Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo has celebrated some of its most dedicated community champions at the latest City of Wanneroo Citizenship Ceremony, held at Kingsway Christian College.

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo has celebrated some of its most dedicated community champions at the latest City of Wanneroo Citizenship Ceremony, held at Kingsway Christian College.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

MONASH

Issued on
26 Jan 2026 21:37

Monash Structure Fire

Firefighters have spent the afternoon responding to a structure fire at the Cleanaway Waste Transfer shed complex near Monash in the Riverland of South Australia.

Approximately 28 CFS and SA Metropolitan Fire Service firefighters are currently working through extremely hot conditions to extinguish the fire which has been contained to the shed and caused up to one million dollars of damage. Firefighters are also being supported by SA Police, SA State Emergency Service and SA Ambulance Service who have supported with firefighter welfare and heat stress.

Firefighters will remain on the scene overnight and throughout the day tomorrow to ensure the site is safe prior to handing back to the property owners.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and Fire Investigators will attend the scene when it is deemed safe.

Smoke is drifting over the area. As a precaution residents in the who suffer from respiratory or cardiac conditions may wish to consider closing all doors and windows and remaining indoors.

For further information refer to the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au

Message ID 0009101

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to a number of incidents reported in Katherine overnight.

At around 10:30pm, police received a report that up to 10 youths were in the vicinity of a service station on Katherine Terrace, with one allegedly armed with a knife.

One of the youths is alleged to have smashed a car window before the group fled the scene on foot.

At around 12:15am, police received reports that a group of youths allegedly entered another service station on Bicentennial Road, stealing small items, causing damage, and fleeing the scene.

At approximately 1:15am, youths allegedly attended a residence on Grevillea Road, where a house window was smashed and a vehicle damaged before the offenders fled the area.

These matters remain under investigation and police are yet to confirm the incidents are linked. The offenders remain outstanding, and police urge anyone with information, particularly CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact police on 131 444.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
26 Jan 2026 16:12

Warning area
Berri in the Riverland of South Australia.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from a building fire in MONASH is in the Berri area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the whole state of Victoria tomorrow, Tuesday 27 January 2026.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Garth Johnson has dedicated more than 45 years to serving his community as a CFA volunteer, a leader in road rescue and a wellbeing advocate.

Garth joined CFA on 12 April 1984 with Cranbourne Fire Brigade, following in the footsteps of his father.

“I grew up around CFA. It was a bit of a legacy,” Garth said.

Most of his service has been with Langwarrin Fire Brigade, where he is now a life member, alongside stints at Pearcedale and Devon Meadows.

Throughout his career, Garth has made significant contributions to CFA’s operational capability, particularly in road rescue.

It was during his time at Langwarrin that he helped develop what has since become the national standard road rescue vehicle used for emergency response.

He also played a key role in enhancing the Road Rescue training package, much of which remains in use today.

“Road rescue sort of took over my life,” he said.

“I had an engineering workshop at the time, and as a brigade we were building a new rescue unit. I was heavily involved in the design and layout, and it became my passion.

“We’re very proud of what we built, because that layout is now used across Australia.

 “It was something we put a lot of time, effort and pride into. It was entirely funded by the brigade, and I made up a lot of the tools and attachments. We wanted the best possible setup.”

In late 1992, Garth attended a callout that would mark the beginning of a long and difficult personal journey.

“I went to an incident that triggered my PTSD,” he said.

Despite continuing to respond to emergencies for many years, Garth’s condition went undiagnosed.

“At the time, I didn’t realise what was happening,” he said.

“It took 23 years before I was diagnosed, because I wasn’t looking for it. When the diagnosis finally came, it was shock.”

“I ended up getting counselling, and that’s when things started to change for me,” he said.

After sharing his story with his peers and receiving strong support, Garth realised the impact his experience could have in helping others recognise the signs of PTSD.

“If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone,” he said.

“That’s why I made it my mission to help others.

“I started doing presentations at local brigades, and the feedback was really positive, so I kept going.”

The initiative quickly expanded.

“My wife Jane and I now travel the state, speaking at CFA brigades, SES and Coast Guard. It’s grown far beyond what I ever expected.”

Over the past 12 years, Garth has delivered more than 50 mental health presentations to emergency services personnel and their families.

“Because I didn’t reach out for so long, I tell my story right up front. I don’t hold back,” he said.

“We encourage partners to come along to the presentations, so they know what to look for and how to support their loved ones.

“The CFA wellbeing team is amazing. I always encourage people to reach out and get the help.”

On being awarded the Australian Fire Services Medal, Garth said: “To be honest, I’m a bit shocked. I never imagined I’d receive an award like this.”

“I’m honoured and very humbled.”

Even after four decades of service, Garth continues to lead from the front. He is currently an active member of Drouin Fire Brigade and recently returned from serving as a Strike Team Leader and Sector Commander during the Walwa bushfire.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

This Australia Day, five highly regarded CFA members have been awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), in recognition of their outstanding service to CFA and their communities.

The AFSM is the highest award for a member of an Australian fire service which is awarded to a select group of dedicated fire service members as part of the Australia Day honours.

The five members have been recognised for their exceptional bravery, expertise, and leadership, leading their regions through major emergencies such as Ash Wednesday, Black Saturday, the 2019/20 bushfire season, and ongoing 2025/26 season all while advocating for modern and innovative development across CFA’s fleet, training, recruitment and equipment to enhance capabilities.

The 2026 CFA Australian Fire Service Medal recipients are:

Emma Conway embodies the highest standards of service, integrity and leadership. With an impressive 21-year career at CFA, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication as both a volunteer and a career firefighter. Her exceptional leadership during major emergencies, strong commitment to volunteer and workforce development, and passionate advocacy for inclusion and diversity set her apart as a remarkable role model.

Brendan Blake has dedicated more than 54 years to CFA, serving in key leadership roles across multiple brigades, notably during major fires including Ash Wednesday, Black Saturday and the 2019/20 bushfires, to pioneering the design of modern fire trucks. A strong advocate for leadership development, Brendan has mentored countless firefighters, promoted female recruitment and championed succession planning.

As a volunteer for more than 40 years, holding several frontline roles, Garth Johnson now primarily serves at Langwarrin as the 1st Lieutenant. Garth helped develop the state’s first Rescue Unit and improved Road Rescue training. Passionate about mental health, he now shares his personal experience to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help, making a significant impact on fellow firefighters.

Kelvin Bateman’s contributions to CFA have spanned over 46 years, serving as Captain of the Dunrobin–Nangeela Brigade for 32 years and holding various roles in the VFBV, including Board member. As 2nd Deputy Group Officer of the Casterton Group, he is held in high regard for his integrity, fair approach and leadership, and many volunteers turn to him for support in times of need.

Gavin Parker began his service with the CFA as a volunteer in 1976 and transitioned to a career firefighter in 1995. Over nearly five decades he has held key leadership roles, most in the Latrobe Valley and South East Region, and during the 2009 Black Saturday and 2019/20 bushfires. Gavin has made a lasting impact through innovation, pioneering thermal imaging technology and developing training drills, work that has earned him international recognition.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan congratulated the five highly respected CFA AFSM recipients for their admirable achievements and invaluable service to CFA and the Victorian community.  

“CFA is incredibly proud of its volunteers and staff, and it is great to see our members recognised with the highest fire service medal in the country,” Jason said.

“We are fortunate as an organisation to have so many incredible people who devote a large part of their life to the protection of lives and property in their communities, and I thank them for their dedication.”

CFA would also like to recognise AFSM recipient and Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Graham Kirk, who has also contributed significantly to CFA and Victoria’s fire services.

Another eight former and current CFA members were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), Elizabeth Bate, Beverley Edwards, Ian Kellett, Major Neil Leckie, Geoffrey Penny, Graeme Robb, Gordon Simpson and Christine Welsh.  

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Brendan Blake (left)

Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) recipient Brendan Blake describes his 54 years of volunteering with CFA as a ‘50 year marriage’, a union built on dedication, respect, and loyalty.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Kelvin Bateman has been the driving force behind the successful Dunrobin-Nangeela Fire Brigade, just north of Casterton, for decades.

He is serving his 33rd year as captain of the brigade and has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 46 years. He still attends most brigade callouts, taking on the roles of crew leader and incident controller.

Kelvin is also the brigade’s community safety coordinator, and 2nd deputy group officer and communications officer for the Casterton Group.

He is held in high regard for his integrity, fair approach and leadership, and many volunteers turn to him for support in times of need in both operational and non-operational situations.

Kelvin’s deployments include the Coleraine and Churchill fires and north-east fires in 2009, the Blue Mountains in 2013 and the 2019-20 fires in Victoria. He has also led numerous strike teams across District 4 and neighbouring districts in response to large fires including the 2024 Kadnook and 2024-25 Grampians fires. In all these incidents he ensured that the safety and welfare of crews was his highest priority, which earned him the respect and admiration from those he served alongside.

Working in conjunction with Casterton Fire Brigade, Kelvin established Dunrobin-Nangeela as an urban support brigade to strengthen the capability across the district, and it has several accredited breathing apparatus operators.

At the group level, Kelvin is skilled at planning for campaign fires and allocating strike teams to ensure volunteer fatigue management is factored into operational decision-making. His clear understanding of the group’s brigades and resources is critical in making sure crews are not overworked and firefighting efforts are spread across the district.

In addition to his significant contribution to operational response, Kelvin has been a member of the District 4 Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Council since it was established more than 20 years ago. He’s passionate about the safety of CFA volunteers and works with the VFBV and volunteers to achieve outcomes in the best interest of the district.

He has an unbiased and realistic approach when analysing CFA draft policies and procedures, helping to maintain a sensible approach for the organisation while also supporting volunteers. Kelvin’s determination to strive for better outcomes for volunteers led to him being appointed to the VFBV Board in October 2024.

He has been a member of the District Planning Committee (DPC) since 2012 and was the chair from 2021 to 2023. His contribution is recognised by all members as exemplary. As chair, he ensured meetings ran smoothly and actions were followed up. He spends many hours reading, researching and speaking to people though his well-developed networks to understand the issues presented to DPC.

“After I became the District 4 President of the VFBV Council in 2012, I visited all the district’s fire stations to assess what was needed,” Kelvin said. “My main passion has been to get better infrastructure and trucks for the district. I keep plugging away writing to people to improve the district’s facilities. Through the DPC, I was successful in getting toilets installed in all brigade stations.

“I’m also writing to our local MP and enclosing photos of what some of our stations look like.”

Kelvin has been part of the Rural Championships for more 32 years where he has made an outstanding contribution to help many young people develop and take up roles in CFA. As a founding member of the District 4 State Rural Championships Committee, he has played an important role encouraging numerous junior-aged members to join a brigade, join a running team and compete each year. He has mentored many brigade juniors and helped them to become senior volunteers, with many going on to become brigade lieutenants and captains.

“I trained the current captain of Henty brigade when he was 12 or 13 years old to compete in a running team,” Kelvin said. “A lot of youngsters I trained as juniors moved away, but over the past few years they come back to compete in Championships. It’s great that they still have an interest in the brigade.

“We need to mentor the youngsters in the brigade and keep them involved to make sure they know they are important. We need to talk to them all the time and keep them motivated and interested.”

He has also been involved in CFA’s Captains Peer Mentor Program where he is a sought-after mentor. His passion for leadership and knowledge makes him a valuable addition to the program and is another example of how Kelvin wants to encourage members to excel in their brigade roles.

“This program is important because it helps new captains develop an understanding of their responsibilities and role – for example, completing fire reports and the Section 29. I have also given feedback to VFBV about the program.”

As a farmer, Kelvin recognises that his leadership success within CFA is largely down to the support of his family.

“I could not have done everything I’ve achieved so far with CFA without the support from my wife Julie and two children Gabriella and Allan, as we run a 1,200-acre Angus beef farming operation, calving down 300 beef cows a year.”

Submitted by	News and Media