Month: November 2025

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA is urging residents across Ballarat and surrounds to take extra care when burning off, following the announcement of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) on 24 November for the City of Ballarat, Hepburn Shire, Moorabool Shire and Golden Plains.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged with stealing from Hobart jewellery store

Thursday, 13 November 2025 – 11:19 am.

Police have charged a 43-year-old man after almost $10,000 worth of jewellery was allegedly stolen from a store in Hobart yesterday morning.
Police were called to the scene in the CBD shortly before 11am, after the man reportedly left the store with a quantity of bracelets and anklets.
The man was arrested in Warrane about noon and has been remanded in custody.
At this stage only a small amount of the stolen jewellery has been recovered, and investigations are continuing to locate the remaining items.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact police on 131 444 (quote OR789985).
Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. You can stay anonymous.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

Strawberry Fields festival will be the next major event to host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
The fifth festival to take part in the 12-month NSW drug checking trial, Strawberry Fields will take place between Friday 21 and Sunday 23 November 2025 in Tocumwal, in southern NSW.
The free and anonymous drug checking service will allow festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons will be provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They’ll also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers will be available to provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support and information about additional support services.
While illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said the service is intended to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm but is not a guarantee of safety.
“This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks,” Dr Chant said.
“Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
Strawberry Fields General Manager Vicky Keeler said the service was a very welcome addition to its harm minimisation undertakings.
“We are committed to creating the safest possible environment for everyone who attends our events,” Ms Keeler said.
“Drug checking is an important step forward in harm reduction, giving patrons access to free, professional advice that can help them make more informed decisions.
“Partnering with NSW Health on this initiative reflects our ongoing focus on safety, care, and wellbeing for our community.”
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February next year when it will be independently evaluated.
The trial comes after the NSW Government’s Drug Summit concluded in December 2024. The Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provided a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
Further information can be found at NSW drug checking trial.
More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on Your Room.
​

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 27-year-old male has been charged after he assaulted police officers during an arrest in Hermannsburg yesterday.

Around 2:10pm, the two police officers were conducting a welfare check on a 27-year-old male, not from the community, when they identified he was subject to a parole revocation. It is alleged that while attempting to take him into custody, he bit one of the officers on the arm, before biting the second officer on the hand and punching him multiple times to the head.

The 27-year-old was taken into custody without further incident and conveyed to the Alice Springs watch house.

He has since been charged with:

• 4 x Assault a Member of The Police Force
• 2 x Resist Police in Execution of Duty
• Drive Motor Vehicle While Unlicensed
• Drive Unregistered Motor Vehicle
• Drive Uninsured Motor Vehicle
• Disorderly Behaviours in Public Place
• Furnish False Particulars

He is due to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.

Both officers received treatment for wounds at the local clinic, before seeking further treatment in Alice Springs.

Superintendent Robert Griffiths said, “This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“Our frontline officers dedicate themselves to serving and protecting the community, and any assault against them is both disgraceful and intolerable.

“We are committed to ensuring the offender is held accountable in court.”

Source: Australia Digital Transformation Agency

The DTA has released the 2025 APS Digital Workforce Insights Report, delivering a key commitment of the APS Data, Digital and Cyber Workforce Plan. The report considers the potential workforce required to fulfil digital service commitments in the next five years and where challenges exist to ‘old ways ‘of resourcing capability. 

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC will not oppose the proposed acquisition of Seven West Media Limited (ASX:SWM) by Southern Cross Media Limited (ASX:SXL).

Seven owns and operates free-to-air TV broadcaster the Seven Network, as well as the publishers of The West Australian, the Sunday Times, 11 suburban newspapers and 19 regional publications in Western Australia. Seven does not own any radio licences or assets.

Southern Cross operates 104 FM, AM and digital commercial radio stations through the Triple M and HIT brands and holds 88 radio licences in metropolitan areas and regional areas of Australia. Southern Cross also produces over 800 podcasts, 50 music stations and live sports coverage, but does not publish any newspapers or own any TV licences or assets.

The ACCC’s review considered how closely Seven and Southern Cross compete across different markets, including in the supply of advertising opportunities, the supply of media content to consumers and the acquisition of media content from producers in Australia.

In its investigation, the ACCC focussed on various local markets in regional Western Australia where Southern Cross and Seven are the main traditional media outlets offering advertising opportunities for local businesses.

“We found that Southern Cross and Seven attract different advertisers and are not close competitors for the supply of advertising opportunities in these regions,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

“Local businesses and media agencies seeking to advertise in regional areas will continue to have a range of options in these local markets, including online and social media advertising with geo-targeting capabilities.”

The ACCC also considered whether the proposed merger could lessen competition in markets for the supply of media content to consumers or for the acquisition of media content from producers.

“The ACCC’s investigation found that Southern Cross and Seven are not close competitors for content. Southern Cross is primarily focused on radio and audio entertainment, while Seven is focused on print news and general TV,” Mr Keogh said.

Also important in the ACCC’s decision was the impact of broader industry trends on competition, including the rise of streaming services and the significant growth of online advertising.

“Australian media markets are being transformed by consumers’ growing preference for digital media,” Mr Keogh said.

“This shift is leading advertisers to invest more heavily in online and digital channels.”

“Owners of traditional media platforms such as radio, free-to-air television and newspapers will continue to face strong competition from digital media. Southern Cross will be no exception, even after the acquisition,” Mr Keogh said.

“Ultimately, we found that the acquisition would be unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any market.”

Further information can be found on the ACCC’s public register: Southern Cross Media Limited- Seven West Media Limited.

Notes to editors

In considering the proposed acquisition, the ACCC applies the legal test set out in section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act.

In general terms, section 50 prohibits acquisitions that would have the effect, or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market.

The “substantial lessening of competition” test focuses on the extent to which the merger parties constrain each other, and the effect of removing this competitive constraint on prices, quality or choice. It is not the same as a diversity (range of views) or plurality (number of voices) test and is not a public interest test.

This acquisition is also subject to approval from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 which regulates the number of independent media ‘voices’ in a market.

The ACMA’s ‘voices’ assessment considers the number of suppliers of commercial television and radio broadcasting services, and certain types of newspapers within particular geographic regions. The ACCC’s competition assessment is not restricted to particular media types and therefore can consider a broad range of outlets and advertising options, including streaming and online search.

Questions about the ACMA’s voices requirements are best directed to the ACMA.

The ACCC’s decision not to oppose this transaction under the Competition and Consumer Act is not an indication on how the ACMA will assess this transaction under the Broadcasting Services Act.

Background

On 30 September 2025, Southern Cross and Seven announced that they had entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed, pursuant to which Southern Cross agreed to acquire all issued shares in Seven by way of a scheme of arrangement. Under the proposed acquisition, Southern Cross shareholders will own 50.1% of the combined entity with Seven shareholders owning the remaining 49.9%.

Southern Cross is an ASX-listed Australian media and entertainment company (ASX: SXL). It is the parent company of Southern Cross Austereo.

Southern Cross operates 104 FM, AM and digital commercial radio stations through the Triple M and HIT brands and holds 88 radio licences in metropolitan areas and regional areas of Australia. Southern Cross also provides national sales representation to 56 regional radio stations through affiliation agreements with seven radio networks and a joint venture.

In addition to broadcast radio, Southern Cross produces over 800 podcasts, 50 music stations and live sports coverage. Its digital audio services are available primarily on its LiSTNR platform.

Seven is an ASX-listed Australian media and entertainment company (ASX: SWM).

Seven owns and operates the free-to-air TV broadcaster the Seven Network, including its affiliate channels 7two, 7mate, 7flix 7Bravo, and Racing.com (among others). Seven also operates the 7plus online platform, a free ad-supported BVOD1 platform offering live streaming of the Seven Network and ‘on-demand’ access to a range of TV shows, movies and sporting events, as well as the online news publication 7NEWS.com.au. 

Outside of the Seven Network and its affiliated brands, Seven operates West Australian Newspapers, which publishes print newspapers The West Australian and The Sunday Times, online newspapers The Nightly, PerthNow, thewest.com.au, 11 suburban newspapers and 19 regional publications, and offers digital platforms including sports tipping platform The Game and sports streaming platform Streamer.com.au. 

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence has released a calendar of events and activities for the community to get involved in during the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, which runs from Tuesday November 25 through to Wednesday December 10.

Copies of the calendar of events are available at Library branches or you can download a copy from the City’s website.

Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence Committee Chair, Margaret Singe said 16 Days of Activism encourages community to work together to prevent gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence takes many forms—physical, emotional, psychological, and economic—and remains a serious issue in our community,” Ms Singe said.

“In Greater Bendigo, police respond to six or seven incidents daily, but we know many more go unreported.

“This campaign is about raising awareness and encouraging action. Whether it’s attending an event, learning where to get help, or supporting someone you know – every step matters.

“Gender based violence is prevalent in our community. It is preventable and something seen or heard at one of our events could be a step towards prevention.  We all have a role to play in building a future where everyone is safe, equal and respected.”

On Friday November 28, community members are invited to Playing Our Part: A Community Conversation on Equality, Respect and Leadership at the Bendigo Regional Tennis Centre. This event will feature speakers from the Carlton Respects Program, along with former AFL player Ben Brown, this event explores how sport can help build a culture of respect, equality and safety.

“Respect is” displays will be located throughout the community including Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, Peter Krenz Leisure Centre, Libraries, neighbourhood houses and Red Energy Arena.

Many of the events and activities are free to attend and held in a range of locations across Greater Bendigo. They include Storytime at Bendigo Library, webinars, coffee with a cop events, pop up stalls and craft activities.

The campaign will end on Wednesday December 10, which marks the global Human Rights Day.

Join the 16 Days of Activism and help build a safer, more respectful Greater Bendigo. It all starts with respect.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has published a recall notice over children’s sand products that may contain asbestos and were sold at various retailers including Officeworks.

The recall was issued by supplier Educational Colours for colourful children’s sand products sold at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art that may contain asbestos.

The sand is brightly coloured and designed for children to play with and for educational purposes and, as set out in the recall, is labelled as Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg).

The products were recalled because they may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, which was detected in some samples after laboratory testing. Asbestos is a prohibited substance in Australia.

The products were sold throughout Australian between 2020 and 2025.

“We have engaged with Officeworks who is a major supplier of these products and they advised that the products have been removed from sale. We expect they will take all the necessary steps to alert their customers,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“We continue to engage with suppliers and expect all to provide appropriate support to consumers including responding to queries, and providing advice about arranging a refund.”

“We urge customers who own any of the products to stop using them immediately and place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children,” Ms Lowe said.

“When doing so, in an abundance of caution, customers should take precautions such as a wearing disposable gloves and a mask.”

The ACCC will continue to monitor developments in relation to the products and the recall notice may be updated as new information emerges.

Customers are urged not to dispose of the product in general waste.

Information on the disposal of Asbestos waste, including disposal facilities in your state or territory can be found on The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website.

Contact recalls@educationalvantage.com on disposal and for seeking a full refund.

A voluntary recall was issued today in New Zealand regarding the same products.

Images of products 

Background

If a supplier finds that a product they supply is unsafe, the ACCC expects the supplier to follow our guidelines and recall the product remove it from the market.

Importing or exporting asbestos or goods containing asbestos is prohibited under Australian law, except in very limited circumstances where permission to import and/or export can be granted. More information can be found on the ABF website.

Work Health and Environment laws in all states and territories prohibit the unauthorised supply, transport, use (including manufacturing), or handling of asbestos and require that any materials containing asbestos must be disposed of at licensed facilities. There may be costs associated with disposal.

Source: South Australia Police

Police and emergency services were called to Hillier Road, Hillier just before 8pm on Tuesday 11 November after reports a man was hit by a car. The involved vehicle allegedly failed to stop after the crash and left the scene.

A 25-year-old man from Andrews Farm was seriously injured in the crash and was rushed to hospital but sadly died shortly after.

Major Crash investigators attended the scene overnight.

Following investigations by Barossa Police, a 21-year-old Stockport woman was arrested and charged with cause death by dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

A 19-year-old Munno Para West man was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated affray and possess firearm without a licence, after a search of the man’s house uncovered a firearm in his bedroom today (Wednesday 12 November).

Both suspects were arrested in the early hours of this morning.

They are expected to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court tomorrow.

A Holden sedan was seized by investigators for forensic examination.

Investigations are continuing.  Anyone with information who hasn’t yet spoken with police to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.

Source: Tasmania Police

P-Plater caught almost 50km/h over the limit

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 – 5:04 pm.

A teenage P1 licence holder has been caught travelling almost 50km/h over the provisional speed limit near Hobart today.
Shortly after 12pm, a police motorcyclist detected the teenager driving at 147km/h on the Tasman Highway at Cambridge.
Acting Inspector Penny Reardon said the driver’s provisional licence carries strict conditions, including a maximum speed of 100km/h.
“The teenager was also in breach of other licence conditions, including failing to display a rear P plate and exceeding the posted speed limit of 110km/h,” she said.
“This type of reckless driving not only puts this inexperienced driver at serious risk, but also endangers other Tasmanian road users.”
“Excessive speed combined with inexperience can have tragic consequences and change people’s lives in an instant.”
The driver now faces a $1305 fine, eight demerit points and a three-month licence disqualification.
Tasmania Police reminds all P1 licence holders of their legal obligations:

Always carry your licence
Display P plates front and rear
Do not exceed 100km/h, even where higher speed limits apply
Maintain a blood alcohol content of 0.00
Do not use a mobile phone while driving
Follow peer passenger restrictions (limit of one passenger aged 16–21)
Comply with all Tasmanian Road Rules

Incidents of speeding can be reported to police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Footage can also be uploaded to the dangerous driving portal at https://www.police.tas.gov.au/report/