Category: MIL-OSI

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo has released a draft Disposal and Acquisition of Property Policy for community comment on its Let’s Talk community engagement website.

The Disposal and Acquisition of Property Policy will partly replace the Assets and Surplus Land Disposal Policy 2017 with a separate Asset Disposal Policy to be developed and presented to Council in the future.

City of Greater Bendigo Director Presentation and Assets, Brian Westley said the aim of the draft policy is to provide a framework to guide the City in its future decision making relating to the disposal and acquisition of properties.

“The City of Greater Bendigo owns and manages an extensive property portfolio and regularly reviews its existing property holdings,” Mr Westley said.

“Properties owned by the City are valuable public assets and it is essential that they are used to maximise the social, environmental, and economic benefits to the Greater Bendigo community.

“When making decisions about buying or disposing of property, the City must consider the wider needs of the community, and the draft policy provides a clear framework to guide those decisions.

“While the requirements and processes on how the City sells and acquires land are already controlled by a variety of legislation, including the Local Government Act 2020, the Subdivision Act 1988 and the City’s Financial Plan 2025–2035 and Asset Plan 2025–2035 the policy will help make all of these requirements clear in one central document.

“The draft policy is important because it will provide a consistent, equitable and transparent process in relation to the sale and acquisition of properties while aligning with best practice guidelines and complying with legislative requirements.

“It will also guide the strategic management of the City’s property portfolio for the long-term best interests of the community and help the City to achieve best value, both financial and non-financial, in all its property dealings.”

The City owns about 1,500 buildings, structures and aquatic facilities worth $790 million. These are part of a total asset portfolio of $3.6 billion.

Members of the community can provide feedback on the draft policy on the City’s Let’s Talk website until Monday May 18, 2026.

For more information, or to provide feedback, visit:

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Three offenders have been arrested following a violent incident in the Ngukurr community earlier this month.

On Saturday 11 April, police will allege a 25-year-old male was assaulted during an altercation involving weapons.

It is alleged a 15-year-old male threw two edged weapons at the victim which narrowly missed, before a 20-year-old male launched projectiles at him via a slingshot, one of which caused a laceration to his head.

After falling to the ground, the victim was allegedly hit in the head with a blunt weapon by a 16-year-old male.

The victim was treated at the local clinic and after his condition worsened on 14 April he was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries to his head.

On Thursday 16 April, investigators from the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) attended Ngukurr community and arrested the three males.

All three have since been charged with:

• 1x Intend Serious Harm, Cause Any Harm
• 1x Recklessly Endanger Life – Aggravated
• 1x Unlawfully Cause Serious Harm
• 1x Going Armed in Public

They currently remain in police custody are expected to appear in court on the following dates:

• 1 May (15-year-old male)
• 8 May (16-year-old male)
• 18 June (20-year-old male)

Police believe this incident is part of a long-standing conflict between family groups. 

Police are continuing to work closely with Traditional Owners and key community stakeholders to strengthen engagement efforts and help reduce tensions within the community.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Updated 3 February 2026

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has been granted leave by the Federal Court to intervene in the Epic Games, Inc v Apple Inc proceedings, in relation to the relief to be ordered by the Court.

The relief hearing, which will shortly resume, relates to the Federal Court’s finding last year that Apple misused its market power, in breach of Australia’s competition laws, by restricting the use of alternative app distribution and in-app payment methods on Apple devices.

The ACCC sought the Federal Court’s leave to intervene in the proceedings in order to make written submissions limited to specific relief issues of public interest.

“The ACCC hopes to assist the Court by putting submissions that recognise the public interest in the promotion of competitive digital services markets and the broad public interest nature of the remedial orders that the Court may make,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said.

“This is a significant competition law matter, and the orders made in these proceedings could have wide-ranging implications for the distribution of mobile apps and in-app payments in Australia.”

The ACCC has been closely monitoring these private proceedings since they commenced in November 2020 and has had some limited, prior involvement. The relief hearing resumes on 28 April 2026.

Background

Epic Games is a multi-billion dollar video game and software company that created and operates the popular video game Fortnite. In August 2020, Fortnite was removed from Apple and Google’s respective app stores for introducing its own payment system which bypassed Apple and Google’s approximately 30 per cent commission fees on in-app purchases. Epic commenced court proceedings in relation to this conduct.

In August 2025, the Federal Court found Apple and Google had misused their respective market power, in breach of Australia’s competition laws, by restricting the use of alternative app distribution methods and in-app payment methods on Apple and Android mobile devices respectively.

In March 2026, the Court ordered by consent that Epic’s proceeding against Google be dismissed. Epic and Google have entered into a settlement agreement which applies globally, including in Australia.

Under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, private parties can bring court cases irrespective of ACCC action.

The ACCC typically only considers seeking leave to intervene in private proceedings in certain limited circumstances, one of which is in cases involving issues of significant public interest. In doing so, it will generally seek to provide the Court with a broader perspective than that of private litigants. Leave is granted at the Court’s discretion.  

In 2021, the ACCC was granted leave to appear as amicus curiae (a “friend of the Court”) in Epic Games’ appeal of the Federal Court’s decision to grant Apple a temporary stay of proceedings. The ACCC supported the principle that important Australian competition law cases should be heard and determined in Australian courts.

The ACCC conducted the wide-ranging Digital Platform Services Inquiry from 2020 to 2025.

Throughout the course of the inquiry, the ACCC observed conduct by the most powerful digital platforms that is distorting the competitive process. This conduct includes denying interoperability, self-preferencing and tying, exclusivity agreements, impeding switching, and withholding access to important hardware, software, and data inputs.

The ACCC recommended that targeted regulation of digital platform services is needed to increase competition, innovation and productivity, and to protect consumers in digital markets.

The Government has committed to introduce a new digital competition regime, and the ACCC continues to work with the Treasury on its development.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to support two events designed to help local businesses, including a free in-person marketing session to boost customer engagement.

Maximising Your Marketing is a free event being held on Thursday April 30 at Galkangu Bendigo GovHub from 4pm to 6pm and is being delivered by Business Victoria.

Economy & Experience Manager James Myatt said businesses would find the in-person session invaluable.

“The City’s latest business survey results revealed that more businesses were seeking to further strengthen their marketing capabilities,” Mr Myatt said.

“The two-hour free session is designed to help business owners and managers build the essentials for an effective marketing plan.

“Participants will discover how to improve their marketing, boost customer engagement and reach their business goals.”

During the session, participants will learn to:

• Understand the role of marketing in business success
• Conduct market research to gain target audience insights
• Identify opportunities to attract and engage ideal customers
• Maximise customer satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy
• Use social media to extend marketing reach

To register your spot, visit Business Victoria: Maximising Your Marketing.

From 10am to 4pm on Wednesday April 29, the Victorian Government’s Small Business Bus will be in Hargreaves Mall, offering free advice and support for local small businesses in Greater Bendigo.

Expert business advisers from Monarch Institute are offering free 45-minute one-to-one sessions to help people start, build, or transform their small business*.

“The business adviser can help you to identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals. Bookings are essential,” Mr Myatt said.

Walk-ins are also welcome for the Bus Concierge service which provides general information about support available from Business Victoria including online webinars, grants, and programs.

For more information and to book, please visit Business Victoria: Workshops and Small Business Bus.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

COULTA

Issued on
21 Apr 2026 13:43

Coulta Fire

The CFS is responding to scrub fire near Coulta burning towards Marble Range, 60km North West of Port Lincoln, South Australia.

CFS volunteers on 6 trucks, supported by Farm Fire Units and aircraft, including firebombers and observational aircraft, are on scene working to extinguish the fire which is currently burning in scrub.

Additional support is heading to the fire, anyone in the area is encouraged to stay alert.

Smoke can be seen from surrounding areas and will be visible from the highway. Roads are currently open around this incident however this may change at short notice. Continue to monitor road closures at: traffic.sa.gov.au.

Message ID 0009387

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to two aggravated burglaries in Lajamanu overnight.

Around 9:30pm last night, police received a report that a masked youth entered a residence and stole a set of keys and a phone.

Three youths allegedly fled the scene on foot.

A short time later at 12:40am, police received a report that up to six offenders were attempting to enter another residence.

The offenders were allegedly kicking the doors and were armed with blunt objects. The offenders demanded the vehicle keys and stole the vehicle after the keys were handed over by the victim, who feared for their safety.

The vehicle was later recovered and a 14-year-old male has been taken into custody.

Investigations remain ongoing to identify further offenders.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 and quote reference number P26115546. You can also report anonymously via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon is pleased to announce the region’s new dedicated tourism industry conference, bringing tourism operators, businesses, and destination thinkers together for a full day of practical learning and industry insight.

Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon (DGBL), the region’s newly established Visitor Economy Partnership (VEP), will host the inaugural Greater Together Tourism Conference, to be held on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at Larnangurrak, Dja Dja Wurrung’s Corporate and Community Centre in Bendigo. 

Greater Together creates a dedicated space for anyone invested in the future growth and success of tourism across the region to come together, chart a way forward, and access practical tools, fresh ideas, and meaningful collaboration when it matters most. 

“This conference is a fantastic opportunity for the tourism industry to come together,” Tom Smith, Chair of Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon said. 

“As a new VEP, supporting our operators and businesses is at the heart of what we do. Greater Together brings key tourism leaders to our region, and the calibre of these speakers, the conversations that will happen in that room, and the connections operators will walk away with make this event a ‘must attend’ for our regional industry.”

Keynote Speaker and Business Futurist Morris Misel will unpack the complexities of what lies ahead, exploring the current challenges facing the industry while offering clear, practical insight into navigating what’s next. Building on this, the program features interactive sessions on small business strategy and packaging that actively engage participants and share tools they can apply immediately, alongside a session examining how businesses can adapt to an increasingly AI driven visitor search environment, and much more.

Early bird tickets are available until 22 April for $55, with DGBL Members entitled to discounted and complimentary tickets depending on membership level. Tickets are available via Humanitix at Greater Together Tourism Conference.

Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced the first two projects under its Battery Breakthrough Initiative with over $4 million in funding to support innovative Australian projects aiming to deliver next generation battery technologies, spanning pack assembly and advanced battery materials.

By backing innovative battery technologies, these projects will help build a competitive, resilient and sustainable battery manufacturing industry in Australia.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the projects demonstrate how Australian innovation can strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain.

“These projects support Australian companies to progress next-generation battery materials production and advanced manufacturing of battery packs.

“By supporting innovative battery technologies, ARENA is helping reduce costs, cut emissions and build sovereign capability to support Australia’s clean energy transition.”

Supported projects

PowerPlus Energy

$2.23 million to PowerPlus Energy to help expand and automate parts of its battery pack assembly line at its facility in Victoria. The funding will allow PowerPlus Energy to increase annual production from 50 MWh to 150 MWh and expand into new market opportunities.

Firebird Metals

$2 million to support Firebird Metals in developing Australia’s first demonstration-scale facility in Perth that processes manganese concentrate into cathode materials for batteries. The funding will allow Firebird to leverage Australia’s manganese resources to supply growing global demand for manganese-rich batteries, whilst enhancing domestic processing capacity and supply chain resilience.

About the Battery Breakthrough Initiative

The Battery Breakthrough Initiative (BBI) is a $500 million funding program delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The Program is a key part of the National Battery Strategy and its design has been settled in consultation with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR).

The Battery Breakthrough Initiative aims to support and grow battery manufacturing in Australia, provide clean energy opportunities for Australia’s workforce and allow Australia to leverage its expertise in energy storage.

BBI is an open, merit-based program which will remain open until funds are exhausted or otherwise terminated or extended by ARENA.

ARENA Media

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

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