Floriade, Australia’s Biggest Celebration of Spring, opens in Commonwealth Park this weekend, celebrating its 38th year with the theme Science and Nature.
Visitors can explore the wonders of the natural world through a scientific lens — from the tiniest bugs to the farthest stars.
Garden beds inspired by physics, chemistry, astronomy and biology will transform the park into a vibrant living laboratory, alongside hands-on activities and creative installations.
Science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki will deliver the keynote talk on Saturday 4 October, then meet his fans.
NightFest returns from 2-5 October. Performers include First Nations singer-songwriter Pirritu, ARIA award-winning artist Josh Pyke, Ella Hooper with her dynamic five-piece band, and Peter Berner hosting the adults-only Kiss Tease Cabaret.
The Kazador Tent will host family-friendly daytime shows during the school holidays.
Other festival favourites include Windows to the World (Saturday 11 October), showcasing cultural performances, food and traditional dress; Dogs’ Day Out (Sunday 12 October); and the Great Big Bulb Dig (Monday 13 October), supporting YWCA Canberra.
Floriade attracts half a million visitors a year. Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA said it was “a cornerstone of Canberra’s cultural identity and a powerful economic driver”, showcasing the best of Canberra: creativity, community spirit, liveability.
Entry is free. Gates open from 9:30am to 5:30pm on 13 September and then daily till 12 October.
Visitors should expect changes to traffic and parking around the city due to light rail works. Free daily Floriade shuttle buses will run within the City and National Triangle, and weekend express services from Tuggeranong, Woden and Belconnen. Drivers should plan ahead and check nearby parking.
Visit floriadeaustralia.com/getting-to-floriade for details.
2025 ACT Training Awards
The ACT’s vocational education and training sector celebrated outstanding individuals, organisations, and training providers at the ACT Training Awards.
ACT Training Award winners 2025 – Individuals
- ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year – Kaydence Claire Storm
- ACT Apprentice of the Year – Stewart McLeod
- ACT Trainee of the Year – Jiwon Kwack
- ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Jaharn Mundy-Drazevich
- ACT Vocational Student of the Year – Shane Jordyn Vincent
- ACT VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year – Laura Henry
ACT Training Award winners 2025 – Organisations
- ACT Large Employer of the Year – Frances Crimmins, YWCA Canberra
- ACT Industry Collaboration – Wodens Monaro Highway Civil Taster Program
- ACT Small Training Provider of the Year – Centre of Professional Learning & Education (Cple)
- ACT Large Training Provider of the Year – Canberra Institute of Technology
The winners will represent the ACT at the Australian Training Awards — the peak national awards that showcase best practice in vocational education and training (VET) — later this year.
Michael Pettersson MLA, Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, said: “The ACT is proud to have a strong and vibrant vocational education and training sector, supported by high-quality providers offering a wide range of courses for learners and employers. As our city grows, these skills are vital to driving economic development and preparing our young people for the future.”
Business champions leading the path to net zero
Local businesses and organisations driving Canberra’s transition to net zero emissions by 2045 were honoured at the Bluebell Sustainable Business Awards.
- Circular Economy – Stepping Stone Social Enterprise
Championing circular economy practices by repurposing waste and empowering women through sustainable initiatives. - Sustainable Event – Haig Park Village Markets
Eliminating plastics, supporting local producers, and fostering community engagement. - Zero Emissions Transport – Anglican Diocesan Services
Transitioning to electric vehicles and solar-powered charging to significantly cut carbon emissions. - Energy Transition – Canberra Institute of Technology Woden Campus
Modernising vocational education by replacing gas with induction cooking, aligning with ACT’s net-zero goals. - Community Impact – SEE Change
Driving grassroots sustainability through volunteer-led programs that promote environmental education and action across Canberra. - Community Impact – Stepping Stone Social Enterprise
Empowering migrant women and promoting sustainability and social equity through community programs. - Sustainable Small Business of the Year – Solar Forever Canberra
Integrating refurbished solar tech and ethical practices to deliver environmental and social impact. - Corporate Climate Leader – The RUC
Reducing emissions through energy upgrades and staff engagement. - Corporate Climate Leader – National Zoo and Aquarium
Embedding sustainability in tourism, aiming for carbon neutrality and inspiring visitors through climate leadership. - Innovation Excellence – Goodwin Aged Care Services
Pioneering aged care sustainability with a world-first wastewater heat recovery system that drastically reduces energy use. - Minister’s Award for Leadership – Jenny Edwards, Light House ArchiScience
Leading sustainable architecture with award-winning, all-electric homes and impactful climate advocacy.
Suzanne Orr MLA, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, said local businesses are committed to a cleaner, healthier Canberra and meeting ambitious emissions reductions targets. “Sustainability is smart business, and embracing modern, sustainable practices drives innovation, reduces costs, and enhances brand reputation in a competitive market.”
The ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program offers rebates and expert advice on environmentally friendly practice.
Community consultation set to start on future of Wakefield Gardens site
The ACT Government will launch community consultation this month on the future use of 91A Wakefield Avenue, a vacant site behind Ainslie shops in the heritage-listed Wakefield Gardens precinct.
The site was recently damaged by a fire, and will be demolished earlier than planned. It will be fenced off until the damaged structure has been removed. The gardens will be preserved.
The site has hosted health services since the 1920s: the Canberra Mothercraft Society (1920s–90s), a Child Health Clinic (1950s–60s), and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Services (1998–2005).
The consultation will run from 22 September to 7 November.
Information pop-ups will be held at the Ainslie Shops, and a feedback form is online.
For more information on pop-up session times and to provide your input, visit the online form.
