Saturday 4th May

---

Hello Canberra,

🌦️ Weather: 17° and a 50% chance of showers. Tomorrow, there is a high chance of rain (70%), most likely in the morning.

📆 Today: It’s Saturday 4th May.

---

🐝 Parliament House Honey + Masterclass

In 2017, beehives were installed in the native landscape outside Parliament House. There are now four hives: two native bee hives and four honeybee hives.

When the conditions and climate are good, the native stingless bees at Parliament House produce just 500g to 1kg of extractable honey. On the other hand, the honey bees produce more than 60kg! Interestingly, the native bee honey is lower in sugar, making it better for diabetics. The honey produced at Parliament House is used in the kitchens for official dinners and is used to make mead and honey vodka, which is sold in the shop. If there is a good harvest, jars of the honey are also sold to the public, but they usually sell out within a day.

If you’d like to learn more about the hives at Parliament House and what makes the local honey unique, there is a masterclass led by Australian Parliament House’s Head Beekeeper Cormac Farrell happening on May 18th. Details here.

---

New: 🇯🇵 Daiso Is Coming to Canberra

Japanese superstore Daiso is coming to Canberra. Daiso is a variety store that sells everything from beauty and home products to gadgets and pet products. The store will be coming to Westfield Belconnen and opening in June. It’s taking over the space where Howards Storage World was.

---

Sunday: 🍎 Hall Markets

The Hall Markets were cancelled due to the rain last month. Here’s hoping the rain isn’t too bad tomorrow. The ever-popular Hall Markets are back this Sunday. The markets have a rural feel and are held at the picturesque Hall Showground. You’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture and much more. Entry is via gold coin. Details here.

---

Something to do: 🚲 Mountain eBike Demos

This weekend at UC Stromlo Park, there will be e-bike demos and trials. Major manufactures Trek, GASGAS, Fantic, Pivot and VMG will be bringing their bikes. Demos will be happening all weekend and everyone is welcome (not just racers). Details here.

---

Sport: Raiders Produce Stunning Comeback Win

The Raiders came from behind to win 26-24 over the Manly Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park. Match report.

---

Today: 🏉 Brumbies v Fijian Drua

The Brumbies will be playing Fijian Drua at Canberra Stadium tonight. Kick-off is at 7:35pm. Details here.

The Brumbies also recently signed a new sponsor, which they hope will lead to more sponsors coming back on board. Canberra Airport has signed on as a new major sponsor for the 2024/2025 seasons.

---

This Weekend

Get the full rundown of What’s Happening in Canberra This Weekend.

---

Tidbits:

Artists Wanted: The ACT Government has put out a call for artists to transform construction hoardings into artworks. Details here.

St Anthony’s School Fete: St Anthony’s in Wanniassa is holding their school fete today from 10am to 3pm. Details here.

Nominate a Local Legend: ABC Canberra is seeking nominations for its Community Spirit Awards. The award recognises the outstanding leadership, vision, and ingenuity of an individual or group that has led to greater community goodwill.

P.S. - there will be no issue tomorrow. I’ll be back on Monday.