Building strong foundations: Work commences on new Marshalls Creek Bridge, Wagga Wagga

Source: Mental Health Australia

The State Government is one step closer in delivering the $30 million Marshalls Creek Bridge replacement, with construction of the new bridge foundations to kick off on in late November.

The State Government is one step closer in delivering the $30 million Marshalls Creek Bridge replacement (PDF, 81.68 KB), with construction of the new bridge foundations to kick off on in late November. 
The milestone marks a major step forward in delivering a stronger, safer crossing for the 20,000 vehicles that use the Sturt Highway through Wagga Wagga every day. 

HARDINGS ROAD, BLACK SPRINGS (Vehicle Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
19 Nov 2025 13:08

Issued for
BLACK SPRINGS in the Gilbert Valley, 5km north-west of Waterloo.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from BLACK SPRINGS is in the Hardings Road, Barrier Highway and Powerline North Road area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Enlighten to return in 2026

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Caption: The National Library of Australia comes vividly to life during Enlighten. Photo: Photox

In brief:

  • Enlighten Festival will be held from 27 February to 9 March 2026.
  • The popular festival includes lighting projections, events and more.
  • This article includes some of the events you can expect to see at the festival.

The Enlighten Festival will return to Canberra from Friday 27 February to Monday 9 March 2026.

Once again, exciting new works and large-scale projections will light up the National Triangle and beyond.

What you can expect

Enlighten will again transform some of the city’s best-known buildings into brightly lit artworks.

The 2026 illuminations will showcase the work of several Australian artists.

Come along to see spectacular works projected onto the city cultural institutions. These include:

  • Kaylene Whiskey’s colourful storytelling at the National Portrait Gallery
  • Philip Bunting’s lively designs at Parliament House
  • a major collaboration between Grace Kemarre Robinya and the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists at the National Gallery of Australia.
  • Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light at Questacon
  • a new projection by Elanor and Giovani at the National Library of Australia, blending science, creativity and imagination.

Beyond the buildings

The excitement of Enlighten goes beyond the illuminations. Each year, the festival offers a full program of events.

Always a favourite, Symphony in the Park returns on Sunday, 8 March. Mark Seymour from Hunters & Collectors will perform with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. You can look forward to orchestral arrangements blended with beloved Australian rock classics.

Mark your diary for Lights! Canberra! Action! on Friday, 6 March. This outdoor screening showcases local filmmakers from the beauty of the Senate Rose Gardens.

Be sure to catch Leonardo Da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius. This major exhibition is a multi-sensory look into the work of one of history’s most influential thinkers.

The festival will again extend beyond the National Triangle through Enlighten Beyond.

This encourages Canberrans and visitors alike to explore cultural sites across the city.

One highlight is Heaven’s Gate, a video installation by Marco Brambilla. You can catch it at the National Film and Sound Archive throughout the Festival.

The heart of Enlighten

Enlighten continues to grow year after year. An event not to be missed, it:

  • reflects Canberra’s creative energy, diversity and vibrancy
  • supports accessible cultural experiences for the community
  • offers memorable experiences for all ages.

The full program will be released soon at enlightencanberra.com.

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Charges – Sexual intercourse without consent – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a man with historical sexual offences in Alice Springs.

Detectives from the Crime Command will allege that in October 2021, a 44-year-old man indecently assaulted a woman who was known to him at a residence in Alice Springs.

It will also be alleged that in January 2024, the man sexually assaulted another woman who was known to him at a separate residence in Alice Springs.

Police were made aware of the allegations in February 2024 and commenced investigations.

The 44-year-old was arrested this morning and has since been charged with:

  • 1 x Sexual Intercourse Without Consent
  • 2 x Act of Gross Indecency

He was remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court this morning.

Payment platforms warned about child sexual exploitation risks

Source: Australian Department of Communications

AUSTRAC has issued a letter to the online payment platforms sector, warning businesses to tighten their controls to prevent payments for child sexual exploitation.
The warning comes after a supervisory campaign easily identified a number of customers suspected to be making payments for child sexual exploitation. 
AUSTRAC’s regulatory operations team found issues across the sector, with low suspicious matter reporting, poor transaction monitoring and clear failures to identify and manage high-risk customers.

New Artists on View exhibition Monochrome in Bold opens

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Monochrome in Bold is a vibrant new exhibition at Dudley House showcasing the creative energy of emerging artists.

Curated by Splatter of Colour Collective, the exhibition presents a dynamic mix of paintings and drawings exploring each artist’s personal journey. Adding to the creative challenge, each artist has been assigned a distinct colour theme to inspire their work. Artists include Jay Moore, Jarryd Erickson, Cin Danes, Emily Muscolino, Eleanor Jones, and others.

Organiser and exhibiting artist Jay Moore said there had been increased interest from young creatives in the region and this year’s exhibition will feature more artists than ever before.

“To accommodate the growing number of participants, each artist will present up to five works, allowing for a rich and varied display while giving everyone a chance to gain valuable experience” Jay Moore said.

The exhibition is more than just a showcase, it’s a stepping stone for young artists to learn the ins and outs of exhibiting, from curating and hanging their work to marketing and selling both originals and merchandise. The exhibition’s aim is to help emerging artists build confidence, connect with the community, and explore ways to make a living through art,” said Jay Moore.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase original artworks and prints, supporting the next generation of Greater Bendigo’s creative talent.

The free exhibition opens today, Friday November 14 at Dudley House, 60 View Street, with an official celebration from 4.30pm – 7pm. All are welcome.

The exhibition is supported by the City of Greater Bendigo’s Artists on View program.

Exhibition opening times

  • Friday November 14: 4.30pm – 7pm (opening event)
  • Saturday November 15: 10am – 4pm
  • Sunday November 16: 11am – 3pm
  • Friday November 21: 11am – 5pm
  • Saturday November 22: 10am – 4pm
  • Sunday November 23: 11am – 3pm

CFA family reflects on International Men’s Day

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Bailey, Anthony and Cooper Rhodes

For Anthony Rhodes and his sons, Bailey and Cooper, volunteering with CFA is more than helping the community – it’s a family tradition.

Anthony, the captain of Melton Fire Brigade, joined CFA when he was just 12 years old. Now, decades later, he’s proud to see his sons share the same passion for helping others. 

Their story shows the strong sense of service that runs through CFA families. 

From supporting each other after challenging incidents to enjoying the teamwork and friendship of the State Championships, they show what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. 

As we celebrate International Men’s Day, Anthony, Bailey and Cooper reflect on leadership and resilience, reminding us about the strength that comes from compassion, teamwork, caring for one another and community spirit. 


About International Men’s Day
 

This International Men’s Day (IMD), CFA is proud to recognise and celebrate the positive contributions men make to our organisation, our communities and to each other. 

Held annually on 19 November, International Men’s Day encourages us to focus on men’s wellbeing, promote positive role models, and support men and boys to lead fulfilling, safe and connected lives. 

The 2025 theme, “Supporting Men and Boys”, is a call to action to champion those making a difference – and to personally support the men and boys in our lives. 

International Men’s Day is for everyone. People of all genders can take part in supporting positive masculinity and equality. Take a moment today to:  

  • Check in with a mate  
  • Start a conversation about mental health  
  • Say thank you to the men who make a difference every day  

If you need support, remember our Wellbeing Support Line is available free of charge whenever you need it. Call 1800 959 232 to access a range of services including Member Assistance, Peer Support and our Chaplaincy Program. Other external support services available include Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Submitted by CFA News

Charges – Indecent touching – Tennant Creek

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged a 27-year-old male in relation to an indecent touching incident in Tennant Creek.

Around 5:15pm on Thursday 13 November, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that the 27-year-old male had indecently touched a child aged over 10-years-old at a residence in Tennant Creek.

The offender is known to the victim.

Police attended the residence and arrested the offender that evening. He has since been charged with Indecent touching – child under 14 and Aggravated assault.

He was further remanded to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court on 12 December 2025.

Arrests – Property crime – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Two youths have been arrested in relation to property crime offences committed in Alice Springs early this morning.

Around 1:30am, it is alleged offenders attempted to unlawfully enter a business on Elder Street. An alarm was activated and the offenders fled. A short time later, security personnel reported that a business on the Stuart Highway north of the Alice Springs CBD had been broken into, resulting in property being stolen. Upon police arrival, a white Toyota Camry was sighted leaving the location.

Around 2:30am, police members sighted the vehicle in the CBD and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle stopped on Gap Road and the 16-year-old female driver and 16-year-old male passenger were arrested.

Stolen property was located inside the vehicle and police investigations identified the pair were allegedly involved in other burglaries in Spencer Street, Gillen and Percy Court, Connellan.

They are expected to be charged with driving and drug offences, as well as property and theft offences, and will appear in court at a later date.

Strike Force Viper have carriage of ongoing investigations.

Police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.