Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Paul and Linda are volunteers with Bonnie Doon Fire Brigade

CFA volunteer firefighter Paul Mason is alive and well today thanks to the generosity of blood donors and a perfect stem cell match.

After being diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer called myelofibrosis in 2021, the Bonnie Doon Fire Brigade 1^st Lieutenant received over 50 blood transfusions and a stem cell donation as part of his treatment. 

Now Paul and his wife Linda are calling on others to roll up their sleeves and help save lives.

This comes as CFA members have under one month remaining to donate blood for this year’s Emergency Services Blood Drive. 

“When Paul was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, we were told the only treatment was a stem cell transplant but because of the risks associated, it was a last resort.

“Last year he started to get very sick and was told if he didn’t have the stem cell transplant, he would have less than two years to live”. 

After a long application process, Paul was approved to have the transplant, and a perfect match was found in New South Wales. He received the transplant in August last year, and after a few setbacks, it was deemed successful. 

In January this year, fires impacted various parts of the state including Bonnie Doon. Despite having just learnt that his cancer had returned and he would be needing monthly chemotherapy treatments, Paul didn’t let this stop him helping out at his brigade. 

Though unable to jump on the truck and fight fires himself, Paul headed to the station each day and made sure his crews and strike teams had what they needed and were looked after.

“I’m not one for just watching. I’m good at the coalface, and I could see they were struggling and needed help,” Paul said.

Linda, also a volunteer with Bonnie Doon, said his willingness to help was a testament to his community spirit. 

“I think if his specialist had said ‘you can go out there and fight the fires’, he would have been on the truck,” Linda said. 

“I couldn’t believe how much he was giving despite being unwell. He’s got such a good constitution and a strong positive mental attitude and that, plus of course the stem cell donation, is what got him through.” 

Mere months later, Paul is now officially in remission, and along with Linda is urging anyone who can donate blood and, if able, register as a stem cell donor. 

“I think people often forget that donating blood is something they can do. Blood donations, and in particular stem cell donations, saved my life. I used to donate when I was younger, but without the constant reminder to donate people can forget,” Paul said. 

“Registering as a stem cell donor when you’re donating blood is simple to do and could save someone’s life like mine. 

“I can’t express my complete gratitude and thanks for the professionalism, passion and empathy that the nurses, doctors, and specialists displayed while I was in their care.  I’ve been extremely lucky and I just can’t thank the staff at the Alfred Hospital enough”

Linda echoes Paul’s gratitude.

“Blood and stem cell donors are absolute lifesavers. Their generosity has made an incredible difference to our family and given Paul a second chance at life, and we are extremely grateful.”

To donate blood, or for more information on stem cell donation, visit lifeblood.com.au. 

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police have arrested a 32-year-old man following investigations into the alleged assault of his partner in Palmerston last month.

It is alleged the man’s 29-year-old partner was assaulted during an altercation on Palmerston Circuit between 9:00pm and 9:30pm on Thursday 18 June 2026.

As part of the investigation, the Northern Domestic Violence Investigation Unit appealed for public assistance to help identify those involved. Information received from the community has assisted the investigation.

He has since been charged with Recklessly Endanger Serious Harm, Aggravated Assault and Breach of a Domestic Violence Order.

He is scheduled to appear before the Darwin Local Court today.

Investigations remain ongoing, and police are continuing to seek information from anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash-cam footage from the area at the time. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number NTP26000595212.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Detectives from the Northern Territory Police Fugitive Taskforce are continuing the search for escaped prisoner, Isaac Thompson.

The 26-year-old escaped custody while being escorted from an ambulance into the Emergency Department at Royal Darwin Hospital on Sunday night.

Supplied CCTV has since captured Thompson in the Lyons area at about 11:30pm on the night of his escape.

Thompson is described as a Caucasian male with dark hair, a slim build and a neck tattoo. At the time of his escape, he was handcuffed and wearing only a pair of shorts and socks.

Police believe he is being assisted by known associates and are warning anyone helping him to stop immediately.

Detective Sergeant Jon Spencer said significant policing resources had been dedicated to locating Thompson.

“Anyone assisting Thompson is committing an offence and will be identified and prosecuted as part of this investigation.”

Police urge anyone who sees Thompson not to approach him, but to call 000 immediately.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact police on 000 and quote reference number P26191473. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Tasmania Police

Traffic Crash – Nicholson Street, New Norfolk

Monday, 6 July 2026 – 8:34 pm.

Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Nicholson Street, New Norfolk, at approximately 2:45 pm on 6 July 2026.
A 38 year old New Norfolk man riding a motorcycle collided with a Nissan utility driven by a 69 year old man.
The driver of the utility was not injured as a result of the crash.
The motorcycle rider sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are ongoing.
Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash. Information can be provided to police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 (quote ESCAD 229-06072026).

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

acknowledge Prime Minister Rabuka.

Ministers and Members of Parliament.

Chair of the Great Council of Chiefs.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps.

And Ms Djapirri Mununggirritj, a senior Yolŋu woman from the Gumatj clan from North East Arnhem Land.

First Nations Australians and Fijian communities share a deeply historic and cultural connection.

One that is shaped by resilience, community leadership, and relationships with land and sea.

Ladies and gentlemen –

We come together today to celebrate the proud story of our Vuvale Reunion – and the new chapter of our Alliance

Above all, we gather as family.

A connection deeper than geography or history.

A bond anchored in our truest strength: our people, our values and our shared aspirations.

Because just as the people we serve: Australians and Fijians work hard to build a good life for their families.

To pass on to their children a future of greater security and more opportunity.

That same determination, that same pact between generations, brings our Vuvale together.

Two nations, one family, dedicated to building a future those who come after us will be proud to inherit.

I especially want to thank Prime Minister Rabuka for his generosity and his commitment to that shared goal.

The Fiji-Australia relationship means a lot to him – just as it does to me.

Because we know how much it means to our citizens.

We see that when our police and military personnel train together.

When our communities work together.

When our students learn together.

And when our businesses trade together and grow together.

As Prime Minster Rabuka has said in the past, the relationship between our two nations is one:

“Where mateship and Vuvale – the family – rest on trust, loyalty, respect, understanding, and responsibility.”

That trust and responsibility is important.

Because together, Australia and Fiji play a critical role in the region we share.

That’s why in 2023 – and again in 2025 – we chose to deepen our partnership in the Vuvale Union.

We chose to strengthen our commitment to promote peace.

We chose to go further in building our collective economic resilience.

We chose to fortify our bonds in the interest of upholding democracy, stability and sovereignty.

And of course, as is tradition, we chose to celebrate the fact we are two nations and two peoples that love of our sport.

Our partnership – and our obsession – with all things rugby spans decades. 

And I am delighted to announce at this reunion that under Vuvale, Australia will increase our investment in the formidable Fijian Drua.

Sport has a special power to reach us, to move us, to inspire us and unite us.  

In joy and sadness, in victory and defeat, it brings us together.

And I’m proud that Australia is helping the Drua showcase Fijian talent at the elite level – and inspire the next generation at the grassroots.

Distinguished guests

For our family, the Blue Pacific is home.

And for our stability, our security and our prosperity, we must work together to ensure it is an ocean of peace.

That is Prime Minister Rabuka’s vision.

And it is Australia’s determination. Now under our new Ocean of Peace Alliance, Australia and Fiji are joined in this cause as allies.

This is a historic step for both of our great countries.

Through 125 years of Australia’s Federation, Fiji is only the fourth country with whom we have signed an alliance. 

And every Australian will take pride in the fact that our nation is Fiji’s first ally.

Your choice honours us.

This new Alliance builds on strong foundations.

A shared resolve to see peace and prosperity flourish and a common understanding that security in our region must come from within the Pacific family.

That’s what our mutual defence obligation is about:

Increased interoperability.

Closer communication and cooperation.

Skills and information that will be shared into the future, safeguarding the sovereignty of both our nations.

The Ocean of Peace is an Alliance that is right for the times and ready for the future.

As we navigate the rough seas of global uncertainty.

This agreement keeps our eyes on the horizon

If we hold to our course, if we trust in our mateship and Vuvale, we can secure the Ocean of Peace for both our nations, for all our neighbours and for the future of the Blue Pacific.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police have located the last of three youths who allegedly absconded from a bail support facility in Tennant Creek last week. A fourth youth, who was subject to a curfew, was also located after allegedly breaching his bail conditions.

Shortly after 8pm on 1 July 2026, police were notified that three youths had failed to return to the facility, breaching their bail conditions. A fourth youth, who was subject to a curfew, was also absent and allegedly breached his bail.

Police will allege all four youths removed their electronic monitoring devices.

A 13-year-old was arrested at about 10am the following day. A 15-year-old was arrested at about 10:30am on 4 July. The remaining two youths, aged 14 and 15, were arrested together in Tennant Creek at about 1pm today.

Senior Sergeant Mick Fields said local police had done a great job locating all four youths in a timely manner with assistance from the community.

“I’d like to thank everyone who provided information to police. Their assistance played an important role in helping us locate these youths.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

hank you, Minister Tuisawau for hosting me here today.

It’s a great pleasure to be here in Fiji to officially launch Australia’s new regional skills program in Fiji – Pacific Australia Skills – and to open the refurbished Vuvale Union Skills Hub.

These facilities are an example of the great things that can happen when Australia and Fiji work together.

The best investment any nation can make is in its people.

That is why investment in education and skills are a foundational part of the Vuvale Union that Prime Minister Rabuka and I signed this morning.

As part of the Pacific Australia Skills program, Australia and Fiji will develop TVET Centres of Excellence here in Suva to build the skills that drive economic growth.

These centres will back in Fiji’s goal to become a regional leader in the digital economy.

Through the Vuvale Union, we have committed 145 million Fijian Dollars to support the key building blocks for this digital transformation.

Similarly, I know that Prime Minister Rabuka is ambitious to make Fiji a ship maintenance and repair hub for the Pacific.

We will work with leading Australian training partners to support this.

Pacific Australia Skills will build on two decades of work.

Over that time, thousands of Fijians have gained qualifications, improved their skills, and built successful careers.

Technology is rapidly changing the world of work, with new opportunities emerging every day across our region.

Australia’s partnership with Fiji will help us navigate these changes together, to create more opportunities and brighter futures for our people.

Vinaka vakalevu.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

SITIVENI RABUKA, PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI: Well, we’ve had a great morning, Prime Minister Albanese and I, and it has been my honour to warmly welcome again to Fiji my colleague and friend Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Prime Minister of Australia, welcome back to the Pacific. I believe you are now beginning to feel that it is really your Pacific home. Today represents a very defining moment in our relationship – Fiji-Australia relationship. Together as some of you witnessed, Prime Minister Albanese and I have just signed, with his Excellency the President of Fiji as witnessing dignitary, he signed our treaty, the Vuvale Treaty and the Ocean of Peace Alliance, the Veitacini mutual security, brotherly or sisterly mutual security framework. These landmark agreements mark a very significant elevation of our bilateral relationship into a new era of strategic partnership. These instruments formalise a comprehensive and enduring framework anchored on three central pillars – deeper security cooperation, enhanced economic integration and resilience, and strengthened people to people connection. In advancing this particular partnership we acknowledge with very deep appreciation Australia’s commitment of over Fiji dollars $280 million in new investments since the renewal of the Vuvale Partnership in October of 2023. This reflects the tangible depth of our cooperation and its expanding footprint across key sectors of national development. We also recognise Australia’s expanded development assistance to the Pacific now totalling Australian dollars $2.2 billion, including a further increase of Australian dollars, $63 million. This is a clear affirmation of Australia’s sustained commitment to the stability, resilience and prosperity of the Blue Pacific region at a time of global uncertainty. These treaties reflect our shared understanding of the evolving and interconnected challenges that are facing our region. These include the increasing sophistication of transnational organised crime networks, illegal drug trafficking, cyber enabled threats, and emerging public health challenges including the rise of non-communicable disease and HIV in parts of our region. Importantly, they established practical and forward looking mechanisms for cooperation to strengthen prevention, enforcement, intelligence sharing and regional resilience. Equally, this new framework recognises the inextricable, that’s an English word, link between economic security, or Australian word, and national security. It provides renewed emphasis on cooperation in areas critical to Fiji’s long term development, including circular labour mobility, transport and logistics systems, energy transition, digital transformation, cyber security and the protection of very important, even critical, infrastructure. These are not only development priorities, they are foundational in the resilience and sovereignty of our economies in an increasingly competitive global environment. These agreements, ladies and gentlemen of the media, are firmly grounded in the principles of mutual respect, sovereignty and equality of partnership. They reaffirm Fiji and Australia as trusted partners working together not only for bilateral benefits, but as contributors to a more stable, peaceful and resilient Blue Pacific continent. In this regard I commend Prime Minister Albanese for Australia’s continued support and leadership and the leaders appeal for global peace. I thank him very much being one of the first to come up and support Fiji’s call and the Pacific call for an understanding of Pacific Ocean of peace and continuing that and spreading it on. Calling other leaders to appeal for global peace. The Pacific must continue to assert its role as a principled voice for dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law in an increasingly fragmented global order. But we’re hopeful, we’re still hopeful that we’ll come together. Today’s outcomes also give practical expression to our shared commitment to a rules based international order and advance the Pacific led vision of an ocean of peace. This is a vision that places the Pacific not at the periphery of global affairs, but at the centre of shaping norms of cooperation, peace and collective security. The Fiji media don’t normally get this long statement from me, but bear with me. Climate change remains a defining challenge for our time. For Fiji and the wider Pacific, it’s not a futuristic but a lived and daily reality. I therefore express sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Albanese and the people of Australia and the Government of Australia for your leadership, particularly as Prime Minister, in ensuring strong Pacific participation in the COP31 process and for your support in the joint hosting of the pre-COP meeting in Nadi and Tuvalu in October of this year. These are very important steps towards strengthening global ambition and ensuring climate justice for vulnerable states, particularly those island states of the Pacific. Prime Minister Albanese, I thank you for your leadership, your partnership and your commitment to advancing these historic agreements. Fiji remains fully committed to working with Australia to implement the Vuvale Union Treaty and the Ocean of Peace Alliance in a manner that delivers real measurable outcomes for all our peoples. Together, we are not only strengthening bilateral ties, we are helping to shape a more peaceful, resilient and cooperative future for our region and beyond. Ladies and gentlemen of the press corps, of the media. I’m pleased to invite Prime Minister Albanese to address you and don’t ask me any questions after.

< ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: 

< PRIME MINISTER RABUKA:

< PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE:

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER RABUKA:

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER RABUKA:

< PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE:

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE:

< JOURNALIST

< PRIME MINISTER RABUKA

< PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: 

< PRIME MINISTER RABUKA

< JOURNALIST

< PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER RABUKA

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER RABUKA:

< JOURNALIST:

< PRIME MINISTER RABUKA:

< JOURNALIST

< PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: 

< JOURNALIST

< PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: 

< JOURNALIST

< PRIME MINISTER RABUKA:

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police have arrested four youths after an allegedly stolen vehicle was driven dangerously through Tennant Creek on Saturday morning.

Just before 6:30am, police observed the vehicle driving erratically on Paterson Street, where it mounted the kerb and narrowly missed two pedestrians.

Police deployed tyre deflation devices at several locations throughout the township; however, the vehicle continued to evade officers.

Investigations allege the vehicle had been stolen overnight from a residence on Griggs Street. It was later abandoned near Mulga Camp, where the four occupants fled on foot.

Tennant Creek general duties officers located the stolen vehicle, before tracking down and arresting the four alleged offenders, aged between 8 and 15.

Senior Sergeant Mick Fields commended the swift response of attending officers.

“This type of reckless behaviour is extremely dangerous and could easily have ended in tragedy.

“The fact this vehicle mounted the kerb and narrowly missed two pedestrians is deeply concerning.

“Our officers acted quickly to bring this incident to a safe conclusion and arrest those allegedly involved.”

A 12-year-old has been charged with driving, using or riding in a motor vehicle without consent and damage to property.

A 15-year-old has been charged with driving, using or riding in a motor vehicle without consent.

A 10-year-old was dealt with via a written caution.

An 8-year-old was referred to Department of Children and Families being below the age of criminal responsibility in the Northern Territory.

Investigations remain ongoing in relation to the remaining youths.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police are investigating the death of a 17-year-old female who was found unconscious at a residence in Galiwinku this morning.

Shortly after 11am, police received a report that the female was unconscious. Local police, assisted by staff from the local health clinic, attended the scene, where she was declared deceased.

A 34-year-old man has since been arrested, with detectives from the Serious Crime Section continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.