Initial Minor Flood Warning for the Hastings River
at Settlement Point
Issued at 12:24 pm AEST on Friday 29 May 2026
Flood Warning Number: 2
reissued to correct subtitle
MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT SETTLEMENT POINT ON THE HIGH TIDE FRIDAY EVENING
Moderate to heavy rainfall since Thursday morning has caused river level rises across the Hastings River catchment. Further rainfall is forecast for the remainder of Friday, which may cause additional river level rises. Minor flooding is possible at Settlement Point on the high tide Friday evening.
Hastings River:
Minor flooding possible along the Hastings River at Settlement Point.
No observations are currently available at Settlement Point. The Hastings River at Settlement Point may reach near the minor flood level (1.20 m AHD) Friday evening on the high tide.
Safety Advice:
Don’t drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don’t drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
Next Issue:
The next warning will be issued by 11:00 AM AEST on Saturday 30 May 2026.
Latest River Heights:
Location
River Height
Tendency
Time of Observation
Hastings River at Mt Seaview
1.92 m
Rising
12:15 pm Fri 29/05/26
Hastings River at Kindee Bridge
1.88 mAHD
Steady
12:00 pm Fri 29/05/26
Hastings River at Wauchope Railway Bridge
0.34 mAHD
Falling
12:00 pm Fri 29/05/26
Wilson River at Telegraph Point
0.41 m
Falling
12:00 pm Fri 29/05/26
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.
Now is a great time to clear out the garage, tidy the garden or finally get rid of bulky household items you’ve been meaning to move on.
Eligible households in the City of Wanneroo can book a range of verge collections each financial year, including greens waste, junk, mattresses, white goods and e-waste.
With annual entitlements resetting on 1 July, residents are encouraged to book early if they want to use their 2025/26 allocation before the end of the financial year.
It’s important to remember that your entitlement is based on the collection date, not the date you make your booking.
This means:
Collections completed on or before 30 June 2026 will count towards your 2025/26 entitlement
Collections completed from 1 July 2026 will count towards your 2026/27 entitlement
What can I book? Eligible households can access:
1 x Greens collection — up to 3m³
1 x Junk collection — up to 3m³
1 x White goods collection — up to 4 items
1 x E-waste collection — up to 6 items
1 x Mattress collection — up to 3 items
Planning ahead gives you the best chance of securing a collection date that works for you.
To make a booking, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/bulkwaste.
South East CIB charge several people with raft of offences
Friday, 29 May 2026 – 10:45 am.
South East Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) has charged several people yesterday with a raft of offences including assault, stealing, drug, and firearm related incidents.
“As part of ongoing investigations, detectives from South East CIB yesterday charged a number of people in relation to incidents committed in southern Tasmania,” said Detective Inspector David Gill.
“Our detectives are committed to investigating crimes, and bringing charges against those people who choose to commit offences in our community.”
A 15-year-old male youth from Bridgewater was charged with burglary x4, attempted burglary x1, stealing x5, motor vehicle stealing x5, trespass x1 and driving whilst disqualified x4. Police will allege the burglaries related to the a Golf Club in the Richmond area, service station in Lindisfarne and Lauderdale, a retail business in Northgate and vehicle burglaries where cash, alcohol and collector cards were targeted and they were committed utilising the stolen cars. He was detained to appear in court.
A 16-year-old male youth from Herdsmans Cove was charged with motor vehicle stealing x6. He was detained to appear in court.
A 25-year-old man from Huonville was charged with a burglary and stealing. Police will allege this related to a restaurant in Blackmans Bay where cash was stolen. He was detained to appear in court.
A 42-year-old man from Rokeby was charged with possession of a firearm and drug related offences. Police will allege they located a firearm and drugs during a targeted search of a residential address in Rokeby. He was bailed to appear in court at a later date.
A 17-year-old male youth from Clarendon Vale was charged with aggravated robbery. Police will allege this relates to an incident where he assaulted a youth known to him in the Midway Point area on 28 May. He was bailed to appear in court at a later date.
A 37-year-old man from the Sorell area was charged with aggravated assault. Police will allege this relates to an incident committed on 6 May where he pointed a firearm at two people known to him, who were seated in a vehicle stopped behind him at the traffic lights in Lindisfarne. The firearm was not discharged and no one was injured during the incident. He was detained to appear in court.
If anyone has information in relation to any offence, they are asked to contact police on 131 444.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is boosting its support for Amber Electric to help take vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G) technology to the next stage in Australia.
ARENA is providing an additional $13.6 million in funding to expand Amber’s EV charging project, bringing total funding to $16.8 million, which will significantly scale up the number of Australian households able to participate in V2G and smart electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Under the expanded trial, the number of participating households with V2G capability will grow from 50 to 1,000, allowing more EV owners to export power from their cars back to the grid. It will also expand smart charging from 950 to 2,000 households as part of the project, enabling these trial customers to automatically charge their EVs when electricity is cheapest and lowest in emissions.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the expansion would address key barriers to V2G deployment in Australia.
“To unlock V2G at scale, we need to bring together customers, car makers, networks and technology providers,” Mr Miller said.
“A big part of that is giving manufacturers the confidence their vehicles will perform as expected, including through validated approaches to battery use and warranties.”
“This project brings those pieces together to demonstrate how EVs can become an active part of the energy system. That means savings for owners and better utilisation of the grid, which can bring down the cost of the network for everyone.”
The project will work with global car manufacturers, starting with BYD, to implement charging standards that allow EVs to both charge from and send energy back to the grid, while addressing key warranty concerns through real‑world battery testing and collaboration with manufacturers.
The project builds on strong early progress, with Amber already delivering its initial smart charging trial and demonstrating strong customer interest, with 25 V2G residential sites already complete.
By expanding the project at scale, ARENA expects to generate critical insights into customer behaviour, technology performance and market integration, helping to inform future policy, industry investment and broader adoption of V2G technology in Australia.
Unlocking V2G is a core focus under the Driving the Nation Program. Visit the funding page and read the latest Program Guidelines for details on how to apply.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC has today commenced Federal Court proceedings against Amazon Commercial Services Pty Ltd (Amazon AU) alleging kids backpacks in its possession or control for sale on its online marketplace failed to comply with mandatory button battery warning requirements.
This is the first Federal Court case brought by the ACCC against an online marketplace alleging non-compliance with mandatory product safety standards.
This is a priority area for the ACCC recognising the rise in unsafe consumer goods available across the economy, facilitated by the increasing scale and reach of digital markets.
The Unicorn Toddler Backpacks’ were designed for children and included a detachable light-up unicorn plush toy containing button batteries.
The ACCC alleges Amazon AU had possession or control of the backpacks in Australian fulfilment centres between 22 June and 1 November 2022, and that required warning labels were missing from the products or the plastic outer packaging, which is in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law.
During the relevant period, the ACCC alleges 41 backpacks were purchased by Australian consumers through amazon.com.au. and 267 backpacks were held in Amazon’s Australian fulfilment centres as of 1 November 2022. The ACCC alleges Amazon AU had possession and control of the backpacks as part of its Fulfilment by Amazon services, which includes receiving, storing, picking, packing and shipping items for third party sellers and handling customer service and returns.
Under the Australian Consumer Law, a person must not, in or for the purposes of trade or commerce, possess or have control of goods where the supply of those goods is prohibited, including because they do not comply with mandatory button battery warning requirements. The ACCC’s case is that this applies to situations where online marketplaces have possession or control goods, in the same way it applies to other suppliers of goods.
The ACCC is seeking declarations, penalties, costs and other orders.
“Many Australian consumers now shop on online marketplaces. That’s why it is important that consumers have confidence and trust in digital markets, and for the ACCC to take this action, the first of its kind to come before the Federal Court,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“Button batteries pose a serious hazard for young children. If swallowed or inserted, they can cause severe internal burns and injury, and in some cases death. These mandatory warnings are there to help keep children safe and businesses must get them right.”
Images of the Unicorn Toddler Backpack. The unicorn toy is not physically attached to the backpack but can be attached by a band on the backpack’s front.
ACCC advice to consumers
Button batteries are dangerous to children if swallowed or inserted. They can become stuck in a child’s throat and result in serious lifelong injuries or death. Insertion of button batteries into body parts such as the ears or nose can also lead to serious injuries.
Children up to 5 years of age are at greatest risk because of their narrower oesophagus and tendency to place small objects into their mouths, ears and noses. Preventing access to button batteries is critical.
If you suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery:
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if your child is having any difficulty breathing.
Call the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26. You can call at any hour for expert advice. The Poisons Information Centre can direct you to an appropriate medical facility. Not every health facility can manage injuries from button batteries.
Prompt action is critical.
Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
Do not let the child eat or drink.
Do not induce vomiting.
Further information about button battery safety including a consumer button battery guide is available on the ACCC Product Safety website.
There are four mandatory standards for button batteries and products containing button batteries. These cover how button batteries, products containing them, and packaging must be designed and tested to reduce the risk of children accessing button batteries, and the warnings and safety information that must be provided.
If you bought a product that does not comply with the mandatory standard or is unsafe, you can report it to the ACCC. We also recommend reporting it to the supplier, so they are aware of the issue. Suppliers must report any death, serious injury or serious illness associated with a consumer good that they have supplied within 2 days to the ACCC.
Background
The ACCC’s 2026/2027 Compliance and Enforcement priorities include unsafe products in digital markets and consumer product safety issues for young children, with a focus on button battery compliance.
Amazon AU is an Australian subsidiary of the US-based multinational technology company Amazon.com, Inc.
Amazon AU is one of three signatories to the Australian Product Safety Pledge, a voluntary initiative which aims to strengthen product safety measures across online business to protect consumers from safety risks when shopping online. Signatories commit to 12 product safety related actions and reporting annually on their performance against a mix of preventative and corrective measures.
Concise statement
This document contains the ACCC’s initiating court document in relation to this matter. We will not be uploading further documents in the event this initial document is subsequently amended.
Exciting news! Bendigo has been shortlisted as a category finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards, so now is the time for residents to get voting.
Bendigo is a finalist in the Top Tourism Town category (population over 5,000).
Organised by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, the finalists are selected for their commitment to tourism, outstanding visitor experiences, and for working collaboratively with local businesses, operators, and the community to grow visitation.
When you make your vote, you will enter a draw to win a luxurious stay in Melbourne for two people.
The City of Greater Bendigo’s submission for the awards captured a four-day weekend of ‘unexpected’ wonders for a couple’s short getaway. The itinerary included immersive experiences such as descending Central Deborah Gold Mine, a vintage tram journey, a city centre walking tour with Djaara guides, a visit to Botanic Gardens and Bendigo Pottery and a Discover Bendigo Guided Tour.
There were also local tips for visitors to make the most of their stay, and hospitality and accommodation suggestions to round of the four-day experience in Bendigo.
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said it was great news for Bendigo to be named as a 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town finalist.
“It is very exciting for Bendigo to be a finalist for the sixth year in a row and be acknowledged as a must-see visitor destination that delivers amazing, memorable experiences.
“We have a dedicated and passionate tourism industry, including attractions, accommodation and hospitality providers that are proud to offer something for people of all ages and interests.
“I encourage the community to vote for Bendigo as it counts toward the final scores.
“The final result is a combination of public voting, user reviews, a video promotion, and suggested itineraries, so it means so much for Bendigo to be recognised in this way.
“It is easy to vote, visit Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards (VTIC) website click ‘vote now’, select Bendigo, and you can pop your details in to win a fantastic prize. Ask your friends and family to do the same and spread the word.
“Voting is open until Friday June 26 so vote 1 for Bendigo today.”
The winners of the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards will be announced on Wednesday August 12.
To vote for Bendigo as the Top Tourism Town, visit:
Registrations are open for a free session to better understand the requirements for building a small second home on an existing property, sometimes called a ‘granny flat’.
The City of Greater Bendigo is hosting the information session on Thursday, June 11 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at The Capital (Banquet Room), 50 View Street.
Under Victorian Government changes, small second homes up to 60 square metres can now be built in many cases without a planning permit if other requirements are met. However, second dwellings still require a building permit.
Hear from City planners on the simpler process for building a second small home on your block. They will also explore the considerations should a planning permit be required and how the City can make the process easier.
A Q&A will follow the presentation.
Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge encouraged people interested in the second dwelling option to register for the session.
“This is a great opportunity to understand what is involved in building a second dwelling on your land and what you need to consider. City planners will be available to take your questions on the night, so please register to attend this session,” Mr Petherbridge said.
“We know that around 38,000 additional dwellings will be needed by around 2050 with most of these needing to be in urban Bendigo.
“The City’s Managed Growth Strategy guides residential growth in Greater Bendigo over the next 30 years.
“Building a second dwelling on existing residential land is a small but important part of a bigger picture to make sure that we get the diversity of housing types for future community needs.”
To register for the free information session, visit:
The City of Greater Bendigo, in partnership with Bendigo Community Health Service (BCHS) has launched a series of four short videos to support parents, carers and educators to help young people navigate issues around vaping.
The videos are part of a new initiative called Escape the Vape which aims to increase awareness of the harms of vaping among young people, build young people’s capability to reject vaping, upskill local health professionals and provide educational support to parents and educators.
The videos are being launched in time for World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager Amy Holmes said a key part of the Escape the Vape project involves delivering a school-based education program to young people aged 10-12 that demystifies vaping and provides young people with a toolkit to say no to vaping.
“The new videos will sit alongside the school-based education program, as a resource for parents and teachers to use to help young people navigate issues around vaping,” Ms Holmes said.
“The videos feature parents with lived experience and local health professionals and provide information on the health effects and harms of vaping, how to talk to a young person about vaping and intervention and support strategies.
“It can be very hard for parents and carers of young people aged 10 to 18 to navigate the topic of vaping with young people and the aim of the videos is to provide tools to help them do this. We also recognise that parents lead incredibly busy lives, so each video has been designed to be short, just a few minutes long and easy to watch.”
BCHS Senior Leader Integrated Health Promotion Natalia Smith said awareness efforts were making a difference and a video series aimed at supporting parents, carers and educators was essential to reinforce declining youth vaping rates.
“We’re excited to support this video resource especially given parents are at the forefront of efforts to encourage young people not just to quit but to not even pick up a vape in the first place,” Ms Smith said.
“We believe knowledge is power and have seen first-hand through our Prevention of Vaping program for grade 5 and 6 students that facts are empowering and have an impact when it comes to making healthy, informed decisions.
“This video series is a real asset to parents and educators and will provide them with further support on how to encourage young people to make positive choices when it comes to their health.”
On Saturday 23 May, Elmhurst Fire Brigade gathered to celebrate its proud history and recognise the dedication of its members at the brigade’s annual awards dinner.
The evening brought together volunteers, their families and distinguished guests in a heartfelt tribute to service and commitment.
The brigade, a longstanding pillar of the Elmhurst community, took centre stage as its achievements and contributions were highlighted throughout the night.
Attendees included Acting Deputy Chief Officer West Region Steve Alcock, Commander Paul Ditchburn and Emergency Management Victoria Deputy Commissioner Brett Boatman, all of whom joined in acknowledging the vital role the brigade plays.
A key moment of the evening was the presentation of a Special Recognition Award, honouring the brigade for its outstanding service and significant efforts during a recent local house fire.
The ceremony also placed a strong focus on individual and collective service milestones. Members were formally recognised through the presentation of Service Awards, CFA Life Memberships, Brigade Life Memberships, and National Medals. These honours underscored decades of dedication, often carried out quietly and selflessly behind the scenes.
In total, 28 awards were presented on the night, representing an extraordinary 785 years of combined service to the Elmhurst Fire Brigade, CFA and the broader community. The milestone serves as a testament to the enduring commitment of volunteers who continue to give their time and expertise to ensure community safety.