Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

COOMANDOOK

Issued on
16 Dec 2025 21:36

Coomandook Haystack Fire

The CFS is actively monitoring the Coomandook haystack fire at Werrimbrook Road 30km south of Tailem Bend in the Coorong Region, South Australia.

CFS volunteers, supported by Farm Fire Units and heavy machinery are on scene pulling apart the haystack to allow it to burn until it self-extinguishes. This operation will continue through the night and potentially into the comings days.

The landowner has assisted firefighters by constructing a mineral earth break around the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjoining crop stubble.

The CFS can confirm the hay storage shed and farm machinery stored inside the shed have been impacted by fire. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Smoke is impacting roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.

Message ID 0008817

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
16 Dec 2025 20:26

Warning area
Coomandook near Coomandook in the Coorong area of South Australia.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from COOMANDOOK fire on Wirrimbrook Road is in the Coomandook, Yumali and Dukes Highway area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Local artists are invited to submit an expression of interest for the opportunity to exhibit their work at local businesses as part of the Eat.Drink.Art program in View Street during 2026.

The Eat.Drink.Art works will be on display at selected businesses from Saturday April 4 (Easter weekend) to Monday August 2, 2026, as part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s city centre activations.

Artists are asked to complete an expression of interest, including examples of their work and details about concepts they would like to develop for the exhibition.

Creative City Officer Mandy Field said the program continued to be a popular way for artists and businesses to connect since its inception in 2024.

“Eat.Drink.Art is a fantastic platform to showcase local talent, offering exhibition space and building exposure,” Ms Field said.

“It also helps businesses develop relationships with artists. We’ve already had strong support from View Street businesses for the Eat.Drink.Art art trail in 2026, which will be a great experience for residents and visitors.

“Selected artists will be paired with participating businesses, a collaboration that has proven highly successful in previous years.”

Eat.Drink.Art 2026 is part of a series of city centre public activations planned during the major redevelopment at Bendigo Art Gallery.

Expressions of interest close on Tuesday January 27, 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by Tuesday February 3, 2026, and final selections by Thursday February 12, 2026.

For more information, email [email protected]

To view the guidelines or submit their expression of interest, visit:

Source: Tasmania Police

Former school worker to face child sex abuse charge

Tuesday, 16 December 2025 – 3:56 pm.

Detectives from Northern Family and Sex Crimes Division have charged a former staff member at a Tasmanian school with child sex offences.
The 70-year-old man was arrested this morning and charged with persistent sexual abuse of a child or young person.
The charge relates to crimes allegedly committed in Tasmania between 2018 and 2020.
The man is expected to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on February 18, 2026.
If you suspect child abuse, report it on 131 444 or if the child is in immediate danger, call 000.
You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
Support for victim survivors, if required, is available through Arch https://arch.tas.gov.au/ or via https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Today, we have declared Sunday’s Bondi attack a terrorist incident for the purposes of the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003, based on advice from relevant agencies and following consultation with the Minister for Home Affairs.

This will ensure businesses can lodge insurance claims related to the Bondi terrorist attack.

No business affected by this despicable act should have a legitimate claim denied due to terrorism exclusions in their insurance policies.

This declaration overrules any terrorism exclusion clauses in affected businesses’ insurance policies and means providers can’t refuse claims on the grounds that losses arise from an act of terrorism. Relevant claims include:

• Commercial property damage,
• Business continuity losses,
• Public liability.

In the first instance, anyone seeking to make a claim should contact their insurer.

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Albanese Government is backing the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry with the first of three significant grants under the $10 million Reef Educational Experience Fund (REEF) announced today.

This funding is the first stage of delivering on the commitment that we made at the 2025 election to invest in bringing more tourists to the Great Barrier Reef, supporting jobs and businesses in Tropical North Queensland.

The $3 million grant will enable Tourism Tropical North Queensland to conduct an international education campaign promoting the Reef in key overseas markets.

The campaign will amplify the important message that visiting the Great Barrier Reef is not only a breathtaking experience, but a vital way to help protect it.

Other funding to be delivered under the REEF over the next three years includes:

• $6 million for a “Kids for the Reef” rebate program for schools across Australia to subsidise excursions to the Great Barrier Reef – making it easier for students to experience the Reef first-hand and understand its ecological significance.
• $1 million in support for local Reef tourism operators, covering up to 50 per cent of the cost of necessary upgrades, checks or clearances to accommodate school groups.

The $10m Reef Educational Experience Fund is part of $18.5m in targeted funding by the Albanese government to support tourism in both Far North Queensland and Central Australia.  

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“This program will help protect and promote the Great Barrier Reef as one of Australia’s greatest natural assets.

“Seeing the Reef up close is an unforgettable experience for Australians, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.

“By educating international visitors on the importance of sustainable tourism we can preserve this natural wonder and the thousands of jobs it supports.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Tourism Nita Green

“The Great Barrier Reef is an important environmental and economic asset for Australia, contributing over $9 billion to the economy annually and supporting 77 thousand jobs.

“While the Reef faces new challenges, it’s important that we protect both the delicate ecosystem and the communities who rely on it.

“That’s why we’re working with industry, like TTNQ, to deliver support for sustainable tourism that will safeguard the Reef for future generations.”

Quotes attributable to Matt Smith MP, Member for Leichhardt

“The Great Barrier Reef is more than a global icon for Far North Queenslanders – it’s part of our identity.

“When we protect the Reef, we protect jobs in the local community.

“This targeted funding is an investment in the future of Far North Queensland.

Source: Tasmania Police

Get on board with safe boating this summer

Tuesday, 16 December 2025 – 2:03 pm.

As the summer season kicks off across Tasmania, police are urging boaties and their passengers to get on board with staying safe.Inspector Nikala Parsons said with waterways becoming busier, now’s the time to ensure you’re well-prepared and ready for a safe season.“As always, our marine officers will be patrolling Tasmanian waters, conducting compliance checks and enforcement across popular boating locations,” she said.“Boating is part of our Tasmanian lifestyle, but it must be done with care.”“Take the time now to check your boat and your gear, wear a proper lifejacket, make sure your passengers do too, and stay alert and sober.”“Tassie waterways often see a surge in incidents during the Christmas/New Year period, and we know national data shows a spike in drownings and watercraft accidents over the festive season.”“Nationally, not wearing a compliant life jacket remains one of the top reasons for on-water fatalities.”Before you head out this summer, get on board with safe boating:• Plan before you launcho Check the weather forecast and tides.o Ensure your vessel is seaworthy and not overloaded.o Carry all required safety equipment (anchor, flares, EPIRB, VHF radio, first aid kit).o If boating solo, tell someone your plan and when you expect to be back• Wear a life jacketo Mandatory for all on board; check it’s AS4758 compliant and in good condition.o Inflatable life jackets must be serviced regularly.• Stay alert and sobero Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Stay under 0.05.o Keep a proper lookout and maintain safe speed.• Be ready to act in an emergencyo Know how to use your VHF radio and EPIRB.o In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or raise the alarm, without putting yourself at risk.• Be safe when swimming or divingo Never swim or dive alone; always dive with a buddy.• Swim between the red and yellow flags.• Supervise children closely and avoid swimming at night or in unpatrolled areas.
For more information on safe boating and equipment requirements, visit www.mast.tas.gov.au.To learn more about beach safety, visit https://beachsafe.org.au/ 

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Held every November, the Pearcedale Fire Brigade Community Golf Day has become a much-loved tradition that brings the community together in support of a vital cause.

Founded 21 years ago by Alistair Errey and Michael Mitchell, the event has grown into one of the brigade’s most successful fundraisers, generating close to $200,000 to help support local firefighting efforts over the years.

Money raised goes towards equipment maintenance and updates and assists the brigade in responding to emergency incidents and serving the community.

Al and Mitch have spent countless hours coordinating the event and engaged the support of numerous other brigade members to ensure the day runs smoothly each year. 

Collectively, they have nearly 50 years’ experience with Pearcedale CFA, holding various roles from firefighter to captain. They have been the driving force behind the success of the event, encouraging long-term community support of the competition. 

The first Annual Golf Day was held at Devil Bend Golf Course in 2003 with 36 players competing. Subsequent golf days have been held at Lang Lang Golf Course and in most years the event attracts about 100 players. Unfortunately, COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the event twice, but player numbers have begun to build up again since then. 

Until recently, the Pearcedale Fire Brigade, supported by the Pearcedale Support Group, managed all catering for the event, providing a cooked breakfast and roast lunch. Catering is now handled by Lang Lang Golf Club, easing the workload for the brigade, though some members miss the camaraderie that came with organising it. Previously, more than 20 brigade members were involved in catering duties on the day.

The early days involved many long hours of sending letters to sponsors and players. Thankfully, this is now achieved by electronic means thanks to a couple of tech savvy members.  

Players at the event compete in a standard 18-hole course, as well as mini competitions including closest to the pins, straightest drives, best dressed team, a putting competition and a Mulligan hole which provides added excitement.  

Traditionally, the event was run under the Stableford format but was changed in 2025 to be Four Ball Best Ball (Ambrose Format). This change has made it more of a team event and we have had very positive feedback about the change in format.  

Although it is difficult to predict the weather on the day, the variable weather has not stopped the players from having a great time, even when it’s been raining.  

The event is strongly supported by four major sponsors – Bendigo Bank, Coolibah Herbs, MediaBank and Stirling Real Estate – along with local businesses sponsoring each of the 18 holes. Brigade members are encouraged to seek additional hole sponsors through their workplaces and networks, while many small and large businesses generously donate prizes and auction items for the day.

Pearcedale Fire Brigade is very grateful to all its sponsors who have supported its fundraising efforts.  

Captain Kevin (Sully) Sullivan has also been a great supporter of the event and stresses that although primarily the event is a fundraiser, the engagement between the brigade and community is by far the most positive outcome of the day.

The next Pearcedale Fire Brigade Annual Golf Day will be held at Lang Lang Golf Course on Sunday 22 November 2026.

We invite readers to join in and have fun on this, and future golf days.

Submitted by	Pearcedale Fire Brigade

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

At their recent annual celebration, Bulart Fire Brigade recently took the opportunity to recognise the extended service of three of their members who have contributed a combined service total of 190 years.

The event was held at the fire station on Sunday 7 December, in conjunction with the local Catchment Management Authority Group.

CFA District 5 Commander David Ferguson presented the Service Awards, firstly acknowledging Brian Cordy who was unable to attend on the night.

“Brian’s sixty years of service was noted in his absence by thoughts of his steady and reliable service, and willingness when called upon,” David said.

Ray Brook followed, an also performed another important role on the night in a red suit for the assembled children, who greatly enjoyed his visit. 

“Ray joined Bulart in 1961 (October 30) and has provided continual, consistent and steady service, only stepping back to brigade member in August last year,” David said.

This year also marked 70 years of CFA service for Graeme Haeusler, joining in 1955 (14 October).

“Graeme like many people was born into a CFA family, with his father serving as Bulart Captain for over 35 years. He said he didn’t join as such, his dad signed him up,” David said.

“Graeme served as Captain himself for a period of six years and has held several officer roles. 

“He is particularly respected for his local knowledge, having worked with Dundas Shire doing bridge maintenance in the district for many years. 

“He has previously been awarded with service medals, the National Medal with multiple clasps and the CFA Outstanding Service Medal in 2009, a rare award.

“He still attends Brigade meetings, and he, Brian and Ray all continue to contribute to the strength of the Brigade.”

Graeme spoke of the enjoyment of his CFA service, and that while he had probably passed his best before date, he hadn’t got to his use-by date and was happy to keep helping. 

Brigade Captain Sam Haeusler thanked the three men for their service and remarked on the brigade’s busy year, having responded to over 20 fires.

Like many brigades, members were deployed to the Grampians fires and supported the district’s efforts in establishing strategic fire breaks in advance of the fires through burning roadsides and around properties.

Overall, the event was well attended, and with many children present and good leadership in place, the brigade looks to have its future assured.

Submitted by	David Ferguson

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have now charged a 27-year-old male in relation to the suspicious death of his female partner that occurred in Borroloola on Saturday 6 December 2025.

He has been charged with murder and remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 19 December 2025.

Police continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number P25329866. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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.