Community Services #1

Enrolments are open at Marlee Early Education and Care Centre!

Marlee is a specialised preschool for children 2–5 years in Narrabundah, with a nature-filled outdoor play space and a play-based learning program that supports curious, confident learners. Our purpose-built school readiness curriculum helps children build strong foundations for a smooth start to school.

To find out more and book a tour you can visit our website, email [email protected], or call 1800 960 938.

Meet Samantha Granger (Sam) - a proud farmer’s wife, mum of two, and one of CS1’s incredible Out of Hospital Care (OHC) Case Managers. Raised in regional NSW and now living and working on her family’s farm in the Goulburn region, Samantha has a deep understanding of rural life and the strength, resilience, and connection that define our regional communities.

With a career grounded in supporting others - from swim teaching to the disability sector and youth homelessness - Samantha brings compassion, experience, and care to her work with CS1. For the past two years, she’s supported people through the OHC program to remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes, particularly in areas where access to services can be limited and distances are large.

Samantha’s work highlights just how vital Out of Hospital Care and our remote and regional workforce are to the communities we serve. We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication of team members like Samantha, who ensure people receive quality care regardless of their postcode — and who show, every day, what it truly means to support communities across regional Australia.

Thank you, Sam, for everything you do for CS #1!

And just in time for the approaching blast of cold Canberra weather, Supabarn Farmer's Market have come to the rescue with a donation to boost supplies in our Community Food Pantry.

We think Rigatoni Bolognese might be on the menu for some of our clients this week.

Thank you to Supabarn Farmer's Market for supporting people in the community who need it most.

We've recently revamped the CS #1 Community Food Pantry! It's bigger, better organised, and ready to support more people in our community with affordable groceries and essentials.

Everyone deserves access to good food, and to a community that feels connected and supported - today and into the future.

To book an appointment, call 1800 960 938 (new clients welcome!) or visit our website.

The CS #1 team doesn’t just bring skills to their work, they bring them to the lunch table too.

Our Head Office kicked off the year with a potluck lunch that turned into a global tasting tour. Momo, japchae, Vietnamese salad, spicy tofu, lumpia, orzo bolognese, egg rolls, fried rice… and that’s before we even get to dessert.

A big thanks to May Tang for the chocolate mousse masterpiece [pictured]. Yes, it’s tofu‑based. Yes, it’s high‑protein. And yes, it disappeared fast. May brings this same passion and talent to her role as Southern NSW Local Health District Out of Hospital Care Case Manager, and is just one of the many multi‑skilled people who make CS #1 what it is.

Food, culture, connection. This is community in action.

Looking for quality Early Childhood Education and Care for your child in Canberra?

Our Forrest Early Childhood Education and Care Centre is accepting enrollments for 2026!

Conveniently located in Forrest ACT, our centre supports children from 6 weeks to 6 years. It's open 7.30am – 6pm, Monday to Friday, 51 weeks a year.

Our all‑inclusive fees cover meals, snacks, excursions, enrichment programs, nappies, and suncream — no hidden costs.

Call 1800 960 938 to book a personal tour at Forrest Early Childhood Education and Care!

The winter beds are established and the veggies are starting to grow - our Community Garden is all set for the winter months!

Our Garden is kept growing and thriving thanks to our amazing Community Garden Group, a fantastic opportunity to socialise while getting stuck into the garden. All the produce grown in the Garden goes right into our Community Food Pantry, helping to provide Canberrans in need with essential groceries each and every week.

We are always welcoming new members to the CS #1 Community Garden Group - if you're interested, call 1800 969 938 or email [email protected]!

We’re proud to shine a spotlight today on Janelle De Britt, one of CS #1’s dedicated Out of Hospital Care (OHC) Case Managers.

Janelle joined CS #1 in February 2024 and currently works as an MLHD Out of Hospital Care Case Manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience across Out of Home Care, kinship services, residential care, youth work, recruitment, and leadership roles.

After relocating with her family from Melbourne to Young, Janelle embraced regional living for its strong sense of community and connection. She values the slower pace of life, natural surroundings and the opportunity to genuinely connect with the people she lives and works alongside.

Janelle’s career reflects a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable people at all stages of life. Her warmth, professionalism and genuine care make her a valued member of the CS #1 team and a trusted advocate for the people and communities she supports. She’s a shining example of how important our OHC and remote staff are, and we’re incredibly grateful for her passion and dedication to providing high-quality care.

Thank you, Janelle, for the compassion, integrity and passion you bring to your work and to our community every day.

Do you or someone you know need a little extra support to keep living well at home?

At Community Services #1, we offer a variety of aged care services to help you stay independent and connected. Our community transport can help you get to appointments, do the shopping, and enjoy local outings. We also have a variety of social groups, providing a welcoming way to meet others, stay active in the community, and keep doing the things you love. We can also support you through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), including helping you understand the process and access services that fit your needs.

If you’re not sure what you’re eligible for, we can talk you through the options and help you get started.

Call 1800 960 938, or visit communityservices1.org, to connect with us today.

[Picture: Long term client Mary who enjoys our weekly Bingo Group every Thursday morning]

Today, we pause to remember and honour all Australians and New Zealanders who have served—and those who continue to serve. We reflect on their courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of ANZAC. Lest we forget.