Wednesday 7th May

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Hello Canberra,

📆 Today: Slippers and Uggs made in Canberra + Live music this weekend.

🌤️ Weather: 22° and mostly sunny.

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Made in Canberra: 🐑 The Canberra Tannery

Canberra Tannery started as a fox-skin tannery, set up in 1977 by the Dimpel family. Queanbeyan didn't want a tannery—it was seen as a "dirty" industry—and put the business as far from the city as possible. It's located off Canberra Avenue near Oaks Estate. In 2008, the Millennium Drought forced them to change their business, as tanning requires a huge amount of water. They now focus on manufacturing slippers, scuffs, and ugg boots made from sheepskin.

Maria Dimpel, who set up the business with her husband Hans, passed away aged 91 on April 21, 2025. Many Canberrans are probably still wearing the ugg boots, slippers, and scuffs crafted by Maria. She only retired 12 months ago.

If you're looking for a unique, locally made gift for Mother's Day, Canberra Tannery has gift vouchers—and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for something handcrafted. Details here.

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🎥 Talks, Movies, and More

A random assortment of interesting events coming up:

The Palestinian Film Festival: Showcasing a thought-provoking selection of Palestinian films from around the world. Details here.

The Last Bus: The Public Transport Association of Canberra is hosting a screening of The Last Bus at Elsie’s Film House. It tells the story of a widower who takes a nostalgic journey from John o'Groats to Land's End using his seniors card. Enjoy pizza and a film, and celebrate just how far you can go with a bus ticket. Details here.

Meet the Author: Steve Vizard will be in conversation with Frank Bongiorno on Nation, Memory, Myth: Gallipoli and the Australian Imaginary this Thursday. And next Wednesday, award-winning biographer Judith Brett will be in conversation with Virginia Haussegger about her new book Fearless: Beatrice Faust—Sex, Feminism and Body Politics, as part of the ANU Meet the Author series. Details here.

Flickerfest: The country's largest short film festival, Flickerfest screens the best of short films from Australia and around the world. It's coming to Canberra with the Best of EU Shorts Showcase. Details here.

Sydney Writers' Festival: Live & Local: Australia's biggest celebration of books and ideas, the Sydney Writers' Festival will be livestreaming select sessions as part of its Live & Local program. Free screenings will be held at Tuggeranong Arts from May 22. Details here.

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Something to do: ✍️ Urban Sketching Drop-In

Ever wanted to have a go at urban sketching? Urban Sketchers Canberra are hosting a special sketch-out event at Dickson Library. Designed by Italian-Australian architect Enrico Taglietti, the 1960s building is a striking example of Late Twentieth-Century Organic Style. Come along to observe and sketch one of Taglietti's most important works while connecting with fellow drawing enthusiasts. No experience necessary—just bring your sketchbook and materials. Details here.

The Canberra Museum and Gallery will be hosting the Enrico Taglietti: Life in Designexhibition from June 8.

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Cause: 🌈 Dainere's Rainbow Book Character Ball

The Book Character Ball raises funds for research programs and projects set up in memory of Dainere Anthoney, bringing hope to children in Canberra and around Australia diagnosed with brain cancer. Dress as your favourite book character and enjoy a three-course meal at historic Old Parliament House—all in support of an important cause. Details here.

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Kids: 🥕 The Vegetable Plot

Aussie kids' band The Vegetable Plot first sprouted at the 2014 Sydney Fringe, winning the award for Best Children's Show. Since then, Aspara Gus, Ru Barb, and Sir Paul McCarrotney have travelled all over the country playing their funky-fresh tunes and spreading "Love and Peas." The Vegetable Plot are performing at Smith's Alternative this weekend. Details here.

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Classifieds:

🎻 Beethoven's Violin: Experience Beethoven's legendary Violin Concerto LIVE with full orchestra, guest soloist Anna da Silva Chen and conductor Carlo Antonioli. Don't miss your chance to see this masterpiece brought to life by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. May 14/15, 7:30pm. Llewellyn Hall, ANU. Details here.

🇮🇹 Gala Dinner - An Evening in Italy: It's time to say "arrivederci" to the 2025 'Viva Italia in Canberra' festival at its final event, 'Gala Dinner - An Evening In Italy', at the Hotel Realm Ballroom for a truly delicious three-course Italian meal, featuring live opera, a DJ and auction. Happening Saturday, May 10. Details here.

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Classifieds support Canberra Digest

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🎸 Live Music This Weekend

Dissent is transforming into a grungy glam-rock prom hall for a night of live music, themed cocktails, free bar snacks, and questionable fashion choices. And there's an alt-rock night happening at The Polo:

Thursday

• Infinity Broke (alternative/indie) @ Smith’s Alternative

Friday

• Alt Rock Dumpster Blast @ Live at the Polo
• Owen Campbell / Gabby Steel (singer-songwriter) @ Dissent
• Volant (jazz) @ Smith’s Alternative
• Loud & Local @ The Baso
• Shadows of the Undertow (metal) @ The Baso
• The Wildfires @ Canberra Irish Club

Saturday

• 80's Prom Night @ Dissent
• Rufino @ Smith’s Alternative

Sunday

• LAVERS / Dana Hassall / AVA Martina @ Dissent
• Tilly Vickers Willis (indie/electronic) @ GangGang
• Just Groovin @ Canberra Bowling Club
• Merak Machine (folk) @ Smith’s Alternative
• Victoriana Gaye @ Smith’s Alternative