Month: March 2025

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New president for ACAT

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Ms Mary-Therese Daniel, a current presidential member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT), will be the Tribunal’s next President.

Ms Mary-Therese Daniel, a current presidential member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT), will be the Tribunal’s next President.

Ms Daniel’s appointment follows a competitive selection process.

She brings a depth of experience to the role, having been appointed in 2012 as ACAT’s first full-time non-presidential member. She was promoted in 2015 to presidential member. Ms Daniel also served as Temporary President for an extended period in 2021.

An Australian National University graduate who has lived in Canberra during her working life, Ms Daniel joined ACAT with more than 15 years of diverse legal experience in government and private practice.

This included roles with the Family Court of Australia, national firm MinterEllison, Legal Aid ACT, the ACT Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the ACT Government Solicitor, where she finished as a Principal Solicitor.

Ms Daniel’s seven-year appointment as President will begin on September 18, 2023, giving her responsibility for the orderly and prompt discharge of all ACAT business, and ensuring that its decisions are made according to law.

She succeeds the late Graeme Neate AM, who had served as ACAT President from January 2017 until his death in June 2023.

Presidential member Mr Geoffrey McCarthy has served as Temporary President in the interim.

“I’m honoured and it’s a privilege to be given the responsibility of serving the Canberra community in this role after the incredible leadership demonstrated by Graeme Neate AM, and prior to him, Linda Crebbin, the first ACAT president,” Ms Daniel said.

“I welcome the opportunity to lead the Tribunal over the next seven years, providing access to justice in an increasingly digital world.”

“I’m committed to promoting public trust and confidence in the Tribunal and its conduct of proceedings by ensuring we provide simple, inexpensive, accessible and fair resolution of disputes,” she said.

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National Multicultural Festival wins big at Australian Event Awards

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The National Multicultural Festival has been named Best Community Event.

Canberra’s renowned National Multicultural Festival won the Best Community Event category at the Australian Event Awards last night.

The festival also contributed to an overall win for the ACT in the State or Territory Award.

The win is testament to the hard work of many. From the organisers to the hundreds of performers, stallholders, performers, volunteers and community leaders who together create the festival’s joyous and celebratory atmosphere.

The festival was also a finalist in the Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event category.

All records were broken in February 2023 as the 25th anniversary marked the biggest and best National Multicultural Festival yet, bringing together 170 cultures and affirming Canberra as a proudly welcoming and inclusive city.

Australia’s largest celebration of cultural diversity attracted 380,000 people in 2023 and made a total economic benefit of $20.8 million to the local economy.

The 2024 National Multicultural Festival will be held on 16-18 February 2024.

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Suburb of Spence officially co-named

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Spence has been co-named to recognise two eminent Australians.

The suburb of Spence is now officially co-named to honour a trailblazing political reformer, journalist, feminist and novelist, Catherine Helen Spence (1825–1910).

The co-naming was made official this week by the unveiling of a new information sign at the Spence shops.

The sign explains the co-commemoration of Catherine Helen Spence, alongside trade unionist and politician William Guthrie Spence, after whom the suburb was first named in 1972.

Catherine Helen Spence’s first novel, Clara Morison: A Tale of South Australia during the gold fever was published anonymously in 1854.

She was Australia’s first female political candidate and a lifelong campaigner for electoral reform.

Her influence as a crusading journalist on cultural, political, and economic issues – including suffrage – contributed to South Australia being the first Australian colony to grant the vote to women.

Spence is the first Canberra suburb to be co-named retrospectively.

Catherine Helen Spence (1825–1910)

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Celebrating winners of the 2023 ACT Training Awards

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

ACT Apprentice of the Year Tessa Valter

The winners of the ACT Training Awards, recognising Canberra’s vocational education and training (VET) sector, were announced on Thursday 14 September.

The event celebrates outstanding apprentices, trainees, VET students, teachers, employers and training providers and showcases excellence across the ACT’s VET sector.

Tessa Valter was named ACT Apprentice of the Year and was just one finalist whose hard work and dedication were acknowledged on the night.

Tessa completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrical with Global Energy Training Solutions and is a mentor to newer apprentices within the business.

She also actively encourages other females to apply for apprenticeships.

Tessa and her fellow ACT winners will progress to represent the territory at the Australian Training Awards at the end of the year.

2023 ACT Training Award winners – Individual winners 

  • ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year – Poppy Chalmers
  • ACT Apprentice of the Year – Tessa Valter
  • ACT Trainee of the Year – Cyrus Wren
  • ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Emma Brown
  • ACT Vocational Student of the Year – Marija Rathouski
  • ACT VET Teacher of the Year – Peter Redfern-Elliot
  • Norm Fisher Award – Edward Nathan

2023 ACT Training Award winners – Organisation winners 

  • ACT Industry Collaboration Award – The Spark, Australian Training Company, and Lendlease Women in Construction JobTrainer Program
  • ACT Small Employer of the Year – Pups4Fun
  • ACT Large Employer of the Year – Communities at Work
  • ACT Small Training Provider of the Year – McMillan Staff Development
  • ACT Large Training Provider of the Year – Canberra Institute of Technology

Canberra’s VET sector continues to offer high-quality training providers and a diverse range of courses to meet the needs of both students and employers.

Opportunities for students’ continued learning and development go a long way in helping to address workforce skills gaps in the region.

For more information about the winners – visit www.act.gov.au/skills/act-training-awards.

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New playground for the inner north

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Draft designs for the new playground in Watson have been shaped by early community feedback.

Canberrans are invited to provide feedback on the draft design for a new playground in the inner north.

The new playground will be built in the area next to Canberra Technology Park, which was selected for its open green space, distance to the Phillip Avenue light rail stop, future Garden City Cycle Route and the Watson shops.

It will also complement the local neighbourhood park being constructed along Aspinall Street as part of the Section 76 development.

The draft design has been shaped by earlier community feedback with a range of features including:

  1. playground equipment including swinging, climbing, agility and group play elements
  2. open grass area
  3. two multi-use courts – one full size and one half-size for a range of activities such as tennis, basketball, handball, and hopscotch
  4. amenities including shelter, power, accessible seating, barbecue, drinking fountains and bins
  5. accessible toilets with baby change facilities
  6. concrete paths, on-street parking spaces, bike parking and two accessible parking spaces.

The design also includes elements to reflect the playground’s inner north surroundings taking inspiration from Mount Majura Nature Reserve and its native Glossy Black-Cockatoo, which have influenced the colours of the playground.

Approximately 90 new trees will be planted as part of the build and existing trees around the perimeter of the playground will also be kept.

Feedback can be provided via the YourSay Conversations website and is open until 25 October 2023: yoursayconversations.act.gov.au

Construction on the new playground is expected to begin next year.

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Call for information – Sexual assault – Alice Springs

Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an alleged sexual assault that took place at a fast-food restaurant this morning.

About 6:30am, police received reports of a sexual assault on a 19-year-old female in the bathroom of a fast-food restaurant on the corner of Parsons Street and Railway Terrace. The female alerted staff who then called police.

Investigations are ongoing to locate the alleged offender and determine the circumstances of the incident.

Police are calling for any witnesses within the area at the time who may have information that can assist police in their enquiries to make contact on 131 444.

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Charges – Domestic violence – Alice Springs

Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 26-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident in Alice Springs yesterday.

Around 4:40pm, police received reports that a 24-year-old female had been strangled and punched multiple times to the face in a vehicle at a set of traffic lights on the corner of Stott Terrace and the Stuart Highway by a male known to the victim.

It is alleged that the incident occurred around 8am and afterwards, the male took her to his residence where he stole the female’s phone so that she could not seek assistance. Hours later, she located her phone and reported the incident to police.

General duties members attended and witnessed the man fleeing from the residence. A cordon was set up and he was arrested after a short foot pursuit. The female was transported to Alice Springs Hospital in a stable condition to be treated for facial injuries.

The male has since been charged with:

  1. Unlawfully Cause Serious Harm
  2. Choking, Strangling or Suffocating
  3. Theft
  4. Breach Bail

He is remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Monday.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

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Arrest – Domestic violence – Katherine

Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 21-year-old female in relation to a stabbing incident in Katherine last night.

About 7:45pm, police received multiple reports that a 41-year-old male, who is known to the alleged offender, had multiple stab wounds to his shoulder.

The male was transported to Katherine Regional Hospital by St John Ambulance in a stable but serious condition. He was later transported to Royal Darwin Hospital for further treatment to his injuries.

Investigations are ongoing and the crime command have carriage.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

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Seeking stunning photos of weather phenomena from across Australia

Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories

21/03/2025

Issued: Friday 21 March 2025

Submit your best weather photos to the Bureau of Meteorology’s 2026 Australian Weather Calendar competition for the chance to be featured in the next edition.

The 2025 edition of the calendar featured an atmospheric foggy sunrise over Mornington, Western Australia, a glowing aurora australis from Squeaking Point, Tasmania and a stunning storm and rainbow combination in Nightcliff, Northern Territory.

Each year, 13 photos sent in by photographers from all corners of the country are selected by a panel of Bureau judges to feature on the calendar’s cover and each month.

The calendar includes a meteorological description explaining the science behind each of the phenomena, written by the Bureau’s meteorologists, beside each photo.

Senior Meteorologist Andrea Peace, one of the judges of the competition, encourages people from all corners of the country to send in their spectacular weather photos.

“The Bureau invites anyone who has taken a great weather photo anywhere in Australia to submit it for the next edition of the Australian Weather Calendar,” she said.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my position at the Bureau is being involved in judging the competition and seeing all the incredible photos submitted, featuring the diverse array of weather the Bureau forecasts in Australia.”

Competition entries close for judging at 5:00pm (AEDT) on 31 March 2025.

To be eligible for the calendar, photos must be original and with only minor adjustments accepted, which must be listed with the entry.

Images cannot be digitally enhanced, altered or manipulated (including via the use of filters and digital software).

The Bureau’s Australian Weather Calendar is released annually, with photo entries remaining open perpetually for future editions.

For the full terms and conditions of entry, and to submit a photo, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/calendar/contest/

[ENDS]

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Helping disengaged NSW youth get back in the game

Source: Government of Victoria 3

Joint with:

The Hon Jim Chalmers MP
Treasurer
Member for Rankin
 

The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
Minister for Social Services 
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Member for Kingston
 

The Hon Steve Whan MP
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education
Member for Monaro

The Albanese and Minns Governments are partnering to connect disadvantaged young people with education, training and employment in NSW. 

Both governments are investing $5 million each into the Get Back in the Game Program – helping local organisations deliver specialist support to young people aged 15 to 21.

The funding, through the $100 million Commonwealth Outcomes Fund, will support around 1,400 young people a year who may not have reached their full potential. 

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Get Back on Track would help to tackle intergenerational disadvantage in communities across NSW. 

 “This is all about helping more young people get great training, get a great job and get ahead,” the Treasurer said. 

 “No matter who you are or where you live, you deserve a decent education and a decent opportunity to earn a good living and provide for your loved ones. 

 “We’re backing local organisations to give local kids the opportunities they need and deserve.

 “Programs like this one will help us tackle intergenerational disadvantage in communities right around Australia where a national approach on its own will never be enough.”

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, said investing in local partnerships ensures Government funding is tailored to the needs of young people and their communities.

“The Outcomes Fund will give community organisations under the Get Back in the Game Program the flexibility to design and deliver services for young people that recognises where they are at and will get the best results they need,” Minister Rishworth said.

“I am excited to be partnering with the NSW Government on the program so community organisations can get on with their important work with young people across NSW.”

Minister Whan said empowering our youth is crucial for building a stronger future for NSW. 

“I’ve met some of the young people who have benefited from this program – it quite literally has changed their lives.  From being disengaged from school to building a career.  It is producing results for young people,” Minister Whan said.

“By investing in skills training and education opportunities, we are ensuring that no young person is left behind. This program will provide essential pathways for those who need it the most. Thank you to the Albanese Government for investing in this important program.”

Participants must be aged 15-21 and not be a current participant in any Commonwealth or NSW program or service supporting youth transitions to work or study.

The Get Back in the Game program is the last of the four projects to be announced from the first Expression of Interest process under the $100 million Commonwealth Outcomes Fund.

The Outcomes Fund gives providers the flexibility to tailor services to the needs of communities and young people. They receive payments when outcomes are achieved. 

The Fund aims to achieve service delivery and funding reform as part of the over $200 million Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage package.

Sue Watson, Manager of Yourtown’s Get Back in the Game program, said that the program funding will make a real difference for disengaged youth.

“Yourtown works together with young people to uncover and supercharge their strengths, providing the practical training, education and skills development they need to land a job and break the cycle of unemployment,” Ms Watson said.

“Our program creates pathways to help young people unlock their potential and achieve a bright future. This funding makes a real difference to these young people.”