Issued for LOWER LIGHT AND PRINCES HIGHWAY in the Mid North.
CFS advises that crews have responded to a rubbish dump fire at a commercial waste property. The fire currently does not pose a threat to the public.
Property management are on scene managing the fire. Smoke will be visible in the area for some time, and residents and travelers are urged to take care whilst travelling through the area. There may be reduced visibility on major throughfares, such as Princes Highway (Port Wakefield Road).
A man was arrested after allegedly attempting to steal a car at Seaford last night.
Police were called to Commercial Road, Seaford just after 9pm on Saturday 12 April by reports of an attempted robbery.
A 19-year-old woman was sitting in her car in the shopping centre car park when she was approached by a man who asked for a lift.
They had a brief conversation before he allegedly reached in and dragged her out of the car.
Witnesses quickly intervened, pulled the man out of the car and detained him until police arrived.
Fortunately, the victim wasn’t injured during this incident.
The 20-year-old South Brighton man was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery. He was refused police bail and will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday 14 April.
Police thank the public for their swift intervention and coming to the young woman’s aid.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Woodlands & Wetlands Trust will use their grant to develop a self-guided interpretive trail at Mulligans Flat.
In brief:
The 2024 ACT Heritage Grants program is funding 13 local projects.
These grants help individuals and groups with projects that celebrate the region’s history.
The Woodlands & Wetlands Trust is one of the recipients.
The recipients of the 2024 ACT Heritage Grants program have been announced.
This year’s program will fund 13 individual or community group projects to the value of $206,500.
Funding was prioritised for projects that:
aim to conserve and promote the region’s diverse heritage
enhance local and visitor experiences.
ACT Heritage Grants program aims to help Canberrans honour many years of culture, stories and history.
Previous recipients have showcased the region’s rich history and First Nations heritage. This year’s Canberra and Region Heritage Festival program featured 22 projects funded through these grants.
This year’s selected projects include restoration of heritage places and objects, oral histories, publications and tours.
They will use this to create a self-guided interpretive trail at Mulligans Flat.
“This will showcase the geological heritage of Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and tell stories about how geology has shaped the landscape and people’s connections to country,” CEO Dr Jason Cummings said.
The trail will give visitors to Mulligans Flat a new opportunity to engage with its natural and cultural landscape.
It will be particularly useful for school groups and will form part of the Canberra Tracks network.
“We will incorporate Ngunnawal perspectives and stories and take people on a journey through geological time. Interpretive signage will be installed to showcase local geological features and share stories about how geology shapes landscape features – water, plants, animals and people,” Jason said.
2024–25 individual recipients and projects
Cuppacumbalong: Roof Conservation Works – $63,500
Tidbinbilla Pioneers Association: Oral Histories in the modern era – $22,200
Tidbinbilla Pioneers Association: Rock Valley Homestead Conservation Works – $17,000
Canberra Baptist Church: Conservation Management Plan – $15,525
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The two new suburbs will bring the number of suburbs in the district to seven.
Two new suburbs in the Molonglo Valley will be named Bandler and Sulman.
These honour prominent Australians Faith Bandler AC and Sir John Sulman.
These new suburbs will sit within the Molonglo Valley 3 East development. This is the next major stage of suburban development in the area.
Bandler will be developed first. It will sit east of Whitlam across John Gorton Drive.
This will bring the number of suburbs in the district to seven.
Naming Canberra suburbs and places allows us to celebrate influential people from all backgrounds.
Faith Bandler AC
Ida Lessing Faith Bandler was a human rights activist, social justice advocate and author.
She helped raise public awareness and understanding of:
the cultural heritage of South Sea Islanders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
women’s issues.
Faith’s daughter Associate Professor Lilon Bandler said the naming acknowledged her mother’s dedication to creating a more just, inclusive world.
“She had an unwavering commitment to civil rights and social reform that has left an indelible mark on our history. It is deeply moving to see her legacy honoured through the naming of this new suburb in Canberra, a city she visited many, many times.
“As her daughter, I find it particularly fitting that the Division of Bandler will be located next to the Division of Whitlam. My mother often spoke of the importance of visionary leadership in creating social change,” Lilon said.
Sir John Sulman
Sir John Sulman was an architect and town planner. He helped shape Canberra in its early development and influenced the city’s design.
He was appointed Knight Bachelor of the British Empire in 1924. This was in recognition of his influence and contributions in architecture.
“Members of the extended Sulman family are delighted that my great-grandfather Sir John Sulman is being so very appropriately honoured,” Sir John’s great-grandson Emeritus Professor David Carment AM said.
“He deserves this recognition for his significant contributions to Australia as an architect, patron of the arts, town planner and writer, and particularly for his vital role in Canberra’s development,” David said.
Suburban themes
Each suburb in the ACT has a theme used to help name its streets.
For Bandler, the theme will be ‘Australian Social and Cultural Life’.
For Sulman, it will be ‘Humanities and Social Sciences’.
A possible town centre
There is another suburb expected for the Molonglo Valley. This is yet to be named.
The National Capital Authority is currently considering the reclassification of the commercial centre of Molonglo as a Town Centre.
Have your say
The ACT Place Names Advisory Committee welcomes suggestions of names and feedback from the Canberra community.
More information about how places are named and how to provide feedback is available on the Place names page on the ACT Planning website.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Construction crews have been busy preparing the schoolgrounds for new buildings.
In brief:
Construction has started on the Garran Primary School modernisation.
The groundwork has been laid, and buildings will be constructed on the northern section of the schoolgrounds over the coming months.
The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.
Construction work on the Garran Primary School modernisation is now underway.
Over the last few months, construction crews have forged ahead on the project. This has included:
excavating the site
pouring the foundations for new buildings
installing stormwater infrastructure to support the new school and preschool campus.
Now that the groundwork is in place, it’s time to start building up.
Over the coming months you’ll see buildings rise out of the ground in the northern sections of the schoolgrounds. This will include the library, preschool and learning community buildings.
Once complete, the modernisation of Garran Primary will increase capacity up to 975 students from preschool to year 6. It will include:
new learning areas
playgrounds
a new double gymnasium
hard courts
green spaces
and more.
The first stage of the project involves the construction of the new school campus and preschool. This first stage of the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025 with students moving into the new school campus shortly after.
The second stage of the project will involve:
demolishing the old school buildings in the southern half of the school grounds
building a new double gymnasium
building external learning play spaces.
This second stage of the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The purpose-built facility is set to open in January 2025.
In brief:
The new facility for Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation is being built in Wanniassa.
This article contains details about the building and Gugan Gulwan’s services.
Work is on track at the new home of the Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation in Wanniassa.
It will support Gugan Gulwan to deliver expanded services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans, including:
children
young people
families.
The purpose-built centre will offer services in a culturally appropriate and familiar setting.
It will have a private central gathering place. There will also be a fire pit to acknowledge traditional and contemporary cultural practices.
The new facility will tell the stories of pre-colonisation, post-colonisation and contemporary history with an ongoing connection to Country through artwork and storytelling.
It seeks to reflect and uphold Aboriginal identity, including when connections to Country may be elsewhere.
Considered, sustainable design
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have culturally led the design. Interpretive work within will reflect this.
The unique façade features 43 highly detailed precast panels. Each weighs an average of eight tonnes.
The project is targeting 5-star Green Buildings certification. Features include:
a performance glazing system
efficient lighting
a large solar PV system.
The building will also collect water with a 1,700L rainwater collection tank.
Gugan Gulwan and its leadership
Gugan Gulwan’s commitment is to protect, nurture and support children, youth and their families as they grow – from birth, through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.
Gugan Gulwan work in collaboration and partnership with their clients through a range of programs.
Damien Coke has recently been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation. This follows the retirement of Kim Davison after decades of service.
Mr Coke is a proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba man, with significant connections to the Yuin nation and maintains a strong connection to his cultures.
He has extensive experience in cultural engagement for corporates and change management for diversity and inclusion outcomes.
Mr Coke is also a highly experienced senior manager and administrator, having held positions including Chief Operations Officer for Reconciliation Australia and Executive Director, Business Services at Indigenous Business Australia.
“This is a beautiful and unique building, which in many ways reflects the organization that is Gugan Gulwan,” Mr Coke said.
“My vision for this new building is not just a place that is beautiful and unique. My vision is for this place to be a home away from home for the community. A place that is culturally safe and where all mob feel welcome – always.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
You could spot kangaroos, koalas, platypus, echidnas, frogs, lizards, snakes and so much more.
In brief:
Canberra is home to many different types of wildlife.
This article lists locations in Canberra where you can see native wildlife.
Canberra has been given the name of the bush capital for good reason. Our bushland is the perfect habitat for a variety of native wildlife.
We’ve put together a guide for spotting native animals and birds.
Please remember that although wildlife can be cute and is exciting to see, do not:
Approach or disturb the wildlife
try to touch them,
feed them or
destroy their habitats in any way.
Give our native wildlife lots of space and keep as much distance as you can to ensure you stay safe and protect their habitat.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is home to a wide range of Australian wildlife. You could spot kangaroos, koalas, platypus, echidnas, frogs, lizards, snakes and so much more through the vast sub-alpine habitats.
There is also the Threatened Species Conservation program, which helps research and recover threatened species. This includes the Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, Northern Corroboree Frog and Grassland Earless Dragon.
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary has a program of reintroductions of species and allows them a place to grow and thrive. A predator-proof fence protects the wildlife inside and keeps them safe from introduced predators and pests like foxes and rabbits.
A few of the native wildlife that call Mulligans Flat home were extinct on the mainland of Australian or found only in specific areas of Australia until their reintroduction. You might get lucky enough to see an Eastern Bettong, Eastern Quoll, New Holland Mouse any many more different species.
This reserve is located next to the Kingston Foreshore and is one of the ACT’s most important wetland habitats. There are several different bird hides where you can watch birds and wildlife.
For the full wetlands experience, download the Jerrabomberra Wetlands app and choose from three route options to wander.
If you are looking for a place to view free flying birds, head to the Canberra Walk-in Aviary. You’ll find over 500 birds including nearly 60 different species from both Australia and around the world.
Do scaly reptiles pique your interest? Visit the Canberra Reptile Zoo to see native snakes, lizards, geckos and more. You can not only watch the reptiles, but you also can sign up to touch them and some special volunteers get to hold them as well.
If you’re into bird watching, the Canberra Birds site is home to all things bird-related in Canberra. Learn about different bird species, where they have been spotted and how to report and observe birds. There is also an amazing photo gallery full of the birds people have spotted.
Do you have a child that is obsessed with wildlife? Enrol them into one of the many young ranger programs that happen throughout the year. Kids can go on guided tours to see many different animals throughout Canberra. From frogs to birds there will be something to keep the kids fascinated.
Canberra is home to over 90 amazing parks, many of which are filled with local wildlife. Search the area and see the different kinds of wildlife you come across on your travels. Whether you stay in your own suburb, or travel out to one of the national parks, you are bound to come across many interesting species.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A climate-wise garden can create a shady haven for your family while providing a habitat for native animals and insects.
In brief:
Canberra is expecting hotter temperatures, more heatwaves and less predictable rainfall.
Creating a climate-wise garden helps keep your home cooler and contributes to reducing urban heat.
This story has tips for creating a climate-wise garden for summer.
Spring is a great time of year to plan your summer garden.
Whether you have a large yard, a small courtyard or balcony, you can create a beautiful garden that:
thrives in local conditions
helps keep your space cool in hot weather
is a habitat for native animals and insects.
By planning your climate-wise garden, you can lower the temperature around your home. This can help you save energy and reduce your cooling bills during the hot months.
Choose plants for Canberra’s climate
Canberra’s climate is changing. This means we will have:
hotter temperatures
more heatwaves
less predictable rainfall.
Roads, footpaths and buildings absorb the sun’s heat and makes urban areas hotter than nearby green spaces.
Living infrastructure (like the plants and trees in your garden) can reduce urban heat during hotter weather and heatwaves.
A climate-wise garden has plants that consider sun, shade and water needs, and frost tolerance.
The ACT Government’s Canberra Plant Selector is a free online tool that can help you choose the best plants for your climate-wise garden.
You can search for plants suited to Canberra’s climate based on sun, shade, frost tolerance and water needs. Not sure what exactly you’re looking for? Use the handy quiz feature to get some recommendations tailored to your space.
Don’t have space for a tree? Adding greenery to a westerly facing wall can help keep it cool during those hot summer afternoons. You can also consider an overhead trellis or placing some plants on your balcony or veranda. Another option is to install a shade structure, such as a sail.
Planting a tree in a hot space helps, but what about the ground surface underneath? If it’s compacted dirt, artificial grass, or pavers, some of the cooling effects of the tree are lost. Think about understory plants that might work well in your space. If you can’t plant directly into the ground, consider pots or planters.
Use water wisely
Planting only grass or groundcover won’t help you beat the heat. Grass and other forms of ground cover are coolest when irrigated or combined with shrubs and trees that also provide shade.
Consider getting a rain tank to capture runoff from your roof. You can use this water to keep your lawn and garden irrigated and cooler in hot conditions.
If you already have trees and shade in your space, installing a small pond or other water feature can help keep things even cooler. Ponds can also provide habitat for frogs and insects, as well as providing a welcome respite for local wildlife.
Help keep our city cooler
Having a climate-wise garden isn’t just about keeping your own home cool. Landowners, builders and the community play an important role in reducing Canberra’s urban heat.
The ACT Government is helping the Territory to adapt to the effects of climate change through living infrastructure like trees and plants.
As Canberra’s urban environment grows and evolves, the ACT Government is committed to ensuring our tree canopy and living infrastructure also expands.
By 2045, across Canberra’s urban footprint, the ACT Government aims to achieve:
30 per cent tree canopy cover or other forms of living infrastructure, such as green roofs, shrub beds, wetlands and rain gardens.
30 per cent permeable surfaces, such as lawns, gravel and porous paving.
Canberra’s Living Infrastructure Plan outlines how we can nurture and grow our natural assets. The Plan will grow our urban forest, make our city and buildings more climate resilient and empower the community with the tools and resources to become climate ready.
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