GIVIT seeks air conditioner

GIVIT is working with an organisation in the ACT that provides assistance to refugees as they begin their new lives in Australia. They are requesting an air conditioning unit for a refugee family with kids experiencing extreme hardship. This family’s house is uncomfortably hot, with temperatures inside the home often higher than outside. The only cooling appliance they have is a fan which cannot provide relief from the intense heat. This makes it difficult for the family to carry out daily activities, and with a hot summer ahead, they could really benefit from an air conditioning unit in their home. GIVIT is requesting a voucher to purchase a unit for this family. Your donation will provide significant relief and help improve this family’s living condition. Generous Canberrans can donate a voucher or fund the request directly on the GIVIT website. 100% of the funds received by GIVIT will be used to purchase the vouchers needed. To donate or fund this request, visit: GIVIT.org.au/what’s-needed, search Category: ‘Air conditioner’; Location: ‘ACT’. GIVIT supports more than 400 charities and community groups across the Capital Region by matching your items with people who need them most.

Kippax Holiday Happenings

Kippax Uniting Church, opposite Kippax Woolworths carpark, will run its Holiday Happenings on 18 and 25 January 10am-2pm. These are fun days of craft and games for children who were in primary school, not preschool, in 2023. Please register with the church office on 6254 1733. The cost is $5 per child (max $10 per family) and children should bring lunch, a hat and water bottle. 

Braidwood Book Fair

The Braidwood Book Fair is on Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 January 9am-4pm at National Theatre, Wallace St, Braidwood (opposite the Bakery & Bendigo Bank). Known for the huge variety of books for all ages, plus DVD’s, CD’s, records, puzzles, magazines and more. Lots of treasures to be found, all sorted; sections for golden oldies, interesting and collectables. Fantastic children’s section. More info: 0418 291 141 or [email protected]

Probus Club

The Ngunnawal Combined:  We hold our monthly general meeting on the fourth Monday of every month at 10.30am at Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club. The next meeting is on 22 January. Following the general meeting we usually have interesting guest speakers covering a wide range of topics and enjoy a relaxed lunch at the Lakes restaurant afterwards. Join us in day outings and other organised activities enjoyed by our retired members. More info: email our secretary Brian at [email protected]

VIEW Club

Gungahlin: The next meeting will be our AGM on Wednesday 24 January 11.45am at Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Nicholls. All committee positions are now vacant. Cost: $35 for a two-course lunch. RSVP: phone or text Suzanne on 0413 550 894 by Sunday 21 January 9pm.

Market in Tarago

On Friday 26 January 10am-2pm, the Market in Tarago NSW is having an Australia Day market with games, barbecue, ice cream and more. Here are the remaining 2024 dates to pencil into your diary: Saturday 16 March, Saturday 18 May, Saturday 20 July, Saturday 21 September, October (TBA in conjunction with Tarago Car show), Saturday 7 December.

OzHarvest donation appeal

Food rescue charity OzHarvest Canberra and the ACT Container Deposit Scheme are working hard to turn waste into resources that help the community and environment. When you return your empty drink containers through the ACT Container Deposit Scheme, you can donate your refund to OzHarvest and support them as they save food from landfill and provide meals to people in need. 10 containers donated equal $1 which equals 2 meals. Simply place your containers in the purple OzHarvest bin at Cash-Back Depots in Belconnen, Phillip, Mitchell or Fyshwick, or at Waves Car Wash sites across Canberra. Every can counts.

ACT Wildlife Galah Ball

ACT Wildlife is holding its first charity gala ball to raise funds to support Canberra’s precious local wildlife. The ball will be held in the Gandel Atrium at the National Museum of Australia on Friday 1 March at 6.30pm. Tickets are $250 and corporate tables and sponsorships are available. Ticket includes canapes, three-course dinner and drinks. There will be an auction, photobooth and entertainment. Every dollar raised will go towards supporting our local wildlife. For tickets and more information, go to actwildlife.net/gala-ball/.

Red Cross tips to survive summer heat

Australian Red Cross offers tips for coping with heatwaves during summer: Drink regularly (even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water is the best option); Eat little and often, rather than large meals; Stay indoors in the coolest rooms of your house; Take cool showers and splash yourself with cold water several times a day; Make sure there is sufficient air flow, either from an air conditioner or by leaving a secured window or door open; If you must go out, stay in the shade, wear a hat, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes, and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen;  Look out for your family, friends and neighbours. More info: visit redcross.org.au/prepare or download the Australian Red Cross ‘Get Prepared’ app.

HYH submissions

Submissions to our free Have You Heard community noticeboard are reserved for charity, not-for-profit and community organisations. Deadline for submissions is 10 days prior to the Thursday edition date. Email your submission with essential details – who, what, where, when, cost, contact details – to [email protected] with ‘HYH’ in the subject heading. Flyers and attachments not accepted. Due to space restrictions, please keep it brief. Please note: publication in print is not guaranteed.