During the wettest November on record, we rejoiced the ending of most 2021 Covid-19 restrictions as double dose vaccination rates hit 95 per cent, a man was tragically killed in a fatal car crash on the Monaro Highway, Lucy McCallam was appointed the sixth Chief Justice of the ACT Supreme Court, and it began to feel a lot like Christmas in the City with art installations and decorations adorning the CBD.
Face masks to come off as ACT restrictions ease from Friday
Canberrans were able to enjoy more freedoms, with health authorities relaxing restrictions after the ACT reached the 95 per cent double vaccinated milestone. The ACT was originally set to enter the next phase of eased restrictions on 26 November, but Chief Minister Andrew Barr brought the date forward by two weeks. Nightclubs were permitted to reopen with dancing no longer outlawed, while people were also allowed to start eating and drinking while standing up in licensed venues, cafes and restaurants.
Canberra’s wettest November on record, more rain to come
Heavy rains bucketing down over the Canberra region led to leaky roofs, fallen trees and localised flooding, amid what was officially Canberra’s wettest November on record. The flooding was caused due to high soil moisture content leading to overloading the stormwater systems and overland flooding. The ACT State Emergency Service received more than 100 requests for assistance.
Fatal crash on Monaro Highway near Michelago
Just before 2pm on Friday 26 November, emergency services were called to the Monaro Highway near Kelly Road, Michelago, after reports of a fatal crash. Upon arrival, officers from Monaro Police District found a motor vehicle and a truck had collided. A male driver in the car died at the scene and a female passenger suffered minor injuries and was taken to Canberra Hospital in a stable condition. The highway was closed for several hours, also causing major traffic delays and lengthy detours.
Lucy McCallum is the ACT’s next Chief Justice
Lucy McCallum will become the sixth Chief Justice of the ACT Supreme Court, succeeding Helen Murrell, who will retire in early 2022. The appointment is a return to Canberra for Justice McCallum, who worked as a public prosecutor in the ACT in the 1980s. Justice McCallum said she will focus on cementing the ACT’s reputation as a place of excellent jurisdiction.
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in the City
Christmas in the City 2021 was officially launched, bedecking Canberra’s CBD with festive and interactive installations and events, including a translucent Christmas tree. This year’s program included art installations and decorations in City Walk, a packed month of performances featuring the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and on-street DJs, and local businesses presenting an advent calendar of offers.
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