As a born and bred Canberran, there’s a lot Bronwyn Fagan loves about living and working in the national capital, especially the variety of sport and activities on offer.

Bronwyn, who sits on the Board of the Canberra Raiders and presented on ABC Local Grandstand for 14 years, has a soft spot for both Rugby League and Union, specifically the Raiders and the Brumbies.

“Not much beats going and watching the Raiders win a home game being cheered on by the Green Machine’s amazing fans! Of course the Brumbies are also close to my heart – and it’s an easy trip down the road to watch,” she says.

“It’s very rewarding and enjoyable being able to contribute to the Green Machine through being on the Board. Watching the boys play in the grand final last year was an amazing experience – and the town got right behind the Raiders.

Her favourite way to relax is to watch her girls take part in their sports, and cheer from the sidelines with other parents. 

Spoiled for choice

“Canberra has some amazing facilities to play sport –  hockey, tennis, golf, netball, basketball, cricket, soccer and even beach volleyball,” Bronwyn says.

“There are several places in Canberra where you can get along to watch elite sport played on a regular basis. We are really spoiled for choice here in Canberra, and have seen an increasing number of top-level sporting events come to town. Watching AFL teams play here at Manuka Oval, you can get a lot closer to the action than if you were watching with 85,000 other people at the MCG. 

“As a result of our fabulous local journalists who have always given women’s sport a fair go in the media for the past 3 decades, our female national league teams have flourished and been highly successful here in Canberra. That attitude has helped break down barriers and attract quality athletes to our teams, as well as support staff, administrators and sponsors. We definitely bat above the national average with the success and profile of our women’s sporting teams – and that is not just a coincidence!”

Canberra’s generosity

Bronwyn also sits on the board of the Canberra Hospital Foundation, and has seen first hand the generosity of Canberrans.

“We really see the best in people when times are tough, and the ability for Canberrans to really lift, time after time, and look after people in our community who need help makes me very proud to be a Canberran!”

Amazing networking

As a lawyer, Bronwyn has enjoyed a varied career, close to to the “machinations of government”.

“There are lots of opportunities and variety available right here in town. Often people move away for experience but then many people come home.

“Canberra is like a small country town, in that everyone knows everyone and you constantly run into people you have previously worked with. Networking here is amazing!”

Relax and unwind

On weekends, you can often find Bronwyn exploring the bushwalks and parks around the Molonglo Valley – such as the Bushfire Memorial and the running trails, and further up Cotter Road towards Tidbinbilla and Corin. Or she might be enjoying a soy chai at the Cupping Room, getting a massage at Thai Bliss, playing a game of hockey or taking her horse Sun Bear for a ride.

“It’s much easier to have my horse here than other places!”

She also enjoys the quaint cafes and antique stores around Fyshwick, and the shops such as Quizzic Alley, grabbing a bargain at one of the great second-hand clothes stores. 

“Canberra has loads of local markets where local producers bring their wares. You can buy anything from French pastries, locally made pearl jewellery, artworks, amazing fig jams and sauces – to fig infused locally produced gin, and excellent Canberra wines… or delicious zero proof locally created cocktails.”

Great for kids

Bronwyn was educated in Canberra, including studying at both the University of Canberra and the Australian National University, and now she is a parent involved in her girls’ education.

“There are so many options here for parents to select a school that suits the needs of their children at any given time. There are excellent places for children to go for excursions without travelling far from their school or home – and lots of open space for children to develop good exercise habits,” she says

“School holiday program options are very broad, where children have the opportunity to try new things or develop their skills such as with drama, sport and music, or they can go and learn about the zoo for example.”