“COMBAT Wombat to the Rescue” is a picture book for preschool to primary school-aged children, released this week. The tale follows an unlikely hero, Combat Wombat, who saves his bush buddies from a raging bushfire, while overcoming many obstacles. Originally written six years ago by Canberra author, Gina Newton, the picture book was commissioned by Melbourne publisher, Ford Street. Illustrations are by Canberra artist, Tiffanee Daley. Available here.

CANBERRA photographers Geoff Comfort and Ben Kopilow are running workshops at Cockington Green during “Floriade: Reimagined”. Next up is Saturday, October 3 from 7-9am. The workshops, while targeted to the intermediate photographer, are still suitable for budding and advanced photographers. Bring a camera, book here.

THREE new exhibitions opening at the ANU Drill Hall Gallery this week are: “Lightworks: Lesley Dumbrell, Trevor Vickers, Virginia Coventry, Richard Dunn”; “Hannah Gason: Interval”, guest curated by Helen Maxwell; and “Watershed”, a thought-provoking video installation by David Stephenson and Martin Walch. Kingsley St, Acton, October 2-29, Wednesday to Sunday, 10-5pm.

LUMINESCENCE Chamber Singers perform music by Thomas Tallis, Arvo Pärt, Paul Stanhope, Caroline Shaw and Meta Cohen in “Exile Lamentations”, Wesley Uniting Church, 7pm, Saturday, October 3, Wesley Uniting Church and 5pm Sunday, October 4. Book here.

MANNING Clark House is resurfacing with “Chats”, a series of well-spaced, small group discussions in the gardens, organised by Fleur Millar. Bring your own lunch. First up is earth and paleo-climate scientist Dr Andrew Glikson, speaking about climate trends and their consequences in the 21st century. 11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest, 1-2pm, Monday, October 5, bookings essential at 0421 187 688 or email fleurmillar@yahoo.com.au

A NOVEL which considers the trade-off between ethics and economics has been chosen as the Australian Catholic University Book of the Year. “Beartown” by Frederik Backman tells the story of a small town forced to make tough decisions after a rape on the eve of the big game. A copy of the book will be given to every first-year student at ACU in 2021, an initiative which ensures the sale of 7,500 additional copies for the author, Swedish writer Frederik Backman, and publisher Penguin.

THE third of Geoff Page’s reading series at Smiths will feature Lisa Brockwell from northern NSW, Moya Pacey from Canberra and Adrian Caesar from the south coast. Combination live and streamed event. Smith’s Alternative, 6.30pm for 7pm, Monday, October 5.

THE Divine Devilles and Johnny Huckle will be at the Artists Shed, 88 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick, from 2-5pm this Sunday, October 4. Bookings recommended or call 0407 607 516. Margaret and Frank have social distancing and cleaning requirements in place. Hand sanitiser, too. The café will be open and there’ll be a BBQ in the break.

CANBERRA pianist Sam Row will perform classical piano favourites by Chopin, Debussy, Gershwin, Glinka, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Respighi, Schumann and Tchaikovsky. Wesley Music Centre, Forrest, 2.30pm, Monday, October 5. Book via strow36@gmail.com or call 0488 410 473.