Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New South Wales – News

George Sneddon, 26, is wanted for questioning in relation to two attempted arson incidents at Blackwood on the 17 and 18 June and he is believed to be in possession of a firearm.

George Sneddon is of Aboriginal appearance, 175cm tall, heavy build with brown eyes and black hair.

He should not be approached.

If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please call the Police Assistance line on 131 444 immediately or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Source:

18 June 2025

They’re the subtle cues and behaviours that shape student success – easily picked up by local students, but often unfamiliar for those from refugee backgrounds.

This Refugee Week, human rights and education experts at the University of South Australia are shining a light on the less visible challenges faced by students from refugee backgrounds: the ‘hidden curriculum’.

In a recent study, UniSA researchers explain the ‘hidden curriculum’ as a set of implicit rules, values and behaviours that quietly shape the university experience – never formally taught, but essential for academic and social success

“The ‘hidden curriculum’ is very real,” says UniSA’s Dr Snjezana Bilic. “It’s the unwritten, unspoken rules that guide student success – things like classroom behaviours, university processes, and what’s expected through group work, or where and how to seek help – these are key parts of the student experience.

“Local students, who are acquainted with the dominant culture, are generally more familiar with aspects of the ‘hidden curriculum’; but refugee students have significantly different experiences with different ways of knowing and learning.

“We know that refugee students have strong aspirations, but we also know that these can be offset by a range of obstacles, for example trauma, interrupted education, competing family priorities and language barriers. The last thing they need is to start university from a deficit position, so that’s where we are trying to help.”

Globally, more than 123 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict and violence.

The researchers say that the ‘hidden curriculum’ should be explicitly taught to all students, but especially those from refugee backgrounds.

To offset barriers created by the ‘hidden curriculum’ and enhance meaningful outcomes for students of refugee backgrounds, UniSA has created a Refugee Student Support Group with a team of Peer Support Officers who also act as ‘cultural brokers’ – helping students from refugee backgrounds navigate academic expectations and social norms.

“We’ve seen how powerful peer support can be,” says co-researcher Dr Heidi Hetz.

“When Peer Support Officers connect with our refugee students, they help build trust, strengthen engagement and help breakdown some of the barriers that students from refugee backgrounds face. And because this is peer-to-peer learning, both the student ‘teacher’ and the refugee student can connect and share knowledge.

“Importantly, our Peer Support Officers also help refugee students understand the nuances of the ‘hidden curriculum’. They explain where to ask for help, how to access supports for assignment writing, as well as how to access other university services like counselling. They also explain how tutorials work, how you are encouraged to share your opinion or experiences, and how your point of view truly counts.”

Dr Bilic says that tackling the hidden curriculum requires 360-degree support.

“To embrace diversity, we must prioritise a more culturally responsive curriculum,” Dr Bilic says.

“Not only do we need to incorporate examples, stories and traditions from a range of cultures, but we need to provide explicit instructions about what students need to do to engage in learning as well as scaffold their learning by providing support in structuring their assignments, teaching them how to study in classroom, to ask for help of teaching staff, as well as time management’.

“We also need to recognise that learning the hidden curriculum takes time, especially for those who have experienced resettlement, trauma or disrupted education.

“Critically, we need to recognise and acknowledge that a student’s lack of familiarity with the hidden curriculum reflects cultural differences, not their deficiency.”

As Australia marks Refugee Week, UniSA experts say it’s time to recognise that the refugee experience doesn’t end at resettlement, and that belonging must be actively built, especially in educational settings.

“Learning to study in a new country, in a new language, with new rules especially after trauma – is not easy,” Dr Bilic says. “But with understanding, structure and explicit support, we can decode the hidden curriculum and help all students feel like they belong.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Contacts for interview:  Dr Snjezana Bilic E: snjezana.bilic@unisa.edu.au
Dr Heidi Hetz E: heidi.hetz@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force and the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services proudly celebrates the ten-year anniversary of its NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) Cadet Program — a unique and impactful initiative that has provided over a decade of vocational training, personal growth, and career pathways for Territory students.

Launched in 2015, the NTPFES Cadet Program has empowered students in Years 11 and 12 to gain firsthand experience in emergency services while achieving nationally recognised qualifications. The 18-month program includes the completion of the Certificate II in Community Engagement and the Certificate III in Business, delivered through the NTPFES College and Charles Darwin University.

Over the past ten years, hundreds of young Territorians have graduated from the program across Darwin and Alice Springs, with the most recent squads graduating in Darwin this afternoon and in Alice Springs last Thursday 12 June. This program allows students to develop critical skills through outdoor leadership camps, cultural learning visits to Indigenous communities, community volunteering and immersive work placements within frontline services teams.

Superintendent of Induction Division Christopher Board, reflected on the milestone, “The NTPFES Cadet Program is an outstanding initiative that has changed lives and strengthened our connection with the community. It gives young Territorians a rare opportunity to grow, learn and lead—while laying the groundwork for future careers in emergency services and beyond. Ten years on, we’re incredibly proud of what this program has achieved.

“237 Cadets have graduated through this program from Darwin and Alice Springs since 2015, with at least 65 having progressed through civilian or uniformed employment within the NT Police Force and NT Fire and Emergency Services. 16 of these have become either Constables, Aboriginal Community Police Officers or Police Auxiliaries, and one has joined the NTES.”

Acting Commissioner for NT Fire and Emergency Services Collene Bremner said the program gave the cadets a well-rounded understanding of the NT’s emergency services.

“As part of the program, the cadets complete placements with the NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) and NT Emergency Service (NTES). With the NTFRS, they learn critical skills in road crash rescue and how to operate breathing apparatus (BA), and with NTES they complete necessary inductions, rescue foundations and gain boating experience to learn about vessels being used for evacuations, cargo transport and flood rescues.”

Charles Darwin University (CDU) Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Scott Bowman AO said, “CDU is incredibly proud to support the NTPFES Cadet Program, which has delivered real-world skills, confidence and career opportunities to young Territorians for a decade.

“Together with NTPFES and the NT Department of Education and Training, CDU is helping to build a skilled, community-minded workforce ready to lead in emergency services and beyond.”

NT Department of Education and Training Deputy Chief Executive for Skills, Pathways and Quality, Cathy White said the cadet program helped shape the lives of many young Territorians.

“The Department congratulates the Northern Territory Police Force, the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services and Charles Darwin University for their collaboration through this important training opportunity,” she said.

“This cadet program opens many opportunities for young people who are now utilising their knowledge to pursue diverse careers in the Territory.”

The Cadet Program not only fosters civic responsibility and leadership in participants, but also serves as a pathway into government careers.

As we celebrate this important milestone, the organisation extends heartfelt thanks to all past and present cadets, parents, staff, schools and community partners who have contributed to the success of the program.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man charged after police seize parcel containing half a kilo of ice

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 – 3:40 pm.

A man has been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and attempt to unlawfully import a controlled substance after police seized half a kilogram of methylamphetamine (ice).
A parcel containing the highly addictive drug had been posted from Victoria to Tasmania, where it was intercepted by members of Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit.
The parcel was seized at Pipers River on Monday 16 June, and a 38-year-old Underwood man was arrested, charged and detained to appear in court.
The methylamphetamine seized was approximately 500 grams, and had the potential to cause significant harm to the Tasmanian community.
Anyone with information about illicit substances should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Turn your idea for a public activation into reality with a new City Centre Community Activation Grants program.

Applications are now open, and community members are invited to submit public activation ideas that will be engaging and vibrant in the heart of Bendigo city centre.

The City Centre Community Activation Grants program is open to individuals, businesses, or groups who live, work, or study in the Greater Bendigo region.

The City of Greater Bendigo grants are available for small one-off activities, or a series of larger activities spread over the year (six in total). 
The aim is to attract more people, more often to the city centre with a variety of public activations that encourage community and visitor engagement and support local creativity and innovation.

So far this year, the City has curated and presented over 200 free activations in Hargreaves Mall for the community to enjoy, such as the popular Fiesta Street Party, school holiday program, music and family friendly fun activities.

This grant program enables the community and creatives to lead and curate their own activities.

Creative City Coordinator Maree Tonkin said this was a fantastic opportunity for the community and businesses to put forward their own ideas and be supported by the City Centre Community Activation Grants program.

“This program hopes to attract diverse ideas and community-led activities to be hosted in the city centre,” Ms Tonkin said.

“Hargreaves Mall is an ideal location with the new stage and lots of space to host art making, music, dance, performances, markets, cultural celebrations, business ideas, workshops, fashion, temporary pop-up art, augmented reality, technology-based work and much more. Other city centre locations will also be considered under the activation program.

“We want to hear your big, clever and creative ideas that can be turned into vibrant and engaging activations for the public to enjoy.

“We’re seeking activation proposals to take place throughout the year with a focus on school holidays and Saturdays. All temporary activations must be free for the public to attend and the content suitable for presentation in a public place.

“Priority will be given to projects that champion access and inclusion, aim to increase community engagement and participation and are representative of the broad demographic mix in Greater Bendigo.

“Our region prides itself on its vibrancy and creative reputation. To stimulate activity in the city centre, these grants complement the Hargreaves Mall Action Plan, adopted by Council in 2023, to encourage more people to visit the city centre to shop, eat and enjoy free public activations. 

“The chosen projects will be selected by a panel and our Creative City staff will collaborate closely with successful applicants to facilitate planning, promotion and delivery of activations.”

Selected projects must take place in Hargreaves Mall or other city centre locations before June 30, 2026.

Priority will be given to ideas that boost community engagement and participation.

Applications will close at 5pm, Monday August 4, 2025.

Source: New South Wales – News

About 2.14pm today (Wednesday 18 June), police and emergency services were called to Glynville Drive after reports of a collision involving a car and motorcycle.

The rider suffered serious injuries.

Major Crash officers are attending the scene.

Please avoid the area if possible.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

The Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) relentless pursuit against GST fraud sees 3 more individuals sentenced in June 2025 under Operation Protego.

These latest sentencings bring the total of Operation Protego offenders convicted in May and June to 6, joining the ranks of over 100 individuals sentenced to date.

ATO Deputy Commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT) Chief John Ford said the recent convictions show that the ATO is bringing criminals who commit GST fraud to justice.

‘Our compliance and debt recovery actions demonstrate that we are addressing fraud. Where we see deliberate attempts to cheat the system, there will be severe consequences.’

‘These crooks face long-term consequences. Not only do they need to repay the money, but they now have a criminal record set in stone, which may affect their ability to secure employment, obtain finance or insurance and travel overseas.’

‘GST fraud steals funds that could have been used to support community services such as healthcare, infrastructure and education, instead of funding offenders’ personal luxuries,’ Mr Ford said.

The following sentencings show the ATO is working with cross-agency partners through the SFCT, including law enforcement agencies, to bring criminal consequences, not just financial consequences, for GST fraudsters:

• Ms Darnelle Te Kiri was sentenced to 17 months imprisonment in the Melbourne County Court contrary to section 134.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) for fraudulently obtaining $202,936 through false business activity statements (BAS). Ms Te Kiri registered an ABN in 2021 for hospitality and bar work services and lodged 8 false BAS over 7 months, claiming to have spent over $2 million in purchases despite reporting little to no income. An ATO audit found no evidence of a legitimate business. The funds were spent on rent, groceries, pubs and gaming, ATM withdrawals, and transfers to third parties and international money services. She was released immediately on $1,000 recognisance, to be of good behaviour for 2 years and ordered to repay the full $202,936.
• Mr Daniel Copeland was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment to be released after serving 12 months in the Newcastle District Court contrary to section 134.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) for fraudulently obtaining over $1.1 million in GST refunds from the ATO. Mr Copeland registered an Australian business number (ABN) for a plastering services business and submitted 23 false BAS in 2021. An ATO audit was unable to identify any evidence of the Offender’s purported enterprise and that he was not entitled to claim the GST refunds. The funds were used for gambling, personal living expenses, accommodation, purchases at a car dealership and cash withdrawals. He was released on $100 recognisance, to be of good behaviour for 5 years and ordered to repay the full $1.1 million.
• Mr Tewhanaupani Nukunuku was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months imprisonment to be released after serving 9 months on recognisance release order requiring him to give security in the sum of $1000 on condition he be of good behaviour for 2 years. Mr Nukunuku pleaded guilty in the Melbourne County Court for one offence of obtaining a financial advantage of $168,000 by deception from the Commonwealth and one offence of attempting to obtain a further $100,000 in GST refunds. He claimed to operate a concreting business and lodged 8 false BAS over a 6-month period. An ATO audit found he was not in business and did not hold the necessary registration or license to perform the claimed work. The funds were partly spent on some luxury items including retail expenses and a car. He was also ordered to repay the full $168,000.

These sentencing outcomes are a direct result of the ATO’s sustained and strategic efforts to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute serious financial crime.

Mr Ford said these results are not just numbers; they represent our strong and ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of Australia’s tax and super systems.

These matters were prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) following a referral from the ATO.

You can confidentially report suspected tax crime or fraud to us by making a tip-off online or calling 1800 060 062.

For more information about Operation Protego including recent sentencings, visit ato.gov.au/protego.

Notes to journalists

• As part of Operation Protego, the ATO has applied treatment against more than 57,000 alleged offenders. Those involved in this fraud have already been handed in the order of $300 million in penalties and interest.
• As at 31 May 2025, 112 people have been convicted with a range of sentencing outcomes, including jail terms of up to 7 years and 6 months and with orders made to restrain real property.
• The ATO has finalised 62 investigations and referred 52 briefs of evidence to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
• A high-resolution headshot of Deputy Commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce Chief John FordThis link will download a file is available from the ATO media centre.
• ATO stock footage and images is available for download and use in news bulletins from the ATO media centre.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Electricity provider Diamond Energy Pty Ltd has paid $46,950 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with three infringement notices for allegedly breaching the Electricity Retail Code (the Code).

Under the Code, electricity retailers must provide certain information about pricing, such as the lowest possible price, to help consumers compare different electricity plans.

The three infringement notices relate to allegations that Diamond Energy failed to communicate mandatory information to three of its customers.

The ACCC has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Diamond Energy in which it has admitted it contravened the Code.

Diamond Energy admitted that in June 2024 it sent communications to 12,809 customers which failed to include the required pricing information under the Code, when notifying these customers of price changes to their electricity plans.

Diamond Energy also admitted that it failed to include on its website some of the required pricing information under the Code between 1 January and 30 June 2024 in relation to 44 of its electricity plans, and then also between 1 July and 20 September 2024 in relation to a further 44 plans.

“By not disclosing the required pricing information to its customers, Diamond Energy has impacted consumers’ ability to make an informed decision when comparing prices across electricity retailers,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“It is vital that electricity retailers provide consumers with accurate information so they can compare and access the most competitive prices in the market.”

In the court-enforceable undertaking, Diamond Energy has committed to introduce a compliance program to ensure it complies with the Code.

“We will continue to monitor electricity providers to ensure they adequately disclose pricing information to consumers,” Ms Brakey said.

What electricity retailers must tell consumers

The Code requires retailers to include certain information when it communicates its offered prices to residential and small business customers by advertising or publishing the price, offering to supply electricity at that price, or notifying the customer of a change to the price.

Consumers who believe their retailer has failed to provide the required information should in the first instance contact their retailer, which is obliged to inform them of this information under the Code.

The undertaking is available at Diamond Energy Pty Ltd.

Notes to editors

The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain provisions of an industry code.

A person or business is not regarded has having contravened the provision of the industry code merely by paying the penalty specified in an infringement notice.

Background

The Code applies to electricity retailers that supply electricity to residential and small business customers in applicable distribution regions in New South Wales, South Australia, and South East Queensland. Diamond Energy is a retail electricity supplier in these regions.

Since the Code was introduced in 2019, the ACCC has issued infringement notices to Locality Planning Energy, CovaU, ReAmped Energy and Dodo Power & Gas for allegedly failing to include certain mandatory information when communicating prices. The ACCC has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from CovaU and Dodo in response to breaches of the Code.

In September 2024, the Federal Court ordered Energy Australia pay penalties of $14 million for making false, misleading or deceptive statements to around 566,000 consumers about electricity prices and failing to provide mandatory information required by the Code.

One of the ACCC’s Compliance and Enforcement Priorities for 2025-26 is ‘misleading pricing and claims in relation to essential services, with a particular focus on energy and telecommunications’.