Monday 11th November

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It’s Monday 11th November. Today is Remembrance Day.

⛅️ Weather: 26° and partly cloudy. A few rainy days ahead.

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🌸 Rodney’s Is Turning 50

After completing a five-year apprenticeship with ACT Parks and Gardens, Rodney Toll founded Rodney’s Nursery in Pialligo in 1974 with his wife, Cheryl. They transformed a large block in picturesque Pialligo—once home to an apple orchard and a small house—into a thriving nursery. In 1996, they expanded their venture by opening an on-site café, which has since become one of Canberra’s most popular al fresco dining destinations.

To commemorate 50 years in business, Rodney’s is hosting several celebrations this November. This coming weekend, there will be giveaways, live music, street food, free popcorn and fairy floss, plus children’s workshops. And next weekend there will be more celebrations, including a champagne bar! Details here.

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🎨 Arts Around Town

Phoenix Collective: The Phoenix Collective will pair Beethoven's 'Serioso' quartet with the serene meditative work of Latvian composer Peteris Vasks and dance music by the legendary French duo Daft Punk. It’s happening this Friday at Wesley Music Centre. More.

Carol Jerrems Opening Party: The Portrait Gallery will be holding an exhibition of one of Australia’s most influential photographers, Carol Jerrems. She captured the essence of the 1970s counter-culture through deeply personal photographs. Come to the opening to see the exhibition for free, grab a drink and soak up the vibe of DJ Charlie Villas’ beats. More.

Canberra Choral Society: The Canberra Choral Society will be performing Mendelssohn’s biblical masterpiece, ‌Elijah at the end of the month. More.

Sean Shibe: Genre-bending Japanese-Scottish musician Sean Shibe is coming to Canberra on his first Australian tour. He’ll be performing music inspired by the sounds and ideas of Scotland, accompanied by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. More.

Noises Off: Hawker College, a powerhouse in drama, is putting on the hilarious Noises Off—a delightful backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, falling trousers, and flying sardines! More.

Don’t Forget to Remember: In 1994, the National Gallery held the world's first exhibition about HIV/AIDS at a national gallery. The NGA is marking the 30th anniversary of this groundbreaking exhibition this Friday with a special event. More.

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This Weekend: 💃 SouthFest

This Saturday, SouthFest will once again be celebrated in the streets, laneways, and foreshore of the Tuggeranong Town Centre. It’s a day full of activities, food and drink, markets, and performances. Details here.

As part of SouthFest, Tuggeranong Arts will be holding the TAC Grand Day Out. Kids will have the chance to try Fresh Funk dance classes or Funky Fairtales drama classes, as well as take part in a series of playful, age-based art classes. The classes are free but do require a booking. Details here

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Live Music: 🎶 Shane Nicholson

Multi ARIA and Golden Guitar-winning artist Shane Nicholson is coming to Canberra this Wednesday for Side One, Side Two—a show in two parts. In side one, he’ll perform the music that made him, and in side two, the music he made. Details here.

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This Weekend: 🛻 Monster Truck Spectacular

See the monstrous trucks crush cars and perform jaw-dropping stunts, the flame-throwing jet van and more. Tickets include unlimited carnival rides. There will also be show bags and international food trucks. Details here.

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✈️ Are Qatar Flights Returning to Canberra?

Qatar Airways is considering resuming flights to the capital. In recent submissions to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Canberra has been listed as a potential route for expansion. Qatar Airways previously operated flights to Canberra—with a short stopover in Sydney where passengers remained on board—but these were halted during the pandemic.

Having flown this route myself, I can attest to how much easier it is to travel through Canberra’s international airport compared to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. An official decision on Qatar’s expansion plans is not expected until March.

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Looking Ahead: Jack & Michael Whitehall

British comedian and actor Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, are stopping off from their travels to bring to the stage an extra chapter from their adventures. They’re coming to Canberra in January for two shows. The first show has sold out, but there are still plenty of tickets for the second. Details here.

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Weekend Sport:

🏑 Canberra Chill

The Canberra Chill men have booked their ticket to the 2024 Hockey One League finals in Hobart after coming from behind to win 8-7 in a 15-goal thriller against the Tassie Tigers.

The Canberra Chill women haven’t been able to replicate their success from last season and went down 3-2 against the Tigers.

The Chill will play their final home games of the series this Friday when they take on HC Melbourne. Tickets here.

⚽️ Canberra United

Canberra United continued their perfect start to the season with a 1-0 (doginterrupted) win away to Wellington Phoenix. Canberra next plays Adelaide at home. Tickets here.

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NCA Community Forum

Earlier this year, the Albanese government called for the National Capital Authority to be more transparent with the Canberra community. The NCA will be holding a community forum to outline their priorities and explain their statement of intent to be more transparent. Details here.