South.Point is redefining what it means to be a shopping centre, positioning itself as a true lifestyle and community hub where Canberrans can come together, connect and experience something new.
While long regarded as Tuggeranong’s local centre, South.Point is increasingly broadening its reach, inviting visitors from across Canberra to see it as more than just a place to shop. Instead, it is becoming a destination built around shared experiences, family-friendly activities and a strong sense of belonging.
Marketing Manager Carole Arulantu said that focus on community sits at the heart of everything the centre does.
“We are always doing something for the community,” she said.
“That’s what South.Point is about. It’s not just about retail, it’s about creating a space where people can come together and enjoy themselves.”
That philosophy is reflected in a growing calendar of events and activations designed to appeal to all ages, from young families through to older Canberrans, with many experiences offered free of charge to ensure they remain accessible to everyone.
Recent and upcoming events highlight that shift towards a more experience-driven environment, with South.Point placing a strong emphasis on creating moments that bring people together in meaningful and memorable ways.
Following the success of Lunar New Year celebrations, South.Point expanded its multicultural programming with Harmony Day, which brought colour, culture and hands-on activities into the centre. From lantern making to Pacific Island crafts, the event offered children and families the chance to engage with different cultures in a welcoming and interactive setting. South.Point also hosted its Bucking Good Time event, where locals could test their skills on a mechanical bull, enjoy a lively, country-style atmosphere and compete for prizes by seeing if they could last the full eight seconds.
“It’s about celebrating diversity and giving people the opportunity to experience something different,” Carole said.
“Not everyone has access to these kinds of experiences, so bringing them into the centre allows people to connect in a really meaningful way.”
That sense of connection is a driving force behind many of the centre’s activations, with a focus on creating shared experiences that resonate across generations. In an increasingly digital world, these kinds of in-person activities offer families, particularly children, the chance to step away from screens and engage with their community in a meaningful way.
It also reflects a broader shift in how shopping centres are evolving. With a growing emphasis on experience, South.Point is blending retail with entertainment, dining and community-led events. Spaces such as The Point and the Anketell Street dining precinct play an important role in that, creating places where people can gather, spend time and be part of the wider South.Point experience.
A calendar full of experiences
The focus on engagement continues across the coming months, with a series of activations designed to keep the centre vibrant, active and inviting.
Over Easter, families can take part in a centre-wide Easter egg hunt, where children follow clues through participating retailers before collecting a basket of treats. Designed as a fun and interactive experience, the event encourages families to explore the centre together while enjoying a light-hearted activity that brings excitement and discovery.
School holiday programming will also centre on interactive, educational experiences, including nature-themed activities and live animal encounters with the Canberra Reptile Zoo, offering children a chance to learn while they play. These hands-on experiences are designed to spark curiosity while giving families a reason to spend time together in a relaxed and engaging environment.
Mother’s Day will shift the focus to recognising the role of mums and grandmothers within the community, with a dedicated activation that includes pampering experiences, refreshments and a celebratory photo moment designed to create memories. The experience is designed not just as a promotion, but as a genuine opportunity for families to pause and celebrate the people who play such an important role in their lives.
Each event, while different in theme, shares a common goal: to create moments that bring people together.
“We’re a community hub, it’s a place where everyone belongs,” Carole said. [pull quote]
That sense of belonging is central to South.Point’s evolving identity. Whether it is children taking part in activities, families gathering for a day out or friends meeting over a meal, the centre is designed to feel welcoming and inclusive at every level.
Beyond individual events, South.Point is also focused on maintaining a steady rhythm of activity throughout the year. Rather than relying solely on major seasonal campaigns, the centre is introducing smaller, regular activations that keep the space dynamic and engaging week after week.
It is an approach that reflects a broader shift in how the shopping centre operates, with experience and connection becoming just as important as retail. For South.Point, this shift is not just about attracting visitors, but about building relationships with Canberrans.
More than just a local centre
For South.Point, that shift is also about extending its appeal beyond its immediate catchment.
While Tuggeranong remains its core community, the centre is actively encouraging visitors from across Canberra to make the trip south, positioning itself as a destination worth travelling for.
“I want people to see South.Point as a destination, not just a place to shop,” Carole said.
With a wide range of retailers, dining options and entertainment offerings already in place, the addition of regular events and activations is helping to reinforce that message.
Looking ahead, that momentum is set to continue, with plans for larger-scale community events that spill onto Anketell Street and new experiences that build on the centre’s current direction. The focus remains on creating fresh, engaging activations that give people a reason to visit and a reason to return.
The vision is clear: a space that continues to evolve, respond to its community and offer something new with every visit.
For Canberrans, it means a place where they can return time and time again, not just to shop, but to spend time, connect with others and be part of a growing community.
