Saturday 31st August

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Hello Canberra,

Today: It’s Saturday 31st of August. It's the last day of Winter - I'm looking forward to spring 🌷

Weather: 16° and windy. Gusts up to 50km/h

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News: 🚌 The Blue and Orange Buses Took Their Last Ride

It's the end of an era! After 32 years, the last of the orange and blue Renault buses have completed their final routes. The 'Reno' buses first entered service in 1987, with 200 operating in Canberra at their peak. These buses have gradually been phased out, with useful spare parts removed before they were sent to a metal recycling facility. You may still see a few around, as four will remain in service for training purposes in 2024.

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🛍️ Weekend Markets

It's a busy weekend for markets, including:

Spring German Markets

The German markets are back this weekend at the Harmonie German Club in Narrabundah. There will be a free jumping castle for the kids, live entertainment, freshly baked homemade German cakes and goodies, and the ever-popular street food truck. You can also now pre-order goods from the German deli for pickup at the markets. Details here.

Hall Markets

The Hartley Hall Markets return this Sunday at the Hall Showground. As one of Canberra's largest markets, they offer fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, furniture, and more. Entry is by a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting the incredible work of Hartley Lifecare. Details here.

Good Goodies Flea Market

The Good Goodies Flea Market is held once a month at GangGang in Downer. You'll find records, vintage clothing, art and more. The community market is free for stallholders. Details here.

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New Eats: Sapori

Sapori is bringing Maritozzi, a traditional Italian pastry from the Lazio region, to Canberra. Maritozzi are cream-filled buns made with a soft, slightly sweetened enriched dough. You can pick up a maritozzo at the Old Bus Depot Markets this weekend. Details here.

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This Weekend: 🏠 The Castle Screening

The NFSA is holding a special Father's Day screening of The Australian classic The Castle, presented on 35mm film from The Archive's collection. It's happening this Sunday at 1pm. Details here.

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Coming Up: ACT Seniors Month

September is ACT Seniors Month. There's a packed program of events happening, including the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo happening on September 25. Details here.

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Arts: 🎨 Exhibitions Opening at Belco Arts

A new round of exhibitions has opened at Belco Arts:

• Over Seas features the works of over 75 Canberra region artists who have migrated to Australia.
• Light and Shade challenges the stigma of borderline personality disorder through visual art.
• The Walls Once Built imagines a speculative future where parasitic native Australian plants have evolved to challenge their biggest threat - humans. The exhibitions are on now until October 13.

Details here.

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Sport: Jordan Rapana to Leave Raiders

Canberra Raiders veteran Jordan Rapana will leave the Raiders at the end of the season to join English side Hull FC on a two-year contract. More.

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This Weekend in Canberra

Kambah is turning 50, The Arboretum is hosting a Wattle Day walk, and there's a vintage clothing sale happening. Get the full rundown of weekend events here.

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Classifieds:

Vinyl Record Sales: Two record sales are happening this weekend. Music from the 1930s to 1990s. 16 crates of LP records, mostly mint, sealed re-issues, 4 or 5 crates are used originals from the 1970s/80s. Jazz, Soul, Funk, Blues, RnB, Rock'n'roll, Folk, World, Zydeco!

Saturday, August 31: Good Goodies Flea Market at Gang Gang Cafe in Downer. 2 Frencham Pl. 3pm to 6pm. The event is Outside, but under eaves cover.

Sunday, September 1: Harmonie German Club. 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue. 9am to 1pm. The sale is inside the club.

Classifieds support Canberra Digest.

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Tidbits:

FOGO Expands: the food and garden organic waste collection pilot is being expanded to more households in Belconnen and Tuggeranong. An additional 1150 households, mostly in multi-development units, will have access to the pilot program. More.

Wattle Day Illumination: Parliament House will be illuminated this Sunday to celebrate the national floral emblem, The Golden Wattle.

Library Chargers: Need a charge during the day? ACT Libraries are now loaning power bank chargers that are compatible with most devices. More

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CanberraDigest will be back on Monday. With Father's Day happening tomorrow, I'll leave you with a dad joke... I love my furniture. My recliner and I go way back. 😩