ACT Government Health and Community Services

19/11/2025

🎤 Want your voice heard in Canberra?
Are you aged 12-25 and passionate about making a difference for young people?

Here’s your chance! 🌟
The ACT Youth Advisory Council is looking for new members to join and help shape policies, programs and services that matter to youth in the ACT.

You don’t need previous experience – just curiosity, ideas and willingness to get involved.

Ready to apply or want more info? Visit https://www.act.gov.au/directorates-and-agencies/health-and-community-services-directorate/act-youth-advisory-council

19/11/2025

💛 Volunteers make it happen!

This is Mark! He is the National Multicultural Festival Volunteer Manager and he wants YOU to volunteer at the festival! 🫵

Around 250 people are coming together to make this event happen on 6-8 February 2026. All volunteers get training and support, festival merch and a food voucher. Volunteers are valued every step of the way! ✨

“Volunteers are the reason the Festival runs smoothly – they bring energy, care, and a welcoming spirit to every corner of the event.” Mark’s favourite part? “Seeing people from all walks of life connect. It’s a celebration of culture, connection, and Canberra’s unique community spirit”.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for another year, volunteering is a chance to build skills, meet people, and be part of something meaningful. 👉

Follow the National Multicultural Festival on Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes moments: @ national.multicultural.festival

17/11/2025

All families are different. 🐣

Canberra’s Child and Family Centres and Child Development Service are free for your child, inclusive of all genders, backgrounds and abilities.

The first years of your child's life shape their future.

To give your child their best start, it is important to be aware of the milestones during their first 1000 days.

16/11/2025

Please note important information below regarding ACT Public Schools.

Please visit the ACT Education website https://www.act.gov.au/education-and-training/latest-articles/act-public-school-closures-friday-14-november-2025 for information about this issue.

📢 FURTHER UPDATE
Please visit the act.gov.au website for the latest on this evolving situation - a link in the yellow bar at the top of the page at https://www.act.gov.au/education-and-training will take you to the most up to date information.
We're closing comments on this post now.

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📢 UPDATE FOR FAMILIES

Yesterday Kmart and Target issued a voluntary recall for one of their sand products, stating asbestos has been detected in some samples.

This followed a number of ACT public school closures on Friday due to the recall of Kadink Sand.

The Education Directorate commenced an audit of all ACT public schools today (Sunday 16 November 2025) for this product.

ℹ️ We have found that use of this product is widespread across ACT public schools.
▪️ 69 schools have been identified as stocking this brand of sand.
▪️ 3 schools have small stocks but these are isolated and not impacting learning.
▪️ 20 schools do not have this, or any craft sand products.

While we understand the health impacts of these products to be low, the health and safety of our staff and students is our highest priority and we continue to make all efforts to keep everyone safe.

👉 In line with our regulatory obligations, and in the interest of the safety of our students, staff and community we have decided to close public schools that have this product to allow for assessment, clean-up and remediation to occur.

We will continue to follow all advice from WorkSafe ACT and recommendations from licenced contractors.

Teams have been working around the clock across our impacted ACT public schools to safely identify, isolate and remove recalled sand products and clean learning spaces and many of those schools are now cleared to re-open.

🔗 A full list of impacted schools is on the Education website: https://www.act.gov.au/education-and-training/latest-articles/act-public-school-closures-friday-14-november-2025

ACT public school staff and families should keep an eye out for an email from your school for specific information.

Every effort is being made to have as many schools ready to re-open as soon as we can. A HUGE SHOUT OUT to the many teams working late into the night and all day again today for your hard work.

Thank you to our school communities for their support.

14/11/2025

We stand with trans and gender diverse people - in the ACT and beyond!

This week, we will be celebrating the resilience, wellbeing, and wholeness of our trans, gender diverse and non-binary communities!

Trans Awareness Week is held from November 13th - 19th in the week leading up to Trans Day of Remembrance (20th November) to help raise awareness of trans and gender diverse people and the issues facing our communities.

We stand with trans and gender diverse people 💙🩷🤍🩷💙

13/11/2025

We aim to create a positive experience for everyone engaging with our social media pages.

Conversations are moderated in line with our community guidelines, which you can find here: https://www.act.gov.au/social-media

11/11/2025

Heard of pickleball? 🥒🎾

It’s a game of strategy rather than strength, explains Michael from Pickleball ACT.

“The aim of the sport is to score points by hitting the ball over the net into the opponent’s court in a way they cannot successfully return.”

Pickleball is popular with both young and old Canberrans - and they often compete.

“The great thing about this growing sport is how accessible it is for everyone. It’s quick to learn but takes a lifetime to master!”.

Pickleball ACT was awarded a Seniors Grant last year, which allowed them to tailor sessions for older Canberrans.

“It’s been great to welcome a whole new audience to the sport. I think the younger crowd can underestimate how competitive older players can be!”

Each year, Seniors Grants help fund local programs that boost the wellbeing of older Canberrans and keep them connected to the community. They are a great way to support healthy, active ageing!

A new round of grants is now open. Learn more by searching for Seniors Grants under ‘ACT Government grants.’

11/11/2025

On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minute’s silence is observed and dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation.

At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare.

Today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.

We will remember them. Lest we forget. 🕊️

09/11/2025

“We are the Champions”. Play this in your head and read on. 👉

Sport is for everyone! ✊

There’s a free event for the LGBTIQA+ community to try a heap of different sports, called Sport Your Pride.

It’s on Saturday, 15 November at Duntroon from 10am.

Sport Your Pride is all about q***r participation, visibility and belonging in sport.

Come and try:

Rugby union

Rugby league

Gridiron

Touch footie

Soccer

Hockey

Squash

CrossFit

Roller derby

And more!

Dig out those knee-high socks, stretch those hammies (gently) and register now: https://springout.com.au/events/sportyourpride/

08/11/2025

Canberrans are being urged not to consume various alfalfa sprouts produced by Parilla Fresh following a national recall, due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Products affected are listed on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Website.

Brands included in the recall are:

• Aussie Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts
• Hugo's Alfalfa Onion & Garlic Sprouts
• Hugo's Alfalfa Radish Sprouts
• Hugo's Alfalfa & Onion Sprouts
• Hugo's Salad Sprouts
• Hugo's Alfalfa & Broccoli Sprouts
• Hugo's Trio Sprouts Selection

If you have consumed contaminated alfalfa sprouts, you should keep an eye out for symptoms of Salmonella including:

• headache
• fever
• stomach cramps
• diarrhoea
• nausea
• vomiting

Symptoms usually start 6-72 hours after exposure to the bacteria and can last for 4-7 days.

If your symptoms get worse, or you are worried, you should seek advice from your doctor.

For more information on the food recall, visit: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/food-recalls/recall-alert/parilla-fresh-various-alfalfa-sprouts-products

08/11/2025

These Canberra artists ‘found’ themselves through burlesque and they liked it! 🥰💋

Last year, a group of talented performers developed new skills and confidence under the wings of the new Canberra Burlesque Academy mentorship program. 🌟

“This mentorship made me feel like I actually belong in the burlesque world – as a q***r person, as someone still learning, and as someone who just really, really wants to perform with heart.” says Ramona Powers, 2025 Canberra Burlesque Academy mentee.

“I have always had a love for burlesque and dreamed of performing, but as a q***r woman with a disability, it felt like my physical limitations would get in the way of this... this is the first time I have felt so supported, believed in and embraced for my identity and levels of ability.” says Daphne Detoilé

The Connection Fund is now calling for applications for projects in 2026. 💞

Do you have an idea that brings together local LGBTIQA+ people? It might be artistic, sporty, or social. 🎭🚴🕺

The choice is yours, just don’t miss out.

Individuals, LGBTIQA+ businesses and community organisations are all welcome to apply.

Applications close January 18, 2026. 👈

Find out more here at https://www.act.gov.au/money-and-tax/grants-funding-and-incentives/funding-to-promote-connections-for-lgbtiqa-people

07/11/2025

Tonight, we are proud to introduce the 2025 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year, Peter Harris! 👈

Peter Harris is a young Wiradjuri man, who uses his voice to speak up for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth mental health and wellbeing.

His advocacy skills are GOATed* - from being the VP of the Winnunga Warriors Basketball Club to setting up the ACT’s first Aboriginal Community Controlled Su***de Prevention Service.

“My advocacy has always been about creating pathways for our young people to stand proud in who they are and to see themselves as the change-makers of tomorrow. This recognition is not just for me, but for every voice that has fought to make our communities stronger, more connected, and grounded in culture.”

Congratulations Peter! ☺️

*GREATEST OF ALL TIME! 🐐