Month: August 2025

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

03/08/25

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

National Missing Persons Week 2025

Monday, 4 August 2025 – 11:15 am.

As part of National Missing Persons Week, Tasmania Police is highlighting seven long-term missing persons, with the aim of seeking public information and raising awareness of the impact on families and friends when someone goes missing.
“This year National Missing Persons Week has the theme ‘Forever Loved’ and a focus on the impact of loved ones when someone goes missing,” said Sergeant Paul Devine from the Tasmania Police Missing Persons Unit.
“Behind every missing person are loved one’s longing for answers, and by raising awareness of profiles this week, we hope to encourage anyone with information to come forward.”
“Even the smallest detail could be the key to locating a missing person and bringing much deserved answers for families and loved ones.”
Currently in Tasmania, there are 181 long-term missing persons dating back to the 1950s.
“While the circumstances surrounding long-term missing persons are reported to the Coroner, they will remain listed as missing persons and their cases will remain open until we find the answers as to what happened to them,” said Sergeant Devine.
This week – as part of National Missing Persons Week – Tasmania Police is highlighting seven long-term missing persons:

Susan Maddern – last seen on 9 August 2005 in Western Creek
Nazrawi Woldemichael – last seen on 9 October 2016, in North Hobart
Margaret Nancy Sarnek – last seen on 22 August 1975, in George Town
Celine Cremer – last seen on 17 June 2023, in Waratah
Robin Geoffrey (Geoff) White – last seen on 9 April 1992, in Launceston
Nicola (Nick) Sallese – last seen on 17 November 2008, in Sheffield
Peter John Gill – last seen on 27 August 2006, in New Town

“If you know anything about a missing person, even if you think it’s a minor detail, please come forward – you could help us find the answers and bring closure to families.”
Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or 1800 333 000.
Crime Stoppers Tasmania General Manager Aldo Antolli said Crime Stoppers gives people the chance to come forward with information, without having to talk to police.
“For nearly every missing person, someone knows something which has the power to bring answers to those who are missing them.”
“Please come forward. You can stay anonymous, and they will never know it was you who spoke up,” Mr Antolli said.
Profiles of Tasmanian and interstate long-term missing persons can be viewed at missingpersons.gov.au

Source: South Australia Police

The highly anticipated Landsdale library and youth innovation hub, Dordaak Kepup, is in the final stages of construction.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

The Albanese Government will soon launch a new $130 million campaign aimed at encouraging international travelers to plan and book an Australian holiday.

First seen in a teaser campaign launched by Prime Minister Albanese on his recent visit to China, the second chapter of Tourism Australia’s successful Come and Say G’day campaign will go live in China on 7 August with the new advertising creative to progressively roll out in other key markets before the end of the year.

In the new TV and online video advertisements brand ambassador Ruby the Roo will be joined by talent well-known to audiences in the US, UK, China, India and Japan.

Familiar faces include –

• Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin will feature in the campaign in the US
• Food writer and TV cook Nigella Lawson in the UK
• Actor Yosh Yu in China
• Wellness advocate Sara Tendulkar in India; and
• Comedian Abareru-kun in Japan

Australian actor Thomas Weatherall will also feature in the new advertising creative.

The second chapter of Come and Say G’day builds on the global campaign which launched in October 2022. In that time the warm and welcoming creative, featuring Ruby the Roo, has increased consideration for an Australian holiday.

The Australian tourism industry has been growing since the resumption of global travel with the number of international arrivals expected to reach a record 10 million in 2026, growing to 11.8 million in 2029.

This campaign, which will run for the next two years, will take the total investment by the Federal Government in Come and Say G’day to $255 million since 2022.

For every dollar the Government invests in tourism attraction, we receive a $14 return which helps to support more than 700,000 jobs and 360,000 businesses, the Albanese Government is supporting the industry to continue building and setting new records.

You can see a compilation of the five new TV commercials and the full US and China ads.

Quotes attributable to Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell:

“The previous campaign struck a chord with visitors, with Ruby the Roo bounding into the imagination of countless guests, encouraging them to book a holiday down under.

I know this iteration, featuring popular talent like Robert Irwin, will be a smash.

Tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities right around the country and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Come and Say G’day is bringing more visitors to our shores, creating more jobs and growing our economy.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Tourism Nita Green

“Supporting our tourism industry means supporting the jobs in Australia that rely on it.

“This next chapter of Come and Say G’day will do just that. It’s energetic, funny and heart-warming, and highlights Australia’s iconic places and the memories you can make but vis-iting them.”

“I can’t wait to see the campaign launched across key markets, and bringing more visitors to every part of Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Australian Managing Director Phillipa Harrison

“Traditionally tourism campaigns have leveraged one famous face across every market but for our latest campaign Ruby will be joined by well-known talent from five different markets to showcase personal lasting memories of a holiday to Australia,”

“The new campaign features Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin in the US; food writer and TV cook Nigella Lawson in the UK; actor Yosh Yu in China; entrepreneur and philanthropist Sara Tendulkar in India; and media personality and comedian Abareru-kun in Japan.

“These international stars combine with local talent, including Australian actor Thomas Weatherall and Ruby the Kangaroo, to create bespoke invitations for five markets that are tailored for each country to showcase the sort of tourism experiences travellers are looking for.

“This campaign is part of the enormous body of work Tourism Australia does in key markets around the world and is backed up by a whole range of programs that helps our Australian tourism industry grow their international business.”

“With competition for the international tourism dollar greater than ever before, we are confident this second chapter of Come and say G’day will ensure Australia continues to remain front of mind for travellers looking to plan and book their next holiday.”

Source:

Deborah Warr with the history of Langley Barfold Fire Brigade

A new book chronicling 100 years of the Langley Barfold Fire Brigade captures the ways in which a local rural fire brigade has been protecting its community from the dangers of fire while adapting to technological advancements and climate change.

Time and Change – 100 Years of the Langley Barfold Fire Brigade explores how the work of the fire brigade has transformed over time in response to change, while recognising the enduring importance of community in sustaining a local fire brigade.

The book was written by Barfold local and former academic Deborah Warr who said the project showed the importance of community in sustaining a local fire brigade.

“In reading historical accounts and talking to past and current members I saw how important community was to the vitality of the brigade. Communities need a brigade to manage the risks of fire and people joined brigades because they wanted to protect their community,” Deborah said.

She said the book builds on other local histories and combines archival material and interviews with brigade and community members.

“Like many local fire brigades, it has been sustained by the contribution of families who have been here for generations as well as new people moving into the district and joining the brigade.”

The book describes major fires that have threatened the district over the years. Deborah said these kinds of local histories are important as a source of knowledge for communities both in terms of how they have protected themselves from fire in the past and the unique factors that bring communities together.

The book also traces how the establishment of CFA profoundly shaped local brigades, as well as insights gathered in the aftermath of large fires in Victoria, including Black Friday, Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday.

“It’s a cracking yarn,” brigade Captain Mark Bond said. “There’s a lot to be learned from this history for understanding what happened and how it might happen again”.

Deborah agreed. “We learn about community resilience in ways that could help us to continue to navigate longstanding and new emerging risks of fire.”

The hard-cover book was launched at Holcolm Estate Distillery in Barfold last weekend (26 July).

It’s available at Aesop’s Attic in High Street, Kyneton, and direct from the Langley Barfold Fire Brigade.

Source:

Industry Fire Prevention Officer Paul DiMartino takes the team through the training.

Knowing how to act in the first moments of a fire can make all the difference.

Source: New South Wales – News

Police attended a Bordertown home just after 11pm on Sunday 3 August to check on the welfare of the two occupants.

Tragically, a 47-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, who were in a domestic relationship, were both found deceased at the property.

Detectives from Limestone Coast, Forensic Response Section and Major Crime Investigation Branch attended the scene and investigations are continuing.

The investigation is in its early stages, but police are not seeking any suspects in relation to this matter.

Police are preparing a report for the State Coroner.

Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

199738

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Entries are now open for the 2025 Battle of the Bands until Friday August 22, 2025 with all finalists to perform at the fourth annual BendiGLOW Youth Fest – a glow in the dark, themed event for young people that will take place from 3pm to 9pm on Saturday September 20, 2025 at Bendigo Exhibition Centre.

Battle of the Bands is open to local bands of all genres and is free to enter and participate. It’s a fantastic opportunity for local emerging musicians aged 12–25 who live in Greater Bendigo to showcase their talents and perform live in front of a large crowd.

Yo Bendigo is calling on music teachers, youth workers, parents, or industry professionals who may know a young talented band that could benefit from participating in the Battle of the Bands to please encourage them to apply and showcase their skills.

Not only will the winning band gain valuable exposure, but they’ll also take home an incredible range of prizes, including recording studio time, merchandise packages, and future performance bookings.

The Battle of the Bands competition has become a cornerstone of Bendigo’s youth music scene, and this year it will be even more competitive, with finalists performing live on a professionally equipped stage. The event will also be broadcast across the region by Phoenix FM, reaching even more music lovers.

Young artists are the future of live music in Greater Bendigo and the Battle of the Bands event supports the vibrancy, vitality and life of our community.

This year’s BendiGLOW Youth Festival will also feature a range of other entertainment and activities including an inflatable laser tag arena, skateboarding sessions and workshops, UV face and body painting, food trucks, community and youth service stalls, chill out zone and interactive spaces.

Battle of the Bands and BendiGLOW are initiatives of YO Events, Greater Bendigo’s youth events team – a fun-loving team of young people who create local arts events and experiences by young people for young people.

BendiGLOW is supported by Amplify and Victorian Youth Fest, both Victorian Government initiatives that support young Victorians to get involved in their community by planning and running drug, smoke, vape and alcohol-free music and cultural events for young people. It is a safe and secure event with no pass-outs. Entry is free with donations welcome to support YO Events activities.

For additional information, contact the YO Bendigo team via email or phone (Ask for YO Bendigo):

[email protected] 

1300 002 642

To submit an entry and see the full rules and conditions visit:

Source: New South Wales – News

About 7pm on Sunday 3 August police and fire crews responded to reports of a Holden sedan alight on First Avenue, Nailsworth.

Fire crews quickly responded and extinguished the blaze.

Checks on the car revealed it was a stolen car and displaying stolen plates.  The silver Holden Astra had been stolen from a Parkside property earlier this year.

Crime scene investigators attended to investigate the cause of the fire.

An examination of the vehicle revealed front end damage consistent with a collision with a pole or similar, which has likely sparked the engine fire.

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area or has CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.