Saturday 8th February

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It’s Saturday, February 8.

⛈️ Weather: 29° and showers. 90% chance of rain. A possible severe storm.

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👉 This Weekend in Canberra

This weekend there’s the Lifeline Bookfair, The National Multicultural Festival, and a couple of village markets happening just outside Canberra.

Get the full rundown of weekend events here.

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🎬 Austin Extras Needed

Ever wanted to be on TV? A casting company is in need of extras for series 2 of the ABC comedy Austin, which is currently being filmed in Canberra. While many extras have already been found, they are still looking for “people of different ethnicities and nationalities (all ages), people with groovy hipster looks, tattoos and piercings, and young people aged 18–35”. Details here.

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Exhibition: 🖼️ The Bald Archy

The Bald Archy is Australia’s premier satirical art prize. Created in 1994 as a parody of its more serious counterpart, the Bald Archy Prize offers artists of all styles and skill levels a genuine opportunity to create portrait paintings that embrace humour, dark satire, light comedy, or caricature. The exhibition is touring Australia and is currently in Canberra on display in Watson. Details here.

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Something to do: 🧗‍♀️ Masters Bouldering

Ever wanted to try bouldering? The Mountain Strong rock climbing gym in Fyshwick is hosting an introductory session for over-40s. For those unfamiliar, bouldering is a fun and social form of climbing done at low heights without ropes, over padded mats—making it accessible for all skill levels.

Drop in on February 11 between 11am and 2pm for a friendly, hosted introduction. No experience or minimum fitness level required. The Masters Social Club will be running regular sessions. Details here.

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Something to do: 🔨 Women’s Shed Workshops at Goodies

Canberra’s Women’s Shed will be running monthly workshops at Goodies Junction in Symonston. Sessions include furniture restoration, upholstery and cat enclosures. Details here.

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Exhibition: 🏥 Sylvia Curley

CMAG has a new exhibition on the remarkable story of Sylvia Curley, a trailblazing nurse, leader and heritage advocate. Discover the remarkable story of Sylvia Curley, a trailblazing nurse, leader, and heritage advocate who shaped Canberra’s history. From transforming the Canberra Community Hospital in the 1930s to preserving Mugga-Mugga Cottage for future generations. Details here.

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Classifieds:

🎨 studioMAP Art Classes for Children & Teens Painting, drawing & illustration. After school and Saturday classes. Various classes suitable for 6-18 years olds. Term spaces & try-outs available see : studiomap.com.au

studioMAP, established in 1995, is a fully equipped and professionally staffed art studio located in Studio 3, M16 Artspace / Community Visual Arts Centre, Blaxland Griffith ACT.

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🧠 A Calmer Mind, A Healthier You Struggling with stress, overthinking, or restless sleep? Inner Synergy’s Mindfulness & Meditation for Wellbeing courses are starting very soon! Designed to help you feel more balanced, focused, and at ease in daily life. If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, overthinking, or anxiety, this course will help you regain balance—while improving sleep, focus, and overall well-being. Backed by science and designed for real-life impact, these sessions will empower you to feel calmer, happier, and more resilient.

🌿 Special Offer: Use promo code IS-CANBERRADIGEST15 for $15 off. Your investment for greater calm, clarity, and wellbeing starts here.

Find out more: Intro Course, Northside OR Intro Course, Southside OR Next Level Longer Course OR Website Events

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Classifieds support Canberra Digest

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Tidbits and News:

Lake Tuggeranong Contaminant: Wastewater from the South.Point shopping centre has been identified as the source of contamination in Lake Tuggeranong. A cracked waste pipe was leaking into the stormwater system. The ACT Government will undertake cost recovery from the shopping centre to cover the cleanup costs.

John James Development: Calvary John James in Deakin has submitted a development application for a $500 million redevelopment featuring a state-of-the-art surgical hospital. The plan reduces hospital beds from 130 to 98 in response to the modern shift toward more day surgeries. Construction is set to begin in 2026 and will take two years to complete. The hospital will remain operational. More.

Gambling Advertising Reform: The ACT Government has released the results of a YourSay consultation on gambling advertising reform. 97% of respondents supported stricter TV restrictions on gambling ads, and 81% backed a total ban.

Free Public Transport: A reminder that all public transport across Canberra is free this weekend. More.