Saturday 8th March

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: It’s Saturday, March 8.

⛅️ Weather: 26° and partly cloudy. A slight 20% chance of rain.

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👉 This Weekend in Canberra

For those who have chosen not to head to the coast this weekend, the Botanic Gardens are holding an evening family event; there’s a carnival at Cockington Green, and the Sunflower Maze in Majura is still open.

Get the full rundown of weekend events..

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Cause: 🐶 The Final Million Paws Walk

This May will mark the final Million Paws Walk, as the RSPCA has decided to discontinue the event beyond this year due to rising costs. The charity says the fundraising walk is no longer sustainable due to rising costs and the cost-of-living crisis, making this the last chance to take part. The event is a nationwide fundraiser where dog owners and their pups walk together to raise money for the RSPCA. Canberra’s Million Paws Walk is happening on May 25. Details here.

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Tidbits and News

Commonwealth Bridge Upgrade: The NCA has awarded a contract to Seymour Whyte for the delayed Commonwealth Bridge strengthening and widening project. The final design and planning stages will be completed over the next seven months, with construction set to begin in Spring 2025. To keep the bridge open at all times, work will start on the western span in 2026 before moving to the eastern span in 2027. The project is expected to be completed later that year.

Fossil Fuel Sponsor Ban: The ACT is the first jurisdiction to introduce legislation banning fossil fuel and gambling company sponsorships in public schools after a bill introduced by Greens MLA Laura Nuttall passed earlier this week. Currently, more than 60 school programs in Australia are sponsored by fossil fuel companies, raising concerns that they may be spreading misinformation on climate change and energy.

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Talk: 🌋 Pompeii After Dark

Discover the grittier side of life in Pompeii through the city’s graffiti in a talk at the National Museum. Spotlight Conversations is a regular series of events at the National Museum exploring thought-provoking ideas inspired by the Museum’s exhibitions and collections. Details here.

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Coming Up: 🎶 Abel Selaocoe

International Cello sensation Abel Selaocoe will be making his Australian debut with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, performing his original works alongside a new commission from renowned Australian composer Nigel Westlake. He’ll be performing in Canberra on April 7. There are just a few tickets remaining. Details here.

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Comedy: 🤣 Sooshi Mango

Sooshi Mango will be bringing their signature brand of comedy, making light of their Italian and Greek heritage, to Canberra later this year. With nearly 2 million followers on TikTok and a track record of sell-out live shows, their exaggerated ethnic stereotypes and nostalgic family humour have struck a chord with many—though it’s not for everyone. If you’re unsure, check out their stuff online before grabbing tickets. Sooshi Mango will be in Canberra on August 10. Details here.

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Something to do: 🥃 Whisky Masterclass

Molly is hosting a Suntory Japanese Whisky Masterclass. Tickets include a tasting of six Suntory whiskies, a Suntory Toki highball on arrival, and a full bottle of Suntory whisky to take home. Details here.

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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.

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Classifieds support Canberra Digest.

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Eats: 🍲 AK’s

AK’s in New Acton serves up delicious Southeast Asian comfort food. Chef Anand Kumar (AK) Ramakrishna, formerly of Narrabundah’s popular fine-dining restaurant XO, is behind AK’s. It’s usually only open for lunch on workdays, but this coming Monday, they’ll be open for the public holiday—giving those who don’t work around the City the perfect chance to try this much-hyped spot. Details here.

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Canberra Digest will be back on Tuesday. Have a great long weekend!