Category: MIL-OSI

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
12 Feb 2026 10:20

Warning area
Flinders highway, 40km south east of Elliston at Sheringa, on the Eyre peninsula.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from SHERINGA is present in the Sheringa township and Flinders highway area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

A striking new Artists on View exhibition, featuring expressive landscapes, birds and nature, has opened today at Dudley House on View Street. 

Artist Lorraine McCarthy finds meaning in life through nature and her strong faith in God. Her art reflects hope, purpose and passion inspired by scripture. Everyday wanderings are captured in her creative works, revealing secrets of life and faith through colour and form.

The exhibition, Imperial Oracles of My Everyday Wanderings, presents a rich array of oil and acrylic paintings, watercolours, charcoal and ink drawings, as well as photography that invites audiences into a world of expressive landscapes, birds, floral pieces and imaginative interpretations of nature.

Lorraine describes herself as a colourist expressionist with a distinctive artistic style defined by vivid, bright colour and thick lashings of paint. Her approach gives each piece a unique presence and conveys not only what is seen, but what is felt.

Lorraine said the exhibition explored themes of renewal, connection and the underlying constancy found in the ever-changing landscape.

“Nature is my constant sounding board. Each work is unique, some realistic, others imaginative, soft and moody, or vibrant. I aim to project more than what I see, but what I feel and experience on a deeper level,” Lorraine said.

“The natural rejuvenation of nature underlies that which is dependable. I want my art to reflect the secrets of life and faith through thoughtful discovery and connection.”

The free exhibition at Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo, is open 10am to 5pm until Monday February 23.

The community is invited to the exhibition’s official opening event from 1.30pm to 4pm on Saturday February 14.

This exhibition is supported by the City of Greater Bendigo’s 2026 Artists on View program.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for most of Victoria tomorrow, Wednesday 11 February 2026, due to forecast extreme fire weather.

The TFB applies to the following fire districts:

• Central
• Mallee
• North Central
• North East
• Northern Country
• West and South Gippsland
• Wimmera

Conditions across these districts will be hot, with low humidity and moderate north-westerly winds ahead of a gusty south-westerly change. Showers will develop later in the day.

While a TFB has not been declared in East Gippsland and South West districts, fire danger ratings remain High and elevated.

A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12:01am to 11:59pm on the day of the declaration in affected districts.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the combination of heat, wind and low humidity tomorrow could create dangerous fire conditions.

“Humidity will be low and conditions will be very dry across the state, meaning new fire starts could occur earlier in the day,” Jason said.

“These conditions will make it very difficult for firefighters to control a fire if one starts.

“We’re asking people in affected districts to strictly follow the conditions of the Total Fire Ban and think carefully about how the increased fire risk could affect them.

“Make sure your fire plan is up to date and covers all possible scenarios.”

Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban in their district on the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where information is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.

For more information on what you can and can’t do on a Total Fire Ban day, visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website.

Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information, including:

• ABC local radio, commercial and designated Sky News radio stations
• The VicEmergency App and website at www.emergency.vic.gov.au
• The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
• CFA or VicEmergency social media channels

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the North East fire district tomorrow, Tuesday 10 February 2026.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is preparing a Huntly Structure Plan to guide the township’s sustainable growth and development over the next 30 years and is seeking five new members to join the established Huntly Community Reference Group.

The Community Reference Group brings the community, landowners, businesses, and other key stakeholders together to develop an achievable plan which will ultimately help guide and transform Huntly over time.

In 2022, 11 members were appointed to the reference group. The City is now seeking expressions of interest to fill five of these positions that have become vacant, increasing the group to 12 members in total. These positions are open to people who are passionate about Huntly and its long-term development.

Members of the reference group take part in meetings, share community perspectives, and collaborate with City officers to inform and shape the structure plan.

The Huntly Structure Plan will provide a framework for the future expansion of the town, explore opportunities for additional commercial and retail offerings, and consider the infrastructure needs of the community.

Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge thanked those who were stepping down from the group for their valued contribution and encouraged new community members interested in Huntly to get involved.

“Expressions of interest have opened for five positions on the Community Reference Group and people from a broad cross-section of the community, reflecting diverse interests and backgrounds, are encouraged to apply and get in involved in the planning for Huntly’s future growth.

“It is also open to representatives from community and sporting groups, and local businesses,” Mr Petherbridge.

“Huntly has experienced strong residential growth over the past few years, and the City’s adopted Managed Growth Strategy identifies further growth for Huntly.

“A structure plan is the best way to plan for this future growth in a sustainable way and based on Huntly’s community vision. It consists of plans, policies, maps, and guidelines that identify areas for new development, redevelopment, and infrastructure improvements.”

The Community Reference Group will run for about 18 months while the structure plan continues to be developed. Meetings are held quarterly on weekday evenings (6-8pm) in Huntly.

Expressions of interest close on Friday February 27. To apply, visit the City’s online engagement platform, Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo:

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Residents in the south west of the state are being urged to check burn-off piles and bonfires as old as six months, following response from CFA volunteers to recent flare-ups.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The Bendigo Easter Fair Society Inc. will celebrate its 100th anniversary at the 2026 Bendigo Easter Festival with the return of a six-metre fibreglass Kewpie Doll and a special exhibition at the Living Arts Space.

The Bendigo Easter Fair began in 1871 and was initially run by annual committees, often chaired by the Mayor. In 1926, a permanent Bendigo Easter Fair Society was established to oversee the event, bringing together representatives from the City of Greater Bendigo, Borough of Eaglehawk, Bendigo Hospital, Bendigo Aged Care Asylum and nine community-spirited members.

The society evolved with the times, becoming an Incorporated Association in 1983. In 2003, the City of Greater Bendigo took over event operations, with the Society continuing in an important advisory role.

Bendigo Easter Fair Society Inc. President Simon Mulqueen said the society had provided steady guidance for a century for one of Australia’s longest running community events.

“The society has been a dedicated custodian of the festival, helping it to adapt while preserving its charitable foundations and cultural traditions,” Mr Mulqueen said.

“I am very proud of what the society has achieved. What has never changed is the heart of the festival – generations of volunteers, supporters and sponsors have made Easter in Bendigo something truly special.”

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince thanked the Bendigo Easter Fair members past and present for their dedication.

“Congratulations to the Bendigo Easter Fair Society on a remarkable centenary. For 100 years, the society’s passion, dedication, and community spirit have helped shape the Bendigo Easter Festival.

“Thank you for enriching our region’s story and for continuing a tradition that brings joy to generations, a much‑loved celebration of culture, creativity, and local pride. Cr Prince said.

The centenary will be marked by the return of Violet, a six metre Kewpie Doll, one of 12 created for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony which appeared in the Strictly Ballroom segment for a theatrical finale. The Society acquired Violet at the Remains of the Games auction in 2000. Her name was aptly aligned with Bendigo Fair Society member Violee Myers Davey OAM, whose 80 years of volunteer service made the object especially meaningful in the local community at the time.

The Violet Kewpie Doll made her first appearance at the 131st Bendigo Easter Fair and featured in the 2001 and 2002 parades.

Although purchased by the Society at the Olympic Auction, the Violet Kewpie Doll has been owned and in the care of President Simon Mulqueen since the sale of all society assets in the wake of the City taking over operations in 2003.

Following restoration, Violet will be displayed in the piazza at Rosalind Park for all to see during the 2026 festival from April 3-6.

“Violet’s story demonstrates how internationally recognisable cultural artefacts, such as those created for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, can be meaningfully integrated into regional heritage and identity. Violet is a tribute to the volunteer commitment that has sustained the Bendigo Easter Fair for more than a century,” Mr Mulqueen said.

A special centenary exhibition, 100 Years of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society – Custodians of the Grand Fair, will be held at the Living Arts Space at the Bendigo Visitor Centre from Thursday April 2 to Saturday May 2, 2026. The free exhibition features a digital version of Violet the Kewpie Doll, film, costume, memorabilia, and archival images celebrating the society’s legacy.

As part of the centenary celebrations at the festival, the Bendigo Easter Fair Society is also proud to present Queen Rhapsody’s iconic energy of Queen’s greatest hits with a powerful Freddie-inspired frontman and authentic sounds on Easter Saturday on the main stage in Rosalind Park from 5pm to 7pm before the La Trobe University Torchlight Parade.

On Good Friday, the society will also present Wadaiko Rindo Japanese Drummers who will be performing in Rosalind Park at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are being targeted by NDIS providers’ deceptive advertising practices and other behaviours banned by consumer law, a new report has found. Whilst these practices are not universal, the scale and types of complaints we’re hearing about is concerning.

Working in a taskforce with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, the ACCC has identified trends of problematic conduct that may breach the Australian Consumer Law, including instances of providers wrongly charging for essential disability support products that were not supplied as agreed and falsely claiming services or products are ‘NDIS-approved or eligible for NDIS funding’, when this is not the case.

The ACCC is particularly concerned about several key issues in NDIS markets:

• False and misleading advertising by providers
• Providers not honouring consumer guarantees protections
• Issues with contracts, such as providers failing to provide clear written contracts or including unfair terms
• Providers charging for products or services not supplied or delayed
• Concerns about misleading claims in relation to Specialist Disability Accommodation
• Impacts on First Nations NDIS participants
• Scams affecting NDIS participants.

“Conduct can be particularly harmful given products and services sought or acquired may be essential for Australians who experience a disability to participate in everyday life,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Harm can range from financial loss and life-limiting impacts, to compromising the safety and physical wellbeing of NDIS participants. Such conduct is completely unacceptable and the ACCC will continue to work with taskforce agencies to protect NDIS participants, educate and hold providers that continue to do the wrong thing accountable.”

Since 2024 the ACCC has prioritised improving compliance with the Australian Consumer Law by businesses that provide NDIS-funded supports, and, alongside the NDIA and NDIS Commission, has expanded its efforts to address misconduct and increase awareness of the laws relating to NDIS provider conduct.

ACCC enforcement action

The ACCC has taken proactive enforcement action in this period, instituting legal proceedings against a provider for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law in 2024. In addition, Bedshed and Thermomix paid infringement notices issued by the ACCC for allegedly making misleading claims about NDIS endorsements.

Support provider Mable Technologies provided a court-enforceable undertaking to the ACCC after admitting using unfair contract terms, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

“We have achieved positive outcomes to improve protections for NDIS participants and continue to investigate other potential misconduct,” Ms Lowe said.

“NDIS providers should be aware that we are closely monitoring and responding to how they advertise and supply their products and services to consumers,” Ms Lowe said.

The ACCC is also working closely with state and territory consumer protection agencies, sharing intelligence and coordinating work and jointly enforcing the Australian Consumer Law.

“We are also working closely with other taskforce agencies in ensuring information is referred to the responsible agency to act on at an early stage,” Ms Lowe said.

To assist in raising awareness, we will also be publishing a summary of the Report on our website with printable factsheets for both participants and providers.

If an NDIS participant thinks a business has made false or misleading statements about products or services, including whether they are funded by the NDIS, or if they consider their consumer rights have not been met, they can make a report to the ACCC.

Further information for NDIS participants and providers is available on the ACCC website.

Background

The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability. Since 2024, the ACCC has prioritised improved compliance with the Australian Consumer Law by businesses that supply NDIS-funded supports, known as providers.

The two main regulators responsible for delivering the NDIS are:

• The NDIA which sets participants with plans and funding, provides price guidance for supports, processes claims, and investigates alleged fraud within the scheme.
• The NDIS Commission which registers and regulates NDIS providers.  It also monitors providers’ compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct and practice standards, and receives and responds to concerns, complaints and reportable incidents about providers.

The Australian Consumer Law applies to all transactions between NDIS participants and providers. The ACCC and other Australian Consumer Law regulators can investigate NDIS related dealings where there is a potential breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

On 17 December 2023, the government established the Fair Pricing and Australian Consumer Law Taskforce consisting of the ACCC, the NDIA, and the NDIS Commission. The Taskforce was established to address harms affecting participants, including potentially paying higher prices for goods or services compared to non-NDIS consumers, and conduct by providers that may breach the Australian Consumer Law.
 

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
09 Feb 2026 14:50

Warning area
Pookawarowie road, Hardwicke Bay Road and Bagnells Well road approximately 7km South East of Hardwicke Bay near Warooka on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia.

Warning level
Advice – Stay Informed

Action
Monitor local conditions and stay informed if you are in this area. Decide what you will do if the situation changes.

At this time there is no threat to life or property and firefighters are attending this fire.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The escalating global outlook about fire seasons highlights the urgent need for unprecedented international collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing in bushfire management.

In October 2025, Natural Hazards Research Australia and Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada (WRCC) announced a landmark partnership to support bushfire research, resilience and knowledge sharing.

The agreement creates a formal pathway to share the knowledge of each country to address the growing risks of natural hazards and bushfires through science, collaboration and community engagement. Both countries will benefit from evidence-based tools and strategies that enhance all-hazards preparedness, response and recovery capability.

Natural Hazards Research Australia CEO Andrew Gissing and WRCC Executive Director Garnet Mierau attended the signing at Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia. 

“Advancing our knowledge around natural hazards risk of bushfire relies on local and global partnerships. Combined partnership efforts ensure we are doing the utmost to enhance public safety, resilience and sustainability locally and globally,” Andrew Gissing said.

“This historic collaboration supports cooperation across mutual areas of interest and global relevance in wildfire resilience, scientific research and capacity building in Australia and Canada,” Garnet Mierau said. 

Critical to both organisations is their focus on fostering greater collaboration between researchers, government agencies and the emergency management sector to ensure new knowledge supports decision-making. 

The collaboration will focus on aligned objectives to:

• strengthen community resilience to natural hazards
• promote evidence-based decision-making
• foster collaboration across government, academia, Indigenous communities and industry
• address the increasing frequency and severity of climate-driven disasters.

Future collaboration may include transnational bushfire resilience frameworks, best practices in Indigenous fire management and climate adaptation research and disaster simulation technologies.

Submitted by	Ainsley Burgess