Pause and Catch Up: 19 May 2025
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
Therapy dogs ease ICU stress
A new study from Canberra Hospital has confirmed that therapy dogs can significantly reduce pain and anxiety levels for patients in intensive care units. The research, part of a broader focus on holistic and patient-centred care, involved bringing trained therapy dogs into the ICU to provide comfort and emotional support. Patients reported feeling calmer, more relaxed, and less distressed after interacting with the animals, with some experiencing a notable decrease in perceived pain. The initiative was led by Canberra Health Services in partnership with therapy dog providers and highlights the growing role of animal-assisted interventions in clinical environments.
Public housing build gets a boost
The ACT Government is expanding its use of prefabricated and modular construction methods to accelerate the delivery of public housing and address the territory's growing demand for affordable homes. This approach allows for faster construction, with panels manufactured off-site and assembled on-site, reducing material waste and improving on-site safety. By adopting modern construction methods, the government aims to reduce construction timelines and costs, while providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes for those in need.
Crime Reporting Goes Mobile in the ACT
Canberrans can now report a wider range of non-urgent crimes directly from their phones, thanks to an expansion of ACT Policing’s online reporting system. Incidents like petrol drive-offs, minor stealing, property damage, and shoplifting can be logged digitally, freeing up emergency lines and streamlining access to police support. The update is aimed at making reporting more accessible and efficient for the community.
Childcare Trust Broken: What Comes Next?
Canberrans were left shocked this week after it was revealed that a former employee had stolen significant funds from a Weston Creek childcare centre. While justice is now unfolding through the courts, the impact on the centre’s staff, families, and broader community is profound. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of strong governance and safeguards in organisations that care for our most vulnerable. It’s also a moment to reflect on how we support each other when trust is tested, because accountability matters, but so does healing.
Cats, Trucks & Storytime Magic Coming to Libraries ACT!
Get ready to purr and rev your engines, National Simultaneous Storytime is rolling into Canberra on 21 May, and Libraries ACT is bringing the fun across all branches. With special guest readers like Paul Goriss (Head Coach of the UC Capitals and Olympic basketball coach) and Michelle Robertson (CEO of the RSPCA), this year’s event is packed with personality, passion, and plenty of paws. Kids (and grown-ups!) are encouraged to dress as cats, trucks, or anything they love while enjoying a hilarious read-aloud session that connects thousands of kids across Australia at the same time. It’s joy, community, and literacy all in one unforgettable event don’t miss your chance to join in here.
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.
INNER NORTH: Canberra Theatre Centre Open Day
Canberra Museum & Gallery lit up the Inner North last Saturday, welcoming over 5,000 visitors for a vibrant Open Day celebrating Sidney Nolan’s legacy. From live conservation of the first Ned Kelly painting to cupcake-fuelled treasure hunts, families and art lovers dove into hands-on activities, curator tours, and creative workshops. The day was a colourful reminder that Canberra’s cultural heart is beating strong and full of lyrebirds, chalk art, and community spirit.
GUNGAHLIN: Global Goals Begin at JPC
St John Paul II College has scored big, officially becoming the Canberra home of the Liverpool FC International Academy. Students now have access to world-class, Liverpool-accredited coaching right in Gungahlin.
TUGGERANONG: headspace need help from Canberras young people
headspace Tuggeranong is calling on young people to speak up in the 2025 Mission Australia Youth Survey. Your voice helps shape programs, services, and a better future for youth across Canberra. Click here for more.
BELCONNEN: Big Splash, Big Relief
Planning Minister Chris Steel has confirmed that Big Splash waterpark is not earmarked for redevelopment. The much-loved Belconnen icon is safe, with the government stating it has “no intention” of rezoning the site for housing or commercial development. For a community that grew up on slides, sprinkles and hot chips by the pool, this is a win worth making a splash about.
WODEN: CIT Woden Project Progresses
The construction of the new $300 million CIT campus and transport interchange in Woden is advancing. However, the Woden Valley Community Council has raised concerns regarding accessibility, emphasizing the need for an east-west pedestrian corridor to ensure seamless connectivity across the town centre. They advocate for a revised master plan that allocates spaces for open areas and community facilities to enhance the precinct’s livability.
INNER SOUTH: Love Sets Sail on the Lake
On Saturday night, 100 singles set sail on Lake Burley Griffin for the sold-out launch of Curated—Canberra’s newest intentional dating experience. What began as a bold idea has sparked a ripple of excitement, creating space for connection, community, and meaningful conversations. With a perfect 50/50 guest list and more events on the horizon, the Inner South might just be home to Canberra’s next great love story.
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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