Month: May 2025

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New Clarkson playground links accessibility and adventure

Source: South Australia Police

The all-abilities playground at Riverlinks Park in Clarkson is built for every young adventurer, with a range of play spaces and equipment that integrates learning with play.

The one-of-a-kind playground includes five themed play areas with equipment that caters to users with diverse physical, sensory and cognitive needs.

The fully enclosed playground also has a secure play area for enhanced safety and quiet zones for rest and relief.

It also features the City’s first communication board, created in collaboration with All Abilities Australia to support non-verbal users.

Wanneroo Deputy Mayor James Rowe said it was fantastic to deliver an accessible and inclusive play space for visitors from our community and beyond to enjoy.

“This facility is more than a play space; it is a place where children can feel a sense of belonging and safety,” he said.

“We are grateful to have received a funding contribution of $2.6 million from the WA Government, administered through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

“This shared investment reflects our joint commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our community and ensuring everyone can enjoy the City of Wanneroo.”

Minister for Transport, Sport and Recreation, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said supporting projects like this demonstrated the WA Government’s dedication to creating more purpose-built, inclusive places and spaces that children and families can access to stay active and healthy.

“Using feedback from the local community, the result is an asset accessible to all children, including those with mobility issues and those with cognitive, sensory or social-emotional challenges,” she said.

“Exploring and enjoying interesting outdoor spaces is an important part of childhood and I congratulate the City of Wanneroo for their commitment to this project.”

Construction of a Universal Access Toilet was finished this month, marking completion of this important project.

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147-2025: Services Restored: Friday 09 May 2025 – Multiple Systems

Source: New South Wales Government 2

09 May 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections through the Biosecurity Portal using the ‘Sign in with your Digital ID’ (myID) pathway.

Approved arrangement operators attempting to access online reports of entries referred to the department for biosecurity assessment, or management under a class 19 Approved Arrangement,…

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Disqualified driver charged with multiple driving offences

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Disqualified driver charged with multiple driving offences

Friday, 9 May 2025 – 2:18 pm.

A 30-year-old Scottsdale man has had his vehicle confiscated indefinitely and been charged with multiple driving offences after he was arrested in Scottsdale on Wednesday morning. 
Police will allege the man, who was disqualified from driving, drove an unregistered motor vehicle in the Launceston and Scottsdale areas multiple times over the previous week. 
The man has been charged with three counts of driving whilst disqualified, three counts of driving an unregistered motor vehicle and three counts of driving a motor vehicle with no premium cover. The vehicle was also bearing a false registration plate.   
If you witness dangerous driving on our roads please report to police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. 
Matters can also be reported online at – police.tas.gov.au/services-online/dangerous-driving-report

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Woodend welcomes new medium tanker and rehab unit

Source:

Woodend brigade members and local dignitaries

Woodend Fire Brigade has welcomed a new medium tanker and rehab unit vehicle to their engine bay, celebrating the official handover with brigade members and local dignitaries.

Gathering at the fire station today (9 May), Woodend Brigade Captain Steve Ritchie, who has been involved with the brigade for 31 years, said the brigade feels proud to have a modernised firefighting fleet.  

The medium tanker is a state-of-the-art firefighting vehicle, equipped with a 2,650 litre water capacity that allows for rapid and controlled suppression of fires directly from the vehicle.       

“Our old tanker served us well for 25 years, but this new vehicle provides advanced capabilities and ensures safe transport to and from incident sites,” Steve said.  

“It’s a game changer for us. This tanker is a four-wheel drive and comfortably seats a crew of five, whereas our old tanker was a two-wheel drive and had our crews squished in together or travelling on the back of the truck,” Steve said.  

The new rehab unit will replace their existing one and is better equipped to monitor and maintain firefighter health on the fire ground.  

“We’ve replaced our makeshift unit with a purpose-built vehicle that provides enhanced safety and comfort for our team,” Steve said.  

“It comfortably seats four crew members with its twin cabin and is better configured to store health monitoring systems, lighting, cool chairs, water, wash facilities, salt and sugar boosters, and first aid kits” 

“It will significantly improve onsite health support for firefighters ensuring our members have a safe space to rest and recover during prolonged incidents 

“Responding to more than 230 call outs over the past two years, the streamlined configuration of both vehicles will significantly help with our crew’s communication and teamwork when responding to incidents.” 

CFA District 2 Commander Hugh Kelly congratulated the brigade on their new additions.  

“These vehicles are a testament to the dedication of the Woodend Fire Brigade and the community that supports them,” Hugh said.  

“Both additions will be valuable assets to help keep the local community safe, while also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of brigade members. 

” The new medium tanker and rehab unit were made possible through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) and significant brigade contributions from community and business donations.   

Submitted by CFA Media
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Small business focus areas

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

We’ll help you get it right the first time

We know most small businesses try to do the right thing.

To ensure all businesses meet their tax, super and registry obligations, we will take firmer action on those who knowingly do the wrong thing. This will prevent them from gaining an unfair advantage over others.

We want small businesses to get things right. Each quarter, we will highlight specific risk areas.

Our focus areas

Help and support

If any of these risk areas apply to your business, help is available:

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Bullengarook brigade increases the resilience of its community

Source:

Last Saturday (3 May) Bullengarook Fire Brigade in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and local community groups hosted a ‘Community Resilience’ day. 

The aim of the event was to give community members the information they needed to live safely in an extreme fire risk area. Locals listened to crucial messages about fire safety and preparation.

CFA’s Community Based Bushfire Management Program was at the core of the initiative, and the topics covered were in line with CFA’s fire safety and preparation messaging.

This messaging was enhanced by the council’s resiliency agendas for communities such as Bullengarook to be self-sufficient and prepared for the first 72 hours after a natural disaster.

During the day there were several information sessions including:

  • a debrief of the 2024 Bullengarook Christmas fire, by Incident Controller John Deering
  • CFA community fire safety and preparation, run by CFA volunteer Nicky Haslinghouse
  • bushfire resilient landscaping, run by Riddells Creek Captain and Group Community Safety Office Gill Metz AFSM
  • snakes and other hazardous wildlife, run by renowned biochemist and Bullengarook local Tim Carroll
  • ecological vegetation management and biodiversity, run by Roger MacRaild from Bullengarook Landcare
  • a live snake show and demonstration, run by Black Snake Productions. Needless to say this was a hit with the kids.

A number of other organisations including SES, Council of Churches, the Bullengarook Rec Centre and Bullengarook Landcare, delivered their safety and support messages.

There was also a pizza and coffee van, a juke box and the rights to publicly show the children’s movie Wall-E in case the event went into the night. Bullengarook Rec Centre also organised a raffle for a fire pump donated by Midland Irrigation.

It was a great day and the community has already provided some positive feedback about how informative it was and how they are looking forward to the next one.

Submitted by Simon Hayward
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146-2025: Unplanned Outage: Friday 09 May 2025 – Multiple Systems

Source: New South Wales Government 2

09 May 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections through the Biosecurity Portal using the ‘Sign in with your Digital ID’ (myID) pathway.

Approved arrangement operators attempting to access online reports of entries referred to the department for biosecurity assessment, or management under a class 19 Approved Arrangement,…

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Austin to return for a second season in 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Austin cast members: Sally Phillips (Ingrid), Ben Miller (Julian), Gia Carides (Mel) and Michael Theo (Austin). Image: ABC

In brief:

  • Season one of Austin was very popular with viewers.
  • A second season has been commissioned and will again be partly filmed in Canberra.
  • This article shares what’s ahead for the characters in season two.

The much-loved TV series Austin will be back for a second season.

Filmed mostly in Canberra, the first season shone a spotlight on the ACT and was a hit with audiences.

Season two will begin filming in the UK early in December 2024. It will air on ABC TV in 2025.

The Austin cast

Michael Theo will reprise his role as the straight-talking, neurodivergent Austin. This follows his breakout performance in season one.

UK actors Ben Miller and Sally Phillips will also be back. As will Australians Gia Carides and Roy Billing.

“We are all beyond excited to start filming again, and reunite our joyously neurodivergent family,” Ben said.

What’s ahead

Austin follows the relationship between author Julian and the son he never knew about: Austin.

In the first season, viewers fell in love with Austin and his extended family.

At the start of season two, Austin and Julian are still in the UK when Austin’s own publishing career takes off.

As his fame grows, he falls under the professional spell of his new agent.

To his family’s horror, Austin behaves in a manner unbefitting his true self.

Meanwhile, an Australian production company options Julian’s Big Bear for TV.

Julian, his wife, Ingrid, and Austin return to Canberra. Unfortunately, they find the company wants to reinvent the Big Bear brand – without Julian.

Presenting diversity

“Austin is a ground-breaking series that has captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling, humour and exploration of neurodiversity and acceptance,” Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said.

“Seeing authentic representation of the diverse experiences of all Australians on screen is vital, and we’re very proud to support this talented creative team and cast as they build on the success of the first season. We look forward to seeing Michael Theo deliver another scene-stealing performance.”

Production credits

Commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A Northern Pictures production with Lincoln Pictures, in association with and distributed by ITV Studios. Major Production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia, the ACT Government, and Screen Canberra. Post Produced with the assistance of the NSW Government.

Where to watch

Austin season two will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025.

Austin season one is now on ABC iview.

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Police investigating Gagebrook robbery

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police investigating Gagebrook robbery

Friday, 9 May 2025 – 11:39 am.

Tasmania Police is appealing for information to help identify three suspects after a delivery driver was threatened with a knife and had his car stolen while working in Gagebrook late Thursday night.The male driver was not physically hurt during the incident in Briar Crescent, Gagebrook, about 11.10pm last night, in which the offenders also stole cash after the driver attended a private residence.The driver was threatened by three suspects with one of the suspects in possession of a knife prior to stealing his car keys and driving off in the stolen vehicle, which also contained the driver’s mobile phone.The driver went to a nearby residence seeking assistance and it was here he was able to contact police.Officers from Bridgewater Police conducted patrols in the Gagebrook and Brighton areas, with the vehicle later found abandoned in bushland off Boronia Place, Gagebrook.Anyone who may have seen a gold Suzuki Liana driven in the Gagebrook area late Thursday night or early Friday morning, or have information regarding the armed robbery, can contact Bridgewater CIB on 131 444 or report it to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

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Leading the way for women’s comfort and hygiene

Source:

CFA is leading the way in providing comfort for volunteers who are women, actively engaging with them to address their needs on and off the truck.

Not only will CFA be the first emergency service agency in Australia to provide firefighting boots and gloves designed specifically for women, 3,100 appliances were also recently fitted out with feminine hygiene packs that saw the distribution of more than 18,000 tampons and 12,000 pads.

CFA General Manager of Infrastructure Services, active volunteer and lead member of CFA’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee Paul Santamaria said extensive consultation with volunteers on the ground who are women has largely driven these important initiatives, which are just two of many.

“Right across CFA, we have been fostering open dialogue through various events, forums and working groups to encourage diversity of thought and acknowledgement of the needs of all our volunteers,” Paul said. 

“We have undergone a comprehensive review of our CFA facilities and design standards so members feel safe, respected and welcomed without discrimination.

“As a result, we are starting to roll out upgrades to our fire stations and three training campuses to be more gender neutral and to provide greater physical privacy for all members.

“We’ve also seen two mechanical apprentices who are women enter a traditionally male dominated industry and join our District Mechanical Workshops. These are amazing women who are paving the way for others to join.”

To celebrate the rollout completion of the feminine hygiene packs and officially mark the beginning of the expansion of firefighting boot and glove options available to women, Malmsbury Fire Brigade members gathered at the fire station today (9 May) alongside CFA leaders.

Malmsbury Fire Brigade Captain Linda Krive said the packs have been well received within their 10-women strong brigade but is particularly excited about the new Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) that is coming their way.

“Both initiatives have positively supported the wellbeing of our volunteers who are women and have provided us with the resources we need in challenging situations,” Linda said.

“Having the packs on board certainly makes it one less thing we have to think about and allows a sense of comfort knowing that if we do need something on the fireground, it will be okay.

“They will come in handy when we’re out on strike teams, as sanitary items are often overlooked when packing quickly for deployment, especially if you don’t need them at the time of departure.

“As we know though, things can change quickly, and you don’t know how long you’ll be gone for.”

CFA has already received several expressions of interest from several suppliers to deliver the new fit-for-purpose boots and gloves for women and will formally go to tender for a supply partner next month.

Linda said most women in her brigade, and some men, have struggled with boots in the past and are looking forward to having the option of clothing that is designed to fit different shapes.

“Some of us have long, thin feet and although my feet are used to my boots after 20 years, it will make such a difference.

“I’ve also got some members who have very small hands, and even the extra small gloves are too big which makes some tasks harder to complete.

Through CFA’s Diversity and Inclusion Program, initiatives continue to recognise individuality and inclusivity, while working closely with the Champions for Change Network to share experiences and learn more about what is being done across the Emergency Services and Allied Health sectors to support women.

Submitted by CFA media