Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Learner rider detected travelling at 172km/h on icy highway

Friday, 13 June 2025 – 10:26 am.

A learner rider has had his motorcycle confiscated after he was detected travelling at 172km/h on icy roads yesterday.
The 18-year-old Newnham rider was detected on the Midland Highway at Perth before being intercepted at Epping Forest by highway patrol officers.
Senior Constable Rockliff from Northern Road Policing Services said the teenager’s learner licence meant he was subject to a 90km/h speed restriction. 
“The speed at which this rider was traveling was outright dangerous,” Senior Constable Rockliff said. 
 “It was minus 1 degrees, it was frosty, the roads were busy with commuting motorists, and this learner rider was travelling 82km/h above his 90km/h speed restriction.
“This could have ended in tragedy for both the rider and other road users.”
The rider was arrested and charged with a hooning-related offence. 
His bike has been confiscated for 28 days and he will face court at a later date.
Anyone with dash cam footage of a blue Kawasaki motorcycle traveling southbound on the Midland Highway from Launceston between 8:45am and 9am Thursday 12 June is asked to provide the footage via the public portal: https://www.police.tas.gov.au/what-we-do/traffic-policing/report/
Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Supporting people experiencing vulnerability is important us. We’ve developed the ATO Vulnerability Framework to better support taxpayers experiencing vulnerability so they can engage with the tax system more easily and with the help they need. Now, we need your feedback to refine the framework and ensure it reflects the needs of the community.

What is the ATO Vulnerability Framework?

The framework sets out the ATO’s commitment to fostering inclusive, consistent, and empathetic interactions with individuals experiencing vulnerability. While it doesn’t change tax or super obligations, it guides how we listen, communicate, and connect people with the right help.

Why your feedback matters

The Framework is currently in draft form, and your feedback will help make sure the final version is clear and relevant to the people it’s designed to support. Your feedback will help:

• provide a deeper understanding of various perspectives identify areas that could be clearer
• strengthen transparency and accessibility.

We encourage individuals, advocates, and professionals who support people in experiencing vulnerability to provide feedback.

How to provide feedback

You can read the draft Framework at Consultation paper – ATO Vulnerability Framework.

To provide your feedback, email VulnerabilityConsultation@ato.gov.au by Friday 18 July 2025.

Your voice can help create a more supportive system – thank you for being part of this important process.

Keep up to date

Read more articles in the Not-for-profit newsroom and, if you haven’t already, subscribeExternal Link to our free monthly newsletter Not-for-profit news to be alerted when we publish new articles.

For updates throughout the month, Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Moltisanti regularly shares blog posts and updates on her LinkedInExternal Link profile. And you can check out our online platform ATO CommunityExternal Link to find answers to your tax and super questions.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police scale back search in Cradle Mountain

Friday, 13 June 2025 – 10:12 am.

Despite extensive search efforts in the Cradle Mountain area, Victorian man Christopher Inwood has not been located.
A Tasmania Police helicopter crew worked in the northern section of the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park on Thursday, but there was no sign of the 52-year-old.
Searches on two previous days involved police officers, SES volunteers, police drone operators, a police helicopter crew and Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.
Today, Tasmania Police made the decision to scale back the active search.
“Police will continue to follow up any new leads or information that may assist in locating Christopher,” Western District Search and Rescue Inspector Steven Jones said.
“Our thoughts remain with his family who are affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Mr Inwood’s white Toyota HiAce van was found in the car park of a ranger station about 7.30am on Tuesday.
He had last been seen in Kindred, in the state’s north, about 8.30pm on Monday and police were operating on the belief Mr Inwood drove from Kindred to Cradle Mountain late Monday night.
“Extensive search efforts have been undertaken in the area where the missing person was last believed to be,” Inspector Jones said.
“At this stage, that area has been comprehensively searched, and all reasonable search strategies have been completed.”
Inspector Jones said Mr Inwood’s vehicle was located on the outskirts of the national park, but there was currently no further evidence to confirm his location.
“Given the length of time Mr Inwood has been missing and the harsh weather conditions in the area, if he has been fully exposed to the elements, sadly, his chances of survival are extremely low,” Inspector Jones said.
If anyone has information about the location of Mr Inwood, pictured, or his recent movements, call Tasmania Police on 131 444.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo has commenced the planting of approximately 3,000 advanced trees in local streets and parklands throughout the municipality as part of its annual Greening Greater Bendigo tree planting program.

City of Greater Bendigo Parks and Open Space Manager Chris Mitchell said late autumn and winter is the optimal time to plant the trees.

“However, this year we have delayed the planting due to the ongoing dry weather we have experienced over Spring, Summer and Autumn,” Mr Mitchell said.

“This year we will again plant a mix of indigenous, native evergreens and exotic deciduous trees ranging in size from 1.5 metres to over 2.5 metres tall.

“The City will be responsible for all ongoing maintenance of the trees including watering them for the first two years.

“All trees have been carefully selected by the City’s open space team to ensure the most appropriate species for each location are planted, based on local conditions, climate, neighbourhood character and any relevant master plans.

“This season’s planting program has been put together from resident requests, replacements for removed trees, and by identifying streets in need of canopy cover.

“The City is committed to improving the liveability of Bendigo’s urban areas and townships through its Greening Greater Bendigo Strategy and its annual tree planting program.

“Urban trees enhance the appearance of our municipality and its streetscapes.  Trees are also essential to creating a liveable community as they provide shade and cool urban areas, support physical and mental wellbeing, and improve our natural environment and biodiversity.”

For more information including a list of tree types and locations, visit:

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is seeking a head contractor for its largest-ever construction project, the redevelopment of Bendigo Art Gallery.

Expressions of interest opened this week for construction companies with the capability to deliver stage one of the project, valued at $45M.

Stage one will transform the Gallery and deliver a second level blockbuster exhibition space, innovative learning centre, theatrette and Traditional Owner Place of Keeping for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural materials.

City of Greater Bendigo Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said he expected there would be significant interest from the construction sector to be part of the project.

“The Gallery redevelopment is a major, city-defining project for Bendigo. It is an investment in arts and culture as well as the economic future of our region, and would be an incredible project for a construction company to have in its portfolio,” Mr Cooney said.

“An expression of interest process is an opportunity for construction companies to demonstrate their capacity and experience in delivering projects of this scale and complexity. They must also be able to outline how they will utilise the local sub-contractor network and employment of local staff.”

Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot said it would be beneficial for the successful tender to have experience in delivering cultural projects.

“Our focus is to deliver a world-class gallery experience and contemporary building that cements the Gallery’s reputation as an empowering, inclusive and engaging cultural facility for future generations,” Ms Bridgfoot said.

“It is a project that incorporates our heritage gallery spaces – Abbott, Drury and Bolton courts – and a key focus of the building’s façade and a critical feature of the redevelopment is honouring the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners, so it will be important the head contractor understands the vision we have set out for this next chapter in the Gallery’s history.”

It is expected construction will commence in early in 2026 and take approximately two years to complete.

Funding partners for the redevelopment include the Victorian Government, City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Art Gallery Board and philanthropic donors, including the Sidney Myer Fund and The Ian Potter Foundation.

The expression of interest process is open until June 30 and available via Vendor Panel or visiting the City’s website.

Source:

A wood heater fire that tore through the home of a Tatura family has Victoria’s fire services calling for vigilance when warming homes this winter.

With the cooler weather arriving with force in recent weeks, one Tatura household had a lucky escape when bedlinen drying in front of a wood heater quickly became engulfed in flames.

The fire burned through blankets before hitting the floor and spreading into the living room.

Thankfully, the family was alerted to a fire in their home thanks to their newly installed smoke alarms.

Tatura Fire Brigade Captain and Incident Controller Peter Bevan hoped this common incident reminds residents to keep items drying at least one metre away from all heating sources.

“The family had only headed outside to the back shed for an hour before they heard the smoke alarms going off,” Peter said.

“They couldn’t see any smoke or flames until it started coming through the air conditioning swamp cooler on the roof, which is initially what they had thought caught fire.

“Once the clothes horse had fallen on the floor, the flames travelled right across the room into a cupboard where the switchboard was and then made its way up into the ceiling.

“There is extensive damage to the living area, and the curtains and carpets are all destroyed. The smoke managed to affect 80 per cent of the house.

“To set the scene more clearly for people, the radiant heat alone was so strong, it blew out a couple of the glass windows in the kitchen.”

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA responded to more than 150 heater fires through May 2024 to March 2025, with sleeping and living areas the most common room of fire ignition for incidents that result in serious injuries or death.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said this is just one example of how leaving portable heaters and fireplaces unattended can have distressing impacts in a matter of moments.

“We are so pleased the family had just installed working smoke alarms to alert them to safety. It is really important all households have them in every bedroom, hallway and living area to ensure you have enough time to safely evacuate,” Jason said.

“It goes without saying, but please reconsider where you place your washing to dry. It’s a popular set up to place them near our heaters and wood fires, but a mistake that can be easily avoided.”

FRV Deputy Commissioner, Community Safety, Joshua Fischer said now that we are spending more time indoors, heaters should be turned off before you leave the house.

“Taking a few moments to check your heaters and fireplace before you head out the door could make all the difference to the safety of your family,” Joshua said.

“We really encourage residents to have their gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years to make sure they are free of faults before they get a good run over winter.”

When it comes to home heating, CFA and FRV recommend:

• Drying clothes and other items that can burn must be kept at least one metre away from all heat sources.
• Always use a fire screen in front of an open fire.
• Children must be supervised near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.
• Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended; turn off heaters and make sure fireplace embers are extinguished before leaving the room or going to sleep. 
• Residents should have their gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years to ensure the safety of loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. 
• If you suspect a fault in a heater, have it serviced or replaced immediately. Replace old portable heaters with models that incorporate automatic cut-out, thermostat control and anti-roll features.
• Ensure home heating, including flues and chimneys, are regularly cleaned and serviced by a certified technician.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 12 Jun 2025

A powerful new partnership between Nambour TAFE and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is giving the next generation of conservation professionals hands-on experience in protecting native ecosystems.

Twenty Conservation and Ecosystem Management students from Nambour TAFE joined forces with Gympie-based QPWS rangers in late May to tackle the destructive weeds that threaten native rainforests in the Amamoor State Forest.

The unique collaboration was coordinated by QPWS Sunshine Coast Ranger David Wolters, himself a graduate of the same TAFE course, and TAFE Queensland conservation and ecosystem educator Alissa George.

David and Elissa, who recognised the opportunity to blend practical learning with meaningful environmental outcomes, said partnerships like these played an important role in combatting invasive species and protecting fragile ecosystems.

“This was a great experience for Nambour TAFE Conservation and Ecosystem Management students,” Alissa said.

“The students benefited from real industry experiences and learning the techniques used by QPWS to eradicate environmental weeds including Cats Claw creeper, Dutchman’s Pipe, and Lantana.

“They eagerly listened to the rangers explain the importance of the site ecologically.

“We saw the effects of the biocontrol for Cat’s Claw Creeper – the leaf sucking tingid bug – which the students were excited to see.

“TAFE Nambour is very excited to continue this volunteering opportunity as it has been the highlight of the course for the students,” Alissa said.

Throughout the day, students honed skills in identifying and removing invasive species including Cat’s Claw Creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati), Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia elegans), and Lantana (Lantana camara).

The experience also gave them direct access to seasoned rangers, allowing for deep conversations around conservation careers and techniques used in the field.

For David Wolters, the day was a full-circle moment.

“I’ve always been driven by a desire to support and protect our natural environment,” David said.

“Studying Conservation and Ecosystem Management at TAFE provided me with the hands-on fieldwork and practical training that shaped my skills.

“Now working in national parks,

“I’m proud to contribute to the protection of our unique ecosystems and landscapes.

“I’ve reconnected with TAFE to help current students gain valuable experience in the field, something that made a big difference during my own studies.

“I’m passionate about sharing the knowledge I’ve gained working for Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and look forward to continuing my work with Alissa George and her students in the years ahead.”

QPWS Gympie Ranger Jim Martin, who also attended, praised the impact of the students’ involvement.

“It’s great to have such a big group here keen to get stuck into the Cats Claw, which can feel like an insurmountable task at times,” Jim said.

“Staying on top of the initial treatments we’ve made with solid follow-up work is what will make a real difference here, so the potential benefits of having TAFE groups out here to lend a hand and learn is huge.”

The initiative not only delivered tangible benefits for the environment but also inspired and equipped the next generation of conservation professionals.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the field trip as a defining moment in their studies.

With the groundwork laid and the vines pulled, both TAFE and QPWS are looking forward to building on this successful partnership – one weed at a time.

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 12 Jun 2025

Wildlife rangers have humanely euthanised a large crocodile near Mareeba on Tuesday 10 June, following a crocodile sighting report on 6 June 2025.

A site investigation by wildlife rangers on the weekend confirmed the presence of the crocodile, in a farm drain near Two Mile Creek at Biboohra, north of Mareeba.

Director Northern Wildlife Operations at DETSI, Lindsay Delzoppo said rangers had located the crocodile on the property after multiple reports from the community.

“By removing the crocodile, we have prioritised community safety, and we thank the people who submitted crocodile sighting reports last Friday.

“We encourage anyone who sees what they believe to be a crocodile to report it to the department in a timely manner, all reports will be investigated.”

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the Two Mile Creek area at Biboohra is in Zone F (Atypical Habitat Zone). In Zone F, any crocodile confirmed to be present is targeted for removal from the wild, regardless of its size or behaviour.

Media contact: DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au