Canberra is capitalCanberra is capitalIt is 100 years since the naming of the areathat would become our national capital.“THE surveyor will bear in mind thatthe Federal Capital should be a beauti-ful city, occupying a commanding posi-tion, with extensive views, and embrac-ing distinctive features which will lendthemselves to the evolution of a designworthy of the object, not only for thepresent, but for all time...” – so said theHonourable Hugh MahonOur nation’s capital has a story to

tell. This year marks 100 years sincethe naming of Canberra – a city thatholds our country’s achievements andaspirations within its well designedstreetscape and chilly winters.The official founding of Canberra was

March 12, 1913 when the Laying of theFoundation Stones naming ceremonyon Capital Hill, took place. This day isnow celebrated as Canberra Day.However even though we accept that

Canberra is Australia’s capital it couldhave been otherwise. After Federationin 1901, one of the first questions consi-dered by the new Australian Common-wealth Government was the site for thenation’s capital. A “battle of the sites”raged, with the Federal parliamentar-ians of the time visiting many potentialsites until the final historic vote in theHouse of Representatives, on October 8,1908, saw Yass-Canberra selected.Surveyor Charles Scrivener and his

team completed a survey of Canberra,on February 25, 1909 based on instruc-tions from the Minister for Home Af-fairs, Hugh Mahon.In 1911 an international design compe-tition for Canberra attracted 137 nation-al and international entries. AmericanWalter Burley Griffin’s elegant designwas the eventual winner.Today, Canberra, the urban centre ofthe ACT, is a thriving modern city ofaround 367,000 people. It is the meetingplace for the Commonwealth Parlia-ment, home of national museums andattractions that share the treasures ofour nation, a place that celebrates ournation’s proud sporting achievementsand honours those who have fought forour country and reflects our indigenousculture. It is a well planned city setwithin extensive parks and gardens andenjoys four distinct seasons. It’s a cen-tral to our country – a place where youcan discover attractions which housemany aspects out our identity.

HAVE you ever come across a word inthe newspaper that you haven’t seenbefore or don’t know what it means?This week’s word is VIBEDefinition:- (noun) slangabbreviation from the word vibrationmeaning atmosphere or feelings.

What’s onlineYOUR local newspaper website is keento showcase and celebrate the successof students at school carnivals, for theiracademic work, their hobbies andmore, through a new initiative whichwill enable parents, teachers andstudents to share their stories andphotos.There are two ways to contribute:-Share a Photo – photo and shortcaption or Share Your Story – longerstory with photo. Both are promoted offthe home pages of your newspaper’swebsite under Most Popular Stories. Toshare your news, you must first beregistered on our site so you have yourown login. There isno cost toregister.Go onlineand helpmake thenews.

WORDY NEWS

NEXTWEEK’S TOPIC:

Water World

NEXTWEEK’S TOPIC:

Water World

Celebrating the nationalcapital in songWHAT better way is there to shareCanberra’s 100-year story and singits praises than with a catchy tune?Smack Bang in the Middle is amusical tribute to Canberra’scentenary year capturing its historyand the Canberra of today.Canberra’s new song was launchedas part of the celebrations in thegardens of Old Parliament Housewhen many of the capitals talentedmusicians came together toperform the song written byCanberra singers, Karen Strahanand Jill Walsh. To listen to SmackBack in the Middle go tocdbaby.com/cd/karenstrahan-andjillwalsh

CHECKIT OUTCHECKIT OUT

What date is Canberra Day?1

QUIZ TIMEEach week we willtest your knowledgeon what’s beenhappening in thenews. For theanswers visit NiE

online.

QUIZ TIMEEach week we willtest your knowledgeon what’s beenhappening in thenews. For theanswers visit NiE

online.

In which country is theAustralian cricket teamcurrently playing?

Discuss the following topic and letus know what you think.

Harlem Shake SackingsA GROUP of 15 miners from WesternAustralia have been sacked afterperforming the Harlem Shake on thejob. They had been emulating thedance style made famous by a groupof teenagers known as The SunnyCoast Skate. It was considered thedance was a safety issue and breachof the mining company’s core valuesof safety, integrity and excellence.One of the sacked miners told theWestern Australian newspaper nosafety regulations were breached anda second said no one wasendangered in the Agnew Gold Minestunt.

In Your OpinionShould the miners have beensacked? Let us know what youthink. Go to NiE online to

poll.

FAST FACTLocated on the ancient lands of theindigenous Ngunnawal people,Canberra’s name is thought to mean“meeting place”, derived from theAboriginal word Kamberra.

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Tourism Australia’s Best Jobin the World campaign is

offering how many six month,$100,000 paid positions?

2

View of Parliament HousePHOTO: AAP

User: greg.dawkins Time: 03-11-2013 12:45 Product: SSH PubDate: 12-03-2013 Zone: All Edition: Main Page: SHARED_14 Color: CMYK