ACT Government Health and Community Services

24/04/2026

‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.’
- ‘Ode of Remembrance’ from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’.

Today is Anzac Day and we take time to commemorate those who have served for Australia in conflicts and on peacekeeping missions.

We also reflect on the resilience of service people’s families and communities.

We know Anzac Day can be especially challenging.

Open Arms offer 24/7 wellbeing support for serving and ex-serving personnel as well as their family and carers.

For more information visit https://www.openarms.gov.au/who-we-help or phone 1800 142 072 for free and anonymous counselling.
🕊

Mental health support for Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, veterans & their families

24/04/2026

Smoke from prescribed burns across our region may impact Canberra’s air quality this Anzac Day long weekend.

It’s a good idea to monitor the air quality in your area when planning your day.

Infants and children, pregnant people, people over 65 years and people with asthma or a heart or lung condition are more sensitive to smoke.

Be aware of the air quality and the steps you can take to protect your health, particularly if you are sensitive to smoke.

Find air quality readings and actions to take if air quality declines at: https://www.act.gov.au/environment/air-quality/air-quality-health-advice

24/04/2026

Share your views: Multicultural community facilities survey open!

We want to hear from multicultural communities about the places you use – and need – to meet, celebrate, learn and connect.

Your feedback will help us understand what community facilities are needed now, and in the future.

This will help us use existing spaces better and plan for more flexible ones.
You can tell us about your community and the facilities you use in our survey – all groups are welcome.

You can also share the survey with your community members so they can have their say too.

The survey will take about 8 to 10 minutes to complete. It closes on 31 May 2026.
Complete the survey today.
Link: https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/multicultural-facilities

23/04/2026

Are you planning to travel outside of the ACT for outdoor recreational activities such as caravaning, camping, hunting, boating, hiking and fishing?

If so, you may be eligible for a government-funded Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccination until 30 June 2026.

JE is a rare but serious illness spread by a bite from an infected mosquito.

Anyone aged 2 months or older travelling to a high-risk area in Australia for outdoor recreational activities is eligible for a government-funded vaccine.

You can get your JE vaccine from your GP or participating community pharmacy. Call ahead to make sure they have the government-funded vaccine available. An administration fee may apply.

JE has not been detected in mosquitoes or acquired in humans in the ACT, but the risk of JE in many parts of Australia is here to stay.

You can find the locations of JE high risk areas in Australia at www.act.gov.au and search ‘JE vaccination’.

For more information on protecting yourself from mosquito bites visit www.act.gov.au and search JE virus.

22/04/2026

Meet Lauren Cannell— the creative CEO using art to help children heal and understand their rights. 💛

Lauren works with kids and teens to teach them about human rights, eliminating violence, and sexual and reproductive health.

“We use art because it heals neural pathways,” she says. “And it means everyone can take part.”

Lauren’s organisation, Educacion Diversa, designs creative arts programs for children who’ve experienced trauma or neglect.

Their schools-based program is called 'Drawing for our Rights'. It empowers children to learn about their human rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Lauren notes that “Most of us in the humanitarian sector don’t do this work for recognition, we start our own not‑for‑profits because we see a need.” 📢

This contribution and dedication saw Lauren honoured as the 2025 ACT Woman of the Year. ⭐

Across the ACT, there are women making a positive difference on a local, national and even global scale. You can learn more about the ACT Women’s Awards and nominate here

22/04/2026

It’s now time to get your annual influenza vaccination.

It’s one of the most effective ways to keep yourself and your family well over the cooler months.

Dr Maggie Wilson, Acting ACT Chief Health Officer reminds us how serious the influenza virus can be.

‘I encourage everyone aged 6 months and over to get their flu vaccine every year.

‘Even if you’re healthy and you never get sick, anyone can catch influenza and experience severe illness. The virus can affect everyone differently and it’s important to protect those around you who could be more at risk.’

You can get your influenza vaccine from a GP, community pharmacy (from 2 years and older), Early Childhood Immunisation Clinic (from 6 months to less than 5 years) or other immunisation provider.

Government-funded vaccines are available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:

• children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• anyone pregnant
• people aged 65 years and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 6 months and older
• people aged 6 months and older with underlying medical conditions.

You may be charged an administration fee for your appointment.

For more information on the influenza vaccine, including where to book your appointment, visit www.act.gov.au/health and search ‘influenza vaccinations.

21/04/2026

New blood donation rules are now in place, meaning more people can donate blood and platelets safely.

Starting this week, all donors will be asked the same questions about recent sexual activity, regardless of their gender.

The change is part of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s ongoing work to make donation more inclusive, while maintaining the safety of donated blood.

It’s expected to boost donations by an extra 20,000 each year — helping patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgery, and emergency care.

If you’ve ever wanted to donate, now is a great time to check your eligibility and roll up your sleeve.

Visit www.lifeblood.com.au

19/04/2026

We’re experiencing poorer air quality in parts of Canberra today.

This is due to hazard reduction burns around the ACT region.

If you’re sensitive to smoke, including if you have asthma or a lung or heart condition, it’s good to be aware of air quality and take steps to protect your health.

🏡 Keep your home’s windows and doors closed until air quality improves.
💻 Monitor air quality readings in your area.

You can find air quality readings and health advice at www.act.gov.au/environment/air-quality/air-quality-health-advice

17/04/2026

The central access point for Housing ACT Services has been upgraded.

The Service is due to re-open on Monday 20 April.

We look forward to seeing you in person soon.

If you have any enquiries, you can always phone: 1800 950 255.

Our full list of contacts is here: https://www.act.gov.au/.../public.../contact-housing-act

Or you can email Housing Customer Service: Housing.CustomerService@act.gov.au

14/04/2026

‘My name is Cathy and I’m a Child and Family Practitioner at the Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre. I’m a registered nurse with expertise in women and children.

The Child and Family Centres are a place for families to connect.

There’s flexibility in the service provided.

No two families are the same, so we offer something unique to each family.

You can expect respect when you come in.

You can expect no judgement and to be heard.

We will be involved as long or as little as needed. We walk alongside families, but it is their journey.’

Open every weekday from 9-5 you don’t need a booking, just walk in.

Access free playgroups, developmental checks, parenting advice- plus lots more!

More info here: https://www.act.gov.au/community/families/child-and-family-centres

14/04/2026

ACT young people slay. Period.*

*Slay can be used in many contexts but our baby-faced colleague (with creak-free knees) confirmed that here we are using it to highlight the incredible impact that our young people have made locally, nationally and globally. 🌏

Case in point, have you heard of 2025 ACT Women’s Award recipient, Anjali Sharma? She was a catalyst for national climate change protests across Australia at just 14 years old!

She helped introduce the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill and also led a team of young women in building their skills as climate activists.

Incredible, isn’t she? 👀🌟

Anjali shared that "While awards are never the purpose of activism, it’s a sign that what we’re doing is working which is an honour and a privilege."

Thank you Anjali for your contributions and happy ACT Youth Week everyone! 🌞

09/04/2026

Youngens at home with energy to burn? 👇

Ask your kids the question below and we’ll point you to an awesome FREE activity happening next week 👀

Question: How would you like to spend the afternoon? 🤔

A) Try what those kids are doing in the picture
B) Relax with some guided arts and crafts
C) See something cuddly, creepy or crawly
D) Browse market stalls and do a clothing swap

Which did they pick? Answers (and your plans!) below 👇

A) Kooky Olympics
Come along for games, tug of war, music, prizes and free food and drinks 💪
Where: Gungahlin Town Park, Gozzard Street
📅 When: Thursday 16 April, 2:30–4:30pm
🙋‍♀️ Who: Everyone welcome
Info: https://mhub.org.au/event/kooky-olympics/

B) The Art of Community
Get your zen on with free food, drinks and guided art activities🎨
📍 Where: 30 Scotts Crossing, Canberra
📅 When: Thursday 16 April, 2:30–5:00pm
🙋‍♀️ Who: Ages 12–25
Info: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-art-of-community-tickets-1984938029078

C) Sunset Festival
Brave the ultimate wildlife experience… or skip the animals and stay for free pizza, face painting, music and prizes 🦎🍕
📍 Where: Eddison Park / Woden Skate Park
📅 When: Thursday 16 April, 3:00–6:00pm
🙋‍♀️ Who: Everyone welcome
Info: Woden Youth Centre page for updates https://www.facebook.com/WodenYouthCentre

D) Creativity Con
Browse the artist market stalls, clothing-swap and get a free sausage sizzle! 🛍️
📍Where: Mura Lanyon Youth and Community Centre
📅 When: Thursday 16 April, 2:00–5:00pm
🙋‍♀️ Who: Everyone welcome
Info: YCWA Canberra Youth Engagement Team Instragram page for updates: https://www.instagram.com/ywcacanberra_youth/

Which event is right up your kid’s alley? Let us know! 💪🎨🦎🛍️