Friday 15th August

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: This weekend in Canberra + The driving range is getting a Topgolf-style upgrade.

⛅️ Weather: 15° and partly cloudy.

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👉 This Weekend in Canberra

While it’s not the busiest weekend for events, there’s still plenty happening, including the Second Life clothing market at Dairy Road, AFLW at Manuka Oval, and Science in the Centres.

Get the full rundown of weekend events.

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Around Canberra: 🧶 Good Omen Goodeze

Good Omen Goodeze, affectionately known as GOG, is a local charity and community group that crafts small comfort items for patients, families, and staff in ACT Health Services. These knitted and crocheted toys help bring comfort in stressful or overwhelming situations. The group recently delivered a new batch to Emergency Services, where they’re stocked in ambulances. GOG also holds regular working bees and events—if you have basic knitting or crocheting skills, it’s a great way to support the community in a relaxed, social environment. Details here.

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🤣 Comedy in Canberra:

John Bishop: Liverpudlian comedy superstar John Bishop is bringing his new show, John Bishop: 25 Years of Stand Up, to Canberra in December. Tickets go on sale at 9am today. Details here.

Tom Gleeson: Hard Quiz and Taskmaster Australia host Tom Gleeson is stepping out from behind the screen for a new live show Out of Touch—“Tom Gleeson is completely out of touch. His head is up his arse. Come along to the show and take him down a peg.” Details here.

Hannah Ferguson: Political divides, global conflict, a worm in the White House, the desperate need to have a laugh—Hannah Ferguson is the co-founder of Cheek Media, which makes politics digestible and exciting through Instagram and podcasts. She’s coming to Canberra in October. Details here.

Jimmy Reece: Jimmy Reece first came to prominence as Jimmy Giggle on ABC Kids’ Giggle and Hoot. Since then, he’s built a huge following on social media with his short, homemade comedy videos. He’s performing at the Convention Centre in November. Details here.

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🗞️ Tidbits:

Driving Range Upgrade: It’s been a long time coming—the driving range at the Canberra International Golf Centre in Narrabundah is undergoing a major upgrade. While details are under wraps, the overhauled venue is expected to offer a more “Topgolf”-style experience, with turf targets and radar-based technology for accurate feedback, detailed stats, and social gaming features. The first stage of upgrades is set for completion in September.

EV Update: Data from the Australian Automobile Association shows that in the last quarter, 20% of new car purchases in Canberra were electric. EV sales had dipped, but uptake looks to be recovering. The ACT is well ahead of other states, where fewer than 10% of new cars purchased were electric.

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Queer Canberra: 💜 Wear it Purple

Wear it Purple Day is coming up on 29 August:

Lesbian Space Princess: Dendy is hosting a special preview screening of the award-winning, riotous queer Aussie animated film Lesbian Space Princess. The comedy centres on Saira, who embarks on a mission to rescue her ex from evil incel aliens, enlisting the help of an enby popstar and a cantankerous boomer spaceship. Details here.

A Nice Indian Boy: The ANU LGBTQIA+ Alumni Network and the ANU Film Group are hosting a screening of the romantic comedy A Nice Indian Boy, a story where tradition meets modern love in the most unexpected way. Details here.

Chroma Wine Dinner: Queer Food and Chroma Wine are teaming up for a Wear it Purple Pasta and Wine night. Enjoy rainbow pasta, garlic bread, and a salad alongside a selection of wines from Chroma, as well as non-alcoholic beverages and beer. Details here.

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Cause: 🫖 Karinya High Tea + Walk for Hope

There’s a fundraising high tea coming up at the beautiful Cuppacumbalong Homestead, raising money for the Karinya Walk for Hope. Karinya House supports women facing domestic violence and homelessness while pregnant or parenting. Details here.

The Karinya Walk for Hope is on September 14, and there’s still plenty of time to register if you’d like to take part. Details here.

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Classifieds

🩰 Ballet of Lights: Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty has arrived in Canberra! This beloved tale is brought to life through classical dance, stunning choreography, and beautiful glow-in-the-dark costumes. Get your tickets for Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show in Canberra! Details here.

🍲 Dinner Delivered: Dinner Ladies makes ready-to-heat homely meals delivered to your door. Stack your freezer with their crowd-pleasers, and any time you need it, you're just a hot step away from a belly full of comfort. New customers can use code 'CANBERRADIGEST20' to get $20 off their first order. Details here.

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