The celebration of a single plant

From biscuits, to baby clothes, to bongs – the Hemp Health and Innovation Expo seeks to showcase the plethora of products that can be derived from one single plant: the cannabis plant. Expo co-director Evan Alexander spoke to The Owl’s Caitlin Young.Continue readingThe celebration of a single plant

GG’s: a social enterprise that’s more than just flowers

GG’s Flowers and Hampers, a local Canberran florist company which does more than just make beautiful arrangements of flowers, is changing the world one flower at a time. This social enterprise business is dedicated to providing people living with a disability in Canberra the opportunity to have meaningful employment and social opportunities through work.Continue readingGG’s: a social enterprise that’s more than just flowers

Full-time politician, part-time TikToker: how Mark Parton is connecting with Canberra

When the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19, Mark Parton took it upon himself to find other ways to relay his messages and policies as the ACT election neared in 2020. Being a “doorknocker from hell”, Mark ventured into other communication channels including Instagram and TikTok to connect with those who support him but also people who are unaware of who he is and what he stands for.Continue readingFull-time politician, part-time TikToker: how Mark Parton is connecting with Canberra

From dreams to reality: an interview with country music artist Billie-Jo Porter

For Country music artist Billie-Jo Porter, an appearance at the Tamworth country music festival was just a distant dream growing up near the country music capital, but come January 2023 it will be a reality. Having now released 4 singles on Spotify with her most recent single ‘Let It All Roll Out’ reaching country town Australia’s Hot 50 chart, Billie-Jo is really starting to get traction in her music career.Continue readingFrom dreams to reality: an interview with country music artist Billie-Jo Porter

Now open: regional business farewells border checkpoints

Albury/Wodonga was home to a “military-style” checkpoint during the COVID-19 pandemic. This checkpoint essentially split the community in two, affecting people’s ability to get to and from work, and for local businesses to operate effectively. Hear first-hand how these border-control measures affected local business owners at the time and what the future looks like for border businesses.Continue readingNow open: regional business farewells border checkpoints

Women on the tools

Sometimes when you can’t see change, you have to become it. And that’s exactly what women’s shed founders Sunita Kotnala and Roby McGarvey did. Through sheer determination, these passionate women have lit a spark that has spread wildly throughout the ACT. With over 100 members and two locations, one at Thor’s Hammer and the other at Hughes, this trailblazing community are proving stereotypes wrong, one power tool at a time.Continue readingWomen on the tools

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be … Done?

Since 1901, Parliamentary sittings have been opened with a reading of the Lord’s Prayer. Many view the prayer as a symbolic part of Australia’s history – one that provides ‘comfort and inspiration’ to those who choose to join, and is harmless to those who do not. Others argue that the shift in Australia’s religious identity, towards a dominantly non-Christian population, calls for a shift in our parliamentary practices.Continue readingThy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be … Done?