This Week In The Can

Posted on 5 June, 2017

Your essential guide to what’s on in Canberra this week!

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10 THINGS NOT TO MISS

Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp

Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp

Sunday Roast at Pialligo Estate

Come and experience a two or three course Argentinian-style Sunday roast at Pialligo Estate, each Sunday from 12pm. Find more information here.

Sunday Roast is just $65 for adults, $30 for children (2-12 years old). Includes drink on arrival and a three-course shared menu included two roast varieties.

To book, contact the reservations team on 6247 6060 or make an enquiry here

FOOD & DRINK

Sunday Roast at Pialligo Estate

Come and experience a two or three course Argentinian-style Sunday roast at Pialligo Estate, each Sunday from 12pm. Find more information here.

Sunday Roast is just $65 for adults, $30 for children (2-12 years old). Includes drink on arrival and a three-course shared menu included two roast varieties.

To book, contact the reservations team on 6247 6060 or make an enquiry here.

CANBERRA TRUFFLE HUNTS Canberra

Rug up for a wintery experience and take a Canberra Truffle Hunt in the oak forest on Canberra’s only trufferie; The Truffle Farm. Follow the truffle dogs as they sniff out prized black Perigord truffles. These exceptionally talented dogs roam amongst the farm’s 2,500 trees to find a piece of ‘black magic’.

Once the perfect truffle is found, head back into the warmth of the truffle shed to discover the secrets to using this highly prized delicacy.

Choose from Truffle Hunts, Breakfast Hunts with three indulgent truffle courses and sparkling wine or Lunch Hunts featuring a world class, six-course truffle degustation with matching local wines. Truffle creations come courtesy of award winning Michelin Star Chef Damian Brabender.

Tours available Fridays to Sundays early June to August. They sell out fast so make a date with your favourite people and book now to avoid disappointment.

Showing from Friday 2 June – Sunday 27 August 2017, every Friday to Sunday at The Truffle Farm, Mount Majura Road, Canberra. Find information on the website.

CONTENTIOUS CHARACTER VINTAGE FLIGHTS

Celebrate the launch of the inaugural Contentious Character range of wines over the June long weekend with Vintage Flights of Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Join the team at Contentious Character for a deep dive into Pinot Noir and Rieslings from 2003 to 2014, and a shared plate paired to the wines for only $40.

Book your flight via Facebook, email or over the phone. Their new winter menu will also be available.

At Contentious Character they grow their own, make their own and pair local food to local wine, not the wine to the food. That’s contentious. Enjoy the difference it makes at the table.

Happening Saturday 10 June – Monday 12 June 2017at 10.30am, 11,30am and 3.30pm at the Contentious Character Vineyard Winery, Cellar-door & Kitchen. Find more information on the website.

ROYAL CANBERRA POULTRY SHOW

Make a feathery new friend at the Royal Canberra Poultry Show! 

Meet some exotic rare breeds at Australia’s first ever Royal Rare Breeds Championship, and learn how to keep them from people in the know.

Interested in keeping chickens, ducks and turkeys in your backyard? You can add to your flock at the auction on Sunday. It’s a great weekend out!

Happening on Saturday 10 June – Sunday 11 June 2017 from 9am at the Fitzroy Pavilion, Exhibition Park. Find more information on the website.

HD HR HOLDEN NATIONALS

An annual national event with over 100 HD and HR Holden’s, entrants are coming from all over Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Show and shine Saturday at exhibition park in Canberra and Sunday sees all of the vehicles on a tour around some of the major tourist attractions.

Happening Saturday 10 June 2017 from 8.30pm – 4pm at Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Road. Visit the website.

MAJURA VALLEY EXPERIENCE

Take a journey through the Majura Valley into Pialligo for the ultimate truffle infused food and wine experience. The day includes a truffle hunt at The Truffle Farm, Wine Tasting and Truffled Brie at Mount Majura Vineyard and a three course truffle lunch at Pod Food.

Join Jayson at Canberra truffles for a truffle hunt, he will take you out with the dogs to find some truffles through the oak and hazelnut trees. Next head to Mount Majura Vineyard for truffled brie and wine, you can also taste through the range of wines while there. Lastly head to Pod Food in Pialligo for a three course truffle infused menu with a glass of Mount Majura Vineyard wine.

The Majura Valley Experience runs on weekends throughout Canberra’s truffle season.

Showing from Saturday 3 June – Sunday 27 August 2017 at Canberra Truffles | Mount Majura Vineyard | Pod Food, Lime Kiln Road. Find more information on the website.

DIPLOMATICO RUM MASTERCLASS

Celebrate the launch of the Diplomatico New Classic Range at Highball!

Hosted by Brand Ambassador Joey Tai from Baranows Emporium, learn about the new range and experience these premium rums which are characterised by their own unique identities.

Join us from 5:30pm and enjoy a Diplomatico Blanco daiquiri on arrival. At 6pm, take your seat for the main leg of the flight where you will taste four rums:
• Diplomatico Plana (NEW)
• Diplomatico Mantuano (NEW)
• Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
• Diplomatico Single Vintage 2002

Diplomatico Plana, Mantuano, Reserva will be available for purchase to take home after the Masterclass at wholesale rates.

Happening Wednesday 7 June 2016 from 5.30pm at The Highball Express. For more information visit the website.

WORLD OF RUM MASTERCLASS

Head underground for Black Market’s next tasting event which will take you on a tour through the world of rum.

Hosted by Marco Nunes from Diageo, learn about the history and heritage of some of the worlds best rums as you sample:
• Bundaberg Rum (Small Batch, Master Distiller’s Collection & Select Vat)
• Pampero Añejo
• Ron Zacapa Sistema Solara 23yr

Zacapa and Bundaberg MDC inspired cocktails will be available for purchase after the Masterclass.
Bookings essential as tickets are limited.

Happening Thursday 8 June 2016 from 6pm – 7.30pm at Black Market Bar, Canberra. Purchase tickets here. Find more information on the website.

Afternoon Tea at the Conservatory

Book now to enjoy a special Afternoon Tea at The Conservatory Restaurant and magnificent views over Canberra.

Located in the Village Centre at the National Arboretum Canberra, The Conservatory Restaurant offers visitors the opportunity to dine on food-less-travelled, with sweeping views of the nation’s capital.

The tasty delights served for tea showcase the best produce the region has to offer, prepared with care using Ginger’s paddock-to-plate philosophy.

Happening every Sunday until Sunday 9 July at The Conservatory Restaurant, National Arboretum, Canberra. Find more information on the website.

THE TRUFFLE FESTIVAL – CANBERRA REGION

Indulge in a feast of the senses with The Truffle Festival – Canberra Region; the first and largest festival of its kind in Australia. Each year from June to August more than 250 individual events are held across the Canberra region showcasing the region’s fresh Black Winter Truffle.

Taste and experience the magic of these highly-prized gems. Indulge in the special flavours and aromas of truffle dishes at local restaurants and cafes. Join a hunt and see for yourself how the talented dogs unearth truffles. Learn from the chefs and other truffle experts at a cooking class or demonstration, or pop along to a market and pick up some truffle delights for yourself.

Now in its ninth consecutive year, the Truffle Festival is the ultimate foodie festival, and a fabulous celebration of winter in the Canberra region.

Showing until Thursday 31 August 2017 across various Canberra Locations. For more information on opening hours and locations across Canberra visit the website.

TRUFFLE INFUSED WINTER WEEKENDS AT CELLAR DOOR

Mount Majura is excited to once again include truffles at the cellar door as part of our winter tasting experience.

Come into the cellar door at Mount Majura Vineyard to taste a flight of three wines matched with truffled brie. We combine Flinders Estate Brie, a deliciously rich and creamy brie style cheese, with truffles from our neighbour Jayson at The Truffle Farm.

Every week we will be layering fresh truffles in the brie giving them time to infuse into the cheese, ready for serving on the weekend. To accompany this we’re pouring a flight of three 80ml glasses of wine matched to the truffled brie.

Bookings are essential to ensure the best experience possible.

Happening from Saturday 3 June – Sunday 27 August 2017, every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm at Mount Majura Vineyard, Lime Kiln Road. Find information on the website.

Friday Soirée at Buvette

HIGH TEA ON THE BURBURY TERRACE 

Designed to blend tradition with innovation, the new Burbury High Tea menu also offers signature favourites with freshly- baked scones, strawberry macaron and finger sandwiches.

BURNELEE EXCURSIONS ON HORSEBACK: TWILIGHT RIDE 

Burnelee Excursions, Poachers Pantry and Eden Road Wines are working together to stage an exciting and adventurous night. Starting the evening will be a twilight horseback ride by Burnelee seeing the beautiful landscapes of the countryside, followed by Smoked meats tasting by Poachers Pantry and wine tasting by Eden Road wines. 5:00pm Arrival for a 5:30pm – 7:30pm Ride.

Happening until 16 December at Burnelee Excursions on Horseback, 320 Dicks Creek Road, Nanima. Find more information here.

HAVANA NIGHTS

Spend a night in Cuba courtesy of The Highball Express as the crew whisks you away to tropical Havana. Head in every Thursday from 4pm for Havana Nights where you can enjoy some exotic drinks and start the slide into the weekend.

They’ll be featuring mojitos and daiquiris for only $10 and will have all their usual suspects available too so there is always something for everyone regardless of whether you’re flying first class or coach.

Happening from 4pm at Highball Express, 82 Alinga St, Canberra.

See website for more information.

TACO TUESDAY

Your choice of chicken, pork, or beef in a soft shell taco with cabbage, shallots & coriander. Happening every Tuesday from 1pm-5pm at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. For more information visit the website.

BURGERS & BEERS

A selection of Burgers and tap beer. Happening every Wednesday from 5pm-10pm at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. For more information visit the website.

PIZZA & PALE ALE THURSDAYS

A selection of housemade Pizza paired with a schooner of James Squire Pale Beer. Happening at 5pm every Thursday at Ostani Bar & Restaurant, Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton. For more information visit the website.

Latin Tuesdays

Tuesdays are hot at Highball with Latin Tuesdays social night.

Hosted by the amazing team from Salsabor Dance Studio, learn how to shimmy and shake like a pro at the free Latin dancing taster class 6.30pm. Add a few cocktails and you’ve got yourself a Tuesday night that’s hard to beat.

$12 cover l $5 extra for 45 mins class

Escape Canberra as you’re transported to Cuba for a night of Latin dancing and fabulous drinks that you’ll keep coming back for.

Happening Tuesday 30 May, 6.30pm at Highball Express, 82 Alinga St, Canberra

See website for more information.

LORDS TAVERNERS DEGUSTATION & WINEMAKERS DINNER

Bookings are now open for the 2017 Lord’s Taverners ACT Degustation and Winemakers Dinner. This year’s event is being held on Friday 2 June at Royal Canberra Golf Club.

It features a seven-course menu designed by Royal Canberra’s Executive Chef, with specially matched wine for each course from Geoff Merrill Wines and Chief Winemaker, Geoff Merrill, will be on hand to present each wine.

Wine orders can be placed at the event – at prices reduced from the cellar door. A significant percentage of all wine sales at the event will be donated to the Lord’s Taverners, supporting young and disadvantaged local cricketers and other athletes. The event is open to the public.

Happening Friday 2 June from 6:45 – 10:30 pm at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Bentham street, Yarralumla

Book now via: lordstavernersact@gmail.com.

FILM, MUSIC & STAGE

Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp

MARKETS & FESTIVALS

Winter Handmade Markets

SOUTHSIDE FARMERS MARKETS 

Get along to the Southside Farmers Markets every Sunday morning and pick up the finest fruit and vegetables and produce our region has to offer.  There are over 50 stalls made up of farmers and producers who sell their food direct from their farm or kitchen.  Many farmers are out picking their produce the night before the market and you can certainly taste the difference.

Talk to the farmer direct and find out where your food is being grown, how they grow it, and even how they best like to cook it.  Not only do they provide us with fresh food every week but they are a wealth of information on the food that nourishes week in week out.

What’s in season this week?  Annual herbs, beans, peas, beetroot, capsicums, carrots, chillies, corn, cucumber, daikon, eggplant, garlic, onion, radishes, rhubarb, squash, zucchini, melons, stonefruit, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes and more!

Every Sunday from 8.30am to 11am at Canberra College, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip. Entry is free, visit the website for more information.

FARMERS AND FOODIES MARKETS

A weekly food market with a focus on local and organic produce, amazing street food and boutique beer wine and spirits. Do your weekly shop, grab some dinner sit down and relax while you enjoy a cold drink at the end of a hot week! The Farmers and Foodies Markets are on every Friday from 4pm to 8pm at the Old Bus Depot Building, Wentworth Avenue, Kingston.

Visit the Facebook page for more information.

YASS FARMERS MARKETS

Support the local producers and come to the Yass Farmers Markets. Local wine, jams, sauces and craft items. Oil, baked goods and great coffee or juices. Vegetables and plants too. Home made food, arts and crafts.

It’s a great place to catch up with friends or to take a family and friends, with good weather expect to see the jumping castle and more stalls outside.

The Yass Farmer’s Markets have become a fantastic community event every first and third Saturday of the month. Have a coffee, relax and enjoy the ambiance and perhaps take in a local vineyard for lunch.

On until 7 October 2017 every first and third Saturday of the month from 10am- 1pm at St Augustines Church, Meehan Street, St Augustines Church.

Find more information on the website.

SOUTHERN HARVEST FARMERS MARKET AT BUNGENDORE

The Southern Harvest Farmers Market: selling sustainable, authentic, regional food: grown and made by the Community, for the Community.

The market is open every Saturday from 9am to noon and is a great source of fresh food and farm produce from around the region including meat, eggs, seafood, honey, fruit, vegetables, preserves and refreshments.

On every Saturday from 9am- 12pm until 16 September 2017 at Bungendore Anglican Hall, 25 Butmaroo Street.

Find more information on the website.

HARTLEY HALL MARKETS

Canberra’s family friendly markets located at the Hall Showgrounds. Up to 300 stalls offering a variety of products including food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts & crafts, unique gifts, and more. Join us the first Sunday of the month starting February for Canberra’s finest rural community market. Entry–gold coin donation.

Happening Sunday 4 June from 10am – 3pm on Victoria Street, Hall.

Find more information on the website.

WORKSHOPS, TOURS & TALKS

Tim Robards shares his best wellbeing advice

MAKING PERMACULTURE ACCESSIBLE IN CANBERRA

The Canberra Environment Centre is teaming up with Permaculture Canberra to run a full Permaculture Design Certificate over a 4 month period. The course will take place each Wednesday evening from 6.30 – 9.30 pm at the Canberra Environment Centre and will be led by Bredbo Valley View Farm’s Martyn Noakes.

Participants will learn about permaculture techniques and strategies such as site observation, imitating nature and zoning and how they can be used to create an abundant, diverse and self-renewing system in your backyard and beyond.

On Wednesdays until 28 June at 6.30 – 9.30pm at the Canberra Environment Centre, cnr Lawson Crescent and Lennox Crossing, Acton Peninsula.

Cost is $800 and there are limited places available. Bookings are essential, visit the website for more information.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Registrations open for Santa Speedo Shuffle

Dust off your speedos for Cystic Fibrosis ACT’s annual 6500 Santa Speedo Shuffle and help raise money for Canberrans living with cystic fibrosis. They’re calling for 200 brave Santas to descend on Lake Burley Griffin on Sunday 30 July.

Registrations are now open and free for groups of up to six Santas to participate in the shuffle. For those less daring, take part in the individual 5km fun run; with registrations for adults $35 and $15 for under 12’s. The event will finish with a Christmas in July themed festival at the Southern Cross Yacht Club.

Each team must raise a minimum of $2,000 and individuals a minimum of $500 to contribute to this year’s fundraising goal of $200,000.

For further information, fundraising tips, or to register visit www.santashuffle.org.au.

VINNIES BLANKET DRIVE AT HANDMADE

During the June Market, a blanket drive to support Vinnies Australia will be held at the Exhibition Park in Canberra. Handmade has given them a stall at the market from which they would like to collect warm items that they can give to people who don’t have the benefits of a warm place to stay. And if you want to add blankets and sleeping bags to your pile, these would be very much appreciated, along with hygiene packs (tooth brush, paste, soaps, deodorants etc.)

Each donation receives an entry into our Handmade Hamper giveaway worth $300 and lots of Karma points.

Parking and entry is free. If you cannot make it to the event but would like to donate find information here.

Showing from Saturday 10 June – Sunday 11 June 2017 at Exhibition Park in Canberra, 10am – 4pm. Find more information on the website.

SPORTS

SOCIAL LEAGUE REGISTRATIONS OPEN!

Social League is a mixed competition with no limit to how many people are in a team however 3 females must be on the field at all times with a maximum of 11 players on the field at once. Registrations are now open for our winter comps which kick off on the 24th and 25th of June.

Happening Sunday 11 June 2017 from 12am – 8am in Canberra City Square. Find more information on the website.

Live footy screenings at Ostani

KIDS

Above and Beyond at Questacon

THE WIGGLES – WIGGLE AROUND AUSTRALIA  

The world’s favourite children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles are coming to perform for you as part of their Wiggle Around Australia tour! This brand new show will see Emma, Simon, Anthony and Lachy performing in Canberra!

Their last regional tour sold out over 215 shows so get in quick!At Wiggle Around Australia you might like to “Do the Propeller” or “Dial E for Emma”, say g’day to Lachy’s friend Ponso the Pony or play “Simon Says” as well as doing the “Hot Potato” or “Rock a Bye Your Bear”. The Fab Four of fun will of course be joined by Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus!

With so many sold out shows last year, you better get a wiggle on and get your tickets now as tickets to the Wiggle Around Australia tour will sell like … Hot Potatoes! 

Showing Monday 5 June 2017, from 10am – 11am at the Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit. Find more information on the website.

KOALAS IN THE CANOPY

Search for Koalas in the Canopy and enjoy a ranger guided walk through the tall eucalypt forest at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Hear the ranger’s story or two about these fascinating marsupials. Meet at the Eucalypt Forest car park.

Normal entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required for Koalas in the Canopy.

Arrive an hour early and see the pelicans being fed at Pond 4 at 1.30pm. Hear insights about pelicans and the other remarkable inhabitants of the wetlands from a Tidbinbilla ranger.

Showing until Sunday 12 May 2018, Saturdays 2.30pm – 3pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Find more information on the website.

PLATYPUS PURSUITS

Take a Sunday walk with a wildlife ranger through Tidbinbilla’s wetlands in search of the elusive platypus. It is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon. Meet at the Sanctuary main entrance. Bring binoculars.

Nominal entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required for Platypus Pursuits.

Arrive early to explore the rest of the sanctuary. You’ll see the pelicans being fed at Pond 4 at 1.30pm. Hear a ranger sharing insights about pelicans and the other remarkable inhabitants of the wetlands.

Showing until Sunday 1 October 2017 at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Open the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday in September 3.30pm – 3.45pm. Find information on the website.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Visit Questacon and join the epic journey into the sky and beyond!

Above and Beyond is the ultimate interactive and multi-sensory flight exhibition celebrating the power of innovation to make dreams take flight. From flying cars and supersonic planes to space elevators and mega-rockets, Above and Beyond takes you faster, further and higher for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Design and test-fly your own supersonic jet. Pilot a drone into the eye of a hurricane to measure nature’s fury. Spread your wings and experience flight as a bird or a futuristic wing-flapping aircraft. Or take an elevator ride to the edge of space.

Packed with fun interactive challenges, vehicle concept models and prototypes, immersive media presentations, and inspiring stories, this thrilling exhibition invites you to experience what it takes to make the “impossible” possible. Explore advanced aircraft and spacecraft that change our lives and transform our world. And join the epic journey into the sky and beyond!

Happening until Sunday 23 July from 9am-5pm at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes. Find more information here.

Friday Story Time at the Australian War Memorial

Hear stories of brave animals, extraordinary people, and faraway places, brought to life through puppets, uniforms, and educational toys.

Friday Story time at the Australian War Memorial is a program suitable for pre-school-aged children, but older brothers and sisters are also welcome.

Happening until Thursday 31 August 2017 every Friday from 10.30am at the Australian War Memorial, Campbell.

Find more information here.

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCES

After a sell-out season in London, this virtual reality experience comes to the National Museum of Australia.

David Attenborough’s Virtual Reality Experiences are a feast for the senses! Immerse yourself in the first two natural history documentaries ever designed for Virtual Reality (VR). Join David Attenborough as he travels back through time to see the first glimmerings of life on earth, or dive into a breathtaking underwater tour of the Great Barrier Reef, all using the latest in VR technology.

Showing until 30 June 2017 daily from 9.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm at The National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton.

Find more information on the website.

RANGER GUIDED WALKS AND ACTIVITIES AT TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE 

PLAY UP

Play Up pokes its tongue out at the idea that museums are hands off. Stand up, muck up, dress up, make up, think up and step up in a fabulous space that has turned the traditional idea of what goes on in museums completely on its head.

The exhibition has been developed with children and celebrates the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Play Up celebrates the important role children have in the cultural life of our communities. Most importantly Play Up is a place for fun.

Open from 9am to 5pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

LEAP INTO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

Your local library is a treasure trove…not only are there free books and resources, there are regular amazing events! Giggle & Wiggle with your little ones (up to two years) and help them learn through language play using interactive rhymes, songs, games and stories.

Looking to improve your English and make new friends, then head along to your local library for one of the informal English conversation groups. For more events and info check them out here.

STORYTIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Take your little ones along to the Australian National Botanic Gardens for some fun with stories, songs, rhymes and creative activities brought to life by the ACT Storytellers. An engaging treat for pre-school children, parents and carers.

First Friday of the month (different theme each month) and commences at 10am (duration one hour). Tickets are $5 per child and bookings are not required. Visit www.anbg.gov.au for more information.

KIDS EMPOWERED

EXHIBITIONS

Melodrama in Meiji Japan

Step into the tumultuous world of Meiji Japan (1868–1912), through a selection of stunning Japanese woodblock illustrations. Used to illustrate Japanese novels, these beautiful images, known as kuchi-e (literally, ‘mouth/opening picture’), accompany stories filled with drama, tragedy and intrigue, reflecting the uncertainty of the times.

Curated by Dr. Gary Hickey, the exhibition draws upon a substantial collection of kuchi-e amassed by University of NSW Emeritus Professor Richard Clough (1921-2014) and donated to the Library. This collection, along with other works acquired, forms one of the most significant collections of this genre in the world and the largest focused collection of Japanese art in Australia. The exhibition features over twenty artists and a range of subjects, illustrating a fascinating history of a genre profiled for the first time in a major exhibition.

Free entry.

Showing every day from 10am-5pm until 27 August at the National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes. Find more information on the website.

Free-wheeling: Cycling in Australia

On the last stage of its national tour ‒ Freewheeling: Cycling in Australia is a must-see exhibition for cycling enthusiasts of all ages.

Freewheeling explores more than 140 years of cycling in Australia and the stories of riders who have experienced the joy, excitement, freedom and glory of moving at speed under their own power.

Among the extraordinary bikes on display are cycling legend Cadel Evans’ Tour de France road bike and a BMX bike belonging to world champion Caroline Buchanan. The exhibition also includes examples of the first human-powered-wheeled vehicle known as a ‘boneshaker’ from the 1860s as well as a penny-farthing, ‘safety bicycles’, mountain bikes, tricks bikes and a light-weight racing bike.

Freewheeling celebrates the intrepid individuals who have cycled thousands of miles across the continent, and how the bicycle has transformed the lives of ordinary Australians.

Happening every day from 9am till 5pm until Sunday 9 July 2017 at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

For more information on further dates and times visit the website.

Yes: The Ongoing Story of the 1967 Referendum

To mark the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum, the Museum of Australian Democracy is launching a new, collaborative exhibition. Yes: The Ongoing Story of the 1967 Referendum explores the journey of Australia’s most successful referendum campaign and asks what this far-reaching change means today. 

This is a joint exhibition by the Museum of Australian Democracy, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and Reconciliation Australia.

Yes: The Ongoing Story of the 1967 Referendum is open now at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Open 9am – 5pm daily. For more information visit the website. 

HANNAH QUINLIVAN AUTONOMY OF A DRAWING

At Canberra Museum and Gallery Hannah Quinlivan presents Autonomy of a Drawing. The artist uses the glass-walled space of Gallery Four on Civic Square to dissect and display the elements of a drawing, in an inversion of classic anatomical drawing, which peels away layers of skin and flesh to expose the structure beneath. Employing the conventions of those graphic traditions, Quinlivan separates various elements of a drawing and rearranges them on different spatial planes within the space, able to be viewed from different directions and angles; the whole interrogating our art-historical understanding of what can constitute a drawing.

Showing until 30 July 2017 at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, London Circuit. Opening Hours from 10am – 5pm on weekdays and 12pm – 4pm on Weekends. For more information visit the website.

HINDMARSH PRIZE 2017

In its second year, the Hindmarsh Prize 2017 exhibition recognizes excellence and promotes appreciation of the world-class artists working in glass who live and practice in the ACT and region. Presented by Canberra Glassworks, the Hindmarsh Prize has been initiated by generous arts patron Mr John Hindmarsh AM, Executive Chairman of Hindmarsh. The prize recognizes all aspects of contemporary glass art, from works drawing inspiration from the beauty of age old traditions to those which explore the widest interpretations of a contemporary sculptural language.

Artists in this years program include Annette Blair, Lisa Cahill, Alexandra Chambers, Scott Chaseling, Erin Conron, Brian Corr, Mel Douglas, Rose-Mary Faulkner, Hannah Gason, Jeremy Lepisto, Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello, Catherine Newton, Peter Nilsson, Kirstie Rea, Tom Rowney, Harriet Schwarzrock, Yusuke Takemura, John White and Richard Whiteley.

Showing until 18 June 2017 at Canberra Glassworks, Kingston. Open daily from 10am – 4pm. For more information visit the website.

MARGARET BALLARD: WORKS IN RESIN

Margaret Ballard uses vibrant colours and unique shapes to create aesthetically appealing works in resin.

See an exhibition sure to excite and give you the opportunity for your own interpretation.

Works will also be made available for sale.

Showing until Monday 12 June 2017, daily from 10.30am – 5pm at Kyemma Gallery, Capital Wines Gladstone. Find information here.

PREVAILING VOICES – INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS PARLIAMENTARIAN

Timed to coincide with National Reconciliation Week 2017, the exhibition is intended to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous parliamentarians to the Australian Parliament.

Featuring portraits of current and former Indigenous parliamentarians, personal stories, footage of first speeches and other objects of significance.

Works from the Parliament House Art Collection, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and the National Portrait Gallery of Australia have been brought together for the first time for this historic exhibition.

Showing until Sunday 30 July 2017 at Parliament House, Capital Hill.

For more information visit the website.

Enigma exhibition

A new exhibition by photographer Lorna Sim–‘Enigma‘–captures the free spirit of young contemporary dancer Eliza Sanders, who dances wherever the wind takes her. The challenge for Lorna was to capture Eliza’s spontaneous, fleeting and emotional movements in a still frame. The resulting thought-provoking images that draw you in and don’t want to let you go. The images are unedited, making them even more fascinating.

Also on are two other free exhibitions. ‘Absence of Sunshine’, by Maurice Weidmann, features black and white photographic prints of theatre productions from Canberra in the 1980s. ‘What comes to mind’ is by Dörte Conroy, who has turned small sculptures into photographs.

Happening until 25 June every Sunday from 10am-4pm at The Photography Room at the Old Bus Depot Markets. Free entry.

For more information visit their website.

Next

NEXT is a solo exhibition by South Australian designer and maker, Christian Hall. The exhibition will be a collection of furniture and objects that explore “the viewpoint” as a focus for design. Audiences will experience time and movement from the visual impact of shifting patterns and geometry generated by the moving around the pieces. NEXT questions traditional distinctions between functional and decorative, literal and ambiguous and between pure and applied art.

Happening until 15 July at CraftACT, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building. Email craftact@craftact.org.au or call 6262 9333.

Emerging Contemporaries

Emerging Contemporaries is the Craft ACT National Award Exhibition for early career artists.

This exhibition plays a pivotal role in supporting and transitioning artists into professional practice and placing Australian artists in view of the national cultural collecting institutions, business and industry, and audience.

Happening from Friday 26 May at CraftACT, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building. Email craftact@craftact.org.au or call 6262 9333 for more information.

Kirstie Rea, The Land: A 20 Year Survey

Kirstie Rea established an independent studio in Canberra in 1987, following her graduation from the Glass program at the (then) Canberra School of Art. This exhibition documents her achievements over the past two decades as one of Australia’s leading contemporary glass artists. Much of the artist’s distinctive imagery has its genesis in rural experience. Her work often explores the growing separation between our increasingly urbanised lives and her perception of the natural environment.

Happening Saturday 13 May 2017 – Sunday 20 August 2017, Wednesday’s from 10am – 5pm and Weekends from 12pm-5pm at Canberra Museum and Gallery, London Circuit.

Find more information on the website.

Evolution: Torres Strait Masks

Developed by the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island, in partnership with the National Museum, Evolution explores the longstanding importance of ceremonial masks in Torres Strait culture, and how they continue to influence contemporary art forms.

Showing from Friday 19 May 2017, to 23 July 2017, 9am-5pm at the National Museum of Australia. Find more information on the website.

Mephisto: The Rarest Tank in the World

LAST CHANCE – CLOSES JUNE 6 2017

See Mephisto, the rarest tank in the world, and learn about its significance in the battles of WWI. To commemorate the WWI centenary, the Australian War Memorial has collaborated with the Queensland Museum to display Mephisto outside Brisbane for the first time since it was transported from Europe after the end of the WWI.

Tanks were one of the First World War’s major technological innovations. They were first developed by the British, and were later taken up by France. The Germans began developing their own tanks after the British first deployed theirs during the battle of the Somme in 1916.

Showing until Tuesday 6 June 2017 from 10am at the Australian War Memorial. Find information on the website.

The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2017

See forty-nine of the year’s best photographic portraits at the 2017 National Photographic Portrait Prize. An annual prize open to both aspiring and professional photographers, the NPPP celebrates contemporary photographic portraiture from across the country, with the winner awarded $25,000.

Now in its tenth year, the prize continues to present surprising perspectives on contemporary photographic portraiture, with the images remaining an evolving kaleidoscope of the nation’s preoccupations and identity.

Happening daily at the National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes. Find more information on the website.

The Opening Day: 9 May 1927 

Old Parliament House was once brand new. What was it like to be a spectator at the opening ceremony? 

This new exhibition marks the 90^th anniversary of the opening of Old Parliament House and tells an important story in Australia’s democratic history from the perspective of onlookers in the crowd. Follow The Opening Day: 9 May 1927 around the corridors and discover the pomp and pageantry, humour and tragedy of this historic day.

The Opening Day: 9 May 1927 is on now at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Open 9am – 5pm daily. For more information visit: moadoph.gov.au

Onetoeight: Australia’s First Prime Ministers  

Visually arresting, humorous and thoughtful, Canberra-based artist Alison Alder reinterprets and reinvigorates portraits of the first eight prime ministers in Onetoeight: Australia’s First Prime Ministers, a contemporary art exhibition.

See intense patterned wallpaper honouring the prime minister’s wives and a Term-O-Meter animation tracking the changing political hues of individuals and governments. Through the portraits Alder gives us a sense of Australia’s history that is lively, dynamic and parallels the present day.

Occurring until 24 February 2018 daily from 9am to 5pm at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

For more information visit the website.

Facing Two Fronts: The Fight for Respect

How did war become a platform for advocating the civil rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? Indigenous Australians have served in the Australian military since Federation. Their role was significant, yet largely unrecognised. For some, armed service provided equality. For others, discrimination.

Through the lens of military service and the stories of those who served, learn about Indigenous soldiers’ fight for social justice. A digital exhibition at the Archives featuring extraordinary images and records from our collection and a series of stirring video portraits.

Happening daily until Sunday 16 July from 10am at the National Archives of Australia, Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes. Find more information on the website.

INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS AT WAR FROM TEH BOER WAR TO PRESENT

Indigenous Australians have served Australia in all major conflicts from the Boer War to the present. The armed services would provide a first experience of equal opportunity, although sadly not an enduring one. This Shrine of Remembrance travelling exhibition celebrates the courage, tenacity and resourcefulness of Indigenous Australians in the armed forces.

The exhibition uncovers the individual and family stories of service and sacrifice of the First Australians. The National Archives of Australia is proud to host the first Shrine of Remembrance exhibition ever touring to Canberra.

Showing until Sunday 16 July from 9am-5pm at National Archives of Australia, Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes. Find more information here.

DRESS CODE: EMPIRE

Dress Code: Empire. An old coat rescued. Sir Edmund Barton revealed. In this exhibition you will discover an intriguing tale of power, prestige and Australia’s changing ties to Britain.

Discover Barton’s coatee, an exciting digital interactive, videos and school activities.

Showing until 1 August 2017 from 9am-5pm at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, Parkes.

Find more information on the website.

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCES

After a sell-out season in London, this virtual reality experience comes to the National Museum of Australia.

David Attenborough’s Virtual Reality Experiences are a feast for the senses! Immerse yourself in the first two natural history documentaries ever designed for Virtual Reality (VR). Join David Attenborough as he travels back through time to see the first glimmerings of life on earth, or dive into a breathtaking underwater tour of the Great Barrier Reef, all using the latest in VR technology.

Showing until 30 June 2017 daily from 9.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm at The National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton.

Find more information on the website.

NGA TALKS AND WORKSHOPS

Talks and workshops cater for a range of different age groups. For full details visit the NGA website.

BEHIND THE LINES 2016: THE YEAR’S BEST POLITICAL CARTOONS

Behind the Lines 2016: The year’s best political cartoons celebrates the role of political cartoonists in Australia and highlights the power that their drawings have in contributing to our daily political and social discourse.

Explore the unpredictable events of 2016 that shaped our political destiny – from Australia’s own double-dissolution, to Brexit and the shock Trump victory – through the sharpened wit and pencils of Australia’s best cartoonists.

There’s more than cartoons. Dress up in a crown and velvety red cape in the exhibition programming space, discover your political destiny with a game of political tarot or challenge your friends and family in political head.

Showing until 8 December 2017 from 9am- 5pm at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes.

Find more information on the website.

ART IS A WEAPON

Art is a Weapon explores how the Eureka story, legend and iconography have been used by groups and causes of all political flavours to spread their message. Alongside the portfolio of works, other objects and artworks using the Southern Cross motif show how the idea of Eureka has been adopted by groups as diverse as young communists and motorcycle clubs.

Showing now at the Museum of Australian Democracy.

MAGNA CARTA – AN AUSTRALIAN STORY

This exhibition celebrates the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, one of the most famous and significant documents for democracy and human rights around the world. First written in 1215, it set down rules limiting the power of the monarchy and safeguarding basic human rights and freedoms. This exhibition explores the history and relevance of Magna Carta from an Australian perspective.

Showing now at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.