Canberra has a strong sense of community, and some colourful characters who call it home. Take a look back at some of the stories that had us talking in 2025 – and the story we wished we didn’t have to tell.
15. Queanbeyan kids to ‘feel like they belong’ at school thanks to mum’s money-saving idea
by Claire Sams
Holly Winchester says the Fresh and Free program will help with the “huge cost” of school supplies parents face each year. Photos: Holly Winchester.
As a former primary school teacher, Holly Winchester saw some things that broke her heart – so she decided to make a difference.
14. One man’s soul search that led him to the last pub standing
by Tenele Conway
Norman Van Den Broek (centre) with patrons at his beloved pub. Photo: Adore Residential.
In the former gold-mining town of Araluen, one lone pub stands: the Araluen Hotel.
Its very presence is a reminder of the 35-plus pubs, dozens of businesses, schools, banks and merchant stores that once stood in the town in the peak of the 1860s gold rush.
Floods, fire, the end of the gold fever and the ravages of time have slowly dismantled the town over 165 years, but for Norman Van Den Broek, this is exactly what he was looking for.
13. ‘Forever grateful’ first-time mum supported in caring arms of Ronald McDonald House Canberra
by Jodie O’Sullivan
Tumut couple Jorja and Lewis with their son Mason, who was born at just 28 weeks … Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Canberra became the lifeline the couple never knew they would need. Photo: RMHC.
First-time mum Jorja spent nearly 90 nights in Ronald McDonald House Canberra after her water broke at 25 weeks. She shares her experience of the house that became a home – and a lifeline she never knew she’d need.
12. Remembering the ‘ultimate gentleman’, Capital Region Farmers Market core founder Peter O’Clery
by Claire Fenwicke
Peter O’Clery, with his wife Caroline, at their Homeleigh Grove market stand in 2021. Photo: Canberra Regional Farmers Market.
Canberra is remembering the life of Peter O’Clery – a core founder of the Capital Region Farmers Market, Rotary Club of Hall charter member, and owner and award-winning olive grower of Wallaroo’s Homeleigh Grove.
11. How a cave-side concertina player shaped Canberra’s most iconic hotel
by James Coleman
Amy Southwell, great-great-niece of Hyatt Canberra’s first general manager. Photo: James Coleman.
Long before the Hyatt Hotel Canberra became today’s five-star icon, its first general manager was hosting parties in the caves of Kosciuszko National Park – concertina in hand. Her legacy is now officially honoured with a new heritage sign out the front of the historic hotel.
10. Remy’s standing tall with a job he loves, his own place and extended ‘family’ at Project Independence
by Jodie O’Sullivan
Proud representative … Remy, 26, who works at Parliament House, loves living in his own place through Project Independence. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
When he’s not greeting and meeting visitors to Parliament House, this 26-year-old Canberran is relishing his newfound pathway to home ownership – and the fact he doesn’t have to share the television anymore!
9. Hands that built Canberra: 100 Years of Master Builders ACT
by Hayley Nicholls
A milestone project: Construction workers gather for the flag raising at the new Parliament House (1987). Photo: National Archives of Australia (NAA).
From humble beginnings in a sheep paddock to a thriving city, Canberra’s story is one of collaboration and resilience – and Master Builders ACT has been at the heart of it all.
8. Pooh Bear’s Corner tradition bridges gap between home and holiday, study finds
by Claire Sams
Pooh Bear’s Corner is a small haven in dense bush, and a new study has identified another layer of meaning for the site. Photos: Michelle Kroll.
Pooh Bear’s Corner is more than a collection of teddy bears, it’s become a cultural phenomenon, so much so it’s now the subject of an academic study.
7. Mentor to 400-plus Canberra school students wanted to be ‘mature role model in their life’
by James Coleman
ACT School Volunteer Program mentor Mal Ferguson, Ainslie Primary School principal Wendy Cave, and past volunteer Heather Girdlestone at the 20th anniversary celebration. Photo: ACT Government.
When most people retire, they retire. Not Mal Ferguson. The 83-year-old has spent the past 20-plus years dealing with some of the ACT’s most at-risk young people – in some cases, literally saving their life.
6. The enduring story of the tiny mountain hut with a big heart
by Edwina Mason
Striking red and still sprinkled with its trademark hearts, Valentine Hut in Kosciuszko National Park may have had scientific beginnings but its history of providing refuge to anyone who ventures deep into the rugged alpine wilderness endures. Photo: Desire Lines Cycling Club.
Each February, as Valentine’s Day rolls around, hearts and flowers may dominate the scene but in the Australian Alps, another kind of Valentine’s story quietly endures.
Perched deep in Kosciuszko National Park at the top of the Munyang Corridor and beneath the shadow of Mount Gungartan lies a humble red structure that tells a tale of resilience, innovation and adaptation.
Valentine Hut, with its bright red walls and a name-evoking charm, might seem like a quaint anomaly in the vast Australian Alps.
5. South Jerrabomberra launches its new state-of-the-art town park and community centre
by Karyn Starmer
Families make use of the new playground as the South Jerrabomberra Town Park officially opens. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
What began as a masterplanned vision for South Jerrabomberra became reality with the opening of the new Town Park and Community Centre — a multi-use recreation and event precinct spanning more than 2.5 hectares forming part of the growing South Jerrabomberra development.
The Village Building Company and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council marked the milestone in the growth of this thriving new community with a ceremonial opening, live entertainment, food stalls, children’s activities, outdoor games and giveaways. The launch of the park and community centre followed the opening of the nearby dog park in September.
4. How a Canberra invention transformed crime scene investigation around the world
by James Coleman
AFP Museum curator Sebastian Spencer with one of the original Polilight machines. Photo: James Coleman.
Who thought a little UV light could help solve 98 per cent of the world’s crimes? Turns out we did. Yep, the ‘Polilight’ you see in the crime shows was first used in Canberra. Here’s how it came about.
3. Joyce’s skill and resolve emerged in beautiful bridal gowns
by John Thistleton
Joyce Gegg with a small Bernina sewing machine she owned before opening her bridal shop 53 years ago. Photo: John Thistleton.
Like many women of her age, Bronwyn Gegg has had a hard life with multiple tragedies. But as a dressmaker, for more than 50 years, Bronwyn’s Bridal Boutique has made special days that much more special for countless couples.
2. Iconic Canberra Centre employee Helen retires after five-plus decades in retail
by James Coleman
Helen Patchell has been an employee of David Jones in the Canberra Centre for 56 years. Photo: James Coleman.
If you’ve been to David Jones (or even Myer) in the Canberra Centre at any point over the past 56 years, you know who we’re talking about: Helen Patchell.
The iconic 75-year-old has retired from a lifelong career in retail.
1. Forever Brave: Canberra community stunned by death of Leeroy Petersen
by Kim Treasure
Leeroy Petersen is being remembered as a family man who has left an indelible mark on Canberra’s hospitality and sporting communities. Photo: File.
The Canberra community was left stunned by the sudden death of colourful restaurateur Leeroy Petersen.
The Canadian-born owner of Caribou Kingston died while visiting family on 8 October.
Mr Petersen left behind his partner in life and business, Sophia, and three young children. A larger-than-life character, the Canberra hospitality and sporting community mourns his loss.
