Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Tasmania Police

Police urge vigilance following thefts at caravan parks

Friday, 16 January 2026 – 1:09 pm.

Tasmania Police is urging members of the public to take extra care securing their valuables after a recent increase in thefts at caravan parks along the North-West Coast.
Criminals have been targeting high-value items, particularly mountain bikes, with many thefts occurring overnight when bikes are not properly secured.
On 13 January, members of the Western Criminal Investigation Branch investigated the theft of six mountain bikes from the Mersey Bluff Caravan Park.
As a result of the investigation, all six bikes were recovered and returned to their owners.
A 22-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested and charged in relation to the thefts and other offences committed on the Coast. Both will reappear in court at a later date.
Detective Acting Inspector David Summers said police are reminding the community to take simple steps to protect their property.
“We encourage people to secure their bikes and other valuables with quality locks and store them in a safe location overnight,” he said.
“These thefts are often opportunistic, and taking extra precautions can significantly reduce the risk.”
Anyone with information about suspicious activity in our community is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au.

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

16 January 2026

Who does this notice affect?

Industry stakeholders including importers, approved arrangements, freight forwarders and brokers that deal with imported cut flowers and foliage.

What has changed?

Consignments of fresh cut flowers and foliage found to be infested with live insect pests have the option to be directed for onshore fumigation and release prior to pest identification by an entomologist during select peak periods and holidays in 2026.

…

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

16 January 2026

Who does this notice affect?

1. Biosecurity industry participants who hold a Class 7.1 approved arrangement for the import of live ornamental fish.
2. Importers of live ornamental fish

Departmental staff who attend the Class 7.1 Approved Arrangement, to inspect and release live ornamental fish undergoing the post arrival quarantine period.

What has changed?

The department has updated the ‘Approved chemicals for ornamental fish…

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan with Harcourt brigade members Captain Andrew Wilson, Sue Bray, Jess Bell, John Bell, Nathaniel Polhe and Peter Church

The small town of Harcourt, a few kilometres north-east of Castlemaine, was severely impacted by the Ravenswood South fire on Friday 9 January.

Starting on Fogartys Gap Road, the fire travelled south and destroyed more than 50 homes and several businesses. The area was one of the worst hit in Victoria.

Harcourt Captain Andrew Wilson and his crews were at the forefront of the firefight and spent the days protecting the community.

“We went hard on the fires for four days. Everyone’s been pretty busy,” Andrew said.

Despite the number of losses, including some homes belonging to Harcourt brigade members, the brigade remains in good spirits.

“The crew’s doing well. They’re all supporting each other. All their training’s kicked in and they’re all in a good place. They are trying to take off a bit of time at the moment,” Andrew said.

“The support we’re getting from far and wide has been amazing.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and CEO Greg Leach visited Harcourt this week, where the focus is on community recovery and back burning in some of the areas surrounding the town.

“I was able to spend some time talking to our crews and community members to hear their stories, and see the ongoing work needed to protect vital assets,” Jason said.

Watch a video on Facebook of Jason’s visit.

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Thursday, 15 January 2026 9:44am

Original publication: Thursday, 15 January 2026 9:44am

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 5:57pm

Original publication: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 5:57pm

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 11:47am

Original publication: Wednesday, 14 January 2026 11:47am

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 13 January 2026 10:23am

Original publication: Tuesday, 13 January 2026 10:23am

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Mpox cases continue to be detected in Victoria, other Australian states and territories and overseas.

To help protect the community, free mpox vaccination is available for a limited time at participating pharmacies across Victoria – without consultation-related fees.

Eligible Victorians are being encouraged to contact their local pharmacy to check if they are participating and have vaccine in stock.

Free mpox vaccination will also be available at some Midsumma events, including Midsumma Carnival and Victoria’s Pride Street Party, delivered by community partners. Bookings are available and walk-ins are welcome

Free mpox vaccination is also available at local GPs, sexual health clinics and local councils. Contact your healthcare provider to check they have vaccine in stock before making an appointment.

In Victoria, mpox vaccination is free and recommended for people at increased risk, including sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, sexually active transgender and gender diverse people, sex workers and sexual partners of people in these groups. No Medicare card is needed to be eligible for the free mpox vaccination.

Two doses of the mpox vaccine given at least 28 days apart are required for optimal protection, and people who have had one dose are encouraged to get their second dose.

Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay says that vaccination is one of the most safe and effective ways to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness.

“Mpox continues to be found in Australia and overseas. Vaccination is an important step people can take to protect themselves and others,” Dr McElnay said.

“With free vaccination becoming more accessible, now is a good opportunity for eligible people to check their vaccination status and complete their doses.”

“Calling ahead helps ensure services can manage demand and provide safe, timely access to vaccination.”

Anyone who develops symptoms of mpox such as rashes or skin lesions, fever, swollen glands, headache, muscle aches or pains, rectal pain or pain on passing urine should seek testing early through their local GP or sexual health clinic.

They should also avoid close physical contact with others until advised by their healthcare provider.

For information about mpox vaccination, eligibility and how to find a provider, see the Better Health Channel mpox immunisation providers page.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The Williamson Street footpath renewal is part of the City Centre Tree Interactions project. We’re committed to repairing our road infrastructure due to the damage of existing tree roots.

Scope of works

The works will occur on the north-east side of Williamson Street, Bendigo, between Myers and Mollison Streets.

It will include new tree pits, concrete kerb, and standard city centre asphalt and bluestone paved footpath. There will be a total number of six carspaces constructed (with a loss of 3 existing carspaces).

Tree removal and new planting

Three existing trees, Plantanus x acerifolia (London plane tree) will be removed and replaced with four Zelkova serrata (Japanese elm) with improved conditions for tree growth.

Funding

The City Centre Tree Interactions project is funded by the City of Greater Bendigo.

Timeline

The works are anticipated to commence mid-January 2026 and be completed by June 2026.