Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australia Government Statements 4

08 04 2026 – Media release

Olsberg•SPI’s Production Infrastructure and Capacity Analysis (PICA) 2026 study has recognised Australia as a world-class, globally trusted hub for high production value content, while also identifying challenges that could inhibit long-term workforce capacity across screen production, PDV and animation, and digital games.
The study, commissioned by Screen Australia and released today, highlights four clear pressure points that could constrain the local sector’s future growth and impact competitiveness in the global market – lack of business scalability, skills gaps, limited career progression and infrastructure constraints.
Screen Australia Chief Operating Officer Grainne Brunsdon said, “This study not only reaffirms Australia as a world leader in high value production, it also provides specific guidance on how the sector can navigate a dynamic, ever-changing landscape. I’d encourage screen and games leaders to view these findings as a springboard to tackle the challenges of today and seize the opportunities of tomorrow.”
“For those working in production, PDV, animation and digital games, there is strong potential here to recalibrate capacity readiness and sharpen your competitive edge in a fierce global market. The PICA study equips you with the necessary insights to collaborate, act and build a more flourishing economically sustainable industry.”
To ensure economically sustainable business growth for local companies that are often small and project based, the findings suggest the development of key capabilities that improve scalability and support. Introducing targeted training programs for business development, strengthening the links between academia and industry, forging stronger international partnerships (particularly in the Asia-Pacific region) and stimulating private investment in locally owned content were identified as key improvements to be made.
The study emphasises training optimisation to address critical skills shortages and align programs with current industry needs. Increasing interstate initiatives, bridging the gap between industry and education programs, micro-credentials, continuous upskilling and innovative approaches to training programs were recommended to strengthen Australia’s competitiveness in the area.
When it came to workforce weaknesses, the study found unclear career progression and seniority gaps arose from high rates of attrition and key cohorts aging out of the workforce. To create clearer progression structures and improve work conditions, emphasis was placed on enabling Australian talent to embed in companies internationally, introducing a national grading system for physical production and PDV/animation, improving data collection and analysis, improving job-matching infrastructure and increasing structured mentoring. 
Finally, to address infrastructure challenges, strengthening inter-organisational coordination, preserving essential industrial areas and supporting new shared workspaces would address limitations in physical facilities. Coordinating sound stage development and capacity planning, preserving access to industrial land for screen-related storage and re-establishing dedicated collaborative workspace for digital games were identified as the key opportunities to address this.
Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) Chief Executive Officer Nell Greenwood advised on the development of the PICA study and said, “This audit delivers essential, evidence-based insight into our screen industry’s capacity and the kind of comprehensive data critical for the industry and training providers to understand and address emerging skills needs and workforce development. As Australia’s national screen school, we look forward to working with partners across the sector to implement the recommendations and advance a coordinated national approach to industry training.”
Screen Australia commissioned the PICA study in alignment with the Empower pillar of the agency’s new Corporate Plan, which focuses on equipping industry with valuable insights and research. Later this year, the agency will also release the landmark Screen Currency report measuring the economic, social and cultural value of Australian screen and games production.
Key study findings for physical screen production:

For below-the-line (BTL) crew, the top five roles identified by hirers as having the greatest capacity concern were Line Producer, Location Manager, Production Accountant, Production Coordinator and Production Manager.
Half of the physical production respondents reported a tenure of over 20 years (47%), speaking to the longevity of the industry.
77% of surveyed practitioners worked in film, with 59% working in broadcast and 59% in streaming/VOD.
Nearly two thirds (65%) of professionals work on narrative feature films.
Most physical production professionals (59%) work primarily in capital cities.

Key study findings for PDV and animation:

The top five roles identified by hirers as having the greatest capacity concern were VFX Supervisor, Technical Director, Editor, Art Director and VFX Editor.
Over a quarter (27%) of PDV and animation professionals surveyed had an Australian industry tenure of more than 20 years, with more than half (52%) having worked in the industry between six and 20 years.
Respondents worked on an average of six international productions in the last three years, twice the average of physical production professionals.
Almost two thirds (65%) of surveyed practitioners are employed in post-production. A similar proportion of practitioners worked across digital/animation (44%) and VFX (43%). 

Key study findings for digital games:

The top five roles identified by hirers as having the greatest capacity concern were Artist, Programmer, Designer, Producer and Engineer. 
90% of gamemakers surveyed created PC games, ahead of consoles (68%) and mobile (46%).
The vast majority of respondents work within indie studios (82%), with only 16% working in AAA studios.
The largest proportion of digital games makers live in Melbourne, however, 6% less people live in the capital than work there, suggesting that gamemakers travel in from regional Victoria for work, or work remotely for Victoria-based companies.

Read the full PICA study here.
Download PDF
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Source: Tasmania Police

Two youth charged with archery club burglary

Tuesday, 7 April 2026 – 10:34 am.

Police have charged two youths as part of an ongoing investigation into a burglary and stealing from an Archery Club at Romaine on 29 March.
It is alleged that offenders have used stolen compound bows to fire a large quantity of arrows around the Shorewell Park and Romaine areas in in Burnie.
Police recovered the stolen bows, along with quantities of arrows.
A 16-year-old male youth has since been charged with burglary and stealing while a second youth – a 13 year old boy – has also been charged with burglary, stealing, having a dangerous article in a public place, and resisting police.
Anyone affected, or with information in relation to the matter, is asked to contact Western CIB on 131 444 and quote OR801405.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Tasmania Police

Fatal fire at Devonport

Monday, 6 April 2026 – 10:52 am.

Update:
Fire Investigators have determined a fatal fire at Devonport yesterday was accidental.
Emergency services were called to the fire on Gunn Street about 5am.
Tasmania Fire Service crews extinguished the fire, and sadly located a person – believed to be the resident of the property – deceased inside the unit.
Fire Investigators worked at the scene yesterday, and have determined the cause of the fire to be accidental.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of the person involved.
A formal identification process will be conducted, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
____________
Earlier:
An investigation is underway into a fatal fire at Devonport this morning. 
About 5am, emergency services responded to reports of a residence on fire on Gunn Street. 
Tasmania Fire Service crews extinguished the fire, and sadly located a person – believed to be the resident of the property – deceased inside the unit. 
Investigations into the cause of the fire will be conducted today.  
A formal identification process will be conducted, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of the person involved. 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police were out in force on the roads over the long weekend as the Territory Road Policing Division conducted its Territory-wide Easter Road Safety Campaign.

Historically the Easter period results in a higher volume of road users and subsequently an increase in serious crashes.

Police deployed 55 Random Breath Testing (RBT) stations across the Territory with 1877 breath tests conducted.

Of that number, 54 tested positive to alcohol while 16 tested positive to drugs from 82 targeted drug tests conducted.

Road Policing carried out 360 traffic apprehensions, issued 175 traffic infringements and made 10 arrests.

A total of 17,764 vehicles were subjected to speed checks and 526 infringement notices were issued for speeding.

Police attended 30 motor vehicle crashes over the long weekend including a fatal crash that occurred in the Katherine region on Saturday, and seven crashes involving serious injury.

Senior Sergeant Devrim Kanyilmaz said, “The operation reinforces the ongoing need for a sustained focus on the Fatal Five and proactive road policing strategies to reduce road trauma on Territory roads.

“The campaign focused on prevention, deterrence, and enforcement through highly visible operations.

“People are four times more likely to die on Territory roads than the national average. With Easter being a high-risk period, police provided a robust enforcement response to mitigate those risks by improving speed compliance and removing impaired drivers from our roads.”

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Yarrambat fire brigade has raised another $11,089 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, with volunteers from Yarrambat and Plenty CFA collecting donations from motorists on Good Friday.

Working at the intersection of Yan Yean and Ironbark Rds, the volunteers have now raised more than $95,000 in 12 consecutive years of supporting the appeal, with all of it going to the hospital’s annual appeal.

The brigades make it easy for members of the public to donate, accepting anything from a few coins to a donation by EFT.

The brigade has also embraced modern technology, handing out a QR code that allows donations online. 

This year the brigade saw more than $2,000 in donations come from their electronic options.

Yarrambat CFA Captain Andrew Napoleone says the volunteers were delighted that so many motorists thanked them for collecting for the hospital.

“In spite of rain earlier in the day, a lot of people were starting out on a weekend trip or a day out, and we gave them an opportunity to help the Royal Children’s Hospital, too,” Andrew said.

“Just like the volunteers from Yarrambat and Plenty CFA, they were pleased to do something for the community.”

This year is the 95^th year of the Good Friday Appeal and the 75^th year of CFA’s involvement.

Yarrambat CFA Brigade provides fire and emergency response to the local community every day and night of the year, and the volunteer firefighters look forward to seeing members of the community for a chat on Good Friday next year. 

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Selby Fire Brigade celebrated a major milestone last Saturday 28 March, celebrating 100 years of dedicated service with brigade members past and present.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

rime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Singapore from 9 to 11 April 2026 where he will meet with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Leaders will continue discussions on securing trade in essential supplies, including petroleum oils, such as diesel and liquefied natural gas.

The visit will continue the Government’s regional engagements to keep fuel supply flowing by strengthening fuel access for Australia.

Australia and Singapore share a strong energy trade relationship. Australia is Singapore’s second largest supplier of liquefied natural gas and Singapore is Australia’s largest supplier of refined petroleum products.

Singapore is also Australia’s largest two-way trade partner and investor in Southeast Asia, and one of our closest strategic and economic partners.

This visit follows Australia and Singapore’s joint commitment to keep fuel flowing between both countries, and to work together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience.

Together, we share concern over the situation in the Middle East, including consequences for our region and its prolonged impact on energy supply chains and prices.

Australia and Singapore share a deep strategic trust, respect and shared global outlook, underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0. 

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese

“Australia is facing a more uncertain world, with energy shocks and supply disruptions affecting prices and livelihoods at home. 

“We do not need to wait for this global crisis to be over, we have to build resilience into the system.

“Australia is currently in a secure position, however engaging with international partners is an important part of keeping our fuel supply flowing.

“We are taking every practical action, including working closely with our international partners, to shield our nation from the worst of this global uncertainty.”

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Hargreaves Mall will be buzzing with free children’s activities during the school holidays including an augmented reality experience Imaginary Jungle, bringing a vibrant playground of sound, colour and creativity to the Mall.

Locals and visitors are invited to discover a trail of six augmented reality jungle scenes as part of Imaginary Jungle. The free experience for families features quirky, surprising and never-before-seen creatures and plants. Using your device, you can explore an evolving landscape brought to life through soundscape, animated video and augmented reality.

Imaginary Jungle will also have a unique live projected digital puppet show with original live music on Saturday April 18 at 6pm in Hargreaves Mall.

Created by Bendigo artist Paul Fletcher, Imaginary Jungle has been supported by the City of Greater Bendigo to enliven the city centre through creativity and community participation.

Artist and creator Paul Fletcher said he hoped the project would spark joy and curiosity in the community.

“The project includes soundscape, animated video, augmented reality, participatory workshops and a live projected digital puppet show and music performance.

“My inspiration for this project comes from all around me in cities and gardens, forests and jungles, children’s and adults’ artworks. I love the idea of bringing the Mall to life with animation and sound, creating an experience of imaginary jungles full of life and energy.

“The project also aims to prototype a new exhibition model that can continue to grow in collaboration with organisations and individuals throughout the Greater Bendigo region.”

Imaginary Jungle runs until April 19. Other school holiday highlights include: 

• Giant chess and family crafts on various days throughout the holidays
• Music in the Mall including lunchtime jams from Andrew Farrell Piano Wizard (April 9)
• Bendigo Art Collective Community Art Market (10am to 2pm, April 11)
• Bit Sketchi – fun quick drawings and paintings with artist Kim Lowe (April 10)
• Nature in the Mall – come and learn about nature and enjoy activities (11am to 2pm, April 15)
• Imaginary Jungle live digital puppet show and music performance on April 18, 6pm to 7.30pm in the Mall 

To plan your school holiday fun, visit:

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Meredith residents Jeff and Marg Cooper have been praised for their preparation efforts at their property ahead of the fire season, as their new sprinkling system saved their house this summer.

When a grassfire ignited on January 9 on Shelford-Mount Mercer Road, burning more than 2,200 hectares on the edge of their home, it was their early work throughout the pre-season that helped set their property up to defend itself.

“About 18 months ago I decided to upgrade the watering system around the garden, particularly around the back of the house to the north and northwest to try and defend us if we did get a fire,” Jeff said.

“There was a huge build up of dry grass this year right around the river.

“We’ve had three recent fires, and you do start to lose confidence a bit, and they’ve all come from the same direction from the northwest wind, and for some unknown reason, the wind always changes into the southwest and that’s what brings the fire back to us.”

Jeff said the winning formula was installing 35 new sprinklers in a horseshoe pattern around the garden and upgrading the pumps that come out of his dam.

“I used to have one dam pump servicing the whole property, but now I have three,” Jeff said.

“We put a horseshoe of sprinklers on the north west side, right around to the south outside the garden that gave us a bit of a green belt.

“I also set up sprinklers and hoses with high pressure nozzles along my verandas on each side of the house and on the back of the machinery shed.

“That morning, I created what I call a stooge, which works as a stand to firmly hold a hose on a particular angle without it needing to be held. This allowed water to be sprayed all day.

“To supply power to our water pump when the electricity dropped out, I had a generator and diesel pump connected to the system as a backup.

“The fire burnt to the green belt and stopped. It was in the right spot thankfully, and it saved us.”

CFA Commander Mark Collins visited the property and gave them a gold star for the work they had done, while Meredith Fire Brigade Captain Josh Medley said it stemmed as the perfect fallback base.

“The fire pretty much burned up to where the sprinklers finished and the place was in good nick, they did a great job,” Mark said.

“Knowing Jeff and Marg well, and how they prepare, we knew that their property would be a great base for us to safely tackle that edge of the fire,” Josh said.

During spring, Jeff, who is an 80-year-old farmer, had anticipated a fire this season so he continued to ensure excess grass was well away from the house through regular mowing.

“We really want to stay in the country, and we’re getting to the age where we ask ourselves, should we be here? But we like living here,” Jeff said.

“So if you can, you can make it safe for yourself so it takes the pressure off. When you get to this age, it’s not a good thought having to rebuild your house.

“My family has been here for 98 years, and I’ve been on this property for 80 and I’m currently remodeling the old house I grew up in.”

As the fire went through the area, Jeff said the local CFA trucks were out in force and crews did a great job alongside the South Australian firefighters.

“The fire just comes in and burns what it can and passes, and the local brigade were here to put out spot fires. They saved many houses down the road,” Jeff said.

“We had helicopters here pulling water out of the dam, and filling fire trucks. We had a nice little supply of water for the job, which is critical.

“The best water is the water you use before the fire season – if you have enough to keep your grass green. It is all about prevention.

“We lost a lot of fences, but they’re pretty easy to put back up. There is a lot to clean up, but it’s not out of the way work.

“We didn’t lose a building. We’ve got our house, a studio, a big machinery shed and a workshop right on the complex here and nothing burned. We are very lucky.”

Find out more about how you can prepare your property for fire at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the buzzword of the moment, promising to revolutionise everything from writing emails to driving cars.

But for CFA the adoption of new technology isn’t about following trends. When lives and property are on the line, our systems cannot simply be ‘smart’; they must be robust, reliable and proven in the harshest conditions Victorian summers can throw at us.

While CFA takes a cautious approach to integrating AI, recognising that technology must never replace the skill and judgement of our people, we also recognise its potential to solve long-standing operational challenges.

The case for change

The push for smarter technology is driven by real-world needs. For example, we know that removing crew members from the back deck of tankers significantly reduces the risk of injuries from burnovers, falls and heat exhaustion. Remote-controlled monitors have been the first step in this evolution, allowing crews to fight fires from the safety of the cabin.

The effectiveness of bullbar-mounted monitors was proven during the Boxing Day 2024 fires in the Grampians. Crews operating heavy tankers with monitors played a pivotal role in halting a fire run that threatened the township of Moyston. Feedback from the incident highlighted that these tankers and their monitor capability were instrumental in saving homesteads and historic structures.

However, current remote monitors can be difficult to aim accurately while a vehicle is bouncing over rough terrain during ‘pump-and-roll’ operations – a dynamic tactic where the tanker simultaneously drives and applies suppression. This is where AI enters the picture.

From desktop to the real world

For the past few years, CFA has partnered with Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI) on a feasibility study to assess whether low-cost cameras and algorithms could identify fire edges and heat signatures to assist with targeting monitors.

Desktop testing confirmed the concept is sound. We know the cameras can ‘see’ the fire, but a lab environment is different from a fireground. To trust an AI system with targeting water or identifying hazards, it needs to learn from the chaotic reality of smoke, dust, vibration and glare.

This need for high quality data drove recent field testing initiatives, including data collection at hazard reduction in Swan Hill. More than 700 gigabytes of data was collected in just 90 minutes of burn from three different options of thermal infrared cameras that can be mounted to tankers. This data can be used to train the AI to distinguish between a burning fence post, a person and a spot fire, ensuring the system works when it matters most.

Scaling up 

We are now entering an exciting new phase. The project has successfully secured funding from the Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services (AFAC) via the ‘Bushfire Emerging Technologies Hub,’ in collaboration with Google.

This next stage will move beyond theory to field tests and scale AI object detection and targeting algorithms. The project aims to refine the technology to support safer pump-and-roll firefighting.

The new funding will allow CFA to:

• Enhance safety: Test performance of hazard detection capabilities to identify pedestrians, fences, trees and rocks near vehicles, preventing collisions during low-visibility or high-stress conditions.
• Improve efficiency: Train the AI to classify fire edges in real-time, helping to automate or assist nozzle targeting so crews can focus on fire behaviour rather than fighting the joystick.
• Work offline: Optimise software to run on ‘edge computing’ systems local to the truck, so that no internet connection is required for the AI to work.
• Feed intelligence: Send simplified ‘fire/no-fire’ data back to support mapping and improve situational awareness without clogging radio networks.

By combining the skill of our firefighters with the precision of modern technology, CFA seeks to chart a course for safer tankers in the future where our crews can do their job more effectively and, most importantly, come home safely.

Submitted by	Nick McCarthy