ACT public school teachers rallied in the streets as part of a week of rolling stop-work action. The Australian Education Union ACT says a new pay and conditions offer must be better, or a full-day strike will go ahead in Term 4. Teachers say heavy workloads, classes being combined and a lack of resources are wearing them down. The Education Minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith, said bargaining is progressing well and she hopes to send a further offer to the union within a couple of weeks, so an agreement can go to ballot.
Two children escaped from the Majura Early Childhood Centre in Dickson last Monday during rest time, by turning over play equipment and climbing a fence. Police were alerted by members of the public and the children were reunited with their parents about 2:30pm. The mother of one boy, Naomi Brooks, said she was frustrated by the lack of answers from the centre's provider, Northside Community Services. Northside has apologised, appointed an ex-AFP investigator and increased staffing, and says the investigation is ongoing. Ms Brooks has applied to withdraw her children from the centre.
Police picked up two five-year-old children who left the Majura Early Childhood Centre in Dickson, Canberra, without adult supervision. A passer-by spotted the boys near Dickson College and alerted police on Monday afternoon. Police found the boys and reunited them with their parents. ACT Policing said the boys were not injured or harmed. Northside Community Service, which runs the centre, has appointed an external investigator to find out how the incident happened and recommend safety improvements.
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Two five-year-old boys escaped from the Majura Early Childhood Centre in Dickson, Canberra, and were found by ACT Policing after members of the public saw them outside. Police returned both boys safely to their families. Northside Community Service, which runs the centre, has apologised and reported the incident to the ACT childcare regulator. It has also appointed an independent external investigator. ACT Child Development Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith called the incident extremely concerning and said her office will monitor the investigation.
Artist Petra Jungmanova is hosting Spring, Love and Kafka at PT Gallery's Dickson site on Saturday 17 October, from 6 pm to 8 pm. The casual event combines live piano performances, readings of Franz Kafka's love letters to Milena Jesenská, and food she is catering. Attendees can bring their own drinks. Jungmanova says she wants to transform the space into a European château with white fabric, candles and a white baby grand piano. She plans to bring a cultural approach to Canberra's suburbs with an event that is open to everyone.
Pho, the Vietnamese noodle soup, is a favourite dish across many Canberra restaurants, with diners often loyal to one place. Phở Phú Quốc in Dickson is a long-standing favourite, known for its light, fragrant broth and sweet white onions. Bistro Nguyen's in Civic offers beef tenderloin, wagyu sirloin and seafood versions. Ms Ba Cô in Majura is praised for its soup, best enjoyed at dinner. Noi Noi, with several branches, is well loved, especially its Casey location.
Canberra's weekend events include Floriade's final days, a Jungle Collective Plant Sale, and Government House Open Day. The National Film and Sound Archive hosts a 30th-anniversary screening of Romeo + Juliet with a costume party. Other highlights include a cheese and wine evening at Grainger Gallery, Disney's Frozen musical, and a circus show by The Quizzical Mr Jeff. Book lovers can attend a screening of The Shawshank Redemption followed by a discussion, while car enthusiasts can explore the history of Holden at the National Archives.
