A Test You Don’t Have to Study For: Free STI testing around ACT
Urja Parhi
Posted On March 7, 2025
Written by: Urja Parhi
Was O Week a bit too fun for you? Maybe it is time to get STI tested!
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are contracted via unprotected sex and can cause serious health issues. While they may sound scary to deal with, there is a simple way to keep yourself safe and stay on top of your health: get tested!
As many STIs can be asymptomatic, you do not need to have symptoms to get tested.
Observer has put together a list of free testing clinics around the ACT that are convenient for students and cater for a range of circumstances, so there is a suitable service for everyone.
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT)
SHFPACT provides free STI testing for anyone under 30 years of age. This service includes chlamydia and gonorrhea tests which are conducted via urine testing, as well as blood tests which test for hepatitis, syphilis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). No appointments are required as it is a walk-in clinic.
When: Tuesdays 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
Where: Level 1, 28 University Avenue, Acton.
(02) 6247 3077
Canberra Sexual Health Centre (CSHC)
CSHC provides free testing and treatment for STIs and is available for anyone aged 14 and over. This service includes routine STI screening, STI treatment, HIV care, and other services that can be found on the website. Appointments are essential and both telehealth and face-to-face options are available.
Appointments can be made by calling the number below.
When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Wednesday 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
Where: Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Building 8, Level 4, Canberra Hospital.
(02) 5124 2184
Meridian ACT STRIP Clinic
STRIP Clinic is a free service that provides STI testing for LGBTIQA+ communities. This clinic is for people who do not have STI symptoms but still wish to get a routine test. Services include testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis A, B, and C. Bookings are required and can be made by calling (02) 6257 2855.
When: 17 March
28 April
19 May
16 June
Where: Meridian, 85 Northbourne Avenue (Gould St entrance), Turner.
(02) 6257 2855
https://www.meridianact.org.au/strip
ACT Walk-in Centres (WiC)
WiCs are a free service available for anyone over the age of one and provides assessment for a range of health concerns including chlamydia and gonorrhoea. No appointments or referrals are needed as it is a walk-in clinic. There are five centres located across Canberra, the wait times for each clinic can be found on the website.
When: 7:30 am – 10:00 pm daily, including Public Holidays.
Where: Belconnen
56 Lathlain St, Belconnen
Inner North
111 Dickson Place, Dickson
Gungahlin
1/57 Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin
Weston Creek
24 Parkinson Street, Weston
Tuggeranong
Tuggeranong Community Health Centre
(02) 5124 8080
https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/walk-in-centres-wic
ANU Medical Centre STI Clinic
ANU Medical Centre has a STI clinic that runs twice a month on alternate Fridays. This service includes urine sample testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea and is free for all ANU students. Appointments are required and can be made via the HotDoc booking website.
When: Alternate Fridays 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Where: Level 2, Health and Wellbeing Building 156, Joplin Lane, ANU.
(02) 6125 2211
https://www.anu.edu.au/students/contacts/medical-services
With so many free resources available for students, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your sexual health. No excuses now, go get tested!
Graphics by Shé Chani
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