Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Rehab robots help patients with brain injuries

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The equipment can help to improve function after serious brain injuries.

Three new robots at the University of Canberra Hospital are helping patients recover from serious brain injuries.

The hospital is the second public facility of its kind in Australia to offer this service. The robots are a joint venture between Canberra Health Services and the University of Canberra.

The equipment is a tool for treating patients. It can help them to improve function after serious brain injuries including stroke.

World experts have trained the hospital’s team to use these robots. This helps them to find the best ways to build the robots into client treatment.

Students studying occupational therapy and physiotherapy at the university will learn about robotics as part of their coursework. The students will be involved in ongoing research projects at the university.

The university’s Honours students will also be speaking to clinicians and patients about the robots and how they have helped to improve treatment and further build on research.

“By embedding elements of robotics rehabilitation into the University’s relevant course curricula, our students will be exposed to this innovative technology,” Professor Stuart Semple, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, University of Canberra said.

“That will enhance their learning outcomes and career opportunities in the health workforce of the future.”

The ACT Government and the Canberra Hospital Foundation funded the three robots. Generous donors and the Canberra Hospital Foundation’s community partnership with GIO also helped.

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Milestone for Big Canberra Battery

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Williamsdale battery will deliver 250MW of storage.

The ACT Government has reached a major milestone in its work to future-proof Canberra’s energy supply.

The development application has been approved to deliver Stream 1 of the project – a grid-scale battery in Williamsdale.

This ACT Government has partnered with Eku Energy on this project. Construction will begin later this year.

The Big Canberra Battery will be capable of delivering 250 MW of power – more than a third of Canberra’s peak electricity demand. It will be able to deliver this power for two hours.

The Big Canberra Battery will have 500 MWh of capacity, which on a single charge could supply 23,400 households with their daily energy use.

Approximately 180–200 jobs will also be created through the project.

More batteries for Canberra

The Government has also finalised the installation of batteries at nine government sites in the ACT as part of its work on Stream 2 of the project.

The sites include:

  • Belconnen Parks Depot
  • Gungahlin Family and Child Centre
  • Allara Depot
  • Kambah Depot
  • Ron Reynolds Centre
  • Chifley Community Hub
  • Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm
  • Cotter Depot
  • Greenway Ambulance Station.

The batteries capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels. This will help power the sites and will reduce government spend on electricity, benefitting the broader network during peak electricity consumption times.

Two further batteries will be installed at Mount Stromlo High School and 255 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick in early 2025.

The ACT Government has also partnered with the Commonwealth Government and Evoenergy through the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program.

Through this, three medium-sized neighbourhood-scale batteries will be installed in Casey, Dickson and Fadden.

A battery operator will be selected in late 2024 following a procurement process.

The Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid.

It will help grow the ACT’s renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the territory.

Building a cleaner future

Battery storage technology is a critical component of the ACT’s net-zero emissions future.

The ACT has delivered 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2020.

Initiatives like this build on that achievement and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy in supporting a robust, affordable and sustainable energy grid.

Find out more about the Big Canberra Battery Project and other ways Canberra is leading the way on climate action by visiting climatechoices.act.gov.au

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Canberra’s best curries

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Tokyo Canteen offers a delicious Japanese curry. Image: VisitCanberra

Few foods are as comforting as a curry – especially on a cold Canberra day. Curries encompass dishes from many different cuisines, meaning there is a curry for every taste and mood.

We asked Canberrans on the WeAreCBR page to name their favourite curries. Here are the best, as voted by you:

This restaurant is tucked away at Manuka shops. Its menu includes thali, a Nepalese dish with a choice of curry sauce and proteins. There are also options for vegetarians.

Canberrans from Woden and beyond have flocked to Pearce for Rama’s curries for 29 years. The fusion menu offers a fresh take on Indian cuisine.

Spice Affair offers dishes from different regions of India. Whether you’re craving a korma, madras, daal, vindaloo or rogan josh, their extensive menu has it all.

Locals love Spice Route for its flavourful dishes. The menu includes many traditional Indian dishes and an Indo-Chinese section.

This Belconnen favourite is a short drive from Melba shops. Its menu boasts butter chicken, korma, jalfrezi, rogan josh, vindaloo and many more Indian curry dishes.

No. 8 Thai is at Griffith shops. The menu includes Thai curries like green curry, red curry, yellow curry, massaman, and panang.

Taj Agra is another longstanding Canberra favourite, having opened here 20 years ago. The menu is packed with north Indian classics including tandoori dishes, chettinad, tikka masala and more.

Kinn Thai has an extensive menu that includes barramundi curry, panang curry, green curry, massaman beef curry and a red duck curry.

Mirchi features mainly north Indian dishes, with a handful from southern India too. There are fragrant, spiced dishes on the menu for vegetarians and meat eaters.

The former owners of Sukothia and the Red Hill Tea House have opened Myanmar Corner to celebrate their native Myanmar dishes. The menu is a unique fusion of Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisine.

Indo Café, Canberra City

A lunchtime favourite for hungry city workers. Indo Cafe is well-known for its delicious curries. Their lunch specials are quick, affordable and the perfect remedy for chilly winter days.

The Mustang offers a section of traditional dishes from Nepal and the surrounding region. There are many curries, including palak paneer, butter chicken, prawn curry and more. They cater to vegetarians, vegans and those who are gluten-free.

Lamb shank massaman, wagyu panang, and salmon green curry are just some of the dishes you’ll find at Chong Co. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options on the menu.

The menu at Blu Ginger is reflective of India’s diverse cuisine. You’ll find the seafood allepy curry from Kerala, Goanese fish curry and Punjabi saagwala curry among many others.

Dum Dickson offers traditional Indian curries including madras, korma, saag, vindaloo, rogan josh and more. They have a range of protein options on their menu, and a large vegetarian section.

7 Village has a large menu that’s a mix of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes. There are traditional curries and chef’s specials. They also offer meal deals and lunch specials.

Yogi’s fragrant curries have made them a firm favourite for those in the inner south. They offer authentic Indian dishes, with options for vegetarians.

For a Japanese take on curry, visit Tokyo Canteen for their kare raisu Japanese curry. Choose from either panko chicken, tempura prawn or tofu.

Did we miss your favourite? Send us an email at ourcanberra@act.gov.au.

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Building connections through shared reading

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A new Libraries ACT program is bringing Canberrans together to share the joy of stories read aloud.

No matter your age, there’s something comforting about being read to.

A new program at Libraries ACT taps into this, bringing Canberrans together to experience the joy of stories read aloud.

Shared Reading is a free weekly program offered at Tuggeranong and Dickson libraries.

In each 90-minute session, participants gather to hear a facilitator read a short story.

There are pauses for group discussion. This allows participants to share their thoughts, emotions and personal connections to the story, if they wish.

Building connections

Shared reading sessions present a great way to meet people and make new friends.

The program is designed to support all ages, with particular benefit to those aged 60+.

The sessions offer a powerful remedy for loneliness and isolation.

More than just reading aloud, Shared Reading creates a space where participants can fully engage with the story and each other without judgment.

The approach allows people to connect deeply with the literature and with one another.

The facilitator

Local educator Louise Bromhead will lead the sessions.

With extensive training in Shared Reading facilitation, Louise is passionate about the program and its potential to foster meaningful connections among participants.

Meet and greet

The program kicks off with an information session and meet and greet on Wednesday 17 July 2024.

Participants can learn more about the program, meet Louise, and enjoy a cuppa and biscuit.

Come and join in

Whether you’re an avid reader, looking to connect with others, or both, this program offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Dates (Wednesdays)

  • July: 17, 24, 31
  • August: 7, 14, 21, 28
  • September: 4, 11, 18, 25
  • October: 23, 30
  • November: 6, 13, 20, 27
  • December: 4, 11, 18

Times

  • Tuggeranong Library: 10:15am to 11:45am
  • Dickson Library: 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Cost: free

Register to experience the Shared Reading program.

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Robert Foster artwork finds new home at Kingston Arts Precinct

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Journey contains 37 individual plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

An award-winning Robert Foster artwork is the first confirmed for display in the future Kingston Arts Precinct.

The artwork, titled The Journey, was gifted to the ACT Government.

The work

Many Canberrans will know The Journey. It had pride of place in the foyer of ActewAGL’s Bunda Street premises for over ten years.

The artwork spans around 300 square metres. It contains 37 plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

These glow different colours according to the time of day. Inbuilt motion sensors also interact with viewers’ movement.

ActewAGL commissioned The Journey in 2010, to mark its 10th anniversary.

The company offered the work to the ACT Government following the sale of the Bunda Street building.

It will now be refurbished and incorporated into the new Kingston Arts Precinct design.

Although The Journey is a gift to the ACT Government, the artist’s estate will receive a voluntary royalty.

This acknowledges the change in ownership and the artist’s continuing interest in the work.

Under the Artist’s Resale Royalty Scheme, artists and their estates are entitled to a 5 per cent royalty whenever an eligible artwork resells in Australia.

The artist

The late Robert Foster was a renowned local artist, best known for the iconic F!NK water jug.

His works are held in major public collections. These include the National Gallery of Australia, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Robert died following a car accident in 2016.

He established F!NK + Co, a design and manufacturing company, with his wife, Gretel Harrison. It has employed many artists who have gone on to productive careers as designers and makers in the region.

“I am super appreciative of artsACT for finding a new home for Robert’s sculpture The Journey so that once again people will be able to walk through his mesmerising forest of lights,” Gretel said.

F!NK + Co will work with the Kingston Arts Precinct design team to integrate The Journey into its new home.

The Kingston Arts Precinct

The Kingston Arts Precinct will be a hub for arts organisations in Canberra.

It will house:

  • Canberra Contemporary Art Space
  • Canberra Glassworks
  • Craft ACT
  • M16 Artspace
  • Megalo Print Studio
  • PhotoAccess
  • a new space for Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The precinct will be a fitting new home for The Journey where it will captivate a new audience and further honour the artist’s legacy.

Find out more about the Kingston Arts Precinct at BuiltforCBR.

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Cheer on our Olympians and Paralympians at the AIS

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Canberrans gathered to watch the Matildas play at Canberra’s last watch party in Garema Place.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Arena has been selected as a live site for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

There will be two watch parties in the recently upgraded arena. Sit back on a bean bag and watch the Games on the big screens.

You can also head along to the AIS Visitor Centre to watch the Channel 9 broadcast of the Games. It will be screening from 26 July until 11 September.

Here’s everything you need to know:

When is it on?

There will be two watch parties in August:

  • Sunday 4 August for the Olympics
  • Sunday 31 August for the Paralympics

Both events will run from 10am to 2pm.

How much are tickets?

The events are free, but bookings are required.

Book your ticket for the Olympics LIVE Watch Party.

Book your ticket for the Paralympics LIVE Watch Party.

What are the food options?

There will be local food trucks at the arena selling food and drink.

Is it family-friendly?

Absolutely. Children are welcome to attend and there will be kids’ entertainment options at both parties.

Are there other entertainment options?

Entertainment options include:

  • children’s face painting
  • colouring in
  • sport demonstrations and challenges
  • free AIS tours every 30 minutes
  • free entry to Sportex, the interacting sporting exhibit
  • meet and greet past Olympians and Paralympians to see their medals
  • an Olympic podium and photo wall.

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Anywhere at any time—Be Dingo-Safe!

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 9 Apr 2025

Visitors to K’gari during the Easter school holidays are urged to prioritise safety and have an incident-free trip by following the Be dingo-safe! advice.

People are reminded to always carry a dingo safety stick, avoid walking alone, refrain from running and ensure that children are always close.

Ranger in Charge Dr Linda Behrendorff said dingoes could be anywhere at any time and people can’t be complacent.

“Holiday periods are always busy on K’gari, and residents and visitors should be thinking about our safety messages at all times, Dr Behrendorff said.

“There have been 28 high risk incidents on the island this year, and we want to get through this holiday period without any further interactions.

“Dingoes should never be fed or approached for photos, and if they’re lingering around camping areas they should be deterred through making assertive and loud noises.

“Fishers should never let dingoes get access to discarded bait, and fish frames should be buried at half a metre deep.

“Throwing one piece of bait or unwanted sausage can instantly change the behaviour of a dingo, and that can lead to changes in behaviour of a dingo pack.

“Human intervention through deliberate or inadvertent feeding of dingoes or by approaching them for selfies is unlawful and can lead to negative interactions.

“To stay safe and protect the unique wildlife, we’re asking all visitors to remain vigilant, secure food and rubbish properly, and Be dingo-safe!”

Visitors to K’gari are reminded to be dingo safe at all times:

  • Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
  • Always walk in groups
  • Always carry a stick when walking
  • Camp in fenced areas where possible
  • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
  • Never feed dingoes
  • Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
  • Never store food or food containers in tents, and
  • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
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Large Crocodile captured near Proserpine boat ramp

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 7 Apr 2025

A 4.5m estuarine crocodile has been captured in a baited trap near the Proserpine River boat ramp at Conway on the Proserpine River in north Queensland.

The large male crocodile had been sighted in very close proximity to the boat ramp and pontoon, and given its size, concerning behaviour and increased risk to public safety, it was declared for removal from the wild under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan (QCMP).

Rangers set a baited trap on Friday 4 April 2025, and it was captured during the early hours of Saturday 5 April 2025. It will be rehomed at a crocodile farm or zoo.

During assessments of the location prior to the animal being declared for removal, Wildlife Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) found discarded fish frames that had been left at the boat ramp.

Members of the public have also reported entire pig carcasses being tied at the boat ramp.

Acting Manager Northern Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Jane Burns said it is likely the pig carcasses had been left at the boat ramp in a deliberate attempt to lure the animal.

“Deliberate or inadvertent feeding of crocodiles at boat ramps or fishing locations can change their behaviour, and they will hang around an area expecting food,” Ms Burns said.

“Crocodiles do not need to be fed, and tourists and people living in crocodile habitat should make sensible choices around the water to prioritise their safety and to help prevent crocodiles being removed from the wild.

“Under the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2018, it is an offence to deliberately discard fish frames or pig carcasses that may attract crocodiles,

“This type of behaviour is very disappointing and concerning. It creates an increased risk to public safety.

“Crocodiles can become habituated to an easy meal, and associate that with a particular location or people. This unfortunately has created a higher risk of a crocodile attack at this location.”

Anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of this crocodile, or any crocodile in Queensland is encouraged to call 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.

All crocodile sightings should be reported to DETSI in a timely manner.

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

View further information about croc safety at Be Crocwise in Croc Country.

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UniSA-Calvary Hospital surgical escape room puts nurses to the test

Source:

09 April 2025

Bright lights, gleaming surgical tools, and a patient ready on the operating table. All seems to be in order, but then an alarm sounds and all eyes immediately look to you ­– what happens next is in your hands.

Luckily, this is not a critical scenario but part of UniSA’s new perioperative escape room, designed especially for nursing staff at the Calvary Adelaide Hospital.

Set in a state-of-the-art operating room, this patient simulation puts experienced nurses to the test as they solve complex scenarios and respond to perioperative emergencies. Working together, participants must adeptly and efficiently manage whatever challenges are put before them before they can successfully ‘escape’.

Nursing and Perioperative Nursing lecturer, and UniSA escape room creator, Dr Michelle Freeling, says the experience is transforming nursing education.

“Perioperative nursing is a specialty that requires nurses to work quickly and efficiently, collaborating with surgeons and anaesthetists in high-pressure environments,” Dr Freeling says.

“But with surgical advancements continually reshaping the field, perioperative nurses need to stay ahead of the latest techniques and practices – this is where experiences like our escape room can help.

“Participants will practice managing complex patient scenarios in the operating room, understanding and responding to perioperative emergencies, working cohesively with their team, and maintaining situational awareness, all of which are critical for success.

“As a hands-on, immersive activity, the escape room lets perioperative nurses learn or refine their expertise in a controlled yet realistic environment, so they can test their skills safely, without risk.”

The innovative experience is also part of a new Calvary Scholarship Program created to support nurses undertaking UniSA’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing with a focus on Perioperative Nurses. Calvary has supported 12 scholarships for nurses to undertake the Perioperative Nursing course, with the potential opportunity for additional scholarships in the future.

Calvary Adelaide Hospital General Manager Tanya Brooks says the hospital is dedicated to advancing perioperative nursing education and leadership.

“High quality, safe healthcare is our priority, and we’re committed to delivering excellence in clinical quality and patient care,” Brooks says.

“UniSA’s perioperative nursing escape room demonstrates a contemporary, engaging and innovative approach to learning that will advance our team’s specialist perioperative skills while also developing their leadership capabilities, staff culture, and excellent person-centred care.

“By investing in our team’s skill development and professional growth, we continue to champion the high standards, compassionate and professional healthcare, for which we’re known.

“The Calvary Scholarship Program reflects this commitment, and our partnership with UniSA will empower our team to reach their full potential.”

The inaugural cohort of scholarship recipients has commenced their studies this week.

The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website.

About Calvary: In 1885, six courageous Sisters sailed into Sydney to continue the mission of Venerable Mary Potter and the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary to care for those in need. Thus begun Calvary’s enduring legacy of care in Australia. Today, we continue their mission, in our hospitals, home and virtual care services, retirement living and residential aged care homes across four states and two territories. For more information, visit www.calvarycare.org.au

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

UniSA Contact for interview:  Dr Michelle Freeling E: Michelle.Freeling@unisa.edu.au
UniSA Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au
Calvary Health Care media enquiries: T: 1300 450 108 E: media@calvarycare.org.au

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Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund to be paused for Inquiry into Club Sector

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services




Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund to be paused for Inquiry into Club Sector – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 09/04/2025

In a continued commitment to gambling harm minimisation, the ACT Government has announced the temporary pause of the Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund. This pause will remain in effect while an independent inquiry is conducted into the future of ACT’s club sector.

The Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund, which was established in 2019, was designed to help clubs reduce their reliance on gaming revenue by supporting the development of non-gaming revenue streams and enhancing administrative efficiency. Under new legislation introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly today, the Fund will be suspended for two years to allow the ACT Government’s approach to diversification support to be better informed by the findings of the Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector.

“By suspending this fund, we are taking a proactive step towards considering different approaches to supporting diversification of the clubs sector.” said Dr Marisa Paterson, Minister for Gaming Reform. “As we progress major reform to address gambling harm this term, the government is committed to supporting clubs to diversify, as we recognise the vital role they play in the social life of many Canberrans.”

The Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector will advise the government on the development and implementation of a comprehensive club sector transition plan, including recommendations on how best to support revenue transition of ACT clubs.

In the most recent round of the funding, $450,000 was awarded to two clubs. The Belconnen Soccer Club will receive $250,000 for renovations to an outdoor functions area, while the Canberra Tradesman’s Union Club will receive $200,000 to support the development of an environmental, social, and governance strategy for a development project.

“This grant will not only improve our facilities but also enable us to host more events and strengthen our role as a meeting place for people of all ages,” said Suzy Berry, CEO of Belconnen Soccer Club. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the ACT Government, which is helping us build a sustainable future for the club and our members.”

The Gaming Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will suspend both incoming and outgoing payments to the Fund during the inquiry period.

The Bill also introduces amendments to the Gambling and Racing Control Act 1999 to expand information-sharing provisions in relation to investigations conducted by the Gambling and Racing Commission. These amendments will speak directly to the concerns raised by complainants and ensure going forward that they can be informed about the status of the progress of their complaints.

– Statement ends –

Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

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