Saturday 14th December

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: Some cool spots for kids + what's on this weekend

⛅️ Weather: 34° and partly cloudy.

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👉 This Weekend in Canberra

The Pompeii exhibition opens at the National Museum, there are two markets happening at EPIC, and there will be music at the Carillon.

Get the full rundown of weekend events here.

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Kids: 💦 Cool Spots This Weekend

Looking for ways to beat the heat this weekend? Here are some options to cool off, including low- and no-cost options, plus an update on what’s happening with Big Splash:

Boundless Playground: The Boundless Playground in Parkes is one of the best playgrounds in Canberra. The playground includes a water play area and plenty of shady space.

Dickson and Kambah Splash Play: Head to the splash areas at Dickson and Kambah Shops, where kids can activate the fountains with the press of a button.

Dickson Pool: Dickson Pool is an outdoor aquatic centre featuring a 50m pool, toddler pool and splash park. There’s a BBQ area that can be booked ($50) with a shelter and picnic tables. Details here.

Canberra Aqua Park: There’s an inflatable aqua park on Lake Burley Griffin near Black Mountain Peninsula. The course is made up of slides, ladders and a jumping pillow. Details here.

Big Splash is Currently Closed: Unfortunately, Big Splash remains closed. Originally scheduled to reopen on November 30 for a limited season without slides, the park’s future looks uncertain. Their website, Facebook page, and phone line have all been taken down—a concerning sign for Canberra’s only waterslide park.

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🎄 Christmas Parties

Looking to catch up with friends for an end-of-year festive drink? Here are some Christmas parties happening at local venues:

Dickson Taphouse Christmas Party: Three bands will be performing, plus there will be giveaways, happy hour beers and a corner for the kids to play in. It’s happening today from 4pm. Details here.

Christmas Karaoke: The Durham is holding a Christmas Karaoke Party on December 21. Sing your song, and if you get the biggest cheer, you’ll win the grand prize of $200. Details here.

Old Canberra Inn Christmas Party: Old Canberra Inn will be throwing its annual Christmas Party on December 21 with live music all day long.

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Cause: 🐶 Care for a Pup Over Christmas

The RSPCA is seeking locals who will be in Canberra over Christmas to provide temporary homes for dogs and puppies. Fostering helps relieve pressure on the shelter during the busy holiday season and gives these furry friends a loving environment. They are looking for homes from:

• Monday 23rd Dec – Friday 27th Dec (4 nights minimum)
• Saturday 28th Dec – Thursday 2nd Jan (5 nights minimum)

They will be hosting an information session on Tuesday evening. Details here.

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Classifieds:

Vinyl Records Sale New and used retro music: 1930s to 1980s. Saturday, December 14, 10am to 3pm, Dickson Community Market, Dickson Place (outside Woolworths/Library). Jazz, pop, rock, soul, funk, blues and more! Beaut Private Collection! Eftpos: All Cards accepted OK

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Classifieds support Canberra Digest.

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News and Tidbits:

Severe Heatwave: The BOM has issued a three-day severe heatwave warning for the ACT from today until Tuesday. More.

Wanted Man: ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to locate 36-year-old wanted man Thor Kristiansen. More.

MyWay+ Update: NEC has rolled out a new update to the MyWay+ app aimed at improving the success rate of scanning QR codes. Meanwhile, Transport Canberra shared data revealing that nearly half of public transport users are tapping on and off with a debit or credit card. More.

Swimming Spots Closed: Most swimming spots along the Murrumbidgee and Cotter Rivers, including Kambah Pool and Pine Island, are closed for swimming due to high bacteria levels following heavy rain. More.

1000 New Homes for Gungahlin: Plans have been released for a potential 1000-home development opposite Watson on the Federal Highway. More.

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Canberra Digest will be back on Monday. Have a great weekend!