Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments

24 03 2026 – Media release

Top (L-R): Foodomina, Delverium.Bottom (L-R): Club Rat, Little Ruin.
Screen Australia has today announced the latest funding to help level-up Australian gamemakers, including a cohort of newcomers from non-games fields.
The announcement includes $1.4 million across 26 projects from the Games Production and Emerging Gamemakers funds, supporting the creation of original games centred on Australian stories and ideas. In addition, eight creators will be supported to visit Kyoto’s BitSummit 2026 as part of the Future Leaders Delegation.
Screen Australia Head of Games Joey Egger said, “Supporting emerging gamemakers invests in the future of our talented industry. Having Australian funding support for games is essential for building a resilient and innovative games sector for the next five, ten, twenty years. It’s also inspiring to see creators from diverse backgrounds like architecture, animation and the performing arts working hand-in-hand with some of our more experienced gamemakers. This kind of innovative dynamism, coupled with our unique sense of storytelling, is what makes Australia such an indie powerhouse on the world stage.”
Some of the supported projects include:  

Little Ruin (Vic): An atmospheric, adventure-driven game from architects and first-time gamemakers Mark Fenollar and Fiona Jonson (creative directors), games lecturer Ben Rolfe (lead programmer), graphic designer Maria Montes, character artist Anna Tutova, programmer Max Cahill, multi-award-winning sound designer John Kassab and concept artist Pavel Elagin. Play as a teenage girl navigating the challenges of growing up and finding a sense of belonging through mysteries, in-world exploration and ethical conundrums that radically change the course of the narrative. The score for Little Ruin is composed by AFI/AACTA award nominated sound designer and ARIA-nominated musician Nick Batterham and Melbourne Conservatorium Head of Guitar Ken Murray.   
Foe (NSW): A hand-drawn, 2D animated, action-adventure side scroller with creative direction from filmmakers-turned-gamemakers Sarah Harper and Debbie Steer, and animation direction by Tom Barkel (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie), Christian Barkel and Richard Chhoa (upcoming animation The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender), with lead programmer and composer Andrew Quizon.
Frostliner (WA): The debut title from Ganedev Studio created by programmer Elizabeth Haynes, developer Nathan Gane and artist Josiah Ward. Journey across a barren landscape in a nomadic train city, building new carriages, adding vital facilities for passengers, unlocking advanced technologies and fighting off or outrunning threats.
Grove Keeper (NSW): This dark-fantasy, real-time strategy game is from creative director Billy Green and lead programmer Brendan Votano, with 3D art from Skylar Judd and animation from Willow Kable. In a medieval world, become an ancient forest deity, wielding nature’s magic to grow forests, restore wildlife and command powerful guardians to defend the last wild lands.
Delverium (Qld): From Sagestone Games, this survival sandbox, fantasy-adventure for up to eight players has been developed by Scott Lowther and produced by Charlotte Lowther, with audio direction by Jeff van Dyck, programming by Mark Taylor, 2D artistry by Angus Coolan and community management by Zanthia Lowther. Delverium blends exploration, farming, crafting, settlement building and dungeon crawling in a vast, procedurally-generated world.
TOYA (SA): Created by technical director Rupert McPharlin and creative director Daniel D’Cruz, with music by former Cirque du Soleil musician Chris Norton, TOYA is a relaxing, tactile and satisfying minimalist puzzle game. In it, help a little squishy cube on a journey through a big world full of surprises and delight.
Club Rat (Vic): A 2.5D soulslike game produced by The Sequence Group from indie filmmaker Ptolemy Culvenor (creative director), multidisciplinary animator Luke Bicevskis (art director), RMIT games associate lecturer Charlotte Galvin (producer) and industry veteran Cherie Davidson (production consultant). Play as a graffiti-drawn rat thrown into an eccentric community of art come-to-life in a multi-floor night club. Each area showcases a unique art style and the strange and interesting characters who populate this world.
Tracking Numbers (Working Title) (SA): A debut from multi-disciplinary performing artist Wan Vincy Chan as creative director, with technical assistance by software developer Jackson Michael. In this explorative role-playing story, dive into a retro-futurist city landscape as the new courier recruit serving a vibrant neighbourhood threatened by redevelopment.
Dungeon Pizza (Qld): A fantasy‑themed cooking game from producer and programmer Louis Van Dyke, game designer, composer and sound designer Oscar Jemmott, co-illustrator and concept artist Elly-Rose Burrowes, co-illustrator and animator Maggie Buckley and concept artist Sam Davis. In Dungeon Pizza, run a pizzeria, unlock new recipes and get to know the weary adventurers who stop by. This world is full of people who help each other – you won’t be slaying dragons; you’ll be serving them a world-class slice.
Foodomina (Vic): From creative director Irini Melas, lead programmer John Engstrom, award-winning writer William Hinz as narrative designer, multi-genre composer Callum Lee Gow and flautist Isabella Verduci as sound designer, Foodomina is a story-rich RPG, playing as two personified food girls, Takoyaki and Tempura, traversing a galaxy of food-themed planets in a cosmic battle against Mould People.
Syzygy (Working Title) (Vic): From design researcher Dr Laura Szyman, PhD (RMIT) (artist, designer), architect Bryn Murrell (programmer) and architect Jack Murray (producer, writer, sound designer), this rhythmic narrative game takes place in a world where magic is a vibrating and indescribable force. As the first wizard arriving at a strange village, uncover powers through communion with a strange entity and building spells through “chords” – pressing a set of keys with precise timing.

The Future Leaders Delegation is an initiative designed to support early-to-mid career gamemakers to develop their networks in a strategically relevant region and seek out partnerships, funding and marketplace opportunities. This year, Screen Australia has supported eight individuals to attend Japan’s largest independent games festival BitSummit in Kyoto (22-24 May 2026) and present their games as part of the Australia stand.
The 2026 Future Leaders Delegation recipients are:

Svitlana Amelina (QLD)
Chris Baron (TAS)
Inge Berman (VIC)
Will Deragon (VIC)
Daniel Ferguson (NT)
Aiden Gyory (SA)
Caitlin Lomax (WA)
Matthew Lucis (NSW)

The full list of blocklines for Games Production and Emerging Gamemakers is here.
For accompanying image assets, click here.
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Source: Prime Minister of Australia

begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. 

I am pleased to be back at your annual dinner and to be joined by so many of my parliamentary colleagues. 

This year’s event comes at a testing time for the world – and a pivotal moment for Australia. 

There are two critical challenges confronting us: 

One, we must navigate the global economic storm that the war in Iran has unleashed. 

And two, we must emerge from it stronger, more resilient, more secure and more self-reliant. 

The Australian resources industry is critical to our nation achieving both of these goals. 

First, the here and now: 

Our Government has been investing in Australia’s fuel security for four years. 

But we do not underestimate what we are up against.  

Earlier today I met with the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Doctor Fatih Birol, who joins us here tonight. 

The IEA have spelled out the unprecedented scale of this challenge. 

And we know that a more volatile world demands continuous preparation. 

Indeed, we want Australia to be overprepared. 

That’s why we have taken significant new action in the past fortnight:

Releasing up to 20 per cent of the baseline Minimum Stockholding Obligation for petrol and diesel.

Providing our refineries with the certainty they need to keep making fuel in Australia. 

Temporarily amending our fuel standards so that all the fuel we make here is available for Australians. 

Working with our trading partners to secure supply chains in our region.

And, at National Cabinet last week, establishing a Fuel Supply Taskforce.

A single point of co-ordination with states, territories and industry to ensure that the additional petrol and diesel we have made available, gets where it is needed most.

Our Government will continue to look at every practical option to protect Australia from the worst of this international crisis. 

Putting our faith in the practicality – and patriotism – of Australians. 

Expecting people to do the right thing by each other – and businesses to do the right thing by Australia. 

Because that is the orderly, constructive way we operate as a government.

And because the best way to deal with global uncertainty, is to mobilise all our national strengths. 

Again, that is where the mining industry is so important. 

From the economic and strategic weight of your connections to North Asia, the wider region and our partners around the world. 

To the combination of traditional resources and critical minerals that no other trusted, stable democracy on the planet has in such abundance. 

As well as the infrastructure, technology and practical expertise to help with distribution – particularly for sites and projects in remote Australia. 

What the companies in this room do every day, is essential for dealing with the challenges confronting us. 

And for seizing the opportunities ahead of us.  

I understand that when you are grappling with turmoil in your supply chains.

Unprecedented disruption to petrol and diesel markets 

And local pressure points, as well as global ones. 

It can be hard to look much further than the end of the day, hard to contemplate the future, let alone plan for it. 

But this is precisely the time when all of us need to be thinking about what comes next. 

Positioning ourselves for a decarbonising global economy that will need more copper, more rare earths and more iron ore. 

And preparing ourselves for the economic aftershocks that will follow this conflict. 

Because the disruption we are already seeing in the global economy is not due to arbitrary trade barriers, or sanctions tied to strategic competition.  

It goes deeper than that. 

This is about ongoing threats to the safety of global shipping routes. 

And the physical destruction of oil and gas infrastructure across the Middle East.

So even if we were to wake up tomorrow to the welcome news that this conflict was over, there would still be a long economic tail to reckon with. 

All of this underlines a simple reality.

The stable, predictable world of ever-expanding free trade is gone – and it will not be returning any time soon. 

More than most, your industry helped build that world – in every sense. 

Your resources transformed the skylines across Asia. 

You powered new industries and created new prosperity throughout the region. 

You broke down old trade barriers and built new economic bridges, because what you offered was the best in the world.  

And in doing so, you not only elevated Australia’s presence and reputation in the region, you created new skills and jobs and wealth here at home. 

None of the changes underway in the global economy devalue any of these achievements, far from it. 

In a more volatile world, these strengths are worth more. 

Which is why your industry and our nation can do more than merely withstand, or adjust or react to the change underway in the world. 

We can work together to shape the future, not wait for the future to shape us. 

We can anticipate and create stronger, fairer, more resilient economic growth.

This is what our Government’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is all about. 

Investing in the skills and energy and infrastructure and relationships that mean we can stand on our own two feet. 

Making more things here, by making the most of what we have.

By building on our unique and unbeatable combination of advantages:

The security and space of a continent to call our own, engaged in the fastest growing region of the world in human history. 

A skilled and productive mining workforce that leads the world on quality and safety. 

The clean, reliable, affordable energy to power a new generation of secure jobs in refining and manufacturing. 

The critical minerals and traditional resources that every major economy needs: for next generation defence technology, for the jobs and investment of the digital economy – and to reach net zero.  

And that other precious resource that Australia brings to the table: trust. 

The certainty and confidence other nations take from dealing with our stable democracy, our transparent and robust financial system. 

And mining companies known for quality – and integrity.  

This is why the biggest economies in the world are knocking on our door. 

In just the last six months, we have signed an historic Critical Minerals Framework with the United States of America. 

When Prime Minister Carney was here earlier this month, we joined the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance.

Deepening the strong collaboration between the Australian and Canadian resources sector. 

And tomorrow, when we welcome the President of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, critical minerals will be at the centre of our discussions. 

At a time when the world wants what Australia has – all of us have a responsibility to ensure that our natural resources continue to deliver a national benefit, true to our national values. 

Creating good jobs with fair wages for secure work. 

Building up our skills base, our infrastructure, our energy grid. 

And re-investing in the communities that support your projects – and the services that empower Australians.  

Over the years, I acknowledge that from time to time we’ve had our differences on policy, just as the companies in this room are not always on the same page as each other. 

I know that because my door is always open for direct discussions with Australian employers, job creators and exporters. 

And because we do not have to agree on every aspect of every issue to build a constructive relationship, in the national interest. 
That’s what matters – especially right now. 

In uncertain times, Australians expect all of us to put the national interest first, to put our country first.  

That’s my focus as Prime Minister. 

That’s what I mean when I talk about progressive patriotism – the courage and co-operation to deal with global uncertainty, our way, the Australian way. 

Backing our people, investing in their capacity – and trusting our values. 

Working together. Looking after each other. And building for the future.

Right through our 125 years of Federation, the Australian Minerals Industry has been fundamental to our success. 

But the biggest challenges – and best opportunities – are yet to come. 

I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.    

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Can I welcome you to Australia, Dr Birol. Thank you for your address to the National Press Club, and thank you for your leadership of the IEA. We live in very difficult global times. And the global turbulence, of course, is having an impact right around the world, and it requires a national response. Consistent with the recommendation of the IEA, we have released 20 per cent of our reserves, but we’ve also undertaken a range of other measures to ensure that we secure supply and also that we deal with distribution issues. In a continent as large as ours, that is part of the challenge that we have, is getting all of the fuel to the right places where it is needed. In addition to that, what we’re doing is working with our international partners. I had a discussion with Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore, just before our Question Time at one o’clock this afternoon, and we’ve released a statement about the importance of the security of supply chains going forward. That is really important. Last week, I convened a meeting of our National Cabinet, which is myself as Prime Minister, with all of the State Premiers and Chief Ministers, because I want to make sure that we’re over prepared. And the Minister, of course, has also convened a meeting the following day, on Friday with his counterparts in the states and territories. We’re primarily responsible for supply issues. Some of the distribution and demand issues are easier dealt with by our respective state and territory governments, but we’re working very closely with industry as well. This is a challenging time of uncertainty. And as you have said, this represents a greater shock than the previous two energy shocks, if you look at the impact that it’s having right around the world. And of course, no country is immune from it. But your visit here is very timely, and we welcome you.

< DR FATIH BIROL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY: 

< ENDS<  

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Echuca Fire Brigade juniors gallantly conquered long-time winners of the CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships over the weekend, becoming champions for the very first time.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Step inside the historic building in Melbourne and you’ll be greeted by Australia’s largest collection of firefighting memorabilia, including CFA exhibits dating back almost two centuries.

From horse-drawn appliances used in the 1800s, brass helmets from World War One used as makeshift firefighting headwear and valour medals won in the line of duty, to the most modern firefighting clothing and equipment, the museum charts the evolution of Victoria’s fire services.

The collection houses more than 10,000 items, proudly donated by brigades and the families of firefighters over many decades, preserving the legacy of the hundreds of thousands of members who have served and protected their communities.

Once the headquarters of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, the original fire control centre that operated until 1984 remains frozen in time. The communication nerve centre can be viewed as it was when fire alarms alerted dispatchers to emergencies around Melbourne. 

An iconic landmark, the National Trust-listed building features room after room of unique memorabilia, including historic uniforms, bells, photographs, insignia, equipment, flags, medals and other collectables, each with a story to tell. 

The museum building began in 1972 as the MFB Headquarters Historical Society but, because of the size of the collection that includes a vast array of CFA memorabilia, it became the Fire Services Museum Victoria.

The museum is staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers (pictured bottom right), many former firefighters themselves, who are committed to preserving the history of firefighting.

“We ensure that the history and legacy of the fire services are preserved,” Museum President Tim Hughes said. “We want people to understand the evolution of firefighting, especially in Melbourne and country Victoria.” 

The original Jamie Cooper ‘Spirit of CFA’ painting adorns one of the many display rooms, alongside a CFA tunic from 1890. 

Some of CFA’s heritage fleet vehicles can be viewed in the museum, including a horse-drawn pumper from Traralgon Fire Brigade and the 1939 Dodge pumper, which are popular with visitors. Other CFA heritage fleet vehicles can be viewed by appointment at the Newport site on Champion Road. 

These vehicles are used for CFA events including brigade open days, community events and Santa runs. The museum will also be participating in a joint display with Eastey Fire Trucks at the upcoming firefighter State Championships in Stawell.

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Carlisle River Fire Brigade volunteer firefighter, Kirsten Dudink

The January fire season looked different for many CFA volunteers across Victoria, as they navigated responding to calls for help knowing their own families and properties were in fire impacted areas.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ingapore and Australia are longstanding friends and Comprehensive Strategic Partners. Our prosperity, security, stability and economic future are intertwined – including with our region.  

We share a long-standing and deep relationship grounded in strategic trust, open markets, and rules-based trade which underpin the prosperity and security of our people and our region. Reaffirming these shared principles is essential at this time.

Australia and Singapore share deep concern over the situation in the Middle East and its consequences for our region, such as the impact on energy supply chains and prices.

We are committed to working together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience, including by deepening regional cooperation, accelerating renewable energy transition, addressing unjustified import and export restrictions, and maintaining open trade flows. 

In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthen energy security, to support the flow of essential goods including petroleum oils, such as diesel, and liquefied natural gas between our two countries, and to notify and consult each other on any disruptions with ramifications on the trade of energy.

Consistent with our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0 joint declaration agreed in October 2025, Australia and Singapore will accelerate negotiations on an arrangement on trade in essential supplies, and will explore options for a future legally-binding commitment involving bilateral arrangements, such as consultation and early notification in case of potential disruptions. 

We call on other trading partners to join us in ensuring global energy supply chains are kept open, for the benefit of the security and prosperity of our peoples.

Source: Tasmania Police

Robbins Island search update

Monday, 23 March 2026 – 2:02 pm.

Sadly a body has been located in the search for a man missing off Robbins Island in the state’s north west.
Police and emergency services were alerted on Sunday morning after a fishing party had not returned.
A 27-year-old woman, a 33-year-old man, and a 6-year-old child who were on the boat at the time were rescued about 1pm Sunday on Big Stoney Island.
They were taken to the North West Regional Hospital for assessment, but were not physically injured.
An extensive search continued on Sunday and again on Monday for the fourth occupant – a 36-year-old man.
Sadly, the body of the missing man has since been located on the eastern side of Robbins Island.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo will commence a major project at the end of March to improve the Bendigo Library’s public toilet and parent facilities to comply with the current National Construction Code and make them safer and easier to access.

City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Brian Westley said Bendigo Library is one of Greater Bendigo’s most accessed and used public buildings and this project will provide greatly improved toilet and family facilities for the many hundreds of people who visit the library each day.

“During the construction phase entry to the Library will be via the Lyttleton Terrace entrance,” Mr Westley said.

“The Library’s existing public toilets and family bathroom/baby feeding area will be closed and patrons will be directed to use the public toilet facilities provided at the Hargreaves Street multi-storey carpark and the limited toilet facilities on level one of the Library.

“The current female toilet/nappy change room will change to an all-gender family bathroom and baby feeding area and will remain in its current location.

“The bulk of the noisy demolition works will occur during morning hours, and library users are advised to be aware of this when planning their visit.  However, there may also be intermittent noisy disruptions during the period of works.”

The works will include:

• Demolition of the existing female/nappy change room opposite the reception desk and refurbishment of this area to provide all parents/carers access to a space that is more family friendly
• Demolition of the existing public toilet area and construction of self-contained toilet cubicles to improve safety and efficiency
• Reconfiguring the existing adjacent Activity Room, into office spaces to provide passive surveillance for improved safety and staff accessibility
• Construction of a dedicated cleaner’s room for improved cleaning functionality

The project has been funded by a $412,586 grant from the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and the City of Greater Bendigo.

The works are expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating a vehicle arson incident that occurred in the early hours of this morning.

Around 12:05am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports that two vehicles were engulfed in flames at a unit complex on Aneura Place in Sadadeen.

NT Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire. The vehicles were unoccupied and no injuries were reported to police.

Investigations are ongoing with general duties police maintaining carriage of the investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P26085399. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.