Source:
Samoa has declared a State of Emergency due to an energy crisis. The country is experiencing regular power outages and electricity rationing, impacting some essential services. Check with accommodation providers and local contacts about impacted services. Monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’).
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Yarralumla boasts a dog park, two dog beaches and a number of on and off-leash areas to play.
Central Canberra is one of the oldest and most scenic parts of Canberra. With its parks, beaches and mountains, there’s plenty of spaces for you and your dog to explore together.
Yarralumla Dog Park
On the edge of Weston Park, you’ll find this large, grassy dog park.
It has separate areas for large and small dogs. Both have plenty of space for dogs to play, zoom, and socialise.
It is fully fenced, with benches to sit while you supervise your dog.
It’s only a short, on-leash walk to nearby Lake Burley Griffin, including a number of dog beaches.
Off-leash areas
There are 20 areas where dogs can be off-leash across the central Canberra region.
Here are some of our favourites:
Orana Bay, Yarralumla
It doesn’t get more scenic than this beautiful dog-friendly swimming spot.
The small beach on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin overlooks the iconic (soon to be redeveloped) Telstra Tower.
Orana Bay is conveniently located a short walk away from the fenced dog park in Weston Park, Yarralumla, and connects to on-leash walking tracks spanning across Lake Burley Griffin. It’s the perfect spot for your dog to cool after a burning their energy at the dog park or around the lake.
Yarralumla
Yarralumla has a few off-leash areas for dogs to play.
Kurrajong Point Beach in Weston Park is a dog beach surrounded by shade and grass.
The space between Denman Street and Dudley Street up to (but not including) the Canberra Brickworks is a dog off-leash area.
It contains a mix of open grassy areas, as well as shaded walking rails.
Yarralumla Bay Oval and the adjacent grassy area up to Hopetoun Circuit is also a dog off-leash area.
Yarralumla Bay Oval is an excellent spot for socialising and play when it’s not in use. If it’s booked for formal sport (including training sessions), however, you’ll need to return another time.
Haig Park, Braddon and Turner
Inner north Canberrans and their furry family members flock to Haig Park to play. The entire park (except for the three major paths running between Greenway Street and Masson Street) are dog off-leash areas.
You can take your dog for a run on the agility course or explore the nature play area. Pine trees provide plenty of shade, and there is lots of space to run around. There are also public toilets.
If you’d like to stop for lunch, there are plenty of benches and picnic tables. Otherwise, why not visit on a Sunday between 8am and 2pm for the dog-friendly Haig Village Markets?
On-leash areas
Mount Ainslie
If your dog is active, a hike up Mount Ainslie is a great way to get some exercise.
The Kokoda Track is a 4.5 kilometre return walk. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Canberra.
Make sure you stick to the track or trail and don’t venture into the surrounding bushland.
Lake Burley Griffin
Canine Canberrans love this walk as much as their human family members.
There are a few areas around the lake that are dog prohibited areas, including:
However, the vast majority of the shores of Lake Burley Griffin (including the five-kilometre bridge-to-bridge walk) are perfect for dogs on lead. Not only will you see some of Canberra’s best scenery, but you’re bound to meet some fellow dog owners and their pooches along the way.
Both the inner south and inner north of Canberra feature tree-lined streets, footpaths and cycle paths. These, as well as all verges, are dog on-leash areas. If you venture off the street or path, remember that your dog needs to stay on lead within 10 metres either of either side.
Regardless of where your adventure takes you, you need to clean up after your dog. Failure to pick up your dog droppings is an offence that can land you with a $150 fine. Failure to carry the correct equipment is also an offence and carries a $75 fine.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Louise Skačej will collaborate with a strong team to create Stasia Dabrowski’s sculpture.
Artist Louise Skačej will create the public artwork honouring Stasia Dabrowski OAM, Canberra’s ‘Soup Kitchen Lady’.
This commission is part of an ongoing ACT Government initiative to celebrate significant Canberra women through public art.
Stasia (1926–2020) ran a mobile soup kitchen from a corner of Garema Place for almost 40 years.
She fed thousands of vulnerable Canberrans and is being recognised for decades of selfless service.
Her sculpture will be installed in Garema Place in early 2026.
It will be located close to where Stasia’s original soup kitchen once stood.
The artwork will create a permanent tribute to her extraordinary life and work.
Louise will collaborate with a strong team to create Stasia’s sculpture. This includes:
With her immigrant background, Louise’s art often explores themes of culture, heritage, and memory.
Canberrans may recognise Louise’s work. She collaborated with Dean to create her thought-provoking artwork the Battle of Kapyong Diorama. This is displayed at the Australian War Memorial.
“I’m honoured and grateful for the opportunity to create a sculpture of Stasia Dabrowski,” Louise said.
“Her simple but profound act of sharing love and compassion, shows us that love isn’t just a word – it’s something we do.”
“I hope this sculpture will inspire others to take action and bring light to those in need, just like Stasia did for so many.”
Those in need of a good meal – or even just a hug – knew they could rely on Stasia.
Every Friday night between 1982 and 2018, she served homemade soup, bread and drinks to the hungry.
As well as paying for and serving the food, Stasia put in the hours preparing it.
She would babysit and clean houses to earn enough to buy the ingredients. On Thursdays, she would peel and cook 180 kilograms of vegetables to get ready for the next day.
By 2000, Stasia was providing several hundred loaves of bread and at least 100 litres of homemade vegetable soup. She would feed over 300 people each Friday night.
Stasia won numerous awards and accolades for her charity work. These included:
Stasia, however, remained humble about the work she was doing.
“I never keep photos because I am not proud… the soup kitchen is a simple thing, people cooking veggies, nothing special,” she said at the time.
Stasia continued her work until the age of 92 and passed away two years later in 2020.
More information on the public art commissioning process is available from artsACT.
Stasia Dabrowski at the National Portrait Gallery, 2008. Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Are you watching the ABC’s new comedy series, Austin?
Set in Canberra and London, Austin shines a light on Canberra’s major national institutions, iconic concrete bus stops and local suburban gems.
Produced by the award-winning team at Northern Pictures – in partnership with the ABC, Screen Australia, ITV Studios, and Screen Canberra – Austin is the acting debut for Love on the Spectrum fan-favourite, Michael Theo. Theo stars in the series alongside renowned UK actors, Ben Miller and Sally Phillips, and beloved Australian icons Gia Carides and Roy Billing.
Whether you’re an excited Canberran or simply curious about where the show was filmed, the Our CBR team has rounded up all the Canberra locations used on the set of Austin.
Concrete Bus Shelter
Nestled into our suburbs, you only have to step out and take a short walk before you come across one of Canberra’s iconic concrete bus shelters. Designed in 1974 by Canberra architect Clem Cummings, there are over 450 of these bus shelters throughout the city.
The bus shelter seen on Austin can be found on King George Terrace in Parkes.
Book Lore
Austin’s alternative bookstore ‘The True Reader’ is actually Book Lore at the Lyneham shops!
Book Lore has been selling quality second-hand books at Lyneham for over 40 years. They don’t cater to the “specific” audience referenced in Austin, but they do have a diverse collection of literature, non-fiction, and children’s books on offer.
Book Lore
94 Wattle Street, Lyneham, ACT 2602
The Front
Locals from the Inner North would recognise the set of the Magpie Café anywhere. It’s The Front at Lyneham shops.
The Front
1 Wattle Pl, Lyneham ACT 2602
ANCA Gallery in Dickson
Disguised as a boutique gallery in outer-London, you might recognise the Australian National Capital Artists Inc. (ANCA) gallery located in Dickson. It is featured throughout episode 8.
Australian National Capital Artists (ANCA)
1 Rosevear Place, Dickson, Australian Capital Territory, Australia 2602
Thor’s Hammer
Observant viewers may have noticed the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ logo on Austin’s work uniform. Located in Griffith, Thor’s Hammer is a local timber recycling and design workshop – they also have a showroom and gallery.
Thor’s Hammer
10 Mildura Street, Griffith, ACT 2603
The Hyatt Hotel Canberra
The manicured gardens and stunning 1920’s architecture of the heritage-listed Hyatt Hotel (or the ‘Canberra Hotel’ in Austin) is a prominent backdrop throughout the show.
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2600
The Marion
Iconic Canberra venue the Marion was used as the set for the hotel restaurant at ‘Canberra Hotel’. You won’t find the handsome barman Luke, but you can grab a delicious flat white and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin.
The Marion
Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Parkes ACT 2600
The National Library of Australia
Looking for the radiant bookshop with stained-glass windows from episode one? Look no further than the National Library Bookshop! You will not find copies of Big Bear in stock, but they have a fantastic range of Australian authors and award-winning titles.
And this is not the only NLA cameo in the show – the London-based office spaces in the show were also shot at the National Library.
The National Library of Australia
Parkes Place West, Canberra, ACT 2600
Museum of Australian Democracy
Featuring heritage spaces restored to their original condition and contemporary exhibitions about individuals and events of Australian democracy, you can’t miss MoAD’s cameo in episode two!
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT
Rebel Rebel
Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed familiar wooden beams in a nameless but effortlessly cool ‘London’ restaurant. That is because the location was actually Rebel Rebel, dressed as London but filmed right here in Canberra!
Rebel Rebel
21-23 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra, ACT
Australian Parliament House
The pinnacle of Canberra’s cultural institutions, you cannot visit the stationary office, but you can take a guided tour, visit the café, and see an impressive collection of Australian art.
Australian Parliament House
Parliament Drive, Canberra
Austin premiered on Sunday 9 June at 8pm on ABC TV, and all eight episodes are available to stream on ABC iView.
Austin was supported by the ACT Government and Screen Canberra through the CBR Screen Attraction Fund and CBR Screen Investment Fund.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Toilets will be installed at Ruth Park Playground in Coombs.
2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo
With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024–25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.
Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.
Some of the projects funded in Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo include:
A new community services hub for Woden
The Budget includes funding a new Woden Community Services Hub.
The Hub will replace the existing four buildings currently operated by Woden Community Service, bringing together community and government services within one facility.
Integrating a walk-in health clinic, child and family services and other vital community services, the Hub will provide residents the support they need – efficiently and in one place.
It will also offer more spaces for people to mix and meet as the region grows.
The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.
As part of the program, 11,028 new homes are planned for Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley.
Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive is set to start in the coming months.
The ACT Government will invest in the project through the 2024–25 ACT Budget, as part of a 50:50 funding agreement with the Australian Government.
The project will see the duplication of 2.4 kilometres of Athllon Drive between Sulwood Drive and Drakeford Drive.
This Budget will also provide support for:
New and upgraded community infrastructure
The 2024-25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the city.
Projects include:
The Government will also respond to community feedback regarding resources at ACT libraries. There will be new portable phone chargers and more power boards and charging stations, in addition to improving building security.
More funding for mowing and horticulture
The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.
The Budget will include funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in our mowing teams.
In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.
More health services
The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure for the region.
This includes investing in the continuing redevelopment Canberra Hospital and a new pathology and clinical support building on the campus.
This Budget will also support the establishment of:
The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.
This Budget will also support:
There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.
Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.
11,028 new homes are planned for Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Healthier choices include food that features fresh ingredients.
It’s one thing to eat healthy when you’re at home, but it’s another when you’re out and about. That’s why the ACT Government started Healthier Choices Canberra. The program makes it easier for you to find healthier food and drinks around Canberra.
By registering with Healthier Choices Canberra, local businesses pledge to put healthier options front and centre.
Every quarter, Healthier Choices Canberra award a participating business with the Local Leader Award.
The most recent award winner is Eighty/Twenty café. The café has been serving healthy food for the past 10 years. There are eight locations across Canberra where locals can grab a healthy, fresh meal.
“Food is our fuel and we believe everyone benefits from clean, natural and unprocessed whole foods,” Eighty/Twenty owner Aakash said.
“But, sometimes in life, you deserve a treat or two. We make sure you don’t need to compromise. Our team handcrafts nutrient-boosting smoothies, raw desserts and good coffee.”
When asked what the popular healthier choices items are on his menu, Aakash has one word: bowls.
“Our customers can’t get enough of bowls. Whether it’s our chermoula spiced lamb bowl or our green nourish bowl– they’re some of our greatest hits!
“It’s not just savoury bowls though. Our granola bowl with poached pear, berry yoghurt and house made granola or our snickers acai bowl with peanut butter and cacao hits the spot with being rich, sweet and delicious, but still healthy.”
With the temperature dropping, Aakash and his team have updated their menu with hearty options.
“We’ve added a chia spiced porridge, braised beef cheeks, basil pesto linguine and beef linguine to our winter menu to keep our customers satisfied, warm and nourished.”
While the temptation can be to stay warm on the couch and order takeaway, Aakash encourages his customers to get out and enjoy the crisp winter days.
“Rug up and enjoy the outdoors. Go on walks and enjoy the blue skies and sunny (but cold) days we’re so lucky to have. Eat lots of warm salad that have enough protein and don’t forget treats – our vegan and gluten-free raw slices are a great option.”
On the lookout for healthier food and drink options? Visit the Healthier Choices Canberra website to find a venue near you.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The new Bill includes several key amendments designed to improve access to altruistic surrogacy.
More Canberrans, including those experiencing infertility and single people, can now pursue parenthood through altruistic surrogacy.
Today the ACT Government passed the Parentage (Surrogacy) Amendment Bill 2023.
This milestone in the advancement of reproductive rights better aligns the Territory’s surrogacy laws with those in other Australian jurisdictions.
The Bill includes several key amendments designed to improve access to altruistic surrogacy.
It strengthens human rights protections for intended parents, surrogates and children born through surrogacy.
Once the Bill is notified, there will no longer be a requirement that there be two intended parents to enter into a surrogacy arrangement.
This allows single people in the ACT to consider surrogacy as pathway to parenthood.
There will also no longer be a requirement for any intended parents to have a genetic connection with the child.
The changes remove the requirements that one intended parent be a genetic parent of the child.
They instead allow for traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate themselves is the genetic parent of the child.
This means that:
This increases options, especially for people experiencing infertility.
In addition to expanding access, the reforms also:
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Source: South Australia Police
The City will increase its maintenance of streetscapes, pedestrian access ways and town centres, following a streetscape and verge management review.
Endorsed by Council in 2024, the review aimed to achieve consistent and improved streetscape management services across the City, with a focus on safety and sustainability.
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said as well as identifying efficient and cost-effective ways to increase the maintenance of all City streets, a key focus of the review was to prepare the City for reductions to groundwater allocations that will come into effect within the next five years.
“Water is a precious resource in Australia, and by introducing priority zones that align with the City’s Urban Forest Strategy, we can make sure we are prepared for these impending reductions.”
As part of the review, the City has also implemented a consistent approach to residential verge management, where residents are responsible for the maintenance of the verge adjacent to their property.
“Taking the time to care for your verge is a great way to improve the appearance of your street, contribute to a more sustainable City and get to know your neighbours,” Mayor Aitken said.
For more information about the streetscape review, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/streetscapes.
Source: Airservices Australia
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Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
Innovative technology to document heritage for future generations will be among the topics presented at a public forum on Thursday May 8 as part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival.
From Pick to Pixel: Unearthing Bendigo’s Tech Heritage is a City of Greater Bendigo hosted public forum, organised by community members from the Heritage Advisory Committee. This forum merges the topics of technology and tradition to explore how innovation keeps heritage alive.
The event will be held at Dja Dja Wurrung’s stunning new cultural venue, Larnangurrak – Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate & Community Centre in Golden Square. Arrival and registration is at 5.30pm with the forum starting at 6pm until 8.30pm.
Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said the forum was free and open to residents, businesses and visitors with a keen interest in heritage and its place in the 21st century in Greater Bendigo.
“The forum has been designed to be fast paced, featuring short presentations from local experts about the new technology being used to help preserve Greater Bendigo’s heritage, combining heritage and sustainability, and the addition of the Victorian Goldfields to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List,” Mr Petherbridge said.
“This forum offers a rare opportunity for discovery, discussion, and connection. Whether you are passionate about heritage and history, fascinated by technology, or simply curious, this event promises to inspire and engage.”
The forum will include:
To register for the forum, head to: