COTA ACT

26/06/2026

‘Pastels: Shadows in the Landscape’ with Caroline Reid is a 2 day exploration of light and shadow in the landscape using soft pastels.
Learn how to simplify complex scenes, identify key tonal relationships, and use colour with confidence to create landscapes that feel both believable and atmospheric.

With a focus on observation, technique and creative interpretation, this workshop is ideal for artists looking to strengthen their understanding of landscape painting while developing their pastel skills in a supportive studio environment.

Belconnen Arts Center
Belconnen Arts Centre
25 - 26 July 2026
Intermediate level
🔗 Bookings via the Canberra Art Workshop website
Image with courtesy of

26/06/2026

Fungi season is in full swing at Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in all its weird, bright and wonderful glory.

Here’s a few varieties spotted by ACT Parks and Conservation staff this year:
1. Coral Fungi
2. Earth Star Fungi
3. Snow Fungi
4. Bonnet Fungi
5. Purple Emperor Fungi
6. Velvet Shank
7. Green Elf Cups
8. Birds Nest Fungi.

And remember: it’s an offence to remove any plants (including fungi) from national parks and nature reserves, so please don’t touch or remove any fungi - but you’re welcome to take as many photos as you like!

➡️ For more on finding fungi, check out our winter activity guide. Visit https://www.parks.act.gov.au/home/features/winter
Images with courtesy of ACT Parks

24/06/2026

ABOUT US

Council on the Ageing ACT (COTA ACT) is a local organisation working to improve the lives of older people in the Canberra community. We work with older people, their families and friends, community organisations, business and government to identify gaps and implement services and programs to encourage older people to participate in the community and contribute to their fullest.

COTA ACT is part of the national federation of COTA’s, which has representation in every state and territory and work with national body COTA Australia in policy development, advocacy and representation for older Australians at a federal level. ​
Image COTA ACT

24/06/2026

The first tree has now been planted as a part of the ACT Government’s Light Rail Stage 2A project.

Light Rail Stage 2A, extending the light rail network from the city to Commonwealth Park, is set to transform our city into an urban forest. 🌳

As part of the project, 160 extra trees will be planted along the route from the new Alinga Street stop to the Commonwealth Park stop. The new trees are in addition to the 106 trees planted as part of the Raising London Circuit project.

Some of the new tree varieties include:
🌲 Zelkova ‘green vase’
🌲 London Plane Trees
🌲 Himalayan Cedars
🌲 Yarralumla Chinese Elms
🌲 Pin Oaks
🌲 Tulip Trees

Canberra Metro Construction recently led members of the Light Rail to Woden Community Reference Group on a tour of the Yarralumla Nursery to see the trees. They reinforce the unique character of our city and create a lush and welcoming environment for years to come.

Increased tree canopy cover will provide more shade, reduce surface temperatures of the urban heat island, provide refuge for birds and other wildlife, and create more useable public spaces.

🔍 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4l9kxzz
Image with courtesy of ACT Government

22/06/2026

For the Tuggeranong Arts Centre June Lakeside at 5 event, be uplifted and entertained, when Canberra blues duo Divine Devilles hit the stage, with their cracking rhythm section.

Ali and DJ present original songs – mostly autobiographical, often hilarious, sometimes a bit naughty, and always true stories. Sharing their tales of hard luck and heartbreak, this powerhouse and vivacious Blues duo have been uplifting and entertaining audiences for over a decade, with their award-winning vocals, keys and blues-harp, together with their cracking rhythm section.
Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Friday 26 June 2026
Bar open from 5pm
Music 5:30pm - 7:30pm
🎫Entry by donation
Image with courtesy of

22/06/2026

Did you know, some items used around the home in Winter may become a hazard if not used properly or checked regularly?

COTA Insurance have some winter safety tips to help prevent these events occurring - https://www.cota.com.au/winter-safety-at-home/
Image with courtesy of COTA Insurance

22/06/2026

Happy Monday, Canberra, you stunning city!

Yesterday was winter solstice, which means our days are getting longer and our sunrises earlier. And it’s sights like this that show just how lucky we are to live and work in our beautiful city.
Image with courtesy ACT Government

22/06/2026

ANU Classics Museum (Free) Public Tour

The Friends of the Australian National University Classics Museum offer a free public tour of the Museum on the second Friday of each month. The next tour will be on Friday 10 July, 11.00-12.00 at the A.D. Hope Building, ANU.

Led by volunteer guides, the tours offer fascinating insights into daily life in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds in classical antiquity. The Museum's collection includes Bronze Age objects, Roman glass tableware, Greek vases, Greek and Roman coins, figurines, domestic wares, and items used for commemoration and writing. No bookings are required.

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16/06/2026

COTA Australia - for older Australians shares..

Today marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Elder Abuse can occur in many forms - the impact can be devastating, affecting a person’s health, wellbeing, financial security, independence and quality of life.

COTA Australia Chief Executive Officer Patricia Sparrow said elder abuse remains a significant and often hidden problem affecting older Australians across the country. “One in six older Australians experiences abuse, often at the hands of someone they know and trust,” Ms Sparrow said.

The Federal Government’s recently released National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People, providing an important framework for addressing the issue.

“A national plan sets the direction, but real progress will depend on whether it is backed by concrete action, sustained investment and clear accountability,” she said.

Read the full media release here:
https://cota.org.au/news/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-turning-commitments-into-action-for-older-australians/

United Nations - 2026 Theme: Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day/

15/06/2026

Mid Week Matters this Wednesday, join us…

Midweek Matters: Scam Awareness - Trust Less. Check More. Stay Safe.

Scams are becoming more sophisticated, more personal and more difficult to spot. From fake online shopping deals and phishing emails to romance scams, door-knock fraud, identity theft and hacking, scammers are increasingly targeting people through everyday technology and trusted interactions.
Join us for this important community information session to learn how to recognise common scams, protect your personal information, and respond safely if something doesn’t feel right. Hear directly from experts from ACT Policing, OPALS and the ACT Human Rights Commission as they share practical advice, real-life examples, current scam trends and where to get help if you or someone you know has been targeted.
The session will cover online scams, phone and text fraud, romance scams, identity theft, cyber safety, door-knock scams and ways to stay safer in an increasingly digital world. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and access useful resources and support services.
Knowledge is one of the best defences against scams. Stay informed, stay connected, and learn how to protect yourself and your community.

Session details:
When: Wednesday 17 June, 1pm
Where: Hughes Community Centre
Cost: Free
Bookings: Required

Booking URL - https://events.humanitix.com/midweek-matters-scam-awareness-trust-less-check-more-stay-safe