Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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From wool trade to arts workshops – Gunning railway station’s 150 years of history

Source: Mental Health Australia

Celebrations will be held at Gunning train station on Sunday 2 November to mark 150 years of railway history, alongside its present role as an arts and community hub.

The station was completed before or soon after the opening of the Goulburn-Gunning section of the Main Southern Line in November 1875.

Now listed on the NSW state heritage register, Gunning Station is one of the best surviving examples of a small late Victorian country station complex.

And at the time it was built, it was the end of the rail line and in its heyday, it was a key location for the transportation of wool.

These days the rail line continues through Gunning and the station is serviced by four NSW TrainLink passenger trains each day.  

In recent years, the station precinct was completely restored, including repairs and upgrades to derelict structures and reinstatement of period features.

The restoration project was funded through the Community Heritage Program of the Transport Asset Manager of NSW (TAM).

The refurbished station is now home to Connect@Gunning Station, an artistic and cultural hub run by Southern Tablelands Arts.

Chief Executive of TAM John Garrard said it is fantastic that new life has been breathed into the historic rail precinct.

“The meticulously planned restoration project was led by a dedicated team from Transport for NSW with the assistance of specialist heritage architects and tradespeople,” he said.

“Great care and precision were taken with reinstating period features including a new decorative verandah built from the 1875 plans, station room signs and replica timber columns to the platform awning,”, Mr Garrad said.

Executive Director of Southern Tablelands Arts Rose Marin said Connect@Gunning Station is the artistic and cultural heart of the community.

“This beautifully restored station is now the venue for a range of arts and cultural events, performances, heritage displays, workshops and meetings, that help promote vibrancy and social connection in Gunning and the wider region,” Ms Marin said.

NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks said passengers use Gunning Station to connect with Melbourne and Griffith train services and they enjoy the quaintness of the revamped station in its picturesque rural setting.

“Steeped in history, the station continues to play an important public transport role today,” Mr Weeks said.

“Importantly, the renovation of Gunning Station a few years ago not only upgraded heritage items but also included improvements to make bathroom facilities and the station more accessible and comfortable for all.”

Gunning Station was an early prototype of a distinctive NSW station design, approved by John Whitton the Engineer in Charge for the NSW Government Railways, and over a hundred other late 1800s stations followed a similar style.

Around 1876 a two-storey Station Master’s residence was constructed adjacent to the station. This still stands and is privately owned.

Other early structures included sheep yards, an enginemen’s rest house (moved to Bowning in 1876), a goods office (moved to Goulburn in 1878), and in 1889, a new ladies’ toilet within the main station building.

When opened, the station also included a refreshment room providing tea and buns for train travellers.

Supported by Transport for NSW and NSW TrainLink, Southern Tablelands Arts has organised a day of festivities for Gunning Station’s 150th birthday from 10am – 3pm on Sunday 2 November.

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366-2025: Unchanged import conditions for prawns

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

29 October 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Stakeholders with an interest in Australia’s import conditions for prawns.

What has changed?

The department has recently received increased enquiries questioning whether there has been a change in Australia’s import conditions for whole (unpeeled) uncooked prawns.  This notice confirms that Australia’s import conditions for uncooked prawns for human consumption remain unchanged.

Under standard import…

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Dash cam and car audio supplier Connected Audio Visual admits to resale price maintenance

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Connected Audio Visual Pty Ltd has admitted to engaging in resale price maintenance. The company did this by communicating that it would not supply retailers who did not agree to terms requiring them to sell products at specified prices.

The ACCC accepted a court enforceable undertaking addressing this conduct.

In April 2025, the technology solutions provider sent emails to 258 retailers proposing changes to certain clauses in their distribution agreements. Connected Audio Visual asked these retailers to agree to advertising certain products online, such as dash cams and subwoofers, at the recommended retail price. Existing retailers who did not respond to the emails had their accounts put on hold and in one instance, when the retailer did not agree, closed.

Under Australia’s competition laws, it is illegal for suppliers to prevent, or attempt to prevent, retailers from advertising or selling goods below a specific price. This conduct is known as resale price maintenance.

Between April and September 2025, in response to Connected Audio Visuals conduct, 178 existing and 31 new retailers entered into agreements containing resale price maintenance clauses with Connected Audio Visual.

“Recommended resale prices are only suggestions, and suppliers are generally prohibited from trying to force distributors to adopt them,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

“As we have seen in this instance, suppliers often do this by pausing or cancelling accounts with businesses who refuse to comply.”

“We enforce these laws to protect consumers from higher costs, which can happen when retailers are prevented from competing on price,” Mr Keogh said.

“We will continue to take decisive action against companies who flout our competition laws utilising the full suite of enforcement actions available to us.”

The undertaking, which is in effect for three years, requires Connected Audio Visual to remove the clauses of concern from its distribution agreements and price lists and to inform its retailers it has done so. Connected Audio Visual is also required to implement a compliance program to help it comply with the Competition and Consumer Act.

A copy of the undertaking is available at Connected Audio Visual Pty Ltd.

Background

The ACCC first received a complaint about the conduct in April 2025.

In addition to providing entertainment, security and energy management solutions for homes and businesses in NSW, Connected Audio Visual also supplies car audio and dash cam products to independent retailers across the country. It is the exclusive Australian distributor of IROAD and MB Quart products – dash cam and car audio brands respectively.

Connected Audio Visual admits that it engaged in resale price maintenance and cooperated with the ACCC throughout the investigation.

It is illegal for businesses of any size to impose minimum prices for the resale of their goods or services. For example, suppliers must not:

  • set minimum prices in formal policies or agreements;
  • offer retailers a discount if they sell at or above a minimum price;
  • refuse to supply retailers that sell below a minimum price; or
  • punish retailers for selling below a set price, for example, by taking away a discount or sending a warning.

Suppliers can recommend appropriate prices including, for example, by providing a recommended resale price (RRP) list. More information on minimum resale prices can be found on our website.

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10+ ways your local pharmacy can help

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Local pharmacists play a key role in our health system.

In brief:

  • Pharmacies are one of the most convenient places to get healthcare advice and treatment.
  • Many offer services you may not be aware of.
  • This article lists some ways your local community pharmacy can help you and your family.

Did you know ACT pharmacies can help with much more than just filling prescriptions?

Pharmacies are one of the most convenient places to get healthcare advice and treatment. And many can assist in ways you may not be aware of.

Pharmacists play a key role in our health system, and sticking with a trusted local pharmacy has many benefits.

Read on to find out more about ways your local community pharmacy can help you and your family.

Convenient opening hours

Here in Canberra, we have several community pharmacies that stay open late at night and on weekends.

You can view them using the Health Direct service finder tool.

Quick help for UTIs

If you think you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI) but can’t see your GP, your local community pharmacist might be able to help.

Community pharmacists undergo comprehensive training to ensure safe and effective care for non-pregnant women aged 18–65 with uncomplicated UTIs.

This means your local community pharmacist may be able to provide an assessment and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs. This may include antibiotic supply if clinically necessary.

Not sure if your local community pharmacy offers this? Find out via the Find a Pharmacy website.

Oral contraceptive pill resupply

Some local community pharmacies may be able to resupply the oral contraceptive pill (the pill) without a prescription.

To qualify you must be:

  • a woman or person with a uterus aged 18–49 (inclusive)
  • taking the pill for contraception (birth control).

You must have been prescribed a low-risk oral contraceptive pill continuously for the last two years by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

You can only receive the same type of pill you’ve been prescribed before.

Contact your local community pharmacy to check if they offer this service.

Need help with prescriptions?

If you run out of a regular medication and just can’t get to your doctor, your local community pharmacist might be able to help or direct you to appropriate care.

It’s best to use the same pharmacy regularly. This way they can see your medication history and give you the right advice.

Vaccinations made easy

Pharmacies provide a wide range of vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, shingles, whooping cough, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and RSV.

If you’re heading overseas, your local community pharmacist can also help with travel vaccines and essential travel supplies.

Wound care and first aid

Got a cut or scrape? Your pharmacist can:

  • give advice
  • help clean and dress the wound
  • show you how to care for it at home with the right products and dressings.

Medication supply and management

Pharmacists work closely with doctors and other health professionals to make sure your medicines are right for you.

They can also recommend over-the-counter or generic medicines that may save you money.

Some local community pharmacies can organise blister packs to help you take the right medicines at the right time.

Having side effects from medication? Your GP can refer you to your pharmacist for a home medicines review to find better options.

Door-to-door delivery

Too unwell to leave home? Some local community pharmacies may deliver your medications.

Check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer this service. A delivery fee may apply.

Absence from work certificates

If you have a minor illness or injury, your local community pharmacist may be able to issue an absence from work certificate.

Pharmacists can give you a certificate when you’re suffering from minor issues like:

  • a cold or flu
  • allergies or asthma
  • nausea and vomiting.

They may also issue a certificate when you’re caring for a sick family member.

If your illness or injury is beyond a pharmacist’s ability to assess, they will refer you to a doctor or other relevant healthcare professional.

Other helpful services

Many local community pharmacies offer extra services such as:

  • testing and treatment for sleep apnoea
  • weight management support
  • quit smoking support
  • injections for some medicines, such as Vitamin B12
  • mobility aids like walkers, crutches, and moon boots.

Clear communication

If you speak a language other than English, you can still chat with your pharmacist.

They can use the Free Interpreting Service and be connected to a telephone interpreter within a few minutes.

It’s important you can communicate effectively with your local community pharmacist, so they have the information they need to give you accurate advice.

Before you visit

It’s a good idea to call ahead to check if your local community pharmacy provides the service or medication you need.

You can search for pharmacies and make bookings online through the Find a Pharmacy website or the Health Direct service finder tool.

Remember, pharmacies may charge a fee for providing certain services.

Other healthcare options

If you don’t have a GP you can find one using the find-a-health service.

Remember, you can always visit a Walk-in Centre if you have an injury or illness that is not life-threatening.

You can also visit a Walk-in Centre if you have an injury or illness that is not an emergency.

The ACT’s five Walk-in Centres provide free, one-off treatment of non-life threatening injury and illness.

Find out more about our Walk-in Centres.

View other places to get help when it’s not an emergency on the Canberra Health Services website.

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Dickson and Manuka pools reopen with upgrades

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

The upgrades will improve accessibility, sustainability and visitor comfort.

In brief:

  • Dickson and Manuka pools have reopened to the public.
  • Dickson and Manuka pools have been upgraded over winter.
  • The Champions’ Board has returned to Manuka Pool after nearly 70 years.

Dickson and Manuka pools have reopened to the public for the summer.

Over winter the ACT Government delivered major upgrades at both pools.

The upgrades aim to improve accessibility, sustainability and visitor comfort.

Pool upgrades

Dickson Pool upgrades include:

  • a high-efficiency filtration system to improve water clarity, reduce chemical use, and support the pool’s accessible design
  • grounds aeration and reseeding with durable grasses to reduce maintenance and improve resilience to foot traffic
  • improved drainage to lower water and energy consumption
  • a new ventilation system and preparation bench in the cafe.

Manuka pool upgrades include:

  • anti-slip floor treatment in all bathrooms
  • new baby changing tables in both male and female bathrooms
  • improved kiosk ventilation for a cooler and more efficient space for staff
  • New kitchen equipment to improve food and drink service.

The Champions’ Board returned

After being lost for nearly 70 years, the Champions’ Board has been returned to Manuka Pool.

Originally installed in 1931, the board proudly displays the names of local swimming champions.

It was lost in 1955, when the club relocated to Civic Pool. Its whereabouts was unknown for decades, until a newspaper ad sparked a community-wide search.

The board was discovered in an old wares store in a small town in northeast Victoria. It made its way back to Canberra and was temporarily housed at Gungahlin Pool.

This season, the board has been lovingly restored to its prime and has finally returned home, just in time for the Manuka Pool’s 95th birthday.

For more information or to get pool passes head to the Manuka Pool and Dickson Pool websites.

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Cr Paul Miles elected as City of Wanneroo Deputy Mayor

Source: Government of Western Australia

Published Tuesday, 28th October 2025

The City of Wanneroo is pleased to announce that Cr Paul Miles, representing Central-East Ward, has been elected as Deputy Mayor for a two-year term.

Cr Paul Miles was officially sworn in at a Special Council Meeting held on Tuesday 28 October.

Mayor Linda Aitken congratulated Cr Paul Miles on his appointment to the role. 

“We are very proud to have Cr Paul Miles take on the role of Deputy Mayor,” she said.

“Cr Miles is a valued and committed representative of the City, recognised for their strong advocacy on key community issues.

“I look forward to working alongside Cr Paul Miles and the Council team to continue progressing the City’s priorities and supporting our growing community.

“I would also like to thank Cr James Rowe for his contribution as Deputy Mayor over the past two years and for continuing to make a positive impact as a South Ward Councillor.”

More articles in the news archive.

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All you need to know about the Canberra Aquatic Centre

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Canberrans will be able to enjoy the facility all year round.

In brief:

  • The ACT Government is planning a new aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park.
  • You can share your feedback to shape early designs until 14 November.
  • This article addresses many key questions you may have about the facility.

The Canberra Aquatic Centre will be built in the heart of Commonwealth Park.

It will feature a 50-metre lap pool, splash play areas and more.

The new centre will replace the aging Canberra Olympic Pool. It will also help meet the needs of a growing Canberra.

This is a joint project of the ACT and Australian Governments.

The planned Commonwealth Park location is conveniently close to bus stops and future light rail stops.

This landmark facility will be designed with Canberra’s community in mind. It will be a place for everyone, including:

  • keen swimmers
  • parents and young kids
  • older adults who like to stay active
  • those who simply enjoy being in the water.

In early 2025, the National Capital Authority (NCA) invited the community to give feedback on the Commonwealth Park Concept Vision 2025.

This highlighted the opportunity for an iconic aquatic facility to strengthen the park’s connection to water and landscape.

Tell us what you think?

Canberrans can now have their say on features to consider in the project’s design. Consultation is open via the YourSay Conversations website until November 14.

Keen to know more about the project? Read on for answers to some of the most common questions we’ve heard so far.

Why are we building the new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park?

Canberra’s increasing population requires a modern aquatic centre. It should be an all-weather facility everyone can enjoy.

The Canberra Olympic Pool (Civic Pool) was built in 1955. It has been a beloved part of life in Canberra for almost 70 years. However, it is reaching the end of its life, and a new Canberra Aquatic Centre will provide improved facilities for the community.

What facilities will the new Canberra Aquatic Centre include?

The project is in the early stages of design. We need to balance different priorities, and community needs when deciding how to use the proposed site and available budget.

The minimum scope includes a 50-metre pool and splash-play areas for kids and families.

Community and stakeholder feedback will help guide the design of the new centre. This way it will better reflect the needs and wants of the community.

What will happen to the Canberra Olympic Pool?

The new Canberra Aquatic Centre will replace the Canberra Olympic Pool. The Canberra Olympic Pool will stay open until the new Canberra Aquatic Centre opens. This way, there’s always a pool available in the city.

The Canberra Olympic Pool site is currently being considered for a future Convention and Entertainment Centre Precinct.

Will the new Canberra Aquatic Centre be environmentally sustainable?

The new facility will focus on sustainability. It will use energy-efficient systems, and water wise technology.

While we’re still in the early stages of design, we’re looking at options like solar panels, energy-efficient heating and water-saving features.

How will we use design to create an inclusive place for all?

Inclusivity is a priority, and accessibility is a key part of the design. The facility will be designed to offer convenient access for all levels of mobility.

Accessible, welcoming and inclusive change rooms are also at the heart of the design.

The centre will focus on families and offer safe, easy-to-use facilities. There will be change rooms and safe play areas for children, parents and carers.

Can I visit the new Canberra Aquatic Centre all year round?

Yes, the new Canberra Aquatic Centre is being planned for year-round use.

Indoor facilities are part of the design, so people can swim and stay active even during Canberra’s colder months.

We’re aiming to make the centre comfortable and enjoyable in every season.

Why was Commonwealth Park chosen as the location?

Commonwealth Park is near the City Centre, public transport, famous attractions and landscape setting on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin. Surrounded by national institutions, the new aquatic centre will reflect design excellence, cultural respect and community pride.

A key design focus is to blend the Canberra Aquatic Centre into the landscape, respecting the beauty of Commonwealth Park.

The National Capital Authority has also marked this area as suitable for an aquatic facility in its Commonwealth Park Concept Vision 2025.

How will I get to the new Canberra Aquatic Centre?

We want everyone to easily reach the new Canberra Aquatic Centre. This includes those using public transport, cycling, walking or driving.

A new light rail stop at Commonwealth Park is being built as part of Light Rail Stage 2A. This will provide an additional public transport option.

There is also access to many rapid and local buses, making visits to the centre more convenient.

Parking is another way we’re designing for easy access, along with safe paths for walking and cycling.

As we plan for the site and budget, we must balance various priorities and community needs. This includes considering parking space available and ways to support active and public transport connections.

We’re also considering how the centre connects to nearby places like the City Centre and Lake Burley Griffin.

How do I share my thoughts on the design?

Visit the YourSay Conversations website before 14 November.

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Arrest- Aggravated assault – Woodroffe

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested a 15-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Woodroffe this morning.

Around 9:20am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male youth had allegedly assaulted two men outside a business on Baldwin Drive after stealing items from inside the premises.

It is alleged the youth stole multiple items from the business and a bystander who witnessed the theft attempted to intervene outside the premises. The youth subsequently assaulted the 64-year-old bystander multiple times to the head before the business owner was alerted to the commotion and came to assist the victim.

The offender then allegedly assaulted the 77-year-old business owner before dropping the stolen items and fleeing the scene.

Police and St John Ambulance attended, and both victims were treated at the scene.

A 15-year-old male was located and arrested at a bus stop on Essington Avenue.

He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number P25289542. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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Celebrating public mental health services in Mental Health Month

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government

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 28/10/2025

The ACT Government has been recognising Mental Health Month this October as an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote mental wellbeing for all Canberrans.

Minister for Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said almost half of all Australians, around 45%, will experience issues with mental health at some point in their lives.

“This could be you or someone around you, like a family member, a friend or a colleague. That’s why it is so important to come together as a community and acknowledge the significance of Mental Health Month,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“People can be going through a hard time for all sorts of reasons, and human connection is important even when things are going well. Supporting a loved one can be as simple as just listening and chatting to them about what they are going through, helping to find resources or organising an appointment.

“We have many innovative non-government, public and private mental health services in the ACT that are committed to supporting our community. It’s a real privilege to work with peak bodies, providers, and people with lived and living experience as we develop a new Mental Health Services Plan, to be completed by the end of 2026.”

Minister Stephen-Smith marked Mental Health Month with several events and visits to government-run mental health facilities and services across October, including to the Phillip Community Health Centre and Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, recognising the vital work of mental health staff.

“It was great to visit the Phillip Community Health Centre and meet with the Woden Community Recovery Service and the Eating Disorder Services teams who provide mental health care and support recovery for people in the community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

The visits also coincide with the one-year anniversary of the ACT’s dedicated Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Centre, which is the first government owned and operated facility of its kind in Australia, providing specialist residential support to individuals and families in the region. The Eating Disorders Services at Phillip Community Health Centre are testament to the high-quality mental health care on offer in the ACT.

At the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, following a tour of the facility, the Minister joined consumers and staff for a morning tea to celebrate staff members’ achievements. The visit included a preview of the newly upgraded reception and screening facilities giving a fresh new look to the unit as well as a number of other projects currently underway to create a warmer and more therapeutic environment.

Canberra Health Services provides a range of mental health services across the Territory, in hospitals, community health centres, adult and youth correctional facilities and people’s homes.

These services work together to deliver integrated and responsive care, including hospital-based specialist services, therapeutic rehabilitation, counselling, supported accommodation and other community-based services.

For more information on mental health services in the ACT, visit: www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au.

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Police medals and awards in Western District

Source: Tasmania Police

Police medals and awards in Western District

Tuesday, 28 October 2025 – 3:52 pm.

A police officer with 40 years’ dedication to her community and an officer whose work in both search and rescue, and forensics, has thrust him into some of Tasmania’s most impactful recent events, have been recognised in Tasmania Police awards for the Western District.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams on Tuesday led the praise for Sergeant Lee-Anne Walters and for First Class Constable Dean Wotherspoon during the annual awards and medals ceremony, held at the Devonport Country Club.
Officers received medals recognising their exceptional service, with recipients at periods of 10, 20, 30 and 40 years’ service. 
Commander’s Certificates of Appreciation were also awarded to Senior Constable Adam Medhurst and Sergeant Nigel Sheahen.
Constable Dean Wotherspoon, a 30-year veteran of Tasmania Police, received two recognitions on Tuesday – a Commissioner’s Appreciation Award for his 25 years in Search and Rescue, and the John AG Bird Memorial Award, which is presented annually in recognition of exemplary work in the field of forensics.
Over the past nine years, Constable Wotherspoon has been the lead scene manager at some of the most impactful incidents in Tasmania – murder charges, serious crime, and the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy.
As one of the state’s most experienced search and rescue officers, he has been involved in complex operations on land, sea and underground, and maintains a key role in the training of Tasmania Police search and rescue personnel.
“The two roles I do are a great balance of challenge and reward. I consider myself lucky, as I still look forward to going to work each day,” Constable Wotherspoon said. 
“There are times where I can be coordinating millions of dollars of assets and, literally, making life and death decisions.
“It’s perhaps cliched, but the roles I perform genuinely have a significant impact on peoples’ lives. Unfortunately, in those two roles, if I am busy, it does mean something has gone wrong for someone, but I am privileged to be able to play a part in helping them.”
Constable Wotherspoon said he was elated to receive the awards.
“It’s an absolute honour. These awards are peer nominated and therefore, to be thought highly of by your peers, for the work that we all do, is very humbling,” he said.
Lee-Anne Walters joined Tasmania Police in 1985 as an 18-year-old.
A girl who grew up on a family farm near Brighton, Sergeant Walters had her first posting to Burnie in December of her recruit year and never envisaged the North-West would be home.
Such is her commitment to her community, Sergeant Walters has been the senior officer at Smithton Police Station for more than 25 years.
“My intention was to spend two years on the North-West coast before returning to Hobart. As it is, I have never left the Western District,” she said.
“I joined Tasmania Police with the view to help people, and I still find satisfaction every day in serving my community. Seeing people make positive choices and turning things around in their life, has always been a highlight.”
Sergeant Walters spent a decade working as a detective in Criminal Investigations Branch and drugs in both Burnie and Devonport stations and was promoted to uniform sergeant in 1998. A year later, she accepted the position at Smithton.
“I had worked in plain clothes for the previous decade. Family was the reason I moved back to uniform, but my connection with the community through involvement in Adopt a Cop, emergency management planning, Community Road Safety Partnership and involvement with other community groups has been a huge part of my reason to stay. Circular Head is a wonderful community,” Sergeant Walters said.
After 40 years in Tasmania Police, Sergeant Walters said changes in technology, uniforms and equipment, plus the investment in specialist resources, were positive markers.    
“When I went to Burnie, uniform was in Central Police Station, which was on old pub.,” she said. “The facilities were poor, with mice often running around the muster room.”
“Our uniforms and equipment were not practical. Reports were all paper-based and typed on manual typewriters. 
“The community was generally respectful of police, and you’d find young offenders were more scared of their parents’ reaction if they were dealt with by police.
“There are certainly challenges in policing today brought about by changes in society and some of the issues we see associated with mental health, with drug dependency and that lack of respect, not just for police, but for our communities in general.”
While policing has changed much since the mid-1980s, Sergeant Walters said the core function of serving your community remained the same.
“I’m certainly proud to have served on the frontline for 40 years.”

First Class Constable Dean Wotherspoon with Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams. Picture: Tasmania Police

Tasmania Police Smithton senior officer Sergeant Lee-Anne Walters, who has reached a 40-year service milestone, with her parents Merilyn Shorter and Ken Shorter. Picture: Tasmania Police