Category: MIL-OSI

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Kippax Fair upgrade to support growing West Belconnen

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The upgrades will help transform the Kippax Fair precinct into an inviting area for the whole community.

In brief:

  • Kippax Fair shopping centre will be extensively upgraded.
  • There will be new housing, new shops and services, a park and more.
  • The ACT Government is working with the centre’s owners.

Kippax Fair shopping centre in West Belconnen will receive an extensive upgrade.

The ACT Government will work with the centre’s owners and invest in the upgrades. These will include:

  • an expanded shopping centre
  • more housing, including affordable and public housing
  • community spaces, including a park and playground.

An expanded centre

The project will add new shops, places to eat and parking to the area.

A larger Woolworths and a brand-new Coles supermarket are proposed.

Work will be delivered in two stages. The first will be expansion of the east precinct, towards Moyes Crescent.

Once complete, upgrades to the existing shopping centre will start.

These will comprise more commercial and retail stores, indoor and outdoor dining venues and additional parking.

“We are excited to get on with finally turning our vision into reality, revitalising the Kippax Group Centre with new and modern full-line supermarkets, speciality shops, food and dining options, under-cover parking, housing options, and parks and public facilities,” Kippax Fair owner Philip Christodoulou said.

More housing

The project will see about 180 new homes built over the two stages of work.

Among these will be at least 24 affordable and public housing dwellings.

The new housing will incorporate ‘shop top’ housing, where homes are built above retail or business premises.

Community spaces

The project includes a proposed area for a community centre, with space for local groups to use.

There will also be a new 6,000m2 park with barbecue facilities and a playground.

West Belconnen is a growing region and better access to high quality shops and services is important.

The upgrades will help transform the Kippax Fair precinct into an inviting area for the whole community.

Next steps

The plan and investment follow an extensive expression of interest process for Kippax Fair’s redevelopment.

This project is still subject to the development application process. The DA is expected to be publicly notified by mid-2025.

This will include more opportunities for the community to have a say on the final design.

More details will become available in the coming months.

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Where to spot platypus in Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

These aquatic mammals are a sign of healthy waterways.

In brief:

  • August is Platypus Month
  • The end of winter is a great time to spot them in the region
  • Learn how to take part in a platypus survey.

Canberra and the surrounding region is home to several platypus populations. You could live closer to one than you might think.

Platypus, known as “Mulanggang” in Ngunnawal language, are iconic creatures. Their presence signifies healthy landscapes and waterways.

August is Platypus Month. The end of winter is an ideal time to spot platypuses as they are more active during the day.

During August, Canberrans are invited to join one of 28 group surveys. These surveys help get a better understanding of platypus numbers in the rivers and creeks in the ACT region.

Citizen scientists can learn how to spot a platypus while helping researchers monitor local populations.

Here’s what you need to know:

What does a survey involve?

Each survey takes two hours. It includes:

  • meeting on site
  • a survey briefing
  • walking to the survey location
  • surveying for one hour
  • returning to the meeting point and handing in your data sheet.

Who can participate?

You don’t need to have had any experience to participate. You can book into as many surveys as you would like.

Where are the surveys happening?

Surveys are taking place at:

  • Point Hut Crossing
  • Queanbeyan River
  • Jerrabomberra Wetlands
  • Lower Molonglo at Namarag.

There are also surveys in the Snowy Mountain region, at Cooma Creek and Mittagong Crossing.

How else can I see platypus?

Waterwatch is also running free walks on the Queanbeyan River and the Lower Molongo River.

It’s the perfect way to spend a crisp winter morning learning more about the platypus.

You can also use the Platty and Ratty Portal on the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch website. The portal tracks sightings of platypus and rakali (also known a water rats). You can use it to log sightings at any time of the year.

Another spot to see platypuses is to visit the Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The Sanctuary gives visitors the opportunity to view platypuses and bird species at the ponds.

Where can I find out more about platypus in the ACT?

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Casey Community Recreation Park now open

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The park includes a multi-purpose court for playing different sports.

In brief:

  • Casey Community Recreation Park is now open.
  • It is located between Plimsoll Drive and Yeend Avenue.
  • It includes equipment for the local community to get active outdoors.

The new Community Recreation Park in Casey is now open.

The park is located between Plimsoll Drive and Yeend Avenue.

The park is designed to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community. It includes equipment and facilities for the whole community to get active outdoors.

The play equipment has an emphasis on playing in nature. It includes equipment for all abilities. There are different areas for children to climb, hang, balance and explore. There is a forest ant springer for smaller children and a basket swing.

Sandstone walls add a natural textural element to the space and provide further opportunities for balance and play. There are also plenty of benches around the space where parents can sit while supervising their children.

Other new equipment includes:

  • a multi-purpose court for different sports
  • a cricket net
  • a flying fox.

There are also shade structures, a barbecue and a picnic area for family or community gatherings. There are plenty of grassy areas for play and recreation.

Accessible toilet facilities are available, as well as additional parking spaces including one accessible space. The surfaces have been upgraded and lighting has been installed. A non-verbal signage board clearly marks the space.

The updated park space is next to Casey Dog Park. Together, the area is the perfect spot for local families to exercise, play and socialise.

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Canberra’s best sandwiches

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

  • This list includes cafes and delis from around Canberra.

Chicken, roast beef, curried egg, salad, tuna or jam – however you like them, there’s a sandwich for everyone. We’re here to help you discover the best sandwiches Canberra has to offer.

We asked Canberrans on WeAreCBR to name their favourite sandwich spot. These were the standouts, as voted by you:

Located in No Name Lane, Sandoochie is open Monday-Friday to feed the working Canberrans. You will hardly ever see this joint without a line out the door. They offer a tantalising choice of 3-4 sandwiches and change the menu weekly.

Blue Olive Café is located in the Melbourne Building. They offer a range of great Chunky New York style sandwiches for your next work lunch.

This place not only offers great sandwiches and coffee, but you can grab both without even leaving your car. Kickstart is a drive-through cafe located in Fyshwick and Dickson, and they’ve just opened a third location in Belconnen.

Melted menu items range from cheese toasties to Mi Goreng noodles – anything you would think wouldn’t go on a toastie is on offer.

With over 10 locations in Canberra, Two Before Ten has become a go-to brunch and lunch spot. Of course they are offering up some solid sandwiches. They’ve got them fresh or toasted, and gluten-free and vego options.

San Churro is a first and foremost a dessert venue, but who would’ve guessed they are also serving up some delicious toasties?!

Hop into Bad Bunny for a great selection of sandwiches. They’ve got it all, from pork belly, corned beef to crispy chicken. They also have a great plant-based option of pulled mushroom with vegan cheese and vegan mayo.

Bean Origin serves up great breakfast and lunch items. Try one of their delicious steak-sandwiches or toasties!

&Sando is the casual counterpart to Matt Moran’s Compa. The menu features fresh deli counter sandwiches and pastries. Keep an eye out for the specials – past favourites have included Bolognese, provolone and bechamel, and a toasted truffle sando.

Al’s Diner is bringing the New York-style deli experience to Alinga Street. Choose from fresh or hot sandwiches with flavours like beef & pickle, mushroom melt, chicken salad or the schnitty roll.

You’ll find this bakery tucked away at the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. They’re well-loved for their breads and pastries, and their sandwiches are just as delicious. Choose from ciabatta or sourdough with options like hot salami, smoked salmon, marinated pumpkin or roasted capsicum.

The sandwiches at Café Stepping Stone come with a side of social good. Stepping Stone create employment opportunities for migrant and refugee women. The potato masala toastie or green Reuben toastie are available at both locations.

You’ll find this Dutch-inspired patisserie inside Manuka Court. Their display shelves are filled with pastries, cakes, and croquembouche. Regulars love the toasted and fresh sandwich options.

Lava is well-known for their coffee, but did you know they offer tasty toasties? Flavours include classics like ham, cheese and tomato, as well as chorizo, chilli jam, basil and Swiss cheese.

Empanadas and coffee are specialties of this suburban gem. They also offer pastries as well as fresh or toasted sandwiches.

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Increasing awareness of coercive control

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

People enduring coercive control can feel scared and unable to leave their partner.

Trigger warning: this story discusses domestic violence.

In brief:

  • Coercive control is when someone uses patterns of abusive behaviour against another person.
  • The abuse can be both physical and non-physical.
  • If you, or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, you can get help.

The ACT Government is working to increase awareness and education around coercive control.

Coercive control is when someone uses patterns of abusive behaviour against another person.

People enduring coercive control can feel scared and unable to leave their partner.

Understanding coercive control

The abuse can be both physical and non-physical, including:

  • controlling who a person sees, what they wear, and where they go
  • tracking everything a person does
  • controlling a person’s finances, medicine, food or exercise
  • regularly criticising or blaming a person, so they doubt themselves
  • forcing someone to have sex or do sexual things
  • stopping a person from following their religion or cultural practices
  • threatening a person, their children, family or friends.

Coercive control often underpins cases of family and domestic violence in our community. Abuse can also be targeted and subtle, and someone may not always know they are experiencing coercive control.

Technology-facilitated coercive control

Someone using coercive control may use digital technology as part of their abuse.

This can include:

  • making repeated abusive, threatening or unwanted messages or calls
  • tracking someone’s location
  • checking who someone talks to online or over the phone
  • creating fake social media accounts and/or making hurtful or false posts about someone
  • controlling internet accounts or locking someone out of them – such as Wi-Fi, email, social media or banking
  • making, sharing or threatening to share intimate videos of someone without their permission
  • using cameras or recording devices to spy on someone.

The Australian Government has developed the National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence.

The National Principles aim to create a shared understanding of coercive control and increase awareness of the issue.

Read more about the seven National Principles.

Find support

If you, or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, you can get help.

1800RESPECT is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can get free counselling, information, and support:

  • call 1800RESPECT (1800 732 732)
  • visit 1800respect.org.au.

There are also many other domestic, family or sexual violence specialist services available. Find a full list here.

For more information about coercive control and support, and resources including videos and factsheets, visit https://bit.ly/3RFvrR4.

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Former Citizen of the Year blooms

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Nip started GG’s Flowers to support her younger sister Gayana, who has Down Syndrome.

In brief:

  • Nip Wijewickrema was awarded Young Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2014.
  • Nip is the co-founder of GG’s Flowers, a social enterprise employing people with a disability.
  • Nominations for Young Canberra Citizen of the Year close on 30 September 2024.

In 2014 Nip Wijewickrema was named the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year. The award recognised her work co-founding GG’s Flowers – a social enterprise employing people with disability.

Ten years on from the award, Nip is still changing the world one flower at a time.

“I’m still so passionate about meaningful employment for people with a disability,” she explains.

Nip started the business to support her younger sister Gayana, who has Down Syndrome. She wanted to make sure Gayana would have support in the workplace and a chance to become more independent. Nip has grown GG’s Florist to a successful business spreading colour and joy across Canberra.

“I feel like I have lived a lifetime in the last 10 years,” Nip says.

“When I won the award, I was just freshly 21 and had no idea what the world had in store for me.”

Being named Young Canberra Citizen of the Year gave Nip a helping hand at an important time.

“Having the honour of being a Young Canberra Citizen was life affirming and really helped me on the journey to chase the stars in social enterprise land,” she explains.

“Social entrepreneurs often don’t have a long shelf life. It’s a hard industry and almost impossible to remain profitable and viable as the years go on. Being able to fly that flag for 10 years is truly so wonderful.”

So, 10 years on what does life look like?

“I’m still working at GG’s Flowers, helping the team send beautiful flowers and gift hampers and create innovative NDIS disability support,” Nip says.

“I’m wearing the same pink uniform and having a blast doing so! I can proudly say I still absolutely adore my job and love getting up every morning with purpose.”

Each year the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year recognises an outstanding individual aged 12 to 25 who is:

* is an exceptional role model

* has championed youth issues

* has significantly contributed to the ACT.

Nip has words of advice to offer anyone thinking of nominating an outstanding young person this year.

“I truly believe in acknowledging our unsung heroes to help them create good in our community. I know no one does good things for recognition, but if the recognition can help you do better and create social good – then go for it!”

Nominations for Young Canberra Citizen of the Year are open to 30 September 2024. Find out more or make a nomination.

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Protect yourself against respiratory illness

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

There are still many Canberrans becoming unwell with influenza, whooping cough and COVID-19.

In brief

  • Respiratory illnesses are common in winter and leading into spring.
  • Vaccination and talking to your doctor are important steps in keeping well.
  • Staying home when sick and exercising good hygiene are also key to looking after yourself and the community.

Spring is in sight but there is still plenty of respiratory illness around.

Throughout winter, many unwell Canberrans have presented to doctors with influenza, whooping cough and COVID-19 symptoms.

Dr Melanie Dorrington, the ACT Chief GP and Primary Care Advisor, says there has been a high number of influenza cases in the ACT and right across Australia this year.

She is keen to remove the perception that some of these illnesses are not that serious.

“It’s important to know that these illnesses are more than just colds”, she said.

“Influenza and COVID, for example, are both highly contagious viruses that can affect people of all ages. These illnesses can affect everyone differently and people with health conditions and older people are at higher risk of severe illness.

“There are actions people can take to help keep well while also protecting others in the community”.

It’s not too late to vaccinate

Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness It also helps protect the more vulnerable in the community. This includes babies too young to be vaccinated and others who can’t be vaccinated.

If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, it’s not too late to do so.

“It generally takes two weeks following vaccination to be protected,” Dr Mel said.

“Given that these illnesses still hang around throughout spring, if you haven’t been vaccinated for influenza this year or had a COVID-19 vaccination, if you’re eligible, then now is the time.

“You should talk to your GP or pharmacist about which vaccines are recommended and funded for you as it can depend on your age, health risks, and other individual circumstances.”

Simple steps to stay well

If you’re at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, it’s important to speak to your healthcare team before you become unwell.

Things to ask your GP:

  • If I become unwell, what kind of tests should I have?
  • Do I need a PCR pathology request form? If so, how can I get one?
  • Am I eligible to take COVID or influenza antiviral treatments? If so, how can I access them early in my illness?

There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others.

“Stay home if you are unwell and don’t send your children to school or daycare if they are sick. Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene and look after your physical and mental health,” Dr Mel said.

Find more information on how to be well this winter.

Dr Melanie Dorrington

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Clean energy expert named ACT Scientist of the Year

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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

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

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More transport options for a growing city

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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

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

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Canberra Hospital’s new building now open

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Four-bed room in an inpatient unit within the new Critical Services Building (Building 5).

In brief:

  • Canberra Hospital’s new Critical Services Building (Building 5) opened on Saturday, 17 August 2024.
  • This includes the new Emergency Department (ED).
  • If you need to attend the ED, please go straight to Building 5.

Canberra Hospital’s new Critical Services Building opened on Saturday, 17 August 2024. It is called Building 5.

Many of the critical care services located across the hospital can now be found in Building 5.

Services that have moved to Building 5

Building 5 now houses:

  • the main entry and reception
  • the emergency department
  • operating theatres and day of surgery admission
  • the Sterilising Services Unit
  • the intensive care unit
  • cardiac catheterisation laboratories
  • several inpatient wards, including Acute Cardiac Care Unit, Acute Medical Unit, Emergency General Surgery and Trauma, Neurosurgery and Oral Maxillofacial and Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
  • medical imaging
  • the helideck.

The new Emergency Department

The new Emergency Department (ED) in Building 5 opened on Saturday, 17 August.

The ED in Building 12 has now closed.

If you need to go to the ED

If you need to attend the ED, please go straight to Building 5.

There is a separate entrance to the ED on the southern side of Hospital Road, off Bateson Road.

You can also drop off and pick up at the entrance.

The closest parking is in the southern multi-storey car park on Bateson Road. This is less than 300m away.

Signs across the hospital will help you find you way around.

Operating theatres and other services

Perioperative services, including operating theatres, have begun in Building 5.

This includes both emergency and elective procedures.

The move to Building 5

The move into the new building took place in one day.

This included relocating around 160 patients in several inpatient wards.

Staff will also move over 3,000 items to the new building – from IV poles to wheelchairs.

Around 3,000 staff have received training to work in the new building.

Find more information on Building 5 at the Canberra Health Services website.

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