Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Don’t delay, leave early to protect your family

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

With days of significant fire danger forecast this week amid hot, dry and windy conditions, CFA is reminding residents that leaving early is the safest option.

With severe to extreme heatwave conditions developing throughout the week and temperatures soaring to above 40, High to Extreme fire danger ratings will be in place across Victoria.  

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said knowing what trigger point you will leave at is an important part of your bushfire plan. 

“Leaving early means leaving the area before a fire starts, not when you can see flames or smoke,” Jason said. 

“On Extreme and Catastrophic days, leaving the night before or early in the morning is the safest option and now is the time for families to sit down and understand what their bushfire plan will be.” 

“Organise before you leave where you will go to avoid panic or being trapped.” 

“This could be to stay with family or friends in a low-risk area, a shopping complex or central business district of a large regional or urban centre, or other community buildings, such as libraries in low-risk areas. 

“It is also important to call family and friends and let them know where you are going. 

“Bushfires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes, don’t wait for an official warning to take action.” 

Make sure you have a route planned before you leave, along with an alternate route in case roads are blocked or if there is congestion. 

Jason said fires are unpredictable and plans can fail, so a back up plan is essential and can save your life if you are caught in a fire.  

“If you do not have a car to leave in, think about your public transport options or seek help from a neighbour,” Jason said. 

“If you do have a car, practice packing it with all the essentials so you can leave quickly and efficiently and be sure to fill your car with fuel on high fire danger days. 

“To minimise damage to your home, if you have time before you leave, close all doors and windows, move doormats and outdoor furniture away from the house, block downpipes and fill gutters with water, and leave the front gate open. 

“If time permits, move stock or large animals to large paddocks with short grass.” 

It’s important you check with police and fire authorities before returning home to ensure it is safe for you to do so. 

Victorians should always stay informed through more than two sources of information and download the VicEmergency App for the most up to date warnings in their local area. 

Submitted by CFA Media
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Australia’s deep drill cuts its first Antarctic ice core

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

The Australian Antarctic Division’s bespoke ice core drill, designed to drill ice more than 3000 metres deep and over one million years old, has collected its first ice core.
The successful extraction of the almost one metre-long core, at 151 metres depth, is a major milestone after seven years of work to design, build, test and commission the drill.
Ultimately the drill, built as part of the Million Year Ice Core (MYIC) project, will be used to extract ice all the way to bedrock, 3000 metres below, containing trapped gases and other chemicals that provide a continuous record of past climate.

The 8.4 metre-long drill was built by Australian Antarctic Division scientists, engineers and instrument technicians by adapting drawings, based on a Danish design, for Australian Antarctic operating conditions.
These conditions include temperatures as low as -55°C and pressures up to 300 kilograms per square centimetre.
The MYIC project team has been working at the Dome C North drilling site (1200 km from Casey research station and 3239 metres above sea level) since late November 2025, alongside the supporting tractor-traverse team.
Together the teams have de-winterised and powered up the remote inland station and set up additional infrastructure and equipment to support the deep drilling.
This included the installation and commissioning of a four tonne winch that raises and lowers the deep ice core drill into the ice sheet.
The work follows a successful drilling season last year with a shallow drill that enabled the team create a ‘pilot hole’ for the deep drill, and extract 150 metres of ice core containing a climate history dating back 4000 years.
The team will continue work with the deep drill until late January, when temperatures become too cold to support further operations.
Drilling to the base of the ice sheet is planned over the next three Antarctic summer field seasons.
MYIC science lead, Dr Joel Pedro, said the full-length ice core is expected to extend the current ice core climate record well beyond 1.2 million years, and help solve a climate mystery involving a shift in the cycle of ice ages.
“An ice core record of over one million years can help us answer why that shift in the climate state occurred, and that will provide really important information to test models and better predict climate in the future,” Dr Pedro said.
This content was last updated 8 minutes ago on 7 January 2026.

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BACK CALLINGTON ROAD, KANMANTOO (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
07 Jan 2026 09:17

Issued for
Kanmantoo fire near Back Callington Road, Kanmantoo in the Murraylands area of South Australia.

Warning level
Advice – Stay Informed

Action
CFS is responding to a fire at Back Callington Road, Kanmantoo.

If you are in this area, stay informed and monitor local conditions. More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

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YELLABINNA (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

YELLABINNA

Issued on
06 Jan 2026 18:57

YELLABINNA

There is a fire burning in the Yellabinna Wilderness Area, approximately 80 kilometers North East of Ceduna, on the West Coast, South Australia.

This fire is the same fire CFS was monitoring yesterday in the Yumbarra Conservation Park however, the location of the fire has been adjusted in line with new intelligence and accurate fire mapping.

The fire is currently burning in grass and smoke can be seen in the area.

Due to the remote location there is no immediate threat to surrounding communities or roads.

This fire is being closely monitored by CFS and National Parks especially given the upcoming predicted weather over the coming days.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Message ID 0008909

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$38 million in disaster support for North–West Queensland

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have today committed an additional $38 million towards large‑scale disaster recovery efforts for flood affected communities across north‑west Queensland.

Targeted investments will be made across programs and projects that will assist the recovery of flood affected farmers and communities, including:

  • $21.5 million for primary producer Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000.
  • $11.5 million for critical repairs and increased flood resilience at Cloncurry Airport.
  • $5 million increase to the previously announced emergency fodder package.

Primary producer recovery grants up to $75,000 are available to impacted farmers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton Shires, including upfront payments of $10,000.

The Cloncurry Airport Recovery and Renewal Package will see $11.5 million of works rolled out to repair the damaged airstrip and increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft.

Another $5 million investment will grow the region’s Coordinated Emergency Fodder Support Package to $7 million, helping primary producers keep their stock fed in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton.

This $38 million commitment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments is being made through the joint Commonwealth‑state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Primary producers applying for Disaster Recovery Grants can visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 623 946.

Farmers needing fodder support should contact their local council immediately.

For the latest disaster information, all Queenslanders can visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au, with around the clock support also available via the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“This funding will provide immediate support to flooded communities that are hurting now and will set them up for success in the future.

“These disaster packages will make sure flood affected Queenslanders can recover and importantly build back stronger.

“We want all Australians to know that their government has their back.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Queensland Premier Jarrod Bleijie

“We’ve got boots on the ground across the north and north‑west to inform our recovery and the support we’re providing.

“It doesn’t matter what we’re up against, we’ll continue delivering for Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers

“I’m back in Cloncurry again for the second time in 13 months, this time with the PM and Minister McBain, and we have a simple message.

“We know the people, communities and industries of regional Queensland play a crucial role in our country and its economy and we are here for them every step of the way.

“These floods have been devastating for farming families in Queensland’s north and central west, there’s no other way to put it, and as a Queenslander I know how important this help will be in regions like this one.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain

“It’s our job to be there for all Australians, no matter what disasters we face, and this major investment speaks to that responsibility.

“Recovery is a long road and it takes time to reach the end, but today we’re telling Queenslanders that we’ll get there together.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy

“The local knowledge of our mayors and industry bodies is crucial to the shape of these support measures.

“For our farmers, communities and families, we’ve listened and we’re getting on with the work.”

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More bus drivers wanted

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government




More bus drivers wanted – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
















Released 25/08/2025

Transport Canberra is recruiting more permanent part-time bus drivers as part of its ongoing commitment to providing a reliable bus network with more weekend bus services.

Ian McGlinn, Executive Branch Manager, Transport Canberra Bus Operations said that applicants should have excellent customer service skills, have a class (C) licence or above, and are available to work a five-day roster and a selection of weekends.

“Whether they are looking for a career change or craving a job that contributes positively to the Canberra community, we encourage them to apply,” Mr McGlinn said.

“An enthusiastic and committed workforce is important to the success of our bus network. More bus drivers in our team will help to provide more frequent and reliable services to more parts of Canberra, more often.”

An information session will be held on Wednesday 27 August 2025, at 480 Northbourne Avenue, in Dickson starting from 7 pm. Attendees can learn about the recruitment and training process, hear from current staff about what it’s like to work at Transport Canberra and ask questions.

A ‘come and try day’ is then scheduled for Saturday 30 August 2025 between 8 am to 4 pm at the Sutton Road Training Centre. Attendees can get behind of a Transport Canberra bus.

Registration for both the information session and the ‘come and try day’ is essential.

“New recruitment rounds are always an exciting time. We received 453 applications from the previous recruitment round. We hope to do the same with this round,” Mr McGlinn said.

Applications for permanent part-time bus driver positions will open from Monday 1 September 2025 and close on Sunday 28 September 2025.

For more information about bus driver recruitment, including how to register for the ‘come and try’ day and information session, please visit transport.act.gov.au.

– Statement ends –

City and Environment | Media Releases

Media Contacts

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

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Total Fire Ban for Geelong, Melbourne and surrounds for the first time this season, alongside Wimmera and South West

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Wimmera, South West and Central fire weather districts tomorrow, Wednesday, 7 January 2026.

Strong north westerly winds will develop over the south west and central districts, in what will be a dry and hot day as severe heatwave conditions enter the north east of the state. Maximum temperatures will reach 42 to 44 degrees in the north and 39 to 41 in the south.

A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the next three days are going to be extremely challenging for both firefighters and those living and travelling in high-risk areas due to the hot and dry conditions, and people should be prepared to leave early and take action.

“Tomorrow’s Total Fire Ban is just one of many that we expect to declare throughout the week as heatwave conditions elevate ahead of a spike in temperatures on Friday,” Jason said.

“Conditions tomorrow will make it difficult for firefighters to supress a fire should one start and given the landscape has dried up significantly over recent weeks, high fuel loads pose a serious grassfire risk.

“We’re asking people to follow the strict requirements associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration, consider postponing harvest and cropping activities, and make sure you have your bushfire plan ready to go.

“It is really important people take the actions needed to protect themselves and their family, and that preparedness starts early.

“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies. Download the VicEmergency App to stay well informed.”

Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.

For more information on what you can and can’t do visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website. 

Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information. They include:

  • ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News
  • The VicEmergency App
  • The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
  • The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
  • CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook
Submitted by CFA media
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Total Fire Ban for Geelong, Melbourne and surrounds for the first time this season, alongside Wimmera

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Wimmera, South West and Central fire weather districts tomorrow, Wednesday, 7 January 2026.

Strong north westerly winds will develop over the south west and central districts, in what will be a dry and hot day as severe heatwave conditions enter the north east of the state. Maximum temperatures will reach 42 to 44 degrees in the north and 39 to 41 in the south.

A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the next three days are going to be extremely challenging for both firefighters and those living and travelling in high-risk areas due to the hot and dry conditions, and people should be prepared to leave early and take action.

“Tomorrow’s Total Fire Ban is just one of many that we expect to declare throughout the week as heatwave conditions elevate ahead of a spike in temperatures on Friday,” Jason said.

“Conditions tomorrow will make it difficult for firefighters to supress a fire should one start and given the landscape has dried up significantly over recent weeks, high fuel loads pose a serious grassfire risk.

“We’re asking people to follow the strict requirements associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration, consider postponing harvest and cropping activities, and make sure you have your bushfire plan ready to go.

“It is really important people take the actions needed to protect themselves and their family, and that preparedness starts early.

“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies. Download the VicEmergency App to stay well informed.”

Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.

For more information on what you can and can’t do visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website. 

Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information. They include:

  • ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News
  • The VicEmergency App
  • The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
  • The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
  • CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook
Submitted by CFA media
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Arrest – Aggravated assault – Darwin

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 52-year-old male following an aggravated assault that occurred in Darwin City early this morning.

Around 12:10am, Darwin general duties officers observed a male assaulting his female partner on Cavenagh Street. Police quickly intervened and arrested the offender.

The victim was treated at the scene before being conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital by St John Ambulance for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444, quoting reference number P26005236.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

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Jump in speeding offences during Operation Safe Arrival

Source: Tasmania Police

Jump in speeding offences during Operation Safe Arrival

Tuesday, 6 January 2026 – 11:08 am.

Police recorded a 57 per cent rise in speeding offences across the state during the recent Operation Safe Arrival road safety campaign, with more than 1220 drivers caught breaking the rules on speed limits.
The final numbers from the 12 days of Operation Safe Arrival – Tasmania Police’s annual Christmas-New Year road safety initiative – show a concerning increase in the number of speeding offences.
In the 2025-26 campaign, conducted from 22 December, 2025 to 2 January, 2026, police detected 1222 speeding drivers. This was 445 drivers more than the 777 intercepted across 2024-25 Christmas-New Year operation.
In the regional breakdown, there were 424 drivers caught exceeding the speed limit in the Southern District, 385 in the Northern District and 413 in the Western District.
Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Penny Reardon urged motorists to adjust their behaviour and promised that police would be continuing patrols and targeted traffic operations to improve road safety.
In other key areas of Operation Safe Arrival, there were:15,700 Random breath tests conducted (12,678 in 2024-25)53 Drink-drivers detected (53)342 Oral Fluid Tests (OFT) conducted (232)95 Positive OFTs detected (74)34 Seatbelt offences (20)42 Mobile phone offences (37)
Sadly, there were two deaths as the result of crashes – a 72 year-old male motorcyclist at Campbell Town, and a 15-year-old male e-bike rider near Don. Both crashes happened on Wednesday, 31 December.
With 2026 off to a tragic start in Tasmania following three deaths in two separate crashes at the weekend, Acting Inspector Reardon has called on the community to join with police to improve road safety.
“It is really alarming that we have already recorded three fatalities in the new year. It’s just very sad for those families, but it’s also very frightening for Tasmania Police,” she said.
“We will continue to work hard on road safety every day and hope that our messaging can get through and that people can start to take responsibility for their actions, because road safety is everybody’s responsibility.
“Many of the crashes we have seen over the past 12 months, if they involve the fatal five, then they are preventable crashes.
“So, if people do slow down, if people put their seat belts on, if they put their mobile phones away, don’t drive when you’ve been taking illicit substances, don’t drive with alcohol in your system, then you’re going to actually reduce your risk of a serious or fatal crash and also reduce the risk to other road users.”
To report hooning or dangerous driving, contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at crimestopperstas.com.au