March 28 2024 | CanberraDigest

Hello Canberra,

⛅️ Weather: 26° and partly cloudy.

📆 Today: It’s Thursday 28th March. Tomorrow is a public holiday.

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

New Eats: ☕️ Irvine Cafe in Florey

There’s a new cafe in Florey from the people behind The Knox in Watson. The Irvine is serving up breakfast and lunch with plans to open later when their liquor licence is approved. Details here.

Notice: ⚠️ Double Demerits this Weekend

Double demerit points for driving offences, including speeding and using a mobile phone, will be in effect from midnight tonight until the end of Monday. Details here.

Good Friday Closures

Tomorrow is Good Friday, and most supermarkets and shops will be closed. Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi supermarkets will be closed, as will BWS and Dan Murphy’s.

Ainslie IGA and Supabarn will be open.

All of the shopping centres will be closed for Good Friday.

Made in Canberra: 🍒 Ohna App

ANU student Kayleigh Sleath has built an app that connects local farmers directly with shoppers. Using the Ohna App, Canberrans can get fresh, local produce delivered weekly. Currently, you can use the app to pick up produce boxes from the Community Co-op in the city, and there are plans to expand into more local hubs. Details here.

Kayleigh was interviewed by the ABC here.

News: Upgrades Lodged For Aquatots in Forde

A popular swim school in Gungahlin, Aquatots Forde, has submitted plans for major upgrades to the facility. There will be a new outdoor design for the building, an air-conditioned viewing area for parents, and a new changing room. More.

News: NCA Approves Zoning Change for New Homes in Yarralumla

The National Capital Authority has amended the National Capital Plan to allow homes to be built on the former Australian Forestry School site. All the existing heritage buildings will be retained, and 60 percent of the site will need to be kept as open space. The developer will still need to seek approval from the NCA for their future designs. The CSRIO sold the site to a developer who plans to build 250-300 apartment units, a small boutique hotel, and an aged care facility.

News: Canberra Tourism Recovers to 95% Pre-Covid Levels

Canberra welcomed 5.8 million visitors who spent $3.8 billion in 2023, according to data from Tourism Research Australia. Total visitor numbers have recovered to 95% of what they were pre-covid. Visitor expenditure is at 135% of what it was pre-covid. More.