For nine years, the CBR NightCrew, a harm minimisation program run by St John Ambulance ACT, has helped revellers in need. Nights out on the town will continue being safer, as St John’s contract has been extended for another two years.
“Our skilled volunteers and staff are passionate about making nights out in Canberra safer and more enjoyable,” Martin Fisk, CEO of St John Ambulance ACT, said. “We’re pleased to continue partnering with the ACT Government to provide this important service for the community.”
Since it began in 2017, the CBR NightCrew has provided first aid, hydration, phone charging, and a safe space for anyone who needs help on a night out, easing pressure on emergency services. It has a tent in the Civic bus interchange, and roving patrols throughout the entertainment precinct.
“CBR NightCrew is there for anyone who finds themselves in trouble,” Martin Fisk, CEO of St John Ambulance ACT, said. “Our teams are trained to support patients with everything from patching up cuts and grazes to administering Naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. In 2025 alone, our teams were involved in three life-saving resuscitations and at least one major incident involving multiple casualties.”
Between October and December, the program prevented or reduced the need for 73 ambulance callouts, saving the community an estimated $58,000 to $83,000, while assisting nearly 2,000 people, most aged between 18 and 25. Volunteers also distributed 760 bottles of water and 1,465 lollipops to help revellers hydrate and de-escalate aggression or conflict.
ACT Policing Inspector Dave Craftsaid the NightCrew plays an important role alongside frontline officers in Canberra’s busiest precinct.
“The roving CBR NightCrew provide support and assistance to vulnerable people, and we work together to ensure all Canberrans enjoy their night out,” he said.
The 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.
Tara Cheyne MLA, Minister for the Night-Time Economy, said the extension of the contract would ensure a service that has become essential to Canberra’s nightlife continues.
“CBR NightCrew has proven time and again that a compassionate, community‑centred approach reduces harm and helps people get home safely,” Ms 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.”
For more information about CBR NightCrew, visit: https://stjohnact.org.au/community-programs/cbr-nightcrew
