Category: MIL-OSI

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A careless campfire could be the real upset this Cup weekend

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

As Victorians venture into our forests and parks this Melbourne Cup weekend, the Conservation Regulator Victoria, CFA, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are urging campers to learn about campfire safety before they go.

Even though the nights remain cool at this time of the year, days can be warm and often windy. Just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can cause serious environmental damage and put lives and property at risk.

It’s important that Victorians take a moment to check the weather forecast – especially the projected wind speeds – before heading out.

People need to make sure that their campfire is put out correctly by extinguishing it completely with water, not soil. Fires that haven’t been properly extinguished can smoulder under soil for days and reignite in the warm and windy conditions.  

Before you light a fire always check fire restrictions, including whether a Total Fire Ban is in place. Download the VicEmergency app or go to www.emv.vic.gov.au.

People who breach campfire regulations on public land face a maximum penalty of $19,759 if the matter is prosecuted in court. The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire during a day of Total Fire Ban is $47,421.60 and/or 2 years in jail.

Report unattended campfires to DEECA at 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.

For more on campfire rules go to:  https://www.vic.gov.au/campfires-stoves-and-bbqs

Quotes attributable to Scott Turner, Acting Chief Fire Officer, Forest Fire Management Victoria:  

“We want everyone to enjoy their visit to our forests and parks this weekend, but if you have a campfire, it’s crucial that you put it out properly when you leave. Putting soil on top of a campfire does not extinguish it – you must use water.”

Quotes attributable to CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan:

“Before heading out this weekend, campers must check the weather conditions and be aware of any Total Fire Bans in place. It’s essential to understand what is permitted at their destination to avoid putting people and the environment at risk.”

Quotes attributable to Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator:  

“We’ll have authorised officers visiting our parks and forests this weekend to make sure that campers are following the rules and to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend.”  

Quotes attributable to Chris Mercier, Manager, Enforcement Capability, Parks Victoria:  

“We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy Victoria’s incredible natural spaces, but it’s important to remember that unsafe campfires can have devastating consequences. Just one person ignoring the rules can put entire communities and the environment at serious risk.”

Submitted by CFA Media
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Proprietary solar technology set to accelerate large-scale solar construction

Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

Overview

  • Category

    News

    Date

    28 October 2025

    Classification

    Solar energy

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to $4.96 million in funding for Nextracker to deploy its proprietary solar construction and integrated tracker technologies across multiple solar farms, including the Goulburn River Solar Farm in New South Wales.

Delivered in partnership with solar developers and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, this project represents a step forward in automating large-scale solar foundation installation and aims to reduce project risks and overall costs of delivering renewable energy projects in Australia.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project highlights ARENA’s commitment to supporting innovative solutions that lower costs of installing large-scale solar farms.

“Ultra low-cost solar is not the solar we know today. Current solar PV technology is sufficiently mature and cost-effective to deploy at scale. However, much cheaper solar is vital to help to decarbonise create green export opportunities and support the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors.”

The project marks the introduction of Nextracker’s NX Earth Truss foundation solution, a proprietary solar tracker technology, to the Australian market.

Vice President and General Manager of Nextracker Australia Peter Wheale said Nextracker was excited to partner with Australia’s leading developers and EPCs to demonstrate its solar tracker and foundation solutions technology.

“Simplifying and optimising the most labour-intensive phase of solar construction for any soil or terrain condition is a real breakthrough. With over 10 GW of solar trackers already deployed in Australia, we’re excited to bring technology innovation that not only cuts costs and build time but also enables projects to succeed in sites that were previously too complex or costly to develop.”

Unlike traditional piling methods that require a multi-step installation process, NX Earth Truss foundations are installed in a single pass, significantly reducing construction timelines, labour, equipment requirements and ground disturbance. This technology innovation helps overcome barriers to large-scale solar development on hard soils and challenging terrain, making deployment more cost-effective, faster to build and sustainable to scale.

Nextracker’s technology is directly aligned with ARENA’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar (ULCS) strategy, which prioritises the reduction of balance of plant costs through advanced automation. By demonstrating the effectiveness of NX Earth Truss in the Australian market, the project will provide critical data and best practices to accelerate industry-wide adoption of integrated tracker and foundation installation.

Read more about our Ultra Low-Cost Solar priorities.

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 174KB)

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Delivering the Missing Middle for all Canberrans

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government




Delivering the Missing Middle for all Canberrans – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 28/10/2025

The ACT Government is supporting the delivery of more homes within existing suburbs by implementing promised ‘Missing Middle’ housing reforms.

A draft major plan amendment has now finished community consultation garnering significant support for changes to the Territory Plan.

“This means the delivery of more townhouses, row houses, duplexes and low-rise apartments in Canberra’s existing suburbs are a step closer – supporting our commitment to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030,” Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development Chris Steel said.

“Addressing the ‘missing middle’ will ensure that there’s more housing choice, whether you’re a first home buyer, supporting a growing family, or wanting to age in place in the community you love.

“The changes will strengthen our existing vibrant suburbs with a diverse range of housing options which have not been previously allowed.

“These reforms strike a balance between increasing housing supply and maintaining the unique character of Canberra.

“We heard strong support for allowing homeowners to subdivide their blocks before construction, and for practical design guidance that ensures new housing fits well into existing neighbourhoods and manages potential impacts to neighbours.

“We’ve updated the design guidance and subdivision policies to give homeowners more flexibility within the requirements to provide greater opportunity for subdivision of large residential blocks.”

Key changes to the draft reforms include:

  • Refined subdivision policies to support appropriate residential block subdivisions with clearer and more flexible rules and not requiring a dwelling to be constructed first.
  • Strengthened solar access protections to safeguard sunlight for neighbouring properties.
  • Clarified dwelling densities and updates to technical specifications to support good design and amenity.
  • Additional heritage controls to clarify that heritage requirements need to be considered, where applicable.

The revised DPA-04 will now be referred to the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Transport and Planning, which may conduct an inquiry.

The draft Missing Middle Housing Design Guide will also be updated to reflect consultation comments.

This will include changes to provide clearer guidance on subdivision scenarios, landscaping, heritage, infrastructure, and the design of diverse housing types.

The full Consultation Report and revised draft reforms are available on the YourSay Conversations website.

– Statement ends –

Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Fatal crash – Lambells Lagoon

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on the Arnhem Highway overnight.

Around 8:20pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that two motorcycles had collided with feral pigs approximately 19km east of the Stuart Highway intersection and 1km east of the Arnhem Hwy, Lambell’s Lagoon Road intersection.

Police and St John Ambulance attended and located a 17-year-old female pillion passenger who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Two male riders, aged 24 and 26, were conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital via Careflight with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

It is believed the two motorcycles were travelling in-bound on the Arnhem Highway when they collided with feral pigs that were on the road.

Detectives from the Major Crash Investigation Unit have carriage of the incident and investigations are ongoing.

The Arnhem Highway remains closed in both directions with diversions in place for light vehicles. Delays can be expected for the remainder of the morning.

The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 34. 

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Police charge four people following armed robbery in Burnie

Source: Tasmania Police

Police charge four people following armed robbery in Burnie

Tuesday, 28 October 2025 – 11:48 am.

Police have charged three men and one woman with aggravated armed robbery, motor vehicle stealing, and stealing following an isolated incident in Burnie on Sunday.
Police allege that on 26 October, a man attended a room at a hotel on Wilson Street where he was assaulted by the other parties and had his belongings stolen including his white 2003 Holden Berlina (registration EW7676).
During the incident – which involved several people who were known to each other – the man was allegedly assaulted with a pole and sustained minor injuries.
The offenders were arrested yesterday, and a 31-year-old man, 26-year-old woman, and 29-year-old man were charged and detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court today. A 19-year-old man was charged and bailed to a later date.
The vehicle has not yet been located.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident, or current location of the stolen vehicle, is asked to contact police.
Anyone with information regarding this vehicle is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au quoting OR788533. Information can be provided anonymously.

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Canberrans show support for ‘missing middle’ changes

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

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Canberra’s best bacon and egg rolls

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

From basic but tasty rolls made with eggs, bacon and sauce, to those with a little something extra: hashbrowns, cheese and greens – there’s something for everyone.

With a strong focus on clean, natural, and unprocessed ingredients, you will find healthy, delicious breakfast and lunch options at Eighty Twenty.

The café’s bacon and egg roll had lots of local’s votes for the best in Canberra. It comes with smoked bacon, fried eggs and tomato relish on a house made bun.

This breakfast and lunch café has become a Canberra institution. You can find one in almost every corner of the capital.

Great coffee and food – a lot of which is grown in the garden at their Aranda location – are just two of the reasons why these cafes are so popular.

Their bacon and egg roll comes with Swiss cheese, greens, barbecue sauce and aioli.

Belconnen

If you’re shopping at Westfield, stop in at this café to try the ‘Forrest Roll’.

It’s a bacon and egg roll with house-made barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, pickled Spanish onion and garlic aioli.

Northsiders love the bacon and egg rolls at this lakeside café.

Stella’s is located right near Lake Burley Griffin, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a bite after a stroll or bike ride.

The bacon and egg roll comes with fried egg, cheese, spinach and house made tomato relish on a toasted milk bun.

The Irvine is located at Florey shops. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, pastries, drinks and more.

You can’t go past their classic bacon and egg roll. If you like something a little extra, they also offer a brekky burger with egg, halloumi, potato rosti, avocado with sriracha aioli.

Central Canberra

This hidden gem is tucked away off London Circuit in Baileys Corner.

The café is well-known for their coffee, but it also offers delicious sandwiches, bacon and egg rolls and sweet treats including cookies and pastries.

The bacon and egg roll at this café is a little extra. Served on a milk bun, it comes with smoked bacon, a fried egg, cheese caramelised onion, tomato chutney and aioli.

If you’re not a fan of all the extras, order the ‘Morning Bun’ with bacon, eggs, hashbrown and barbecue sauce served on a Turkish bread roll.

Whether you work in the Barton area or you’re just visiting that side of town, this café is a great spot to grab breakfast or lunch.

It might be worth a visit for the bacon and egg rolls.

You can choose from a bacon and egg roll or wrap. For an extra cost, you also have the option to add extra bacon and egg, cheese and a hashbrown.

Find this Korean café on Moore Street. Seoul Sistaz offers a mix of traditional Korean dishes and some Australian classics, or a combo of both.

They have three bacon and egg rolls to try. Try the classic, or one with a little extra (hashbrown, lettuce, caramelised onion).

They also have one with a Korean twist – bacon, eggs, kimchi, American cheese, caramelised onion and Korean mayo.

This café is the perfect refuel stop for tradies.

It will also give them double the energy for the day, as it’s got double everything. Two fried eggs, two rashers of bacon, cheese, and topped with barbecue sauce and aioli.

The Knox is a beloved breakfast spot for Canberrans, you won’t often see an empty seat.

Next time you’re visiting, try the bacon and egg roll. It’s made with local eggs, two rashes of bacon, melted cheese and tomato relish.

Woden, Weston Creek & Molonglo

This southside café is well known for its friendly staff and warm and welcoming environment.

Apparently, it’s also known for its bacon and egg rolls, which we’re told are a must try if you’re popping by.

The café is the perfect spot to refuel after riding your bike or going for a run at Stromlo – they offer bacon and egg rolls, pastries, jaffles, and a range of drinks.

For only $10, the bacon and egg rolls are made with egg, local bacon, tomato relish, mayo and dill.

Little Mez serves great Mediterranean dishes out of a food truck in Phillip.

You can grab a regular egg and bacon roll or if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Mediterranean-inspired version.

Village is located at Waramanga shops and serves breakfast and lunch.

Their bacon and egg roll is served on a potato bun, with the sauce of your choosing.

If you’d like extra potato (who wouldn’t?) add a homemade hashbrown.

Tuggeranong

Located at Chifley shops, A Bite to Eat offers all day breakfast and lunch items.

The café’s bacon and egg rolls are served on a potato bun, and come with tomato chutney, roquette and aioli.

If that’s not enough, you can add cheese for $1.

You might know Two Blind Mice as a European restaurant, but did you know they also offer weekday breakfast?

The bacon and egg rolls are recommended by locals – they’ve got cheddar cheese, pickles and smokey barbecue sauce.

More recommendations

Other local cafés recommended for their bacon and egg rolls include:

  • Coyote Catering, Fyshwick
  • Lava Coffee, multiple locations
  • 1 Or 2 Café, Griffith
  • Green Bean, Canberra City
  • Kitchen Garden at Rodney’s, Pialligo
  • Courtyard Café, Old Parliament House
  • Doubleshot, Deakin
  • Remedy by LSR, Belconnen.

Read more like this:

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Call for information – Absconded youths – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to five male youths that absconded from a supported accommodation in Alice Springs last night.

At 7:30pm, the five youths aged 14, 15, 16, 16 and 17, allegedly absconded from the accommodation and removed their electronic monitoring devices. Police were notified and were dispatched to the scene.

Around 4am this morning, the 14-year-old was located and arrested by police.

The other youths remain outstanding and are believed to be in the Alice Springs area.

Strike Force Viper have carriage of the investigation and are utilising extensive resources to locate the outstanding youths.

Police urge anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number P25289074, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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365-2025: Commencement of the 2025-26 Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) Flight Season – 1 November 2025

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

28 October 2025

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is of interest to international vessel masters, shipping agents and importers of timber and timber products arriving from New Zealand.

What has changed?

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) will commence its annual heightened surveillance regime for managing the risks posed by Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) beetles (Arhopalus ferus) on vessels and imported cargo…

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Grants for speech pathology and occupational therapy students

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

27/10/25

The Victorian Government has opened the third and final round of the Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy grants program.

The program offers grants of up to $15,000 to support final year speech pathology and occupational therapy students to work in rural and regional Victoria following their graduation.

Over 400 grants are available to domestic and international graduates who commence work in regional or rural Victoria from 2024 to 2026.

The last round of applications is open for students who complete their studies in 2025.

Successful applicants are eligible to receive two instalments of $7,500. The first will support costs with relocation and settling into their new communities. The second will be paid if they remain employed in a regional, rural health or education setting after six months.

These grants are part of our commitment to strengthening allied health services in regional and rural areas to improve access to services for regional Victorians.

Applications close on 24 February 2026.

For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, see Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Student Grant Program External Link on the Victorian Government website.