Tuesday 20th August

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It’s Tuesday 20th August.

🌦️ Weather: 18° and showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening.

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🐸 Frogs in Canberra

The Canberra region is home to approximately 22 species of frogs. 9 of these are pretty common and can often be found in backyards and parklands. Some species are extremely rare including the Corroboree Frog found nowhere else in the world! Many local frog species are in decline and under threat of extinction.

If you’re interested in learning more about the region’s frogs, including how to identify them by their calls, there are several frog-friendly activities coming up over the next few months:

Frog Walk & Talk

Sip on hot chocolate and count the stars while listening to frog serenades. FrogWatch is running two events in August. The first is tonight (sorry for the late notice), and the second is next week. Details here.

2024 FrogCensus

For the Frog Census, trained volunteers adopt a census site and undertake three visits at night during October to record frog calls. No prior experience is needed, just come along to training session. Details here.

Frog Saunas

Frog populations around the world are being decimated by the catastrophic Chytrid fungus. But there is new hope after a global breakthrough by an Australian research team led by Dr Anthony Waddle. The team developed an inexpensive “frog sauna” that provides the frogs with a heated environment to help stimulate resistance to the fungus. Dr Anthony Waddle will be at Wildbark Reserve for a conversation, wander and pond site sauna installation Details here.

There are more ribbiting events coming up in Spring. Let me know if these events interest you, and I’ll keep sharing.

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New: 🕹️ VR Games in Mitchell

A new Virtual Reality experience is opening in Canberra this Friday. Jolt Games in Mitchell is bringing Zero Latency VR Games to the store. The experience is a free-roam, untethered virtual reality game that you play with up to 8 people all in the same game. The sessions last 30 minutes and there are currently 6 different games available to play.

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Something to do: 🌭 Sausage-Making Workshop

10Yards in Aranda is holding a sausage-making workshop with former butcher and author of Sausages: history, mystery & mastery, David Peddle. You’ll make two types of sausage (to take home) and learn the science behind curing sausages to make salami and kranski. At the end of the workshop, you’ll enjoy a meal featuring the not-so-humble sausage accompanied by beer and wines. Details here.

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🎻The Canberra Symphony Orchestra 2025 Season

The CSO has announced their 2025 season lineup, which includes a performance of John Williams' music (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park). You can view the program here. (The season brochure is at the bottom of the page)

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Stage: 🎪 Cirque Bon Bon

An all-star cast of contortionists, acrobats and dancers are performing in Cirque Bon Bon - a showcase of talent, bravery, comedy and extreme skills. It’s happening this Thursday to Saturday at the Canberra Theatre. Details here.

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Nightlife: 🌟 Dragon Dreaming Party

Dragon Dreaming began as a festival in Kowen Forest, where it ran for 4 years before moving to Wee Jasper. This weekend, The Vault (Dairy Road) is holding a party to pay homage to Dragon Dreaming’s beginnings in Canberra. The warehouse party features local and interstate DJs, roving performers, interactive art spaces and more. Details here.

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New Eats: ☕️ Home Brew

Home Brew is a new suburban cafe and bar in Wright. Their menu features all of the brunch classics but with some added Japanese inspired twists like poached eggs with Japanese croquettes and crispy soft shell crab. Home Brew is currently open daily from 7am to 3pm with plans to add nights soon. You’ll find it at 76 Steve Irwin Avenue, Wright. Details here.

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News: 🪧 ANU Encampment Disbands

The ANU encampment has been disbanded after nearly four months of protesting. The university recently updated its investment policy to stop investing in controversial arms manufacturers. More.