Category: MIL-OSI

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: 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:

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
20 Feb 2026 11:39

Warning area
Dalkeith Road and Stebonheath Road in Kudla, 7kms south-west of Gawler.

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: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Applications are open to join the established Goornong Community Reference Group and get involved in shaping the Goornong Structure Plan over the next 20 years.

The City of Greater Bendigo is developing a Structure Plan for Goornong to set a long-term vision for the town.

The Community Reference Group members take part in meetings, share community perspectives, and collaborate with City officers to inform and shape the structure plan. The group was created in 2020.

The Structure Plan will detail a long-term vision to guide change in Goornong that respects the existing character and qualities of the town. It will identify growth opportunities and make recommendations that respond to its future needs such as facilities services and infrastructure to support a growing town.

Other reports will also inform the Goornong Structure Plan:

• Wastewater study: Goornong currently uses on-site septic systems to manage wastewater. The City is working with Coliban Water to investigate potential future wastewater options for the town
• A Goornong Flood Study is on track for completion later this year. This study will inform the Structure Plan
• The City is also undertaking a review of rural areas, which will have a relationship with the Goornong Structure Plan

Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said the structure plan project was moving to an important stage, with significant input from reference group members.

“As work begins on drafting the Structure Plan, the City is inviting more community members to join the reference group to help shape Goornong’s future,” Mr Petherbridge said.

“Expressions of interest are now open, and I encourage people who are interested in the future of Goornong to apply. There is capacity to expand the reference group to include six additional members.

“Most of the technical studies that inform the Goornong Structure Plan are progressing well and the project is moving to a critical next stage.

“The Reference Group is important because it brings the community, landowners, businesses and organisations together to develop an achievable plan which will guide Goornong over time.”

Applications close on Monday March 16, 2026.

To apply, visit:

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is calling on members of the Marong community to provide their thoughts on what allied health services they would like to see operating from the new Marrungi Wayaparra Community Hub.

City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager, Amy Holmes said the Marrungi Wayaparra Kindergarten was constructed with $5.5M in funding from the Victorian Government to help respond to unmet demand for three and four-year-old kindergarten places in the region by providing a 99-place kinder.

“Marrungi Wayaparra Kindergarten opened in January and has two consulting rooms that can be used by allied health professionals and the City would like to know what types of allied health services residents would like to see offered in Marong either on a weekly or monthly basis,” Ms Holmes said.

“Feedback we receive from the community will help us to understand what services would be most helpful for local families and based on what the community tells us, the City will invite the requested services to use the consulting rooms.

“While we will do our best to advocate for the services asked for, we cannot guarantee that every service will be available.

“Services could include things like Art/Creative Therapies, Audiology/Hearing, Dietetics/Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Maternal and Child Health, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology/Behaviour Therapy, Podiatry and Physical Intervention, Social Work/Welfare Support and Speech Pathology.”

The construction of the kindergarten building was the first stage of a two-stage project to establish the Marrungi Wayaparra Community Hub Marong.  Stage two of the project is not yet scheduled for delivery with timing subject to future funding.

Marrungi Wayaparra means meeting in Marong in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

Residents can provide their feedback by completing a short survey on the City’s Let’s Talk community engagement website by Monday March 9.

To provide feedback, visit:

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Greater Bendigo residents can lend a helping hand at eight local sites in White Hills, Kangaroo Flat, Huntly, Epsom, Axedale, Bendigo, California Gully and North Bendigo on the Clean Up Australia Day weekend, Saturday February 28 and Sunday March 1, 2026.

Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said Clean Up Australia Day is the nation’s largest community based environmental event and a simple way to contribute to our local community and environment.

“Clean Up Australia Day has been part of the Greater Bendigo story for a long time, and what I love most is how it brings people together,” Cr Prince said.

“It’s not just about picking up rubbish, it’s a chance for us to care for the places we love, connect with our neighbours, and take pride in our natural surroundings.

“It’s really easy to get involved. Just head along to one of the eight local sites, wear some comfy clothes, bring gloves, a hat and a drink bottle, and check in with the site coordinator when you arrive.

“There’ll be some gloves and bags available at each site on the day, but if you can bring your own for collecting rubbish, even better, it all helps. It’s a simple way to make a real difference, and it’s always a great morning out with the community.”

Children 15 years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

CASSINI

Issued on
17 Feb 2026 17:00

Cassini grass fire

The CFS is responding to a grass and scrub fire adjacent Bark Hut road at Cassini, on Kangaroo Island.

CFS volunteers on 5 trucks are currently working on the fireground and have halted the forward rate of spread, supported by farm fire units and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. There is currently no risk to the community.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away.

Smoke is impacting roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary

Message ID 0009306

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
17 Feb 2026 01:50

Issued for
Grass fire burning south towards Walker Street, Kingrose Street, Davies Street, Todd Street and Venables Road, Macclesfield in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Warning level
Advice – Stay Informed

Action
CFS is responding to a fire burning in a paddock on the northern outskirts of Macclesfield.

If you are in this area, stay informed and monitor local conditions. More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Work has commenced on Stage Two of a major redevelopment of the Golden Square Recreation Reserve pavilion following the completion of Stage One in December last year.

This $2.3M project is funded by $500k from the Australian Government’s Investing in Our Communities grant program, $1.6M from the City of Greater Bendigo, and $180k from user groups including Golden Square Senior and Junior Football/Netball Clubs and the Golden Square Cricket Club.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the project is an investment in the future of the Golden Square Recreation Reserve.

“It’s an important project that includes a complete redevelopment of the existing pavilion to meet with current building and accessibility standards,” Cr Prince said.

“Works include new female friendly change rooms, new and improved kiosk and umpire change rooms, improved spectator viewing areas and minor landscaping works.”

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the project will result in a facility that provides access to modern facilities which have been constructed to comply with Senior Sporting Association Guidelines set out by the AFL, Cricket Victoria and Netball Victoria as well as Female Friendly Sports Infrastructure Guidelines.

“It’s exciting see the works start on stage 2 of the Golden Square Recreation Reserve Pavilion Upgrades. We’re one step closer to Golden Square FNC and Golden Square Cricket Clubs female players having change room facilities that they need to be able to fully participate in playing the sport they love,” Ms Chesters said.

“The Federal Labor Government is investing $500,000 in this vital project, honouring a 2022 Federal Election commitment I made to these clubs. In partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo, Federal Labor and I are delivering community infrastructure like the Golden Square Recreation Reserve project.”

Stage Two is expected to be completed by the end of May 2026.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

MOUNT BARKER

Issued on
14 Feb 2026 02:50

Vehicle and hay bale fire near Mt Barker

The CFS is responding to a vehicle and hay bale fire on Hawthorne Road, near Mount Barker in the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia.

CFS firefighters on six trucks, supported by two Metropolitan Fire Service crews, SA Ambulance Service and SA Police have responded to a vehicle accident where a car had crashed into hay bales igniting both.

The fire quickly spread into the row of round bales, burning eleven bales before crews were able to save the remaining bales and contain the fire.

The driver was able to exit the vehicle.

Roads are currently open around this incident however emergency services will remain in the area working to extinguish the burning hay bales and ensure the area remains safe.

People travelling along Hawthorne Road, between Liebelt Summer Track and Ironstone Road, approximately 3km from Mount Barker are cautioned to be aware of emergency vehicles and slow to 25 km/h when approaching vehicles with red-and-blue flashing lights.

Message ID 0009283