New homes to boost Canberra retirement living
A new development is planned for Monash, featuring 56 new homes aimed at boosting retirement living options. The expansion is part of a growing trend in demand for retirement housing.
Canberra today
Daily archive
Canberra on 20 August 2026
Thursday in Canberra: showers around, 16° / 9°. Take an umbrella and waterproof layer with you. Friday: cloud increasing, 15° / 6°.
CityNews leads today with “Burnouts lead to Gungahlin police pursuit”.
Also in today's feed: “New homes to boost Canberra retirement living” (CityNews); “3000 kids access free preschool in Canberra” (CityNews); “Should the proposed coercive control penalty be lowered to prevent manipulation by defendants?” (Region Canberra).
On today — Thread: Connecting Stories and Community (National Portrait Gallery, Parkes), 10:00am–5:00pm. Also listed for today — 2XX People Powered Radio: Celebrating 50 Years (Canberra Museum + Gallery, Canberra), 10:00am–4:00pm.
Top story
The day's filtered local news
Summaries below are nberra.com's own wording unless marked as a publisher extract; each headline links to the original reporting at its source.
Burnouts lead to Gungahlin police pursuit
An 18-year-old Holt man has been charged after allegedly speeding, weaving through traffic and performing burnouts before leading police on a pursuit through Gungahlin on Sunday.
3000 kids access free preschool in Canberra
A significant number of children and their families in Canberra are taking advantage of free three-year-old preschool. This program provides access to early education for a substantial group of young children.
Should the proposed coercive control penalty be lowered to prevent manipulation by defendants?
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to family violence. The suggested maximum penalty for a standalone coercive control offence could result in accused perpetrators using the system to extend their power over their alleged victims, a committee inquiry has heard.
New charges laid against church group member accused of abusing children
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged child abuse. A former member of Canberra church groups is facing a growing list of charges relating to the alleged historical sexual abuse of multiple children in the ACT.
Catholic school parents face fees shake-up
Catholic school parents in Canberra are anticipating changes to fees as the system prepares for growth and aims to make the fee structure more equitable. The changes are part of a broader plan to adapt to future funding and growth, including the introduction of a new co-ed school.
From iced matcha on tap to rooftop high tea: we’ve got (more) new places to eat in Canberra plus foodie events for your diary
Canberra's dining scene is expanding with new eateries and establishments opening. A range of food-related events are also being planned, further adding to the city's culinary calendar.
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Canberra Art Biennial
Canberra's 2026 Art Biennial will feature a diverse range of contemporary public art. The event will showcase a variety of artistic expressions, including a giant crab, as part of the city's cultural offerings.
Canberra butcher saves neighbours after smelling something 'not quite right'
A fire broke out at a house in Canberra's Belconnen district, causing a large fire that threatened the safety of sleeping neighbours. A resident, who was a butcher, intervened to save the neighbours, including a young girl, from the danger.
Spark a fresh career at Evoenergy
Apprentices at Evoenergy are gaining a new skill and earning a salary while learning a trade. This apprenticeship opportunity is helping young people build a career in the electricity network industry.
What was on
Dr Isobel Bennett and the secrets of Australia's seashores
National Library of Australia, Parkes
Thread: Connecting Stories and Community
National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
GR’AFT: Solo Exhibition by Lynda Draper
Canberra Glassworks, Kingston
2XX People Powered Radio: Celebrating 50 Years
Canberra Museum + Gallery, Canberra
Winter Film Series at the National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton
Antarctica
National Museum of Australia, Acton
The Weavers’ Studio
National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Arthur Boyd: tapestries
National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
This page is the preserved daily edition for 20 August 2026. The live homepage always carries the current curation, and the archive index lists every past edition.
Please check the original source. nberra.com summarises and links to reporting published by others. Summaries are condensed and may omit context, corrections or later developments. Where a matter is before a court, under investigation, or described as alleged, nothing here should be read as a finding of fact — follow the headline link and rely on the original publisher's account. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@nberra.com and we will correct or remove it.