2023-09-27
Canberrans seeking support to stay safe in the city on a night out have long known they can turn to the CBR NightCrew, a service that will continue to be operated by St John Ambulance through to June 2026 under a new contract with the ACT Government.
The CBR NightCrew service is a well-recognised and loved part of the nightlife in Canberra’s CBD. It provides support to vulnerable people such as those affected by excessive alcohol or drug consumption using a harm minimisation approach, including:
- contacting family or friends
- providing sober up support
- de-escalating potential violent incidents
- providing first-aid.
The new contract was awarded after a competitive tender process.
Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said the Government is committed to funding the CBR NightCrew service and to ensuring that the service is responsive, high quality and cost-effective.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury:
“CBR NightCrew provides medical support and a safe space for Canberrans on a night out when they are at their most vulnerable.”
“During the summer months, the Service responds to over 2500 incidents, reducing violent situations, sexual assault and transportation by ambulance and police intervention.”
“The Government looks forward to working with St John to deliver this important service to ensure the safety of Canberrans on a night out.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of St John Ambulance ACT Adrian Watts:
“We are delighted to continue delivering the CBR NightCrew service and see this as the Government’s commitment to delivering the same quality service to keep our city safe.”
“We co-designed the CBR NightCrew project as a violence prevention strategy in 2017 with the Australian Federal Police. We simply do not accept that violence and assault are unpreventable risks. Our mission is to ensure all Canberrans enjoy a safe night out and get home safely.”
“This new agreement means we can expand on what we do best, which is to provide first-aid and work with the community, which is at the heart of everything we do.”
“St John Ambulance is run by the community and for the community and that is why we are trusted and respected across the ACT. Our champions include the AFP, ACT Emergency Services Agency, night club operators and the people we treat.”