ACT Government Health and Community Services

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 ⬇️

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!

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!

27/01/2026

Food Standards Australia New Zealand has issued a recall of infant formula due to the potential presence of toxin (cereulide) contamination, a substance produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria, which may cause illness/injury if consumed.

- Alula Gold Reflux infant formula 900g (0-12 months) batch 8000003387 with date marking ‘Use By 17/03/2027’ and
- Alula Colic & Constipation infant formula 850g (0-12 months) batch 8000003407 with date marking ‘Use By 17/03/2027’.

Other batches of this product are not affected and are safe to use.

The affected batches should be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

If you have any concerns please speak to your GP.

Food Recall Alert – Sanulac Nutritionals Australia Pty Ltd - Alula Gold Reflux infant formula 900g (0-12 months) & Alula Colic & Constipation infant formula 850g (0-12 months)

Sanulac Nutritionals Australia Pty Ltd are conducting a recall of the above product(s). The product(s) have been available for sale in Coles, Woolworths, Big W, IGA, Costco Pharmacies and Amazon nationally and online. The Alula Gold Reflux product has also been available in IGA, and Costco nationally.

Alula Gold Reflux - Date Marking: Use By 17/03/2027
Alula Colic & Constipation - Date Marking: Use By 17/03/2027

This recall is due to the potential presence of toxin (cereulide) contamination, a substance produced by the Bacillus cereus microorganism.

For more information see: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/industry/foodrecalls/recalls/Pages/default.aspx

26/01/2026

Recently, Remembrance Day was honoured by the Ministerial Advisory Council for Veterans and their Families at the ACT Garden of Remembrance, Woden Cemetery.

For many in our community this day is deeply personal. As Nicole Longley AM, Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Veterans and their Families stated:

“Remembrance Day is not just about remembrance; it’s also about reflection. You really think about the massive impact that war has across the globe for every nation, not just Australia.

It’s a really personal day and I like being part of this small, well-connected community.”

Nicole is not only a veteran herself, she is also a daughter, granddaughter, wife and mother of veterans.

To keep up to date with news from the Office for Seniors and Veterans, subscribe to their newsletter:

https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/7F21FF812E1173F6

24/01/2026

If you’re out and about in this hot weather, there are some simple things you can do to beat the heat and protect yourself from heat-related illness: 👉

* Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water 💧
* Slow down on the caffeine, alcohol, and energy drinks - they can dehydrate you ☕
* Wear a hat, sunglasses and light, loose fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible 😎
* Use SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards ☀️
* Seek out shade where you can🌳

Take care and be on the lookout for early symptoms of heat-related illness, including headaches, dizziness, fainting, nausea, and vomiting. 🥵

If you or someone in your care becomes very unwell from heat-related illness: 👉

* Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 health advice
* Contact your GP
* In an emergency call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

For more information and advice, visit: www.act.gov.au/health and search ‘summer safety’.

23/01/2026

ESA have today issued advice about the heat impacting the ACT ☀️

Here are some simple tips to beat the heat and protect yourself from heat-related illness: 👉

* Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water 💧
* Be sun smart 😎
* Stay indoors during the hottest part of the days. If you can’t stay at home, head to a shopping centre or another cool indoor public place such as your local library (check opening hours before leaving). 🏡
* Check on others, particularly those at increased risk of heat-related illness like babies and young children, people over 65, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, people with medical conditions, people with disability or additional needs, and people who work outdoors. 🫶

Take care and be on the lookout for early symptoms of heat-related illness, including headaches, dizziness, fainting, nausea, and vomiting. 🥵

If you or someone in your care becomes very unwell from heat-related illness: 👇

* Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 health advice
* Contact your GP
* In an emergency call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

For more information and advice, visit: www.act.gov.au/health and search ‘summer safety’.

ADVICE - Heatwave - ACT - Protect Yourself Against The Impacts of Heat

Severe heatwave conditions are expected to intensify this weekend and early next week.

Maximum temperatures increasing this weekend to the mid to high thirties. Overnight minimum temperatures in the low to mid teens.

Be aware of the risk of heat-related illness and plan ahead to keep yourself and others safe.

More - https://esa.act.gov.au/advice-heatwave-act-protect-yourself-against-impacts-heat-1

21/01/2026

Sharing an important message today.

Today Australia observes a National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack.

As a mark of mourning and respect, flags will be flown at half-mast across our city.

The Captain Cook Memorial Jet will be lit tonight between 8pm-midnight, as one of 15 Pillars of Light around Australia.

Light rail stops, the Canberra Times Fountain and the Malcolm Fraser Bridge will also be illuminated.

There are a number of ways you can express your support:
• You can leave a candle on your doorstep or window as a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community.
• You are invited to observe one minute of silence at 7:01pm AEDT.
• Come together, share a meal and spend time with family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds.
• You are encouraged to undertake a Mitzvah for Bondi. A Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion, and a moral responsibility. It is about taking practical action to help others, through simple everyday acts of kindness that together create a powerful wave of goodwill. This can be as simple as checking in on a neighbour, volunteering time, offering support to local businesses, or donating to those in need.
• The theme the Chabad Community in Bondi has chosen for us all is ‘Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance’.

Help spread this message of hope and unity to guide and inspire Australians, as we move forward.

More information about the National Day of Mourning is available at: www.pmc.gov.au/news/national-day-mourning-victims-bondi-beach-terrorist-attack

20/01/2026

“When I dance, I feel joy. It’s freeing.”

Ella is a local Canberran who loses herself in dance. She is executing Port de bras and Petit saut’s and pirouettes right into a glorious dance future!

“The Audrey Fagan grant helped with my audition costs, and I've now been accepted to WAAPA, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. They only take 22 people and audition all over Australia. I applied for a Diploma in Professional Dance. With this degree I can go anywhere, I’ll have international opportunities. The world is my oyster.”

Saute over here and Sissone your hands together for Ella! 👏

Canberran’s hearts are En l’air for you and all you can do! 💓