Category: MIL-OSI

Source:

The much-anticipated Newland Park Regional Skate and Play Precinct has officially opened, delivering a fresh multipurpose recreational space for the Alice Springs community. 

In a timely boost ahead of the summer holidays, the $8.6 million precinct features a new skate park, all-abilities playground equipment, 3×3 basketball court, open green spaces, barbeque facility and plenty of shade from sunny weather.

The facility also includes a pump track, dog park, expanded car parking and accessible toilets, positioning Newland Park as the new home for recreational events for small groups, extended families, or even the wider Alice Springs community. 

Development of this state-of-the-art recreational space was done with public consultation to ensure a final design backed by and delivering for the local community. 

The facility will attract visitors, school groups, sporting events and competitions across Central Australia and further afield, while also providing new options for local council-led initiatives and youth programs. 

The Newland Park Skate and Play Precinct is a joint project between all three levels of government, supported by a $4 million commitment from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, $1.8 million from the Northern Territory Government and $2.8 million from Alice Springs Town Council. 

Construction of the Newland Park Regional Skate and Play Precinct supported up to 40 jobs in the local community with local company MPH Projects leading construction. 

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“From investments in the Gap Youth and Community Centre and the Brown Street Youth Service, our Government is committed to supporting a stronger community in Alice Springs. 

“Along with our support for sports facilities at Paul Fitzsimmons Oval and the Alice Springs Netball Courts, this terrific new precinct at Newland Park will provide more opportunities to stay active and connected. 

“And I think there will be a few extra skateboards under local Christmas trees this year.” 

Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Logistics and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan:

“This is a great Christmas gift for the people of Alice Springs and the Finocchiaro CLP government is proud to co-fund the Newland Park as part of our $27 million infrastructure plan to make our community an even better place to live.” 

Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Lands, Planning and Environment Minister Joshua Burgoyne:

“This skate park has been designed with spaces for people of all ages and skill levels, creating a place where families, young people and skaters of all generations can be active, social and connected.

“Our government invested $1.8 million towards this project to make it happen. This is a great example of what can be achieved when all three levels of government work together to deliver meaningful infrastructure that benefits our community now and into the future.” 

Quotes attributable to the Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP: 

“Young people in Alice Springs need more activities to keep them busy during the long summer months, and I couldn’t be prouder that the Albanese Labor Government has invested $4 million in the Newland Park Regional Skate and Play Precinct. 

“From skating to playgrounds, basketball and shade for families, Newland Park is another example of Labor delivering for Alice Springs. 

“This is a huge Christmas present for the people of Alice Springs and I thank the council for all their hard work to deliver this extremely valuable community infrastructure.” 

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Alice Springs Town Council Asta Hill: 

“Newland Park has been a long time coming, and today is a really proud moment for Alice Springs. 

“This precinct was shaped with our community — young people, families, skaters and local groups all had a say in how this space should look and work, and it’s great to see that input come to life.”

“It’s not just a skate park — it’s a place to gather, be active, cool off under the shade, and spend time together. 

“Projects like this don’t happen without strong partnerships. I want to thank the Australian Government and Northern Territory Government for working with Council to invest in infrastructure that directly benefits our community.”

Source:

The Australian Government has reappointed Siobhan McKenna as Chair and Robyn Clubb AM as a non-executive Director of the Australia Post Board for three-year terms.

Ms Siobhan McKenna was appointed Chair in 2022, and has helped guide Australia Post through significant change, overseeing the implementation of government reforms to strengthen financial sustainability, enhance business operations and improve Australia Post’s competitiveness in the parcels industry.

Ms Robyn Clubb AM was first appointed to the Board in September 2022. She has a background in the finance, agribusiness, energy and government sectors, and currently chairs the Audit & Risk Committee of Australia Post.

For more information on the Board, visit: https://auspost.com.au/about-us/corporate-information/board-of-directors.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:

“Australia Post is a beloved and integral institution for many Australians with its Board providing governance, strategic direction and oversight.

“I congratulate Ms McKenna and Ms Clubb on their reappointment and look forward to their important work at Australia Post to ensure it delivers high quality services to Australians.”

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

As we head into the holiday season, Australians are being reminded that road safety starts with all of us – every single trip, every single time. 

To keep road safety front of mind this summer, the Albanese Government is reactivating its national road safety campaign ‘Don’t let a car change who you are’ over the peak holiday period.

This campaign reminds drivers to think about their own behaviour behind the wheel, and how actions such as impatience, distraction, driver error and speeding while driving can all contribute to deaths and injuries on the road.

This is particularly important during the holiday season when drivers may be tired, rushing to see family or travelling on unfamiliar roads – especially in regional areas.

FIVE TIPS TO BE A SAFE DRIVER THIS SUMMER

1. Drive within the speed limit at all times and to the conditions.
2. Don’t text and drive, avoid talking on a mobile phone while driving unless necessary, pull over if possible.
3. Don’t drink and drive. Driving and alcohol don’t mix. Plan how you will get home before you depart, use taxis or rideshare, be a sober driver or take public transport.
4. Take regular breaks on long journeys. Plan your route, rest, and swap drivers if you can.
5. Make sure your vehicle is road worthy. Check your lights, tyres and oil to make sure your vehicle ready for a road trip.

The Albanese Government has taken a number of actions to improve road safety, including increasing funding local roads, delivering road safety initiatives and improving vehicle standards.

This includes a commitment to double the funding for Roads to Recovery to $1 billion a year, which has seen over 5,780 priority projects approved in the current funding period for councils across the nation, with around 1,430 of these underway and 3,460 completed.

That means more roundabouts and crossings for safer intersections, more potholes and damaged surfaces being fixed, and more road barriers to play a vital role in the case of a crash.

Funding under the Black Spot Program has also been increased to $150 million each year, making critical improvements to some of the most dangerous sections of our road network. On average, 50 per cent of the funding is being directed to addressing dangerous locations on roads in regional Australia.

The $100 million Active Transport Fund is delivering 81 projects across Australia for the design and construction of new and existing bicycle and walking pathways, to improve safety for those walking, wheeling and riding.

Heavy vehicle safety is also important this holiday season, and with an increase in trucks sharing the road with light vehicles, it’s important heavy vehicle operators manage fatigue and rest requirements during the peak holiday period.

The Albanese Government and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator continue to improve safety for everyone on Australia’s roads through programs such as the Heavy Vehicle Safety and the Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas initiatives.

To date, the Albanese Government has invested more than $45 million into 181 industry-led Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative projects since it began in 2016, and has committed $140 million over 10 years to build new heavy vehicle rest areas for truckies and upgrade exisiting ones across the national highway network.

Additionally, the Government’s $2.9 billion investment under the Road Safety Program continues to deliver safety improvements across the country, with 1,300 projects delivered under the initial tranches of the program and another 500 projects being delivered through the 2023-27 program, improving the safety of over 3,300 kilometres of Australia’s road network.

Despite ongoing investments, improved vehicle safety standards and new technologies, driver behaviour remains a critical issue in improving safety on our roads.

All drivers, even the most experienced, are urged to consider their driving behaviour and to always drive so that they and others survive.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain MP:

“This holiday period will see more people on our roads travelling far and wide to see friends and family, take a break, and see in the New Year.

“The Government will continue to prioritise road safety and urges motorists to do their part by driving responsibly, so that everyone can enjoy time with family and friends this summer.

“The road safety campaign reminds drivers that even small behaviours on our roads can have a big impact is another reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“Whether you’re heading interstate to visit friends and family, driving to a holiday destination or staying a bit closer to home this Christmas, we’re urging everyone to make choices that save lives.

“The Albanese Government is firmly committed to working alongside our transport and heavy vehicle industry to ensure our roads remain safe for everyone.

“This year, we’re reminding drivers that road safety is a shared responsibility, and we’re encouraging everyone to do the right thing every time they get behind the wheel these holidays.”

CAMPAIGN MEDIA PACK – https://communicationsgovau.box.com/s/mhnqzgwl3ceu3vxzsjl1vvyn9xwko03m

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

HOST, JAYNIE SEAL: Joining us live is the Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain. Minister, thank you very much for joining us. I haven’t spoken to you since the horrific attack in Bondi more than a week ago now and, you know, it’s obviously been a shock to the community in Australia, across the world. What has your local area been saying in regards to the reaction to the attack?

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TERRITORIES, KRISTY MCBAIN: Morning, Jaynie. I think, like every community, we’re absolutely horrified and disgusted, what can be done because of ideological hate. And I think I speak for everyone when we say we don’t want to see that anywhere else in Australia. There are 15 families who will spend Christmas without loved ones. There are a number of families who are still waiting for family members in hospital to come through serious and critical conditions. I think right now, as a nation, what we want to do is come together as a family, with our families over Christmas, and be thankful for what we have. I know that’s what I’ll be doing on Christmas Day.

HOST: There’s so much pressure, Minister, for the government to have a Commonwealth Royal Commission. People are saying that it is needed. Why are you not going to have this?

MINISTER: Look, I think at this point in time what is driving our review into security intelligence agencies is the speed with which, particularly the Jewish community, wants some answers about what happened here. I think it’s critically important that we do this as quickly as possible because we don’t want to see anything like this happen again. I think Dennis Richardson is probably one of the most respected public servants across the nation, having been a former secretary of both the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, so pre-eminently qualified. But what I am hearing is that people want us to get answers as soon as possible.

HOST: Well, can your government ensure that you’ll adopt every one of the anti-Semitic envoy recommendations by Jillian Segal? We know that was a big report that had been put forward months ago and some of it has already been implemented. But can your government assure that it will all be implemented and quickly?

MINISTER: Obviously, the government implemented the first special envoy into anti Semitism and appointed Jillian Siegel. We welcomed her report. There are a number of actions that had already been implemented as you’ve outlined. But obviously we’ve announced some additional actions from that report, including David Gonski to do a review, 12-month review, into tertiary education. Obviously, a number of new hate laws, particularly hate speech laws, which I think are critically important, and a range of new laws which will allow us to review hate speech, to deny visa applications. These are pretty stringent and complex laws. I don’t think there’s an immigration law in Australia that hasn’t been tested in the High Court. So we want to make sure we get those right so that they can be implemented. But what I do want to say is that it is really important now that the way in which we talk about what happened is also critically important. We don’t want to continue to sow hate, fear and division in our community and pull people apart. It is critically important we come together because we don’t want to see this play out in any other realm. And unfortunately the threats of violence are continuing and increasing because of the way in which some people are talking about this attack. So, it is important for all of us to think carefully about the words that we’re using when we’re talking about this horrific anti-Semitic attack that occurred. It’s important as leaders that we’re measured with our words. Because unfortunately we are seeing an increase in those threats of violence in our community because of the way in which it is being framed by some people.

HOST: Minister, we have about a minute to go, but I did want to bring to our viewers’ attention to your campaign. Be the safe driver you believe you are. A lot of people are going to be on the roads over the next few days. What can you tell us?

MINISTER: Yeah, absolutely. We know a lot of people are going to be on the roads. We drive further than we do during the year to spend time with family and friends over the Christmas and summer break. So, don’t let a car change who you are. There are five top tips. Drive to the conditions and the speed limit. Don’t text and drive. Don’t drink and drive. Make sure your car is road worthy and take regular breaks. We want you to get there safely. We want you to be able to spend time with family and friends over this break. But to do that, we all need to be mindful of how we act on our roads. I drive a lot of kilometres across my electorate and across the country, not in Christmas period, and I sometimes wonder why people are doing the things that they’re doing. So, just make sure that you are taking care of other drivers on the road as well and getting yourself to your destination carefully.

HOST: Minister Kristy McBain, thank you very much for joining us. And we wish you and your family a safe and healthy Christmas. We’ll see in 2026.

MINISTER: Merry Christmas.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Major construction is underway on the $225 million Reid Highway Interchanges Project which will improve safety and efficiency in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, the project will deliver two new grade-separated interchanges to replace the existing signalised intersections at Altone Road and Drumpellier Drive/Daviot Road.

The upgrades will improve safety and connectivity for local communities, while enhancing freight efficiency by removing two of the remaining five sets of traffic signals on Reid Highway.

Entry and exit ramps with connecting roundabouts will maintain access to local roads and residential areas.

The project will also improve cyclist and pedestrian access to the Swan Valley with a new uninterrupted Principal Shared Path (PSP) network from West Swan Road to Malaga.

With works taking place within a tight footprint, modifications to Reid Highway and surrounding intersections will be required while construction is underway, with measures to be put in place to keep people moving safely and efficiently.

The project is part of the Albanese and Cook Labor Government’s commitments to delivering quality infrastructure and services for Western Australians.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The upgrades to the Reid Highway are about providing a safer and more efficient journey for people driving, but also walking and cycling.

“The changes to intersections will also make it safer and faster for heavy vehicles to travel through Perth’s north east.”

Quotes attributable to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

“Reid Highway is one of Perth’s most important east-west links, and these new interchanges will make a significant difference for residents, businesses, and freight operators moving through our northern-eastern suburbs.

“The transformation of these intersections will deliver smoother, safer journeys while improving access for cyclists and pedestrians in the area.

“This $225 million joint investment is part of the Cook Government’s commitment to strengtenthing connectivity across Perth’s north and ensuring our transport network keeps pace with this fast growing region”

Quotes attributed to Federal Member for Cowan Anne Aly:

“We’re focused on delivering real improvements for the Cowan community. Better transport links mean safer roads and more reliable connections, making everyday life easier for local families. 

“This project is another great example of how we’re investing in Cowan and delivering the infrastructure and upgrades families, workers and local businesses need.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hasluck Tania Lawrence:

“This project is a significant investment in safety and connectivity for communities across Perth’s north-east, including many people in Hasluck who rely on Reid Highway every day.

“Removing traffic signals and delivering grade-separated interchanges will reduce congestion, improve travel times and support our local commuters.

“The upgrades for cyclists and pedestrians, including the uninterrupted shared path to the Swan Valley, will also deliver real benefits for local families.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Bassendean Dave Kelly:

“These upgrades will be a game-changer for our community, helping to ease congestion and significantly improve safety at these busy intersections.

“Grade-separated interchanges will enhance the flow of traffic along this critical freight route and help to reduce travel times for locals.

“Temporary changes to the local road network will be needed to safely complete construction and we’ll continue to keep the community informed as it progresses.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Midland Steve Catania:

“We appreciate the community’s patience as construction ramps up, and we’ll continue to work with residents to minimise the impact of roadworks on the surrounding area.

“Removing signalised intersections will mean less interruptions for commuters and freight moving through this fast-growing part of Perth. 

“The upgrades will also make it easier to access the beautiful Swan Valley, providing an uninterrupted path network for cyclists and pedestrians from West Swan to Malaga Drive which is set to deliver great benefits for the local tourism economy.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 39-year-old male with murder in relation to the death of a 35-year-old male in Laramba on Friday.

He was charged with Murder a short time ago and has been remanded in custody to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court on Monday 29 December 2025.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
28 Dec 2025 14:38

Issued for
Meningie East 21km north east of Meningie in the Upper South East.

Warning level
Advice – Stay Informed

Action
CFS is responding to a fire 21km north east of Meningie.

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: South Australia County Fire Service

SECOND VALLEY

Issued on
28 Dec 2025 14:17

SECOND VALLEY GRASS FIRE

The CFS is responding to a Grass and Scrub fire at Second Valley, 8km East of Rapid Bay in the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia.

CFS volunteers on 8 trucks, supported by Forestry SA and Aviation Support including water bombing aircraft are on scene working to extinguish the fire.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

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 0008852

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating a death in custody that occurred in Tennant Creek this afternoon.

Around 1pm, Tennant Creek police were conducting cell checks at the Tennant Creek Watch House when they located an unconscious female prisoner in a cell. Police immediately conducted CPR, with St John Ambulance taking over first aid upon arrival.

The 44-year-old female was conveyed to Tennant Creek Hospital by St John Ambulance, where she was declared deceased a short time later.

The cause of death is yet to be determined.

A crime scene was established in the watch house and the incident is being treated as a death in custody.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Source: Tasmania Police

51 high-speed drivers detected on Boxing Day in Western Division

Saturday, 27 December 2025 – 4:19 pm.

More than 50 motorists were caught for speeding in Tasmania’s Western District on Boxing Day, including two drivers with high-range speeds more than 30km/h over the posted limit.
A significant number of the detections were identified by covert units from Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Scelus, operating throughout the Western District during Operation Safe Arrival.
Acting Inspector Luke Negri said the results of 51 speeding offences recorded on Boxing Day was disappointing, particularly at a time when traffic volumes increased and families were travelling to spend time together.
“Speeding remains one of the most significant contributors to serious injury and fatal crashes,” Acting Inspector Negri said.
“Driving at these speeds removes any margin for error. When something unexpected occurs, there is simply no time to react, and the consequences can be catastrophic, something we see far too often”.
In one instance of high-range speeding on Boxing Day, a 35-year-old male driver was intercepted at Preservation Bay, Sulphur Creek, travelling at 125km/h in a 90km/h zone, incurring a $615.00 fine and five demerit points.
In a second incident on Friday, a 24-year-old male driver was detected travelling at 113km/h in a 70km/h zone on the Bass Highway at Devonport, resulting in a penalty of $871.00 and six demerit points.
Speeding is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours that Tasmania Police actively target, alongside:

Distraction and inattention
Drink and drug driving
Fatigue
Failure to wear a seatbelt

“These behaviours continue to be a focus for Tasmania Police because they are consistently linked to serious crashes and loss of life,” Acting Inspector Negri said.
Tasmania Police will continue highly visible and targeted road safety operations throughout the Christmas and New Year period of Operation Safe Arrival, with a focus on reducing high-risk behaviour and keeping all road users safe.
“A moment of impatience or poor decision-making can have lifelong consequences,” Acting Inspector Negri said.
Anyone with information about dangerous driving is urged to contact police on 131 444, or triple zero (000) in an emergency.