CANBERRA makes living easy and full of fun, and I can’t help but smile at the exciting changes we are seeing now and into the future.

Small-business gems previously secreted away in our local centres are thriving and finding new audiences. Exciting urban precincts have emerged attracting young and old to new scenes and vibes.

• Redevelopment in and around Civic has revitalised our city streets, adding a fun indy edge to the north in Braddon, and bringing a new lease of life to City West and NewActon.

• Kingston Foreshore has focused our attention on a fresh arts and commercial precinct on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin.

• New hotels and apartments sitting alongside government buildings in Barton have re-energised a beautiful traditional Canberra suburb.

Unsurprisingly, our city has become the home-of-choice to an incredibly talented cohort of creatives – designers, artists and craftspeople who can see the value of the Canberra lifestyle and embrace the opportunities to develop their skills and build new businesses in the capital.

What is great is that we can all enjoy the fruits of their labour and many of my favourite places in Canberra offer local creative wares.

Canberra Glassworks, Australia’s only cultural centre wholly dedicated to contemporary glass art, shares its magic with the public while providing a venue for artistic development. And I am continually impressed by the skill of our local craftspeople.

Likewise, new urban precincts such as NewActon are providing a new space for Canberra’s extraordinary artistic and design community, as well as those seeking new dining experiences, and it’s flourishing.

These new businesses and spaces enhance what is already an amazing city. Our beautiful shared outdoor spaces and our relaxed and friendly way of life remain one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It’s time to

share.

Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia