Month: May 2025

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CFA firefighter remembered at national memorial service

Source:

Garry Mallen’s family received a Memorial Medallion

This morning (1 May) the family of CFA Portland Fire Brigade volunteer Garry Mallen was presented with an AFAC Memorial Medallian.

The AFAC National Memorial Service, held in Canberra, is an annual event to honour fire and emergency services personnel who have died in the line of duty.

During the service, AFAC Memorial Medallions were presented to families of those being commemorated, including Garry. The service also acknowledged those people who have been added to the memorial wall. 

CFA CEO Greg Leach AFSM and CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan attended the service, along with members of Portland Fire brigade and Garry’s family.

  • Garry Mallen’s family with members of Portland brigade and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan
Submitted by News and Media
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UPDATE: Call for information – Suspicious machinery fire – Yuendumu

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to a suspicious heavy machinery fire in Yuendumu on 14 December 2024.

On Friday 13 December 2024 at 5:30pm, four employees operating the site completed their shift and stopped their heavy machinery for the day. The machinery being:

  • Isuzu Tip Truck bearing
  • Bobcat E50 Mini Excavator
  • Caterpillar 311D Excavator
  • Chase CX57C Excavator

The machinery was parked along Nyrippi Road within approximately 50 meters of each other and upon the workers return to the site at 6:15am the following day, it was established that all but one of the machines were destroyed by fire.

A crime scene was established where the extensive damage to the equipment was assessed, which suggests the fire was deliberately lit.

Southern Crime members continue to investigate and urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P24347724.

You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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NT Police Force seek community action to take advantage of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police National Missing Persons Coordination Centre, are embracing innovative technology to help solve long-standing missing persons cases.

Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) combines DNA testing with genealogy research to offer fresh hope for cases that have remained unsolved for years, particularly those of unidentified human remains.

The Northern Territory currently have 64 cases of unidentified human remains under investigation with the Cold Case Taskforce. FIGG technology presents a new frontier in forensic science and allows investigators to use genetic data to trace family connections through DNA. The use of genealogy databases is a game-changer, providing families of missing persons a much-needed opportunity to find closure.

What is Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG)?

FIGG is an emerging technique that combines the power of DNA analysis with genealogy research. By comparing genetic material from unidentified remains with databases of individuals’ DNA, investigators can trace family relationships and potentially identify those who have been missing for years, or in some cases, decades.

This process can be particularly effective for cases where traditional investigative methods have not yielded results. The ability to access and cross-reference large, publicly available DNA databases greatly enhances the likelihood of making connections that would otherwise be impossible.

How Can You Help?

Members of the public who have already submitted their DNA to consumer databases such as Ancestry.com can play a pivotal role in solving cold cases. By downloading your DNA results and uploading them to genealogy databases like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA, you could help solve a case that has left families without answers for years.

Instructions on how to upload DNA results to these databases can be found on their websites:

The key to achieving success with the use of this cutting-edge technology lies in the support of the community.

As FIGG continues to evolve, it holds promise for solving numerous unresolved missing persons cases across the Northern Territory and beyond. With 64 ongoing cases of unidentified human remains in the NT alone, this new method offers a renewed sense of optimism for those seeking answers.

The Northern Territory Police Force is encouraging members of the public to consider participating, helping to bring answers to families and giving long-term missing persons a chance at being identified.

For more information about how you can assist, please visit the websites linked above.

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Renewed call for information as investigation into former police officer progresses

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Renewed call for information as investigation into former police officer progresses

Thursday, 1 May 2025 – 12:00 pm.

Tasmania Police has renewed its call for information as the investigation into former police officer Dale Cook progresses.The investigation was announced in February to determine whether he used his position as a police officer to commit child sexual abuse crimes or any other criminal offending and identify any misconduct during his employment with Tasmania Police.Acting Deputy Commissioner Rob Blackwood said the investigation team had engaged with many people who either worked with Cook or knew him outside of his role as a police officer.“The investigation team sincerely thanks each person that has come forward to provide information, either in person or through the reporting options provided below. Every piece of information has been of value and will inform the outcomes of the investigation,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Blackwood said.“There are several avenues of enquiry outstanding, and the investigation team continues to work with oversight from the Integrity Commission to identify other criminal offending or misconduct during Cook’s employment with Tasmania Police.“The investigators would still like to hear from anyone with information.“The specialist investigation team recognises the need to offer choice and confidentiality to anyone wanting to provide information.”This includes:• Sending a direct email to the investigation team at cookinvestigation@police.tas.gov.au• Submitting an online form which allows you the option or remaining anonymous, or providing your details if you are willing to be contacted.• Submitting a report to the Tasmania Police Professional Standards online portal.• If you would like to meet in person, contact the investigation team at cookinvestigation@police.tas.gov.au and they will arrange this at a time and place that ensures confidentiality.Media outlets are reminded to be mindful of the following national guidelines when reporting on this matter.https://www.childsafety.gov.au/what-we-do/reporting-child-sexual-abuse-guidance-media-and-victims-and-survivors

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Community volunteers celebrated with cheers

Source: South Australia Police

The City recently hosted a celebratory event to recognise the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers.

Mayor Linda Aitken said the 2025 Community Services and Conservation Volunteers Dinner at the Wanneroo Civic Centre was an opportunity to honour our incredible volunteers and thank them for their contributions to the City.

“With the City of Wanneroo home to almost 240,000 residents and growing rapidly, we rely more than ever on dedicated and committed volunteers to help ensure it continues to be a great place to live, work and visit,” she said.

“Our 92 conservation and community services volunteers help the City in a variety of ways, supporting staff to deliver a range of programs and services for some of the most vulnerable members of our community and caring for our natural environment.”

Six volunteers were presented with peer-nominated excellence awards for outstanding dedication to their role and service to the City.

Bukamu Dube

Since 2021, Bukamu has been a member of the City’s Multicultural Advisory Group and currently serves as its Deputy Chairperson, helping shape conversations around diversion and inclusion in our City.

Outside the group, Bakumu runs a small business focused on training and community support, helping others from multicultural backgrounds navigate new opportunities.

Kadambii Barnao

Kadambii started her volunteering journey with the City in 2011, as part of the City’s first Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, which has since evolved into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community reference group, Ni Kadadjiny Koort.

She remains an active and dedicated member of the group and a strong advocate for cultural values, human rights and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

Andrew Fairbairn

Andrew has served as a dedicated member of the City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Reference Group since 2019, consistently offering thoughtful input and championing meaningful change.

He has helped to raise awareness about mobility mapping in our town centre, highlighting how features like gradients, surfaces, ramps and elevators can make a real difference for people with mobility challenges, helping them navigate public spaces with greater confidence and safety.

Jennie Villiers

Jennie’s journey as a volunteer with the City started in 2016 when she attended a community planning event as part of the City’s GOLD program.

After asking about walking and photography in Koondoola Bushland, she helped organise a guided wildflower walk and has been involved with the City ever since.

She first registered as a conservation volunteer, becoming one of our most active contributors – regularly weeding, collecting litter and supporting conservation events.

Now, she leads annual wildflower walks for the community and local schools, and has even obtained a flora license for educational use and detailed surveys of Koondoola Bushland.

In 2023, Jennie took the lead in running her own conservation activities, building a team and strengthening the Friends of Koondoola Bushland group along the way.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved with your local community, contribute to a cause you care about and meet like-minded people.

To find out more about volunteering with the City, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/volunteers.

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135-2025: Scheduled Service Disruption: Saturday 03 May 2025 – Multiple Systems

Source: New South Wales Government 2

01 May 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All clients submitting the below declarations:

  • Full Import Declaration (FID)
  • Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (LFSAC)
  • Short Form Self Assessed Clearance (SFSAC)
  • Cargo Report Self Assessed Clearance (CRSAC)
  • Cargo Report Personal Effects (PE)

Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests…

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Residents encouraged to contribute to development of new Domestic Animal Management Plan and review of Local Law 2

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan and undertaking a review of its Keeping of Animals Local Law 2 and is calling on residents both with pets and without pets to have input, to ensure the views of the wider community are reflected.  

Local Law 2 has several clauses relating to the keeping of domestic animals and under the Local Government Act must be reviewed every 10 years to ensure it meets community expectations and relevancy.  

City of Greater Bendigo Safe Environments Manager Jock Schofield said the City has a legislative requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and this will be the fifth plan that the City has prepared.  

“The new plan will build on the achievements and work from the first four plans and establish a framework to guide future service programs and actions through to 2029,” Mr Schofield said.

“Companion animals have been part of our lives since recorded history with dogs and cats playing an important role in the daily lives of many Greater Bendigo residents.

“Therefore, it’s vital for the City to undertake the necessary planning to ensure that pets, pet owners and non-pet owners can coexist in a harmonious way.

“That is why we want to hear from both pet owners and non-pet owners so we can undertake initiatives to complement pet ownership and also actions that help minimise the nuisance and potential danger created by some dogs and cats.

“Some of the initiatives that have come from previous plans include the creation of new dog parks and off leash areas and new cat containment rules.

“The first step in developing the new plan is to gather feedback through a survey.  This information will be used in the development of a draft plan which will also be available for further community comment.”

The survey includes questions in relation to demographics, responsible pet ownership and education, registration and identification of cats and dogs, desexing of cats and dogs and dog faeces management, keeping of animals local law, off/on lead areas (access to public spaces), cat control, dog attacks and nuisance animals and enforcement.

Residents can make comments on the local law review and have input into the development of the by completing a survey by Friday May 30, 2025.

To complete the survey, visit:

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A century of service for Nyah Nyah West

Source:

Nyah Nyah West brigade members

Nyah Nyah West Fire Brigade has proudly marked 100 years of service over the weekend, celebrating the centenary with a community open day, luncheon and medal presentation.

More than 70 community members attended the anniversary event on Sunday, 27 April to thank volunteers for their dedication.  

Nyah Nyah West Fire Brigade Captain Phillip Maher said he is very proud to have led the brigade through this significant milestone.  

“The brigade has been such an important part of the town since 1925, and we hope to see it remain that way for the next 100,” Phillip said.  

Before amalgamating as a single brigade in July 2012 when it was decided there would no longer be urban and rural fire brigades within the CFA, previously, the brigade was made up of the Nyah West Urban Fire Brigade and the Nyah Rural Fire Brigade. 

Following in his father’s footsteps, Phillip has dedicated thirty years to the brigade and is now in his fifth year of captaincy. Over this time, Phillip has witnessed the restructure firsthand, alongside technological advancements and improvements that have shaped the brigade into what it is today.  

“With both brigades working closely together previously out of the same building, it was a fairly smooth transition”, Phillip said.  

“It’s incredible to see how far we have come from what was two small brigades into now one strong, united team.”  

The brigade has seen significant fleet and uniform upgrades over the years.  

“We are very privileged to have a modern firefighting fleet, with diesel-powered trucks and a four-wheel drive vehicle. They are a bit different from the trucks we used back in the day,” Phillip said. 

“When I started, we would turn up in our workwear or whatever was on the truck. Now, we’ve got appropriate uniforms, structural gear and helmets.”  

The brigade has responded to several significant fires over their 100 years of dedication. 

“From the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires to the 2003 Victorian Alpine bushfires, 2019/2020 bush fires and more recently the Grampians and Little Desert fires, our crews have stepped in to help,” Phillip said. “We are really proud to still be here serving the community one hundred years later. It’s a credit to every member, past and present, who has worn the uniform and stood up for the community.”  

As Nyah Nyah West Fire Brigade enters its second century, Phillip hopes to see recruitment numbers and local engagement continue to rise.  

“Everybody is always welcome, and no contribution is too small.” 

Submitted by CFA Media
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Work underway at two Tuggeranong shopping centres

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Public space upgrades are being carried out at Lanyon Marketplace in Conder.

In brief:

  • Improvements are being made at several local shops across Canberra.
  • Public space improvements will improve safety, accessibility, look and feel.
  • This story looks at work taking place at two shopping areas in Tuggeranong.

Have you noticed some work going on at the shops lately?

Several local shopping areas across Canberra are receiving a bit of a facelift through important public space upgrades.

Two of these are in Tuggeranong:

  • Calwell Group Centre
  • Lanyon Marketplace.

Some of the upgrades include new play equipment, more places to sit and gather and improved access and parking.

You can also expect improvements to each centre’s overall look and feel, through the addition of new trees and landscaping.

It’s hoped these improvements will encourage residents to shop local and spend more time in their suburbs.

Community consultation

Each project has involved community engagement.

Community groups and local businesses have shared feedback on the changes they’d like to see. This has informed individual designs.

You can find more on the consultation process and feedback received for each project by clicking on the links below.

Calwell Group Centre

Upgrades are underway on the public spaces at Calwell shops on Webber Crescent.

Key features include:

  • new seating and tables
  • an improved playground with nature play and accessible play elements
  • new accessible parking bays
  • extra trees and better landscaping, including raised planting beds
  • improved pedestrian access, including paths and safe crossing points
  • resurfacing of the carpark and service area with wider medians and more tree plantings
  • lighting and accessibility upgrades to the laneway between the swim school and the aged care facility
  • the addition of a service gate to restrict parkland access.

Find out more about the improvements at Calwell Group Centre.

Lanyon Marketplace

Public space upgrades are being carried out at Lanyon Marketplace in Conder.

Key features include:

  • new seating providing spaces to sit and gather
  • more trees and better landscaping
  • improved access for pedestrians, including paths, pram ramps and safe crossing points
  • a new raised intersection at Balcombe and Sidney Nolan streets, including a new pedestrian crossing.
  • additional parking spaces on Sidney Nolan Street.

Find out more about the improvements at Lanyon Marketplace.

Monash shops

Minor improvements at the Monash Commercial Centre were completed recently.

Find out more about the work at Monash shops.

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New development to transform the City Centre

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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