April 25 2025 | CanberraDigest

Hello Canberra,

Weather: 18° and partly cloudy.

Today: It’s Thursday 25th April. Today is ANZAC Day.

This is a previous issue of Canberra Digest. Get Canberra news, events, culture and more sent to your inbox every morning. Subscribe for free.

History: Inside Canberra's Internment Camp

A century ago, where Wollongong Street in Fyshwick now sits, was the site of a wartime internment camp. The Molonglo internment camp operated from May 1918 until the end of 1919.

This Camp and 30 others around Australia housed people whom Australia deemed a threat to the nation's security. 7000 people were in the camps during World War I and over 12,000 in World War II.

The Molonglo Camp was set up to house nearly 3500 German and Austrian nationals. The Camp was completed, but it never ended up housing that number of people. Instead, 200 people were transferred from the recently closed Bourke camp.

The Camp became an accepted part of the community, with locals using the tennis courts and internees able to shop in Queanbeyan. Find out more.

Something to do: 🧑‍🍳 Macaron Course

Ma Petite Patisserie is a plant-based cooking school in Manuka. This Saturday, they are sharing the secrets of making the perfect Macaron. Details here.

This Weekend: Mugga Mugga Cottage Tours

This Saturday, step into Mugga Mugga Cottage, an 1850s worker's cottage that was part of the colonial Duntroon Estate. ACT Historic Places is holding tours of the property and the intact domestic collection showcasing the family's life in Canberra over seven decades. Details here.

Coming up: 💃 Australian Dance Week

Australian Dance Week is happening from April 29th to May 5th. There are performances, classes, workshops and activities for people of all ages happening across Canberra. Many of the classes are completely free. View the program.

Coming Soon: 🧘 City Cave is Coming to Canberra

City Cave is a float and wellness centre with locations across Australia. A City Cave is opening soon in Canberra. The float therapy features a pool filled with 400kg of Epsom salts, and the water is heated to your body temperature. The experience is said to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Details here.

This Weekend: 🏉 Brumbies v Hurricanes

The Brumbies will be looking to get their season back on track after being thumped by the Blues last weekend. The Brumbies will be playing the top of the table Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium at 2:35pm on Saturday. Team news.

Mother's Day: ☕️ Marion High Tea

Marion on the Lake is doing a special high tea for Mother's Day. Treat Mum to a selection of finger sandwiches, sweet petit fours and savoury items, and scones with jam and cream. There is also a high tea menu just for Children under 12. Details here.

Friday: Shannon Noll

Shannon Noll is touring Australia. He's celebrating 20 years since the release of his debut album 'That's what I'm talkin about' and will be performing in Canberra on Friday evening. There are still plenty of tickets available. Details here.

Tidbits:

Anzac Day Flyover: There will be a flyover of an E-7A Wedgetail Aircraft over the War Memorial at 9:40am today.

More Asbestos Found: The National Capital Authority has closed an area on the Acton Peninsula of LBG after asbestos was found. The area has been fenced and will remain closed until late 2024. Historic asbestos has continued to be found in several locations in the same area over the past few years.

Open Gardens: I have an update on the Open Gardens I shared in Tuesday's Issue. The Woowoolahra Garden will have a hot lunch menu from 11am to 5pm, with all dishes costing just $15. If you prefer something simpler there will be a Sausage Sizzle at the Lavender Hill Garden.