Notebook

Have you ever walked into a space and instantly felt its energy? That quiet hum of purpose, community and connection that tells you this place is something special. That’s the feeling you get when you step inside Strength Syndicate in Canberra.

In our latest love.local feature, agent Cris O’Brien visits Strength Syndicate to discover how owner Schae Zarew have created more than just a gym, it’s a thriving hub of motivation, inclusion and belonging. From first-time lifters to seasoned athletes, everyone is welcomed with the same spirit of encouragement and shared ambition.

More than a gym

Strength Syndicate is proof that small businesses have the power to build big communities. It’s where people come to challenge themselves, cheer each other on and find confidence through strength. Cris captures this beautifully in our love.local video showing the laughter between sets, the mutual respect, and that unspoken bond that only true community can create.

A long-time business owner and beloved member of the Ainslie community, Maddie has been part of the local fabric for years through her hair studio, Q Hair. Known for her warmth, creativity, and connection with clients, Maddie has always made her space about more than just hair, it’s been about people, stories, and community.

After a walk in the desert with her kids, Maddie was inspired to live without fear and to bring more of that creative energy home. From that moment came Q Gallery, her next bold step and the newest addition to the Ainslie Shops.

What began as a spark of inspiration has grown into a true creative heart for the suburb. A space where community, culture, and creativity come together.

Q Gallery isn’t just about art; it’s about connection. It’s a local hub where artists are celebrated, children are encouraged to create, and visitors rediscover the joy of originality.

Canberra’s creative heart beats strongest in November, when studios across the city open their doors for the Design Canberra Festival Open Studios. This year, we’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the talented artists and makers who bring our city’s design scene to life, each with their own story, craft, and connection to place.

Our meet.the.maker video series takes you inside their studios to experience the passion, patience, and creativity that shape their work.

Bev Hogg | Ceramics

📍 8 Brennan St, Hackett
🗓 Saturday 1 November | 10am–4pm
Bev’s joyful ceramic sculptures reflect her love of nature, whimsy, and storytelling. Step into her Hackett studio and discover how she shapes clay into expressive, character-filled forms that feel both playful and profound.
🔗 @bev_hogg

Julie Bradley & Akie Haga | Mixed Media + Glass

📍 16 Hoddle Gardens, Ainslie
🗓 Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 November | 10am–4pm
Friends and collaborators, Julie and Akie share a creative studio filled with colour, light, and texture.

Here’s your curated round-up of events happening this month across Canberra and beyond…

📅 Save the Date

Design Canberra Festival – Open Studios
Friday 1 – Sunday 10 November | Various studios and venues
Step inside the creative spaces where ideas come to life. Artists, designers, and makers open their doors across the city, inviting you to see their work up close, chat about their process, and take home something truly original. A highlight of the month for design lovers.
🎥 Explore our meet.the.maker videos featuring some of the artists here.

SpringOUT Pride Festival
Friday 1 November – Sunday 1 December | Various locations
Celebrate diversity and inclusion at Canberra’s month-long Pride Festival. Expect a vibrant mix of parades, parties, exhibitions, and community events honouring the city’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Sunset Cinema Canberra
Throughout November | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Catch your favourite films under the stars.

Selling a home doesn’t always have to start with a loud announcement to the market. More and more, homeowners are choosing to sell quietly, softly, and with intention. At home.byholly, we call this a Whisper Campaign. A considered, design-led approach that begins before your property ever hits the real estate portals.

What is a whisper campaign?

A whisper campaign is a soft launch, sometimes called an off-market campaign. Instead of opening your doors straight away to the entire market, we first speak directly to buyers already known to us. Our team works carefully to nurture relationships with buyers, and that trust translates into an opportunity: often we can introduce a ready buyer from our tangible and extensive database.

Why whisper?

The beauty of a whisper campaign lies in intrigue. We reveal glimpses, not the whole story. Editorial imagery, short-form teaser videos and thoughtful storytelling draw people in, giving them a feel for the lifestyle your home represents without overselling.

In the heart of Braddon—between bold street art, artisan bakeries, and the electric buzz of a Canberra winter—there’s something powerful happening. Something bigger than just business.

Lifeline Canberra has long been the quiet hero behind the scenes. When someone dials 13 11 14, they’re not just calling a number. They’re reaching for help, for connection, for hope. Every answered call is a life-changing moment—and every single one needs funding.

That’s why it’s been so inspiring to see Braddon businesses stepping up—literally.

Over the past month, if you’ve been out and about in Braddon, chances are you’ve seen someone dropping to the pavement or office floor for a burst of push-ups. From footpaths to foyers, local legends have been getting behind the Push-Up Challenge to raise awareness—and critical funds—for Lifeline.

In a video filmed at Raiders HQ, our own Holly Komorowski joined for the final push:

“Elsa has been very diligently, every single day, doing her push-ups to raise funds for Lifeline.

Winemaker Hamish Young from MADA is a true believer in the potential of Canberra, Hilltops and Tumbarumba wines, Hamish works tirelessly to ensure our region is at the forefront of Australia’s wine landscape through collaboration, generosity and passion.

Culture, colour, and community spirit — right on your doorstep.

We’re lucky to live in a city that’s bursting with creativity, connection, and charm. From festivals and food to music, markets, and more, there’s always something happening in our corner of the world.

Here’s your curated guide to what’s coming up this month in and around Canberra — experiences to inspire, delight, and bring us together.

🌿 Ongoing Events

🍷 Truffle-Infused Winter Tastings – Mount Majura Vineyard
June 7 – August 31
Indulge in a winter-long celebration of truffles and wine at Mount Majura. Think rich flavours, warm hospitality, and seasonal treats.

🎨 Arts & Exhibitions – Belconnen Arts Centre
Until July 6
Explore powerful visual stories from local and national artists across a variety of mediums.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

🚌 June 6 (Friday): Fantastic Bus Trip
A fun-filled social day trip, bringing connection and community to life around Canberra.

A curated dose of creativity, community, and vintage style.

Each month, we shine a light on a local maker, mover, or doer doing incredible things in our neighbourhood — the people who are shaping Canberra in their own unique and inspiring way.

This month, our very own Ash takes us inside Canberra Garms, Braddon’s freshest vintage fashion destination. 🎥

👇 Watch the story unfold here:

From Side Hustle to Streetwear Staple

What started as a simple Depop side hustle has grown into something seriously special. Canberra Garms was founded by five 19-year-old friends — Gaby, Tom, Amaru, Aiden, and Finn — who turned their passion for vintage fashion into a thriving storefront on Lonsdale Street.

Their curated collection pays homage to the iconic looks of the ‘90s and early 2000s, spotlighting standout pieces from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Juicy Couture.

— A vibrant village in the heart of Canberra, full of colour, character, and creative soul.

There’s a hum to Braddon — a quiet buzz that rolls through the leafy streets and drifts from the cafes each morning. It’s more than the aroma of locally roasted coffee or the clang of cocktail glasses at dusk — it’s a feeling. A sense of connection. Of belonging. Of place.

In Braddon, lifestyle leads the way. This is where Canberra comes to life. Lonsdale Street, the suburb’s beating heart, pulses with creativity — from independent boutiques and pop-up galleries to beloved bakeries, stylish bars, and design-led eateries. It’s urban but unpretentious. Fast-paced but never rushed. A neighbourhood built on expression, diversity, and community — this is the Braddon lifestyle.

And just beyond the buzz, nestled into quiet corners of this vibrant precinct, are two homes that reflect exactly what it means to live in Braddon, not just near it.