Month: October 2025

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Painting trees blue to shine a light on mental health

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services




Painting trees blue to shine a light on mental health – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















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Released 10/10/2025

A tree in Gowrie has been painted blue as part of the Australia-wide Blue Tree Project to mark World Mental Health Day.

This is the fourth tree in Canberra to be painted blue with funding from the ACT Government to encourage the community to start conversations about mental health.

Minister for Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said blue trees can be a visual symbol of hope and generate important discussions with friends and loved ones.

“If someone walks or drives past and doesn’t know why a tree has been painted blue, finding the answer can prompt a discussion about mental health and wellbeing that might not have happened otherwise,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“In 2023, 37 people tragically lost their lives to suicide in the ACT. Each death from suicide has an impact across the community – in families, friendship groups and workplaces – often affecting dozens, if not hundreds of people.

“Openly discussing mental health is an important first step in reducing this number and addressing the stigma that still exists in our society.”

Minister Stephen-Smith said seeing a blue tree was a good reminder to check in on family members or friends to see how they’re going.

“People can be going through a hard time for all sorts of reasons, and human connection is important even when things are going well. Supporting a loved one can be as simple as just listening and chatting to them about what they are going through, helping to find resources or organising an appointment,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“Seeing a blue tree is also a good opportunity for self-reflection and encourages people to think about their own mental health.”

The ACT Government continues to invest in mental health services to support the community with $9.4 million committed in the Territory 2025-26 Budget over four years to strengthen community-based mental health programs, especially for young people and their families.

The ACT Government also recently launched Minds Together, a free online program to support families, friends and carers of those experiencing suicidal distress and committed $1.5 million to Thirrili, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation, to help deliver culturally appropriate care and support in suicide prevention, intervention, postvention and aftercare support for ACT’s First Nations communities.

“It is important for Canberrans to know that there are services and support for people who are struggling with their mental health, including culturally safe options,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“I urge anyone going through a hard time, or who knows someone who could use help, to get in touch with one of the great support services in the ACT. Please remember that you are never alone.”

Visit the Blue Tree Project website for more information on the project and where to find a blue tree anywhere in Australia.

For more information on mental health support and care in the ACT, visit the ACT Government website.

For immediate support, contact:

  • Access Mental Health: 1800 629 354
  • Lifeline: Provides crisis support and suicide prevention services (call 13 11 14) (online option Lifeline Crisis Online Chat Service | Lifeline Australia)
  • Beyond Blue: Offers support for anxiety, depression, (call 1300 22 4636).
  • Suicide Call Back Service: Provides counselling for people affected by suicide or with thoughts of suicide (call 1300 659 467)
  • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 or webchat.
  • Medicare Mental Health: provides information, advice and links to free and low-cost phone and online mental health services, as well as supports to help you or someone you know Medicare Mental Health Canberra | Medicare Mental Health Canberra
  • Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) – online suicide prevention training program, available free of charge to the ACT public. Accessed here QPR Training
  • Q Life: LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral (call 1800 184 527).

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Feedback sought to shape how roads and streets are managed across NSW

Source: Mental Health Australia

NSW’s roads and streets form 80 percent of the state’s public spaces and provide addresses for more than 3.3 million properties – and now the community has a chance to help shape their future.

Transport for NSW is leading a once-in-a-generation review of the Roads Act 1993 and is seeking input from councils, community members, peak bodies and industry experts about how the legislation should be reformed.

The aim is to create a more modern, flexible and easy-to-use law that can help enable NSW Government initiatives such as housing targets and making the state more liveable and vibrant.

In the past roads were mainly considered simply as routes for vehicles, but now they are recognised for their much wider functions including community spaces for events and outdoor dining, corridors for housing and freight, and routes for public transport, cycling, walking and e-micromobility.

Consultation is currently underway on an Options Paper which outlines three possible models for reforming the law and Transport for NSW is asking for anyone who interacts with the Act directly, to provide their detailed feedback.

The broader community is also being asked to contribute to an online survey and have a say about what they want roads and streets to look and feel like and what could be done to help make them safer, easier, or more enjoyable.

 Transport for NSW Executive Director of Transport Policy Ruth Graham said now is the time to update the Act to bring it up to modern standards and expectations.

 “There are frustrations that the Act does not provide clarity over which authority manages what, definitions can be vague, and this leads to too much red tape, duplication and decisions not being made locally.

 “Ultimately the aim of this review is to create an Act that underpins a well-functioning road network. From highways to laneways, we need our state’s roads to help create and connect vibrant, liveable towns and cities.”

 “We know that successful reform cannot be designed in isolation which is why we want to draw upon the knowledge, experience and insight of councils, industry, government agencies, community groups and individuals during this review.”

 Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Sydney Eamon Waterford said roads are so much more than simply avenues to move vehicles through.

 “Cultural shifts in the past 30 years have seen roads transform into places for people, for parties, as well as for cars, buses and light rail,” Mr Waterford said.

 “The review of the Roads Act gives us a unique opportunity to expand the scope of what our roads are used for and create a truly connected, vibrant and liveable city. Kerb to kerb, we want to see all kinds of users on our roads.”

 Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils Mayor Sue Moore said while road funding is not part of the review, she would welcome any reforms that would give councils more freedom to make decisions on their local road network

 “Reviewing the Act and making changes to it could support community wellbeing and liveability by providing councils with greater influence over local streets and their use for a variety of recreational activities and events,” Cr Moore said.

“Streamlining approvals processes could reduce community frustration and assist with meeting state and local housing targets.”

NSW President of the peak body representing transport planners and traffic engineers, Transport Professionals Association Graham McCabe agreed more clarity is needed for councils and developers alongside other considerations.

“We also need a broader view of how to balance the need to move people and goods making streets better places,” Mr McCabe said.

“We want the review of the Act to look at how we manage the road network in the best interests of the community, providing access to properties and embedding the safety and amenity of all users of the road environment, such as vehicle occupants, public transport patrons and people using the corridor as a public space.”

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Spring Cycle riders urged to plan ahead

Source: Mental Health Australia

Thousands of people will cycle across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to raise money for Lifeline this Sunday, 12 October 2025, when Spring Cycle returns after a four-year pause.

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said riders and volunteers should plan ahead to get to the 10km or 50km course. 

“After a pause due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spring Cycle is returning,” Mr Collins said.

“It is the only charity event that crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge and goes through the CBD and Inner West.

“Transport for NSW is a proud sponsor of this 42-year-old community event. It is a great day out for riders of all ages and experience. We encourage participants to enjoy active transport in this safe and inclusive environment.

“Travel on trains, metro and ferries is covered for participants and volunteers. Simply show your rider bib, volunteer t-shirt or travel pass to transport staff when boarding services. Free travel is also approved for volunteers travelling without bikes on Sydney buses and light rail services.”

Victoria Cross Metro Station and North Sydney Train Station are both a short ride from the starting area in St Leonards Park. Riders are reminded that access to street level from Metro platforms is by lifts only and to allow extra travel time to reach the start area if arriving by Metro. From the finish area in Pyrmont, there are plenty of transport services within a short walk or ride to get home. 

Trains will run frequent services from Olympic Park Station near the Cathy Freeman Park finish area for the 50km ride. 

Riders are reminded that bikes can only be carried on light rail or ferries at the discretion of the drivers and crew. Ferry services are usually very busy on Sundays and can reach capacity quickly. 

Riders can take bikes on trains to and from the event, but ahead of the after-market converted e-bike ban coming into effect on 1 November, passengers are being asked not to bring any converted e-bikes on Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, or Metro services.

“Road closures will be in place along the first 10km to Pyrmont including the Cahill Expressway, lanes on the Harbour Bridge and the Western Distributor between 4am and 11am. From Pyrmont, cyclists in the 50km ride will continue to Olympic Park sharing roads with motorists and abiding by general road rules,” Mr Collins said.

“Other roads in North Sydney, the Sydney CBD, Pyrmont, and Sydney Olympic Park will be closed throughout the day.

“If you have a car or any vehicle parked in special event clearways along sections of the course, please move them on Saturday night as these clearways start very early on Sunday morning.”

Ferry passengers are reminded that buses will replace ferry services between Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park wharves from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 October, due to electrical relocation work as part of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Enabling Works project. Bikes are not permitted on buses, so please use trains to travel home from Olympic Park.

For more details on public transport changes during the event, including trip planning and travel alerts, visit Spring Cycle | transportnsw.info or use the Opal Travel app or other trip planning apps.

For real-time updates on traffic conditions, including road closures and special event clearways, visit Live Traffic NSW |.

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$1 million reward for Victoria Cafasso case in bid to solve 30 year old murder

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

$1 million reward for Victoria Cafasso case in bid to solve 30 year old murder

Friday, 10 October 2025 – 11:50 am.

Tasmania Police has today announced a $1 million reward for information relating to the brutal 1995 murder of 20-year-old Italian tourist Victoria Cafasso on Tasmania’s east coast.Making the announcement at Launceston Police Station today, Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said that the reward would be paid for any information which leads to, or contributes to, a murder conviction relating to Victoria.Tomorrow marks 30 years since Victoria Cafasso was brutally murdered at Freshwater Creek, Beaumaris, on 11 October 1995.“This was a random and particularly vicious attack murder of a young girl at the very beginning of her adult life,” Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said.“Despite several lengthy investigations and calls for information over the past 30 years, her murderer has never been charged.“For nearly a third of a century, the murderer has lived with this on their conscience. That must consume them. They have the opportunity to provide closure to Victoria’s family. It’s not too late.“Families always deserve answers to what happened to their loved ones and we owe it to Victoria’s family to find those answers.”Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said that reward was the largest ever offered in Tasmania.“This is a life-changing amount. 30 years have passed since Victoria’s murder and we are confident that with the passing of time, personal circumstances may have changed that will enable someone to provide the information required to close this case and provide answers for Victoria’s family and friends,” he said.“These rewards are an important investigative tool that may entice people with crucial information to come forward and provide this to police.”Northern District Commander Marco Ghedini said as with any cold case, the investigation into Victoria’s murder remains open, and police regularly reviewed information relating to the case provided by members of the community.“Victoria’s family deserve closure, and our detectives continue to work to try and provide that closure,” Commander Ghedini said.In 2023, detectives investigating the case released reconstructed images of a vehicle spotted at various locations in the Beaumaris area including at Freshwater Creek at the time of Victoria’s murder.The distinctive light coloured Subaru Station Wagon was a vehicle of interest in the early stages of the investigation, and police are today renewing calls for information in relation to that vehicle.Police are interested to hear from anyone who may have knowledge of that vehicle and any person linked to a vehicle of that description in October 1995.Witnesses told police a man was driving the vehicle of interest in the area at the time of the murder.The man was described as being in his 20s, about six feet tall, slim build, but very fit, sun-tanned legs and arms, with the appearance of a surfer.A person matching that description was also seen running onto the beach where Victoria was located.“I can confirm that detectives have interviewed a man as a result of the information gathered to date. This person remains a person of interest,” Commander Ghedini said.“In addition, police are once again seeking contact from the reporting person who made a report to Crime Stoppers on December 28 2024 who identified a person who they suspect of serious assaulting their partner in 1990.“We have had two media releases asking this person to come forward but at this stage that person has not identified themselves. Our message is to please come forward.”Crime Stoppers Tasmania General Manager Aldo Antolli reminded the community that Crime Stoppers Tasmania provides the opportunity for information to be reported anonymously.“I encourage anyone with information about the murder of Victoria Cafasso to please report to police through Crime Stoppers Tasmania. Your tip could be the missing piece of the puzzle.“Crime Stoppers don’t need your name or personal details, just the information you’re reporting for police investigation.”Anyone with information relating to the murder of Victoria Cafasso should contact police on 131444, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

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Eaglehawk Recycle Centre to transition to City management

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

From November 1, 2025, the City of Greater Bendigo will take over the management and operation of the Eaglehawk Recycle Centre.

The City of Greater Bendigo and the Eaglehawk Recycle Shop (ERS) wish to advise the community that ERS will cease operating the Eaglehawk Recycle Centre facility on October 31, 2025.

Following recent discussions between the City and the ERS Board, agreement has been reached ERS will conclude its operations at the end of October, both parties are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the community and staff.

The City acknowledges the significant contribution ERS has made to the local community and the environment over many years, and thanks the Board, staff, and volunteers for their dedication and service.

As part of the transition, the City will work closely with ERS staff to identify employment opportunities within the new operating model. These opportunities will be available through the City’s required recruitment process.

City staff are working closely with the ERS Board to develop a transition plan that ensures continuity of service and supports the ongoing success of the facility.

Further updates will be provided to the community in the coming weeks.

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New Hydrogen Headstart round continues industry scale-up

Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

Overview

  • Category

    News

    Date

    10 October 2025

    Classification

    Hydrogen energy

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has opened the second round of its landmark Hydrogen Headstart Program, with up to $2 billion in funding available to accelerate the development of large-scale renewable hydrogen projects across Australia. 

This funding round will build on the lessons learned from the first round, with a renewed focus on supporting projects that target high priority use cases, as well as projects that look at ways to reduce the cost of renewable hydrogen production in the long-term. ARENA welcomes submissions from a range of projects, including those that focus on: 

  • Innovative plant construction and design to reduce capital costs. 
  • Improving efficiency of electrolysers. 
  • Flexible operations and other methods to reduce the cost of renewable electricity. 
  • Enhancing end-use infrastructure for priority sectors, including hydrogen for green ammonia, iron and steel, alumina, and long-distance heavy transport including aviation and shipping. 

Arena CEO Darren Miller said that Hydrogen Headstart is about unlocking innovation, shaping new supply chains and helping to cement Australia’s role in the global energy transition. 

“ARENA is aiming to bridge the gap between ambition and reality. We know that renewable hydrogen will play a critical role in decarbonising heavy industry, particularly in sectors where electrification is not feasible or alternatives are limited,” said Mr Miller.  

“Getting renewable hydrogen to commercial scale will take time, innovation and ongoing support. By backing industry first-movers, ARENA is providing the certainty to invest, innovate and develop the next wave of projects and learnings.” 

Over the past 8 years, ARENA has invested more than $370 million in 65 renewable hydrogen projects, as well as two projects under the first Hydrogen Headstart funding round. This support has spanned early-stage research through to first-of-a-kind deployments, delivering valuable insights and opportunities for Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry. 

Hydrogen Headstart Round 2 is now open for expressions of interest. For more information and the Program Guidelines, visit the funding page. 

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 174KB)

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It’s time for free family fun at FunLoong Fun Day

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Hargreaves Mall and part of Williamson Street will come alive with heaps of free activities and live entertainment as part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s annual FunLoong Fun Day from 11am to 2pm on Saturday October 18, 2025.

City of Greater Bendigo Healthy Communities and Environments Director Jess Howard said FunLoong Fun Day is an inclusive event that celebrates National Children’s Week with a great range of free activities and live entertainment for children and families to enjoy.

“It is one of the most anticipated and well attended free annual events for local children and their families,” Ms Howard said.

“We are looking forward to seeing local families turn out in big numbers yet again and encourage everyone to come along and enjoy this free family event filled with fun activities and opportunities to connect.”

Highlights of the 2025 FunLoong Fun Day program include face painting, animal farm and reptiles, bubble fun, photo booth, story time, safe archery, airbrush tattoos, henna painting, toy library, slot cars, craft activities, waste sorting and garbage truck, free fruit, giveaways and more.

There will be a Welcome to Country and didgeridoo performance on the Hargreaves Mall live stage as well as other live performances by Central Victorian Lion Team and O’Shea-Ryan Academy of Irish Dance.  Don’t miss the Princesses and Dragons live performance and roving characters.

The Zone Open Street in Williamson Street will feature a chair-o-plane ride, Jurassic adventure jumping castle, laser tag spaceship, meltdown challenge, bike riding, activities by Bendigo Braves and Bendigo Spirit Basketball Clubs as well as displays by Ambulance Victoria, CFA, SES and Victoria Police.

The Kangaroo Flat Rotary Club will be selling sausages and vegie burgers for only $2 each and the Coliban Water refill station will also be available for people to refill their water bottles.

This is a not to be missed annual event with plenty of free fun entertainment and activities on offer for local families.

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Two arrested after assault at Noarlunga Centre

Source: New South Wales – News

Two people were quickly arrested after an assault at Noarlunga Centre last night.

Police and paramedics were called to a report of an assault in the car park of the Noarlunga Interchange about 10.30pm on Thursday 9 October.

The patrol located the victim, a 52-year-old Huntfield Heights man, who was taken to hospital by ambulance.  His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

It will be alleged he was punched and kicked by two males armed with a long metal object.

Security guards and witnesses were able to provide a description and direction of the suspects to police, and the pair were arrested nearby.

A 17-year-old boy from Tonsley and a 20-year-old Christie Downs man were both charged with aggravated assault, affray and carry offensive weapon.

The youth was bailed to appear in the Youth Court on 26 November.

The Christie Downs man was refused police bail and will face court today.

Anyone who witnessed this incident who has not yet spoken to police can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

260844

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Severe weather conditions impacting north and north west of the state

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Severe weather conditions impacting north and north west of the state

Friday, 10 October 2025 – 6:39 am.

Severe weather conditions are impacting the north and northwest of the state now.Emergency services are currently responding to the following:-Mount Street Burnie – tree over road between Sutton and Southwell StreetMount Street Burnie – wall fallen and blocking part of the road, near Pine AvenueMassey Green Drive South Burnie – tree blocking road 1.5kms south of Bass Highway JunctionThree Mile Line Road Upper Burnie – tree over road, southern side of hockey groundMeander Valley Road Westbury – tree on road 2 kms out of Westbury on Deloraine sideWest Tamar Highway Legana, power pole snapped, extensive power interruptions expectedSheffield Road, Dalwood Road Barrington, large tree across the roadMotorists are asked to drive to the conditions and take care as the weather front crosses.

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First purpose-built electric bus depot is a glimpse into Sydney’s public transport future

Source: Mental Health Australia

A well-connected site at Macquarie Park will become Sydney’s first purpose-built electric bus depot, with the awarding of the contract to build the facility and release of new concept designs.

Sydney’s first purpose-built electric bus depot is an important moment in the transition to battery electric buses as the Minns Labor Government plans a phased switch from the 8000-strong diesel and gas fleet over the next two decades.

Construction of the $145 million depot, funded 50:50 by the NSW and Commonwealth governments, is expected to begin early in the New Year and be operational in 2028.

Subject to final design, the Macquarie Park depot, located alongside the M2 on Talavera Road, will operate about 150 buses that will service areas from the northwest suburbs to Ryde, Parramatta and the lower north shore.

Read the full media release here (PDF, 105.67 KB).