ACT Government Health and Community Services

ACT Government Health and Community Services Official page for the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate.

Keeping you informed about Canberra’s public health system and the community services that promote healthy lives. House Rules:
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Meet Kharishma 👋Kharishma is one of the Environmental Health Officers responsible for monitoring local mosquito populati...
09/02/2026

Meet Kharishma 👋

Kharishma is one of the Environmental Health Officers responsible for monitoring local mosquito populations to help protect the community from mosquito-borne illnesses.

“Mosquito season in Canberra is typically from late spring to early autumn. During these warmer months, we conduct weekly mosquito testing by gathering samples from two main Canberra locations—Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve.

“By testing the samples, we can identify increases in mosquito activity and detect the presence of viruses.

“The viruses mosquitoes are known to transmit can cause serious illness. Mosquito-borne illnesses spread when infected mosquitoes bite humans, so early detection is key to public health.”

As for Kharishma’s favourite parts of the job?

“I love the outdoors, so being able to be outside in the sunshine keeping active during my workday suits me perfectly.

“I’m also genuinely passionate about environmental health and enjoy the variety of my role. Mosquito testing is just one part of the job—no two days as an Environmental Health Officer are ever the same.”

To learn about protecting yourself against mosquito bites, visit
www.act.gov.au/environment/animals-and-plants/mosquitos

Do you need some healthy, budget-friendly inspiration for your child’s lunchbox? 🍎 Back to school season is here and we’...
09/02/2026

Do you need some healthy, budget-friendly inspiration for your child’s lunchbox? 🍎

Back to school season is here and we’ve got some ideas for easy, delicious, and nutritious school lunches that minimise waste.

👨‍🍳 Bring out your child’s inner chef and get baking together! Home-made goodies like fruit or vegetable muffins and banana bread make great lunch box staples and can be frozen in portions so they’re always ready to go.

🍿 Healthy snacks like muesli, popcorn and pikelets can also be made ahead of time so they’re ready for the before school rush.

🍗 Your leftovers can also make for a quick lunch that’s full of protein. Think leftover roast chicken in sandwiches, or for a meat free option you can prepare some hard-boiled eggs!

🥕 Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals. Veggie sticks like carrot and cucumber with some hummus make an easy snack, or try berries for a sweeter treat!

Check out www.health.act.gov.au/lunchboxes or www.lunchboxweek.org for more back-to-school lunch tips.

💡Got a great idea that supports your community?Funding and support are available to help make it happen! Here are some o...
08/02/2026

💡Got a great idea that supports your community?

Funding and support are available to help make it happen! Here are some of the current grants open for applications:

✨Maternity in Focus Workforce Scholarship (closes 13 Feb).
Funding to support the professional development of eligible health professionals working in maternity care.

✨ Disability Inclusion Grants (close 18 Feb).
Supports community organisations and small businesses to deliver projects that improve access to community life for people with disability.

✨ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants (close 19 Feb).
Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and not-for-profit organisations to pursue cultural projects, leadership development, lifelong learning, and social activities.

✨ Multicultural Inclusion Grants (close 24 Feb).
Supports organisations to celebrate cultural days and events, and multicultural community programs.

✨Funding to support the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm (NBHF) transition to Community-control (closes 27 Feb).
This grant will fund an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation to work in partnership with the ACT Government to plan and prepare to transition the NBHF to Community-control.

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to bring the flavours of the world to Canberra for the iconic National Mult...
06/02/2026

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to bring the flavours of the world to Canberra for the iconic National Multicultural Festival. Just ask Environmental Health Officer, Jason.

“We begin working with stallholders many months before the festival kicks off each year.

“We carefully review each stallholder application, checking the appropriate food safety training has been completed and all other requirements have been met.

“We also provide food safety information during mandatory stallholder information sessions, covering everything from stall set up and food handling to handwashing requirements and temperature control.”

During the festival, Jason and his colleagues from the Environmental Health team are on the ground inspecting food stalls, responding to any food safety concerns, and offering support to stallholders.

“Our priority is ensuring everyone can enjoy the festival safely.”

Beyond food safety and the National Multicultural Festival, Jason and his colleagues are responsible for regulating a wide range of other public health matters, including public swimming pools, cooling towers, mosquito surveillance, and collecting recreational water samples from lakes and rivers.

“I really enjoy the variety of my role as an Environmental Health Officer and the opportunity it provides to be out and about in the community, working with local businesses, sharing knowledge and helping to protect public health.”

Coming to the National Multicultural Festival this weekend? 👉 It’s going to be a hot one (as always) but the only thing...
05/02/2026

Coming to the National Multicultural Festival this weekend? 👉

It’s going to be a hot one (as always) but the only things burning up should be the dancefloor and the tasty selection of chilli-based dishes on offer. 🔥😅🌶

Make sure you stay safe by seeking out shade at spots like Glebe Park, wearing a hat and sunscreen, and drinking plenty of water! 💧

Water bottle refill stations are shown on the festival map – check it out here: https://multiculturalfestival.com.au/festival-map/

And remember – alcohol, caffeine and energy drinks may dehydrate you.

Keeping cool and hydrated will have you enjoying the cultures, stories, flavours and talents of the festival for longer.

See you there! 👐

05/02/2026

The National Multicultural Festival starts tomorrow! 🎉

Important question, Canberra:

Sweet or savoury first? 🍩🍛

👇 Settle the debate below we’re taking notes 😏

⏰ It’s happening THIS WEEK, Canberra! 🎉The National Multicultural Festival is almost here, lighting up the city from Fri...
02/02/2026

⏰ It’s happening THIS WEEK, Canberra! 🎉

The National Multicultural Festival is almost here, lighting up the city from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 February – and the festival map and full program are live now 🗺️✨

For three big days, hundreds of multicultural communities will come together to share their cultures, stories, flavours and talents – creating one of the most joyful, welcoming weekends of the year.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:
🎶 Music, song and dance from around the world
🍲 Delicious food and drinks you won’t want to miss
🙌 Hands‑on cultural workshops
👨‍🍳 Cooking demonstrations
🤸 Fun, family‑friendly activities
😍 And plenty of moments to discover something new.

Whether you drop in for an hour or make a full weekend of it, there’s something for everyone.

🚍 Make it easy to get there: leave the car at home and enjoy free bus and light rail services on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6.00pm until the last service.

🔍 Plan your visit now – check out the map and program: bit.ly/multiculti2026

30/01/2026

Are you feeling thirsty? 🥵

This is an early sign of dehydration.

If you’re out and about on these hot Canberra days, carry your water bottle and refill at a participating Refill Canberra location.

Tag your favourite café or business where you refill below ⬇️

Fareed and Pearl hang tough on the streets of the ‘Berra. 😎 Synchronised in the polite way they share ideas, breakfast ...
29/01/2026

Fareed and Pearl hang tough on the streets of the ‘Berra. 😎

Synchronised in the polite way they share ideas, breakfast juice recipes, and are eerily the exact same height!

But there is more to this team than meets the eye. For 8 weeks, Pearl mentored Fareed as part of the WESP program. He started with a month of CIT skills training, then the work experience placement at City and Environment Directorate. WESP is a local program for multicultural Canberrans struggling to find meaningful work.

Fareed heard about WESP from friends who found it helped them get a foot in the door in Canberra. He has lots of skilled work experience, but not in an Australian workplace.

He said ‘It’s been fantastic. I find myself in a much better place now I have local experience. My kids are excited. They want to start their own soccer league once I find permanent work!’

Pearl adds ‘I wanted to give back. I’m from Malaysia but Canberra has been my home now for ten years. I’ve seen how much I have learnt and grown in that time, and I wanted to share that with others.’

More info on the WESP program here: https://bit.ly/3KWSOS8

28/01/2026

Did you apply sunscreen this morning?

It might be time for you to re-apply.

Use SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen.

Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every 2 hours afterwards.

Tag someone you care about who might need this reminder!

Do you have a teenager heading back to school? Check they’re up to date with all their immunisations. In the ACT, all Y...
28/01/2026

Do you have a teenager heading back to school? Check they’re up to date with all their immunisations.

In the ACT, all Year 7 and Year 10 students are offered free vaccines to protect them against the following diseases:

👉Year 7

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Diphtheria

Tetanus

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

👉Year 10

Meningococcal ACWY

Consent cards for these vaccines are usually sent out at the start of term 1 for Year 10 students, and term 3 for Year 7 students.

If your child is under the age of 14, you can find out if they have missed an immunisation at school through your MyGov account.

For teens aged 14+, you can check by calling the Australian Immunisation Register with their consent. Teens aged 14+ can also get their immunisation statements through their own MyGov account.

If your child needs to catch up on any missed school immunisations, the vaccines are available for free at GPs and pharmacies (some providers may charge a consultation fee). Call ahead so the vaccine can be ordered for your appointment.

For more information visit: https://www.act.gov.au/health/vaccines-and-immunisations/adolescent-vaccinations

28/01/2026

Do you know someone working outdoors today in the heat?

Tag them below as a reminder to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water💧

Try to avoid caffeine and energy drinks – they can dehydrate you!

Address

Bowes Street
Canberra, ACT
2606

Website

https://www.act.gov.au/act-g

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