A woman held captive by a man at a Lyneham home in June 2024 has told an ACT Supreme Court pre-sentence hearing the abuse left her with lasting trauma. Sisituutuumata Fulivai, 47, was found guilty earlier this year of 20 charges, including forcible confinement and rape. The woman, then 24, escaped and ran naked onto the street, where police found her. In her statement she described crippling PTSD and panic attacks. Fulivai will be sentenced at a later date.
Sisituutuumata Fulivai, 47, was found guilty of 20 charges at the ACT Supreme Court, including sexual intercourse without consent and unlawful confinement. His victim told the court he had held her captive for two days at his Lyneham home in June 2024. She escaped naked and was found by police. Prosecutors said he posed a significant risk to women and called for a significant prison term. His barrister argued rehabilitation should still be considered. Justice Belinda Baker reserved her decision and will sentence Fulivai, who remains in custody, at a later date.
A 29-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated burglary over an alleged shooting and stabbing in Lyneham, ACT Policing says. Police allege the man and two others forced their way into a unit on August 9 and attacked a man, who was stabbed in the head and shot in the leg. Police said the man was on bail at the time. He is expected to face court on November 4. Investigators are still examining the possible involvement of the two other people.
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Tennis ACT is hosting a free Festival of Tennis in Canberra on Sunday, 25 October, from 10 am to 12 pm at the Canberra Tennis Centre in Lyneham. The event showcases alternative formats, including cardio tennis, pickleball and POP tennis. Activities include demonstrations, giveaways, speed challenges and a children's program called Hot Shots Tennis. The first 200 children through the gates will receive a free racquet. Registration is free and provides entry to a major prize draw valued at over $2500.
Several Canberra venues are marking Oktoberfest this October with German beer, food and music. Assembly in Braddon offers $10 steins and a live oompah band on Saturday 17 October, and a free entry seat booking is recommended. The Harmonie German Club in Narrabundah hosts a two-day event from Friday 30 October, with dancing, a wurst eating competition and axe throwing. Other events include a garden party at Patrick White Lawns on Saturday 24 October and a Bavarian-themed night at Mooseheads in the City.
Canberra venues are hosting a range of Melbourne Cup celebrations on 3 November. The Hyatt Hotel Canberra has a garden party from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm for $200 per person, with a seafood bar and live tiramisu bar. Thoroughbred Park offers Cup day racing with general entry from $20. Free options include the Canberra Labor Club, The Dock in Kingston and Mercure Canberra, which will show the races on multiple big screens.
Canberra brunch spots offer diverse options beyond traditional bacon and eggs. Deakin & Me serves seasonal dishes like pumpkin pie waffles and breakfast tostadas. On Lonsdale in Braddon provides Asian-inspired sandos, while Jarochos offers Mexican fare such as chilaquiles and empanadas. Catbird in Parkes features California-style breakfast burritos, and Cafè Luzon in Lyneham specialises in Filipino-inspired dishes like ube champorado and tocilog.
