Celebrate the festive season in the city

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

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387-2025: Services Restored: Friday 14 November 2025 – PEBS

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

14 November 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All importers of plants, cats and/or dogs who will be required to use the check status function within the Post Entry Biosecurity System.

Information

Restored time:

As of: 12:05am Friday 14 November 2025 (AEDT).

Detail:

Between 11:52am Thursday 09 October 2025 and 12:05am Friday 14 November 2025 (AEDT), the Post Entry Biosecurity System (PEBS), had been experiencing an unplanned service disruption…

From podium to purpose – Bunbury City Kart Club builds champions

Source: Government of Western Australia

“The first time I got behind the wheel, I absolutely loved it…the passion and the adrenaline… and I knew that I wanted to take it as far as I could. The club was super supportive. People gave me lots of advice and guidance, and all the drivers in my category were really friendly. As a bonus, I secured a podium in my first race,” Miss Philp said.

Miss Philp and her family live and breathe karting. With Bunbury as her home club, they travel across the state to race events three out of four weekends. Her mum, Cara Philp, wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I think it’s a wonderful sport for young people. It’s a big commitment, but they share something they’re passionate about – and it keeps them away from every other distraction. It also gives Charlotte a healthy focus, and we choose healthier options as part of that lifestyle,” Ms Philp said.

Setting children up for an active future

Source: Government of Western Australia

For KIDDO Program Director Amanda Derbyshire, the research and feedback is unequivocal.

“We know that KIDDO boosts teachers’ confidence and willingness to deliver high-quality PE and physical activity opportunities across the school day. This develops students’ physical literacy – their skills and confidence to be active. And now, thanks to Healthway support, we can extend to the upper years and provide access to schools across WA, including those in regional, remote and disadvantaged areas,” Ms Derbyshire said.

At the end of the day, it’s the fun KIDDO generates that gives Mr Prendergast the confidence that he’s on the right track.

“It’s the smiles on their faces and the fact they are constantly asking to play KIDDO games that shows they want to get out there and be active. That’s the ultimate sign of success for me,” he said.

CFA reaches major milestone in lifesaving program

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA is excited to achieve its target of 50 brigades to participate in a lifesaving program which responds to select medical Triple Zero (000) calls.

The program, which commenced operations in late 2024, currently has 33 CFA brigades responding to certain Ambulance Victoria calls in their local community, with the remaining 17 brigades to finalise training and commence operations in stages over the next seven months.

The Fire Medical Response (FMR) program is a joint initiative of CFA and Ambulance Victoria which sees CFA brigades and Ambulance Victoria dispatched simultaneously to cardiac arrests.

The joint agency program was designed for 50 brigades to undertake FMR in their communities with Kilmore, Cobram, Broadford, Swan Hill and Castlemaine the most recent brigades to commence operations, having gone live on Wednesday (12 Nov).

All FMR brigades have been trained extensively by both Ambulance Victoria and CFA in preparation for the program, which will complement Ambulance Victoria’s response in those local areas.

Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook said the program was a natural fit for CFA because of the 52,000 volunteers we have across the state.

“CFA has more than 1,200 volunteer stations. This puts CFA in a unique position to complement the Ambulance Victoria response in 50 locations across Victoria, and help deliver early intervention at cardiac arrests,” Garry said.

“When a person suffers a cardiac arrest, their chance of survival reduces by 10 per cent every minute that CPR and defibrillation is delayed”.

“Community members who call for an ambulance in the 50 communities with an FMR brigade may receive both a fire truck and an ambulance.

“There’s no specific order in which the services arrive, the aim is to get to the patient as quickly as possible to give them the best possible chance at surviving.

“The response from our brigades involved in the program has been really positive, with the rate of patient resuscitation higher than the Victorian State average. Brigades should all be very proud of their incredible service to the community.”

Ambulance Victoria Acting Executive Director Regional Operations Michael Georgiou said Victoria has Australia’s best cardiac survival rate and the third best anywhere in the world, thanks to high rates of early intervention.

“The Fire Medical Response program will improve survival rates for people in rural and regional Victoria,” Michael said.

“Quick intervention with CPR and a defibrillator has the greatest impact on improving a patient’s chances of surviving a cardiac arrest.” 

Submitted by CFA Media

Keeping workplaces safe from extreme heat in the summer

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory




Keeping workplaces safe from extreme heat in the summer – 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 13/11/2025

The ACT Government has released a new work health and safety code of practice to help businesses manage the risks from extreme temperatures.

The new Managing the Risks Associated with Extreme Temperatures Code of Practice provides employers with practical information to help keep workers safe.

Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations Michael Pettersson said it was crucial businesses understood these risks coming into the summer season.

“Extreme heat can create risks for all workers, particularly people working outside or in environments where it is difficult to control temperature,” he said.

“As the weather begins to warm up, these risks may include heat stress, heat stroke, dehydration and exhaustion. Every workplace has a legal responsibility to minimise or eliminate these risks and keep their workers safe.

“The Code emphasises the need to plan for risks ahead of time and engage with workers early in the process. Workplaces should also monitor conditions and revise their approach accordingly to maintain a safe working environment.”

The Managing the Risks Associated with Extreme Temperatures Code of Practice was developed in consultation with the ACT’s tripartite advisory body, the Work Health and Safety Council and is published on the ACT Government’s website here: Work Safety Group public notices – Open Government Information.

– Statement ends –

Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Canberra

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government




Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Canberra – 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 14/11/2025

Canberrans can celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve at a range of events and attractions.

To make it easier for the community to decide where to shop and visit, the ACT Government has launched the new InTheCity.com.au website.

It is a one-stop guide to shop local – showcasing over 150 businesses and the best events.

Christmas in the city

Canberra’s 16-metre-tall Christmas tree has been installed next to the merry-go-round in the centre of the city. It has been freshly dressed for the festive season with ornaments and surrounded by a spread of decorations throughout City Walk and Petrie Plaza.

  • See the Christmas tree and explore ‘Christmas Walk’ with festive decorations from 14 November.
  • Celebrate the festive season with the furry family members at the Christmas-themed Paws Party in Haig Park on Sunday, 30 November.
  • Enjoy unlimited free rides on the historic city merry-go-round from 1 – 24 December.
  • Sing along with carols in the upgraded Garema Place on Friday evenings, 5, 12 and 19 December.
  • Shop and celebrate at Haig Park Village Christmas Markets on Sundays in December with stalls, Santa photos, kids’ activities and live music.

New Year’s Eve fireworks

Ring in 2026 with two spectacular fireworks displays over Lake Burley Griffin at 9pm and midnight on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.

The best viewing hubs around central basin include Ferry Gate, John Dunmore Lang Place, Rond Terrace, and Wendouree Drive – each offering food vendors and entertainment.  

Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr

There is a lot happening in Canberra over the Christmas and the New Year period.

Attending the many events is a great opportunity to show support for local businesses – while enjoying festive activities with friends and family.

From Christmas Carols and New Year’s Eve fireworks, to local gifts, drinks, lunches and dinners, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

– Statement ends –

Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Pick up some top tips for safer caravan trips

Source: Mental Health Australia

Caravan owners are invited to take advantage of free online and on-site caravan and towing safety workshops and weighing days aimed at making our roads safer for all users.

In the lead-up to the Christmas holidays, Transport for NSW will host caravan weighing days in Wentworth, Balranald and Mudgee in addition to an online caravan safety session that owners can join from anywhere in the state.

Transport for NSW Acting Executive Director Partnerships and Integration West Holly Davies said caravanning was a great way to get out and see our country but drivers had to be aware of the increased risks that came with towing a caravan.

“Driving while towing a caravan is quite different to normal driving, even for drivers with plenty of years of experience behind them,” Ms Davies said.

“Towing a caravan requires a higher level of knowledge and skill, a need for greater stopping distances, and consideration of environmental factors such as high winds, wet roads and uneven surfaces.

“We’ve run a number of these online education sessions that aim to take some of the stress and confusion out of towing, especially for people who are new to caravanning, and we’ve always had a good response.

“The content includes information on safe towing, weight limits and electronic braking systems, and an explanation of many of the abbreviations associated with caravanning and towing such as ATM, GVM and GCM, including what they are and how weights are calculated.

“The virtual workshop will focus on caravans but the information being delivered could also apply to towing boats, horse floats and car trailers.”

In addition, Transport for NSW is running a series of free caravan weighing days to give owners greater peace of mind that they are operating their caravans safely and are complying with the law.

“Whatever you’re towing, the significant addition of weight to your vehicle requires careful planning and loading, as well as putting extra responsibilities on the driver to manage safety,” Ms Davies said.

“There have been many crashes involving caravans on NSW roads. To lower your risk of being involved in a crash, the virtual and on-site events will offer advice on how to load and weigh a caravan and drive safely while towing one.

“Non-compliance with towing and weights can affect caravan insurance cover and those that don’t comply with safe loading laws also risk being fined.”

The online safety workshop will run from 7pm on Monday 17 November, featuring a one-hour presentation followed by a half-hour question-and answer session. Registration is free at https://www.trybooking.com/DHFBH.

The on-site caravan weighing days will be at:

More information on safe caravanning is available here.
 

Farmers and families urged to stay safe on quad bikes

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has launched a quad bike safety awareness campaign in regional Australia warning that older male farmers remain the group most at risk of fatal injuries or crashes, with children also at risk.

Since 2011, 234 Australians have died in quad bike incidents, with men accounting for more than 80 per cent of fatalities, figures from SafeWork Australia show.

“Quad bikes pose a serious risk of injury and death because it is easy for them roll over, even at low speeds. When they rollover, riders are often trapped underneath them. These heavy vehicles cause suffocation, head injuries and crush body parts,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

“Most quad bike deaths occur on farms, and men aged over 70 years are statistically the most at-risk age group. More than 20 per cent of fatalities have been males over the age of 70.”

Children under 14 make up more than one in ten deaths, while children under 16 make up more than a quarter of all emergency department presentations relating to quad bike injuries.

The ACCC’s newly launched safety awareness campaign is warning farmers, partners, parents and carers of the dangers of quad bikes.

The ads warn that One ride can change everything and encourages partners, parents and carers to Protect your loved ones.

They will appear on online news sites throughout regional Australia, as well as social media platforms, Spotify and on various podcasts.

“We want to remind all quad bike users, including parents of children who may be spending time on a farm this summer holiday period, that quad bikes are not toys, they are powerful machines,” Mr Keogh said.

“There are three golden rules to follow when riding quad bikes – helmet on, rollover protection fitted and never let children ride adult quad bikes. Use these safety tips to protect your loved ones and family members.”

NSW and Queensland have the highest number of quad bike related injuries and fatalities.

Rollovers and collisions are the most likely cause of death from quad bikes across all states, SafeWork Australia figures show.

The Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard was introduced to reduce the risk of injury or fatality caused by quad bikes.

It requires new and imported second hand quad bikes to have minimum stability levels, include rollover protection, and display clear safety warnings at the point of sale.

“The Safety Standard has resulted in many safer quad bikes being used, but there is likely to still be hundreds of thousands of older bikes without rollover protection in use,” Mr Keogh said.

“We urge anyone with an older quad bike to invest in rollover protection. The cost is minimal compared to the cost of serious injury or a fatality.”

“The transition to safer quad bike use will take time and continued awareness.”

ACCC’s quad bike safety awareness campaign

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quad bike safety:

  • Wear a helmet.
  • Use a quad bike with rollover protection/an operator protection device. You can have one fitted on older quad bikes.
  • Never let children ride adult quad bikes, even as passengers.
  • Don’t carry any passengers on quad bikes that are meant for one person.
  • Avoid riding on rough terrain or steep slopes.

Prepare safely before every ride:

  • Always tell someone where you are planning to go and when you expect to return.
  • Make sure you are properly trained before you start using your quad bike
  • Wear protective clothing and gear. Besides a helmet, this may include goggles, long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves.
  • Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Always carry a mobile phone or radio device so you can get help in case of an emergency.