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Canberra Attractions
The essence of Australia’s culture, history and way of life is reflected in the national museums, galleries and institutions in Canberra.
These national icons hold and share the treasures of our nation, offering an intriguing insight into Australian character and democracy, and our journey from an Indigenous continent to a modern nation.
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$24.6 Million for Community Facilities across Canberra
ACT Minister for Disability and Community Services, Ms. Katy Gallagher MLA has announced that the Stanhope Government will spend $24.6 million over the next two financial years, expanding and improving Community Facilities across the ACT.
The Minister said that decisions to significantly expand Community Facilities across the Territory have been taken following extensive consultation with the ACT community, through the Purdon and Associates Report – 'New uses for former school sites'.
“Three Regional Community Facilities (RCF) and nine Neighbourhood Halls will be established across the ACT,” Ms. Gallagher said.
The Regional Community Facilities will consist of:
An Arts/Cultural Hub at Cook
A Health and Wellbeing Hub at Melrose
A Community Services Hub at Weston.
“The RCF’s will house Community Organisations, and will be long-term tenancies. Expressions of Interest will be called for the Non-Government Organisations that wish to be accommodated at these Hubs.”
The Neighbourhood Halls will be for casual hire, and will either be refurbished or newly constructed at:
Hall (refurbished)
Tharwa (refurbished)
Holt (refurbished)
Cook (refurbished pre-school)
Melrose (within the RCF)
Weston (within the RCF)
South Tuggeranong (new)
Griffith (new)
Village Creek (new)
In establishing new purpose-built Neighbourhood Halls at South Tuggeranong, between Calwell and Banks, Griffith and Village Creek, the Government has recognised the need for Community Facilities in these locations.
“A range of housing options for six sites — including aged accommodation — are outlined in the Purdon and Associates Report. The Government wants to continue talking to local communities about the appropriate land use option for each site.”
These sites are:
Land adjacent to the RCF’s at:
- Cook
- Melrose
- Weston
Holt
North Curtin
Village Creek.
“The Government will begin consultations later this month around these sites, for a further three months.”
Aged accommodation will also be constructed at Rivett and Mt Neighbour, with the current buildings to be demolished due to their structural condition. The Government will be holding further consultations with these communities on the type and form of this accommodation (for example, nursing home, retirement village, supported residential.)
“There is a growing demand for residential land in the Territory, and this has been a key issue of concern for the Government and the community.”
“In its report, Purdon and Associates have recognised this, and identified that a number of the sites offer the opportunity to provide affordable residential land within established suburbs. These sites are particularly suited to housing older residents who want to downsize to a smaller property while remaining in their locality.”
“The former pre-schools at Giralang, McKellar and Macarthur will be sold with their current Community Facility zoning. Consideration will be given to local needs and constraints, in determining the nature of the leases to be offered.”
“No decision will be taken immediately in regard to the Flynn site, pending the resolution of legal and heritage issues. Nor will a decision be taken at this time on the Downer and Higgins sites, which are still in use.”
The Government has also responded to consultations with its decision to establish eight community parks at:
Macarthur
Rivett
Mt Neighbour
Cook
Melrose
Weston
Holt
Village Creek.
“Communities will be consulted on options for the community parks. It is anticipated they would contain play equipment for children, barbeques, paths, seating, lighting and associated green space.”
“There is a unique opportunity to provide much needed community space, as well as a range of housing options, including aged housing in established suburbs.”
“There is a high demand from ACT Groups and the public in general, for community space, and this is reflected in the waiting list administered by TAMS,” she said.
“The demand for aged care and supported accommodation is increasing rapidly, both nationally and in the ACT. It is desirable that aged and supported accommodation be located close to existing amenities, public transport and health facilities,” Ms. Gallagher concluded.
Note: The Purdon and Associates Report is available online at www.dhcs.act.gov.au
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Legal Recognition for ACT Same-Sex Couples
Media Release: 9 May 2008
Gay and lesbian couples in the ACT can now legally affirm their commitment to each other, with new laws providing a major step towards equal rights for same-sex families, Attorney General Simon Corbell said.
“The ACT Government is proud to provide legal recognition for all couples who wish to affirm their love and commitment for each other,” Mr Corbell said. “I am very proud this legislation was passed by the Legislative Assembly late last night."
“Gay and lesbian couples in the ACT will now be able to affirm their relationship before friends and families, and gain legal recognition of their partnership."
“The ACT Government is a strong advocate for equal rights for all couples, irrespective of the gender of both people."
“Legal legitimacy allows same-sex couples greater access to the same Commonwealth superannuation, taxation and social security law reforms that heterosexual couples take for granted."
“Although we have been unable to provide gay and lesbian couples the opportunity to affirm their relationship in a legally recognised public ceremony, this is a historic moment on the inevitable path towards removing discrimination, and ensuring equal rights for gay and lesbian couples."
“All couples are now entitled to participate in a non-legal ceremony provided by the State and conducted by the Registrar General or her delegates, providing couples with the opportunity to publically reaffirm their written declaration of commitment."
“Registration will also be extended to caring relationships through a separate act, following consultation with carers groups and other stakeholders."
“It is expected that the first civil partnership registrations will be accepted from May 19, and the first ceremonies will be able to be conducted by May 24 this year.”
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Free ACTION Travel for Over 75s
The Stanhope Government will provide Free ACTION Travel to ACT residents over 75.
“The ACT Government is committing $500 000, over four years, towards a Gold Pass program for over 75’s,” said Mr Hargreaves.
“The Gold Pass initiative, starting on 1 July 2008, is linked to the existing older driver’s awareness program, where it is recommended that drivers over the age of 75 years consider their driving circumstances.
“The objective of the scheme is to encourage existing drivers over the age of 75 years to surrender their driver’s licence, where they may no longer be capable of driving safely, by providing free transport on ACTION buses.
“To be eligible for a Gold Pass, a person must be 75 years of age or older, and be an ACT resident.
“Currently, between 200 and 300 persons, in this age group, surrender their licence each year,” said Mr Hargreaves.
It is not a requirement that licences be surrendered, but it is hoped that once our older citizens see the benefits of bus travel, they will reconsider the need to retain a drivers’ licence.
The gold pass will contain the same identification details as a drivers licence, and should be able to substitute for the licence as a proof of ID.
This initiative continues the range of public transport enhancements of the Stanhope Government.
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$51 Million ACT Skills Strategy Released
Media Release: 5 May 2008
The ACT Government today released ACT Skills Future, its long-term $51 million strategy to tackle the skills challenge in the Territory.
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said ACT Skills Future was the ACT Government’s response to the ACT Skills Commission Final Report, which was also released today.
The Commission was set up by Mr Stanhope to provide high-level strategic advice to the Government on the skills challenges the ACT faces. The Skills Commission’s Final Report contains a range of recommendations, many of which have been taken up by the Government.
“The ACT economy has been operating at full employment for the past two years, putting pressure on employers across the board, and in the public and private sectors,” Mr Stanhope said.
"Our people are the Territory’s greatest natural endowment, and developing their capacity is the greatest contribution we can make to combating skill shortages.”
The actions outlined in ACT Skills Future include a $15 million investment in:
- the expansion of the Skilled and Business Migration Program and the Live in Canberra campaign;
- the piloting of an international student program connecting final-year and graduating students to local employers;
- additional support for workforce development in the ACT Public Service, including particular initiatives in the health and education sectors and improved demographic planning capacity;
- the building of information technology skills through an ACT Public Service ICT Traineeship Program; and
- support to create a more sustainable ACT community sector workforce.
"Importantly, ACT Skills Future includes actions to engage people currently outside the labour force, and acknowledges the importance of ongoing participation in national productivity reforms,” Mr Stanhope said.
"Recognising the critical importance of education to our long-term productivity, ACT Skills Future places particular emphasis on development and learning from early childhood education and care, to the enhancement of student pathways and career guidance, and the development of responsive training systems which support adult skills development.
“More than $13 million will be invested in the School Education System, to support the development of a skilled future workforce, and close to $8 million will be injected into the ACT’s Vocational Education System.”
Skills investments in education include:
- major new investments in careers education and vocational education programs;
- funding for around 35,000 hours of training, delivered through a combination of traditional classroom, flexible and distance approaches;
- accelerated apprenticeships in hairdressing and panel beating, with potential to develop alternative methods of instruction, including self-paced e-learning options;
- customised student support programs at the CIT vocational college; and
- additional capacity within the Department of Education and Training to implement the strategy.
On top of this, the ACT Government is building on its considerable past investments in educational and training infrastructure, with over $14 million in further funding to:
- relocate CIT’s horticultural facilities from Weston to the Institute’s Bruce Campus;
- undertake a feasibility study into further developing the Fyshwick Trade Skills Centre;
- formalise options for the implementation of the Masterplan for CIT’s Reid Campus; and
- provide additional support for early childhood schools at Southern Cross, Narrabundah, Lyons and Isabella Plains.
The ACT Government’s strategy to tackle the ACT’s skills challenges is structured around four priorities:
addressing the need for people and workforce in light of the demographic challenge;
increasing the productivity of those already in the workforce;
lifting the participation of people currently outside of the workforce; and
ensuring the education and training needs of today and tomorrow's workforce are met.
"As the Skills Commission points out, while it is tempting to look to government for solutions... shared responsibility for addressing skills shortages is vital.
"I would like to acknowledge the significant work that has been undertaken by the ACT Skills Commission under its first chair, ANU Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb AC, and the current chair, Mr Derek Volker, and the contributions of all those who contributed to the Commission's Final Report," Mr Stanhope said.
ACT Skills Future is available at www.cmd.act.gov.au/publications/documents/ACTskills_future.pdf
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Land Rent Scheme To Ease Upfront Housing Costs
Media Release: 5 May 2008
Land ownership for low income home owners will be optional under the ACT Government’s new land rent scheme, which is to be introduced into the Legislative Assembly this week.
The scheme is one of many measures in ACT Government’s Affordable Housing Action Plan, which aims to increase access to appropriate and affordable housing in the ACT.
“The ACT Government’s land rent scheme will help reduce the upfront costs associated with owning a home for low-income households,” Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said. “Under the scheme, households will not need to finance the cost of the land, but only the costs associated with the transfer of the land, and construction of the home.
“Weekly land rent payments will be less than a quarter of the mortgage cost of buying a block – cutting hundreds of dollars from households’ weekly mortgage repayment costs.
“The land rent option will be available on new single residential blocks of land sold by the Land Development Agency.
“Canberra households participating in the land rent scheme may choose to buy the block of land at the current market value from the Government at any time. However, rental payments will not be considered as payments towards the purchase of land.
Under the scheme, households will pay an annual amount of rent on the land, calculated as a percentage of the unimproved value of their land. Two rental rates will be available - a discount rate of 2 per cent, and a standard rate of 4 per cent. The discounted rate will be available for households on income levels of up to $75,000 a year with the threshold adjusted depending on the number of children in the family.
The scheme, which will commence on 1 July 2008, will initially be opened to households eligible for the discounted rental rate. The ACT Government will eventually open the scheme at the standard rate, to owner-occupiers, as well as investors. Households wishing to access the scheme will be required to attend a CIT Information Session.
“Along with more affordable blocks and affordable house and land packages, this is another ACT Government measure in the Affordable Housing Action Plan that provides more choice and options for more Canberrans to enter into the housing market,” Mr Stanhope said.
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Family Relationship Advice Line
Helping Families Build Better Relationships
The Australian Government has established the Family Relationship Advice Line to assist people affected by family relationship or separation issues.
The Family Relationship Advice Line provides free information, advice and referral:
Information - to help maintain healthy relationships or deal with family separation issues including information about the Family Law System and changes to the law;
Advice - to help develop and manage parenting arrangements after family separation, including advice on resolving disputes with going to court;
Referrals - to local, State and National services that can provide specialist help with relationship and family separation issues.
Call the Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321
between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday or 10am – 4pm on Saturdays (except on National Public Holidays)
The Family Relationship Advice Line is an Australian Government Initiative !
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Women of Spirit Award 2008
Each year, Lifeline Canberra recognises women of our region as our Women of Spirit. Women who have overcome adversity and given back to the community in an inspiring manner. The Award honours a woman who, in overcoming her personal adversity and making positive change in society, inspires others to make a difference in their local community.
Nominations are invited for the 2008 Women of Spirit Award.
• The Women of Spirit Award is open to all residents of the ACT and surrounding areas.
• An individual cannot nominate herself. Nominations must be made on the Official Form, although photocopies of the Official
Form will be accepted. Click here to download the Nomination Form
• The decision of the judges will be final. No correspondence will be entered into in respect of the judging panel’s decision.
The role of the panel is to receive and consider nominations in the light of the guidelines, and to choose the recipient.
• Read this document carefully. Name the person you wish to nominate. Explain her contribution, the background and
reasons for your nomination. Include any relevant information. Submissions should be approximately 400 words.
• Nominees need to know that they have been nominated, and that information disclosed may be used for promotional purposes during the Award Luncheon and in publicity after the event.
• Nominations close Friday 6th June 2008, and must be submitted to:
Lifeline Canberra
The Women of Spirit Award Panel
PO Box 583
Canberra ACT 2601
• The Award will be announced at the Women of Spirit Luncheon on Friday 20th June 2008 12.30pm – 2.30pm.
For further information, please contact Lifeline Canberra office 6247 0655 or www.act.lifeline.org.au
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Changes to the Domestic Animals ACT 2000
From May 1 2008 new laws came into force in relation to Domestic Animals ACT 2000. These changes included:
- lifetime dog registration;
- compulsory microchipping of dogs at point of sale;
- improved regulation of dangerous and attacking dogs;
- cat de-sexing before age of first breeding 3 months of age; and
- licensing the keeping of multiple cats.
These new laws will ensure the ACT’s domestic animals legislation reflects best contemporary practice in Australia bringing our law up-to-date with Victoria and New South Wales.
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New Concession Rebate for Water
ACT Minister for Disability and Community Services, Katy Gallagher, has announced an extension of the current ACT Government concessional rebate on the water supply charge to Health Care Cardholders.
“The Government recognises that Canberra families and individuals are struggling under consecutive interest rate rises caused by the former Howard Government, and is doing what we can to cushion the blow.”
Currently, a concession of a 65% rebate of the fixed water supply charge per quarter is provided to Centrelink Pension Concession Card Holders, Commonwealth Department for Veterans Affairs Pension Concession Card and Gold Card Holders.
“The Government is now extending this rebate to all Health Care Card Holders, as well as those Asylum Seekers not eligible for Centrelink benefits.”
“This new rebate will constitute nearly $50 off the standard water supply charge per eligible household, in the first year of operation.”
It is estimated there are in excess of 20,000 Centrelink Health Care Card Holders in the ACT.
“The Government is currently reviewing its Concession Scheme to identify further improvements to the concessions regime.”
The rebate is expected to cost around $1.8 million over four years, and the entitlement will commence on 1 July 2008.
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Kangaroos Cross Roads
Early morning, evening and night are peak times for kangaroos crossing roads, especially in winter and spring; either side of a full moon; and after a long dry period.
To avoid a collision with a kangaroo:
- Slow down if you see a kangaroo on or beside the road.
- Be alert - kangaroos often travel together. If a kangaroo crosses the road, it is likely there are more following. Be aware of what is on the road, as well as on the roadside ahead.
- Don't swerve to miss a kangaroo. By swerving; you risk hitting oncoming cars, or running off the road.
- Appoint a passenger to a be a kangaroo 'spotter'.
Sometimes a kangaroo is too badly injured to hop away from an accident - these animals usually have to be humanely euthanized.
Report all accidents involving injured wildlife to Canberra Connect on 13 22 81
Be sure to explain whether the animal is dead or alive, and its exact location.
Remember: all accidents involving a motor vehicle, should be reported to the police on 131 444.
The following are Kangaroo 'Hot Spots':
Athllon Drive; Belconnen Way; Caswell Drive; William Hovell Drive; Fairbairn Ave; Tharwa Drive; Mugga Lane;
Long Gully Road; Monaro Highway; Majura Road; Horse Park Drive; Tuggeranong Parkway; Hindmarsh Drive
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2009 ACT Arts Fund Open for Applications
The 2009 ACT Arts Fund is now open for applications.
The ACT Arts Fund is one of the main ways the ACT Government provides direct support to the arts.
Applications are invited from all artists, groups and Organisations for projects or programs of activity in any art form that support, promote, present, develop or provide access to high-quality arts in the ACT in 2009.
Organisations interested in applying for Key Arts Organisation Funding or Program Funding must meet with artsACT prior to submitting an application. To arrange a time to meet, please contact artsACT on 6207 2384.
2009 ACT Arts Fund Information Booklet:
The Information Booklet contains what you need to know in order to make an application for funding.
Click here to view the booklet You can save the electronic version of this booklet on your computer and use the bookmarks window to navigate through booklet sections.
Closing Dates:
Applications to the Program Funding, Project Funding, Community Arts Funding, ACT Creative Arts Fellowships, ACT Poetry Prize and the ACT Book of the Year Award categories must be received at artsACT by 5pm on Tuesday, 20 May 2008.
Applications to the 2009 ACT Arts Fund for the Key Arts Organisation Funding category must be received at artsACT by 5pm on Friday, 13 June 2008.
Applications or other material received after the relevant closing dates will not be accepted. Faxed or emailed applications and supporting material will not be accepted.
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Mexican Feather Grass Weed Alert
Territory and Municipal Services has announced the discovery of Mexican Feather Grass in the ACT. Mexican Feather Grass is an invasive weed that is prohibited in Australia.
“This is the first recorded incursion of Mexican Feather Grass in the ACT. A rapid response to uncover and control the weed will save the ACT significant expenditure in future weed control,” said the Director of Parks, Conservation and Lands, Russell Watkinson.
“Eradicating Mexican Feather Grass swiftly will ensure continued protection to our valued native plant communities."
“Mexican Feather Grass produces more seed than the related invasive weed, serrated tussock, and has the potential to invade both natural areas and agricultural land in the ACT. If uncontrolled, it could spread to other states of Australia.
“Mexican Feather Grass is a densely tufted perennial grass, almost identical to serrated tussock. Overseas, Mexican Feather Grass is recorded as invasive and has formed monocultures smothering desirable species.
“I urge the ACT community to be alert to Mexican Feather Grass, and help us be proactive in managing this invasion of our natural habitat,” said Mr Watkinson.
A photo of Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa Tennuissima) is available here
Any person who thinks that they have spotted this weed, please contact Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.
For more information, please phone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 or visit www.tams.act.gov.au
Further information: Nikki Hogan, telephone 6205 0312
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ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services
Domestic Animal Services
For information on Lost, Found and Impounded Dogs; Dog Registration; Infringements; Dog and Cat Laws; Dog Care Tips; Fees and Charges; and Domestic Animal and Animal Welfare Legislation in the ACT, please visit click here
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ACT Locate
An Internet Mapping Service for the Australian Capital Territory
Search for and locate on a map, a feature such as a property address, road, block, etc.;
Create your own customised map by selecting only the information which is important to you;
Print your map on your local printer;
Get information related to a feature, such as the address of a block, or the classification of a road;
Measure a distance, select overlapping features and more, using the advanced tools.
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Links to Children's Services in the ACT
ACT Department of Education and Training
ACT Government preschools: Services and programs
Describes the Government preschools services, programs, places and session times.
Contact the individual preschool for further details.
Office for Children, Youth and Family Support
Child and Family Centres
Child and Family Centres provide services for children and families.
At the Centres, we can assist you with information, support and services for all members of your family.
Children's Policy and Regulation
Children's Police and Regulation brings together those core areas of the ACT Government entrusted with ensuring the interests, care and protection of children in the Territory.
Services include children's services, care and protection, adoptions, foster care, etc.
ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
Children's services
List of services for children in the ACT, including Child Health Services; Child Development and Child Protection, as well as licensed children's services and early childhood centres.
ACT Office for Children, Youth and Family Support
Children's services
Children's Services administers ACT Government Legislation in relation to the licensing of children's services in the ACT.
Find information about Centre-based Children's Services; School Age Care; Family Day Care; Independent Preschools and Playschools.
Department of Territory and Municipal Services
Kids at Play
The Kids at Play Program includes two Kids at Play Vans, equipped with play equipment and staffed by qualified play coordinators.
On this site you will find 'Play Sheets', a schedule of where and when the 'Kids at Play' Vans will be operating, a photo gallery, etc.
Kidsafe ACT
The main goal of Kidsafe has been to reduce the number and severity of unintentional injuries to children, through promoting safer design and practice; initiating extensive media campaigns; and conducting other activities that will reduce the number of injuries to children.
ACT Health
Parenting Support Services
Through the Child Health Clinics and other services, ACT Community Health provides support for you and your newborn baby right through to your child's early years.
ACT Community Health provides information, support, advice and education for you and your family.
ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
ParentLink
ParentLink is a service designed to increase parents' confidence and skills, by supporting and linking them with a back-up network of information, ideas and community services.
Find information on parenting tips, schools as communities, community events, parenting services directory, and further links and suggested reading.
Raising Children Network
Expert, impartial information on raising children, from newborns to eight years of age, including practical tools and up-to-date information on child health, safety, nutrition, learning, parental wellbeing, family management and kids activities.
ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
Review of the Children and Young People Act 1999
Access documents relating to the review of the Act and policies relating to the care and protection of children and young people at risk of abuse and neglect, sentencing and sentence management of children and young people who have offended against the law.
ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
Therapy ACT
Therapy ACT provides a multidisciplinary therapy and support service for people with disabilities and delays in their development aged from birth to 65 years of age.
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Links to Crisis Services in the ACT
Children's Policy and Regulation
Care and protection of children and young people
Care and Protection Services is responsible for facilitating coordination across Government for the care and protection of children and young people.
Care and Protection Services include three Regional Offices, and an After Hours service, who provide a cont...
Domestic Violence Crisis Centre
Provides information and advice to all those affected by Domestic Violence.
Includes a 24 hours/7 days a week crisis service.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service and MensLine
Information about the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, offering crisis support to people affected by Domestic Violence, including a 24 hour helpline; and information about MensLine, a helpline for men troubled by violent and/or abusive behaviours and the...
Lifeline Canberra
On this Site, you can find out about the services Lifeline provides, including the 24 hour Crisis Telephone Counselling Service, and LYNX Youth Service; how to access them, and how to become involved as a Volunteer with Lifeline.
ACT Health
Mental Health ACT services directory
Provides information on the extensive range of Government and non-government bodies providing support services to those with mental health needs in the ACT region, including crisis services.
ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
Women's Information and Referral Centre
Women's Information & Referral Centre (WIRC) provides information on a wide range of Government and non-government services in the ACT and region, including Women's Services; Accommodation Services; Support Groups; Services for Families; Links to relevant websites; a Community Calendar for Women; and Information Sheets on Domestic Violence and Separation.
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Public Toilets in the ACT
Click here to find the location of Public Toilets in the ACT
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Injured Wildlife: First Aid
What should you do if you find injured wildlife ?
For information on what to do when you find a bird, possum, kangaroo or wallaby, echidna, wombat, frog, and snake or lizard, please visit http://www.rspcawildlife.org.au/firstaid.htm
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Ginninderra Catchment Group
The Ginninderra Catchment Group is an incorporated umbrella group of community volunteers working in the water catchment of the Ginninderra Creek.
The primary focus of the Group is advancing the health of the Ginninderra Catchment, through effective engagement with government, agencies, business, schools and the catchment community.
We have a strong commitment to community education and capacity building, and seek to create diverse opportunities for people to become involved in catchment management, decision-making, and on-ground action.
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Australian Government
Department of Health and Ageing
Aged Care Australia Website
Aged Care Australia is the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing’s premier online source of information for everything you need to know about aged care.
Aged Care Australia provides the community with access to government and
non-government information and services. It will help the community to make informed decisions about aged care options for themselves and their family members.
Click here to go to the Aged Care Australia website
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The Facts: Binge Drinking and Alcohol Abuse
“ Many of the dangers of alcohol for those who drink and those around them, are misunderstood, tolerated, or ignored.”
National Alcohol Strategy 2006-2009.
People have always had the occasional drink, but it seems that in recent years, particularly amongst young people, getting drunk has become the accepted way to socialise. For both the individuals concerned and the community, this is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed. Many parents are surprised to learn that in most drug-related deaths of young people, the drug involved isn’t an illegal drug – it is alcohol.
The fact that it’s available everywhere, and widely advertised in the media as the source of having a good time, helps to disguise the fact that alcohol is also a drug with potential to cause harm.
The Salvation Army is tackling social issues, and has produced the Booklet:
The Facts - Binge Drinking & Alcohol Abuse
Click here to download a copy of the Brochure
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Capital Region Area Consultative Committee (ACC)
The Capital Region ACC is part of the Australian Government’s regional development network of 56 ACCs. We work in the ACT, along with the Palerang, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley and Queanbeyan local government areas. We assist groups to apply for funding through the Regional Partnerships programme for projects that provide broad community benefits.
Web link: www.cr-acc.asn.au
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headspace: where young minds come first
headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation. The headspace mission is to deliver improvements in the mental health, social wellbeing and economic participation of young Australian’s aged 12 - 25. To this end, headspace aims to be the focal point for youth mental health issues across the country. This includes providing funding to improve services for young people who may be experiencing mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues and the latest information about these important health issues for young people.
With mental health being the single biggest health issue facing young Australians, developing services which are responsive and able to offer early treatment is essential. The current mental health system is not resourced to deal with young people who have mild to moderate mental health issues. This often means that young people do not obtain timely treatment, or they have difficulty finding a service that can respond to their needs.
Delays in obtaining a service are also caused because young people do not necessarily know the best place to seek assistance. Young people are most likely to talk to friends or family members as the first step in their help seeking journey. These key people are often also unsure how to find best possible support options for their friends or children.
As Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, headspace is tackling the issues which stand in the way of young people’s access to accessible and appropriate health services.
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Peer Support Service
Do you have schizophrenia or bipolar and would like to talk to someone else with a mental illness about your current situation?
The Peer Support Service (PSS) is a new volunteer based program being offered to people with a mental illness by experienced, mature, trained, insightful people with the same mental illness.
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10 Simple Ways to go Green
Our planet is not feeling well. It’s choking from pollution, caused by exhaust fumes and burning of fossil fuels.
Unregulated deforestation is stripping off layers of soil, increasing the incidence of floods.
Pesticides and industrial waste get into waterways, killing marine life. Global warming is turning weather patterns against us.
We may not see the effects of environmental damage in our immediate surroundings, but the whole planet is intricately linked, and the damage is already causing problems.
The detrimental effects are felt most by the world’s poorest people.
Click here to view the 10 simple ways to go green
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Emergencies and the National Capital
A Residents Guide
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Emergency and Community Services
Contact Details
for the Australian Capital Territory
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Community Liaison Advisory Safety Project
The Community Liaison Advisory Safety Project (CLASP) is the response of
the Council on the Ageing (ACT) to safety and security concerns of older people in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The aim of CLASP is to identify problems, and help older people reduce safety and security risks in and around their home.
This allows them to be both safe and more secure.
As a consequence, perceived risks and fears should also decline.
The CLASP Safety Handbook is an outcome of this Project.
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Help Protect Australia from Terrorism
1800 123 400
National Security Hotline
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Are you a Victim of Crime?
A victim of crime is any person who:
suffers harm because of crime;
suffers harm assisting a police officer who is attempting to arrest a person or
prevent a crime;
witnesses a crime where a person has suffered harm; or
was dependent upon a person who has been injured or died as a result of a crime.
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ACT Human Rights Office
Information for Indigenous People,
on Race Discrimination, and Your Rights
Have you been treated unfairly?
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Are you hungry?
Can’t afford to buy food?
Click here to view the Citizens Advice Bureau ACT 'FREE MEAL GUIDE'
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The Salvation Army
Dealing with Problem Gambling
It is now estimated that there are around 300,000 problem gamblers in Australia.
It is also believed that for every one problem gambler, many others are affected – usually family, friends and employers – creating a flow that affects around two million people.
In fact, few people today are not affected in some way by the impact of problem gambling upon our society.
If you or someone you care about, has a gambling problem, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to deal with it. You may even feel the problems are insurmountable. Be encouraged.
Click here to download The Salvation Army ‘Dealing with Problem Gambling’ Brochure.
The information contained in the Brochure, aims to help you identify a gambling problem in yourself or someone you know. Most importantly, it aims to show you how to get help quickly… before it’s too late.
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The Salvation Army
Dangers of Drugs
Whether you’re a teenager considering experimenting with drugs; a drug user; a concerned friend and citizen; or a worried parent, it’s vital for us all to be informed about the negative health effects of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Click here to read more about the Dangers of Drugs
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Essential Services Consumer Council
Are you facing disconnection of services, due to unpaid bills?
Phone: 6207 7740
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Welfare Rights and Legal Centre
A free community legal service for low income earners in the Australian Capital Territory and its region.
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Disability Discrimination Legal Service
The Disability Discrimination Legal Service provides advice to people with disabilities and their associates, about their legal rights, under disability discrimination law.
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Canberra Connect
Canberra Connect is an ACT Government initiative, enabling the community and businesses, to deal with Government, through a single point of access.
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SIDS and Kids
Safe Sleeping Practices for Childcare Services
Sleeping infants and young children safely, is a responsibility for those who care for other people’s children. It is therefore important for childcare workers to ensure that children in their care are safe at all times, and that service policies and procedures reflect evidence based research.
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Canberra 100
Celebration of a Century
Reaching 100 is a great reason to celebrate. In cricket, it prompts a standing ovation. In life, expect congratulatory letters from The Queen and the Prime Minister.
For Canberra, Australia’s national capital, reaching its 100th Anniversary year, will provide a once-in-a-century opportunity, to celebrate this wonderful city, and all it represents.
A centenary year, 2013, will provide an ideal springboard to launch the ‘new Canberra’ to Australia and the world.
The Centenary could even be viewed as Canberra’s ‘coming of age’.
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*** Kidsafe ***
Child Safety Is No Accident!
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TIPS FOR CHILDREN ABOUT CHILD ABUSE
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Are you a young carer?
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Are you caring for an older family member or friend?
Or do you know someone who is?
"Surviving the maze" could make all the difference.
"Surviving the maze" is a series of approximately 60 Information Sheets, written specifically for people who are caring for an older family member or friend.
Everything from starting caring; to dealing with the hospital system; to being a carer in residential care, is covered.
You will find answers to the questions you have long wanted to ask — and learn things that you didn't know to ask!
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ACT Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
You can provide crime-solving assistance to ACT Policing!
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Menslink
Valuing Young Men
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*** ParentLink ***
Just A Phone Call Away!
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On Loan Computers
Do you need a computer, but can’t afford to buy one?
Don’t despair… You can borrow one of mine for as long as you need!
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Breast Screening
The BreastScreen Clinic operating from the ACT Health Building, offers free breast screening to women over 50 years who live in the ACT region.
For women in this age group, breast screening is the best way of finding cancer before it can be felt or noticed.
Early detection is the best protection.
If you are over the age of 50, and have not had a mammogram in the last two years, phone 13 20 50 for an appointment.
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Human Rights ???
Australia is the only Western country without a national Human Rights Act or equivalent.
Click here to find out what you can do about it!
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Australian Government
Emergency Management Australia
Community Safety: Severe Storms
Severe storms are very localised events, not usually affecting wide areas as tropical cyclones and floods do, so their devastating impact is often under-estimated.
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Sign on to save lives!
The ‘Body Parts’ that served me so well, haven’t reached their use-by-date.
Many parts can be recycled, to give someone else a richer life!
By registering to become an organ donor, you could be making the greatest gift one human being can give another - the gift of life!
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Don’t forget the need for BLOOD!
It is vital that there are optimal supplies of all blood types at all times. This ensures that the constant demand for blood and blood products is met. You are encouraged to donate regularly, in the knowledge that your precious gift of blood will make a difference to more than one person's life. Your donation may help several different people, including someone undergoing surgery; an accident victim; a recipient of an organ or bone marrow transplant; or a person affected by a blood disease, such as leukaemia or haemophilia.
Click here to read more about Donating Blood
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Drink Spiking… Are you at risk?
Drink Spiking is when alcohol or another drug is added to your drink, without you knowing. This results in you becoming drunk, or drug affected, unexpectedly.
Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be spiked, and it can happen at clubs, bars, and at parties.
Spiked drinks are also called a ‘mickey finn’ or being ‘slipped a mickey’.
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