempt minor theft, and is expected to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, 3 December 2025).
