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HCCA ACT End-of-Year Shutdown

7 December 2023

HCCA’s offices will be closed from 4pm on Friday 22 December 2023 and will re-open at 10am Wednesday 3 January 2024.

We will not be answering phone calls, emails, or messages in this time. You can send us an email at [email protected] and we will respond when we reopen.

Health services over the holidays

If you think someone’s life is in danger, call 000.

If you think someone has taken an overdose, made an error with medicine, or been poisoned, phone the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26.

  • Walk-In Centres can treat anyone aged over 1 year old for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They are open 7:30am to 10pm every day of the year. You do not need an appointment. They are located at Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Dickson, Weston Creek, and Gungahlin. More Walk-in Centre information on the Canberra Health Services website.
  • Phone Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a nurse, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They will ask you about your symptoms and help you to manage your health at home or find a health service to help you. You can also check your symptoms and search for health services on the Healthdirect website.
  • 13 SICK has GPs that can visit you at home or see you via telehealth when your regular GP is closed. They offer bulk-billing appointments if you have a Medicare card. To book, phone 13 74 25 from 6pm weekdays, 12 noon Saturday or all day Sunday and public holidays. Read more at the National Home Doctor website.
  • Canberra After Hours Locum Medical Service (CALMS) runs after-hours GP clinics. To book, phone 1300 422 567 6pm to 8:30am, or 24 hours a day on weekends and public holidays. Go to the CALMS website to see fees, locations, and opening times.

Other services over the holidays

Volunteering ACT’s Community Info Hub has made a guide to free meals and services open during the holidays. Download it from their website.

If you need public transport, check Transport Canberra’s website for the holiday timetable. Travel is free on Christmas Day (25 December).

Crisis Support

  • Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support for anyone, anywhere in Australia. Phone 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat
  • Beyond Blue provides free private counselling 24/7. Phone 1300 22 4636 or chat online at beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat
  • Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Phone 1300 659 467.
  • Kids Helpline provides 24/7 counselling for children and young people aged 5-25. Phone 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au
  • QLife provides peer counselling for the LGBTQIA+ community. They are open 3pm to midnight, every day. Phone 1800 184 527, or chat online at qlife.org.au
  • 13 YARN provides 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Phone 13 92 76.
  • Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides 24/7 support for people experiencing domestic or family violence in the ACT. Phone 02 6280 0900.
    • If you are outside the ACT, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). You can also text them on 0458 737 732 or chat online at 1800respect.org.au
  • Mensline provides 24/7 help, referrals and counselling for men aged over 15. Phone 1300 789 978 or chat online at mensline.org.au

You can use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) if you need an interpreter for these phone lines. To use an interpreter:

  • Call 131 450
  • Tell them what language you need
  • Tell them the service and phone number you want to contact.

You can use the National Relay Service for these phone lines. Find the number or link for the service you need on the National Relay Service website.

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