Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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MyWay+ ready to roll with Fare Free Fridays

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The new ticketing system will go live on buses and light rail from Wednesday 27 November 2024.

In brief:

  • The new public transport ticketing system, MyWay+ is now live.
  • The new MyWay+ phone app and website are available now. Canberrans can also purchase a MyWay+ card now.
  • Canberrans can also travel for free on public transport every Friday.
  • If you need support or have questions about the new ticketing system, please visit transport.act.gov.au or call 13 17 10.

The ACT Government’s new public transport ticketing system, MyWay+, is now live.

MyWay+ allows you to simply tap on and off public transport with your bank card or payment method on a mobile phone.

Old MyWay cards will no longer be accepted but Canberrans can purchase or order a new MyWay+ card if they wish.

The new MyWay+ mobile phone app and online portal are also available.

The app lets you plan and pay for your journey across different modes of transport, check accessibility options and receive personalised messages for your favourite bus and light rail services.

A MyWay+ account allows you to:

  • access personalised and convenient travel management
  • transfer any travel credit from old MyWay cards
  • make contactless payments
  • register concessions
  • order a new MyWay+ travel card
  • view travel and transaction history
  • customise your real time journey notifications in the MyWay+ app.

The MyWay+ app can be downloaded for free from:

The app lets you plan and pay for your journey across different modes of transport, check accessibility options and receive personalised messages for your favourite bus and light rail services.

No account, no problem

For Canberrans who do not want to use the new digital features as part of the MyWay+ system, there is still a physical MyWay+ travel card available from retail outlets (including concession travel cards).

Passengers can also use a credit card, debit card, Apple or Google Pay on their mobile phone to tap on and off.

Fare Free Fridays

Starting from Friday 6 December, Canberrans can use public transport for free every Friday.

Canberrans will still be required to tap on and off each service to support data collection, but will not be charged for the fare.

Ongoing improvements

There will be several system improvements to the MyWay+ system over the coming weeks.

These improvements will be based on user feedback as well as planned future software and system updates designed to enhance the user experience and meet the needs of Canberrans. Transport Canberra provides a regular update on its website to the improvements that are being made.

Please be kind to our bus and light rail drivers as the new system rolls out, and they get you from A to B.

Help is available 

Customer service representatives will be located at major bus and light rail stops and interchanges over the coming weeks.

For further information, including access to the MyWay+ account, real-time journey planner and MyWay+ app along with a list of retail agents, visit www.transport.act.gov.au

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Five great Canberra bike rides

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

  • There is an option for families, mountain biking, road biking, people new to cycling, and nature lovers.

Canberra is an excellent city for cyclists. Across the capital, you’ll find a network of shared use paths, on-road cycling lanes and free bicycle parking facilities. There are also plenty of bike trails that showcase our beautiful bushland.

Here are a few bike rides to check out.

For families: Lake Tuggeranong District Park

Lake Tuggeranong District Park was designed for lakeside recreation. About 6.77kms of shared use path encircles the lake. Most of the route is flat, making for a fun ride for families. Several sections have recently been upgraded, including path widening and line marking.

There is plenty of parking, plus public toilets and drinking water.

If the kids need to stop and rest, there are plenty of picnic tables, including some with shade. There are also a number of playgrounds around the lake. This includes the recently upgraded Tuggeranong Town Park Playground.

A big drawcard for families with young children is the learn to ride centre. It is designed to teach children from preschool to year 4 how to safely ride a bicycle or scooter.

Feeling adventurous? Tuggeranong Skate Park is near the western boundary of the park and has a section for beginners.

For mountain biking: University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park

UC Stromlo Forest Park has more than 50km of mountain bike trails. They are professionally built and maintained, and suitable for all levels.

If 50km sounds a bit overwhelming, there are six suggested loops designed for different levels of ability.

There are almost 500 parking spaces at UC Stromlo Forest Park. Next to the main car park, you’ll find Handlebar. This undercover bar and café is a great spot to refuel and soak up the amazing views. Public barbecues and picnic tables are also available.

Before you visit, make sure you’re familiar with the rules and guidelines for the park. This is especially important if it’s your first visit or you’re new to mountain biking. Read the Park Rules and Guidelines.

For road biking: Lake Burley Griffin Eastern loop

This 9km route around the eastern portion of Lake Burley Griffin. It includes the Kingston Foreshore, Bowen Park, the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, the Molonglo River and Grevillea Park.

You’ll be treated to a nice mix of restaurants and cafes, parks and bushland. The Jerrabomberra Wetland is a waterbird wonderland with more than 170 different bird species.

From there, you can pop into Dairy Road where you’ll find a collection of places to eat and drink.

The shared paths of Eastern Loop are flat, making for a leisurely ride. There are beautiful views of the city, the lake and the surrounding bushland. There are also public toilets scattered along the loop.

For newbies: Lake Burley Griffin Central loop

The 5km ‘bridge to bridge’ loop is one of Canberra’s most well-known walking and cycling routes. If you’re new to bike riding, it’s an excellent route because it’s so familiar. It’s also quite flat with a short climb up to both Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges.

The loop will take you past some iconic Canberra destinations. You’ll pass the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Carillon and the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre. You’ll also ride along the Australians of the Year Walk and catch views of the Captain Cook Memorial jet and Black Mountain Tower.

There are plenty of spots to grab a coffee or something to eat on either side of the lake.

For nature lovers: the Canberra Centenary Trail

This trail is 145 kilometres long and is divided into seven sections. The entire trail is a 3-day ride, averaging just over 45 kilometres per day. You can also explore each section individually.

The trail is a blend of urban and rural settings and includes nature forests, nature reserves and bushland hills.

You’ll see plenty of native flora and fauna along the way, including birds.

The trail is mostly flat, with some hilly sections which may require you to dismount. It’s designed to be accessible for cyclists with moderate ability.

  • A journey planner for cycling and walking routes
  • A guide to cycling in Canberra
  • A map of all cycling routes across Canberra
  • Regional walking and cycling guides.

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How to find a Justice of the Peace

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A Justice of the Peace may witness signatures and perform other duties.

In brief:

  • A Justice of the Peace (JP) certifies documents for members of the public.
  • Damiano Costa has been a JP for more than 50 years.
  • This article shares some of Damiano’s experience as JP and provides more information about finding a JP.

Most Canberrans will seek the services of a JP, or Justice of the Peace, when they need a document certified. But what is actually involved in being a JP?

A JP is authorised to:

  • administer oaths and affirmations
  • witness statutory declarations and affidavits
  • witness signatures
  • attest and certify documents.

They’re the people who can certify your passport documents or witness your signature. They might do this in their home, on a weekend or after hours, but they’re not paid for this.

An office of the JP is an honorary role. This means they can’t charge fees or accept payment for their services . Before providing JP services to the ACT community, an individual must:

  • complete the required training
  • make a successful application to the Attorney-General
  • attend a swearing-in ceremony.

Damiano’s story

Damiano Costa has been a JP since 1967. At the time, he was working for the Department of Immigration, who were then responsible for issuing passports.

“Five hundred people were employed in the public service in Immigration at the time and I was the only person speaking Italian,” Damiano said.

For the Italians who migrated to Australia after the war, the services of someone like Damiano were critical.

“Also, when we created the Italian Club in Forrest, people needed documents certified for various reasons, and they also needed interpreting and translation,” he said.

“I decided to become a JP to make it easier for myself, because we were limited to where JPs were available and there were not very many at that time.”

Becoming a Justice of the Peace meant Damiano was able to help other members of the Italian community in Canberra. He recalls people from Cooma and Goulburn coming to Canberra to have documents translated and certified.

Over the years, he has helped many Italians with passport applications, bank loans, and speeding fines. He’s also helped them transfer their Italian pensions to Australia, an important responsibility that has since been transferred to the Italian Embassy.

How JPs work

Part of the responsibility is being available to perform the role at all reasonable times, including after hours and on weekends.

Some JPs perform their duties from their homes, but others meet people in mutually convenient locations. JP services are also available at public locations such as:

* shopping centres

* public libraries

* police stations.

Damiano has made visits to nursing homes to perform duties for older people who are unable to travel to him.

Looking for a JP?

JPs are available at a range of public locations. Often no appointments are necessary, however you may have to wait. You can also search the online JP Register to find a JP near you.

Find a Justice of the Peace.

Learn more about what a Justice of the Peace does.

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35 (more) new places to eat in 2024

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Carlotta is the first restaurant by Chris Lucas in Canberra. Image: VisitCanberra

In brief:

  • Many new restaurants, cafés and bars have opened in Canberra in the second half of 2024.
  • This story includes a list of new eateries to try.

We hope you’re hungry, because there are plenty of new places to check out:

Ballyhoo has seriously good food, with a fun, laid-back atmosphere. The food is a blend of Mediterranean and South American cuisine.

Expect Australian-influenced Mediterranean food designed for shared feasting. Savour antipasto, handmade pasta, and meat and seafood cooked in a wood oven from Naples.

The iconic building at the top of Red Hill has reopened with two Italian restaurants: Lunetta and Lunetta Trattoria. The latter is on the ground floor with a more relaxed vibe. Upstairs, Lunetta offers elevated dining with beautiful views.

Wildflour are famous for their seasonal pastries, and Macquarie residents can soon get their fix. Their new shopfront is set to open in mid-November.

This Korean barbecue spot joined Capital Food Market in September. Wagyu beef is a star on the menu, but there are also salads, seafood, soups and more.

Hao Chi is another new addition to Belconnen’s Capital Food Market. The menu includes a range of dumplings and buns, as well as noodles, fried rice, and snacks.

Southsiders can now easily get their hands on NYC-style donuts. Brooklyn Donut and Coffee have a large menu with traditional and filled donuts. Enjoy flavours like red velvet, New York cheesecake, and dark choc peanut butter.

Looking for a cozy coffee spot in Tuggeranong? Look no further. Mocha Mystic also have a varied breakfast and lunch menu. Fritters, momo (Nepalese dumpling), salads, toasties and more are on offer.

Bombay Duck, Greenway

Authentic Indian is now available at South.Point in Tuggeranong.  Curries, chat, rice, biryani, and naan all feature on the menu.

Espresso Room has opened near Coles in the Canberra Centre. The coffee is a focus but you’ll also find pastries, donuts and takeaway lunch items.

This isn’t a new opening, but it is a long-awaited reopening. This award-winning Turkish restaurant is known as an ideal spot for a special occasion meal.

The former chef of the now-closed XO in Narrabundah is bringing southeast Asian street eats to New Acton. Grab takeaway lunch from Monday to Friday in the form of fragrant curries.

Flui is a casual fine dining restaurant. The cuisine is modern Australian with influences from the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia.

This bar and restaurant offers authentic Mexican. The menu includes tacos, burritos, chimichangas, paella and much more.

This deli-style café is on the edge of Yerrabi Pond. They make their sandwiches with golden schiacciata bread. The fillings showcase Italian deli meats and fresh cheeses.

This sushi train restaurant has recently opened on the Kingston Foreshore. Enjoy fresh sushi, sashimi, udon, rice bowls and hot dishes while overlooking Lake Burley Griffin.

Fans of K-Pop will love this new Korean eatery. Extra hungry? Go all out and dig into a platter. They include black pink fried chicken, house-made pickle radish, coleslaw and dinner rolls.

Mawson shops have established themselves as a suburban foodie haven. The newest addition is Mawson Kebab and Grill, where you’ll find an extensive menu with Turkish classics.

This soon-to-be-opened Italian restaurant in Gungahlin has a build your own model. Select from five different pasta types, choose a sauce and then add your extras.

Anketell Street’s newest café has something for everyone. Classic breakfast dishes, healthy bowls, pastas, burgers and more are all available.

This Parisian-style pastry shop is proving popular among locals. Expect to queue for croissants, eclairs, escargot, tarts, savoury pastries and more.

Salted butter rolls, cookies, buns, sticky rice balls and sweet cakes. These are some of the goods available at this Korean bakery. Arrive hungry, as the pastry cases are bursting with creative, decadent creations.

Seoul Sistaz blends Korean cuisine with soul food. The result is delicious dishes like bulgogi toasties, iced black sesame lattes, and triangle spicy bulgogi. kimbap,

The newest location on Mort Street offers the same healthy food Eighty/Twenty customers have come to know and love. Acai bowls, salads and smoothies are fan favourites.

This Indian restaurant in the historic Melbourne Building offers authentic Indian cuisine. A host of curries feature on the menu alongside dosa, Jalfrezi, samosa and more. There are plenty of vegetarian dishes on the menu.

This bar on Dairy Road in Fyshwick specialises in heavenly cocktails. The food menu includes bar snacks, pita pizza, cheese and charcuterie plates and sliders.

Verity Lane’s newest addition includes new and traditional flavours of Vietnam. Phở, bánh mì and rice paper rolls are some of the fresh, tasty options available.

This Italian micro bakery is one of the newest stallholders at the Old Bus Depot Markets. Apple crumble brioche, Biscoff and roasted hazelnut snails, and crème brûlée bombolini are some of their featured menu items.

This family-owned business has a large menu full of Vietnamese favourites. Their banh mi menu includes vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian options.

Crispy, golden focaccia baked fresh by a local home baker. Bink By B’s focaccias are available in three flavours: garlic butter, rosemary and sea salt, and olive, tomato and rosemary.

The much-loved mobile pizza fan has taken up residence at The Jetty. Chef Hem has been named one of the world’s best pizza chefs. One bite and you’ll understand why.

XinFuTang Canberra, Canberra City

Taste Taiwanese bubble tea at the Canberra Centre. Flavours include brown sugar boba milk with Biscoff sauce, matcha boba milk tea, and lychee green tea.

Banana Blossom opened its first Canberra store in June and has fast become a favourite among city workers. Fresh salads, rice bowls and noodles feature on the menu.

If you were a bit fan of Lim Peh’s when they were at Verity Lane Market, you can breathe a sigh of relief: they’re coming back. This time, their Singaporean-inspired hawker bowls will be available at Westfield Woden. You can expect them to open very soon.

Who knew that specialty coffee and Korean-inspired sandos paired so well? The sandos are made with cloud-like shokupan bread with locally sourced ingredients.

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Canberra’s most common recycling mistakes

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

From coffee cups to clothing, there are some items that do not belong in your recycling bin.

Canberrans are great recyclers, but sometimes people mistake items as recyclable when they’re not.

Things you can put in your recycling (yellow) bin include:

  • aluminium and steel cans
  • glass bottles and jars
  • paper and cardboard
  • plastic bottles and containers.

However, plenty of other items turn up in yellow bins across the ACT every day. These include everything from coffee cups to clothing and computers to cat poo.

While some of these things can be recycled, your yellow bin is not the place for them. Visit the A to Z guide of waste and recycling to find out what to do with them.

Here are some items Canberrans commonly try to recycle through their yellow bin.

Bagged recycling

Plastic bags cannot go in your recycling bin. If you put items in your yellow bin inside a plastic bag, the whole bag will go to landfill. Waste sorting facilities will not open the bag as there may be other contamination inside.

Don’t let the bag cancel out what’s inside. Simply place recyclable items – loose and empty – into your recycling bin and reuse your bags another way.

Soft plastics

Soft plastics include things like chip and lolly packets and bread bags. Like plastic bags, these can’t go in your recycling bin.

The general rule is that if you can scrunch it up, it can’t go in your recycling bin. Put it in your landfill (red) bin instead.

Even though items like milk bottles and berry punnets may feel a bit soft, these are still considered hard plastics and can go in your household recycling.

Takeaway coffee cups

There is a lot of confusion around these. While many takeaway coffee cups are made from cardboard, they cannot go in recycling bins. This is due to the type of materials they’re made from, including the plastic coating often found on the inside.

You should also put the disposable lids in your landfill bin as they cannot be recycled either.

Timber

Timber can be reused but not via your household recycling bin.

You can dispose of reusable timber by dropping it off for free at second-hand locations like Goodies Junction. If the timber is valuable, you could try a local ‘buy nothing’ group or consider contacting places like Thor’s Hammer or ACT Recycling.

Textiles

These include clothing, blankets, sheets, towels and fabrics.

These items can also be recycled but your recycling bin is not the place for them.

You can try giving them another home by:

  • passing them on to a friend
  • selling or giving them away online
  • donating them to a charity
  • dropping them off for free at Goodies Junction at either Mitchell or Mugga Lane.

Batteries and eWaste

It’s imperative batteries and eWaste are disposed of correctly. These items can cause fires and should not go in any of your household bins.

You can drop off batteries for free at over 50 locations across Canberra. These include most supermarkets and hardware stores.

Both eWaste and batteries can be disposed of for free at a resource management centre – either at Mitchell or Mugga Lane.

Animal waste

While this one may seem obvious, animal waste is not recyclable and must not go in household recycling bins. Animal waste should only be placed in landfill bins.

If you’re ever unsure about what can and cannot be recycled, check out the A to Z guide to waste and recycling.

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The human side of Triple Zero

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Connor is an emergency communications officer in the ACT Ambulance Service communication centre.

If you ever have to call an ambulance, chances are you’ve found yourself in a bit of a stressful situation. Your head is probably racing with thoughts, your heart pumping, and possibly your body is shaking. When someone answers the phone, your words may spill out in a tangle, as you desperately try and get someone to help.

For the person on the other end of the phone, each call is also a pressured step into the unknown.

Connor is an emergency communications officer in the ACT Ambulance Service communication centre. Straight out of school, he started his career in the communication centre for the ACT Police, and worked there for five years. For the last three years, he’s worked in the ambulance call centre – his role including everything from taking emergency triple zero calls to ambulance enquiries and patients’ transport bookings.

He says working in the emergency call centre is, “like what you see on TV”, but despite almost a decade working in the field, “you can’t prepare yourself for the intensity or the unknown when you answer the phone”.

Emergency call takers manage emergency calls from start to finish, following a script of questions that help triage the resources required for a job. Call takers are supported by the ambulance dispatchers and paramedic clinicians, who also sit in the call centre, and the three work together to provide the relevant advice or send the appropriate care.

“We have a series of questions that we need to ask to arrange the best help for you. But some people don’t like the questions. [They ask] ‘where’s my ambulance? Why are you taking so long? Why are you asking me all these stupid questions? Why aren’t you focusing everything on me and helping me’?” says Connor.

“We reassure people our questions aren’t going to delay any help we’re going to organise for them, but they don’t like it sometimes.”

That can sometimes lead to verbal abuse, with the callers taking their stress and frustrations out on the call taker. Connor has had callers get so irate they not only threaten him, but threaten to also track down and harm his family.

“It’s tough. It’s not the standard that you want to listen to. It’s not nice being yelled and screamed at,” he says.

“[For the caller], it’s the worst point in their life at that time, hence why they call an ambulance, but at the same time, I don’t deserve to cop that.”

After difficult calls, staff are encouraged to step away from the phone and take some time either by themselves or with a team member to debrief. They also have a peer support network who are available to support staff after difficult phone calls, plus an Employee Assistance Program.

Despite the occasional abusive call, Connor loves his job. He loves knowing he’s helping people, and he finds the shift work suits his family – he and his wife have three kids – plus he loves the camaraderie of the team.

“You get close with your team, and they’re like your second family,” he says.

He said it’s a role that could suit anyone – they have staff ranging from those straight out of school to people from other industries including childcare and hospitality. And by the time you’re working independently in the role, you feel fully confident. Everyone gets a full six weeks of training, followed by eight weeks working on the phones where you’re supported one-on-one by a mentor – Connor is currently mentoring a new staff member – before you’re signed off as an independent call taker.

If you feel you’re in urgent need of medical attention, Connor always encourages people to call for an ambulance. But also remember that the service is there to help people in genuine emergencies. If you’re experiencing a non-urgent medical situation, there are other medical services that can help, such as your GP, or Canberra’s walk-in centres. If you do need to go to the hospital but have someone who can safely transport you there, that can also be a good option.

“We treat everyone, no matter who you are. We’ll give you the best advice that we can at the time,” says Connor.

“There is a misconception that if you go in an ambulance you get seen quicker, but you don’t. Whether you go to hospital yourself or via an ambulance, the triage system once you get to hospital is exactly the same.”

And if you find yourself in a position where you are calling an ambulance, don’t forget that the person on the other end is trying to help you.

“They don’t understand that we might have just got off a CPR call, or we might have just dealt with a child having a seizure or febrile convulsions, and we’ve just hung up that phone,” he says.

“We’re humans on the other side of the phone.”

* For personal privacy, surnames of interviewees have been removed.

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30 Canberra cafes with views

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

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Companion Animal Care recipients announced

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Companion animals help people with their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

In brief:

  • The ACT Government has awarded $200,000 in funding through the Companion Animal Care Grants Program.
  • The funding will support community groups in Canberra who improve animal welfare.
  • This story lists the groups who have recieved grants, and what the funding will be used for.

The ACT Government has awarded $200,000 in funding through the Companion Animal Care Grants Program. This funding will support community groups to improve animal welfare across Canberra.

Most of the groups receiving funding through the program rely on volunteers and community support. They rescue, rehome, advocate and care for companion animals such as cats and dogs.

Groups to receive funding include:

  • ACT Pet Crisis Support
  • ACT Rescue and Foster
  • Canberra Pet Rescue
  • Canberra Street Cat Alliance
  • Completely Rescued
  • Labrador Rescue
  • Pets and Positive Ageing
  • Pets in the Park
  • The Rabbit Sanctuary.

These groups will use the grants for a wide variety of activities including to support:

  • volunteer-run vet clinics to help pet owners with a Healthcare Card to care for their pets
  • services for older pet owners to help them keep their pets as their health declines
  • homeless people with companion animals by providing access to medications to treat the chronic health conditions of their pets
  • purchasing food and litter for foster carers to assist with rehoming cats in need
  • training for rescue dogs to increase the chances of rehoming them
  • desexing of rescue dogs to reduce the number of unplanned and unwanted litters
  • upgrading animal care facilities including a cattery and small animal enclosure
  • the rescue and rehoming of domestic rabbits.

Companion animals help many people in Canberra with their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

With the cost of living crisis, there has been an increase in abandoned and surrendered animals. This has led to more demand for the important work of these support groups.

This funding will provide support for and recognise the efforts of volunteer groups that care for Canberra’s companion animals.

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New initiatives provide more support for Canberra parents

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

ACT Health has launched three new initiatives to support pregnant people and new parents.

In brief:

ACT Health has launched three new initiatives to support pregnant people and new parents. These are:

  • Maternity in Focus survey – gathering feedback on ACT public maternity care
  • INFANT program – offering first-time parents free support with feeding and playing with their babies.
  • My Pregnancy Options website – covering everything from pregnancy options and decision making to abortion and contraception options in Canberra.

Maternity in Focus survey

The new Maternity in Focus: ACT Maternity Survey is now underway.

The survey will help gather insights into the experiences of women and birthing people in the ACT.

It invites people to share feedback about their pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, particularly in terms of what is being done well and how maternity care in the ACT public health system can continue to be improved.

“This survey is open to any woman or person who gives birth in the ACT through public maternity care and whose baby is in their care. This includes non-ACT residents who give birth in the ACT,” Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Marina Buchanan-Grey said.

Anyone who gives birth in the ACT after 1 September 2024 through public maternity care can complete the survey. It will remain ongoing.

Parents can find the survey postcard inside their ‘blue book’.

Alternatively, it is available online.

Free sessions for new parents about feeding and play for babies

The new INFANT program will support first-time parents with feeding and playing with their babies.

INFANT stands for INfant Feeding, Active play and NuTrition.

The program supports parents and babies with:

  • introducing solids
  • food refusal and fussy eating
  • tummy time
  • active play ideas, and
  • strategies for limiting screen time.

You can also share experiences and ideas with other Canberra parents and carers.

How the program works

INFANT consists of 4 group sessions when your baby is approximately 3, 6, 9 and 12 months old.

These face-to-face sessions run for around 90 minutes.

The sessions are in:

  • Belconnen
  • Gungahlin
  • Molonglo Valley
  • Tuggeranong.

The free sessions are run by community partner Capital Region Community Services.

Register to attend a session

You can register into the program if your baby is less than 4 months old.

My Pregnancy Options website

The new My Pregnancy Options website is now live.

It features information on reproductive health services in the ACT, all in one place.

The content covers pregnancy, contraceptive and abortion options and is:

  • accurate
  • reliable
  • pro-choice
  • accessible.

Community health organisation Women’s Health Matters developed the website with ACT Government funding.

“You can use the website to help you make a choice, to understand your choices, or to help someone you know,” Women’s Health Matters CEO Lauren Anthes said.

The website contains a list of GPs and clinics that provide no-cost abortion services.

It was developed in collaboration with a Consumer Advisory Group of women and gender diverse people. These people have lived experience of having an abortion or experiencing barriers accessing healthcare in the ACT.

Visit the My Pregnancy Options website.

The Maternity in Focus: ACT Maternity Survey survey will help ACT Health gather insights into the experiences of women and birthing people in Canberra.

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Canberra’s best pastries, as voted by you

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Almond, chocolate or plain? Canberrans have plenty of options when it comes to croissants and other pastries. Image: VisitCanberra

In Brief:

  • We asked Canberrans on the @weareCBR Instagram account to name their favourite local pastry spot.
  • This list includes cafés, pâtisseries and bakeries around Canberra.

Whether it’s a croissant for breakfast, a box of Danishes for the office morning tea or a mid-afternoon sweet treat, Canberran’s can’t get enough pastries.

Here are the results:

The scent of baked bread will lure you into this bakery tucked away at Fyshwick Markets. Inside, you’ll find a pastry counter heaving with fruit Danishes, croissants, Italian cream-filled donuts, Portuguese tarts and more.

Wildflour sell a range of different pastries, but they’re most well-known for their croissants. Ube, matcha, pistachio, salted caramel, Biscoff, black tea and mango are just some of the flavours that they’ve featured on their ever-changing menu.

Knead has the feel of a traditional bakery, offering all of the classic pastries. There are croissants, seasonal frangipanes, Portuguese tarts and fruit Danishes. But you’ll also find surprises, like brookies (a brownie cookie hybrid) and a cracking crème brulee tart.

This small but mighty bakery at Curtin shops has the feel of a traditional suburban bakery. Their hearty, flavourful savoury pies are a favourite among Woden residents.

This is not your traditional bakery – unless you’ve recently arrived from the Mediterranean. You’ll find traditional, chocolate and almond croissants alongside Turkish sweet pastries and Borek.

French-influenced pastries are the star at this bakery. You’ll find croissants, cinnamon buns, Danishes, escargot and more.

Le Bon Mélange make just about every baked good under the sun – and pastries are no exception. You’ll find a huge variety of both sweet and savoury options.

Locals queue at this suburb gem to stock up on pastries. There’s cardamon buns, greens and cheese escargots, kouign-amanns, croissants, seasonal pastries and more.

Danishes, scrolls, cruffins, croissants – this family-run bakery offers an impressive lineup of pastries. With a Lyneham location opening soon, more Inner North residents will be able to get their Bakehouse fix.

Located on Beltana Road, this bakery offers a range of fresh pastries to fuel your Pialligo adventures. Choose from croissants, pain au chocolat, escargot, cinnamon buns, Danishes, cruffins and more.

It’s hard to walk by the pastry counter at Tinker Tailor without treating yourself to a golden, flaky pastry. Danishes, croissants and scrolls are some of the delights regularly on offer.

Three Mills not only have five locations across the city, but you can purchase their goods at shops and cafés around town. One taste of their delicious pastries and it’s easy to see why. There’s a big selection of fresh pastries and even bake at home packs.

L’epi Artisan Bakery, Chisholm and Kambah

This French-inspired artisan bakery has a large selection of classic and unique freshly baked pastries. Try a Moorish custard Danish or indulge in a crookie (that’s a croissant with cookie dough, for the uninitiated).

From their cultured butter croissant to their flaky morning buns, locals love pastries from Sonoma. You’ll often have to queue to secure a sweet treat, but rest assured that every moment is worth it.

Sometimes, only a classic will do. Dobinsons has been serving Canberra since 1994 and have earned a reputation for delicious sweet and savoury pastries. Crispy spinach and feta triangles, fruit tarts heaving with shiny fruit and the decadent Nutella Danish are some of the crowd favourites.

It’s little surprise that this bakery, run by French bakers, make an excellent croissant. They also infuse their baked goods with seasonal flair, offering specials like peanut butter, fresh apple and coconut pastries or mandarin and chocolate croissants.

Located inside Manuka Court, this little pâtisserie offers a taste of Europe to the inner south. Chef Wim is Dutch, but trained in France, so you’ll find Dutch boterkoek (butter cake with fruit and nuts) alongside croissants and Belgian chocolate custard twists.

Over the years, Silo has earnt a cult following in the Canberra community. As a result, you may need to jostle your way to the front of the cue for a pastry, but it’s all part of the charm. You’ll find the counter stocked with a stunning lineup of sweet and savoury pastries that will keep you coming back for more.

This bakery is worth the trip to Fyshwick for fresh pastries. If you’d rather not make the journey, the Cedar Husk truck makes its way around Canberra delivering to baked goods to people’s homes. Follow them on Facebook to see when they’re coming to your area.

Prefer your morning pastry with a side of spectacular views? The Café at the Arboretum is in the Village Centre. Take a seat and soak up the views or order takeaway and enjoy a picnic among the trees.

Good Neighbour is one of the newest additions to Kingston’s café scene. Alongside their basque cheesecake and New York style chunky cookies, you’ll find a selection of fresh pastries available at the front counter.

Lilette, Dickson

This artisanal French pâtisserie made the move from Melbourne to Dickson earlier in the year. Chef Lilette bakes all your French favourites, from eclairs to croissants and tarts.

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