Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Canberrans can now explore and connect with local climate action initiatives through a new online tool called Canberra Community Projects.

The tool aims to connect people with community climate action projects near them, like local tool and equipment library, Community Toolbox Canberra, or cycling organisation Pedal Power.

Community Toolbox Canberra, a tool and equipment library

Community Toolbox Canberra is a membership based, volunteer-run, tool and equipment library. As a member you can borrow a range of tools and equipment for activities such as DIY, craft, cooking, home projects and more.

Through sharing tools and equipment, the group reduces the need to buy tools or equipment. This helps Canberrans become more sustainable, helping to reduce resource use and avoid waste to landfill.

Around 90 per cent of the items available at the toolbox have been donated, taking unused tools and equipment from cupboards and sheds and putting them into the hands of the community.

For a small annual fee members can borrow any of the more than 800 items in the library in categories ranging from power tools to food preparation equipment and camping gear. Members can pick up items they have reserved online or browse the shelves to find the equipment they need for their projects.

“Our mission is to make it possible for everyone to have the means to create, have fun, try a new hobby and make their home more liveable and, in doing so, reduce waste and pressure on the Earth’s resources,” Rebecca Tregurtha from Community Toolbox Canberra said.

“Community Toolbox Canberra is a community-led initiative, and it has a great community feel. Our monthly repair cafe has a delightful atmosphere of sharing knowledge and skills. We also share member stories on our social media, showcasing their projects and the toolbox equipment used,” Rebecca said.

More information about Community Toolbox Canberra, including how to join, can be found on their website: communitytoolboxcbr.org

^{Community Toolbox Canberra encourages anyone who wants to save space, save money, and save the earth to join the tool library.}

Pedalling down emissions with Pedal Power ACT

Another community-led group aiming to make a difference is Pedal Power ACT, Canberra’s biggest and oldest cycling organisation.

The group promotes cycling through their tailored adults’ and children’s learn-to-ride courses. Pedal Power seeks to reduce the number of cars on the road and in-turn lower carbon emissions.

Cycling is also a great way to improve both physical and mental health.

Learn-to-ride courses are led by qualified instructors and supported by the group’s volunteers.

“There’s lots of different reasons for people to ride bikes. It’s healthy for people and it’s healthy for our communities. It helps reduce congestion and pollution and that in-turn has a climate impact,” Pedal Power ACT executive director Simon Copland said.

“More people on bikes means fewer cars on the road and less pollution being emitted. Pedal Power ACT is encouraging people and the government to think about ways we can have a mode shift.

More information about Pedal Power ACT and their learn to ride programs can be found at: pedalpower.org.au

^{Simon Copland, Pedal Power ACT Executive Director.}

Find a community climate project near you

The ACT is committed to acting on climate change and becoming a net zero emissions city by 2045. Supporting Canberrans to make more sustainable choices will help reduce emissions.

Check out the tool on the Everyday Climate Choices website: climatechoices.act.gov.au/community-projects

---

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR

The ACT Government is expanding the number of sessions available at three of the territory’s five Koori Preschools.

This expansion will start at the beginning of 2024.

The extra sessions will be available at Ngunnawal Primary School, Narrabundah Early Childhood School and Richardson Primary School.

High-quality early childhood education sets the foundations for a child’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social development.

Expanding access to preschool for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families is a priority for the ACT Government.

This expansion is part of delivering on a commitment in the Set up for Success: An Early Childhood Strategy for the ACT to provide up to an additional 100 places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander three year olds at Koori Preschool.

When children participate in quality early learning, they are more likely to make a successful transition to school, stay longer in school, continue to further education and fully participate in employment and community life as adults.

This announcement builds on the work the government has carried out through the Koori Pre co-design process. This produced the Koori Pre Cultural Safety Framework and Koori Pre Curriculum, launched earlier this year and implemented across all five Koori Preschool sites.

It also comes in addition to the 2023-24 ACT Budget announcement to provide access to families with a three-year-old child to one free day per week of preschool.

This is the government’s largest-ever investment into the early childhood education sector.

Parents and carers can enrol Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Koori Preschool at any time between the ages of three and five.

Eligible families not yet attending Koori Preschool can call 6207 1106, email EduKooriPre@act.gov.au or visit education.act.gov.au for more information.

---

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR

The ACT Government is hitting another major milestone on extending light rail to Canberra’s south with the imminent opening of a temporary road over London Circuit.

This new temporary road on the west side of Commonwealth Avenue ensures two lanes of traffic in each direction are maintained during peak hours. It enables the next major phase of the Raising London Circuit project to remove the southbound bridge on Commonwealth Avenue over London Circuit.

It is expected that from around mid-August, drivers heading north on Commonwealth Avenue towards the city will be diverted onto this temporary road across London Circuit.

Canberrans heading south towards the lake will be diverted to the current northbound Commonwealth Avenue bridge over London Circuit.

Once the southbound bridge is removed, work will be undertaken to build up the eastern side of London Circuit. New permanent southbound lanes will be built on the raised section and another side track will be built on the eastern side.

Further traffic changes on Commonwealth Avenue are expected late this year, or early next year with northbound traffic to be diverted to the new southbound lanes and southbound traffic onto the new temporary road. This then allows for the removal of the northbound bridge over London Circuit.

By using temporary roads to divert traffic, work can be done whilst minimising disruption to Canberrans.

When complete, a raised London Circuit will create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians, but there will also be access for riding and walking during construction.

During the next stage there will be a shared path separated from the vehicle lanes by traffic barriers on the western side track, as well as a cyclist lane heading southbound next to the diverted southbound traffic lanes.

As construction continues, there will also be more trucks in and around the city. Rethink your routine and consider travelling to the city outside peak times, use public transport, active travel or use the Park and Ride or Bike and Ride facilities across Canberra.

To facilitate the opening of the side track, a full closure of Commonwealth Avenue between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle is expected to be in place from 6pm Sunday to 6am Monday – the day before the traffic switch starts operations.

Detours will be in place via Parkes Way to access the city, or alternatively Canberrans travelling from South Canberra can use Kings Avenue Bridge.

For more information on upcoming traffic changes and alternative travel options, visit BuiltforCBR.act.gov.au/travel-impacts

---

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR

When Danielle Howse’ family dog passed away, she and her partner, Richu George, weren’t certain they wanted another dog. But a visit to Domestic Animal Services (DAS) and meeting Aero changed their minds.

Aero was one of a few dogs who had been waiting at DAS for more than 100 days. After a lengthy stay of 259 days, Aero has found a loving family and a new place to call home.

“After my childhood dog passed, we knew we wanted to adopt a dog and give them a good home rather than buying a puppy,” Danielle said.

“We thought we’d head out to meet and spend time with some of the dogs. We met Aero and we just fell in love right away. We knew she was the one, she was so cuddly and affectionate. She just loved having people around.”

Rehoming dogs at Domestic Animal Services

DAS rehomes hundreds of dogs each year, with a rehoming rate of 98 per cent.

Dogs can find their way to DAS through being found as a wandering stray or being surrendered.

Depending on breed, age and temperament, dogs spend a varying amount of time under the care of DAS. The dogs remain in the care of the team until they are rehomed.

“Aero was brought into us as a stray that was found in a suburb of Canberra and never claimed,” Tara McMahon, Aero’s Adoptions Officer said.

“She wasn’t microchipped, which was sad as there was no chance of attempting to track a potential owner.”

When stray dogs come in, DAS will hold them for seven business days, after which they are assessed to make sure they are suitable for rehoming.

“The assessment includes interaction with other dogs, people, and toys. Once passed, we place the dogs up for adoption.” Tara said.

^{Aero with her new owners, Richu and Danielle, and DAS Adoption Officer Tara McMahon.}

Danielle and Richu are grateful to have discovered Aero.

“As soon as we’d heard Aero had been in DAS care for so long it was another reason why we had to bring her home,” Danielle said,

“We had heard lots of stories from my mum’s colleagues adopting from DAS and they’re just beautiful dogs.”

More information about Domestic Animal Services and a list of dogs available for adoption can be found on the City Services website: cityservices.act.gov.au

---

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR

Canberra has become the second Australian city, and one of only 38 locations globally, to be accredited as an Advanced Welcoming City.

The Welcoming Cities Network is a national network of cities, shires, towns, and municipalities committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate.

The Network currently has 76 members, representative of more than 40 percent of the Australian population.

Canberra’s application for Advanced accreditation was assessed by the independent national organisation Welcoming Australia, against the Welcoming Cities Standard.

The application included evidence against each of the indicators under the leadership, social and cultural inclusion, and economic development categories of the Welcoming Cities Standard.

“This accreditation celebrates Canberra’s success in fostering economic, social and cultural inclusion. An Advanced Welcoming City is a national leader and vital member of the Welcoming Cities network,” Aleem Ali, CEO of Welcoming Australia, said.

“The assessors were impressed by the depth of the application and the diverse examples of welcoming efforts in the ACT,” he said.

The ACT Government joined the Welcoming Cities Network in 2019. Since 2021, Canberra has held an ‘Established’ level of accreditation.

Achieving the Advanced level of accreditation was a commitment under the 10th Parliamentary and Governing Agreement. The ACT Government’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is also reflected in the implementation of the new Multiculturalism Act 2023.

“Welcoming Cities recognises and commends the ongoing work of the ACT Government and the genuine efforts undertaken to build an inclusive community where all residents can have a sense of value and belonging,” Mr Ali said.

The Welcoming Cities Standard states: “The social, cultural, economic and civic challenge lies in how communities embrace diversity and harness its strengths. Of all tiers of government, local government are best placed to understand the complexity and diversity of their communities and facilitate a whole-of-community approach.

“The Welcoming Cities Standard exists to support local councils and their communities in the advancement of Australia as a welcoming, prosperous and cohesive nation.”

Find out more about Welcoming Cities.

---

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR

The 18 grants, delivered by the Cancer Institute NSW, include $798,790 to the University of Newcastle’s Dr Jennifer Mackney to improve patient access to prehabilitation services in rural and regional NSW.

Surgery is essential in cancer care. In 2024 approximately 165,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Australia, around 132,000 of these people will need surgery, often multiple times.

Greater physical fitness and wellbeing is associated with better cancer surgery outcomes. However, the impact of cancer and associated treatments reduces physical activity, nutrition, and fitness resulting in an increased risk of poor cancer outcomes.

The pre-surgery program developed by Dr Mackney will help overcome this via exercise, nutrition and psychological support which has been shown to dramatically improve patients’ physical function, reduce complications and time in hospital post-op.

The hybrid model of care will be delivered by health providers via in-person care within the participant communities, along with a telehealth team based out of Newcastle.

The grant will enable Dr Mackney to extend access to the prehabilitation program for cancer patients across five regional and rural hospitals, three in the Hunter New England LHD and two in the Mid North Coast LHD.

The NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, is one of the largest funders of cancer research in NSW, having invested more than $470 million in the past 20 years across nearly 1,000 competitive research awards and grants.

This year’s grants cover four categories, with Dr Mackney one of two Accelerated Research Implementation Grant recipients totalling almost $1.6 million to support teams to rapidly transition research into clinical practice to improve cancer care in regional and rural NSW.

The category’s other recipient is a program to reduce the incidence and increase survival of anal cancer of people with HIV in the regions run by Associate Professor Vincent Cornelisse from the University of New South Wales.

The other three categories comprise:

• 11 Early Career Fellowships
• 3 Career Development Fellowships
• 2 Aboriginal Cancer Research Grants.

To view all 2024/2025 Cancer Institute NSW grants recipients go here: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/research-and-data/grants/grants-we-ve-funded

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“Ensuring patients in our regional and rural communities receive better access to medical care is a priority of the Minns Labor Government and programs funded by the Cancer Institute NSW grants are helping achieve this.

“The NSW Government is proud to be supporting researchers and projects designed to reduce the impact of cancer and save lives.

“Our researchers strive every day to improve the lives of people in NSW and across the world, and we’re proud to invest in them to continue their work and help improve cancer outcomes for all.

“We’re committed to doing what is needed to prevent cancer, improve access to care and support our expert clinicians and researchers to make the discoveries needed to save lives.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said:

“Our dedicated and inspirational cancer researchers are key to improving our understanding of a disease which touches the lives of so many of us.

“While significant progress has been made in understanding and treating cancer, it remains the leading cause of death in NSW with sadly one in two people being diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.

“NSW is recognised as a global leader in tackling cancer with people, communities and organisations coming together to support all people impacted by cancer and help rewrite the future of cancer.”

Accelerated Research Grant recipient Dr Jennifer Mackney said:

“Prehabilitation before cancer surgery – including exercise, nutritional optimisation, and psychological support – has been shown to improve physical function, halve postoperative pulmonary complications, and reduce postoperative hospital length of stay.

“A model of care for the delivery of prehabilitation using in-person and telehealth intervention has been developed in Newcastle over the past five years and utilised clinically. However, currently rural and regional patients don’t have equitable access to formal prehabilitation programs.

“The grant awarded to our team by Cancer Institute NSW will enable us to extend this work to improve access to multimodal prehabilitation services for cancer patients across five regional and rural hospitals in NSW.”

The Minns Labor Government is introducing a new events framework, and announcing the first round of Foundation Events, to secure our calendar of events, including the Sydney Festival, the Parkes Elvis Festival, Vivid Sydney and the Bathurst 1000.

Events are a significant contributor to the NSW visitor economy. In 2023-24, events supported by the Destination NSW alone delivered $1 billion in visitor expenditure for the state. In classifying these events as foundation, we not only protect them but also ensure their ongoing contribution to the NSW visitor economy, support for local businesses and role as jobs creators.

The new framework complements the NSW Government’s focus on experience tourism to keep visitors coming back to enjoy our iconic events time and again.

The event framework recognises that foundation events contribute not just economically but to the cultural fabric and tradition of the state. For example, the NRL Grand Final should be assessed and supported differently to a travelling Premier League match due to its significance over many decades to NSW. 

Beyond generating economic value through direct event visitation, the framework will assess the social contribution and community benefits, as well as social and cultural legacy of events.

The event framework gives event organisers certainty, which allows them to innovate with programming, drives culture, connects communities and generates economic growth.

Foundation Events will be assessed differently, and provided additional support –

• Prioritised for a minimum 3-year Strategic Investment Agreement with Destination NSW (or 3 events for bi-annual events) with renewals negotiated one year prior to the last event. This gives events greater certainty and room to plan.
• A more favourable regulatory environment will support events to maximise benefits for the community.
• An event assessment approach which provides greater consideration of strategic, economic, marketing and brand, social and cultural benefits.

Events included in the first round of Foundation Events

• Bathurst 1000
• Biennale of Sydney
• Bluesfest
• Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
• Deni Ute Muster
• NRL Men’s & Women’s Grand Final
• Parkes Elvis Festival
• Sydney Festival
• Sydney Fringe Festival
• Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
• SXSW Sydney
• Tamworth Country Music Festival
• TCS Sydney Marathon
• Vivid Sydney

This list will be reviewed periodically, and more events will be announced in the future.

Minister for Arts, Tourism, Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham said:

“We are building the calendar and investing for growth. These events light up the calendar, they have become part of who we are, and it’s time we give them the recognition and certainty they deserve.

“The NSW calendar has an incredible line up of events, special times in our annual calendar that allow us to come together for iconic moments. The foundation events framework gives these festivals certainty so they can keep producing these important experiences for us all to share.

“What these incredibly fun and unique events speak to, is government supporting local communities to play to their strengths and then tell their local story to the world. Locals know what works in their patch. We support them to do it!

“The foundation events framework gives events certainty, which drives culture, connects communities and generates economic growth.”

Background

• The three new event categories
  • Foundation Events: Regular, recurring events that may grow in size and significance over time. These events are often essential to NSW’s identity and visitor economy.
  • Major Events: Large-scale events that bring in significant visitor economy and economic benefits. They could happen once or several times and have a major impact on an area.
  • Local Events: These events are typically smaller in scale and contribute to a local visitor economy and the community.
• The stage process:
  • Step 1: Classify the event
  • Step 2: Assess the event based on criteria
  • Step 3: Make a recommendation and prioritise

Canberra-based deep-tech start-up PPB Technology has the world food testing market in its sights.

The dairy diagnostics company is going from strength to strength, having accessed support via the Canberra Innovation Network’s GRIFFIN Accelerator Program.

The ACT Government-funded program empowers Canberra entrepreneurs to get their start-ups moving fast.

A three-month intensive program, it pairs entrepreneurs with expert mentors to achieve sustainable business success.

PPB Technology is changing the dairy industry by developing diagnostic tests for food quality and safety.

It is established in the Australian and New Zealand dairy industry and hopes to expand its suite of diagnostic tests to include allergen tests as well.

PPB Technology has been a long-held entrepreneurial dream for founder Dr Stephen Trowell.

A biochemist, Dr Trowell moved from the UK to Canberra to complete his studies at the Australian National University (ANU). After securing a job with the CSIRO, he gained over 30 years of experience as a research scientist.

“At the very beginning of my career at the CSIRO I worked on a cotton project,” he said. “It evolved from scientific research to commercialisation, and it was an incredible experience.

“I felt deeply satisfied by taking an idea to a commercial conclusion,” he said.

“It sparked an entrepreneurial dream.”

Thirty years later, Dr Trowell reached his own tipping point.

“During my time at the CSIRO, I invented the CYBERNOSE® technology platform. That evolved to create the CYBERTONGUE®, which I felt had commercial viability.

“I chose to leave the CSIRO in 2018 and founded PPB Technology. In 2019 we were able to license the patents and trademarks from the CSIRO for the CYBERTONGUE® Technology.

“In 2019 I also secured an ICON seed grant from the ACT Government and rented an office in the Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-technology (CEAT).”

CEAT is a collaborative working space for start-ups in the agri-tech sector. It’s an initiative between the ANU and CSIRO and supported by the ACT Government’s Priority Investment Program.

“If I could have designed it from the ground up, CEAT is exactly what I would have asked for. The support from CEAT leadership and being alongside other research-based start-ups, has been conducive for innovation and growth,” he said.

Dr Trowell acknowledged the company likely would not have grown further without the support of another ACT Government-funded program, the Canberra Innovation Network’s GRIFFIN Accelerator Program.

“The support from CBRIN and the GRIFFIN Accelerator Program has been incredible. I would not be where I am today without their support, mentoring program and funding,” he said.

“Being accepted to the accelerator program allowed me to look at my business from different vantage points. Having mentors Tim Hirst and Sylvia Tulloch work in the business with me for three months was instrumental. Tim’s understanding as an entrepreneur himself, but also as an investor has helped me secure the all-important funding over the last two years.”

Dr Trowell initially financially backed PPB personally. With guidance from the accelerator program, he’s now secured more than $1M in capital.

When asked what’s next for PPB Technology, Dr Trowell said they’re looking to generate more capital to scale production, develop new tests and prepare to launch in the European market.

The GRIFFIN Accelerator Program is currently open and closes 7 August.

For more information visit the GRIFFIN Accelerator Program website.

^{Dr Trowell using PPB CYBERTONGUE® to complete diagnostic tests on the quality and safety of milk products.}

---

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR

Jodi Shepherd’s breast cancer diagnosis came about through a routine mammogram in 2020, recommended by her GP.

Despite being symptom-free, Jodi was living with an invasive ductal carcinoma.

“I had no family history of breast cancer, and I had no symptoms, so the only way my breast cancer was detected was through BreastScreen ACT and their experienced technicians,” Jodi said.

“I do believe early detection can save lives.”

The ACT Government is supporting this early detection by replacing three ageing mammography machines at ACT Government community health centres.

The $1.035 million replacement includes two new machines installed at Belconnen and Phillip health centres in the past year.

A new machine is also now in place at the Civic clinic.

The machines generate faster, higher-quality imaging. This ensures quicker procedures and will assist in improved health outcomes for patients.

More new features, such as curved paddles to surround the breast, make for more comfortable mammograms.

BreastScreen ACT registered nurse Julie Solway said the team was very pleased to have a new mammography machine at the Civic, Belconnen and Phillip clinics.

“Screening mammograms are for people without any signs and symptoms of breast cancer. We are looking to find breast cancers early, well before they can be seen or felt,” she said.

Free screening mammograms are available to eligible Canberrans over the age of 40. People aged 50–74 years are encouraged to have mammograms every two years.

You do not need a GP referral to use this free public health care service.

Today, Jodi is doing well.

“I was fairly pragmatic in my whole journey, and positive, and I always thought that I was going to overcome it … I know not everyone is that lucky,” she said.

“I’d like to say to anyone that is delaying having a mammogram, especially if they’re over 40 … don’t be scared. It’s always daunting, the unknown, but the clinicians here at BreastScreen ACT are very experienced and it’s a walk in the park really. It doesn’t take long and it doesn’t hurt. So, I would suggest don’t delay. I do believe early detection can save lives.”

To book a mammogram, call BreastScreen ACT on 13 20 50.

For further information, visit: canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/breastscreen-act

---

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR

In Brief:

• Whether it’s school holidays or a slow weekend, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids busy.
• This story includes a list of free or affordable options for family-friendly activities in Canberra.

---

Kids climbing the walls and not sure what to do with them? Or just looking for some family friendly entertainment ideas that won’t cost an arm and a leg?

Look no further than these cheap and cheerful activities. They’re sure to keep Canberra kids entertained for at least a couple of hours.

Please be sure to plan your trip by visiting the website or calling the venue beforehand to double check pricing and availability.

Visit Canberra’s museums and galleries

Canberra’s museums, galleries and national institutions have plenty on offer for families and kids of all ages.  Check out the list below and plan a day out with the family that is sure to go down in history.

• Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) – be inspired by the artistic talents of local artists or why not check out the Outer Space: Stromlo to the Stars exhibition?
• Canberra Glassworks – sit in the public gallery and watch some incredible glass artists at work.
• Libraries – from Story Time to Giggle and Wiggle, there’s always something to do at one of the Libraries ACT branches.
• The Australian War Memorial – you’ll need to book a free ticket before you attend.
• Parliament House – learn about the flag, discover the architecture, explore the gardens and tour the building (free except for some special exhibitions).
• Drill Hall Gallery – there’s music, exhibitions, and events aplenty. Check out the website to find out what’s on.
• National Gallery of Australia – admission is free but book before you visit.
• National Portrait Gallery – got a budding young artist in the family? There’s so much to see at the Portrait Gallery to inspire their creativity.
• The Royal Australian Mint – check out where every Australian coin is made, and why not make your own while you’re there.
• National Arboretum – whether it’s the Pod Playground or kite flying, bonsais or enjoying a bite to eat, there’s plenty to explore at the National Arboretum.
• The National Library – with exhibitions and workshops, and even school holiday activities, check out their website to find out what’s on.
• The National Film and Sound Archive – explore which events and exhibitions are on.
• High Court of Australia – check out the incredible architecture (including the 40m high ceilings), the Great Hall and three courtrooms.
• Geoscience Australia – why not visit the public displays, extensive library, or take a stroll through the gardens to learn about Earth’s 4600 million year history.

Experience the great outdoors

If nature is more your calling, Canberrans are spoilt for choice when it comes to the great outdoors. Whether it’s our national parks or incredible playgrounds, there’s plenty to do for kids both big and small. The Parks ACT website is your destination to discover Canberra’s parks and reserves.

Check out the Parks ACT summer fun activity guide for more ideas.
^{Hike up to Gibraltar Peak within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Credit: Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra}

Go on a bush walk

You can also check out some of Canberra’s beautiful bushwalks, tracks and trails. Make sure you’re prepared by knowing your route, wearing comfortable and appropriate clothing, and packing plenty to drink and eat.

Read the Canberran’s guide to hiking this summer for more ideas and information.

Ready, set, play!

With play spaces and playgrounds aplenty, consider these suggestions for your next play date.

There are more than 500 playgrounds across the ACT. Visit one near you, or set out on an adventure to find a new favourite.

Read a list of Canberra’s favourite playgrounds.

Visit one of these 12 new or recently upgraded playgrounds.

^{Yarralumla Playstation.  Credit: Martin Ollman for VisitCanberra.}

^{Pod Playground at the National Arboretum. Credit: Tourism Australia.}

What to do when the weather isn’t playing nice

Too hot, cold, or wet?

Consider your Libraries ACT card your ticket to free online fun.

Here’s how it can keep your kids entertained at home for free.

Don’t forget to eat!

Canberra’s markets make for a lovely day out. Choose from a range of local and fresh produce, plus support our local growers and makers.

Read the ultimate Canberra markets guide.

On the lookout for places with kids’ menus? We’ve rounded up some of Canberra’s best.

Pack a picnic or enjoy a BBQ at your local park – why not take lunch to go? Fill up the picnic basket, grab a soccer ball, and head out the door for an afternoon of fun.

See the tops spots for your next picnic.

Read more like this:

---

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR