Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

Every day Aussie businesses exports some of the world’s best agricultural, industrial and technological products to every corner of the globe. With one in three Australian jobs supported by trade, the Albanese Labor Government has been working to strengthen our existing trading relationships and develop new ones internationally.

In uncertain times in global trade, diversification of our trading relationships has never been more important. That’s why in April, Labor committed to five business and investment missions to priority markets, as well as $50 million to create additional opportunities for local businesses.

This week, the first of these trade missions will travel to the United Kingdom to help Australian businesses discover new opportunities and accelerate our ongoing trade diversification efforts.

The first mission brings together representatives from 20 of Australia’s leading healthcare and MedTech companies. They will visit the United Kingdom to take part in London Tech Week 2025 and NHS ConfedExpo 2025 in Manchester.

It comes as Australia and the United Kingdom mark the two-year anniversary of the implementation of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, which is delivering outstanding results for Australian business.

For example, Australian beef and veal exports to the UK were worth A$97.8 million in 2024, which is more than double that of the previous year (2023), and around eight times what they were worth in 2022.

The UK has so much more to offer Australian exporters, and this business mission focused on health and medical technology will help unlock more jobs, more growth, and more certainty for our business.

Australia ranks 5th globally for healthcare innovation and we’re home to around 700 biotech and MedTech companies. Our world class healthcare and MedTech companies are already making a difference in the UK, including across flu vaccines, pandemic preparedness, and cancer care.

Australian and UK companies are also increasingly collaborating in critical technology sectors including quantum, cyber and AI.

To assist export ready Australian tech businesses expand into the UK market, Australia, through Austrade, will be launching a new London Landing Pad program later this month.

I wish the Australian businesses all the best and look forward to successful outcomes.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

Source:

11 June 2025

Following a comprehensive global search, Australia’s new major university announces Professor Nicola Phillips as its new Vice Chancellor and President (Vice Chancellor) with effect from 12 January 2026.

The Adelaide University Transition Council has unanimously resolved to appoint Prof. Nicola Phillips as the new Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University following exceptional global interest and a high-quality candidate field.

Chancellor of the Adelaide University Transition Council (Transition Council), Ms Pauline Carr, said that finding the right person to lead the institution through its formative years was imperative.

“We are delighted to announce Prof. Phillips as the new Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University as we boldly take our next steps as Australia’s new comprehensive university for the future,” Carr said.

Prof. Phillips joins Adelaide University from the University of Melbourne, where she is currently the Provost and has served as both Acting and Interim Vice Chancellor. With some 30 years of experience in the higher education sector across Australia and the United Kingdom, Prof. Phillips has cultivated a deep understanding of the sector and brings a local and global perspective to the position.

“Throughout her career, Prof. Phillips has been a formidable force, guiding significant step-changes across contemporary academic delivery, student access and equity, Aboriginal knowledges, online education, and cultural inclusivity – with strong alignment to Adelaide University’s strategic direction as a differentiated member of Australia’s Group of Eight,” Carr said.

“The Transition Council would also like to recognise the monumental and continued contributions of the founding co-Vice Chancellors, Professors Peter Høj AC and David Lloyd, who are establishing the solid foundations on which the institution will see sustained success. They will also be instrumental in transitioning the leadership from now until when Prof. Phillips begins the role as well as winding down the foundation universities.”

Prof. Phillips will actively shape Adelaide University as it begins operations.

“I am thrilled to be joining Adelaide University at a time of unmatched potential and possibilities – and to call South Australia home,” Prof. Phillips said.

“I look forward to leading Adelaide University and establishing the institution as a trailblazer for change, where education and research of the highest quality reach into all corners of our society to transform the lives of individuals and communities.”

The global search was led by the Adelaide University Transition Council, in partnership with executive search firm, Korn Ferry, and informed by the Recruitment Recommendations Panel comprising internal and expert external members.

Insights on selection criteria deemed most important were also provided by staff, students, alumni and key partners. Inspirational and visionary leadership, being a visible role model with high ethical standards, and building a cohesive and constructive culture as well as having strong academic credentials were identified amongst some of the most valued attributes.

Prof. Phillips will commence in the role from 12 January 2026 to align with Adelaide University’s opening of its inaugural academic year.

About Professor Nicola Phillips
Professor Nicola Phillips is an esteemed leader and academic with some 30 years of experience in the higher education sector across Australia and the United Kingdom. She is a Professor of Political Economy with interests in global economic development, labour standards and inequality.

Educated at King’s College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science, Prof. Phillips held positions at the Universities of Warwick, Manchester and Sheffield before becoming Vice President & Vice Principal (Education) at King’s College London, and then Provost at the University of Melbourne in September 2021. She has held visiting fellowships and professorships across the world, including the Australian National University, the University of British Columbia, and the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México.

Among many notable honours, Prof. Phillips holds a Fellowship of the UK Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) and a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), and was awarded The J. Ann Tickner Prize from the International Studies Association (ISA) for combining bravery in pursuing pioneering research that pushes the boundaries of the discipline with a deep commitment to teaching and mentorship.

Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

Source: New South Wales – News

Kyle was last seen about midday on Sunday 1 June at Arkaroola.

Kyle, 39, is about 180 cm tall, with a slim build and chin-length dreadlocks.

He is believed to be driving a white 2023 Toyota Hiace rental van with South Australian registration S129CWL.

The van was last seen in the area just after 6am on Monday 2 June.

Since he was reported missing, police and emergency services have been searching the area where he was last seen, including the area between Arkaroola and Yunta, where Kyle is believed to have driven the van between 30 May and 1 June 2025.

PolAir and extra patrols have been searching the area but have been unable to locate him.

Police have concerns for Kyle’s welfare and anyone who sees him or his van is asked to call police immediately on 131 444.

Please quote reference number 149686.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police Force have arrested a 32-year-old man after he allegedly crashed through a residential fence and attempted to evade arrest by diving into a lagoon yesterday afternoon.

Around 2:20pm, police received reports that a vehicle had collided with a fence at the corner of Daniel Circuit and Girraween Road. Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle stationary and still running; however, the driver had fled the scene on foot.

A short time later, police located the driver who then entered a nearby lagoon and swam to the middle to avoid apprehension.

Additional resources were deployed, including the Search and Rescue Section, who provided a vessel to assist. During the arrest, it is alleged the man attempted to grab an officer’s firearm; however, the officer was able to block this attempt.

The 32-year-old was subsequently arrested without further incident and taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information to contact 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2500059377. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

**This release has been updated to include that the incident occurred yesterday afternoon being Tuesday 10 June 2025. **

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Motorists reminded of dangers of drink driving following crash in Kingborough area

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – 1:17 pm.

Police are reminding motorists of the dangers of drink driving following a crash in the Kingborough area last week.
“On 5 June, police attended a single vehicle crash on Baretta Road at Baretta where a motorist had allegedly fallen asleep while driving after consuming alcohol,” said Constable Hollie Barwick.
“The driver had veered onto the left side of the road and collided with a cluster of trees which caused extensive damage to the vehicle and enabled the automatic crash detection to alert emergency personnel.”
“Police attended and the driver allegedly recorded a reading of 0.146 – more than three times the legal limit of alcohol in their system whilst driving a motor vehicle.”
Luckily the driver, a 51-year-old man from Cygnet, was not injured.
He was charged with drive a motor vehicle while exceeding prescribed alcohol limit and will appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court in September.
“This driver was extremely lucky that he didn’t kill or seriously injure himself or someone else on the roads,” said Constable Hollie Barwick.
“Drink driving is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ contributing factors to fatal and serious injury crashed on our roads and it’s lucky this crash didn’t have a devastating outcome.”
Police urge all drivers to remember the fatal five and follow them every time you travel on the roads:

Obey the speed limit – it’s there for a reason.
Never drive after drinking or taking drugs – you’ll be putting more than your life on the line.
Pay attention – one moment of distraction is all it takes to cause a crash.
Rest if you’re tired – arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
Buckle up every person in the vehicle – seatbelts save lives.

Source:

Trawool Fire Brigade and Seymour VICSES hosted a large-scale multi-agency training exercise last month in collaboration with Victoria Police, St John Ambulance Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, V/Line and Defence Australia.

A train versus truck collision was simulated in Seymour on Friday 30 May with over 200 people participating in the event including first responders, injured passengers, and event observers.

From a hazmat incident to an amputation, the experience provided all involved with an opportunity to refine their first response skills working alongside other agencies.

Trawool Fire Brigade Captain and Exercise Director Sean Kerris was pleased with the outcomes of the exercise and thanked Seymour Railway Heritage Centre (SRHC) for hosting the successful event.

“The exercise itself was designed to utilise a real-life scenario in a high-risk local area to guide the end product,” Sean said.

“We used lessons from recent Trawalla, Kerang and Lara train incidents and the Wallan derailment to formulate the exercise, alongside coroner reports, inquiry documents and firsthand recounts to further elevate it.

“The realistic response allowed crew members to challenge themselves through real-time concerns and foster innovation when working with multiple agencies.”

CFA Deputy Group Officer Mitchell Shire Laiton Telfer said brigade members predominantly supported fire suppression and the hazmat incident on the night.

“It was great to work with the other agencies to get to know them better, as we do see them out on ground at the local incidents we respond to,” Laiton said. 

Submitted by	CFA media

Source:

Fred Kober receiving his 60-year medal of service from Captain Michael Scroggie and MC Peter Mildenhall

Christmas Hills Fire Brigade members and their families gathered at Panton Hill Hotel on 4 June to celebrate the end of a long fire season, and to acknowledge a number of members who between them have accumulated 690 years of service.

Sixty members and their guests enjoyed dinner at the Panton Hill Hotel while the presentations were made. A special slide show celebrating the rich history of the brigade also featured throughout the evening.

“This was an important event because one of our still operational members, Fred Kober, celebrated 60 years of service with our brigade,” Captain Michael Scroggie said.

“Fred joined us as a 16-year-old and has undertaken many roles over the years including captain, and has maintained his skills and fitness and still regularly turns out at local incidents,” he said.

Not only did Fred receive a 60-year service medal but also a National Emergency clasp for his role as part of a District 14 strike team during the Black Summer fires of 2019-20. This clasp is in addition to his medal awarded for his service in the Black Saturday fires of 2009 which had a strong impact on the Christmas Hills community.

Acting Commander Matt Baber also presented Pete Rae and John Roberts with National Emergency Medals for their service in the Black Summer fires. He also presented service awards to more than 30 other members of the brigade.

This included four five-year certificates of service, five 10-year medals, nine 15-year medals (these were members who joined in the aftermath of the Black Saturday fires), four 25-year medals, two 30-year medals, one 35-year medal, two 40-year medals, two 45-year medals, a 50-year medal, and Fred’s 60-year medal.

Michael Scroggie paid particular tribute to two active members who received 45-year medals.

“Di Simmons and Robyn Adams have provided outstanding service to the brigade as active firefighters, but more particularly as members of the Brigade Management Team over the past 40 years or so,” he said. 

“They have performed nearly all the BMT roles over extended periods of time, from captain in Di’s case to all levels of lieutenant roles, secretary/treasurer, training, OHS and comms. I don’t think there has a been a time in the past 40 years when one or the other or both haven’t been on the BMT.”

Nillumbik Group Officer Matt Knight also paid tribute to Di and Robyn’s leadership and support at the group and district level as well and noted their strong role in the mentoring of women firefighters and leaders across CFA.

Their previous professional lives as lecturers and researchers into fire science and environmental studies at Deakin was also instrumental in the development of the brigade mantra ‘Red truck green heart’ which underlies our approach to fire management and suppression in Christmas Hills.

“While we took this opportunity to thank them for their enormous contribution to the effectiveness of our brigade up until now,” said Michael Scroggie, “we are further grateful that Dianne and Robyn will continue as active firefighters at Christmas Hills and in management roles at Nillumbik Group”.

Submitted by	Peter Mildenhall

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Boost to search operation at Cradle Mountain

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – 9:42 am.

The search for a Victorian man believed to be in the Cradle Mountain area will resume this morning.
Members of the Tasmania Police Search and Rescue unit, State Emergency Service volunteers and Parks and Wildlife Service rangers will be involved in ground patrols, while helicopter resources will conduct aerial searches.
Concerns for the welfare of 52-year-old Christopher Inwood were raised on Tuesday morning, after his white Toyota HiAce van was found at the car park of a ranger station on Cradle Mountain Road.
A backpack believed to belong to Mr Inwood was found alongside the road about 500m from the station, heading in the direction of Dove Lake.
Mr Inwood was last seen at Kindred, in Tasmania’s north, about 8.30pm on Monday and police believe he drove to Cradle Mountain later that night.
Preliminary searches of the Cradle Mountain area on Tuesday by PWS rangers, with the assistance of a police drone, did not locate Mr Inwood.
Temperatures were below freezing in the Cradle Mountain area overnight.
Anyone who has information that could assist police locate Mr Inwood, pictured, is urged to call 131 444.

Source:

Newstead Captain awarded CFA Outstanding Service Medal

On 24 May 2025 Newstead Fire Brigade held its Annual Awards night.

It was a great night attended by about 70 people, including most of the brigade’s operational and support members and their families.

Well known to almost everyone in Newstead, Captain Doug Richardson has been an integral part of the Newstead brigade for more than 45 years and has been the Captain for almost 40 of those years; a feat not matched by many.

He has seen significant change in the brigade not only in membership, but equipment, buildings, vehicles, tactics and techniques during his many years of service.  Not only that, but he has also seen his fair share of major fires, road accidents, grass fires, floods and anything else you can think of that CFA attends.

This year, Doug was awarded the CFA Outstanding Service Medal, CFA’s highest award apart from valor awards. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated so many years to the protection of life and property in Newstead and surrounding districts.

This year, the brigade also instituted its own awards to recognise the special efforts of some of the members.

Firefighter Scott Chaney was awarded the inaugural Rookie of the Year award in recognition of his enthusiasm and commitment to developing his firefighting skills since joining the brigade. 

Firefighter Chris Simmins was awarded the Captain’s Award and was also presented with the Simmins Family Memorial Plaque in honour of his family being the driving force behind the brigade’s support of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal for more than 10 years.

The ‘Russell Hodges’ Memorial Shield for Brigade Member of the Year, was awarded to Firefighter Ron Archer. This award is in recognition of our late friend Russell Hodges who passed away suddenly two years ago. During his time in the brigade, Russell became a highly valued member who was always around and could always be relied upon for just about anything. Ron is one of our most reliable members, always on hand when the pager goes off and doing sterling work in running the Newstead Community Market.

CFA service awards were presented to 13 brigade members ranging from 10 years, up to 45 years of service, including three CFA Life Members. Notably, four members of the former ladies’ auxiliary – Bev Richardson, Joan Sartori, Lorraine Burgess and Carmel Longmire – were recognised for their unwavering support of the brigade by receiving their 45-year service medals.

Also presented on the night was some long overdue National Medals. The National Medal recognises prolonged exposure to hazardous circumstances in the service of the community. This year 17 members of the brigade were presented with this honour, including Don Hepburn who was recognised for his 45+ years of service to the Newstead community.

All in all, a great night was had by all who attended with some coming from interstate to share in the event.

On behalf of the members of the Newstead Fire Brigade we would like to congratulate Doug Richardson and all the members who received awards and on behalf of the community, thank you for your service to Newstead and surrounding districts.

Submitted by	Hilton Hazeltine