Staying connected with loved ones is perhaps the most challenging thing about social distancing.
Luckily, Canberran’s are coming up with a whole variety of ways to learn new skills, take on playful activities, and generally stay in touch despite how distant we might all feel.
The National Museum is demystifying one of their treasures this week with a live stream discussion about the iconic 19th Century paddle steamer docked below its colourful walls.
And this year’s Million Paws Walk was meant to take place around Lake Burley Griffin next weekend, but the format has now been shifted to encourage pet owners to get out and about at their own pace over the next two weeks to raise funds for animals in need.
Elsewhere, there are plenty of crafts to craft, skills to learn, streams to join and ideas you to keep you busy all through the weekend.
Thursday
Gain an insight into one of the National Museum’s most iconic and mysterious objects this Thursday. Photo: Jack Mohr.
Live at the Museum — paddle steamer Enterprise
Where: Live on the National Museum of Australia’s YouTube channel
When: 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Have you ever seen the old paddle steamer moored below the National Museum and wondered what it’s like on the inside? Curator Jono Lineen and conservator Nathan Pharoah are taking you on a journey through the history of one of the most iconic objects in the collection: the 1878 paddle steamer Enterprise. Jump on the museum’s YouTube channel on Thursday afternoon for a live conversation about the vessel as well as an online Q&A.
All weekend
The Million Paws Walk looks a little different this year. Photo: RSPCA ACT.
Million Paws Walk: Walk This May
Where: Your neighbourhood
When: From Friday, 1 May to Friday, 15 May
The Million Paws Walk is taking a slightly different shape this year, with the RSPCA encouraging pet-lovers to get out and about with their animal pals in their own neck of the woods. Social distancing mandates that the ‘million’ paws’ won’t be walking all in the one location as they normally would, but the fundraising effort for animals in need is still in place this year as owners step out with their furry companions.
Queensland Ballet’s Cinderella arrived at the Canberra Theatre last year. Photo: George Tsotsos.
Australian Ballet Digital Season: Romeo & Juliet
Where: Streaming online
When: From Friday, 1 May to Friday, 15 May
Sergei Prokofiev’s stunning take on William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy arrives on your screen this weekend as part of the Australian Ballet’s Digital Season. Dance can be a powerful force, and the music combined with the impossible motions of the performers are a chance to escape the house for a while and journey into an entirely different world. You can also stream Cinderella until Friday, 1 May.
Friday
The Bettong Bungalow is your new portal into nature. Image: Supplied.
The Bettong Bungalow – LIVE Environmental Education
Where: Tickets available via mulligansflat.org.au
When: From 5:00 pm
Hosted by Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, this weekly Friday night show is all about education and entertainment. Delivered via Zoom, households can join in for just $10 and learn about the wide world of Australian fauna thanks to a new special guest each week. Think of this as your new online nature portal.
NFSA’s Virtual Vinyl Lounge is a listening experience like no other. Image: NFSA.
NFSA Virtual Vinyl Lounge
Where: Hosted by the National Film and Sound Archive. Sign up via Eventbrite
When: From 5:30 pm
The National Film and Sound Archive’s legendary Vinyl Lounge sessions are moving online for the very first time this week. Running since 2013, the sessions are a chance for music lovers and audiophiles to spin records from their collection on the NFSA’s own sound systems. This week’s session takes a slightly different route, with NFSA curator Thorsten Kaeding taking you on a journey through his own music collection. Expect to hear some unique recordings and gain a little insight into the story of analogue music.
Have your Centrelink questions answered this Friday thanks to Canberra Community Law and the Women’s Legal Centre ACT. Photo: Supplied.
JobKeeper, JobSeeker and your rights
Where: Live on Facebook
When: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Confused about JobKeeper and JobSeeker? You certainly are not alone. Tune in to this live Facebook Q&A and have your questions answered by representatives of Canberra Community Law and the Women’s Legal Centre ACT. Sure, tuning in to a live stream seminar about Centrelink payments might not be the most thrilling way to spend your Friday evening, but getting that uncertainty off your chest might be just the thing you need to make the most of the weekend ahead.
Cube is taking the party online. Photo: Supplied.
Outside The Cube: Live Stream Party
Where: Zoom party hosted by Cube Nightclub
When: From 9:00 pm
Canberra’s number one gay nightclub isn’t letting the party stop just because everyone has to stay home. Keep the Cube vibe alive this Friday night for an online party of epic proportions, with choice selections from DJ RAWSØN and an entirely unenforceable pajama dress code. Remember, online there’s no such thing as unfriendly bouncers or losing your mates in the crowd.
Saturday
Kick back and enjoy live music from the comfort of your own home. Image: Live In Ya Lounge.
Dana Hassall: Live in Ya Lounge
Where: Streaming live online
When: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Canberra’s own Dana Hassall, along with drummer Jesse Sewell, will be performing an intimate hour-long set this weekend for Live In Ya Lounge. The singer-songwriter has earned a reputation as one of the city’s finest performers, with her earthy vocals and warm, roots-inspired music. Kick back with a cup of tea and tap into the sense of wonder that only live music can provide.
If you’re a LEGO enthusiast, Mindstorms are the ultimate challenge. Photo: Supplied.
LEGO Mindstorms Online Club
Where: Weekly meetings from Sunday, 3 May (via Zoom; enquire by email)
When: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
This 10-week social program kicks off this weekend and it’s your chance to break into the world of programming and robotics with LEGO. Expect to learn new communication skills as well as real-life IT skills as you grapple with the intricacies of this modern technology. Fair warning, this course goes hand in hand with owning or obtaining the LEGO Mindstorm system itself. But if the commitment suits you in your isolation, this might be the perfect opportunity to hone your skills. Both adults and kids groups are available.
Monday
Staying at home makes for the perfect opportunity to learn more about living sustainably. Photos: Supplied.
Sustainable Family Home: Daily Webcast
Where: Sign up via Eventbrite
When: 3:30 pm, Monday to Thursday
Two Canberra families have decided to make the most of their time in isolation by learning about how they can live more sustainably at home. The Swainsons and the Boultons are hosting daily webinars throughout the week that last for around 15 to 20 minutes. It’s a chance to learn about everything sustainability: from gardens and repurposing household waste, all the way through to setting up a sustainable craft corner.
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