Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Tasmania Police

Former school worker to face child sex abuse charge

Tuesday, 16 December 2025 – 3:56 pm.

Detectives from Northern Family and Sex Crimes Division have charged a former staff member at a Tasmanian school with child sex offences.
The 70-year-old man was arrested this morning and charged with persistent sexual abuse of a child or young person.
The charge relates to crimes allegedly committed in Tasmania between 2018 and 2020.
The man is expected to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on February 18, 2026.
If you suspect child abuse, report it on 131 444 or if the child is in immediate danger, call 000.
You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
Support for victim survivors, if required, is available through Arch https://arch.tas.gov.au/ or via https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Today, we have declared Sunday’s Bondi attack a terrorist incident for the purposes of the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003, based on advice from relevant agencies and following consultation with the Minister for Home Affairs.

This will ensure businesses can lodge insurance claims related to the Bondi terrorist attack.

No business affected by this despicable act should have a legitimate claim denied due to terrorism exclusions in their insurance policies.

This declaration overrules any terrorism exclusion clauses in affected businesses’ insurance policies and means providers can’t refuse claims on the grounds that losses arise from an act of terrorism. Relevant claims include:

• Commercial property damage,
• Business continuity losses,
• Public liability.

In the first instance, anyone seeking to make a claim should contact their insurer.

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Albanese Government is backing the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry with the first of three significant grants under the $10 million Reef Educational Experience Fund (REEF) announced today.

This funding is the first stage of delivering on the commitment that we made at the 2025 election to invest in bringing more tourists to the Great Barrier Reef, supporting jobs and businesses in Tropical North Queensland.

The $3 million grant will enable Tourism Tropical North Queensland to conduct an international education campaign promoting the Reef in key overseas markets.

The campaign will amplify the important message that visiting the Great Barrier Reef is not only a breathtaking experience, but a vital way to help protect it.

Other funding to be delivered under the REEF over the next three years includes:

• $6 million for a “Kids for the Reef” rebate program for schools across Australia to subsidise excursions to the Great Barrier Reef – making it easier for students to experience the Reef first-hand and understand its ecological significance.
• $1 million in support for local Reef tourism operators, covering up to 50 per cent of the cost of necessary upgrades, checks or clearances to accommodate school groups.

The $10m Reef Educational Experience Fund is part of $18.5m in targeted funding by the Albanese government to support tourism in both Far North Queensland and Central Australia.  

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“This program will help protect and promote the Great Barrier Reef as one of Australia’s greatest natural assets.

“Seeing the Reef up close is an unforgettable experience for Australians, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.

“By educating international visitors on the importance of sustainable tourism we can preserve this natural wonder and the thousands of jobs it supports.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Tourism Nita Green

“The Great Barrier Reef is an important environmental and economic asset for Australia, contributing over $9 billion to the economy annually and supporting 77 thousand jobs.

“While the Reef faces new challenges, it’s important that we protect both the delicate ecosystem and the communities who rely on it.

“That’s why we’re working with industry, like TTNQ, to deliver support for sustainable tourism that will safeguard the Reef for future generations.”

Quotes attributable to Matt Smith MP, Member for Leichhardt

“The Great Barrier Reef is more than a global icon for Far North Queenslanders – it’s part of our identity.

“When we protect the Reef, we protect jobs in the local community.

“This targeted funding is an investment in the future of Far North Queensland.

Source: Tasmania Police

Get on board with safe boating this summer

Tuesday, 16 December 2025 – 2:03 pm.

As the summer season kicks off across Tasmania, police are urging boaties and their passengers to get on board with staying safe.Inspector Nikala Parsons said with waterways becoming busier, now’s the time to ensure you’re well-prepared and ready for a safe season.“As always, our marine officers will be patrolling Tasmanian waters, conducting compliance checks and enforcement across popular boating locations,” she said.“Boating is part of our Tasmanian lifestyle, but it must be done with care.”“Take the time now to check your boat and your gear, wear a proper lifejacket, make sure your passengers do too, and stay alert and sober.”“Tassie waterways often see a surge in incidents during the Christmas/New Year period, and we know national data shows a spike in drownings and watercraft accidents over the festive season.”“Nationally, not wearing a compliant life jacket remains one of the top reasons for on-water fatalities.”Before you head out this summer, get on board with safe boating:• Plan before you launcho Check the weather forecast and tides.o Ensure your vessel is seaworthy and not overloaded.o Carry all required safety equipment (anchor, flares, EPIRB, VHF radio, first aid kit).o If boating solo, tell someone your plan and when you expect to be back• Wear a life jacketo Mandatory for all on board; check it’s AS4758 compliant and in good condition.o Inflatable life jackets must be serviced regularly.• Stay alert and sobero Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Stay under 0.05.o Keep a proper lookout and maintain safe speed.• Be ready to act in an emergencyo Know how to use your VHF radio and EPIRB.o In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or raise the alarm, without putting yourself at risk.• Be safe when swimming or divingo Never swim or dive alone; always dive with a buddy.• Swim between the red and yellow flags.• Supervise children closely and avoid swimming at night or in unpatrolled areas.
For more information on safe boating and equipment requirements, visit www.mast.tas.gov.au.To learn more about beach safety, visit https://beachsafe.org.au/ 

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Held every November, the Pearcedale Fire Brigade Community Golf Day has become a much-loved tradition that brings the community together in support of a vital cause.

Founded 21 years ago by Alistair Errey and Michael Mitchell, the event has grown into one of the brigade’s most successful fundraisers, generating close to $200,000 to help support local firefighting efforts over the years.

Money raised goes towards equipment maintenance and updates and assists the brigade in responding to emergency incidents and serving the community.

Al and Mitch have spent countless hours coordinating the event and engaged the support of numerous other brigade members to ensure the day runs smoothly each year. 

Collectively, they have nearly 50 years’ experience with Pearcedale CFA, holding various roles from firefighter to captain. They have been the driving force behind the success of the event, encouraging long-term community support of the competition. 

The first Annual Golf Day was held at Devil Bend Golf Course in 2003 with 36 players competing. Subsequent golf days have been held at Lang Lang Golf Course and in most years the event attracts about 100 players. Unfortunately, COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the event twice, but player numbers have begun to build up again since then. 

Until recently, the Pearcedale Fire Brigade, supported by the Pearcedale Support Group, managed all catering for the event, providing a cooked breakfast and roast lunch. Catering is now handled by Lang Lang Golf Club, easing the workload for the brigade, though some members miss the camaraderie that came with organising it. Previously, more than 20 brigade members were involved in catering duties on the day.

The early days involved many long hours of sending letters to sponsors and players. Thankfully, this is now achieved by electronic means thanks to a couple of tech savvy members.  

Players at the event compete in a standard 18-hole course, as well as mini competitions including closest to the pins, straightest drives, best dressed team, a putting competition and a Mulligan hole which provides added excitement.  

Traditionally, the event was run under the Stableford format but was changed in 2025 to be Four Ball Best Ball (Ambrose Format). This change has made it more of a team event and we have had very positive feedback about the change in format.  

Although it is difficult to predict the weather on the day, the variable weather has not stopped the players from having a great time, even when it’s been raining.  

The event is strongly supported by four major sponsors – Bendigo Bank, Coolibah Herbs, MediaBank and Stirling Real Estate – along with local businesses sponsoring each of the 18 holes. Brigade members are encouraged to seek additional hole sponsors through their workplaces and networks, while many small and large businesses generously donate prizes and auction items for the day.

Pearcedale Fire Brigade is very grateful to all its sponsors who have supported its fundraising efforts.  

Captain Kevin (Sully) Sullivan has also been a great supporter of the event and stresses that although primarily the event is a fundraiser, the engagement between the brigade and community is by far the most positive outcome of the day.

The next Pearcedale Fire Brigade Annual Golf Day will be held at Lang Lang Golf Course on Sunday 22 November 2026.

We invite readers to join in and have fun on this, and future golf days.

Submitted by	Pearcedale Fire Brigade

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

At their recent annual celebration, Bulart Fire Brigade recently took the opportunity to recognise the extended service of three of their members who have contributed a combined service total of 190 years.

The event was held at the fire station on Sunday 7 December, in conjunction with the local Catchment Management Authority Group.

CFA District 5 Commander David Ferguson presented the Service Awards, firstly acknowledging Brian Cordy who was unable to attend on the night.

“Brian’s sixty years of service was noted in his absence by thoughts of his steady and reliable service, and willingness when called upon,” David said.

Ray Brook followed, an also performed another important role on the night in a red suit for the assembled children, who greatly enjoyed his visit. 

“Ray joined Bulart in 1961 (October 30) and has provided continual, consistent and steady service, only stepping back to brigade member in August last year,” David said.

This year also marked 70 years of CFA service for Graeme Haeusler, joining in 1955 (14 October).

“Graeme like many people was born into a CFA family, with his father serving as Bulart Captain for over 35 years. He said he didn’t join as such, his dad signed him up,” David said.

“Graeme served as Captain himself for a period of six years and has held several officer roles. 

“He is particularly respected for his local knowledge, having worked with Dundas Shire doing bridge maintenance in the district for many years. 

“He has previously been awarded with service medals, the National Medal with multiple clasps and the CFA Outstanding Service Medal in 2009, a rare award.

“He still attends Brigade meetings, and he, Brian and Ray all continue to contribute to the strength of the Brigade.”

Graeme spoke of the enjoyment of his CFA service, and that while he had probably passed his best before date, he hadn’t got to his use-by date and was happy to keep helping. 

Brigade Captain Sam Haeusler thanked the three men for their service and remarked on the brigade’s busy year, having responded to over 20 fires.

Like many brigades, members were deployed to the Grampians fires and supported the district’s efforts in establishing strategic fire breaks in advance of the fires through burning roadsides and around properties.

Overall, the event was well attended, and with many children present and good leadership in place, the brigade looks to have its future assured.

Submitted by	David Ferguson

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have now charged a 27-year-old male in relation to the suspicious death of his female partner that occurred in Borroloola on Saturday 6 December 2025.

He has been charged with murder and remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 19 December 2025.

Police continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number P25329866. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

The Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA) today announced the retirement of long-serving Board Director Johnpaul Dimech and the appointment of Keith Weston, Managing Director of Sodexo Australia, as Sodexo’s new representative on the AREEA Board.

Mr Dimech – who is Sodexo’s Zone President Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Brazil and Latin America – steps down after 15 years of distinguished service, having served as an AREEA Board member from 2010 to 2025.

Throughout his tenure, Mr Dimech has been a strong advocate for employment outcomes and opportunities in the resources services sector, bringing deep operational, commercial and global leadership experience to the national employer group.

Mr Dimech was also a key supporter of several important workforce initiatives launched by AREEA during his time on the Board, including the Australian Women in Resources Alliance (2011), the Bright Future STEM Primary School Program (2018), and a range of mental health and wellbeing initiatives, an area of long-standing personal commitment for Mr Dimech.

AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott AM paid tribute to Mr Dimech’s outstanding contribution to the organisation and its members.

“Johnpaul’s service to AREEA over the past 15 years has been exceptional,” Mr Knott said.

“He joined the Board at a time of significant change in workplace relations and went on to provide leadership and guidance across five terms of Australian Parliament, helping steer AREEA’s advocacy through successive waves of industrial relations reform, skills shortages and workforce challenges.

“Johnpaul has been a tireless and thoughtful voice for the resources services sector, ensuring the perspectives of contractors and service providers were front and centre in AREEA’s policy positions and engagement with government.

“On behalf of the Board, members and management, I sincerely thank Johnpaul for his commitment, judgement and contribution to AREEA’s work over a decade and a half.”

Mr Knott said the Board was pleased to welcome Keith Weston as Sodexo’s new representative.

“Keith is an accomplished leader with more than 30 years’ experience across remote sites, offshore and on-site operations, and global sales and business development,” he said.

“As Managing Director of Sodexo Australia, Keith brings deep expertise in the delivery of essential services to the resources and energy sector, along with a strong focus on safety, workforce capability and organisational culture.

“Like Johnpaul, Keith also has a deep personal commitment to psychological safety and psychosocial hazard risk reduction in the workplace.

“His experience leading complex operations and major growth initiatives will be a valuable addition to the AREEA Board as we continue to advocate for practical, balanced workplace relations settings and a sustainable workforce for our industry.”

About AREEA’s Board

AREEA is the largest and most diverse national employer group for the Australian resources and energy industry.

Its members include employers in hard rock and critical minerals mining, oil and gas, coal, smelting, refining, transport, logistics, engineering and all other supply and servicing sectors.

As of 16 December 2025, the AREEA Board comprises:

• Julie Fallon (AREEA President), Executive Vice President Technical and Energy Development, Woodside Energy Limited
• Tom Quinn (AREEA Vice President), Non-Executive Director, pitt&sherry and Vast
• Jo Taylor (AREEA Vice President), Managing Director, Compass Group Australia
• André Labuschagne, Executive Chairman, Aeris Resources
• Mark Norwell, Managing Director & CEO, Perenti
• Bill Townsend, Senior Vice President Corporate, INPEX
• Keith Weston, Managing Director, Sodexo Australia
• Simon Younger, Chair, ExxonMobil Australia

Full profiles on the AREEA Board of Directors can be found at: https://www.areea.com.au/who-we-are/areea-people/

Image: Johnpaul Dimech

Image: Keith Weston

High resolution images are available on request.

Click here for a full PDF of the media release, including contact details.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has commenced separate proceedings in the Federal Court against home meal delivery providers Grocery Delivery E-Services Australia Pty Ltd (trading as HelloFresh) and Youfoodz Pty Ltd for allegedly misleading consumers over subscriptions.

The ACCC alleges that HelloFresh and Youfoodz, which are both owned by HelloFresh SE, breached the Australian Consumer Law by advertising on their websites and apps that new customers could easily cancel subscriptions through their online account settings as long as they did so before a specified cut-off time. In fact, when many consumers tried to cancel their subscription online prior to the first delivery cut-off time, they were still charged for and received the first order.

Despite being able to sign up easily through the websites and apps, consumers were only able to cancel the first delivery if they spoke with a customer service representative.

HelloFresh allegedly carried out this conduct between 1 January 2023 and 14 March 2025, and Youfoodz between 1 October 2022 and 22 November 2024. During these periods, 62,061 HelloFresh customers and 39,408 Youfoodz customers were charged a fee despite cancelling their subscription online before the specified cut-off time for the first order.

“We’ve brought these two cases because we allege that HelloFresh’s and Youfoodz’s conduct involved a suite of confusing and unclear subscription practices in breach Australia’s consumer laws,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said. 

“Despite what HelloFresh and Youfoodz represented to new Australian subscribers, tens of thousands of consumers were charged for their first order, even though they cancelled their subscription online before the cut-off date.”

The ACCC also alleges that HelloFresh required consumers to provide payment details to view and select meals from the full menu but represented to them in the sign-up process that they would not be charged unless they selected meals from the menu. In fact, when consumers clicked the button to progress to the meal selection screens, they were entered into an ongoing subscription and charged for the first delivery.

Many HelloFresh consumers were not even aware that they had been signed up to an ongoing subscription until they received a delivery or payment notification.

The ACCC also alleges that Youfoodz communicated to consumers who had taken steps to cancel their subscription in their online account settings that the first delivery was cancelled and they would not be charged, when in fact the first delivery could not be cancelled this way and they were still charged.

“In the case of HelloFresh, many consumers had not even selected meals but were unknowingly subscribed and charged regardless,” Mr Woodward said.

“Traders must clearly communicate when consumers are signing up for a subscription, as well as how they are able to cancel and avoid being charged.”

“Businesses using confusing and complicated subscription cancellation policies is a matter of significant public concern and, where there is evidence of breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and consumer harm, the ACCC will take enforcement action when appropriate,” Mr Woodward said.

“We are also urging consumers who are purchasing gifts this festive season to carefully review the contract terms before paying for any subscriptions.”

Consumer and fair trading issues in the digital economy and in the supermarket and retail sectors are among the ACCC’s current 2025-26 Enforcement Priorities.

The ACCC is seeking compensation orders for affected consumers, penalties, declarations, publication orders, the implementation of a compliance program and costs.

Individual consumer experiences

In one example, a consumer accessed the HelloFresh website on their phone and entered their payment details to view the menu, but after viewing it, decided not to proceed with a subscription. They did not realise that by saving their payment details, they were already subscribed. They later received a notification via PayPal that they had been charged and found it difficult to contact HelloFresh regarding the payment at a time when they were experiencing financial distress.

In another case, a consumer signed up for a Youfoodz subscription, which they cancelled online within minutes of viewing the menu. They later received a text stating their delivery would arrive the following day and they had been charged. They called Youfoodz multiple times to request a refund and were eventually offered a 50 per cent refund.

Background

HelloFresh and Youfoodz are both owned by the German-based parent company HelloFresh SE. HelloFresh offers weekly meal kits, whereas Youfoodz offers weekly ready-made meals.  

Consumers can sign up for HelloFresh’s or Youfoodz’s services through their websites or their smartphone applications.

The ACCC commenced its investigation into HelloFresh and Youfoodz in October 2024 after receiving a large number of consumer complaints.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Revellers will welcome in 2026 with two spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks displays at 9.15pm and midnight at ground level from the Poppet Head in Rosalind Park courtesy of the City of Greater Bendigo’s annual Summer in the Parks program.  

Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said it’s a tradition to welcome in the new year with fireworks and Bendigo’s annual New Year’s Eve firework displays are enjoyed by many hundreds of people.

“The City is again pleased to present both firework displays and I encourage residents to gather at the QEO which is the best viewing spot to watch the fireworks and welcome in 2026,” Cr Prince said.

“While we all love fireworks, the noise they make can often frighten animals, so if you have pets please ensure they are safe and securely confined on New Year’s Eve.

“The community are also reminded that the QEO car park will be closed from 6am Wednesday December 31, until 6am Thursday January 1, to provide a safe zone around the set up for the fireworks.

“There’s plenty more outdoor fun coming in January, February and March with the Summer in the Parks program presenting a wide range of live music events and classic family movie nights, outdoor kids’ activities and come and try activities.

“It’s a great opportunity to enjoy free entertainment and activities in our beautiful parks and in the city centre, support our local businesses where you can and dine out or picnic with family and friends.”

To keep updated on the Summer in the Parks program of events, activities, times, and dates, please visit: