Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

In brief:

• Construction has begun on 57 new social housing apartments in the Gungahlin area.
• These will offer safe, secure housing to vulnerable Canberrans.
• They are part of the ACT Government’s commitment to increasing housing for Canberrans.

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More Canberrans will soon have a safe, secure place to call home.

Construction has started on 57 new social housing apartments in the Gungahlin area.

Due for completion in early 2027, the development will provide quality housing for some of the community’s most vulnerable.

This project is being developed in partnership between the ACT and Australian Governments.

Convenient, connected and considered housing

The new development will offer easy access to facilities and services. These include:

• shops
• schools
• public transport
• open spaces
• sporting fields
• playgrounds
• pathways and trails.

There will be one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments.

Communal spaces and landscaping are designed to help residents meet and connect.

Accessibility is key, with 30 apartments easily adaptable to suit the needs of people with a disability.

Housing for today and into the future

The ACT Government is committed to building more social housing for Canberrans.

It has taken action to:

• release more land
• build more public and affordable housing
• partner with the Australian Government to build more social housing.

The Gungahlin development will be delivered under the Social Housing Accelerator (SHAP) and Housing Australia Future Fund Facility Round 2 (HAFFF).

Of the 57 dwellings in this Gungahlin development, 33 will be attributed to the territory’s commitment to delivering between 55 and 65 dwellings under the SHAP.

The remaining 24 dwellings will contribute towards the HAFFF commitment target of 85 homes.

Hindmarsh Construction Australia was awarded the construction contract through an open tender process.

Read more about increasing housing in the ACT on the ACT Government website.

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Source: Mental Health Australia

The 20th National Rail Safety Week is being marked with a solemn ceremony at the Australian Railway Monument in Werris Creek in northern NSW today. 

The ceremony will honour rail workers who have died in service to Australia’s rail network. 

More than 100 families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died, as well as representatives from across the rail industry, will hold a minute’s silence and lay wreaths next to the names that will be remembered forever. 

Each of the more than 4,500 names on the National Railway Monument at Werris Creek represents the loss of a railway worker since the 1850s. 

This year, four new names have been added to the walls of the monument. One of them was Troy Ernst, a freight train driver who died in an accident in December last year. 

The others are names of railway workers, one whose death dates back to early this century and two others from the 1920s and 30s. Their names have only just been added to the monument due to recent research by volunteers from the Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum. 

Hosted by NSW TrainLink and the TrackSAFE Foundation, the event is both a moment of reflection and a time for the rail industry to collectively commit to preventing future tragedies among Australia’s 165,000-strong rail workforce. 

Following the memorial event TrackSAFE is hosting a national webinar on mental health fitness in the rail industry. More information here. 

Read the full media release here (PDF, 206.82 KB)

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police have arrested two adult males in relation to an assault police incident that occurred on Monday in Titjikala. 

Police investigations have been ongoing since the incident occurred and yesterday two male offenders aged 22 and 46 were located and arrested as they were travelling into Alice Springs.

The 22-year-old has been charged with Assault Police, Escape Custody, and Damage to Property.

The 46-year-old has been charged with Assault Police, Damage to property, and Aiding and Abetting in relation to this incident. He was also charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault in relation to an outstanding matter.

Both were remanded in custody to appear in court today.

Source: South Australia Police

Wanneroo Aquamotion has been recognised for its commitment to safety, innovation and inclusive programs at the WA Aquatic Recreation Industry Awards, presented by the Leisure Institute of WA.

Source: South Australia Police

The City of Wanneroo has received a grant of up to $380,080 from Lotterywest in support of Dordaak Kepup library and youth innovation hub in Landsdale.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that annual real wages have now grown for seven consecutive quarters under the Albanese Labor Government.

We’ve recorded the strongest annual real wages growth in five years and the longest run of real wages growth above 0.7 per cent in a decade, according to today’s figures.

Real wages were falling sharpy under the Liberals, but today’s figures confirm they are growing strongly again under Labor.

Growth in real wages helps workers with the cost of living and helps them get ahead.

The wage price index grew 0.8 per cent in the June quarter 2025, to be 3.4 per cent higher through the year.

Real wages grew 1.3 per cent through the year to the June quarter 2025.

This is the strongest annual real wages growth since June 2020.

Annual real wages have now been growing by 0.7 per cent or more for four consecutive quarters, which is the longest run of real wage growth above that rate since 2015.

Since we came to Government, average annualised nominal wages have been growing at 3.7 per cent, much higher than the 2.2 per cent under our predecessors.

These numbers are a really positive sign that wages are growing strongly and sustainably as a result of our efforts.

Australians voted for higher wages at the election, and that’s what we’re delivering.

Our economic plan is designed to help Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn with tax cuts and higher wages and today’s figures show we’re making meaningful progress.

We’re acting to boost wages, close the gender pay gap, deliver workplace relations reforms and secure pay rises for some of the lowest‑paid workers in our community. Our support for the lowest paid workers means minimum wage earners are now earning more than $175 per week more than when we came to government.

At the same time, we’ve overseen the creation of more than 1.1 million jobs and stronger employment growth than any major advanced economy.

Under Labor, real wages are up, unemployment is low, inflation is down, interest rates are falling, every taxpayer is getting a tax cut and living standards are growing again in our economy.

We know there’s more to do because Australians are still under pressure and the global economy is uncertain and unpredictable.

The best defence against global volatility and the best way to lift wages and living standards over the long term is with a more productive economy, a stronger budget, and more resilience.

That’s why we’re building consensus on long term economic reform around these three priorities at the Economic Reform Roundtable next week.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three males in relation to two aggravated burglaries that occurred in Tennant Creek on Monday.

At 2:45am, four male offenders unlawfully entered a business on Paterson Street, allegedly stealing spray cans and tools. It is alleged they graffitied buildings on Paterson Street before using the stolen tools to unlawfully enter a licensed premises on Schmidt Street, stealing 134L of alcohol from the premises.

Tennant Creek police disturbed the offenders while attempting to flee with the stolen alcohol resulting in the arrest of an 18-year-old male at the scene. Most of the stolen goods were abandoned as the remaining three offenders fled on foot.

Investigations commenced and a 20-year-old and 16-year-old were located and arrested after being identified on CCTV footage.

The 18-year-old and 20-year-old were charged with Aggravated Burglary, Theft, Damage to Property and Going Equipped for Theft. They were remanded in custody to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court on 14 August.

The 16-year-old male was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

The fourth offender remains outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Road users are advised of changed traffic conditions for site investigation work at the intersection of Minto and Pembroke roads, Minto. 

We will work for up to six-night shifts between Monday 1 September and Thursday 25 September 2025, weather permitting. There will also be three-day shifts at this intersection over the same period.

Night work hours are 8pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday. Day work hours are 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

No work will occur on Friday or Saturday nights.

There will be temporary traffic changes while we complete this work. This includes a lane closure and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h. Traffic control will be onsite to help road users and pedestrians through the work area if required.

Please drive and ride to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers. 

Thank you for your patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates across the network download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police urge motorists to do the right thing following dedicated day of action enforcing road rules across North West and West Coast

Wednesday, 13 August 2025 – 1:17 pm.

Police are urging motorists to do the right thing on the roads, following a dedicated road safety day of enforcement in the North West and West Coast yesterday where disappointingly several drivers were detected breaking the road rules.
“Police conducted a dedicated day of action enforcing the road rules across the North West and West Coast areas of Tasmania yesterday, aimed at detecting and deterring unsafe behaviours that contribute to fatal and serious injury crashes,” said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.
“Police from across the Western District conducted dedicated traffic enforcement activities in a range of areas including Burnie, Ulverstone, Latrobe, Devonport, Smithton, Boat Harbour, Wynyard and Queenstown.”
“Traffic operations were also conducted at Howth and West Ulverstone.”
Police detected:

6 drink driving/drug driving offences from 1,036 random alcohol and drug tests conducted
20 speeding motorists
3 motorists using a mobile phone while driving
1 disqualified driver
1 suspended driver
4 defect vehicles.

Acting Inspector Parker said, “police conducting patrols of an active roadworks zone on the Bass Highway at Boat Harbour and detected a 45-year-old Launceston man travelling at 100km/h in the posted 40km/h roadworks zone.  The man was issued a traffic infringement notice which included a 4-month disqualification period, 6 demerit points and a fine of $1178.75.”
“Tasmania Police is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users, and our efforts in road safety enforcement will continue.”
“Tragically this year we have seen a devastating increase in fatalities and serious crashes compared to last year. Even one death or serious crash is one too many.”
“It is disappointing that some individuals continue to disregard the law and endanger other road users by undertaking risky driving behaviours.”
“Police will continue to conduct targeted and random patrols on Tasmania’s roads to detect and deter high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink driving, inattention, and not wearing seatbelts. These factors overwhelmingly contribute to serious and fatal crashes.”
Police encourage the public to report dangerous driving and traffic offences to police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Reports can also be made through – https://www.police.tas.gov.au/services-online/dangerous-driving-report/

Source:

Wattle Glen Fire Brigade stalwart Dale Pitts has been recognised for his 50 years of incredible service to the community in front of his family and friends at a recent brigade dinner.

CFA North West Manager of Community Safety and a good friend of Dale’s, David Allen, presented him with his medal on Saturday, 26 July at the annual event.

Having first signed up in March 1975, Dale went on to be appointed Communications Officer initially, before becoming 1st Lieutenant in 1979 and eventual Captain in 1986, a position he held for more than 12 years. He remains Wattle Glen’s longest serving Captain.

“It has been a great honour to serve as a CFA volunteer and a proud member of the Wattle Glen Brigade,” Dale said.

“Through the brigade, I have formed many lifelong friendships that I deeply value. The privilege of leading the Brigade as Captain for 12 years has been the highlight of my career.  

“I could not have undertaken this role without the unwavering support of my family.”

Wattle Glen Fire Brigade former Captain David Reuter said Dale’s sustained efforts for the community, CFA and the fire brigade have been remarkable.  

“Under his captaincy, several women joined the ranks as firefighters, and he was very active in attending competitions and supporting the junior running team over many years,” David said.

“Dale also made a significant contribution to truck driver training at brigade level and the availability of his expertise on all things pertaining to driving has been invaluable to Wattle Glen.

“Beyond the brigade area he was also a Pad Operator at Fiskville Training College for many years and a driving instructor for on and off-road courses externally as well.

“Between 2001 and 2013, Dale conducted more than 810 VicRoad licence tests, the majority of which were Medium Rigid Licences for personnel from CFA’s Districts 13 and 14.”

Dale was immensely proud of the fact that for several years his whole family was involved with the brigade, including his wife Joy, and his children Elizabeth and Nathan who were firefighters.

“Dale also encouraged Dianne Gilbert, a woman who lived across the road from the station to join the brigade. She was always the first to the station to open the doors during a callout and would often babysit some of the crew’s children when they were at an incident,” David said.

The old tin shed was demolished and replaced in the late 1980s during Dale’s reign.

The brigade endured one of its largest fires in the area for many years in January 1998, when members stopped the Silvan Road fire from heading towards Research.

Across Dale’s decorated tenure he achieved many notable milestones and continues to do so.

“In 1990, Dale received a National Medal, receiving a First Clap in 2001 and Second Clasp in 2016. He went on to become a CFA Life Member and Brigade Life Member in 2005.

“Dale was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his efforts during the 2009 Victorian bushfires in 2014 and was the proud recipient of the brigade’s Captain’s Award,” David said.

Over the years, Dale was also a VFBV Delegate and Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

Submitted by	CFA media