Newborn Found at Fire Station Sparks Urgent Mother Search

A newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned outside the South Tuggeranong ACT Fire & Rescue Station in Conder, south of Canberra, early on Thursday morning. The infant, less than 24 hours old, was found unharmed and has been placed in hospital care with emergency foster arrangements made. Police have launched an urgent appeal to locate the mother, expressing concern for her health and urging her to seek immediate medical assistance.

Investigators believe a blue SUV seen near the fire station prior to the discovery may be connected to the incident. They are requesting public assistance, specifically asking for CCTV or dash cam footage from the vicinity of Tharwa Drive and Drakeford Drive between 5 am and 7:30 am on Thursday. The baby was found in a location where prompt care was possible, according to police.

ACT authorities stated that such incidents are rare in the nation's capital and confirmed there are no plans to implement 'safe haven baby boxes,' citing the availability of existing healthcare and wellbeing support services. The focus remains on ensuring the mother comes forward for necessary medical attention and on gathering further information through ongoing investigations and public appeals.