CBR NightCrew
Canberrans enjoying nights out in Civic and Braddon will continue to benefit from the trusted presence of the CBR NightCrew, with the ACT Government committing to a further two‑year extension of its partnership with St John Ambulance ACT.
A staple of Canberra’s nightlife since 2017, CBR NightCrew provides first aid, hydration, a safe space, and practical assistance such as phone charging to anyone who needs support on a night out.
During the most recent quarter (October–December 2025), CBR NightCrew assisted almost 2,000 people and prevented or reduced 73 ambulance callouts. This delivered an estimated community saving of $58,000–$83,000 while supporting safer nights across the city. Young Canberrans aged 18–25 made up more than two‑thirds of those assisted, with crews also distributing 760 bottles of water and 1,465 lollipops to support hydration and help de‑escalate conflict.
Supporting a Safe and Welcoming Nightlife
Minister for the Night-Time Economy Tara Cheyne said the contract extension secures the future of a program that plays a vital role in keeping the city’s entertainment precincts safe
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“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 while reducing pressure on emergency services.”
CBR NightCrew operates with a fixed tent at the Civic bus interchange and roving patrols through Civic and Braddon. The service runs Thursday to Saturday during daylight saving months and on Friday and Saturday nights in winter. All support is free and available to anyone in the community.
A Proven Partnership
Since 2017, the program has helped thousands of people by offering:
- First-response community support
- Minor and major first aid
- Hydration and free water
- Patient triage and escalation to ACT Ambulance Service
- Safe transport guidance
- Mobile phone charging
- A staffed safe space
- Roving patrols across nightlife areas
St John Ambulance ACT CEO Martin Fisk said the NightCrew team is highly trained to manage a wide range of situations, including critical incidents. “In 2025 alone, our teams were involved in three life-saving resuscitations and a major multi‑casualty incident,” Mr Fisk said. “Our volunteers and staff are passionate about making nights out in Canberra safer and more enjoyable.”
ACT Policing also welcomed the program's continuation. Inspector Dave Craft noted that NightCrew’s presence complements police work during the busiest nightlife periods, providing valuable support for vulnerable people.
