Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A new Libraries ACT program is bringing Canberrans together to share the joy of stories read aloud.
No matter your age, there’s something comforting about being read to.
A new program at Libraries ACT taps into this, bringing Canberrans together to experience the joy of stories read aloud.
Shared Reading is a free weekly program offered at Tuggeranong and Dickson libraries.
In each 90-minute session, participants gather to hear a facilitator read a short story.
There are pauses for group discussion. This allows participants to share their thoughts, emotions and personal connections to the story, if they wish.
Building connections
Shared reading sessions present a great way to meet people and make new friends.
The program is designed to support all ages, with particular benefit to those aged 60+.
The sessions offer a powerful remedy for loneliness and isolation.
More than just reading aloud, Shared Reading creates a space where participants can fully engage with the story and each other without judgment.
The approach allows people to connect deeply with the literature and with one another.
The facilitator
Local educator Louise Bromhead will lead the sessions.
With extensive training in Shared Reading facilitation, Louise is passionate about the program and its potential to foster meaningful connections among participants.
Meet and greet
The program kicks off with an information session and meet and greet on Wednesday 17 July 2024.
Participants can learn more about the program, meet Louise, and enjoy a cuppa and biscuit.
Come and join in
Whether you’re an avid reader, looking to connect with others, or both, this program offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Dates (Wednesdays)
July: 17, 24, 31
August: 7, 14, 21, 28
September: 4, 11, 18, 25
October: 23, 30
November: 6, 13, 20, 27
December: 4, 11, 18
Times
Tuggeranong Library: 10:15am to 11:45am
Dickson Library: 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Cost: free
Register to experience the Shared Reading program.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Journey contains 37 individual plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.
An award-winning Robert Foster artwork is the first confirmed for display in the future Kingston Arts Precinct.
The artwork, titled The Journey, was gifted to the ACT Government.
The work
Many Canberrans will know The Journey. It had pride of place in the foyer of ActewAGL’s Bunda Street premises for over ten years.
The artwork spans around 300 square metres. It contains 37 plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.
These glow different colours according to the time of day. Inbuilt motion sensors also interact with viewers’ movement.
ActewAGL commissioned The Journey in 2010, to mark its 10th anniversary.
The company offered the work to the ACT Government following the sale of the Bunda Street building.
It will now be refurbished and incorporated into the new Kingston Arts Precinct design.
Although The Journey is a gift to the ACT Government, the artist’s estate will receive a voluntary royalty.
This acknowledges the change in ownership and the artist’s continuing interest in the work.
Under the Artist’s Resale Royalty Scheme, artists and their estates are entitled to a 5 per cent royalty whenever an eligible artwork resells in Australia.
The artist
The late Robert Foster was a renowned local artist, best known for the iconic F!NK water jug.
His works are held in major public collections. These include the National Gallery of Australia, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Robert died following a car accident in 2016.
He established F!NK + Co, a design and manufacturing company, with his wife, Gretel Harrison. It has employed many artists who have gone on to productive careers as designers and makers in the region.
“I am super appreciative of artsACT for finding a new home for Robert’s sculpture The Journey so that once again people will be able to walk through his mesmerising forest of lights,” Gretel said.
F!NK + Co will work with the Kingston Arts Precinct design team to integrate The Journey into its new home.
The Kingston Arts Precinct
The Kingston Arts Precinct will be a hub for arts organisations in Canberra.
It will house:
Canberra Contemporary Art Space
Canberra Glassworks
Craft ACT
M16 Artspace
Megalo Print Studio
PhotoAccess
a new space for Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The precinct will be a fitting new home for The Journey where it will captivate a new audience and further honour the artist’s legacy.
Find out more about the Kingston Arts Precinct at BuiltforCBR.
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Visitors to K’gari during the Easter school holidays are urged to prioritise safety and have an incident-free trip by following the Be dingo-safe! advice.
People are reminded to always carry a dingo safety stick, avoid walking alone, refrain from running and ensure that children are always close.
Ranger in Charge Dr Linda Behrendorff said dingoes could be anywhere at any time and people can’t be complacent.
“Holiday periods are always busy on K’gari, and residents and visitors should be thinking about our safety messages at all times, Dr Behrendorff said.
“There have been 28 high risk incidents on the island this year, and we want to get through this holiday period without any further interactions.
“Dingoes should never be fed or approached for photos, and if they’re lingering around camping areas they should be deterred through making assertive and loud noises.
“Fishers should never let dingoes get access to discarded bait, and fish frames should be buried at half a metre deep.
“Throwing one piece of bait or unwanted sausage can instantly change the behaviour of a dingo, and that can lead to changes in behaviour of a dingo pack.
“Human intervention through deliberate or inadvertent feeding of dingoes or by approaching them for selfies is unlawful and can lead to negative interactions.
“To stay safe and protect the unique wildlife, we’re asking all visitors to remain vigilant, secure food and rubbish properly, and Be dingo-safe!”
Visitors to K’gari are reminded to be dingo safe at all times:
Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
Always walk in groups
Always carry a stick when walking
Camp in fenced areas where possible
Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
A 4.5m estuarine crocodile has been captured in a baited trap near the Proserpine River boat ramp at Conway on the Proserpine River in north Queensland.
The large male crocodile had been sighted in very close proximity to the boat ramp and pontoon, and given its size, concerning behaviour and increased risk to public safety, it was declared for removal from the wild under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan (QCMP).
Rangers set a baited trap on Friday 4 April 2025, and it was captured during the early hours of Saturday 5 April 2025. It will be rehomed at a crocodile farm or zoo.
During assessments of the location prior to the animal being declared for removal, Wildlife Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) found discarded fish frames that had been left at the boat ramp.
Members of the public have also reported entire pig carcasses being tied at the boat ramp.
Acting Manager Northern Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Jane Burns said it is likely the pig carcasses had been left at the boat ramp in a deliberate attempt to lure the animal.
“Deliberate or inadvertent feeding of crocodiles at boat ramps or fishing locations can change their behaviour, and they will hang around an area expecting food,” Ms Burns said.
“Crocodiles do not need to be fed, and tourists and people living in crocodile habitat should make sensible choices around the water to prioritise their safety and to help prevent crocodiles being removed from the wild.
“Under the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2018, it is an offence to deliberately discard fish frames or pig carcasses that may attract crocodiles,
“This type of behaviour is very disappointing and concerning. It creates an increased risk to public safety.
“Crocodiles can become habituated to an easy meal, and associate that with a particular location or people. This unfortunately has created a higher risk of a crocodile attack at this location.”
Anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of this crocodile, or any crocodile in Queensland is encouraged to call 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.
All crocodile sightings should be reported to DETSI in a timely manner.
Bright lights, gleaming surgical tools, and a patient ready on the operating table. All seems to be in order, but then an alarm sounds and all eyes immediately look to you – what happens next is in your hands.
Luckily, this is not a critical scenario but part of UniSA’s new perioperative escape room, designed especially for nursing staff at the Calvary Adelaide Hospital.
Set in a state-of-the-art operating room, this patient simulation puts experienced nurses to the test as they solve complex scenarios and respond to perioperative emergencies. Working together, participants must adeptly and efficiently manage whatever challenges are put before them before they can successfully ‘escape’.
Nursing and Perioperative Nursing lecturer, and UniSA escape room creator, Dr Michelle Freeling, says the experience is transforming nursing education.
“Perioperative nursing is a specialty that requires nurses to work quickly and efficiently, collaborating with surgeons and anaesthetists in high-pressure environments,” Dr Freeling says.
“But with surgical advancements continually reshaping the field, perioperative nurses need to stay ahead of the latest techniques and practices – this is where experiences like our escape room can help.
“Participants will practice managing complex patient scenarios in the operating room, understanding and responding to perioperative emergencies, working cohesively with their team, and maintaining situational awareness, all of which are critical for success.
“As a hands-on, immersive activity, the escape room lets perioperative nurses learn or refine their expertise in a controlled yet realistic environment, so they can test their skills safely, without risk.”
The innovative experience is also part of a new Calvary Scholarship Program created to support nurses undertaking UniSA’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing with a focus on Perioperative Nurses. Calvary has supported 12 scholarships for nurses to undertake the Perioperative Nursing course, with the potential opportunity for additional scholarships in the future.
Calvary Adelaide Hospital General Manager Tanya Brooks says the hospital is dedicated to advancing perioperative nursing education and leadership.
“High quality, safe healthcare is our priority, and we’re committed to delivering excellence in clinical quality and patient care,” Brooks says.
“UniSA’s perioperative nursing escape room demonstrates a contemporary, engaging and innovative approach to learning that will advance our team’s specialist perioperative skills while also developing their leadership capabilities, staff culture, and excellent person-centred care.
“By investing in our team’s skill development and professional growth, we continue to champion the high standards, compassionate and professional healthcare, for which we’re known.
“The Calvary Scholarship Program reflects this commitment, and our partnership with UniSA will empower our team to reach their full potential.”
The inaugural cohort of scholarship recipients has commenced their studies this week.
The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website.
About Calvary: In 1885, six courageous Sisters sailed into Sydney to continue the mission of Venerable Mary Potter and the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary to care for those in need. Thus begun Calvary’s enduring legacy of care in Australia. Today, we continue their mission, in our hospitals, home and virtual care services, retirement living and residential aged care homes across four states and two territories. For more information, visit www.calvarycare.org.au
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund to be paused for Inquiry into Club Sector – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
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In a continued commitment to gambling harm minimisation, the ACT Government has announced the temporary pause of the Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund. This pause will remain in effect while an independent inquiry is conducted into the future of ACT’s club sector.
The Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund, which was established in 2019, was designed to help clubs reduce their reliance on gaming revenue by supporting the development of non-gaming revenue streams and enhancing administrative efficiency. Under new legislation introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly today, the Fund will be suspended for two years to allow the ACT Government’s approach to diversification support to be better informed by the findings of the Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector.
“By suspending this fund, we are taking a proactive step towards considering different approaches to supporting diversification of the clubs sector.” said Dr Marisa Paterson, Minister for Gaming Reform. “As we progress major reform to address gambling harm this term, the government is committed to supporting clubs to diversify, as we recognise the vital role they play in the social life of many Canberrans.”
The Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector will advise the government on the development and implementation of a comprehensive club sector transition plan, including recommendations on how best to support revenue transition of ACT clubs.
In the most recent round of the funding, $450,000 was awarded to two clubs. The Belconnen Soccer Club will receive $250,000 for renovations to an outdoor functions area, while the Canberra Tradesman’s Union Club will receive $200,000 to support the development of an environmental, social, and governance strategy for a development project.
“This grant will not only improve our facilities but also enable us to host more events and strengthen our role as a meeting place for people of all ages,” said Suzy Berry, CEO of Belconnen Soccer Club. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the ACT Government, which is helping us build a sustainable future for the club and our members.”
The Gaming Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will suspend both incoming and outgoing payments to the Fund during the inquiry period.
The Bill also introduces amendments to the Gambling and Racing Control Act 1999 to expand information-sharing provisions in relation to investigations conducted by the Gambling and Racing Commission. These amendments will speak directly to the concerns raised by complainants and ensure going forward that they can be informed about the status of the progress of their complaints.
As restrictions lift, CFA is urging residents to remain fire-aware, as dry Autumnal conditions combined with strong winds can still lead to fast-moving grassfires.
CFA District 17 Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Chris Eagle said while conditions remain dry, a drop in both day and night temperatures have contributed to fire restrictions easing.
“Although we have had little to no rain, we have seen much of the crop and grass start to deteriorate or be eaten by livestock, which has resulted in reduced fuel loads,” Chris said.
“Many of our farmers have conducted successful stubble burning and I commend them for their effective management throughout this process and adherence to permit conditions.”
Despite the change, residents are advised to remain cautious if burning off around their homes.
“With autumn settling in, we will now see a number of landowners conduct private burn-offs to clean up their properties, however it is important they do so responsibly,” Chris said.
“We’ve still got dry fuels in some areas, so any burning off activity should have someone in attendance at all times, with enough water and resources to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.”
To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, landowners must register their burn-offs. It is also essential to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before proceeding.
Burn-offs can be registered online at Fire Permits Victoria www.firepermits.vic.gov.au. If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response.
Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant, as fire danger periods in other regions may still be active.
Strengthening safeguards and streamlining approvals for sacred sites in the NT4 min read
Protection of sacred Indigenous sites is a cornerstone of preserving Australia’s First Nations heritage. The Northern TerritoryAboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (the Act) requires project proponents operating in the Northern Territory (NT) to obtain approval to operate in the vicinity of sacred sites and comply with any conditions imposed to ensure their activities do not harm such sites.
The NT Government has proposed amendments to the Act. The Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (the Bill) aims to improve the regulatory framework by tightening timeframes and reducing red tape, while also enhancing protections for sacred sites. The NT Legislative Scrutiny Committee is considering the Bill and will provide its report to Parliament by 7 May 2025.
In this Insight, we outline the key changes proposed by the Bill and consider how they may impact stakeholders navigating the approval process.
The current framework
The Act provides the framework for the registration and protection of sacred sites in the NT. Under the legislation, the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (the Authority) is empowered to issue Authority Certificates (Certificates) to people who want to enter, use, or carry out works on sacred sites.1
After receiving an application, the Authority can request a conference with custodians to discuss the application and potential conditions of the Certificate.2 A Certificate will be issued where the Authority is satisfied that the work or use of the land could proceed without substantive risk of damage to a sacred site on the land.3
The Certificate will set out the relevant conditions the Authority considers accords with the custodian’s wishes or any agreement in place between the custodians and the applicant.4 The Act also establishes criminal offences for damaging sacred sites.5
What is changing and why?
The Bill proposes several key amendments aimed at improving efficiency while maintaining robust protections for sacred sites. Key changes include provisions for transferring Certificates to new parties in continuing projects and introducing enforceable undertakings for minor contraventions.
We consider these changes in detail below.
Transferring Authority Certificates
Currently, the Act does not allow for the transfer of a Certificate. Certificates are specific to the original applicant and identified works. For example, if a development is sold, the new developer must apply for a new certificate, even if the works remain unchanged, requiring repeated approvals and negotiations with custodians.
The Bill establishes a mechanism allowing for transferring a Certificate when prior consultations were conducted, and a Certificate was previously issued.6 Now, a person may apply for a transfer of a Certificate, subject to the land areas and usage conditions remaining the same.
This change aims to improve efficiency by eliminating repetitive applications within long-term projects involving multiple parties over time.
Recorded parties
The Bill also establishes a mechanism for a holder of a Certificate to apply to have additional individuals or groups added as ‘recorded parties’. Subject to the area, use of the land and the conditions of the existing Certificate remaining unchanged, the Authority must issue a new Certificate to the applicant holder, which includes the added recorded parties. This will have practical benefits for proponents, who wish to ensure that contractors or joint venture partners will also have the benefit of acting in accordance with an existing Certificate.
New enforceable undertakings
New Part IVA of the Bill will establish a process for dealing with contraventions of the Act or conditions in a Certificate. The Authority will have the power to enter into an enforceable undertaking with a person regarding alleged contraventions. This amendment aligns the Act with enforcement mechanisms commonly used in environmental and development legislation.
The undertaking may contain any terms or conditions that the Authority considers necessary to ensure compliance with the Act or a Certificate.7 Time limits for performing obligations and methods to monitor compliance must be stated in the undertaking.8 Additionally, notice of both the alleged contravention and the undertaking must be published by the person giving it.9
When accepting an undertaking, various factors must be considered by the Authority, including:
the nature and gravity of the conduct;
the maximum penalty for the alleged contravention;
To promote transparency, notice of decisions to accept an undertaking along with reasons must be published by the Authority.11
If a proponent fails to comply with an enforceable undertaking, an application can be made to the Supreme Court for enforcement.12 The Supreme Court may issue orders requiring payment of costs incurred by the Authority in mitigating any harm resulting from non-compliance or compensation to individuals who suffered loss due to such contraventions.13
Notably, entering into an enforceable undertaking precludes criminal proceedings against a person who has agreed to it.14 If full compliance with an undertaking is achieved, reasonable steps must be taken by the Authority to discontinue prosecution efforts.15
Composition and Membership of Authority
The amendments formalise practices concerning appointments to the Authority. The Authority will be constituted of ten First Nations members nominated by Land Councils and two members nominated by the Minister.16
Members appointed via Land Councils can face termination on grounds such as incompetence or misbehaviour. Conversely, ministerial appointees may only face termination following written recommendations from the Minister.17
What do the changes mean for me?
It is important to remember that these reforms are still being considered by Parliament and are not yet law.
If the Bill is passed, the introduction of enforceable undertakings will provide a more flexible way to address minor contraventions without immediate resort to criminal prosecution.
If you are involved in ongoing or long-term projects in the Northern Territory, the proposed amendments may also simplify your compliance obligations by allowing the transfer of Certificates, and the addition to a Certificate of other parties working on a project as recorded parties.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) smart chargers can help us transition away from fossil fuels to 100 per cent renewable energy.
During a blackout on the Australian energy grid in February, ACT Government vehicles fed power back into the grid.
Major storms in Melbourne caused the blackout. At the time, there were 16 ACT Government fleet EVs plugged into vehicle-to-grid (V2G) smart chargers across the ACT. Four of them were charging, and 12 were sitting idle.
These 16 EVs received a signal from the grid. They started supplying power back into the grid in seconds. This is potentially the first time in the world that this V2G response has assisted during a power emergency.
V2G technology works using a bi-directional charger. The energy from an EV battery can send electricity back into the grid, just like rooftop solar. In this case, the emergency response lasted a few minutes before the grid stabilised. The cars began charging again as normal with minimal disruption.
These results show that V2G can:
contribute to the security of our electricity grid
reduce emissions from transport.
“V2G represents a huge opportunity for Australia,” Ross De Rango, Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Electric Vehicle Council, said.
“Over time it will put downward pressure on energy bills for everyone (not just EV drivers) and enable us to close coal and gas fired power stations sooner.
“We’ll be able to meet significant amounts of energy system peak demand from our cars, rather than from burning fossil fuels, and then recharge them later on from excess wind or solar.”
EV uptake is growing in Canberra. V2G can play a pivotal role here and across Australia as we transition our national energy systems away from fossil fuels to 100 per cent renewable energy.
Enabling V2G technology is a commitment in the ACT’s first Integrated Energy Plan. For more information on the ACT’s pathway to electrification, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.
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