Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

AUSTIN, a narrative comedy series filmed predominately in the ACT, will premiere on Sunday 9 June at 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.

The series was supported by the ACT Government and Screen Canberra through the CBR Screen Attraction Fund and CBR Screen Investment Fund.

Showcasing Canberra’s beauty, the eight-part series puts the city in the spotlight.

The production created many training and employment opportunities for local professionals. It also brought significant economic expenditure to the region.

AUSTIN stars two of the UK’s most-loved comic performers – Ben Miller (Bridgerton, Death in Paradise) and Sally Phillips (Veep, Bridget Jones’s Diary) – along with favourite Australian actors Gia Carides (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Big Little Lies) and Roy Billing (Jack Irish, Underbelly).

The series also sees Michael Theo, from the ABC’s international hit series Love on the Spectrum, make his acting debut.

It was produced by the multi-award-winning team at Northern Pictures, with Lincoln Pictures.

About AUSTIN

When much-loved children’s author Julian Hartswood (Ben Miller) inadvertently causes a social media storm, his career and that of his illustrator wife Ingrid (Sally Phillips) appears to be over. That is until Austin (Michael Theo), the neurodivergent son that Julian never knew existed, turns up out of the blue. 

Could embracing this modern nuclear family be Julian’s route back from cancellation? Will Ingrid forgive him? One thing is for certain: if Julian thinks Austin is going to be a push over, he’s in for a rude awakening.

Production credit: A Northern Pictures production with Lincoln Pictures for the ABC. Major

Production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia, the ACT Government and Screen Canberra. Post produced with the assistance of the NSW Government in association with ITV Studios.

AUSTIN trailer

View the AUSTIN trailer

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Plans for the upgrade of the Gorman Arts Centre continue with the development application now submitted.

The planned upgrades for the century-old complex will conserve heritage values and improve functionality.

This will include fit-for-purpose, accessible and inclusive workspaces for artists, as well as spaces for the community to experience art and arts activities.

The Gorman Arts Centre is occupied by some of the ACT’s leading arts organisations, smaller arts groups, arts businesses and individual artists.

Consultation has been underway with residents to ensure the upgrades create a vibrant and connected arts hub for artists and the community, and any disruption during construction is minimised.

The Development Application process will ensure all technical and heritage requirements will be met.

It also provides a further opportunity for feedback during the public notification period.

Pending approval of the Development Application, construction work will start later in 2024. Early works, not requiring Development Approval, are scheduled to start in July 2024.

The phased approach to the upgrades will help minimise disruption to occupants and their visitors, students and audiences.

The ACT Government will assist with any temporary relocations on site as work progresses.

The Gorman Arts Centre turns 100 this year.

This project is being funded by both the ACT and Australian governments.

Visit the artsACT website for more information about the project.

Click here to review the Development Application. Comments about the application can be made until 24 May 2024.

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Significant road and path upgrades on the southside are now another step closer.

Construction has begun on improvements on Sulwood Drive. In addition, the preliminary design for the Athllon Drive duplication between Drakeford Drive and Sulwood Drive will soon be released.

Canberrans can view and discuss these designs at public information sessions this month.

Sulwood Drive upgrades

Upcoming upgrades along Sulwood Drive will include improved access to the popular Mount Taylor Nature Reserve.

Set to benefit drivers, walkers and cyclists alike, the work comprises:

• a new 4-kilometre-long off-road shared path
• new traffic signals at Mannheim Street and Sulwood Drive
• two new raised pedestrian crossings
• road pavement rehabilitation
• new paths and access points into the Mount Taylor carpark.

The first package of works was completed last year, including two new raised crossings on Inkster Street and Livingston Avenue and associated streetlighting.

The upgraded infrastructure will improve safety and access for everyone visiting Mount Taylor.

The road upgrades are the next stage of works ahead. These will include new traffic lights at the Mannheim Street intersection, road pavement rehabilitation and improvements to the access points for the Mount Taylor carpark, with a new dedicated right-turn lane into the carpark.

To complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible, Sulwood Drive is now closed in both directions between Inkster Street and Livingston Avenue.

The road was closed on Monday, 6 May and will remain closed for approximately 13 weeks (weather permitting).

Traffic impacts will be monitored during this time, with changes made to measures such as signal timing if required.

Once the roadworks are complete, construction will begin on the new shared path along the southern side of Sulwood Drive, between Drakeford Drive and Athllon Drive.

The new shared path will make it easier for Canberrans to walk and ride in the area, whether recreationally or as a means of commuting.

More information about construction of the shared path, including timeframes for completion, will be provided before construction begins.

Athllon Drive upgrades – southern section

Major upgrades for Athllon Drive are also on the way.

A preliminary design prepared for the duplication of the southern section between Drakeford Drive and Sulwood Drive will soon be released.

The duplication will deliver two lanes in each direction and will help support Canberra’s integrated transport network as it caters to future population growth.

In addition, new and upgraded bus stops, and improvements to the C4 active travel route with a new underpass beneath Sulwood Drive and new traffic lights are proposed.

Community information sessions give Canberrans the opportunity to view and discuss the design ahead of the upcoming planning and environmental approvals processes.

The preliminary design for the southern section will be on display during these sessions. Canberrans can give their feedback until 1 June 2024.

Information sessions

• Session 1: Monday, 20 May, 4pm to 5.30pm at Tuggeranong Library
• Session 2: Saturday, 25 May, 10.00am to 12.00pm at Wanniassa shops

Athllon Drive upgrades – northern section

Detailed design is also underway on the duplication of the northern section between Hindmarsh Drive and Melrose Drive in Woden.

A preliminary design will be prepared and shared with the community, prior to planning and environmental approvals being sought for this section of the project.

More information

For more information on these projects, visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au/Infrastructure-Projects

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You can also download the MyWay+ app and create a MyWay+ account. This gives you the added benefits of personalised journey planning and real time information.

Find out how to set up a MyWay+ account and download the app.

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The ACT Government is progressing work to deliver more than 1300 homes in north Curtin.

Canberrans are invited to have their say on the design of the site, which is located directly adjacent to Yarra Glen Drive.

The existing north Curtin horse paddocks will welcome the new homes, close to transport, local services and places of employment.

The site has the potential to supply up to 1300 townhouses and multi-unit dwellings.

The future residential neighbourhood is envisioned as high-quality, sustainable and vibrant with quality public streets and spaces.

Canberrans are being asked to share their thoughts on what they feel is important in terms of urban design, landscape design, built form, access and design quality on the site.

This community feedback will be used to help develop the draft Planning Conditions for the North Curtin Residential Area.

This will be used to assess future development applications for the site.

Canberra’s population is set to grow to 500,000 by 2027.

The ACT Government is supporting the supply of new homes, particularly focused on areas close to transport and services, as well as investing in the infrastructure to support them. 

The north Curtin consultation will also feed into further consultation on a broader ‘Draft Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework’ over the next two years.

This will guide future development along Canberra’s southern transport corridor from Woden to the City.

The Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework

The government will engage with the community on the principles of growth and development of more housing, public spaces and infrastructure along the light rail 2B corridor, including Adelaide Avenue and Yarra Glen Drive. 

This follows the City and Gateway Design Framework established in 2018 in Canberra’s north, ahead of the completion of light rail stage 1.

The Southern Gateway Planning and Design Framework will be developed in consultation with the National Capital Authority (NCA).

The feedback from the north Curtin engagement will be lodged with the NCA towards the end of the financial year, before determining final planning controls.

This will build on the principles laid out in the Woden District Strategy released in November 2023.

A referral is also in progress with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), to assess potential environmental impacts.

YourSay survey

Canberrans can have their say on the North Curtin Residential Area via the YourSay survey.

The survey is open until 11 June 2024.

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Intensive care patients at Canberra Hospital will be cared for in a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from late August this year.

The ICU will be located on level 5 of the new Critical Services Building. Bed capacity will increase to 48, including four specially designed paediatric spaces.

The ICU’s clinical and patient spaces have been carefully designed with input from clinicians and consumers, to improve the patient experience and support families and carers during what is a very challenging time.

The modern, fit-for-purpose space will enable the hospital’s highly skilled teams to implement innovative models of care.

This includes a multi-purpose therapy space and the ability to isolate a wing should there be an infectious diseases outbreak.

“One of the major changes to the new ICU is that will have much more space, not only the bed spaces but also storage spaces. It will make a big difference in our day-to-day management and care we provide, Deputy Director of the Intensive Care Unit Dr Tina Xu said.

“The new bed spaces are much larger and modern, with most of them fitted with ceiling to floor windows. This lets in a lot of natural light across the whole unit and will help our patients maintain a day-night routine, which is important to their recovery.”

Features of the new ICU include:

• four paediatric beds with an adjoining family zone to give families who have children in the ICU a support area including a lounge and play area
• a multi-purpose therapy space to accelerate patient care with early integrated rehabilitation
• a pod of 12 beds that can be isolated in the event of an infectious disease threat
• dedicated outdoor spaces for patients and visitors
• bariatric rooms with weight-rated equipment
• a procedure room to carry out minor procedures not requiring general anaesthesia
• ability to expand ICU to 60 beds as demand grows in the future.

Children needing a high level of medical care can be cared for in one of the four paediatric beds. These beds will also be able to support care for adult patients if necessary and when not being used for paediatric patients.

A gymnasium has also been integrated into the ICU. Physiotherapists who specialise in care for critically unwell patients will provide the physical therapy needed as part of rehabilitation.

“The new ICU will also improve our patient and family experiences, with a large and comfortable family and visitor waiting area and two outdoor terraces. The terraces have sheltered bays that are fully equipped to support medical equipment, so our patients and their families can spend some time outside,” Dr Xu said.

Level 5 of the Critical Services Building also includes a clinical training facility. This will provide Canberra Health Services teams with a dedicated clinical environment to practice simulations and training.

The ACT Government is investing in new health and updated health infrastructure for Canberra.

In addition to the new Critical Services Building, this includes modernising the Canberra Hospital campus, planning for the new northside hospital and building more health centres.

There is also increased investment in the ACT’s health workforce to attract, retain and recruit staff from across the public health system.

For more information on the Critical Services Building, visit Canberra Hospital Expansion – Built for CBR (act.gov.au)

Inside the new ICU

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The ACT Instrumental Music Program has long focused on teaching year 5 and 6 students woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments in a group setting.

Its new principal, however, is also a fan of making music without a physical instrument. Or, at least, without a tangible one.

“Singing is a beautiful thing and a powerful tool in education,” Joel Copeland said.

“Everybody has a voice.”

The respected educator has shown before how powerful singing can be in building community. He founded a hugely successful choir at his last school, Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS), which welcomed singers regardless of ability.

As with the IMP, it was an experiential program that fostered the joy of making music together.

Joel took on the role of Principal in January and has seen such joy in the faces of IMP students during school visits across Canberra.

“Within a few lessons in the IMP, our students are making a great sound together,” he said.

“That’s the beauty of the way the system is set up … group tuition is more time efficient and staff efficient, but it’s also more fun.”

The Instrumental Music Program operates instrumental music classes in 57 public primary schools and 8 public secondary schools across the ACT.

There are also performance opportunities via Step into the Limelight, the ACT’s creative and performing arts showcase event for public schools.

Once fully settled into the new role, Joel will consult widely and with experts on the IMP’s strategic direction, considering ways to build on the quality music learning children have experienced through the IMP’s first 50 years.

His dream is for every child to have access to high-quality music education.

Joel was motivated to apply for the role when he heard Naida Blackley was retiring as IMP Principal after an incredible 17 years in the role.

“Naida had always been a bit of a hero of mine,” Joel said.

“She is exceptional, and I guess I thought she would be here forever … when I learnt she was retiring, that was the catalyst.”

Part of what attracted him to the role was the opportunity to work with the IMP’s teachers, who he calls “a brilliant team of music educators”.

But most of all, he is passionate about ensuring children who are keen to learn and be part of something get the most out of their IMP experience.

“Music can make a significant difference in these students’ lives,” he said.

The IMP at a glance:

• Over 2300 ACT public students are in IMP programs
• 57 primary schools and 8 high schools are in IMP programs
• there are 12 teaching staff, 1 admin officer, 2 Executive Teachers and 1 Principal
• the System bands include 3 concert bands, percussion ensemble, string ensemble, primary and senior choir and jazz band
• non-band programs include ukelele (4) and strings (2)
• over 3000 instruments
• over 2600 music scores.

Find out more about the Instrumental Music Program at imp.act.edu.au

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Rachel Hawes, founder of innovative dog poop waste collection product Pupoon, didn’t think her dog poop problem was the kind of product an Innovation Connect (ICON) grant would fund.

But in 2022, Rachel received an ICON grant for $25,000 in matched funding from the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN).

“I couldn’t have created the Pupoon without the funding. As a working mother of three, I didn’t have that kind of money to invest in a product to scoop up dog poop,” she said.

Even though Rachel says she’s never had so much fun talking about dog poop, dog waste in Australia is an issue.

“Australia is home to more than 6 million dogs, and they all need to poop 1–5 times a day. That’s a whopping 744,000 tonnes of dog poop in Australia every year,” she said.

“Dog poop is full of bacteria, and studies show that only around 40 per cent of dog walkers pick up their dog poop. That leaves around 300,000 tonnes of poop lying on footpaths, streets, parks and to be washed away into our waterways, beaches, rivers or left to decompose.

“A lot of people think the answer is to provide more public bins, but bins need to be serviced, and then you have the problem of bins accumulating a lot of dog poop, and becoming awfully smelly.

“I think the solution is in providing a product that makes it easier for dog owners to collect their dog poop and take it home with them.”

This innovative solution came to Rachel when she was walking her beloved dogs, Milo, Baxter and Angus, in Isaacs Ridge.

“I love walking, it’s my thing,” she said. “It’s the only time I get for myself as a busy working mum. But the joy was getting sucked out of it when I would be collecting up to five bags of dog poop each walk.

“I kept thinking there has to be a better way, this is so gross!” she said. “I had tried multiple products from pet stores and a bunch that I bought online, but nothing really worked.

“That’s when I had my idea. I saw a cocoon in the forest, and it sort of snowballed from there with the design and the name.

“I wondered if I could use that design and shape to hold all the poop in a way where doggy waste didn’t get tangled in the lead, it didn’t stink, you could dispense your dog poop bags, and you didn’t have to hold bags of dog poop the entire walk.”

In the making for the past four years, Rachel has worked with industrial designers from Canberra’s Formswell over the last 18 months to bring Pupoon to market.

The Pupoon:

• can hold up to five dog poops
• is air-tight to reduce odour
• is light weight and attaches to the lead
• won’t split and spill if you drop it
• is made from medical-grade polypropylene to resist odour.

Pupoon’s first shipment has arrived and is available on Rachel’s website.

The ICON grants are delivered by CBRIN, which receives funding from the ACT Government to support entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups, like Rachel.

A common misconception about the ICON grants and working with CBRIN, is that you need to be in a high-tech industry, like AI, medical services or tech. However, ICON grants have been provided to Canberra business owners who have created innovative products in a range of fields, from puppy waste to vegan oat milk soft serve.

Check out CBRIN’s latest events, including Female Founders on Tuesday 7 May 2024 and the next First Wednesday Connect on 5 June 2024 and to get a taste of what CBRIN has to offer.

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