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<p data-block-key="j9h8h">Wind the clock back 100 years and the capital looks something like this: the hulking silhouettes of a partly-built Parliament House and mostly built Hostel No.1 (now the Hyatt Hotel) rise from the land over near Capital Hill, with nothing but dusty, treeless plains between. The spire of St John’s, Reid dominates the skyline across the river, and the only other major building of note is the Eastlake Powerhouse.</p><img alt="old-canberra-100-years-19" class="richtext-image full-width" height="450" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/old-canberra-100-years-19.width-800.jpg" width="620"><p data-block-key="elg96">A light tramway runs from the powerhouse to the Yarralumla Brickworks, and dotted across the capital at the site of several major infrastructure projects - including its first main sewer - are rows and rows of tents, housing the thousands of men who’ve come from across the world to build Canberra from the ground up.</p><p data-block-key="a84p5">Life for the construction workers is no picnic: long hard days of labour and sleeping on mattresses made of hay in between. It’s little wonder, then, that they live for the weekends, which include two main pastimes.</p><h3 data-block-key="ds9ol">Heading over the border to drink in Queanbeyan.</h3><img alt="learn-days-end-workers-oph-3111468-1" class="richtext-image full-width" height="629" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/learn-days-end-workers-oph-3111468-1.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="6v2te">In 1910, Minister for Home Affairs King O’Malley (yes he was a real person) banned liquor licences in the new Australian Capital Territory, marking the beginning of a 17-year dry spell for Canberra. This meant the thirsty workers building Canberra were forced to cross the border into Queanbeyan for a drink.</p><p data-block-key="78a69">In his 1988 thesis, the Australian National University’s HJ Gibbney describes King O&#x27;Malley&#x27;s liquor policy as “a national joke” .</p><p data-block-key="d5ni9">“The policy had always been resented in the Territory and, as the population expanded, both the law and its evasion became something of a national joke.</p><p data-block-key="ej806">“Queanbeyan hotels made large profits from thirsty Territorians and every Saturday afternoon in Queanbeyan became something of an orgy.</p><img alt="Royal Hotel souvenir" class="richtext-image full-width" height="504" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Royal_Hotel_souvenir.width-800.png" width="800"><p data-block-key="c422s">“Crawford Vaughan, a prohibition leader, wrote: ‘I saw Queanbeyan on Saturday and it was what one could expect in a town invaded by thousands of men from constructions camps … while it is deplorable to see crowds wandering from pub to pub, the conditions were no worse to than I have seen in towns adjacent to other construction works of a similar magnitude.’</p><p data-block-key="8hudu">“The law prohibited sale but not consumption and ‘sly grog’ prosecutions were not infrequent. Most men who visited Queanbeyan brought back bottled liquor, either for themselves or for friends, and despite the restrictions, there was a considerable trade in empty bottles.”</p><h3 data-block-key="1q4nl">Taking to the field for a game of Aussie Rules.</h3><p data-block-key="8ppoq">Most of Canberra&#x27;s 1924 population lived mostly for sports, with drinking and gambling enthusiastically pursued on the sidelines.</p><img alt="living in tents" class="richtext-image full-width" height="436" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/living_in_tents.width-800.png" width="800"><p data-block-key="a9gmm">HJ Gibney: “Australian Rules Football probably boasted the largest following, including some influential men. The first president of the Federal Capital Territory Australian National Football League, established in 1924, was Jeremiah James Dillon, a 114 kilogram, Victorian-born miner, who had come from the West Australian goldfields.</p><p data-block-key="8jv14">“Employed as a foreman on the main sewer, he was said to have a remarkable flow of profanity and to be totally illiterate. He smoked a heavy pipe beneath an equally heavy moustache and travelled between the jobs he controlled by a horse-drawn sulky.</p><img alt="Canberra-in-the-making-video-600x371" class="richtext-image full-width" height="371" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Canberra-in-the-making-video-600x371.width-800.png" width="600"><p data-block-key="umro">“Besides &#x27;Rules&#x27; Football, he also sponsored Rugby League through his team known as &#x27;The Sewer&#x27;, was active in the Westridge Tennis Club and was prominent in cricket.</p><p data-block-key="bt9m6">“Probably the first Canberra sporting team sent interstate narrowly lost an Australian Rules match on 15 August 1925 to a Sydney metropolitan team but was given a civic reception in the Sydney Town Hall.”</p><p data-block-key="736ai"><i>Photos in this article courtesy of the ANU Archives, National Capital Authority, National Geographic, National Archives of Australia and</i> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecanberrapage/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Canberra Page</i></a><i>.</i></p>

Life in Canberra in 1924: Construction, footy and drinking in Queanbeyan

<p data-block-key="1wm2f">About 21 years ago I met and fell in love with a cabinetmaker from Campbelltown. Tall, dark and handsome, he drove a hotted-up VL Commodore and owned a Staffie. When we first started dating, I was astounded that he could actually, you know, <i>build things</i>. Like a new TV unit when we needed one. Or a pergola. And he could (and did) re-face our entire kitchen.</p><p data-block-key="6pgsv">Today, he’s bald, with a couple of mad tattoo sleeves; and he complains endlessly about his bad back and knees. After two decades of being in love with a tradie, I’ve learned a lot. So if you’re thinking of plunging head first into a relationship with one, here are my pros and cons.</p><h3 data-block-key="bmrlq">Con: Your bathroom/kitchen reno slash new deck is going to take months (if not years).</h3><img alt="IMG_2771" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1066" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_2771.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="3v2d5">They’ll definitely sign up to reno the bathroom or kitchen because they want to keep the better half happy — but actually getting in and <i>doing the work</i>? Good luck. Be prepared to shower in a bathroom with no walls or floor tiles for a few months (or years in a friend’s case) or wash up in the laundry sink while you wait for your new kitchen.</p><h3 data-block-key="563o0">Pro: Even though the reno takes ages, it’ll save you a fortune.</h3><img alt="IMG_9900" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1066" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_9900.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="eivim">If you’re prepared to wait, the end result will be stellar and cost about half the price that it would have. (Shout out to Mitch for doing the plumbing and Matty for doing the tiling.) Also, a new bathroom or kitchen (or both) will add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.</p><h3 data-block-key="8cncj">Con: They’re always getting injured.</h3><img alt="20130722_1324052" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/20130722_1324052.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="6061m">My cabinetmaker is always hurting his hands and fingers (the ends of his fingers are really, really dry and cracked – what’s that about?). My cousin-in-law is a boilermaker and somehow ends up with metal in his eyes (!?) even though he wears PPE religiously. It’s a dangerous world out there in the trades.</p><h3 data-block-key="63n2h">Pro: He enjoys what he does and the people he works with.</h3><img alt="415022187_10232098555346315_3935575509491562266_n" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1066" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/415022187_10232098555346315_393557550949156226.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="f5ucd">Honestly the joy tradies get from working together on a project is awesome. Also, job satisfaction is through the roof when you can see the fruits of your labor in something you’ve just designed, built or fixed.</p><h3 data-block-key="5omke">Con: The washing!</h3><img alt="IMG_2938" class="richtext-image full-width" height="480" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_2938.width-800.jpg" width="640"><p data-block-key="4funv">LAWD. Grease, oil and metal shards are just some of the things that need removing from tradie clothes. The high-vis shirts end up entirely black (I gave up on soaking them years ago). Oh, and finding ear plugs in the wash is common if your tradie does lots of welding.</p><h3 data-block-key="3u8op">Pros: A sweet set of tools, all claimable on tax.</h3><img alt="Screen Shot 2024-01-30 at 9.23.41 am" class="richtext-image full-width" height="455" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2024-01-30_at_9.23.41_am.width-800.png" width="800"><p data-block-key="f0c0v">And a nice new ute too, if you’re lucky.</p><h3 data-block-key="1aira">Con: Long hours and shift work.</h3><p data-block-key="tva6">Some trades are best undertaken when the rest of us are in bed, which can mean working long nights and in shifts. A body clock that operates differently to the rest of the family’s can be a bit of a challenge.</p><h3 data-block-key="abv9d">Pro: He loves pointing out the buildings he worked on to the kids.</h3><img alt="168-44-constitution-avenue-campbell-act-2612-94437-image-0-20240129030_pjX3cNq-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/168-44-constitution-avenue-campbell-act-2612-9.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="8as45">“Dad did the kitchens in those!” he loves yelling as we drive past a new apartment block in Campbell or Civic. “Dad installed the desks in there,” he yells as we pass the Australian War Memorial. The kids love it. A friend’s kids will yell “Dad built that!” to anyone who will listen when they pass the ASIO building. Which might be a matter of national security, but is still super cute.</p><p data-block-key="942jb"><i>This tongue-in-cheek article was written by Zango editor Bree Element and is intended as entertainment only.</i></p>

The pros and cons of dating (or being married to) a tradie

<p data-block-key="xnqbq">Lordy, is it expected to be hot hot hot for the foreseeable future. (Hope it stays this way for Christmas Day!)</p><p data-block-key="fpita">Which got us thinking: where exactly are the best places to cool off in Canberra? Are pools or rivers better? We asked some people you may recognise for their favourite places to cool off in the heat.</p><h3 data-block-key="3jkfa">Caroline Buchanan</h3><h4 data-block-key="8r290">8x BMX and Mountain Bike World Champion, 2x Olympian</h4><img alt="PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px.width-800.png" width="800"><p data-block-key="89srd">My favourite swimming hole in Canberra is definitely Pine Island on the Murrumbidgee River. Growing up, we&#x27;d swim there a lot when I lived in Duffy. Then after the 2003 fires, my family moved really close to the Murrumbidgee River at Gleneagles. I really enjoy riding the Centenary Trail on my e-bike from Pine Island to Kambah Pool.</p><h3 data-block-key="f4bor">Ricky Stuart</h3><h4 data-block-key="cjj1o">Canberra Raiders Coach</h4><img alt="PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px2" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px2.width-800.png" width="800"><p data-block-key="28v8e">I grew up in Narrabundah, so I used to swim at Manuka Pool every day during the Christmas school holidays. I&#x27;d be there some days from when it opened to when they kicked me out. A few times Mr Taverner kicked me out for doing &#x27;Springies&#x27; on the diving board. Great memories.</p><h3 data-block-key="7g1ii">Kristen Davidson</h3><h4 data-block-key="ci9ad">MIX106.3 Breakfast Host</h4><img alt="PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px3" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px3.width-800.png" width="800"><p data-block-key="cabp2">Manuka Pool is my favourite local swimming spot for sure. We have kids, and it&#x27;s been our saviour. A pool and water activities for the whole family. Grass to sit, read and play. I’m also pleased to share that we were only involved in the “closing of the pool” - due to a little one&#x27;s need to go to the toilet - and I thanked my lucky stars it wasn’t my child.</p><h3 data-block-key="1pt4c">Andrew Barr</h3><h4 data-block-key="76h34">ACT Chief Minister</h4><img alt="PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px4" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px4.width-800.png" width="800"><p data-block-key="5gtuq">Before we moved to Canberra in the mid-1970s I spent a lot of time on the beaches of Lennox Head and Byron Bay. From the late 1970s though, summer holidays became all about Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay.</p><p data-block-key="1ogob">In Canberra itself, my favourites include Lake Burley Griffin, Casuarina Sands, Erindale Pool, Big Splash and Dickson Pool.</p><h3 data-block-key="93fue">Anthony Ferraro</h3><h4 data-block-key="5pgqu">Owner, Little Theo&#x27;s takeaway, Kambah</h4><img alt="PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px5" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/PoolxCelebs_Image_1280px_853px5.width-800.png" width="800"><p data-block-key="7gf4q">Being married to a Kambah local, who grew up swimming at Kambah Pool and Pine Island, I’m almost embarrassed to admit I&#x27;ve never had a dip at either place! But, I&#x27;ve had some amazing picnics with the family there, and taught the kids to skim stones along the water while they were playing and jumping from rocks to rocks.</p><p data-block-key="4jfsq">For me, the most special part of swimming in Canberra is serving up hot chips to the local kids on their way home from Kambah Pool. It&#x27;s nostalgic and really special.</p>

Famous Canberrans let us in on their fave local swimming holes

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View important property information for 131 London Circuit CANBERRA, ACT 2601

131 London Circuit CANBERRA, ACT 2601 is for Rent on Zango

Duane Dawson

CANBERRA

North Canberra

ACT & Surrounds

Rent

Located on the lower ground floor of Baileys Arcade shares frontage with Transit Bar and Hair by Charles.

Baileys Corner is an iconic building in the city retail district fronting London Circuit, East Row and Petrie Plaza within easy walking distance to the light rail and located next to the city bus interchange. Parking for customers and staff is available in the public car park across the road making this area one of the best locations to park and visit. 

The fit out has everything, tables, chairs, glasses, cold room and a pizza oven! Being a restaurant there the exhaust and grease trap, cold room and gas connected. 

This is a perfect space to make your own with little setup costs. 

Inspections are via appointment only.

A restaurant that's ready to rock

Dawson Commercial Pty Ltd

City

131 London Circuit CANBERRA, ACT 2601

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131 London Circuit CANBERRA, ACT 2601

Baileys Corner

A restaurant that's ready to rock

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Duane Dawson

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London Circuit

Canberra

North Canberra