Month: November 2025

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government

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Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will commence at 1am on Monday 17 November 2025 for the following municipalities in CFA’s north-east region:

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Last weekend, Merrijig Fire Brigade gathered with members past and present and the wider community to celebrate a remarkable milestone – a century of volunteer service.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Petrol prices are generally cheaper in cities that have more small-to-medium-sized independent petrol retailers competing with larger chains, the ACCC’s latest petrol industry report has found.

The report looks at the market composition of Australia’s evolving petroleum industry. It found that among Australia’s capital cities, average retail prices for regular unleaded petrol were highest in Brisbane and Canberra from July 2022 to June 2024, where there are fewer independent petrol retailers in operation.

In contrast, average retail petrol prices were generally lower in cities that had more smaller independent petrol retailers.

“More competition leads to better outcomes for consumers including lower prices,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“Our report found that consumers can often find more competitive petrol prices in cities where there are a greater number of smaller independent petrol retailers.”

“We encourage consumers to shop around and take advantage of near real-time petrol price apps and websites to find lower prices in their local area,” Ms Brakey said.

The market share of smaller independent retailers is growing

Smaller independent petrol retailers accounted for around 26 per cent of national retail petrol sales in 2023-24, increasing from 18 per cent in 2017-18.

‘Smaller independents’ represent a group of brands including Speedway, Metro Petroleum, Freedom Fuels, Budget, Vibe, Pearl Energy and others. In 2023-24, this collective group was made up of at least 30 different retail brands operating across Australia.

In 2023-24, the larger retail brands accounted for around 74 per cent of national retail petrol sales. This included Ampol, bp, Chevron/Caltex, United Petroleum, 7-Eleven, EG Group, Coles/Reddy Express and On The Run.

Some capital cities have more competing brands than others. Based on petrol sales in 2023-24, the ACCC estimates that as a group, smaller independents had the strongest presence in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and a smaller presence in Brisbane and Canberra

Estimated market shares of retail petrol sales for each capital city in 2023-24

Four major companies refine, import and wholesale petrol in Australia

Ampol, bp, ExxonMobil and Viva Energy supply (either through domestic refining or imports) and wholesale the majority of petrol around Australia. In 2023-24, these companies reported supplying in aggregate around 88 per cent of petrol, and accounted for around 85 per cent of total wholesale petrol sales in Australia.

Australia’s domestic refining capacity has reduced significantly over a long period. Currently, Ampol and Viva Energy operate the two remaining refineries in Australia.

“The industry has experienced some major changes over the last eight years. We have seen the decommissioning of significant refining infrastructure, a range of acquisitions, the renaming and rebranding of major companies, and changes to goods and services offered to consumers at retail fuel sites.”

“Despite local refinery closures, the composition of major suppliers in the supply sector has remained relatively steady,” Ms Brakey said.

National market shares of petrol volumes in the supply, wholesale and retail sectors in 2023-24 in percentage terms

Note to editors

This report shows aggregate market shares based on total volumes across all grades of petrol. This includes: regular unleaded petrol 91, premium unleaded petrol 95 and 98, and E10 (regular unleaded petrol blended with up to 10% ethanol).

The majority of registered vehicles in Australia are petrol-powered (around two-thirds), with most other registered vehicles powered by diesel.

Background

On 14 December 2022, the Treasurer issued a Direction to the ACCC to continue to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of petroleum products in the petroleum industry in Australia and produce a report every quarter for a further three years.

In addition to quarterly petrol monitoring reports, the ACCC also prepares petrol industry reports on particular aspects of consumer interest in the fuel market in relation to prices, costs and profits.

As part of its monitoring activities, the ACCC currently collects volume and other data from the following companies: Ampol, bp, ExxonMobil, Viva Energy, Chevron, United Petroleum, 7-Eleven and EG Group, as well as data for the Coles Express/Reddy Express and On The Run retail networks (provided by Viva Energy).

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Over the weekend, Merrijig Fire Brigade gathered with members past and present and the wider community to celebrate a remarkable milestone, a century of volunteer service.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: South Australia Police

On Monday 10 November, Operation Eclipse detectives, assisted by officers from Northern District, conducted a search of a Paralowie home and subsequently arrested a 40-year-old man from the address.  It is alleged that the arrested man was the driver of the vehicle involved in the arson which collided with a number of vehicles when fleeing the scene.

He was charged with arson, two counts of attempt murder, six counts of aggravated endanger life, illegal use of a motor vehicle, five counts of driving without due care, drive disqualified and fail to stop and give particulars. The man was refused police bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court later today, Tuesday 11 November (CO2500047122). 

Yesterday’s outcome follows the arrest of a 37-year-old woman from Angle Park on Tuesday 28 October. The woman is alleged to have supplied the accelerant used in the arson to the primary suspects, knowing the accelerant was intended to be used in the arson attack.

The woman was charged with aid and abet arson and has been bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 14 January 2026.

Detective Superintendent Shane Addison, Serious and Organised Crime Branch, said these arrests are a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation,

“These arrests reflect the seriousness of the alleged offending and the determination of Operation Eclipse to ensure those responsible for arson and serious violence offences are held to account, to disrupt those involved in the illicit tobacco trade, and keep the public of South Australia safe from serious and violent crime.”

Detectives are continuing to investigate this incident and urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call on 1800 333 000 or – you can remain anonymous.

Reference 268819

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

Australian solar innovator SunDrive is set to accelerate its transition from laboratory breakthrough to market-ready technology, thanks to up to $25.3 million in new funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). 

Under the Advancing Renewables Program, this latest investment will support SunDrive in its collaboration with leading solar cell equipment manufacturing players Maxwell and Vistar to scale and commercialise its copper metallisation solar cell technology, from R&D at its Kurnell facility in New South Wales, to a 300 MW commercial scale production tool. 

SunDrive’s copper-based process replaces silver in solar cells, aiming to cut costs and improve efficiency, supporting ARENA’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar goal. By building and testing new tools and upgrading its facility, SunDrive is working to bring this Australian innovation closer to real-world use, helping to reduce the cost of solar panels and supporting the growth of clean energy. 

The funding will support SunDrive to upgrade its Kurnell facility to enable local development, deployment and refinement of production tools to further advance the technology, as well as undertake cost modelling to support the commercialisation pathway. Modules will be produced at SunDrive’s facility for in-field testing and early market acceptance. 

These efforts will accelerate the adoption of copper-based solar cells and generate new licensing revenue streams for SunDrive. 

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said ARENA has been a long-term supporter of SunDrive, watching them grow from humble beginnings in a Sydney garage to a leader in solar innovation. 

“By tackling one of the biggest cost items in solar cell manufacturing, SunDrive is demonstrating how Australian research can drive next-generation solar innovation. Not only is copper more abundant and cheaper than silver, but SunDrive’s unique manufacturing process also results in higher cell and module efficiencies which could have huge benefits for global decarbonisation efforts,” Mr Miller said. 

“We’re providing a further $25 million in funding to help scale up SunDrive’s technology which could significantly help push the boundaries of efficiency and affordability and unlock the potential of ultra low-cost solar.” 

SunDrive CEO Natalie Malligan said this funding marks a major step in SunDrive’s journey, taking the leap from world-leading research to commercial reality.  

“It’s a strong validation of our strategy to develop world-class solar innovation here in Australia and partner with the best in the industry to industrialise it. It shows how Australian innovation can compete globally, and how with the right support, we can take homegrown technology to the world.” 

SunDrive Co-Founder Vince Allen said together with Maxwell we’ve already broken world records in cell efficiency.  

“This next phase builds on that success and represents the culmination of our work to translate our copper plating technology into the industrial tools that will define the next generation of solar cell technology. With silver prices nearly tripling in three years and solar now using a third of global industrial silver, the industry urgently needs a silver-free alternative. With ARENA’s support and our partners’ expertise, this project intends to deliver a scalable mass-production solution.” 

The project builds on previous ARENA funding of $14 million to demonstrate SunDrive’s copper metallisation technology. To date, ARENA has provided over $388 million to over 200 solar research and development projects.   

ARENA will continue to support big ideas and back breakthroughs that power Australia’s clean energy future. Read more about our Ultra Low-Cost Solar priorities.   

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 174KB)

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The commencement of an exciting multi-stage redevelopment of the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve will be marked today with the turning of the first sod by Mayor Cr Thomas Prince, Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP.

The first stage includes construction of a new $3.77M pavilion funded with $1M from the Australian Government’s Investing in Our Communities program, $1M from the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, $1.7M from the City of Greater Bendigo, $37,500 from Bendigo Cricket Club and $37,500 from Golden City Football Club.

The new pavilion will be located off Anderson Street and will have three distinct zones comprising:

• Entrance foyer
• A social/multipurpose area complete with bar, canteen/ kitchen, toilet facilities and office/meeting room and storage areas
• Four changerooms with two toilets and three showers in each
• Match officials’ room with fully serviced private ensuite complete with changing spaces, toilet, and shower facilities
• Undercover spectator viewing area
• Landscaping and facility car parking including disability parking bays and connecting paths

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the new pavilion will meet today’s service standards and expectations for accessibility, gender equity, sustainability, player safety and functionality and will serve more than 750 sporting and community participants who regularly use the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve.

“The project will address a significant service gap in the provision of quality and accessible sporting and community facilities for the North Bendigo community and will deliver on key strategic priorities identified by Senior Sporting Associations including, Football Federation Victoria AFL Central Victoria, and Cricket Victoria through the construction of new and improved facilities to support participation growth, quality, female friendly and accessible facilities to increase social, health and wellbeing outcomes,” Cr Prince said.

“For many years, the City of Greater Bendigo has been delivering improvements at the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve that hold many social, health and wellbeing benefits for both sporting participants and members of the local and wider community aligned with the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve Masterplan 2012.”

Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo said she has always been a strong advocate for this project.

“I’m so pleased to see it become a reality, this is a really exciting moment for the clubs and community who use this space,” Ms Chesters said.

“Our Investing in Our Communities Program is delivering community priorities right across the country that assist communities to build on their strengths and improve liveability, which is exactly what the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve is about.

“This is yet another demonstration of us acting not only on our election commitments, but on our broader commitment to develop Australian communities – including by delivering funding for projects that build opportunity and improve liveability.

“We made a promise to fund this vital project for Bendigo, and we are getting on with that job, with today’s start of works being a critical step forward.

“I’m thrilled to be delivering on this commitment for Bendigo and look forward to seeing these works support employment and a much-needed boost to our local economy while delivering a project that will benefit the community for years to come.”

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP said grassroots sport in Bendigo is booming.

“This new pavilion will ensure no one misses out on the opportunity to join in the fun,” Ms Edwards said.

“This project has been a longtime coming, and I commend the clubs and their volunteers for their fantastic work in getting to this point.

“Sport and active recreation facilities like pavilions are a game changer for local sport and communities, they bring people together, help build lasting connections and provide a real boost to local economies.”

Seasonal users of the new pavilion will include Golden City Football Club (all grades), Bendigo Cricket Club (junior and women), North Bendigo Football/Netball Club (juniors training) and the wider community.

Construction of the new pavilion is expected to be completed in September 2026.

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

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Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Children’s entertainment group The Wiggles Holdings Pty Ltd (The Wiggles) has admitted it likely breached the Australian Consumer Law by selling Emma Bow headbands without mandatory safety warnings required for products containing button batteries, and has committed to raising awareness of the dangers that button batteries can pose.

The Wiggles’ Emma Bow is a yellow and black headband featuring four lights powered by button batteries.

Between June 2022 and March 2024, The Wiggles sold the headband without mandatory safety warnings that it contained button batteries and about the risks that button batteries pose.

The Wiggles has provided the ACCC with a court-enforceable undertaking in which it admits it likely breached the Australian Consumer Law by supplying headbands which failed to comply with the Button Battery Information Standard and commits to implementing a consumer law compliance program within their organisation.

The importer and distributor of the headband, CA Australia Pty Ltd (CA Australia), has also provided a written commitment to the ACCC to improve its consumer law compliance.  

“The Emma Bow was aimed for children’s use and was available at The Wiggles’ live concerts.  It was also sold by other suppliers on The Wiggles online store and through various physical retail stores” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Without a warning on the product, parents may not have known it contained button batteries and not understood the severity of the risk.”

“If swallowed, a button battery can become stuck in a child’s throat and result in catastrophic injuries, and even death, in as little as two hours,” Ms Lowe said.

As part of its co-operation with the ACCC’s investigation, The Wiggles has committed to produce an episode of its podcast “Wiggle Talk – A Podcast For Parents”, which will refer to the recall of the Emma Bow headband, and discuss safety issues relating to button batteries and children’s toys to help raise awareness.

The Wiggles and CA Australia recalled the product and a recall notice was published on the ACCC website on 1 August 2024. Consumers who still have the Emma Bow should refer to the recall notice for further information, including to arrange for a return of the product.

Compliance with button battery standards is a priority for the ACCC. Button batteries pose a significant risk to vulnerable young children and the button battery mandatory standards are an important step in helping to prevent injuries to children.

The undertaking can be found here: The Wiggles Holdings Pty Ltd 

Images of the Emma Bow product

ACCC guidance for businesses and consumers

The mandatory button battery standards aim to make button battery products safer and provide consumers with important safety information to mitigate the risks associated with button batteries.

The Information Standard requires certain warnings and safety information to be provided with button battery products and/or packaging.

Button batteries are small, round and shiny and can be appealing for young children to swallow or insert, which poses a significant risk of serious injury or death. In Australia, three children have died from incidents involving button batteries. Compliance with the mandatory standards helps to prevent this.

If you suspect your child has swallowed or inserted a button battery:

1. call Triple Zero (000) immediately if your child is bleeding or having any difficulty breathing
2. call 13 11 26 immediately for 24/7 fast and expert advice from the Poisons Information Centre.

Prompt action is critical, do not wait for symptoms to develop. Serious injury can occur in as little as two hours and can be fatal.

The ACCC strongly encourages consumers to check for button battery products in their homes and take steps to secure them to keep them safe for young children. Consumers can check the list of recalled products on the ACCC Product Safety website.

Anyone who has experienced product safety incidents (including near misses) is strongly encouraged to report these to the supplier and to report safety concerns about particular products to the ACCC via the Product Safety website.

Suppliers of button battery products must submit a report to the ACCC within 2 days if they become aware that a consumer good they have supplied caused or may have caused a death, serious injury or serious illness. Further information about this reporting can be found in the ACCC’s Mandatory Reporting Guideline.

The ACCC has published a fact sheet and guide for businesses on the button battery mandatory standards to assist businesses with meeting their obligations.

Background

The Wiggles is a children’s musical entertainment group. It also licences its intellectual property and rights to supply products to third parties.

CA Australia is a designer, manufacturer and wholesaler of soft plush toys. It was the only importer of the Emma Bow headband into Australia and the exclusive supplier of it to The Wiggles.

There are four mandatory safety and information standards for button and coin batteries, and products containing them. They apply to all levels of the supply chain, including manufacturers, importers and retailers. 

It is alleged that during the period from 22 June 2022 to 24 March 2024, The Wiggles supplied 3,164 of the headbands to consumers.

It is alleged that during the period from 23 June 2022 to 19 September 2023 CA Australia supplied at least 3,764 headbands, including to The Wiggles and other third-party retailers.

The Wiggles has recalled the Emma Bow product for the entire period it was supplied, 1 November 2015 to 24 March 2024. The Button Battery Information Standard came in force on 22 June 2022.

The Wiggles as part of the resolution of this matter has committed to produce an episode of its podcast “Wiggle Talk – A Podcast For Parents”, relating to button battery safety and/or safety issues associated with children’s toys. The podcast will be published within the next 6 months across YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Other button battery enforcement outcomes include:

In May 2025, Hungry Jack’s paid penalties totalling $150,240 after the ACCC issued 8 infringement notices for supplying a Garfield-themed Toy that allegedly did not comply with Australia’s mandatory button battery standards. Hungry Jack’s also provided the ACCC with a court-enforceable undertaking. 

In April 2025, the ACCC commenced proceedings against Fewstone Pty Ltd (trading as City Beach) regarding allegations that City Beach offered for sale 70 product lines containing button batteries which did not comply with the button battery standards. This matter is still before the Court.

In May 2023, the Reject Shop and Dusk paid a total of nearly $240,000 in penalties after the ACCC issued them with infringement notices for alleged failure to comply with mandatory product safety and information standards applying to Halloween novelty products containing button batteries.