Category: MIL-OSI

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Electric Wonderland will once again transform Rosalind Park into a vibrant canvas of colour, creativity and light when it returns to the heart of Bendigo this winter school holidays from June 26 to July 14, 2026.

The much-loved light show promises to shine brighter than ever as it delivers even more exciting hands-on experiences and breathtaking photo opportunities. Visitors can expect new innovative light installations including:

• a giant magical snow-globe
• interactive dance-pads with a fiery finale
• projection portals to lose yourself in
• an immersive radiant reef of underwater creatures

Now in its fourth year, Electric Wonderland has fast become a winter family tradition, with thousands of visitors from across Victoria and interstate making it part of their school holiday plans.

Electric Wonderland Event and Creative Manager Alicia Villiers encouraged residents and visitors to save the date.

“This July, our popular Electric Wonderland will return with some exciting new attractions and family favourites, inviting visitors and residents to play, explore and capture magical selfie moments,” Electric Wonderland Event and Creative Manager Alicia Villiers said.

“We are thrilled to warm up Rosalind Park with Electric Wonderland for the fourth consecutive winter with a show that will surprise and delight audiences.”

City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said Electric Wonderland was a must-see event.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to see the return of Electric Wonderland with awe-inspiring installations and hands-on experiences. It will be a highlight of the winter school holidays for people of all ages to enjoy,” James Myatt said.

Further program details, event maps, and the ticket release date will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, follow Electric Wonderland on Facebook or Instagram, or visit:

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council has commenced its second year of a two-year term with six new, and eleven returning Youth Councillors for 2026.

New Youth Councillors Anya Singh, Ava Parker, Bailey Leach, Grace Wells, Hayden Ferrari and Simone Richter have joined returning Youth Councillors Aidan Sanders, Alyssa Beaton, Amelia Westbrook, Annie Dalton, Bailey Dolan, Ella Filsell, Freiya O’Connor, Hamish Knight, Lucas Thredgold, Mollie Hartje and Rafferty Brasier.

The Youth Council met yesterday with Alyssa Beaton elected as Youth Mayor and Ella Filsell and Bailey Dolan installed as Deputy Mayors.

Youth Mayor Alyssa Beaton said her appointment as youth mayor fills her with pride and strength.

“To be given the opportunity to lead this year’s Youth Council as we begin our journey of growth, connection and impact sparks an excitement and determination that I plan to channel into this role,” Ms Beaton said.

“Youth Council provides a space for young people to share their voices and make changes in an environment that is both welcoming and empowering. Beyond shaping our community and its future, the Youth Council shapes its members even more.

“The skills we gain from being part of this group are invaluable and allow us to truly influence areas of significance for Greater Bendigo.

“The position of Youth Mayor offers a platform where I can foster the uplifting atmosphere that first built my confidence as a Youth Councillor. To now be in the position of past leaders that have helped me grow and become who I am today is an incredible experience, and one I am beyond grateful for.”

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince welcomed both new and returning Youth Councillors and congratulated new Youth Mayor Alyssa Beaton and Deputy Youth Mayors Ella Filsell and Bailey Dolan.

“The Youth Council represents the views of young people on a range of City plans and programs that impact them and represents young people at civic and other events and activities, Cr Prince said.

“It also fulfils a key goal of the Council Plan 2025-2029 to ensure young people thrive and are empowered to lead.

“Over the past seven years Youth Councillors have contributed to nearly 60 City plans, strategies, policies and projects. They have also co-designed and overseen the development of the City’s Youth Action Plan and represented young people on several advisory committees.

“The Youth Council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the City’s decision-making process for the future and Council is looking forward to working with them in 2026.”

Source: Resmed Inc

Center to Create Local Jobs and Strengthen U.S. Healthcare Supply Resilience

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD), the leading health technology company focused on sleep, breathing and care delivered in the home, is opening a new distribution center in Greenwood, Indiana. Scheduled to begin operations in 2027, the center will expand Resmed’s U.S. presence and strengthen the company’s distribution capacity to better serve patients and providers across North America.

The Greenwood center will operate as a major logistics hub, enhancing the delivery of essential healthcare products across North America while reinforcing Resmed’s commitment to the local Greenwood community. It’s estimated that the facility will employ more than 100 full-time and contingent workers over time across operations, logistics and management. Resmed is working closely with local and state partners, including the State of Indiana and the City of Greenwood, to support job creation and advance the project.

The Greenwood center complements Resmed’s existing distribution centers in Atlanta, Georgia and Moreno Valley, California. Its central location will connect coastal operations and support ongoing improvements in efficiency, productivity and delivery speed. Once fully operational, it will improve two-day transit coverage across North America from 75% to 90% and shorten delivery times to Canada by one full day.

“We’re proud to grow our U.S. footprint and invest in the local Greenwood community,” said Shane Azzi, chief supply chain officer at Resmed. “Greenwood’s talented workforce and strong spirit of collaboration played a major role in our decision to locate here. The new distribution center will help us deliver products more quickly, strengthen our ability to serve patients and providers and support the region’s long term growth.”

“Indiana’s life sciences sector continues to attract new global and innovative leaders to the state,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “Here in the crossroads of the U.S., Resmed will be centrally located and have access to robust infrastructure, helping the company serve customers more quickly and deliver life-changing solutions.”

“Resmed’s decision to locate in Greenwood is a win for our residents and our local economy,” said Mark W. Myers, Mayor of Greenwood. “This investment reflects our pride in bringing high-quality jobs to Greenwood and expanding the region’s role in delivering essential healthcare products nationwide. We’re grateful that Resmed chose Greenwood as the home for this new operation.”

About Resmed

Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD) creates life-changing health technologies that people love. We’re relentlessly committed to pioneering innovative technology to empower millions of people in 140 countries to live happier, healthier lives. Our AI-powered digital health solutions, cloud-connected devices and intelligent software make home healthcare more personalized, accessible and effective. Ultimately, Resmed envisions a world where every person can achieve their full potential through better sleep and breathing, with care delivered in their own home. Learn more about how we’re redefining sleep health at Resmed.com and follow @Resmed.

Source: Resmed, Inc.

Released February 24, 2026

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

View Street Amplified is set to energise Bendigo’s cultural precinct with live music on the steps of The Capital, running monthly on select Saturdays from February to November.

The Capital’s front steps will transform into an open air stage, entertaining visitors, and shoppers as they explore View Street’s boutique shops, cafés, and galleries.

The new series will feature a mix of indie, folk, roots, blues and contemporary artists, adding fresh sounds and vibrancy to the streetscape.

The first View Street Amplified kicks off on Saturday February 28, showcasing a mix of touring and local performers from 11am to 3pm:

• Deano Stanton brings upbeat, feelgood tunes with his signature one man band style good tunes with his signature one man band style
• Grim Fawkner is known for roots-riven storytelling with depth and authenticity driven storytelling with depth and authenticity
• The Tuck Shop Ladies deliver razor-sharp humour, stunning harmonies and infectious fun sharp humour, stunning harmonies, and infectious fun

City of Greater Bendigo Manager of Bendigo Venues & Events Julie Amos said View Street Amplified was an exciting activation bringing fresh energy and vibrancy to the precinct during the Gallery’s redevelopment.

“There will be a street party atmosphere with music filling the street, shop fronts expanding onto the footpath, buskers, pop up art at the Bendigo sign, and the recently unveiled Barbara Rae statue watching on from the corner of the QEO,” Ms Amos said.

“The street remains open for vehicles and pedestrians to allow easy access and classic and vintage cars are invited to cruise through and be admired by diners and shoppers.

“View Street is the cultural heart of Bendigo with boutique shopping, coffee, wine, gelato, dining, galleries, art and much more, all set amongst a backdrop of some of the grandest heritage buildings in the region. We are inviting people to visit, explore, stay longer, and support local cafes and shops.

“View Street businesses can get involved and participate through market-style offerings on the footpaths during these Saturday performances to add to the lively party atmosphere. Pink Honey, Passion for Design and Indulge a Little are among the traders keen to get involved in the street event on February 28.

“View Street Amplified offers the perfect soundtrack for those wandering through boutiques and galleries, grabbing a coffee, or settling in for lunch along the strip.”

To complement the live music event, the Gallery also has a series of large-scale artist-led events and public artworks planned soon for the View Street precinct and extending into 2027.

View Street Amplified performers already confirmed for March and April:

Saturday March 28:

• 11am – Ellie Silver
• 11.45am – The Quarry Hillbillies
• 1pm – No Sleep Till Texas

Saturday April 18:

• 11am – Kalo Davies
• 11.45am – Mariah McCarthy Trio
• 1pm – Queen of Hearts

The full program will be available shortly. To keep updated, visit:

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Agricultural drone supplier Drone TK Australia Pty Ltd (trading as Tekron) has admitted to engaging in resale price maintenance by directing certain resellers to not advertise or sell DJI drone products to consumers below a specified price.

Under Australia’s competition law, it is illegal for suppliers to prevent, or attempt to prevent, resellers from advertising or selling goods or services below a specified minimum price. This conduct is known as resale price maintenance.

Between April 2024 and at least June 2025, Tekron included terms in its agreements with resellers that required them to sell DJI drone products at the prices set by Tekron or as agreed by Tekron and the reseller.

Tekron also communicated prices to resellers as being the minimum recommended retail price below which they could not advertise or sell DJI Products. In one instance, Tekron informed a reseller that it could reduce prices for certain DJI drone products in deals with its customers but could not publicly advertise the lower prices.

“We enforce resale price maintenance laws to protect consumers from higher costs caused by resellers being prevented by suppliers from advertising or selling at a lower price,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said.

“Recommended retail prices are only suggestions, and suppliers should not stop resellers from offering or advertising prices lower than the RRP or any other specified price for their products.”

The ACCC has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Tekron, in which it has admitted to breaching the Competition and Consumer Act. The undertaking requires Tekron to update its contracts and marketing materials to ensure they do not include any information that would lead a person to engage in resale price maintenance, and to issue corrective notices advising resellers that they are free to set their own prices. Tekron is also required to implement and maintain a competition and consumer law compliance program for three years.

“This should serve as a reminder to businesses that we will continue to take enforcement action against those who engage in resale price maintenance,” Mr Woodward said.

The undertaking is available at: Drone TK Australia Pty Ltd

Note to editors

Resale price maintenance is strictly prohibited by Australia’s competition laws. It occurs when suppliers:

• make it known they will not supply goods or services unless a reseller agrees not to advertise or sell at a price below a specified minimum price;
• induce, or attempt to induce, resellers not to advertise or sell below a specified minimum price;
• enter into agreements, or offer to enter into agreements, for the supply of goods or services on terms including that the reseller must not advertise or sell below a specified minimum price;
• withhold supply of goods or services because a reseller, or a purchaser from the reseller, has not agreed not to advertise or sell below a specified minimum price, or has advertised or sold (or is likely to sell) at a price below a specified minimum price;
• use, in relation to goods or services supplied or that may be supplied, a statement as to price which is likely to be understood as the price below which the goods or services are not to be sold.

Businesses may lodge a notification of resale price maintenance conduct with the ACCC or apply for ACCC authorisation of proposed resale price maintenance conduct, which will be permitted if the likely public benefit from the proposed conduct outweighs the likely detriment from that conduct.

More information about resale price maintenance can be found at Minimum resale prices.

Addressing anti-competitive agreements and practices is an enduring compliance and enforcement priority for the ACCC.

More information about the ACCC’s use of section 87B undertakings is available in the Guidelines on ACCC approach to court enforceable undertakings.

Background

Tekron is an Australian distributor of agricultural drones and accessories supplied by iFlight Technology Co Ltd (DJI).

Tekron sells its products to independent resellers who then sell these products to consumers. It does not supply its products directly to consumers.

In December 2025, the ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from industrial drone supplier EE Group, after EE Group admitted to engaging in resale price maintenance by directing certain resellers to not advertise or sell DJI drone products to consumers below a specified price. EE Group also required resellers to agree to comply with EE Group’s pricing strategy and informed some resellers that it would not supply them with DJI drone products if they did not agree to sell those products at a specified minimum price.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

The new Footscray Hospital is open. The purpose‑built, modern facility is designed to meet the growing needs of communities across Melbourne’s west, now and into the future.

Located close to central Footscray and next to Victoria University, the hospital brings health, education and research together in one place.

Run by Western Health, the new hospital includes:

• An expanded emergency department with a new mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub.
• State-of-the-art clinical and surgical spaces, including operating theatres, procedural suites and medical imaging.
• Teaching, training and research facilities to support the future health workforce.
• Improved access, including new parking and transport links.
• A design shaped by community input, featuring natural light, sustainable materials and inviting outdoor spaces.

New Footscray Hospital is one of the state’s largest ever health infrastructure projects. In the centre of the hospital campus is a large green outdoor space. In the surrounding buildings there is a pharmacy, cafes, a health club, childcare, a community space and shops, including a general store and a gift store.

Care closer to home

The hospital has been built with room to grow so it can treat more patients over time. When it is fully operational, it will have:

• more than 500 inpatient beds
• space to treat 15,000 more patients each year
• room for 20,000 extra emergency department visits every year

This will help reduce pressure on nearby hospitals and improve wait times.

Most of the health services are accessed with a referral from a doctor or healthcare provider. For life-threatening emergencies, the expanded emergency department is always open. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, when you can’t wait to see a doctor, you can use Victoria’s urgent care services. These services are free, fast, and help you avoid waiting in the Emergency Department.

Innovating and improving care

New features in the hospital allow for better care, such as the Emergency Department’s mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) hub. This is part of a statewide plan to support vulnerable people when they need it most.

Emergency departments can feel overwhelming for patients experiencing mental health, alcohol or other drugs challenges. The hub provides a calm and comfortable space. People will be connected to specialist care to help them get the right support sooner.

Planning the move

Up to 180 patients transferred to the new hospital in a carefully planned one-day move. Western Health planned and practiced the move to make sure patients received high-quality care throughout. This included:

• 4,500 staff being trained and learning to use the new hospital’s advanced features and technologies.
• around 200 specialised staff participating in clinical simulation exercises to test critical care processes in the new hospital.
• over 400 patient care spaces – from consulting rooms to intensive care areas – being carefully stocked and prepared.
• a mock move day in December to ensure the smooth transition on February 18, 2026.

Find out more about the new Footscray Hospital and the project to build it.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Victorian public health services have reached another important milestone in promoting healthier food environments for staff, patients and visitors. For the second year in a row, services have maintained success, and now all services have achieved 100% compliance under the Healthy choices: policy directive and guidelines for health services.

Introduced in 2021, the Healthy choices: policy directive helps make the ‘healthy choice the easy choice’ by requiring public health services to offer healthy food and drink options. This applies across key areas such as in-house managed cafés, vending machines and food provided at staff meetings.

This year’s results show continued sector wide commitment to health promotion, with:

• 100% (59/59) of health services with in-house retail met the requirements
• 100% (38/38) of health services with vending machines met the requirements
• 100% (80/80) of health services had a catering or healthy eating policy in place.

A full report of this year’s findings will be published on the policy page soon.

Participating public health services were supported throughout implementation by the Healthy Eating Advisory Service, which provided guidance, tools and support to help services meet the policy requirements. As noted by a participating health service, the support has been valuable:

“It was my first time reporting on the policy directive and Healthy Eating Advisory Service has been amazing at supporting us and walking us through it.”

We would like to thank the participating health services and the Healthy Eating Advisory Service for their collaboration and continued commitment to creating healthy food and drink environments.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), observed annually on 6 February, is an opportunity to raise awareness and highlight progress to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), while recognising the work happening every day across Victoria to support affected women, girls and communities.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), sometimes referred to as female genital cutting, is a traditional cultural practice and a significant public health, human rights and gender equity issue. While the practice is illegal in Victoria and across Australia, estimates suggest there are around 120,000 migrant women in Australia who experienced FGM/C in their country of birth.

In Victoria, women and families affected by FGM/C are supported by a network of specialist clinicians, community organisations and Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) workers. Together, they deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed care, education and prevention activities and support women to navigate the health system with compassion and dignity.

Through the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program, the Victorian Government funds services that support women, girls and communities affected by FGM/C to access care, information and support. This includes specialist healthcare, counselling, community education and outreach, and workforce capability building to strengthen culturally safe practice across the health system.

One example of this important work is the African Women’s Clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital. The clinic provides specialist, nurse-and-midwife-led care for women of all ages who have experienced genital cutting, providing culturally safe and trauma-informed care.

Marie Jones, Nurse Practitioner and Midwife who has led the African Women’s Clinic since its inception in 2010, said the clinic focuses on providing information and holistic support to meet each woman’s individual needs.

“At the Royal Women’s Hospital, the African Women’s Clinic provides specialist, culturally safe and trauma-informed care for women of all ages who have experienced genital cutting,” Marie said.

“The team offers clear information about the type of cutting experienced and care options, support for concerns across periods, sex, urination and pregnancy, cervical screening and sexual health care, counselling and emotional support, and de-infibulation procedures when appropriate. With FARREP support, women can access care that is holistic, respectful and tailored to their needs.”

Across Victoria, FARREP workers play a vital role in supporting similar approaches by working alongside communities, strengthening trust in services, supporting prevention efforts and working with clinicians to deliver culturally safe care. Their work helps ensure women and girls feel safe to seek support and are met with understanding and respect.

Last week, clinicians and community workers from across Australia came together at the Australian FGM/C Support Network Conference, hosted by the Royal Women’s Hospital in partnership with the Australian FGM/C Support Network for Healthcare providers.

The conference supported workforce capability building by sharing practical skills, best practice and collaborative approaches to care for women and girls affected by FGM/C.

“This conference brings clinicians from across Australia together to strengthen practical skills, confidence and shared approaches to caring for women and girls who have experienced FGM/C,” Marie said.

“It’s an important opportunity to build capability and ensure care reflects the voices and needs of the communities we work with.”

For more information about FGM/C and support services available in Victoria, see the Better Health Channel.

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

Antarctic scientists have trialed a DNA ‘barcoding’ technique that could improve biosecurity measures that help protect polar ecosystems from invasive marine species.
The research, led by Australian Antarctic Program* scientists, used environmental DNA (eDNA) in water samples, to detect species known to hitch-hike on ships’ hulls.
The work was conducted during a voyage from Tasmania to sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, on MPOV Aiviq in 2022.

Molecular biologist Dr Leonie Suter said the research showed that eDNA sampling could help ensure effective biosecurity practices (such as hull cleaning), and identify invasive species before they can establish.
“eDNA is DNA shed by all organisms into the environment,” Dr Suter said.
“By collecting environmental samples, such as soil or water, we can analyse this DNA and identify what organisms are present.
“Our research showed that eDNA monitoring could validate and inform the ongoing effectiveness of biofouling management measures to protect sub-Antarctic and Antarctic marine environments.”
To collect the eDNA samples, the team used small pieces of facial sponge contained inside perforated plastic balls, to absorb seawater containing eDNA.
Prior to the voyage, eDNA samples were collected in seawater alongside the ship in the port of Hobart, before, during and after hull cleaning.
Divers also visually inspected the hull to identify biofouling species and compare with the eDNA results.
PhD student Frances Perry identified 24 species in the visual survey, and 41 through eDNA, including species of worms, sea stars, molluscs, sponges, algae, crabs and sea squirts.
When the eDNA sampling was conducted alongside the ship at Macquarie Island, 27 hull-associated species were detected, with 14 of these previously visually identified in Hobart.
“This is the first time we’ve use eDNA to monitor biofouling and we showed we can reliably detect hull-associated species,” Dr Suter said.
“Positive eDNA detections do not automatically indicate living organisms, as dead organisms can still shed DNA into the environment.
“Additional assessments, such as visual surveys and further sampling, are needed to determine whether living organisms are transported on the ship’s hull, and whether they could pose a risk to the environment.”
Ms Perry said additional tools to monitor the effectiveness of biofouling management measures, and collect baseline information on marine environments, were important in the face of climate change and increasing human activity.
“The sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctica are considered to be among the few remaining regions without any known established populations of non-native marine species,” she said.
“As the likelihood of species establishing in these environments increases with changing climate and rising vessel visitation, eDNA could be an effective way to monitor for invasive species in these vulnerable environments.”
Ms Perry collected eDNA samples during RSV Nuyina’s visit to the Denman Glacier in 2025 and Heard Island earlier this year, providing further data to inform future environmental monitoring and biofouling management.
*Read more about the research, co-led by the Australian Antarctic Division and Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF) in Science of the Total Environment.
This content was last updated 2 weeks ago on 23 February 2026.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is hosting an information session in March to help community members understand planning basics and learn how to effectively research a property.

The free session, Planning 101 and researching a property, will be held at The Capital on March 19 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. After the presentations, there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and hear from planning experts.

Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said the information sessions provided a sound introduction for anyone planning to buy, build or develop in Greater Bendigo.

“The Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme controls how we use and develop land in Greater Bendigo. It includes state and local planning policies, zones, overlays, and other requirements that affect what can be built.” Mr Petherbridge said.

“This free session aims to demystify planning and give community members essential planning basics, including how to research a property using tools available on the City’s website. It will also highlight important services that City staff can provide to guide people who are looking to buy, build, or develop.

“The tools for researching a property provide a wealth of information for landowners and prospective buyers, and this session will demonstrate how easy it is to access the information you need, when it suits you.

“A question-and-answer session will follow, providing a great opportunity for people to better understand planning rules, processes and how they can be involved in supporting more housing in Greater Bendigo.”

This information session is part of a series to help community members who are considering options to buy, build, or develop.

Future sessions will cover topics such as subdivision, building a second dwelling, and understanding environmentally sustainable design. More details on these sessions will be available once registrations open.

To attend the March 19 session, please register here: