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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Local schools offer an excellent, inclusive and equitable education and learning environment.
ACT public school enrolments for the 2025 school year are now open.
There is a place for every child in their local public school, from kindergarten to year 12.
Local schools offer an excellent, inclusive and equitable education and learning environment.
Enrolling before 7 June means you will receive an offer from 29 July 2024. This way you can start planning for the year ahead, knowing where your child will be attending school.
Find out more about your local school
Go online to learn more about your local school and what makes it great.
Some schools will hold information sessions in the coming weeks – these are a great way to discover what your local school offers.
You can also contact the school directly to find out more.
Enrolling in preschool
Every four-year-old child is guaranteed 15 hours of preschool a week in the ACT.
Children are eligible for preschool in 2025 if they turn four on or before 30 April 2025.
Preschool places, like school places, are notallocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Families are encouraged to apply for the preschool for their local primary school. Please note, however, it is not always possible to guarantee a place at your local or preferred preschool, due to capacity constraints at some sites.
Priority Enrolment Areas
Enrolment is determined by a child or young person’s place of residence.
The ACT is divided into Priority Enrolment Areas (PEAs) which are defined geographical areas.
In 2025 a new high school will open in the north Gungahlin suburb of Taylor. As a result, there are some changes to Priority Enrolment Areas (PEA) for 2025.
PEA changes can be found on the Education Directorate’s website.
Upgrading and improving schools
The ACT Government is committed to building, expanding and upgrading schools across Canberra.
Upgrades are improving facilities and ensuring students with disability can take full advantage of education opportunities.
Other works include new learning spaces and wet areas, bike sheds, outdoor shade areas and improvements to playgrounds.
Enrolment key dates
30 April 2024 – online applications open
7 June 2024 – apply by this date to receive an offer from 29 July 2024
Applications received after 7 June may receive an offer later in the year.
For more information
visit the Education Directorate’s website to enrol online
phone the Enrolment Helpline on 6205 5429.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
When complete, this small-scale sustainable suburb will one day be home to almost 1,800 residents.
This paves the way for over 500 new homes in this small-scale sustainable suburb.
A key milestone has been reached today with the opening of the latest stage of the suburb of Jacka.
This paves the way for the construction of over 500 new homes.
When complete, this small-scale sustainable suburb will be home to almost 1,800 residents.
Around 70 per cent of Jacka will be dedicated to wide-open space, including playing fields, netball courts, an EV charging station, a central playground, and interconnected pathways and trails.
This new stage will include single residential, multi-unit, community spaces and commercial opportunities in the future Local Centre.
The ACT is working to prioritise housing choice, supply and affordability for all Canberrans. Opening up more land for new homes will increase overall housing supply.
Jacka has a target of 15 per cent affordable, community and public homes.
It will also be an all-electric suburb. Future residents can take advantage of rebates and bonds to include energy-efficient features, such as solar panels, in their homes.
The Suburban Land Agency is working closely with the local community and stakeholders to understand what they want to see in the future Jacka Local Centre.
We’ve reviewed our advice and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Cameroon overall due to the threat of violent crime and risk of civil unrest. Higher levels apply in some areas. You must apply and pay for your visa through the Cameroon Government’s E-visa system prior to travel (see ‘Travel’).
Australia’s first renewable energy zone reaches contractual and financial close
Allens has advised the financiers to the ACEREZ partnership on the project and financing documentation with Energy Corporation of New South Wales (NSW EnergyCo) for the design, construction and operation of transmission infrastructure for Australia’s first renewable energy zone, the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in NSW.
The first-of-its-kind project, which reached financial close last week, will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity by 2028, which could represent around 25-30% of NSW’s total electricity needs and generate a significant economic boost in the Central-West Orana region and broader NSW.
In a major step forward for NSW’s energy roadmap and Australia’s energy transition, the ACEREZ partnership – comprised of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy and advised by Capella Capital – will now formally commence construction of Australia’s first declared REZ.
‘Achieving contractual and financial close for Australia’s first renewable energy zone marks a significant milestone in Australia’s transition to clean and sustainable energy sources,’ said lead partner Nicholas Adkins.
‘As the remaining coal-fired power stations are retired in coming years, the Central-West Orana REZ will play a critical role in connecting solar and wind farms, as well as energy storage facilities, to the NSW electricity grid and ensuring timely, affordable and reliable energy sources for NSW.
‘This is the first competitively sourced REZ transmission project in Australia. It combines features of public-private partnership and regulated asset models, ensuring a tailored procurement process which safeguards the long-term interests of energy consumers. This landmark transaction will set a precedent for future renewable energy zones and other critical projects in Australia ,’ said lead Partner Nicholas Adkins.
‘Bringing this landmark project to life has required tremendous effort from everyone involved. We are proud to have advised the financing syndicate and we congratulate NSW EnergyCo, the ACEREZ partnership, Capella Capital as financial adviser to ACEREZ and the project financiers on reaching financial close for the project.’
Allens legal team
Nicholas Adkins (Partner), Angela Lambros (Associate), Campbell Halliday (Associate), Maya Bahra (Associate), Greta Parker (Lawyer)
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Easy Read Toolbox employs people with disability to provide writing, workshops and more.
Karen Hedley is not only passionate about inclusive communication, but she’s now dedicating her days to making communication easier for everyone to understand.
Karen is the founder of one of Canberra’s many successful social enterprises, The Easy Read Toolbox.
She primarily employs people with disability to provide writing, workshops and more.
“During GRIST I decided to set up The Easy Read Toolbox as its own company, teaching others about Easy Read and accessible communication. From there it has grown in leaps and bounds, and now includes custom writing, memberships, workshops and more,” Karen said.
The organisation’s simplified form of writing was originally intended for people with disability, but it’s suitable for everyone.
“Our aim is to change communication in our community, to increase inclusion and support people to make informed choices and protect their human rights. When people feel overwhelmed by complex information they give up on important processes,” she said.
“Members of our Feedback Group – people with cognitive disabilities who review our documents as quality management – have told us how important Easy Read being available is to them.”
The female-led, disability-led social enterprise has a unique employment model.
“We primarily employ people with disabilities of all kinds, and people with lived experience of disability. Our values mean that we pay everyone fairly, equivalent to non-disabled peers.
“We recruit based on potential and interests, and assign work based on these. We encourage our team to be innovative and passionate, and to allow us to support their development.
“We also provide a highly flexible workplace, allowing the team to set their own work schedule and style. As a result, our team is flexible, dedicated, supportive and high achieving,” Karen said.
The business has around six regular staff and contractors, and nearly 30 occasional contractors including writers, artists and photographers.
“Most of our clients come through word of mouth and return multiple times. Having written documents for a number of large not-for-profits, corporates and government departments, our work has potentially been seen by tens of thousands of people,” she said.
Running a social enterprise has made for some satisfying moments. For a number of Karen’s team, this is their first employment opportunity.
“Several of our younger contractors have said we were the first to give them a chance at working. Knowing we are paying them fairly is amazing too,” she said.
Her Mill House connections are also playing an ongoing role in her success.
“It has been great being part of the Mill House alumni. The team is knowledgeable and proactive at linking founders with important information and contacts in the community. Plus, the alumni network is quite close knit. It’s always great to catch up online and in person at local events.”
Applications for the four-month 2024 GRIST program are now open to anyone in the region with an idea for a for-purpose business.
The Easy Read Toolbox will be one of the many exhibitors at the CBR Small Business Expo on 9 May at the Budawang Pavilion at EPIC. Come along to find out more about what they do. They can also be reached via their website or LinkedIn.
The Easy Read Toolbox founder Karen and employee Ladina
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Body corporates can apply for up to $100,000 for rooftop solar.
The Solar for Apartments Program is making cheaper, cleaner solar energy accessible to those who have previously missed out on the benefits of renewables.
From today, body corporates in the ACT can request quotes on rooftop solar installations from eligible vendors on the Brighte Marketplace, via the Solar for Apartments Program.
Body corporates can apply for up to $100,000 for rooftop solar.
More than 2,100 households will benefit, which could provide a 35 per cent reduction in energy bills for those living in apartments.
Half of this will be a Commonwealth grant or rebate, and half an interest-free loan.
Brighte is the exclusive finance and administration provider of the ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme.
“Brighte is proud to continue supporting the ACT Government’s nation-leading programs by extending finance to apartments, making sustainability more inclusive, affordable and accessible to everyone,” Brighte Founder and CEO Katherine McConnell said.
Together, we’re turning apartment rooftops into power stations and empowering communities to take control of their energy future.”
The Solar for Apartments Program is co-funded up to $3.6 million under the Solar Banks Initiative of the Commonwealth Government and the ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme.
To date there have been over 22,000 applications for the Sustainable Household Scheme.
The Scheme supports the ACT Government’s commitment reducing emissions to net zero by 2045.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Discrimination Commissioner, Karen Toohey
Changes have recently been made to the ACT Discrimination Act.
Beginning 11 April 2024, the areas of public life protected by the Act have expanded.
Additionally, the scope of some of exceptions have narrowed and new positive duties have been introduced.
“ACT anti-discrimination laws are some of the strongest across Australia and have been strengthened further,” ACT Discrimination Commissioner Karen Toohey said.
“These changes require government and organisations to do more, adjusting their operations and practices to support the needs of different sections of the community.
“They also require government and organisations to take clear steps to review their practices, and make changes to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and vilification in workplaces, in the delivery of services and in public life.
“This is about fostering a more inclusive and fairer Canberra, where people from all walks of life have equal access to quality services,” she said.
Understand what’s changing
To help you understand the changes, the ACT Human Rights Commission and Canberra Community Law are co-hosting a free online information session.
This will be held on 30 April, 12:30–1:30pm.Register to attend via Eventbrite.
An overview of the changes
New positive duties have been introduced, including a duty to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate a person’s particular needs, as protected by this legislation.
This could mean a school’s duty to provide a student with a uniform that corresponds with their gender identity, for example.
The Act now makes it illegal for a public authority to discriminate against someone when administering a territory law or an ACT Government program or policy, with some exceptions.
This means, for example, an elderly person eligible to live in public housing couldn’t be denied housing because they had an assistance animal or a mobility impairment.
The changes also narrow or refine exceptions for sporting activities and competitions, insurance and superannuation services and religious bodies.
Further amendments to the Act will commence in coming years.
“These changes will assist Canberrans by expanding the Discrimination Act protections for disability, race, religion, subjection to family violence and age, for example. Protections now apply in formal sporting activities, competitions and in membership of clubs and voluntary bodies,” Commissioner Toohey said.
“Organisations and agencies such as schools, government services, hospitals and services for older people like aged care homes also have a larger responsibility to make positive changes so that they can support the individual needs of the public.
“All up, that means more flexible, inclusive and helpful services for Canberrans.”
Find more information
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The ACT Government will develop the next Age-Friendly City Plan 2025–2035.
Community consultation has begun on a 10-year plan to make Canberra a great place to grow older.
The ACT Government will develop the next Age-Friendly City Plan 2025–2035 to set the direction and priorities to make Canberra a place where everyone can age well.
Canberrans are being asked to share their thoughts and vision for an inclusive, accessible and welcoming city where people are celebrated as they grow older.
The consultation will cover five focus areas, including:
health
employment and financial security
housing
access and connection
respect, inclusion and belonging.
There are a number of ways Canberrans can share their views:
A new Assistant Commissioner of Tasmania Police has been appointed.
Commissioner Donna Adams said today that Commander Doug Oosterloo had been appointed to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, effective immediately.
“I congratulate Doug on his appointment as his outstanding leadership and communication skills and project management expertise ensure he will provide critical strategic leadership in this senior role,” Commissioner Adams said.
“I look forward to working together with AC Oosterloo and the senior leadership team to continue our focus on back-to-basics policing so the Tasmanian community continue to build a high level of trust and confidence in our police service.
“I’m confident that his capability, experience and drive will contribute immensely to positively shape Tasmania Police well into the future.”
AC Oosterloo brings to the role more than 30 years of experience with Tasmania Police, joining the service in 1994 and spending the first decade of his career on the North-West Coast.
AC Oosterloo rose through the ranks serving in a variety of policing areas across the state including uniform, criminal investigation, recruit training, and Professional Standards, as well as overseeing the delivery of a range of vital projects including firearms reform, national information systems, helicopter and marine vessel procurements.
As the Commander of Statewide Services, he led a diverse command which includes a mix of core service delivery and frontline support areas including Marine and Rescue, Radio Dispatch, Forensics, Firearms and Community Engagement.
AC Oosterloo has qualifications and experience in national counter terrorism arrangements including command, investigations, forensic response and intelligence, and holds a Graduate Certificate in Police Studies (UTAS).
The appointment is effective from today, 7 April 2025. AC Oosterloo replaces retired AC Glenn Keating.