Penny Travers
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Articles by Penny Travers
Australians who served in Afghanistan commemorated during 25th anniversary service at Australian War Memorial
Thousands of Australians who served in Afghanistan have been commemorated during a 25th anniversary service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Afghanistan veteran Ben Roberts-Smith, who is facing five counts of war crime murder, but was granted permission by the court to travel to Canberra for the ceremony.
ACT Policing and NSW Police target domestic and family violence offenders in cross-border operations
Fifteen men have been arrested in the ACT, and hundreds more in New South Wales, as part of cross-border family and domestic violence police operations. ACT police's Operation Shepherd ran over five days last week to coincide with NSW Police's Operation Amarok, targeting family violence offenders. ACT Policing Detective Superintendent Kylie Lawson said three people wanted by NSW Police were found living in Canberra, while one man was arrested in NSW and extradited to the territory.
Man accused of kicking two young boys at Canberra shopping centre had 'fixation on little people', court hears
Harry Frost and Penny Travers An 18-year-old man accused of assaulting two young boys at a Canberra shopping centre has been refused bail. It is alleged the man approached the mother and the brothers, aged two and four, from behind, and kicked the children at Westfield Belconnen on Friday. One of the boys was left with a broken nose while the other was assessed for head injuries.
Batemans Bay hospital and emergency department to close next year despite lingering fears
Batemans Bay's hospital and emergency department will close next year when the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital in Moruya opens, despite the region being a popular holiday destination with a growing population. Many local residents are concerned about the additional time it will take to travel the 30 kilometres from Batemans Bay to the new hospital's emergency department.
Formerly homeless real estate agent spearheads campaign to repair 20 Canberra public housing homes pro bono
Canberra real estate agent Jonny Warren remembers all too well what it's like to be homeless. Falling in with the "wrong crowd" as a teenager, he found himself addicted to ice and living on the streets. But with help from his family, he managed to kick his addiction and in 2014, began working in real estate. As his career grew, he became involved with a number of charities to raise funds for homelessness, and one evening headed out with the Vinnies Night Patrol in Canberra's city centre.
Rachel Stephen-Smith elected new ACT deputy chief minister
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith has been named the ACT's new deputy chief minister as part of a major reshuffle following the resignation of Yvette Berry. Ms Berry resigned from cabinet last week, after the Integrity Commission made "serious corrupt conduct" findings against two senior public servants in her education portfolio.
AI wildlife warning system trial aims to reduce animal-vehicle collisions on Monaro Highway near Canberra
An artificial intelligence-powered alert system is being trialled on a stretch of the Monaro Highway between Canberra and the Snowy Mountains in a bid to stop wildlife from becoming roadkill. The Protective Animal Warning System (PAWS) uses thermal and optical roadside cameras to detect animals close to the roadside, and an AI computer vision-aided model identifies common species such as kangaroos, deer and wombats.
ACT public school language education plan found 'not fit for purpose' by parliamentary committee
The founder of Canberra's now-defunct external language program for senior students hopes the findings of an ACT parliamentary inquiry will add language education to the government's to-do list. The assembly committee found enrolments in ATAR-level language courses had declined since the pathways program closed at the end of last year, and accused the government of complacency before and since.
ACT public school language education plan found 'not fit for purpose' by parliamentary committee
2 hours ago Countries raise concerns after Chinese military test-launches ballistic missile from submarine in the Pacific Ocean. China has test-fired a missile from a nuclear submarine that landed in “designated waters” in the Pacific Ocean, state news agency Xinhua reports, drawing criticism and concerns from …
Direct flights from Canberra to Bali take off once again with Virgin Australia
Direct flights from Canberra to Bali have taken off once again — but this time, with a new carrier. From today, Virgin Australia will run three 160-seat return services per week to the Indonesian city of Denpasar, with the prospect of five flights per week during school holidays. It makes them the first Australian airline to fly internationally from Canberra Airport, joining Fiji Airways and Qatar Airways in their overseas offerings.
Direct flights from Canberra to Bali take off once again with Virgin Australia
Australian News 6 hours ago Metcash hands retail media network to QMS mumbrella.com.au - Eleanor Dickinson • 6h Metcash has signed up QMS as its inaugural retail advertising partner a year after launching its retail media network in Australia.The move, which … Latin America Now Embraer stages Rio spectacle while promising smoother jet production nzherald.co.nz - John Weekes • 56m It could only happen in Brazil.
The ACT government wants 26,000 new homes built in the next five years. Here's how it plans to do that
The ACT government is promising to deliver nearly 26,000 new homes across Canberra over the next five years. The latest Housing Supply and Land Release Program — released as part of tomorrow's ACT budget — includes plans for nearly 4,300 new homes this financial year. The government says the extra homes will help meet the capital's growing housing needs, with the population expected to reach 700,000 by 2050. It's all part of the goverment's plan to "enable" 30,000 new homes by the end of 2030.
New North Canberra Hospital details unveiled as $1.34 billion commited to redevelopment
The ACT government has committed $1.34 billion over seven years to the North Canberra Hospital, taking the project's total cost to around $1.5 billion. Stage one of the redevelopment includes a seven-storey clinical services building which will house a "state-of-the-art" emergency department, eight operating theatres, more than 200 in-patient beds, and a birth centre. Main construction works won't start until the 2027-2028 financial year, with stage one expected to be completed in 2031.
Canberra to Sydney rail link gets $100 million upgrade to improve train trip speeds
The Canberra to Sydney rail link is set for a $100 million upgrade, in a bid to reduce the passenger train trip time to under four hours. There have long been calls to upgrade the 321-kilometre corridor — on a bad day, it can take 4.5 hours to get between the two cities, making it considerably slower than travelling by car, bus, or plane.
Thousands turn out for Mother's Day Classic fun run events to raise funds for breast and ovarian cancers
When Nicole Speirs made the conscious decision to start checking her breasts regularly, she never expected she would find any changes. But a few months in, her self-examination found a lump. "It was very, very unexpected," she said. "I'm very, very fortunate my past self … started doing that." The 32-year-old had no family history nor risk factors for breast cancer. Nicole Speirs was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 months ago.
ACT government locks in direct light rail Stage 2B route to Woden following feedback
The ACT government has officially ditched the idea of routing its light rail extension to Woden through the inner-south suburbs of Parkes and Barton. As part of Stage 2B from Commonwealth Park to Woden, the government sought feedback on a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that included a review of two possible routes. Option one was along State Circle onto Adelaide Avenue, while option two passed through Parkes and Barton before connecting with State Circle.
Canberra Hospital staff raised concerns over secure area before knife incident last week
Staff at Canberra Hospital raised concerns that a "secure staff station" had only one entry-exit point, before an incident last week during which a patient produced a knife. The incident at the hospital's Behavioural Assessment Unit occurred on Wednesday afternoon, after police dropped off a 35-year-old man who they say was in breach of a psychiatric treatment order. Police say the man was searched by police before being taken to the hospital.
Danish King Frederik and Queen Mary honour fallen, meet the public at the Australian War Memorial
Danish King Frederik and Queen Mary have spent the morning honouring the fallen and meeting members of the public at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The royals arrived in the capital on Sunday afternoon as part of their six-day Australian tour — the couple's first since they were crowned king and queen in 2024, and Denmark's first state visit in 40 years.
Economist blames ACT's fiscal deterioration 'entirely' on policy decisions as Barr defends spending
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has defended his government's spending after an economist blamed the territory's financial deterioration "entirely" on policy decisions. An interim report from independent economist Saul Eslake as part of an inquiry into the territory's fiscal sustainability found spending increases, and a large number of "capital initiatives" funded entirely by debt, have hit the territory's overall cash balance.
Appeal for information about newborn baby boy left at Canberra fire station
The baby boy found at a south Canberra fire station in November last year is "thriving in foster care", as the ACT government issues a fresh appeal for information. The infant was only hours old when he was left fed and wrapped in a blanket at South Tuggeranong Fire and Rescue Station in Conder. The boy has since been placed with carers under the care of Children, Youth and Families.
Caring for carers: How respite services can make all the difference for those looking after others
Each Wednesday, Meika Robertson's husband Rob spends the day in respite care going on outings, doing puzzles, arts activities and playing guitar. Rob, a retired musician, enjoys the social interactions and the activities on offer; he's always up for a good natter. But, perhaps more importantly, while Rob is spending the day away from home, Meika is given a chance to catch her breath. "It means everything to me," she said.
Former ACT commissioner Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts accuses public servant of sexual assault
Human rights lawyer Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts has accused an unnamed public servant in Canberra of sexual assault and harassment. Ms Turnbull-Roberts was appointed the ACT's first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people commissioner in 2024, but left the role at the end of last year, two years into her five-year term. In a statement released today, Ms Turnbull-Roberts said she resigned from the role "for one reason only: my physical and psychological safety".
Five firearm limit for gun owners and tighter controls under proposed new ACT laws
New laws will be introduced by the ACT government this week restricting the number of guns licence holders can own and criminalising blueprints for 3D-printed firearms. The proposed Firearms (Public Safely) Amendment Bill 2026 would restrict licence holders to a maximum of five guns, with exemptions allowing up to 10 guns for occupational and sporting purposes.
Canberra man charged over alleged hit and run on NSW South Coast that left teenager in critical condition
A 27-year-old Canberra man has been remanded in custody after an alleged hit and run on the New South Wales South Coast on Sunday night. NSW Police allege the man was driving a white Toyota Hilux utility that hit a 16-year-old pedestrian on the footpath along Parsons Street in Ulladulla at about 11:10pm. The teenage boy was airlifted to the Canberra Hospital in a critical condition.
Shooters 'anxious' as ACT government looks to reform 'outdated' gun laws
Professional and recreational shooters say they are "anxious" to see what changes could be made to gun laws in the ACT, after the government labelled current legislation as "outdated". State and territory governments are reviewing their firearms legislation in the wake of last month's Bondi terror attack, as the federal government works to establish a national gun buyback scheme.
Belconnen man charged in relation to 15 pipe bombs found in Canberra
A 41-year-old man has been charged over the discovery of pipe bombs along footpaths in Canberra's north this week. Fifteen explosive devices were found along the shore of Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen between Joynton Smith Drive and Ginninderra Drive. Police said their investigations led them to a 41-year-old man, who they allege purchased and stole items used to create the pipe bombs from a store in Belconnen.
Koala captured on motion-sensor camera in rare sighting near Canberra
A wild koala has been captured on film in a rare sighting at a wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Canberra. Wandiyali-Environa Wildlife Sanctuary at Googong in New South Wales, just a few kilometres from the ACT border, encompasses 300-hectares of open woodland and grassland, including some critically endangered box gum habitat. Landowners Sandy Hume and Carolyne Larcombe came across the marsupial while looking through images taken by a motion-sensor camera — much to their surprise.
How to protect against scams when buying and selling online on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree
When Savannah listed her old iPhone for sale on Facebook Marketplace, she didn't expect any trouble. The single mum has been selling on the platform for years, and always followed Facebook's official advice — never giving out her real address and meeting in open, public spaces for exchange. Savannah was conscious that the high price of her sale item could attract scams, and thought she needed to be "a bit more careful".
More schools to reopen in Canberra on Wednesday as coloured sand clean-up continues
More schools will reopen in Canberra on Wednesday with a list of current closures to be updated this evening. The ACT government shut 70 public schools on Monday after several coloured sand products were recalled by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Dozens reopened today, but 25 remained closed and 16 were partially closed. At this stage, 19 schools will remain closed in the ACT tomorrow.
Coloured sand is being disposed of across the country due to asbestos contamination concerns. How much risk does it actually pose?
Dozens of schools remain closed in the ACT, Tasmania and South Australia today as the clean-up and disposal of coloured sand, feared to be laced with asbestos, continues across the country. Each state and territory has taken a different approach to dealing with the recalled products, with the ACT requiring licensed asbestos removalists to be called in to schools, while some other jurisdictions are advising that the products be double-bagged and disposed of according to instructions.
ACT to close 69 schools after Kmart, Target recall sand products due to asbestos contamination concerns
More Canberra schools will be closed due to asbestos contamination concerns after additional coloured sand products were recalled. The ACT's education department closed 16 schools and six preschools, and partially closed eight other schools, on Friday after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice for coloured sand products when testing detected traces of asbestos.
More coloured sand products recalled as ACT set to announce when schools will reopen
More decorative coloured sand has been recalled over concerns about asbestos contamination. Kmart and Target have now issued a new product safety recall for four additional products — 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set, as well as blue, green and pink Magic Sand. The ACT's education department is expected to announce this afternoon when schools closed on Friday will reopen.
Canberra police watch house closed again after sewage 'spewed out all over the place'
Canberra's city watch house was closed on Friday night due to a leak that saw "several inches of sewage" spill on the floor. Police staff and six people in custody had to be relocated to other police stations across the city. The Australian Federal Police Association is calling for the site to be condemned and a new watch house to be built as soon as possible.
Remedial massage industry concerned about therapist shortage with CIT yet to reinstate training course
Canberra Institute of Technology paused offering its Diploma of Remedial Massage more than 12 months ago, and is reviewing how it delivers the course. Massage industry experts say without a steady flow of CIT graduates Canberra businesses won't be able to find enough therapists to meet growing demand. CIT says it will offer a new-look massage course but has not committed to a start date.
Work begins on UNSW's $250 million Canberra campus in the 'education capital'
During a tumultuous time for Canberra's two biggest universities, another player is investing heavily to expand its footprint in the ACT. The first sod for a new University of New South Wales (UNSW) campus in Parkes has been turned, with the Constitution Avenue site expected to welcome up to 6,000 staff and students in 2028. UNSW is no stranger to the territory, having provided education to Australian Defence Force Academy cadets for more than 50 years.
'A long day coming': Canberra's new hydrotherapy pool ready to open in Tuggeranong after five-year wait
Osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis leave Patricia Clark in pain "24-hours a day, every day". The 74-year-old lives by herself and is dependent on a walker to get around. "I've got pain in my lower back and it's causing weakness in my legs, so it's hard to stay upright," she said.
Labor's David Smith retains ACT seat of Bean narrowly defeating independent Jessie Price
Labor's David Smith has retained the southern ACT seat of Bean, narrowly defeating independent candidate Jessie Price in a tight contest. The ABC is projecting Mr Smith will hold the seat for a third term despite a significant swing away from the Liberal Party and towards Ms Price. Results for the seat have been on a knife's edge since the Albanese government's landslide victory on May 3.
ACT seat of Bean still too close to call between Labor's David Smith and independent Jessie Price
The federal election result in the seat of Bean remains on a knife edge, with only a few hundred votes separating Labor's David Smith and independent Jessie Price. As the continuing continues, both major parties are reflecting on the results and what they might mean for the future of the Liberal Party in the ACT. Unsuccessful Liberal candidate for the Senate Jacob Vadakkedathu says the party needs to reflect.
Canberra Baptist Church expelled from association over same-sex marriage support
The Canberra Baptist Church has been expelled from its denominational association after almost 100 years for refusing to support a conservative stance on same-sex marriage. The New South Wales and ACT Baptist Association, which is governed by member churches, voted to disaffiliate the Canberra Baptist Church during its annual assembly in Sydney on Saturday night, with 65 per cent of the delegates supporting the move.
Federal Labor makes $100m Canberra convention centre funding pledge for planning, new aquatic centre
Federal Labor has given the green light to a new Canberra convention centre, pledging $100 million in funding for initial planning works, as well as a new aquatic centre, if re-elected next month. While the idea of building a convention centre and new pool in Canberra's city centre is not new, it's the first time enough money has been committed to get the projects underway.
Sixth orthopaedic surgeon resigns from Canberra Hospital in matter of weeks amid 'enormous unhappiness'
The outgoing head of orthopaedic surgery at Canberra Hospital says the loss of a sixth surgeon is "not surprising" given changes to operational procedures he says "all of the directors of department hate". "There is no surgeon in the hospital who's happy about this," Professor Paul Smith said. "The system is really not conducive to a satisfactory standard of practice for the clinicians who are progressively being disenfranchised in that whole process.
Canberra runners gather in solidarity after woman allegedly grabbed by man while jogging in nature reserve
Kim Elms spends hours each day running and mountain biking along Canberra's bush trails, she describes the time spent outdoors as her "mental health break". The Air Force veteran and mother-of-three is a part of a running group, but does most of her running solo. When she heard that a female runner was allegedly grabbed from behind by a man, but managed to break free, while out on a trail at Tuggeranong Hill early last Saturday morning, she was left feeling "shocked and angry".
Corpse flower blooms at Canberra's Australian National Botanic Gardens for the first time
An Amorphophallus titanum or titan arum, commonly known as the corpse flower, has bloomed at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra for the first time. The 15-year-old plant unfurled its 135 centimetre-tall flower spike on Saturday afternoon, emanating a putrid stench described by some as smelling like "dead rat". The bloom will start to die back by Monday afternoon before returning to a dormant state for around six months.
Australian of the Year Local Heroes urge consumers to support social enterprises
Ten years ago, the proverb "be the change you want to see in the world" inspired Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello to start harnessing the power of hospitality to help others. Along with another friend, the pair started a cafe in Columbia where, over three years, they trained more than 40 youth living in poverty.
From Bon Scott and Batman to Bogan and Sanger, here's how Canberra's street names are chosen and the stories behind them
As Australia's capital city, it's no surprise that many of Canberra's streets and suburbs are named after prime ministers and pioneers. But there are some quirky exceptions (cue Bon Scott Crescent) and more than a few roadways that indirectly reference pop culture and Aussie slang, like Batman Street and Bogan Place. The double meanings of streets like Holden Place and Holden Crescent also see those signs regularly replaced due to theft.
Shearer clips 395 lambs for world record
A NSW shearer has set a woman's world record by shearing more than 395 merino lambs in just eight hours. That's one lamb shorn roughly every 72 seconds. Nikki Lyons achieved the feat surrounded by dozens of supporters in the small town of Bowning, near Yass.
Shearer Nikki Lyons sets women's world record by shearing 395 merino lambs in eight hours
New South Wales shearer Nikki Lyons has set a women's world record by shearing 395 merino lambs in eight hours. In a shearing shed in Bowning near Yass, in southern NSW, surrounded by dozens of supporters, locals and judges, Ms Lyons managed a running average of 72.3 seconds per lamb.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by ute in Jerrabomberra near ACT-NSW border
A woman has died after being hit by a utility while out walking in Jerrabomberra near the ACT-New South Wales border this morning. Police say the 48-year-old woman was struck by a silver Nissan Navara on Bicentennial Drive at around 8:15am. She died at the scene. The driver, a 54-year-old woman, also allegedly hit a white Toyota Hilux parked at the scene. The driver was taken to Canberra Hospital with minor injuries and to undergo mandatory testing.
John ran through pain and extreme fatigue to achieve a milestone for a group close to his heart
John Veloudos was 60km into a 100km ultramarathon when extreme fatigue turned into pain. "Obviously I'm in a lot of pain and I want to stop, but I'm just trying to think of getting to the next point." At that point, he said all he could do was count each kilometre as it came.
Golden hand statues stolen from grave returned to Canberra family, rose quartz plaque still missing
When Tony and Mary Brucic's son, TJ, died eight years ago, they placed two gold-plated hand statues on his grave stone in north Canberra. "The shaka, that's how he always used to acknowledge people," Mr Brucic recalled, referring to the gestures made by the hands. "It [had] great meaning to him, and to us. So it was just appropriate to put these two hands on his headstone." But in July, the hands were stolen during a series of grave site thefts at the Gungahlin Cemetery.
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