Month: May 2025

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Woman in court for breaching reporting obligations

Source: New South Wales – News

A woman will appear in court today charged with breaching the conditions of her reporting obligations.

Yesterday, 30 April, officers from SAPOL’s Public Protection Branch, arrested a 34-year-old woman from the north-eastern suburbs.

She was charged with breaching her court bail and two counts of breaching her ANCOR reporting conditions.

She was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today, Thursday 1 May.

Detective Chief Inspector Naomi Oberscheidt, Officer in Charge Offender Management Section states, “Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on Triple Zero (000).”

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PLEASE NOTE: CONFIDENTIALITY OF ANCOR INFORMATION

It is an offence against Section 67 of the Child Sex Offenders Registration Act for a person to disclose information obtained under the Act which includes the name of a registrable offender. It is also an offence against Section 68 of the Child Sex Offenders Registration Act 2006 to publish by newspaper, radio, television or in any other way, information that has been disclosed in contravention of Section 67.

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Screen Australia empowers 100+ distinctive Australian narratives

Source: AMP Limited

01 05 2025 – Media release

All The Boys Are Here writer/director Goran Stolevski and It’s All Going Very Well No Problems At All writer/director/producer/star Tilda Cobham-Hervey (Tilda photo credit Matt Loxton).  
Screen Australia has today announced a significant investment for local scripted projects, reflecting the agency’s commitment to rich Australian narrative content and meaningful creator pathways.
Across feature film, television and online, $7.6 million has been shared across more than 100 projects, contributing a substantial amount to the overall direct production and development funding provided in the 24/25 financial year so far. The mix of projects showcases a wide range of themes and formats, speaking to the evolving scripted landscape and highlighting the importance of reaching Australian audiences where they are watching.
Among the projects is the debut feature film from writer/director/producer/star Tilda Cobham-Hervey set in an aged care home, It’s All Going Very Well No Problems At All; animated children’s series Jidoo & Ibis, about the relationship between a grumpy Grandpa and Australia’s beloved bin chicken; comedy series for TikTok CEEBS about two friends on a mission to save their local youth centre from imminent closure; and a series inspired by a true story, DIVA, about 21-year-old Elly who balances his strict, religious Samoan life with ambitions of becoming a professional wrestler in drag.
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Screen Australia is uniquely positioned to support a thriving pipeline of Australian stories that connect with audiences across multiple platforms and genres. This funding reflects our commitment to both emerging and established creatives, reinforcing the strength and diversity of our industry.”
“Demand on Screen Australia funding remains high, and our recent survey was a reminder of the value that the sector places on our direct funding. In an ever-changing landscape, one thing remains constant – Australian screen storytelling is a vital cultural force that continues to resonate with audiences here at home and across the world. We’re proud to back this extensive collection of distinct and ambitious projects,” said Gough.
Screen Australia has also supported 11 major television series for production to be announced in coming months, sharing in $12 million of direct funding and with a total production value of over $117 million. The agency has recently supported Stan Original Series’ He Had it Coming and comedy-horror Gnomes. Also recently announced is Bus Stop Films’ first feature film Boss Cat, beginning production in June and starring Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie and Julia Savage.
The supported projects include:

It’s All Going Very Well No Problems At All: This drama is the debut feature film from writer/director Tilda Cobham-Hervey (A Field Guide to Being a 12 Year Old Girl, I am Woman) and is produced by Liam Heyen (Jimpa, Latecomers), Dev Patel (Lion, Monkey Man), Jomon Thomas (Hotel Mumbai, Monkey Man) and Cobham-Hervey, with Natalya Pavchinskaya and Cyna Strachan executive producing. The film follows Audrey (Cobham-Hervey), a young artist teetering on the edge of a quiet collapse, who finds solace and understanding through a profound connection with Harold, an elderly resident at the care home where she works. Major production investment from Screen Australia and S’ya Concept in association with the South Australian Film Corporation, with support from the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund. Local distribution by Kismet. The film is a Mad Ones and Minor Realm production.
Jidoo & Ibis: Inspired by the real-life shenanigans between the creator’s father and the hungry bin chickens who flock to his garden, Jidoo & Ibis is from writer/producer Wendy Hanna (Beep & Mort) with writers Michael Drake (Beep & Mort) and Clare Madsen (Little J & Big Cuz). It is a 40-part animated series in development for young pre-schoolers about unexpected problems and unexpected friendships – told through the relationship between grumpy Grandpa Jidoo and an all too familiar larrikin, Ibis.
CEEBS: This 18-part comedy for TikTok is from director Harry Lloyd (Rock Island Mysteries) and writers Betiel Beyin and Leigh Lule, some of the team behind Turn up the Volume. Nikki Tran (Girl, Interpreted) and Amie Batalibasi (Blackbird) are producing. CEEBS follows recent high-school graduates, Zion and Ruby, as they run for ‘Youth President’ to save their local youth centre from imminent closure – all while trying to ensure their lifelong friendship doesn’t get caught in the crossfire. It has received principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen.
DIVA: Inspired by a true story, DIVA is created by producer Jessica Magro (Bad Ancestors) and executive producer Jason Dewhurst, working alongside producer Lauren Brown (Thou Shalt Not Steal) and writer Nick Coyle (Bump, It’s Fine, I’m Fine). It is also executive produced by Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson. This eight-part series in development from Ludo Studio and Purple Carrot Entertainment follows 21-year-old Elly as he attempts to balance his strict, religious Samoan life and his secret queer identity as a professional wrestler in drag.
Dreamboat: A feature comedy in development celebrating the enduring power of BFFs, second chances, and embracing life’s next chapter, from writer Joan Sauers (Ladies in Black, Wakefield), producers Courtney Botfield and Kate Riedl, script editor Megan Simpson Huberman and script consultant Zoë Coombs Marr. In Dreamboat, Suzy’s plans for a cruisy retirement are capsized when best friend, Val, takes her on a cruise to Antarctica.
All The Boys Are Here: From Causeway Films (Talk to Me), this queer romance feature film is created by writer/director Goran Stolevski (Of An Age, You Won’t Be Alone) and produced by Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings of Talk to Me. It is about a New York novelist who, while attending a family funeral in Vienna, discovers a German relative’s illicit queer love affair with a Jewish man during WW2 – sending him on a journey through the past that changes his future. It has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the Polish Film Institute, with Maslow Entertainment distributing and New Europe Film Sales and Charades managing international sales.
A Model Family: A 10-part comedy in development for the whole family from some of the team behind The Disposables, including creator/writers Keir Wilkins and Sonia Whiteman, creator/writer/producer Renny Wijeyamohan, creator/producer/executive producer Karen Radzyner, producer Linda Micsko (The Office Australia) and executive producer Oliver Lawrance, with Guy Edmonds (Spooky Files) and Emmanuelle Mattana (Fwends) attached as writers. In A Model Family, five ultra-lifelike AIs have escaped from a secret research facility in the Australian countryside and must pass for a human ‘nuclear’ family to survive.
Fear is the Rider: This horror-thriller is from the team behind The Forgiven, including writer/director/producer John Michael McDonagh, producers Elizabeth Eves, Kate Glover, Nick Gordon and Trevor Matthews, and executive producer Natalie Coleman. In Fear is the Rider, a lone woman searching for her missing mother is pursued into the Australian Outback by a terrifying family of cannibalistic serial killers, with only an ex-con and a young girl willing to help her. Major production investment from Screen Australia and financed with support from Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund. Local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment, with international sales by Film Constellation and CAA.
After All: From writer/director/producer Jess Murray (Moments of Clarity) and writers Tom Ward and Declan O’Byrne-Inglis, After All is a six-part comedic adult YouTube animation set against a post-apocalyptic wasteland. After living in a bunker for most of their lives, mutant filmmakers Flynn and Marshall venture out to make “the best movie ever made”, but quickly realise that stardom is not as important as friendship. It has received principal production funding from Screen Australia and financed with assistance from Screen Tasmania.
Bluebottle: A thriller-comedy feature film from director Jim Weir and writer/director Jack Clark of Birdeater, producers Gal Greenspan (Moja Vesna), Rachel Forbes (Strange Creatures) and Ryan Bartecki (The Novice), and executive producers Joel Edgerton (Boy Swallows Universe), Ari Harrison (Lesbian Space Princess, The Moogai) and Jane Badler. During the final night of ‘Schoolies’ in an isolated coastal town, three local dropouts battle three handsome older men for the affection of three private school girls – tackling social issues of class, consent and identity. Major production investment from Screen Australia, with Co Created Media co-financing and Umbrella Entertainment distributing locally.

CEEBS
For the list of announced projects funded across the Narrative Content Department this financial year, visit:

For more information about Screen Australia funding and to apply, click here.
Download PDF
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]

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Before they vote: How schools shape young citizens

Source:

01 May 2025

Politicians have a duty to move beyond tokenistic gestures and engage seriously with young people’s ideas and concerns.

As politicians continue the campaign trail with carefully scripted messages and media spin, researchers from the University of South Australia say young people are watching – and learning the wrong lessons about democracy.

With children and teens already engaging with political issues on social media, the election period is a critical opportunity to shape how they understand democratic participation.

The call follows recommendations from the Australian Parliament’s report for a nationally consistent approach to civics and citizenship in education, with a focus on digital literacy to help young people decipher misinformation through social media.

UniSA’s Associate Professor Joel Windle says politicians have a duty to move beyond tokenistic gestures and engage seriously with young people’s ideas, concerns and capacities for civic engagement.

“Australia’s democracy depends on citizens being informed and engaged, especially in a system of compulsory voting. Yet rising misinformation, disengagement, and distrust pose serious challenges,” Assoc Prof Joel Windle says.

“For young people and children, election campaigns present a master class in deflecting questions, talking to pre-set points, controlling and shutting down debates and, at all costs, avoiding controversy.

“So rather than arming voters and young people with valuable information upon which to base decisions, politicians are demonstrating the exact opposite.”

The researchers say that to engage young people and encourage children to grow into active, connected citizens, we need to model, not undermine, democratic values.

“Civics is also often under-prioritised, outdated, and disconnected from students’ lives, with many teachers lacking the confidence to address contemporary or controversial issues,” Assoc Prof Windle says.

“From our research, we know that upper-primary school children are more than capable of tackling complex social and political topics. And, with the right support, can investigate anything from local concerns such as unsafe streets, to global challenges like climate change.

“We also know that they are excellent producers of podcasts and digital content. Blend these together, and you get students who can research, reflect, and represent issues in balanced, thoughtful ways, while navigating and filtering digital content. That’s the essence of democratic citizenship.

“With the federal election highlighting the gap between political practice and civic ideals, it’s more urgent than ever to ensure young people learn that democracy is about dialogue, accountability and action – starting in the classroom.”

The UniSA team’s new book – Being Heard: Remixing Critical Literacy for Active Citizenship – offers practical, research-backed strategies for teachers to build student voice and agency in the primary classroom.

The research team includes: Assoc Prof Joel Windle, Assoc Prof David Caldwell, Assoc Prof Melanie Baak and Dr Aidan Windle.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Contact for interview:  Assoc Prof Joel Windle M: +61 414 577 454 E: Joel.Windle@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Annabel Mansfield E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

Other articles you may be interested in

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Stay well this summer

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Staying well-hydrated is essential in hot weather.

In brief:

  • Hot weather can bring a range of health concerns.
  • There are ways to prepare and protect yourself against getting sick.
  • Read on for advice on health issues commonly experienced in summer.

From sunburn to salmonella, hot weather can present a range of health concerns.

Seek medical help if you or someone you know becomes unwell.

Beat the heat

Signs of heat exhaustion include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fainting, and headaches.

In extreme heat, be sure to do the following.

  • Wear sunscreen and a hat.
  • Plan your day around the heat. Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
  • Drink plenty of water. Talk to your GP about how much water you should drink in hot weather if they normally limit your fluid intake.
  • Pack a drink bottle. Remember there are water refill stations in public places like shopping centres and parks.
  • Go somewhere where there is air conditioning. If it’s too hot at home, ACT libraries are a great place to stay cool while also keeping young ones entertained. You could also consider shopping centres or museums.
  • Check in with friends and family.

Who is at higher risk?

Some people are at higher risk of heat-related illness. These include babies, young children, those who are older, pregnant or have medical conditions and people who work outdoors. Don’t forget to look out for your pets too.

If you’re at higher risk, talk to your GP about how to prepare for extreme heat.

Find more tips on the ACT Health website.

Keep aware of air quality

In the warmer months, air quality can decrease due to bushfire and grassfire smoke, dust storms and elevated pollen levels.

Some people are more sensitive to dust and smoke, including:

  • people with a heart or lung condition
  • people with diabetes
  • babies and children
  • older people
  • pregnant people.

Prepare by chatting to your GP. Make sure your prescription medicines are up to date and to have an action plan in case your symptoms flare up.

Stay indoors and close your doors and windows during periods of poor air quality.

Take note of prescribed burns

It’s worth noting the ACT Government conducts several prescribed burns each year to manage fire risk across the region. Plan ahead and find out when prescribed burns are happening in your area. Check the ESA website to see a list of active incidents. And if you see a fire unattended, call triple-zero (000).

You can check Canberra’s current air quality on the ACT Health website.

You can also monitor pollen levels by downloading the free AirRater app or by visiting the Canberra Pollen Count and Forecast Service website.

Be aware of thunderstorm asthma

If you have asthma, or even hay fever, you’re probably aware of thunderstorm asthma.

While rare, it can sudden, serious and even life-threatening. Thunderstorms can cause some people to develop severe asthma symptoms very quickly.

To be as prepared as possible, ensure your hay fever and /or asthma action plan is up to date. If you have asthma or have had it in the past, always carry a reliever (puffer).

Protect against mosquito bites

To protect yourself against mozzie bites and reduce the risk of exposure to the diseases they may carry:

  • cover up with a light-coloured, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt, long pants and covered shoes when outside
  • apply mosquito repellent and reapply it regularly
  • take special care during peak mosquito biting hours (in the ACT most mosquitoes become active at dawn and dusk, and into the evening)
  • remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home
  • use flyscreens on windows and doors.

Learn more about mosquito risk and prevention.

Be mindful of food preparation and storage safety

The risk of food poisoning is higher in summer. Many Canberrans entertain outdoors, attend barbecues away from home and enjoy festive leftovers.

Bacteria in food multiply faster in warm environments. Refrigerating and disposing of food appropriately is important to reduce the chance of becoming unwell.

Christmas ham, for example, lasts up to 14 days (depending on how you store it). It also takes up precious room in your fridge, so be sure to bin it once it’s past its prime.

Prevent illness by keeping hands and utensils clean, cooking foods, like meats, thoroughly and discarding food that has been left out for more than four hours.

View the ACT Health’s Food safety in hot weather web page for more details.

Check recreational water quality

It’s important to check the conditions of recreational waterways before swimming or playing in lakes and ponds.

Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites and algae are often found in waterways.

If you or your family drink water in recreational waterways while swimming or camping, for example, you can become sick.

The most common illness from poor water quality is gastroenteritis.

More information

Visit the ACT Government website for health advice during spring and summer.

If you feel unwell, or are concerned about your health, see your GP, visit a Walk-in Centre or consult another healthcare professional.

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


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Wacky and wonderful sports to try in 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Looking to get active in the new year? If the inside of a gym gives you nightmares, and running isn’t your thing, why not try something with a bit more personality? 

Canberra offers plenty of fun and unique sports to explore.  

These sports are a great way to stay active while trying something new and exciting.

Dodging, ducking, and diving – dodgeball will test your endurance, stamina and skill, all while you have a blast!  

Urban Rec Canberra host two dodgeball leagues. You can get a team together or register as an individual and make new friends along the way.

It may be low-profile in Australia, but handball is kind of a big deal. One of the most popular team sports in Europe, over 183 countries play handball – and it’s even in the Olympics!

This isn’t your traditional schoolyard foursquare. Handball is a high paced, full contact indoor sport that resembles a mix of soccer, netball and basketball.

Canberra Handball have a variety of competitions, including a social competition that runs all year round – perfect for a novice looking to give the sport a try.

Broomball is a unique sport that blends elements of ice hockey and field hockey. Instead of skating, players run on the ice wearing special broomball shoes.

In Canberra, ACT Broomball runs a summer and a winter season. The summer season runs from mid-October until early April, and the winter season typically runs from late April/early May until early October.

Quadball is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played by hundreds of people across Australia (and thousands more worldwide).  

Inspired by the fictional sport ‘quidditch’ in the Harry Potter series, the rules of quadball are similar to their source material, with some modifications (and a little less magic).  

If you’re keen to jump on a broom and get involved – the Canberra Quadball Club is ready to help you get started.

Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a favourite with players of all ages and abilities.

Played indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court, pickleball is gaining popularity across the ACT – including at ‘The Pickledome’ in Fadden.

Pickleball ACT runs daily social play, both northside and southside. There are also tryout sessions.

Not into team or partner sports? No problem – there are plenty of exciting individual sports to explore.

Nordic walking transforms a simple walk into a full-body workout. Far more than just walking with poles, this low-impact and affordable exercise is a fun and effective way to stay fit.

In Canberra, the Capital Nordic Walking community offers beginner courses, skill enhancement lessons, and group walks.

Looking to unleash your inner Viking? Axe throwing sounds like the sport for you.

Axe throwing a fun sport where participants throw steel axes at a target to try and receive the highest score. More than just a backyard hobby, axe throwing is a competitive sport with a global following.