Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is proud to announce it has been awarded Gold in the Local Government Award for Tourism at the prestigious 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards, cementing its position as a leader in delivering exceptional visitor experiences and driving sustainable tourism growth. 

Organised by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, the awards celebrate leaders in tourism excellence across the state.

Last night’s win marks another milestone in the City’s tourism journey, representing its sixth consecutive year as a finalist in the Victorian Tourism Awards. During this time, the City has proudly achieved four gold awards and two silver awards, reflecting its continued dedication to excellence in tourism planning, facilities, marketing, event management, and overall contributions to the industry at both local and state levels.

The City would also like to extend its congratulations to all Greater Bendigo winners from last night’s awards and to every Bendigo business that reached finalist status in their respective categories.

Bendigo Guided Tours won Gold in the New Tourism Business category. The walking tours celebrate Bendigo’s status as a City and Region of Gastronomy and its rich cultural past. Every tour is designed to connect people with place. With passion, research and care, they share Bendigo’s stories with the world and leave visitors inspired to return.

Bendigo Heritage won Bronze in the Cultural Tourism category and Silver Spoon Estate won Bronze in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries category. Finalists were awarded to the Bendigo Chamber Music Festival in the Festival & Events category, Fiesta Bendigo in the Tourism Marketing & Campaigns category and Tasman Holiday Parks Bendigo in the Caravan & Holiday Parks category.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the announcement of the 2025 Victorian Tourism Award winners was a proud moment for Greater Bendigo, with the City achieving Gold and local businesses excelling across highly competitive categories.

“This success is a testament to the passion, commitment, and collaborative effort of the City, our five Greater Bendigo finalists, and the wider tourism industry. Together, we continue to strengthen Greater Bendigo’s reputation as a leading destination for tourism and marketing,” Cr Prince said.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police have seized a quantity of alcohol from a vehicle attempting to travel into Yuendumu yesterday.

Around 3pm, Yuendumu police intercepted a red Holden Commodore sedan allegedly travelling from South Australia to Yuendumu Community.

The vehicle was being driven by a 24-year-old male and was occupied by four passengers, a 19-year-old female, a 36-year-old female, a 39-year-old male, and a 57-year-old male.

The vehicle was intercepted at Tilmouth Well on the Tanami Highway containing a quantity of alcohol after police had received information that people were attempting to bring alcohol into the region from interstate.

A search of the vehicle found:

• 2 x 4L wine casks
• 1 x 5L wine cask
• 5 x bottles of liquor 

Checks on the occupants of the vehicle revealed that the 24-year-old male driver was subject to a non-intoxication Domestic Violence Order with the 19-year-old female passenger. A subsequent breath test confirmed the driver was intoxicated at the time.

The 24-year-old was arrested and later charged with Breaching a Domestic Violence Order, High Range Drink Driving, Driving a Motor Vehicle whilst Unlicensed, and Bringing Liquor into an Alcohol Protected Area.

He is scheduled to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.  

The alcohol was seized and destroyed by police.

Acting Senior Sergeant Leigh Yates said, “It is disgraceful that people would attempt to bring alcohol into our remote communities, knowing the harm that it can cause.

“Police will continue to target those who would try to bring alcohol or illicit drugs into the Territory from interstate and ensure they will be held accountable.

“We have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and there is no place for it in our communities.

“If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800 RESPECT or Lifeline 131 114.”

Source: Tasmania Police

16 new constables boost police ranks

Friday, 28 November 2025 – 2:23 pm.

Tasmania Police has today welcomed 16 new constables into its ranks, with recruit course 3/2025 officially graduating from the police academy.
Commissioner Donna Adams and Commander Damien George attended the police academy at Rokeby to congratulate the new constables – 10 men and six women – on their achievements. 
The constables have come from diverse backgrounds including former careers as a hairdresser, teachers’ assistant, youth worker and fitter and turner. 
The constables will be assigned to Hobart, Devonport, Launceston, Burnie and Glenorchy stations from next week as they embark on their new careers. They join the ranks of 1454 police officers currently employed with Tasmania Police.
Constable Cameron Parker, of Launceston and Constable Felicity Elmer, of Devonport, were awarded the Dux of Course and Runner-up Dux of Course, respectively.
Audio and photographs from today’s graduation ceremony are available here.
Commander George said the 16 new officers had completed an intense 28-week training course and were ready to start work in the community.
“Each of our recruits should be proud of what they have achieved so far. Graduation day is an important milestone and, as they now begin their journey in Tasmania Police, I am confident these men and women are embarking on rewarding and successful careers,” he said.
“A career in Tasmania Police is anything but ordinary. Police are dedicated to ensuring public safety and to maintaining a key role in building strong communities. Each shift brings a new opportunity to serve and engage with our communities.”
With ages spanning 19 to 45, the new police constables bring a range of past career and life experiences to their roles. 
Dux of the Course Constable Parker, 19, described the graduation honour as “a really special day” and he continues a strong family connection with Tasmania Police.
His father John Parker retired after 45 years with Tasmania Police, with his last posting as officer-in-charge at Oatlands.  
Constable Parker’s grandfather Richard Parker was a detective sergeant with Tasmania Police and his great grandfather, Stan Crocker, served as a state trooper.
“Joining Tasmania Police is definitely something that’s been on my radar for a while. I am lucky enough to have been able to see the job through my dad’s eyes and able to see how he went about it whilst I was growing up, which definitely made it easier for me to understand what I was getting myself into,” Constable Parker said.
“Policing has always been in the family and definitely been something I wanted to do since childhood.”
Runner-up Dux of Course, Constable Felicity Elmer, 21, said the recruit program was challenging and “definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
“I was pretty proud that I made it through this whole entire course, and also proud of everyone else around me,” she said. 
Constable Elmer also has a strong connection to Tasmania Police, with her mother, Michelle Elmer, a Detective Inspector with Western Division.
Friday’s ceremony marked the fifth graduating class of new constables in 2025, with 22 constables graduating in January, 15 in April, 30 in July and 25 in September.
Policing is a dynamic and rewarding career. If you are interested in becoming a Tasmania Police officer, now is the time to take the next step.
For more information about Tasmania Police recruitment, visit https://recruitment.police.tas.gov.au/

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Dimboola Fire Brigade member Melinda Heatley and her painting.

As the Little Desert bushfire reached its zenith on the evening of 27 January 2025, it cast a scene that Dimboola Fire Brigade member Melinda Heatley had only ever heard in stories.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force has charged a 41-year-old male in relation to drug offences in Alice Springs yesterday afternoon.

Around 4:30pm, while conducting a Drug Detection Area (DDA) operation, officers from Southern Drug Investigation Unit and the Dog Operations Unit apprehended a vehicle of interest travelling into Alice Springs.

The 41-year-old driver returned a positive roadside drug test and was arrested at the scene.

Officers subsequently conducted a lawful search of the vehicle and located 140 grams of methamphetamine, a knuckle duster and drug paraphernalia.

The offender has since been charged with:

• Supply schedule 1 dangerous drug – commercial quantity
• Posses schedule 1 dangerous drug – commercial quantity (110grams of methamphetamine)
• Driver with prohibited drug in body
• Posses a thing to administer drug
• Posses a prohibited weapon (Knuckle Duster)
• Self-administer dangerous drug
• Resist Police

He will appear in Alice Springs Court today.

A second vehicle was also apprehended during the DDA, resulting in the seizure of 70 litres of alcohol. A 56-year-old male was issued Driving Infringement Notice for:

• Posses cannabis public place
• 70 litres of alcohol seized and destroyed (destined for an Alcohol Protected Areas)

Detective Acting Sergeant Adrian George said, “Targeting the supply and distribution of dangerous drugs remains a priority for police.

“These substances continue to have a serious impact on the safety and wellbeing of the community and removing this amount of methamphetamine from circulation prevents significant harm.

“We will continue to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs and remove offenders who seek to profit from causing harm.”

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

28 November 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All Biosecurity Industry Participants subscribed to receive Import Industry Advice Notice notifications from the department.

All Biosecurity Industry Participants who utilise / engage with the departments import-related IT systems for the management of imported cargo, conveyances and inspection booking services, including those who subscribe to receive email notifications for departmental Import Industry Advice Notices.

…

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has issued a Notice to Appear to a 43-year-old Alice Springs man after locating a prohibited firearm during a search yesterday.

On 27 November 2025, Southern Investigations executed a search warrant at a unit in Alice Springs following intelligence provided by the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit (FPRU). This operation was the result of close collaboration between FPRU and Alice Springs investigators, ensuring the successful detection and seizure of the prohibited item.

During the search, police located an Air Rifle and 300 ball bearings. 

The weapon and ammunition were seized, and the man was issued a Notice to Appear for:

• Possess firearm whilst unlicensed

• Failure to meet storage requirements

• Possess unregistered firearm

He is expected to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on14 January 2026.

Importing firearms, or firearm parts, without the correct permits is a serious offence under Commonwealth and Northern Territory legislation. Anyone found breaching these laws will be prosecuted.

If you are unsure about what can be legally imported, visit the Australian Border Force Importation Guidelines or contact ABF on 131 881.

These prohibited imports can be incredibly dangerous. If you know anyone who has imported these or other prohibited items, please contact NT Police on 131 444 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have charged a 24-year-old male in relation to domestic violence and assault police offences that occurred in Wadeye on Thursday.

Around 3am, local police received reports that a male had allegedly assaulted his female partner at a residence within the community. Police attended the location and located an adult female suffering injuries to her face; however, the offender fled the scene prior to their arrival.

The victim was conveyed to the local clinic for treatment.

Police conducted a search for the offender, and around 4pm located him at a residence in the community. Upon police approach, he allegedly aggressively approached them, armed with a spear and a saw.

Officers instructed the offender to drop the weapons; however, the offender failed to comply and a taser was deployed. The taser did not make contact, and the offender continued attempting to evade apprehension, throwing projectiles at officers in the process.

A bystander intercepted the male, and he was taken into custody by police without further incident.

Prior to his arrest, it is alleged the male attempted to steal a vehicle in the community and smashed the windscreen in the process before fleeing on foot.

He has since been charged with multiple offences, including Aggravated assault, Breach of bail, and other associated charges. He has been remanded in custody to appear in Darwin Local court 1 December 2025. 

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500117459. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Today, the Albanese Labor Government has passed important laws that extend the instant asset write‑off, modernise our markets and protect consumers.

This will help small businesses to invest and grow, improve confidence in our markets and ensure a fairer energy market for Australian families.

We are extending the $20,000 instant asset write off until 30 June next year, which will boost cash flow and incentivise small businesses to invest in new equipment and technology.

Up to 4.1 million small businesses with turnover of less than $10 million a year will benefit from Labor’s extended instant asset write off.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Financial Systems and Other Measures) Bill 2025 includes several other important changes, including:

• Extending laws to crack down on energy market misconduct and protect consumers
• Improving transparency around ownership of publicly listed companies
• Strengthening the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission to protect integrity in the charity sector and maintain donors’ trust in the system.

Labor will always back in Australian small businesses, industries and workers, as part of our efforts to build a more productive and resilient economy.

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

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