The NT Police Force congratulates recipients of the 2025 Administrator’s Medals of the Year Awards

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force proudly congratulates the recipients of the 2025 Administrator’s Medals, formally presented at Government House yesterday evening in recognition of outstanding dedication, professionalism, leadership and service across the Territory.

This year’s awardees represent the very best of who we are, reflecting the values and commitment that underpin the work of the Northern Territory Police Force each day.

Commissioner of police, Martin Dole APM commended the recipients, acknowledging their exceptional service and deep contribution to the people and communities of the Northern Territory.

“These members exemplify what it means to serve with integrity, respect and professionalism,” the Commissioner said.

“Each recipient has gone above and beyond in their commitment to their community, their colleagues, and the values of our organisation. Their dedication; whether through frontline policing, youth engagement, cultural leadership, crisis response or community support embodies the spirit of service that strengthens the Northern Territory Police Force.

We are incredibly proud of their achievements, and I congratulate each of them on this well-deserved recognition.”

The NT Police Force extends its congratulations to the NT Police Force recipients:

Administrator’s Medal for Police Officer of the Year

Senior Constable Csaba Boja – Nhulunbuy Police Station

Senior Constable Boja has served communities across the NT for more than 21 years, bringing unmatched compassion, cultural respect and professionalism to every role. His dedication—whether through complex investigations, responding to community crises or simply being the member who always steps up—is deeply valued by his colleagues and the Yolngu community he works alongside. His service is rooted in kindness, patience and genuine connection.

Administrator’s Medal for Police Auxiliary of the Year

Senior Police Auxiliary Heidi-Marie Lehmann – School-Based Police

Recognised through thirteen nominations, Senior Auxiliary Lehmann has made a remarkable difference in the lives of young Territorians at schools. Her care, presence and leadership within the school community have earned the trust of students, families and staff. Her professionalism, support, and commitment to guiding young people are exemplary.

Administrator’s Medal for Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) of the Year

Senior ACPO Brian Stanislaus – Casuarina Police Station

With nearly 20 years of service, Senior ACPO Stanislaus has demonstrated unmatched integrity, work ethic and compassion. His community leadership, extensive youth engagement, crisis response, mentoring and personal resilience make him an outstanding member of the organisation. His contribution to sport and youth development continues to influence young people across the NT.

Administrator’s Medal for Aboriginal Liaison Officer (ALO) of the Year

ALO Zelda Dhamarrandji – Galiwinku Police Station

ALO Dhamarrandji is a respected cultural leader whose guidance strengthens the relationship between NT Police and the Galiwinku community. Her advocacy, gentle leadership and deep understanding of community needs are invaluable. Her influence—particularly in women’s safety, youth empowerment and cultural connection—has had a profound positive impact across the community.

The Northern Territory Police Force once again congratulates the 2025 Administrator’s Awards recipients and acknowledges the significant contribution each has made to the Northern Territory community.

Christmas Lights Spark Safety Warning

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

As Victorians once again unbox their Christmas tree and untangle decorations, fire authorities are encouraging everyone to take steps to avoid Santa’s naughty list and stay safe this festive season.

Fire Rescue Victoria and CFA are urging Victorians to celebrate this festive season safely by checking Christmas lights before switching them on.

Damaged or faulty lights, combined with tinsel and plastic decorations can significantly increase the risk of fire in the home.

Last December, firefighters were called to a house fire in Glen Waverley after Christmas decorations sparked a blaze that destroyed a family of four’s home.

Father, George, was home with his two children when his smoke alarm went off alerting him to his Christmas tree on fire.

George tried to put the fire out himself but the blaze spread too quickly, leaving him only moments to flee with his daughters.

Incident Controller FRV Commander Julian Bisbal said it’s a stark reminder to check lights are in good working order before decorating trees and homes.

“Inspect lights for missing bulbs and frayed cords, and make sure you turn lights off when not in the room,” he said.

“It’s also an important reminder to never delay calling Triple Zero (000). When it comes to fire, minutes matter. The sooner you call Triple Zero (000), the sooner firefighters can help.”

The past financial year, FRV and CFA responded to numerous fires caused by Christmas decorations.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it’s also important to not overload powerboards and to avoid using double adapters.

“Taking a few minutes to ensure everything is safe could save your home and those you love,” he said.

“Christmas should be a time for celebration and doing things like untangling cords, not running them under mats or rugs, and turning lights off before you go to sleep can ensure it stays a happy time and not a catastrophic one.”

See FRV and CFA’s safety list, and remember to check it twice:

  • Check Christmas lights meet Australian Safety Standards.
  • Inspect Christmas lights for damage and signs of wear and tear.
  • Don’t use light sets with exposed wiring or missing bulbs.
  • Never overload power boards, and avoid using double adaptors.
  • Untangle electrical cords and check they’re not under rugs or mats.
  • If decorating the outside of your home, choose lights and fittings for external use.
  • Check you have a safety switch in your meter box, or have a qualified electrician install one.
  • Place your tree as far as possible from any heat source, curtains or furnishings.
  • Maintain water in the base of natural Christmas trees to stop them drying out and remove lights once they show signs of drying.
  • Have working smoke alarms in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways.

FRV Media: 1300 173 744 or media@frv.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)

CFA Media: 1300 232 633 or media@cfa.vic.gov.au

Submitted by CFA Media

HORNSDALE TARCOWIE ROAD, HORNSDALE (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
05 Dec 2025 12:50

Warning area
Hornsdale, RM Williams Way Mannanarie at approximately 20kms north of Jamestown in upper Mid North.

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.

Delivering protections for what matters most

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

From the Cape down to Bundaberg, right to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Queenslanders know that environmental protection isn’t an option.

Because when you protect the Reef, you protect Queensland jobs – 77,000 of them, supported by the Reef, which generate $95 billion for the Australian economy.

That is why the passage of Australia’s new environmental laws matters so deeply to communities across Queensland. It is vital to livelihoods, our identity and our economy.

That’s why David Crisafulli and the Queensland Government need to back in these changes.

The Albanese Labor Government said we would fix our broken environmental laws to protect the natural assets that support regional economies and speed up approval processes. This is exactly what we have done.

One of the most significant reforms is the tightening of land-clearing rules near riverbeds and floodplains in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. This means that any clearing within 50 metres of riverside vegetation will now be required to go through the same assessment processes as every other development.

Illegal land clearing close to river systems sends sediment, nutrients and agricultural runoff straight into the waters that feed the Reef. Over time, that pollution smothers coral, fuels crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and weakens the resilience of the world’s greatest natural wonder. The science on this has been clear for decades. The question was never whether action was needed – it was whether government had the courage to take it.

Now we have.

By strengthening protections along river corridors, these new laws will reduce the flow of pollutants before they ever reach the sea. That means clearer water, stronger coral growth and a more resilient Reef in the face of climate pressure. It means better conditions for fishers, tourism operators and the communities whose jobs depend on a healthy Reef and provides greater certainty for farmers and landholders.

The Crisafulli Government has talked a big game on tourism and how important the Great Barrier Reef is to the Queensland economy. Now is the Premier’s chance to put Queenslanders first, to work with the Albanese Labor Government to protect jobs now and into the future.

Australians did not vote for more noise. They voted for action.

While the Coalition argues amongst itself about whether climate change even exists, our Government is focused on building the clean industries, regional jobs and environmental protections that a net-zero future requires.

That is what our Government is doing. And from Cairns, from the Reef, and from the rivers that sustain it, the message is clear: this reform matters – and it is long overdue.

Originally published in the Cairns Post on Friday, 5 December 2025.

404-2025: REMINDER – new ‘System notifications’ webpage for IT outages relating to biosecurity import systems going live on Friday 12 December 2025

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

5 December 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All Biosecurity Industry Participants subscribed to receive Import Industry Advice Notice notifications from the department.

All Biosecurity Industry Participants who utilise / engage with the departments import-related IT systems for the management of imported cargo, conveyances and inspection booking services, including those who subscribe to receive email notifications for departmental Import Industry Advice Notices.

403-2025: Notice of changes to Brucella canis import conditions

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

5 December 2025

Who does this notice affect?

This notice affects all importers and pet transport agents who intend to import live companion or assistance dogs into Australia, and departmental officers who examine animals and assess their documentation for import into Australia. This notice also affects international official government veterinarians and licenced veterinarians preparing animals for export to Australia.

What has changed?

Biosecurity import…

402-2025: List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended – Ecolab – Alabama (AEI: US4020SB)

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

5 December 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

What has changed?

Following identification of critical non-compliance, we have listed Ecolab – Alabama (AEI: US4020SB) as ‘suspended’ on the…

Launch of the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

04/12/25

Today, the Victorian Government launched the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs strategy 2025-35.

The Strategy sets a 10-year vision to reduce alcohol and other drug (AOD) related harm and stigma, to maximise the health, mental health and wellbeing of Victorians.

The Strategy reflects a holistic approach that balances prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. It was shaped through consultation with people with lived and living experience, service providers, Aboriginal communities, and sector partners.

It focuses on five priorities:

  • Better information and easier access to services
  • Stronger and increased flexibility in harm reduction and treatment options
  • Culturally safe and self-determined responses for Aboriginal Victorians
  • System innovation and continuous improvement

Greater coordination across mental health, housing, justice and other services.

The Strategy delivers on the $95.1 million Statewide Action Plan, which included a commitment to build a 10-year strategy to guide long term development of the AOD system and services.

Over the next decade, the Strategy will help deliver a more compassionate, coordinated and connected system. A system that ensures people, families and communities can get the care they need, when they need it, and live healthier, safer lives.

Read the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy.

Firefighting across the globe, from France to South Morang

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Laurie has fought fires in France, New Caledonia and Australia

South Morang Fire Brigade volunteer Laurie Naveaux knew she wanted to be a firefighter from a young age. 

Originally hailing from Oyonnax, France, Laurie joined CFA three years ago – marking the third fire service she has been a member of around the globe. 

“I first joined as a junior cadet when I was 12 years old in France. I became a part-time firefighter when I was 16, and still at school. I just fell in love with it,” Laurie said. 

“When I turned 18, my parents told me ‘you have to go to university!’, and I thought, ‘but I just want to be a firefighter!’. I continued as a part-time firefighter in France, while also doing my degree.” 

In 2014, Laurie moved to New Caledonia with her partner. She continued her role as a part-time firefighter, joining the New Caledonia Fire Service. 

When her full-time work brought them to Australia, Laurie’s only condition for the move was that she was wanted to continue in some capacity as a firefighter.  

“The only thing I said to them [her work] was ‘I need to continue my journey as a firefighter’, and that’s how I ended up becoming a CFA volunteer.”  

Joining South Morang Fire Brigade helped Laurie settle into her new home.  

“It definitely helped me make new connections in the community when I first moved to Australia. When you spend time with people with the same mindset and the same values as you, you grow those relationships with people and make those connections.”  

Laurie said volunteering with CFA combines her love of firefighting with helping others.  

“At the end of the day, I wasn’t doing it because of the pay. It’s in my blood, it’s in my DNA – I just love helping the community, being there for a fire call, or any type of call,” Laurie said.  

“I have the firefighting side of what I loved in the past, and helping the community, being there for them and trying to handle any situation for them.”  

Today CFA celebrates International Volunteer Day, an annual celebration of the contributions volunteers make to society globally. This year’s theme ‘every contribution matters’ celebrates the thousands of CFA volunteers across Victoria, including Laurie, who contribute daily, in many different ways, to making Victoria a safer place. 

We recognise the dedication and spirit of our members to protecting their communities, and celebrate and thank them for their commitment – today and every day. 

Submitted by CFA Media

FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow and Night Markets return in 2026

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

The FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow features 3D designs and music.

In brief:

  • The FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets are on from 24 – 26 January.
  • The show was popular last year and promises a great family night out.
  • This story includes all you need to know about the event.

FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets will return on the Australia Day long weekend.

The Canberra sky will transform into a canvas of lights over three nights: 24 – 26 January 2026.

There will be:

  • a sky show with 3D designs and music
  • night markets and entertainment at Commonwealth Place.

The show

FLIGHT 2026 promises to be a great night for locals and visitors alike.

Entry is free and bookings are not required.

Over 15 minutes, experience a dazzling sky show. Hundreds of drones will move through the sky to a musical soundtrack, lighting up the sky with amazing 3D designs.

There will be two shows each evening:

  • show 1: 9 pm – 9:15 pm
  • show 2: 10 pm – 10:15 pm.

Bring a chair or a picnic blanket and enjoy one or both shows.

Event hubs and alternative viewing locations

Event hubs will be set up at:

  • Commonwealth Place
  • Kings Park.

Night markets and entertainment

Food and drink stalls will be set up in both hubs from 5 pm – 10:30 pm each night.

Bring your appetite and sample tasty dishes or browse market stalls (only at Commonwealth Place).

There will also be plenty of entertainment to keep the family smiling as you await the show.

Getting there

E-scooters: Commonwealth Place is a no-ride zone. There will be designated e-scooter parking on either side of the event areas.

Parking: There are plenty of carparks in the area. Check out the parking map on the National Capital Authority website.

Questacon carpark will be open for accessible parking only.

Public transport: The event will be busy, take public transport to avoid the hassle of parking and traffic.

More event information will be released soon.

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