Wondering what’s happening in and around Ginninderry this July? Here’s your guide to everything you need to know.

From community fitness classes to a Silent Book Club, a student-created art exhibition, and more, no matter your interests, plenty is happening to keep you booked and busy this month.

Music In The Bush

These school holidays, take the kids to the Ginninderry Conversation Trust for a morning of music, stories and games in the corridor with Ranger Ari!

Perfect for ages three to seven, make sure to wear long trousers, enclosed shoes and a hat.

Monday 8 July, 10 am to 11:30 am | Meet at The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Book here.

Paint a Golden Sun Moth with Watercolour

Taking place at Gungahlin Arts on Saturday, 6 July, and Belco Arts on Saturday, 20 July, this free workshop will take you through the process of capturing this stunning species with watercolour.

Taught by Cheryl Hodges, she will share a range of accessible tips, tricks, and techniques as she shows you how to build up the intensity of the colour and demonstrates adding the final details with a dry brush technique. She will also explain how to fix common mistakes, all while increasing your appreciation of this beautiful moth.

Saturday 6 July and Saturday 20 July, various times | Gungaderra Homestead, Otway Street, Harrison and 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.

Repair Café 2024

Held on the first Sunday of every month at The Link Building by SEE-Change and Kippax Uniting Church, this is your opportunity to work with repairers to learn how to mend anything from clothing, lamps, toasters, kettles, smartphones, and more.

Have nothing to repair? Head along to learn some new skills – like knitting, sewing, mending, and crocheting. It is fun, relaxing, social, and makes you feel good. All welcome, just drop in!

Sunday 7 July, 1 pm to 3:30 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Sunday Crafternoons at Café Stepping Stone

Whether you’re keen on knitting, scrapbooking, painting, or DIY decor, there’s something for everyone. Connect with fellow craft enthusiasts in a relaxed, inspiring environment every other Sunday. Share ideas, learn new techniques, or simply enjoy the company of like-minded individuals. It’s all about having fun and being creative!

Feel free to bring your own project that you’re working on or start something new. Some basic materials are provided, but you’re encouraged to bring any additional or special materials you wish to use.

Sunday 7 and 21 July, 2 pm – 4 pm | Café Stepping Stone Gullifer Street Straithnairn | More information here.

CIT Student Exhibition

This is a captivating exhibition that celebrates the creativity and talent of visual art students from the Canberra Institute of Technology. Featuring a dynamic range of paintings, drawings, and prints, this collection offers a glimpse into the diverse artistic expressions and innovative approaches of emerging artists.

Showcasing the dedication, passion, and creativity of the next generation of artists, bursting with vibrant colours, intricate details, and unique perspectives, each artwork invites the viewer on a visual journey.

Tuesday 9 July until Sunday 18 August | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

OMJ Strength for Women

Welcoming all fitness levels, Oh My Jog is a business dedicated to helping women improve their mental well-being and physical fitness.

Join this women’s-only 45-minute whole-body strength and cardio group session at the outdoor gym located near Jill Landsberg Park where certified fitness coach Sara will lead you through a workout. Suitable for beginnings, numbers are limited, and registration is essential.

If you have any questions, contact Sara on 0406 375 887.

Monday 1 July, 6:15 am to 7 am | Jill Landsberg Terrace Fitness Park, Jill Landsberge Terrace, Strathnairn | Register here.

NAIDOC Week – Native Plant Use

This NAIDOC Week join Aaron Chatfield from Dreamtime Connections for an educational afternoon as he talks you through some native plants and their traditional uses.

Tuesday 9 July, 1 pm to 3 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Book here.

Step in to Botanical Art with Margaret Saul

Would you love to learn how to bring your artwork to life or to gain the ability to draw and paint with accuracy? This free, customised class with artist and teacher Margaret Saul is for you.

Offering friendly and informal “pop-in” art sessions, you’ll be guided through traditional and novel techniques in observational drawing, colour mixing, brush skills, painting techniques, and more.

Included during the session is the opportunity to pre-book a personal 20-minute time slot for one-on-one guidance, including helpful tips on any work-in-progress. Practical demonstrations, class notes, and exercise sheets are provided as needed. This is open to all experience levels, but bookings are essential!

Wednesday 10 July, 10 am to 12:30 pm | The Link at Ginninderry, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | To attend and receive further details email margaretsaul@botanicartist.com

Murrook

Created by multi-disciplinary artist and Worimi woman Krystal Hurst, Murrook features bush-dyed fabrics, basketry, and adornments, entwined into wearable art.

Created in response to the coastal land and seascapes of Worimi and Biripi Country, it’s a self-exploration of being in a state of happiness and the artist’s experiences of the “happy place” within self and Country.

Friday 12 July until Sunday 25 August | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Respecting Country

William Walker is a Wahlubal artist of the Bundjalung nation whose work focuses on the deep and spiritual connection his people and ancestors have to the land.

Mostly painting landscapes that depict what life was like during the Dreamtime – from hunting and gathering to protecting the animals and the land –  William hopes that his work will give people an understanding of the intricate systems that are in place and the importance of protecting and preserving them.

Friday 12 July until Sunday 25 August | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Tap into your zen with yoga classes

Get bendy during Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the 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.

Every Thursday, 7.15 pm – 8:15 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Bloodlines

Created by Wiradjuri woman, weaver, writer and activist Jessika Spencer, Bloodlines intends to represent a visual journal entry that pays homage to the past, present, and future.

Exploring life as a young blak woman – demonstrating how that is both heavy and light at the same time – the weaver, writer, and activist emphasises themes of decolonisation, feminism, matriarchy, and a deep refusal to settle into colonial ways.

Friday 12 July until Sunday 25 August | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Tap into your zen with yoga classes

Get bendy during Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the 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.

Every Thursday, 7.15 pm – 8:15 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Reclamation: Stories of Thrivival

Reclamation: Stories of Thrivival is an eclectic, evocative, and unique collection of mixed media works by First Nations artist, Wallabindi Dickerson.

Drawing inspiration from her memories and her own lived experiences – as well as those of her ancestors – this collection of works are statements of reclamation, creating a multifaceted journey that oscillates dreamily between past, present, and future.

Friday 12 July until Sunday 25 August |  Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Yurwang Bullarn

Strong Women’s is a community group held at West Belconnen Child & Family Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women living on Ngunnawal Country.

Collaborating to develop new work through a series of ceramic sessions, people are invited to see the exhibition and explore their ideas through clay and ceramics. Yurwang Bullarn is the culmination of their investigations exploring and celebrating their cultural identity and heritage.

Friday 12 July until Sunday 25 August | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

NAIDOC In The North

This free, family friendly event is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture through story, song, art dance, and ceremony.

Welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to learn from our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community through workshops, performances, activities, and entertainment, head along to the shores of Lake Ginninderra for a few hours of educational fun to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

Saturday 13 July, 11 am to 2 pm | Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.

Nancy Tingey

Featuring highlights from Nancy Tingey’s 60-year career as a practising artist living in the North of England and Australia, this exhibition showcases works on paper, stained glass studies, patchwork, her MA project Two Ply on the migrant experience, collaborations with a poet, and fibre work relating to the foundation of the Networks Australia group in 2008.

You can also see her recent watercolours of Lake George (Weereewa). Don’t miss out!

Saturday 13 July until Sunday 11 August | Strathnairn Arts, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information here.

Guided Conversation Corridor Walk

Ever wanted to know more about the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor? Join the Ginninderry Conservation Trust 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.

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

Sunday 14 July, 10 am to 11:30 am | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Register here

Making Bitjuru with Krystal Hurst

In this workshop you’ll be guided on how to thread reed bead necklaces together with shells and other natural materials.

Coinciding with the Murrook exhibition, the workshop is hosted by Krystal Hurst, a Worimi and queer woman from Taree and Forster. A multi-disciplinary artist exploring adornment, weaving and watercolour, Krystal’s practice derives from her Worimi culture, interwoven with her identity, memory, and experiences.

Sunday 14 June, 1 pm to 2:30 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.

Crafty Creatures

Ideal or children aged four to eight years and their parents or carers, why not spend a morning getting crafty?

Along with sharing music and stories it will be a fun-filled way to spend a few hours.

Monday 15 July, 10 am to 11:30 am | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Book 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 needle craft 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.

Different Strokes

This is a group exhibition featuring recent work by members of Different Strokes, who meet at the Village Hall at Strathnairn Arts each Wednesday to exchange ideas and experiment with different mediums and styles.

This exhibition features the works of the artists and features diptychs in oil, acrylic or collage by members of Different Strokes, linked by the theme, Our Environment. Some artists have produced works that reflect the environment around them, or generally feature flora, fauna, and the landscape.

Wednesday 17 July until Sunday 11 August | Strathnairn Arts, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt | More information here.

Smith’s@Belco: Los Chavos

Two local powerhouses are coming together for a unique night of roots, Latin, folk and reggae, so you better get your dancing shoes ready!

Canberra locals Los Chavos are back with a bang thanks to Belco Arts and Smith’s Alternative. Captivating audiences with their original urban Latin music for over 15 years, don’t miss them live – there’ll be on-stage collaborations, surprise special guests, and more.

Saturday 20 July, 7 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.

Silent Book Club @ Café Stepping Stone

Taking place monthly, this Silent Book Club is open to everyone, with no fees or age limits. You can engage with others as much or as little as you like! Unlike traditional book clubs, there’s no assigned reading or discussion, just a peaceful space to read your book among fellow book lovers.

Here’s how it works: Arrive, settle in with a drink, and maybe share what you’re reading, spend a quiet, undisturbed hour reading, and then socialise (or continue reading if you prefer). Bring your current read, order your favourite beverage, and enjoy some uninterrupted reading time.

Sunday 21 July, 2 pm to 4 pm | Café Stepping Stone, Gullifer Street, Strathnairn | Register here.

Evening Taekwon-Do to wind down after a busy day

If you want gentle exercise but not first thing in the morning, Patrick Steele, is also taking evening Taekwon-Do classes at The Link. The class is aimed at beginners of all ages from pre-school age and over—adults are also most welcome and are encouraged to join in with their children. Of course, anyone with TKD experience is also very welcome.

With no experience necessary—the class will accommodate fitness levels of all sorts, from those with a high degree of fitness and flexibility to those who don’t. After all, we all have to begin somewhere!

Mondays between 6 pm – 7 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here

Women in Nature Winter Walk

As part of Landcare ACT’s Women in Nature program, join a guided walk of the new walking tracks in the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor.

They will meet and depart from The Link and journey downhill to the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. Along the way, they will pause at various points to talk about the area, enjoy the views, and do some nature connection activities. Make sure to wear something suitable for bushwalking!

Friday 26 July, 10:30 am to 1 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Book here.