Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Free school camps at Birrigai continue

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

ACT public school students can access one free camp at Birrigai during their primary years.

In brief:

  • The ACT Government launched its free camps program in February this year.
  • ACT public school students can access one free camp at Birrigai during their primary years.
  • By the end of the 2025 school year, the program is set to deliver 58 camps for around 4100 students.

By the end of the 2025 school year, around 4100 ACT public school students will have attended a free camp at Birrigai.

Since the initiative was announced in February, more than 1700 students from 25 participating schools have attended a camp. By the end of term 4, Birrigai is projected to have delivered a further 33 camps for about 2400 students.

The free camps program

The program ensures every primary school student at an ACT public school can attend one free camp at Birrigai during their primary school years.

The 2025-26 Budget provided funding for the initiative over four years.

Plans for 2026

Planning for 2026 free camps are well underway with all eligible schools already booked in. Forward bookings indicate all eligible schools will have received one free camp by the end of 2026.

Birrigai offers different programs aligned with the curriculum. Themes include:

  • First Nations histories and culture
  • outdoor adventure and science
  • science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.

Outdoor activities are central to the experience. On camp, students may take part in:

  • adventure bush walks
  • team-building exercises like team treks and rope courses
  • campfires, damper cooking and seed grinding (and enjoying Birrigai biscuits)
  • challenges such as the crate climb, vertical playpen and giant’s ladder
  • a connection to Country experience with Birrigai Aboriginal rangers
  • learning about plants and living creatures, including kangaroos, emus, yabbies, Bogong moths and Muliyan (eagles)
  • arts and craft – from sketching their environment to building a shelter
  • play-based learning, storytelling and singing
  • self-directed exploration
  • collecting data as part of Birrigai’s ongoing EcoSurvey.

School camps support curriculum delivery, student wellbeing and a positive school culture.

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Free school camp program at Birrigai on track to host over 4000 students in first year

Source: Australian National Party




Free school camp program at Birrigai on track to host over 4000 students in first year – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















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 18/09/2025

Now in full swing, the ACT Government’s free school camps program at Birrigai Outdoor School is tracking to deliver 58 camps for around 4100 students by the end of the 2025 school year.

More than 1700 students have attended a free camp since the initiative was announced in February, with 25 schools having participated by the end of last week in a free camp at the outdoor school.

The program was set up to ensure every primary school age student in ACT public schools could attend one free camp at Birrigai during their primary school years. The 2025-26 Budget provides $3.3 million to fund the initiative over four years.

By the end of term 4, Birrigai, near Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park, is projected to have delivered a further 33 camps for approximately 2400 students. Planning for 2026 free camps are well underway with all eligible schools already booked in.

Birrigai offers curriculum-aligned programs that include First Nations histories and cultures, outdoor adventure, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics activities. School camps support curriculum delivery, the development of student wellbeing and a positive school culture.

“School camps are an important and formative part of the educational experience, and no student should have to miss out because of the cost,” ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said.

“The free camps initiative was set up after we learnt through feedback and data that cost was posing a barrier to many young people accessing the valuable experience school camps provide. It complements our other equity programs, including free three-year-old preschool, a Chromebook for every public secondary school student and the Future of Education Equity Fund.”

– Statement ends –

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Two arrested over alleged Kings Meadows assault

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two arrested over alleged Kings Meadows assault

Thursday, 18 September 2025 – 4:13 pm.

Police have today arrested and charged two teenagers over the alleged serious assault of a man on Hobart Road, Kings Meadows, last night.
Launceston detectives charged a 17-year-old boy with assault under the criminal code and he remains in custody.
A second 17-year-old boy has been charged with assault under the criminal code and he was bailed to reappear in court at a later date.
The arrests were made earlier today, following the alleged assault of a 40-year-old man outside Zap Fitness in the Launceston suburb of Kings Meadows, about 9.15pm on Wednesday.
The man sustained serious head injuries and remains in Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition.
Investigators are appealing to the public for any witnesses or dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au and quote job number 387-17092025.
Information can be provided anonymously.

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Public Fertility Care welcomes 250th baby

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

18/09/25

Victoria’s free fertility care service has reached a significant milestone: 250 babies have now been born through the program since its launch in 2022.

Public Fertility Care is the first service of its kind in Australia. The service gives free access to IVF and a range of other fertility treatments.

Since launching, more than 7,000 Victorians have accessed the service. This includes over 1,000 people from regional and rural areas of the state.

The service is open to all eligible Victorians. The service has a focus on supporting individuals who may face challenges starting or growing their family through the private system.

This includes people:

  • on lower incomes
  • living in regional and rural communities
  • who identify as LGBTIQA+
  • who are single
  • who need fertility preservation for medical reasons.

Led by the Royal Women’s Hospital, Public Fertility Care is delivered in partnership with 10 health services across Victoria. You can access Public Fertility Care by getting a GP referral, with patients supported through their nearest participating health service.

More information about Public Fertility Care is available on the Better Health Channel External Link and via the Royal Women’s Hospital’s website External Link .

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Rugby league fans urged to plan ahead for NRL semi-final clash

Source: Mental Health Australia

Sydney Olympic Park will be bustling this Sunday 21 September with 80,000 people attending events across the precinct including 60,000 footy fans converging on Accor Stadium to back their Sydney teams in the NRL semi-finals.

Heading into week three of the NRL finals, the Bulldogs host the Panthers to determine who will face the Broncos next weekend for a spot in the Grand Final.

Fans are being urged to use public transport to get to and from the game, with Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins saying supporters have many options across the city with plenty of extra transport services running. 

Travel on all modes of public transport is included in your ticket to this blockbuster semi-final. Show your ticket to transport staff when getting on board. 

People attending Oz Comic-Con at Sydney Showground or the Basketball event at Qudos Bank Arena need to use their Opal cards or contactless payment method. 

“NRL fans are urged to leave the car at home and catch public transport to avoid getting caught in traffic delays,” Mr. Collins said.  

“Stadium gates open at 2.15pm ahead of kick-off at 4.05pm so we encourage fans to arrive early and soak up the pre-game atmosphere in the precinct. Olympic Park will be busy as there will also be thousands of Oz Comic-Con attendees and basketball fans attending events at nearby venues.  

“There will be plenty of trains and major event buses running to and from Sydney Olympic Park to get supporters to the game and home afterwards.” 

Extra express trains will run from Central and the west to Olympic Park from early afternoon on Sunday, some starting from Penrith, with return services running frequently after the match. There will also be frequent trains between Lidcombe and Olympic Park until late. 

Sydney Olympic Park major event buses will run every 7 to 20 minutes between 12.35pm and 2.59pm, depending on the route. Buses will arrive at the precinct from around 2pm to 3:45pm. The last return bus leaves Olympic Park at 7pm. 

“Fans who must drive need to pre-book parking online before Sunday and consider carpooling. Traffic is expected to be heavy and local road closures are in place,” Mr. Collins said.  

“There’s also the option for fans who are driving to park at a commuter car park and continue their trip to Olympic Park by train.” 

Southwest Link buses run regularly between Sydenham and Bankstown. Fans can catch a bus to Bankstown to connect to the T6 Line trains to Lidcombe then to Olympic Park.

Meanwhile essential trackwork is taking place on several lines that may affect how fans travel. Passengers are urged to plan ahead and allow extra trave time. 

For more details on public transport changes during the event, including trip planning and travel alerts, visit NRL Semi Final: Bulldogs v Panthers | transportnsw.info or use the Opal Travel app or other trip planning apps.

For real-time updates on traffic conditions, including road closures and special event clearways, visit Live Traffic NSW. 

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’78 Kingswood returns to Tasmania Police car fleet

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

’78 Kingswood returns to Tasmania Police car fleet

Thursday, 18 September 2025 – 2:31 pm.

More than 45 years after it was last used to patrol the roads around rural Carrick, a HZ Holden Kingswood has been restored to near-showroom condition and returned to Tasmania Police.
The police sedan was loaned to the Hobart Technical College in 1979 after it had been retired and, over the years, hundreds of students worked on the Kingswood as part of their training in motor trades.
The vehicle was moved from Hobart to Devonport about four years ago.
Now, an extensive mechanical and bodywork restoration by TasTAFE teachers and staff at Devonport, and involving local trades, has restored the Kingswood to its former glory.
North East Inspector Grant Twining, also president of the Tasmania Police Historical Group, said the return of the restored HZ would be a “great asset” to police and would be appreciated by not only current and former members, but also motoring enthusiasts.
“We’ve got a retired sergeant who was once the constable at Carrick who we are going to have to hold back with chains from getting in it, because it was his car,” Inspector Twining said.
“It’s going to get a lot of attention, not just within the police environment because it was a police car, but there are historic car clubs in the community that will take a great interest in this car because it represents a certain picture in time.”
Inspector Twining said the police museum committee was proud to see the Kingswood return to the vehicle fleet.
“Everyone is invested in this car returning to Tasmania Police and being seen for what it is, which is a great asset to Tasmania Police and the state,” he said.
The 1978 Kingswood served its time at Carrick, in Tasmania’s North, and was driven by then-First Class Constable Steve Harrop for its entire career of 40,000km.
In 1979, then-Police Commissioner Max Robinson loaned the vehicle to Hobart Technical College, (TasTAFE) in whose possession the car remained for more than 40 years.
In 2019, the vehicle was assessed by TasTAFE staff as being no longer fit for purpose but, rather than discard it, TasTAFE agreed to make the vehicle a restoration project and return it to Tasmania Police.
Significant money and workshop hours have been invested into restoring the six-cylinder, ‘three-on-the-tree’ manual transmission Kingswood.
The engine, gearbox and driveline have been refurbished, it has period-correct hubcaps and has been painted in the original white colour.
The next stage is to transfer the vehicle from its Devonport TasTAFE workshop to Hobart, where it will be further fitted out with lights and signage typical of its appearance as a police vehicle in the late 1970s.
Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Damien George said the HZ Kingswood would make a wonderful addition to the car fleet, and to the Tasmania Police Museum.
He thanked TasTAFE for its work in restoring the Kingswood and returning it to police.
“This generous contribution has enabled Tasmania Police to preserve and present the vehicle in its original livery, honouring its historical significance for future generations,” he said.

RETURN TO DUTY: Retired police commander and secretary of the Tasmania Police Historical Group Steve Bonde, left, and North East Inspector and Tasmania Police Historical Group president Grant Twining, are thrilled that the 1978 HZ Kingswood is coming back to the fold. (Picture: Tasmania Police)

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CFA urges Victoria to Get Fire Ready

Source:

CFA is urging Victorians to Get Fire Ready with more than 500 brigades across the state hosting an event this October to help communities prepare ahead of what’s expected to be a challenging fire season.

The Get Fire Ready initiative will kick off on October 4 and 5 and run throughout the month.  

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the Get Fire Ready events are designed to inform and educate the community about their local fire risks. 

“The seasonal outlook warns parts of Victoria could face an increased fire risk this bushfire season and CFA is getting on the front foot to help communities across Victoria plan and prepare for bushfire season,” Jason said. 

“Get Fire Ready is about making sure every Victorian understands their fire risk, has a fire plan and knows where to get emergency information.” 

“More than 500 brigades across Victoria are either holding events at their station, at local community events or within the community. 

“Brigades will chat to the community about their local bushfire and grassfire risks, steps they can take to prepare and where to get emergency information from.” 

One of the brigades’ taking part is Dimboola, an area that dealt with a large bushfire earlier this year and is again at increased fire risk this spring.  

Brigade Captain Lyndon Kuhne said the open days are a chance to strengthen ties with the community. 

“We know our patch and the risks bushfire poses. These open days are a chance to sit down with our friends and neighbours and talk through their plans,” Lyndon said. 

“Too often people think it won’t happen to them. In January, we saw firsthand the importance of preparing early, having a plan. Don’t wait until fire is at your door.” 

CFA is encouraging all Victorians, particularly those in high-risk areas, to attend their local Get Fire Ready event. 

Jason reinforced that preparation doesn’t need to be complicated. 

“Clearing gutters, mowing lawns, trimming branches, knowing where you’ll go if a fire breaks out and setting a watch zone in the VicEmergency app can make a real difference in an emergency,” Jason said. 

To find out when your local brigade is taking part visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready. 

Submitted by CFA Media
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Arrest – Domestic violence aggravated assault – Darwin

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a woman after an alleged domestic violence related incident in Palmerston yesterday.  

At 5:00pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a woman had been injured at a unit complex in Victoria Drive, Gray.

Emergency Services attended the scene, and a 53-year-old woman was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with head injuries.

 A 46-year-old woman, believed to be a family member of the victim, was later located and arrested in Essington Avenue, Gray.

The offender is in police custody with charges expected to follow.

The victim remains in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries in a stable condition.

Investigations remain ongoing and police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500093044. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 444.

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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Arson, burglary charges over Lune River house fire

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Arson, burglary charges over Lune River house fire

Thursday, 18 September 2025 – 1:36 pm.

UPDATE: SUSPICIOUS HOUSE FIRE AT LUNE RIVER
Following the arrest last night of a 22-year-old man from Clarendon Vale after a house fire at Lune River, detectives from South East CIB have charged him with:

Arson
Aggravated burglary
Burglary x 2
Stealing x 2
Unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place
Possess controlled plant or its products.
The man was bailed with strict conditions to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 12 January, 2025.

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Modelling shows an orderly path to net zero leads to more jobs and investment, higher wages and living standards, and a bigger economy

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Albanese Labor Government’s clear and credible Net Zero Plan will help Australia grasp the jobs and opportunities of the global energy transformation.

Treasury modelling of three scenarios released today overwhelmingly shows an orderly path to net zero is a path that leads to growing wages and living standards, more jobs and economic opportunity around the country.

This modelling confirms Australia can make the most of our nation’s net zero potential and unique comparative advantages and ensure more Australians share in the benefits.

Our targets and this modelling are all about providing investor certainty, so we can attract the private capital to finance this transformation.

There are five key conclusions from the modelling:

  1. Australia can be a primary beneficiary from the global net zero transformation if we continue to take decisive action on climate change.
  2. Cheaper, cleaner energy will strengthen Australia’s international competitiveness.
  3. Clear and credible climate action will lead to more jobs, higher wages, and better living standards for all Australians.
  4. Our orderly net zero plan gives businesses the clarity and certainty they need to seize the opportunity and invest in Australia with confidence.
  5. A disorderly transition would mean fewer jobs, less business investment, lower wages, lower living standards and higher power prices in a smaller economy.

The Treasury modelled two orderly net zero scenarios consistent with our government’s approach and 2035 targets, a Baseline Scenario and a Renewable Exports Upside Scenario.

It also modelled a Disorderly Transition Scenario, which assumes Australia does not set a credible 2035 emissions reduction target, but in 2040 resumes a trajectory to net zero by 2050.

Under the Baseline Scenario, by 2050 Australia’s economy would be $2.2 trillion bigger, real GDP per capita would be $36,000 higher, 5.1 million more Australians would be in jobs and investment in the economy would be around 80 per cent higher than it is today.

The economy would be even bigger under the Renewable Exports Upside Scenario and our green exports from industries like green metals could add $68 billion to exports in 2050 compared to the Baseline Scenario.

By contrast, under the Disorderly Transition Scenario the economy is projected to be a cumulative $2 trillion smaller by 2050 with wholesale electricity prices around 50 per cent higher in the 2040s, compared to the Renewable Exports Upside Scenario.

In addition, per capita GDP is projected to be $4,500 lower when compared to the Renewable Exports Upside Scenario by 2050.

Treasury did not model a pathway that abandoned reaching net zero by 2050 but concluded that that approach would be worse than the results of the Disorderly Transition scenario.

“Not pursuing net zero by 2050 risks lower economic growth, reduced investment, missed export and employment opportunities, and higher electricity prices,” the report says.

The Treasury was tasked to undertake this modelling to inform the development of Australia’s Net Zero Plan.

A link to the modelling is available on the Treasury website.