The greenest mill in the world of denim and merino wool repurposed from the USSR don’t sound like they have a lot in common. But if you look a little closer, the connection begins right here in Canberra.
After years of selling street-style clothing that traverses the line between casual, cool and corporate, CHURCH Public Service has announced their very own collection – an idea that was originally written into the business plan of its very first alleyway café.
Manufactured entirely in Australia using luxury dead stock fabrics and natural fibres, the limited run of Collection One will only have 30 pieces of each item, designed to outlast trends and to be worn, not replaced.
For CHURCH Public Service founders Brock Dunn, Laurence Hughes, and Nicholas Mico, launching Collection One has been a two-year labour of love that has taken them from working with the oldest family-run denim mill in Italy to using merino wool originally meant for Soviet military uniforms. The resulting collection is a reimagining of the modern wardrobe – born from slow production and innovative, genderless design.
“It would have been easier five years ago to go down the route of just making t-shirts and hoodies. And while that’s cool if someone wants to do that, as we’ve gotten older and we’ve learned more about the industry, it wouldn’t have felt right for us,” says Brock.
“The last couple of years, I think a lot of us have all started to feel really strongly about the idea of how mass consumption is affecting all of us, how brands are operating and how bigger companies rebrand themselves after copping slack for basically being fast fashion.”
Setting themselves the brief to create the attire people want to wear every day and for every occasion, Collection One is simply described by Brock as “lived-in formal”.
Take the collection’s matching pleated pant and dinner jacket, for example. Made from Merino wool that was produced on a New South Wales farm, it was sold to the USSR to be milled into a deep obsidian herringbone, originally destined for Soviet military uniforms. But when the regime collapsed, and the bill couldn’t be paid, the finished wool was sent back to the farm, where it was wrapped, stored, and forgotten for decades before it was sold to a dead-stock supplier.
Eventually it fell into the hands of the CHURCH trio who saw the potential for what it could become.
“The fabric itself set a tone for the entire collection,” says Brock. “Here’s this truly vintage fabric that’s lived for 60 years and been perfectly preserved. How can we design a product out of that that gives it another 60 years of life?”
“We wanted all the clothes to feel really lived in and be things that can build character over time.”
Designing good basics was also an important part of the process of designing Collection One. Wanting to not just design a pair of jeans but the pair of jeans – the pair that offers utility, longevity, and style – CHURCH’s journey took them to Italy’s Candiani Denim.
Founded in 1938 in Robecchetto con Induno, Candiani Denim is best known for supplying premium, sustainable denim fabric to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion and denim brands.
“We wanted organic cotton, so we went to Candiani, the oldest family-run denim mill in Italy… They’ve had generations to push the industry forward, and they just produce incredibly good, durable denim out of organic cotton,” Brock explains.
Having supplied the likes of Levi’s, Lee, Diesel, Hugo Boss, and Stella McCartney, the CHURCH trio hopes the denim pieces created from the partnership will be ones people reach for time and time again.
Brock also notes that there’s an “insane amount” of surplus fabric from brands like Maison Margiela, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès in Italy. They plan to travel to the Mediterranean country to source the dead-stock designer fabrics for future collections, giving the surplus a new life rather than letting it sit in warehouses or go to waste.
“In our eyes, that’s fabric that’s been so intentionally developed to be of a high quality. And if there’s going to be fabrics that exist to that level of quality that aren’t getting used, that’s something that we really want to try to tap into,” he says.
“For us it’s enough to know where it’s come from and the intention behind the quality of the fabric. And then another is using natural Indigenous dyes in some of our clothing…one thing we’re going to try to do in a future collection is make things out of a raw, undyed fabric, and then dye them ourselves using the native flora from Canberra.”
And with plans to launch a new collection in June next year, Collection One is just the beginning.
CHURCH Public Service Collection One will be available to buy in-store and at church.xyz from 6 pm on Thursday 17 September.
A modern and charming country town with an assortment of epicurean experiences, Berry has long been a favourite escape for Canberrans.
Just two-and-a-half hours from Canberra, the picturesque village invites people to slow down and soak in the beauty of the countryside. But with charming boutiques, farm-to-plate restaurants and live music events, Berry offers a travel experience that ticks a whole lot of boxes.
Whether you want to eat your way through homestyle country cooking, make the most of sophisticated shopping or relax in a boutique cottage, here’s our guide on how to spend the perfect weekend away in Berry – including where to eat, play and stay.
EAT + DRINK
Berry is known as a foodie’s paradise – and for good reason.
For those who can’t resist baked goods, the best place to start your day is at either one of Berry’s icons: The Berry Donut Vanand Milkwood Bakery. Be sure to go early – it’s a common sight at both places to see people lining up down the street. We promise they’re worth the wait.
Making their famous cinnamon donuts since 1974, The Berry Donut Van has long been a favourite spot for locals, known and loved for its charming, nostalgic vibe. But piping hot cinnamon donuts aren’t the only thing on the menu – they also serve coffee, milkshakes, pies, hot dogs and more. They’re open from 8.30 am seven days a week.
Grab-and-go isn’t your style? Milkwood Bakery is a must. Known for their organic sourdough breads, and a mouthwatering and ever-changing array of cakes, pastries and other savouries, the bakery has both indoor and outdoor seating; ideal for soaking up the sun.
The Berry Tea Shop is another must-visit local institution, known for its Devonshire Tea with warm scones served with house-made jam and double cream. Take the time to browse the curated collection of hand-blended loose-leaf teas and beautiful tea wares.
Looking for something with quaint charm and all-day breakfast and lunch menus? The Queen St Cafeoffers just that. Book high tea in the beautiful tea rooms to indulge in savouries along with petit fours and gem scones served with strawberry jam and dessert cream.
If that’s not enough, you can go back in time at the Dairy Bar at The Treat Factoryfor handcrafted gelato, classic Devonshire Teas, coffee and a selection of hearty café favourites, cakes and sweet treats.
Start your morning at The Berry General Store, a local favourite for coffee, breakfast and brunch. With an overflowing all-day menu that spans café classics to loaded plates and fresh sandwiches, it has something for every kind of craving. As for drinks, coffee, tea, chai and matcha are menu staples, with the speciality banana bread iced matcha and latte sure to impress.
Lunchtime calls for a stop at The Rutledge Bar & Eatsfor food and cocktails in a fun barn setting in the middle of town. Serving elevated pub food (think: a wagyu beef burger, Yakatori chicken skewers and pulled pork tacos), make sure to try one of the special Rutledge cocktails. What’s better than a long lunch washed down with a lychee and mint martini?
Finally, The Great Southern Hotel is a historic pub serving up classic food, cold beers and live music. Recently welcoming new owners (including local restaurateurs behind the very popular Il Locale), the menu is hearty and classic with schnitties, steaks, and more. Go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday for the live music and stay for a parmi.
If you’re looking for something that ranks higher on the fine end of Berry’s dining scene, there’s plenty to choose from.
South on Albanyis an award-winning dining experience tucked away on a side street of Berry – but it’s well worth discovering. They serve a set menu that changes every few weeks to highlight the best of the season, and you also have the option to add freshly shucked oysters and matched drinks.
Sara Dininghas Chef Alex Pritchard at the helm – the two-hatted former Head Chef of the iconic Iceberg’s Dining Room & Bar. Located on a five-acre farm just a five-minute drive from Berry, it offers a beautiful, seasonal paddock-to-plate dining experience. Using herbs, fruits and vegetables grown from the two kitchen gardens, the menu features snacks, smaller plates and generous dishes designed for sharing. As for the drinks? The 500-bottle wine list includes 33 wines by the glass, while the cocktails also draw from the property, with a house martini made with mountain marigold and citrus-leaf distillate to a mini frozen margarita with smoked pear and garden herbs.
For wine lovers, new wine bar Le Bar offers a selection of curated wines from Australia and Europe (best enjoyed with a cheese plate), while wineries Mountain Ridge Winery,Two Figs and Silos Estate all offer sensational tasting options.
Want to make the most of your accommodation? The Berry Bottle Shopis a hidden gem. Stocking wine, beer, cider, spirits and liqueurs, the hardest part will be choosing what bottle to take back with you.
PLAY
Supplied.
For the culture vultures
There’s no shortage of things to do in Berry, but one thing worth planning your trip around is the A Day Well Spent live music event. Free to attend, their Folk session is taking place this Sunday 20 September, with Fremantle’s Jack Davies, Sydney-raised indie-folk artist Ben Morgan and even Canberra’s Lucy Sugerman taking the stage.
Held at various venues across the town, you can wander between shows and see a different side of Berry while you live like a local. Can’t make it to the September session? Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November are all about Around the World Music, blending contemporary styles with global influences. Start planning now so you can book your night away!
For those who like to get creative (and don’t mind getting their hands dirty), Pottery Classes by David Collinsin his studio in Woodhill Mountain offer a unique opportunity to play with pottery under expert supervision in a gorgeous mountain setting.
For those seeking some self-care
It’s not a holiday (or weekend away) without some retail therapy. Queen Street is Berry’s own boutique shopping strip, home to SAINTE , Few and Far, MOSS NEST, and more. Start at Queen St Café to grab a coffee and work your way up the street.
The Shoalhaven region is renowned for its natural beauty, and Berry is no exception. Take the stunning 12-kilometre stretch of golden sand and gentle surf of Seven Mile Beach – it’s only a 10-minute drive away and perfect for swimming, kayaking and more.
Those who don’t mind getting sweaty (and love a good view) shouldn’t miss the Drawing Room Rocks hike. Located in the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, it takes up to two hours and offers stunning views of the whole region once you reach the top.
For the foodies
Get to know Berry’s food scene through Foodscape Tours. The Bite around Berry walking trail highlights specialty retailers, artisan producers and local village dining options, with something sure to tempt you.
Carramar Kitchenis just a short drive from Berry and is run by a former Hollywood chef-to-the-stars. Learn how to make everything from vegetarian dishes to Italian and Mexican cuisine in immersive cooking classes held each month. Using organic produce and prioritising gluten-free options, they also emphasise zero food waste and sustainable techniques.
Love a sweet treat? The Treat Factoryhosts various chocolate DIY workshops, from handcrafting your own loaded Belgian Rocky Road to a selection of Belgian chocolates.
STAY
Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or your significant other, Berry has accommodation for every kind of trip.
For groups and families
Jaspers Run. Supplied.
The charming Greta Cottage is in the heart of Berry, putting it within walking distance of shops, cafés and Boongaree Nature Park. A boutique four-bedroom home, it can sleep up to eight guests and is ideal for small groups and families.
Want a pool to cool off after a long day of exploring or lake views? Supercalla Private Properties offers a blend of country charm and boutique sophistication with a range of accommodation options to choose from. Whatever you choose, it promises beauty, character and connection to nature.
Jaspers Run by Contemporary Hotels is located just five minutes from Berry and sleeps up to 16 guests, sitting on a 100-acre farm. Blending country living with luxury, the games shed (which stocks two pool/snooker tables, a dartboard, foosball table, air-hockey, ping pong and a vintage arcade game with 500 games) and the 10-metre swimming pool are highlights for all ages.
For couples
Berry View Hotel. Supplied.
If you’re craving something a bit more intimate, Station Road Loft is ideal for couples planning a slower weekend away. With an aesthetic best described as “country fairytale”, it has everything you need, from a cosy bathroom to a kitchenette and even the option to add a breakfast package (in case you don’t want to get out of bed). Another bonus? It’s located just moments from Berry’s cafés and boutiques.
Meanwhile, the Berry View Hotel is a cosy mid-century drive-in motel that’s reminiscent of past family summer adventures. With 18 rooms that pay homage to the original 1950s architecture and an infinity pool with an extensive lounging area, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of Palm Springs (without the plane ticket).
For the luxury lovers
Mt Hay. Supplied.
Take your weekend away to the next level with a luxurious stay in one of the many accommodation options from the Linnaeus Collection – the team behind a collection of architecturally distinct luxury holiday homes and farms. Including Linnaeus Farm, Maple Cottages and more, they’re perfect for booking larger gatherings, multigenerational stays, retreats or special occasions.
The family-run and family-friendly bed and breakfast The Drawing Rooms of Berry is just 10 minutes from Berry and 15 minutes from beaches, putting you in the heart of some stunning natural surrounds. Home to four lodges, in total they can sleep 17 guests and have all the amenities you could want or need.
Finally, for those craving privacy, space and calm, Mt Hay Retreat promises all that and more. Featuring luxury villas complete with an outdoor bath and breathtaking views of rolling green hills and the distant ocean horizon, it’s luxury in its purest form.
Want more reasons to make Berry your next weekend road trip? Visit berry.org.au.
Craving a sweet treat but don’t have time to bake? Here, we re-share Beatrice Smith’s three-step hack for a delicious Nutella cookie.
A quick search for Nutella cookies revealed an intriguing recipe from Bigger Bolder Baking with just three ingredients. Would they be any good?
Hello, my name is Bea, and I hate cooking.
Yes folks, no one is more surprised than me that I am sharing a recipe. But when you meet this recipe, you’ll see why it’s just so perfect for people who despise the kitchen.
Okay okay, it may not “change your life” (*disclaimer: this cookie is not Harry Styles), however, it will certainly brighten your day. And with only three ingredients!
First, some backstory. Last weekend I was looking for a lockdown-appropriate way to celebrate my younger sister (who I live with) finishing a university assignment. Nothing too grand, just a little afternoon treat we could enjoy with a cup of tea.
Cookies were my first thought, but a search of the pantry revealed a dilemma—no chocolate chips. It also, however, revealed a solution—a giant untouched jar of Nutella that my dad bought when a crackly phone line mistranslated my mother’s request of Nuttelex canola spread. Yes, we laughed a lot at his expense.
A quick search of the internet for Nutella cookies revealed an intriguing recipe from Bigger Bolder Baking with just three ingredients. Was that possible? Would they be any good?
It turns out that yes, dear reader, they sure bloody were. Good in what way? In every way.
Firstly, the ease of three ingredients makes this a foolproof recipe for even the smallest child (or, ahem, the laziest 30 year old).
Secondly, you don’t need sugar, butter or oil because the sweet chocolatey-hazelnutty goodness of the Nutella takes care of all of that and gives you a chewy, moreish cookie that only gets better as the days go on. Seriously, we’re still eating them (from an airtight container) three days on.
Lastly, the richness means you can (and should) make smaller cookies, thus extending the time/effort payoff. Five minutes (yes, really!) effort for four days of snacks? Shut up and take my money.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup Nutella
1 cup plain flour
1 egg
METHOD
Step One: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. My tip would be to combine the egg and Nutella with a whisk or wooden spoon before adding the flour in quarter cup measurements, mixing well between additions.
Step Two: Once you have achieved a moist but not sticky cookie dough, roll into balls (again, I would recommend quite small ones) and place on a lined baking tray. We managed to stretch it to two trays of 12 cookies.
Step Three: Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until firm to the touch.
That’s genuinely it. You’re welcome. Find the original recipe here.
For three days in October, over 150 Canberra musicians and dancers will come together alongside music lovers from around Australia to bring some of Sydney’s most iconic venues to life with the sound of music (corny, I know, sorry).
It’s all thanks to Sing Australia’s National Gathering, which invites members of their singing groups across Australia to unite.
Canberran Charles Miller is the National Director of Sing Australia and is gearing up for what will be his first National Gathering.
“There is quite an excitement around the network. It is largely based around singing obviously, but it’s also the fact that it’s such a great opportunity for people to come together and have a dance and sing with each other,” Charles says.
Charles won’t be the only Canberran in attendance, with members from all three of the ACT’s Sing Australia groups coming along to the convention.
“There are 67 groups across Australia, and of those, 61 have at least one person coming. I’ve got three groups in Canberra – Belconnen, central Canberra, and Tuggeranong, so there’s about 70 people from Canberra coming.” Charles says.
But it’s not just singers who are making the trip.
The Stellar Company, a local not-for-profit group, has been invited to perform at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday 31 October as part of the National Gathering.
There will also be 80 ACT community dancers, emerging artists, and independent professionals who will unite with the singers on stage as they perform dances to accompany the songs.
The dancers will be coming from the Chamealeon Collective, BOLD Moves, Project Dust, the GOLD Company, Hilal Dance Australia, Bom Funk, as well as some independent professionals.
Under the watchful guidance of Liz Lea, the company’s Artistic Director, the dancers are learning the moves and preparing for the big day.
“When I reached out to a number of the dancers, and I said, ‘What do you think about performing at the Sydney Opera House?’, they all just kind of passed out and fell off their chairs,” Liz recalls.
“They didn’t exactly, but everyone was excited.”
Liz is excited for the whole experience to be rewarding, and not the high-stakes pressure environment you might expect when performing on such an iconic stage.
“The idea is that it’s about going up there and having the opportunity to experience performing, whether it’s singing or dancing, on that stage.”
Each of the groups are learning their dances individually, and will come together to practice as a group closer to the day.
Not all the dancers and singers will be on stage at the same time, as Charles explains – there’s simply too many to fit!
“There will be two acts on the Saturday, so 50 per cent of the dancers and the singers will perform to an audience of their peers plus an audience of family and friends,” Charles says.
“In intermission we’ll do the crazy swap over of everybody and then do act two with the other dancers and singers performing in front of those who were just on stage.”
Liz says the dancers will be performing to a variety of songs, including Rocky Mountain High, You Raise Me Up, and Dancing Queen.
“We’ve got a bit of funk, we’ve got some showgirls, there’s quite a lot of contemporary dance and open movement that’s accessible for dancers of all ages and abilities to be able to do,” Liz shares.
“But also, it’s the kind of movement that responds really closely to the music, so that hopefully an audience who’s not necessarily into dance could feel like they could be up on stage doing it too.”
Liz and Charles have worked closely in preparing for the event, pouring over the 13 different songbooks and the songs contained inside at their disposal.
During the event, the singers will be performing songs from the songbooks which are used every week, meaning the members are familiar with all the tunes and lyrics.
While the dancers are debuting during the Saturday event, Friday and Sunday will see the singers partake in what Charles is calling a ‘reverse performance’.
“For the major singing events on Friday and Sunday, there will be a conductor and accompanist, but the audience is actually the performers, so they’ll stand in the seats and sing to the front.”
On Sunday, the singers will perform in the bowl of the Sydney Cricket Ground, in the same format as Friday – the conductor and accompanist on the oval facing the performers in the stands.
Taking a step back, Liz believes this event is a great example of how alive the arts scene is in Canberra.
“I think what is very exciting about it all, though, is the breadth of the performers coming from Canberra from all different backgrounds, going to perform in this particular venue,” Liz says.
“From my perspective, it really speaks to the power of the arts world in Canberra and the community arts world where everybody is really excited to collaborate, engage, connect and to make this happen.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Sing Australia National Gathering 2026 with performances by Stellar Company When: Friday 30 October until Sunday 1 November Where: Various locations, Sydney Tickets + more information:singaustralia.com.au
From floral cocktails to beetroot and Belgian chocolate ice cream and sweet seasonal matchas, this list promises the perfect bite of spring.
This year, Floriadeis extending its magic beyond Commonwealth Park, with special seasonal events blooming all over the city. And in good news for foodies, that also includes some limited-edition menus and dining experiences, all highlighting fresh regional produce and the flavour of flowers.
Whether you’re looking for a pre-flower festival pick-me-up or some springtime sips, here are 10 Floriade-inspired menus serving up a slice of spring. Looking for even more? Check out the Floriade About Town page to discover all the exclusive spring experiences happening across Canberra.
Inspired by blossoms, sunshine and the colours of spring, Clover Dining has created a vibrant menu celebrating the beauty of Floriade.
Alongside three speciality cocktails – the Blush Blossom, Sun-Soaked Peach, and Petal Fizz – they’re also serving up a fresh Yuzu Tiramisu that will have you licking the plate clean. Available only until Sunday 11 October, walk over from Commonwealth Park for a dessert and drink combination that’s sure to put a spring (pun intended) back into your step.
A whole wheel of brie, baked and served with honey, pistachio crumb, garnished with flowers, and served with freshly baked Laurent sourdough. Making an exclusive return for Floriade, this 1kg Baked Brie from Amici is worth saving room for.
To wash it down, they’ve also added a handful of floral additions to their drinks and wine list, all poured from Canberra region wineries and distilleries. We suggest trying the Hugo Spritz with mint, elderflower, prosecco, and soda.
Why not start your morning at The Cupping Room? They’re serving up vibrant seasonal specials inspired by Floriade like a spring bowl packed full of seasonal produce (think roasted pumpkin, pesto brown rice, rocket, avocado, hummus, feta, toasted Spanish onions and cherry tomatoes).
They’re also whisking up a cherry blossom iced matcha. It’s as sweet as it sounds.
These three spring sips are made for the Floriade season. Only available during the flower festival, pop into Monster to sip on the Vanilla Matcha Rose Foam, Lychee Rose Tea and Rose Foam White Coffee.
After a morning spent exploring, there’s nothing like cooling off with a glass of something cold. Along with seasonal springtime specials, BrentSpoke Brew Pub in Braddon is pouring two limited edition drinks – the Floriade Pale Ale and Floriade Water.
Apale ale brewed from an old recipe dating back to the early 1900s, the Floriade Pale Ale has subtle piney notes from Chinook hops and a delicate floral finish, while the Floriade Water is a lightly sparkling hibiscus-flavoured water. They’re also available at the BentSpoke Beer Garden (if you don’t want to travel all the way to Braddon).
This collection of cocktails celebrates the colour of Canberra’s spring season. Created in partnership with Underground Spirits, the four limited-edition drinks include the floral Violet Affair, tropical Island in the Sun, the Shiraz Gin Sling and elegant Velvet Orchid.
They all taste as good as they look, so make sure to make your way through the collection before the season ends.
Have a sweet tooth? Highroad has two Floriade-inspired menu items you need to try: orange blossom sticky buns and Earl Grey matcha with strawberry foam. They’re only available until the end of the flower festival, so run, don’t walk.
Looking for something a little more elegant to end your day? Monster @ Ovolo Canberra is hosting a Floriade-inspired afternoon tea.
Featuring elevated floral grazing, 11 premium teas, infused botanical cocktails and more, it’s only available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – and it starts at $29 per person. Sounds bloomin’ good to us!
Nothing says ‘spring’ like Floriade French Toast. Made with thick-cut brioche, Biscoff spread, salted caramel, vanilla mascarpone and Biscoff crumb, and finished with edible petals, it’s the sweetest way to start your spring day.
The Australian National University, 156-11, Joplin Lane, Kambri Precinct, Acton | badgerandco.com.au
Lean into some French flair this spring with a six-course menu inspired by the herbs, flowers and produce of the season.
Only available at Les Bistronomes on Thursday 24 September, the menu has been designed to capture spring in Canberra, course by course and includes dishes like lemon verbena-infused kingfish and elderflower, strawberry and cucumber vacherin.
It’s priced at $180 per person (with the option to add a wine pairing for an additional $100 per person).
If you’re looking for a Floriade special, Lava in Campbell is the place to go. On the food menu, The Garden combines herbs and spinach with beans, poached eggs, fresh greens, and whipped feta, while the Spring Blossom is croissant French Toast sticks served with rose-infused khuwa cream, crushed pistachio, and rose. Topped with fresh fruit and fairy floss, it’s a sweet start to the day.
To wash it all down, the Spring Fling is iced filter coffee with Leatherwood honey and rose cold foam, topped with bee pollen and floral confetti, and the Lavender Haze is an Earl Grey and lavender soda with fresh lemon.
Hand-made from scratch and made straight from the spring harvest, the Scoops of the Garden line-up is for the more adventurous foodies.
Along with serving scoops of traditional flavours, this spring you can head to Stripey Sundae to try some unique ice-cream flavours. Think: beetroot and Belgian chocolate, sweet corn, and avocado with lime and coconut. Other flavours include pumpkin spice, carrot cake, strawberry coconut, and cucumber and mint – all available in cones, sundaes, banana splits, affogatos and thickshakes.
What started as a silly activity during the COVID lockdown between father-son duo Evan and Levi Turner became a cheeky, family-friendly adaptation of Go Fish. Now, the Bums are hitting bookshelves nationwide.
Families with silly kids: this one is for you!
Canberra is the proud home of Go Bum, a cheeky, family-friendly adaptation of the popular card game Go Fish, where you match different kinds of bums to win.
After releasing a second edition, gaining international recognition, and selling more than 75,000 copies, Evan is taking the bumling-verse to a whole new level with a silly picture book hitting shelves this September.
“Imagine Mr Men meets Captain Underpants,” he says
The storybook started with him brainstorming what the Go Bum cards would look like as characters, then adding limbs and facial features to the bums for a laugh. A couple of weeks later – as if he manifested it himself – Scholastic Australia reached out to Evan and offered a book deal inspired by Go Bum.
The story follows the disappearance of Teeny Tiny Bum. Clever Bum sets out on a mission to find him by following clues with the help of her Bumling pals such as Pirate Bum, Disco Bum, Beach Bum, and Plumber’s Bum.
From playing cards to the page, the goofy characters were brought alive with their own personalities and arcs represented throughout the story. Expect Tootie Bum to be munching on beans when Clever Bum stops Pirate Bum with his bum-shaped parrot stealing food off the other characters.
“I’ve always wanted a creative life; I love coming up with new things. In my normal day job, I am a public servant, so it was a really fun experience getting to write the story; I never thought I’d be an author,” says Evan
The Bumlings is more than just a fun picture book for kids; it gives an exciting opportunity to get off the screens and spend time with the family by unwinding with an action-packed adventure that is guaranteed to have lots of giggles!
Evan wishes for The Bumlings to find a special home with every reader, especially children who struggle to read or think that reading is not for them.
“Hopefully, by having a funny book to read to them, it will really spark that interest in reading and get them into books. It’s really important for a kid’s development.”
But the bumling-verse doesn’t end there; Magical Mythical Bums, Go Bum’s third edition, is coming out this month! Get ready to play with cards such as Zombie Bum, Thunder Bum, and Spooky Bum, who says “Boooooooty”
And if your kids couldn’t get enough laughter out of The Bumlings, Evan has teased a second Bumlings book to be released next year. Dutch artist Dewy Venerius is currently adding the final touches to the hilarious illustrations we love so much, using her Kawaii-inspired style.
The Bumlings book launch will take place at Harry Hartog Tuggeranong later this month. There will be a reading along with fun activities for the kids.
“I get a real buzz just thinking about all the good times that people have had playing Go Bum,” says Evan
“I really hope that same fun and joy you get being together really comes through with The Bumlings book as well.”
When Brianna Keyes was a teenager, handball was her entire world. Little did she know that years later she would be making sporting history.
Falling in love with handball at the age of 16, Brianna’s career saw her travelling the world, competing at the Youth Olympics and the Indoor Handball World Championships to represent Australia on a national stage. But everything changed when she experienced a severe ankle injury, followed by two failed corrective surgeries.
Brianna was barely able to walk on her ankle, and instead of passing, dribbling, and throwing the ball with her team, she was sent to the sidelines. She thought she would never play handball again – but everything changed after she received her disability diagnosis and was introduced to wheelchair handball.
Currently in Granollers, Spain, for the Wheelchair Handball World Championship, Brianna believes she is the first athlete to participate in both the indoor and wheelchair handball world championships – a historic moment for the sport.
It’s something she doesn’t take for granted.
“I’m so incredibly grateful to be representing Australia again and this time round it feels so special,” she says.
“I used to take the honour a bit for granted, but since my forced retirement from able-bodied, I have really been able to reflect, and I feel very proud of this achievement. I’ve trained and worked so hard for this.”
Describing wheelchair handball as a blend of “wheelchair basketball, AFL and rugby league”, Brianna says that the transition to wheelchair handball after her injury felt like a perfect fit.
“There is often a misconception that you need to be in a wheelchair to play wheelchair sport. I don’t use a day chair,” she explains.
“As I had extensive experience playing able-bodied handball for Australia, it was the perfect transition for me. When I saw it was an option, I jumped at the chance to get out on the court again with the sport I love.”
Brianna says being able to once again play against the best in the world will be “incredible.” It’s also a milestone moment with Australia making history in Granollers as the first Oceania nation to compete at the IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship.
“I’m really excited to be wearing the green and gold and have my two-year-old cheering on the sidelines. Being a mum changes things, and there have been a lot of sacrifices and load on my husband with training and travel,” she says.
“I’m really proud of myself being two years post-partum and getting back to the top of my sport.”
This is just the beginning of Brianna’s goals for this new chapter in her handball career.
With the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics just around the corner, she’s also pushing to have wheelchair handball officially included in the 2032 Brisbane Paralympics. And while handball has been an Olympic sport for 90 years – and has approximately 30 million registered players and 800,000 teams worldwide – it remains a relatively little-known sport in Australia.
“Courts are often a challenge for us. A handball court is the size of two basketball courts next to each other so finding courts and the cost can be a tricky thing to do in Australia,” explains Brianna.
“But mostly it’s exposure and lack of grassroots programs. This is changing with funding for Brisbane 2032; we have programs to help increase awareness and opportunities for young players in Canberra. Once people watch a game or play, they are hooked on our wonderful sport.”
Brianna says that Canberra’s small handball community has been growing for the last 20 years. She hopes that by sharing her story, she will encourage more people to both watch and play the game.
“The Canberra Handball community is very passionate. With Brisbane 2032 coming up, there is a big push for new players,” she says.
“If you want to give Handball a go, reach out on Instagram. We are also putting together an ACT wheelchair Handball team for Nationals in October and looking for athletes from similar wheelchair sports looking for a change.”
Non-surgical beauty treatments are popular in Canberra – think fat freezing, laser hair removal, skin needling, and chemical peels. But what rights do you have when these beauty treatments go wrong?
Burns, scarring, infections, nerve damage, pigmentation changes, prolonged pain – these aren’t just “unfortunate side effects” you have to accept. And if they’re the result of negligent care rather than a known risk? You might actually have options.
If you’ve been injured during a beauty treatment, MEJ’s Kirsten Nasser explains what you really need to know.
What if I signed a consent form?
Signing a consent form does not mean you’ve given up your right to make a claim.
Here’s what a consent form actually does: it confirms you understood the treatment, were told about the potential risks, and agreed to go ahead.
What it doesn’t do is protect a clinic or practitioner from the consequences of negligent care.
“Even if you signed on the dotted line, they’re still legally required to exercise reasonable care and skill. If your injury was caused by negligence, that form won’t protect them, and it won’t stop you from making a claim.” Kirsten says.
When do you have a claim?
You could have grounds for a claim if your injury resulted from negligence rather than just a known risk of the procedure. This could mean:
the clinic or practitioner failed to properly assess whether the treatment was suitable for you
they used incorrect equipment, machine settings, or techniques
they performed the treatment without appropriate training or qualifications
they didn’t maintain proper hygiene or infection control standards
they used defective or poorly maintained equipment
they didn’t adequately explain the significant risks beforehand
they provided inadequate aftercare advice or didn’t respond when complications arose.
These principles apply whether you had fat freezing, laser therapy, skin needling, chemical peels, or any other cosmetic procedure.
Not every poor outcome is negligence (and that’s important to understand)
It’s important to remember every beauty treatment carries some level of inherent risk, and not every disappointing result will give you grounds for a legal claim.
The real question is whether the clinic or practitioner met the standard of care you’d expect from a reasonably competent professional in their field. If they didn’t, and that failure caused your injury, then you might be entitled to compensation. But if the risk you experienced was one that was properly explained beforehand, and they conducted themselves professionally, that’s different.
If you do have a successful claim, depending on your circumstances, you could potentially recover:
compensation for pain and suffering
past and future medical and treatment costs
lost income or reduced earning capacity
domestic care and assistance.
If you’ve been injured, what should you do?
Don’t wait around hoping it’ll resolve itself. Act early:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible and get it documented
Photograph your injuries
Keep your receipts, treatment records, consent forms, and any correspondence
Get legal advice early – strict time limits apply to personal injury claims in Australia.
MEJ understands that treatments marketed as quick and routine can sometimes lead to serious, lasting harm. If you’ve been injured during a non-surgical beauty procedure, our experienced personal injury team can help you understand your rights and whether you might be entitled to make a claim.
Reach out for a confidential, obligation-free conversation about your options. Contact MEJ to discuss your situation with their personal injury team.
