As a born and bred Canberran, there’s a lot Bronwyn Fagan loves about living and working in the nation’s capital — but nothing more than the thrill of a Raiders home game.

Bronwyn, who sits on the Board of the Canberra Raiders National Rugby League team, has a soft spot for both rugby league and rugby union, and is a huge Raiders and Brumbies fan.

“Not much beats sitting in the crowd and cheering along with the Green Machine’s [the Raiders’] amazing fans,

Bronwyn says

“Of course the Brumbies are also close to my heart.

“It’s so rewarding being able to contribute to the Green Machine by being on the Board. Watching the boys play in the grand final in 2019 was an amazing experience – and the town got right behind the Raiders.”

Bronwyn’s favourite way to relax is to watch her daughters playing sport and cheering from the sideline 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,” she says.

“There are several places in Canberra where you can watch elite sport played on a regular basis.

“We’re really spoiled for choice here in the capital and we’re seeing an increasing number of top-level sporting events come to town.

“Watching Australian Football League 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 in other capital cities.

“Our fabulous local journalists have given women’s sport a fair go in the media for the past three decades, and as a result, 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’s not just a coincidence.”

Canberra’s generosity

A commentator on ABC Radio’s local Grandstand for 14 years, Bronwyn also sits on the board of the Canberra Hospital Foundation. She’s 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,” she says.

‘Like a small country town’

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

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

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

Getting the balance right

On weekends, you’ll find Bronwyn exploring the bush trails and parks around the Molonglo Valley, or just outside of Canberra at the Cotter Dam, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Corin Forest.

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 says.

She also enjoys the quaint cafes and antique stores around Fyshwick, and shops like the Harry Potter-inspired Quizzic Alley.

A place to learn and grow

Bronwyn was educated in Canberra, including studying at both the University of Canberra and the Australian National University. She’s now 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,” she says.

“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.”