Community Options

As Community Options prepares to close after more than 35 years of supporting Canberrans, we’ve been incredibly grateful to the organisations and people who have stepped up to support our staff through this difficult period.

One of those people has been Nadina Benvenisti, a highly experienced resume writer, career coach and recruiter.

Nadina has worked closely with our staff to help them recognise their skills, strengthen their applications and approach their next career step with greater confidence.

We’ve also been proud to support Nadina’s business, helping connect her expertise with our wider community.

Thank you, Nadina, for bringing your expertise, encouragement and genuine care to our team during such an important transition. We’re so grateful for the support you’ve provided and the confidence you’ve helped build in our staff as they look towards what comes next. 💚

If you’re looking for personalised support with your next career move, you can find out more about Nadina’s services through NB Career Consulting – Resume Writer, Career Optimiser, Coach & Recruiter:

https://www.nbcareerconsulting.com.au/

Finally, a comedy show where a crying baby doesn’t get you kicked out of the room. Nappies and Comedy is a stand-up comedy show for parents who need a laugh but can’t find a sitter. The are a judgment-free zone. If you need to feed, change a blowout, or rock a screaming infant, you’re in good company – one of the comedians might even give you a hand!

Babies are free!
⌚ Saturday 24 October 2.30-3.30pm
📍At the Coffee Guru, Amaroo:
🎟️Tickets $25 https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1572747

They’ve traded the sticky nightclub floors for a space where you can park the pram, spread out a blanket for some tummy time, and get comfortable with your baby.

They have a line up of some of Canberra’s finest comedians. Whilst they are baby-friendly, the jokes are strictly for the grownups so they’re not really suited for bubs who have started picking up new vocabulary.

This Women’s Health Week focuses on the little things that can make a big difference — nourishing your body, moving more, resting, connecting and prioritising your wellbeing.

If you’ve just had a baby and need extra support and care, Community Options' Women and New Born Community Support Program is here to help. Our client-led program is designed to provide you with committed and community-focused support for up to 12 weeks, regardless of your post-hospital circumstances.

Find out more on our website: https://communityoptions.com.au/women-and-new-born-community-support-program/

As the sun sets on Community Options after more than 35 years of supporting Canberrans, one critical question remains: what happens to the people who still need that support?

Palliative Care ACT has joined Community Options and the Health Care Consumers' Association Inc of the ACT in calling on the ACT Government to identify and fund a pathway to preserve the flexible community support currently provided through Community Options.

For people living with a life-limiting illness, practical support can be just as important as clinical care. Help navigating services, getting to appointments, coordinating care at home and managing daily life can make the difference between coping and reaching crisis point.

While Community Options is preparing to close, the needs it addresses are not.
This is not about which organisation provides the service in future. It is about ensuring people with complex needs do not fall through the gaps.

The provider matters far less than the outcome.

Read our joint statement with Community Options and Health Care Consumers Association ACT: https://www.pallcareact.org.au/2026/09/01/joint-media-statement-palliative-care-act-community-options-and-health-care-consumers-association-of-the-act/

Community services help keep the whole system working. Health care isn't delivered by hospitals alone.

Community organisations play an important role in helping people stay independent, supporting carers and reducing unnecessary pressure on the health system.

Every family's situation is different.

Whether it's helping new parents adjust after bringing home a baby, supporting someone with a life-limiting illness, or guiding an older Canberran through the aged care system, coordinated community support helps people access the right care at the right time.

As community need continues to grow, maintaining strong community support services, like Community Options will only become more important.

Most people facing a life-limiting illness want to spend as much time as possible in familiar surroundings, close to family and friends.

The ACT Government needs to invest in community-based palliative care services, including support delivered by organisations like Community Options, because quality of life isn't only shaped by clinical care.

Care coordination, practical assistance and support for carers all help make it possible for more people to remain at home for longer.

As Canberra's population grows older, so too will the need for these community services.

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of John Fely, Chair of the Community Options Board.

John had served Community Options for 13 Years, as a Committee member from May 2013 and then as Chair of Community Options Board from 2020, and we are deeply thankful for his leadership, guidance and commitment to our organisation and the people we support, as well as the friendship he shared with those around him.

John’s dedication and contribution to Community Options will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Rest in peace, John.