Month: May 2025

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

National Road Safety Week 2025

Monday, 12 May 2025 – 10:34 am.

This National Road Safety Week, Tasmania Police is calling for all motorists to drive so everyone survives.
Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said road safety matters every week, but National Road Safety Week is a chance to highlight the real impact road trauma has on our community.
“Police are out and about on our roads every day and every night, working to keep people safe from harm,” he said.
“Disappointingly, we continue to catch people speeding, drink driving and making poor decisions on our roads.”
“It’s quite simple – these poor decisions are resulting in deaths and serious injuries, and we need the behaviour to change.”
“We know most people obey the rules most of the time, but that’s just not enough.”
“We need people to consistently make good decisions, no excuses.”
“Drive so everyone survives.”
“Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving behaviour should report it immediately to police on 131 444.”
“If it’s an emergency or life-threatening situation call Triple Zero (000).”
“If you can’t report it at the time but have footage, submit it to the police evidence portal online.”
The evidence portal can be found at https://www.police.tas.gov.au/report/

Source: AMP Limited

10 05 2025 – Media release

Joel Edgerton, Lucy McKendrick and Toni Collette of Fangs. 
Australian filmmaker Lucy McKendrick makes her directorial debut with Fangs, a thrilling dark comedy about privilege, power, and dangerous fantasies. Starring Golden Globe nominee Joel Edgerton (The Gift, Zero Dark Thirty) and Golden Globe winner Toni Collette (Knives Out, Mickey 17). The film follows Teddy (McKendrick), the daughter of a private prison mogul, who becomes obsessed with a charismatic inmate, Fangs (Edgerton). Consumed with desire for the self-proclaimed ‘psychopath,’ Teddy risks everything as her life spirals spectacularly out of control. The film is made with major production investment from Screen Australia.
Fangs is produced by Rebecca Yeldham (The Gift, The Motorcykle Diaries) through Ahimsa Films together with Aggregate Films’ Michael Costigan (Hitman, Brokeback Mountain), Charlie Polinger (The Plague), and Truant Pictures’ Toby Nalbandian (Turn Me On). The film will commence production in Sydney on August 4, 2025. Cornerstone is handling international sales and will co-rep the US rights with CAA Media Finance.
McKendrick is an Australian actor and filmmaker who wrote, produced, co-directed with Charlie Polinger, and starred in the short film F*ck Me, Richard, which debuted at SXSW. Lucy and Charlie recently wrapped Charlie’s highly anticipated directorial debut, The Plague, which will premiere in the Official Selection at Cannes this month, in Un Certain Regard.
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Fangs has bite in all the right ways – a bold, distinctive feature debut from Lucy McKendrick that we’re proud to support at Screen Australia. The creative team has delivered a sharp, contemporary script, and the powerhouse casting of Toni Collette and Joel Edgerton positions this film for strong international and Australian appeal.”
Rebecca Yeldham and Michael Costigan said, “It’s rare to read a script as entertaining, original, and fearless as Lucy McKendrick’s Fangs. We’re thrilled to support Lucy in bringing this bold, hilarious and timely film to the screen and to launch her debut alongside two of Australia’s most iconic and beloved actors, Toni and Joel.”
Cornerstone’s Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder also commented, “We love the vision Lucy has for her debut feature, and the casting of Joel and Toni is testament to her sharply original and immensely entertaining script.”
Truant Pictures’ Toby Nalbandian said, “We’re incredibly excited to support the debut feature of Lucy McKendrick and to help bring Fangs to life, which promises to be a wild and undeniably entertaining ride for audiences around the world.”
Edgerton is represented by WME and Anonymous Content. Collette is represented by CAA, Finley Management, United Management and Kimberly Jaime at Jackoway Austen. McKendrick is represented by CAA and 42mp, Polinger is represented by UTA and Anonymous Content. Both are represented by Jackoway Austen. Aggregate is represented by CAA and Lighthouse Management.
Production credit: Fangs is an Ahimsa Films production. Major production investment from Screen Australia. International sales by Cornerstone.
FANGS MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Anna Bohlin | Cornerstone Films
[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: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has been granted leave by the Federal Court to commence legal proceedings against two companies in liquidation, Beacon Products Pty Ltd (Beacon) and Zandox Group Pty Ltd (Zandox), for alleged unconscionable conduct and misleading or deceptive conduct.

The ACCC is also taking action against the director of Beacon, Mr Warren Skry, alleging he was knowingly concerned in the companies’ alleged unconscionable conduct.

The ACCC alleges the companies engaged in unconscionable conduct, including by deceiving customers and exerting undue influence and pressure to make unsolicited sales of printer cartridges and cleaning products to businesses across Australia, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

Beacon and Zandox allegedly misled business customers into ordering printer cartridges or cleaning products by falsely stating during unsolicited phone calls that they were confirming an order that had already been made by the business when, in fact, no order had been made.

The companies also allegedly misled some customers into thinking an initial order was an agreement for an ongoing supply of goods or that the customer did not have the right to terminate an agreement for ongoing supply, when this was not the case. The companies also allegedly falsely represented to some customers that they did not have a right to return or receive refunds for unwanted goods.

The breaches of the Australian Consumer Law alleged in this case relate to systems of conduct or patterns of behaviour that occurred over several years, first commencing in November 2016.

“The alleged conduct by Beacon and Zandox targeted many small and medium businesses, including a retirement village, residential care facility, a childcare centre, and farming businesses, misleading them into accepting orders of products they didn’t want or need, and then making it very difficult to return the unwanted goods,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“We took this action because we were concerned that this type of conduct has the potential to cause financial and emotional stress to business owners and staff.”

In one example of the conduct alleged to be in breach of the Australian Consumer Law, a small business in NSW was sent three deliveries of toner cartridges by Beacon, which the business accepted. A representative of Beacon then contacted the business and requested confirmation of a further delivery of toner cartridges. The business requested that this be the final delivery from Beacon. Beacon continued to contact the business to confirm subsequent orders. It is alleged there was no agreement in place for the order and payment of goods after the initial three deliveries.

The business further contacted Beacon requesting that any future orders be cancelled and, on several occasions, sought to return toner cartridges it did not order or want and sought refunds. Beacon allegedly asserted that the orders were confirmed and authorised by staff of the business, and that they would not take all of the unwanted cartridges back. The ACCC alleges that the business had the right to return and receive a refund for the unordered goods.

The ACCC previously took court action against Mr Skry and his previous company Globex Systems Pty Ltd in 2004 for asserting a right to payment for unsolicited goods and making false representations that businesses had agreed to buy products from Globex when that was not the case.

The ACCC is seeking declarations and penalties against Beacon and Zandox, as well as pecuniary penalties, declarations, disqualification orders, costs and an injunction against Mr Skry.

Background

Because Beacon and Zandox are in liquidation, the ACCC was required to obtain leave of the court before commencing proceedings against the companies.

Beacon and Zandox had liquidators appointed on 20 April 2023 following a creditors’ voluntary winding up decision.

Beacon was incorporated in 2016, initially selling cleaning products and from January 2020 also selling printer consumables. It predominantly sold these products to businesses through telemarketing calls.

Mr Skry has been a director of Beacon from 6 January 2020.

Zandox was incorporated in late 2022. It is alleged that Zandox was essentially as a rebranding of Beacon, selling the same products.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old female have been arrested in relation to the alleged aggravated robbery and assault of a worker in Nightcliff on Friday morning.

Around 10:40am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a disturbance involving multiple people at a service station on Progress Drive.

A number of youths allegedly attempted to steal items from the store with one of the youths throwing cans and bottles at an employee and another youth punching an employee. Both youths ran from the area prior to police arrival.

A short time later, the youths were involved in a violent disturbance at a nearby residence on Progress Drive. Both male youths allegedly unlawfully entered a residence within the area and threatened the occupants before being removed. Later the youths returned and assaulted the same people by punching, kicking and threatening them with a metal bar. Included in the victims of the assault was a government worker.

Territory Safety Division, Darwin general duties and Dog Operations officers responded to the location resulting in the arrest of both youths and a further female who was alleged to be armed with a knife and involved in the incident at the residential premises.

The 16-year-old male has since been charged with:

• Aggravated Robbery

• Assault worker – victim suffers harm

• Armed with an offensive weapon

• Aggravated Assault

• Aggravated Burglary – Dwelling

The 15-year-old female has since been charged with:

• Aggravated Robbery

• Assault worker

• Assault worker – victim suffers harm

• Escape from lawful custody

The 21-year-old female has since been charged with:

• Damage property

• Possess/Carry/Use controlled weapon

The two youths were remanded to appear in court today and the 21-year-old female was bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on 27 May 2025.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500047909. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The 2025 Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival which takes place from May 27 to June 3, during National Reconciliation Week, will celebrate its ninth year with a feast of films, videos and activities at venues in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Heathcote and Yandoit.

This year’s festival showcases an exciting range of activities, discussions and First Nations films, documentaries and videos starring and telling stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from Central Victoria and across Australia

The festival officially kicks off at 4.30pm Tuesday May 27 at Bendigo Library with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.  There will be an official opening, the announcement of the 2025 Koori Youth Flick Fest winners and screenings of entries by all current and past winners.

This year’s festival screenings include documentaries Blak Douglas vs the Commonwealth and The Earth Above: A deep time view of Australia’s epic history, along with films High Ground, Winhanganha, Sweet As, The Moogai and more.

Other activities include the Bridging Now to Next Anti Racism Forum at Bendigo Library, and a Dumuwal Ulumbarra CBD Walking Tour of Bendigo with Djaara Traditional Owners.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said National Reconciliation Week has helped shape Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation.

“The City is committed to reconciliation and we are again delighted that people can come together to celebrate at the 2025 Central Victoria Indigenous Film Festival,” Cr Metcalf said.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.”

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is Bridging Now to Next. The theme reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, and encourages all Australians to step forward together.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City is hosting a Be Well Be Connected  Positive Ageing and Disability Expo Roadshow for older adults and people living with a disability at the Elmore Community Hub in Clarke Street from 10am to 2pm on Friday May 30, 2025.

City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Acting Manager Jo Connellan said the expo is free to attend and will feature a number of exhibits showcasing aged care, community and disability products and services that support positive ageing and living well in Elmore and surrounding areas.

“It will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet face-to-face with local service providers, advisors and community groups,” Ms West said.

“The Expo aims to connect organisations, community groups and individuals with a network of available support and community activities to enjoy.

“The theme Be Well Be Connected is important, as it emphasises the importance of being well, connected and participating in the community.

“This is the second Be Well Be Connected Expo travelling roadshow to take place in Greater Bendigo with the first taking place in Heathcote last October.

“Everyone is welcome to come along to the Elmore Roadshow.  It’s a not to be missed opportunity for older people and people living with a disability to be better informed.”

Source:

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

The first 150 metres of a planned 3000 metre-long Antarctic ice core has been safely returned to Australia after a successful drilling season for the Million Year Ice Core (MYIC).
The ice core, in one metre-lengths, contains a record of the past 4000 years of climate history.
The core was drilled at a deep field camp at Dome C North, about 1200 km “up the hill” from Australia’s Casey research station.
It’s just the start of an ambitious Australian Antarctic Program drilling effort to extract the world’s oldest, continuous ice core record of up to two million years.
MYIC science lead, Dr Joel Pedro, said the full-length ice core is expected to extend the current ice core climate record well beyond 1.2 million years, and help solve a climate mystery.
“About one million years ago the cycle of ice ages shifted from a regular 41,000 year glacial-interglacial cycle, to a cycle every 100,000 years,” Dr Pedro said.
“An ice core record of over one million years can help us answer why that shift in the climate state occurred, and that will provide really important information to test models and better predict climate in the future.”

After a few years of weather and Covid-related delays to drilling, Dr Pedro said the science team, alongside a supporting tractor-traverse team, were relieved to achieve everything they had hoped for this season, thanks to a joint, multi-skilled, team effort.
“Our number one priority was to progress the pilot drilling for the MYIC borehole, but to do that we first had to set up the drill shelter,” Dr Pedro said.
“We joined forces with the traverse team and were able to get the shelter constructed in 10 days – half the time we expected – and our drill built and tested in parallel.
“Then we split in to two shifts to run the drill 16 hours a day, with the traverse team joining us in drilling and core processing.
 “After so much effort by so many people, and so much planning and time, it was a very special moment for me to pull out that first ice core – to the point that I had a tear in my eye.”
Independent living
Traverse Field Leader, Chris Gallagher, led a team of mechanics, electricians, a carpenter and a doctor, that towed equipment and supplies to the drill site.
Using snow-groomers, and tractors towing sleds carrying 600 tonnes of gear, the team travelled 18 days through blizzards and heavy snow, via a route established last year.
Once at Dome C North they set up the scientists’ accommodation modules, ready for their arrival by air.
“Over the next few years the traverse will bring up the rest of the inland station so that it can operate independently of the traverse’s ‘sustainability train’,” Mr Gallagher said.
Drill skills
The traverse team were as keen to start drilling ice as the scientists, and put their skills to use.
“Setting up the drill tent was quite complicated, with underground trenches and cabling that had to be installed, including the drill trench itself, which was six metres deep,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Our diesel mechanics used their skills with chainsaws, battery drills, dumpy levels and other construction techniques, to help our carpenter build the tent, and then the scientists helped finish it off.
“Once the drilling started, the mechanics assisted the drill engineers to help ensure the drill kept running properly, and other traverse team members took core measurements and wrapped and packed the cores.
“It was fascinating.”
Boring anxiety
The science team drilled to 150 metres and then progressively widened the borehole from 130 mm wide at the bottom, to 260 mm wide at the top, using a series of ‘reaming’ attachments.
Next season the widest part the borehole will be fitted with a fibreglass bore casing.
This will seal off the porous ice near the surface and allow drill fluid to be added to prevent the borehole closing under pressure, as they drill deeper.
It was a nail-biting time for Dr Pedro.
“We had to go back down the borehole three times to expand it, so we effectively drilled about 520 metres,” he said.
“Every time you put something down the borehole there’s a chance it will get stuck, and there are a number of boreholes in Antarctica that have had reamers or drills stuck in them, and they’ve had to move and start again.
“When we got the last reamer out, I quickly shut the trap door on the hole and I knew we were safe.”
The ice core sections were then loaded into an insulated box for transport back to Casey on the traverse and back to Australia on a C17 aircraft.
The team will begin analysing the cores in coming months. This includes measuring water isotopes for temperature, and greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide trapped in air bubbles in the ice, which reflect changes in climate over time. They’ll also look for impurities that provide information on storms, sea-ice processes and volcanic activity.
Next season
Dr Pedro said the science team is now well set up for the 2025-26 drilling season.
“A lot of the work will involve setting up our bigger drill that can get to 3000 metres,” he said.
“We’ll add the bore casing and drill fluid handling system and the aim is to drill to 400 metres. After that the target is to drill 1000 metres per year, which will put us on track to reach bedrock by 2029.”
Mr Gallagher said it had been a remarkable season of achievements.
“Thanks to our highly motivated and skilled teams the inland station is well established and the drill tents are up and ready to go,” he said.
Read more about the MYIC project in this season’s Drilling Diary and our special feature Secrets of the Ice.
This content was last updated 9 hours ago on 12 May 2025.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: New South Wales – News

About 4.30pm today (Sunday 11 May), emergency services were called to Port Wakefield Highway after reports that a car and truck had collided.

The driver of the car suffered serious injuries.

Major Crash officers are on their way to the scene.

Road restrictions are in place and please avoid the area if possible.