Valikamam West (Chankanai)

A raised bed in the courtyard, a community garden or simply swapping cuttings and seeds: gardening connects generations. People without a garden of their own are often happy to share a bed. Do you have plants, tools or …

Snow and ice are a real challenge for older or unwell neighbours. If you're clearing your own path anyway, you can often do a few metres more. Sharing a bag of grit between several houses saves effort too. Who in Valika…

Moving for training or university is exciting, but it can feel a bit lonely at first. Sports groups, choirs, youth clubs or volunteering are great ways to meet people quickly. And sometimes just saying hi here is enough…

Sport doesn't have to mean pressure. Bouldering, skating, volleyball in the park or running with friends: the main thing is that you enjoy moving. Many clubs offer free taster sessions. What sport is popular in Valikama…

Festivals, customs and small rituals connect people across decades. Which tradition in Valikamam West means the most to you, and do you take part yourself? Tell us about it in the comments!

So many nice things happen that never make the papers: a lost wallet returned, a new shop opening, a lovely celebration. What good news from Valikamam West would you like to share this week? We look forward to your post…

A sunrise over the rooftops, a front garden in bloom or a funny sign: home is full of great pictures. Show us your best photo of the week from Valikamam West and tell us briefly where you took it!

The current division and its borders date back to Dutch colonial rule in the 18th century, which used the historical region names with a geographic suffix marker. Jaffna peninsula was historically divided into the three…

Valikamam West (Tamil: வலிகாமம் மேற்கு, romanized: Valikāmam mēṟku, lit. 'The west sandy village'; Sinhala: වැලිගම බටහිර, romanized: Væligama baṭahira) is a Divisional Secretariat of Jaffna District, of Northern Province,…

Every place can become a little nicer to live in, and locals often have the best ideas. What would you improve in New South Wales: more benches, better cycle paths, a meeting place for young and old? Share your suggesti…

A driving licence is a big step towards independence for many, but it takes time and money. Compare offers beforehand, study the theory regularly in small chunks and stay relaxed during lessons. Bikes and public transpo…

Whether it's a part-time job in a café, delivering leaflets or tutoring: your first job brings not just money but confidence too. Make sure you get a written contract and that your hours fit around school or college. Wh…

Not everyone finds smartphones, online bookings or long forms easy. Often a patient half hour is all it takes to help someone. Important: never take over passwords or bank details, go through it together step by step in…

A weatherproof box where anyone can leave books, toys or kitchen bits and take something else: sustainability can be that simple. What matters is a good spot, permission from the owner or the council, and a few people w…

Moving somewhere new often means not knowing anyone yet, and that's exactly when a neighbourhood can show how welcoming it is. Just arrived in Jervis Bay Territory? Tell us where you're from and what you're looking for.…

Some words only make sense if you grew up here. Which local expression from Jervis Bay Territory do you love, and what does it mean? Post it in the comments, ideally with a short explanation for everyone who moved here!

Spring brings blossom everywhere, summer calls you to the water, autumn leaves glow and winter gets cosy. Which season do you love most in Jervis Bay Territory, and what do you like to do then? Let us know!

Looking for an apprenticeship can feel huge at first. A good start: think about what you enjoy and ask local businesses directly about a work placement. Many companies welcome speculative applications even when nothing …

Guitar, drums, singing or beats on your laptop: music brings people together. Many towns have rehearsal rooms, music schools or open-mic nights where you can try things out. And bands are often looking for exactly the i…

For some older people the trip to the supermarket is hard work, especially when it's icy or very hot. If you're going shopping anyway, it's often easy to pick something up for someone else. A note in the hallway or a qu…