15 ways to kick off 2024

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Planning your adventures and activities for 2024? We are kicking off the year with a swag of ideas of how to fill the rest of your summer!

From a new exhibition on the miracle of water, to places to sing, draw, and meditate, we bring you what’s on in (what’s left of) January and February, in and around Ginninderry.

Ginninderry Conservation Trust Walks

Ever wanted to know more about the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor? Join Rangers as they take you along one of the walking tracks to learn about the site and all the plants and animals that call the Corridor home.

Please note: These are moderate-level walks along an earthen track. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for the conditions and BYO water, hat, sunscreen and snacks.

Saturday 10 February 8:30am | Meet at The Link at Ginninderry, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Free walk, register here.

Water by Cristy Froehlich

This beautiful photographic exhibition takes you inside water droplets in the most fascinating way. Cristy Froehlich has used oil and colour to bring H2O to life, inviting viewers to look at water in a way that enables a new perspective on something we take for granted, but is essential in our survival.

Tuesday 23 January – Saturday 3 March, with the official opening on Sat 3 February | The Link, Ginninderry, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Drop in and Draw

Take a breath and relax in the Generator Gallery at the Belco Arts Centre where you can indulge your creative spirit and create your own artwork from a curated still-life set up. Participants are encouraged to bring their own materials and any equipment needed. A limited range of drawing materials will be available for use should you arrive empty-handed.

Every Tuesday–Sunday between 10am to 4pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Café Stepping Stone Silent Book Club

Unlike traditional book clubs, there’s no assigned reading or discussion, just a peaceful space to read your book among fellow book lovers with optional socialising! Take your current read, order your favourite beverage, and enjoy some uninterrupted reading time.

2pm to 4pm on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February | Cafe Stepping Stone, 90 Stockdill Drive, Strathnairn | Free but book here.

Strathnairn Playgroup

Are you and your little ones keen to connect with others in the Ginninderry community? Check out the Strathnairn Playgroup! It’s a great way for children aged 0 – 5 years old (and their parents) to socialise and enjoy new activities!

Feel free to grab a coffee from Cafe Stepping Stone at Strathnairn Arts and come down and play or enjoy the tea and coffee at The Link.

Every Friday during school terms, 9.30am to 11am | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

The Art of Composting and Worm Farming

There are many different ways to compost – learn about the one that suits you! Bring all of your composting and worm farming questions to an online event hosted by the Canberra Environment Centre. In this free Zoom session, you’ll learn the basics of composting and worm farming, as well as having an opportunity to ask all your questions or troubleshooting any compost problems you might have.

Wednesday 21 February, 6pm to 7pm | Event is free but you must register here

Val Johnson Exhibition

Strathnairn Arts will host an exhibition by Val Johnson – “Meandering around the Murray” –a new body of work by this contemporary painter using oils and gouache. The collection presents different perspectives on this iconic waterway which focusses on patterns and shapes which emerge from the landscape.

Wednesday 28 February to Sunday 24 March,  Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm | Homestead Gallery 1, 90 Stockdill Drive, Strathnairn | More information here.

Have a yarn with Good Omen Goodeze

Want to learn a new skill or get back into a hobby you used to love? Local community needlecraft group Good Omen Goodeze is hosting an afternoon full of knitting and crochet—and you’re invited. Pop in for a cup of tea and a chat with the passionate members and use the opportunity to make something special to take home or to donate to those in need at the Canberra Hospital. All supplies are provided – you just need to bring yourself!

Every Friday afternoon, 1pm to 3pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

ACT Fibre Basket Weavers Arts Exchange

Join the ACT Fibre Basket Weavers for an exchange of weavers and their weaving practices at Belco Arts Centre. Artists will work on their current projects and provide opportunities for visitors to watch and ask questions. Taking inspiration from the Interwoven 7 exhibition and the artists, there will also be two stations for visitors to learn coiling and string making.

Saturday 17 February, 10am to 12pm | The Meeting Room, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Free, no bookings required | More information here

Songbirds of Belconnen Choir

Enjoy a sociable, supportive environment to enhance your singing and musicianship skills by singing with others – it’s not only a fun, valuable learning opportunity, it’s great for our physical and mental health!

Every Tuesday, 7.30pm to 8.30pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Blonde Jewellery Workshop

Belco Arts Centre offers a chance to design, make and take home two of your very own handmade sterling-silver or solid 9ct gold rings. During the two-hour workshop, you’ll learn the basics of silver or goldsmithing. You’ll get a hands-on experience, learning techniques such as sawing, annealing, soldering, filing and polishing from our mentor craftsmen – it’s perfect for beginners!

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January; Saturday 3 February and 10 February | Blonde Workshop, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Banks, Belconnen | Limited places available, book here.

Self Defence & Fitness with Cho-Son Taekwon-do

Join Patrick Steele at The Link for dynamic self defence and martial arts-based fitness classes  – great for early birds who want to try a fun different exercise class while learning self defence skills at the same time.

Or perhaps you’d like to try Taekwon-do? No experience is necessary – you just need to be willing to have a go! Taught by Patrick Steele, everyone over the age of six is welcome (including beginners), and the class will accommodate all fitness levels.

Taekwon-do – 6pm to 7pm every Monday; Self Defence & Fitness – 6am to 7am every Tuesday and Thursday, | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Tap into your zen with yoga classes

Head along to The Link on Thursday evenings for a slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle and comfy clothes.

Or Join Janelle through the warmer months for an energising Friday morning vinyasa flow class outdoors on the gorgeous wooden deck at The Link.

Zen Yoga – 7.15pm to 8:15pm every Thursday; Sunny Morning Yoga – 7am to 8am every Friday | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Simply Meditate

Try a Buddhist Meditation classes with the Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso at the Belco Arts Centre. Be guided through two relaxing meditations, each 15 mins long, and receive a short teaching and practical meditation tips to build your confidence.

Every Wednesday, 12.30pm to 1.15pm | Meeting Room, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Banks, Belconnen | $12 per session (pay at the door), more information here.

Wildfire Youth & Young Adults

Wildfire Youth & Young Adults group meets in Ginninderry every week. Pop along to discover and build relationships, faith, and serve others. Drop in and grab a snag, shoot some hoops with your mates and meet other locals.

Every Wednesday afternoon in January, and Friday afternoons from February, 5pm to 8pm | Paddys Park, Asimus Avenue, Strathnairn | More information here.

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