Category: MIL-OSI

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New law to better support donor-conceived Canberrans

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

This is the first stage of work to regulate assisted reproductive services and improve access to information on heritage for donor-conceived people.

In brief:

  • New laws will better support donor-conceived Canberrans and their families.
  • New regulatory requirements for clinical practice are being introduced.
  • A new ACT donor register will help donor-conceived people access family information.

People who use and are conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART) are now better protected in the ACT.

A new piece of legislation – the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act (2024) ­– is in place.

It requires Canberra ART providers to continue adhering to strong clinical and ethical standards.

These will better support the health and wellbeing of donor-conceived Canberrans and their families.

Improving access

The new legislation is the first stage in the ACT Government’s work to regulate and improve access to ART services in Canberra.

It supports Canberrans who:

  • use ART to become parents
  • are donor-conceived and wish to access information about their parents’ donor, in a timely and sensitive manner.

It also introduces regulatory requirements for clinical practice by ART providers, including:

  • registration requirements
  • conditions around providing clinical services
  • requirements for gamete (sperm or eggs) retrieval and use
  • requirements for embryo creation and storage.

“The legal regulation of the ART industry is a necessary step for all those who access fertility treatment in the territory and will help assure Canberrans that the industry is operating ethically and that they will be in safe hands while accessing treatment,” National Director of Donor Conceived Australia Aimee Shackleton said.

An ACT donor register

The new law ensures donor-conceived Canberrans will be able to access information about their parents’ donor/s from their ART providers. This includes information on genetic heritage and any half-siblings they may have.

It also establishes a donor register. A register will make it an easier, more streamlined process for donor-conceived people to find such information.

Stage 1 of the donor register

The new law sets up the first stage of the register.

Through this, donor-conceived individuals who are conceived after 29 March 2025 can access details about their donor, including identifying information. Parents will also be able to access this information, where the gametes were donated after 29 March 2025.

This first stage will also include the establishment of a voluntary register. This will start in March 2025.

This will allow for existing donor-conceived people and past donors to voluntarily add their details to the register.

“We are grateful the ACT Government has legislated to create a voluntary register enabling those who wish to make connections with family, and share vitally important medical information, to now do so in a safe and appropriate manner,” Aimee said.

Stage 2 of the donor register

The second stage will include a retrospective register for all donor-conceived individuals. There, people can access information about their parents’ donor, irrespective of when they were conceived or born, if those records still exist.

This will be put in place after extensive community and stakeholder consultation.

If you have questions about the new laws, email art.healthpolicy@act.gov.au

Read the legislation at Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2024

Find out more at act.gov.au and search ‘Assisted reproductive technology’.

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ACT Government business support helps fulfill fashion dream

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Kai’s design has been a way of connecting with his Japanese heritage.

In brief:

  • Kai McKenzie changed careers from electrician to international fashion designer.
  • Despite early success, he is keen to take his business to the next level.
  • Advice from Canberra Business Advice and Support Service (CBASS) has helped him plan his next steps.

Kai McKenzie had just finished his final exam to become a qualified electrician, after four years as an apprentice. But, after being let go from his full-time electrician role late last year due to company downsizing, he decided to follow his love for fashion and create a Japanese-inspired fashion label which sold out its first public release in just five days.

Connecting with heritage through fashion

Born in Australia to a Japanese mother and Australian father, Kai said his fashion label, Minami Studios is an homage to his mother’s heritage and her maiden name.

“I don’t know if it’s a common feeling that Australians born into two different cultures experience, but I felt a void and a lack of connection to my Japanese heritage,” he said. “This has been my way of connecting with it.”

With a trip planned to Japan late last year, he started out by creating five Japanese-inspired pieces of clothing for the trip. He documented the process on his Instagram account and has now amassed 74,000 followers, both English and Japanese speaking.

“I started posting in Japanese and now 10-15 per cent of my audience is based in Japan,” he said. “I posted really consistently until something resonated,” he said.

Free CBASS business support

Although Kai has found a great way forward with Instagram and socials, he said he was totally lost when it came to running a business.

That’s when he turned to the Canberra Business Advice and Support Service (CBASS), an ACT Government-funded program that supports Canberra businesses of all sizes and stages.

The service is delivered by Anna and Candice at Lighthouse Innovation who have over 30 years of business experience. They provide advice from setting up to closing a business and everything in between.

Kai heard about CBASS from a family friend. He called that day to make an appointment and met with Anna and Candice two days later.

“It was so reassuring to meet with them,” he said. “There is so much you need to do to set-up a business, and honestly I was lost.”

“They really helped me streamline things and map out timelines for all my plans. It felt really overwhelming, but they gave me some things to focus on, which I have, and they’ve worked out really well.”

CBASS offers up to four hours of free advice to business owners, tailored to their business needs.

Looking to the future

When asked what was next, Kai said he’s working on getting some more training to improve his technical skills and launching his first full collection.

“I had my first public release of a piece just this August,” he said. “It was the Tome (pronounced Tohmeh) pant in black and Khaki. I sold out in five days, and it blew me away! I’m working on making all of those now for my customers, and progressing with the launch of my first full collection, which should be ready for release in early 2025.”

Kai said he recommends anyone thinking of starting a business head to see Candice and Anna at CBASS.

“Go and see them,” he said, “It’s been such a reassuring process.”

To find out more visit the CBASS website.

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New youth foyer to help tackle homelessness

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The foyer will support young people to finish their studies with a secure roof over their heads.

In brief:

  • A new youth foyer will be built at CIT Woden.
  • The foyer will feature accommodation for students aged between 16 and 24 at risk of homelessness.
  • A service provider will run the foyer and offer culturally appropriate supports, like mentoring and cooking lessons.

A new youth foyer will be built at the CIT Woden campus to help young students at risk of homelessness.

Young people are on the frontline of the housing affordability crisis. The new foyer will provide a home close to study for those who are unable to live with family but want to finish their education.

As well as students who are already enrolled in education, those who are not but are ready to start can move into the foyer.

It will offer studio and single-parent family apartments for 20 students aged between 16 and 24.

It is due to be finished in 2025 and is the second in Canberra.

In the coming months, the ACT Government will appoint a service provider to run the foyer.

The provider will also deliver a range of culturally appropriate supports.

These are expected to include:

  • mentoring and coaching
  • life skills development such as budgeting, cooking and healthy eating
  • support to engage with the local community.

The foyer integrates housing, education, future employment and life skills support, all under one roof.

The 2024–25 Budget allocated funding for the foyer’s service provision.

The Federal Government has also contributed, included in the overall funding of the CIT Woden Campus project.

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Australia’s first publicly run residential eating disorder centre complete

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Receiving specialist care in a place that feels like home helps people with eating disorders apply their skills once they are ready to leave.

In brief:

  • Canberra’s brand-new Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Centre in Coombs is complete.
  • Appointments will begin the week commencing 26 August 2024.
  • The centre is Australia’s first publicly run 24/7 residential eating disorder centre.

The new Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Centre in Coombs is now complete.

It is Australia’s first publicly run 24/7 residential eating disorder centre. This is a brand-new service for the ACT region.

Appointments will begin the week commencing 26 August.

Residential treatments will begin in the coming weeks.

The importance of residential care

Receiving specialist care in a place that feels like home helps people apply their skills once they are ready to leave the service.

“We believe residential treatment, with 24/7 specialist eating disorder care in a home-like environment, is an essential option for successful recovery for many within the stepped system of care for eating disorders, and we’re excited to see more treatment options expanding across Australia for the more than 1.1 million Australians directly impacted each year,” Butterfly Foundation CEO Dr Jim Hungerford said.

Eating disorders can have significant impacts on the physical, psychological, and social-emotional wellbeing of all affected.

As such, the centre provides therapeutic services that include:

  • specialist treatment
  • intensive nutritional treatment
  • psychological treatment.

Consulting with stakeholders

The centre’s completion is an important milestone for those with, or caring for someone with, an eating disorder.

The ACT Government worked with various stakeholders to finalise its design.

These include clinicians, non-government organisations, people with lived experience of eating disorders, families, carers and the wider Canberra community.

“Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) looks forward to families and carers being active participants in the vital role of the Residential Treatment Facility and to continue providing our counselling, education and support services to the broader Canberra community,” ACT Director at EDFA David Quilty said.

National charity The Butterfly Foundation also shared insights. It runs the Wandi Nerida residential recovery centre for eating disorders in QLD.

The Australian Government has supported the establishment of the Coombs centre.

It will complement other eating disorder services in the region, including the Eating Disorders Clinical Hub and the early intervention service.

Getting help for eating disorders

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns, contact the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 or find support services at Butterfly.

You can also refer yourself, or someone else to the Eating Disorders Clinical Hub for support and assessment.

The centre is located at Madgwick Street Coombs in the Molonglo Valley.

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A stargazer’s guide to Canberra

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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New Whitlam townhouses to build public housing numbers

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The new housing development will include a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes, suitable for a range of households.

In brief:

  • Another 25 public housing townhouses will be built in Whitlam.
  • They will be built through the Housing ACT Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program.
  • There will be a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

There will be another 25 new townhouses built in Whitlam through the Housing ACT Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program.

The program builds new public housing in the ACT, and this development is one of its largest.

It will include a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes. This variety makes the development suitable for a range of household types – from families through to single households.

The townhouses will be built by Supply Nation accredited builder Projex Building Group.

They will all be Class C adaptable, which means they are suitable for people with a disability and allow people to age in place.

They can also be easily modified over time, should the needs of tenant change.

Providing more homes will have a significant impact on public housing waitlists.

As of 30 June 2024, 614 homes have been built and 176 homes purchased under the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program.

A further 482 homes are currently under construction, being designed, awaiting development application approvals or in a procurement process to secure builders.

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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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