Pause and Catch Up: 16 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.$200 Million Boost to Transform Canberra’s Civic Heart with New Aquatic Centre and Convention Precinct
A $200 million joint investment by the ACT and Federal Labor Governments will deliver a new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park and progress the design of a major Convention and Entertainment Precinct in the CBD. Billed as the biggest civic infrastructure boost in a generation, the projects aim to enhance Canberra’s liveability, grow the visitor economy, and create thousands of jobs in construction, hospitality, and tourism.
2.New Veterans Lounge Opens at Canberra Hospital to Support Wellbeing and Connection
Canberra Hospital has unveiled a purpose-built Veterans Lounge, providing a quiet, welcoming space for current and former military members and their families. Part of the $660 million Canberra Hospital Expansion, the lounge offers comfort, connection, and thoughtful amenities to meet the unique needs of the Territory’s 22,000-strong veteran community.
3.Brumbies Fall Short but Eye Growth Ahead of Lions Tour
Despite a 37–17 semifinal loss to the Chiefs, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham says the team is focused on long-term growth, with an eye on developing players ahead of the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour. While the defeat marks the end of their Super Rugby Pacific campaign, Larkham praised the squad’s development and resilience, particularly among younger talent.
4.Over 400 Trees Planted in the Rain to Honour Women and Nature
In a powerful display of community and connection, more than 400 trees were planted in the rain at Brookvale Farm as part of Landcare ACT’s Women in Nature celebration. The event brought together women of all ages and backgrounds for a day of environmental action, storytelling, and shared reflection on the healing power of nature. With native tree planting, wellness resources, and nourishing food by The What If Society, the gathering celebrated strength, culture, and the deep-rooted bond between women and the land.
5. Canberra Brave Face Off Against Lightning in Intense Home Doubleheader
The Canberra Brave battled hard in back-to-back home games against the Brisbane Lightning over the weekend. Saturday’s match saw a flurry of goals with the Brave falling short 8–6, while Sunday delivered a surprising stalemate as both teams held each other to a rare 0–0 draw. The team now turns its focus to bouncing back in the next round of the Australian Ice Hockey League.
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.
Budget announcements have begun, here is what’s in the budget for Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and the inner suburbs.
Gungahlin: Gungahlin Gets Budget Boost for Schools, Sports, and Suburb Upgrades
The 2025–26 ACT Budget brings targeted investment to Gungahlin with new facilities and local upgrades across several suburbs. Taylor will see construction begin on a new high school, while upgrades are planned for the Gungahlin Leisure Centre. Casey gets improved footpaths, and sport infrastructure across the region will be enhanced to support growing demand. These investments aim to support Gungahlin’s fast-growing population with better education, recreation, and transport connections.
Inner Suburbs: Budget Delivers Aquatic Centre, Schools, and Safer Streets
Central Canberra is set for major upgrades with the 2025–26 ACT Budget funding a new Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park, detailed design for a Convention and Entertainment Precinct in the City, and new public housing in Turner and Ainslie. School investments continue in Forrest, Narrabundah, and the Inner North, while Campbell sees upgrades to local shops and Reid benefits from footpath improvements. Across the Inner North and South, better lighting and active travel upgrades aim to make streets safer and more accessible.
Tuggeranong: Tuggeranong Gets $15M Suburb Boost for Paths, Playgrounds, and Community Hubs
The ACT Government announced it’s budget plans for Tuggeranong, investing over $15 million to upgrade suburban infrastructure, with renewed playgrounds in Bonython, Conder, Gilmore, Isabella Plains, Kambah and Wanniassa, plus new cricket nets in Gowrie and seating at Gordon Oval. Greenway’s Lakeside Leisure Centre will be upgraded, while Erindale shops and the Tuggeranong Skate Park are set for revitalisation. Calwell and Chisholm will benefit from inclusive changeroom upgrades, and $5 million will go to safer footpaths and better lighting across the region.
Belconnen: Jewellery Seized in Macquarie Stop: Police Seek Owners
ACT Policing is calling on Belconnen residents to help identify several pieces of suspected stolen jewellery seized during a traffic stop in Macquarie on Tuesday night (10 June). If you've recently had earrings, necklaces or bracelets stolen, you’re urged to contact police and assist with the investigation. More details and images here.
Woden: Have Your Say: Inquiry Launched into the Future of Woden Town Centre
Residents and businesses across Woden, including Phillip, Curtin, Lyons, Garran, Hughes, and O’Malley, are being invited to shape the future of their town centre as part of a new ACT Legislative Assembly inquiry. With major projects like Light Rail Stage 2 and the Southern Gateway Planning Framework underway, this is a key moment to influence how Woden evolves into a more liveable, vibrant, and well-connected community hub. Submissions are open until 22 August 2025, and all voices—residents, local organisations, and businesses, are encouraged to contribute.
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. 💛
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