Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

A new Suburban University Study Hub has opened today in Melton, bringing university closer for students in Western Melbourne.

Nearly half of young Australians have a degree, but not in Melton where only 15.7 per cent of young people have a degree.

The evidence shows that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up.

This new hub, located at 31 McKenzie Street, will offer local support services and study facilities for students enrolled at any university or Vocational Education and Training provider.

The new location is part of the Albanese Government’s $66.9 million investment which will more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country. It is the second Suburban University Study Hub to open in Victoria, following the Northern Study Hub operating at Broadmeadows and Epping.

Students undertaking tertiary study through any Australian institution will be able to connect, collaborate and grow together at the new Melton Suburban University Study Hub.

For more information: Suburban University Study Hubs – Department of Education, Australian Government

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Almost one in two young people have a university degree today. But not everywhere. Not in our outer suburbs and not in regional Australia. 

“That’s why we are doubling the number of University Study Hubs, to bring university closer to them.

“We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to uni in areas where they are established 

“Now for the first time, we are putting these University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs.

“I know growing up in Western Sydney, a lot of my friends felt like university was somewhere else for someone else.

“I want this to change, and that means bringing university closer to where people live such as in Melton.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for International Education and Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill:

“Higher education can be transformational for young Australians. Particularly for those students who are the first to go to uni in their families or those who have overcome significant hardships in their life. 

“Through the Suburban Study Hubs program, the Albanese Government is providing academic and social support, as well as critical infrastructure such as high-speed internet, to help students to attain a tertiary qualification. 

“With the launch of this Suburban Hub, Djerriwarrh will open doors to a broader range of tertiary pathways and wrap students in a community that champions their success.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Hawke, Sam Rae:

“This new Study Hub is a game-changer for Melton, bringing university education closer to home and making it more accessible for people in Hawke.

“This is about delivering for Melton and providing the next generation with the support they need to achieve their education goals right here in our community.

“Education shouldn’t be limited by where you live. This new Study Hub will give Melton residents the chance to study, grow, and succeed locally.”

Source:

The small town of Noojee recently became the centre of a multi-agency training exercise, gathering 70 local personnel to prepare for the upcoming high risk fire season in West Gippsland.

Eight brigades within CFA’s Baw Baw Group were involved in the exercise, staged around the primary school on Sunday (21 September), along with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic).

Given the location, the focus of the exercise was to provide an opportunity for firefighters to operate in larger teams to address two emerging fires on the urban fringe and develop firefighting and leadership skills ahead of the season that could see their community impacted.

Noojee Fire Brigade Captain and Exercise Controller Dave Blacker said it was one the biggest exercises he had coordinated for CFA and was very pleased with the outcomes.

“Our firefighters got a lot out of it, and we put time pressures on the Incident Controllers and strike team leaders, so the incident was more realistic,” Dave said.

“Managing communication while the exercise is unfolding can be particularly challenging, and those within the incident management teams were learning a lot about controlling their environment.

“You have everyone coming up to you all the time and it can be really hard to focus on your core jobs, but we gave them a mentor they could fall back on throughout the day.”

Dave said community engagement was significantly emphasised over the course of the day, with West Gippsland identified as a high-risk area for bushfire risk this spring and summer.

Crew members were also able to practice management of civilian interaction, burn over drills, truck driving, asset protection, radio reporting, and general firefighting techniques.

“We gave them time and support to go through all the hoops, and community warnings were getting a strong focus, as was thinking ahead,” Dave said.

“We had people from the Warragul Theatre Company come down to make life difficult for the control team and firefighters, acting as sticky beaks, as well as concerned and angry community members.”

Drone capabilities were tested overheard, with aerial observation and reporting taking place by Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), delivering live visual and verbal data from the fire front to the control centre.

“We were using the drones to hunt an arsonist, a scenario we had created, as well as spotfires. The drone operators were learning an awful lot, and I was really impressed with the infrared images they retrieved,” Dave said.

“We also use tennis balls with tails as spotfire simulators. If you toss one of those anywhere in the Baw Baw Group, they’re going to grab a hose and squirt it or stamp on it. It is ingrained.”

With Noojee surrounded by crown land, Dave said exercise sequences are increasingly becoming multi agency, as in most cases local brigades work side by side with FFMVic crews.

“We had quite a few people who had just completed their General Firefighter course who were jumping on a truck for the first time, it was quite exciting for them to be a part of it,” Dave said.

“This was the first time a lot of them had encountered FFMVic’s equipment and resources, and FFMVic were really enthusiastic supporters of this activity.

“It was a really worthwhile exercise to showcase what can be achieved when we work with the FFMVic dozers and crews and how they can assist us.

“What I really reinforce within my team is, if you get on scene and can’t control the fire with your tanker, take a moment to identify where a bigger response needs to be engineered and what resources you can request.”

This exercise follows a similar exercise held at Erica the week before. Baw Baw Group is highly invested in preparing both their crews and the community for what could arise over coming months.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

International students make significant contribution to Australian economy

Matthew Willing

Thu, 2025-09-25 11:57

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three men and seized 21kgs of cannabis, as well as a substantial amount of illicit tobacco and alcohol, near Kulgera yesterday afternoon.

Around 4:45pm, police members from Kulgera intercepted a rental Toyota station wagon travelling north of Kulgera along the Stuart Highway for the purpose of a random alcohol and drug test.

The 39-year-old driver tested positive for cannabis and a subsequent search of the vehicle and its occupants resulted in the following being seized:

• 21kgs of cannabis
• 4280 cigarettes – illicit tobacco
• 20 litres of alcohol

The driver and two passengers of the vehicle, aged 42 and 59, were arrested, with the Southern Drug Investigation Unit taking carriage of the investigation.

The three men have since been charged with:

• Possess schedule 2 dangerous drug – commercial quantity
• Supply schedule 2 dangerous drug – commercial quantity
• Customs Act 1901 Section 233BABAD Tobacco offences

The 39-year-old driver was also charged with Drive with prohibited drug.

They have been remanded in custody and are due to appear in court tomorrow.

Detective Acting Sergeant Adrian George said, “This was excellent proactive policing by our members from Kulgera.

“The financial and social impacts caused by the distribution of cannabis and alcohol into remote regions is well known, and it’s a disgrace that these offenders attempted to take advantage of the Territory’s vulnerable communities.

“Anyone with information on the supply of drugs or alcohol into remote communities can call police on 131 444.”

You can also make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source:

Recently a group of brigades in the state’s north west gathered and brushed up their skills and knowledge ahead of the summer season.

Source: Straight from the source – August 2025

New South Wales’ resources and energy industry will require just under 3,300 new workers by the end of 2030 – its lowest forecast in more than five years – according to new modelling from the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA). 

The Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2025–2030 shows NSW has 11 projects in its five-year pipeline, requiring 3,290 new employees and representing $11.5 billion in investment. 

This comes despite extraordinary workforce growth over the past 12 months, with NSW adding 5,000 employees – up 17% – to directly employ 34,300 people in May 2025. 

AREEA CEO Steve Knott AM said the figures showed NSW will need to substantially lift the number of projects that are advanced further along its investment pipeline, if it is to get back to its record high watermark of 44,600 direct resources sector workers reached in November 2023. 

“NSW has enjoyed remarkable mining sector jobs growth this year and now accounts for about 11% of the national resources workforce, but its forward pipeline is historically thin,” Mr Knott said. 

“After 2027, there is just one new project in each of 2028, 2029 and 2030. That is not enough to sustain long-term workforce growth in the sector 

“The Narrabri and Vickery coal expansions are major positives, but the continued delay to Narrabri CSG shows how investor confidence can be damaged by poor government policy and vexatious lawfare.” 

Between 2025–2027, seven projects – mostly coal, gold and metals – are expected to create about 2,000 new jobs, with Whitehaven’s Narrabri Stage 3 and Vickery expansions accounting for 1,200 of them. Other projects in lead, zinc, silver and tin are modest in workforce requirements. 

Nationally, AREEA’s Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2025–2030 identifies 96 major projects across Australia expected to create demand for 22,279  new operating-phase jobs by 2030. While slightly down on recent years, the consistency across successive reports shows Australia remains a highly attractive destination for resources and energy investment. 

Western Australia remains the powerhouse with 42 projects worth $81.8 billion requiring almost 9,000 new workers, while Queensland has rebounded strongly with 17 projects needing more than 4,400 employees by 2030. 

The full 2025–2030 Workforce Forecast report is available here. 

Click here for a PDF copy of this release, including media contact details.

Source: Straight from the source – August 2025

Queensland’s resources and energy industry may require more than 4400 new workers by the end of 2030, according to new modelling from the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA). 

Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2025–2030 shows the state has 17 major projects in its pipeline – up from just 11 in last year’s forecast – requiring 4,412 new production-phase employees. 

Queensland’s direct workforce stood at 85,200 in May 2025 (roughly 27% of the national resources and energy workforce), up 7,300 or 9.4% over the past 12 months, cementing the state as the nation’s second most attractive destination for resources investment behind WA. 

AREEA CEO Steve Knott AM welcomed the rebound but said risks remain, especially with the state’s coal royalty regime. 

“Queensland’s poor showing in last year’s forecast now looks like a speedbump rather than a brick wall,” Mr Knott said. 

“But the state’s unsustainably high coal royalty regime is still shaking investor confidence. Even if new coal projects proceed, workforce gains could be cancelled out by job losses at less competitive mines.” 

Coal remains Queensland’s strongest driver of investment, with five projects requiring more than 1,900 new workers by 2030. Copper and silica are next in line, with four projects across both commodities forecast to create 1,230 jobs – led by Evolution Mining’s Ernest Henry Mine Extension. 

Other key developments include the Paradise South phosphate project (245 jobs by 2027), Sconi Nickel (300) and Eva Copper (450) in 2028. 

Nationally, AREEA’s Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2025–2030 identifies 96 major projects across Australia expected to create demand for 22,279 new operating-phase jobs by 2030.  

While slightly down on recent years, the consistency across successive reports underlines Australia’s enduring strength as a destination for resources and energy investment.  

Western Australia continues to lead with 42 projects requiring almost 9,000 new workers, while New South Wales has 11 projects forecast to generate nearly 3,300 jobs by 2030. 

The full 2025–2030 Workforce Forecast report is available here. 

Click here for a PDF copy of this release, including media contact details.

Source: Straight from the source – August 2025

Western Australia’s resources and energy industry will require almost 9,000 new workers by the end of 2030, according to modelling released today by the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA). 

Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2025–2030 shows WA has 42 major projects in its investment pipeline – valued at $81.8 billion – forecast to create demand for 8,924 new workers. 

WA’s resources workforce has bounced back strongly from a temporary 2024 downturn, directly employing 165,300 people in May 2025 – up 14% or more than 20,000 employees in just 12 months. However, the current pipeline represents the state’s lowest level of projected new workforce growth in over four years. 

AREEA CEO Steve Knott AM said the figures highlighted both the resilience of WA’s existing workforce and the risks of softening investment. 

“WA remains the powerhouse of Australia’s resources industry, accounting for over half of its national workforce, but this report shows the state cannot take new projects for granted,” Mr Knott said. 

“Lithium has collapsed from seven projects last year to just one, Dorado has been mothballed indefinitely, and fewer new projects are coming through the approvals system. 

“With gold, iron ore, copper and critical minerals still driving new jobs, WA has an enormous opportunity to remain globally competitive – but only if policy settings support investment rather than strangle it.” 

Gold is the standout, with 11 projects requiring 2,400 new employees, while four iron ore projects will require about 1,200, and three copper projects another 650. Critical minerals are steady at 730 workers, but lithium has slumped to just 50 jobs in the pipeline. 

In the energy sector, seven projects – led by Woodside and Shell’s LNG developments – account for two-thirds of the state’s $81.8 billion pipeline value. 

Nationally, AREEA’s Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2025–2030 identifies 96 major projects across Australia expected to create demand for 22,279 new operating-phase jobs by 2030. While slightly down on recent years, the consistency across successive reports shows Australia remains a highly attractive destination for resources and energy investment. 

Queensland has rebounded with 17 projects forecast to create demand for more than 4,400 new workers, while New South Wales has 11 projects requiring just under 3,300 employees by 2030.

The full 2025–2030 Workforce Forecast report is available here.  

Click here for a PDF copy of this release, including media contact details

Source: Straight from the source – August 2025

Australia’s mining and energy workforce has bounced back strongly from last year’s downturn, but a new forecast warns future growth risks being undermined by weakening project pipelines, mounting red tape and tougher global competition for investment. 

Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2025–2030, released today by the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA), shows 96 major projects are expected to commence production between late 2025 and 2030. 

Valued at $129.5 billion, these projects are forecast to create demand for 22,279 new operating-phase jobs, lifting the national resources and energy workforce by just 7.1% to 2030 – the lowest five-year outlook in more than half a decade. 

While still substantial, the figures represent a softening compared with last year’s forecast of 108 projects and 27,070 jobs, and the 2023 forecast of 103 projects and 28,260 jobs. 

The report also shows Australia’s project pipeline continues to diversify beyond traditional strengths, with 21 “other commodities” projects (alumina, graphite, phosphate, mineral sands) requiring around 3000 workers, alongside strong contributions from gold, copper and critical minerals. 

Iron ore (8 projects / 3400 workers) and coal (7 projects / 3100 workers), however, both remain dependable growth drivers. 

Meanwhile, energy sector investment remains healthy – albeit slightly down on last year’s report – at 16 planned major projects worth $78.6bn in capex and forecast to require 2854 new production-related employees by 2030. 

AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott AM said the forecast again underlines the sector’s critical contribution to the national economy but cautioned against poor policy choices. 

“Iron ore, coal and gas remain the bedrock of our export earnings, taxes and royalties. Without this sector, there would be no federal surpluses and no reliable funding for hospitals, schools, Medicare or aged care,” Mr Knott said. 

“Yet governments seem intent on burying the golden goose in regulatory red tape, lawfare and workplace relations experiments that make investors think twice about putting their money into Australian projects. 

“Heightened climate activism, shifting policy settings, extended approval timelines and mounting red tape are all adding uncertainty to long-term planning and risk delaying critical developments.” 

State pipelines diverging 

Western Australia, traditionally the powerhouse of the national workforce, has seen its pipeline fall from 48 projects and more than 11,000 jobs in 2024 to 42 projects and about 8924 jobs in 2025. 

New South Wales has slipped even more substantially, with 11 projects forecast to create 3290 jobs across 2025-2030 – down from 19 projects and 5,412 in last year’s report. 

Queensland’s forecast shows relative strength, with 17 projects expected to generate 4412 new jobs by 2030. 

Mr Knott said the rebound put Queensland back in line with its 2023 forecast but warned that gains could be short-lived. 

“Our report shows Queensland’s pipeline is recovering after last year’s slump, but the state faces a growing risk of job losses in its existing coal industry. The royalty regime, among the highest in the world, is eroding investor confidence and putting long-term coal operations at risk,” he said. 

“If production contracts or projects are wound back prematurely, any new workforce gains could be wiped out. This would not only cost Queensland thousands of jobs, but also weaken one of its most important revenue streams for funding services and infrastructure.” 

The full 2025–2030 Workforce Forecast report is available here. 

Click here for a PDF copy of this release, including media contact details.

Source: New South Wales – News

The Mobile Workforce Program will soon see every SAPOL staff member issued a Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphone equipped with more than 60 applications and web links providing anytime-anywhere information, communication and collaboration.

Program Business Engagement Lead, Chief Inspector Julian Coram said the phone is the latest piece of equipment in the modern police officer’s toolkit.

“Having the Mobility Phone on hand completely changes how we work. I can access real-time intelligence anytime, anywhere, stay informed and stay connected with my team. It makes our job safer and enables us to work more efficiently,” Inspector Coram said.

Frontline members will be able to conduct operational searches across multiple data sources, manage taskings and dispatch through the device, record and share media in real time, and collaborate more effectively using modern tools.

“These capabilities mean saving time when it matters the most, it means making faster, better-informed decisions, improved safety and enhanced situational awareness.”

“This program will deliver a digital transformation that will usher in next generation policing in South Australia,” said Program Director, Vaiju Joshi said.

“Our officers will be connected, informed and ready with the latest technology toolkit at their fingertips.”

SAPOL’s Mobile Workforce Program also supports officer safety and proactive decision-making through features like officer-level location tracking, and access to in field intelligence.

Executive Director of Information Systems and Technology (IS&T), Richard Hill, said: this program is changing the way police interact with technology.

“The Mobile Workforce Program puts powerful, secure tools directly in officers’ hands, streamlining their work, reducing administrative burden, enhancing safety, and enabling faster decisions in the field. It’s a practical capability that makes daily policing more connected, efficient, and responsive, which ultimately allows officers to focus more on community engagement and safety.” Mr Hill said.

Commissioner Grant Stevens welcomed the introduction of the innovative technology, stating that the new phone and its integrated capabilities represent “the next generation of officer safety for SAPOL, delivering access to advanced, police-specific systems and enhancing the level of service provided to the community.”

The rollout is currently underway, with specialist groups such as Aircraft Services, Water Operations, Mounted Operations, Police Negotiators, Public Transport Policing Teams, and the Licensing Enforcement Branch already using their new phones.

The delivery of phones to Metropolitan and State Operations Services has begun this month.

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