The ACT Government is investing $15.7 million in funding for five new ambulances and two new paramedic crews.
Announced by ACT Minister Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentlemen, on Thursday 17 January, 30 new paramedics will progressively join the ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) to fill the two new crews, while five new state-of-the-art ambulances fitted with electronic stretchers, power loaders and brand new defibrillators will join the ACTAS fleet.
Mr Gentleman said ACTAS has seen steady growth in the number of Triple Zero (000) calls in recent years due to population growth and changes in the age profile of the Canberra community, with ambulance callouts rising from 35,000 in 2009-10 to 54,000 in 2017-18.
He said funding more frontline staff and new equipment demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of our growing city and keeping Canberrans safe.
Light rail testing underway
Testing of Canberra’s fleet of light rail vehicles (LRV) is now underway on Northbourne Avenue and the Federal Highway.
All elements of the light rail system are currently being tested, including the LRVs, the track, signalling and passenger information systems.
Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris urged the Canberra community to be mindful of their safety while testing is underway, and reminded people to cross the tracks only at intersections and designated crossings, look both ways before crossing the tracks, and to stay alert when walking and cycling around the light rail corridor.
Testing is expected to take place between the hours of 5am and 9pm, with LRVs operating at low speeds at first, increasing until they are operating at the speed in which they will carry passengers when the service begins.
A marriage of Love and Desire
Canberra couple Bella Insch and Mhera Nelson are the winners of a $25,000 wedding package from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) as part of the Love and Desireexhibition.
“We have four kids and two cultures between us, and we really bring out the best in each other,” Bella and Mhera said.
The couple will tie the knot at the NGA on Saturday 2 March. Their prize includes venue hire, a wedding co-ordinator, bridal suite, and a reception with games, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, a wedding cake and a three-course dinner for 100 people.
NGA Director Nick Mitzevich said the gallery is “thrilled” to help the couple mark their special day.
“The Pre-Raphaelites were inspired by the great love stories of history and literature, so it is fitting to celebrate this modern Australian love story in their company.”
The Australia-wide competition was inspired by the Love and Desire: Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate exhibition, running at the NGA until 28 April.
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