The upgrades will improve accessibility, sustainability and visitor comfort.
In brief:
Dickson and Manuka pools have reopened to the public.
Dickson and Manuka pools have been upgraded over winter.
The Champions’ Board has returned to Manuka Pool after nearly 70 years.
Dickson and Manuka pools have reopened to the public for the summer.
Over winter the ACT Government delivered major upgrades at both pools.
The upgrades aim to improve accessibility, sustainability and visitor comfort.
Pool upgrades
Dickson Pool upgrades include:
a high-efficiency filtration system to improve water clarity, reduce chemical use, and support the pool’s accessible design
grounds aeration and reseeding with durable grasses to reduce maintenance and improve resilience to foot traffic
improved drainage to lower water and energy consumption
a new ventilation system and preparation bench in the cafe.
Manuka pool upgrades include:
anti-slip floor treatment in all bathrooms
new baby changing tables in both male and female bathrooms
improved kiosk ventilation for a cooler and more efficient space for staff
New kitchen equipment to improve food and drink service.
The Champions’ Board returned
After being lost for nearly 70 years, the Champions’ Board has been returned to Manuka Pool.
Originally installed in 1931, the board proudly displays the names of local swimming champions.
It was lost in 1955, when the club relocated to Civic Pool. Its whereabouts was unknown for decades, until a newspaper ad sparked a community-wide search.
The board was discovered in an old wares store in a small town in northeast Victoria. It made its way back to Canberra and was temporarily housed at Gungahlin Pool.
This season, the board has been lovingly restored to its prime and has finally returned home, just in time for the Manuka Pool’s 95th birthday.
For more information or to get pool passes head to the Manuka Pool and Dickson Pool websites.
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The City of Wanneroo is pleased to announce that Cr Paul Miles, representing Central-East Ward, has been elected as Deputy Mayor for a two-year term.
Cr Paul Miles was officially sworn in at a Special Council Meeting held on Tuesday 28 October.
Mayor Linda Aitken congratulated Cr Paul Miles on his appointment to the role.
“We are very proud to have Cr Paul Miles take on the role of Deputy Mayor,” she said.
“Cr Miles is a valued and committed representative of the City, recognised for their strong advocacy on key community issues.
“I look forward to working alongside Cr Paul Miles and the Council team to continue progressing the City’s priorities and supporting our growing community.
“I would also like to thank Cr James Rowe for his contribution as Deputy Mayor over the past two years and for continuing to make a positive impact as a South Ward Councillor.”
This highlighted the opportunity for an iconic aquatic facility to strengthen the park’s connection to water and landscape.
Tell us what you think?
Canberrans can now have their say on features to consider in the project’s design. Consultation is open via the YourSay Conversations website until November 14.
Keen to know more about the project? Read on for answers to some of the most common questions we’ve heard so far.
Why are we building the new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park?
Canberra’s increasing population requires a modern aquatic centre. It should be an all-weather facility everyone can enjoy.
The Canberra Olympic Pool (Civic Pool) was built in 1955. It has been a beloved part of life in Canberra for almost 70 years. However, it is reaching the end of its life, and a new Canberra Aquatic Centre will provide improved facilities for the community.
What facilities will the new Canberra Aquatic Centre include?
The project is in the early stages of design. We need to balance different priorities, and community needs when deciding how to use the proposed site and available budget.
The minimum scope includes a 50-metre pool and splash-play areas for kids and families.
Community and stakeholder feedback will help guide the design of the new centre. This way it will better reflect the needs and wants of the community.
What will happen to the Canberra Olympic Pool?
The new Canberra Aquatic Centre will replace the Canberra Olympic Pool. The Canberra Olympic Pool will stay open until the new Canberra Aquatic Centre opens. This way, there’s always a pool available in the city.
The Canberra Olympic Pool site is currently being considered for a future Convention and Entertainment Centre Precinct.
Will the new Canberra Aquatic Centre be environmentally sustainable?
The new facility will focus on sustainability. It will use energy-efficient systems, and water wise technology.
While we’re still in the early stages of design, we’re looking at options like solar panels, energy-efficient heating and water-saving features.
How will we use design to create an inclusive place for all?
Inclusivity is a priority, and accessibility is a key part of the design. The facility will be designed to offer convenient access for all levels of mobility.
Accessible, welcoming and inclusive change rooms are also at the heart of the design.
The centre will focus on families and offer safe, easy-to-use facilities. There will be change rooms and safe play areas for children, parents and carers.
Can I visit the new Canberra Aquatic Centre all year round?
Yes, the new Canberra Aquatic Centre is being planned for year-round use.
Indoor facilities are part of the design, so people can swim and stay active even during Canberra’s colder months.
We’re aiming to make the centre comfortable and enjoyable in every season.
Why was Commonwealth Park chosen as the location?
Commonwealth Park is near the City Centre, public transport, famous attractions and landscape setting on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin. Surrounded by national institutions, the new aquatic centre will reflect design excellence, cultural respect and community pride.
A key design focus is to blend the Canberra Aquatic Centre into the landscape, respecting the beauty of Commonwealth Park.
How will I get to the new Canberra Aquatic Centre?
We want everyone to easily reach the new Canberra Aquatic Centre. This includes those using public transport, cycling, walking or driving.
A new light rail stop at Commonwealth Park is being built as part of Light Rail Stage 2A. This will provide an additional public transport option.
There is also access to many rapid and local buses, making visits to the centre more convenient.
Parking is another way we’re designing for easy access, along with safe paths for walking and cycling.
As we plan for the site and budget, we must balance various priorities and community needs. This includes considering parking space available and ways to support active and public transport connections.
We’re also considering how the centre connects to nearby places like the City Centre and Lake Burley Griffin.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Police have arrested a 15-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Woodroffe this morning.
Around 9:20am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male youth had allegedly assaulted two men outside a business on Baldwin Drive after stealing items from inside the premises.
It is alleged the youth stole multiple items from the business and a bystander who witnessed the theft attempted to intervene outside the premises. The youth subsequently assaulted the 64-year-old bystander multiple times to the head before the business owner was alerted to the commotion and came to assist the victim.
The offender then allegedly assaulted the 77-year-old business owner before dropping the stolen items and fleeing the scene.
Police and St John Ambulance attended, and both victims were treated at the scene.
A 15-year-old male was located and arrested at a bus stop on Essington Avenue.
He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.
Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number P25289542. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government
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 28/10/2025
The ACT Government has been recognising Mental Health Month this October as an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote mental wellbeing for all Canberrans.
Minister for Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said almost half of all Australians, around 45%, will experience issues with mental health at some point in their lives.
“This could be you or someone around you, like a family member, a friend or a colleague. That’s why it is so important to come together as a community and acknowledge the significance of Mental Health Month,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“People can be going through a hard time for all sorts of reasons, and human connection is important even when things are going well. Supporting a loved one can be as simple as just listening and chatting to them about what they are going through, helping to find resources or organising an appointment.
“We have many innovative non-government, public and private mental health services in the ACT that are committed to supporting our community. It’s a real privilege to work with peak bodies, providers, and people with lived and living experience as we develop a new Mental Health Services Plan, to be completed by the end of 2026.”
Minister Stephen-Smith marked Mental Health Month with several events and visits to government-run mental health facilities and services across October, including to the Phillip Community Health Centre and Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, recognising the vital work of mental health staff.
“It was great to visit the Phillip Community Health Centre and meet with the Woden Community Recovery Service and the Eating Disorder Services teams who provide mental health care and support recovery for people in the community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
The visits also coincide with the one-year anniversary of the ACT’s dedicated Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Centre, which is the first government owned and operated facility of its kind in Australia, providing specialist residential support to individuals and families in the region. The Eating Disorders Services at Phillip Community Health Centre are testament to the high-quality mental health care on offer in the ACT.
At the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, following a tour of the facility, the Minister joined consumers and staff for a morning tea to celebrate staff members’ achievements. The visit included a preview of the newly upgraded reception and screening facilities giving a fresh new look to the unit as well as a number of other projects currently underway to create a warmer and more therapeutic environment.
Canberra Health Services provides a range of mental health services across the Territory, in hospitals, community health centres, adult and youth correctional facilities and people’s homes.
These services work together to deliver integrated and responsive care, including hospital-based specialist services, therapeutic rehabilitation, counselling, supported accommodation and other community-based services.
A police officer with 40 years’ dedication to her community and an officer whose work in both search and rescue, and forensics, has thrust him into some of Tasmania’s most impactful recent events, have been recognised in Tasmania Police awards for the Western District.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams on Tuesday led the praise for Sergeant Lee-Anne Walters and for First Class Constable Dean Wotherspoon during the annual awards and medals ceremony, held at the Devonport Country Club.
Officers received medals recognising their exceptional service, with recipients at periods of 10, 20, 30 and 40 years’ service.
Commander’s Certificates of Appreciation were also awarded to Senior Constable Adam Medhurst and Sergeant Nigel Sheahen.
Constable Dean Wotherspoon, a 30-year veteran of Tasmania Police, received two recognitions on Tuesday – a Commissioner’s Appreciation Award for his 25 years in Search and Rescue, and the John AG Bird Memorial Award, which is presented annually in recognition of exemplary work in the field of forensics.
Over the past nine years, Constable Wotherspoon has been the lead scene manager at some of the most impactful incidents in Tasmania – murder charges, serious crime, and the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy.
As one of the state’s most experienced search and rescue officers, he has been involved in complex operations on land, sea and underground, and maintains a key role in the training of Tasmania Police search and rescue personnel.
“The two roles I do are a great balance of challenge and reward. I consider myself lucky, as I still look forward to going to work each day,” Constable Wotherspoon said.
“There are times where I can be coordinating millions of dollars of assets and, literally, making life and death decisions.
“It’s perhaps cliched, but the roles I perform genuinely have a significant impact on peoples’ lives. Unfortunately, in those two roles, if I am busy, it does mean something has gone wrong for someone, but I am privileged to be able to play a part in helping them.”
Constable Wotherspoon said he was elated to receive the awards.
“It’s an absolute honour. These awards are peer nominated and therefore, to be thought highly of by your peers, for the work that we all do, is very humbling,” he said.
Lee-Anne Walters joined Tasmania Police in 1985 as an 18-year-old.
A girl who grew up on a family farm near Brighton, Sergeant Walters had her first posting to Burnie in December of her recruit year and never envisaged the North-West would be home.
Such is her commitment to her community, Sergeant Walters has been the senior officer at Smithton Police Station for more than 25 years.
“My intention was to spend two years on the North-West coast before returning to Hobart. As it is, I have never left the Western District,” she said.
“I joined Tasmania Police with the view to help people, and I still find satisfaction every day in serving my community. Seeing people make positive choices and turning things around in their life, has always been a highlight.”
Sergeant Walters spent a decade working as a detective in Criminal Investigations Branch and drugs in both Burnie and Devonport stations and was promoted to uniform sergeant in 1998. A year later, she accepted the position at Smithton.
“I had worked in plain clothes for the previous decade. Family was the reason I moved back to uniform, but my connection with the community through involvement in Adopt a Cop, emergency management planning, Community Road Safety Partnership and involvement with other community groups has been a huge part of my reason to stay. Circular Head is a wonderful community,” Sergeant Walters said.
After 40 years in Tasmania Police, Sergeant Walters said changes in technology, uniforms and equipment, plus the investment in specialist resources, were positive markers.
“When I went to Burnie, uniform was in Central Police Station, which was on old pub.,” she said. “The facilities were poor, with mice often running around the muster room.”
“Our uniforms and equipment were not practical. Reports were all paper-based and typed on manual typewriters.
“The community was generally respectful of police, and you’d find young offenders were more scared of their parents’ reaction if they were dealt with by police.
“There are certainly challenges in policing today brought about by changes in society and some of the issues we see associated with mental health, with drug dependency and that lack of respect, not just for police, but for our communities in general.”
While policing has changed much since the mid-1980s, Sergeant Walters said the core function of serving your community remained the same.
“I’m certainly proud to have served on the frontline for 40 years.”
First Class Constable Dean Wotherspoon with Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams. Picture: Tasmania Police
Tasmania Police Smithton senior officer Sergeant Lee-Anne Walters, who has reached a 40-year service milestone, with her parents Merilyn Shorter and Ken Shorter. Picture: Tasmania Police
Registrations for an additional green bin open next week – 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.
From 3 November 2025, ACT households can register for an additional 240-litre green waste bin, giving Canberrans more flexibility to manage their garden organics at home.
Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said the option to have an additional green bin delivers on an ACT Government election commitment and responds to community demand for more green waste capacity.
“We know many Canberrans love their gardens, and for those with larger yards or lots of greenery, one green bin isn’t always enough,” Minister Cheyne said.
“An additional green bin makes it easier for households to keep their gardens tidy while continuing to divert organic waste from landfill and turn it into high-quality compost for our city.”
Households can register for an additional green waste bin with a one-off payment and delivery fee of $99.40, and an annual service and administration fee of $86.70, indexed annually.
Bins will be delivered throughout November, with collections commencing from 1 December 2025. Additional bins will be collected fortnightly alongside existing green waste bins.
“We know that green waste entering our drains and waterways can increase the nutrient loads in our lakes, contributing to the proliferation algal blooms,” Minister Cheyne said.
“This is about giving households choice and convenience, as well as supporting Canberrans to do the right thing when they’re disposing their green waste.”
Households participating in the ACT’s food organics and garden organics (FOGO) pilot are not eligible for an additional green waste bin, as they receive weekly collections of their green waste bin.
Two men have been arrested following a shooting incident at Ingle Farm on Sunday.
About 4.45pm on Sunday 26 October, a dark grey Holden sedan stopped outside an Adrian Street home. An occupant of the vehicle allegedly fired a shot from inside the vehicle towards the home before driving off along Montague Road.
There were no reports of injury or damage to property.
Investigations led police to another home at Ingle Farm where police located a firearm and ammunition which was seized along with other evidence.
The vehicle involved has also been seized and is being forensically examined.
A 40-year-old man from Ingle Farm was charged with discharging a firearm, possessing a firearm and ammunition without licence, and breach of bail and intervention order. He was refused bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
A 66-year-old Ingle Farm man was charged with possessing an unregistered firearm and possessing ammunition without a licence. He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 14 January.
While the parties involved are not known to each other, investigators believe that it was a case of mistaken identity.
Eastern District CIB continue to investigate the incident and ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000 and quote #276216. You can remain anonymous.
As Victorians venture into our forests and parks this Melbourne Cup weekend, the Conservation Regulator Victoria, CFA, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are urging campers to learn about campfire safety before they go.
Even though the nights remain cool at this time of the year, days can be warm and often windy. Just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can cause serious environmental damage and put lives and property at risk.
It’s important that Victorians take a moment to check the weather forecast – especially the projected wind speeds – before heading out.
People need to make sure that their campfire is put out correctly by extinguishing it completely with water, not soil. Fires that haven’t been properly extinguished can smoulder under soil for days and reignite in the warm and windy conditions.
Before you light a fire always check fire restrictions, including whether a Total Fire Ban is in place. Download the VicEmergency app or go to www.emv.vic.gov.au.
People who breach campfire regulations on public land face a maximum penalty of $19,759 if the matter is prosecuted in court. The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire during a day of Total Fire Ban is $47,421.60 and/or 2 years in jail.
Report unattended campfires to DEECA at 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.
Quotes attributable to Scott Turner, Acting Chief Fire Officer, Forest Fire Management Victoria:
“We want everyone to enjoy their visit to our forests and parks this weekend, but if you have a campfire, it’s crucial that you put it out properly when you leave. Putting soil on top of a campfire does not extinguish it –you must use water.”
Quotes attributable to CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan:
“Before heading out this weekend, campers must check the weather conditions and be aware of any Total Fire Bans in place. It’s essential to understand what is permitted at their destination to avoid putting people and the environment at risk.”
Quotes attributable to Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator:
“We’ll have authorised officers visiting our parks and forests this weekend to make sure that campers are following the rules and to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend.”
Quotes attributable to Chris Mercier, Manager, Enforcement Capability, Parks Victoria:
“We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy Victoria’s incredible natural spaces, but it’s important to remember that unsafe campfires can have devastating consequences. Just one person ignoring the rules can put entire communities and the environment at serious risk.”
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to $4.96 million in funding for Nextracker to deploy its proprietary solar construction and integrated tracker technologies across multiple solar farms, including the Goulburn River Solar Farm in New South Wales.
Delivered in partnership with solar developers and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, this project represents a step forward in automating large-scale solar foundation installation and aims to reduce project risks and overall costs of delivering renewable energy projects in Australia.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project highlights ARENA’s commitment to supporting innovative solutions that lower costs of installing large-scale solar farms.
“Ultra low-cost solar is not the solar we know today. Current solar PV technology is sufficiently mature and cost-effective to deploy at scale. However, much cheaper solar is vital to help to decarbonise create green export opportunities and support the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors.”
The project marks the introduction of Nextracker’s NX Earth Truss foundation solution, a proprietary solar tracker technology, to the Australian market.
Vice President and General Manager of Nextracker Australia Peter Wheale said Nextracker was excited to partner with Australia’s leading developers and EPCs to demonstrate its solar tracker and foundation solutions technology.
“Simplifying and optimising the most labour-intensive phase of solar construction for any soil or terrain condition is a real breakthrough. With over 10 GW of solar trackers already deployed in Australia, we’re excited to bring technology innovation that not only cuts costs and build time but also enables projects to succeed in sites that were previously too complex or costly to develop.”
Unlike traditional piling methods that require a multi-step installation process, NX Earth Truss foundations are installed in a single pass, significantly reducing construction timelines, labour, equipment requirements and ground disturbance. This technology innovation helps overcome barriers to large-scale solar development on hard soils and challenging terrain, making deployment more cost-effective, faster to build and sustainable to scale.
Nextracker’s technology is directly aligned with ARENA’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar (ULCS) strategy, which prioritises the reduction of balance of plant costs through advanced automation. By demonstrating the effectiveness of NX Earth Truss in the Australian market, the project will provide critical data and best practices to accelerate industry-wide adoption of integrated tracker and foundation installation.