ACT Government Health and Community Services

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:
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A familiar face and trust can make all the difference in end-of-life care. For Kate, supporting people at the end of li...
07/09/2026

A familiar face and trust can make all the difference in end-of-life care.

For Kate, supporting people at the end of life is about more than clinical care. It's about helping people through difficult decisions and making sure their wishes are respected each step of the way.

From this week, nurse practitioners like Kate will be able to issue cause of death certificates for people in their care and witness non-written health directions. This will help ensure people's healthcare wishes are understood and followed when they're no longer able to communicate themselves.

It will also give families continuity of care, including after death, by a trusted person.

"Being able to provide ongoing and holistic care is a true privilege," Kate said.

"These reforms mean families can continue to be supported by the same nurse practitioner who has cared for their loved one throughout their journey."

We're proud that the ACT is the first place in Australia where nurse practitioners can issue cause of death certificates.

These changes will help make healthcare more accessible, reduce delays for families, and help experienced nurse practitioners like Kate work to their full scope of practice.

[Image description: Photo of Kate seated at a desk in a clinical consultation room using a laptop, with a stethoscope on the desk. An examination bed and medical equipment are visible in the background.]

Canberrans! Visit our RU OK? Day pop-up stall Thursday 10 September! “This will be the fifth year we have been running ...
07/09/2026

Canberrans! Visit our RU OK? Day pop-up stall Thursday 10 September!

“This will be the fifth year we have been running the stall. It’s a great opportunity for members of the community to come say hello and receive some useful information about how to have a conversation about mental health.”

Where: Woden Town Square
When: Thursday, 10 September
Time: 11:30am to 2pm

“We know these conversations can feel tricky, but if you move through the discomfort, they have the potential to change, or even save a life,’ Jackelyn Kemp, Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Branch.

📸 Photo from last year’s event!

[Image description: Five adults stand together in an outdoor courtyard behind a long stall covered in a bright yellow tablecloth, set up under a dark canopy structure. Four of the individuals wear yellow T-shirts featuring the black "Ask R U OK?" logo. Above them, triangular bunting in alternating yellow and white hangs with question marks and "R U OK?" branding and yellow and black balloons are tied near the side of the table.]

When Canberra GP Dr Mel Dorrington talks to women about hay fever or asthma, she's often met with surprise. Many women n...
06/09/2026

When Canberra GP Dr Mel Dorrington talks to women about hay fever or asthma, she's often met with surprise.

Many women notice their symptoms change throughout their lives, but few realise hormones may play a role.

"We've become much better at talking about women's health, but the relationship between hormones and allergy is still something many people don't know about," says Dr Dorrington.

Hay fever and asthma can affect anyone, but teenage girls and adult women are more likely than men to live with these conditions. Women are also more likely to be admitted to hospital because of them.

As Women's Health Week begins and Canberra heads into spring pollen season, now is the perfect time to check in on your asthma and hay fever management.

Around 1 in 3 ACT residents experience hay fever, and 11.5% of Canberrans live with asthma. Taking steps now to prepare for spring can help you stay well.

"If you're experiencing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, don't ignore these symptoms," says Dr Dorrington. "Speak with your GP. Effective management can make a significant difference to your quality of life."

Read more: www.act.gov.au/our-canberra/latest-news/2026/august/what-women-need-to-know-about-asthma-and-hay-fever

Image description: Portrait of a person wearing a red top and patterned scarf, standing outdoors on a street with flowering trees and soft-focus buildings in the background.

An important notice from CANTEST about he**in found in expected co***ne.
04/09/2026

An important notice from CANTEST about he**in found in expected co***ne.

Please join us in congratulating the winners of the 2026 ACT Women's Awards!! Ashlee Berry, Excellence in Industry Award...
03/09/2026

Please join us in congratulating the winners of the 2026 ACT Women's Awards!!

Ashlee Berry, Excellence in Industry Award

Robyn Smith, Gender Equity and Social Change Award

Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram, Lifetime Achievement Award

Katherine Berney, Minister's Impact Award

As Dr Sujatha eloquently put it: "Leadership is not measured by the title that we hold, but how we inspire others and carry ourselves as women in a leadership position."

This year we saw an impressive lineup of finalists. These Awards are a chance to recognise local women and gender-diverse people leading meaningful, lasting change through leadership, innovation, advocacy and service.

Congratulations to all finalists and this year's ACT Women's Honour Roll inductees.

To read more about the ACT Women’s Awards and the Honour Roll, visit: https://www.act.gov.au/community/honours-and-awards/act-womens-awards-and-honour-roll

And thank you so much to the sponsors of this year's event Australian Institute of Company Directors, Women with Altitude, She Shapes History, Her Smile

[Image description: Photo taken on stage of the winners of the ACT Women's Awards. They wear formal wear and smile at camera]

Magpie or pollen: what are you dodging this spring? 🌷 Spring is Canberra's peak pollen season. Pollen can trigger hay fe...
01/09/2026

Magpie or pollen: what are you dodging this spring? 🌷

Spring is Canberra's peak pollen season. Pollen can trigger hay fever and asthma symptoms.

Before heading outside:
• Check the pollen forecast using the AirRater app or the Canberra Pollen Count and Forecast website
• Carry your medications
• Review your asthma and/or hay fever action plan
• Talk to your GP about managing your symptoms
• Know the signs of asthma

While it may be hard to avoid a determined magpie, being prepared can help you manage pollen exposure and symptoms this spring.

If your symptoms develop, worsen or change, seek medical advice. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).

See the link in the comments for more tips on managing pollen and dodging magpies 👇

Today, we remember those who have lost their lives to overdose and acknowledge the profound impact on families and commu...
31/08/2026

Today, we remember those who have lost their lives to overdose and acknowledge the profound impact on families and communities. ❤️‍🩹

Overdose affects every community. But with the right knowledge and support, it can often be prevented.

Knowing the warning signs of overdose can save a life. These may include:

*pinpoint pupils

*drowsiness

*loss of consciousness

*slow breathing

*skin turning blue or grey

If you think someone may be experiencing an overdose, call 000 immediately and use naloxone if available. Always call an ambulance, even if naloxone has been given.

Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdose and is available for free from:

*CANTEST

*CAHMA and The Connection

*Civic and Woden Needle and Syringe Programs

*Some pharmacies

CANTEST provides free and confidential drug testing services, offering chemical analysis of pills and other drugs intended for personal use, as well as tailored information and harm reduction advice.

On International Overdose Awareness Day, let’s have conversations that reduce stigma, increase awareness and help save lives.

Learn more about take home naloxone in the ACT: www.act.gov.au/health/drugs-alcohol-smoking-and-vaping/take-home-naloxone

[Image description: An illustration of two people sitting side by side. Text reads: “Know the warning signs of an overdose”.]

If you or someone you care about has experience with Canberra’s mental health system, we want to hear from you. Whether...
27/08/2026

If you or someone you care about has experience with Canberra’s mental health system, we want to hear from you.

Whether you’re a person receiving care, a family member, kin, carer or supporter your feedback matters.

Right now, we are reviewing parts of the Mental Health Act to better understand what is working well and where things could be improved.

Your experiences and ideas can help shape safer, more supportive mental health care for people on a Mental Health Order, as well as their families, carers and kin.

To find out more and have your say, visit: https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/mental-health-act-review

Image description: A man and woman are sitting together and having a conversation. The woman is listening to the man speak. They are sitting on a couch next to a window.

Have you had your free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccination yet? 🦟 With spring approaching and mosquito season not f...
12/08/2026

Have you had your free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccination yet? 🦟

With spring approaching and mosquito season not far away, now is the perfect time to check whether you're eligible for a free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine before travelling to a high-risk area.

The ACT Government has extended access to the vaccine until 31 January 2027 for ACT residents travelling to high-risk areas of Australia (subject to stock availability).

ACT residents remain eligible for vaccination if travel to a JE high risk area is planned for after 31 January 2027.

JE is a rare but serious disease spread by mosquito bites. While it has not been detected in the ACT, the risk remains in some parts of Australia.

People eligible for a free JE vaccine:
• aged 2 months or older, and
• travelling to a JE high risk area (see link in comments) for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, boating, hiking, hunting or caravanning.

You are also eligible if you:
• work with pigs or at piggeries or abattoirs
• transport or care for pigs
• work with mosquitoes or mosquito-borne disease monitoring
• work in laboratories handling the virus
• undertake prolonged outdoor work in high risk areas, such as flood clean-up activities

Think you're eligible?
1. Talk to your GP or pharmacist.
2. Let them know you need the government-funded JE vaccine, as they may need to order it.

Call ahead to check vaccine availability at your GP clinic or pharmacy. An administration fee may apply.

You do not need a Medicare card to access the government-funded vaccine.

Find out more about JE vaccination and high risk areas via the link in the comments.

Image description: Camping setup beside a river, with a vehicle and tent under trees. Text reads: “Don’t miss out on your free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine.”

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