DOMA’s Hotel Realm set to renew Canberra’s culinary scene

Canberra-based Hotel Realm has announced its new flagship restaurant Louis will open in June 2023 under the direction of the city’s most esteemed chef, two-hatted Ben Willis.

Market returns this weekend to support fire-affected stallholders with Bushfire Appeal

Canberra’s Capital Region Farmers Market has revealed many of its stallholders have been severely affected by the Australian bushfires across several regions, and vows to do whatever it takes to help and support the Farmers Market community.

“We are deeply saddened that a number of our stallholders have been affected across several regions including the NSW South Coast, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes and Southern Highlands, with many experiencing partial or total destruction of property, equipment, crops and stocks,” said Capital Region Farmers Market Manager, Sarah Power.

“Up until now, the most significant impact on our many farmers and producers, has been drought. Now you add these devastating fires to the mix…it is just heartbreaking. These families have been affected very badly, and we will see a knock-on affect for years to come in terms of long-term production,” Sarah continued.

Sarah revealed that the Market will reopen tomorrow and that its return for 2020 is the best way that locals can support the stallholders through buying and donating.

“You can support our stallholders by buying what produce there is available. These people’s livelihoods depend on this income – we know many Canberrans have been feeling hopeless, so one way to show support is to continue to shop local,” Sarah continued.

Tony Howard, spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Hall which owns and manages the Capital Region Farmers Market, today announced the launch of the Farmers Market Community Bushfire Appeal, revealing that Rotary has donated $50,000 to kick off the appeal.

“Our appeal will assist our Farmers Market families with critical short-term support and assistance. Rotary will assist fire affected stallholders and their families with financial contributions, clean up assistance, provision of new or used equipment, mental and social support and administrative support for businesses,” Tony said.

Visitors to the Capital Region Farmers Market can head to the Rotary Bushfire Marquee onsite at the front of the Market’s shed where they can contribute donations. They can find out more about fire-affected stallholders and other ways in which they can assist. The Farmers Market Community Bushfire Appeal will run for the remainder of January.

“Rotary is a not-for-profit run by volunteers. Our members can act very quickly to reach and assist these people. Visitors can be assured that 100% of funds donated will directly support fire-affected stallholders who require immediate and ongoing assistance across these regions,” Tony concluded.

Capital Region Farmers Markets reopens for the year tomorrow, Saturday 11th January, from 7.30am – 11.30am. Visitors are to be aware that there will be a reduced number of stallholders due to the fires, drought and access into Canberra. The Market will minimise the impact of the current smoke in the ACT this weekend by locating all stallholders inside the shed where possible. Visitors should take the necessary precautions and follow the advice of ACT Health with regards to any potential smoke hazards.

For more information on the Market, the appeal, how you can assist and where your money goes, visit https://capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au/farmers-markets-community-bushfire-appeal/

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Canberra Region’s best in tourism celebrated at 2018 Gala Awards

Leaders of the Canberra Region tourism industry gathered last night, Friday 23 November 2018, to celebrate another year of success and excellence in tourism at the annual Canberra Region Tourism Awards.

The National Capital Attractions Association together with supporting partner, Visit Canberra, hosted the awards, the most prestigious event in the Canberra region tourism calendar, and were joined by ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, as guests enjoyed the Masquerade themed ball at Hotel Realm’s newly renovated ballroom.

Amongst the major winners were the National Gallery of Australia which won the award for Major Tourist Attraction, making it the second year in a row they have scooped the award in this highly desired category. Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre won the Tourist Attraction category, having also claimed this prize in 2017.

Other major awards were collected by the Royal Australian Mint which won the Cultural Tourism category (also taking out the Visitor Experience Award), the Australian Institute of Sport’s Experience AIS which won the Specialised Tourism Services category, and the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre which won the Visitor Information Services category.

“We are all so proud of the hard work of our industry partners and the high calibre of experiences available in the capital as a result of those efforts, the visitor economy is going from strength to strength. Canberra and region tourist attractions and tourism businesses really do punch above their weight when it comes to the programs and services on offer here,” said Dr. Naomi Dale, President of the National Capital Attractions Association.

Dr. Dale acknowledged the contribution of Stephen Byron to the Canberra region tourism industry. Mr Byron, Managing Director of the Canberra Airport, this year won the award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

Dr. Dale was also quick to point out the high calibre of accommodation properties in the Canberra region recognised last night, with Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Leumeah Lodge, Little National Hotel and Hyatt Hotel Canberra all winning their respective categories. And she congratulated Destination Southern Highlands which won the Destination Marketing category for Pie Time for the second year running.

All Canberra Region category winners are now off to compete at a national level at the 2018 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Launceston in March 2019.

“We know the fabulous pride, determination and commitment held by our tourism industry here in Canberra, and we wish all of our winners the very best when they compete at the Australian Tourism Awards in early 2019,” concluded Dr. Dale.

The full list of award winners can be viewed below. For more information on the awards, visit http://canberratourismawards.com.au/ For more information on the National Capital Attractions Association, visit http://www.nationalattractions.com.au/

Endless Fun in Canberra These Summer School Holidays

Explore Australia's award-winning national attractions in Canberra and let your children learn the stories that have shaped Australia.

Discover PlayUp's new exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MOAD) that in the name of democracy, takes play – and the rights of children, seriously. Listening pods, a fuzzy felt wall and a Kindness café are all part of the space, and during this summer the school holiday program will offer Open Air PlayUP with activities in the Senate courtyard. (Suitable for preschool and primary aged children)

Or take a journey across the Australian desert at the National Museum of Australia's Aboriginal-led exhibition Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters about the epic Seven Sisters Dreaming, or dodge sniper fire or peer through the periscope of a Cold War submarine at the Australian War Memorial's Discovery Zone. (Suitable for children aged 8+ years)

Celebrate Australia Day in the Capital on 26 January with the ActewAGL Great Aussie Day Breakfast, kids entertainment, an impressive flyover, the National Flag Raising, Citizenship Ceremony and an evening concert with a fireworks finale. Or try the Australia Day Family Festival at the National Museum of Australia where you can enjoy Australian-inspired music, dance, demonstrations, games, craft and family fun. (Suitable for children of all ages)