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Jan 18, 2025 | 
abc.net.au | Jostina Basta |Lottie Twyford
When the house across the street from Greg Pampling was raided by police earlier this month, allegations it was being used as a cannabis grow house came as a shock. ACT police allege they found a sophisticated hydroponic set-up, in the inner-north Canberra suburb of Kaleen, with 156 cannabis plants seized, along with extensive damage to the home and "unauthorised" electrical work used to bypass the meter.
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Dec 10, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Jostina Basta
Four sites at Lake Burley Griffin are closed for swimming, along with Cotter Avenue, Kambah Pool, Pine Island and Point Hut Crossing. Consumption of water with elevated bacteria levels, the reason for the closures, can cause irritation and stomach aches. Canberrans will need to check if a waterway has reopened before going for a dip. The majority of Canberra's waterways have been closed for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
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Dec 7, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Jostina Basta
For the past seven years, Peter Thorn has thrived under his National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan. As someone who is non-verbal with autism, the support he receives allows him to live alone, volunteer regularly, go to the gym and be part of a Special Olympic swimming squad. He has also been receiving overnight support — a time where he is most vulnerable.
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Nov 19, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Jostina Basta
As cost-of-living pressures continue to loom and the corporate watchdog investigates supermarket pricing, the spotlight has been trained on supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths this year. The Australian National Dictionary Centre, based at the Australian National University, has picked the word 'Colesworth' as the 2024 Word of the Year, describing the perceived duopoly of Australia's supermarket retailers.
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Nov 7, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Alison Xiao |Jostina Basta
It was the sneeze heard around the world - when a cheeky alpaca named Hephner sneezed on King Charles during a royal visit to Australia last month. But Hephner the alpaca also makes charitable visits between Sydney and Canberra, dropping in at nursing homes and spreading some joy to residents and their families.
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Nov 7, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Jostina Basta
On a Wednesday afternoon in Canberra, Robert Fletcher and his alpaca Hephner pay a visit to Clare Holland House. Located close to Lake Burley Griffin, it provides patients with palliative care. As they step into each room – the faces of staff, patients and their families instantly light up at the novelty of an alpaca in the building. It's one of the many philanthropic endeavours that make them familiar faces within Canberra and its surrounding regions.
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Oct 30, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Jostina Basta |Elizabeth Byrne
Two Canberra men have faced the ACT Magistrates Court after they were arrested in a police sting targeting the trade in illegal vapes. The consignment was uncovered by Border Force officers. Yesterday police arrested 19-year-old Muhannad Haddara and 20-year-old Benjie Nishai Seru over the alleged offences. Mr Haddara is alleged to have arranged the shipment and attempted to possess more than 2,500 vapes worth $127,000. He is facing a charge of possessing and importing illegal vaping goods.
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Oct 23, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Victor Petrovic |Jostina Basta
Tabitha and William Ajak still remember a meal they shared with their uncle Malak Arok back in July 2011. The three had come to Australia together as refugees from South Sudan in 2005 looking for a better life, and a way to support their families back home. "July 2011 you know, that's the last time we shared the meal together and chatted," Tabitha said. A year later, Mr Arok was released from protective custody from an ACT Police Watch House on the morning of July 10, 2012.
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Oct 21, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Peter Jean |Jostina Basta
All 21 dogs at Queanbeyan Pound were euthanased due to an outbreak of canine parvovirus. Parvovirus is highly contagious and can be fatal in unvaccinated dogs. Dog owners have been urged to ensure their pets' vaccinations are kept up to date and the pound said it was undertaking a cleaning of the facility. Dog owners have been urged to make sure their pets' vaccinations are up to date after an outbreak of canine parvovirus forced Queanbeyan Pound to euthanase 21 animals.
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Oct 16, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Jostina Basta
When the first Batik Air flight departed from Canberra to Bali in early June, the prospect of Canberra introducing its second international carrier was exciting for the region. But just four months on, the airline has announced it will suspend its services temporarily, with no time frame on when they will resume. The airline said the decision came after a "thorough review" of operational and commercial factors and the need to prioritise the its long-term sustainability.
