Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Overdue bushwalker rescued from state’s west coast

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Overdue bushwalker rescued from state’s west coast

Wednesday, 9 April 2025 – 10:40 am.

An overdue 81 year old Victorian bushwalker has been rescued from Mount Murchison on the state’s west coast early this morning.Police were notified about 8.30pm last night, with Search and Rescue ground crews safely locating the man about 2am.Inspector Andrew Hanson said that the man was an experienced bushwalker and had taken appropriate steps to prepare, including notifying his family of his expected return.“It’s pleasing that the man took steps to prepare, which enabled his family to raise the alarm when he became overdue,” he said.“It’s a timely reminder for everyone of the dangers of the Tasmanian wilderness.”Police advise bushwalkers against walking alone, and to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices. A two-way messaging emergency device is preferred.• Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions, regardless of the season take a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water, first aid kit.• Research your intended trip – ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast.• Let someone know before you go – ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life. Batteries do not last as long when cold and mobile navigation apps deplete batteries quicker than other apps.• Carry a Personal Locator Beacon but be aware that they are a one-way communication device.• Be flexible. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk. Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.

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Woolworths’ proposed acquisition of Beak & Johnston not opposed

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC will not oppose Woolworths Group Limited’s (ASX:WOW) proposed acquisition of Beak & Johnston Holdings Pty Ltd (B&J).

Woolworths currently holds a minority 23 per cent interest in B&J City Kitchen Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of B&J which manufactures ready meals and pastries for wholesale and retail sale. The proposed acquisition will result in Woolworths ultimately owning 100 per cent of B&J’s subsidiaries, including Beak & Johnston NZ Pty Ltd. The New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC) is also considering a clearance application from Woolworths for its proposed acquisition of B&J. 

The ACCC considered whether rival ready meal producers to B&J could continue to maintain competitively effective operations even if Woolworths only stocked or otherwise advantaged B&J’s products.

“Our investigation found that while Woolworths has significant bargaining power in its dealings with ready meal suppliers, in this case it was unlikely the acquisition would have a substantial anti-competitive effect,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

“Rival suppliers of ready meals will continue to have access to other supermarkets and convenience stores. Ready meal suppliers can also distribute through other channels, such as food service wholesaling and direct-to-consumer models.”

The ACCC also investigated whether Woolworths would have the incentive to prevent the supply of B&J products to rival retailers and any associated impact on competition.

The review found that there are a number of large competing suppliers of ready meals with similar scale and capabilities to B&J, including some that do not currently supply to Woolworths. There are also several smaller suppliers offering high quality products for niche product segments.

“Rival retailers will continue to have options for sourcing quality ready meals to suit a variety of consumer preferences,” Dr Williams said.

“Ultimately, we did not find that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in any market.”

More information can be found on the ACCC’s website at Woolworths-Beak & Johnston.

Background

Woolworths is Australia’s largest grocery retailer that primarily operates supermarkets, within which it sells chilled and frozen ready meals among other products.

B&J is a manufacturer of chilled ready meals and pastries and a small amount of frozen ready meals. B&J supplies these products through supermarkets, petrol and convenience stores, as well as food service wholesaling, such as airlines.

A separate B&J subsidiary, Beak & Johnston Pty Ltd, which primarily manufactures sauces, soups and slow-cooked meats at its Greenacre, NSW facility, will be excluded from the transaction perimeter and will operate as an independent business post-acquisition.

The NZCC is also considering a clearance application related to Woolworths’ proposed acquisition of B&J.

The B&J brands that will be included in the proposed acquisition include:

  • Strength Meals Co: Chilled and frozen ready meals
  • Simmone Logue: Gourmet pies, pastries, and cakes
  • Pitango: Soups and other meals
  • Artisano: Soups, sauces, and other meals
  • Pasta Master: Chilled lasagne and past-based ready meals.
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Underquoting taskforce launches legal action

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Real estate agents are being reminded of their responsibilities under Victoria’s underquoting laws – and the potential consequences of not meeting them – as our taskforce launched legal action this week against a Yarraville estate agency and its director.

The action comes as the taskforce continues to monitor sales campaigns and auctions around Melbourne, on Saturday visiting suburbs in the city’s north-east.

Nicholas Skapoulas and his agency, Nicholas Scott Real Estate, will face a VCAT hearing after our Underquoting taskforce initiated its first disciplinary proceeding.

Disciplinary proceedings can lead to the suspension or permanent cancellation of an estate agent’s licence.

The taskforce reviewed multiple sales campaigns managed by Nicholas Scott. We allege that Skapoulas and his agency committed several breaches of underquoting laws for 11 separate properties they were engaged to sell, including:

  • repeatedly supplying Statements of Information that did not comply with the law. Examples included advertising an indicative selling price lower than the estimated selling price they’d given the seller, or not listing the median selling price or comparable properties in the area
  • failing to provide information as required under a statutory notice issued by our taskforce officers.

Skapoulos has almost 30 years’ experience as an agent. Nicholas Scott employs 3 other licensed estate agents, along with agents’ representatives.

Under Victoria’s underquoting laws, Statements of Information are important documents that must be provided for all properties for sale. They contain guidance for buyers who are assessing whether a property is likely to be one they can afford, including:

  • the indicative selling price
  • the median selling price for properties in the same suburb, and
  • the details of 3 comparable properties recently sold, when available.

The matter has been filed at VCAT and will be heard at a date to be determined.

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Algeria

Source:

We’ve reviewed our advice and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Algeria due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping. Higher levels apply in some areas. You must get a visa in advance of arrival to enter Algeria. Only tourists arriving and departing by cruise ship can get visas on arrival.

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Hatch sought in McLaren Vale business break-in

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are investigating a break-in at a McLaren Vale business in the early hours of Tuesday 1 April.

Just before 5.30am on Tuesday 1 April, a shed on Main Road, McLaren Vale was broken into and a number of surfboards, 20 wetsuits, and power tools, including a Makita sander, lawnmower and whipper snipper were stolen.

CCTV captured a small blue hatchback towing a caged trailer travelling east along Main Road, McLaren Vale before turning onto Tatachilla Road and entering the rear of the property via a laneway.

Anyone who recognises the vehicle or has any dashcam or CCTV footage from the area that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Quote reference 25-39M

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Police investigating Bridgewater firearms incident

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police investigating Bridgewater firearms incident

Wednesday, 9 April 2025 – 9:18 am.

Police are investigating an isolated incident on Finlay Street, Bridgewater around 8pm last night where a firearm was discharged into a residence.
Two people were home at the time but were not injured as a result of the incident.
If you were in the area around the time and witnessed suspicious activity or have dash cam or CCTV footage, please phone 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote OR771722.

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Stepping up for First Nations health

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The classes encourage positive partnerships, body acceptance and social and community connection.

Stellar Step UP! Step Together is a new program of dance and movement classes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The program is the result of a partnership between:

  • local community group, The Stellar Company
  • Canberra First Nations dance group, Project Dust.

The program received funding from the ACT Government’s Healthy Canberra Grants program. It aims to improve health education, intergenerational support, and connection to Country and culture.

The classes encourage positive partnerships, body acceptance and social and community connection. There will be 280 classes over the next year, divided into seven series. Each class is led by an experienced teacher.

“Stellar Step UP! is proving to be a deeply powerful and empowering program,” Liz Lea, Artistic Director of The Stellar Company said.

This program helps address some of the barriers First Nations people face to live a healthy life. It is led by First Nations people to maintain connection to Country, culture and community.

“As a proud Darug woman, I have a strong interest in Aboriginal contemporary dance, language, and history,” Emma Laverty, founder of Project Dust, said.

“This ACT Health grant is helping to remove barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to spaces they don’t normally have access to and is getting them active and involved in the community.”

The Stellar Company also offers classes for multicultural and LGBTIQ+ young people and those with physical or intellectual disability.

“The Stellar Company is thrilled to be offering classes across five ACT suburbs for people of all abilities, backgrounds and identities,” Liz said.

“Alongside Project Dust, we are proud to be partnering with a range of local dance and fitness businesses for the Stellar Step UP! Program, including Dance4Fitness, Mudra and Moves, and Subsdance.”

The Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation also received funding from the Healthy Canberra Grants program for its Yawarj Mara, Strong Pathways program. The program brings together Aboriginal young people from across the ACT. It engages people in culture and increases empowerment and wellbeing through:

  • song
  • dance
  • sports
  • mentoring
  • skills
  • health education.

Find out more about the Stellar Step UP! program.

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DA for Gungahlin Tennis Facility approved

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Gungahlin Tennis Facility will be built off Horse Park Drive in Amaroo.

The Development Application has been approved for the new Gungahlin Tennis Facility.

This brings the sporting venue another step closer for tennis-lovers.

Gungahlin Tennis Facility will be built off Horse Park Drive in Amaroo.

It will include:

  • 10 full-size tennis courts
  • two hot shot courts
  • a hitting wall
  • a pavilion
  • LED lighting
  • carparking
  • landscaping.

Gungahlin is one of the country’s fastest growing regions. Tennis is also a growing sport, and the new venue will help attract even more players.

The Gungahlin Tennis Facility is being built by the ACT Government in partnership with Tennis Australia and Tennis ACT.

“Tennis ACT is looking forward to the construction phase of the Amaroo Tennis Centre and a wonderful tennis facility for the community of Gungahlin and the greater ACT and region,” CEO of Tennis ACT Mark La Brooy said.

“After a number of years of planning, community consultation, Estate Development Planning and now the approval of the development application, this sees the realisation of a vital piece of infrastructure that will bring tennis to one of the important growth corridors in the ACT.”

The Gungahlin Tennis Facility will offer a range of programs for all ages.

These will include:

  • Hot Shots Tennis and school programs
  • Book A Court
  • Cardio Tennis
  • Adult Social Tennis
  • Junior and Senior Canberra Tennis League
  • all-abilities programs.

Tennis Australia’s established tennis pathways will also help develop young players.

As well as keeping more young people in the sport, it will support many to realise their sporting dreams.

The new facility will also have capacity to host major tennis events, bringing more people to Canberra.

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Access Canberra is speaking your language

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Concierge Tejas estimates he speaks with customers in Hindi or Gujarati at least 25–30 times a week.

Many frontline service staff at Access Canberra speak multiple languages.

This not only reflects the diversity of the Canberra community but allows them to assist customers who may not be comfortable communicating in English.

Across Access Canberra’s five service centres, staff speak 12 languages, in addition to English.

These are:

  • Hindi
  • Punjabi
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Vietnamese
  • French
  • Thai
  • Greek
  • Gujarati
  • Croatian
  • Tibetan
  • Indian.

Staff wear badges, allowing customers to identify them easily to see which languages they speak.

Woden Service Centre Concierge Tejas is often the first friendly face customers see when they enter the Centre and speaks Gujarati, Hindi and English.

“Being a Concierge I think I speak in Hindi and Gujarati at least 25–30 times a week to help members of community,” he said.

He finds the badge helps Canberrans with little English feel more at ease.

“Wearing the badge gives members of the community an idea that I speak different languages. It invites members of the community who may be anxious of walking into a service centre because they can’t correctly interpret or understand English. I have also seen people who can understand English very well, but speaking it is the problem. Thus, whenever I can, I assist the Customer Service Officer and customer complete a transaction by translating for both,” Tejas said.

“As soon as a customer finds out that I can speak their language, they are delighted and relaxed that they can communicate in a much clearer and better way. Customers are more at ease because I can translate government policies and legislation for them, making comprehending them easier.”

Tejas has worked at Access Canberra since 2021.

“My vision every day is to help members of community who visit the service centre in every possible way,” he said.

“I am proud of wearing this badge because I know I can make a difference and put a smile on someone’s face.”

Many Access Canberra transactions can be carried out online. Visit accesscanberra.act.gov.au to find a translation option on the homepage.

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CFA Staff honoured for service during Black Summer fires

Source:

The National Emergency Medal recognises service in a nationally significant emergency.

CFA staff have been honoured with National Emergency Medals for their contribution to the 2019–2020 Australian bushfire crisis.

The National Emergency Medal is part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system and recognises significant or sustained service in a nationally significant emergency. 

At a ceremony on Sunday 6 April, 58 medals were presented to a mix of former and current CFA personnel. They join more than 5,500 CFA recipients who have received the honour for their service during the 2019–2020 fire season. 

CFA Board Chairperson Jo Plummer presented the medals alongside CFA Chief Executive Officer Greg Leach AFSM and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan. 

Jason paid tribute to the recipients and reflected on the magnitude of their contribution. 

“The 2019–2020 bushfires had a profound impact on communities across Victoria and beyond,” Jason said. 

“In the face of extreme conditions, CFA members and staff stood tall, supporting each other and protecting communities with unwavering commitment.” 

Among the recipients was CFA Manager of Incident Management Systems Luke Heagerty, who described receiving the medal as a humbling experience. 

“It’s a great honour to be recognised for the work that people at the State Control Centre (SCC) and other headquarters-based staff did during such a long and testing summer,” Luke said. 

Throughout the 2019–2020 fire season, Luke served as a key spokesperson for the SCC, appearing on both national and international TV and radio. 

“I remember crossing live to BBC Breakfast on the morning Mallacoota was impacted. Standing there, waiting to speak to the UK about what was unfolding in Australia, that was surreal.” 

Luke estimates he took part in more than 300 interviews during the height of the fires between December and January. 

“I was a regular voice on ABC Gippsland, particularly in the aftermath of the fire reaching Mallacoota. It was a time of real concern for that community, and I think being a familiar voice on air helped provide some reassurance,” Luke said. 

Reflecting on the ceremony, Luke said it was especially meaningful to share the moment with loved ones. 

“It meant a lot that they were both invited and acknowledged as part of the ceremony.” 

Former CFA staff member Kate Conway, who worked in a support role during the 2019-2020 fire season, was also among those recognised.  

At the time, Kate was a junior member of the CFA workforce, providing real-time social media intelligence to support field operations both at the Wodonga Incident Control Centre and in the SCC.  

“Being able to go up to Wodonga and be one of the people deployed was humbling, I was quite proud to do it,” Kate said. 

“Driving up past the impacts and spot fires into Wodonga, that’s when it hit. You were right in it.” 

Kate said the recognition came as a surprise, but one she’s deeply grateful for. 

“To put it plainly, I was quite chuffed when I got the email. I didn’t think I did anything remarkable, but I’m proud they considered what I did helpful enough to be nominated.” 

“You don’t do it for the awards, but being recognised all these years later gave me time to reflect and realise, ‘that was pretty big.’” 

Kate has since gone on to become a paramedic, but she is still connected to CFA.  

“I loved being part of CFA so much that when I left to become a paramedic, I joined my local brigade as a volunteer.” 

Submitted by CFA Media