Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities
The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 24-year-old male in relation to a burglary that occurred in Kilgariff yesterday.
The male has since been charged with Aggravated assault, Indecent touching or Act, and Burglary.
He was remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Man charged following evade incident in Huon Valley
Tuesday, 18 March 2025 – 2:33 pm.
Police have today charged a man with several offences following an evade incident in the Huon Valley.
The man was arrested yesterday when the vehicle he was allegedly driving was intercepted on Swamp Road at Franklin.
The 50-year-old man of no fixed address has been charged with several offences including motor vehicle stealing, evade police, drive while disqualified and assault a police officer.
He was detained to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court this afternoon.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Latrobe man charged with drug and traffic offences
Tuesday, 18 March 2025 – 2:00 pm.
A Latrobe man has been charged after an evade incident yesterday, and a subsequent search where police seized a quantity of drugs.
Around 11am officers from Task Force Scelus attempted to intercept a vehicle on Forbes Street at Devonport.
The vehicle evaded officers and police subsequently searched a residence in Devonport and took a man, alleged to have been the driver, into custody.
During a search at the property police seized a quantity of methamphetamines.
The 40-year-old man from Latrobe has been charged with several drug and road safety related offences including with trafficking in a controlled drug and aggravated evade.
He was detained to appear before the Devonport Magistrates Court today.
Source: South Australia Police
Wind back the clock and get a glimpse into the past during the City of Wanneroo’s Australian Heritage Festival celebrations this autumn.
Running from 18 April to 18 May and coordinated by the National Trust, the Australian Heritage Festival is the country’s largest community-driven celebration of heritage.
This year’s theme is Unearthed – revealing the past, bringing to light lesser-known histories and stories, and unearthing knowledge to empower younger generations as custodians of culture and tradition.
To celebrate this theme, the City is running a series of free, family-friendly community events at the Cockman and Buckingham heritage houses, Wanneroo Regional Museum and a variety of other locations across the City.
Our free Heritage Festival events include:
Find out more about these programs and events at wanneroo.wa.gov.au/heritagefestival.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 18/03/2025
The ACT Government is delivering an early election commitment with a new bus network uplift as part of our practical plan for public transport in Canberra.
This new timetable will support more rapid, local and school services from Monday 28 April 2025, the start of term 2.
The uplift aligns with the opening of Australia’s largest all-electric bus depot in Woden as network benefits and efficiencies are realised from this nation leading infrastructure.
There will also be more services for the growing Molonglo region. Rapid services between Denman and the city will start earlier, at 6:05 am, and now run every 15-minutes through the day.
Local services connecting Denman, Whitlam and Belconnen will also start earlier and run nearly three hours later, providing hourly frequency from 6 am – 10 pm with 30-minute frequency during the pm peak.
Additional services for popular routes between Belconnen and the city, and Woden and the city will see buses running more frequently during high demand periods.
Weekdays
Weekends
Schools
There will also be a range of improvements to help students get to various schools. This includes additional services and refining routes so they provide better coverage to surrounding suburbs.
Some services are also being adjusted to better align with bell times based on school community feedback. A full outline of service improvements to schools is available on the Transport Canberra website.
Attribute to Minister for Transport Chris Steel:
“This new timetable delivers key parts of Labor’s plan for more frequent local and rapid services that we took to the election.
“We can do this because we have built Australia’s largest all-electric bus depot in Woden which has increased the efficiency of the whole public transport network.
“We’ve heard from the community that some buses are full on certain routes, and we’ve responded by increasing frequency on these routes to meet demand.”
More information for students and families will be provided closer to the start of Term 2 services.
– Statement ends –
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 17/03/2025
Six local emergency service members have been recognised for their contributions to the Canberra community, with each receiving an ACT Community Protection Medal at a ceremony today.
The Community Protection Medal was established in 2002 to acknowledge police and emergency services members who have made sustained and distinguished or outstanding service to the community.
The medals are awarded each year, with Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson presenting medals to the recipients during a ceremony at Regatta Point today.
Minister Paterson said that these six recipients embodied the best of our emergency service staff and volunteers.
“I’m deeply impressed by the unwavering dedication of the people in these agencies in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” said Dr. Paterson.
“Today’s award recipients are being acknowledged for their excellence in training, response, membership, and health and wellbeing, and they should all should be very proud of their work.”
“They are true examples of the outstanding individuals within our emergency services. In times of crisis, they are the people who step up. We have seen this recently with our personnel heading to Queensland.”
“We also extend our gratitude to the families for their ongoing support. The commitment, the deployments, and the overnight and public holiday shifts is what allows us to live in a safe and secure city.”
“To the six award recipients, on behalf of the ACT community and the ACT Government, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and thank you for your service.”
The six recipients of the 2024 ACT Community Protection Medal are:
Michael Caldwell, ACT Ambulance Service
In recognition of his commitment to the provision and improvement of professional pre-hospital emergency services within the ACT Ambulance Service Communication Centre. During his 14-year career with the Service, Michael has progressed through the Communications Centre as a call taker, to now being the Coordination Officer. His leadership and experience has assisted in building the knowledge of the team around him, ensuring the Canberra community have call-takers who can respond effectively in times of need.
Commander Guy Cassis, ACT Fire and Rescue
In recognition of his distinguished and outstanding contribution to community safety through the awareness and promotion of firefighter health, safety and wellbeing. Throughout his 22-year career, Commander Cassis has dedicated his time, over and above that required of his regular duties, to develop and improve process and procedure around firefighter safety, including being a Peer Support Officer and Health and Safety Representative.
Mr Colin Dawes, ACT Emergency Services Agency
In recognition of his leadership within ESA for almost 20 years. Whether an emergency event or day-to-day operations, Colin consistently provides outstanding service, working tirelessly to deliver aid and support to the Services as they respond and help the community. During the most recent emergency events of fire, smoke, storm, and the pandemic, Colin proved himself to be an adaptable, reliable, competent, and compassionate leader, colleague, and mentor.
Detective Sergeant Lauren Gilliland, ACT Policing
In recognition of her sustained distinguished and outstanding service to the ACT community over the past 15 years as an extremely highly regarded and effective police officer, instructor, mentor, and role model. Detective Sergeant Gilliland’s work has revolutionised the delivery of training and investigations into sexual offences and child abuse in the ACT and is now recognised internationally as best practice. Detective Sergeant Gilliland has had a major positive contribution to the lives of numerous victims in Canberra and is an exemplary police officer in every regard.
Commander Adam Hartnett, ACT State Emergency Service
Adam has significantly increased membership participation and ensured robust ready team for emergency callouts. His active participation in all aspects of the SES, from frontline operations to training and community engagement exemplifies his commitment to service. Adam has fostered a culture of preparedness and resilience, ensuring his team is always ready to provide critical assistance to the ACT community during storms, floods and land searches.
Ms Nicola Lewis, ACT Rural Fire Service
In recognition of her sustained service to training and recruitment across the ACT Rural Fire Service. For the past 15 years Nicola has provided outstanding service to individual and collective training, recruitment, and provided administration and operational support to the Service. During her service, Nicola has served as the Gungahlin Brigade Training Coordinator and has coordinated 10 firefighter courses. She has also been the lead assessor across courses and her knowledge and wisdom will shape the next generation of firefighters within the ACT Community.
– Statement ends –
Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 17/03/2025
This year, from March 17 to 23, communities across Australia will come together to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of our multicultural nation during Harmony Week.
The week-long celebration will feature a variety of events, all aimed at fostering inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
“Our cultural diversity is one of Australia’s greatest strengths, showcasing our commitment to multiculturalism, respect, and belonging for all, regardless of cultural or linguistic background,” said Minister for Multicultural Affairs Michael Pettersson.
“As the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I am excited to celebrate Harmony Week with you and reflect on how each of us can do more together to stamp out racism,” said Minister Pettersson.
Harmony Week coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). The day will be marked by raising awareness about the urgency of combatting racism and promoting equality.
“We should all take the day as an opportunity to focus on the urgency of combatting racism wherever and whenever it arises,” said Minister Pettersson.
The ACT Government is dedicated to fostering a harmonious and unified community where everyone feels included, respected, and valued, regardless of their background or experiences. This commitment is enshrined in the Charter for Multiculturalism under the Multiculturalism Act 2023.
“I am proud that in the ACT, we have introduced a new positive duty for organisations to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment, and unlawful vilification.
“This is a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone in our community feels welcome and has the same opportunities to participate in and contribute to the life of our city,” said Minister Pettersson.
– Statement ends –
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 17/03/2025
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the ACT School Volunteer Program, through which hundreds of individuals have volunteered as mentors to ACT public school students in our primary and secondary schools.
So many Canberrans have benefited from the generous contribution of these volunteers, who provide an extra tier of support for students through their conversation and connection.
In 2024 alone, more than 135 mentors volunteered across 40 schools. The volunteers typically meet weekly with their mentees, engaging with them through one-on-one activities to support literacy and numeracy, or by collaborating with them on craft, cooking, Meccano or Lego projects.
The Program recruits, trains and manages the volunteers in partnership with the ACT Education Directorate, with the latter providing facilities and support at the Headley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning for training of mentors and committee members.
The volunteers share insights gained through their own lives and boost confidence and attitudes to learning through conversation and connection.
Some mentors have been with the Program since it began, returning each year to continue this invaluable work.
I thank all of the volunteers, including past and present committee members, for their contribution to the success of the Program.
I also acknowledge Directorate staff who have provided training and advice to the volunteer mentors to support the enrichment opportunities they offer our students.
Quotes attributable to Ms Nola Shoring, President of the School Volunteer Program ACT:
“I’m delighted the Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn, a past ACT public school student herself, will join us for the ACT School Volunteer Program’s anniversary celebrations.
“The then Governor-General, the late Major General Michael Jeffery, officially launched the Program at North Ainslie Primary School in 2005, so it is wonderful and fitting that Her Excellency can join us to celebrate the impact of each of our volunteers over the past two decades.
“I’d like to thank the ACT Education Directorate for its continuing commitment to our close working partnership, and the busy principals and teachers who have made space in their programs for our volunteers – it is at the schools that the magic happens.
“I’d especially like to recognise the students who have embraced the opportunities this very special intergenerational Program has provided.
“Each one of our mentors has valued the opportunity to help make a difference in these young people’s lives, and has in turn benefited greatly from the interactions they have shared.”
– Statement ends –
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 17/03/2025
Canberrans can enjoy a new level of environmental protection from today as the Territory’s right to a healthy environment takes effect in the Human Rights Act2004.
The ACT is the first Australian jurisdiction to enshrine this vital human right in legislation.
The right to a healthy environment encompasses the right to clean air, a safe climate, access to safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainably produced food, non-toxic environments to live, work, study, and play, and healthy biodiversity and ecosystems.
It also includes the right to access information on environmental matters, participate in environmental decision-making, and seek access to justice where the right may be breached. The inclusion of the right will also ensure environmental and climate considerations feature in ACT public authority functions and decision-making.
Canberrans can make a complaint to the ACT Human Rights Commission if they believe the right to a healthy environment has been breached or not considered in a decision by a public authority.
Quotes attributable Tara Cheyne, Minister for Human Rights.
“The ACT continues to be a leader in human rights, and this right takes a ground-breaking step forward for human rights legislation reform in Australia.
“The right to a healthy environment is recognised in law internationally, but this is the first time it has been recognised in Australia.
“Our community is facing pressing challenges from climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss each of which poses serious risks to other human rights, including the right to life and the right to equality, threatening the wellbeing of our community.
“Enshrining the right to a healthy environment is essential for the full enjoyment of other human rights.”
Quotes attributable to Suzanne Orr, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water:
“I’d like to thank Minister Cheyne for her leadership on this nation-leading reform.
“Canberrans love their bush capital and have been among the strongest supporters for Climate Change Action in the nation.
“Having a right to a healthy environment is another demonstration of our appreciation for our environment and our commitment to leading the way on looking after it.”
Quotes attributable to Dr Pene Mathew, ACT Human Rights Commissioner:
“This is a really significant step in recognising that we all depend on a clean and healthy environment to be able to lead good and happy lives.
“While the right to a healthy environment can’t address climate change and environmental harms on its own, incorporating this right within our ACT human rights framework means that public servants and government agencies will now have to consider environmental impacts when they develop and implement policies and laws.
“Canberrans will also now be able to contact the Commission with concerns or complaints about public authorities not acting consistently with this right.”
Quotes attributable to Nicole Sommer, Director of Legal Practice at the Environmental Defenders Office:
“Today is a historic day for the ACT and for the nation, as the first Australian jurisdiction recognises what we know to be true – that our wellbeing and security depends on access to a healthy environment.
“The ACT is leading the nation with this ground-breaking reform. We applaud the ACT legislature for acting so quickly to embed this into its existing human rights laws.
“As the climate crisis worsens, this right is only becoming more critical.”
– Statement ends –
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases
Source: Tasmania Police
Issued: 18 Mar 2025
Ex-HMAS Brisbane post Tropical Cyclone Alfred inspection.
Sections of the ex-HMAS Brisbane, a former Royal Australian Navy warship that is one of Australia’s premier wreck-dive sites, have been redesigned by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Steve Hoseck, Principal Ranger of Southern Marine Parks, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said rangers conducted an initial post-cyclone inspection of the popular dive site, located off Mooloolaba, over the weekend.
“While the majority of the wreck remains in great shape, and appears unaffected by Alfred, a large forward section of the ship has undergone a major makeover,” Mr Hoseck said.
“An entire section below the front funnel has detached and been relocated to the port side of the ship – this is an amazing demonstration of the power of the waves and water currents that were at play during the cyclone.”
Mr Hoseck said Rangers are prioritising making safe the separated areas so diving can resume as soon as possible.
“Once these works have been completed, we will open the site for guided external-only dives run by the two local dive operators.
“The next priority is a full internal inspection of the wreck to assess if additional work is required before diver entry into the wreck is deemed safe.
“This internal assessment is complex work that requires good sea conditions and could take several months to complete. Access during this time will be limited to guided dives only for safety.
“A multi-beam survey in April will give us an indication of damage to external surfaces, and will be compared to previous surveys to determine if any further twisting or warping has occurred.
“We recognise how important the ex-HMAS Brisbane site is to the local diving community and tourism industry and we are committed to getting the site safe and reopened so that visitors can experience its new creative expressions as soon as possible.
“We ask that people stay away from the site until it is deemed safe.”
“Once deemed safe, the ex-HMAS Brisbane will be an amazing dive, with new twists and unique perspectives thanks to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”
More information on the Ex-HMAS Brisbane and the conservation park is available at: ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park.
Media contact: DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au
