Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Former WESP participant Zhenjun and Infrastructure Canberra’s Rebekka Bjarnadottir, who hosted Zhenjun’s work placement in 2024.
In brief:
The ACT Government offers the Work Experience and Support Program (WESP) program.
It is for Canberrans from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds who do not have meaningful employment.
WESP includes office skills training and ACT Government work placement.
Program applications close on Sunday, 16 February 2025.
Have you heard of the ACT Government’s Work Experience and Support Program (WESP)?
The program is to support multicultural Canberrans who have been out of meaningful employment.
While WESP is highly competitive, many people don’t know it’s available, particularly those new to the ACT.
It runs for 12 weeks, and you still have time to apply for a place.
How could WESP help me?
Through WESP, you will receive free office skills training.
You will also complete a work placement in the ACT Government.
This gives you a chance to:
build your skills and knowledge
experience an Australian workplace
improve your job-seeking confidence
build a network of contacts in the ACT public service.
Former participant Zhenjun says he found the program useful.
“As a new immigrant to Canberra, I found job searching extremely challenging. It was difficult to compete without understanding Australian workplace culture and expectations.”
“WESP has greatly enhanced my employment prospects. It has been a turning point in my career journey in Australia,” he said.
About the program
The program runs full-time over 12 weeks. It includes:
4 weeks of free office skills training at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)
8 weeks of work experience in an ACT Government agency. This is not paid work experience.
Once you finish the program, you will get a Certificate II in Workplace Skills from CIT.
While you will build great contacts, there is no guarantee of a job during or after the program.
Am I eligible?
To apply you must:
come from a culturally and linguistically diverse background
be an ACT resident
be able to commit to the program full-time over the 12 weeks.
have been unemployed, or not in meaningful employment.
If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must also have a visa that allows you to:
The Future of Education Equity Fund (Equity Fund) offers eligible families financial support to help with school essentials. It supports the more vulnerable families in our community.
Low-income families of students – from preschool through to year 12 – can receive a one-off, annual payment. This is to help cover the costs of schooling, such as:
uniforms
sport equipment and activities
tuition
music lessons.
The Equity Fund payments are $400 (preschool), $500 (primary school), and $750 (high school and college level, including CIT Year 11 and 12).
Equity Fund applications for the 2025 school year are now open.
Families can apply for all eligible students in their family in the one application, regardless of whether they attend different schools.
School staff are also able to help families to apply.
Applications close in November 2025.
Find out more about eligibility criteria and how to apply online.
Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is now available across all ACT public schools.
The portal allows secure sharing of information between parents/carers and teachers/schools online or via the Sentra for Parents app.
Parents and carers only need to sign up once, and can add multiple children to one account.
Are you concerned about your child’s development? The start of a new year is a good time to contact the Child Development Service, to access free drop-in clinics and assessments.
It includes a Grab and Go shopping list and tips for a waste-free lunchbox. You’ll also find tips on which food groups to include and how to swap for healthier options.
Looking for more healthy lunchbox tips? Try the Cancer Council’s Healthy Lunch Box Builder. It’s a great tool to help build a lunchbox so your child can get a healthy brain boost throughout the school day.
Free three-year-old preschool
ACT three-year-olds can now benefit from 300 hours of free preschool at over 140 locations.
This will save the average family around $1,329 a year.
In 2023 the ACT Government passed new legislation to make free period products available at a range of community locations across the ACT for anyone who needs them.
This includes at every ACT public school, which is something we already do as a system, and will continue to do.
Pads and tampons are available in ACT public high schools, colleges, and combined schools. Pads are available in ACT public primary schools.
They can be accessed at any time during the school day from the school front office.
The Education Directorate will continue to work with ACT Health to ensure age-appropriate information on menstrual hygiene is available for students through our schools.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. As students return to school, remember to slow down and stick to the 40 km/h limit around schools between 8am and 4pm.
Mobile speed vans and police regularly patrol school zones. Let’s all slow down and support kids’ safety.
Back to school with Transport Canberra
The regular bus network and timetable will return from Monday 3 February 2025 including dedicated school services and ‘S’ trips which divert into schools. Please check your timetable so you are prepared and ready.
Students can download the MyWay+ app and use the real time journey planner for a simply way to plan and pay for their trip to school.
All school students receive a discounted fare when using MyWay+. Student concession MyWay+ travel cards purchased in 2024 and 2025 have an extended expiry date until 1 January 2026. If you would like to check the concession status of a card, please create a MyWay+ account and link the travel card to it. Alternatively, go to a MyWay+ retail outlet to check.
You can get a new student concession MyWay+ travel card for your child from MyWay+ retail outlets. Please note that secondary and tertiary students must provide proof of concessions at time of purchase to get the correct concession applied to the card.
To top up their MyWay+ travel card please go to a MyWay+ retail outlet or top up online through a MyWay+ account or the ‘quick top up’ option on the portal.
Whilst Transport Canberra are not charging penalty fares at the moment, it wants to obtain the most accurate data possible and encourage best practice for all students. Please remember to tap on and off with the same device when your trip starts and ends.
*Secondary students will need to carry their student ID card with them when travelling on the bus and light rail if they are using a MyWay+ concession account/travel card.
Transport Canberra is working to improve the MyWay+ system by allowing primary account holders, like parents or carers, to link multiple MyWay+ accounts. This is about to undergo testing with the community prior to launching over the next couple of months.
Transport Canberra will be taking an educative approach whilst the community and its workforce adjust to the change. Please be assured that kids can continue to travel on buses and light rail services. No child will be left behind.
Parents of primary school students, please refer to your school’s pack for travel details.
You can also plan your trip back to school with Transport Canberra’s Journey Planner.
The start of the school year is a particularly busy time in Canberra’s school carparks and surrounding streets.
Unsafe and illegal parking reduces visibility for students and motorists. This creates a hazard when students cross the road.
Parking inspectors and license plate recognition vehicles will be out and about enforcing safe parking around schools.
For drop-offs and pick-ups, arrange a meeting spot, arrive after the rush, or park a little further away from the school and walk with your kids the rest of the way.
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The CFS is responding to a grass and scrub fire at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia.
Approximately 60 CFS volunteers on 12 trucks, supported by 4 aircraft, have contained the fire to approximately 22 hectares.
CFS firefighters will remain on scene to make the area safe with additional crews coming from nearby brigades to support.
Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.
Two people were arrested after allegedly driving a stolen car across the state at high speed.
Just before 7am on Saturday 3 May, police were alerted that a car stolen from a Cummins property, on the Eyre Peninsula, was being tracked by the owner.
The silver Kia was tracked as it travelled at extreme speeds across the Eyre Peninsula and through the Mid North of the State.
PolAir responded and headed to the area while police on the ground attempted to spike the vehicles tyres numerous times as it continued to head towards Adelaide.
The stolen Kia was located in Lysander Place, Salisbury East about midday and the two occupants ran from the vehicle.
It will be alleged the man discharged a small calibre firearm but was quickly apprehended by police. The man was taken to hospital for assessment prior to charging.
No shots were fired by police.
Fortunately, no police officers were injured during the incident.
The firearm has been seized by police.
A 31-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested and will be interviewed by police. Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of this vehicle that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Head to Queen Elizabeth II Island for an iconically Canberran picnic. Image: Tourism Australia
In Brief:
Canberra has a wealth of excellent places to enjoy a picnic.
This story lists 10 picnic spots and describes what is available at each one.
Canberra does not disappoint when it comes to picnic spots.
Picture yourself sitting on a picnic blanket under the shade of the impressive trees at Lennox Gardens with a view of Lake Burley Griffin unfolding before you.
Or you could escape the city and venture out to Weston Park with the family to make use of the barbecue facilities. Soak up the views while the kids enjoy the water playground.
Here are some of our picks for your next picnic destination:
National Rose Gardens and Old Parliament House Gardens
In spring, these gardens are bursting with colourful roses. At Old Parliament House Gardens, wisteria drip from the pergolas.
Each of the gardens has plenty of soft grass where you can spread out. Choose a shady spot by the trees or soak up the sun.
Low on caffeine or food? Rosa’s at the Lawns is nearby and offers coffee, pastries and pizza.
Queen Elizabeth II Island
This picturesque island is the home of the iconic National Carillon. It was formerly known as Aspen Island.
With lush grass and shady trees, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy views of Lake Burley Griffin. Time your visit to hear the hourly chime of the Carillon’s 57 bronze bells.
Telopea Park
Telopea Park’s lush green grass and towering trees are the ideal spot for a picnic.
There are also:
shade sails
public toilets
picnic tables
a playground
a skate ramp.
With Manuka and Kingston shops nearby, there are plenty of choices for coffee or food to take along with you.
The National Arboretum
There are many idyllic picnic spots at the Arboretum. Head to Dairy Farmers Hill to enjoy 360-degree views across Canberra. You can also check out the iconic eagle sculpture, Nest III, up close.
Another favourite spot is the Himalayan cedar forest barbeque and picnic area. The picnic and barbeque desk has tables and free electric barbeques.
Weston Park
Weston Park spreads across 40 hectares, with plenty of picnic spots to choose from.
The area around Pescott Lane is a popular area for families. Here, you’ll find:
drinking water
picnic tables
a playground.
The Yarralumla Play Station is across the road from the picnic. It has a café and miniature railway.
Fadden Pines
Fadden Pines is loved by families in the Tuggeranong region. With three playgrounds and multiple picnic areas, there are plenty of spots to choose from.
It also has:
large shady trees
drinking water
a skate park
Lake Ginninderra
Virtually any spot around the edge of Lake Ginninderra is a beautiful setting for a picnic.
John Knight Memorial Park is particularly suitable. It has beautiful views of the lake and plenty of shady trees. You’ll also find:
picnic tables
public toilets
model boat jetty
water garden
drinking water
playground.
Mount Ainslie
You can choose to hike or drive to the top of Mount Ainslie. Either way, the view across Canberra is bound to get your heart racing.
There are picnic tables so you can take a seat and soak up the views.
Regatta Point
On a sunny afternoon, it’s a common sight to see locals enjoying a picnic on the grassy hill overlooking the lake.
There are public toilets nearby, as well as picnic shelters.
Need food and coffee? Pop into The Walter Café for some takeaway.
Lennox Gardens
The stunning park is home to Canberra Beijing Garden and Canberra Nara Peace Park. It’s right on the waterfront and has beautiful views and shady trees.
You’ll also find:
public barbecues
drinking water
picnic tables
public toilets.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
This story includes some lesser-known considerations for adopting a dog.
Dogs are wonderful companions that bring joy to their families.
Owning a dog can help people to:
be more active
feel less lonely
socialise more
find a sense of purpose.
Before you bring a dog into your family, there are a few things to consider. Here are a few points that people don’t often talk about:
Each dog has a different personality
You may have expected that your new pup will love fetch and swimming. But then find they prefer tug and digging instead.
Spend some time getting to know your dog. Discovering their personality and temperament can be rewarding. Their genetics and history can inform how they react to different people, toys and other animals. Breed can also play a part in their temperament.
It can take three months for your dog to adjust to their new environment
Moving into a new home can be stressful for a dog. This is common for dogs who have come from a noisy shelter environment.
In the first three days, your dog will be decompressing. They may seem scared or unsure. During this time, you might not see their ‘true’ personality.
After three weeks, your pup will start settling in. Their personality will start to show as they get more comfortable. After three months it’s likely that your dog will be comfortable and trust you. It’s important to take this time with them and not try to rush them
You will always need to care for your dog – even on your hardest days
Taking your dog on a walk on a beautiful Sunday is wonderful, but not every day will be easy.
Remember that dogs still need to go for a walk even when you don’t feel like it. Your dog will still need to be looked after when you’re feeling sick, sad or stressed. Consider if you need a support system to help you look after your pet on difficult days.
Owning a dog will change the way your home looks
When you have a dog, your floor may always have a few toys strewn about. There may also be stray pieces of dog food and dog hair on it.
You may also need to change the way you decorate your home. This is to keep fragile items out of your dog’s reach. You should also consider if you are ready to clean up after your dog potentially having toileting accidents inside.
Your social life will look a bit different
Most dogs can be left alone for hours at a time. There are also pet-friendly venues around Canberra.
Even so, you should prepare for times where you need to leave an event early to be with your dog.
There may also be times where your pet is unwell. You may need to miss social occasions to care for them. Consider if these are sacrifices you are willing to make for your pet.
Travelling can be more challenging
Looking for dog-friendly accommodation while traveling can be difficult and expensive. It can also be hard to find someone to look after your pet if you plan on leaving them at home.
Before getting a dog, ask friends or family if they would be willing to look after your pet while you travel. You can also check out the costs of pet-boarding or pet-sitters. It’s important to be aware of these potential costs before getting a dog.
Dogs cost money
In addition to buying dog food, toys, and other treats, in the ACT, owners must register, microchip, de-sex their dog which costs money. There are also licences and permits you may need to obtain if you wish to breed your dog or if there are 4 or more dogs living at your residence.
Dogs also need regular check-ups and vaccinations to keep them happy and healthy. Dogs can also have accidents from time-to-time which need to be seen to by a veterinarian, often at short notice. Consider whether you can financially look after a dog to give it the best life possible.
Moving your pet interstate and overseas can be costly
Most Australian airlines will not allow pets in the cabin. You might want to consider if you’re comfortable with your pet in the cargo hold, or if you’re comfortable driving interstate with your pet.
If an international move is on the cards during your pets’ lifespan, you need to factor in the extra cost of bringing them. Moving your pet internationally can be costly.
Having realistic expectations of what having a dog looks like is important for making informed decisions. A common reason for dogs being surrendered is because owners weren’t aware of the challenges of pet ownership.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The new school’s logo and uniform design derive from an artwork created by Aunty Agnes Shea’s granddaughter.
In brief:
The first students are now attending Canberra’s newest public school – Aunty Agnes Shea High School.
The school is named after late senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea.
This week, over 50,000 students return to public schools across the ACT.
The brand-new Aunty Agnes Shea High School in Taylor welcomes its first students this week.
The ACT’s 92nd public school, it will cater to up to 800 years 7–10 students in the growing suburbs of north Gungahlin.
The new school’s students are among over 50,000 returning to public schools across Canberra.
Named for a great Canberran
The new school’s name honours late senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea.
The school’s logo and uniform design derive from the artwork ‘Journeys’ about Aunty Agnes Shea.
Artist Selina Walker is Aunty Agnes Shea’s granddaughter. She gifted ‘Journeys’ to the school.
The logo was co-designed with Aunty Agnes Shea’s family. The school’s first cohort of students and their families also contributed to how ‘Journeys’ is shown on the school uniform.
Contemporary facilities
The school features state-of-the-art learning spaces. It is also fully electric in its operations. The buildings use sustainable materials and a large solar panel array.
Students can also enjoy:
a double gym with basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball and badminton markings
a covered hard court suitable for basketball and netball
kickabout spaces for ball sports
external fitness equipment.
Spaces in the school are available for community use.
Aunty Agnes Shea OAM
Aunty Agnes Josephine Shea OAM dedicated most of her life to bettering the world for future generations of Aboriginal Australians.
She worked tirelessly in many different roles for the varying range of communities that call Ngunnawal Country home.
Aunty Agnes Shea’s achievements and dedication have been recognised over the years.
In 2001 she was awarded the Centenary Medal. In 2004, she received the Medal of the Order of Australia.
In 2010 she was awarded an ACT Senior Citizen of the Year award. She also gained a place on the ACT Honour Walk that same year.
A man has been arrested after trying to evade police at Parafield Gardens last night.
At 8.30pm on Friday 2 May police spotted a red Holden sedan on Martins Road, Parafield Gardens and directed the driver to stop.
The driver refused and took off at speed. The vehicle wasn’t pursued by police as fortunately PolAir was in the area and tracked the vehicle from above. The vehicle was tracked onto John Rice Avenue and the Grove Way where it will be alleged it reached speeds of 120 km/h.
Patrols successfully spiked the vehicle on two occasions on the Grove Way.
The vehicle continued into Fairview Park before stopping on Hamilton Road and the driver attempted to run from the car.
He was swiftly arrested after a short foot chase.
Checks revealed the 32-year-old driver from Banksia Park was currently disqualified from driving.
He was arrested and charged with fail to stop, drive dangerously to escape police, speed dangerous, drive disqualified and resist police.
His vehicle was impounded, and he was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 18 June.