Category: MIL-OSI

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The ultimate Canberra markets guide

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

From flowers and fresh produce to homewares and more.

Local markets are more than just a place to grab a quick bite or pick up a few veggies.

A visit to a local market is an opportunity to:

  • taste produce from local producers
  • browse wares from local artists
  • enjoy a delicious meal
  • listen to live music
  • support your community.

No matter what side of the lake you live on, Canberra has some excellent markets.

Some are weekly, some only come a few times a year – but all of them offer a unique Canberra experience.

Here’s your guide to Canberra’s markets:

The Capital Region Farmers Market

For 20 years, the Capital Region Farmers Market has been connecting local producers with hungry Canberrans.

You can find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and poultry. But there is also:

  • baked goods
  • nuts and seeds
  • dairy products
  • and plenty more.

Plus, there is freshly prepared food and coffee. Take a seat and refuel with plenty of cuisines on offer.

Southside Farmers Market

Frequency: Every Sunday from 7am until 11pm

A similar feel to the Capital Region Farmers Market, but on a smaller scale. It has a strong community feel, with smiling stallholders eager to have a chat.

Don’t forget to pick up a coffee and something delicious to eat.

Old Bus Depot Markets

Frequency: every Sunday from 9:30am to 2:30pm

These markets are held at the Old Bus Depot, a beautiful industrial building. There is a large range of vendors stocking a huge range of wares.

Enjoy a variety of different cuisines, baked goods and coffee. The Old Bus Depot Markets have an especially strong arts, crafts and collectibles presence. Homewares, fashion and accessories are also popular.

Haig Park Village Markets

Frequency: every Sunday from 8am to 2pm

This weekly market has a lovely community atmosphere. Dogs are welcome and it’s family friendly. The food options are particularly good, so be sure to arrive with an empty stomach.

Hartley Hall Markets

Frequency: The first Sunday of every month (except January) from 10:30am to 2pm

These markets have a small-town country theme. There’s a very rural feel, with down-to-earth local suppliers.

There’s produce, arts, crafts, gifts, and more. While you’re there, fuel up on fresh food at one of the many vendors, and enjoy some live music.

The markets are dog-friendly and families are welcome. There is also plenty of parking, and the showgrounds and all facilities are accessible.

Entry is a gold coin donation, which supports local disability service charity Hartley Lifecare.

Little Burley Markets

Frequency: every Saturday from 9am until 2pm

This might just be Canberra’s most scenic markets. Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, there are beautiful views year-round.

Dogs are welcome and there are even dog treats for sale.

There are plenty of food and coffee options, as well as homewares, accessories, flowers and more.

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

Frequency: every Thursday to Sunday from 7am to 5:30pm

This was Canberra’s first farmers market, beginning more than 50 years ago.

These days, you can find just about everything you need for your weekly shop. There’s delis, bakeries, cafes, produce shops and so much more. Niche Markets is a subsection of the markets where you’ll find specialty stores, fresh food options galore and Book Lovers Lane.

Capital Food Market

Frequency: every Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 8pm

This market first opened in 1976 as the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets. It’s recently had a revamp and houses a wide variety of different retailers.

In addition to produce, delices and bakeries there are a range of dining options including:

  • Florence Gelato
  • Le Cheeserie
  • What The Pho.

There are more dining options arriving throughout the year.

The Forage

Location: various

Frequency: a few times a year

Canberra foodies await the announcement of the next Forage with bated breath. It’s a food lover’s dream, with dozens of local food and beverage businesses to choose from.

There are often entertainment options including live music and performances.

Handmade Market

Frequency: Quarterly

Each Handmade Market sees over 260 small businesses gather at EPIC. Each market presents a different array of stallholders. You can expect Australian designers and makers selling homewares, fashion, artworks and everything in-between.

There is also a dedicated gourmet food hall.

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Accessing payments and services now easier for new parents

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A new trial is helping parents access government payments and services more easily when having a baby.

Parents having a baby at Canberra Hospital or North Canberra Hospital can now take part in the Birth of a Child Newborn Enrolment Trial.

In partnership with Services Australia, the ACT Government is trialling an Australian-first where parents can register the birth of their baby across federal and territory government agencies using myGov.

The trial makes it easier for parents to access government services and register their baby’s birth.

By signing up to the trial, the hospital will share information with Services Australia to:

  • enrol their baby in Medicare and receive a new Medicare card with their baby added
  • enrol their baby in the Australian Immunisation Register
  • register for their family’s Medicare Safety Net
  • register their baby for a My Health Record
  • let Centrelink know about the birth of their child to finalise their application for family assistance
  • register their baby’s birth with ACT Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

How to access the trial

To enrol in the trial, new parents will need to ensure they:

  • check their details with the hospital are up to date
  • link their Medicare and Centrelink accounts to their myGov account
  • complete a pre-birth claim (as early as 3 months before the baby is born)
  • complete a new consent form (provided when your baby is born)
  • provide the completed consent form to the hospital before being discharged.

When they agree to participate in the trial, they are agreeing to let Canberra Health Services share information about them and their baby with Services Australia.

A collaborative approach

The ACT Government is working with Services Australia to lead the trial.

The trial automates newborn enrolment and birth registration processes across the state, territory and Commonwealth government agencies.

It supports a cross-jurisdictional ‘tell us once’ approach – reducing the need for parents to re-supply information the government already holds.

When a parent agrees to participate in the trial, they agree to Canberra Health Services (CHS) sharing information about them and their baby to Services Australia.

The Birth of a Child Newborn Enrolment Trial helps remove administrative burden from parents, giving them more valuable time with their baby.

The trial is part of a range of improved maternity services initiatives in the ACT.

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Rehab robots help patients with brain injuries

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The equipment can help to improve function after serious brain injuries.

Three new robots at the University of Canberra Hospital are helping patients recover from serious brain injuries.

The hospital is the second public facility of its kind in Australia to offer this service. The robots are a joint venture between Canberra Health Services and the University of Canberra.

The equipment is a tool for treating patients. It can help them to improve function after serious brain injuries including stroke.

World experts have trained the hospital’s team to use these robots. This helps them to find the best ways to build the robots into client treatment.

Students studying occupational therapy and physiotherapy at the university will learn about robotics as part of their coursework. The students will be involved in ongoing research projects at the university.

The university’s Honours students will also be speaking to clinicians and patients about the robots and how they have helped to improve treatment and further build on research.

“By embedding elements of robotics rehabilitation into the University’s relevant course curricula, our students will be exposed to this innovative technology,” Professor Stuart Semple, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, University of Canberra said.

“That will enhance their learning outcomes and career opportunities in the health workforce of the future.”

The ACT Government and the Canberra Hospital Foundation funded the three robots. Generous donors and the Canberra Hospital Foundation’s community partnership with GIO also helped.

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Milestone for Big Canberra Battery

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Williamsdale battery will deliver 250MW of storage.

The ACT Government has reached a major milestone in its work to future-proof Canberra’s energy supply.

The development application has been approved to deliver Stream 1 of the project – a grid-scale battery in Williamsdale.

This ACT Government has partnered with Eku Energy on this project. Construction will begin later this year.

The Big Canberra Battery will be capable of delivering 250 MW of power – more than a third of Canberra’s peak electricity demand. It will be able to deliver this power for two hours.

The Big Canberra Battery will have 500 MWh of capacity, which on a single charge could supply 23,400 households with their daily energy use.

Approximately 180–200 jobs will also be created through the project.

More batteries for Canberra

The Government has also finalised the installation of batteries at nine government sites in the ACT as part of its work on Stream 2 of the project.

The sites include:

  • Belconnen Parks Depot
  • Gungahlin Family and Child Centre
  • Allara Depot
  • Kambah Depot
  • Ron Reynolds Centre
  • Chifley Community Hub
  • Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm
  • Cotter Depot
  • Greenway Ambulance Station.

The batteries capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels. This will help power the sites and will reduce government spend on electricity, benefitting the broader network during peak electricity consumption times.

Two further batteries will be installed at Mount Stromlo High School and 255 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick in early 2025.

The ACT Government has also partnered with the Commonwealth Government and Evoenergy through the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program.

Through this, three medium-sized neighbourhood-scale batteries will be installed in Casey, Dickson and Fadden.

A battery operator will be selected in late 2024 following a procurement process.

The Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid.

It will help grow the ACT’s renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the territory.

Building a cleaner future

Battery storage technology is a critical component of the ACT’s net-zero emissions future.

The ACT has delivered 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2020.

Initiatives like this build on that achievement and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy in supporting a robust, affordable and sustainable energy grid.

Find out more about the Big Canberra Battery Project and other ways Canberra is leading the way on climate action by visiting climatechoices.act.gov.au

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Canberra’s best curries

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Tokyo Canteen offers a delicious Japanese curry. Image: VisitCanberra

Few foods are as comforting as a curry – especially on a cold Canberra day. Curries encompass dishes from many different cuisines, meaning there is a curry for every taste and mood.

We asked Canberrans on the WeAreCBR page to name their favourite curries. Here are the best, as voted by you:

This restaurant is tucked away at Manuka shops. Its menu includes thali, a Nepalese dish with a choice of curry sauce and proteins. There are also options for vegetarians.

Canberrans from Woden and beyond have flocked to Pearce for Rama’s curries for 29 years. The fusion menu offers a fresh take on Indian cuisine.

Spice Affair offers dishes from different regions of India. Whether you’re craving a korma, madras, daal, vindaloo or rogan josh, their extensive menu has it all.

Locals love Spice Route for its flavourful dishes. The menu includes many traditional Indian dishes and an Indo-Chinese section.

This Belconnen favourite is a short drive from Melba shops. Its menu boasts butter chicken, korma, jalfrezi, rogan josh, vindaloo and many more Indian curry dishes.

No. 8 Thai is at Griffith shops. The menu includes Thai curries like green curry, red curry, yellow curry, massaman, and panang.

Taj Agra is another longstanding Canberra favourite, having opened here 20 years ago. The menu is packed with north Indian classics including tandoori dishes, chettinad, tikka masala and more.

Kinn Thai has an extensive menu that includes barramundi curry, panang curry, green curry, massaman beef curry and a red duck curry.

Mirchi features mainly north Indian dishes, with a handful from southern India too. There are fragrant, spiced dishes on the menu for vegetarians and meat eaters.

The former owners of Sukothia and the Red Hill Tea House have opened Myanmar Corner to celebrate their native Myanmar dishes. The menu is a unique fusion of Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisine.

Indo Café, Canberra City

A lunchtime favourite for hungry city workers. Indo Cafe is well-known for its delicious curries. Their lunch specials are quick, affordable and the perfect remedy for chilly winter days.

The Mustang offers a section of traditional dishes from Nepal and the surrounding region. There are many curries, including palak paneer, butter chicken, prawn curry and more. They cater to vegetarians, vegans and those who are gluten-free.

Lamb shank massaman, wagyu panang, and salmon green curry are just some of the dishes you’ll find at Chong Co. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options on the menu.

The menu at Blu Ginger is reflective of India’s diverse cuisine. You’ll find the seafood allepy curry from Kerala, Goanese fish curry and Punjabi saagwala curry among many others.

Dum Dickson offers traditional Indian curries including madras, korma, saag, vindaloo, rogan josh and more. They have a range of protein options on their menu, and a large vegetarian section.

7 Village has a large menu that’s a mix of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes. There are traditional curries and chef’s specials. They also offer meal deals and lunch specials.

Yogi’s fragrant curries have made them a firm favourite for those in the inner south. They offer authentic Indian dishes, with options for vegetarians.

For a Japanese take on curry, visit Tokyo Canteen for their kare raisu Japanese curry. Choose from either panko chicken, tempura prawn or tofu.

Did we miss your favourite? Send us an email at ourcanberra@act.gov.au.

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Building connections through shared reading

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A new Libraries ACT program is bringing Canberrans together to share the joy of stories read aloud.

No matter your age, there’s something comforting about being read to.

A new program at Libraries ACT taps into this, bringing Canberrans together to experience the joy of stories read aloud.

Shared Reading is a free weekly program offered at Tuggeranong and Dickson libraries.

In each 90-minute session, participants gather to hear a facilitator read a short story.

There are pauses for group discussion. This allows participants to share their thoughts, emotions and personal connections to the story, if they wish.

Building connections

Shared reading sessions present a great way to meet people and make new friends.

The program is designed to support all ages, with particular benefit to those aged 60+.

The sessions offer a powerful remedy for loneliness and isolation.

More than just reading aloud, Shared Reading creates a space where participants can fully engage with the story and each other without judgment.

The approach allows people to connect deeply with the literature and with one another.

The facilitator

Local educator Louise Bromhead will lead the sessions.

With extensive training in Shared Reading facilitation, Louise is passionate about the program and its potential to foster meaningful connections among participants.

Meet and greet

The program kicks off with an information session and meet and greet on Wednesday 17 July 2024.

Participants can learn more about the program, meet Louise, and enjoy a cuppa and biscuit.

Come and join in

Whether you’re an avid reader, looking to connect with others, or both, this program offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Dates (Wednesdays)

  • July: 17, 24, 31
  • August: 7, 14, 21, 28
  • September: 4, 11, 18, 25
  • October: 23, 30
  • November: 6, 13, 20, 27
  • December: 4, 11, 18

Times

  • Tuggeranong Library: 10:15am to 11:45am
  • Dickson Library: 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Cost: free

Register to experience the Shared Reading program.

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Robert Foster artwork finds new home at Kingston Arts Precinct

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Journey contains 37 individual plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

An award-winning Robert Foster artwork is the first confirmed for display in the future Kingston Arts Precinct.

The artwork, titled The Journey, was gifted to the ACT Government.

The work

Many Canberrans will know The Journey. It had pride of place in the foyer of ActewAGL’s Bunda Street premises for over ten years.

The artwork spans around 300 square metres. It contains 37 plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

These glow different colours according to the time of day. Inbuilt motion sensors also interact with viewers’ movement.

ActewAGL commissioned The Journey in 2010, to mark its 10th anniversary.

The company offered the work to the ACT Government following the sale of the Bunda Street building.

It will now be refurbished and incorporated into the new Kingston Arts Precinct design.

Although The Journey is a gift to the ACT Government, the artist’s estate will receive a voluntary royalty.

This acknowledges the change in ownership and the artist’s continuing interest in the work.

Under the Artist’s Resale Royalty Scheme, artists and their estates are entitled to a 5 per cent royalty whenever an eligible artwork resells in Australia.

The artist

The late Robert Foster was a renowned local artist, best known for the iconic F!NK water jug.

His works are held in major public collections. These include the National Gallery of Australia, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Robert died following a car accident in 2016.

He established F!NK + Co, a design and manufacturing company, with his wife, Gretel Harrison. It has employed many artists who have gone on to productive careers as designers and makers in the region.

“I am super appreciative of artsACT for finding a new home for Robert’s sculpture The Journey so that once again people will be able to walk through his mesmerising forest of lights,” Gretel said.

F!NK + Co will work with the Kingston Arts Precinct design team to integrate The Journey into its new home.

The Kingston Arts Precinct

The Kingston Arts Precinct will be a hub for arts organisations in Canberra.

It will house:

  • Canberra Contemporary Art Space
  • Canberra Glassworks
  • Craft ACT
  • M16 Artspace
  • Megalo Print Studio
  • PhotoAccess
  • a new space for Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The precinct will be a fitting new home for The Journey where it will captivate a new audience and further honour the artist’s legacy.

Find out more about the Kingston Arts Precinct at BuiltforCBR.

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Cheer on our Olympians and Paralympians at the AIS

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Canberrans gathered to watch the Matildas play at Canberra’s last watch party in Garema Place.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Arena has been selected as a live site for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

There will be two watch parties in the recently upgraded arena. Sit back on a bean bag and watch the Games on the big screens.

You can also head along to the AIS Visitor Centre to watch the Channel 9 broadcast of the Games. It will be screening from 26 July until 11 September.

Here’s everything you need to know:

When is it on?

There will be two watch parties in August:

  • Sunday 4 August for the Olympics
  • Sunday 31 August for the Paralympics

Both events will run from 10am to 2pm.

How much are tickets?

The events are free, but bookings are required.

Book your ticket for the Olympics LIVE Watch Party.

Book your ticket for the Paralympics LIVE Watch Party.

What are the food options?

There will be local food trucks at the arena selling food and drink.

Is it family-friendly?

Absolutely. Children are welcome to attend and there will be kids’ entertainment options at both parties.

Are there other entertainment options?

Entertainment options include:

  • children’s face painting
  • colouring in
  • sport demonstrations and challenges
  • free AIS tours every 30 minutes
  • free entry to Sportex, the interacting sporting exhibit
  • meet and greet past Olympians and Paralympians to see their medals
  • an Olympic podium and photo wall.

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Anywhere at any time—Be Dingo-Safe!

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 9 Apr 2025

Visitors to K’gari during the Easter school holidays are urged to prioritise safety and have an incident-free trip by following the Be dingo-safe! advice.

People are reminded to always carry a dingo safety stick, avoid walking alone, refrain from running and ensure that children are always close.

Ranger in Charge Dr Linda Behrendorff said dingoes could be anywhere at any time and people can’t be complacent.

“Holiday periods are always busy on K’gari, and residents and visitors should be thinking about our safety messages at all times, Dr Behrendorff said.

“There have been 28 high risk incidents on the island this year, and we want to get through this holiday period without any further interactions.

“Dingoes should never be fed or approached for photos, and if they’re lingering around camping areas they should be deterred through making assertive and loud noises.

“Fishers should never let dingoes get access to discarded bait, and fish frames should be buried at half a metre deep.

“Throwing one piece of bait or unwanted sausage can instantly change the behaviour of a dingo, and that can lead to changes in behaviour of a dingo pack.

“Human intervention through deliberate or inadvertent feeding of dingoes or by approaching them for selfies is unlawful and can lead to negative interactions.

“To stay safe and protect the unique wildlife, we’re asking all visitors to remain vigilant, secure food and rubbish properly, and Be dingo-safe!”

Visitors to K’gari are reminded to be dingo safe at all times:

  • Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
  • Always walk in groups
  • Always carry a stick when walking
  • Camp in fenced areas where possible
  • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
  • Never feed dingoes
  • Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
  • Never store food or food containers in tents, and
  • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
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Large Crocodile captured near Proserpine boat ramp

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 7 Apr 2025

A 4.5m estuarine crocodile has been captured in a baited trap near the Proserpine River boat ramp at Conway on the Proserpine River in north Queensland.

The large male crocodile had been sighted in very close proximity to the boat ramp and pontoon, and given its size, concerning behaviour and increased risk to public safety, it was declared for removal from the wild under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan (QCMP).

Rangers set a baited trap on Friday 4 April 2025, and it was captured during the early hours of Saturday 5 April 2025. It will be rehomed at a crocodile farm or zoo.

During assessments of the location prior to the animal being declared for removal, Wildlife Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) found discarded fish frames that had been left at the boat ramp.

Members of the public have also reported entire pig carcasses being tied at the boat ramp.

Acting Manager Northern Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Jane Burns said it is likely the pig carcasses had been left at the boat ramp in a deliberate attempt to lure the animal.

“Deliberate or inadvertent feeding of crocodiles at boat ramps or fishing locations can change their behaviour, and they will hang around an area expecting food,” Ms Burns said.

“Crocodiles do not need to be fed, and tourists and people living in crocodile habitat should make sensible choices around the water to prioritise their safety and to help prevent crocodiles being removed from the wild.

“Under the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2018, it is an offence to deliberately discard fish frames or pig carcasses that may attract crocodiles,

“This type of behaviour is very disappointing and concerning. It creates an increased risk to public safety.

“Crocodiles can become habituated to an easy meal, and associate that with a particular location or people. This unfortunately has created a higher risk of a crocodile attack at this location.”

Anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of this crocodile, or any crocodile in Queensland is encouraged to call 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.

All crocodile sightings should be reported to DETSI in a timely manner.

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

View further information about croc safety at Be Crocwise in Croc Country.