I was wondering what had happened to Nigel from the breakfast show and had a look on their website and was shocked to read the following..........

 A quick update on Nige.

Nige recently suffered a stroke and is currently taking time away from the Breakfast show to focus on his recovery.

He’s in good hands with his medical team and we’re hopeful listeners will hear from him over the coming months as he continues his rehabilitation. At this stage, we’re aiming for a full-time return to the show with Kristen in January 2027, subject to medical advice.

Thanks Canberra for all the love and support you’ve shown Nige already. We know it means the world to him.  #TeamNige #MixCanberra

An Update on Nige

An FYI for anyone who was not aware of the situation like I was.

TLDR -

• Art Group Development on MacArthur Ave
• Commercial floor space reduced from 11,052m² to 329m²
• Residential units increased from 424 to 537
• Car parking reduced from 764 spaces to 749 spaces
• The height of the site is greater than the surrounding area because it’s meant to have commercial floor space.
• Public submissions close 29 July

I'm hoping to raise awareness about a proposed amendment to DA 202139747 in the Northbourne Corridor (the Midtown/Macarthur Avenue area), as public submissions close on 29 July. Development Application no. 202139747 - City and Environment Directorate - Planning

The original approval included 11,052m² of commercial floor space and 424 apartments. The developer is now seeking to amend the approval so that commercial space is reduced to just 329m² (a reduction of more than 97%) while increasing the number of apartments to 537 units.

The justification appears to be that they have been unable to secure commercial tenants, so they're pivoting to a predominantly residential project.

On one hand, I understand the commercial reality. Office markets have changed and finding large tenants can be difficult.

On the other hand, this raises a much bigger question: what is the point of planning for mixed-use precincts if the commercial component can simply be removed later?

The Northbourne Corridor has been the focus of decades of planning policy tied to Light Rail, urban renewal and creating employment opportunities outside the city centre. This particular area (often referred to as the Macarthur Node or Midtown precinct) was intended to be an employment and activity hub, not just another apartment complex.

My concern is that these sites were granted additional height and development capacity because they were supposed to deliver a mix of residential and commercial uses. If the commercial component disappears after approval, the public loses the jobs, business activity and daytime activation that justified the extra density in the first place.

I'm also concerned about the precedent. If market conditions become the reason for converting employment space to apartments, what stops other mixed-use developments along the corridor from doing the same thing?

With the Southern Gateway Framework currently on exhibition, this proposal raises an uncomfortable question: what is the point of these strategic planning documents if we simply walk away from them whenever they become inconvenient for a developer?

The ACT has spent years promoting the idea of mixed-use, transit-oriented precincts along the light rail corridor, where people can live, work and access services without needing to travel across the city. Yet here we have a proposal to remove more than 97% of the approved commercial space from a site specifically identified as an employment node.

If this is accepted, how seriously should the community take future planning frameworks, strategies and vision documents? If employment outcomes can be negotiated away after approval, then these plans risk becoming little more than aspirational brochures rather than genuine commitments guiding Canberra's growth.

Canberra desperately needs housing, but it also needs places for people to work. A successful city isn't just more apartments connected by light rail; it's apartments, jobs, services and businesses located together.

Whatever your view on the proposal, I'd encourage people to have a look at the amendment and make a submission before 29 July. Planning decisions like this can have long-term consequences for how Canberra grows and whether we actually deliver on the mixed-use, transit-oriented communities that have been promised along the light rail corridor.

Public submissions close 29 July -Representation for Current Development Application

This isn't simply about one development, it's about whether strategic planning commitments for the Northbourne Corridor are being maintained or progressively watered down over time.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-23/act-integrity-commission-campbell-primary-contract/106804766

Many consider the ACT Integrity Commission usless, will a big deal if they proceed to charges against accused members.

I was injured at school (a CIT campus) and I read in the ACT ambulance ppl thing that if I was injured at school I would not have to pay, also considering the fact that the hospital was a 2 min drive away from where I was, I feel like I shouldn’t get a bill (I’m unsure if I have health insurance I think I do but just in case). but I wanna check if anyone else has been in a similar situation and or if the law does not apply to CIT for whatever reason.

Hi everyone!

I'm an international student from Saudi Arabia and I've recently accepted an offer to study Bachelor of Science at ANU, starting in Semester 1, 2027. 🎉

I'm trying to get a realistic idea of what life in Canberra is like, especially financially, and I'd really appreciate hearing from current students.

A few questions:

• What's a realistic monthly cost of living for a student (excluding tuition)?
• How much do part-time student jobs usually pay per hour?
• How difficult is it to find a casual/part-time job after arriving?
• How many hours do most international students work each week?
• Is it realistic to cover rent and day-to-day expenses with a part-time job?
• Are there any jobs or employers around ANU that you'd recommend?

For context, I'm pretty low-maintenance. I don't go out much, I mostly enjoy gaming, watching movies, and studying, so I don't expect to spend a lot on entertainment.

Any advice, experiences, or budgeting tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hi all

Does anyone have experience of retrofitting Twin Glazed windows to wooden window frames in Canberra? Just got a quote and it is quite reasonable compared to full replacement but just wondering about other people's experiences.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a piano instructor for myself and hopefully someone can recommend me. I’m in Gungahlin so hopefully I do not need to travel to far. I would prefer a 1 on 1 teaching.

I'm trying to get a night guard for teeth grinding, and the online providers seem to be a fraction of the price of dental practices. Given that the guard is likely to be a recurring expense, the online providers are very attractive.

Online providers provide impression kits, but also allow for digital scans (STL files) to be provided. I have tried the impression kit, but was not 100% happy. My understanding is that the digital scans are more accurate.

Does anyone know a local dental practice who provide this as a service? Obviously happy to pay a reasonable price for the scan. The couple of practices I have called advised that their machines are restricted to send the output files to their partners only.

The headline kind of buries the lead, independents up to 19% of the vote. It’s not hard to see why, Emerson and Carrick actually seem to want to work. They seem engaged and ready to represent their constituents. One thing is certain 8 seats is the new high water mark for the Canberra Liberals.

Help a girl out and tell me your favourite! Space Kitchen is top of my list. (Or Fika if I’m in the car.) I used to really like Espresso Room at Westfield but I feel like they’re not quite as good.

Does anyone no why William hovel drive is so slow today? Traffic was at a crawl all the way from John Gordon drive.

Hey everyone

I'm visiting this weekend and would like to go to a Sunday farmers market to stock up food for the week to take home. We tried Capital Region Market last time we were there and weren't too happy with it.

We're looking at Haig Park or Southside farmers this Sunday. We're particularly looking for fresh fruit and veggies. Meats is a bonus but just looking for some nice produce.

Thanks for any help!

My friend and I are in a long standing debate about ACT Canberra licenses. He has found what appears to be a licence card but I am saying it is fake because there is no hologram or what looks like to be security features. Can someone in Canberra ACT please tell me… do ACT drivers licences have a security hologram like all other states?f

Hi All!

I’m bit new to Canberra and am looking to play rugby union.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the suburban cup and the John I Dent cup? I’ve looked everywhere but the answers are a bit vague.

Which cup would be better for beginners or very new to the game?

Thanks guys!

How much would you expect to pay for a skin check and punch skin biopsy in Canberra? I was charged over $800, is this standard? I’d been charged $110 elsewhere in Australia in 2024

Hi everyone,

My child attends an ACT Government preschool. Last term on even weeks they attend Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On odd weeks they attend Monday and Tuesday only (no Wednesday).

Term 2 had 11 teaching weeks, so I'm now confused about what happens at the start of Term 3.

I've checked my emails and the school's newsletter but I can't find anything explaining whether the odd/even cycle resets each term.

Does the odd/even week cycle reset each term, meaning Term 3 Week 1 is always an odd week?

Or does the odd/even cycle continue across terms, so because Term 2 had 11 weeks the pattern flips?

I'm trying to organise fortnightly appointments on Wednesdays and want to make sure I've got the right week.

Thanks!

Edit: Thanks everyone. I managed to figure it out by looking back through my work calendar and appointments. The Wednesday pattern continues across terms rather than resetting, so after the 11-week term it flips again. Contrary to what a couple of people suggested, Week 1 is a Wednesday preschool week for us. Thanks for the help!

I'm rarely home and I've noticed the street sweeper go past 5 times in the past 2 weeks, in the Belconnen region. Has anyone else seen this or know why?

Is the parking at North Curtin oval a park and ride spot? Every weekday it seems packed. The only official park and ride parking listed on ACT transport site in Curtin is at the shops.

My sister in law lives southside and is going through a hard time. I want to send to a day spa for some quality down time. I live interstate so have no idea what's a nice place to go. They have one ick is that they don't like people touching their feet (so no pedicures). Budget is under $400. Help please!!

Mt Taylor cockie

(half PSA, half vent) if you are bringing your dog into your local bunnings or pet store, and it goes to the toilet or throws up in said store, please just tell the staff!

- i promise we won’t be mad
- you and your dog will not be banned from the store
- we will not make you clean it up
- we will be very grateful that you told us at all

i slipped on a dog’s mess the other day while stacking shelves. the dog was on a short lead and the mess was absolutely huge, so there’s no way the owner didn’t notice. this is unfortunately extremely common.

that is all, have a good day!