All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe move comes as City Services said there had been 1001 dog attacks reported in Canberra in the last nearly two years The Wanniassa residents say the cross-breed dog in question is a threat to people living in the neighbourhood and the owner is not responsible enough to hold a dangerous dog licence They believe the only safe option is for the dog to be euthanased Allen with his dachshund and some of the injuries he sustained defending his dog they are challenging in ACAT a decision by Domestic Animal Services (DAS) to grant the owner a dangerous dog licence saying they no longer feel safe to walk or ride near the home where the dog is kept The neighbours have no issue with DAS staff saying they have been "incredible" throughout the ordeal was bitten by a roaming dog when he tried to save Greg the dachshund-cross from being attacked about 9.30am on February 5 when the attack happened CCTV footage from homes in the street shows two dogs roaming alone he was bitten on the arm by the attacking dog He also punched the dog to try to get it off his arm I was just looking into its eyes," he said eventually separating the dog and getting a rope around its neck DAS then came and took the dog to its shelter Allen required two different surgeries for his injuries Greg escaped with scratches and minor punctures who don't want their full names used for fear of retribution now understand the dog will be returned to the neighbourhood as its owner has been granted a dangerous dog licence It can require the owner to follow numerous conditions to keep the dog including that it must be kept in an escape-proof yard it must be muzzled if it leaves the premises and is not allowed to be off-leash in an off-leash area The neighbours say the dog's owner has already proved to be irresponsible and they are not convinced any of the conditions will be followed "They're not going to manage it the way they should it's not the first time it's been up and down this street." The puncture wounds of Allen's arm immediately after the dog attack Picture suppliedAllen has also been told that because he got between Greg and the attacking dog his was regarded as a "re-direct" or secondary attack The neighbours were also told the dog had passed behavioural tests while being held in the DAS shelter and would be returned to its owner albeit as a dangerous dog now subject to conditions "We were told [by DAS] that while the attack on Allen was severe it wasn't anywhere near the worst," Fiona said A dog can be declared dangerous for a number of reasons including if it has attacked or harassed a person or an animal they must apply for a dangerous dog licence from DAS A licence can be refused for reasons including if "there would be an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public or other animals if the licence were issued" or if "the applicant has failed or is unable to exercise responsible dog management Allen and his neighbours are now worried about walking in the area Picture by Keegan CarrollThe neighbours now each have to pay $400 to challenge the granting of the dangerous dog licence in ACAT A spokesperson for City Services said a review of a decision by DAS had always been an option "Under the Domestic Animals Act 2000 a range of decisions made by Domestic Animal Services can be reviewed by the ACAT on application by an impacted party The decisions to declare a dog a dangerous dog or to approve or refuse a dangerous dog licence are all reviewable decisions," a statement read Ambulance and Domestic Animal Services staff on the scene of the dog attack in Wanniassa in February 10 dogs have been declared as dangerous dogs eight due to attacks on people and/or other animals which resulted in serious injury and two due to being trained as guard dogs Five of these decisions have been reviewed by the ACAT Allen required two surgeries after the dog attack Picture supplied"There have been no applications for review of decisions by the ACAT in relation to dangerous dog licences during this time "Of the five matters subject to review by the ACAT one decision was upheld by the ACAT to declare a dog dangerous one decision to euthanise a dog was substituted to declaring the dog as a dangerous dog and three cases were discontinued by the applicant leading to one euthanasia and two dangerous dog declarations." City Services also said there had been 603 dog attacks reported in the ACT last financial year A further 398 dog attacks have been reported to date this financial year "Domestic Animal Services thoroughly investigates all reports of dog attacks that involve serious injuries," the statement read "The registrar's decision-making is informed by the evidence available As part of the investigation process the alleged attacking dog keeper is identified and spoken with the attacking dog is formally assessed by an independent expert who is qualified in canine behaviour and feedback is obtained by canvasing neighbours and collecting witness statements "In making a decision to approve an application for a dangerous dog licence the registrar must consider a range of criteria suitability and security of the premises of where the dog is being kept as well as potential impact on the occupiers of neighbouring premises." I like telling local stories and celebrating Canberra. 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The best local news sent straight to your inbox every workday Make a donation and support the future of journalism and media diversity in the ACT Two more people have been charged in relation to an attempted murder in Wanniassa last year Major Crime Squad investigators arrested a 30-year-old Garran man and charged him with attempted murder following multiple searches across south Canberra they arrested a 35-year-old-man and a 22-year-old woman for being accessories after the fact Police will allege the pair assisted the main offender escape apprehension following the incident On September 4 a man suffered life-threatening injuries including multiple deep incisions and fractures at a home in Wanniassa He was taken to hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery and was placed in an induced coma for four days Police say they are are also seeking information about the weapon believed to have been used during the assault – a 25-inch Gerber Gator machete Anyone with information should call 1800 333000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free Become a supporter 21-year-old Jamie Barry and 29-year-old Elliot Smith-Benzie are urgently being sought by police Jamal Fogarty has opened up on informing coach Ricky Stuart he would be leaving Canberra to accept a lucrative contract at Manly for 2026 Labor will move to cut student debt as its first re-election priority with the prime minister claiming a mandate to press forward with housing reform Credit: AAPPolice have charged a man with attempted murder after a frenzied attack on a man with a machete in a residence in Canberra A 30-year-old Garran man allegedly attacked the victim with a machet inside the Wanniassa home on September 4 police and emergency services attended the property on Ashley Drive following reports of a man suffering severe injuries Get the first look at the digital newspaper curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The man was located suffering life threatening injuries including multiple deep incisions and fractures before he was treated at the scene by ACT Ambulance Service paramedics and transported to hospital He then reportedly underwent lifesaving surgery and was placed in an induced coma for four days The offender fled the scene prior to police arrival and officers from the major crime squad commenced efforts to identify and locate the alleged offender Officers surrounded and swarmed a bus due to travel interstate last Thursday He has been charged with one count of attempted murder and was scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court Police continue to urge any witnesses to come forward as investigators are confident there are further witnesses who can provide important information about the attack and the movements of the alleged offender afterwards Police are also seeking information about the weapon believed to have been used during the assault Latest EditionEdition Edition 5 May 20255 May 2025All-powerful Anthony Albanese says give me some R.E.S.P.E.C.T Police seized two guns and arrested a 27-year-old man as the result of a dangerous driving incident in Tuggeranong on Thursday afternoon Police had stopped a white Ford Falcon utility in Gordon driving dangerously in suburbs throughout Tuggeranong before being abandoned in Wanniassa having hit a tree The driver was located with assistance from the community and subsequently arrested was searched and found to contain two firearms and ammunition were located in the vehicle and also seized The man has been charged with failing to stop for police dangerous driving and two counts of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm Two wanted men, 21-year-old Jamie Barry and 29-year-old Elliot Smith-Benzie are urgently being sought by police.  Jamal Fogarty has opened up on informing coach Ricky Stuart he would be leaving Canberra to accept a lucrative contract at Manly for 2026. Labor will move to cut student debt as its first re-election priority with the prime minister claiming a mandate to press forward with housing reform. Make a donation and support the future of journalism and media diversity in the ACT. Get CityNews in your inbox. Daily. The best local news sent straight to your inbox every workday! Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePaul Liam New were granted bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday and are yet to enter pleas to being accessories after the fact ACT Policing announced a third person had been arrested in relation to the life-threatening incident That 27-year-old woman was set to face court after also being charged with being an accessory after the fact Police also suspect the pair may know where the machete is located prosecutor David Swan said Norton had contacted New afterwards telling him "he needs to stay 'staunch' in relation to police investigating the matter" Talbot cried and rocked back and forth during her court appearance via audio-visual link from a remote room within the courthouse Police and emergency services attended a home in Wanniassa on September 4 when they found the alleged victim "slumped in the entry of the unit" and suffering from life-threatening injuries That man was treated for multiple deep incisions and fractures before being taken to hospital where he was placed in an induced coma for four days Angel Talbot and Paul New leave court on Friday after beingn granted bail Pictures by Hannah Neale and Tim PiccionePolice documents tendered during a previous bail application for Norton allege the weapon used in the attack was a 25-inch Gerber Gator-branded machete Norton is accused of using the machete to sever three of the alleged victim's fingers and cause numerous other grisly injuries Norton was arrested and denied bail more than two months after the alleged attack and has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder Police have released an image of a machete similar to the alleged weapon used in the alleged attempted murder Picture suppliedSuspected knowledge of weaponDuring a bail application on Friday Mr Swan argued New should not be granted bail due to a likelihood of interfering with evidence He said New and Talbot were accused of driving Norton from the scene of the alleged murder attempt and lying to police during an interview who owns the vehicle said to have been used was seen "taking steps to clean the car after the altercation" Mr Swan said police suspected Norton had the machete with him in the car and the pair had "knowledge of where this weapon was disposed of or located" Detective Sergeant Alex Chapman from the Major Crime Squad spoke about the arrests at a press conference on February 14 Picture by Bageshri SavyasachiLegal Aid duty lawyer Lesley Jayasuriya successfully argued for New to be granted bail Mr Jayasuriya said the prosecution's concerns could be addressed with strict bail conditions and that the man had a "strong network of family based in Canberra" Magistrate Glenn Theakston granted New bail with conditions not to contact potential witnesses or other people involved and both are set to face court again next month Detective Sergeant Alex Chapman urged "anyone with information in relation to this matter to contact police anyone who has information regarding the alleged weapon" People with relevant information and witnesses to the incident on September 4, 2024, have been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website and quote reference number 7842338 Police said information could be provided anonymously Email me on bageshri.s@canberratimes.com.au or send confidential tips to bageshri.s@proton.me Hannah NealeReporterHannah is a reporter with The Canberra Times. She is currently covering ACT courts. Hannah started as a journalist with The Southern Highland News and The Goulburn Post before moving to the ACT. Contact: hannah.neale@canberratimes.com.au Hannah is a reporter with The Canberra Times. She is currently covering ACT courts. Hannah started as a journalist with The Southern Highland News and The Goulburn Post before moving to the ACT. Contact: hannah.neale@canberratimes.com.au Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue"How much are you paid?" These were some of the tricky questions put to the Speaker of the House of Representatives But it wasn't journalists or politicians peppering him with questions rather the year 5 and 6 students of St Anthony's Parish Primary School in Wanniassa It was the 111th school the Queensland Labor MP has attended for the Parliament in Schools program which started in 2022 to improve civics education in Australian schools also visited Sacred Heart Primary School in Pearce earlier in the day visited St Anthony's Primary School in Wanniassa Picture by Keegan CarrollStudents were given a run-down of a day in the life of a Speaker and MP before a rapid-fire round of question time In a more orderly fashion than what usually goes on at Parliament House students asked Mr Dick what the most important part of his job was and what made a good leader with students Asher De La Mezza and JT Roache and St Anthony's Primary School principal Erin Marmont but any future US President would be welcomed to Parliament House with respect he said all you need to do is Google it; it's publicly available information Speaker Milton Dick and student Machok Dhuol Picture by Keegan CarrollThe Speaker shared a glimpse into his journey to Federal Parliament telling the students he wanted to be a teacher or police officer when he was in primary school but strong community ties led him to politics Mr Dick said the future of Australian democracy was in good hands "It's such an honour to witness these kids thinking about ideas thinking about where Australia should be over the next 20 or 30 years when they'll be in charge of the country," he said Member for Bean David Smith and Speaker Milton Dick visit St Anthony's Primary School in Wanniassa Picture by Keegan CarrollWith Parliament sitting again from Monday the rowdy politicians at question time could learn a thing or two from the well-mannered students at St Anthony's "It would be safe to say that there is some pretty good examples of good behaviour here at this school in Canberra that I'll probably be encouraging some members to follow when Parliament resumes for the next two weeks," Mr Dick said Brittney is part of the federal political bureau, covering politics, the public service and economics. Brittney joined The Canberra Times in 2021 and was previously the property reporter. Got a news tip? Get in touch: brittney.levinson@canberratimes.com.au Newsletters & AlertsView allDaily Today's top stories curated by our news team Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers We've selected the best reading for your weekend Get the latest property and development news here tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords Gugan Gulwan’s new home will support the delivery of expanded services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans A traditional Smoking Ceremony has been held to cleanse Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation’s Wanniassa site This ceremony is the next step in the delivery of the purpose-built facility for Gugan Gulwan Gugan Gulwan’s new home will support the delivery of expanded services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children Gugan  Gulwan has served the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the ACT for more than 30 years The plans for the new facility have been developed through an inclusive co-design partnership ensuring the design and construction process is guided by Gugan Gulwan’s cultural expertise and experience The design of the new facility was informed by consultation with individuals and families with connections and links to Gugan Gulwan The ACT community also had the chance to have their say on the project through a public consultation process Concept render of the new Gugan Gulwan facility The ACT Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to strengthen and grow enabling them to deliver more services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans Commencement of site works marks an important step in delivering a building that will support Gugan Gulwan and their work supporting Canberra’s First Nations children Key features will include a reception area art and music facilities and indoor and outdoor play areas The outcome of the tender process to construct the facility will be announced in the coming weeks In preparation for development of the new facility Gugan Gulwan has temporarily relocated to Erindale Business Park To find more information about Gugan Gulwan visit their Facebook page. Kendrick Lamar will headline Spilt Milk 2025 in Canberra on Saturday 13 December Funding has been provided to over 2,500 Canberra families through the Future of Education Equity Fund Construction will begin soon on the new South Tuggeranong Health Centre in Conder We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time Capital Football Tuggeranong United Miniroos player William Young (4) in action. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos/Canberra Times After a 94-day hiatus, football returned on Saturday afternoon (20 June) as Tuggeranong United kicked off their U5 to U9 MiniRoos competitions in Wanniassa. Tuggeranong United was the first club to launch its MiniRoos season on Saturday, with six matches played across three fields throughout the winter afternoon. With their MiniRoos Return To Play Plan in place, the club set up exclusion zones around each field, split five age groups into three time slots and ensured a COVID-19 compliance officer was present to ensure social distancing was maintained and ACT Government restrictions were adhered to. After months of practicing in his backyard with his dad, four-year-old Andoni Proestos was one of the first kids to put on his boots and join in after the temporary suspension of football. Andoni’s mum Laura couldn’t be happier. “It’s really great to get back to normal and see the kids running around,” Ms Proestos said. “This is his first time playing soccer, he was so excited. “He has been wearing his boots all morning, it’s so cute because he wouldn’t take them off. Tuggeranong United Miniroos player Andoni Proestos (4) in action at the Wanniassa Playing Fields. Picture by: Dion Georgopoulos/Canberra Times “Andoni had been asking about it because he knew he was going to play all year. When we registered him earlier this week, he went straight into class to tell his friends he was playing soccer.” Belle Sanderson, whose son Leo also joined this season, was glad that football had returned. “It’s so good to see the kids out there,” Ms Sanderson said. “It’s nice to be back to real life again, going to soccer in the Canberra cold but it’s awesome. “Everyone seems very excited, particularly the new ones who are going to have a learning curve for the first couple of weeks. They’re just bumping into each other but as a parent, it’s fun to watch.” A COVID-19 compliance officer ensures people are socially distancing. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos/Canberra Times Tuggeranong United president Stan Mitchell said the weeks of hard work preparing for football’s return was worth it just to see the kids’ smiles. “This is for the community, the kids, and the parents who have been locked up and doing homeschooling.,” Mitchell said. “It’s a typical winter day but it’s perfect. “Being first to play football this weekend is terrific. I know there are other clubs starting next week but at the end of the day, it’s all about the kids. It’s the start of a new journey now which is great.” More Capital Football clubs will launch their MiniRoos competitions in the coming weeks, with Majura FC set to start their MiniRoos games this Saturday morning (27 June) from 9am. Photos and quotes attributed to the Canberra Times.  Football House, Unit 2 / 3 Phipps Close, Deakin, ACT, 2600 AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA post-mortem was conducted on Tuesday yet the investigation remains open and enquiries are ongoing Police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Bussau Close on Friday between 9am and 1pm Those who have information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or post that information to the Crime Stoppers website Police have been doorknocking the neighbourhood and following lines of inquiry since the body was discovered around 12.55pm on Friday A major police operation swung into effect on Friday in the quiet Wanniassa cul de sac with streets blocked off to traffic and large sections of the local area around where the body was found cordoned off as a potential crime scene Police are remaining circumspect as to what evidence was recovered from the scene Telling the truth and holding agencies accountable must matter to us all. It's also important to tell the story well, and factually. Contact me at peter.brewer@canberratimes.com.au Picture suppliedPolice are investigating an attempted break-in at the Coles Express service station in Wanniassa Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA spokesperson for ACT Policing said the attempted break-in happened about 2.50am on Thursday at the service station in Rylah Crescent "An alarm had been triggered following people trying to gain entry to the premises however they were not able to get in Nothing was taken but some damage to the shopfront," the spokesperson Police were reviewing CCTV footage to determine how the damage was done Our journalists work hard to provide local This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: No commentsMum escapes assault conviction after 'impulsively' biting 2yo having tantrumNewsletters & AlertsView allDaily The Ngambri scarred tree in Wanniassa, as it stood in 1998, before its removal. (National Library of Australia: Jon Rhodes ) Link copiedShareShare articleTwo eucalyptus trees with significant value to Canberra's Indigenous community have been "wrongly" cut down, according to Government documents. The two trees in the suburb of Wanniassa both bore deep scarring from where canoes had likely been carved hundreds of years ago. One of the trees has been relocated, but the second — affectionately known by locals as the Spook Tree — has been destroyed. "Scar trees are done by our ancestors, but also there are stories behind them, a spiritual connection," Ngunnawal elder and traditional custodian Tyronne Bell, who runs cultural tours of scar trees around the ACT, said. One of the scarred trees in Wanniassa, after being cut down. Access Canberra investigated the "destruction" of the Spook Tree, which was cut down and mulched in April 2017, ultimately finding it had been mistakenly removed as part of a larger tree removal program. "The contractor undertaking the clearance had sought advice from the Conservator of Flora and Fauna, in line with standard process prior to removing any trees, and it was identified as a tree not to be removed," ACT Conservator Ian Walker said. "Unfortunately an error by the contractor saw the tree wrongly removed … the contractor notified the ACT Government straight away and expressed their regrets." The scarred tree at the Wanniassa District Playing Fields was another tree of 'cultural significance'. (National Library of Australia: Jon Rhodes) Despite the mistake, the Government decided not to pursue the contractor through what would be an "expensive prosecution". But the circumstances surrounding the felling of the other scarred tree are less clear. The investigation into its removal is ongoing, but the ABC understands it was intentionally removed around the beginning of 2017. Its trunk has been saved, and Aboriginal organisations are being consulted on what can be done to conserve it long term. Mr Bell called for tougher penalties to bring the ACT into line with NSW, where fines can be as much as $1.5 million for scar tree destruction. In the ACT, there is currently no system in place to issue fines or repair orders without prosecuting breaches through the courts. "People before they cut a tree down they should get in contact with the Aboriginal Heritage Unit," Mr Bell added. "Some people go and cut these trees down because they're not educated, but some people know it's a site and they knock it down anyway because they're a developer and they need to get something built." Ngunnawal elder Tyronne Bell points out a scar tree on one of his tours at Mount Majura. (ABC Radio Canberra: Penny Travers) Inner South Community Council member Nick Swain wrote online that the historical society had questioned the Planning Minister over the safety of other protected trees. "There are no excuses for this! What practical protection does the Heritage Register provide to these special cultural objects?", he wrote. In briefing documents to the Environment Minister, the Environment directorate advised it was exploring ways to educate the community on identifying scarred trees. "The ACT Government recognises the importance of Aboriginal scarred trees to our region's heritage," Mr Walker said. Mr Walker said in February that Environment Minister Mick Gentleman had asked the directorate to explore the introduction of on-the-spot fines and repair orders "as a matter of urgency". He said that work was expected to roll out this year. Picture by Keegan CarrollPolice are investigating the discovery of a man aged in his 50s dead on the footpath in a quiet Wanniassa back street on Friday Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA police operation swung into effect when the body was found around 12.55pm encompassing multiple houses in and around Bussau Close which runs off Langdon Avenue in Wanniassa Few details had been provided as a full-scale police investigation commenced officers door-knocking local residents and seeking any CCTV vision from houses in the area A statement was issued by ACT Policing stating an operation was under way and urging people to avoid the area Police speak to a local resident at the cordon in Wanniassa Picture by Keegan Carroll"Anyone who witnessed any suspicious in the vicinity of Bussau Close between 12pm and 1pm [Friday] is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," the statement said Screens were set up around a specific footpath location in the quiet back street aimed at giving crime scene investigators more freedom to examine the body and photograph it in situ Picture: Keegan Carroll The Gugan Gulwan Aboriginal youth centre will be rebuilt as the ACT government has lodged the development application for a new build on the Wanniassa site Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe youth centre will be expanded to make way for more services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT government had worked with Gugan Gulwan on a new design for the facility "This co-design process has been absolutely vital to ensure that we deliver a purpose-built facility for Gugan Gulwan that is not only built-for-purpose to fit their functional needs but is also a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in the ACT," Ms Stephen-Smith said The ACT government has committed $15 million towards the new facility but Ms Stephen-Smith said this would increase especially as there had been an escalation in construction costs The development application has been lodged and it is expected to go out for public consultation in the coming weeks there will be a request for the construction tender and Ms Stephen-Smith said the government hoped to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander companies in the process Gugan Gulwan has operated out of its current building since 2001 MORE A.C.T. POLITICS NEWS: The new building will have a reception area Gugan Gulwan Aboriginal Youth Corporation executive director Kim Davison said it was exciting for the project to get to this stage "We're just going to have so much more room to run our marvelous programs "We can also have more meeting rooms where families can come in and have their privacy our young people in our community can be extremely proud of." Gugan Gulwan is operating out of the Erindale Business Park while the redevelopment is underway Ms Stephen-Smith said it was hoped the new building would be ready by April 2024 Lucy Bladen has been a journalist at The Canberra Times since 2019. She is an ACT politics and health reporter. Email: l.bladen@canberratimes.com.au CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced (free call except from mobiles or public phones) or The Drug and Alcohol Help Line is available 24-hours For after hours urgent public health matters including environmental health food poisoning and communicable disease management phone: Select your suburb in the dropdown menu to view your bin collection calendar Rubbish and recycling collections occur fortnightly on day and FOGO bins are collected every Monday Rubbish and recycling collections occur fortnightly on day and FOGO bins are collected every Friday Rubbish and recycling collections occur fortnightly on day and FOGO bins are collected every Wednesday Rubbish and recycling collections occur fortnightly on day and FOGO bins are collected every Tuesday The recycling bin is for empty household containers These items are sorted and sold on to be recycled ✔️ glass bottles and jars – clean and empty ✔️ plastic bottles and containers – clean empty and lids removed ✔️ steel and aluminium cans – clean and empty ✔️ paper – not shredded ✔️ cardboard – flattened Remember you can request a larger recycling bin for an additional fee or visit one of our free 24 hour recycling drop-off centres The following items don’t belong in the recycling bin:❌ hazardous materials such as batteries or electronics ✔️ grass clippings ✔️ weeds ✔️ prunings and leaves ✔️ small branches The following items don’t belong in the organics bin:❌ plastic bags These items should be taken elsewhere for recycling or safe disposal. Visit the Recyclopaedia to find out more The landfill bin is for household items that can’t be reused The following items don’t belong in the landfill bin:❌ hazardous materials such as batteries or chemicals ❌ e-waste ❌ building waste ❌ bulky waste❌ green waste Here are 5 tips to reduce landfill waste Tried these tips and still don’t have enough space in the landfill bin A Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection pilot is now servicing over 6,000 households in Belconnen Cook, Macquarie and selected apartments and townhouses in Tuggeranong Food scraps and garden waste are accepted in the FOGO bin ✔️ leftovers and cooked food ✔️ bread and dairy ✔️ meat/fish scraps and bones (no oyster shells) ✔️ certified compostable green caddy liners ✔️ coffee grounds and tea leaves (no tea bags) ✔️ grass clippings ✔️ prunings and leaves ✔️ small branches The following items don’t belong in the FOGO bin: ❌ oyster shells JJ’s Waste and Recycling has commenced as the service provider for household waste collections in the ACT Bin collections may happen at a different time of the day than usual Please make sure you place your bins on the kerbside by 7 am on collection days and leave them on the kerbside until they have been collected Please check that your bin has been emptied before you lodge a missed service request Call within 24 hours and leave your bin on the kerb until collected To report damaged or missing bins visit the wheelie bins collection page or contact the ACT Government on 13 22 81 ✓  Put your bins out the night before or by 7am on collection days.✓  Put your bins on the kerbside with the front of the bin facing the road and the wheels at the back.✓   Leave a gap of at least 30cm between bins so the truck’s arms can pick up each bin.✓   Keep bins a minimum of 1 metre away from any obstruction such as trees parked cars or poles.✓   Ensure your bin is not too heavy (less than 80kg for recycling and landfill less than 50kg for green waste) so the truck can lift it.✓   Ensure bin lids can completely close to avoid littering.✓   Bring your bins in from the kerb as soon as possible after they have been emptied To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan. and possible bikie links in Wanniassa today Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePolice were able to confirm that a search warrant had been executed on a house in Wanniassa this morning but have refused to disclose any information about the search police have refused to provide any information about a search warrant in Wanniassa today Photo: Rohan ThomsonHowever witness and neighbour reports suggest it was a significant police operation involving a large number of police resources And two witnesses have speculated about possible bikie links indicating that the property was a known Rebels hangout Photo: Rohan ThomsonA canberratimes.com.au photographer reported the bomb response team vehicle was on the scene at about 12.30pm and counted at least nine unmarked police vehicles and spotted one police dog in the immediate area A nearby childcare centre made the decision to close their business for the day after arriving to work at 8.30am to find the carpark full of police vehicles said as there was nowhere for parents to park and drop their children off she felt it would be safer for parents to keep kids at home rather than attempt to negotiate a carpark busy with police activity A coffee shop operator at the shopping complex said the size of the operation had effectively destroyed her business for the morning on what was usually the busiest day of the week But neither business would speculate on the specifics of the operation Both said that despite the presence of the bomb squad’s truck police had made no move to evacuate the area But police did not provide any further information to either business about their activity Police departed the complex at about 1.30pm a police spokesman said police would not comment on any aspect on the search warrant nor did police have any plans to release more information today we are unable to provide any further details,’’ the police spokesman We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Coles has gone to great lengths to minimise the risk of losing rusted-on former Supabarn customers ahead of Wednesday's grand opening of its new Wanniassa supermarket. Store manager, Damian Pennyfield, said extensive workshops and focus groups, known as "listening sessions", had been held ahead of the redevelopment of the store. Store manager Damian Pennyfield, left, and Autolyse's Mickey Gubas at the new Coles store opening at Wanniassa Shopping Centre. Credit: Elesa Kurtz Coles Wanniassa, which traded as a Supabarn until early April, was the first of the three ACT stores sold to the retail giant to pass into the company's control. It has been closed for rebranding and redevelopment for the past five weeks. The former Kaleen Supabarn closed for redevelopment on Tuesday and will reopen as a Coles on June 1. The Canberra Centre Supabarn is due to close next Tuesday [May 17] and will reopen under the Coles banner in mid to late June. The three ACT stores and two other Supabarn supermarkets in Five Dock and Sutherland changed hands after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission approved the sale in March. Three other ACT Supabarn stores, at Crace, Kingston and Casey, were not sold. Mr Pennyfield said the Wanniassa listening sessions had been very productive. "They [participants] mentioned they'd love to see a bakery in store; they also mentioned fresh seafood so we've made sure we've always got fresh seafood; it comes from all over Australia [with some of it from] as close as Eden." Popular former Supabarn product lines, such as sourdough bread from Braddon's Autolyse Bakery, have been retained. Checkout arrangements and quality fruit and vegetables were also on customers' agendas. "One of the things we had to be sure we did take on board was having enough manned checkouts and express checkouts," he said. "There needs to be a point of difference between Wanniassa and other supermarkets, making sure we don't force people through unmanned checkouts." Mr Pennyfield said customer attitudes, which included threats by some loyalists to boycott the rebranded store when the sale was first announced, had changed markedly for the better. "I've been able to talk to older customers, Supabarn customers, at our other Coles stores," he said. "The sense I get is that if I go back five weeks ago there were very mixed emotions about Supabarn going. I think that's now shifted very much towards excitement over the opening. [People] can't wait to come and look." Coles is spending about $14 million on rebranding the three former ACT Supabarns. Of the 90-plus employees manning the Wanniassa supermarket more than 80 used to work for the independent. Mr Pennyfield, who said Wanniassa was the first new supermarket he had opened, has been with Coles for more than a decade. Originally from Flynn, he started working on the checkout at the Jamison Coles when he was 15. "At that point I never thought my part-time job would become a full-time career," he said. Coles has gone to great lengths to minimise the risk of losing rusted-on former Supabarn customers ahead of Wednesday's grand opening of its new Wanniassa supermarket. Store manager, Damian Pennyfield, said extensive workshops and focus groups, known as \\\"listening sessions\\\", had been held ahead of the redevelopment of the store. Coles Wanniassa, which traded as a Supabarn until early April, was the first of the three ACT stores sold to the retail giant to pass into the company's control. \\\"They [participants] mentioned they'd love to see a bakery in store; they also mentioned fresh seafood so we've made sure we've always got fresh seafood; it comes from all over Australia [with some of it from] as close as Eden.\\\" Popular former Supabarn product lines, such as sourdough bread from Braddon's Autolyse Bakery, have been retained. Checkout arrangements and quality fruit and vegetables were also on customers' agendas. \\\"One of the things we had to be sure we did take on board was having enough manned checkouts and express checkouts,\\\" he said. \\\"There needs to be a point of difference between Wanniassa and other supermarkets, making sure we don't force people through unmanned checkouts.\\\" \\\"I've been able to talk to older customers, Supabarn customers, at our other Coles stores,\\\" he said. \\\"The sense I get is that if I go back five weeks ago there were very mixed emotions about Supabarn going. I think that's now shifted very much towards excitement over the opening. [People] can't wait to come and look.\\\" \\\"At that point I never thought my part-time job would become a full-time career,\\\" he said. The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media Picture by Sitthixay Ditthavong Bao dogs and burgers a coffee on the morning walk or at childcare drop-off and even "slushy of the day" are now available at a new cafe deep in the suburb of Wanniassa Chef Thomas Heinrich with his team at Grill Picture by Sitthixay DitthavongTable started at the same Wanniassa location that now houses Grill There are plans to re-open Table at The Truffle Farm at Majura in March the new venture was all about casual South East Asian cuisine - offering good food in the suburbs Grill is in the building at 65 Sternberg Crescent, which includes the Kidstart childcare centre and the Two Sheds woodworking workshop with nothing else in between the main Wanniassa and Erindale centres "I was just sick of all the fried takeaway and Maccas," Thomas said "We just want to offer southside something different and looking at the influences of my own family She wanted to do something between a cafe and a coffee shop where it's comfortable to sit down and enjoy your food but it's not plated or anything You can sit down and there's music and a nice atmosphere." Spices in the Grill kitchen on opening day Picture by Sitthixay DitthavongGrill will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 7.30pm Being next to a childcare centre where parents drop off their children in the morning "The parents have always wanted coffee here," Thomas said And the breakie baos will hopefully entice in the passing tradies in the morning "I've always wanted to baos ever since I travelled to Taiwan and had my first one many Grill's Maggie Johnson pulls a calamansi slushy Picture by Sitthixay DitthavongThe menu also includes noodles And a slushy of the day - but think calamansi rather than the craziness of red cordial "The barbecued pork is the same pork I use at Table and it's always been very well-received over there and it's always been something I like to do," he said Thomas has a young team at Grill including a Filipino chef from Dubai and is looking to recruit more staff to re-open Table was a nice pat on the back in what had been a hectic week opening Grill "It's very nice to be recognised for what we do over there," he said Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Valley Tavern in Wanniassa apparently called last drinks for good on Sunday night The Valley Tavern in Wanniassa appears to have closed down Photo: Megan DohertyIt has been a fixture of the Wanniassa shops for years cheap schnitzels and a tradie and dog seemingly always sitting outside One comment on Facebook suggested the lease on the building on Rylah Crescent had ended and not been renewed A fond farewell to the Valley Tavern in Wanniassa Photo: Megan DohertyComment is being sought from the owner but in the meantime an industry insider said it was becoming increasingly difficult for taverns to compete against clubs and their poker machines in the ACT it only cares about the clubs," the person said The insider said she understood the Valley Tavern had been completely stripped inside She said pubs needed to have other attractions such as Keno or a TAB outlet but were denied those additions as the government gave preference to clubs Patrons appreciated not having poker machines in pubs something like Keno or the TAB was something for them to do Photo: Megan Doherty"I've been in this business for nearly three decades and when I started there was something like 112 taverns and 49 clubs in Canberra and now it is the complete opposite," she said Punters on Facebook were shocked by the closure of the Wanniassa tavern with comments ranging from "WTF?" to "RIP Wanni Tav" Play Duration: 13 minutes 15 seconds13m Brought to you by A Ngunnawal elder and traditional custodian has expressed concern about the loss of two heritage listed scar trees in Wanniassa in 2017. Despite being heritage listed, one tree, known throughout Canberra as the Spook Tree, was cut down and turned into mulch, while the other was relocated. There are now calls for tougher penalties in the ACT for the destruction of Indigenous cultural sites including Aboriginal scar trees. Ngunnawal elder and traditional custodian Wally Bell says that as it stands repercussions in the ACT are slack and the equivalent of a slap on the wrist. The Ngambri scarred tree in Wanniassa, 1998.(National Library of Australia: Jon Rhodes ) More EpisodesDrivePublished: 6h agoMon 5 May 2025 at 5:00am Download the ABC listen app to text and call your favourite live radio ACT residents are being asked to comment on variations to the Territory Plan that define new maximum height limits for developments and new zoning Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development said that the key challenge of the Pialligo masterplan was to protect the agricultural while at the same time encouraging “sympathetic” development Low-scale agricultural and ancillary commercial developments close to Beltana Road will be encouraged with control of development to the rear of blocks to assist in retaining high quality soil "The project presents an opportunity to encourage low-scale agricultural/commercial character along Beltana Road while retaining the bulk of the land for agricultural uses," Corbell said with plans for this variation to guide development in the area for the next 10 to 20 years Changes will include maximum building heights within the centre between two to five storeys specifying locations where residential development is permitted as well as introducing commercial opportunities identifying the location of the bus interchange and rezoning several areas "This draft variation contains a road map for how the Erindale Centre and proposed new bus interchange can best develop over time but it also identifies opportunities for commercial and residential development consistent with the Erindale masterplan,” he said Both draft variations – 321 for Pialligo and 320 for Wanniassa – are open for comment until 13 June 2014 Photo courtesy of Flickr/Creative Commons. We're on a mission to radically improve the quality of Urban communities being developed across Australia. We aim to showcase every development in Australia to help you find the perfect new home! It's most children's dream to become an astronaut, and for two Wanniassa School students in Canberra it isn't out of reach. Year 8 students Jayden Ahadizad​ and Caleb Kolstad​, along with deputy principal Penny George, will travel to the United States later in July to attend Space Camp at the US Space and Rocket Centre (USSRC). Wanniassa School students Caleb Kolstad 14, and Jayden Ahadizad, 14, will travel to the US at the end of July to take part in Space Camp. Credit: Jamila Toderas During the camp, Jayden and Caleb will attempt a number of challenges, including building their own rockets and conducting a simulated space shuttle mission, as well as learning about a range of NASA topics, including Mars, robotics, and astronaut training. "I hopefully want to find future career opportunities," Jayden said. Beginning on Sunday, the camp will also provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of space, as well as their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. Ms George will attend the Space Academy for Educators, a program designed to provide teachers with tools to enhance their use of STEM concepts in the classroom. The trio was sponsored by the Northrop Grumman Foundation to attend the week-long camp, where they will join more than 120 students and teachers from across the US and Britain. Ms George said the boys were very deserving of the award. "These two were actually nominated by staff here at Wanniassa School. There were a few students nominated, but it came down to these two," she said. "They show great potential to go on and study maths, science or engineering, and they're great boys around the school." Northrop Grumman customer solutions architect Richard Farkashazy​ said he was pleased the foundation was able to provide the opportunity for not only Jayden and Caleb, but for the other students and teachers in attendance. "It's all about inspiring the next generation," he said. "Space Camp is a mechanism that helps students get enthusiastic about science and maths." The Northrop Grumman Foundation supports programs that enhance the education experience for both students and teachers. Foundation chief executive Ian Irving said the program would give students "experience in space science and aviation and will better equip their teachers to nurture scientific curiosity in their students". Ms George was confident Wanniassa School students would continue to attend Space Camp in the years to come. "Hopefully we can keep this going every second year, with fundraising and support I think we can do it," she said. It's most children's dream to become an astronaut, and for two Wanniassa School students in Canberra it isn't out of reach. Year 8 students Jayden Ahadizad\\u200B and Caleb Kolstad\\u200B, along with deputy principal Penny George, will travel to the United States later in July to attend Space Camp at the US Space and Rocket Centre (USSRC). \\\"I hopefully want to find future career opportunities,\\\" Jayden said. \\\"These two were actually nominated by staff here at Wanniassa School. There were a few students nominated, but it came down to these two,\\\" she said. \\\"They show great potential to go on and study maths, science or engineering, and they're great boys around the school.\\\" Northrop Grumman customer solutions architect Richard Farkashazy\\u200B said he was pleased the foundation was able to provide the opportunity for not only Jayden and Caleb, but for the other students and teachers in attendance. \\\"It's all about inspiring the next generation,\\\" he said. \\\"Space Camp is a mechanism that helps students get enthusiastic about science and maths.\\\" Foundation chief executive Ian Irving said the program would give students \\\"experience in space science and aviation and will better equip their teachers to nurture scientific curiosity in their students\\\". \\\"Hopefully we can keep this going every second year, with fundraising and support I think we can do it,\\\" she said. Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueCalwell High School Namadgi School and Wanniassa School caught the attention of the work safety watchdog Earlier on Tuesday Education Minister Yvette Berry said she was aware that WorkSafe ACT had been called in to other ACT schools but did not have names of the schools visited An Education Directorate spokeswoman said by and large the more than 50,000 public school students attended safe and supportive learning environments "The Education Directorate acknowledges the important role Worksafe ACT plays in ensuring workplaces are as safe as they can be and is committed to working with Worksafe where any opportunities for improvement are identified to ensure safe learning and work environments for all staff and students," the spokeswoman "The Education Directorate has formal mechanisms in place to reduce the risk of occupational violence against staff and support the work health and safety of our entire workforce and student population." The spokeswoman said the Directorate was continuing to work with WorkSafe ACT on the prohibition and improvement notices issued to Calwell High School Inspectors found teachers and administration staff were being abused screamed at and subjected to sexualised behaviour or violence from students on a daily basis The school suffered from a chronic shortage of staff with classes of more than 40 students commonplace in Term 1 A teacher was also seriously injured in a violent incident in the principal's office All Calwell High School students are learning remotely for the first week of term to allow teachers to undergo training Year 9 and 10 will return to campus in week two Ms Berry said two executive teachers and an experienced school leader had started at Calwell High School "They had a particularly difficult last couple of weeks of the last term It was very challenging with that serious incident out there "We want to make sure they feel supported in this first week going back Once we've satisfied the requirements by WorkSafe then the year 7 and 8 students will be able to return." Ms Berry said she was not aware of any further prohibition notices issued to any public schools Sarah covers all stages of education in the capital, from early childhood to higher education. Previously she was a general news reporter at The Advocate in North West Tasmania. She was named Best New Journalist at the 2019 Tasmanian Media Awards for a series on paramedic shortages. Email: sarah.lansdown@canberratimes.com.au Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueJeffrey David Lee has been charged with the murder of Neal Keith Wilkinson in his Wanniassa home on Tuesday night Forensic investigators process evidence in the driveway of the Wanniassa home where Neal Wilkinson was allegedly murdered. Photo: Jay CronanPolice discovered the the body of Mr Wilkinson, 61, when they were called to the McWhae Circuit house about 7.05pm He had suffered significant blunt force trauma injuries to his head Jeffrey David Lee pleaded guilty to the murder of his stepfather.Lee was arrested him on Wednesday and wore a white forensic jumpsuit when he appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon He entered no plea and made no application for bail during the short appearance The court heard his mental health had been assessed during his time in custody and he was marked as a prisoner at risk Magistrate Maria Doogan noted concerns centred on his recent drug use Lee will reappear before the court again in April was also found unhurt in a bedroom of the home It is understood Mr Wilkinson was the woman's de facto partner and carer Police launched a homicide investigation after Mr Wilkinson's death and on Wednesday launched a wide-scale search for the accused from a nearby reserve They said the death was an isolated incident and no members of the public had been in danger before the man's arrest He was found in O'Connor and police said he co-operated when he was taken into custody about 3pm ACT Policing Detective Sergeant Stephen Ladd said at the time that the man was helping detectives with their inquiries The murder charge was laid on Thursday morning He would not be drawn on the relationship between the two men Crime scene investigators combed the Wanniassa house and surrounding areas for evidence and seized several items in the hours after the alleged murder Markers dotted on the ground around the crime scene read "urine" and "wooden handle" Forensic investigators continued to sift through evidence and the house remained taped off on Thursday The RSPCA was called in to collect a female cat found at the crime scene Neighbours have expressed their shock at the alleged killing on their otherwise quiet suburban street They said the couple had lived in the home for more than 20 years and were rarely seen outside Thrift stores offer affordable and unique clothing items If you were just as likely to follow Hannah Ferguson’s Cheek Media  for political analysis.. Trigger warning: This story discusses sexual assault and rape Consider this your essential guide to dining through the light rail disruption Canberra’s culinary scene is getting hotter than a chef’s temper.. A premier pickleball and padel facility has opened in Fyshwick to bring a new way.. It’s that time of year when Canberra transforms into the dance capital of Australia we have some good news for those looking for something yummy located a touch closer to home Here are a few new locations that have popped up in the ‘burbs that should leave residents feeling very A post shared by Hide & Seek Cafe Lyneham (@hide_and_seek_lyneham) Now officially open for business in North Lyneham Hide and Seek Café is pouring coffees and cooking up a delicious all-day menu that will leave you drooling—offering everything from French toast with rose syrup to kimchi fried chicken burgers The perfect little local (and a refreshing addition to the area) head along to grab a booth inside or warm up with a hot drink in their alfresco area 4/2 Colville Street, North Lyneham | @hide_and_seek_lyneham A post shared by T-bone (@tbonecoombs) T-Bone is set to become your new Friday night destination And with Head Chef Bhishup Abichandani (of Otis it’d be rude of you not to try their signature dish…the T-bone steak Fairhall Street, Coombs | tbonecoombs.com.au A post shared by 3rd Space Canberra (@3rdspacecanberra) Okay so this venue isn’t totally new—but 3rd Space in Hackett has had a bit of a revamp and it’s worth getting excited over Because now Italian pizzas are on the menu and honestly what sounds better than heading down the road for a slice of prosciutto and rocket pizza with a glass of red wine 14 Hackett Place, Hackett | 3rdspacecanberra.com.au A post shared by Village Cafe & Dining (@village_cbr) Looking for a local that uses produce from the region AND makes delish food Village Café is the perfect new spot no matter if you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix on your way to work And with brunch options like Reuben croquettes—bursting with savoury pastrami and perfectly paired with two poached eggs—it’s a must-visit for locals 15 Waramanga Place, Waramanga | facebook.com A post shared by GRILL South East Asian Takeaway (@grill_southeast_asian_takeaway) oysters and more—this hidden gem in Wanniassa is serving Filipino fusion cuisine available to dine-in and takeaway 2/65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa |  grillbycanberragourmet.com A post shared by Diplomat Bar & Grill (@diplomatbarandgrill) The perfect combination of fine dining and pub fair Diplomat Bar & Grill is the perfect way to take date night to the next level without having to hit the city The menu features drool-worthy options like 250g of grass-fed Rib Eye and olive oil as well as tandoori chicken pizza 2 Hely Street, Griffith | diplomat.ramadacanberra.com.au Feature image: Hide and Seek Café via Facebook and you’ve had so many scoops of ice-cream that you fear… Want to be able to indulge in endless amounts of food… Sign up HerCanberra acknowledges Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities as the traditional custodians of the land we work on and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land. As an inclusive organisation we also strive to celebrate people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities. Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe shop has been vacant since the Wanniassa Newsagency and licensed Australia Post store went into liquidation in July Fiona Lester who has helped organise mums to open a handmade gift shop in the old Wanniassa newsagency Photo: Megan DohertyThanks to some local powerhouse mums the site is being re-opened as a pop-up shop for all things gorgeous and mostly handmade from now until Christmas Eve the dynamo behind baby and children's label Flossie Funky Fresh Fun in a matter of days was able to negotiate a short-term lease and rally a band of women with their own unique clothing and gift labels with plans to open the store by 10am on Saturday The mums putting a new lease of life into the old Wanniassa newsagency site (l-r) Frankie Jojo with daughter Tibby 5; Rebecca Turpie Photo: Megan DohertyTentatively called Shop Wanniassa the business could be a permanent fixture of the centre beyond Christmas if the demand is there "This is a three-week trial and if you support us we will be here forever," an enthusiastic Fiona said The mums work from home and usually sell their wares at markets Among the others who have signed up for the venture are: Other local labels are being added to the store with Fiona saying she wanted them to be high-quality and not in competition with existing products at the centre Shop Wanniassa in Sangster Place will be open from 10am to 6pm seven days a week until Christmas Eve possibly staying open until 10pm on some evenings students returning to teach is probably more meaningful than most Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSo it is with Wanniassa School which this year is celebrating its 40th birthday A fun day will be held on Sunday at the preschool to mark the event Wanniassa School is celebrating its 40th birthday and a big fun day is planned for Sunday Year 6 students Sam Crowther and Taylah Perrett with preschool students Deng Kuol and Shayla Lloyd Photo: Rohan ThomsonThe school has had several teachers over the years who were former students and principal Shane Gorman said others also went on to teach at other schools "I think it's really interesting the number of people who have gone through Wanniassa and gone on to be teachers I think that probably says something about the school Teaching is a very giving profession," he said The preschool and primary school opened in 1976 "My understanding is the primary school opened before the senior school but importantly for us we are celebrating as one school because we are one school," Mr Gorman said "It's certainly something exciting to celebrate "It's a great reflection on the growth of the school over a huge period of time It's also fantastic to see the number of people who have attended the school and gone on to be successful in their chosen field." who is in the preschool and their younger brother Liam 3; in the preschool garden which features bricks with the names of past students Photo: SuppliedWanniassa School has about 500 students 11 per cent Indigenous and 18 per cent with a language background other than English "I think that builds acceptance," Mr Gorman said "It certainly is a school where diversity is embraced." Mr Gorman said the future of the school was looking bright "It is relatively small but it's a growing school," he said "I think as people understand the changes we're making and the personalised learning approach to education "It is becoming a school of choice in the community we want to keep that community feel to it." Wanniassa Preschool P and C president Jane Allen urged the whole community to attend Sunday's fun day which was about celebrating the school past and present "It's a school with a lot of spirit and we'd love anyone with any association with the school across the 40 years to stop by and enjoy the fun," she said "Preschool is such a special time for a child and their family we really feel like part of the community and the friendships made are everlasting." The 40th anniversary fun day will be held at the school campus in Sternberg Crescent A birthday cake will be cut at midday with the help of Canberra MP Gair Brodtmann People can also pick up a form to buy a commemorative brick to help support the preschool one of many "mum and dad investors" in the bank Picture by James CroucherKambah couple Courtney and Marion Leiba are foundation shareholders of the locally-owned Bendigo Bank in Wanniassa each putting in $500 more than 20 years ago to get the community bank up and running Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThey wanted to contribute towards bringing another bank to Wanniassa after the closure of the Commonwealth Bank at the local shops in early 2001 But the couple is now deeply upset the Bendigo Bank, owned by Molonglo Financial Services, is closing its Wanniassa branch on September 29 due to "a change to commercial leasing arrangements at the Wanniassa complex and fewer instances of in-branch transactions" The Wanniassa Bendigo Bank branch opened in 2001 after much community fundraising, providing a model for other suburbs, Calwell and Curtin, to follow suit with their own branches. "This branch and the one at Calwell were the first two and yet they are closing this branch first and they wouldn't have even been here if it was not for [the shareholders] "And not only that they're closing the ATM Mr Leiba said he liked to use the Bendigo Bank for over-the-counter transactions "I am 85 now and I do not like to drive far," he said There were no other banks at the Wanniassa shops or a post office for postal banking "It means we have to go to Calwell or Curtin and neither is very convenient," Mrs Leiba said The ATM for the Bendigo Bank at Wanniassa is also closing on September 29 Picture by Megan DohertyThe Bendigo Bank at Wanniassa is run by the Molonglo Financial Services which has not been available for comment The Leibas said they were not alerted to the closure or referring to a sign on the bank window telling customers the branch is closing on September 29 Capital Chemist will be expanding into the space left by the bank Capital Chemist group business manager Andrew Topp said the leasing negotiations and the outcome for Bendigo Bank had nothing to do with Capital Chemist "Capital Chemist obviously has no visibility on the financial challenges faced by the banking sector that have led to Bendigo's decision," Mr Topp said "We are aware that the Wanniassa branch had a five-year lease option which was not exercised by the local branch there is other space in the centre that could have provided a smaller footprint possibly at a lower rent "With the bank's area soon to be available Capital Chemist Wanniassa is keen to expand as demand for their services and healthcare is high and we welcome the opportunity to enhance the range of products and services offered to the local community." A spokesperson for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank said it couldn't respond to the claim that the bank did not take up a five-year lease at Wanniassa "The decision to close the Wanniassa branch was made by the Board of Molonglo Financial Services (MFS) Limited," the spokesperson said "Bendigo and Adelaide Bank agreed to this decision The decision was reached by the board of MFS after the Wanniassa branch reached the end of its lease agreement "Bendigo Bank does not comment on contractual arrangements with third parties." Bendigo Bank says it is trying to find an alternative site "The bank is still exploring options with [Molonglo Financial Services] to find a suitable location that is closer to Wanniassa than Calwell and Curtin," a spokesperson said Picture by Keegan CarrollIt's officially Raiders' footy finals season - the meat pies have turned green at the Vina Bakery in Wanniassa Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueWanniassa baker Quan Nguyen has his green Raiders pies and bread back on the shelves as the Green Machine contests the finals series There's also green cookies and Raiders tri-coloured neenish tarts Victor the Viking cookies at the Vina Bakery at Wanniassa The green bread also comes with your favourite player's named stencilled on with flour Quan is a mad Raiders supporter, always donning the colours for the finals and even creating a special Green Machine tribute wall in the bakery hanging up his apron after 32 years as a baker and 25 years running the bakery at the Wanniassa shops and promised to stay on and help the new owner for as long as he needs Get 'em while they're hot - the green pies are back at the Vina bakery in Wanniassa for Raiders finals footy Picture by Keegan CarrollQuan started at the bakery in Wanniassa in 1997 and has become a much-loved local identity ever since always ready for some banter and predictions about the Raiders He said he felt "sad!" to be leaving the business they're sad but I've told them I'll still be here for a while," he said Picture by Keegan CarrollTung was happy to have Quan's guidance "I'm very lucky he stayed with me," Tung said the mind is willing but the body is weak after 32 years of rising before dawn to make bread What could be more Australian than a Vegemite sandwich made with Raiders-green bread Picture by Keegan CarrollThe Raiders and the Parramatta Eels play on Friday night for the right to play the North Queensland Cowboys next week Picture by Megan DohertyTung and Quan will be turning out the Green Machine-themed food as long as the Raiders are in contention