Month: August 2025

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From Curious to Confident: NAB Dives into 40+ Hours of Data & AI Learning this August

Source: Premier of Victoria

As AI becomes a part of everyday life, NAB is lifting its approach to Data & AI literacy, hosting 40 events and activations for its team throughout August dedicated to building knowledge around how these tools can make a real difference for customers.

NAB Chief Data & Analytics Officer Christian Nelissen said the initiative is about giving employees the chance to build new skills, understanding, and confidence, no matter their role.

“This month is a chance for our team to fully immerse themselves. It’s an open invitation to the more than 38,000 colleagues across the bank, whether they’re deep in the data or just starting out. We’re encouraging them to be curious, dive in and explore these tools,” Mr Nelissen said.

Now in its fourth year, NAB’s Data & AI month is a bank-wide educational program designed to help colleagues at all levels grow their confidence and capabilities with data and AI.

This August, 40 hours of learning will be delivered across 19 working days, with sessions exploring how different tools can improve customer experiences, while being used safely and responsibly. The programme breaks down what it takes to build a truly data-driven organisation – from making customer experiences more personalised in real time and ethical data practices, to exploring how NAB’s platforms connect behind the scenes through the evolving Lakehouse architecture.

According to research by Canva, 92% of leaders say AI literacy is a must-have skill in the next two to four years. At NAB, colleagues have had access to more than 200 hours of learning since Data & AI month launched in 2021. Over the past four years, more than 10,000 colleagues have attended sessions during the month. With growing interest in how AI and data are shaping the workplace, even greater engagement is anticipated this year.

The annual series reflects NAB’s longer-term commitment to building AI literacy across the bank and giving all employees an opportunity to learn. In addition to the dedicated month, NAB also has Data & AI Guilds which provide continuous learning and development opportunities for colleagues.

“AI has been around for years, but the current pace of change is rapid. Providing opportunities to learn are vital to helping drive creativity and innovation.

“History shows us the pattern: from printing presses to electrification to the dot-com boom, every major leap has created new skills and roles.

“Fifty years ago, banks had thousands of typists. Today, we have none – and yet we employ more people than ever before. No one was hiring for a Prompt Engineer five years ago. The nature of work will change.

“We’re implementing GenAI tools which are removing drudgery for our people, giving them time back to solve more complex tasks that AI can’t for our customers.”

Unlocking the Strategic Power of Data 

Data & AI Month also invites teams to explore how data can be used to reshape customer understanding and help drive smarter decisions.

“We have an enormous amount of data and reporting available to us,” said Mr Nelissen.

“But we haven’t fully tapped into its potential to rethink how we can anticipate customer needs, streamline decision making and rethink how our teams operate.

“That’s what Data & AI Month is all about – turning insight into action.”

During the month, colleagues will also hear from platform partners like Databricks, AWS and Microsoft, who are deeply embedded in NAB’s technology ecosystem.

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More nurses for every patient and newborn

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Phase Two of nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios has been implemented at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital.

In brief:

  • Phase Two of nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios has been implemented at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital.
  • These new staffing standards support nurses and midwives to deliver even higher quality care.
  • This article overviews where ratios are now in place, including those implemented as part of Phase One.

The second phase of nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios has been implemented at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital.

New staffing standards under Phase Two of ratios implementation ensure clinical areas have:

  • an identified team leader
  • a balanced mix of staff
  • a minimum ratio of nurses or midwives based on how busy and complex the unit is.

Why are ratios important?

Phase Two supports nurses and midwives to deliver even higher quality care. It also aims to:

  • ensure resourcing for nursing and midwifery staff to provide safe care
  • improve outcomes for patients
  • improve working conditions for nurses and midwives.

Nurses and midwives have told us what they need to provide the best care possible, and we’ve listened.

Where have ratios have been implemented?

From 1 August 2025, ratios are in place at Canberra Hospital in:

  • perioperative services
  • maternity services
  • the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • the Special Care Nursery at Canberra Hospital.

At North Canberra Hospital, they are now in place in perioperative and endoscopy services.

Where were ratios rolled out previously?

This latest rollout follows successful introduction in other units. These include:

  • maternity, the Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit and Emergency Department at North Canberra Hospital earlier this year
  • paediatric, oncology, emergency, intensive care, and coronary care services at Canberra Hospital last year
  • general medical, general surgical, acute adult mental health, and aged care inpatient wards across Canberra Health Services in 2022.

Ratios are now in place in all inpatient areas at North Canberra Hospital.

The ACT remains one of the leading jurisdictions in Australia in recognising the importance of maternity ratios, ensuring safer care for both mothers and newborns.

Phase Two is supported by 2024–25 ACT Budget investment over four years. An additional 137.2 full time equivalent nurses and midwives will be recruited across ACT public health services.

This contributes to the ACT Government’s commitment of recruiting 800 extra healthcare workers.

The ACT Government will continue to work closely with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ACT Branch) and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of ratios.

Find out more on the ACT Government website.

Read more like this

More maternity facilities for Canberra Hospital

Catering to kids in the Emergency Department

Keeping Canberra’s hospital wards safe

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ACT public schools taking a lead on literacy and numeracy

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Alyssa Owen has stepped up to the role of literacy and numeracy leader for Calwell Primary School.

In brief:

  • The Strong Foundations program is helping every public school deliver a consistent approach to learning.
  • In 2026, all ACT public schools will be using evidence-informed methods to teach literacy and numeracy.
  • Literacy and numeracy leaders are guiding its implementation in ACT public schools.

ACT public schools are working to develop a system-wide approach to learning.

This means in 2026, all ACT public schools will be using evidence-informed methods to teach literacy and numeracy.

Newly appointed literacy and numeracy leaders guide this work. These are workers in early childhood and primary schools across Canberra.

‘I’m excited to take on this role,” Calwell Primary School’s Alyssa Owen said.

‘I’m keen to see how we can build on the good work we are doing. I know we can incorporate engaging, hands-on ways to make learning meaningful and accessible for all students.’

Literacy and numeracy leaders come together

The ACT public school literacy and numeracy leaders met in March for their first session.

Professor Barney Dalgarno is the Executive Dean of the University of Canberra. He is also Chair of the ACT Literacy and Numeracy Education Expert Panel.

He spoke to the leadership group and explained the Expert Panel’s 8 recommendations and key findings for literacy and numeracy.

He discussed how the findings can be successfully implemented in K–6 classrooms in all ACT public schools.

These literacy and numeracy leaders will help lead the Strong Foundations program into schools.

Benefits for students and teachers

Alyssa and her ACT colleagues will continue to meet throughout the year. They will discuss curriculum, teaching strategies and lesson planning. It is something she looks forward to.

‘Strong Foundations will provide valuable professional learning opportunities for our teachers. I can see how the consistency across classrooms will help create a seamless learning experience for students,’ she said.

‘I’m doing this because every child deserves the opportunity to build confidence in reading, writing and mathematics. I want to support my colleagues to make learning engaging and accessible for all our students at Calwell.’

Learn more about Strong Foundations on the ACT Education Directorate website.

Read more like this

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Arrests over child neglect in southern suburbs

Source: New South Wales – News

Two people have been arrested after a child was assaulted in the southern suburbs.

It will be alleged that on 3 May, a 4-week-old child was taken to a hospital with a swollen leg. A medical examination was conducted identifying a number of serious injuries which included bone fractures.

Detectives from Southern District Criminal Investigation Branch conducted an investigation into the child’s injuries which has today resulted in the arrests of a 34-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man from Reynella East.

Both were charged with criminal neglect and recklessly cause serious harm.

They were granted bail to appear at the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on 30 September.

All parties are known to each other.

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Couple in missing light plane identified

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Couple in missing light plane identified

Tuesday, 5 August 2025 – 4:42 pm.

With the permission of their family, Tasmania Police has released the names of the two Tasmanians on board a light plane that has been missing since Saturday.
Gregory Vaughan, 72, and his partner Kim Worner, 66, of Deloraine, plus their dog Molly, were in a light sport aircraft that took off from George Town airport about 12.45pm on Saturday. 
The plane is a two-seater Bristell S-LSA in distinctive green colour.
Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark said the plane did not arrive at its destination in central NSW as scheduled and family members raised the alarm on Saturday evening. 
“The two people on the plane have not been in contact with anyone, or aviation authorities, since they left George Town,” Inspector Clark said.
“If anyone has information that could assist the search, has seen a plane matching this description, or noticed anything such as unusual debris on land or in the water, they should contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.”
A Tasmania Police helicopter crew conducted sweeps of the state’s northern coastline between George Town and Turners Beach today however, there has been no sighting of the plane.
Inclement weather and low cloud complicated search conditions, while boats did not go out on the water due to the rough conditions.
Inspector Clark said Tasmania Police would continue searching on Wednesday.
“Significant resources have been utilised in the search and Pol Air will continue to be used over the next two days, at which time the search efforts will be re-assessed based on any possible new information that becomes available,” he said.
“The longer Gregory and Kim are missing the greater the concerns are for their welfare.”

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Search continues for missing light plane (pics and video)

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search continues for missing light plane (pics and video)

Tuesday, 5 August 2025 – 3:09 pm.

The search for a light plane, missing since Saturday afternoon, is continuing along the coastline of northern Tasmania.
A Tasmania Police helicopter crew has been conducting aerial searches today in the area from George Town to Turner’s Beach.
Pictures and video available here.
Please credit Tasmania Police.

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New ACT Program to Support Wellbeing and Community for LGBTIQA+ People with Disability

Source: Australian National Party




New ACT Program to Support Wellbeing and Community for LGBTIQA+ People with Disability – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 05/08/2025

The ACT Government has announced the launch of a new peer support initiative to improve the wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people with disability, backed by a $451,000 investment over three years.

Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services Suzanne Orr said the program is being delivered through a partnership between the Office for Disability and the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs and reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to inclusion, equity and community-led solutions.

“We know that LGBTIQA+ people with disability often face intersecting forms of discrimination and exclusion,” Minister Orr said. “This program is about supporting spaces where people can connect, organise, and lead change on their own terms.”

The initiative will be delivered by a partnership between two Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) – Women with Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) and Inclusive Rainbow Voices. Inclusive Rainbow Voices is Australia’s only LGBTIQA+ DPO.

The successful project, titled ‘Our Voices, Our Spaces: Co-Creating Community with LGBTIQA+ People with Disabilities’, will provide a safe and empowering environment for people to build community, advocate for their rights and determine their own priorities for connection and support.

“This initiative reflects the ACT Government’s values of self-determination and co-design. That’s why the program guidelines don’t prescribe specific activities – instead, they empower participants to shape the scope of the program to best meet their own needs,” Minister Orr said.

“This is a proud step forward in our work to ensure everyone in the ACT feels seen, supported and valued.”

The project will also include the appointment of a part-time project coordinator to support participants and help strengthen long-term community capacity.

The ACT Government thanks WWDACT and Inclusive Rainbow Voices for their leadership and looks forward to seeing the positive impact of the project on the lives of LGBTIQA+ people with disability in the ACT.

Quotes attributable to Katherine Marshall (they/she), Chief Executive Officer at Inclusive Rainbow Voices:

“The IRV team is very excited to embark on this important project in partnership with WWDACT, working to create peer support and self advocacy opportunities for LGBTIQA+ people with disability living in ACT. As Australia’s only LGBTIQA+ Disability advocacy organisation, this project will also play a significant role in representing the needs and priorities of our ACT communities in our broader advocacy and policy work.”

Quotes attributable to Kat Reed (they/them), Chief Executive Officer at Women With Disabilities ACT:

“This is a massive win for our Canberran LGBTIQA+ people with disability – and during Disability Pride month no less! We thank the ACT Government for supporting such a vital intersection and for their commitment to genuine co-design for our community. The program will be open to all Canberrans and region who identify as LGBTIQA+ and as having a disability(ies). Women with Disabilities ACT looks forward to platforming local LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities over the next 3 years as part of the program.”

– Statement ends –

Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Celebrating National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day in the ACT

Source: Australian National Party

As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 04/08/2025 – Joint media release

The ACT Government is proud to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day and this year’s theme, ‘Little Footsteps, Big Future’, a reminder of the importance of community, culture and connection to Country in helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow strong in identity and thrive throughout their lives.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Suzanne Orr said the ACT Government remains committed to working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve outcomes for children and young people.

“This is a day to reflect on the vital role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and organisations in supporting children to grow up strong in culture,” Minister Orr said.

“While there is more work to do, we are progressing reforms and delivering programs that prioritise culturally safe, community-led approaches across health, education, child protection and youth justice.”

“I acknowledge and thank our partners in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for their vital advocacy and contributions to shaping reform. Their leadership is resulting in better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the ACT.”

Some of the key initiatives underway include:

  • Birthing on Country Model of Care – Co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to bring culture and connection into maternity care
  • Perinatal case management – Holistic support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies, connecting them with health, culture and social services
  • New Gugan Gulwan facility – A purpose-built space to deliver culturally safe supports for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Expansion of Koori Preschools – Increased places and cultural learning opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0–5
  • Connection to Country excursions – Birrigai Outdoor School programs offered to early childhood education services
  • Waruga Yardhura – A support service helping school-aged children re-engage with education through family-centred, culturally responsive support
  • Our Booris, Our Way reforms – Embedding self-determination and Aboriginal decision-making into the child protection system
  • Support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) – Strengthening local services through the Establishment and Expansion Fund
  • ACT Aboriginal Children’s Forum – Service delivery ACCOs and government working together to improve systems and policies for Aboriginal children

These actions reflect the ACT Government’s commitment to listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and acting on community-led priorities to support children and families. These approaches are also complemented by the introduction of new therapeutic supports system in line with raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 and addressing overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the justice system.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education and Early Childhood, Yvette Berry MLA:

“From early childhood to high school, we are investing in programs that celebrate culture, promote aspiration and support learning.

“Whether it’s Koori Preschools, Connection to Country excursions or Mura Awards, we want every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student to feel seen, supported and proud of their identity.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA:

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength, culture and future of First Nations children and their families.

“Keeping parents safe, healthy and confident throughout pregnancy, birth and the early weeks and months of a child’s life lays the foundation for their wellbeing. That’s why we’re working with community to co-design a Birthing on Country model of care. This is a powerful step in Closing the Gap and ensuring every baby born on Ngunnawal Country has the best start in life.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson MLA:

“The ACT Government recognises the critical importance for getting it right for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and we are committed to doing everything we can so they can thrive and grow strong connected to culture. We are delivering systemic reform, innovative programs, and initiatives that strengthen the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) sector.”

“We recognise the strength in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and it is incumbent on us to make sure they have access to early, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support if they need it.”

“The recent decline in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care in the ACT is a result of improvements in family preservation and support systems.”

Quotes attributable to Natalie Brown, Chair of the Our Booris, Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee:

“The Our Booris Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee remains committed to doing everything we can for the little footsteps and the big futures of our children and young people. The theme highlights the importance of nurturing children’s voices, and hopes for the future, and we started our review hearing the voices of our children and families and their experiences of the Out of Home Care system. This year’s theme reflects the hope we hold for our children to grow up strong in family, culture and identity in order to experience futures of their own design and desires. While Children’s Day is a powerful moment for celebration, its message is one that carries through the entire year. We see the next generations glowing with pride as they practice their inherent rights as sovereign peoples and we also glow with pride for them. Our committee members have raised our children here and we have lived-living experience and expertise of the ACT Out of Home Care system. The experiences of the children are held strongly in our hearts and whilst we always feel like change is too slow and we can never do enough, our message is that your experiences drive our determination to make change, so your footsteps walk you towards a big future that keeps you and your families strong in culture.”

– Statement ends –

Suzanne Orr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA Deputy Chief Minister | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Applying for DGR endorsement as a community shed

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Community sheds must be run in a specific way to be eligible for deductible gift recipient (DGR) endorsement under the community shed category.

We’re seeing some organisations apply for DGR endorsement as a community shed when they are not eligible. By checking a few details before you begin to apply, you can avoid wasted time and frustration.

Here’s what you need to know.

Community sheds (such as men’s sheds and women’s sheds) provide a range of activities for their members with the purpose of advancing mental health and preventing or relieving social isolation.

To be eligible for DGR endorsement, a community shed must meet all the following criteria:

  • have an active ABN
  • be located in Australia
  • be registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
  • have the characteristics of a community shed
  • have a DGR winding up and revocation clause.

Before you apply for DGR as a community shed, check that your community shed meets all the below characteristics:

  • Its dominant purposes are advancing mental health and preventing or relieving social isolation. This means that the main activities of the organisation must reflect this purpose.
  • It provides a physical and dedicated location for people to work collaboratively (for example by gardening, woodworking or other activities that foster connection and improve mental health through shared experiences). The community shed should support people to work on projects or other activities in the company of others at that location.
  • It has an open membership that allows anyone to join. This means not restricting membership based on matters such as age, ethnicity or background. Membership may only be restricted in relation to gender or Indigenous heritage or both.

Sunrise Men’s Shed meets the criteria

Sunrise Men’s Shed is a registered charity with the ACNC. Its constitution states that its dominant purpose is to advance mental health and relieve social isolation. It operates a physical shed where members work on woodworking and gardening projects together. It works to achieve its dominant purpose by inviting guest speakers to talk about mental health, providing information and mental health first aid training, and linking members with professional mental health services. Membership is open to all men, regardless of age, background, or ethnicity.

Before Sunrise Men’s Shed applied for DGR endorsement, they checked to make sure they met the criteria to be eligible. They confirmed that in their purpose and activities were eligible; their constitution they had a DGR winding up and revocation clause; that they were registered as a charity with the ACNC; and their membership was open (restricted only by gender, which is allowed).

Because they met all the DGR criteria they could move on to the next step of applying for DGR endorsement.

End of example

Craft & Connect Shed Inc. opens their membership

Craft & Connect Shed Inc. is a not-for-profit that runs hobby classes. Its constitution focuses on skill-building and creative expression to support member’s mental health and forge social connections. Membership is limited to people over 60 and the committee can refuse membership for new members without needing to provide a reason.

The shed’s leadership team wanted to apply for DGR endorsement as a community shed. Before they applied, they checked their characteristics to see if they were eligible.

They realised that they would need to update their membership policy to allow people of any age to join, and not have a committee approval process where some applicants could be denied approval.

After serious discussion, Craft & Connect Shed decided that they would open their membership to people of all ages. Some committee members were concerned that new members who were disruptive might cause problems for Craft & Connect Shed, and with open membership nothing could be done about it. But after other committee members explained that they could develop a code of conduct to set expectations for members, those fears were put to rest.

After updating their membership process and checking the other criteria, Craft & Connect Shed went ahead and applied for DGR endorsement.

End of example

ToolTime Co. is a club for people living in the Happy Meadows area. Local residents can join to make use of collective woodworking facilities, 3D printers and sewing machines.

The primary purpose of ToolTime Co. is to give people access to machines they might not have at home, to encourage creativity and learn new skills. While they are using the facilities they might enjoy the benefit of talking to other people and being in their company, but advancing mental health and preventing or relieving social isolation is not the primary purpose of the club.

The club briefly considered applying for DGR endorsement, but quickly identified that they did not qualify because of their restrictive membership, and because their dominant purpose was not advancing mental health and preventing or relieving social isolation. The club was happy with their existing structure and decided not to make any changes. They did not apply for DGR endorsement.

End of example

Review the guidelines before applying for DGR endorsement

If you are considering applying for DGR endorsement, check your charitable NFP meets the criteria before you submit your application.

Learn more about DGR endorsement for Community sheds, or find out more about Deductible gift recipient eligibility in general.

Stay up to date

  • You can read more articles in the Not-for-profit newsroom and, if you haven’t already, subscribeExternal Link to our free monthly newsletter Not-for-profit news to be alerted when we publish new articles.
  • For updates throughout the month, Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Moltisanti regularly shares blog posts and updates on her LinkedInExternal Link profile. And you can check out our online platform ATO CommunityExternal Link to find answers to your tax and super questions.
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Engaging a tax professional

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

A tax professional can help you prepare and lodge a range of obligations. Tax professionals include tax and BAS agents who must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). You can check whether a person is registered on the TPB websiteExternal Link.

Note that BAS agents can only provide some of the services tax agents are registered to provide. For example, while BAS agents can support you to meet your obligations, they can’t legally charge a fee to lodge a not-for-profit (NFP) organisation self-review return or income tax return on your behalf. You can find more information about the difference between tax agents and BAS agents at Finding and using a tax practitionerExternal Link.

We have enhanced our protections against identity-related fraud and theft, so if you choose to engage a new tax agent to lodge your NFP self-review return, you must nominate them as your NFP’s tax agent.

How to nominate your agent

To nominate your tax agent:

Set up your digital ID, such as myID

  1. Link your digital ID to your NFP’s ABN.
  2. Log into Online services for businessExternal Link.
  3. Nominate your authorised agent in Online services for business.
  4. Let your agent know you have nominated them.

Before you can complete steps 1 and 2, you must make sure you are the principal authorityExternal Link for your NFP. This is also known as the associate for your NFP.

For more detail about these steps visit How to nominate your registered agent, which includes a downloadable PDF guide with screenshots. You can also see Agent nomination for more information.

Stay up to date

  • You can read more articles in the Not-for-profit newsroom and, if you haven’t already, subscribeExternal Link to our free monthly newsletter Not-for-profit news to be alerted when we publish new articles.
  • For updates throughout the month, Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Moltisanti regularly shares blog posts and updates on her LinkedInExternal Link profile. And you can check out our online platform ATO CommunityExternal Link to find answers to your tax and super questions.