Construction starts on Gungahlin Community Centre

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The new Gungahlin Community Centre will meet the needs of a growing population. (Artist’s impression)

In brief:

  • Construction has begun on the new Gungahlin Community Centre.
  • Construction is expected to be complete in early 2026.
  • In the interim, Gunners Place will continue to service the community.

Construction on the new community centre in Gungahlin has begun.

The new centre will meet the needs of the rapidly growing Gungahlin community.

It will be used for a variety of occasions and functions.

Features will include:

  • a dedicated work hub
  • meeting and activity rooms
  • multiple art workshops and studios
  • outdoor green spaces
  • a large multi-purpose community hall
  • kitchen facilities.

The new facility will also include a dedicated youth centre which will provide tailored training, education and recreational services.

It will be conveniently located in the heart of the Gungahlin Town Centre. There will be accessible public parking on site with secure bike parking and end-of-trip facilities available to use.

Gunners Place – a temporary community centre

In the interim, Gunners Place will continue to service the Gungahlin community.

The temporary community centre – run by Barnardos Australia – has been located on Gribble Street in Gungahlin since December 2023.

Services based there include:

  • Northside Community Services
  • Relationships Australia
  • Multicultural Hub Canberra.

Gunners Place will remain until construction of the new community centre is complete in early 2026.

To view the designs for the Gungahlin Community Centre and stay up to date with construction progress, visit the Built for CBR website.

Read more like this:


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Serious crash at Two Wells

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Two Wells.

About 4.30pm today (Sunday 11 May), emergency services were called to Port Wakefield Highway after reports that a car and truck had collided.

The driver of the car suffered serious injuries.

Major Crash officers are on their way to the scene.

Road restrictions are in place and please avoid the area if possible.

Charges – Hit and Run – Mandorah

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police have arrested and charged a 44-year-old male after he hit a pedestrian and did not stop to render assistance nearby the Mandorah Jetty on Saturday morning.

About 1am, police received reports of a pedestrian strike that left a male with a serious leg injury. Belyuen Clinic staff attended the scene to provide first aid assistance while the Palmerston general duties members deployed to the scene.

Upon police arrival, further reports were made of the vehicle allegedly driving erratically losing control prior to the incident. The pedestrian was evacuated to Royal Darwin Hospital via Careflight for medical treatment of his leg injuries.

Police later located and arrested the male and subsequently located and seized the vehicle. He has since been charged with

  • Drive motor vehicle causing death or serious harm
  • Not stop or assist after crash
  • Driver drive under influence of alcohol
  • Fail to report a crash (Accident)
  • Drive a motor vehicle while unlicenced

He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court.

Fatal Crash – Emerald Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force are investigating the death of a 58-year-old male involved in a single vehicle crash that occurred last night about 500 metres North of Emerald Springs on the Stuart Highway.

Around 8:55pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a truck that had collided with a tree. Upon police arrival, initial investigations suggested the driver had hit a bull and veered off the road.

Investigations remain ongoing with police on scene of the crash.

The Stuart Highway will be temporarily closed at the crash site for a duration of time this morning as further investigations are conducted, and the vehicle is retrieved.

The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 11.

Fatal Car V Pedestrian Crash, Bass Highway, Travellers Rest

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Fatal Car V Pedestrian Crash, Bass Highway, Travellers Rest

Sunday, 11 May 2025 – 6:37 am.

At approximately 10pm on Saturday the 10th May 2025, a crash occurred on the Bass Highway at Travellers Rest with a West bound Mercedes Benz striking a pedestrian on the highway. The crash scene was attended to by emergency services however the pedestrian, a 28 year old male from Devonport, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Mercedes Benz submitted to mandatory drug and alcohol testing following the crash.
Numerous specialised police investigators and forensics attended the crash scene and are investigating the circumstances of the crash and death.
Police are appealing for members of the public who observed a pedestrian on the highway at Travellers Rest prior to the crash or the manner of driving of the Mercedes Benz or who have relevant dash cam footage, to contact Northern Crash Investigation Services. Reference OR 774563.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

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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