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National Policy

National Strategy to Target Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Australian Government
The Australian Government will provide $9.2 million to the National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Action Plan to address the harmful impact of FASD on children and families.
For more information: See the media release.
 
Radical Overhaul to Ban Synthetic Drugs
Australian Government
Under new legislation to be introduced to Federal Parliament, all psychoactive substances such as synthetic drugs will be prohibited unless importers can prove they have a legitimate use.
For more information: See the media release

National Strategies for Blood Borne Viruses
Department of Health, Australian Government
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) have endorsed a number of national strategies for blood borne viruses (BBV), as part of a package of strategies relating to BBV and sexually transmitted infections (STI). The strategies will guide policies relating to prevention, testing, treatment, care and support, and surveillance monitoring research into BBV.
Strategies that relate to the drug and alcohol sector include:

• Second National Hepatitis B Strategy 2014-2017 
• Fourth National Hepatitis C Strategy 2014-2017 
• Fourth National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Blood-Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2014-2017 
• Seven National HIV Strategy 2014-2017 

For more information: Visit the Department of Health website, or see the Australian Drug Foundation Drug Info Alert 
 
Assistant Minister for Health The Hon Senator Fiona Nash speaks with Of Substance
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
In a wide-ranging interview, Federal Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash speaks to Of Substance about the government’s AOD sector funding strategies, alcohol taxation, halving the adult smoking rate, medicinal cannabis and much more.
For more information: See the issue, or visit the Of Substance website 
 
About the ‘Women Want to Know’ Project
Department of Health, Australian Government
The ‘Women Want to Know’ project encourages health professionals to routinely discuss alcohol and pregnancy with women and to provide advice that is consistent with the National Health and Medical Research Council's Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol.
For more information: Visit the Department of Health Website 

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World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day

Across the world, World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on 28 July 2014 and aims at raising awareness about viral hepatitis, and to call for access to treatment, better prevention programs and governments action.
The 2014 campaign encourages people to think again about viral hepatitis.
For more information: Visit the World Hepatitis Day website, or download campaign materials 

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Congratulations: ACT NAIDOC Awards Winners 2014

ATODA would like to congratulate all ACT NAIDOC Award Winners for 2014. 

• Person of the Year: Katrina Fanning
• Elder of the Year: Fred Monaghan
• Youth of the Year: George House
• Sportsperson of the Year: Ethan French
• Scholar of the Year: Stacey Andersen
• Apprentice / Trainee of the Year: Joshua Roberts
• Artist of the Year: Johnny Huckle
• Organisation/Agency / Committee of the Year: Barnardo’s Aboriginal Kids Group (The Deadly All Stars)
• Non-Indigenous Person / Organisation’s Contribution to the Indigenous Community: Fernwood Canberra City
• Caring for Country: Adam Shipp
• VET Indigenous Student of the Year: Wayne Woods
• ACT Indigenous Community Sector Worker of the Year: Ian Bateman
• ACT Indigenous Business of the Year: Darkies Design
• Community Spirit Award: Kenny Nagas
• Mr NAIDOC: Harry Williams
• Miss NAIDOC: Taneshia Atkinson

For more information: Visit the NAIDOC website, or email info@naidoc.org.au

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Sector Development, Events and Activities

ACT Community Sector Awards 2014
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)
The ACT Community Sector Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of community sector organisations and individuals.
Award categories include:

• HESTA Healthy Workplace Award
• Partnership Award
• Bankmecu Little Feet, Big Steps Award
• Embracing Change Award
• Minor Miracle Award
• Choice and Control Award
• IGPA Student Access and Equity Award

The ACT Community Sector Awards will be announced at the ACT Community Sector Awards 2014 and Networking Event.
Date: 7 August 2014
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
For more information: Visit the evenbrite page
 
International Overdose Awareness Day
Penington Institute (formerly Anex)
International Overdose Awareness Day is held on August 31st each year.
Celebrated around the world, International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death, especially for those mourning the loss of family and friends. It also spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.
For more information: Visit the website, email info@overdoseday.com, or call (03) 9350 0699 or 0421 184 027

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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates

Of Substance
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
Of Substance eBulletin offers updates from the alcohol and drug sector.
For more information: See the latest issue and an exclusive interview with Minister of Health Fiona Nash 

Drug and Alcohol Research Connections
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), National Drug Research Institute (NDRI), National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)
Drug and Alcohol Research Connections is a joint publication of the collaborative network of alcohol and other drug research centres containing information about events and recent publications in the sector.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
Smoke Free Environment Initiative Newsletter
ACT Government Health Directorate
This newsletter is an update about the implementation of a Smoke Free Environment within the Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
Prison Issues Update (PIU)
Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD)
PIU provides material from Australia and overseas related to substance use and rehabilitation in prisons and the criminal justice system.
For more information: See the latest issue  
  
In Touch
Public Health Association Australia (PHAA)
In Touch is a monthly newsletter with a focus on public health news and events in Australia.
For more information: See the latest issue 

The Loop
National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders 
The Loop contains information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders such as National and New Zealand news, resources, latest research and up coming events.
For more information: See the latest issue  

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Resources and Publications

World Drug Report 2014
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
The World Drug Report 2014 is aimed at helping the international community to address the toll that illicit drug production, trafficking and consumption continues to take on all our societies, by providing a global overview and analysis of developments, based on the best available data.
For more information:  See the report, or the news.com.au article 
 
Launch of the Alcohol Advertising Review Board Annual Report
Alcohol Advertising Review Board
The Alcohol Advertising Review Board released its second annual report in June at an event at Parliament House Canberra hosted by the National Alliance for Action on Alcohol (NAAA), Recruiting new drinkers: the impact of alcohol marketing on children. The report was officially launched by Dr Stephen Parnis, Federal Vice-President of the Australian Medical Association.
The Alcohol Advertising Review Board annual report summarises the second year of activity for the world-first alternative alcohol advertising review system, chaired by Professor Fiona Stanley AC.
For more information:  See the report, visit the Alcohol Advertising Review Board website, email complaints@alcoholadreview.com.au, or call (08) 9266 7117
 
ACT Emergency Department Live Data Website
Health Department, ACT Government
The ACT Emergency Department Live Data Website, recently launched, will help patients make an informed decision about which public health facility will best meet the immediate needs of patients, particularly those with lower-urgency conditions.
For more information:  Visit the website, or see the media release 
 
Crime Statistics Widget
Australian Federal Police (AFP)
Each quarter, ACT Policing issues crime statistics illustrating the offences reported or becoming known in suburbs across Canberra. This widget provides the community with a clear understanding of crime in their area. The town centres have also been highlighted to give the community a better idea of policing in the shopping and restaurant districts.
For more information:  Visit the AFP website

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Training and Professional Development

ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring ATOD and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
The next Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2014 will be Tour A on 30 July 2014.
Cost: Members of the Youth Coalition, ATODA or MHCC ACT $50, $60 Non-member or non-government organisations, $70 Government workers
For more information: Visit ATODA's website, email bustours@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540

Webinar - Cannabis Information and Interventions
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC)
NCPIC hosted a series of live webinars in May 2014 and the recordings of these webinars are now available to view on their YouTube channel.
Webinars include:

• Cannabis and Driving: Evidence and Intervention: Peter Gates, Project Officer and Jan Copeland, Director, National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre
• Cannabis and Tobacco: Tracey Greenberg, NSW Health, Smoking Cessation Trainer
• Cannabis Potency: An Overview and First Results of Analysis of NSW Cannabis Cautioning Seizures: Wendy Swift, Senior Lecturer, UNSW
• Cannabis Interventions: Counselling to Emerging Pharmacotherapies: Jan Copeland, director, NCPIC
• Cannabis, the Brain, Cognition and Psychosis: Nadia Solowij, Associate Professor, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong

For more information: Visit the NCPIC website, email info@ncpic.org.au, or call (02) 9385 0208
 
Trauma Informed Training for Workers
Families ACT
This one-day Trauma Informed Training for Workers provides information and tools to assist workers in their daily interactions with clients who experience the effects of unresolved trauma. Trauma comes in diverse forms, including childhood trauma of all types, including but not limited to child sexual abuse.
Date: 5 August 2014
Time:  9am – 5pm
Venue: Youth Coalition of the ACT, 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor
Cost: Participants from Families ACT member agencies $25, non-member agencies $50
RSVP: Essential, fill the registration form and send to Hannah@youthcoalition.net
For more information: See the flyer, email hannah@youthcoalition.net, or call (02) 6247 3540


Also see ACT ATOD Qualification Strategy detailed in the ATODA News section

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Conferences and Symposiums ACTCOSS Conference 2014 
ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS), University of Canberra
This year, the ACT Council of Social Service Inc. convenes its biennial conference. Our theme is 'Designing Social Change: Beyond Talk, Taking Action'. 
Date: 7 – 8 August 2014
Cost:  ACTCOSS Member or UC staff/student 1 day $160, 2 days $320; Non-member 1 day $180, 2 days $360
Venue: Ann Harding Conference Centre, University of Canberra, Bruce
For more information: Visit the Eventbrite website, visit the ACTCOSS website, email conference@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200

Registration open: 7^th Biennial 'Is Prison Obsolete' Conference
Sisters Inside
The Is Prison Obsolete Conference will initiate and support the development of innovative and creative responses to issues affecting women in prison throughout the world.
Date: 8 – 10 October 2014
Venue: Royal on the Park, Cnr Alice & Albert St, Brisbane
For more information: Visit the Conference website, or call (07) 3844 5066
 
Call for Abstracts: SANDAS Conference 2014
South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services (SANDAS)
SANDAS 2014 Conference, themed Creating a Leadership Culture in the South Australian AOD Sector, will provide numerous opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration across the South Australian alcohol and other drugs sector, as well as lively discussion and debate.
Date: 23 - 24 October 2014
Venue: Stamford Grand Hotel, Glenelg
For more information or to submit an abstract: See the flyer, visit the Conference website, or email amy@sandas.org.au
 
APSAD Conference 2014 
The Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
The annual APSAD Scientific Conference plays an important role in the life of the Society, providing an important avenue for APSAD to promote the use of best practice approaches in the prevention, early intervention and treatment of alcohol and other drug problems.
Date: 9 - 12 November 2014
Venue: The Adelaide Convention Centre
For more information or to submit an abstract: Visit the Conference website

Call for Abstracts: Australian & New Zealand Addiction Conference
Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association
The Conference, hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association will address the treatment and recovery of alcohol, other drugs and behavioural addictions and will focus on different types of addiction, prevention, assessment, treatment and recovery.
Closing date for abstracts: 31 October 2014
Date: 5 – 6 March 2015
Venue: Gold Coast
For more information or to submit an abstract: Visit the conference website, or email secretariat@addictionaustralia.org.au

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Grants and Funding Opportunities

Tomorrow Fund Grants
Australian Mutual Provident Society (AMP) 
The Tomorrow Fund grants are open to all Australians, it may be through a community initiative or by inspiring others to achieve.
AMP’s Tomorrow Fund will provide grants of between $10,000 and $100,000 to help with costs such as travel, living expenses and research.
Closing date: 31 August 2014
For more information: Visit the AMP website 

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Consumer Participation
 
Consumer Bites
Health Care Consumers’ Association
The Consumer Bites is the Health Care Consumers’ Association newsletter. It provides information about current projects, local and national health issues, local events and the latest research developments.
For more information:  See the two last issues: Issue 11 and issue 12 
 
Our Lives, Our Answers, Our Questions Project
National Institute for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University (ANU)
This project aims to set up the first longitudinal depression study that is designed with input from consumers.
Researchers are currently preparing this longitudinal study by conducting focus groups and online surveys with consumers with depression and other key mental health stakeholders to determine what will be assessed in the longitudinal study and how it will be designed.
For more information: Visit the ANU website, or email ourlives@anu.edu.au

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ACT Media
This section includes ATOD related media from or about the ACT

Alcohol-related news

Interlock gives government and drink-drivers a Plan B
Canberra Times, 27 July 2014
The general look of devastation on an offender's face at the removal of his licence to drive is often second only to when one is sentenced to prison.
For more information: See the article
 
Repeat drink-driver arrested after crashing into stationary car
Canberra Times, 23 July 2014
A woman has been arrested after allegedly crashing into a stationary car at a red light in Kambah and returning a blood-alcohol reading of 0.172.
For more information: See the article
 
Energy drinks encourage young adults to drink more
The Conversation, 18 July 2014
The Australian National University
Energy drinks combined with alcohol increase the desire of young adults to crave more alcohol compared with other mixed alcohol drinks.
For more information: See the article
 
Intoxicated pilot caught just before Canberra flight
Canberra Times, 11 July 2014
An intoxicated pilot was caught preparing to fly a commercial passenger jet out of Canberra Airport while more than three times over the legal flying limit.
For more information: See the article
 
King O’Malley’s, ACT Police sued by patron after being manhandled and arrested
Canberra Times, 9 July 2014
A pub patron who was manhandled as he was thrown out of a Civic nightspot is suing the venue and ACT police over his alleged mistreatment.
For more information: See the article

New Campaign Encourages New and Expecting Mums to Protect Their Babies by Not Drinking Alcohol
Australian Government, 1 July 2014
Reducing the impact of alcohol-related harm on unborn and newborn babies is the focus of a new health campaign.
For more information: See the media release
 
Government Funds National Strategy to Target Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Australian Government, 25 June 2014
The Australian Government will provide $9.2 million to the National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Action Plan to address the harmful impact of FASD on children and families.
For more information: See the media release
 
ACT police to crack down on alcohol-related violence under new agreement
Canberra Times, 23 June 2014 
Canberra police are set to get tougher on alcohol-related violence and dangerous drivers under a new agreement with the ACT government. 
For more information: See the article
 
Alcohol related crime targeted in new Policing Purchase Agreement
ACT Government, 23 June 2014 
ACT Policing will place special emphasis on a number of key operational issues, including the reduction of alcohol related crime and improving road safety, under a new purchase agreement.
For more information: See the media release
 
How much alcohol is OK? Balancing risks and benefits
The Conversation, 24 June 2014 
Emily Banks, Scientific Director of the 45 and Up Study, Sax Institute
Alcohol is the fourth-largest cause of disease in Australia after excess weight, smoking and high blood pressure. So, how do you decide whether – or how much – to drink?
For more information: See the article
 
P-platers charged with drink-driving after car crashes in Conder, Kambah
Canberra Times, 22 June 2014 
Two P-plate drivers have lost their licences after separate drunken crashes on the southside of Canberra.
For more information: See the article
 
Tuggeranong kids drunk and out of control
CityNews, 22 June 2014 
Two P-plate drivers have been issued Immediate Suspension Notices after losing control of their vehicles while driving under the influence of alcohol.
For more information: See the article
 
Risky drinking: 20% of adults affected
Canberra Times, 19 June 2014 
About one in five ACT adults drink alcohol at risky levels but men are three times more likely to do so than women. 
For more information: See the article


Drug-related news
Plain packs help deter young smokers as uptake drops to new low
The Conversation, 18 July 2014
Becky Freeman, Research Fellow/Lecturer, University of Sydney
The 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey shows real promise that this is occurring, with the percentage of 18- to 24-year-olds who have never smoked increasing to 77% from 72% in 2010. The number of 12- to 17-year-olds who have never smoked held steady at a near universal 95%.
For more information: See the article
 
Plain packet smokes all taste the same
The Conversation, 16 July 2014
University of Newcastle
Long-term smokers are finding it harder to differentiate between cigarette brands since the introduction of plain packaging, according to a new Australian study.
For more information: See the article
 
Is big tobacco abandoning smokes for e-cigarettes?
The Conversation, 9 July 2014
Becky Freeman, Research Fellow/Lecturer, University of Sydney
E-cigarettes. For a product barely anyone had heard of five years ago, they now seem to be on everyone’s lips. While much has been written about the safety of these products and their potential to either support or sabotage efforts to reduce smoking rates, it’s timely to consider why the global tobacco industry has taken such a keen interest in buying e-cigarette companies.
For more information: See the article
 
Australia wins first battle in plain packaging trade dispute
Canberra Times, 3 July 2014
Australia has had a victory in the first step of the plain packaging challenge being played out in an international investment tribunal.
For more information: See the article
 
Plain packaging pushes cigarette sales down
Canberra Times, 23 June 2014 
The federal Treasury has entered the debate over cigarette sales, publishing previously secret information that shows sales falling since the introduction of graphic health warnings and plain packaging.
For more information: See the article
 
Profits, death and disease: big tobacco’s business model
The Conversation, 20 June 2014 
Rob Moodle, Professor of Public Health, University of Melbourne
Lung cancer, a leg amputation, or gasping for air as a result of emphysema are not fun ways of ending one’s life. All are common outcomes of smoking, and if current global patterns of smoking continue – 50% of young men and 10% of young women becoming smokers – one billion people are estimated to die this century. And they will be mainly from low- and middle-income countries.
For more information: See the article

 
Other news 

Art show help detainees celebrate
CityNews, 10 July 2014
This year the NAIDOC theme acknowledges the centenary of Gallipoli, with the theme ‘Serving Country, Centenary and Beyond’. 
For more information: See the article
 
NAIDOC week exhibition opening
Canberra Times, 8 July 2014
Scenes from opening night of art exhibition for NAIDOC Week at The Q.
For more information: See the article
 
Behind the labels: who is really on the disability support pension and why
Canberra Times, 4 July 2014
The Abbott government's landmark review into the welfare system has suggested that only people with a permanent disability and no capacity to work should receive the disability support pension.
For more information: See the article
 
ACT celebrates 10 years of the Human Rights Act
ACT Government, 1 July 2014
Attorney-General, Simon Corbell, joined a panel of distinguished human rights experts to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the ACT's Human Rights Act 2004.
For more information: See the media release
 
Launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in the ACT
ACT Government, 1 July 2014
“Can I start by just saying to those people with a disability, the families and the organisations, I pay a heartfelt tribute to you for not giving up, for staying strong and making sure that we delivered on this commitment to bring the NDIS to our community. So thank you for having faith in us to deliver it but also making sure that we didn't lose sight of what we were trying to do”, David Bowen said.
For more information: See the media release
 
Canberra sex workers ‘not a rescue project for politicians’
Canberra Times, 1 July 2014
A veteran of the Australian sex industry has accused Liberal MLAs Giulia Jones and Vicki Dunne of using sex workers in the ACT for political advantage and labelled their three-week European study tour a waste of time and taxpayers' money.
For more information: See the article

NDIS funding levels not satisfactory, disability service providers say
ABC News, 1 July 2014
The peak body representing disability service providers has flagged major concerns with the Federal Government’s level of funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
For more information: See the article
 
Thousands to lose Disability Support Pension under changes flagged by government
Canberra Times, 29 June 2014
The first stage of a major federal government overhaul of welfare payments has suggested that only people with a permanent disability receive the Disability Support Pension and has flagged greater government control over how people spend their benefits.
For more information: See the article
 
Gentleman named as new ACT Minister
Canberra Times, 28 June 2014
A reallocation of portfolio responsibilities is underway in the ACT Government after Brindabella MLA Mick Gentleman was elevated to the ministre.
For more information: See the article
 
Government boosts NDIS readiness packages to $1m
Canberra Times, 26 June 2014
ACT organisations are to receive a $1 million package to help them get ready for the National Disability Insurance Scheme - double the expected amount.
For more information: See the article
 
New Tuggeranong walk-in centre opens for business
Canberra Times, 26 June 2014
Chief Minister Katy Gallagher officially opened the new nurse-led walk-in centre at the Tuggeranong Community Health Centre. 
For more information: See the article
 
Meeting held to discuss weaning Canberrans off hospital emergency department visits
Canberra Times, 26 June 2014
A new website where people can see how many patients are waiting to be treated at Canberra's emergency departments has been unveiled at a meeting to identify tactics to ease the growing pressure on the territory's busy public hospitals. 
For more information: See the article
 
Jane Halton appointed head of the Department of Finance
Canberra Times, 26 June 2014
Jane Halton has been appointed the secretary of the Department of Finance for five years, making her the one of most senior female department secretaries in Australian history.
For more information: See the article
 
Three decades on, fight against HIV has had its successes – but many challenges remain
Canberra Times, 25 June 2014
In the ACT, diagnoses of HIV have more than doubled in the past five years, according to ACT Health figures. There were 11 new diagnoses in 2009-10, 10 in 2010-11, 15 in 2011-12, 21 in 2012-13 and 26 this financial year.
For more information: See the article
 
Canberra Hospital walk-in centre closes its doors
Canberra Times, 25 June 2014
After more than 63,000 visits, the ACT's first nurse-led walk-in centre at Canberra Hospital will shut its doors for the final time.
For more information: See the article
 
First nurse-led centre closes at Canberra Hospital in Woden
ABC News, 25 June 2014
The ACT's first nurse-led walk-in medical centre at the Canberra Hospital will close to make way for new centres in Canberra's north and south.
For more information: See the article
 
The walk in centre is dead! Long live the walk in centre!
CityNews, 25 June 2014
Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has declared the ACT’s first nurse-led walk-in centre a success, and announced it’s closing.
For more information: See the article
 
Minister congratulates newest graduates from AMC Solaris Therapeutic Program
ACT Government, 24 June 2014
Minister for Corrections, Shane Rattenbury, congratulated another four participants graduating from the Solaris Therapeutic Community Program at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).
For more information: See the media release
 
ACT government to develop community housing plan
Canberra Times, 22 June 2014 
The ACT government is set to begin work on a strategic plan for community housing in Canberra.
For more information: See the article
 
ACT’s rate of mental illness highest in the country, report finds
Canberra Times, 20 June 2014 
Canberra has the highest rate of mental illness in the country, according to an annual report by the ACT's Chief Health Officer.
For more information: See the article
 
Symonston mental health centre goes to tender amid council angst
Canberra Times, 20 June 2014 
The $43 million secure mental health centre at Symonston is another step closer following the announcement on Thursday that it had gone to tender. 
For more information: See the article
 
Plan to cut number if suicides in half
Canberra Times, 20 June 2014 
Reducing the number of suicides by 50 per cent within a decade is the goal of about 20 organisations.
For more information: See the article
 
Inmates need to learn and earn
Canberra Times, 20 June 2014 
Prisoners at Canberra's jail are sitting around idle instead of learning trade apprenticeships because industrial workshops that were part of the original plan were never installed because of cost cutting, according to advocate groups.
For more information: See the article
 
Remand numbers in ACT prison remain a problem
Canberra Times, 20 June 2014 
‘In December 2012, I argued the so-called blitz in the ACT Supreme Court had not been the success that many people claimed, as it had absolutely no impact on the unacceptably high numbers of suspected offenders remanded in custody at the Alexander Maconochie Centre.’
For more information: See the article
 
Special Territory Plan variation to facilitate mental health facility
Canberra Times, 19 June 2014 
A draft special variation has been prepared to accommodate a secure mental health facility in Symonston for treatment and rehabilitation of vulnerable members of the community, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell announced.
For more information: See the article

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