The City of Greater Bendigo has appointed Y Kinders to operate the new kindergarten at Marrungi Wayaparra Community Hub in Marong.
City of Greater Bendigo Director Healthy Communities and Environments Jess Howard said construction of the new kindergarten is nearing completion and will commence operating in January 2026.
“Y Kinders currently operate four kindergartens in Bendigo and the City will now work closely with them to prepare the new kinder for its opening early next year,” Ms Howard said.
“The new kindergarten has been constructed with $5.5M in funding from the Victorian Government and will help respond to unmet demand for three and four-year-old kindergarten places in the region by providing a 99-place kinder with Allied Health rooms.
“Both the City and the Victorian Government are committed to meeting the demand for kindergarten place in Greater Bendigo and to partnering together to build this important infrastructure for local families.
“The new building has been designed using environmentally sustainable building standards and is fully accessible. It features three kinder rooms, two allied health rooms, staff facilities, outdoor play area, kitchen facilities and bathroom amenities.”
The construction of the kindergarten is the first stage of a two-stage project to establish the Marrungi Wayaparra Community Hub Marong. The hub is bordered by High, Torrens and Cathcart Streets. Stage two of the project is not yet scheduled for delivery with timing subject to future funding.
Marrungi Wayaparra means meeting in Marong in Dja Dja Wurrung language. The hub site also includes the Marong Community Hall, Marong Neighbourhood House and Community Garden, old fire shed and the new kindergarten.
Applications for grants of up to $10,000 are now open for the City of Greater Bendigo’s 2025/2026 Community Medium Grants category.
The Medium Grants category occurs two times a year in August and February and aims to support local groups to undertake projects that align with the objectives of the City’s Council Plan or a Local Community Plan. Other grant categories of up to $2,000 include Small Community Grants and Community Group Essentials are available all year round.
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Community Partnerships Andie West said each year Council allocates approximately $850,000 through the Community Grants Program and its various grant categories.
“It’s an important program and we want to see as many groups as possible accessing funding through the program,” Ms West said.
“The Medium Grants category provides up to $10,000 to help community groups afford things that are essential for them to function and that support activities that will align with the aims of the Greater Bendigo’s Council Plan 2025-2029 Mir wimbul or a local community plan.
“The Community Grants Program is fantastic for local groups as they would often not be able to undertake important activities that benefit our community without this funding.”
To be considered for a community grant, applicants must be a registered legal entity such as an incorporated association. However, if you are informal group or individual your application can be submitted by an auspice organisation.
Before applying, groups should consider if there is a clear need for their activity, if there is community support for their activity and if they have the resources needed to deliver the activity. We recommend that groups make a time with a City Community Strengthening Officer to discuss their project.
Applications for the Medium Grants will close 3pm Wednesday August 27, 2025.
Nurses and midwives across the state are being recognised for their passion and dedication in caring for patients, with 27 finalists announced in the 13th annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
The finalists have been nominated across nine award categories, including Team of the Year, the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award, and the consumer-nominated Healing Heart Award which recognises a nurse or midwife whose compassion, kindness, and professionalism stood out to a patient or family.
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said this year’s finalists have demonstrated outstanding care and contributed to improved health outcomes in their local community.
“The Nursing and Midwifery Awards acknowledge the passion, dedication and contributions of nurses and midwives across the NSW public health system who support patients and their families during what can be some of the most important or difficult times in their lives,” Ms Pearce said.
“I want to congratulate the finalists for this year’s awards, but I also want to thank all of our nurses and midwives who are integral in ensuring patients receive exceptional care every day across NSW.
“I look forward to celebrating the finalists’ achievements at the Awards ceremony later this year, and to finding out who the winners are.”
NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said all nurses and midwives are highly valued for the vital role they play in the NSW public health system.
“These Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the skills and professionalism of our nurses and midwives and the important work they do in NSW hospitals,” Ms Cross said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the expertise, care, and compassion they provide to patients and their families around the clock across a variety of different clinical and community settings.”
Finalists and winners will be celebrated at the Nursing and Midwifery Awards ceremony, which will be held at NSW Parliament House in late November.
For more information on the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2025, visit Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards 2025.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Redefining Woden as a vibrant, modern hub where people can live, work, and thrive.
In Brief:
Construction is complete and classes have begun at the new CIT Woden Campus.
This article includes some key features and benefits of the new campus.
The brand-new CIT Woden Campus is now complete and began welcoming students on 21 July.
Catering to up to 6,500 students per year, the campus delivers cutting-edge training in fields such as:
information technology
cyber security
business
hospitality
hairdressing
music
design and media.
The project benefits
Capacity for up to 6,500 students annually.
Packed with smart technology to help them learn in new and better ways.
Green open spaces for students and the community to enjoy.
Better public transport links.
New youth foyer to support young people in need.
The campus also invites students and the community to enjoy CIT student-run businesses, including:
a restaurant
a produce shop
a hair and beauty salon.
Take a look inside
The CIT Restaurant and Commercial Training Bar, as well as a Produce Shop/Apprentice Kitchen shop, are located on the ground floor.
There is an additional kitchen and training bar on Level 1 adjacent to the multipurpose space.
The kitchen areas are all glassed, providing visual activation throughout and allowing the public to see culinary students in action.
The hair and beauty space includes areas for hairdressing, barbering, spray tanning, make-up, and beauty therapy, along with a reception area.
It connects directly to the ground floor commercial hair salon, making it easy for clients, students, and teachers to move between the two levels.
This spacious, open-plan area is designed to host a variety of events including media and music performances, exhibitions, graduations, open days, and hospitality training.
It opens onto the Level 1 Terrace, which features bench seating with power outlets, native landscaping, and edible gardens.
Screen and media areas include specialist graphic design computer labs, dedicated studios for photography, videos and music. Staff will also have workspaces for media, music and photography.
Designing with Country has been a guiding principle for the CIT Woden Campus project.
The large ‘oculus’ skylight provides a meaningful physical and visual connection with Sky Country from inside the building. It reflects a silhouette of a wedge tailed eagle or ‘Mulleun’, considered a totem animal for the local Ngunnawal people.
The bleachers support gathering or social spaces throughout the day. They go from level 1 all the way up to level 5 to meet the oculus skylight.
CIT Woden is located next to the new public transport interchange being built on Callam Street. It will improve bus services, safety and enhance connectivity to the area.
It will feature 18 bus stops, passenger-friendly shelters and enhanced lighting and signage.
The transport interchange will also incorporate a light rail stop for the network’s future extension to Woden.
Three public green spaces are available for students, staff, and the community to enjoy.
A walking link between the new public transport interchange and the town centre, this corridor includes spaces for public seating, outdoor dining, and retail frontage
Located at the north end of the campus is a sunny breakout space for students, staff, local businesses and residents. It includes trees, gardens, and areas for dogs.
Located at the western end of the campus is a gathering and ceremony space surrounded by a mix of native and non-native planting and seating with charging ports.
Tasmania Police Northern Division Commander Marco Ghedini and Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark have today provided an update into the search for a light plane, and its two occupants, which was reported missing on Saturday.
A man aged in his 70s and woman aged in her 60s, both from northern Tasmania, were on board the two-seater plane when it left George Town airport about 12.45pm on Saturday, but did not arrive at its destination in central NSW.
Extensive searching of northern Tasmania, Bass Strait and regional Victoria has been conducted using air and marine resources of Tasmania Police, Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Victoria Police.
Five boats, including four police vessels and one from Tamar Marine Rescue were on the water while an AMSA Challenger jet, Tasmania Police helicopter and two fixed wing aircraft conducted aerial searches.
Audio and pictures from today’s media event at Launceston Police Station are available here.
CAPTION: Tasmania Police Northern Division Commander Marco Ghedini at Launceston Police Station. (Picture: Tasmania Police)
CAPTION: Tasmania Police Northern Inspector Nick Clark, left, and Tasmania Police Northern Division Commander Marco Ghedini at Launceston Police Station. (Picture: Tasmania Police)
Search efforts for a missing light plane, with two people and a dog on board, resumed today (August 4) from 8am.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Essendon-based Challenger aircraft, a Tasmania Police helicopter and two other fixed wing aircraft will be focusing on searching an area in Bass Strait and northern Tasmania. Five boats are also involved in the searching off Tasmania’s coastline.
The plane, a two-seat single engine aircraft, took off from George Town airport on Saturday about 12.45pm but did not arrive at its destination in central western NSW.
On board was the male pilot, aged in his 70s, his wife aged in her 60s, both from northern Tasmania, and the couple’s dog.
Family members raised the alarm on Saturday evening, with search efforts starting on Saturday night.
The pilot and his passenger made no contact with authorities or family after the plane left George Town.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the AMSA Response Centre on 02 6279 5700.
AMSA and Tasmania Police urges anyone in George Town or transiting the waters in northern Tasmania and Bass Strait to please keep a sharp lookout for any signs of a light aircraft or its occupants, and if safe to do so, render assistance.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Annual Platypus Month returns this August – 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.
It’s August, which in the ACT means it’s officially Platypus Month, an opportunity for volunteers and citizen scientists to help track and report sightings of these unique animals across the Territory and surrounding region.
Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr said the month provides valuable insights into local platypus populations.
“Now in its 12th year, Waterwatch will be conducting 34 group surveys throughout August with the support of volunteers to compile critical data on the species,” Minister Orr said.
“Reporting platypus sightings helps our ecologists determine where they live and travel through the ACT and understand how their habitats and populations might be affected by external conditions such as rainfall or dry periods.
“Waterwatch will also be collecting data on native rakali during this time to gain insights into the locations and behaviours of both species.
“It might still be cold, but late winter is the best time of year to spot one of these elusive creatures in our waterways. In addition to the group surveys, Waterwatch will hold three free guided walks along the Queanbeyan River and one at Tidbinbilla for a chance to see one.”
“If you get the chance, I highly encourage you to head out to our waterways and look for a platypus or rakali. It’s a really special experience to see one in the wild,” Minister Orr said.
Waterwatch is funded by the ACT Government and Icon Water.
If you see a platypus or rakali at any time, note the date, time, location and number observed, and report the sighting through the Platty and Ratty Portal. Include photos if possible.
Quotes attributable to Regional Waterwatch Facilitator, Daniel Harris-Pascal:
“Platypus, known as ‘Mulanggang’ in Ngunnawal language, are iconic creatures. Their presence signifies healthy landscapes and waterways. Citizen-scientists in the Upper Murrumbidgee have monitored Platypus and Rakali for over a decade, providing valuable data on their distribution and habitat preferences. The Platty and Ratty portal on the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch website tracks sightings and can be used to log sightings at any time of year.
“Our dataset so far shows that our Platypus populations have remained relatively stable over the last 10 years. It is important that we continue to monitor the populations to ensure they are not impacted by climate change or our growing city.
“If you’d like to learn more, check out our platypus video on the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch Website. If you’d like to learn how to spot them, come along to one of our Platypus Walks and if you’re interested in getting more involved, come along to one of our surveys. Together we can ensure that the flora and fauna we love, continue to be a part of the Bush Capital.”
Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking disciplinary action against an estate agent who allegedly failed to meet her auditing responsibilities with client funds, including home deposits and rent.
Crystal Goni, 37, of Mount Waverley, was the sole director and Officer in Effective Control of the now-deregistered Australian Property Specialist Pty Ltd. Between 2021 and 2024, it is alleged that Goni failed to ensure the company’s trust accounts were audited annually, despite repeated reminders.
It is also alleged that Goni advised she had an auditor, but she failed to give them the information needed to do an audit. She later wound up the agency without advising Consumer Affairs Victoria.
As an Officer in Effective Control, Goni was responsible for ensuring the agency’s compliance with legal and ethical standards, particularly managing trust accounts.
Officers in Effective Control also oversee the operation of the business and manage and provide guidance to staff.
We will allege that Goni’s conduct was unprofessional and detrimental to the reputation and interests of the real estate industry. VCAT will hear the matter at a date to be set.
We also referred the matter to the Business Licensing Authority, which has imposed conditions on Goni’s licence. This prevents her from:
operating or managing any trust accounts
handling any trust account money
accessing trust money and records held by her current employer.
In March this year, Goni started working with another real estate agency as an Officer in Effective Control. The imposed conditions prevent her from continuing in that role.
VCAT can suspend or cancel an estate agent’s licence if disciplinary proceedings are proven.
If you hold an executive position in an estate agency, make sure you understand your obligations. Read more about running an estate agent business.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
A Harvey Norman franchisor in Queensland, HN Macgregor Franchisor Pty Ltd, has paid a $15,650 penalty for allegedly breaching the Franchising Code of Conduct.
HN Macgregor paid the penalty after the ACCC issued it with an infringement notice for allegedly failing to include mandatory information on the Franchise Disclosure Register before entering into an agreement with a franchisee in July 2024.
The Franchise Disclosure Register, which is hosted by the Australian Government, exists to increase transparency in franchising and assist prospective franchisees in making an informed business decision. Information on the register includes set-up costs and ongoing payments that the franchisee will need to make.
“A franchisor’s failure to publish up-to-date information on the disclosure register undermines transparency for prospective franchisees, and the reliability and integrity of the register,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“Many of the laws governing the franchising sector relate to information disclosure and are necessary because of the power imbalance between franchisor and franchisee.”
“Entering a franchise agreement is a significant financial decision and the register contains important information to inform this decision. Franchisees should be able to rely on the fact that all relevant information has been disclosed on the register,” Ms Lowe said.
“The franchising sector should be on notice that failure to comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct may result in enforcement action by the ACCC.”
One of the ACCC’s current compliance and enforcement priorities is to ensure small businesses receive the protections of competition and consumer laws, including industry codes of conduct.
Background
HN Macgregor is the franchisor for the Harvey Norman complex in Macgregor, Queensland.
There are approximately 200 franchised Harvey Norman stores operating in Australia.
Note to editors
The ACCC is responsible for regulating industry codes that are prescribed under the Competition and Consumer Act, including the Franchising Code of Conduct. The Franchising Code of Conduct is a mandatory national code that regulates the conduct of franchising participants towards each other.
The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain provisions of an industry code.
A person or business is not regarded as having contravened the provision of the industry code merely by paying the penalty specified in an infringement notice.
On 18 March 2025, the Government announced it will provide $7.1 million over two years to strengthen the ACCC’s enforcement of the Franchising Code of Conduct. This funding uplift enables the ACCC to undertake more education, enforcement and engagement in the franchising sector.