ACT Government Health and Community Services

10/12/2025

Stay safe, stay cute, stay hydrated. Ways to have a legen-dairy time at Spilt Milk...

10/12/2025

Heroes don’t wear capes. They wear volunteer T-shirts.

👕Want one? Join the volunteer crew for the 2026 National Multicultural Festival and get the best seat in the house.

🚨 This is your last call to sign up! You’ll be the person everyone thanks 🙌, the one who knows where the toilets are 🚻, and the reason Canberra’s biggest street party runs like a dream. Plus, you’ll collect stories, smiles 😊, and a food voucher 🍜 to sample something delicious from one of the hundreds of global food stalls – because saving the day works up an appetite.

🌍Every hero needs a mission. Yours? Helping thousands of people have the time of their lives.

📅Applications close 15 December 2025
👉Sign up NOW: bit.ly/volunteernmf

10/12/2025

Today on International Human Rights Day and the last day of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, we leave you with these thoughts.

08/12/2025

TW: Please note this story discusses perinatal mental health.

“Looking after your wellbeing isn’t selfish, it’s vital. I’m working each day to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.”

Tabitha found out she was pregnant in late 2020, following a miscarriage in 2018, and gave birth via unplanned c-section amid COVID-19 lockdowns. It was an experience that left her feeling isolated and exhausted.

“Because of the lock down, none of our friends or relatives could come into the house to help us. The sleep deprivation and isolation became really difficult to cope with, and it started to take a drastic toll on my mental health."

At the same time, she was struggling to bond with her baby and found breastfeeding extremely challenging.

“Perinatal mental health challenges are so much more common than we’re aware of before we become parents. Normalising the challenges we all go through takes the guilt and shame away and gives us the space to seek support without feeling like we're failing.”

Tabitha was able to seek support through her GP and the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre.

“My GP was fantastic and set me up with a mental health plan. I also had amazing experiences with the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre. Having a space to connect with other parents who were struggling helped me feel less alone.”

If you need support, or know someone who does, check out the services in the comments section.

07/12/2025

🔍 We're looking for passionate young Ken Behrens ⭐

05/12/2025

Happy International Volunteering Day! Volunteers are so important in the ACT. Check out to see all the winners from the 2025 Volunteering Awards! 🥰

Today, as we celebrate International Volunteer Day we are reminded of the extraordinary power of our volunteers. Volunteering is more than an act of service. Together, we show that when individuals take action, communities thrive and change follows.

This year’s theme for International Volunteer Day is ‘Every Contribution Matters’, and the day takes on historic significance as it marks the official global launch of International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026) to recognise the role of volunteering as a key driver of sustainable development. This milestone follows a United Nations call for a worldwide movement to recognise and amplify the vital role of volunteers in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Throughout this year, 124 volunteers engaged with VolunteeringACT across the range of our operations – Board of Directors and subcommittees, advisory groups, Community Engagement Volunteers at our Community Info Hub and outreach events, Inclusive Volunteering Pathways to Employment Program mentoring, and other tasks in the office like photography and logistics.

VolunteeringACT has deep gratitude to every volunteer who generously gives their time, knowledge and experience to support us through our work and programs. Our volunteers have extended our reach, amplified our impact, and brought diverse perspectives that strengthen our programs and enhance our connection to the communities we serve.

Thank you all!

03/12/2025

Do you or someone you know need temporary support at home to help you recover from illness or injury?

If you’re an ACT resident, the Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) Program may be able to help you.

🏡 The CATS Program is designed to help you leave hospital safely or help prevent you from going to hospital.

📞 To find out if you are eligible, contact the CATS Program Central Intake Service on 02 5124 6500.

💻 Learn more at: https://www.act.gov.au/health/find-a-health-service-or-short-term-support/short-term-support-when-you-are-unwell-community-assistance-and-temporary-supports-program

02/12/2025

It’s I-Day!

Celebrated globally, International Day of People with Disability (I-Day) asks you to find kindness, today and every day.

Have you got any ideas for making Canberra more welcoming for people with disability? Comment below.

If you haven’t already registered for the event on today – register now: https://events.humanitix.com/halting-hate-finding-kindness-2025

It features the charismatic Michael Theo from Love on the Spectrum and Austin, and is hosted by journo Ellen Fanning. And the cherry on top? It’s free!

For other I-Day information, visit: https://www.advocacyforinclusion.org/i-day-2025/

02/12/2025

☀️Canberra, summer has officially arrived!

Our ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerryn Coleman, shares some simple tips to help us all stay safe and healthy this summer.

🏠 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).
😎 Be sun smart
💧 Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

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
🏥 Visit a Canberra Health Services Walk-in Centre for non-life threatening illnesses – they’re open 7 days a week, from 7.30am to 10pm, including public holidays.
In an emergency call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

For more information and advice, go to www.act.gov.au and search ‘summer safety’.

01/12/2025

This week we celebrate International Day of People with Disability (I-Day). The flagship event features breakout star Michael Theo from Love on the Spectrum and Austin!

Hosted by journalist Ellen Fanning, the event explores how we can challenge hate and misinformation and rebuild kindness and inclusion. As Michael said, “Follow your heart”.

Register for the event here: https://events.humanitix.com/halting-hate-finding-kindness-2025

27/11/2025

Spend a moment hearing from these Canberran voices during the 16 Days of Activism.

24/11/2025

Have you recently given birth in the ACT?

We’re gathering feedback to help us understand the experiences of women and birthing people accessing maternity care.

The Maternity Experience Survey will help us know what we’re doing well and how we can improve.

The survey is open to anyone who gives birth in the ACT and will remain ongoing.

If you gave birth in one of our public hospitals, keep an eye out for a sticker on the inside cover of your ‘blue book’ with prompts on how to do the survey.

Alternatively, you can do the survey here: https://bit.ly/3YTJUwz