With the ACT Government under significant budget pressure, we believe the most effective way to improve our suburb’s amenity is through community-led volunteering and collaboration. We’re working to support this through clearer priorities and stronger connections with schools, Scouts, Rotary, sporting clubs, businesses, and other local groups.


📝 Help Us Finalise Priorities

If you haven’t already done so, we’d appreciate you taking a moment to complete this brief survey:
👉 Click here to complete the survey


📢 Special General Meeting (SGM)

As you know, we’re considering holding a Special General Meeting in mid-May to bring the community together, share ideas, and identify practical actions we can take as residents.

We held a Zoom meeting on 5 March to discuss next steps, but attendance was low. Before moving forward, we’re seeking final input from people like you who’ve shown interest.

We’d value your thoughts on:

📌 Are you satisfied with the current state of Deakin?
📌 Would you support and attend a community SGM?

If the SGM proceeds, we’ll use the survey results to set the agenda and focus on the most meaningful issues.

The National Capital Authority has written to advise that it has received a works approval application for the demolition of an existing dwelling and the construction of a new detached dwelling, with basement car parking and associated landscaping at 77 National Circuit, Deakin.

The plans and supporting documentation for the proposal can be viewed on the NCA’s website at  77 National Circuit – Demolition of Existing Dwelling and Construction of a new Residential Dwelling | National Capital Authority.

The NCA says it welcomes written feedback on the proposal by 5.00pm Friday 28 February 2025.  Submissions can be made via email to WAconsultation@nca.gov.au 

Responses received will be considered before a decision is made on the application.

Please contact the NCA for further information on 6271 2888.

Caroline Carrick <Caroline.Carrick@nca.gov.au>
Works Approval Team

Priorities for DRA in 2025

For our members and friends, here are the key focus areas for the Deakin Residents Association (DRA) this year. Your feedback, participation, and support are vital to shaping our community’s future.


Gardens at the Deakin Shops

The gardens and overall appearance of the Deakin shopping centre have deteriorated since our vibrant Floriade display in 2023.  

By comparison, the beautifully maintained grounds of the Ambassador apartments and Canberra Airport show what could be achieved with attention and care.
DRA has raised this issue with the ACT Government, which has taken initial steps, such as removing dead trees. However, there is much more to be done. Establishing a water point is crucial to maintaining garden beds in collaboration with shop owners.

Would you like to help us advocate for better maintenance or assist with gardening efforts? Members of Fitness First, the Canberra Deakin Football Club, and the Bridge Club are warmly invited to join in.


Nature Strip Maintenance

For years, DRA has advocated for the upkeep of nature strips, particularly along Hopetoun Circuit near McGregor Street. The operation of commercial enterprises in residential properties has caused compacted soil and eroded verges. While we understand the challenges faced by multi-tenant properties, parking-related damage to the nature strip cannot be ignored.

We appreciate the ACT Government’s recent installation of signage reminding residents of their obligations. We encourage everyone to take responsibility for preserving these shared spaces.

As part of our broader efforts to maintain Deakin’s charm, we’ve also noticed an increase in high, ugly black front fences. Is the longstanding ban on front fences been overlooked?


Tree Health and Management

The health and vitality of our trees, along with the removal of dead and dying ones, remain key priorities for DRA. A thriving tree canopy is essential to maintaining Deakin’s beauty, supporting environmental sustainability, and moderating the urban temperature profile.
For example, a tree fell across McGregor Street during a heavy storm three years ago. While contractors removed most of it, the trunk was left behind and remains to this day.
Let’s encourage greater use of the Fix My Street platform to report such issues promptly.


Footpaths

The condition of Deakin’s footpaths also leaves much to be desired. In the Newdegate/Nathan/McGregor/Le Hunte area, the number of broken and cracked footpaths is unacceptable and unbefitting of Australia’s National Capital. Deakin is not alone in this, but we must continue lobbying the ACT Government to address these issues.


Deakin’s Heritage

With the assistance of an ACT Government grant, DRA has completed a project highlighting Deakin’s heritage. Two heritage signs have been installed:

  • One at the Deakin Shops. Supporting material is available on our website.
  • Another at Latrobe Park.

We are considering applying for a further grant to expand this work. If you’d like to help, please contact John Bell at 0438 732 953.


Bikeways in Deakin

Unlike many Canberra suburbs, Deakin lacks dedicated bikeways. Establishing safe cycling routes could significantly reduce traffic congestion, especially during school terms.

We’re calling for members to form a subcommittee to explore potential routes, collaborate with Pedal Power, and engage with local schools. Let’s make Deakin safer and more accessible for cyclists of all ages.


Latrobe Park

Latrobe Park could become a vibrant hub for community activity in Deakin. To realize its potential, we need a subcommittee to identify improvements and work with the ACT Government to implement them. Scouts, preschoolers, and other local groups could also contribute.

We’re considering hosting a Park Party in Spring for families. If you’d like to help make this event a success, please email Martin Jennings at secretary@deakinresidents.asn.au.


Development Approvals

Monitoring development proposals and advocating for compliance with regulations remain central responsibilities for DRA. Your vigilance is invaluable in ensuring Deakin’s development aligns with community values.


Light Rail Concerns

DRA continues to question the cost-effectiveness and practicality of the light rail project. With only two planned stops in Deakin and a route down the middle of a four-lane highway, its utility for our suburb is highly questionable.

We are also deeply concerned about its impact on heritage values and the destruction of trees in the Parliamentary Precinct and near the Lodge. The surrounding bushland, a critical element of the original design concept, risks being irreparably harmed, undermining the area’s unique character.


Get Involved!

Membership

Only a small percentage of Deakin residents are DRA members or on our mailing list. Help us grow by:

• Assisting with our upcoming letterbox drop.

• Encouraging your neighbors to join DRA.

Join the DRA Committee or Subcommittees

We’re actively seeking enthusiastic members, especially younger residents, to join our committee or subcommittees. If any of the issues above resonate with you, we’d love your involvement!

Social Media

DRA has a website and active Facebook and Instagram pages. We need your help to create engaging content and grow our online presence. If you’re social media savvy, please contact George Wilson at vicepresident@deakinresidents.asn.au.

Annual Subscriptions

DRA’s annual membership subscription of $30 for 2024–25 is now due. Please support our efforts by making your payment via bank transfer. [Follow link to make a payment]


Together, we can make Deakin an even better place to live. Thank you for your ongoing support!

The ACT Government has erected signs on nature strips adjacent to the Deakin shops where residents and businesses have been breaching the parking regulations by parking on nature strips. DRA looks forward to the restoration of erosion and soil compaction. So far offenders would appear to be taking little regard of the likelihood that they will be charged. Signs indicate that the fines can range from $137-$440 for individuals and $2200 for corporations.

22 Dec / 2024

Deakin defibrillator


A publicly available AED (defibrillator) has been installed in the Deakin and is available 24/7 and unlocked. It is available thanks to campaign by Ivan Slavich AM FAICD through www.streetbeat.life and SERVICE ONE and fundraising efforts of participants like Viola Kalokerinos and corporate supporters Community Bank Canberra and Regions Capital Chemist Group and Capital Estate Developments. It is the first of 29 AEDs to be installed across Canberra over the coming months, a quarter of the suburbs of Canberra. The aim is that if you need a defib within 5 minutes of a cardiac arrest and an ambulance will take longer the proposal is underway with St John Ambulance ACT.

MINUTES

6.00: Guest speaker – Jack Waterford AM
Questions to the speaker with special guest, Fiona Carrick MLA.
7.15 pm: Start of formal AGM

AGM Business

Welcome from the Chair, Dr Mark Rebentrost
Apologies

Apologies were received from

Krystyna Fitzgerald
Di Johnstone
Brondwen MacLean

Kay Newman
Rebecca Vavic
Mehra Vohra

Brigitta Wimmer

DRA Members present

John Bell
Kay Blue
Peter Boege
Llois Cutts
Jacqueline Elliott
Sue Gage
Richard Game
Sue Game

Jack Gault
Jenny Gault
Dorothy Holt
Martin Jennings
Elizabeth Johnson
Brian Leonard
Sue Leonard
Lochie MacLean

Robin Miller
Linda Peek
Mark Rebentrost
Robin Tegart
Phil Waite
George Wilson
Lyn Wilson

Guests

Margaret Barlay (sic)
Fiona Carrick
Irene Davies
Marea Fatseas (YRA)
Peter Pharoah (YRA)

Christine Rafter
Ray Rafter
Jane Seaborn
Robin Stanton
Jan Tankiang (YRA)

Gabrielle Tryon
Michael Watson (Pedal Power)

Declaration of conflicts of interest – None declared

Proxies – None received

Confirmation of Minutes of Annual General Meeting of 22 November 2023

The Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Reports

President’s Report

The President gave a verbal report to the meeting. Notes from the President’s report are appended. This included a report on the actions of the Heritage Committee (appended).

Motion to accept

Proposed: Mark Rebentrost
Seconded: John Bell

The President’s report was accepted.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer presented his report verbally, and provided a written copy for meeting attendees. A copy of the report is appended.

Motion to accept

Proposed: John Bell
Seconded: Martin Jennings

The Treasurer’s report was accepted.

Election of Committee Members and Office Bearers.

All positions were vacant and nominations were invited from the floor.  None were received. The following persons had submitted written nominations and were elected unopposed.

Position

President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Committee member
Committee member
Committee member
Committee member
Committee member
Committee member
Committee member
Committee member

Nominee

Dr Mark Rebentrost
Dr George Wilson
Martin Jennings
Dr John Bell
Sue Gage
Jack Gault
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant

Proposer

Second

Other Business

There was no other business
No questions were received from the floor.

Close of Meeting – the meeting concluded at 8.00 pm.

With acknowledgement – from the Riotact

22 November 2024 | Ian Bushnell

Join the conversation4

What Federal Golf Club's 125-dwelling retirement village will look like.

What the 125-dwelling retirement village will look like. Federal Golf Club says the development is vital to its future. Image: GDH.

Developers of a proposed retirement village on a section of the Federal Golf Club course are hopeful of a 2025 start to the $100 million project after securing conditional approval from the Territory Planning Authority.

Sydney company Mbark proposes to build 125 dwellings, including 77 single-storey houses and 48 apartments across six three-storey buildings, and a health and wellbeing centre for residents on six hectares of the course.

MBark is partnering with the club, which argues the project is vital to securing its long-term financial future. But the proposal has been attacked on environmental grounds and from within the club as flawed financially.

Mbark development manager David Consalvi said this approval would pave the way for an application to remove the concessional status from the retirement village area of the site, the final development application (DA) hurdle to be cleared before work could start.

“We are working towards submitting this application soon and we are hopeful the extensive consultations undertaken on this project at multiple stages will see the removal of the concessional status for the approved retirement village happen on a timely basis,” Mr Consalvi said.

“This would allow the project to commence during 2025, which would be optimal to ensure the club’s vulnerabilities are addressed as soon as they can be and a return to business as usual can be achieved as fast as possible.

“The approved retirement village is the best option for the club and for the site to have a sustainable future.”

Federal Golf Course

The approval at Federal Golf Club comes with a host of tree and environmental management conditions. Photo: Region.

All up, seven DAs have been submitted with proposals for an access road from Kitchener Street and a dam still under assessment. This approval is also dependent on the outcome of the other DAs.

Earlier in the month, a DA for a lease variation to include the retirement village use was approved.

The retirement village DA had been put on hold until Mbark provided a raft of information on environmental management and protections.

Mbark was requested in June to provide further information on tree management, managing wildlife habitat and corridors, run-off, invasive species, light and noise pollution, and bushfire risks.

The approval comes with a host of conditions relating to these areas.

READ ALSO The million-dollar townhouse with a visitor car park but no separate entry to the back yard

Mr Consalvi said the conditions were extensive and ensured the comprehensive protection of the land’s environmental values.

“These have been provided for in the commitments and obligations under the project’s Environmental Significance Opinion that preceded the development applications and which the project is required to adhere to,” he said.

“Whilst significant, the costs and timing have been factored into project planning.”

The DA attracted 326 written representations – 101 in support and 225 against.

Issues raised included the proposal’s size and impact on amenity and adjoining properties, traffic increase, and environmental impacts including loss of trees and disruption to wildlife (Gang-gang cockatoos and kangaroos).

This DA proposes 358 trees be removed but the planting of 579, mostly natives.

Monday 25 November 2024, 7:00 PM

Speaker: The ACT Human Rights Commissioner Dr Penelope Mathew

Topic: The Human Right to a Healthy Environment

Eastlake Football Club
3 Oxley Street, Griffith ACT and Online

To attend in person, please register at Trybooking:
https://www.trybooking.com/CWAPL
To attend online, please register on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtde2tqD8tHtO8s7kNf9GvbORBgEng-lC1

AGM from 7.50 PM. For details see Inner South Canberra Community Council – ISCCC

DRA is very pleased to welcome esteemed journalist Jack Waterford as guest of honour at the Bridge Club on 13th Nov 2024 at 6pm. Jack will review the recent ACT election. We have also asked him to share his views on ACT planning as we strive to enhance the garden city concept while preserving Deakin’s heritage. and urban conservation values.

Jack’s presentation will be followed at 7 pm by the DRA Annual General Meeting