Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

strong>ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Prime Minister and your delegation, you are very welcome in Australia. Our two nations share values. We share common interests as well. One of the things that we’ve been discussing over a period of time is as middle powers, how we can cooperate across the whole sphere of economic, defence, social, environmental relationships as well. We’re both impacted by climate change, and one of the practical ways that we assist each other is your firefighters helping us and our firefighters helping you. Unfortunately, those seasons are becoming longer, which means the challenge is something that we need to deal with, not just in the short term, but the long term as well. We have also shared our experience, how we deal with the changing world, how that evolves around defence and security issues, but also practical issues of the impact of new technology. Our ban on social media for under 16s has been something that we regard as world leading, been quite successful up to this point. And that’s just one element of how we deal with ensuring that the positives which new technology brings; productivity benefits. We’ve never been more interconnected, distance has never been less important than it is today. But at the same time, we need to make sure that we secure advantages in employment, in our interaction, the way that society functions as well in terms of social cohesion. So, we have much to learn off each other, much to gain from cooperation with each other, and it’s been a pleasure to get to know yourself and Diana over a relatively short period of time, but to build that relationship between our two nations, and your visit here, following on from the warm welcome I received at the G7, just seems like a few weeks ago, held a little while ago, was also something that I appreciated, but Australia appreciated it as well. You are welcome.

MARK CARNEY, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA: Thank you very much, Prime Minister. And let me start with that G7, it was greatly enhanced by your presence and some of the discussions that we’ll have today around this table, and more broadly, some of the agreements that were, our governments are signing reflect the progress we started there. Secondly, you and I met first time properly, we’ve met a few times virtually, but first time properly back in April. And yes, a natural relationship. And I think a natural relationship partly because of your personality, but also because of our two countries and so much that we share. We navigate to the North Star, you to the Southern Cross, but with the same orientation, the same underlying values, and that gets expressed across a range of issues that are both great challenges but tremendous opportunities. You touched on some defence cooperation necessitated by a more divided and dangerous world, with trusted allies. The shift in technological change that we’re seeing across artificial intelligence brings risk to our sovereignty if we don’t control the stack across all aspects of AI brings great possibility to our societies in terms of the application, and rightly, as you’ve emphasised, and this is, I think, bred in the bone of Australia, and certainly your government, is the importance of inclusiveness and ensuring that AI works for all, and one of our shared challenges is to make sure that that happens as quickly as possible. So, we’re looking forward to learning from you, cooperating in those areas, cooperating in other strategic areas, such as critical minerals and financial services, where we are quiet powerhouses in and of ourselves. And if I may say that more volatile global environment, which is likely to persist for some time, the strength of our financial systems, the options, the strength of national balance sheets, the strength of our large pension funds, the supers, and the supers afford us tremendous opportunities in that world, is crucial. So, thank you. Thank you for the honour of today, but also the substance.

[Remarks in French]

And I’ll finish just to observe the following, which is your Co-Presidency of COP31 this year, you talked about it, very important that leadership, and also the prospect, I know it’s early days, but you tend to win elections, Prime Minister. It’s early days for the Security Council position 29-30, and there’s a real opportunity through what we would call coalitions and variables, we all introduce some common values, building that out on specific issues, to help come behind your efforts and make not just this relationship, but the world a better place, more just. So, thank you very much. 

PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Thanks, Prime Minister.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

rime Minister Carney, Madame Fox-Carney, it is my great honour and absolute pleasure to welcome you and all the members of your delegation to our Parliament, on behalf of the people of Australia.

And I know I speak for every member of this place, when I say we are very much looking forward to your address.

It may help you to know that back in 1839, Britain sentenced 58 French-Canadians involved in the rebellion in Quebec, to be transported to New South Wales, and put to work, widening Parramatta Road, which goes through my local electorate in Sydney and past Canada Bay, in the electorate of the Member for Reid.

In 1854, it was a Canadian, Henry Ross, who stood in the centre of the Eureka Stockade at Ballarat and raised a new flag.

The iconic Southern Cross, a symbol of the miners’ struggle for justice.

In other words, Prime Minister, Canadian rebels with bold ideas have always been welcome here in Australia.

That is because our countries have always recognised something of ourselves in each other.

We are two societies enriched by Indigenous cultures and their love and connection to the beauty of our lands and our waters.

Commonwealth countries that have forged unique, proud and independent identities.

Democracies that did not just adopt the Westminster system – we made it fairer, stronger and our own.

Two nations that are at our very best when we look over our wide horizons.

When we look out to the world – and bring our values with us, as we engage with it.

The first Australian Prime Minister to address a joint sitting of the Canadian Parliament was our great wartime Labor leader, John Curtin.

Standing in your House of Commons on the 1st of June, 1944, just five days before Australians would help Canadians take – and hold – Juno Beach, Curtin looked to the future those brave men were fighting for.

How to secure a lasting peace, worth the winning.

How to build an economy and society worthy of the service, sacrifice and suffering of those who had kept it free.

And the role that Australia and Canada had to play in this.

Curtin said this:

“In a world where none of us is strong enough to stand alone, we shall discover how – and by what means – we can best stand with and for each other”

More than eight decades on – even in a new world order – that old test endures.

Technology is changing the nature of conflict and heightening the risk – and cost – of escalation.

And if ever nations such as ours had the luxury of imagining that distance alone kept us safe, those days are certainly gone.

The same Iranian Regime launching indiscriminate attacks on nations across the Middle East orchestrated antisemitic attacks on a synagogue and a small business here in Australia in 2024.

For us, as two democracies in an age of polarisation.

As two dynamic trading nations in a time of disrupted supply chains.

And as two middle powers in an era of strategic competition.

Australia and Canada must seek and create new ways to stand with – and for – each other.

Prime Minister, for all the comfortable ties of old affection, what makes the friendship between Australia and Canada noteworthy is what we do not share.

We do not share a border, a region, a hemisphere, or any market smaller than the global one.

Yet this makes the connection between our countries more meaningful, not less.

Because our co-operation, our partnership, is a positive choice – not a necessity.

When we work together it is on the basis of our shared convictions – not mutual convenience.

And when we do, when we stand in solidarity with the brave people of Ukraine.

When we work together to seize the economic opportunities of clean energy.

When we strengthen our defence industry co-operation, including through Australia’s biggest-ever defence export, the world-leading ‘Over The Horizon Radar’ technology.

And when we face-up to the urgent global challenge of climate change.

Because we know what it means for our unique environments, for our farmers and growers and producers and for our firefighters, who for decades have travelled between our nations to help each other in the toughest of times, and now face the prospect of their fire seasons overlapping because of climate change.

When we act together, we demonstrate to our citizens that government is not a passive institution, it is an instrument for positive change.

And what’s more, when we send a message to all those nations that look to us – as equals, as peers, as neighbours, and as leaders.

That they too have choice, agency and a part to play.

Because peace, security and prosperity are not the preserve of the great powers alone.

They are our common cause – and our collective responsibility.

Prime Minister, Australia and Canada are middle powers in a world that is changing.

We cannot change it back.

But we can back ourselves, back our citizens – and back each other.

And your visit reflects our shared ambition for Australia and Canada to do more together, at a deeper level.

To build on our shared strengths, from our resources and critical minerals to defence technology, to the investing power of our superannuation and pension funds.

Prime Minister, in this decade, where nearly every single challenge is a global one.

The distance between our two nations has never mattered less.

And the closeness of our values has never mattered more.

Together, let us seize the opportunities that the world holds for us.

You are very welcome here in our Parliament today, I thank you for your ongoing friendship and our regular dialogue. You’ll be welcome in Australia always.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Drysdale Fire Brigade will field an urban senior running team at the upcoming VFBV CFA State Firefighter Championships following a 13-year hiatus, made up of eager first timers.

What started with a casual conversation between a few Drysdale and Portarlington brigade members and a visit to the 2025 Championships in Mooroopna, quickly turned into many hands raised to get involved.

Drysdale firefighter of five years, Anthony Connally has taken on the role of both the coach and a runner, following in the footsteps of his father who was a fierce competitor back in the 90s.

“There is a lot of family history here for me, my father used to run a long time ago,” Anthony said.

“As we are both interested, we headed to the champs last year and had a look at what had changed since 2013 to decide if we thought we could make it happen within the brigade.

“We reached out to long-time runners at Osborne Park and Melton Fire Brigades, and they were a great help in getting us going.

“We all felt that we have the time now and now’s a better time than any, so why not?”

While they are running under the Drysdale banner, three members from Portarlington will join in with them on the weekend of 28-29 March.

After competing in four local competitions so far, Anthony said he is feeling good about their progress.

“We’ve got a pretty excited team that we have built from scratch and we’re pretty happy with the way we’ve been going,” Anthony said.

“It has already been a long season for us – we started training back in May last year.

“It’s been a process of preparing equipment and getting everyone equipped to run for the first time.

Anthony said the runners are most looking forward to the hose and reel sixes event.

“Every demo (competition) we have gone to, we have actually won that event, so it has been going well,” Anthony said.

“Our training has paid off, because we’ve been getting some great times.”

Anthony’s father is a life member of Drysdale and ran during Drysdale’s ‘A’ section team back in 1994. He is now assisting Anthony with coaching duties and imparting his wisdom to the next generation of runners.

Off the track throughout January, several brigade runners were deployed in strike teams to assist at the fires in Mount Mercer, Longwood and within the Great Otway National Park.

“Every single one of us, besides two of our runners, have been on multiple strike teams this summer,” Anthony said.

“I did four deployments myself, and we’ve got another member who has been out five times. It’s been a busy season for us all, but we’re more than happy to help, and it’s nice to come back together for events like this.”

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The children of the Carlisle River Fire Brigade Captain have left their mark on the local community this fire season, putting together care packages for those who needed it most.

When the Carlisle River and Kennedy Creek fires kicked off on 9 January in the Great Otway National Park, the threat to surrounding residents was far-reaching and prolonged, with final containment not until 1 February.

Carlisle River Fire Brigade 1^st Lieutenant Krystal May, and husband Captain Rob May spent the month of January juggling jumping on the truck to assist with the fire response, looking after the safety of their kids and fielding concerns of their own house being impacted.

“It was very hectic, and I found when I was on the fire truck fighting the fire, I was doing what I needed to do, but then I had that sense of guilt that I wasn’t there for the community elsewhere,” Krystal said.

“Then vice versa, when I was helping the community, I felt guilty that I wasn’t fighting the fire. So, wearing those two hats between Lieutenant and community safety I found difficult at times.”

When off the truck, it didn’t take long for community-minded Krystal to get in contact with the Salvation Army to try and replenish items locals were needing during their recovery efforts.

“They delivered a van load of essential items twice to the Carlisle River Hall – from shampoo and conditioner to a whole heap of food, non-perishables, soaps, and toilet paper,” Krystal said.

“It was everything our community members couldn’t access at the time. A lot of them were also too scared to try to get out, because you had to go through Gellibrand or Simpson.”

From there, two of their children, 8-year-old Sasha and 12-year-old Dexter took it upon themselves to dive in and help Krystal and Rob package and distribute the much-needed items.

“They said to me, we are coming and we are helping. They were just beautiful. They came down multiple times a day and just wanted to be down there helping people,” Krystal said.

“They did such a fantastic job. They even named each care package and made sure everything was stocked. We were getting people to meet us at the hall to get what they needed too.

“We enlisted the role of the Captain, being dad, and once the kids had put them together, Rob would go out and deliver them.

“They found it very rewarding, and both have such a helping spirit, it wouldn’t surprise me if they do become firefighters in years to come or embed themselves in the community in another way.

“Sasha has already announced she will the Captain in the future, Rob needs to look out!”

Krystal said while the month was challenging and devastating, it brought a lot of people together who may not have crossed paths before, and the notion of helping others was widespread.  

“Everyone was very thankful for the care packages, and a few people were a bit shy to come down and grab one because they thought there were others who needed it more,” Krystal said.

“But they’d often get picked up on the way by someone else, even if it was just toilet paper that they needed. It was wonderful to see the community come together.”

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Newstead & District Fire Brigade are in their 15th year of fundraising for Good Friday Appeal

Newstead and District Fire Brigade members Christopher and Cheryl Simmins have a deep connection to the Good Friday Appeal, and one that sadly comes with a great deal of grief.

When their seven-month-old son James passed away in 1977, the support from staff at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) left a profound impact on them.

“Our son James would often go blue and stop breathing, and we’d rush him to the doctor, but by the time we got there he would be fine,” Christopher said.

 “Then one morning he was transferred to RCH, where he remained until he passed away seven months later.

“The staff at RCH were amazing, and treated James as if he was their own child.

“We dealt with many specialists, many surgeries, all different types of medication and nothing helped. We know now that he had a unique neuromuscular atrophy, but it’s still never been fully understood.”

Despite the incredible toll James’ loss had on them, Christopher and Cheryl became passionate about fundraising for the Good Friday Appeal. Now the local Area Manager for the Appeal, it was Christopher that ultimately led the Newstead Fire Brigade to get behind the cause. 

“He [James] was there, and then he wasn’t. We couldn’t drive near the hospital for about 20 years, because it just brought on so much trauma. After he passed away, I threw myself into helping as much as I could at the time, but it was devastating,” Christopher said.

“We moved to Newstead in 1984, and I joined the brigade and became fully involved in everything they do, all the community events. Separately, Cheryl and I also fundraised for RCH.

“The brigade had never fundraised for the Appeal before. It took a while, but in 2010 I asked the ‘has anyone here ever needed The Royal Children’s Hospital?’, and half the brigade put their hand up. So, we started from there.”

In 2011, their first year of fundraising as a brigade, they raised $850. But they also achieved something bigger – shifting mindsets in the brigade and proving that it could be done.

“Getting started and breaking the ice, in a sense, was a bit tricky. But the personal connections to the hospital – whether it was a child, sibling, niece or nephew – it helped people to understand the importance,” Christopher said.

“Mine and Cheryl’s approach is that it’s not how much you raise, but being part of something that’s bigger than us. It’s for the betterment of the kids, the research, and the awareness. Whether we raise $500 or $500,000, it’s all about the spirit of the endeavour.”

On Good Friday Christopher and Cheryl can often be found generously taking time to hear stories of those who have been impacted by the Hospital.

As Newstead and District members fundraise for the 15th time this year, they continue to honour the many members of the community who have been impacted by the work of the hospital – including, of course, Christopher and Cheryl.

“I’ve never forgotten the love and care that the RCH gave us,” Christopher said.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA’s driving capability is soon to become virtual, with development underway for five mobile driving simulators.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA’s Asset Protection Unit has been deployed in an active bushfire emergency for the first time, helping to protect the town of Woods Point from the Gaffneys Creek fire.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Government of Western Australia

Did you know that more than 40 per cent of the City of Wanneroo community were born overseas?

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo has appointed Emma Woolaston as its new Director Corporate Strategy and Performance.

Source: Government of Western Australia

Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex will once again host international sporting teams after being selected as a training facility for the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup.