ACT Government Health and Community Services

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ACT Government Health and Community Services

Official page for the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate.

Keeping you informed about Canberra’s public health system and the community services that promote healthy lives. House Rules:
Any offensive comments/behaviour, bullying and spamming will be removed

23/02/2026

Your voice matters in maternity care. That’s why we’ve been gathering feedback through our ACT Maternity Experience Survey.

The survey will help us know what we’re doing well and how we can continue to improve maternity care in Canberra.

You can now see the first results of the survey here: https://bit.ly/3OyowtS

As more people complete the survey, this data will grow to give a clearer picture of maternity care and experiences in Canberra.

If you’ve recently given birth, take the survey here: https://bit.ly/3YTJUwz

Thank you to everyone who has shared feedback so far. Your voice matters and will help shape safe and respectful care that centres women and birthing people.

22/02/2026

🌟 Applications are open to be part of the ACT Reconciliation Day event in 2026! 🌟

Reconciliation Day brings our community together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, amplify First Nations voices, promote meaningful conversations, and strengthen relationships across the ACT.

We’re seeking expressions of interest from:
✨ Artists and performers
🛍️ Market stall holders
🍴 Food vendors
🤝 Community groups

📅 Monday 1 June 2026 (Public Holiday)
📍 John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes
⏰ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

📝 Applications close Friday 6 March 2026
👉 For more information and to apply, visit bit.ly/recday26eoi

20/02/2026

Public health alert - Measles case in the ACT

The Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) can confirm a case of measles has been identified in the ACT in a recently returned overseas traveller.

The individual attended the following public venues while unknowingly infectious. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

• Hertz Car Rental Agency, Canberra Airport on 16/2/2026 between 5:00pm-7:30pm
• Arrivals – ground level, Canberra Airport on 16/2/2026 between 4:30pm-5:30pm
• Gungahlin Walk-In Centre on 18/2/2026 between 3:15pm -5:40pm
• Emergency Department waiting room, Canberra Hospital on 18/2/2026 between 6:00pm-8.30pm.

Known contacts are being followed up in line with national guidelines to provide them with appropriate advice.

Anyone who has not already been contacted by HCSD and attended these locations within the listed times is advised to:

• Monitor for symptoms of measles. It can take up to 18 days to develop symptoms after being exposed.

• If symptoms develop, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles and wear a face mask when you go.

• If you have not received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine) or are unsure, please contact a GP or pharmacist (for people from 5 years) to receive a measles-containing vaccine. This works best when given soon after being exposed, usually within 72 hours. The vaccine is free in the ACT but an administration fee may apply.

• Call HCSD on (02) 5124 9213 if you have a weakened immune system (e.g. people who are receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer or people who take high-dose steroid medications), are pregnant and unvaccinated, or have an infant under 12 months of age.

Symptoms of measles include:
• fever
• tiredness
• runny nose
• sore and red eyes
• cough
• non-itchy, blotchy red rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.

Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease that is spread when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

More information about this public health alert can be found at http://bit.ly/3ZLMGDW

19/02/2026

'Keriba gesep agiakar dikwarda keriba mir. Ableglam keriba Mir pako Tonar nole atakemurkak.'

'The land actually gave birth to our language. Language and culture are inseparable.'

This quote is from Bua Benjamin Mabo, Meriam linguist.

Tomorrow, 21 February, we celebrate International Mother Language Day and note that in Australia there are more than 250 Indigenous languages including around 800 dialects.

Wherever you are from, keeping your ties to language keeps your culture strong. Kids who grow up speaking two or more languages at home have excellent comprehension and critical thinking skills and it’s a great way to introduce them to their roots.

Celebrate your mother tongue today, and every day - and this is a special shout out to our Ngunnawal and other multi-language-speaking locals!

Djan Yimaba Yara 😊

19/02/2026

When the weather is warm, many of us gather the kids or a group of friends and head out to one of Canberra’s recreational waterways.

But before you do, there are some simple steps you should take to make sure you’re prepared.

✅ Check the water quality before swimming or playing in lakes, ponds and rivers: www.cityservices.act.gov.au/news/news-and-events-items/water_quality_in_our_lakes_and_ponds

⚠️ Check signage for changes in water conditions and possible hazards.

🌧️Avoid swimming in waterways for several days after heavy rain.

To learn more, visit www.act.gov.au/health and search ‘water quality

13/02/2026

Roses are red
Violets are blue
If you’re sexually active, STI checks are essential for you.

12/02/2026

Today, 13 February, marks the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.

The National Apology recognised the harm caused by past government policies that removed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities, and culture. These children are known as the Stolen Generations.

We acknowledge the strength, courage, and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We also recognise that the effects of these laws and policies are still felt today across the community.

The anniversary is a time to remember, to learn, and to reflect - so we can build understanding, practice truth-telling and ensure this harm is never repeated.

You can learn about the Stolen Generations and the National Apology on the Healing Foundation website: https://healingfoundation.org.au/

12/02/2026

We are making it easier for Canberrans to access treatment and ongoing care for ADHD.

These changes apply for people aged 6 years or older, have an existing ADHD diagnosis and are stable on their ADHD medicine.

From today, GPs who complete specific training can:

✅ continue prescribing ADHD medicines without repeated patient reviews from a psychiatrist, paediatrician or neurologist

✅ make minor changes to your medicines without you needing to go back to your specialist for review.

You can ask your GP if they have completed the training and if you are eligible.

Your GP will continue to work with other specialists and allied health professionals when necessary to make sure you receive the care you need.

Learn more: https://www.act.gov.au/health/mental-health-care/adhd-care-in-the-act

12/02/2026

Make an impact on public housing! 🏘️ 👐

The Tenants Consultative Group (TCG) is looking for fresh voices to shape the future of public housing in the ACT.

The TCG works directly with Housing ACT to tackle challenges and improve services for tenants.

This is your chance to connect, share ideas, and create change that matters. 🫵

If you live in ACT public housing, we’d love to hear from you! 📣

Everyone is welcome.

To find out more, go to www.act.gov.au and search ‘Tenants consultative group’ or email: tcg@act.gov.au

09/02/2026

Meet Kharishma 👋

Kharishma is one of the Environmental Health Officers responsible for monitoring local mosquito populations to help protect the community from mosquito-borne illnesses.

“Mosquito season in Canberra is typically from late spring to early autumn. During these warmer months, we conduct weekly mosquito testing by gathering samples from two main Canberra locations—Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve.

“By testing the samples, we can identify increases in mosquito activity and detect the presence of viruses.

“The viruses mosquitoes are known to transmit can cause serious illness. Mosquito-borne illnesses spread when infected mosquitoes bite humans, so early detection is key to public health.”

As for Kharishma’s favourite parts of the job?

“I love the outdoors, so being able to be outside in the sunshine keeping active during my workday suits me perfectly.

“I’m also genuinely passionate about environmental health and enjoy the variety of my role. Mosquito testing is just one part of the job—no two days as an Environmental Health Officer are ever the same.”

To learn about protecting yourself against mosquito bites, visit
www.act.gov.au/environment/animals-and-plants/mosquitos

09/02/2026

Do you need some healthy, budget-friendly inspiration for your child’s lunchbox? 🍎

Back to school season is here and we’ve got some ideas for easy, delicious, and nutritious school lunches that minimise waste.

👨‍🍳 Bring out your child’s inner chef and get baking together! Home-made goodies like fruit or vegetable muffins and banana bread make great lunch box staples and can be frozen in portions so they’re always ready to go.

🍿 Healthy snacks like muesli, popcorn and pikelets can also be made ahead of time so they’re ready for the before school rush.

🍗 Your leftovers can also make for a quick lunch that’s full of protein. Think leftover roast chicken in sandwiches, or for a meat free option you can prepare some hard-boiled eggs!

🥕 Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals. Veggie sticks like carrot and cucumber with some hummus make an easy snack, or try berries for a sweeter treat!

Check out www.health.act.gov.au/lunchboxes or www.lunchboxweek.org for more back-to-school lunch tips.

08/02/2026

💡Got a great idea that supports your community?

Funding and support are available to help make it happen! Here are some of the current grants open for applications:

✨Maternity in Focus Workforce Scholarship (closes 13 Feb).
Funding to support the professional development of eligible health professionals working in maternity care.

✨ Disability Inclusion Grants (close 18 Feb).
Supports community organisations and small businesses to deliver projects that improve access to community life for people with disability.

✨ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants (close 19 Feb).
Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and not-for-profit organisations to pursue cultural projects, leadership development, lifelong learning, and social activities.

✨ Multicultural Inclusion Grants (close 24 Feb).
Supports organisations to celebrate cultural days and events, and multicultural community programs.

✨Funding to support the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm (NBHF) transition to Community-control (closes 27 Feb).
This grant will fund an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation to work in partnership with the ACT Government to plan and prepare to transition the NBHF to Community-control.

Address

Bowes Street
Canberra, ACT
2606

Website

https://www.act.gov.au/directorates-and-agencies/health-and-community-services-directorate, https://www.act.gov.au/act-g

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