Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to a stolen motor vehicle driving dangerously this morning in Katherine.
About 11:30pm yesterday, a white Ford Ranger was stolen from a business premises on Zimin Drive, Katherine. The alleged offenders used the vehicle to smash through the front gate and exit the yard.
In the hours following, police received reports of the vehicle driving erratically with multiple people hanging out of the windows.
Members attempted a traffic apprehension and a pursuit was initiated when the vehicle failed to stop. The pursuit was terminated a short time later for safety reasons.
Investigations remain ongoing to locate and identify those involved.
Anyone who has information in relation to this incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. You can make anonymous reports via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000. Please quote reference number NTP2500028391.
Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information after an aggravated burglary occurred in Alice Springs on Monday morning.
Around 8:50am, police received reports that a store on Whittaker Street had been unlawfully entered.
It is alleged the offender forced entry to multiple doors in the premises, causing significant damage in the process.
Once inside the office, the offender allegedly stole a large sum of cash from a safe before fleeing the scene.
Strike Force Viper has carriage of the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 131 444 and quote reference number P25074003. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Bradley Burke receives his commendation from DCO Bill Johnstone
Jeffcott Fire Brigade Captain Bradley Burke has received the Chief Officer’s Commendation for Courage after risking his life to rescue a truck driver from a burning vehicle, in late 2023.
It was while driving through Jeffcott in the state’s northwest, Captain Burke saw a semi-trailer carrying grain leave the road and crash into trees.
Acting instinctively, he pulled over and ran toward the wreckage.
“I saw the truck veer off and thought he was avoiding a bump, but then he kept going straight into the trees,”Captain Burke said.
“The first thing I did was ring my brother James also a CFA member, who was only 6 minutes away.
“He called 000 to alert emergency services.
“As I approached the crash, my first thought was, ‘I need to find the driver.’ The door was pinned against a tree, but I heard him inside.”
Finding the driver wedged between the seats, he realised the driver’s side door was blocked.
“I had to tear away the bonnet, break the glass, and climb onto the engine bay to reach him,” he said.
As he worked to free the driver, fire ignited near the rear of the cabin and spread quickly.
“By the time I pulled him free, flames were spreading.”
Despite sustaining lacerations, Captain Burke pulled the driver to safety through the broken windscreen.
Not long after he had freed the driver, the truck was fully engulfed in flames.
“James stayed on the phone to 000 and rendered first aid until paramedics arrived. Which allowed me to organise more CFA appliances to respond to the scene, as the fire was starting to get away.
“Thankfully crews arrived quickly and were able to stop it spreading.”
The driver was taken into the care of paramedics and has since made a full recovery.
“You don’t think, you just do it. The priority was getting him out and making sure no one else was inside,” Captain Burke said.
CFA District 18 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gavin Wright praised Captain Burke’s actions.
“He acted with incredible bravery under extreme pressure,” Gavin said.
“His quick thinking and determination saved a life that day, and his actions are truly worthy of this recognition.”
Upon receiving his award at Donald Fire Station on Saturday night, Captain Burke insisted he was just doing his job.
“It’s humbling to receive this award, but my only thought was getting the driver out safely, I didn’t think about anything else,” he said.
“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. If it were me in that truck, I’d hope someone would do the same.
“It’s what we do as firefighters. We’re here to protect our communities, and that’s all I was trying to do.”
Captain Burke is now one of just 19 recipients of the Chief Officer’s Commendation for Courage since its introduction in 2012.
It was a collective effort to bring the multicultural safety videos to life
A new series of videos that focus on home fire safety, smoke alarm safety and bushfire safety have been released and are available for all.
Developed jointly with Fire Rescue Victoria, the videos were launched at an event hosted by Wyndham Community Education Centre on Friday 14th March.
Reflecting on his personal experience migrating to Australia more than 20 years ago, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Alen Slijepcevic said that fire safety was often lower down the list of priorities for multicultural communities. “Many recent migrants don’t know what smoke alarms are and probably never had them in their homes.” He said these videos would become a talking point and help communities think about the fire risks in Victoria especially those in the home.
FRV Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said it was reassuring that a separate community checking process showed the videos were accurate, simple and easy to understand. These resources aim to make fire safety information as accessible as possible for multicultural communities.
The resources are available year-round on both fire agency websites.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 07/03/2025
ACT Corrective Services has implemented a comprehensive strategy to prevent, track, and respond to sexual coercion and violence at the Alexander Maconochie Centre. The new plan addresses a recommendation from an independent review, while also reaffirming the ACT Government’s commitment to addressing sexual violence, as well as upholding a safe environment for detainees and staff.
Minister for Corrections, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the strategy aimed to foster a safe, respectful environment for both detainees and staff.
“Sexual coercion or violence has no place in our correctional system. Our main objective of this strategy is to foster a correctional environment where everyone feels safe and respected, whether in our care or in our employment. This strategy is a crucial step in reaching that goal,” Dr Paterson said.
Dr Paterson said the strategy’s focus on prevention, response, and monitoring reflected a proactive approach to tackling sexual coercion and violence in all its forms.
“We are committed to preventing incidents of sexual coercion and violence through education, awareness, and early identification of risks. Staff are trained to respond to disclosures in a trauma-informed, person-centred manner, ensuring that those in the care of corrective services receive the support they need,” she said.
The strategy includes several key initiatives:
Conducting risk assessments during admission to ensure appropriate cell placement.
Informing detainees about our zero-tolerance stance and the disciplinary process.
Ensuring detainees are aware of supports available, including access to police and external reporting agencies.
Offering information and awareness programs on sexual coercion and violence.
Building staff capability to support detainees during disclosures with trauma-informed practices.
Improving record-keeping and data analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Holding perpetrators accountable and prompt disciplinary measures is a core principle of the strategy.
Quotes attributable to Leanne Close, ACT Corrective Services Commissioner:
“ACT Corrective Services takes the issue of sexual coercion and violence very seriously. This strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with experts, staff and detainees, representing a modern, person-centred response to such incidents.
“We know that sexual coercion and violence are among the most underreported crimes in the general community. This is exacerbated in the correctional environment, where organisational and sub-cultural barriers can hinder disclosure.
“This strategy addresses those barriers and reinforces our zero-tolerance approach to sexual coercion and violence. We’re dedicated to continuous improvement and will review the effectiveness of our actions within 12 months of implementation.”
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 06/03/2025
An inspiring humanitarian leader who has advanced the status of women and girls in Canberra and around the world, Lauren Cannell, has been named the 2025 ACT Woman of the Year.
Mrs Cannell has been recognised for her work as the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Educación Diversa, an international not-for-profit that empowers women and girls through innovative art-based educational programs, campaigns and projects.
Educación Diversa works with children and adolescents both here in the ACT and globally, teaching them about human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and the elimination of violence in accessible ways. Mrs Cannell says her goal is to help young people reach their full potential while also helping to achieve gender equality.
“At Educación Diversa, we use art for accessibility. Typically, in underdeveloped countries, with kids who’ve experienced trauma and/or neglect, we use art as it heals neural pathways, and it means everyone can take part,” Mrs Cannell said.
“Most of us in the humanitarian sector don’t do this work for the recognition, we start our own not-for-profits because we see need. Being a finalist and having a platform to grow awareness is so important because it will help me to expand the program nationally and then internationally.”
Other award recipients include Jayanti Gupta, who has been named ACT Senior Woman of the Year, and Anjali Sharma, who has been named ACT Young Woman of the Year.
As the founder and presenter of the Gender Equity Matters program on 2XX FM, Mrs Gupta has used her platform to highlight issues and achievements relating to gender and women in the ACT. She is also the founder and Chair of the Integrated Women’s Network (IWN), which delivers health and wellbeing workshops, as well as International Women’s Day events.
“Being nominated for the ACT Women’s Award is inspiring and motivates you to do more. Many other women have fought for the rights we have achieved today, so why not pass the good deeds around?” Mrs Gupta said.
Ms Sharma is a climate change activist and role model who has campaigned extensively for environmental reform and justice. She is currently leading a team of young women in Canberra to advocate for and champion the Duty of Care Bill, developing the capacity of young women as climate activists in the ACT.
“One of the goals of advocacy is to spread your message and to know that what you’re doing is reaching communities and people on the ground. While awards are never the purpose of activism, it’s a sign that what we’re doing is working, which is an honour and a privilege,” Ms Sharma said.
The ACT Women’s Awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT. Minister for Women, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, congratulated the award recipients as they were announced at the ACT Women’s Awards event held on 6 March in the lead up to International Women’s Day.
“Congratulations to the inspiring women who have had their names added to the ACT Women’s Honour Roll this year, and to all the finalists for their impressive work,” Minister Paterson said.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many exceptional leaders in the ACT dedicated to uplifting and empowering women and girls in our community.
“Achieving gender equality is a top priority for the ACT Government, and this can only be achieved through strong collaboration with non-government organisations, businesses, and the wider community. Awards like this, which recognise leadership in advancing the status of women and girls, are exceptionally important.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
ACT is reducing over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait children in out of home care – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
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Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson MLA, said the 2024 Family Matters Report, released by SNAICC on 21 November 2024, highlights progress in addressing the over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out of home care.
“Notably, the ACT is one of only two jurisdictions that have reduced the rate of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out of home care,” Minister Pettersson said.
“The rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the ACT in out of home care has decreased from 14 children per 1000 in 2022 to 11.7 in 2023. Contributing to this positive result is the comprehensive reform program being undertaken across the Children, Youth and Families system and the ongoing implementation of the recommendations from the Our Booris Our Way Final Report.”
“The Family Matters report underscores the importance of children growing up safe and cared for within their family, community, and culture. It also provides critical data on children’s interactions with child protection systems and projects future trends in over-representation if current conditions persist.”
“Today also marks a significant moment between the Community Services Directorate and the Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee. Both parties will recommit to continued collaboration to implement the recommendations from the Final Report.”
”Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee, in partnership with the ACT Government, has worked hard over the last 6 years to drive real and enduring change. Changes that benefit our children and families but will also have a positive impact on the experiences of ALL children and families in the ACT,” said Natalie Brown, Chair of Our Booris Our Way Committee.
Several milestones have been achieved through the partnership between the Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee and the ACT Government, including:
Embedding the Child Placement Principle into the Children and Young People Act 2008;
Continued funding of the Care and Protection Legal Advocacy Service;
Commencement of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner.
“Together we must ensure that our children and young people in the Canberra community have greater opportunity to reach their full potential by growing up safe and supported”, Natalie Brown, Chair of Our Booris Our Way Committee said.
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 03/03/2025 – Joint media release
Up to 7,500 households in the nation’s capital will benefit from bill busting energy upgrades, with the Albanese Government investing $12.9 million for rooftop solar and batteries across social housing in the ACT.
The program will bring down energy bills for good using Virtual Power Plants (VPP) to connect and combine renewable energy resources. By joining a VPP, households with solar panels and batteries can access savings on their energy bills.
This is lasting cost of living relief by ensuring some of the most vulnerable households are better insulated from bill shock, with homes that are fitted out to stay cool in the summer and warm in the cold Canberra winters.
The ACT Government will provide a greater weighting through the procurement process for products that are Australian made.
The new funding is part of the Commonwealth’s $500 million expansion of the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) and will enable more than 100,000 social housing properties across Australia – almost 25% of the country’s social housing stock – to save on energy bills and reduce emissions.
Upgrades delivered under the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative could save tenants around $1,800 on their energy bills each year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
“The Albanese Labor Government is bringing down bills for good through the renewable energy transformation.
“While Peter Dutton’s Coalition spruiks a $600 billion nuclear scheme that will prolong coal, make bills more expensive, risk blackouts and shrink our economy, we are delivering the clean, cheap, reliable and resilient energy system that Australians deserve.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:
“Every Australian deserves a home that is safe to live in, comfortable and cheaper to run, and energy efficiency upgrades can make a real difference to these outcomes.
“After the recent hot weather and knowing the challenge of winter is ahead, we’re reminded of just how vital these upgrades are in bringing year-round comfort and lowering bills to some of the most vulnerable households.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Homes and New Suburbs Yvette Berry:
“Every Canberran should have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“Today’s announcement builds on our ongoing commitment to improve the comfort and energy affordability of public housing. Our new public housing builds maximise energy efficiency, including a 6-star energy rating and energy efficient appliances.
“The existing public housing stock is also being upgraded through the Home Energy Support Program, with ceiling insulation and or electrification upgrades already completed in over 2,500 properties since the program began in 2023.
“The latest SHEPI funding marks a further investment in public housing, that is critically important to our community’s overall economic and social wellbeing.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr:
“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring no Canberrans are left behind as we transition to net zero. We welcome this significant further investment by the Australian Government which will see rooftop solar panels and batteries installed at thousands of social housing properties.
“These solar and battery systems will be operated as a Virtual Power Plant, delivering an innovative and long-term solution to reducing electricity costs and supporting grid reliability.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
ACT Ambulance Chief Officer retires after over 50 years of service – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
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ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) Chief Officer Howard Wren will be retiring from his role after over 50 years in the ambulance and healthcare fields.
Chief Officer Wren’s last day in office will be Friday, 28 February 2025. ACTAS General Manager, Clinical Governance Unit, Mr Patrick Meere, will be interim ACTAS Chief Officer while a recruitment process is underway.
Throughout his career Chief Officer Wren’s impact on NSW and ACT healthcare has been significant, leaving a legacy for many years to come. Some of the key initiatives that Chief Officer Wren has been part of include:
Guaranteeing a defibrillator is available in every frontline ambulance
Ensuring effective pain relief is accessible to patients
The education and training of many paramedics
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, has paid tribute to Chief Officer Wren for his dedicated service to the Canberra community.
“Chief Officer Wren’s career progression is a remarkable representation of what it means to build from the ground up. His journey as a paramedic reflects an unwavering commitment to his peers and the community.
“The Canberra community is indebted to Chief Officer Wren in leading reform that has set our ambulance service up for years to come.”
Quotes attributable to outgoing ACTAS Chief Officer, Howard Wren:
“When I started my career as a paramedic in 1974, all that was required was to be over 18, have an unrestricted driver’s license and a few first aid certificates. Back then, never did I envision that the service would grow so much, with paramedics now being qualified health professionals.
“This is one of many changes I have witnessed across my five decades of service. Paramedics are now also more gender diverse than they have ever been and are equipped with life-saving tools that just weren’t available 50 years ago. I am proud to have been a part of each change no matter how big or small, helping improve healthcare, not just in the ACT, but across the nation.
“I’m retiring knowing the ACT community is in safe hands. ACTAS truly is one of the most forward-thinking and innovative ambulance services in the country, filled with exceptional people. It has been a privilege to have been a part of this organisation and to have served the Canberra community.
I would like to start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Bundjalung people, and pay my respects to their elders past, present and future.
I would also like to acknowledge Jenni Beetson-Mortimer, CEO of Northern Rivers Community Gateway and Chair of the NSW Financial Inclusion Network – thank you for inviting me, Jenni.
Thank you to all the wonderful presenters, panel members and attendees who join us – there are so many wonderful representatives here today from organisations that provide critical support for our communities.
Well thank you very much to Northern Rivers Community Gateway for inviting me to speak with you all at the 5th Financial Inclusion Conference.
As the Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, as well as your local Federal Member for Richmond – it’s wonderful that this important conference could be held right here in beautiful Kingscliff.
I am very much looking forward to the wonderful insights that will be shared over the next two days.
This conference is in fact extremely timely – as many people in our area are now relying on much-needed financial help and support, in the wake of severe weather here on the North Coast.
The severe weather associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has seriously impacted us here on the North Coast – with much devastation to people, their homes, their livelihoods and their communities.
My office has been one of the main points of contact during this time, fielding calls for help; assisting with disaster payments, insurance claims, grants, emergency housing and getting people to safety.
Recovery is a long process, and the Albanese Government is standing by the people of NSW throughout their journey to rebuild.
That’s why we swiftly activated timely support for the community, through Personal Hardship Assistance, jointly funded with the State Government – the Disaster Recovery Allowance and Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), to support those impacted.
We know this is particularly important for our most vulnerable and for those on a low-income, who are needing to replace lost or damaged essentials, repair their homes, and of course rebuild their lives.
This support is just part of a suite of comprehensive aid that people will require to get back on their feet, and I will go through some of those other measures shortly.
We know too that this weather event has come at a time where many Australians are already feeling financial pressures.
That’s why there’s never been a more important time to work together – and through the help of organisations and volunteers, such as many of yourselves here today – provide the frontline support that vulnerable Australians need.
The Albanese Government is committed to improving financial wellbeing.
Under the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity, which includes Emergency Relief, financial counselling and financial resilience services, we have increased our investment to around $150 million per year.
This funds a range of community organisations across our nation, including many organisations represented here today, to deliver a wide range of supports and services to vulnerable people in need, helping them navigate financial crises, manage financial stress and hardship, and overall, improve financial wellbeing.
Thankfully, through working with over 190 community organisations across the country, we can provide around 430,000 vulnerable Australians with Emergency Relief annually.
And while we are very proud to be providing this funding, it is thanks to the organisations and their volunteers on the ground that so many people receive the support they need, when they need it.
Now, Emergency Relief is not just providing food and water, clothing, fuel and medicine vouchers – but also budgeting assistance and referrals to other services to address underlying causes of financial strain.
We cannot underestimate the negative effects that financial pressures can have on an individual or a family.
Mounting financial pressure puts an extreme strain on a relationship and a family unit.
Sometimes this stress can contribute to higher rates of domestic and family violence, which is particularly compounded in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
That is why financial stability and resilience is so vital.
From 1 July 2025, our government has proudly committed $27.4 million over five years to the National Debt Helpline so any person seeking financial counselling has access to support.
Through the Helpline, which you can call on 1800 007 007, anyone can access a financial counsellor either over the phone or through the web chat.
They can also remain anonymous, should they wish to.
This allows people to access the support they need in a way that best suits them.
As many of you know, financial counsellors support people to build the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and to advocate for themselves, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
And this support, support with respect, is so critical.
Because we know the consequences of when people are ill-advised – that sometimes the most vulnerable can fall into a cycle of predatory debt.
That’s why I’m so proud of the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), and the role that plays in assisting at-risk individuals to access help through fair and safe loans.
Car repairs, registration, medical and dental costs, and education costs – these are all things that can creep up on a person without warning and send costs spiralling.
Through NILS, people can access loans of up to $3,000 that can be paid over two years with no interest, fees or charges.
We know this can make a world of difference when someone is struggling.
Our government is also investing $51.5 million over 5 years from 1 July 2025 to continue the Saver Plus program, which helps families receive matched savings of up to $500 for education costs for themselves or their children.
This important program, led by the Brotherhood of St Laurence in partnership with ANZ, has helped more than 64,000 Australians save more than $30 million since 2003 – and I understand you will hear more about this successful program throughout this conference.
By supporting people with techniques to manage finances, providing them with incentives to save, and by giving better options to those in need – we are helping to improve lives and helping to build overall financial resilience.
The support that the Northern Rivers Community Gateway, and all other community organisations represented here today provides is incredibly important, and I would like to take a moment to thank you for the great work you have done and will continue to do.
Your support lets people know that they are not alone and that they are valued – at what can often be the most isolating, stressful and daunting time in a person’s life.
As we all navigate financial pressures as well as extreme weather events, let’s keep working together to make our country stronger, and help people become more financially resilient and economically independent.
I ask all of you here today to make use of this conference, to listen and to share your thoughts and ideas on ways forward and next steps.