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Photo by RoseAnna Schick
The Twelve Apostles are a famous rock formation situated along the Great Ocean Road in Australia.

Exploring Australia’s Great Ocean Road

RoseAnna Schick 3 minute read Yesterday at 4:50 PM CDT

People who like road trips will love the Great Ocean Road in the southeastern Australian province of Victoria. Known as one of the world’s most stunning drives, it features dazzling scenery of white beaches, coastal cliffs, lush forests, and spectacular natural formations.

Construction on the road began in 1919, when servicemen returned home from the First World War. Carved through rock and hugging the coastline for over 240 kilometres, the Great Ocean Road took more than a decade to complete and was dedicated in honour Australia’s fallen soldiers. Today, it’s considered the world’s largest war memorial.

The Great Ocean Road begins in Torquay, a town southwest of Melbourne. From there it stretches west along the shoreline to Allansford, passing through coastal towns with fascinating attractions and incredible views.

Torquay is famous for surf culture and being the birthplace of some of surfing’s most iconic brands. It delivers the quintessential Australian seaside experience, with an atmosphere that mixes bougie and beach culture, blending laid‑back coastal vibes with world‑class beaches. It’s a great place to learn how to surf, with several schools offering group and private lessons from beginner right on up. While the rest of us quietly sip coffee on the nearest patio and enjoy watching surfers carve up the waves.

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Supplied photo by Leif Norman
Métis fiddler Gilles Crevier and his daughter Sara, on washboard, played at the premiere of Everything We Need is Here.

‘Mother Earth, she’s a mother to all of us…’

Janine LeGal Special to FP Community Review 5 minute read Preview

‘Mother Earth, she’s a mother to all of us…’

Janine LeGal Special to FP Community Review 5 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Katharina Stieffenhofer’s latest documentary film, Everything We Need is Here, is a love poem to the Earth — woven from themes of nature, connection, and resistance.

With stunning imagery and multi-layered stories, it explores trauma, resilience, and ecological justice in a meditation on how human well-being is inseparable from the health of the land. It is ultimately a hopeful story of healing — one woman’s recovery intertwined with a community’s determination to defend the forests that sustain them.

“We need intact nature, trees and forests, not just for our well-being, but for our survival,” said Stieffenhofer, an East Fort Garry resident. “If we connect with nature and with each other, we are more likely to protect everything we need that is already here. I am also hoping to deepen the understanding of the impacts of resource extraction on our Indigenous communities — 100 per cent of critical minerals in Northern Manitoba are located on Indigenous ancestral lands.”

The official premiere of Everything We Need is Here was held last month at the Park Theatre. The Feast for the Senses event featured food catered by chef Ben Kramer, an opening prayer drum song by Marcel Hardisty and Terrance Bruce, musical performances by Métis fiddler Gilles Crevier and his washboard-playing daughter Sara, and musical improvisation by Keri Latimer/ÓFukami accompanied by her theremin and her houseplant.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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Plans for a mixed-use residential and commercial development on Ravenhurst Street, which will include 11 townhouse-style buildings, including 47 two-storey townhouses with garages and nine single-storey townhouses without garages, and one 10,000 square foot commercial building, were approved by the East Kildonan-Transcona community committee on April 9.

New housing approved across northeast

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

New housing approved across northeast

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The East Kildonan-Transcona community committee held a regular meeting April 9.

All three councillors — Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan), Emma Durand-Wood (Elmwood-East Kildonan), and Russ Wyatt (Transcona) — were present at the meeting. Wyatt currently faces criminal charges of sexual assault and administering a drug with intent to aggrieve or annoy, which have yet to be proved in court. He maintains he is innocent.

During the regular meeting, a number of development plans were discussed.

Plans for a mixed-use residential and commercial development on Ravenhurst Street, which will include 11 townhouse-style buildings, including 47 two-storey townhouses with garages and nine single-storey townhouses without garages, and one 10,000 square foot commercial building, were approved by the committee, with two small changes. A steel bike loop will be installed at each unit lacking a garage, and 24 additional coniferous trees will be planted among the north and east boundary landscaping.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

All in the family

Janine LeGal Special to FP Community Review 5 minute read Preview

All in the family

Janine LeGal Special to FP Community Review 5 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Celebrating 60 years in the community this year, Jensen’s Nursery and Garden Centre has built a legacy of this family-owned and-operated nursery and garden centre is one community and customer service.

Located at 2550 McGillivray Blvd., just outside city limits in Oak Bluff (but inside the Perimeter Highway), the nursery and garden centre is a hidden gem. There are no bold and flashing signs or big fancy banners, but walking into the site takes you through everything one could want to create beautiful outdoor and indoor gardens.

Storm, a hefty grey boy-cat, walks alongside customers from beginning to end of the greenhouse, while hazel-eyed Chloe, the orange girl-cat, oversees day-to-day operations from her box on the front counter.

“Cats are the most important part of the greenhouse,” Susan Jensen Stubbe said, with a chuckle.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

File photo by Simon Fuller
LRATC’s annual cure-a-thon will be held at the Windsor Park-based school on April 30. In this 2024 file photo, former hairstyling students Kayleigh and Sudip are pictured.

East edition news in brief – week of April 15, 2026

FR Community Review staff 2 minute read Preview

East edition news in brief – week of April 15, 2026

FR Community Review staff 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Louis Riel ATC cure-a-thon to run April 30

The school community at Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre (5 De Bourmont Ave.) will come together to support CancerCare Manitoba.

The Windsor Park-based school will host its annual cure-a-thon fundraiser Thursday, April 30 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Lucie Laurin, an esthetics teacher at LRATC, said the event will include a pancake breakfast, bake sale, popcorn sale, car wash tickets, and a silent auction.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Supplied photo by Greg Nykiforuk
Thandi Vera, who plays Dr. Dorothy Watson in Hood & Dagger’s Miss Holmes, grew up in Zimbabwe watching various Sherlock Holmes adaptations with her family, a tradition she continues now that she calls the Exchange District home.

Fresh take on Holmes anything but elementary

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Fresh take on Holmes anything but elementary

Sheldon Birnie STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The game is certainly afoot for one local theatre troupe.

Hood & Dagger Productions is currently gearing up for its third show of the season. Miss Holmes, a take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective tales, runs May 7 to 10 at the Martial-Caron Theatre at Université de Saint-Boniface.

The production is the company’s largest to date, with 16 locals in the cast and many more working behind the scenes. In this version of the Holmes story, written by Christopher M. Walsh, Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson investigate a corrupt police inspector whose wives keep ending up dead.

Thandi Vera, who plays Watson, grew up in Zimbabwe watching various Sherlock Holmes adaptations with her family, a tradition she continues now that she calls the Exchange District home.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Serving the prairies with pride

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Preview

Serving the prairies with pride

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Four local tennis players recently represented the prairies with pride on the national stage.

Mariya Gedz, Jett Nguyen, Hudson Joseph Van Den Bussche, and Natalina Zappia all qualified to represent Team Prairies at the Tennis Canada Fischer Indoor Junior National Championships at the U16 level.

The event was held at Club de tennis Île des Sœurs, Montreal, Que., from March 22 to 29.

In the U16 boys singles tournament, Nguyen was defeated by ninth-seeded Ilya Sherifali 6-1, 6-0 in the second round. In the U16 boys doubles, Nguyen and Van Den Bussche lost to Milan Grabovica and Eli Thomas Marks 6-4, 6-3 in the round of 32. As well as his doubles appearance with Nguyen, Van Den Bussche was defeated by Simon Stoyanov 6-0, 6-3 in the first round.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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The first Walk with L’Arche (above) was held in 2005. The 22nd is set for Sunday, May 3.

Celebrating inclusion

Tony Zerucha Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Preview

Celebrating inclusion

Tony Zerucha Special to FP Community Review 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The 22nd annual Walk with L’Arche is not only a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon outdoors with some wonderful people, it’s also a celebration of the contributions people with intellectual disabilities make to our communities — and it raises funds for home repairs, musical therapy programs and social initiatives.

It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for L’Arche Winnipeg, which creates homes and social opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, according to communications and fund development co-ordinator Mira Ramlal.

This year’s event will be held at Park City West Community Centre (115 Sanford Fleming Rd.), on Sunday, May 3. Registration begins at 2 p.m., with the walk commencing at 3 p.m.

L’Arche Winnipeg operates six homes and a supported independent living program. Some of the funds generated May 3 will be devoted to repairing those homes, with the remainder devoted to accessible transportation and community programming. Those programs, which provide valuable social opportunities, are not government funded, so the more L’Arche raises, the more experiences it can provide.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Photo by John Kendle
Visitors to this year’s Art from the Attic event on Oct. 4 at St. Vital Centre can anticipate finding thousands of pieces of donated art to choose from. Proceeds from the event go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.

Lewis’ legacy lives on with Grands ‘n’ More

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Preview

Lewis’ legacy lives on with Grands ‘n’ More

Simon Fuller STAFF REPORTER 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Every piece of art deserves a good home, and Grands ‘n’ More Winnipeg plays a big part in making that happen, as well as supporting a cause that’s dear to the hearts of its members.

The non-profit charitable organization is about to launch its 10th annual Art from the Attic campaign, and organizers are keen to get the word out about the initiative, as now is the time that people embark on spring cleaning and are potentially looking to offload items from their homes and cabins.

Art from the Attic is an art sale at St. Vital Centre (1225 St. Mary’s Rd.) where thousands of pieces of artwork will be on sale to the public at affordable prices. This year’s sale will take place Sunday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Every spring, Grands ‘n’ More campaigns for donations of artworks for the sale.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

City news in brief — week of April 15, 2026

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Preview

City news in brief — week of April 15, 2026

FP Community Review staff 1 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Bike Winnipeg to hold AGM on April 18

Mother Nature may have the last say on when exactly most Winnipeggers will break out their bicycles this spring.

Nevertheless, in preparation for the cycling season, Bike Winnipeg will hold its annual general meeting at Ralph Brown Community Centre (520 Machray Ave.) on Saturday, April 18 between 1 and 4 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.

According to Bike Winnipeg’s website, the event will include voting for re-election of several current board members (people must have a paid membership to vote).

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Free Press file photo
A fun way to get together and get to know your neighbours is by hosting a community block party.

Help make our community safer, more vibrant

John Orlikow 3 minute read Preview

Help make our community safer, more vibrant

John Orlikow 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Building the kind of neighbourhoods, we want to be a part of doesn’t happen by accident – we all have a role to play in making our communities as safe and welcoming as possible for everyone.

For many of us, that starts with keeping our homes, garages and property protected. To help give you, your family and friends tips on crime prevention and personal safety, I will be hosting two free community forums, along with my senior staff member, Georgina, and the Winnipeg Police Service later this month.

Join us on Saturday April 25, 202at 3:30 p.m. at Linden Woods Community Centre (414 Lindenwood Dr.) or on Monday, April 27 at 7p.m. at the Corydon Community Centre – River Heights Site (1370 Grosvenor Ave.).

At both events, WPS members will share the best ways to secure our homes and personal property and answer any questions you may have. I hope to see you there as we all work together to keep River Heights-Fort Garry as safe as possible.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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Avi Lewis holds his first press conference as leader of Canada’s NDP, alongside former interim leader Don Davies, Leah Gazan, MP for Winnipeg Centre, at the Delta Hotel on March 30.

Avi Lewis: A future for the 99 per cent

Winnipeg Centre 3 minute read Preview

Avi Lewis: A future for the 99 per cent

Winnipeg Centre 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Just a few weeks ago, New Democratic Party of Canada members gathered in Winnipeg to choose a new leader. The overwhelming sense of excitement and optimism I have felt since we came together at the convention has not left me.

It’s with deep honour and enthusiasm that I share my heartfelt congratulations to our new NDP leader, Avi Lewis. Avi brings 35 years of challenging power and advancing working-class politics across Canada through his experience as a veteran journalist, educator and activist. Avi has deep roots in progressive politics as the son of Stephen Lewis, grandson of David Lewis, and the husband of Naomi Klein.

I was proud to endorse Avi early on because I supported and recognized his bold, progressive, and democratic agenda. I look forward to working with Avi as we rebuild our party to make room for everyone who believes in social, economic and racial justice.

It was inspiring to join this new wave of energy spreading throughout Canada and culminating in Winnipeg. You could feel the excitement in the air at the RBC Convention Centre and see the energy in the numbers. We broke party fundraising records and welcomed thousands of members at convention, including a record youth turnout, showing that the future of the NDP is bright.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Active Living Centre feeds body and soul

Michele Kading 3 minute read Preview

Active Living Centre feeds body and soul

Michele Kading 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

I recently met with some wonderful people at the Elmwood-East Kildonan Active Living Centre. When I arrived, the main room was in use for a meeting of staff and volunteers. An hour later, it was transformed into a food rescue centre. Dozens of volunteers from Community Helpers Unite organized grocery items donated by local stores. Tables were stacked with potatoes, onions, peppers, cabbages, green onions, mandarin oranges, kiwis, papayas, and more. Word about the Thursday food giveaway had just gone out on social media. Soon, hundreds of people would arrive to save the food from going to waste.

This is just one of the food security programs offered by the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation at the Active Living Centre.

What makes it unique?

“The program is barrier-free” said Louise Peters of CNRC. “If you need it, you take it.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Free Press file photo
The annual Children’s Hospital Book Market at St. Vital Centre is a treasure trove for collectors of sports books. This year’s market runs from April 24 to 26.

So many sports books, so little time

T. Kent Morgan 5 minute read Preview

So many sports books, so little time

T. Kent Morgan 5 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The Children’s Hospital Book Market will be held at the St. Vital Shopping Centre from Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26. It’s hard to believe, but this year will be year 66 for the volunteer-run event that raises funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba through the sale of used books.

The book market always has a special section devoted to sports books, and this columnist will be staffing it from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 24. Stop by to say hello and, more importantly, purchase books. As a reader, collector and historian, I have been adding to my much-to-large personal collection for several decades.

On the opening morning, several collectors will be waiting for the volunteers to uncover the sports books and allow the battles to begin for the treasures. One regular comes for Montreal Canadiens books he doesn’t have. Another goes to the golf section in the hope of finding instructional books that will help his game. Parents ask for recommendations of books that might generate more interest in reading for their athletic children.

The largest section is hockey, and I guarantee it will include at least one copy of Manitoba Hockey: A History, by Vince Leah that was published as a provincial centennial project in 1970 by the Manitoba Hockey Players Foundation. One year I found a copy signed by NHLers Bill Mosienko and Bill Juzda, as well as by the author. A signed copy of Cowboy on Ice, a biography of the colourful former pro Howie Young, often shows up, as it was published in Winnipeg.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Jacks would love to brighten your day

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Preview

Jacks would love to brighten your day

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Hi! My name is Jacks and am a very happy boy, 24/7. I even wag my tail while I’m drinking out of my water dish or eating out of my food dish.

My favourite times of the day are breakfast and dinner, as I love food. Although I’m not a high-energy dog, I really enjoy some exercise but like spending most of my day taking long naps, and you will often find me wherever all the humans are hanging out, especially snuggling on the couch. I would consider this one of my top hobbies.

I am fully house-trained and fully crate-trained.

I am good with adults and older kids, over age 12. I have a strong prey drive, so it’s best that I am not with small pets or other dogs. A fenced yard would be ideal.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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Unfortunately, this is a time of year at which some scammers target students with fake promises of easygoing, high-paying gigs.

Be wary of job scams this summer

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Preview

Be wary of job scams this summer

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The summer job churn is here and postings for temporary staff are cropping up across the province. It’s an exciting time for many – when we learn the habits, skills and competencies that will carry us into our professional careers. It’s also when we will make lifelong friends and put some money in the bank to get us through another Manitoba winter.

But, alongside the opportunity and excitement lies an increased risk. Scammers are targeting casual workers, especially university students, to see if they can lure them into their fake promises of easygoing, high-paying gigs.

It often begins with an email to a student’s university email account. The scammer may try to impersonate a professor, a human resources service centre or a company in the community. They’ll offer the student a summer job that seems easy and pays well. At some point, the scammer will say that part of the job requires purchasing supplies for the soon-to-be employee or the company. This should alert all your senses. They’ll mail a cheque and tell the student to use it to pay for the supplies before keeping the rest as a payment. The supplies may include gift cards, money orders or prepaid debit cards. The student will be instructed to send these elsewhere or even perform an electronic transfer to another individual.

Since it can take a bank weeks to verify a cheque, the student won’t know that the cheque they received will bounce and they’ll be out all the money they used to purchase these things for the “company”. The scammer will have the prepaid cards or e-transfers, and the student will likely never see that money again.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

April 17, 2026