Source: South Australia County Fire Service
Issued on
04 May 2025 12:00
Issued for
KAPINNIE 5km North of Kapinnie in the Lower Eyre Peninsula of South Australia.
Warning level
Advice – Monitor Conditions
Action
Monitor local conditions and stay informed if you are in this area. Decide what you will do if the situation changes.
At this time there is no threat to life or property and firefighters are attending this fire.
More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.
Source: South Australia County Fire Service
Issued on
04 May 2025 11:24
Issued for
WINGFIELD in WESTERN METROPOLITAN AREA.
Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke
Action
Smoke from WINGFIELD is visible from the North South Motorway and moving towards Cormack Road.
Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.
Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.
If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.
More information will be provided by the MFS when it is available.
Source: New South Wales – News
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at the intersection of Goodwood Road and Greenhill Road, Adelaide.
The collision occurred just before 8am on Sunday 4 May.
Police are closing the intersection while emergency services work at the scene.
Goodwood Road is closed to all traffic from South Terrace.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The start of construction on Light Rail Stage 2A paves the way for three new light rail stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.
Construction has begun on Light Rail Stage 2A – building three new stops extending from the city to Commonwealth Park.
The new stops will extend the light rail from Alinga Street and will be located at:
Canberra is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, with the population predicted to approach 750,000 by 2050.
This extension of light rail will help protect Canberra’s future, servicing the city for decades to come.
Additional public transport will help ensure the city doesn’t face unnecessary future congestion as its population grows.
It will also unlock new housing and commercial opportunities and bring Canberra’s CBD closer to the lake.
The project will also support hundreds of jobs during construction.
Later this year, the first light rail tracks are expected to be laid.
Final testing and commissioning of the light rail vehicles will happen throughout 2027.
The new stops will be operational in 2028. Once complete, Stage 2A will allow light rail services to connect Gungahlin and North Canberra to:
Stage 2A is part of a wider plan to build a north-south light rail line to Woden.
Light rail to Commonwealth Park is a joint investment by the Australian and ACT Governments.
For more details, visit the Built for CBR website.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Children enjoying a live show at Questacon. Photo credit VisitCanberra
Canberra is packed with family-friendly activities and experiences. Many of these attractions and spaces are inclusive for people with physical and sensory disability and access needs.
From events and galleries to gardens and playgrounds, there are lots of accessible activities to choose from.
Nature and outdoors
The National Arboretum Canberra is one of the world’s largest collections of rare, endangered and significant trees. This popular spot is also home to POD playground. You’ll also find the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. There are disabled car parking spaces available across the Arboretum. You can also book to hire a free wheelchair.
Smooth, wide pathways connect key attractions such as the playground and café. There are also All Access paths and Grade 1 sealed paths with no steps to help you explore.
A visit to the fully accessible Boundless Playground is a must for kids’ fun. This all-abilities play space is next to Lake Burley Griffin. It is fully enclosed, has easy car parking and great toilet facilities.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a great place to see wildlife in a natural setting. It’s just a 40-minute drive from the city. Mobility-impaired visitors can hire an all-terrain wheelchair, known as a TrailRider.
Tidbinbilla also offers mobility access to many popular locations. These include The Sanctuary and the Eucalypt Forest. Both have:
The Nature Discovery Playground has a bird’s nest swing suitable for very young children and people with limited mobility.
Get wild at the National Zoo & Aquarium and meet lions and tigers and bears (oh my)!
You can use the accessible pathways and ramps to get around the zoo. There are some sloped and gravel paths, though. The Adventure Land playground includes a wheelchair-accessible playhouse and two fully harnessed swings.
The Australian National Botanic Gardens is an amazing place to explore. It is home to an array of native plants. Visitors can hire a free wheelchair or electric mobility scooter. You can also book a seat on the wheelchair-friendly bus tour.
Little explorers love the Paperbark Treehouse. This has a ramp-accessible platform at the main level.
Looking for a place to cool off? Dickson Pool has something for the whole family to enjoy. The outdoor pool includes:
Galleries, attractions and museums
Questacon is known for its family-friendly experiences. It also has great options to make it an inclusive space.
All of Questacon’s galleries are accessible by ramp or a lift. Wheelchairs and prams are available for hire from the ticket desk.
Seating is available in each gallery. The Japan Theatre is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop in the first two rows.
A visit to Questacon can be a very stimulating experience. You can find noise cancelling headphones at the Information Desk and in each gallery.
Questacon also runs Access days. these offer a quieter environment for sensory sensitive visitors.
The National Museum of Australia is a fantastic option for families.
The museum has lift access to each of the three levels. There are also bookable wheelchairs and motorised scooters. There are large-print maps and tactile guides for vision-impaired visitors. You’ll find a hearing induction loop at the Information Desk.
The Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is a fun playground for young children of all abilities. Quiet hours are run with reduced noise and sensory experiences. These are held from 3.30–4.45pm on the first Tuesday of the month.
The National Gallery of Australia has a range of free programs for people with disability and access needs. These include tours and workshops. There is an audio induction loop system in:
There are two braille brochures with tactile maps. These are the Gallery and for the Sculpture Garden. The Gallery also runs Sensory Sunday. This free monthly program is ideal for individuals who identify as neurodivergent.
The miniatures village Cockington Green Gardens is an iconic Canberra experience. It is also a wheelchair and walker accessible display.
It has granite paths and walkways. These accommodate a range of equipment. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for hire.
Parliament House is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. This helps people with a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent, to voluntarily share their needs for:
Visitors can borrow Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards and pins to wear during their visit.
All public areas of Parliament House are wheelchair accessible.
There is also an accessible toilet and change facility that caters for users with high support needs and their carers.
Events
The Canberra Theatre Centre provides a range of services for different abilities. Its inclusive performances help everyone experience the magic of theatre.
Contact the theatre directly to book tickets if you need assistance with your seating. This can include audio description, mobility or hearing assistance.
The theatre has FM radio assisted hearing units for patrons who need hearing assistance.
Selected performances are professionally signed by Auslan interpreters. Some Relaxed Performances are offered. These have been adapted for a range of audience members, including people with:
Heading to an event at Exhibition Park in Canberra? EPIC has accessible car parking spaces across the precinct and near all major buildings.
Extra parking areas may also be reserved depending on the nature and location of the event. All EPIC venues have accessible facilities, including toilets and showers.
Cheer on your favourite sports teams at Manuka Oval and Canberra Stadium. Wheelchair-accessible seating and lift access can help make your visit more comfortable. For guests who have sensory sensitivity, the Brumbies have introduced a Sensory Zone at Canberra Stadium during Super Rugby games.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Harry Potter fans will love Quizzic Alley.
What makes a geek, you ask? Well, you might proudly identify as a geek if your interests align with any of the following:
Canberra is a city that welcomes geeks with open arms. From Tuggeranong to Gungahlin, we’ve rounded up the best geek-friendly groups, activities and venues across Canberra.
The CDSCC Visitor Centre has recently reopened. Visit to learn more about Australia’s role in the exploration of space. While you’re there, see a piece of the moon that’s more than 3.8 million years old.
Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre is a fun, educational venue for people of all ages. Don’t miss CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks. It’s a hands-on exhibition that’s open until May 2025.
Discover Earth science and be dazzled by the collection of minerals, fossils and meteorites. Visit the Education Centre for hands-on experiences, including holding a volcanic bomb and peering at glow-in-the-dark minerals.
Always fancied yourself the hero of a medieval tale? The School of Arms and Armour teaches the martial arts of medieval Europe. Think: fencing, wrestling, armour, swords and daggers.
The Barony is the medieval Society for Creative Anachronism in Canberra. Some of their regular activities include:
If early medieval re-enactment is your cup of tea, the Fellowship is for you. They explore a range of historical activities, including:
Dungeons & Dragons ACT is a group that brings together the local Dungeons & Dragons community.
There are weekly Dungeons & Dragons events on Wednesdays at:
Canberra offers a wide range of VR experiences, from mini games to escape rooms.
Some options include:
Browse Australia’s biggest range of licensed Harry Potter merchandise. While you’re there, you can:
If a comic store has you acting like a kid in a candy store, you can’t miss Impact Comics. You’ll find a large range of:
This shop is a haven for lovers of board games, tabletop games and puzzles. It’s more than just a store: it’s a gathering place for like-minded gamers. They run regular events for fans of:
Visit this Mitchell store to shop from:
Plus, they have a dedicated gaming area where they host regular game nights and events.
It’s more than just a market: it’s a free pop culture extravaganza. Shop for geeky merchandise from local and interstate creators. Meet likeminded geeks, comic artists and cosplayers.
Keep your eye on the Geek Markets website for market dates.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Former WESP participant Zhenjun and Infrastructure Canberra’s Rebekka Bjarnadottir, who hosted Zhenjun’s work placement in 2024.
Have you heard of the ACT Government’s Work Experience and Support Program (WESP)?
The program is to support multicultural Canberrans who have been out of meaningful employment.
While WESP is highly competitive, many people don’t know it’s available, particularly those new to the ACT.
It runs for 12 weeks, and you still have time to apply for a place.
Through WESP, you will receive free office skills training.
You will also complete a work placement in the ACT Government.
This gives you a chance to:
Former participant Zhenjun says he found the program useful.
“As a new immigrant to Canberra, I found job searching extremely challenging. It was difficult to compete without understanding Australian workplace culture and expectations.”
“WESP has greatly enhanced my employment prospects. It has been a turning point in my career journey in Australia,” he said.
The program runs full-time over 12 weeks. It includes:
Once you finish the program, you will get a Certificate II in Workplace Skills from CIT.
While you will build great contacts, there is no guarantee of a job during or after the program.
To apply you must:
If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must also have a visa that allows you to:
Check your visa eligibility at the Visas for study at CIT page.
Priority is given to applicants who are:
Applications close on Sunday, 16 February 2025.
To apply, simply complete the form online.
Remember to submit your application by Sunday 16 February 2025.
A panel will assess all applications.
If yours is shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview.
If you are successful at interview, you will be notified.
Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted once the process is complete.
Following application, the program will follow the key dates below.
Before you apply, please make sure you can attend the program in a full-time capacity.
|
Application assessment |
Start: 17 February 2025 |
End: 7 March 2025 |
|
CIT course |
Start: 17 March 2025 |
End: 11 April 2025 |
|
Program break |
Start: 14 April 2025 |
End: 21 April 2025 |
|
Work placement |
Start: 22 April 2025 |
End: 13 June 2025 |
Find the WESP application form.
Find full details of the program
Contact Multicultural ACT via email: ma@act.gov.au.
Phone the Multicultural ACT Work Experience Support Program: 6207 0150.
If you are not eligible for this program, you can get help to find employment from the Multicultural Employment Service.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Canberra families are about to start another school year.
Here is everything you need to know to help you plan for the 2025 school year.
There are four student-free days each year for ACT public schools. These are the first day of each school term.
Student-free days are for staff development, enabling teachers and schools to plan in a student-free environment.
Friday 31 January will be a student-free day.
On Monday 3 February, new students will start school. Continuing students will return to school on Tuesday 4 February 2025.
Other term dates for the 2025 school year:
Visit the Term Dates page for all school term dates.
The Future of Education Equity Fund (Equity Fund) offers eligible families financial support to help with school essentials. It supports the more vulnerable families in our community.
Low-income families of students – from preschool through to year 12 – can receive a one-off, annual payment. This is to help cover the costs of schooling, such as:
The Equity Fund payments are $400 (preschool), $500 (primary school), and $750 (high school and college level, including CIT Year 11 and 12).
Equity Fund applications for the 2025 school year are now open.
Families can apply for all eligible students in their family in the one application, regardless of whether they attend different schools.
School staff are also able to help families to apply.
Applications close in November 2025.
Find out more about eligibility criteria and how to apply online.
The Parent Portal is now available across all ACT public schools.
The portal allows secure sharing of information between parents/carers and teachers/schools online or via the Sentra for Parents app.
Parents and carers only need to sign up once, and can add multiple children to one account.
Find out more about the Parent Portal app.
ACT public schools with preschool to year 2 students will receive extra funding for additional evidence-informed literacy and numeracy resources.
These resources will be in place for preschool to year 2 classrooms for the start of the 2025 school year.
Read more about the ACT Government’s Strong Foundations program.
A new school year can be tough for some students, whether they are:
The ACT Government has online resources that could be helpful in starting conversations on finding ways to support them.
Visit the Education website to watch a video series on supporting an anxious child, and to access a mindfulness podcast series.
If your child has asthma, the start of the school year is a good time to make sure you’re managing it.
You may wish to:
Learn more about children’s asthma education services.
Are you concerned about your child’s development? The start of a new year is a good time to contact the Child Development Service, to access free drop-in clinics and assessments.
Find out more about the Child Development Service
Find tips on how to pack a healthy lunchbox on ACT Health’s Fresh Tastes Lunchboxes website.
It includes a Grab and Go shopping list and tips for a waste-free lunchbox. You’ll also find tips on which food groups to include and how to swap for healthier options.
Looking for more healthy lunchbox tips? Try the Cancer Council’s Healthy Lunch Box Builder. It’s a great tool to help build a lunchbox so your child can get a healthy brain boost throughout the school day.
ACT three-year-olds can now benefit from 300 hours of free preschool at over 140 locations.
This will save the average family around $1,329 a year.
Read more and find where to access three-year-old preschool.
In 2023 the ACT Government passed new legislation to make free period products available at a range of community locations across the ACT for anyone who needs them.
This includes at every ACT public school, which is something we already do as a system, and will continue to do.
Pads and tampons are available in ACT public high schools, colleges, and combined schools. Pads are available in ACT public primary schools.
They can be accessed at any time during the school day from the school front office.
The Education Directorate will continue to work with ACT Health to ensure age-appropriate information on menstrual hygiene is available for students through our schools.
Read more about free period products.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. As students return to school, remember to slow down and stick to the 40 km/h limit around schools between 8am and 4pm.
Mobile speed vans and police regularly patrol school zones. Let’s all slow down and support kids’ safety.
The regular bus network and timetable will return from Monday 3 February 2025 including dedicated school services and ‘S’ trips which divert into schools. Please check your timetable so you are prepared and ready.
Students can download the MyWay+ app and use the real time journey planner for a simply way to plan and pay for their trip to school.
All school students receive a discounted fare when using MyWay+. Student concession MyWay+ travel cards purchased in 2024 and 2025 have an extended expiry date until 1 January 2026. If you would like to check the concession status of a card, please create a MyWay+ account and link the travel card to it. Alternatively, go to a MyWay+ retail outlet to check.
You can get a new student concession MyWay+ travel card for your child from MyWay+ retail outlets. Please note that secondary and tertiary students must provide proof of concessions at time of purchase to get the correct concession applied to the card.
To top up their MyWay+ travel card please go to a MyWay+ retail outlet or top up online through a MyWay+ account or the ‘quick top up’ option on the portal.
Whilst Transport Canberra are not charging penalty fares at the moment, it wants to obtain the most accurate data possible and encourage best practice for all students. Please remember to tap on and off with the same device when your trip starts and ends.
*Secondary students will need to carry their student ID card with them when travelling on the bus and light rail if they are using a MyWay+ concession account/travel card.
Transport Canberra is working to improve the MyWay+ system by allowing primary account holders, like parents or carers, to link multiple MyWay+ accounts. This is about to undergo testing with the community prior to launching over the next couple of months.
Transport Canberra will be taking an educative approach whilst the community and its workforce adjust to the change. Please be assured that kids can continue to travel on buses and light rail services. No child will be left behind.
Parents of primary school students, please refer to your school’s pack for travel details.
You can also plan your trip back to school with Transport Canberra’s Journey Planner.
Find out more about going back to school with Transport Canberra.
The start of the school year is a particularly busy time in Canberra’s school carparks and surrounding streets.
Unsafe and illegal parking reduces visibility for students and motorists. This creates a hazard when students cross the road.
Parking inspectors and license plate recognition vehicles will be out and about enforcing safe parking around schools.
For drop-offs and pick-ups, arrange a meeting spot, arrive after the rush, or park a little further away from the school and walk with your kids the rest of the way.
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Source: South Australia County Fire Service
Issued on
03 May 2025 15:22
Issued for WOODSIDE in The Adelaide hills.
The CFS is responding to a grass and scrub fire at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia.
Approximately 60 CFS volunteers on 12 trucks, supported by 4 aircraft, have contained the fire to approximately 22 hectares.
CFS firefighters will remain on scene to make the area safe with additional crews coming from nearby brigades to support.
Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.
Message ID 0008555
Source: New South Wales – News
Two people were arrested after allegedly driving a stolen car across the state at high speed.
Just before 7am on Saturday 3 May, police were alerted that a car stolen from a Cummins property, on the Eyre Peninsula, was being tracked by the owner.
The silver Kia was tracked as it travelled at extreme speeds across the Eyre Peninsula and through the Mid North of the State.
PolAir responded and headed to the area while police on the ground attempted to spike the vehicles tyres numerous times as it continued to head towards Adelaide.
The stolen Kia was located in Lysander Place, Salisbury East about midday and the two occupants ran from the vehicle.
It will be alleged the man discharged a small calibre firearm but was quickly apprehended by police. The man was taken to hospital for assessment prior to charging.
No shots were fired by police.
Fortunately, no police officers were injured during the incident.
The firearm has been seized by police.
A 31-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested and will be interviewed by police. Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of this vehicle that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au