Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Stay well this spring

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Spring means more pollen is around, which may trigger asthma and hay fever symptoms.

In brief:

  • This article lists tips to staying well in the warmer months.
  • Pollen levels are higher in spring.
  • Mowing season starts in spring and can trigger allergies.

Spring brings beautiful blooms and sunny days, but with the change in season, it’s important to stay mindful of your health and safety.

Here are some spring safety tips:

Stay ahead of hay fever and asthma

Spring means more pollen is around, which may trigger asthma and hay fever symptoms.

You can prepare by visiting your GP to update your action plan or make one.

To stay prepared in spring:

  • always carry medications recommended in your action plan
  • monitor pollen levels using AirRater
  • try to stay indoors with your windows closed on high pollen days.

Remember, you can still have asthma or hay fever symptoms when pollen level forecasts are low.

If your usual asthma treatment is not effective, seek medical advice. In the event of a medical emergency, call triple zero (000).

Mowing can trigger certain allergies. It’s good to be aware that mowing season starts in spring (September to March).

Suburbs, open spaces and arterial roads are mown every 3-4 weeks, weather permitting.

See the schedule here.

If you’re doing mowing at home, try:

  • mow when pollen counts are low
  • don’t wait too long to mow and keep the grass short
  • use a mower with a grass clippings bag attached
  • wear protective clothing like gloves, sleeves, glasses and masks.

It’s not too late to vaccinate

Respiratory viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19 and RSV still hang around throughout spring.

If you or your family haven’t been vaccinated for influenza this year, it’s not too late to do so. Everyone aged 6 months and over is recommended to receive a flu vaccine every year.

Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness. It also helps protect vulnerable community members, including those who can’t be vaccinated such as babies.

Talk to your GP or pharmacist about which vaccines are recommended and funded for you – as it can depend on your age, health risks, and other individual circumstances.

Stay safe in the heat

As we get further into spring, we can experience some hot days in Canberra.

Hot weather can bring a range of health concerns from sunburn to salmonella.

Read our article on ways to prevent getting sick in the warmer months.

No hat, play in the shade at schools

There are new sun protection guidelines for all ACT public schools.

Students need to wear hats outdoors from August through to May. Schools have moved from ‘no hat, no play’ to ‘no hat, play in the shade’ approach during these months if students do not have access to a hat.

Hat wearing is not compulsory in June and July but is still recommended.

This approach encourages year-round sun protection for kids, whilst not missing out on physical activity.

Schools also have sunscreen available.

Find out more about the new policy on the ACT Education website.

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Ways to make friends in Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Meeting new people in Canberra is easier than you think.

The city’s wealth of events and interest groups will help you extend your social circle.

We’ve put together some ideas to help you make new friends in the capital.

You may even pick up a new hobby in the process.

Meet up via Meetup

There are loads of events happening in Canberra every day. And you can see plenty of them on the Meetup website.

From boardgames to yoga, language practice to dancing, there’s bound to be something to suit you.

In many cases, everyone’s a newcomer, so you’ll find others in the same boat.

Give a little of your time

Volunteering can be a great way to find both connection and purpose. You could:

Get sporty

Team sports can foster friendships, as well as an active lifestyle.

Whether you’re super competitive or just keen for a bit of fun, you’ll find heaps of possibilities.

If playing sport isn’t quite enough, why not get involved as a coach, referee or team manager? Or why not have a crack at one of the lesser-known sports in the ACT.

Get involved with uni clubs

If you’re a student, there are lots of ways to find your people on campus.

Most of these include a calendar of events. And if you can’t find a specific club, why not start your own?

Take the dog 

If you’ve got a dog, you already share an interest with thousands of Canberrans.

Lace up your trainers

Young women can reach out to Girls Club CBR to join an introvert-friendly walk.

Keen to step up the pace? You could get involved with the Parkrun culture. Some running groups, like Running for Resilience, combine exercise with a drink and conversation.

Connect with other parents

Those with young kids can meet other parents and carers through ACT Playgroups. Paint and Play mornings are run each day in various locations.

Test your general knowledge 

Canberra is home to several free trivia spots. Why not hit up some colleagues or neighbours to build a team? There’s nothing like bonding over a tricky geography question.

You can usually also just turn up to find a team on the night.

Link up with a book club

Canberra has some amazing book clubs to join. You can find some through social media, or you can join and create one through ACT Libraries.

Fly your geek flag

Canberra is a haven for anyone into gaming, science, technology or fantasy.

Hit the flicks

Pair a movie screening with a chance to chat with other film buffs.

There’s also an ever-changing program of indie films, cult classics and documentaries screened at the National Film and Sound Archive. There are also regular events for film-lovers.

Join a network  

The ACT also has several groups set up to help people build their network.

These cater to different age groups and interests. They include:

Still more ideas

Whether you already have a passion or are scouting around for a new hobby, you won’t need to look far for like-minded locals.

Social enterprise Café Stepping Stone runs various events at its Dickson and Strathnairn locations.

Canberra boasts a plethora of LGBTIQA+ friendly activities and groups. You’ll find everything from tennis to roller derby, choir to drama.

ADF members and their families can find local information and events on the Defence website.

Remember, you’re not alone

Feeling lonely can have serious impacts on both mental and physical health.

Read more like this:

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Old South Head Road lane changes to boost bus travel time and reliability

Source: Mental Health Australia

Thousands of bus passengers and motorists will benefit from road improvements at Bondi Junction which will boost reliability and travel times.

The work will extend a right turn lane on Old South Head by 65 metres to create a longer lane for vehicles turning right onto Syd Einfeld Drive, allowing more buses and vehicles to move through the intersection more efficiently.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said extending the lane will improve travel times for buses and reduce delays for all traffic.

“The intersection of Old South Head Road, Bondi Road and Syd Einfeld Drive is a key junction for two major bus corridors in and out of Bondi Junction,” the spokesperson said.

“At weekday peak times it is congested with long traffic queues. This treatment is expected to significantly reduce peak time queue lengths and allow traffic to flow more freely.

“More than 24,000 bus passengers each weekday will benefit from improved reliability and journey times as well as the extended lane reducing general traffic congestion. In addition, we expect less weaving of traffic and safer, easier and more reliable journeys for bus passengers, as well as general traffic.”

The change will reduce the northern footpath width from four metres to two metres. 

Two trees will need to be removed, and Transport will try to retain two other trees during construction. 

Tree replacement will be done in collaboration with Woollahra Council.

“We are grateful to those who took part in our consultation on the project. We are working through a detailed design and will continue to update the community and nearby property owners and provide further updates to the project webpage.”

The work is being carried out under the Bus Priority Infrastructure Program (BPIP), a rolling program that delivers infrastructure improvements to address the reliability and efficiency of bus services in Greater Sydney.

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Reforms to modernise Australia’s payments system pass the Senate

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Albanese Labor Government has today passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payments System Modernisation) Bill 2025 through the Senate, to make sure Australia’s payments system delivers for our modern economy.

These changes will modernise our payments system and help make our economy more productive.

This is all about making our payments system more seamless, safer and stronger, and suitable for the times.

The Bill modernises the regulatory framework for the payments system by broadening the definitions of ‘payment system’ and ‘participant’.

This means the vast array of new services and platforms, including digital wallets and Buy Now Pay Later services, can be regulated effectively by the Reserve Bank of Australia, and address risks posed by new and emerging technologies.

The Bill also introduces a new ministerial power that allows the Treasurer to designate payment systems in the national interest, for example where a system presents risks to national security.

Those designated systems and system participants would then be subject to additional oversight by appropriate regulators.

These changes are another important step in delivering a modern, world‑class and efficient payments system in Australia.

A safer, more trusted and more accessible payments system will help boost competition, innovation and productivity across the economy.

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Safer speeds on the way for Sutton and Gundaroo

Source: Mental Health Australia

Motorists travelling through Sutton and Gundaroo will soon experience safer journeys, with new 80 km/h speed limits being introduced this month on Sutton Road, Mulligans Flat Road, East Tallagandra Lane and Back Creek Road. 

Transport for NSW recently completed a speed zone review in response to concerns raised by the community and Yass Valley Council regarding the existing 100 km/h speed limits.  

A speed zone review is a comprehensive process that includes site inspections, analysis of the current road environment and road condition, consideration of crash data and traffic volumes.   

A Transport spokesperson said the review of Sutton Road, Mulligans Flat Road, East Tallagandra Lane and Back Creek Road found the existing 100 km/h speed zones did not comply with the NSW speed zoning standard.    

A crash analysis of the entire review area revealed a total of 20 crashes, which included two fatalities recorded between 2018 and 2023. 

As a result, the speed limit will be reduced to 80 km/h on four key road sections:  

a 13-kilometre length of Sutton Road from Sutton Village to the existing 80 km/h zone at Gundaroo; a nine-kilometre length of Mulligans Flat Road from the ACT/NSW border to the Sutton Road intersection; the 5.7-kilometre length of East Tallagandra Lane and the nine-kilometre length of Back Creek Road. 

The new speed limit will result in increased travel times of approximately 2 minutes on Sutton Road, 1 minute and 20 seconds on Mulligans Flat Road, 52 seconds on East Tallagandra Lane and one minute and 20 seconds on Back Creek Road.  

The speed zone review was carried out to ensure speed limits are in line with the NSW Speed Zoning Standard, applying the Safe System approach.  

The Safe System approach has been adopted by all Australian jurisdictions to support road safety outcomes in jurisdictional and national road safety action plans.  

“Electronic message signs will be installed before and after the changes come into effect and there will be community notices via council and community groups to advise motorists of the new speed limit,” the spokesperson said.  

“Speed limits are set to ensure motorists travel at safe and appropriate speeds for the surrounding road environment, and to allow time for drivers travelling at the limit to detect potential hazards and respond by braking effectively.  

“We thank the community for its understanding.”  

The new speed zones will be in effect from Monday 8 September 2025, weather permitting.  

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control during the installation of signs. 

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time. 

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701. 
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Arrest – Stolen motor vehicle – Tennant Creek

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 16-year-old male has been arrested in relation to a vehicle that was stolen and driven dangerously through Tennant Creek overnight.

At 3:20pm yesterday, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a Toyota Hilux had been stolen from a car rental business on Paterson Street.

It is alleged two female youths attended the business before stealing car keys to the Hilux from a desk and fleeing the scene in the vehicle. At 3:55pm, the Hilux was located by police abandoned in nearby bushland and was towed to the police compound.

Around 9:05pm, unknown offenders entered the compound and stole the Hilux, using it to ram through the locked gates. It was observed driving dangerously throughout Tennant Creek, during which it allegedly drove directly at police multiple times, forcing members to take evasive actions to avoid a collision.

Two police pursuits were initiated but subsequently terminated for safety reasons.

Police CCTV operators later observed the vehicle being abandoned on Peko Road. Police attended and arrested the 16-year-old male driver.

Investigations remain ongoing to identify the outstanding offenders and police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444, please quote reference NTP2500088174. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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City of Wanneroo endorses first Council Plan

Source: South Australia Police

The City of Wanneroo has officially endorsed its first Council Plan, setting a clear direction for delivering the services and facilities needed to support our growing community.

Shaped by feedback from the Wanneroo Liveability Survey and internal and external workshops, the Council Plan brings together the former Strategic Community Plan and Corporate Business Plan into one practical and community-led roadmap.

Mayor Linda Aitken said the Council Plan reflects what the community have told the City matters most.

“This plan is practical, positive and packed with potential. It’s built on the voices of our community and focuses on what people care about which is safety, sustainability, local jobs and staying connected,” she said.

“We’re proud to endorse a plan that puts people first and sets out clear goals for a better future.”

The Council Plan introduces five strategic goals:

  • a safe City
  • a connected and liveable City
  • a thriving economy
  • a sustainable City
  • a well-governed and managed City

It also includes measurable targets to track progress, such as increasing tree canopy to 30% by 2040, reaching a 70% recycling rate by 2030 and delivering all transactional services online by 2030.

The new vision statement ‘Together we grow – safe, green and connected’ captures the heart of the plan and reflects the City’s commitment to improving everyday life and protecting the environment for future generations.

With more than 6,000 ideas generated during engagement, the Council Plan is one of the City’s most community-driven strategies to date, guiding all City services, investments and advocacy efforts moving forward.

Read the City of Wanneroo Council Plan 2025 – 2035.

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Firefighter safety enhanced while working at heights

Source:

Ballan and Geelong West firefighters

CFA is further enhancing the safety of its firefighters while working at heights with five new props recently added to its training centres across the state.

The $8mil project included the construction of Safe Work at Heights props at CFA’s Victorian Emergency Management Training Centres (VEMTC) at Sunraysia, West Sale, Longerenong, Penshurst and Central Highlands.

The existing prop at Hunty VEMTC has also been upgraded and plans are underway for Bangholme VEMTC to receive the new prop soon.

Acting Deputy Chief Officer Operational Doctrine and Training David Maxwell joined other dignitaries to officially handover the five new props today at Central Highlands VEMTC.

“Safe Work at Heights training allows CFA members to safely access roofs that aren’t already fire affected,” David said.

“The prop involves the use of a harness, ropes and anchoring to create a safe system for our members to access areas above two metres high.

“It allows the rigging of the system in a controlled environment under supervision, preparing our members for real-life scenarios.

“The training also closely aligns with other emergency services, allowing for cross agency support in multi-agency situations.

“This not only improves our safety and capability at incidents in Victoria, it also allows us to further support our interstate partners by deploying our members to emergencies interstate when required.

“We’ve proudly delivered more than 160 of these specialised training courses to more than 900 members across the state, which accredited 140 brigades for Safe Work at Heights operations.”

The training prop also has the ability to conduct Low Voltage Fuse Removal training which enables our members to disconnect overhead mains power to a structure at an emergency with specialist equipment.

CFA’s VEMTC sites and props are also widely utilised by other emergency services and agencies, providing a broad range of practical skills and services to train members in a safe environment.

Submitted by CFA media
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It’s show time at Flinders

Source: New South Wales – News

Southern District police took the Royal Show to sick young patients at Flinders Medical Centre earlier today.

On Thursday 4 September, officers visited the Paediatric Ward and Paediatric Emergency Department with show bags for the kids and their families, kindly donated by the Royal Adelaide Show.

It was smiles all round for children, parents and hospital staff.

Police Link sees police officers visit the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre several times throughout the year to positively engage with children who are unwell or undergoing medical treatment for serious health issues. Each visit involves police delivering crime prevention messages while building kids’ trust and confidence in SAPOL.

Thanks to SA Health and the Royal Adelaide Show for their support of Police Link.

Patient, Mia, pictured with officers

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ACT’s nation-leading affirmative consent laws working effectively

Source: Australian National Party

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 04/09/2025 – Joint media release

A review of the ACT’s affirmative consent laws, which came into effect in 2022, has found the reforms are delivering on their objectives and improved legal responses to sexual violence in the community.

Feedback from stakeholders across the government, legal, health, community, and advocacy sectors supported the laws for clearly capturing what is, and is not, acceptable consent.

The review determined that definitions for consent in the legislation were clearer and better aligned with current community views on consent and acceptable behaviour.

Attorney-General Tara Cheyne welcomed the review’s findings.

“The ACT’s landmark affirmative consent reforms reflect our deep commitment to preventing and responding to sexual violence in our community,” the Attorney-General said.

“They reflect a cultural shift, moving beyond a ‘no means no’ model toward an understanding of consent as something that must be positively communicated.

“This review found our laws more clearly aligned the legal definition of consent with contemporary community standards, while effectively capturing the nuances and complexities of consent.

“The effectiveness of these laws reflects our commitment to preventing and responding to sexual violence.”

The review found the consent laws may be one of several factors contributing to increased confidence in reporting sexual offences. Reporting and charging rates have both increased since the commencement of the laws, and the number of people reporting a sexual offence to police and then withdrawing their report prior to a charge being laid, has fallen.

The ACT was the first jurisdiction in Australia to legislate an affirmative communicative model of consent in 2022. It’s also the first jurisdiction to undertake a review of its laws, contributing to a national evidence base for affirmative communicative consent models.

To support the implementation of these new laws and raise community awareness of the reforms, the government launched an affirmative consent public awareness campaign in July this year. The campaign reinforces that consent must never be presumed, but rather affirmed through ongoing, respectful communication and mutual decision-making.

Minister for the Prevention of Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence, Dr Marisa Paterson has highlighted the significance of the review’s findings.

“From introducing the affirmative consent laws in the Legislative Assembly to now seeing them successfully implemented, I am proud to have helped create better and safer outcomes for our community.

“Affirmative consent is about shifting our culture towards one that prioritises respect, communication, and safety in all relationships. These reforms, supported by education and awareness, are a critical step in preventing sexual violence and empowering our community to understand and practise consent.”

More information and resources on affirmative consent are available on the campaign website.

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

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