Action Smoke from LANGHORNE CREEK is in the Kangaroo Road and Boundary Road area.
Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.
Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.
If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.
More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.
Conducted in partnership with Flinders University, the new study assessed the experiences of 225 autistic students aged 10-14, finding that they need increased support, acceptance and understanding to thrive and succeed at school.
Capturing autistic students’ voices of their wellbeing at school and the critical factors influencing it, the meta synthesis highlights the challenges they experience with relationships at school, fitting in at school and the overwhelming sensory school environments.
Specifically, the study found that:
autistic students need more support to fit in at school and to experience positive relationships with their peers and school staff
school staff need to be more in tune with the needs of autistic students, and provide tailored supports
schools need to improve school environments to better cater for autistic students’ sensory needs.
The findings emphasise the acute need for Australian schools to create more inclusive environments that recognise and respect autistic students’ identities.
Lead researcher UniSA’s Dr Kobie Boshoff says that schools can better support these students by fostering positive relationships, offering flexible learning strategies, and ensuring physical environments cater to sensory needs.
“Autistic students’ school experiences are often marred by being poorly understood, high levels of bullying, interpersonal difficulties, and academic struggles, all of which impact their mental health into adulthood,” Dr Boshoff says.
“This research amplifies the voices of middle-year autistic students, allowing them to share their firsthand experiences, and for us to learn directly from them about the support they need.
“Wellbeing is strongly linked to how students see themselves, how others respond to their autism, and how they fit into the school environment. While some students embrace their autism as part of their identity, others try to hide it to fit in. Long term masking can have detrimental effects on their mental health.
“Positive relationships with peers are vital, yet many autistic students find it hard to make friends. As friendships foster a sense of belonging, schools must prioritise social inclusion alongside academic success.
“Similarly, caring and supportive school staff can make a significant difference. When students feel understood, they feel safe, respected, and heard. Teachers who adapt their approach for different students, communicate clearly, and create flexible learning environments have a profound impact on student wellbeing.
“A school’s physical and social environment also plays a crucial role. Noisy, crowded spaces and unpredictable routines can trigger anxiety, making it harder for students to engage. Schools that offer structured support, sensory-friendly spaces, and flexible learning strategies create a more inclusive experience.”
While Australia’s educational landscape is increasingly recognising the importance of inclusivity for students with autism, Dr Boshoff says there is still a long way to go.
“Support for autistic students shouldn’t fade as they grow older – their needs evolve, and services must evolve with them. Yet, there’s a growing trend of assuming that older students require less support, when in reality, they just need different support,” Dr Boshoff says.
“Every child deserves the chance to succeed at school. Schools play a critical role in shaping a positive and inclusive learning experience, but they need more funding, training, and professional support to make this a reality.
“We must invest in practical solutions to ensure every individual autistic student feels valued, understood, and empowered to thrive.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Construction is expected to be completed by May 2025.
The new hydrotherapy pool in Canberra’s south is another step closer with Monarch Building Solutions appointed to lead its construction.
The first sod has now been turned on the site following the recent development approval for the project.
The construction phase is the next step and comes after extensive consultation and engagement with stakeholders to inform the design of the facility.
Construction is expected to be completed by May 2025.
“Monarch Building Solutions is honoured to play a role in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Canberra,” Director of Monarch Building Solutions Marco Galeotti said.
“Our team is excited and ready to dive straight into the construction of the new southside hydrotherapy pool and understand the importance of this facility to the local community.”
Hydrotherapy offers a vital service for a wide range of Canberrans.
It provides people with mobility issues access to an important form of recreation. It also supports people to better manage chronic pain caused by illnesses such as cancer, migraine, osteoarthritis and arthritis, and it offers the opportunity to help people recover from injury or surgery.
The southside pool will complement the hydrotherapy pool opened at the University of Canberra Hospital in 2020.
“Arthritis ACT welcomes the commencement of the building of this essential infrastructure. For people living with chronic pain conditions which includes all types of Arthritis, hydrotherapy is essential both to providing ongoing pain relief as well as a wonderful place to exercise, especially for those that get a lot of pain when exercising,” CEO of Arthritis ACT Rebecca Davey said.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Finalist Mijica Lus is the Founder of the Aurosokwo Project.
The 2024 ACT Women’s Awards will be announced on Thursday 7 March.
The awards recognise those who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to improving the status and lives of girls and women in the ACT.
They celebrate the achievements of women who are excelling in their field and making a significant impact in helping girls and women achieve their full potential.
The award categories are:
ACT Woman of the Year
Senior Woman of the Year (aged over 60 years)
ACT Young Woman of the Year (aged between 16 and 24 years).
Congratulations to the 2024 ACT Women’s Awards’ finalists:
Dr Lubna Alam – Co-founder, ALO Enlightened Women
Joanne Farrell – Founder and Managing Director, Build Like a Girl
Mijica Lus – Founder, Aurosokwo Project
Philippa Moss – CEO, Meridian ACT
Delfina Shakespear – Football Match Official
Glenda Stevens – Founder, Fearless Women
Prof Dipti Talaulikar – Founder, Sakhi
Selina Walker – Ngunnawal Leader.
Finalist Delfina Shakespear, an elite match official with Capital Football and Football Australia, thinks the annual awards are important.
“It enables women to have a platform to talk about what they do, because as women sometimes we go about our business and don’t really talk about it more broadly,” she said.
Fellow nominee Professor Dipti Talaulikar, a clinical haematologist and professor at the ANU, as well as being the Founder of Sakhi said: “I was very touched with the nomination when I first heard about it. But the journey, the support that the government and the ACT’s Women Office provides is just amazing. The things you get to learn, the other women you get to meet, to hear their stories is just absolutely amazing. So, if you know anyone who is doing good work in the community, please nominate them.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Year 7 student Sara is benefiting from reading sessions with Story Dog Lucky and his owner, Ron.
Year 7 student Sara has never felt comfortable reading in front of her class.
The Lanyon High School student would avoid it at all costs. That is, until her mother discovered the Story Dogs program at Libraries ACT.
The program is ideal for reluctant readers or those facing reading challenges.
It pairs a student with a trained dog and their volunteer owner, creating a relaxed, supportive environment for reading aloud.
Sara attends Tuggeranong Library on Friday afternoons to read to Lucky, a 21-month-old golden retriever.
‘I like the experience and since I don’t generally like reading in front of other people, I like reading in front the dog,” Sara said.
“It makes the experience a bit calmer. I am happy to keep doing this for a while.”
After only two sessions, Sarah’s mum, Rae, has noticed a difference.
“At school she always refused to talk in front of the class, but I have definitely seen a change,” Rae said.
“She finds the dog listens. It doesn’t judge and it’s fun. She might now associate the dog with talking out loud and this has really helped for someone who refuses to stand up and read.”
During her session, Lucky rests by Sara as she makes her way through a pile of story books.
Though concentrating hard, she touches and pats him as she reads.
Lucky’s owner, Ron, a retired public servant, listens but remains quiet.
“It’s great doing this. Last week, we had a little girl come in who is dyslexic and she just sat there on the rug with Lucky and held onto him the whole time. She started off a bit hesitant but after a minute she was right. It really calmed both her and him. Lucky is new to this too, so they were both learning at the same time,” Ron said.
“I used to coach football, so I know the satisfaction of being able to teach kids.”
The Story Dogs program is available for children aged 7–12 at Tuggeranong, Dickson and Gungahlin libraries.
Each child gets 20 minutes of one-on-one reading time with a Story Dog, under the watchful eye of a friendly volunteer like Ron.
Students who feel anxious or stressed during learning activities can find the presence of a furry friend reassuring.
Reading to a Story Dog can:
promote relaxation
lower blood pressure
eliminate fear of judgement
allow children to learn at their own pace.
“It’s wonderful to see the progress and you get as much out of it yourself as for anyone else,” Ron said.
Story Dogs sessions require bookings and are held during school terms at:
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Winners Glenda Stevens, Joanne Farrell and Mijica Lus
The recipients of the 2024 ACT Women’s Awards have been announced.
The awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT.
Meet the 2024 ACT Women’s Awards winners:
2024 ACT Woman of the Year: Joanne Farrell – Founder and Director, Build Like a Girl
Joanne (Jo) Farrell is a champion for women in the building industry.
In 2020, she founded Build Like a Girl, a not-for-profit program that supports women of all backgrounds and ages to work in trades. Since then, Jo has helped 33 women gain full-time employment. She regularly assists with programs, initiatives and services aimed at improving the participation rate of women in trades, which is currently just 2 per cent.
“I’m really honoured to be nominated and recognised for the work,” Jo said.
“I just turn up every day and try and do the work and promote the industry for other women to work in and try and change the negative cultural behaviour we have across the board.
“For me it is a recognition of that work and hopefully other women feel encouraged to come and work in our industry with us.”
2024 ACT Senior Woman of the Year: Glenda Stevens – CEO, Fearless Women
Glenda is a community leader and expert in a range of social policy areas.
Glenda started Fearless Women, a program that provides girls and young women in the ACT with a support service to help them find their voice. It offers short-term counselling, equips girls and women with the tools and resources they need, and offers longer term mentoring support.
“It’s really exciting to see a young person who was frightened and stressed to be able to feel the exhilaration of achieving something,” Glenda said.
“For her to feel that sense of achievement and satisfaction is really good for her growth, and it’s good for all of us because we’re receiving the benefits of a wonderful young person.”
2024 ACT Young Woman of the Year: Mijica Lus – Founder, Aurosokwo Project
For the last six years, Mijica Lus has volunteered her time and effort with various not-for-profits in the ACT in areas of education, media, health care and human services.
Mijica leads the Aurosokwa Project, which supports multicultural communities through cross collaboration.
“If it’s helping with food pantries, decreasing homelessness, supporting mental health initiatives and youth services as well, that’s what the project is about,” Mijica said.
“I’m really excited to contribute to a city that has given me so much, and this is one way of showing my appreciation.”
2024 ACT Woman of the Year – Special Commendation Award: Delfina Shakespear, football match official
Delfina Shakespear is a National and State-level Football Match Official. She volunteers as a mentor, educator, and administrator, and provides strategic advice to Capital Football.
She is committed to empowering the next generation of female referees.
Delfina fearlessly speaks up against abuse and poor treatment faced by referees. She actively promotes cultural change through media engagement and initiatives like Reduce Abuse.
“Seeing the girls and women that I’ve mentored succeed, strive for their goals and push through all the challenges is the most rewarding thing,” Delfina said.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The funding distributed to date has supported 2591 students from 1225 Canberra families.
Just over one month into the 2024 school year and the ACT Government has provided more than $1.5 million to eligible Canberra parents and carers through its Future of Education Equity Fund.
The funding distributed to date has supported 2591 students from 1225 Canberra families.
The fund helps ACT students from eligible families access everyday essentials to assist with their education and wellbeing.
This includes as book packs, uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition, and music lessons.
It supports financially disadvantaged families with students who are enrolled in preschool through to Year 12 in any ACT school.
Payments are:
$400 for preschool students
$500 for primary school students
$750 for high school and college students
Having such items and services, that they otherwise might not have, helps students fully engage with their education.
Last year the Fund supported 5000 students, with more than $2.9 million disbursed.
Applications for the 2024 school year will remain open until 29 November 2024.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Chloe and her husband launched Hosking Bikes in February 2023.
In 2023, Canberran Chloe Hosking made the switch from pro-cyclist touring around Europe to launching her own bike company here in Canberra with the help of an ICON grant.
“I never set out to start a bike company, just like I never intended to become a professional cyclist, I came home with a lot of ideas,” Chloe said.
“With my husband Jack’s experience in start-up software companies and all of my industry connections, we launched Hosking Bikes in February 2023 and had bikes in market by June.
“Most business owners will know that capital raising is often one of the hardest parts of starting a business, so the grant was a huge help,” she said.
Chloe received $30,000 in matched funding last year from the ICON grant program. This enabled her to develop prototypes and help with marketing activities.
ICON grants are currently open and close 16 April 2024.
The ICON grants are delivered by the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), which receives funding from the ACT Government to support entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups, like Hosking.
Chloe wanted to create a bike tailored to the needs of women.
“Over the years, I felt I wanted to change the lack of female representation in the industry,” she said.
“When you look at the top five cycle brands, only 13 per cent of the executive and board are women. And a recent study showed that 50 per cent of the women in the industry are thinking about leaving.
“The only way to change that is to have people in the room to change the narrative.”
Wanting to see more women on bikes, Hosking Bikes is one way she’s making it more accessible.
“Cycling has given me so much, and I want women to experience the joy that I got and get from cycling. Even if they don’t go pro.
“Creating a brand like Hosking Bikes that champions getting more women on bikes is the way to do that. We’ve also created a bike that’s half the cost of other bikes and we’re very focused on building an inclusive community to support more women into the sport,” she said.
Chloe has some wise words for any women looking to start a business.
“Believe in yourself 100 per cent. As an athlete you learn that you lose a lot more than win, but you keep working toward success, even if it’s not a race.
“But also, don’t let them doubt you! They will, but ignore them!” she said.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
This International Women’s Day, the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) celebrates the theme: ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’.
The ACTPS is a diverse, progressive public service within which 64.6 per cent of employees identify as female.
Women now comprise 56 per cent of the ACTPS Senior Executive Service.
A record low gender pay gap
This increased representation of women in leadership has driven the Service’s narrowing gender pay gap over the last year.
The ACTPS gender pay gap reached a record low of -0.1 per cent in June 2023. The ACT labour force sits at 10 per cent and the national gender pay gap at 13.3 per cent.
Employee spotlight
The ACTPS encourages an inclusive culture by acknowledging and showcasing the contributions of all staff.
Below, five female employees share their thoughts on International Women’s Day, working for the ACTPS and how they’ve seen the gender landscape change at work throughout their careers.
Rachael Dawes – Senior Director Urban Treescapes
Urban Treescapes Senior Director Rachael Dawes
Senior Director Rachael Dawes manages the Urban Treescapes business unit within City Services. Urban Treescapes is tasked with managing and protecting Canberra’s urban trees.
“I’m incredibly proud to be a woman working in the ACTPS caring for our urban forest, but particularly proud of the positive results of increased gender diversity in the team,” she said.
“When you have an inclusive environment, understanding and supporting each other, we can combine these diverse skills and lived experiences to respond to the changing conditions and needs of our environment”.
“There has been significant advancement in ACT urban forest management in recent years with the release of the Urban Forest Strategy and Urban Forest Act, which could not have happened without the vision and drive of the women in our team,” she said.
A career change led Rachael into forestry, and she urges women beginning their careers to look beyond perceived traditional career options.
“Explore your networks, ask questions, take chances and follow your interests and see what career path they can lead you down,” she said.
Arooj Fatima – Customer Service Operator, Access Canberra Contact Centre
Arooj Fatima of Access Canberra
Every day, Access Canberra Customer Service Officer Arooj Fatima assists Canberrans via phone.
From vehicle registration enquiries to Fix My Street requests, Fatima is the first point of contact on many issues.
First attracted to the role for its flexibility, she brings to it myriad skills including active listening, empathy, patience and problem solving.
“There needs to be an acknowledgement and inclusion of women in all aspects of society. Women need to be fully included, supported, and empowered in all fields to contribute to a more prosperous future for all,” she said.
Arooj says she has seen women make significant progress over the course of her career.
“Women are serving and being valued at all employment levels i.e., manager, team leaders and administrative roles. They are excelling in every field,” she said.
“I feel immensely proud to be a woman working for the ACTPS because of the respect, value, and recognition that I get. I feel so comfortable with the work environment, work life balance and flexibility. I feel included and appreciated for every little progress that I make. I am provided the opportunity to undertake various training and roles for my professional development,” she said.
Katie Smith – Principal, Duffy Primary School
Principal Katie Smith, right, with Deputy Principal Arilia Abell
Principal Katie Smith leads an all-female leadership team at Duffy Primary.
“By setting a strong example of supporting women, Deputy Principal Arilia Abell and I work to create a more inclusive and diverse work environment for future generations. Our presence in the school community showcases the importance of investing in women, inspiring both girls and boys to expect equality and inclusivity in their future workplaces,” she said.
Katie has seen progress in terms of gender equality during her career.
“One notable advancement is the increased representation of women in leadership roles such as principals and executive roles. Efforts to promote gender equality in education have led to greater recognition of female educators’ contributions and capabilities,” she said.
This year’s IWD theme resonates with Katie. “It speaks to our commitment to uplifting and supporting the capabilities of all women in our school community, providing opportunities for growth and success,” she said.
“For young women starting their careers: believe in yourself, set clear goals, seek mentorship, embrace learning, build a supportive network, speak up, prioritise balance, embrace challenges, stay flexible, and stay true to your values and passions.”
Rebecca Power, Project Director, CIT Woden Campus – Women in Construction advocate
Project Director Rebecca Power, third from right
Project Director Rebecca Power works describes her work as “Celebrating gender diversity, equity and inclusion in construction and on Major Projects Canberra construction sites”.
“In an industry where gender inclusion is still challenging, Major Projects Canberra strives towards our social objectives to encourage and enable women and girls to reach their potential, contribute to innovation and ideas, and be leaders in their individual fields and professions within our industry,” she said.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to continue to tell women’s stories in our industry, empower women to achieve and grow their careers while opening up mentoring pathways for women who are just beginning their careers, laying the foundations for a brighter future in infrastructure to inspire real progress. I want to continue to advocate for meaningful change and I am committed to this cause.”
“It provides guidance and leadership while empowering women to achieve their goals and aspirations in the construction industry,” she said.
Janet Zagari, Deputy CEO, Canberra Health Services
Janet Zagari is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Canberra Health Services.
With 28 years in the health industry under her belt, her focus is on the service’s strategic direction, looking at cross-government priorities, operational planning and commissioning of new services.
“We know that diversity in the workforce generates better outcomes,” Janet said.
“Acknowledging the well-documented barriers that women face to participating in employment and the under representation of women in some industries and at senior levels, investing in women to create greater opportunities and genuinely believing that there is a value add to doing so is key to moving organisations forward.”
She cites increased representation of women graduating from medical school as a pronounced change in Australia.
“It is useful to stop and look back over the course of your career to think about what has changed, because it is easy to only see how far we still have to go and not to think about how far we have come,” she said.
“There are more women in traditionally male dominated areas of clinical practice, and better recognition of the value that women bring.”
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