Canberrans enjoying nights out in Civic and Braddon will continue to benefit from the support of the CBR NightCrew, with the ACT Government extending its contract with St John Ambulance ACT for a further two years.
CBR NightCrew has been a fixture of Canberra's nightlife since 2017, providing first aid, hydration, phone charging, and a safe space for anyone who needs help on a night out; helping to ease the pressure on our emergency services during their busiest times. The program operates across key nightlife hours, with a tent in the Civic bus interchange and roving patrols throughout the entertainment precinct.
In the last quarter alone (October-December 2025), the popular harm-minimisation program reduced or negated 73 ambulance attendances, saving the community an estimated $58,000–$83,000 in avoided emergency call out charges while helping almost 2,000 people enjoy a safe night out.
Of the nearly 2,000 people during the same period, more than two-thirds were aged 18-25. They also distributed 760 bottles of water and 1,465 lollipops to support hydration and de-escalation of situations of aggression or conflict.
Minister for the Night-Time Economy Tara Cheyne said the contract extension ensures the ongoing delivery of a service that has become essential to keeping Canberra's nightlife welcoming and safe.
"CBR NightCrew has proven time and again that a compassionate, community‑centred approach reduces harm and helps people get home safely," Minister Cheyne said.
"This extension gives certainty to a program that supports people to enjoy our city's nightlife safely while reducing pressure on emergency services. It means Canberrans can continue to rely on the NightCrew when they need a helping hand."
CBR NightCrew operates Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights during daylight saving months, and Friday and Saturday nights throughout winter. Its services are free and accessible to any member of the public.
Since its establishment in 2017, the program has helped thousands of people by offering:
- Community first-response
- Minor and major first-aid support
- Free water
- Triaging patients for escalation to ACTAS
- Safe transport advice
- Mobile phone charging
- A staffed safe space
- Roving patrols across Civic and Braddon
The continued partnership with St John Ambulance ACT ensures the NightCrew can keep reducing the harms associated with alcohol and drug use, preventing incidents of violence and injury, and helping people get home safely.
