Pause and Catch Up: 9 June
If your week felt like a blur and the news passed you by, don’t worry, you’re not alone. We know the news cycle can feel like it’s always on, always urgent. That’s why we’ve created this gentle check-in: a wellbeing-first way to stay connected to what’s happening in Canberra without feeling overwhelmed.
So pour a cuppa, take a breath, and scroll through what mattered in our city last week. Here’s your moment to pause and catch up.
Top 5 Canberra Headlines
1. Matilda’s have a record-breaking crowd
The Matildas lit up GIO Stadium on Monday night with a dominant 4–1 win over Argentina, but it was Michelle Heyman's return that truly stole the show. When the local hero stepped onto the field, the record-breaking crowd of 25,125 erupted and when she scored in the final minutes, the roar was electric. It was a fairytale moment for the Canberra striker, sealing the win in front of a hometown crowd. A perfect send-off for interim coach Tom Sermanni and a powerful start to a new chapter under Joe Montemurro.
2. Youth Mental Health services supported in the 2025-26 Budget
The ACT Government will invest $9.4 million over four years to strengthen youth mental health programs in the 2025-26 Budget. This funding supports early intervention and community care through services like MindMap, YAM in schools, and trauma-informed programs like Stepping Stones—helping young people access support where and when they need it. Find our Budget announcement page here
3. Mooseheads Nightclub Protests Light Rail Disruptions
Canberra’s beloved Mooseheads nightclub has launched a creative protest against the chaos caused by Light Rail Stage 2A construction. With foot traffic down and fencing blocking visibility, patrons are now attaching padlocks with personal messages to the site’s barriers, a symbolic call for support. While the ACT Government has acknowledged the disruption, businesses like Mooseheads say limited assistance falls short. The padlocks now stand as both a protest and a plea: don’t forget the locals behind the progress.
4. Trifecta Sports Weekend
Canberra was buzzing with sporting energy over the long weekend, hosting a thrilling trifecta of top-tier clashes. The Brumbies kept their Super Rugby Pacific title hopes alive with a nail-biting 35–28 win over the Hurricanes. The GIANTS took on Port Adelaide at Manuka Oval down in the end 66-50. Then, all eyes turned to the Raiders dominated the Rabbitohs in a gritty NRL showdown winning 36-12 and calling tribute to Josh Papelii who went in himself TWICE in his 319th first grade game.
5. Snow has officially arrived at Corin Forest
Bringing a dusting of magic just outside Canberra. Locals and their furry friends have been quick to embrace the winter wonderland, with dogs joyfully bounding through the snow on morning walks. The picturesque alpine setting has turned into a weekend playground, offering a taste of the ski season without the long drive to the Snowy Mountains. With more chilly mornings on the way, it's the perfect time for Canberrans to rug up and make the most of the frosty fun close to home.
Suburb-by-Suburb Snapshot
Here’s what’s happening closer to home, because sometimes it’s the smaller stories that shape our day-to-day lives.
Tuggeranong: New Tesla Store Sparks Up Conversation
A brand-new Tesla store has quietly opened its doors in Tuggeranong, and the community is buzzing. The unexpected arrival has sparked plenty of local chatter, some excited about the convenience and innovation, others surprised to see a luxury EV brand pop up in the south. Whether you're a fan, a skeptic, or just curious, it’s certainly giving Canberrans something to talk about.
Gungahlin: Gungahlin Jets Brave the Big Freeze for MND
Even the photos make us cold, Wednesday night saw the Gungahlin Jets host a heartwarming Big Freeze event in icy conditions, raising funds and awareness for Fight MND. Beanies were worn, donations flowed, and the community showed up in force to support a cause close to many hearts. If you missed the event but want to show your support, donations can still be made here.
Inner North: O’Connor House Fire a Stark Reminder: Missed Smoke Alarm Action Day? Check Yours Now
All residents and pets were safely evacuated from the O’Connor house fire over the weekend—but it’s a powerful reminder of how critical smoke alarms are. Did you miss Smoke Alarm Action Day? It was meant to prompt exactly this kind of life-saving check. If you haven’t already, take a moment now to: clean around your alarm, test the button and check the expiry date. It only takes a minute, but it could save your life. Learn more.
Inner South: Comedy for a Cause Hits Fyshwick with Laughter and Purpose
Comedy for a Cause was a roaring success, with a night full of laughs, good company, and a powerful sense of purpose. The Women Building Change team brought the community together in support of the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout. With just $30,000 to go to hit their ambitious $200,000 goal for the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, the team is calling on the community to help them cross the finish line. You can still get behind them by donating via their fundraising page.
Belconnen: Belconnen Celebrates Inclusion with New Grant for LGBTQIA+ Youth
The Belconnen Youth Centre has been awarded a Capital of Equality grant, paving the way for inclusive ballroom dance classes and a special Wear It Purple Day celebration. Staff proudly accepted the award from Chief Minister during IDAHOBIT. Belco Youth Centre continues to create affirming, fun spaces for LGBTIQA+ youth, thanks to the support of the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs and the ACT Government. Haven’t been to Bit Bent yet? It’s a weekly social group for LGBTIQA+ young people and allies aged 10–17, a warm, welcoming space to hang out and be yourself. Check it out here.
Woden: Woden’s New CIT Campus Set to Open in July.
Big changes are coming to Woden with the much-anticipated opening of the new CIT Woden Campus this July! Purpose-built for the next generation of learners, the state-of-the-art campus will offer modern training facilities, collaborative study spaces, and a focus on courses linked to in-demand local industries, including health, business, tech, and community services. Located right in the heart of Woden, the campus is will also include a Yurauna Centre space to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Learn more.
That’s your week in review.
Support your local. Celebrate the wins. Speak up for change. And as always, we’ll be here to help you pause & catch up next week. 💛
#PauseAndCatchUp #PurposeMediaCBR #CanberraNews #LocalMatters #SuburbBySuburb #Belconnen #Gungahlin #Tuggeranong #Woden #InnerNorth #InnerSouth
