Thursday 22nd February

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Hello Canberra,

🌤️ Weather: 31° and cloud clearing.

📆 Today: It’s Thursday 22nd February

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News: Canberra Writer Marion Halligan Has Died

Canberra writer Marion Halligan died at the age of 83. Halligan published over 20 books, including novels, short story collections, and non-fiction. She was born and raised in Newcastle but spent most of her life in Canberra, which is featured in her work. She lived in Hackett for more than 60 years.

She was a member of a group of women known as the Canberra Seven. The group featured Dorothy Johnston, Margaret Barbalet, Sara Dowse, Suzanne Edgar, Marian Eldridge and Dorothy Horsfield. The women would meet regularly to read and critique each other's work.

Halligan's last book was Words for Lucy, published in 2022. It was a memoir about her daughter Lucy, who died from a heart condition at the age of 38.

More.

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🐈 Meet Humbug

Think of the most affectionate cat you know; now times that by 10. Humbug is that, plus more. Humbug is currently up for adoption at Canberra Pet Rescue. Find out more.

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This Weekend: 🪴 Botanic Gardens Bonsai Exhibition

The annual exhibition showcases the best of Australian bonsai. This year's exhibition features Australian native plants that have been used to create bonsai. Details here.

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Something to try: 🥛 Milk on Tap

Dickson IGA has just installed a milk keg with 100% jersey milk from Tilba Dairy. Glass bottles are provided, and you simply fill them up. When you need more milk, you simply bring back your bottles to refill (at a reduced price). The bottles can easily be washed in the dishwasher. The Cook Grocer also has a similar setup.

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This Weekend: 🏑 Come and Try Hockey

This weekend, ACT Hockey is running "Come and Try" events at the National Hockey Centre, Lyneham and Tuggeranong Hockey Park, Greenway. The event is for juniors of all ages. It's a chance to come and see what hockey is all about with no obligations, no judgement and no pressure. Details here.

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News: 🏗️ Construction Starts on Monaro Highway Upgrades

Construction work on a series of large upgrades to the Monaro highway has begun. Work on these upgrades began in 2022, initially focusing on the tricky task of relocating water mains and gas lines. Now, the major phase of construction is underway. The $235 million project is funded 50/50 with the Commonwealth and will take around 3 years to complete.

The upgrade will remove the traffic lights in Hume, where the Monaro highway meets Lanyon Drive, and a flyover will be constructed. The traffic lights at the Prison will also be removed.

Delays should be expected, and travel times will be impacted with lane closures.