ACT Government Health and Community Services

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! 💪🎨🦎🛍️

09/04/2026

My name is Amanda and I facilitate the Women’s Return to Work Workshops run by the Office for Women.

I’m always surprised at how amazing the women are that come to these workshops. In many cases the workshops are a chance to show them how their life skills can be turned into skills an employer will find valuable.

They came to the first workshop without any confidence. They didn’t make eye contact with each other. Some didn’t believe in their value. By the time they leave they have friendships, and they have found their value. They have formed a community to support them on their employment journey.

One of our April graduates said “In the past I felt so small in front of an interview panel. I wasn’t ready. Now I feel so confident. I know how to prepare.”

Another participant said: “I now know how to write resumes. I even went home and rewrote my partner's resume! I’ve learnt a lot in this course.”

Register your interest now: https://www.act.gov.au/community/women/return-to-work-program

New courses are on in May and June.

07/04/2026

I’m a Child and Family Practitioner and a social worker at the Gungahlin Child and Family Centre. I can help parents to understand and manage their children's big emotions and behaviours.

I’m a parent too and I understand the challenges that come with this. And I want to give back to my community.

People often need support. We are here to provide that and help come up with a plan that works for their family.

No two families are the same.

Sometimes people come in for a 2-hour session, others come in long term. It depends on what they need and want.

We have linkages to all the other services – like Child Development Service, Multicultural Hub, Relationships Australia, Care Financial Inc, Women’s Legal Centre, Libraries ACT, MACH nurses, ACT Playgroups, and more.

We are a safe space here. Anyone can come in and be welcome and accepted. 🫶

Find out more at www.act.gov.au/childandfamilycentres

02/04/2026

If you’re experiencing stress or worries right now, support is always available.

The following services are free and here to help.

🔹 Access Mental Health (24/7 crisis support): www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/access-mental-health

🔹 Su***de Call Back Service: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

🔹 Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au

🔹 Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.org.au

🔹 Kids Helpline: www.kidshelpline.com.au

🔹 Safe Haven: http://bit.ly/4lXIbAa

🔹 MindMap: www.mindmap.act.gov.au

🔹 13YARN: https://www.13yarn.org.au/

In an emergency, always call 000.

01/04/2026

April is World Autism Understanding Month

Understanding starts with you. So, what can you do?

- Listen to Autistic voices

- Make meaningful changes for inclusion

- Share what you learn with others

Head to aspect.org.au/waum to take the first step! # waum2026

And remember Canberra’s Child Development Service do free Autism assessments. You need a referral from a paediatrician and the child must be under 12 years old.

Read more here: https://www.act.gov.au/community/families/child-development-service/get-an-autism-assessment-for-your-child

31/03/2026

🎨 Our youngest artists have big stories to tell!

Students from Preschool to Year 2 are invited to create original 2D artworks for the Reconciliation Week Art Exhibition.

Artworks should reflect the theme All In, exploring:

🌿 respect

🤝 inclusion

👐 taking action together

All selected works will be displayed during Reconciliation Week as a celebration of creativity, community spirit and children’s perspectives on reconciliation.

📅 Entries close Friday 1 May 2026

👉 Find out how to enter: bit.ly/recday-schools

30/03/2026

In the ACT, more than half of trans and gender‑diverse people say they avoid doing things they love because they fear how they will be treated. *

It’s Trans Day of Visibility.

Everyday experiences with others matter.

With small actions you can help. 🫶

*Learn more about the facts and find support organisations here: https://www.act.gov.au/campaigns/the-unsaid

This is "Montage 60" by ACT Government on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

30/03/2026

Love all things Mid-century? 😍

Don’t miss the upcoming Canberra and Region Heritage Festival. The theme this year celebrates Mid-century: innovation, change and optimism!

There’s bicycle architecture tours, a BoatFest withmusic on the lake, cemetery tours, First Nations workshops, art stuff, food things, steam trains, space station walks - and more! 🚴 ⛴ 🍕🎥👀

Have a gander at the program here: 👉👉👉

https://www.environment.act.gov.au/heritage/heritage-festival

The festival runs from 11 April – 10 May – see you there! ⏰

27/03/2026

The central access point for Housing ACT Services was vandalised recently and threats were made to staff.

Housing ACT is making necessary safety upgrades to the Belconnen Shopfront. This is to make it safer for Housing ACT Staff and the community.

Until then the Belconnen Shopfront will be closed to the public.

For your next appointment or any enquiries, please phone: 1800 950 255.

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

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