Two people have been arrested after a Volkswagen failed to stop for police in the northern suburbs last night.
At 8.15pm on Friday 11 April patrols spotted a Volkswagen sedan on Haydown Road, Elizabeth East and attempted to stop the vehicle however the driver sped off.
Patrols called in the assistance of PolAir who tracked the vehicle as it travelled through Elizabeth East.
The vehicle was seen to travel on the wrong side of the road on Midway Road and through a red light at the intersection of Main North Road and Black Top Road.
Patrols successfully spiked the vehicle’s tyres on Stanford Road, Salisbury Heights. The car turned into St Albans Drive, Salisbury Heights, and the male passenger was seen to run from the vehicle.
The car continued for a short distance onto Featherstone Place, where the female driver abandoned the car and ran off.
The driver was found a short time later, hiding in the rear yard of a Stanford Road address.
A 22-year-old Elizabeth Grove woman was arrested and charged with drive dangerously to escape police pursuit, drive unlicensed, drive unregistered, trespass and unlawfully on premises. She was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 12 May.
Her vehicle was impounded for 28 days.
Her passenger, a 35-year-old Renown Park man, was arrested and charged with breach of bail and outstanding warrants. He was refused police bail and will appear in court on Monday.
A woman was lucky to escape serious injury after being struck by a car at Brooklyn Park last night.
About 9.40pm on Friday 11 April a grey SUV was conducting a U-turn on Henley Beach Road, Brooklyn Park and struck a woman crossing the road.
The grey SUV drove off.
The 43-year-old Ridleyton woman was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment. Fortunately, her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police are still looking for the male driver and the grey SUV.
Investigations are continuing, but it is believed that the people involved in this incident are known to each other.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Nurses Maddie, John and Alison in the new Canberra Hospital Emergency Department children’s area, which opens on 17 August.
When Canberra Hospital’s new, larger Emergency Department (ED) opens this month, it will include a dedicated emergency area for children.
This special unit’s design has children and families front of mind.
There, children, families and carers can stay together in an area separate to the rest of the ED.
This will help meet patients’ medical and psychosocial needs, as well as those of their families and carers.
The children’s emergency area will have a separate triage and waiting area.
In addition, an interactive display and access to an outdoor play courtyard will offer kids a welcoming, positive environment while they wait for treatment.
Treatment rooms will be equipped with distraction therapies. There will also be a sensory room – a calming, reassuring space for neurodiverse patients and those with other special needs.
“The emergency department can be an overwhelming place for paediatric patients,” Alison, an Emergency Department nurse, said.
“Having such welcoming space and activities to do while waiting will make a big difference for them,” she said.
The ED is planned to move to the new Critical Services Building – Building 5 at Canberra Hospital – on 17 August.
The judging panel included Helen Ennis, T.R. Napper and Barrina South. They had a tough time choosing the winning title, given the wealth of talent in Canberra’s writing community.
Of The Seven, they said: “Chris Hammer demonstrates total mastery of the crime genre. From the first pages onwards Hammer creates a thrilling narrative filled with suspense that immerses the reader in gripping, page-turning intrigue.
“Hammer conveys a beautiful sense of place in developing this quintessential Australian story, filled with compelling characters, who are poignantly reflective about their own lives. The narrative, exposing the power of the landed aristocracy in a fictional country town, is skilfully controlled so that the reader is never certain where they will be taken next, until the final resolution. The town itself functions as a powerful metaphor which, with its art deco façade, is an evocative setting for this world-class crime novel.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Stopping to Smell the Flowers is located near the Joey Park Playground in Throsby.
Gungahlin in a multicultural region that’s home to many families.
Many of the artworks scattered through Gungahlin feature playful elements that both adults and children will love.
Set out for a day of art and adventure with this handy guide:
Hall toilet block mural
Location: Gladstone Street, Hall
Artist: Geoff Filmer and Raphael
Wildlife street artist Geoff Filmer collaborated with the Hall community to make this vibrant mural. The mural painted on the Hall toilet block channels a wildlife theme. Hall community members told Geoff how an echidna often runs across the road and into the park. This inspired Geoff to include two echidnas in the mural.
The mural is a collaboration with an emerging artist who goes by the name of Raphael. To see more of Geoff’s work visit his Instagram page or Facebook page.
Harrison School mural
Artist: Eddie Longford
Eddie Longford is a local Aboriginal artist who painted a mural at Harrison School. He collaborated with members of Harrison School to capture the essence of the school community.
The mural depicts the mountain range behind the school along with native flora and fauna.
For more of Eddie’s work, check out his Instagram.
Ernest Cavanagh Street mural
Location: near Communities @ Work, Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin
Artist: Eddie Mowat
This mural celebrates our essential workers during COVID-19. The piece depicts an empowering portrait of a nurse. The vibrant and captivating piece displays artist Eddie Mowat’s gratitude to essential workers. The mural is an ongoing reminder to our community of the hard work essential workers in Canberra do.
Ginninginderry Light
Artist: Geoff Farquhar-Still
Ginninginderry is an Aboriginal word that means “sparkling” or “throwing out rays of light”. This sculpture is made of stainless steel and is embedded with millions of tiny glass beads. These beads reflect the light of the sun, the moon and local traffic to light up the Crace Pedestrian Plaza.
Lady With Flowers
Artist: Dean Bowen
Melbourne artist Dean Bowen makes bronze sculptures with child-like whimsy. Lady with Flowers is close to a bus stop. It’s easy to imagine her catching a bus to the city to visit Bowen’s other Canberra sculpture, The Big Little Man.
Stopping to Smell the Flowers
Artist: Jimmy Rix
This sculpture is close to the Joey Park Playground in Throsby. It was commissioned to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Floriade in 2017. It depicts the exchange of flowers as a representation of expressing love.
A is for Alexander B is for Bunyip C is for Canberra
Artist: Anne Ross
The Monster that Ate Canberra is a children’s book written by author and illustrator, Michael Salmon. This sculpture features the books main character, Alexander Bunyip. You can find it near the Gungahlin Library.
The Goongarline
Artist: Malcolm Utley
The local Indigenous people called Gungahlin’s rocky hills ‘Goongarline’. This sculpture is inspired by that landscape. It’s located near the Gungahlin Place Playground.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
With beautiful running tracks and plenty of running groups, Canberra is ideal for running.
Running is good for the mind, body and soul, but getting started can be a little daunting. Maybe you want to know about the best running locations, find a running group to get you motivated, or maybe you just want to get started.
Here are a few ideas on how to get involved in running right here in Canberra.
Find a location
Canberra is the bush capital of Australia, so there are plenty of tracks and trails to explore. With over 90 parks you won’t be getting bored anytime soon.
The Find a Park map shows all the parks in Canberra, plus what you can and can’t do in them, and the background of each one.
Join or start a run club
Run clubs are all the rage right now! Whether you are a beginner, looking for friends, or want to challenge yourself with likeminded runners, there will be a run club for you.
Canberra Runners offers a few different groups you can join depending on your availability and schedule.
Running for Resilience caters for everyone. Whether you are a runner, walker or pushing a stroller, they have you covered. They have two possible routes you can take on Lake Burley Griffin.
SundaySeshCBR is here to scratch that end of the week running itch! You can even bring along your furry friend to join in. They take off from On Lake Café in Barton.
Underground Run Club is all about running and being social. Run with some likeminded runners and grab a coffee afterwards to finish off your Sunday run. They meet at Mocan and Green Grout.
Chafe Chasers are all about inclusion and fun! Meeting at the Anchor near Merchant Navy Memorial on Lake Burley Griffin, you can do a 5km run or walk.
Canberra Frontrunners is for all your running, walking, riding and strutting desires. This group was formed to be an inclusive and supportive place for LGBTQIA+ people and allies. They change locations often so make sure to stay up to date on where they are headed.
Sign up for a running event
There are a range of marathons, triathlons and fun runs in Canberra catering to all skill and experience levels. These include:
Sri Chinmoy provides different running events all over Australia including Canberra. Some of the events include the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail 100, fun runs, Sri Chinmoy Triple – Triathlon and more.
Canberra Colour Frenzy is the most colourful event you can find! This non-competitive run allows you to run, walk, skip, hop or whatever you want through the colour-tastic course.
The Canberra Times Fun Run is one of Canberra’s most iconic events. This course is great for all levels of experience, but specifically great for beginners or those that need an easier run as it is a pretty flat course. Plus all runners get a finisher medal!
Ready to get serious? Join The Canberra Times Canberra Marathon instead. With five different courses to compete in all levels of runners are invited to celebrate running.
The Stromlo Running Festival provides many different running events. From a 5km run to a marathon, you can experience the stretches of wide trail up a vertical gain. Offering scenic views, this is not an event you want to miss.
Capital to Coast is a multi-stage 100km foot race between Canberra and the South Coast of NSW. Each stage ranges from 8km to 15km in length and will take you up and past various elevation and terrains. Run solo or join a relay team of up to four members.
The Aussie Peace walk isn’t necessarily about running, but with tracks ranging from 7km to 42km it’s sure to get your body pumping. This two-day intercultural festival encourages people from all around the world to experience the bush capital.
Do a parkrun
These events are fun and carefree if you make it that way, as there is no time limit, and no one finishes last. However, if you want to challenge yourself you can always try and beat your own personal record.
Here are the current parkruns happening in Canberra:
Wagi Bridge parkrun
Gungahlin parkrun
Umbagong District parkrun
Ginninderra parkrun
Mount Ainslie parkrun
Burley Griffin parkrun
Coombs parkrun
Tuggeranong parkrun
Point Hut Pond parkrun.
Join a training program
Whether you are starting off, took a break, need some help, or just want to follow a routine, a training program can help you reach your goals. From rookie running to triathlon training, you can find something to meet your needs.
A few training programs here in Canberra include:
Females in Training ACT offer many different supported and self-driven training programs. Not only can you do weekly training sessions, but you can also sign up for a training program that are targeted at specific Canberra events.
Achilles Australia helps Australians with a disability to enjoy a fun sociable active lifestyle. They welcome those to attend a regular training session and ensure members feel safe and supported.
Peak Performance Running will provide you some directions, answers and guidance for your running journey. They will give you weekly advice and help you achieve their club goals.
Eager2Elite provides individual specific running programs to help you reach your goals. You’ll receive one on one coaching, regular feedback and face to face discussions.
There are also hundreds of online training programs you can sign up to and follow along. Join in a community and get your running journey started.
Remember that when it comes to running safety and precaution should come first. Always:
let someone know where you are off to
wear sunscreen and a hat
bring adequate water
check the weather conditions.
Make sure you stretch and prepare and don’t push yourself well past your limits.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The gritty laneway location was the perfect spot for a bar that embraces the alternative.
In brief
Local bar Squeaky Clean was a recipient of the ACT Government’s Tourism Product Development Fund.
Applications for the Fund are now open.
Squeaky Clean is one of many Canberra businesses benefitting from new nightlife reforms.
Jon Murphy opened his bar Squeaky Clean just last year with support from the ACT Government’s Tourism Product Development Fund.
And new government reforms are now providing an atmosphere in which the business can thrive.
The idea for the bar came from a desire to fill what Jon saw as a gap in the market.
“I was in my thirties when I got to Canberra. I don’t wear suits or RM Williams, I don’t fit into the mould of the APS person. I tried so many places but I just couldn’t find my people,” he said.
Jon set out to create a place where he could be his genuine self. The first step was to find the right space. A gritty laneway location in Verity Lane ticked many of Jon’s boxes.
“I saw potential. The timber floors, high ceilings, the location, and the fact that it had character already.”
The Tourism Product Development Fund
A grant from the Tourism Product Development Fund allowed Jon to engage local builders.
“We used the money to stay local and keep the money in town. That was part of our agreement with the builder that we went with, that they weren’t going to subcontract out of town,” he said.
The principle of supporting local has stuck with Jon. It extends to the Squeaky Clean menu, which showcases local suppliers and producers. The burgers have quickly become a favourite among regulars. They feature beef from Southland’s Quality Meats and buns from Three Mills.
“They’re local and they look after us. It’s that relationship thing – building relationships with people where we both keep the money in town,” Jon said.
How to apply
The Tourism Product Development Fund supports local businesses to provide better visitor experiences. This helps:
boost the local economy
create jobs
enhance Canberra’s reputation as a tourism destination.
Applications for the Tourism Product Development Fund are now open.
Squeaky Clean is one of many Canberra businesses that will benefit from a range of reforms designed to boost the city’s nighttime economy.
This includes the passage of the Liquor (Night-Time Economy) Amendment Bill 2024, providing eligible businesses with:
more flexibility around their trading hours
a reduction in annual liquor licencing fees for supporting live music and the arts
new provisions around celebrations of special events such as the Olympics and Floriade.
The ACT Government has also introduced new fit-for-purpose Noise Standards in the City Centre Entertainment Precinct. The standards aim to:
boost the city’s entertainment and cultural scene
support local businesses
boost artistic growth
elevate the visitor experience
consider community wellbeing.
In a further boost to musicians and the nighttime economy, free parking permits will be available for musicians to access loading zones for 30 minutes to unload their musical equipment. Musicians will be able to apply for a permit via the Access Canberra website.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Leigh, Production Nursery and Horticulture Program supervisor at the Alexander Maconochie Centre
Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) detainees are helping climate-proof the region through an innovative program.
There are seven people employed in the AMC’s Production Nursery and Horticulture Program.
Together, they are working to restore endangered grassy woodlands in the Yass region.
Over the past year, they have propagated around 3,000 native plants to help the Murrumbateman Landcare Group (MLG).
Plants include eucalypts, wattles, shrubs and groundcovers. The MLG chose these varieties for their ability to withstand future climate conditions.
These were grown as seeds from both local and non-local sources to ensure genetic diversity.
They will also improve soil health on both private and public lands in the region.
The program has been running for three years at the AMC, which has commercial grow houses and stock gardens on site.
It is one of several opportunities offered to help detainees build new skills and confidence and give back to the community.
Those involved have learned various propagation techniques and have even raised species that have struggled to grow in Murrumbateman.
“The experience has also given detainees a real sense of achievement while nurturing their own personal growth. For some, these programs are more than a way to pass the time of their sentences – it can open up pathways for life after prison,” AMC Production Nursery and Horticulture Program supervisor Leigh said.
The AMC’s partnership with MLG demonstrates that rehabilitation and community engagement can go hand-in-hand, with positive results.
“This partnership is a wonderful example of how we can work together to achieve positive outcomes for both the environment and individuals involved,” MLG Committee Member Gill Hall said.
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Here is a list of the best places in Canberra to watch the sun rise or set.
There are few better ways to start or end the day than by watching the sun rise or set.
One of the benefits of living in the bush capital is that there are plenty of spots to see breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.
Dairy Farmers Hill lookout
This lookout is home to the iconic eagle sculpture, Nest III, at the National Arboretum Canberra. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun rise or set, with 360-degree views of Canberra and the surrounds.
Red Hill Lookout
Whether you choose to hike or drive to the summit of Red Hill, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. To the northeast you’ll see Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin. Further up the hill toward the west, you can see the Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Mount Taylor.
Davidson Hill
A little further towards Woden, you’ll find Davidson Hill. This quiet spot is ideal for enjoying golden hour.
Gossan Hill
This scenic spot is in Belconnen. This Bruce reserve is named for it’s ochre-coloured rocks, enhancing the golden tones of a sunrise. Bring your furry friend (on-leash and on a track or trail only) to enjoy the view too. .
West Belconnen Pond
You’ll find this peaceful lake on the edge of Dunlop. The sun reflects off the water, casting the bushland in golden lavender hues.
Mulligans Flat
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is well known for its beautiful woodland and native wildlife. It’s also a tranquil spot to watch the sun rise or set.
Mount Ainslie
Mount Ainslie is one of Canberra’s most iconic lookouts. The views seem to stretch on forever, and twilight casts the entire city in a soft glow.
Weston Park
Canberrans of all ages flock to Weston Park for many different activities. While it’s an excellent area to get active, it’s also a peaceful spot to start or end the day with the sun.
Lake Burley Griffin
A stunning sunrise from Lake Burley Griffin is enough to lure many Canberrans out of bed in the morning. A walk around the lake of an evening is an especially lovely way to finish the day.
Shepherds Lookout
This is the northern-most viewing point of the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT. There are a number of walking tracks, all of which offer bush vistas. You might even be lucky enough to see a platypus or a Gang Gang cockatoo.
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