Monday 24th February

---

Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: 60 Years of The Mint + the Stromlo Running Festival,

☀️ Weather: 33° and sunny.

---

🪙 60 Years of the Mint + A Family Fun Day

On February 22 1965, Prince Philip officially opened the Royal Australian Mint in Deakin and activated the machine that struck Australia's first one-cent coins.

Celebrate 60 years of the Mint at the Family Fun Day this Saturday. Kids (ages 5-12) can swap regular coins for hard-to-find collectable coins. Questacon will bring a science display, roving performers will entertain, and visitors can mint a special 60th-anniversary coin. Details here.

---

Looking Ahead: 🏃‍♀️ Stromlo Running Festival

The Stromlo Running Festival is a destination trail running event. It's happening in November, but I'm mentioning it now because early registration ends this week. It's a great chance for runners of all abilities to 'get off the road' and take on trails with sweeping views of Canberra, Black Mountain Tower, and the Brindabella ranges. There are races from 5km through to a full marathon, plus a 2.5km event for kids. Details here.

---

🎨 Arts Around Canberra

Blue Poles Book Launch: Join journalist Tom McIlroy as he discusses his book 'Blue Poles' which uncovers the fascinating story of the painter, the politics and the national scandal that followed. Details here.

Freiburg Baroque Orchestra: For more than three decades, Germany's Freiburg Baroque Orchestra has been one of the leading period ensembles in the world. They are coming to Canberra for the first time this March, presenting Mozart's most popular works with famed Australian fortepiano soloist Kristian Bezuidenhout. Details here.

64-bit Big Band Videogame Music Night II: Following a sellout performance last September, the ConneXion Big Band is back with another night of popular video game music through the decades. Details here.

Buster Keaton's Sherlock, Jr: In recreating the silent movie experience, the Blue Grassy Knoll perform their original music live along with classic films by Buster Keaton. For over 19 years, they have performed around the world and continue to delight audiences with their compelling and humorous scores. They're coming to The Street on March 6. Details here.

Tracey Emin Painting: The National Gallery paid over $2.1 million for a painting by English artist Tracey Emin. I Watched Myself Die and Come Alive is the only major work by Tracey Emin in any Australian institution. The NGA's acquisition is part of its aim to be a reference point for international art in Australia. It's currently on display in Gallery 10. Details here.

Enlighten Choirs: Local Choirs from around Canberra will be performing songs written and performed by female artists on the forecourt grass area in front of Parliament House on March 1 and 8. Details here.

More arts events coming in Wednesday’s issue.

---

Tidbits and News:

Small Earthquake: A small earthquake hit the Lake George area around 8:45 pm on Saturday evening. It registered just 2.0 on the Richter Scale.

Kitten Adoptions: RSPCA ACT is waiving adoption fees for ringworm-positive cats and kittens, since they'll need a little extra short-term care. They’ll need medication (supplied) and twice-weekly baths, but in a few weeks, they’ll be totally fine with no lasting effects once treated. Details here.

---

Classifieds:

Compass Counselling - Holistic counselling & Energy Psychology services

Michele and Kitty are social workers with additional training in alternative and creative therapy approaches. We offer a variety of counselling services, specialising in supporting clients with chronic illness, life transitions and trauma. We look forward to working with you on your healing journey. Details here.

--

Classifieds support Canberra Digest - Please support our sponsors!

---

Kids: Saltbush

Saltbush is an extraordinary interactive performance designed to captivate young audiences while offering parents a chance to witness something truly special. This one-of-a-kind experience invites children to play, explore, and perform as they embark on a journey through Australia's diverse landscapes—river country, bustling cities, deserts, and the sea—guided by the story of two friends and their spiritual companion. It's coming to The Playhouse in March. Details here.