Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The three-day event is one of the most loved community events on the ACT calendar.
Mark your calendars – the 2025 National Multicultural Festival will be held from 7 to 9 February 2025.
Australia’s largest celebration of cultural diversity, the three-day event is one of the most loved community events on the ACT calendar.
As with previous years, the festival will bring together numerous multicultural communities who share culture, history and heritage through food, art, song and dance.
The dates were locked in by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Mick Gentleman this morning.
You can expect a host of talented performers across the weekend, workshops and mouthwatering food stalls. And for those who wish to take part, applications for performers and stallholders will open soon.
A favourite among locals and visitors alike, the festival provides a significant boost to the Territory’s economy.
The attendance for the 2024 festival was the highest ever, with a total attendance of 417,359 people across the weekend, up from 380,563 in 2023.
It also brings many people to Canberra. This year, 19,181 people visited the ACT, equating to 33,940 visitor nights and a total economic benefit of $21.2 million.
The full program and timetable will be released closer to the date.
Applications for showcase performance leaders for next year’s festival will open soon.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Goodies Junction will begin operating on 31 May 2024, with stores opening on 1 July 2024.
Goodies Junction, the ACT’s reusable facilities formerly operated by The Green Shed, will open on 31 May 2024.
St Vincent de Paul Canberra/Goulburn (Vinnies) will operate Goodies Junction.
The two Goodies Junction locations are at the Mitchell and Mugga Lane Resource Management Centres.
During the transition, plans are in place to minimise disruption to the community.
Between 31 May 2024 and 1 July 2024, there will be some changes to operations. This will allow Goodies Junction to prepare the facilities for the community.
Donating goods
The process for donating goods through the existing vehicle drop‑off arrangements will remain unchanged.
Goodies Junction will be open to receive donations from the community from 8am Friday 31 May 2024.
You can continue to drop‑off your goods for free through the existing vehicle drop off arrangements. This is available from 7:30am to 4:45pm, Monday to Sunday, at Goodies Junction located at the Mitchell and Mugga Lane Resource Management Centres.
All donations that were accepted before can continue to be dropped off. This includes:
furniture
electrical equipment
clothing
building materials
tools.
Shops
The Goodies Junction shops will be closed to the public from Friday 31 May 2024 and will reopen at 7:30am on Monday 1 July 2024.
This is to allow Vinnies time to fit out the buildings and prepare the retail space for the community.
From Monday 1 July 2024, the Goodies Junction shops will be open from 7:30am to 4:45pm, Monday to Sunday.
Vinnies will also have a dedicated education space. This will be made available for workshops, repair activities and structured education.
The community may consider different second-hand purchasing options while the Goodies Junction shops are closed, with other second-hand stores located throughout Canberra. Some of the choices include:
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
During the group sessions, participants are supported to find ways to reach their health goals and manage their chronic condition.
Nearly 50 per cent of the ACT population live with at least one chronic condition, while one in five live with two or more chronic conditions.
For these Canberrans, living their best life can seem like a challenge. Take Control – Live Well is a free program that’s supporting adults with chronic illness to make changes and live well.
“While everyone’s journey with their long-term condition is different, many people have trouble finding, accessing, or don’t know about, supports that are available in Canberra to help them live their best life with their condition,” Community Care Health Promotion Officer Chelsea Hillenaar said.
“The program helps Canberrans to feel more in control and be able to live the life that is important to you. You also get some tools to help manage the impacts your chronic condition has on wellbeing.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the Take Control – Live Well program:
What is it?
The Take Control – Live Well program is free three-week group program.
What does it involve?
There is one session per week over the three weeks. During these sessions, participants are supported to find ways to reach their health goals and manage their chronic condition.
Topics that are discussed in the group session include:
how to get the best out of your health appointment
looking after your mental and physical health
finding local support services
how to find reliable health information.
Participants also receive a book of resources. They will write their own plan to work towards living their best life.
After the three weeks, participants have the option of receiving SMS support for up to three months.
Who is it for?
The program is for adults in the ACT who live with at least one chronic condition.
What classifies as a chronic illness?
Chronic conditions are long-term conditions which are persistent and generally do not go away over time.
They can come on suddenly or gradually, and many get worse over time.
Some examples include:
arthritis
asthma
back pain
cancer
kidney disease
mental health conditions
diabetes
heart disease.
The Take Control – Live Well program is open to anyone experiencing a health condition that has lasted for three months or longer.
Where is the program running?
Tuggeranong Community Health Centre starting Wednesday 7 August at 1pm.
Online starting 10 September at 4:30pm.
Belconnen Community Health Centre starting Thursday 10 October at 1pm.
How can I participate?
You can refer yourself to the Take Control – Live Well program.
To register, call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Mawson Oval is a favourite with locals.
Looking for somewhere new to exercise your dog? We’ve pulled together some of the best spots around the Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo region. There are plenty of on and off-leash spaces calling your name.
Checking out a new area has great benefits for both you and your dog. The fresh autumn air and new things to see and sniff is sure to result in a happy, tired pooch and is great for their mental stimulation.
Dog park
Duffy Dog Park – Warragamba Avenue, Duffy
This fenced dog park opened in 2022 for registered and vaccinated dogs. Remember your dog must also be desexed to enter a dog park (unless you have a permit).
You’ll find separate areas for large and small dogs, with doggie drinking water provided.
Your dog will delight in zooming around this park, which offers dirt, grass and woodchip areas to play in.
Benches, a shade sail and shady trees allow you to relax while your dog burns off energy with their pals.
Off-leash areas
There are almost 20 areas where dogs can be off-leash in the Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo region.
Here are a few good options.
Uriarra Crossing, Uriarra Road – Murrumbidgee River
This classic swimming spot is well worth the drive.
The river is split by an expansive park on the east bank. There is also a smaller, more secluded spot on the west bank.
All the beaches here are off-leash, giving your dog plenty of options to swim and socialise. But remember, not all dogs are social, so be sure to ask their owner if they can play and before patting them.
To keep your two and four-legged companions safe, ensure you always have effective control of your dog. You must be able to prevent your dog from approaching other animals or people by either restraining the dog or using commands.
Located between Dixon Drive and Cotter Road, the wetlands is a great spot for both exercise and nature watching.
The popular Centenary Trail runs through this area. There is a walking track, however, be sure to move at least 10 metres from the path if you’d like your dog to go off-leash.
Mawson Neighbourhood Oval
This partially fenced oval is a favourite with locals.
Well-socialised dogs can run, play, chase balls and generally have a blast in this grassy area.
Your dog is free to roam and play on the oval while it’s not in use, However, if it’s booked for formal sport (including training sessions), you’ll need to come back another time.
You’ll need to keep your dog on-leash on all footpaths, regardless of whether you’re in an off-leash area or not.
On-leash areas
Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve
Get your nature fix on this 4.5km circuit track, as you and your dog walk or run beneath the shady pines and eucalypts.
Be sure to remain on the track as you take in views of Isaacs and neighbouring O’Malley.
It’s also worth noting you may encounter horses on the track.
Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve
With beautiful views in all directions, this protected area is popular with hikers, cyclists and dog-walkers alike.
Lace up your walking shoes, snap on your dog’s leash and set out for an on-leash sniffari.
You’ll find a combination of fire trails and single tracks, surrounded by bushland.
Other on-leash areas include all streets, verges, footpaths and cycle paths. You’ll also need to keep your dog on their leash if you’re within 10 metres either side of the path.
No matter where in the region your adventures take you, you need to pick up after your dog. Failing to pick up your dog droppings is an offence that carries a fine of $150. Failing to carry the correct equipment to collect your dog droppings carries a $75 fine.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Recently installed chargers are making electric vehicle charging more accessible.
A new round of ACT Government grants will fund the delivery of 39 more electric vehicle chargers (EV) across the city by 2025.
Installing more public chargers will support the ACT’s efforts to electrify Canberra’s transport system. It will help reach the ACT Government’s goal of 180 public EV chargers by 2025.
Providing more DC fast chargers will plug gaps in Canberra’s existing charger network. Having a good mix of DC fast chargers and slower AC chargers means that people can charge in a way that suits their needs. This includes charging quickly when needed or using an AC charger for longer visits like work, school, or sport.
The 39 chargers will be installed in places where Canberrans and visitors need them most, including:
near tourist hot spots
shopping centres
high-density residential areas.
New chargers for ANU and Marketplace Gungahlin
Three new DC fast chargers have been installed at ANU and Marketplace Gungahlin respectively to help make charging more accessible.
Each set of three chargers are 150kW and can charge six vehicles at once. They are close to nearby apartments and employment hubs.
People who live in apartments and townhouses have extra barriers to installing home chargers. This is why the ACT Government is prioritising putting public chargers in areas of high-density housing.
The government will also work with grant recipients to deliver charging bays in priority locations that will be accessible to EV drivers with mobility issues.
“It’s important to place EV charging infrastructure in convenient locations where people want to go, be it a university, shopping centre, tourism destination or somewhere they visit as part of their daily routine,” Greg Schumann, ENGIE ANZ Director of Green Mobility said.
A growing network of chargers
The successful providers for the first projects to be supported by this new funding are ActewAGL, BP, ENGIE and EVIE.
“We’re committed to keeping Australian EV drivers charged up, by rolling out a national network of bp pulse charge points,” Frédéric Baudry, President bp Australia and Senior Vice President Mobility, Convenience, & Midstream, Asia Pacific said.
“We know that the ACT is home to more EV drivers than anywhere else in Australia, and with the support of the ACT Government, we’ll be bringing the best of our charging and convenience offers to these drivers on the go when they visit bp.”
There are currently 156 public EV charging stations operating across the ACT. 39 public EV chargers with 65 charging bays* have been delivered through previous government funding. A further 21 chargers are still to be delivered under the previous grant round by the end of 2024.
A map of public charging stations in the ACT, and across Australia, is available at www.plugshare.com.
* This figure is an indication of the number of future chargers as of May 2024. The number and location of future chargers supported by government funding is subject to change.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 23-year-old female in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Darwin overnight.
At 9:40pm, a 57-year-old female reported she had been assaulted and had her bag stolen by a female offender in Casuarina.
The offender and the victim had both been travelling on a public bus which stopped at the Casuarina Bus Exchange. The offender allegedly followed the victim off the bus and along Bradshaw Terrace, where she began throwing rocks and bottles at the victim, before stealing her bag.
The victim called police during the assault and sought refuge inside a nearby restaurant on the corner of Bradshaw Terrace and Trower Road.
Strike Force Trident and general duties members responded, and the 23-year-old female offender was located and arrested nearby at 9:56pm.
Some of the victim’s personal items remain outstanding and Strike Force Trident have carriage of the investigation.
Police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25093589. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested six male youths in relation to a burglary and property damage incident that occurred in Alice Springs today.
Around 9:45am, police received a report that an office building on Todd Street had been unlawfully entered. An employee had attended the building, which houses multiple businesses and organisations, and witnessed up to six male youths inside. The group subsequently fled out the rear of the property.
Upon police arrival it was confirmed all offices and rooms within the building had been ransacked and extensive damaged had allegedly been caused by the offenders.
A coordinated police response involving CCTV operators and Strike Force Viper identified the alleged offenders. Multiple foot chases throughout the Alice Springs CBD and into the Todd River involving Territory Safety Division (TSD) members, general duties officers, and Strike Force Viper members resulted in the arrest of six male youths.
The offenders, aged 10, 12, 13, 13, 13 and 14, remain in police custody and investigations are ongoing.
Police urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency dial 000. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to a crime series that occurred in Lajamanu overnight.
Around 9:10pm yesterday evening, police received reports of multiple armed youths throwing rocks and hitting buildings with bars at a worker’s camp in Lajamanu.
Across the next few hours, the youths returned multiple times, allegedly unlawfully entering compound buildings and causing damage, each time fleeing prior to police arrival.
Around 5am this morning, police were notified that several male youths had entered the yard of the clinic and stolen an ambulance, which they used to ram through the compound gates and flee the area. The clinic had also allegedly been burgled prior to the ambulance being stolen.
It is alleged there were several youths in the ambulance when it left Lajamanu, and additional youths were subsequently picked up as it travelled through Kalkarindji.
The stolen ambulance travelled across the Western Australian border, where it allegedly rammed two WA Police vehicles in Halls Creek. Fortunately, no WA Police member was injured, but the police vehicles did sustain damage.
The ambulance was subsequently located abandoned in Halls Creek, and five youths are currently in WA Police custody.
Investigations remain ongoing and police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444 or attend your local police station. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has made multiple arrests in relation to multiple vehicles stolen overnight across the Top End.
On Thursday 3 April, police received reports that a white Toyota Hilux had been stolen from Farrar. On Friday 4 April, police intel identified the Hilux had travelled to the Daly region and was returning to Darwin.
Around 12:25am this morning, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports of a black 4WD driving dangerously in Parap with up to six youths inside.
Around 2:25am a yellow Toyota Stout utility vehicle was reported stolen from a residence in Jingili. It was recovered by police later in the evening after it was found abandoned in Palmerston.
About an hour later, police received reports of suspicious vehicles driving in both the Roseberry and Woodroffe areas. Two vehicles were subsequently found abandoned and confirmed as stolen earlier in the evening from residences in Roseberry and Driver.
Around 4:20am, the white Toyota Hilux was sighted by police on Batchelor Road travelling with the black 4WD and a silver Toyota.
Police initiated a pursuit after the vehicles failed to stop, during which offenders allegedly threw items from the stolen vehicles at police. One police vehicle sustained a broken windscreen, and a police officer inside at the time later required medical treatment to remove glass from their eye.
The pursuit continued onto Coach Road heading towards Adelaide River, where the silver Toyota was abandoned. It was later confirmed as stolen earlier from Bakewell.
The white Toyota Hilux was also abandoned in Adelaide River, and two adults and one youth were arrested.
Police continued pursuing the black 4WD until it ran out of fuel in Daly River. Six youths aged 12, 13, 14, 14, 15 and 15, and one adult were taken into custody by Strike Force Trident and Dog Operations Unit members, with Patrol Dog Cheeko being crucial in the apprehensions.
An additional stolen motor vehicle was also located, believed to be related to an aggravated robbery that occurred in early March. A 13-year-old female and an adult male were taken into custody in relation to this incident.
At this stage, all known stolen motor vehicles have been recovered by police. Investigations remain ongoing and charges are expected to follow.
Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Burns said, “This was an incredibly frustrating night for police.
“The actions of the offenders involved in this crime series were disgraceful, and it is nothing other than pure luck that no one was seriously hurt, or worse.
“I commend the excellent work by all police involved in bringing the offenders into custody, ensuring no further harm to the community could occur.”
Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency dial 000. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to a vehicle that was stolen in Alice Springs overnight.
Around 10:35pm, police were notified that a grey Nissan X-Trail had been stolen from the Alice Springs Hospital. An unknown offender allegedly entered the X-Trail while it was parked at the hospital and drove away, picking up two additional unknown offenders nearby before leaving the area.
It was subsequently sighted driving on Larapinta Drive and later south of The Gap.
Members from Strike Force Viper, the Tactical Response Group (TRG), the Dog Operations Unit (DOU) and general duties officers responded. Police successfully deployed tyre deflation devices on the stolen motor vehicle as it travelled north on Telegraph Terrace.
The vehicle continued north along the Stuart Highway and remains outstanding.
The unknown offenders also remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25092499. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.