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Centre for a Better Canberra

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Centre for a Better Canberra

A Canberra think-tank


For thousands of years, First Nations people hosted guests from other nations and shared the gifts of this region. At Australia’s foundation came the intention to create Canberra, a designed city, a place of national and international decision making and home to a variety of treasured national institutions.

Beyond the grand ideals of its original design, Canberra is now a city of near half a million people in a diverse region of nearly a million people; these are Canberrans who run schools, hospitals and hotels, design and build homes, make music, art and wine.

The Centre for a Better Canberra (FAB CBR), housed at the University of Canberra, advocates in the interest of the Canberra community, putting its needs and priorities at the heart of its agenda. The Centre will work with citizens, connecting Canberrans with local learning and bridging the gap between academia and the functional needs of the community.



Our purpose

Our purpose

A think-tank for the Canberra region, providing insights about ourselves and advocating for our future.

Our vision

Our vision

Keeping the essence of what makes Canberra great and adapting to changes as our city and region grow.

Our work

The Centre for a Better Canberra will produce policy reports, seminars and other events to drive advocacy in favour of a better city and region.

We will engage and connect with our community through direct engagement, stakeholder groups, politicians and community leaders, government agencies and businesses.

If you would like to be notified when new reports and events are published, sign up to our mailing list or keep an eye on this page.

Sign up to the FAB CBR newsletter

Our people

Martin Greenwood

Martin Greenwood

Martin Greenwood is Director of the Centre for a Better Canberra. A specialist in ‘Canberra and Canberrans’ his passion for the city and region might be unrivalled. He has worked across local NGOs, the ACT Public Sector, held senior roles in the Chief Minister’s office and recently as head of external engagement for the University of Canberra. He is a member of the Brand CBR board and the UCX Ltd board spanning the fields of city pride, tourism, student welfare, events, hospitality and sport.

What’s your favourite thing about Canberra?
"How Canberra can be both a big city and small town – spend some time in Canberra, doing Canberra things and before long a walk through the city is an exercise in bumping into friends."

Jan Shaddock

Jan Shaddock

Jan Shaddock is the driving force behind the centre as Centre Operations Manager. A long time Canberran, she is a project and program manager with over a decade of experience in the tertiary education sector spanning external relations, fundraising, relationship management and research management. Jan is currently the Associate Director, Civic Leadership at University of Canberra. Her passion is connecting academia with community and she has spent the last few years working to develop meaningful collaborative partnership programs.

What’s your favourite thing about Canberra?
"Canberra’s mountain walks - from the North to the South of our beautiful region they offer breathtaking views and are my favourite way to get exercise outdoors."

Gonzalo Cubillo de Regoyos

Gonzalo Cubillo de Regoyos

Gonzalo is in charge of the Centre’s community engagement program. He is a public engagement professional with local and international experience in public relations, events, and project management. Gonzalo aims to connect FAB CBR’s work with local communities and expand the footprint of projects through meaningful engagement and outreach initiatives.

What’s your favourite thing about Canberra?
"The bush capital’s open spaces and reserves. I love taking my dog Jasper for long relaxing walks around Lake Burley Griffin, and nice swims at Urriarra Crossing during the summer months."

Advisory board

The Advisory Board of FAB CBR is tasked with ensuring the Centre’s work remains in line with its mission statement, as well as assisting in the promotion and dissemination of its work. The Advisory Board is comprised of multidisciplinary experts brought together by a shared desire to advocate for the Canberra region, its community and its continued development.

Register your interest for the FAB CBR Board

Engage with us

As a civic-engagement focused think-tank, the Centre for a Better Canberra is always looking for partnership opportunities. Get in touch with us to find out how we can best collaborate, be it through events, webinars, research or policy recommendations.

We are committed to the improvement of the national capital. Whether you are a community organisation, a non-for-profit or a government department, we would love to hear about your initiatives to create a better Canberra. 


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The University of Canberra is a place-based institution, committed to embedding the principles of civic and community engagement in all its activities. The University plays a critical role in building engaged communities: creating opportunities and spaces for people to come together with government, business, industry and community partners to collaborate, share information and ideas, and develop solutions to the key issues facing our region. 

Photo credit: Left and middle - VisitCanberra; Right - Matt Whitcombe for VisitCanberra

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UC acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where Bruce campus is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.