2023 Lantern Festival

This year the Australia China Friendship Society will hold the Lantern Festival on Saturday 4 February 6.30-9.30pm at the Beijing Garden, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla. This free event will feature Chinese music, dancing, martial arts, and a Lantern Parade. Bring a picnic and enjoy a family evening by the Lake. Only bottled water will be available for purchase. Event is weather dependent; please check www.acfs.org.au on the day. More info: contact [email protected] or Carol on 6247 8231.

GIVIT donation of the week: Makeup

GIVIT is working with a community service organisation that supports vulnerable women in the Canberra region. They are seeking donations for a program they run for people transitioning from the prison system with complex needs including addiction, family breakdown, lack of education, skills or employment history and mental health issues. They are seeking the donation of basic makeup supplies to assist these women in building their confidence and transitioning back into the community. To donate or fund, visit givit.org.au/whats-needed, search Category: ‘Makeup; Location: ‘ACT’. After you pledge the item, you will be contacted by the relevant organisation to arrange pick-up, post or drop-off.

Canberra Rod and Kustom Krooze

Around 200 gleaming machines taking part in the 33^rd annual Canberra Rod and Kustom Krooze will be on display at a Show’n’Shine at Queanbeyan Park, Lowe St, Queanbeyan, on Saturday 28 January 10.30am-1.30pm. Entry is by donation with proceeds going to Integra Service Dogs Australia. More info: chra.org.au

Op Shops

Red Dove preloved clothing reopens at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, Comrie St, Wanniassa on Thursday-Saturday 2-4 February and 2-4 March 9am-1pm. Many summer specials including women’s, men’s and kids’ apparel, books, linen, bric-a-brac, plus coffee and cake in sit-down café.

Coffee/Op Shop on Saturday 4 February 9am-12 pm at Christ Church Hawker, corner of Beetaloo Street and Belconnen Way. Lots of new items in our Trash & Treasure, books and quality pre-loved clothes sections, plus a well-stocked cake stall and homemade jams. Free tea/coffee to all visitors. More info: 0428 266 658.

Good Shepherd community activities

If you’re looking for community activities to participate in during the week, Good Shepherd Community Church, Chisholm, invites you to come along to our Community Garden every Tuesday 10am-12pm, which includes morning tea. Veggies grown are shared with the local neighbours. Every second Wednesday (commencing 1 February) we hold a Cuppa and Craft morning 10am-12pm. BYO craft to work on. More info: call Cheryl on 0416 030 323 or email [email protected]

Yoga and meditation

Free Sahaja Yoga meditation every Wednesday 6-7pm in February, March, April and May at Erindale Neighbourhood Centre, Comrie St, Wanniassa. More info: Phillip on 6257 2057.

Probus Club

Greenway: The next meeting is on Tuesday 14 February 10.30am-12.30pm at Vikings Town Centre Club, Tuggeranong. Guest speaker: Tim Kilby presenting That Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll Schtick. Following the meeting you’re invited to join other members for lunch. Outside the monthly meetings, the Club has an extensive program of lunches, visits and trips. More info: call Alan on 6294 7207 or visit the Club’s website or Facebook page.

VIEW Club

Yerrabi: The first new VIEW Club in the ACT region for over 20 years, Yerrabi club’s inaugural meeting is on Thursday 16 February 11am at Eastlake Club, Gungahlin. This is a golden opportunity to attend and hear from the National President, the National Manager and the Regional Programs Manager ACT/NSW of The Smith Family. Cost: $40, includes lunch. RSVP to June on 0412 617 085 or [email protected] by 31 January.

VIEW offers a network for women to connect and raise funds to help children in need receive a better education.

The Canberra Chordsmen

Singing brings numerous benefits both physical and mental. The Canberra Chordsmen (a men’s a cappella chorus in the barbershop four-part harmony style) are once again running their popular five-week Sing With Us program starting 28 February for men who love to sing. Details at: canberrachordsmen.org.au

Dragons Abreast Canberra

Recovering from breast cancer? Come and try dragon boating with Dragons Abreast Canberra for fitness, fun and camaraderie on Saturday 18 February 9-11am at Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton. Cost: Free (includes trial paddles for one month). Enquiries and RSVP: email [email protected] or call Megan 0414 508 250.

Live Well in 2023

If you have a chronic condition and want to live well, Take Control – Live Well is for you! Running northside, southside and online in 2023, this free three-week program will support you to take control of your chronic condition while connecting with others. Learn how to make the most of your health appointments, what local services are available to you, how to reach your health goals and more. Call Central Health Intake on 5124 9977 to book.