Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Ways you can help a vulnerable person in Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

In brief:

  • There are many Canberrans who can do with a helping hand.
  • The ACT has many services and initiatives that may be of benefit, whatever the situation.
  • This article features a list of some of these services.

There are many vulnerable people in our community. Perhaps you know someone who is:

  • at risk
  • chronically unwell
  • unhappy, lonely or isolated
  • elderly or frail
  • facing financial difficulty
  • new to Canberra.

Whether it’s a family member, neighbour or colleague you’re concerned about, reaching out is a great first step.

Where relevant, you could help them make a call or fill out a form. You could even go along to an appointment or event with them.

The list of services below is not exhaustive but may benefit someone you know. Most are free or low cost.

Help with day-to-day living

Eligible ACT residents who cannot take their bins out to the kerb, due to chronic illness, frail age or disability, can apply to have this done for them.

A Companion Card allows people with significant and permanent disabilities to bring a companion for free to certain events and venues.

Canberrans having difficulty paying for groceries can visit Communities at Work pantries for discounted food and other essentials.

Communities at Work also provides free clothing, shoes and accessories for job interviews, court, funerals and other important events.

Canberrans can access free period products throughout the ACT.

Find more information on cost-of-living assistance.

Help with transport

Community bus services are for ACT residents who find it hard to use other forms of transport. They run from Monday to Friday and have flexible routes.

The ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme provides financial help to ACT residents with a disability or significant mobility restriction that prevents them from using public and community transport.

Transport Canberra’s Flexible Bus Service helps Canberrans, such as the aged or people with mobility difficulties, get from their home to local community locations. Booking is required. Carers with a valid carers card are also welcome to travel.

Special needs transport is available for eligible students. Please check the application open dates and guidelines in advance.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bus service provides opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to connect with their communities and culture in the ACT and surrounding regions.

More information regarding bus operating and booking hours, eligibility and guidelines for all services is available on Transport Canberra’s website.

The Fitness to Drive Medical Clinic assesses fitness to drive a motor vehicle.

Help with health care and wellbeing

Mobile dental clinics Mobile Dental Clinics are an additional service for aged, school children and vulnerable Canberrans to access dental care in the community.

Canberrans can access short term loan equipment via the ACT Equipment Loan Service. This is available on referral and includes:

  • mobility aids
  • hoists
  • wheelchairs
  • hospital beds and more.

This free, short-term service is for anyone being discharged from hospital and for ACT residents needing rehab or to trial equipment.

Eligible Canberrans with a lifelong or long-term disability  may be able to  access the ACT Equipment Scheme. The scheme can provide long term loan equipment that will help people live at home safely.

Know someone who already has a mobility aid or appliance? Why not remind them they can have it serviced or repaired through the Clinical Technology Workshop?

Anyone needing a walking aid can reach out to the Walking Aid Clinic.

The Canberra Sexual Health Centre offers all Canberrans aged 14 and over professional care without judgment.

Help is available to Canberrans who have experienced a change in their ability to carry out everyday activities due to a medical or health condition or disability. Brindabella Day and Ambulatory Rehabilitation Service provides a range of rehabilitation therapies.

Community Care Nursing can assist people with a range of conditions and healthcare needs. It can also be accessed in the home, if medically necessary. Nursing services include wound care, medication management and more.

Nutrition is a key part of health and wellbeing. The Community Care Nutrition Service offers specialised nutrition services to adults. As well as general healthy eating and nutrition support, the service can advise on chronic health conditions.

The Liaison and Navigation Service helps adults with complex needs navigate health and other services.

Adults with a chronic health condition affecting their quality of life may benefit from the Take Control – Live Well program. The three-week program helps people gain the skills and confidence to:

  • take control of their condition/s
  • reach health goals
  • make connections.

Other services available include:

You can find a range of other services on the Canberra Health Services website.

Help to reduce loneliness

Social isolation and loneliness can be harmful to mental and physical health. Visiting people or inviting them places can be extremely helpful. There is also a variety of ways people can meet others or find a new interest.

Volunteering can be a great way to find connection and purpose. Canberrans looking for volunteering opportunities, workshops and advice can contact VolunteeringACT.

There are lots of events happening every day on the Meetup website. From bushwalking to trivia, book clubs to dancing, there’s something to suit every interest.

Older Canberrans could consider getting involved in an Intergenerational Playgroup through ACT Playgroups. These can help isolated residents and parents to connect.

Social enterprise Café Stepping Stone runs various events at its Dickson and Strathnairn locations.

There are also plenty of weird and wacky sports to consider. This is a great way of trying something new and meeting new people at the same time.

Work-related help

ACT Women’s Return to Work workshops support women and gender diverse people returning to the workforce with grants and advice on next steps.

There is a free office skills course and ACT Government work placement for culturally and linguistically diverse Canberrans seeking meaningful employment.

The ACT Government can help veterans transition from employment in the Australian Defence Force to the ACT Government.

The RSL Veterans’ Employment Program is a free program helping veterans, family members and partners to find rewarding work.

Canberrans with a business can get free business support from the Access Canberra Business Assist Team. They can help you understand permits, licenses and approvals.

The Women’s Legal Centre ACT offers free legal advice to women in low-paid and/or precarious employment who are experiencing problems at work.

Crisis help

There is help for those who have experienced domestic and family violence.

Through a range of support services, Canberrans can apply for financial support following domestic and family violence.

Canberrans can get help to plan for safety, support children, find accommodation, sort out finances, take legal action and stay safe online.

Tenants experiencing domestic and family violence can also break a rental lease immediately, if needed.

There is support available to understand legal options in these circumstances.

Find more on domestic, family and sexual violence services.

Communities at Work Crisis Support can give immediate help with food, medical scripts and other essential supports. They can also provide:

  • bus tickets
  • phone vouchers and charging
  • showers
  • hygiene products
  • information and referral services.

If you know someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, there is help available. Find out about more services that can help with finding a safe place to stay, getting a free meal, having a shower or doing laundry.

There are a number of ways you can get help for your mental health in the ACT.

If you are in crisis or need support after hours, contact:

If you or a loved one are in an unsafe or life-threatening situation, call triple 000 immediately.

More avenues for help include:

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Charges – Firearm offences discovered after aggravated assault incident

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police Regional Crime Command has charged a 34-year-old male after he assaulted a man and was found in possession of an illegally manufactured firearm.

On 6 May, police received reports of a male physically assaulting another male and threatening him with a knife in relation to an ongoing altercation between the pair.

The following day, police conducted a random traffic apprehension on a vehicle belonging to the alleged offender and he returned a positive roadside drug test. He was also in possession of a less than Traffickable quantity of a schedule 2 dangerous drug.

Police conducted searches on several dwellings at the alleged offender’s property and subsequently seized ammunition and a disassembled firearm. The male he has since been charged with:

  • Aggravated Assault
  • Driver with Prohibited Drug in Body
  • Possess / Use firearm whilst unlicensed
  • Unlawfully manufacture firearm
  • Possess or use prohibited firearm
  • Possess less than traffickable schedule 2 dangerous drug
  • Possess ammunition without a permit/license
  • Failure to meet storage requirements x2
  • Possess unregistered firearm
  • Unlawfully modify or repair firearm

He was remanded to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court on Monday 12 May 2025.

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Man arrested for endangering life

Source: New South Wales – News

A man has been arrested following a pursuit through the south-western suburbs last night.

About 8.30pm on Friday 9 May, patrols were called to Bonython Avenue at Novar Gardens after reports there was a man in the rear yard of a unit who was unknown to the residents.

Police spotted the man behind the locked gate and told him to come out from the yard however he entered a vehicle and drove through the gate.

The white Holden Commodore took off and as he headed out the driveway he swerved towards police who had to move to avoid being hit.

The car then headed east towards Morphett Road and continued onto Mooringe Avenue and south on Marion Road where PolAir started tracking the car.

The car was tracked by PolAir travelling without head lights and at high speeds to Lindsay Avenue where it was dumped in a shopping centre car park and the driver attempted to run from the area.

Patrols located the driver a short distance away hiding behind skip bins and he was arrested.

Police searched the vehicle where they located methamphetamine and item suspected to have been stolen.

A 33-year-old man from Stockport was charged with acts to endanger life, dangerous driving to cause a police pursuit, driving at a speed dangerous, unlawfully on premises, driving disqualified and possessing a controlled drug.  He was refused police bail and will appear in court on Monday 12 May.

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Dolphin euthanised after Townsville stranding

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 9 May 2025

A rough-toothed dolphin has been euthanised after beaching itself near the rockpool at the Strand in Townsville.

A member of the public advised the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) that the dolphin stranded around 2:45pm on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

The dolphin was in poor condition and following a health assessment by a veterinarian, a decision was made to euthanise the animal.

Project Manager Tina Alderson said marine animal strandings occurred along Queensland’s vast coastline, and DETSI had added a new function to the QWildlife app that allowed people to report strandings.

“Marine animals strand for several reasons including age, illness, disease, injuries from predators or boat strikes and entanglement in fishing equipment,” Ms Alderson said.

“Strandings such as these are sad and can impact on local communities. I encourage everyone who lives or visits Queensland’s coastal communities to download the QWildlife app.

“A necropsy will be conducted on the dolphin to help determine the reasons it stranded and the results could take several weeks.”

Fast facts – rough-toothed dolphins:

  • Usually found in deep warm and tropical waters around the world
  • They have a narrow beak and rough teeth with narrow, irregular ridges
  • Adults can grow to 2.8m in length and weigh up to 155kg, with males being larger than females
  • Older individuals have distinctive pinkish, white or yellow markings on their underside
  • Their diet consists mainly of fish
  • Their dorsal fin can be almost 30cm long

The QWildlife app can be downloaded by visiting the app store or Google Play.

View more information on downloading the QWildlife app to report a marine animal stranding, Marine wildlife strandings including strandings data.

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For the record

Source: New South Wales – News

In response to inaccurate reporting on Channel 7, SAPOL wishes to correct the record with the following statement.

Assistant Commissioner (Crime Services) John Venditto is on paid leave.

Mr Venditto has not been suspended from duty, nor did he “storm out’’ of any police premises and he has not cleared his office out.

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JACET Charges – Child abuse – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) has charged a 28-year-old man with child abuse offences in Alice Springs.

On Wednesday 7 May 2025, NT JACET received an urgent referral from the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The following day, detectives and federal agents from NT JACET, with support from Alice Springs Domestic Violence & Child Abuse Taskforce, executed a lawful search on a residence resulting in the seizure of large quantities of child abuse material. Police will allege that the man also abused a child, aged under 5-years-old, who was known to him. 

The 28-year-old male has been charged with the following:

  1. Sexual intercourse with child under 10 x 1
  2. Gross indecency with child under 14 x 2
  3. Produce child abuse material for use via a carriage service x 3
  4. Possess or control child abuse material
  5. Access child abuse material
  6. Transmit child abuse material

He has been remanded to appear in Alice Springs Court on 10 July 2025.

NT Police Force Detective Superintendent Paul Lawson said, “The crimes committed by this individual are abhorrent.

“Preying on the most vulnerable members of our community who cannot defend themselves. 

“I want to commend the seamless collaboration with our international and federal partners to target this offender and bring him before the court.

“If you abuse a child or procure, access and transmit child abuse material, we will find you, and you will be prosecuted.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to protect children from harm.”

AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said the AFP and its law enforcement partners across Australia were committed to protecting children from sexual predators.

“Offenders cannot hide behind a screen when they carry out these reprehensible and hideous acts,” Supt Davis said.

“Our message to online offenders has not changed – if you possess, produce or transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted.”

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CLAY WELLS ROAD, BRAY (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

BRAY

Issued on
09 May 2025 16:13

BAY Scrub Fire

Issued for BRAY near Robe in the Lower South East.

The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) advises that there is a bushfire in the Lake Hawdon South Conservation Park at Bray, approximately 20 kilometres south east of Robe in the Lower South East.

CFS and Department of Environment and Water crews are currently working to contain the fire within the park’s boundaries, these operations are being supported by private landowners who are utilising heavy machinery.

This fire will continue to burn throughout the night and will be monitored by crews on scene.

The fire poses no threat to the community at this time but smoke and flames may be visible from Clay Wells Road and the Southern Ports Highway well into the night.

Hazards in the area may include reduced visibility due to smoke and emergency vehicles operating in the area.

Message ID 0008592

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34 experienced officers graduate as recruitment momentum builds

Source: New South Wales – News

South Australia Police (SAPOL) welcomes another 34 experienced international and interstate police officers to the frontline, following their graduation from the 15-week SAPOL Transition Program (STP) Course 2 and 3 today.

This second graduating course includes officers from a range of policing backgrounds across the UK and Australia, bringing skills in areas including counter-terrorism, armed policing, serious sexual offences, public order, investigations, and general duties.

Among the cohort, two officers are heading to Port Augusta, with the remainder joining teams across metropolitan areas.

STP Course 2 graduate Ella Mestroni, who previously served five years with Victoria Police within metropolitan and regional areas, said the transition back to her home state has been seamless.

“My husband and I were always going to return to South Australia to raise our daughter close to family, and SAPOL made that move incredibly smooth,” she said.

“Being able to retain my rank and transfer entitlements like long service leave has made a big difference, and the level of support during the recruitment process – from flexible testing options to genuine communication, has been outstanding.”

Jamie Earl, who graduated from STP Course 1 in March, said the past two months have confirmed he made the right decision.

“Policing here is fast-paced, efficient, and outcomes-focused,” Jamie said.

“In just a short time I’ve achieved more positive outcomes for victims than I would in six months back in the UK, and that’s incredibly rewarding. Of course, it’s been a steep learning curve and some days have been challenging, but I’ve been backed by an amazing team and a really supportive work culture.”

This latest graduation comes as SAPOL continues a multi-pronged domestic and international recruitment drive.

A refreshed ‘You Belong in Blue’ television campaign has recently launched across South Australia, showcasing the stories of three serving SAPOL officers from regional and metropolitan areas. The campaign highlights the diversity of policing roles on offer and the dynamic and rewarding nature of the job.

The domestic push complements strong momentum internationally, with a SAPOL delegation recently completing a second UK recruitment drive. More than 1,100 officers registered to attend SAPOL’s seminars across London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.

This initiative is expected to drive a significant increase in applications, replicating the success of the 2024 in-country recruitment activity.

Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams said today’s graduation highlights the progress SAPOL is making through a range of targeted recruitment efforts.

“Our domestic and international recruitment strategies are delivering results—from the interest generated by our recent seminars in the UK to the continued success of our ‘You Belong in Blue’ campaign here at home,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.

“These efforts are helping us attract the right people—officers with real-world experience, a strong sense of purpose, and the skills we need to strengthen our frontline and provide safer communities across South Australia.”

Minister for Police Stephen Mullighan said the State Government has made police recruitment a priority, to increase the number of sworn officers in SA.

“The skills, knowledge and understanding these experienced graduates bring with them will be of great benefit to SA Police and help bolster the frontline resources.

“The State Government has invested record amounts into SA Police which has allowed them to go on a bold local, interstate and overseas recruitment campaign and we look forward to welcoming even more officers to South Australia into the future.”

SAPOLs domestic, international and interstate recruitment drive is in full swing. Those looking for a rewarding career with a range of attractive benefits can apply here https://sapol.info/SAPOLcareers

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Green Army gears up for LiveLighter® round

Source: South Australia Police

Catch the excitement at the RAC Arena as the West Coast Fever hit the court at tomorrow’s LiveLighter® round, inspiring its ‘Green Army’ of supporters to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Healthway Chief Executive Officer Colin Smith said the LiveLighter® round – promoted by Healthway in partnership with the West Coast Fever – highlighted the importance of healthy eating, hydration, movement and overall wellbeing.

“Fans will be guaranteed plenty of exciting on-court action, along with a lively silent disco in Fever Alley and a LiveLighter® challenge at quarter time, launched by the Minister for Preventative Health, the Hon. Sabine Winton MLA,” he said.

Beyond this match day activity, the LiveLighter® campaign is visible at all West Coast Fever games, and players encourage healthy lifestyles by promoting nutrition education at community events.

Ms Winton said West Coast Fever was a leading example of a national sporting team actively and visibly promoting healthy lifestyles.

“The Fever are powerful female role models, inspiring young netballers and fans both on and off the court, and that’s what truly makes a difference,” she said.

“Through educational initiatives, interactive events, and community-driven programs, the LiveLighter® campaign is empowering individuals to make informed, healthier lifestyle choices.”

Mr Smith said Healthway had provided nearly $4.5 million in funding to support West Coast Fever promote various health messages since 2009.

“Through our 17-year partnership with the West Coast Fever we have successfully eliminated all unhealthy sponsorships at the elite level of netball in WA,” he said.

“This has reduced the community’s exposure to junk food advertising, creating a safe environment for families to enjoy the sport.”

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UPDATE: Driver reported over serious crash at Newton

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are investigating a serious crash at Newton earlier today.

About 8.50am today Friday 9 May, emergency services were called to Montacute Road and Forest Avenue after reports a van had collided with two pedestrians.

The female pedestrian, a 48-year-old woman from Newton suffered life-threatening injuries and was conveyed to hospital.

The male pedestrian, a 51-year-old man from Newton was conveyed to hospital with significant injuries.

The driver of the van, a 91-year-old-man from Rostrevor was conveyed to hospital for mandatory blood tests.

Major Crash Officer attended at the scene and investigated the crash and as a result the driver has been interviewed and reported for two counts of dangerous driving and issued an indefinite Instant Loss of Licence.

He will be summonsed to court at a later date.