Food fundraiser
Curves are running a food fundraiser event from 16 to 30 March collecting non-perishable foods in cans and packets (excluding glass jars) at all four of their ACT locations – Belconnen, Gungahlin, Wanniassa and Weston – to be donated to OzHarvest.
Advance care planning
An Advance Care Health Plan ensures your values and preferences are respected when you can’t voice your decisions. Learn the steps to make a plan, tips for having the conversation about your wishes and find out who can help to get your plan in place at a free event on Tuesday 24 March 10am-12pm at HCCA, 100 Maitland Street, Hackett. RSVP by 19 March to [email protected] or call 6230 7800. Light refreshments provided.
Weston Probus Club
Monthly general meeting is on Friday 20 March 10am at the Church of Christ (corner Parkinson and Namatjira streets, Weston). Guest speaker Mathew O’Connor: Introduction to LDK Retirement Village. Probus is for retired or semi-retired people. More info: Brian 0419 218 410.
Connect & Grow
Belconnen Community Service (BCS) in collaboration with the Australian Early Development Census and Westfield Belconnen has launched Connect & Grow, a series of free playgroups for families with children aged 0-5 years. Each week is structured according to a theme to encourage children to learn in an inclusive play environment, while giving parents and carers the opportunity to receive vital information about early childhood learning, development and community support services and events. The playgroups are being held every Thursday until 14 May at Westfield Belconnen, Level 2 entrance to Myer.
Garden Releaf Day
Sunday 22 March is the sixth annual National Garden Releaf Day in Australia. Its core aim is to generate greater awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits associated with getting in a garden and surrounding yourself in living greenery. More info: gardenreleaf.com.au
TEA meeting
The English in Australia (TEA) is a social group for fun loving anglophiles and their friends. Meetings are held at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden on the first and third Saturday each month from 10.30am. Guest speaker on 21 March will be John Jervis talking about the Rural Fire Brigade. More info: call Heather on 0481 133 836.
World Wetlands Day
The Woodlands and Wetlands Trust invites you to celebrate Australian wetlands and World Wetlands Day on 22 March, World Water Day, at Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve, Fyshwick. Enjoy a group walk at the Wetlands with a guide, meet wetland carers, listen to short talks on different aspects of wetlands, and be at the launch of the latest water quality report for this region by Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch. For more information and bookings, visit jerrabomberrawetlands.org.au/world-wetlands-day/
German Markets
German Markets will be held at the Harmonie Club, Narrabundah on Sunday 22 March 9am-1pm. There will be vinyl records, food and beverages, arts, crafts, live music, and family fun. Free entry.
VIEW Club meetings
Gungahlin Day: The next meeting is Wednesday 25 March 12pm at Versatile Restaurant, Federation Square, Nicholls. Cost: $35. Guest speaker: A presentation about the National Trust ACT. RSVP to Angela on 0458 012 402 or Margaret on 6230 2892 before 22 March 9pm.
Weston Creek: The next meeting is Tuesday 7 April 11.30am at Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden. Cost: $30 for two-course lunch. Guest speaker: Amanda Heal on Guide Dogs. RSVP to Barbara on 6286 4626 by 2 April 5pm.
Return to work program
SPARK, in partnership with Skills Canberra’s Future Skills for Future Jobs Grant Program, ACT Government Office for Women, Uniting Care Kippax and Career Shop, will be delivering a range of workshops to assist women who wish to re-enter the paid workforce. Northside workshops are on Tuesday 24 and 31 March 10am-2pm; Southside workshops are on Wednesday 6, 13 and 20 May 10am-2pm. Eligibility criteria apply. To find out more information or book a place, please call Ashleigh at Ginninderry on 1800 316 900 or email [email protected]
Happy hour
The Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra will host Happy Hour Italian Style on Friday 27 March 6-8pm at Joe’s Bar, East Hotel, Kingston. Meet new people, share experiences and talk about Italian culture, music and food. Members $10, non-members $15; danteact.org.au
Native plant sale
The Growing Friends’ Autumn Native Plant Sale will be held on Saturday 28 March 8.30-11am in the car park between the Banks Building and the Crosbie Morrison Building at the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG). The Growing Friends have been busy propagating plants from material sourced within the ANBG. Banksias are featured this autumn in keeping with the planned opening of the new Banksia Garden and to celebrate the Gardens’ 50th anniversary.
Earth Hour
On Saturday 28 March 8.30pm, Earth Hour will bring people together for one hour to #SwitchOff lights in a symbolic call for more action on climate change. In the wake of the bushfires this summer, Earth Hour is urging Australians to raise their voice for nature and to sign a petition calling for federal and state governments to take stronger climate action. To sign up to Earth Hour, visit earthhour.org.au
