As restrictions lift, CFA is urging residents to remain fire-aware, as dry Autumnal conditions combined with strong winds can still lead to fast-moving grassfires.
CFA District 17 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Eagle said low fire activity over the past few weeks and the cooler conditions has allowed fire restrictions to ease in the area.
“Conditions are still dry, however fuel loads have been significantly reduced thanks to livestock and the breakdown of the crop and grass,” Chris said.
“Despite the lifting of these restrictions we are urging residents to be extremely careful if they are planning to undertake private burn-offs and have appropriate resources on hand to contain it.
“We haven’t had a lot of rain in the region, so it is important the proper precautions are taken before igniting any burns and the weather conditions are suitable.”
To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, landowners must register their private burn-offs. If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response and allow 000 call-takers to prioritise emergency calls.
Burn-offs can be registered online at Fire Permits Victoria atwww.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant, as fire danger periods in other regions may still be active.
As families head outdoors for Easter adventures, nothing beats toasting marshmallows over a warm fire. However, fire and land authorities are warning if people are not careful, a campfire or fire pit can go from a cozy glow to a full-blown bushfire faster than you can say ‘Easter egg hunt’.
We’ve reviewed our travel advice for Russia and continue to advise do not travel. Foreigners, including Australians, are at risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Russian authorities make strong, negative comments regarding Western countries, including Australia. Local authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia and arbitrarily enforce local laws. Avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.
There’s a high threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia. Attacks can be indiscriminate and may occur on or around seasonal, festive, or religious events in public places, including popular tourist sites. Attacks could occur with little or no warning. Always be alert to possible threats. Military activity is underway in the regions of Kursk and Belgorod. Russian authorities introduced a federal state of emergency in these regions. The security situation could deteriorate with little warning.
If you’re in Russia, leave immediately using the commercial options available or private means if it’s safe to do so. Departure routes from Russia may become disrupted at short notice. Have an alternate exit plan. Review your personal security plans and carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
As part of its commitment to positive ageing the City of Greater Bendigo is offering a free sustainable weaving workshop for people aged 55 plus from 10am to 12pm on Thursday May 8, at the Samuel Gadd Centre at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills.
City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Acting Manager Jo Connellan said the workshop will be presented by Yorta Yorta woman and celebrated artist Janet Bromley.
“This is a hands-on workshop and participants will enjoy a morning of sustainable weaving with Janet who will guide them through the steps to create a small woven wall hanging using recycled textiles, household objects and found natural materials,” Ms Connellan said.
“Janet will also share her First Nations cultural insights while exploring the connection between tradition and sustainability.
“If you love crafting, care about the environment, or just want to try something new, this workshop is for you.”
CFA is calling on Victorians to dig deep alongside thousands of volunteers rattling tins for the annual Good Friday Appeal (GFA) this week, supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital.
From fire trucks to traffic lights, community clubs to local events, Victorians can expect to see CFA volunteers out in force this Good Friday. In fact, you’re likely to find a CFA volunteer shaking a tin in nearly every town across the state.
Since 1951, CFA brigades have proudly raised more than $39 million for the Appeal, becoming a cornerstone of the fundraising effort. This year, CFA is aiming to reach a historic milestone – raising a grand total of $40 million.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the image of CFA volunteers in their firefighting gear collecting donations has become an iconic part of Good Friday.
“A significant number of our CFA members will be out in force again this year, and it’s just one of the things that truly defines the spirit of the Good Friday Appeal,” Jason said.
“Our long-standing partnership with the GFA is not possible without the incredible generosity and passion of our CFA volunteers who give up their time year after year to raise funds for kids who are in need of care.
“So, this Friday, give what you can to a firey – and help us make a difference.”
This year, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan will have the honour of presenting CFA’s total collection amount live on-air during the Good Friday Appeal telethon late on Friday night.
He will be joined by Epping CFA volunteer Rohan Stevens, whose son Jack is one of the official faces of the 2025 Appeal.
Jack received life-saving care from the Royal Children’s Hospital, and the support his family received during that time has left a lasting impact. Their story is a powerful reminder of why every donation matters.
The continued partnership between CFA and the Good Friday Appeal reflects the selfless dedication and community-first ethos that CFA volunteers embody. For many, it is a powerful way to give back and connect.
Members of the community are encouraged to look out for CFA crews in their local area and donate generously – every dollar makes a difference to the lives of children and families across the state.
Serious Two Vehicle Crash, East Derwent Highway, Geilston Bay
Sunday, 13 April 2025 – 5:44 am.
At approximately 10:48pm on Saturday 12th April 2025, emergency services responded to a two-vehicle crash on the East Derwent Highway Geilston Bay, at the intersection of Sugarloaf Rd.
A silver Opal sedan, driven by a 19-year-old man from Warrane, had been travelling south on the East Derwent Highway, when it collided with a north bound white Toyota Camry at the intersection of Sugarloaf Rd. The Toyota was being driven by a 32-year-old man from Berriedale.
There were a combined total of 7 occupants in both vehicles, all of which were transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital for medical treatment or assessment. A 17-year-old woman who was travelling in the Opal sedan at the time of the crash has suffered serious injuries.
Investigations in relation to this crash are ongoing, however initial investigations suggest that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor in this crash.
Police would like to ask anyone with information about this crash or those who may have observed the manner of driving of the vehicles prior to the crash, to contact police on 131 444 or crime stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting ESCAD number 531-12042025.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
From left: Daniel Bartholomaeus, Hannah Costello, Vanessa Brettell, Megan Gilmour, Marilyn Ralston, Peter Ralston OAM.
In brief:
The winners of the 2025 ACT Australian of the Year Awards have been announced.
The four categories recognise people who go above and beyond for their communities.
They are now finalists in the national awards, to be announced on 25 January 2025.
The winners of the 2025 ACT Australian of the Year Awards have been announced.
They will join the other state and territory recipients as finalists for the national awards announcement on 25 January 2025.
Read on to find out more about the winners.
2025 ACT Australian of the Year recipient – Megan Gilmour
Social innovator Megan Gilmour wants to create a world where all children are seen and heard.
In Australia, 1.2 million children are at risk of missing school due to complex medical and mental health challenges.
Megan advocates for change in education systems for these vulnerable children.
She drew on her lived experience to co-found MissingSchool. The organisation develops school solutions that help students continue learning alongside their peers.
MissingSchool launched the world’s first national telepresence service, allowing children in hospital or at home to join lessons in real time.
It has restored school connections for some 6,900 students since 2018.
2025 ACT Senior Australian of The Year recipients – Marilyn and Peter Ralston OAM
Peter and Marilyn Ralston support people with vision impairment or other disabilities to run, walk and be active.
They began Achilles Running Club Canberra in 2013. Peter is President of the club.
Through Achilles Canberra, volunteer guides team up with people with disability. Together, they join fun runs, club training and the weekly Parkrun.
In the past three years, Peter has guided blind athletes 120 times at Parkrun. Achilles Canberra has enabled several blind members to each achieve hundreds of Parkruns.
Peter and Marilyn also serve the community through other charity work.
2025 ACT Young Australian of the Year recipient – Daniel Bartholomaeus
Daniel Bartholomaeus is an artist and neurodiversity advocate.
Daniel, who has autism and ADHD, inspires and motivates others. This is especially the case within the neurodiverse community.
He not only uses his art to express himself, but also to forge common pathways for people with mental ill-health and those of different abilities.
His art and lived experience help bridge the gap between neurotypical and neurodiverse people.
Daniel is a mentor with The With Friends Initiative, a social group for neurodivergent young people.
2025 ACT Local Hero recipients – Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello
Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello use hospitality to empower vulnerable women.
Their business, Cafe Stepping Stone, operates as a social enterprise. It employs women who experience significant barriers to employment. These women are mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
The café’s two locations offer culturally and linguistically diverse women employment pathways, on-the-job training and qualifications. These help them enter or return to the workforce.
Hannah and Vanessa’s inclusive employment practices assist female workers who:
are the sole income earners in their household
are new arrivals to Australia
have limited English or minimal employment history
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The new ticketing system will go live on buses and light rail from Wednesday 27 November 2024.
In brief:
The new public transport ticketing system, MyWay+ is now live.
The new MyWay+ phone app and website are available now. Canberrans can also purchase a MyWay+ card now.
Canberrans can also travel for free on public transport every Friday.
If you need support or have questions about the new ticketing system, please visit transport.act.gov.au or call 13 17 10.
The ACT Government’s new public transport ticketing system, MyWay+, is now live.
MyWay+ allows you to simply tap on and off public transport with your bank card or payment method on a mobile phone.
Old MyWay cards will no longer be accepted but Canberrans can purchase or order a new MyWay+ card if they wish.
The new MyWay+ mobile phone app and online portal are also available.
The app lets you plan and pay for your journey across different modes of transport, check accessibility options and receive personalised messages for your favourite bus and light rail services.
A MyWay+ account allows you to:
access personalised and convenient travel management
transfer any travel credit from old MyWay cards
make contactless payments
register concessions
order a new MyWay+ travel card
view travel and transaction history
customise your real time journey notifications in the MyWay+ app.
The MyWay+ app can be downloaded for free from:
The app lets you plan and pay for your journey across different modes of transport, check accessibility options and receive personalised messages for your favourite bus and light rail services.
No account, no problem
For Canberrans who do not want to use the new digital features as part of the MyWay+ system, there is still a physical MyWay+ travel card available from retail outlets (including concession travel cards).
Passengers can also use a credit card, debit card, Apple or Google Pay on their mobile phone to tap on and off.
Fare Free Fridays
Starting from Friday 6 December, Canberrans can use public transport for free every Friday.
Canberrans will still be required to tap on and off each service to support data collection, but will not be charged for the fare.
Ongoing improvements
There will be several system improvements to the MyWay+ system over the coming weeks.
These improvements will be based on user feedback as well as planned future software and system updates designed to enhance the user experience and meet the needs of Canberrans. Transport Canberra provides a regular update on its website to the improvements that are being made.
Please be kind to our bus and light rail drivers as the new system rolls out, and they get you from A to B.
Help is available
Customer service representatives will be located at major bus and light rail stops and interchanges over the coming weeks.
For further information, including access to the MyWay+ account, real-time journey planner and MyWay+ app along with a list of retail agents, visit www.transport.act.gov.au
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
There is an option for families, mountain biking, road biking, people new to cycling, and nature lovers.
Canberra is an excellent city for cyclists. Across the capital, you’ll find a network of shared use paths, on-road cycling lanes and free bicycle parking facilities. There are also plenty of bike trails that showcase our beautiful bushland.
Here are a few bike rides to check out.
For families: Lake Tuggeranong District Park
Lake Tuggeranong District Park was designed for lakeside recreation. About 6.77kms of shared use path encircles the lake. Most of the route is flat, making for a fun ride for families. Several sections have recently been upgraded, including path widening and line marking.
There is plenty of parking, plus public toilets and drinking water.
If the kids need to stop and rest, there are plenty of picnic tables, including some with shade. There are also a number of playgrounds around the lake. This includes the recently upgraded Tuggeranong Town Park Playground.
A big drawcard for families with young children is the learn to ride centre. It is designed to teach children from preschool to year 4 how to safely ride a bicycle or scooter.
Feeling adventurous? Tuggeranong Skate Park is near the western boundary of the park and has a section for beginners.
For mountain biking: University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park
UC Stromlo Forest Park has more than 50km of mountain bike trails. They are professionally built and maintained, and suitable for all levels.
If 50km sounds a bit overwhelming, there are six suggested loops designed for different levels of ability.
There are almost 500 parking spaces at UC Stromlo Forest Park. Next to the main car park, you’ll find Handlebar. This undercover bar and café is a great spot to refuel and soak up the amazing views. Public barbecues and picnic tables are also available.
Before you visit, make sure you’re familiar with the rules and guidelines for the park. This is especially important if it’s your first visit or you’re new to mountain biking. Read the Park Rules and Guidelines.
For road biking: Lake Burley Griffin Eastern loop
This 9km route around the eastern portion of Lake Burley Griffin. It includes the Kingston Foreshore, Bowen Park, the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, the Molonglo River and Grevillea Park.
You’ll be treated to a nice mix of restaurants and cafes, parks and bushland. The Jerrabomberra Wetland is a waterbird wonderland with more than 170 different bird species.
From there, you can pop into Dairy Road where you’ll find a collection of places to eat and drink.
The shared paths of Eastern Loop are flat, making for a leisurely ride. There are beautiful views of the city, the lake and the surrounding bushland. There are also public toilets scattered along the loop.
For newbies: Lake Burley Griffin Central loop
The 5km ‘bridge to bridge’ loop is one of Canberra’s most well-known walking and cycling routes. If you’re new to bike riding, it’s an excellent route because it’s so familiar. It’s also quite flat with a short climb up to both Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue bridges.
The loop will take you past some iconic Canberra destinations. You’ll pass the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Carillon and the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre. You’ll also ride along the Australians of the Year Walk and catch views of the Captain Cook Memorial jet and Black Mountain Tower.
There are plenty of spots to grab a coffee or something to eat on either side of the lake.
For nature lovers: the Canberra Centenary Trail
This trail is 145 kilometres long and is divided into seven sections. The entire trail is a 3-day ride, averaging just over 45 kilometres per day. You can also explore each section individually.
The trail is a blend of urban and rural settings and includes nature forests, nature reserves and bushland hills.
You’ll see plenty of native flora and fauna along the way, including birds.
The trail is mostly flat, with some hilly sections which may require you to dismount. It’s designed to be accessible for cyclists with moderate ability.
A journey planner for cycling and walking routes
A guide to cycling in Canberra
A map of all cycling routes across Canberra
Regional walking and cycling guides.
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