Check out this special Christmas feature featuring a number of great local businesses.
Give the gift of timeless elegance with a pink diamond
Celebrate this Christmas with the gift of a pink diamond piece of jewellery. Each piece is unique and special as these are the rarest and most valuable and sought-after diamonds on the planet.
Now that our Australian Argyle mine has been mined out and closed (November 2020), these are the only ones available for sale and cannot be replaced. The value of pink diamonds has doubled and tripled over the years, and many are sold to be locked away as investments.
Or you might prefer to buy an unset diamond and with our help, design your own piece to be made up in our workshop. We can incorporate parts of your older pieces that you haven’t worn in years and make something completely new and fresh whilst incorporating a sentimental attachment.
Here at Thompson Bespoke, we can provide a complete design and manufacturing service, with a valuation provided for any of the pieces we offer for sale.
We can incorporate Australian chocolate diamonds and high-quality white diamonds into the mix, or add in some Australian South Sea pearls, of which we keep an extensive collection from Kailis and Autore.
With 30 years of experience in Canberra in Briolette where Diana was half owner and Travis was a Master Jeweller for 15 years, there is plenty of knowledge and expertise as our satisfied customers will attest to.
Only a tiny percentage of ladies in the world can ever own a pink diamond in their lifetime, so come and join the club.
Shop 7, 119 Wallace Street, Braidwood NSW 2622
- T: (02) 4842 1265
- M: 0459 955 991
- E: [email protected]
Step in the right direction: Eco-friendly flooring from Terry Bros Carpet Court
As we become increasingly aware of our impact on the environment, many of us are looking for ways to make our homes more sustainable. One simple yet effective way to do this is by choosing eco-friendly flooring for your home. Terry Bros Carpet Court, with stores in Fyshwick and Phillip, is leading the way in sustainable flooring options that are not only better for the planet, but also provide exceptional comfort and quality.
Carpet Court’s commitment to reducing their carbon footprint is evident in their extensive range of eco-friendly carpets. From natural fibres like wool to synthetic carpets made from nylon waste and plastic bottles, there’s a sustainable option to suit every style and budget.
But eco-friendly flooring options don’t stop at carpet. Engineered timber flooring is another sustainable option that’s gaining popularity. Unlike solid timber flooring, engineered timber conserves precious hardwood timber by using only around one-third as much hardwood. Our engineered flooring is second to none, with lots of colours, tones and styles to choose from. The attractive ‘Native Squared’ engineered flooring collection, for example, is available in Jarrah, Iron Bark, Brush Box, Sydney Blue Gum, Spotted Gum and Blackbutt.
To complement our eco-friendly flooring options, we also offer UltraPet carpet underlay, which is specially formulated to provide superior comfort underfoot and outstanding durability. UltraPet features StainShield, a multilayered high-density polyethylene barrier that helps to protect against common household spills and pet stains. It’s also treated with Dunlop Fresh-Living, a proven antimicrobial that helps to prevent odours and provides hygienic freshness for your home. Plus, it’s proudly Australian made from 100% environmentally friendly recyclables and is guaranteed by Dunlop for the life of your carpet.
The team at Terry Bros Carpet Court is passionate about helping homeowners create sustainable and comfortable living spaces. With their extensive range of eco-friendly flooring options, expert advice, and commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, they’re the perfect partner for anyone looking to elevate their home with sustainable style.
And, with the Christmas break just around the corner, you can rest assured that our stores will only be closed on public holidays. Visit Terry Bros Carpet Court today and discover the benefits of eco-friendly flooring for yourself.
Cranky & Sons: Masters of Paint and Plaster
Cranky & Sons is a homegrown Canberra business with over 50 years of experience shared between Sean and his team. Sean is here to help Canberra and surrounds with all their painting and plastering needs.
How long have you been working in the industry? How did you get started?
I have been in the trade for over 17 years and first got started in plastering through a school-based program. I started painting on and off with my dad. From there, I did an apprenticeship in plastering and have been gaining more and more certs ever since, including a Cert 4 in Building and Construction
What do you love about your job?
My favourite part of the job is being able to do lots of different types of jobs, in lots of different locations in and around Canberra.
What do you consider to be the most challenging aspect of your work? How do you overcome these challenges?
When things start going wrong, it often ends up being one problem after another. In those situations, I will take a deep breath and take it one problem at a time.
What are the latest trends shaping your industry?
In painting, we are getting a lot of fresh, clean looks, taking a whole area back to white or light colours. In plastering, we are similarly seeing the modern, clean look of square set plaster.
What can clients expect when they engage with you for your services?
We are a friendly, small, family business, so you don’t have too many people to deal with.
We try to be up front in what you can and can’t expect out of a job, and to provide alternative suggestions when faced with the latter. If you have a problem, we’re happy to help try and fix it.
What is your biggest highlight so far? What are you most proud of?
The biggest highlight of my job is being able to help so many people. We have been able to give back to the community, supporting local magazines, law enforcement, and veterans. We are a major sponsor to the Canberra’s bush rugby club, The Hall Bushrangers, as well as a little champ by the name of Paige Cole, who rode for Australia in BMX.
What are your company’s core values?
We pride ourselves on keeping it clean while doing a great job. We are always happy to have a chat to see how we can help.
How do you improve clients’ homes?
We try to help improve clients’ homes with updated looks, as well as preserving heritage where wanted/needed. Our improvements range from fixing up small patches, to renos, to full house paint jobs from the inside out. We try to help in any areas we can.
Working in Canberra, what do you love about it?
It’s great to work close to home, but we are also happy to travel surrounding regions.
We love having everything we need close by and also seeing our clients out and about.
How can people get in touch?
Visit our website cranky-and-sons.com.au, or our Facebook page for more information. Email or call us anytime and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
Creating a happy holiday season for separated families
For separated parents, the holiday season can bring challenges, including sharing time with children, travel plans, and ensuring both sides of the family can share in the holiday experience. With a focus on the wellbeing of the children, it’s important to prioritise cooperation and practical planning, making the season enjoyable for everyone involved.
Focus on the kids: putting their wellbeing first
When planning holiday time, the goal is to create experiences that you and your children will enjoy and remember fondly. This can sometimes be extra complicated when juggling time between both parents and even extended relatives. Open communication, flexibility, and cooperation can go a long way in ensuring your child feels loved and supported throughout the holidays.
Plan ahead: update your parenting plan
Make sure your parenting plan is up to date and addresses holiday time specifically. If it doesn’t, now is the time to review it with your co-parent and make necessary adjustments.
When overseas travel is involved, double-check that your existing arrangements permit international trips. If not, you may need to obtain consent from your co-parent or legal advice and support to help facilitate travel. Always avoid booking non-refundable flights before securing the necessary permissions. Flexibility is key—offering makeup time with the other parent when your child is away with you can ease any concerns and foster goodwill.
Travel tips: communication is essential
Sharing your travel plans with your co-parent (where it is safe to do so) well in advance can help prevent misunderstandings and avoid conflict. Make sure to provide detailed information about your itinerary, where you will be staying, and how your child can be contacted while travelling.
Safety first: prioritise wellbeing and prepare for the unexpected
While the focus of the holidays is often on fun and relaxation, safety should always come first. Make sure your child is travelling with comprehensive travel insurance and familiarise yourself with the medical facilities and local regulations at your destination.
For some parents, the cost-of-living crisis may create additional concerns around travel expenses. This is where flexibility comes in—whether it’s finding a compromise on who covers certain travel costs or agreeing to local trips instead of overseas travel, there are creative ways to keep the holidays enjoyable without breaking the bank. A staycation can offer much-needed downtime and opportunity for home-made fun!
Creating memories for your children
Whether it’s through special trips, fun family traditions, or simply spending quality time together, it’s helpful to focus on happiness and wellbeing. Working together with your co-parent to plan a balanced holiday schedule can ensure that your children feel secure and loved, no matter where they spend their time.
We’re here to help
At Parker Coles Curtis, we understand that organising holiday time for separated families can be complex and it needs to be tailored for each family situation. Our highly skilled team offer guidance with compassion and care, ensuring your holidays are as stress free as possible.
Level 9/1 Hobart Pl, Canberra
Gift Australia with Scott Leggo’s stunning premium-quality artworks
The Scott Leggo Gallery has you covered for all your thoughtful Christmas gifts.
Premium-quality wall art for your home or workplace. A collection of stunning photographs that covers the breadth of the Australian landscape with something suitable for any wall space. From the heights of Australia’s snowfields to the The Kimberley in North West WA, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, Scott’s photographs capture Australia like few others.
Go big with a Scott Leggo artwork featuring scenes from the Snowy Mountains or the Victorian High Country. Some of Scott’s artworks are printed at sizes up to 2.2m, such as ‘Alpine Magic,’ which captures Mt Feathertop in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. The collection includes a wide range of options, from small pieces to large statement artworks. We love that all Scott’s artworks are certified by the Australian Made Campaign, ensuring that shopping with Scott Leggo means supporting local craftsmanship.
For something smaller, Scott’s gifting range is perfect for Christmas, including corporate, board, supplier, and personal gifting. They offer a wide range of Australian-made products, including acrylic blocks, jigsaw puzzles, a hardcover Australia coffee table book, framed artworks, and more, starting from $45.
Have you seen Scott’s new kids’ puzzle range? Now in stock and perfect as a stocking filler, the puzzles feature four stunning photographs: the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Uluru, a Tasmanian waterfall, and a gnarly snow gum in Kosciuszko National Park.
Shop in-store and select from a wide range of in-stock products. Can’t make it in-store? Order online with FREE delivery Australia-wide.
Shop local and Australian-made with Scott Leggo this Christmas. Their Jardine St Kingston gallery is open 7 days a week, including 24 December. Shop instore at 33 Jardine St, Kingston or online at scottleggo.com
33 Jardine St Kingston
- T: (02) 6179 7422
- W: scottleggo.com
It’s December—time to get festive!
Can you believe how quickly this year has flown by? The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy (and occasional stress) of Christmas preparations.
Let us make your gift shopping easier, so you can spend more time enjoying the festive cheer and sunny summer days. Skip the hectic shopping centres and discover the charm of shopping small and local—you might be surprised at just how much you can tick off your holiday “to-do” list!
Swim into summer with confidence
Planning a summer getaway? Whether you’re off to a tropical paradise or enjoying the sun closer to home, our swimwear collection is designed to help you feel confident and stylish.
Discover a range of styles for everybody and every bust, including full-cup options for F cup and above, mastectomy-friendly designs, chlorine-resistant swimwear, rashies, and mix-and-match separates in a variety of colours and patterns.
Looking for the perfect gift? Explore our selection of chic cover-ups and a wide range of Cancer Council sun hats—practical and stylish for summer days.
Visit us and make a splash this season!
Mindful Gift Voucher Giving
Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift? Look no further than our gift vouchers. Whether it’s for a bra fitting, swimwear, or something special from our collection, they’re ideal when you’re unsure what to give. And remember, our bra fitting service is absolutely free, so your voucher will contribute to the perfect fit and style for someone you care about.
So, whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for a loved one, come and say hello. Let us help you find the perfect pieces to make your summer truly unforgettable.
Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear
22 Garran Place, Garran
Enchant your holidays with handmade toys from Kismet
This Christmas, surprise your loved ones with the enchanting creations from Kismet Toys, a brand renowned for its 100% organic, handmade toys and gifts. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a child or a unique keepsake to brighten your festive celebrations, Kismet Toys offers something truly special.
Kismet Toys features a stunning collection of festive items, including Christmas Santa Claus, Christmas Elf, and Christmas Bauble decorations, each lovingly handcrafted to add charm and magic to your home. Their range of toys includes everything from whimsical finger puppets to adorable plush animals, all crafted with care and attention to detail.
Kismet Toys is committed to ethical and sustainable shopping, partnering with community villages in Nepal and supporting small Australian businesses. By choosing Kismet Toys, you’re not only gifting joy but also contributing to a greener planet and fair trade practices. Every purchase tells a story of care, compassion, and creativity.
To experience the full magic of Kismet Toys, visit their store in person. Nothing compares to seeing these handmade treasures up close, where you can explore their wide selection and feel the quality and care that goes into each item. Popular choices like the Christmas Dachshund Sausage Dog, Christmas Mouse Boy, and Christmas Mouse Girl make perfect gifts or cherished additions to any festive display.
Plus, for readers of Canberra Weekly, Kismet Toys is offering an exclusive 10% discount on in-store purchases when you mention this ad. It’s the perfect opportunity to find meaningful gifts for your loved ones while supporting a local business that prioritises sustainability and craftsmanship.
From their vibrant designs to their heartfelt mission, Kismet Toys brings the magic of Christmas to life. Make your holidays extra special by visiting their store today and discovering the perfect gift for everyone on your list. With Kismet Toys, your holidays will be filled with love, laughter, and a touch of handmade charm.
Fresh fish & seafood for Christmas!
Imagine a centrepiece of fresh cooked prawns, oysters and crab legs with delicious seafood sauce, a smoked salmon salad wreath or baked whole fish on rice drizzled with garlic lemon sauce…
FishCo typically sells five to seven tonnes of fresh Seafood every Christmas, with fresh stock arriving daily. Every year, they offer a large variety of fresh prawns and oysters to choose with the option to taste prawns and oysters before buying.
Don’t forget your cold bags – free ice is available if required.
Fishco is proudly owned and operated by the Fragopoulos family who have been bringing fresh fish and seafood to Canberra for over 40 years. Follow FishCo on Facebook for recipes, product information and the chance to win a $50 FishCo voucher every month.
Nothing beats fresh prawns at Christmas!
19 Dalby St, Fyshwick
T: 6239 6415
Beautiful gifts at the Museum Shop
If you’re searching for thoughtful, high-quality gifts this Christmas, the National Museum of Australia’s award-winning shop has something for everyone on your list.
Explore the range of on-trend homewares, fine jewellery, quirky Christmas decorations and luxurious beauty products. For the food enthusiast, select from a range of gourmet delights by local provedores and, for the fashion lover, discover a collection of stunning designs by Australian brands Elk and Olga de Polga.
The Museum Shop also collaborates with a variety of First Nations artists and art centres to licence a range of products that provide a revenue stream for their communities – and a distinctly Australian gift.
If you’re sending gifts across the country or around the world, visit our online Museum Shop and we’ll organise the postage for you.
So, take the stress out of your Christmas shopping and visit us instore or online shop.nma.gov.au
Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula
- T: 6208 5222
- E: [email protected]
- W: shop.nma.gov.au
Shop local this festive season at the Fyshwick Markets
The Fyshwick Markets invites you to celebrate the joy of giving and sharing this festive season by supporting local suppliers for all your end-of-year celebrations.
By choosing to shop local, you’re not only investing in the Canberra community but also ensuring your festive table is filled with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.
The Markets are your one-stop destination for everything you need to create the perfect holiday feast. From vibrant fruit and vegetables to fresh seafood, premium meats, and specialty deli items, you’ll find it all under one roof. Stock up on freshly baked goods, organic health foods, locally brewed beer, and award-winning wine to complement your celebrations.
Whether you’re after cherries, prawns, lamb, turkey, or a stunning Christmas tree, the Markets have everything you need. Complete your festive preparations with fresh flowers for the table and the perfect selection of beer and wine to toast the season. Take a break and unwind with a cup of coffee or a tasty lunch at one of the many eateries. With plenty of free parking, your shopping experience is as convenient as it is enjoyable.
Celebrate local, shop fresh, and make this festive season unforgettable!
Open every day from Thursday 19 December to Tuesday 24 December:
- Thursday, 19 December: 7am – 5.30pm
- Friday, 20 December: 7am – 5.30pm
- Saturday, 21 December: 7am – 5.30pm
- Sunday, 22 December: 6am – 5.30pm
- Monday, 23 December: 5am – 5.30pm
- Tuesday, 24 December: 5am – closing time varies by store
The Markets will be closed from Wednesday 25 December to Wednesday 1 January 2025. Usual trading hours resume on Thursday 2 January 2025.
36 Mildura Street, Fyshwick, or learn more at fyshwickmarkets.com.au
Your one-stop dental solution
Experience dental excellence, personalised for you.
At Weston Dentistry, we’re committed to providing top-tier dental care that caters to your unique needs. Our experienced team offers a wide range of services to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile.
Our services include:
General Dentistry:
- Regular check-ups and cleans
- Fillings
- In-house crowns
- Dental extractions
- Full mouth x-rays
Advanced Treatments:
- Dental implants
- Laser dentistry
- In-chair teeth whitening
- Take-home whitening
Oral Appliances:
- Mouth guards
- Night guards
- Splints
- Orthodontic retainers
Orthodontics:
- Braces
- Invisalign
Relax and recline: Worried about dental anxiety? Our happy gas sedation service can help you feel calm and relaxed during your procedure.
Convenient payment options: We accept all major health insurance cards. As a preferred provider for Medibank, BUPA, HCF, NIB, and CBHS, you can maximise your dental benefits. We also accept DVA Gold cards and provide services under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
Your comfort, our priority: We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful. That’s why we strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment. Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide personalised care.
Schedule your appointment today: Don’t wait for dental issues to arise. Book your appointment at Weston Dentistry and experience the difference. [QR code that we could add that directs patients to our contact page – https://westondentistry.com.au/contact/]
Units 15 & 16, 41 Liardet St, Weston
Put some love into 2025 and come to the ‘Unconditional’ exhibition on love at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Unconditional is an upcoming exhibition examining love in its many forms… joyful yet painful, life-affirming yet difficult, diverse yet universal to the human condition.
Visit Unconditional by award-winning local artist John Brookes and explore the many nuances of love and how – whilst love can bring joy and happiness – it has a deeper, more self-reflective side: a truly complex emotion. The diversity of exhibition works and subjects will reflect the multiple qualities of love – images will use photography, painting, charcoal, digital media, ink on wood, and 3D installation.
Unconditional will argue that we are all different yet united by love – partners (wherever they are on the rainbow), parents and children, an indigenous person for Country, a nurse and patient, an owner for their dog, bittersweet memories of friendships lost…
Love is becoming stifled by trends equating love with over-dependence or inequality in a society that increasingly equates living alone as empowering. We are losing our awareness of its value and power.
John Brookes, the artist, states: “This exhibition is important as there is still room for genuine feelings of love in an increasingly isolated society. One that interacts remotely through social media and technology. Love is fundamental in making us human, and we need to preserve it whilst embracing new technologies, cultural and identity politics.”
“As a viewer of these works, visitors have, in my opinion, a role equal to my own in giving these works meaning.
“Therefore, I invite the whole community to submit works on what love means to them – feeling free to express themselves in terms of interpretation, experience and media used (JPG for images, Word for prose). All submissions will feature on our online gallery and at the venue. Submissions can be made now to the contacts below.
“I hope you find connection somewhere in these works and if not, simply enjoy the artwork. I love you.”
Who Do YOU Love?
VENUE: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Foyer Gallery, 137 Reed Street, Greenway
DATES: Opening night 6pm on 7February to 6 April.
Canberry Arts
