Former SPARK: Rebeka Auva’a
Before she found SPARK, Rebeka Auva’a was a housekeeper. While it wasn’t exactly her dream job, she got by, until she suffered an injury at work that forced her to find an alternative occupation.
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Let’s get crafty!
Ever wanted to make a macramé plant hanger but didn’t know how? What about honing your photography skills or developing an appreciation for poetry, visual arts or music? Thanks to the ‘Crafternoons’ initiative, part of Ginninderry’s CREATE Arts and Cultural Program, now’s your chance! We’ve even got something for the mini-crafters with our Children’s Art and Photography Workshops.
Ginninderry Local History Study: Nature, Culture, People, Places
Mary Hutchison is a public historian and writer, specialising in collaborative and creative interpretation of history and place. As part of the Ginninderry arts and cultural program CREATE she is currently conducting a local history study of Ginninderry that encompasses nature, culture, people and places.
DA approval granted for Ginninderry Stage 1
Stage 1 of the Ginninderry project’s first suburb of Strathnairn has received Development Application (DA) approval, paving the way for the commencement of construction.
Find your SPARK…
Our trusty training experts have been working hard lately to develop a range of new and returning initiatives to continue providing training and employment opportunities to members of the local West Belconnen community.
Magpies and Ginninderry’s Legendary Girls paving the way to success
Eight of the Magpies’ most talented Under-18 youth girls put their best foot forward recently, representing the Magpies Football Club in the NSW AFL Under-18 National Championships, and National School Girls Competition in Perth.
Hospitality hopes and dreams – all-SPARKs in action!
On 19 June 2017, the SPARK team celebrated day one of its partnership with the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), to deliver an 18-week hospitality training program to 17 members of the local community.
Ginninderry’s WinterFest to launch community, arts and cultural program – CREATE
Deputy Chief Minister and local member for Ginninderra, Yvette Berry, will tonight launch the Ginninderry CREATE Program – an initiative designed to inspire culture and community by connecting residents through the pursuit of art.
Sparking passion through work experience
On 26 July 2017 history was made at the Ginninderry project team office, with the arrival of year 10 Kingsford Smith High School student Jenny Dao, as the team’s first ever work experience participant.
SPARK Training & Employment in Yass
Ginninderry's full-time Training and Employment Manager Emma Sckrabei, whose job is to deliver a unique training and employment initiative, known at Spark will be at Trader & Co on Wednesday 16 August 5:30pm-6:15pm to talk about the program.
Designing Urban Open Spaces
Ginninderry’s landscape architects, Cia Landscapes and Colour, and Group GSA have taken our research on mature trees and designed new open spaces for the public and our ecosystems.
Smart Living – building what’s best for you and the environment
Are you interested in learning more about ‘Smart Living’ options that will be available at Parkwood? Head to Yass’ Trader & Co. Sunday 16 July from 2pm-3pm, for a FREE presentation by our Sustainability Manager, Jessica Stewart, and discover how each and every one of us can build for ourselves and the environment.
Not just a tree, but a home
Old trees provide a range of habitats for native mammals (including bats), reptiles, insects and birds, that cannot be provided by younger trees. Their large limbs, dead branches, tree hollows, peeling bark and logs provide all sorts of roosting and nesting opportunities, as well as producing seed, pollen and nectar.
Learn more about the Parkwood Planning Project at Trader & Co
A new community information display has opened at Trader & Co. in Yass this week as part of ongoing engagement with the local community for the Parkwood Planning Proposal.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry - Part twelve: Formd
A select number of local builders have been hand-picked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
SPARK meets industry workforce needs with a new training and employment program in community care
SPARK in partnership with the Canberra Institute of Technology and Belconnen Community Service is delivering a new and innovative accredited training program focusing on skills development, work experience and employment within the community care sector, to be known as Belconnen Community Care Pre-Employment Program Specifically targeting people living within the Belconnen and the wider region, the program will provide.
Registrations climb with interest following second sales release
Community interest in securing a residential block or affordable flexi-living housing solution is rising, following yet another busy weekend at The Link, after registrations for the second sale release opened on Friday.
First home buyers take centre stage at Ginninderry’s second release
Ginninderry’s second release will focus on housing affordability with 36 new flexi-living series homes on offer. Our flexi-living series is designed for the first home buyer, offering a variety of architect designed homes.
Land aplenty for Canberra newbies and Ginninderry future residents
According to 32-year old civil engineer, Amila Perera, his wife, 32-year old Chamila, and their five-year old son Imeth, buying-into Ginninderry’s unique community is a once in a lifetime opportunity; which thanks to a lucky draw, is one they’ll be enjoying the reality of, for years to come.
Sales Release Information Day
Registrations for the second sales release open at 9am on Friday 16 June.
Flexi-Living – a place to call home for this lucky couple!
Exciting times are ahead for this young couple, who are celebrating the recent announcement they are to be Ginninderry’s first Flexi-Living series buyers. Canberra-locals 22-year old self-employed makeup artist Tara Florence and her partner, 22-year old electrician, Connor McCallum sat down with the team recently to share their insights on why they, as first home buyers, were inspired to purchase in Ginninderry’s first suburb Strathnairn, what sets it apart from other developments, and in particular, the unique Flexi-Living series.
From SPARKs to flames – bright futures for Yass grads!
Another remarkable milestone was reached today for SPARK, with 12 participants from the Yass Construction Program celebrating their graduation. Over the course of the 12-week program, participants developed a range of skills and techniques, including but not limited to concreting, paving and brick-laying.
Take your tour of Ginninderry’s Flexi-Living series
Step inside Ginninderry’s unique Flexi-Living series, with our new range of animations designed to bring the concept to life! See the diversity in these integrated designs, as you take a virtual tour through seven homes in the new suburb of Strathnairn.
Bright SPARKS shine at graduation!
Today we had the opportunity to celebrate our latest 19 SPARK participants who graduated as part of the West Belconnen Administration Pre-Employment Program. The program has been running out of Charnwood for the past three months and it is amazing to see how far all participants have come in that time.
Locals flock to ‘Meet the Builders of Ginninderry’
Cupcakes, advice on available house and land packages and designs were a-plenty at Ginninderry’s Builders’ Information Night, where prospective buyers took advantage of the unique opportunity to seek advice and input from Ginninderry’s builders on their range of housing designs and available house and land packages.
Celebrating SPARK’s successes and taking a look at the future
Now that SPARK is well over a year old, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the program, what we’ve achieved to date and the exciting things we are planning to achieve in the future.
Find your dream home at our Builders' Information Night
Looking to purchase a house and land package within Ginninderry’s new suburb of Strathnairn? Don’t miss the opportunity to meet some of our partner builders next Thursday 18 May at The Link, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt (adjacent to Strathnairn Arts Association).
Little Legends and Legendary Girls football programs launched
Ginninderry yesterday announced a new community partnership with the Belconnen Magpies Football Club (BMFC). Ginninderry’s corporate sponsorship will see the joint venture become naming rights sponsor for the Belconnen Cats and Magpies Junior Football Club Auskick programs, along with the BMFC youth girls’ football program.
How Ginninderry is endeavouring to alleviate the housing affordability challenge
In the planning and preparation for the Ginninderry project we are mindful of the ever-growing challenge of housing affordability in the ACT. Creating a variety of housing options, that meet all levels of the market, should be a priority for all new housing developments, and it’s a priority that we are focusing on in our first stage at Ginninderry.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry - Part Twelve: Exhibit Design and Construction
A select number of local builders have been hand-picked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Ginninderry receives commendation at national awards
Ginninderry has taken out a commendation in the Planning Institute of Australia’s (PIA’s) 2017 national awards for Public Engagement and Community Planning, recognising their ongoing commitment to effective stakeholder and community engagement.
Constructing a brighter future for Yass community garden
On 20 April 2017, current participants of the Yass Construction Program gathered at Zac’s Place on Pritchett Street to cook a BBQ for their potential work experience employers.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry - Part Eleven: Bode Living
A select number of local builders have been hand-picked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Sliding Doors - with a difference
Friday 21 April signaled a special occasion in time for the Ginninderry project, with the installation by ACT Steelworks of two perforated, powder coated steel screens completing the current entrance way to the project office and multi-purpose community centre, The Link.
Ginninderry first sales release attracts over 1300 registrations
Registrations have now closed for Ginninderry’s first sales release, with more than 1300 individuals registered for blocks of land and the flexi-living series at the newest ACT suburb of Strathnairn.
Canberra’s Little Eagle travels a long way
A small GPS tracker attached by a harness to the back of a male Little Eagle over a year ago is revealing surprising information about one of the ACT’s vulnerable birds of prey, Minister for the Environment Mick Gentleman said today.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry – Part Ten: Renaissance Homes
A select number of local builders have been hand-picked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
"With One Voice Ginninderry" Choir
With One Voice Ginninderry choir unites people of all ages, from all faiths and all walks of life: migrants, people with disabilities, job seekers, executives, seniors, students, refugees, asylum seekers and more.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry – Part Nine: Rawson Homes
A select number of local builders have been hand-picked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Ginninderry registrations continue to grow after opening weekend
Registrations for Ginninderry’s first sales release are now in full swing after a big weekend of activity at our community sales and information sessions. The public’s response to the release was overwhelmingly positive from the moment registrations opened at 9am on Saturday morning.
Building a Sustainable Community
Sustainability means a lot of different things to a lot of people. To me, a sustainable community is one which has been planned and built with a focus on connectedness, consideration for the environment and custodianship.
The Link – open for business
Ginninderry’s multi-purpose community centre, The Link, officially opened today ahead of what promises to be a weekend full of activity to support the first sales release.
Ginninderry Community Information Sessions
Registrations for the first release in Stage 1 of Ginninderry’s suburb of Strathnairn will commence at a series of community information sessions on Saturday 8 April and Sunday 9 April.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry – Part Eight: Sienna Homes Building Group
A select number of local builders have been hand-picked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Ginninderry as a connected community
Ginninderry will be a place where everybody feels welcome, comfortable and included. My role as Community and Cultural Planning Manager is finding out what it is that people do, what their values are and how they want to live at Ginninderry.
Housing diversity at Ginninderry
My role as Ginninderry Project Director is effectively to be the overall governance of the project. Ginninderry is a spectacular setting surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Brindabella’s and the Murrumbidgee river.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry – Part Seven: SM Precision Building
A select number of local builders have been hand-picked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
All things right about SignOnSite
Head contractor of Ginninderry’s multi-purpose community facility, The Link, and local construction company Manteena have thrown their support behind the technologically savvy construction site management platform, SignOnSite, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the highest standards of construction site safety are maintained on the project at all times.
SPARK – caring for our community!
When it comes to empowering members of the local community to pursue further education to improve long-term employability, SPARK has it. For the 15 participants of all ages registered to attend the latest initiative – the Belconnen Community Care Pre-Employment Program – 18 and 19 July were exciting days, as they met for the first time during orientation ahead of course kick-off the following week.
Ginninderry’s vision for sustainability
Since work first began in 2009, Ginninderry has been planned as a sustainable community. Together with new residents of Ginninderry, we will work to create a community that showcases the world’s best practice in nature conservation, urban design, construction and long-term liveability.
My vision for Ginninderry’s Riverside Park
As conservation manager at Ginninderry, it’s my job to protect and enhance Ginninderry’s beautiful environment, including the Murrumbidgee River and Ginninderra Creek.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry – Part 6: McDonald Jones Homes
A select number of local builders have been handpicked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Gain a better understanding of the buying process at Ginninderry
Gain a better understanding of the buying process at Ginninderry Our vision at Ginninderry is to create a community that showcases the world’s best practice in nature conservation, urban design, construction and long-term liveability.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry - Part 5: Gracious Living Constructions
A select number of local builders have been handpicked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Understanding householder attitudes to renewable energy futures
The residential energy market is in a state of change. Advances in energy efficient appliances, falling battery storage prices and continued uptake of solar PV are providing householders with more control over the systems that they install and their ongoing cost of energy.
Sights set on first sales release
After ten years of detailed planning, the first sales release at Ginninderry is just around the corner. Ginninderry is a master planned community. This means that right from the beginning, we have a vision for how it will take shape, a vision created after extensive community consultation.
The Conservation Corridor Management Trust
The Ginninderry project will create a 595 hectare conservation corridor along the Murrumbidgee River and Ginninderra Creek. In addition to its role in protecting important endangered species and ecological communities, the corridor will be a great asset for nature based recreation for the Belconnen community; it will cross the border and include land in both the ACT and NSW.
Addressing the “Missing Middle” – housing types at Ginninderry
Ginninderry is committed to delivering housing choices that reflect the way that people actually live their lives. Each one of Ginninderry’s four suburbs will have a range of housing types.
Connecting people through the pursuit of sustainable living
I recently came across an article featured on ABC News online, where visual artist Calista Lyons, now based in the US, returned to her hometown of Tallangatta Valley.
Making (not viewing) art to find your “flow”
Last Friday I visited the Aboriginal Women’s Art Group workshop “Strong Women”* to talk to the women there about making artworks and products for our development.
Culturally significant tree-relocation makes Ginninderry history books
On 13 January, amidst high temperatures, an exercise that proved to be the first of its kind was undertaken in the ACT; being the relocation of an Aboriginal ‘culturally modified tree’ at the Ginninderry Development in West Belconnen.
The Link - From Vision to Reality
As an architect, the hardest stage is the translation of the design into built form. Although it is the main outcome, this is where the design and vision can sometimes get lost through miscommunication or cost reduction measures such as value management.
Register now for the West Belconnen Administration Pre-Employment Program
A new innovative accredited training program specifically targeting the West Belconnen community that will develop skills, provide work experience and deliver potential employment in the business administration sector for participants.
SPARK – committed to the community
For Ginninderry’s SPARK program giving back to the local community is something we’re not just passionate about, but is the driving force behind our SPARK initiative.
Charny Carny returns in 2017!
The Charny Carny is a Carnival held in West Belconnen on an annual basis for the past 14 years. It’s purpose: to support two schools and the local scout club. This year, ownership of the Charny Carny has changed from a formerly institution-led initiative, to one run purely by members of the West Belconnen community.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry - Part 4: Rojas Constructions
A select number of local builders have been handpicked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry - Part 3: APA Homes
A select number of local builders have been handpicked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Meet the Builders of Ginninderry – Part Two: Ideal Building Solutions
A select number of local builders have been handpicked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Meet the Builder of Ginninderry - Part One: Achieve Homes
A select number of local builders have been handpicked to bring the master planned vision for Ginninderry to life. All of the builders were assessed against a number of criteria, in particular their desire and ability to add to the vision for Ginninderry, as well as offering exceptional value for money and quality.
Easy and active living – the future of Ginninderry transport
As part of the Ginninderry development a number of additions or upgrades to existing or planned roads, and associated infrastructure need to be implemented to support and improve access to the suburbs of Ginninderry.
Yass Construction Program to target local people and community spaces
A new innovative accredited training program is coming to Yass that will develop skills, provide work experience and deliver potential employment in the construction sector for participants.
Ginninderry brandmark – as diverse as the project itself
After significant consultation, the name Ginninderry was chosen for our new community that will span the western boundary of the ACT and NSW. Ginninderry is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ’sparkling’ or ‘throwing out little rays of light’.
Nine turtles saved by volunteers at Strathnairn
The team responsible for conducting the Frogwatch Census, the highly successful annual frog monitoring program at West Belconnen and many other sites across the ACT, set their minds to rescuing turtles earlier this month.
SPARK and Manteena partnership kicks employment goals
The SPARK Ginninderry Training and employment initiative has achieved some major accomplishments this year including graduations, employment opportunities, high-quality building outcomes for the local community from live training sites and highly engaged students.
The vision for the sustainability precinct at Ginninderry
The Ginninderry project team is exploring exciting new uses for the open space in and around the ACT’s former landfill site located in West Belconnen. The ultimate vision for the old landfill site is to turn it in to a sustainability precinct.
Ginninderry architects scoop top national award
The Ginninderry project team would like to congratulate architects McGregor Coxall, whose ‘West Belconnen Open Space Strategy’ has been acknowledged for its work in positioning Ginninderry as a world-leading, green community by receiving the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) National Award for Land Conservation.
Frank Fenner Foundation’s EcoriumXChange finds new home at Ginninderry
Ginninderry is to be the new home of an Australian-first initiative called the EcoriumXChange, which will examine the human place in nature and encourage understanding of the interdependence of healthy human societies on healthy ecosystems.
Enjoy compact with no compromise on lifestyle with Ginninderry’s Flexi Living Series
At Ginninderry, “compact” will no longer mean cramped. Across the board, the housing types on offer will provide clever design solutions which look to optimise design innovation and efficiency, while at the same time maximising the benefits of solar access, creative storage and flexible ways of living.
Ginninderry wins PIA ACT award for stakeholder and community engagement
Ginninderry has been recognised for its commitment to effective stakeholder and community engagement by winning the Planning Institute of Australia’s (ACT) 2016 Award for Public Engagement and Community Planning.
Building a diverse community through Ginninderry’s Masterplan
The vision for Ginninderry has had diversity at its core from the outset. Our aim of building a diverse community is evident across the project; from the design of the neighbourhoods right through to the range of houses that will be on offer.
Learnings to inform the future of Ginninderra Falls
The Ginninderra Falls Working Group recently visited the Apsley Falls, near the town of Walcha, in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales. Apsley Falls is in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park and showcases amazing waterfalls that drop over 60 metres off the tablelands into the Apsley Gorge and then flow into the Macleay River system below.
Have your say on the amended proposal for Kippax Fair
Kippax Fair has been working to develop a proposal to enhance the group centre – creating opportunities for expanded retail and vibrant community hub. The new proposal has been developed following consultation with the community on two draft plans (including the ACT Government draft master plan).
Renewable Energy Research Workshop
The next workshop in our renewable energy research project, funded by ARENA, is being held next Tuesday 20 September 2016 and this time we are specifically interested to hear your thoughts on the subject of gas.
Register now for West Belconnen Pre-Employment Construction Program
West Belconnen Pre-Employment Construction Program is a new and innovative accredited training program focusing on skills development, work experience and employment within the construction sector.
One vision, two jurisdictions - planning for the community
One of the unique features of the Ginninderry development is that subject to rezoning approval it will be the region’s first integrated cross-border development.
The Link at Ginninderry: A multi-purpose centre for the whole community
Joint venture partners, the ACT Government and Ginninderry Joint Venture, have built a multi-purpose sales centre and community facility adjacent to the Strathnairn Homestead, an arts ACT facility.
The origins of Ginninderry
After significant consultation, the name Ginninderry has been chosen for a new community across the western boundary of the ACT and NSW being developed by a joint venture between the Land Development Agency and Ginninderry Joint Venture.
Register now for West Belconnen Pre-Employment Construction Program
West Belconnen Pre-Employment Construction Program is a new and innovative accredited training program focusing on skills development, work experience and employment within the construction sector.
Yass Community Garden Open Day
This Sunday, Yass Community Garden is holding its open day, with Minister Pru Goward opening the event. Head down to 19 Pritchett Street for live music, potting workshops, slam poets, a plant trading table and a tasty BBQ.
SPARK shines brightly for new childcare program participants
The future is looking positive for the thirteen participants, who nine weeks ago began their training journey on the SPARK Belconnen Community Service Childcare Pre-Employment program.
Protecting Strathnairn’s Little Eagles
The Little Eagle is a species native to Australia that inhabits open woodland, grassland and arid regions. It is listed as vulnerable under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 1980 and also listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.
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