ACT Government Health and Community Services

24/10/2026

⚠️Public Health Alert: Possible thunderstorm asthma event forecast for the ACT on Sunday 25 October 2026⚠️

High pollen levels, windy conditions and forecasted storms on Sunday 25 October has increased the risk of thunderstorm asthma today across the ACT and surrounding region today.

While thunderstorm asthma can affect anyone, people with asthma or hay fever may be at higher risk.

If you’ve ever had asthma or hay fever, or if you sneeze or wheeze during pollen season, make a plan to stay safe.

✅ Monitor asthma and hay fever symptoms.
✅ Take medications as prescribed and carry them with you.
✅ Stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
✅ Avoid being outdoors during gusty winds.
✅ Turn off evaporative coolers and air conditioners that draw air from outside before and during storms.

Thunderstorm asthma events are rare. The increased risk means a thunderstorm asthma event is possible. It does not mean an event will occur.

If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and stay indoors while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

Find out more www.act.gov.au/environment/air-quality/pollen-levels-and-your-health

More information about this alert can be found at: https://www.act.gov.au/health/public-health-alerts/public-health-alert-pages/public-health-alert-thunderstorm-asthma-event

22/10/2026

Different puffers for different seasons 💨

Spring in Canberra means backyard barbecues, everyone rushing to that big green warehouse, pollen... and a timely reminder to check your asthma treatment plan.

If you have asthma:
• carry your medications with you
• review your asthma action plan
• check your medications are up to date
• talk to your GP if your symptoms aren't well controlled.

A quick check now could make a big difference later. Make sure you know where your medication is, that it's within date, and that you know how to use it correctly.

Some people may not know that they have asthma. Symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath are sometimes mistaken for other things.

If you have these symptoms, don't ignore them. Speak with a GP.

If your asthma symptoms aren't relieved by your usual treatment, seek urgent medical advice. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).

See our comments for more asthma first aid information and resources 👇

[Image description: Graphic titled "Canberra’s puffers" comparing the seasons: a runner for summer, a hot air balloon for autumn, a puffer jacket for winter, and asthma inhalers for spring.]

18/10/2026

On War Widows’ Day, we recognise the remarkable women who have carried the weight of service and loss.

We honour their strength, resilience and the sacrifices made alongside those who served.



[Image description: Close up photo of elderly hands holding a vintage framed wedding photo.]

17/10/2026

On World Menopause Day we are happy to share this video featuring specialist General Practitioner, Dr Ramya Raman.

She explains the healthy lifestyle habits that can support overall wellbeing during perimenopause and menopause.

Specialist General Practitioner, Dr Ramya Raman, explains the healt...

16/10/2026

Food nourishes more than just our bodies. It connects us to family, community and culture, and contributes to our overall wellbeing.

Whether you’re cooking at home with family, packing your lunch for work, or eating out with friends; choosing nourishing foods can help you feel your best, physically and mentally.

Happy National Nutrition Week, Canberra!

[Video description: A woman does a celebratory dance and text underneath the video reads: ‘Me after prepping nourishing meals for the week ahead’.]

15/10/2026

A round of applause for the winners of the 2026 ACT Nurses and Midwives Excellence Awards.

These incredible teams and individuals have been awarded for their commitment, expertise and passion for providing quality care to our Canberra community.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

🏆 Nurse of the Year: Karen Butcher, Canberra Health Services

🏆 Midwife of the Year: Katherine Bishop, Canberra Health Services

🏆 Team of the Year: Canberra Sexual Health Centre Nurses, Canberra Health Services

🏆 Excellence in Clinical Practice: Alison Loom, Directions Health Services

🏆 Excellence in Educational Practice: Staff Development Unit Clinical Educators, Canberra Health Services

🏆 Excellence in Leadership Practice: Cassandra Noble, Canberra Health Services

🏆 Excellence in Management Practice: Sally Haseler, Canberra Health Services

🏆 Excellence in Quality Improvement or Research Practice: Kate Gorell, Canberra Health Services

Congratulations to the recipients of the Rising Star Recognition category:

⭐ Alyssa Abela, Canberra Health Services

⭐ Bipana Shrestha, Canberra Health Services

⭐ Maddison Anais Firmer, Department of Defence

Congratulations to the recipients of the Consumer Recognition category:

👏 Kendell Smith, Canberra Health Services

👏 Day Chemotherapy and Infusion Unit Nurses, National Capital Private Hospital

👏 Patricia Moyima, LDK Seniors Living

👏 Erin Gilligan, Canberra Health Services

👏 Laura Hogan, Calvary John James Hospital

And finally, thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination – all 141 of you! These awards would not be possible without you.

For more information about the 2026 winners and the awards, visit: https://bit.ly/4iRpCdO

[Image description: A collection of celebratory images are shared featuring winners in front of banners and flowers at the Awards.]

14/10/2026

Today, we pause to remember the babies who are no longer with us, and the parents, families and loved ones who carry that loss with them every day.

Whether your loss occurred during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy, we acknowledge your grief.

If you or someone you know would like support, please use these free resources – from organisations that understand:

https://rednose.org.au/grief-and-loss-support/overview/

https://www.perinatalwellbeingcentre.org.au/

https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/seek-support/

https://www.pinkelephants.org.au

[Image description: A figure with long hair sits alone at a cafe among empty tables. They look out to the lake under a canopy of blossoming trees.]

14/10/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Allied Health Excellence Awards.

This outstanding group of professionals have been celebrated for the positive impact they make every day, leading the way for a happier and healthier Canberra.

This year’s winners are:

⭐ Allied Health Professional of the Year: Mary Bushell, University of Canberra
⭐ Allied Health Assistance Excellence: Lachlan Chadwick, Canberra Health Services
⭐ Consumer Recognition: Fran Freeman, Canberra Health Services
⭐ Early Career Excellence: Lucy Vandergugten, Canberra Health Services
⭐ Education Excellence: Christopher Baccus, Southside Physiotherapy
⭐ Excellence in Provision of Services to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing: Sheri Davis-Hall, Yerrabi Yurwang Health Hub
⭐ Management and Leadership Excellence: Sarah Toohey, Canberra Health Services
⭐ Practice Excellence: Michael Irvine, Southside Physiotherapy
⭐ Research Excellence: Mary Bushell, University of Canberra
⭐ Team Excellence: Momentum Therapy Prosthetics and Orthotics Team, Momentum Therapy

Thank you to everyone who nominated in these awards to shine a light on the great allied health professionals and assistants working across the ACT.

For more information about the awards and winners, visit: https://www.act.gov.au/community/honours-and-awards/allied-health-excellence-awards

[Image description: A series of photos with awards winners holding their certificates on stage. There are purple, gold and white balloons in the background].

12/10/2026

When we eat nourishing foods and encourage our children to do the same, we’re helping to support brain function, mood and mental wellbeing – while cooking and sharing meals can create moments of connection, belonging and care.

This National Nutrition Week, let’s take a moment to think about how what we eat can influence how we feel, think and connect with our loved ones.

[Image description: A collage of three photos of Oprah, each showing her pointing onwards in an animated manner. The text at the top of the collage reads: ‘When my kids ask me what’s for afternoon tea’. The text below that reads: ‘You get a banana! You get a banana! Everybody gets a banana!’]

12/10/2026

Good afternoon 😊

The Housing Service Centre in Nature Conservation House at Emu Bank, Belconnen, has now reopened!

It is business as usual and we look forward to seeing you at your next visit!

If you’d prefer to give us a call, please phone 1800 950 255.