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FIRST Canberra

Providing easy and accessible ways for you to find help when you need it. Frontline intake and referral for support and triage FIRST Canberra. 
Contact usAgency referrals

Connecting you to the right support, at the right time.

FIRST Canberra is a welcoming service that helps people in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) manage challenges such as housing issues, safety, and social isolation, with care, respect and dignity.

Delivered by The Salvation Army Community Services Stream under a three-year agreement with the ACT Government, FIRST Canberra is main access point for referral, triage and intake services for the ACT’s housing and homelessness support system.

From 10 November 2025, FIRST Canberra will run the Central Intake Service (CIS) for the ACT.

How FIRST Canberra works

How FIRST Canberra works

We will listen and understand to your situation, help you build on your strengths, and connect you with the services that best meet your needs.

 

Our team is committed to helping you access information, advice and referrals in a respectful, confidential and responsive way.

You can expect we will

  • Treat you with dignity, respect, and without judgement
  • Give you clear, up-to-date information about help available
  • Respond flexibly and efficiently based on your needs
  • Protect your personal information with confidentiality
  • Involve you in discussions and decisions about your support needs
  • Encourage that you give feedback — positive or negative — and respond fairly and quickly

You can

  • Have a friend, advocate, or interpreter support you
  • Access information about your rights and our feedback process
  • Ask for access to your personal information at any time

We ask you to

  • Treat FIRST Canberra staff with dignity and respect
  • Provide accurate and up-to-date contact information
  • Let us know if your situation change
  • Share any concerns or feedback as soon as possible so we can help resolve them

Contact us

Interpreter service: Call 131 450 and ask for FIRST Canberra on 1800 176 468
Fax: 02 6285 1322 (please address to FIRST Canberra)

In-person support

Housing ACT Central Access Point Nature Conservation House Corner Emu Bank & Benjamin Way, Belconnen ACT 2617

Agency referrals

Agencies can submit referrals below.

Phone: 1800 176 468Email us
Submit a referral

Accessibility

If you cannot visit us in person, our team can arrange a phone or video appointment.

Reporting and transparency

FIRST Canberra works with the ACT Government to collect and report service data. This helps us understand what the community needs, and improve how people can access our help.

Data is collected in line with privacy and consent requirements and is used to:

  • Show community demand and trends
  • Improve the coordination of services
  • Strengthen collaboration between homelessness and human service providers

Need help now?

If you or someone you know needs support with housing, homelessness, or community connection, contact us via below details today:

Call: 1800 176 468
Email: actcis@salvationarmy.org.au