Source: South Australia Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Monbulla in the State’s South East.
The collision occurred on Mount Burr Road, Monbulla, southwest of Penola, about 1.30pm on Friday 21 November.
Mount Burr Road is currently closed to all traffic around the scene between Old Kalangadoo-Penola Road and Riddoch Highway.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternate route.
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
Local construction company Fairbrother Construction will lead the $45M redevelopment of Bendigo Art Gallery – the City of Greater Bendigo’s largest-ever infrastructure project.
Following a competitive tender process, Fairbrother’s appointment was endorsed at the November Council meeting.
Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the Gallery had been Council’s number one priority project.
“This exciting announcement marks the beginning of a landmark project for our city and region,” Cr Prince said.
“The new Bendigo Art Gallery will be a destination of national and international significance – a vibrant, engaging space defined by timeless architecture and designed to inspire both our community and visitors.”
The project will deliver a second level blockbuster exhibition space, innovative learning centre, theatrette and Traditional Owner Place of Keeping for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural materials.
City Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said the Gallery project was an exciting opportunity for the local construction sector to be part of.
“Fairbrother stood out for its experienced local team, commitment to engaging local sub-contractors, and proven track record delivering major projects on time and on budget,” Mr Cooney said.
“Fairbrother has also built similar cultural attractions across Australia, including our own Gallery extension in 2014 and the iconic MoNA in Tasmania.
“This project is an incredible investment in arts and culture as well as the economic future of our region, and we look forward to working with Fairbrother to bring this new building to life.”
The redevelopment is expected to generate more than 260 jobs during construction, with the completed project creating 170 local jobs and driving up to $35M in annual spending for the local economy.
Fairbrother General Manager – Victoria, Ben Millar, said the firm was thrilled to be appointed to lead the construction of the Gallery’s next chapter.
“Fairbrother has a strong track record of delivering community infrastructure projects within the Bendigo region, inclusive of previous stages at the Gallery and we appreciate this opportunity to again contribute to the cultural landscape of our community,” Mr Millar said.
“It is a privilege to be involved in such a pivotal project for the Bendigo region, which will welcome future generations of visitors, artists and local families and further strengthen Bendigo’s reputation as a leading destination for the arts in regional Australia.”
Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot welcomed Fairbrother to the project and said the team was now focused on preparing for the Gallery’s closure later this month.
“We’re excited to work with Fairbrother, whose team clearly demonstrated an understanding of the project’s bespoke design and high-quality finish requirements,” Ms Bridgfoot said.
“Our goal is to deliver a world-class gallery and a place that honours the Gallery’s founding motto, ‘Art for the People,’ when it was established 138 years ago.”
The Gallery will close to the public on Sunday November 30, as staff continue transferring artworks into storage.
Since July, the team has been preparing for the closure and planning an offsite program, including CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks, opening at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre in March 2026. Tickets go on sale Monday December 1, 2025.
The redeveloped Gallery is expected to reopen in early 2028, with more announcements to come on exhibitions, events and activations during the closure.
The redevelopment project is being funded by a $21M investment from the Victorian Government, $9M from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4M from the Gallery Board, and more than $9.35M in philanthropic support, including major contributions of $4M from the Sidney Myer Fund and $3M from the Ian Potter Foundation.
Source: Australia Government Statements 2
Host, Sally Sara: Pat Conroy is the Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs – and joins me now. Minister, welcome back to Radio National Breakfast.
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy: Thanks for having me.
Sara: I need to ask you the ‘Are we there yet question?’. When are you expecting the results of this review from the Pentagon about AUKUS?
Conroy: We know it’s very imminent and so we expect it shortly, but we’re not in a position to announce when that is. That’s a decision for the U.S. Government. But we take a lot of confidence in what President Trump said in his historic meeting with Prime Minister Albanese that AUKUS is going ahead – full steam ahead. And we saw that on display yesterday at HMAS Stirling with the USS Vermont undergoing maintenance at our naval base. This is the deepest level of maintenance that’s ever occurred outside U.S. territory and had Australian workers performing maintenance on a U.S. submarine. And it demonstrates that AUKUS is on track and we’re hitting all our key milestones.
Sara: Are you expecting this AUKUS Review by the end of the year? Is that the kind of timeframe we’re in?
Conroy: Well, we’re not going to get drawn into speculating about the timeframes. We expect it to be imminent. But we’re getting on with the job as is the U.S. system. And President Trump said is that it’s full steam ahead and we’re seeing that momentum in all levels of the U.S. system. The maintenance period for the Vermont is going very well. It includes Australian innovations including metal fabrication to support the conning tower, including a water purification plant that is a world’s first to make sure that there’s pure water going to the submarine – these are all driving jobs. They’re driving value add for the Alliance. And it’s just another example of AUKUS proving the detractor’s wrong and that we’re getting on with it.
Sara: So, how significant is the announcement of this first contractor to the construction of Virginia-class submarines?
Conroy: This is very significant. We’re running two separate qualification programs where we’re qualifying Australian companies to produce parts for not just our submarines but the U.S. and U.K. submarines. This is a great way of building our sovereign industrial base to build our own submarines in Adelaide and that will contribute to the 20,000 jobs that AUKUS will deliver. HIFraser’s the first company to qualify to produce three valves and pipe fittings for the U.S. Virginia-class submarines. And that means more jobs for Australians. But it also helps the U.S. increase the industrial base supporting their submarines. They’re ramping up production – that’s important for us. And having great Australian companies like HIFraser as part of that process is a is a definition of a win-win.
Sara You’re listening to Radio National Breakfast. You’re hearing from the Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy. Minister, the Opposition Leader, Sussan Ley will give a national security speech tonight at the Menzies Institute in Melbourne. She’s expected to express concern about the nation’s fuel supply. Does Australia have enough oil to meet its domestic needs if there were a serious global supply chain disruption?
Conroy: Well, we’re working on increasing our fuel supply, both how much is held in Australia as well as a maritime reserve shipping fleet to make sure that we can transport it around. We’ve been very clear that what we inherited from the last government was unacceptable. They consistently breached the IEA 90-day standards and they tried to satisfy it through saying that they had options of fuel in Texas. We’re working to build our fuel reserves. In the defence industry, for example, we’ve provided grants to look at fuel refining in this country. We’ll continue the work on that – but Sussan Ley’s got no credibility on that, nor does she have credibility on the broader defence issues. When they were in government, they were a disaster zone. They cut $20 billion from the defence budget in secret and added $42 billion worth of spending promises without increasing the budget.
Sara: Labor’s already had a term to sort out this fuel issue. Why haven’t you been able to sort it out?
Conroy: Well, we are working on it – and we’ll continue to do so. We’ve increased the defence budget by $70 billion, which is the biggest increase in the defence budget in peacetime ever. And we’re providing capability at speed to the Australian Defence Force. We’re also obviously working on where we can increase fuel reserves and that continues to be a work in progress. But I’m not going to say to your listeners that it’s solved – but it’s a work in progress that we’ll continue to work on.
Sara: A question about conventions when it comes to defence and politics. So, this week the PM wore a Navy baseball cap during a press conference while criticising the Coalition. Does that meet those conventions about having some separation there?
Conroy: Oh, absolutely. Those conventions go to hiding behind uniforms to make political attacks. The PM wasn’t wearing a uniform. I was wearing the same cap. We were wearing those caps for two reasons. One, we were celebrating an important milestone in the development of AUKUS. And secondly, we were doing a press conference in the full sun. So, you’re sensible to be wearing caps. I think people are reaching for a very long bow to draw any connection between that and Scott Morrison doing press conferences at RAAF bases with Top Gun music being played and red carpets being laid out. We were very careful in what we were announcing. It was not a political announcement. It was about progress in AUKUS. And as part of that, at the end of the press conference, the PM was asked questions about other matters of the day. I think they’re a bit silly if they think of that as a comparison to what Scott Morrison was doing.
Sara: Let’s talk about COP. Given the stalemate with Türkiye over competing bids to host next year’s COP Climate Conference, is Australia preparing to withdraw its proposal completely?
Conroy: We’re continuing to negotiate the best possible outcome for progress on climate action and to draw attention to what’s occurring in the Pacific. And so we are still negotiating – we’re still seeking to win the rights to host the COP in conjunction with the Pacific. But we’re also being frank with the Australian people that the U.N. Framework Convention has consensus rules – which means that any one country can block a successful bid. So, we’re working through that process. We’re still seeking to host COP – but we’ve been very clear that our focus is on getting a positive outcome for climate action and highlighting what is going on in the Pacific. And what we’ve also alerted people to is that if resolution can’t be achieved by the end of the week, the U.N. rules mean that the climate conference would devolve to Bonn in Germany and the Germans aren’t particularly keen to host it. And that would remove the opportunity to highlight the impact of climate change in the Pacific. So, we are working through a number of options. We’ve said that we would not veto Türkiye if they were chosen. They haven’t been chosen yet, but we would not veto it. And we would obviously look at what would be the options to highlight what’s going on in the Pacific. And that could include a high-level leader’s meeting in the Pacific as well as a pledging event at the COP aimed at building support for the Pacific Resilience Facility, which we are the largest funder of at the moment. So, we’re very focused on strong climate outcomes and supporting the Pacific.
Sara: Would it be fair to say that Australia would be prepared to abandon its bid as long as Pacific nations are guaranteed a role in next year’s conference wherever it’s held?
Conroy: What I can say to you is we are absolutely determined to see this result. That’s really important, firstly so that we avoid a COP in Bonn without a COP President, without a Pacific focus – and we are very focused on acting in the national interest, including a positive outcome for the Pacific. Chris Bowen is busily negotiating in Brazil right now and we’ll see how the next couple of days go. But we’ve made very clear, we respect the U.N. process, and our ultimate aim is to advance the national interest and support a strong Pacific outcome.
Sara: Minister, thank you for your time this morning.
Conroy: Thanks, Sally. Have a great day. Bye.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two youths in relation to aggravated robberies that occurred in Galiwinku overnight.
Around 3:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that four male youths had threatened 3 women at two separate residences with a hammer, stealing one vehicle, abandoning it, and stealing another.
Local police deployed to the scene, and with assistance of community members, located and arrested two males aged 13 and 14.
Both youths have been remanded in custody and transported to Darwin to attend court on 24 November. Efforts to locate the remaining two youths are ongoing.
Both stolen vehicles have since been recovered.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25314206. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Police have arrested a 55-year-old female in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Palmerston yesterday evening.
Around 5:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a female had allegedly assaulted another adult female with an edged weapon at the Palmerston Bus Interchange.
It is alleged that the offender approached the victim and grasped her by the hair before assaulting her with an edged weapon. She then fled the scene on foot.
Police and St John attended, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The offender is not believed to be known to the victim.
CCTV operators were able to track the location of the offender and police arrested the 55-year-old nearby.
She remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444, quoting reference number P25313738. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
First place – Nariel Valley Fire Brigade. Photographer: Courtney Simpson
The competition invited brigades to share moments that reflect meaningful community engagement — from conversations about fire safety to hands-on activities that help people prepare for the season ahead.
Congratulations to winner Courtney Simpson from Nariel Valley Brigade.
Courtney’s winning photo beautifully captures the sweeping Nariel Valley landscape and the deep connection the brigade has with its local community and environment. The photo embodies the essence of what Get Fire Ready is all about: community, place and preparedness.
Congratulations also to Emma Larsen from Gapsted Brigade,who was awarded runner-up for her standout entry.
Emma’s photo perfectly depicts the spirit of community engagement at Gapsted, with brigade members working alongside locals against the vibrant backdrop of the town’s rural setting. It’s a wonderful snapshot of teamwork and community resilience in action.
Both winning images exemplify the values at the heart of CFA – collaboration, readiness and the power of community working together.
| Submitted by | Georgina Hill |
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Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry
Today, I have accepted the very clear and unambiguous recommendation from the Foreign Investment Review Board to block Cosette Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and Cosette Australia Bidco Pty Ltd from acquiring a 100 per cent interest in Mayne Pharma Group Limited on national interest grounds.
My decision is entirely consistent with the FIRB advice that the proposal would be contrary to Australia’s national interest.
This is about doing what is necessary to protect Australia’s national interest, the security of our critical medical supply chains, local jobs and the local community.
The decision was not taken lightly and comes after months of careful and methodical deliberations.
This robust process gave consideration to all available options, including whether any conditions could be applied to adequately mitigate national interest risks.
As part of this, I took seriously the final ruling from the Takeovers Panel on 19 November 2025. It is important to note that the Panel is independent and not governed by a national interest test.
Following broad consultation, I received unequivocal advice from Treasury and FIRB that no conditions could be put in place to adequately mitigate national interest risks, particularly unique risks to the supply of critical medicines.
This advice incorporated views from the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the South Australian Government.
Australia welcomes foreign investment and operates a non‑discriminatory foreign investment framework to ensure foreign investment is in our national interest.
Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Harvester fires can start from a mechanical fault like faulty bearings, hydraulics or brakes, but the vast majority of header fires start in the engine bay where dust and debris are blown by cooling fans and ignite the hot exhaust.
While CFA is pleased to have seen a decline in harvester fires over recent summer seasons, and thanks farmers for their attention to detail, the current conditions serve as a reminder not to be complacent.
A fire starting in the header’s engine bay can spread to the surrounding crop before it is noticed by the machine operator, and in the minutes it usually takes to get water onto the fire, it could grow to several hectares. On days of high wind those same crop fires could grow up to 100 hectares within under an hour.
On the afternoon of Monday 10 November, CFA responded to a spreading Quambatook crop fire, where 15 CFA units were on scene, supported by aircraft, to help bring the fire under control.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer District 20 Michael Sporton said the fire burned about 60 hectares and was caused by a buildup of dust and chaff on the header blades.
“It is possible the header had not been blown down, and they had just begun stripping when the fire began.” Michael said.
“This season, with low rainfall and dry soil, headers will be taking on more dirt, meaning farmers need to clean their headers more frequently to prevent dust buildup.
“Fine dust from pulse crops like lentils and lupins can accumulate around the engine and exhaust system, and if it heats up, it can smoulder and potentially ignite spot fires, particularly in windrows.”
There have already been three harvesting related fires in CFA’s District 18, and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gavin Wright said the incident in Meatian burned 255 acres.
“The fire got out of a lentil paddock and into standing barley and was caused by the front belt on the header. It really does serve as a reminder of the consequences of crop fires,” Gavin said.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan stresses machinery safety should not only just be a priority for farmers, but also to all Victorians, ensuring regular equipment maintenance and fire-safe practices.
“During the last Fire Danger Period, CFA responded to 146 vegetation fires caused by machinery and vehicles, including slashers, tractors, ride-on mowers, caravans, and trailers,” Jason said.
“Each incident posed a risk not only to those on the ground but also to neighbouring properties.
“By prioritising equipment maintenance and simple safety protocols, we can significantly cut down on these preventable fires.
“With everyone doing their part, we can help protect lives and property.”
Crop and Farm Machinery Fire Safety
| Submitted by | CFA media |
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Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory
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 21/11/2025 – Joint media release
The Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation building in Wanniassa has become the first operational building in the Territory to achieve a certified five-star rating under the Green Star Buildings v1.0 tool.
Green Star is an internationally recognised Australian sustainability rating and certification system.
The Green Star Buildings v1.0 tool assesses actual performance across construction and operation, making this certification a robust indicator of real-world sustainability outcomes.
The building achieved its 5-star rating through a combination of forward-thinking design and construction practices, including:
During construction, the project also delivered strong environmental outcomes:
Over the building’s 60-year design life, it is expected to deliver a 49 per cent reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions thanks to low-carbon material choices, efficient systems, and long-lasting structural design. This reduction is roughly equivalent to planting 40,000 trees or taking 250 cars off the road for a year.
This project also reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to developing culturally safe spaces, with design elements shaped by the needs and aspirations of the Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation.
This aligns with the ACT Government’s initiative to delivering infrastructure that is inclusive, sustainable and community led as captured in the Planning Act 2023 and the ACT Sustainable Buildings Pathway.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Public Service Rachel Stephen-Smith:
“The Government is proud to have delivered a new home for Gugan Gulwan that meets its needs as a growing organisation, providing a warm and culturally appropriate space for their clients.
“This building was designed in partnership with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with the aspiration of achieving a 5-star Green Building certification.
“Today’s announcement confirms that we have not only delivered a beautiful and unique new building for a much loved local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, but we have demonstrated how to deliver the climate conscious infrastructure Canberrans expect.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr:
“The ACT Government is proud to have partnered with Gugan Gulwan to design and deliver their new home.
“The building is a great example of a purpose-built facility that is both culturally led and sustainable providing an ongoing connection to Country through artwork and storytelling as well as a central gathering place for people to come together while at the same time treading as lightly on the environment as possible.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson:
“Gugan Gulwan plays an important role in supporting children, young people and their families in the ACT. The thoughtful and sustainable design of this new space will provide a foundation for even stronger connections, services and outcomes for generations to come.”
– Statement ends –
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Suzanne Orr, MLA | Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases
Source: Tasmania Police
Best of both worlds – from shearing shed to Constable on beat
Friday, 21 November 2025 – 10:36 am.
Victoria Lang is confident her experiences in the hustle and bustle of a shearing shed will hold her in good stead as she makes a career switch to Tasmania Police.
The qualified wool handler, wool classer and successful competitor, is part of Tasmania Police Recruit Training Course 4, 2025 and is undertaking an intensive 28-week program, with the goal to graduate next year.
While building a career within Tasmania Police is her focus, 26-year-old Trainee Constable Lang is still passionate about rural life and will continue, with her partner, to run 500 Merino ewes on land leased at Orielton.
The couple also worked on sheep farms and in shearing sheds around the country in the past six years in Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
Trainee Constable Lang said it was heartening to be able to pursue a policing career and continue her interest in the agriculture sector.
“Tasmania Police has been very encouraging in this new career but also for me to still continue with farming and competing, which is something I love to do,” she said.
“I have always had an interest in policing as my family are heavily involved in the emergency services. I guess I wanted more life experience before I joined, which I was very lucky to have been able to do when we were working.
“Coming from an ag background, there are definitely some skills I have gained from wool handling, working on farms, and being around those busy shearing sheds, that I have been able to be transfer over to policing.
“In the shearing industry, it can be pretty full-on, and as a wool handler we have to be able to work hard and to work under pressure. Having that experience behind me has been helpful in the recruit process, as the training can get intense at times.
“It has been challenging, but in a good way, as I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”
Away from the police academy, Trainee Constable Lang recently competed in the 2025 National Shearing and Wool Handling Competition in Jamestown, South Australia, in late October.
She placed third in the Open Wool Handling, missing a spot by one on the two-person Australian team to take on New Zealand in a trans-Tasman challenge.
Earlier in the year, she entered in the wool classing competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and won the gold stencil.
Tasmania Police Education and Training Acting Commander John Pratt said Trainee Constable Lang was an example of the opportunities available within the organisation.
“We welcome interest from prospective recruits who have various life and career experiences. Victoria is an excellent example of the diversity of our members and shows that you don’t have to completely give up your previous lifestyle, your hobbies or interests when pursuing a career with Tasmania Police,” Acting Commander Pratt said.
Tasmania Police is recruiting now.
A career in policing is dynamic and rewarding, and anyone interested in becoming a Tasmania Police officer is encouraged to take the next step.
For more information about Tasmania Police recruitment, visit https://recruitment.police.tas.gov.au/