We may be hunkering down for colder weather, but there is no reason to stay at home when so much is happening in and around Ginninderry in May.

You can get together and talk about a future residents’ association for the area, celebrate compost or go to a “plantiversary party”. Perhaps you’ll snap up a second-life bike or take a hike. As always, there’s lots to see and do.

Community Workshop on a future Ginninderry Association

If you’re keen to have a say in the future development of Canberra’s first sustainable community, then make sure you save the date for the first Community Workshop of 2024, which will focus on exploring the possibility of creating a Ginninderry Residents’ Association.

Facilitated by Communication Link, this will be an opportunity for residents and the Ginninderry Project Team to explore how other residents’ associations operate in the ACT, and whether this would be a good step for Ginninderry. Make sure to have your say!

Wednesday 8 May from 6 pm to 8 pm | The Link, Straithnairn | Book here.

Pride Grows “Plantiversary” Party

Pride Grows is an environment-focused community group empowering LGBTQIA+ folk to connect with and care for nature through active, hands-on conservation.

It’s been a year since the Pride Grows community gathered Ginninderry to plant under a mid-story habitat for wildlife—an opportune time to pay the planting site a visit, and reconnect with fellow nature lovers.

This event is for everyone (not just the original planting crew) and new faces are very welcome! Get along to see how the planting is progressing, enjoy the myriad benefits of nature connection, and learn about how you can be involved in the Pride Grows program of activities for the next 12 months.

This is a partnership event by Landcare ACT, Meridian ACT, Ginninderry Conservation Trust, and ACT Natural Resource Management.

Sunday 19 May from 1 pm to 3pm | The Link, Straithnairn | Get your free ticket here.

Thank God It’s Friday! by Hall Artists

The Hall Artists are a group of like-minded, supportive women that get together and paint every Friday in the beautiful community of Hall. This exhibition brings together the work of Sue Marye Cox, Felicity Green, Helen White, Wendy Carty, Helen Godden, Ineka Voigt, Hannah Begashaw and Sue Bourke.

“We come from different walks of life and are at different stages of artistic endeavour, however we always look forward to coming together to paint on Fridays. Thank God It’s Friday!”

Showing until 26 May | The Link, Straithnairn | ginninderry.com

Upcycled Art-dornments with Rachel Develin

Join artist Rachel Develin in a rummage of her rubbish or feel free to bring along your own and re-cycle, re-invent and re-create the remnants of our consumerist society into interesting ‘Art-dornments’.  You can utilise various materials including electrical cables, computer and garden wire, coffee pods, ring pulls and found objects (just to name a few) and then combine traditional textile techniques to create unique adornments to wear or display.

Take along an open mind and any ideas or interesting bits and bobs you may want to include and Rachel will also provide a range of her own gathered and collected materials to ensure you go home with a wearable art item.

Saturday 4 May from 1 pm to 4 pm at Gungahlin Arts, and Saturday 11 May from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm at Belco Arts Generator Gallery | Workshops are free but you need to book here.

ReCyclery Bike Sale

Why buy new when you can go along to the Canberra Environment Centre’s popular second-hand bike sale and ride away with a second-life bike!

There will be a range of second-life bikes, with kids-sized and step-through bicycle options suitable for adults.

Other second-hand bicycles, components and accessories will also be on sale.

Saturday 11 May, 10 am to 2 pm | Environment Centre, Gungaderra Homestead, Harrison | Register interest here.

Lee Crisp Life Drawing

Don’t forget to catch Lee Crisp’s exhibition which looks at the contemporary lives of women from the perspective of the embodied subject. Lee explores agency, strength, sensuality and sexuality as lived by mature women.

Lee is reclaiming the female nude as her own. She is also claiming the history of women artists and their perspectives, which are often different from the mainstream of the art world.

Watercolour, once confined as a women’s medium has been changed through scale and presence to become a playful and powerful channel also translating into freely drawn watercolours.

Exhibition runs until 19 May – open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 4 pm | Pivot Gallery Belconnen Arts Centre | More information here. 

Celebrate composting!

There’s no better time to celebrate compost than during International Compost Week (Sunday 5 May to Saturday 11 May).

There are many different ways to compost. Learn about the one that suits you!

Take along all of your composting and worm farming questions. In this free online session, Canberra Environment Centre will cover the basics of composting and worm farming, answering all your questions, and troubleshoot any compost problems you might have.

Wednesday 8 May 6 pm  to 7 pm | The workshop is an online event conducted over Zoom | 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 our 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 10 am-4 pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre | More information 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 pop down and play or enjoy the tea and coffee at The Link.

Every Friday during school terms, 9.30 am – 11 am | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, 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 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 – 3pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information here.

Conservation 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. Given it’s Mother’s Day, you might like to take mum to soak in that beautiful nature once you’ve given her breakfast in bed.

Please note that these are moderate level walks along an earthen track. Australian Walking Track Grades 2 & 3. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for the conditions. BYO water, hat, sunscreen and snacks.

Sunday 12 May, 10 am – 11.30 am | Meet at The Link | Reserve a free spot here.

Zest Dance for Wellbeing

These weekly classes are designed for adults who want to experience the joy of dancing and keep their body and brain active and healthy, regardless of their mobility, skill or age. Please come and feed your body and spirit with music and movement, be physically and mentally inspired and stimulated, have fun, meet some new friends and feel good!  We dance while sitting on a chair, with options to stand and travel. No previous dance experience is necessary.

The classes are taught by two teaching artists, which means offering participants more seated and standing options. Tuesday’s class is suitable for people with Parkinson’s while the Friday class has the capacity to move at a more energetic pace.

Dance for People with Parkinson’s, Tuesdays 1.15 pm to 2.30 pm | Dance for all 12 pm to 1pm Fridays | Belconnen Arts Centre | 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. We’ll provide some basic materials, but we do encourage you to bring any additional or special materials you wish to use.

Sunday 12 and 26 May, 2 pm – 4 pm | Café Stepping Stone Gullifer Street Straithnairn | More information here.

Change up your fitness routine with early bird Taekwon-Do Classes

No experience is necessary for this early-bird special class—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—from those who have previous Taekwon-Do experience to those who can’t touch their toes.

Running Monday and Friday mornings, enrolment for one term is $100 per student, with family discounts available. Make sure to book in quickly!

Every Monday and Friday, 6 am – 7 am | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | More information 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

Eclectic by gm frew

From the drama and whimsey of Nature, through the vast expanse of Panoramas to the confounding and comedy of modern life, come and join us in exploring the photographic work of gm frew. The Arts have always been a passion for gm, ranging from experimental music to rock and roll as well as theatre, as a writer, and performer, to photography.

All these disparate influences come together in this thought provoking and sometime hilarious photographic exhibit.

Showing from 28 May to 7 July | The Link, Straithnairn | ginninderry.com

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.

Simply Meditate

Try a Buddhist Meditation classes with the Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso at the Belco Arts Centre. Sit on a chair or a cushion and be guided through two relaxing meditations, each 15 minutes long. Receive a short teaching and practical meditation tips to build your confidence.

Every Wednesday, 12.30 pm – 1.15 pm | Meeting Room, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Banks, Belconnen | $12 per session (pay at the door), 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, 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm | Belconnen Arts Sentre, 118 Emu Banks, Belconnen | More information here.

Dog Exhibition (linocuts not pups)

Domestic dogs are traditionally understood in the context of their relationship to humans: companions, assistants, accessories or protectors. Lisa Jose’s life-long love of dogs has led her to explore the complexities of our connection. Reciprocal love and empathy with our dogs flourishes despite the fundamental imbalance in our relationship. They are part of our families, but their adoption is always initiated by humans.

‘Dog’ presents a series of linocut portraits of pet dog and asks the viewer to contemplate preconceptions about their place in society. This body of work isolates dogs from their adoptive human contexts and invites observers to understand them on their own terms, devoid of the trappings of their constructed identity.

Exhibition runs until 19 May, Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 4 pm | East Wall, Belconnen Arts Centre | belcoarts.com.au/dog