Staff from the City of Greater Bendigo’s Environmental Health team will be in Goornong in March, April and May to look at septic systems and is offering you a free inspection of your septic system to help you understand how it is working.
If you choose to take part, you will get information about any problems that need fixing in your septic system.
Major problems with septic systems are not common, but they can happen. They can include wastewater leaving your property or causing bad smells. If this is happening, the City will work with you to fix it before any further action is considered.
Some of the information gathered from the visits will also help with the development of the Goornong Structure Plan. For more details on the structure plan, please see:
Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
The Australian Antarctic Program has completed two environmental management and research voyages to Heard Island and McDonald Islands – the first campaign of its kind in 20 years.
The islands are an Australian external territory, located in the Southern Ocean, about 4,000km south-west of Australia.
They are World Heritage-listed for their globally significant ecology and geo-heritage values and are home to large seabird and seal populations.
Australia’s icebreaker RSV Nuyina acted as a floating science laboratory and accommodation for the scientists and expeditioners who travelled to the region on the first voyage in October 2025 and the second in January 2026.
Thank you to all the scientists, crew and expeditioners who contributed photos and imagery for this compilation.
This content was last updated 11 hours ago on 13 March 2026.
Specialist police motorcycle officers ready to hit the road
Friday, 13 March 2026 – 10:14 am.
Tasmania Police has strengthened its motorcycle capability with a new cohort of seven specialist officers completing comprehensive training this week.The program, which is delivered in three phases over six months, teaches riders intensive on-road and manoeuvring skills to ensure they can perform the duties of an operational police motorcycle rider.Inspector Justin Lawson said that specialist officers were held to the highest standard on our roads.“This training invests in the skills that keep riders and the public safe, with a clear focus on low-risk decision making and control at all times,” he said.“The course is about ensuring riders learn to identify hazards early, manage space, and make measured choices that reduce risk.The course also included the training of student instructors ensuring Tasmania Police can maintain the highest standard of motorcycle capability into the future.Course Director, Detective Constable Thomas Gordon, said the training gave him an opportunity to not only teach others, but also lift his own standards of riding.“We are here to maintain the standard across future intakes so every district benefits from a consistent approach,” Detective Constable Gordon said.Inspector Lawson said another key focus of the program was low speed manoeuvring.“While speeding is a high-risk factor in crashes, avoidable incidents still occur at low speed,” he said.“This training allows our riders to demonstrate precise control, exhibit professional riding behaviours and safe, controlled operation in traffic and confined environments.”The training is just one part of Tasmania Police’s broader commitment to road safety.
The Crompton family understand the importance of the Good Friday Appeal all too well.
Mick, Sharon and their son Kayne have not only been fundraising for the appeal with Kyabram Fire Brigade for many years, but have also relied on the services of The Royal Hospital (RCH) since Kayne was three months old.
Kayne was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) shortly after birth, and required many trips to RCH including surgery at 9 months old. Now 19, Kayne has followed in his parents’ footsteps as a CFA member, and regularly takes out medals in competitive golf tournaments including Special Olympics Australia and Victoria events.
Each year, the Cromptons spearhead Good Friday Appeal fundraising for Kyabram Fire Brigade, including events on the day itself and a charity golf day for the local community.
We spoke to the Cromptons about their history with RCH and the Good Friday Appeal:
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
Hyatt hotels in Australia have changed their card payment surcharging practices, following an ACCC investigation.
After receiving reports from consumers, the ACCC investigated Hyatt Regency Sydney, and engaged with the regional group, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, about card payment surcharges.
“Businesses are reminded they must not charge a card payment surcharge that is in excess of their cost of accepting the type of card that is being surcharged,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.
The ACCC was concerned that Hyatt Regency Sydney was charging card payment surcharges for debit cards at a rate above its costs of accepting those debit cards, in breach of the Competition and Consumer Act.
In particular, it was alleged that debit cards at Hyatt Regency Sydney attracted a surcharge above Hyatt’s costs of acceptance of the card, unless the customer inserted the card into a payment terminal and selected ‘chq/sav’.
Following the ACCC’s intervention, all Hyatt hotels in Australia have implemented technological and policy changes to ensure debit and credit cards are treated differently, regardless of how a card interacts with a payment terminal.
These changes will ensure consumers are not charged card payment surcharges at a rate higher than Hyatt’s costs of acceptance.
The ACCC has been actively monitoring business compliance with card payment surcharging laws and has investigated several alleged excessive payment surcharging.
In April 2025, the ACCC encouraged businesses to review their card payment surcharges to ensure they are not more than their cost of accepting card payments.
“The ACCC expects all businesses to comply with the law and ensure their payment systems and staff are informed of different card types and apply the correct surcharge amounts for each, as it can vary between credit cards and debit cards,” Mr Keogh said.
While the Reserve Bank continues its review of merchant payment costs and surcharging, the ACCC continues to monitor for potential excessive payment surcharging under the existing laws.
Hyatt cooperated with the ACCC and promptly implemented changes to fix the issue.
Excessive card payment surcharging is banned under the Competition and Consumer Act. A card payment surcharge is excessive when it is more than the business’s costs of accepting that specific payment type.
The Reserve Bank of Australia sets out the costs that businesses can include when determining their costs of accepting card payment types.
In October 2024, the Reserve Bank of Australia started its public review of merchant card payment costs and surcharging. More information on the review is available on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s website.
Keeping a fire truck well maintained during extreme and challenging conditions on the fireground is just one of many CFA successes behind the scenes, thanks to hard-working mechanics.
CFA has 13 mechanical workshops across the state, with District Mechanical Officers (DMOs) undertaking work all year round to ensure all operational vehicles are roadworthy and fire ready.
Officer in Charge of the Bairnsdale workshop Steve O’Shea said the DMOs are looking after more than 2,300 operational vehicles across Victoria – one of the largest emergency service fleets in the country.
“Each vehicle has its own maintenance plan with annual service inspections, but we’re also doing more than a regular service,” Steve said.
“We’re ensuring the trucks are fire safe, including checking the plumbing, intercoms and fire protections systems before they head into difficult terrain.
“Everything we do is to ensure the safety of our firefighters in the field.”
When a bushfire occurs, depending on the size, location, time of day, duration of the incident and amount of trucks sent, the DMOs will be deployed to the fireground to fix any issues and for general maintenance to keep the trucks in their best working order.
During this season’s Fire Danger Period, DMOs have contributed more than 1,000 hours to major incidents across the state.
Steve, who is also a long-serving CFA volunteer with Stratford Fire Brigade, has been deployed to many fires over the years but was mostly utilised as a DMO at the Dargo fire this year.
“We’re often based at the staging area which is usually a large oval or recreation reserve. The most common types of things we need to fix is the clutch, tyres, radiators, lights and general stubble build up under the truck,” Steve said.
“Our technicians are very skilled at what they do, they’re not just diesel mechanics, they’re electricians, plumbers, fitters and welders.
“Depending on the topography, each area has its niche set of issues so it’s good to have that broad understanding of what’s required for the area you’re being sent to.”
CFA Head of Fleet and Protective Equipment Dan Jones said deploying DMOs to support incidents is critical to maintaining operational capability and safety.
“DMOs provide on-scene technical expertise to quickly diagnose and rectify mechanical faults ensuring vehicles remain available,” Dan said.
“Their experience and depth of skills enable them to improvise practical solutions in challenging field conditions to keep vehicles operational until permanent repairs can be undertaken.
“Their presence also supports crews by assessing vehicle damage and performing basic vehicle checks during breaks and crew changeover periods.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an assault that occurred in Alice Springs this morning.
At 9:35am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of an assault that had occurred around 5:45am this morning at the southern end of the Todd Mall.
It is alleged a worker conducting cleaning duties was approached by a male youth offender who punched him once to the jaw.
The worker flagged down a colleague and was conveyed back to his workplace. He suffered minor injuries as a result of the assault.
The offender remains outstanding and investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600024246. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three females after reports of multiple disturbances last night.
Around 8:10pm, a group of youths and young adults attended a business in Bakewell and allegedly stole numerous items and damaged electrical equipment.
The group then attended a library in Palmerston at around 9:50pm and allegedly threw items at the glass front door shattering it.
Around 11:05pm the group attended a Durack business where some members of the group allegedly committed a robbery whilst armed with an edged weapon, and others threw items at the glass doors of the business shattering them.
At around 11:50pm, the group attended the Palmerston CBD allegedly armed with rocks, bricks and edged weapons. The group allegedly threw rocks and bricks at the glass windows of two businesses, causing them to shatter.
Police attended shortly after and arrested a 20-year-old female and two youths, a 16-year-old female and 12-year-old female.
Strike Force Trident took carriage of the investigation which is still underway, and charges are expected to be laid later today.
Three female youths aged 12, 13, 14 were also located and will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.
Two 8-year-olds and a 9-year-old were released into the care of responsible adults.
Anyone with information, including dashcam or CCTV footage, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600024172. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police advise retailers and the public to watch for counterfeit $50 and $100 notes following the seizures of more than $20,000 in fake currency since September 2025.
These recent seizures follow an increase in attempted importation, possession, and use of counterfeit notes at businesses across the Northern Territory.
Police note that the counterfeit notes are of “reasonable quality,” but can be identified by the word “COPY” printed in small text on one side and the texture is paper based not polymer.
Detective Senior Sergeant Corey Borton said “Individuals using these notes often make small purchases and pass them as legitimate currency or conceal them among genuine notes during larger transactions.
“Northern Territory Police urge all retailers to stay alert. If you think a note is fake and it is safe to do so, do not accept it.
“Police recommend that if you believe you have received counterfeit money, put it in an envelope, record how it came into your possession, and call police on 131 444.
“Alternatively, if you know someone in possession of counterfeit currency, you can make an anonymous report to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Offences relating to the making, importing, buying, selling, possessing, or using counterfeit Australian currency are indictable offences under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 and carry maximum penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.
Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA
The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) has rejected the ACTU’s baseless claims that the Government’s “same job same pay” laws have not delivered the outcomes unions were seeking, warning the argument is now being used to justify pushing the regime far beyond its original purpose.
AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott AM warns the ACTU is trying to expand “same job same pay” laws far beyond their original purpose, risking reduced productivity and driving investment and jobs offshore if regulation continues to escalate.
The comments come as AREEA released its submission to the statutory review of the Closing Loopholes workplace reforms, warning the labour hire laws are already being tested beyond their intended scope and, without strengthened protections for contracting arrangements, risk driving investment and jobs offshore.
The ACTU has used its submission to push for the laws to be broadened to cover additional employment conditions and to narrow the service contractor exemption – changes AREEA says would dramatically expand the regime beyond what Australians were originally told it would do.
AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott AM said the Albanese Government repeatedly assured the community that its ‘same job same pay’ policy would be limited to arrangements where labour hire was purportedly being used to undermine wage rates in certain workplaces.
“Australians were told these laws were about ensuring labour hire workers doing the same job receive the same pay,” Mr Knott said.
“What unions are now proposing goes far beyond that.
“This is no longer about ‘same job same pay’ for labour hire workers – it’s about the ACTU’s fantasy of creating ‘same employment package for everyone’, with no regard for how major projects and complex multi-employer workplaces actually operate.
“There’s also no acknowledgement that permanent employees often command higher pay, bonuses or incentives because employers are investing in attracting and retaining critical long-term workforce capability.
“This latest campaign appears designed to push wages across entire supply chains to the highest benchmark in a workplace, regardless of the job being performed or the commercial realities of different employers.”
Mr Knott said it was difficult to reconcile union claims that the laws were not working with their own statements about the pay increases already delivered.
“On the one hand unions are celebrating significant wage rises under these laws. On the other hand, they’re claiming the system isn’t working,” he said.
“That argument simply doesn’t stack up.
“The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) has been especially vocal about how successful it has been at driving up wage rates across the black coal industry.”
Mr Knott said the push to broaden the regime ignored the well-established role of specialist contractors across Australia’s resources and energy sector.
“Major LNG, mining and energy projects rely on specialist contractors delivering defined scopes of work such as maintenance, engineering and shutdown services,” he said.
“These are specialist service businesses performing defined work – they are not labour hire providers.
“If unions succeed in collapsing that distinction, the Fair Work Commission will effectively be asked to reshape how entire industries organise and contract work.”
Mr Knott said it was unsurprising the ACTU was pursuing further expansion of workplace laws given its broader industrial agenda.
“It’s hardly surprising that the same peak union organisation recently calling for a 35-hour working week and an extra week of annual leave for all employees has given little thought to the productivity and cost impacts their latest proposals would impose on Australia’s key industries,” he said.
“For the ACTU and its merry band of left-wing academics, there will never be enough regulation or cost imposed on employers.
“Out in the real world, investment capital is highly mobile.
“If Australia becomes a more expensive and inflexible place to deliver major projects, investment will simply flow to other jurisdictions – and the jobs will go with it.”
AREEA said the statutory review should focus on addressing the unintended consequences already emerging under the laws, rather than using the process to push for further expansion of the regime.
“These reforms are still being tested before the Commission and the early cases are already revealing serious issues with how the framework is operating,” Mr Knott said.
“The review should focus on ensuring the laws operate as the Government said they would – not becoming a vehicle for even more extreme union proposals.”
AREEA’s submission to the statutory review has been provided to the Federal Government.
Click here for a full PDF of this media release, including media contact details.