Released 21/12/2016
As Canberrans prepare for Christmas festivities and a well-earned break, the ACT Government wants to make sure that the community is aware of changes to opening hours for government services.
During the Christmas and New Year holiday period there are changes to some of the services the ACT Government provides. Essential services such as public hospitals and walk-in centres will continue without disruption; as will waste and recycling collections.
ACT Public Service offices will shut down from 5pm, Friday 23 December 2016 and reopen on Tuesday 3 January 2017.
The ACT Government wishes Canberrans a safe and happy holiday.
The following services will be operating throughout the break:
| Services | Operating Information |
|---|---|
| ACTION Buses | ACTION is running a revised timetable from Monday 19 December to Friday 6 January; including a special FREE Christmas Day bus service for Sunday 25 December. Night Rider services, in partnership with UBER, will also be offered over the festive season. |
| Waste Management | Services Household bin collections and recycling drop off centres will operate as normal. All waste facilities will be closed on Sunday 25 December. |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Service | The Domestic Violence Crisis Service is available for anyone affected by domestic or family violence. Access to the program is through the 24-hour crisis line - phone 6280 0900. If you are in a life threatening situation, please telephone the Police on 000. |
| Hospitals and Walk-in Centres | As normal. |
| Alcohol and Drug Services | On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day the dosing program is available between 9.00am – 1.00pm only. Public holiday dosing is as per usual weekend/public holiday hours. Other days as normal. The drug and alcohol help line is available 24-hours, 7 days a week by calling 6207 9977. |
| Community Dental Clinics | Tuggeranong: Closed 22 December to 13 January inclusive. Phillip: Closed 24 December to 6 January inclusive. Civic: Closed 16 December to 6 January inclusive. Gungahlin: Closed 19 December to 13 January inclusive. Belconnen: Closed 24 December to 29 December inclusive. A Dental Emergency Clinic will be available 29 December (half day) and 30 December (full day) only. Services resume as normal on Monday 16 January 2017. |
| Mental Health | Mental Health Triage provides a 24-hour, 7 days a week telephone screening/assessment and referral service for ACT residents who have a mental illness, their families and their carers. Mental Health Triage will be operational every day of the Christmas and New Year period. Call Mental Health Triage on 1800 629 354 (free call except from mobiles or public phones) or 6205 1065, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. |
| Libraries ACT | All libraries will be close at 2pm on Saturday 24 December with Woden, Tuggeranong, Dickson and Gungahlin libraries open with restricted hours on Thursday 29 December and Saturday 31 December. All libraries will operate as normal from Tuesday 3 January. |
| Access Canberra Contact Centre 13 22 81 | The contact centre will operate as normal up until Friday 23 December with extended operating hours on Saturday 24 December. The contact centre will operate on restricted hours from Sunday 25 December to Tuesday 3 January. |
| Access Canberra Shopfronts | Access Canberra shopfronts in Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Woden, the Dickson Motor Vehicle Registry, and the Civic Drivers Licence Service will be closed from Monday 26 December to Wednesday 28 December, re-opening on Thursday 29 December. |
| Domestic Animal Shelter | The shelter will close on Saturday 24 December, open with restricted hours on Wednesday 28 December and Saturday 31 December, and resume normal service on Tuesday 3 January. |
| National Arboretum Canberra | The Arboretum will operate as normal with the exception of the village centre, which will be closed on Sunday 25 December. |
| Parks and Nature Reserves | Googong Foreshores and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, including the Visitor Centre will be closed on Sunday 25 December. The Namadgi National Park Visitor Centre will also be closed Christmas Day, although the park will remain open to visitors. |
- Statement ends -
Access Canberra | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sarah Roberson |
6207 9040 |
0459 486 410 |
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