It's winter, it's cold, why not get cosy on Saturday knitting a beanie for those in need? And there will be soup!
The newly appointed patron of the Beanie Big Good Turn - Brindabella Labor MLA Taimus Werner-Gibbings - is encouraging knitters from across the national capital to join this weekend's community knit-a-thon in support of vulnerable Canberrans.
Just bring your 4mm knitting needles. The wool and pattern will be supplied. And knitters of all skill levels are encouraged to come along.
Organised by the Brindabella Trefoil Guild, the 2026 Beanie Big Good Turn will be held on Saturday, July 4, at the Wanniassa Guide Hall in Hyland Place, Wanniassa from 10am to 2.30pm.
Knitters will come together to knit like fury to create warm woollen beanies that will be distributed to community organisations supporting people experiencing hardship throughout winter.
The Beanie Big Good Turn has become an annual tradition of community service, transforming donated wool into practical support for Canberrans doing it tough during the coldest months of the year.
Last year, the guild and volunteer knitters donated more than 1600 beanies to Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, St John's Care and the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol.
The event is open to knitters of all skill levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their 4mm knitting needles, with wool and patterns provided on the day.
"You don't need to be a master knitter to join the Beanie Big Good Turn. Just pick up some donated wool, cast on, and have a bit of fun purling together to make a genuine difference," Mr Werner-Gibbings said.
A presentation of this year's beanies to participating charities will take place at 2.30 pmon Saturday. The guild also welcomes completed beanies from community members who are unable to attend on the day and will continue accepting donations of beanies until the end of August.
Soup and bread, along with tea and coffee, will be provided for attendees.
"There's something special about knowing your handmade beanie will go to someone who needs it most. It's practical, it's personal, and it's a beautiful example of Canberra's community spirit in action," Mr Werner-Gibbings said.
"Every beanie knitted this Saturday will help keep someone warm this winter. That's a simple act of kindness that can make a real difference."
"I'm proud to support this fantastic initiative, helping the Brindabella Trefoil Guild continue its longstanding work supporting vulnerable members of our community."
Brindabella Trefoil Guild president Christine Brill encouraged everyone to come along and enjoy the fellowship of a knit-a-thon.
"Canberrans have responded generously to the Beanie Big Good Turn and we're looking forward to another fantastic day of knitting and community connection," she said.
"We'll have wool, patterns and plenty of experienced knitters on hand, so we encourage people to come along, enjoy the fellowship and help us create beanies for those who need them."
"Every beanie we knit will find its way to a community organisation supporting Canberrans through winter, and that's what makes this event so special."
