Month: April 2025

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the festival program enabled community members and visitors to experience and explore many heritage places.
“Greater Bendigo has a rich and diverse range of heritage places and open spaces that collectively illustrate the region’s history.” Cr Metcalf said.

“The festival program brings heritage to life including exclusive access to all kinds of special historical places from miners cottages to the former Gas Works site.”

National Trust Bendigo & District Branch President Peter Cox OAM said the annual Heritage Festival was an opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate the region’s heritage in many different ways.

“At the Heritage Festival, you can hear stories of the unusual and unknown from amazing experts and guides. With tours, talks, workshops and special events, there’s something for curious minds of all ages,” Mr Cox said.

“It is not often that people get the chance to gain access to incredible places and it’s a sneak peek not to be missed so I encourage you to browse the program and register for events.”

Other highlights from the festival program for Greater Bendigo include:

• A free Open Day on May 17 at Bendigo Heritage Attractions’ sites including Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways and the Bendigo Joss House Temple
• A tour of the former Bendigo Post Office with a guide on May 10. Prebooking and entry fee applies
• Join Djaara Elder Uncle Rick Nelson on Country (Castlemaine and surrounds) from 10am to 4pm on May 3. Booking and fees apply
• A rare glimpse of the former Gas Works on May 11 with a special tour of the site. It is one of around three remaining intact 19th century gas works in the world, and the only one in Australia. Prebooking and entry fee applies
• An exclusive behind the scenes at the Bendigo Military Museum including the breathtaking band rotunda with panoramic views of Bendigo’s stunning streetscape on May 10. Prebooking and entry fee apply
• Visit three miners cottages and hear two talks on heritage by noted historians on May 3. Prebooking and entry fee applies
• Exclusive tours of the former Bendigo Law Courts on May 1, May 4 and May 10. Prebooking and entry fee applies

For the full program, visit:

Source:

30 April 2025

When we think of nature play, we envision children swinging from trees, decorating mud pies with gum nuts, and delving through creek beds. But nature play must be more than this and needs to cater to children of all ages and capabilities, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

Now, as Australians head to the polls – and with equity and education on the national agenda – new research has revealed a gap in how nature playspaces are designed and delivered across the country.

Despite the growing popularity of nature play areas that help children climb, dig, and connect with nature, a new study has found no clear, evidence-based guidelines to ensure all children – regardless of age, ability, or location – can access and benefit from these spaces.

The review of more than 7000 documents identified only one regulatory guideline, with most offering inconsistent, vague or incomplete advice for those planning nature play in schools, early learning centres, and communities.

UniSA researcher, Dr Kylie Dankiw, says that without a national approach to the design and development of nature playspaces, some children will be left on the sidelines.

“Nature playspaces are known to support children’s health, development, and well-being. But without national practice guidelines, families, educators, councils and planners may struggle to know the best way to create them,” Dr Dankiw says.

“These spaces offer hands-on experiences with nature, plants, sand, stones, and even sounds – which foster creativity, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the environment.

“Being in and around nature sparks children’s imagination and, with the right design, can inspire creativity, problem-solving, and meaningful discoveries.

“As more playspaces are created in early learning centres, schools and communities, it’s vital they’re made safe, inclusive and enriching for all.

“While many guidelines highlight key features that can support the design of nature playspaces, the advice is often unclear, inconsistent, or lacking in detail, making it hard to apply in different settings, age groups, and developmental needs.

“Without national guidelines, different advocacy and regulatory groups are using different approaches, which can lead to confusion around safety, accessibility, and the best way to support children’s development.”

Co-researcher, UniSA’s Dr Margarita Tsiros, says that national, research-backed recommendations are needed to ensure consistency and quality across the country.

“All children can benefit from nature play. While many existing spaces include engaging and inclusive elements, there is a real need for evidence-based guidance to help designers, educators, and councils create high-quality nature experiences,” Dr Tsiros says.

“We need to champion nature play with a shared understanding that it’s about giving children joy, freedom and opportunities to connect with the natural world.

“With practical safe and inclusive national guidelines, Australia’s nature playspaces can truly support the needs of all children.”

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Contacts for interview:  Dr Kylie Dankiw E: Kylie.Dankiw@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

Source: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments

22 04 2025 – Media release

The Creators program
Screen Australia and the Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG) have announced applications are open for The Creators program. Now in its third year, The Creators is a career acceleration program for high-calibre, mid-career screenwriters to build toward the creation of their own shows. 
Expanding upon the success of Years 1 and 2, Year 3 sees The Creators evolve to provide selected screenwriters with international high-level showrunner training, project development, and pitching training in Australia, equipping them to sell their stories in domestic and international markets. 
Up to six writers will be selected to participate in the program run in Sydney in October 2025. 
Emmy Award-winner Jeff Melvoin (Northern Exposure, Killing Eve, Designated Survivor), founder and Chair of the Writers Guild of America’s Showrunner Training Program, will travel to Sydney to lead the selected writers in bespoke WGA-style showrunner and pitching training.
The program will take place in a retreat-style environment to maximise the opportunity, providing participants access to Jeff Melvoin and their fellow Creators.
The Creators is supported by industry partners Scripted Ink.  
Screen Australia Head of Development Bobby Romia said, ‘The Creators supports Australian screenwriters to step into leadership roles. With access to world-class mentorship and industry training, this program equips mid-career writers with the skills, confidence and connections to develop bold new projects and pitch at the highest level. We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Australian Writers’ Guild and can’t wait to see the exciting new projects that will take shape through this year’s cohort.’
AWG President Peter Mattessi said, ‘We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Melvoin to Australia this year to deliver The Creators at home. Building on the success of the first two years, this program is an invaluable opportunity to strengthen the Australian industry and empower writers as creators and leaders in the domestic and international markets.’  
Susie Hamilton, The Creators Program Director said, ‘The Australian Writers’ Guild is delighted to be moving into Year 3 of The Creators with the support of Screen Australia and Scripted Ink. The calibre of writers who’ve completed the program has been incredibly high and we’re pleased to see a number of Creators’ projects already in development. We look forward to welcoming the next group of talented writer-creators to partake in this program.’ 
To apply, writers must have recent credits across television, feature film and/or theatre, and existing interest from the global community. They must also have a slate of 3-5 scripted episodic projects currently in development including one lead project with a draft pilot script that will be developed as part of the program. Applicants must be available from 19-27 October 2025 to attend. 
For the full eligibility requirements, FAQs and how to apply, see the Guidelines here. 
Applications are open and close at 5pm AEST Thursday 29 May 2025. 
Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 18 July 2025.
AWG Media Enquiries:
Shannen Usher [email protected] 
Media enquiries
Maddie Walsh | Publicist
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
+ 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

Source: New South Wales – News

Trevor Headon, 46, is wanted in South Australia in relation to recent serious offending.  He is believed to have travelled to South Australia from Victoria in the past fortnight and has ties to the southern suburbs of Adelaide.

Trevor Headon is Aboriginal, 185cm tall, medium build, with short black hair and brown eyes.

He should not be approached.

If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please call the Police Assistance line on 131 444 immediately or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Source: New South Wales – News

The death of a 57-year-old male cyclist involved in a crash on Lobethal Road, Basket Range on 20 January will not be counted in the number of lives lost.

The current number of lives lost in 2025 is 25.

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We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Honiara. Political unrest can occur in Honiara during Parliament sittings, elections and times of political uncertainty. A motion of no confidence may be moved in Parliament from 6 May. Demonstrations can turn violent quickly. Avoid protests and political gatherings.

Petty crime, break-ins, robbery and more serious offences including sexual assault can occur (see ‘Safety’).

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Restrictions are being extended in the Southwest and Northeast

For the first time since 2019, the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will be extended in parts of Victoria as unseasonably dry conditions continue to elevate fire risk.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source:

The FDP will be extended in parts of Victoria

For the first time since 2019, Victoria’s Fire Danger Period (FDP) has been extended beyond May 1 in some parts of the state due to elevated fire risk, largely driven by ongoing near-record rainfall deficits and warmer than average autumn conditions.

Submitted by	CFA Media

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services