Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Shoppers looking for bargains at Panda Mart are again being warned about dangerous items being sold at the retailer’s Cranbourne and Preston stores.

Recent Consumer Affairs Victoria inspections have uncovered more unsafe products, including flammable candle holders that are banned in Australia because they can cause serious burns or fires.

Other items found included keychains with button batteries, which can kill or seriously injure a child if swallowed, and a range of portable pools and floatation devices that did not include mandatory warning labels – these pose risks of drowning and brain injury if misused.

Panda Mart has been the subject of repeated product safety warnings and legal action over the last year, after we allege it has failed to ensure that its products are safe and properly labelled.

Consumer Affairs Victoria obtained an urgent injunction in December, closing both stores for three days, and charged Panda Mart with 147 criminal offences in January, following the previous seizure of products from its Cranbourne store.

Director Nicole Rich said Consumer Affairs Victoria would continue to protect the community by pursuing Panda Mart until it met its legal obligations.

‘Under the Australian Consumer Law, retailers are responsible for the items on their shelves,’ Rich said.

‘It is extremely concerning to find new products flouting product safety laws on the shelves of Panda Mart, so soon after our previous action to shut down the stores to remove dangerous goods from sale to the public.’

‘We’ve issued this urgent warning to urge any customers who have bought these products to stop using them and store them securely out of reach of children.

‘Consumer Affairs Victoria has a range of legal options to use against retailers who don’t comply with their obligations. This matter remains under investigation. We will take further action where needed to protect the community from businesses selling products that pose a danger.’

A full list of items is available on the Public Warning Notice. If you’ve bought one, you can take it back to the Panda Mart store you bought it from for a full refund.

If you’ve seen a product that you think is unsafe on the shelves of any retail store, you can report it to Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Consumer Affairs Victoria sits within the Department of Government Services.

Read our full public warning:

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

A Geelong conveyancer is facing disciplinary action for allegedly failing to comply with trust account audit obligations over a 5-year period.

Murray Grills, 71, of Lara, is the lead conveyancer at Murrsan Pty Ltd (ACN 162 274 526), which trades as Regional Conveyancing in Manifold Heights.

Consumer Affairs Victoria alleges Mr Grills failed to have his trust accounts audited between 2020 and 2024, as required under the Conveyancers Act 2006.

Licensed conveyancers must have their trust accounts audited annually by an approved auditor. The report must be lodged with Consumer Affairs Victoria via myCAV.

Mr Grills faces penalties and suspension or conditions imposed on his conveyancer’s licence.

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director, Nicole Rich reminded conveyancers to ensure their annual trust account audits are up to date and lodged.

‘Trust account auditing ensures that client money is being handled safely and securely.

‘We are continuing to monitor and make sure conveyancers and estate agents are lodging their trust account audit reports each year. We won’t hesitate to take further action where needed.’

An initial hearing was held on 28 January at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

A South Yarra conveyancer is facing disciplinary action for allegedly failing to comply with trust account audit obligations over 4 years.

Consumers Affairs Victoria alleges that licensed conveyancer John Sierakowski, 78, failed to have his trust accounts audited between 2020 to 2023, as required under the Conveyancers Act 2006.

Licensed conveyancers must have their trust accounts audited annually by an approved auditor. The report must be lodged with Consumer Affairs Victoria via myCAV.

Mr Sierakowski may face penalties and suspension or conditions imposed on his conveyancer’s licence.

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director, Nicole Rich reminded conveyancers to ensure their annual trust account audits are up to date and lodged.

‘Trust account auditing is not just a minor administrative task, it’s a key consumer protection.

‘While we give conveyancers and estate agents warnings and reasonable opportunities to rectify missed lodgments, we’ve made it clear you will face further action if breaches persist.’

An initial hearing was held on 28 January at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDT20611

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Moderate Flood Warning for the South Esk River

Issued at 1:36 pm AEST on Thursday 28 May 2026

Flood Warning Number: 6

RIVER LEVELS APPROACHING A PEAK WITH MODERATE FLOODING AT FINGAL

MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE AT LLEWELLYN FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Moderate to heavy rainfall since Wednesday has caused river level rises and moderate flooding across the South Esk River catchment.

Along the St Pauls River at Lewis Hill, a moderate flood peak was observed Thursday morning and river levels are falling. Along the South Esk River, moderate flooding is occurring at Fingal, with a peak likely to arrive Thursday afternoon. As these flows move downstream to Llewellyn, minor flooding may develop overnight Thursday into Friday, and river levels may peak near the moderate flood level around Friday afternoon.

Break O’Day River:

River levels are elevated along the Break O’Day River.

St Pauls River:

Minor flooding is occurring along the St Pauls River.

The St Pauls River at Lewis Hill peaked at 2.74 m on Thursday at 09:00 am, with moderate flooding. The river is currently at 2.53 m and falling slowly, just below the moderate flood level (2.60 m). The St Pauls River at Lewis Hill is likely to remain above the minor flood level (1.70 m) for the remainder of Thursday into Friday.

South Esk River – Fingal to Llewellyn:

Moderate flooding is occurring at Fingal and is possible at Llewellyn Friday afternoon.

The South Esk River at Fingal is currently at 5.25 m and rising, with moderate flooding. The South Esk River at Fingal is likely to peak near 5.40 m around 03:00 pm Thursday, with moderate flooding.

The South Esk River at Llewellyn is currently at 1.71 m and rising, below the minor flood level. The South Esk River at Llewellyn is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) overnight Thursday into Friday. The river may peak near the moderate flood level (5.00 m) around Friday afternoon.

Nile River:

River levels are elevated along the Nile River at Deddington.

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.alert.tas.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 09:00 PM AEST on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Latest River Heights:

Location	River Height	Tendency	Time of Observation
Break O’Day River at Killymoon	1.93 m	Falling	12:00 pm Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Upper Esk Road Bridge	0.98 m	Steady	11:45 am Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Mathinna	0.94 m	Falling	1:21 pm Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Fingal	5.25 m	Rising	1:24 pm Thu 28/05/26
St Pauls River at Lewis Hill	2.53 m	Falling	1:25 pm Thu 28/05/26
St Pauls River at Above Avoca	0.61 m	Steady	12:00 pm Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Llewellyn	1.71 m	Steady	1:15 pm Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Perth	1.24 m	Rising	12:00 pm Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Longford	0.69 m	Steady	12:41 pm Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Trevallyn Pond	122.39 mAHD	Rising	1:15 pm Thu 28/05/26

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.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

The Retirement Villages Amendment Bill 2024 passed the Victorian Parliament on 28 May 2025.

The Bill helps current and future residents make informed choices about entering, living in, and leaving a village of their choice.

Victorians living in a retirement village will benefit from stronger protections so they can retire in comfort and with peace of mind.

The new laws will come into effect on 1 May 2026.

The reforms will:

• introduce standard contracts with clear information about entry and exit processes, ensuring prospective residents are better informed before signing
• regulate how exit entitlements are calculated, helping residents to better understand these calculations
• introduce new principles to guide the operation of retirement villages and delivery of services, with a focus on respecting the preferences and dignity of residents
• require operators to provide residents with an annual financial check of their contracts; and
• require villages to develop emergency management plans and undertake annual evacuation exercises, ensuring residents are better prepared for emergency situations.

Dispute resolution

Dispute resolution processes will be strengthened with improved procedures set up in all villages, and a new complaints and conciliation scheme set up within the Department of Government Services.

This service will be free to use and help parties reach an agreement at the earliest opportunity to reduce stress and disruption for residents.

More serious disputes, such as around termination of contracts or significant financial matters, can proceed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which will have expanded powers to hear these disputes.

Stronger regulatory oversight

Retirement villages will have new registration and annual reporting requirements, and Consumer Affairs Victoria will have enhanced powers to monitor compliance with key protections.

A mandatory Retirement Villages Code of Practice will also be developed this year, informed by consultation with the community and retirement village sector.

Commissioner for Residential Tenancies

To further support these reforms, the role of the Commissioner for Residential Tenancies will be expanded to provide independent advice to government on the retirement villages sector.

Background

The Bill was prompted by the 2019 Review of the Retirement Villages Act, which found that retirement village contracts were too complex, leaving residents with unexpected and burdensome financial obligations. It found residents felt unfairly treated, were uncertain about their rights, and suffered from ineffective dispute resolution processes.

The new legislation is the biggest change to the Retirement Villages Act since it was made law in 1986.

The reforms have been informed by extensive stakeholder feedback, with more than 500 submissions received from residents, their families, industry and consumer advocates.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Territory Road Policing were out in force last week across the for a traffic blitz for its yearly National Road Safety Week operation.

Over the course of the week, the following results were recorded:

– 23,258 vehicles checked across 36 speed camera locations with 1,178 speeding infringements issued

– 1,055 roadside breath tests conducted with 17 positive results

– 66 roadside drug tests conducted with 15 positive results

– 343 traffic apprehensions

– 145 traffic infringements issued

– 26 arrests

– 14 Notices to Appear

Superintendent Rick Magree said National Road Safety Week was an opportunity to remind road users across the Territory that police are always aiming to keep the road safe and ensure everyone is driving to the conditions.

“Territory Road Policing continues to target the Fatal Five – drink and drug driving, speeding, not wearing seatbelts, driver distraction, and fatigue.

“The 22.7% of drug tests returning positive results is particularly concerning as drugs severely impair drivers’ ability and puts others at risk on the roads.

“Police urge all motorists to make safe choices and contribute to safer roads for everyone.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Territory Road Policing were out in force last week across the for a traffic blitz for its yearly National Road Safety Week operation.

Over the course of the week, the following results were recorded:

– 23,258 vehicles checked across 36 speed camera locations with 1,178 speeding infringements issued

– 1,055 roadside breath tests conducted with 17 positive results

– 66 roadside drug tests conducted with 15 positive results

– 343 traffic apprehensions

– 145 traffic infringements issued

– 26 arrests

– 14 Notices to Appear

Superintendent Rick Magree said National Road Safety Week was an opportunity to remind road users across the Territory that police are always aiming to keep the road safe and ensure everyone is driving to the conditions.

“Territory Road Policing continues to target the Fatal Five – drink and drug driving, speeding, not wearing seatbelts, driver distraction, and fatigue.

“The 22.7% of drug tests returning positive results is particularly concerning as drugs severely impair drivers’ ability and puts others at risk on the roads.

“Police urge all motorists to make safe choices and contribute to safer roads for everyone.”

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Victoria can expect an earlier fire season in spring due to below average rainfall being forecast across the state, meaning the potential for a continuation of the drying trend, despite entering the cooler season and lower-risk period for bushfires over winter.

The forecast for winter suggests it may be warmer and dryer than average which may lead to an earlier than normal fire danger season. This includes South-West, Central and West Gippsland regions which remain unusually dry due an unusually warm and dry April, and limited rainfall throughout autumn.

Emergency services are continuing to monitor conditions for changes in fire risk, particular throughout these regions.

Victorians should also remain vigilant that the winter season can bring significant storms and wind gusts, and it is important to be prepared for all types of potential emergencies.

Preparedness activities including statewide briefings for the emergency management sector to ensure that incident management personnel are adequately prepared to mitigate emerging risks and respond to any emergency scenario.

Victorians are encouraged to take this time to prepare their properties ahead of the spring and summer seasons, and review and practise their fire safety plan.

The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for winter is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology along with state and territory fire and land managers.

It’s important for communities to understand their local risks. Keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app, VicEmergency website and tune in to emergency broadcasters such as ABC Radio.

Quotes attributable to Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch

‘There is no better time to review your fire safety plan, download the VicEmergency app and create a watch zone, and know who your local emergency broadcaster is.’

‘Emergency services and volunteers remain dedicated to keeping Victorian communities safe and are preparing for the potential of an early bushfire season this year.’

Quotes attributable to Acting Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM

“Parts of Victoria remain unusually dry, and even in cooler conditions, fires can still start and spread if a burn-off gets out of control, particularly when strong winds are involved.”

“The impact of an escaped fire on local communities and emergency services can be significant, so it’s important people register their burn-offs, monitor weather conditions and never leave a fire unattended.”

“Make sure you have enough water and equipment on hand to keep your burn under control.”

Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman

“Unfortunately, this winter seasonal outlook shows a strong likelihood of continuing dry and warm conditions across Victoria heading into spring.”

“Winter is an important time for planning and preparing our fuel management activities. Managing vegetation and fire breaks and road maintenance helps to keep communities safer year-round.”

“With the support of communities and working with our emergency sector partners, we will continue to deliver our fuel management program where forest and weather conditions make it safe and suitable to do, and prepare for spring and a potential early start to the fire season.”

Attributable to Acting Fire Rescue Commissioner Joshua Fischer:

“With the release of AFAC’s Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Winter 2026, Victorians are reminded that while the bushfire risk is typically lower, winter is when we see more house fires—and tragically, more lives lost in preventable residential fires.

“Fire risk doesn’t stop when the weather cools—residential fires remain an ever-present risk, and the cooler months consistently see more fires in the home. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the fire risks in your home.

“Colder weather brings added risks in our homes, making it critical that Victorians stay vigilant. Working smoke alarms and a practised home fire escape plan give you the best chance of getting out safely if a fire occurs.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian State Emergency Services Chief Officer Operations, Alistair Drayton

“Now is the time for communities to prepare their properties, review their emergency plans and make sure they know where to access timely and accurate information before and during emergencies. We know winter can also bring severe storms, damaging winds and flooding, so preparedness for all hazards remains critical.”

“VICSES is working closely with our emergency management partners to monitor conditions and ensure we are ready to respond to any emergency scenario across the state.”

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emergency Management Victoria via the State Control Centre: 1300 287 289 or sccvic.media@scc.vic.gov.au

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Fundraisers registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) must still follow Victoria’s fundraising laws while fundraising in Victoria.

However, when conducting fundraising activities in Victoria, eligible fundraisers that comply with the National Fundraising Principles (Principles) within the Fundraising Regulations 2019 may be exempt from certain prescriptive requirements of the Victorian Fundraising Act 1998.

Victoria is adopting the Principles under our joint national commitment to making compliance easier for fundraisers.

This change is part of ongoing national harmonisation of fundraising regulations. It allows charities to commit more time and resources to their core purposes.

The Principles make clear the conduct expected from fundraisers across Australia. They are not prescriptive and give charities greater flexibility to apply them.

The Principles were developed in consultation with Australia’s charity sector.

Download Victoria’s Implementation Plan for more information.

Find more information for registered fundraisers and charities.

Summary of the Principles

The Principles are set out in Victoria’s Fundraising Regulations:

When conducting an appeal, fundraisers must ensure that their employees, volunteers and contractors:

1. Always explain the purpose:
   • of their charity and
   • to which the funds raised will be applied.
2.  Are always clearly identifiable by the public. This includes displaying identification with both:
   • the person’s name and
   • the fundraiser’s name and contact details.
3. Always keep written records of the fundraising appeal. Records must be easy to read and understand.
4. Always acknowledge and comply with a:
   • refusal to make a donation
   • request not to receive future solicitations (including marketing and promotional materials)
   • request to be contacted at a more convenient time or by a different means
   • request to limit the number, type or frequency of solicitations.
5. Never conduct a door to door or telephone fundraising appeal at the following times:
   • before 9 am or after 5 pm on a weekend
   • before 9 am or after 6 pm (door to door) or 8 pm (telephone) on a weekday
   • on a public holiday, unless the public holiday is closely connected with the charitable purpose.
6. Never mislead, deceive or knowingly use false or inaccurate information when fundraising.
7. Never place undue or unreasonable pressure on a person when fundraising, or act unconscionably.
8. Never exploit a donor’s:
   • trust
   • lack of knowledge
   • lack of capacity
   • need for care and support, or
   • vulnerable circumstances.
9. Always make it clear whether a donation is a one off or an ongoing donation. Explain how to end an ongoing donation.
10. Commercial fundraisers must never accept a donation without explaining
    • that they are part of an organisation that makes a profit from fundraising, and
    • how they are paid.
    When conducting a fundraising appeal, fundraisers registered with the ACNC must:
11. Conduct all reasonable due diligence when engaging third parties to help, support or deliver fundraising activities on their behalf.
12. Make and keep written records of the total funds raised and the purposes for which funds are applied.
13. Protect the health, safety and wellbeing of fundraisers and the public while fundraising.
14. Establish and maintain a complaints process. The complaints process must allow for proper investigation and redress of complaints from the public. It must encourage anyone with concerns about the fundraising appeal to contact them.
15. Collect and handle information in accordance with Commonwealth Privacy Act 1998 where required.
16. Always ensure commercial fundraisers are not paid excessively.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 24-year-old male in relation to an alleged indecent assault that occurred in Alice Springs yesterday evening.

It is alleged an adult female was indecently assaulted by a male known to her near the Todd River in the vicinity of Undoolya Road. The offender fled the scene prior to police arrival.

This morning, police officers located and arrested the 24-year-old at a residence in Musgrave Street, Gillen.

He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.