Category: MIL-OSI

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The 2026 Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival which takes place from Wednesday May 27 to Wednesday June 3, during National Reconciliation Week will celebrate with a range of films, videos and other activities at venues in Bendigo, Castlemaine and Yandoit.

The festival officially kicks off at 4.30pm Wednesday May 27 at Bendigo Library with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.  There will be an official opening followed by the announcement of the 2026 Koori Youth Flick Fest winners and screenings of this year’s entries.

This year’s festival showcases an exciting range of activities, discussions and First Nations films, documentaries and videos starring and telling stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from Central Victoria and across Australia.

Screenings include documentaries My Survival as an Aboriginal (Essie Coffey) and Moort: Calling Dingo back to Country at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal, Tanna at Yandoit’s Old Church in the Bush, Wash my Soul in the Rivers Flow at Bendigo Library and We are still Here  and Carriberrie both screening at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre.

Other activities taking place during the week include a Dja Dja Wurrung CBD Cultural Walking Tour and short films hosted by DUMAWUL and a number of films for children including Grandpa Honeyant Storytime, Dance with Tom and Dance with Thalu all at Bendigo Library.

The 2026 theme for National Reconciliation Week is All In. This theme is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.  It emphasizes that reconciliation requires active participation from everyone, not just First Nations People and involves commitment from all of us to truth-telling, justice, and shared history.

National Reconciliation Week continues to shape Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation.

The City of Greater Bendigo is committed to reconciliation and is looking forward to seeing everyone come together to celebrate National Reconciliation Week at the 2026 Central Victoria Indigenous Film Festival.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ith the passing of Neale Daniher, we all grieve for a great Australian.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the Daniher family: his wife Jan; children Bec, Ben, Lauren and Luke; and his many grandchildren and wider family, who did so much to support the man they loved so deeply.

In 2013, after a decorated VFL/AFL career as a player and then coach, Neale Daniher was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

At that point, the average life expectancy was just 27 months.

Instead, through 13 years, Neale fought what he called ‘the Beast’ with a courage, optimism and passion that brought hope and inspiration into the lives of everyone affected by MND.

The devastating impacts of MND stole so much from Neale, but he held onto everything that people loved and admired about him: his selflessness, his bravery, his humour, his ability to look on the bright side and his fierce determination to make a difference for others.

It was a profound honour to present Neale the Australian of the Year Award in 2025. I think it is safe to say that there has never been an award so unanimously agreed to by every single Australian on that night. 

Richly deserved recognition that Neale embraced, not as an accolade but as a platform, a way to continue his advocacy for a cure.  

Neale Daniher’s remarkable legacy lives all around us.

The difference he made can be measured in the national awareness and the tens of millions of dollars that he and FightMND have raised to research a cure.

It can be counted in the tens of thousands of Big Freeze beanies that will fill the MCG on the King’s Birthday weekend.

Above all, it will be carried in the hearts of everyone who found new strength and new hope in their fight because of the extraordinary example that Neale set.

May this wonderful man rest in eternal peace.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 47-year-old male on Friday in relation to drug offences committed in Alice Springs.

Following an extensive investigation that commenced in December 2025, the male was arrested on Friday morning at a town camp on Lovegrove Drive in Araluen by detectives from the Southern Drug Investigation Unit. The arrest was made in relation to the alleged supply of dangerous drugs within the Alice Springs community, including six town camps.

The offender was charged with the following offences:

• Possess and supply schedule 1 dangerous drug – commercial quantity (methamphetamine)
• Possess and supply schedule 1 dangerous drug – less commercial quantity (cocaine)
• Possess and supply schedule 2 dangerous drug – commercial quantity (cannabis)
• Possess precursor manufacture dangerous drug
• Unauthorized sale of liquor
• Unlawful possession of property
• Drive manner dangerous pursuit
• Drive disqualified
• Damage to property

He is due to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court today.

Anyone with information regarding the supply or distribution of illicit substances is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source:

Issue date: Monday, 25 May 2026

Today, Mr Tony Zappia MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works presented the Public Works Committee’s third report of 2026 to the House of Representatives.

Report 3/2026 – Referrals made in November 2025 considers the following four proposed works:

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority—Great Barrier Reef Aquarium Redevelopment project for a total estimated cost of $161.1 million (excluding GST)
• Department of Defence—9 Molonglo Drive, Brindabella Park, Australian Capital Territory for a total estimated cost of 103.9 million (excluding GST)
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade—Australian High Commission Staff Residential Compound Refurbishment, Konedobu, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for a total estimated cost of $37.3 million (excluding GST)
• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts—Fit-out of New Leased Premises at One City Hill, Canberra City for a total estimated cost of $46.4 million (excluding GST).

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority proposes to deliver a major redevelopment of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (formerly Reef HQ Aquarium). The Aquarium has not been significantly upgraded since its opening in 1987 and has experienced structural degradation and corrosion, leaving some structures non-compliant with current building standards. The proposal includes major works on the ground, first and second floors, and works on the external façade and frontage and will be centred a new world-class Coral Reef Exhibit.

The Department of Defence has proposed office fit-out works in Brindabella Park to allow it to consolidate four existing leases in the same precinct into one. With the consolidation, Defence will reduce its total leased office space in the precinct while updating the fit-out to comply with modern building standards and Defence security requirements.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s proposed works at the High Commission complex in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, will see 39 staff residences undergo the first major upgrade since being established 30 years ago. The proposed works will address safety risks to staff and their families and rising costs associated with ongoing routine maintenance and extend the life of the facility by at least 20 years.

The proposed works by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts are Stage 2 of the Department’s precinct model consolidation. Stage 1 of the project was examined by the Committee last year and was approved by the House of Representatives in October 2025. The current proposed works will allow the Department to relocate from its current lease in the Nishi Building into new accommodation at One City Hill. The precinct model will enable the Department to reduce its Net Lettable Area in Canberra by 40 per cent.

For the inquiries into these proposed works, the Committee received submissions, held private briefings with relevant government officials and conducted public and private hearings. The Committee also had the opportunity to travel to Townsville to visit the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and see firsthand the conditions of the site and the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences to see some of the Aquarium’s marine life temporarily stored there.

The Committee has recommended that the House of Representatives approves the proposed works. Mr Zappia said that ‘in examining these works, the Committee gave consideration to the purpose, need, value for money, and present and prospective public value of each of them, as is our obligation under the Public Works Committee Act 1969. The Committee found that the proposed works have merit and should proceed.’

Please note: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

Media inquiries

Mr Tony Zappia MP, Chair of Standing Committee on Public Works
(08) 8265 3100

For background information

Committee secretariat
02 6277 4636
pwc@aph.gov.au

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its www.aph.gov.au/pwc. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Strike Force Trident have arrested a 14-year-old male and a 10-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery in Durack in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Around 12:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a robbery in progress at a service station on University Avenue.

It is alleged a group of three youths entered the store at 12:35am and stole various items. They also allegedly threw items at a male staff member before leaving the scene.

About 15 minutes later the group returned and allegedly continued to throw items at the victim while threatening to kill him.

Fearing for his safety, the victim locked himself in the office and the offenders allegedly climbed behind the counter and stole several items as well as cash. The victim suffered minor injuries.

Around 10:35pm that same day, a 14-year-old male and 10-year-old male were arrested near the Darwin CBD by Strike Force Trident members.

The 14-year-old was charged with aggravated robbery and shoplifting and the 10-year-old was released and placed on youth diversion for robbery.

Strike Force Trident are continuing investigations and are making efforts to locate the third offender.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000. Please quote reference P26148410.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. This morning, I convened National Cabinet for an important update on Australia’s fuel security. This is the fifth time that National Cabinet has met since the conflict in the Middle East began on February 28. We know, as I’ve said before, while the conflict is a long way from home, we are not immune to its impacts. And the longer the conflict goes on, the more enduring the impact will be, the economic tail. We are very hopeful that the positive signs of a de-escalation and peace in the region will lead to a conclusion. That is in the global economy’s interests, and it is therefore in Australia’s interest as well. We’re able to report pretty positive news: 43 days of petrol, which is five days more than were there on February 28 when the conflict began. Importantly, 38 days of diesel, which is what there was most concern about, people concerned about their capacity to plant crops, et cetera, was a creating a great deal of concern particularly for the agricultural community, that’s six days more than was in place on February 28. And 31 days of jet fuel, which is two days more than was available in Australia on February 28th.

In addition, I reported last week when I was in Perth the arrangements with China for the import of jet fuel. China has placed some restrictions on exports, but after a discussion between myself and Premier Li and after, confirmed by Foreign Minister Wong’s visit to China, that we were able to get some 660,000 barrels of jet fuel, is confirmed for Australia. All of that is good news for Australia. We know, though, this is volatile and uncertain times, and I want to make it clear that when the conflict ends, that doesn’t mean that the economic tail concludes. There will be a period of time before ships are able to go through the Strait of Hormuz. It’s also the case that the ships that are stranded there at the moment have to go offload their fuel or their cargoes that can take up to 30 days, and then go back to collect more cargoes, and then go back to their place of destination. So, there’s a tail here as well, but it was a positive meeting. And supply is looking secure into July. And I do want to thank the Australian people for agreeing to do what we ask them to do, which is the hoarding of fuel has stopped. People are taking just what they need. And that means that for those sectors who rely particularly upon diesel, it is making a difference.

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Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Porepunkah Fire Brigade members joined CFA dignitaries on the weekend to officially open the refurbished fire station.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating the death of a man in Alice Springs.

Around 9:10am yesterday morning, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a man had been located unresponsive in a bed at a residence on Nicker Crescent in Gillen.

Emergency services responded and located the 44-year-old man with injuries to his head and lower body. He was declared deceased at the scene.

The cause of death is unknown; however, police are treating it as suspicious at this stage. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and timing of the man’s injuries.

Southern Investigations have carriage of the investigation and urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P26148658. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force’s high-visibility Operation Ventura continues to deliver strong enforcement outcomes across Palmerston, with officers making more than 20 arrests and tipping out almost 260 litres of alcohol in the first week of the operation.

Launched on 18 May 2026, Operation Ventura brings together police and partnered agencies to target anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related harm and criminal activity in known hotspot locations across Palmerston.

Superintendent Katie Hatzismalis said the first seven days of the operation demonstrated both strong enforcement action and proactive community engagement.

“The operation is only in its early days, but we’re already seeing strong results and positive engagement within the community,” Superintendent Hatzismalis said.

“Police are continuing to keep the pressure on in Palmerston, working closely with partnered agencies to monitor and target active known hotspots.

“Our members remain committed to maintaining a highly visible presence and ensuring residents and businesses know that action is being taken against those who look to cause harm.”

Since the commencement of Operation Ventura on 18 May 2026, police have recorded the following activity outcomes:

• Persons spoken to – 602
• Persons moved on – 325
• Alcohol litres tipped out – 259
• High visibility patrols – 256
• Arrests – 21
• Protective Custody Apprehensions – 12
• Banned Drinker Orders Issued – 17
• Wandings – 182
• Weapones seized – 7
• Infringements issued – 6

Operation Ventura will continue with ongoing patrols and targeted enforcement activities over the next two months.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

New bushfire research has identified important learnings for future bushfire preparedness and management.

Bushfire scientists from CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), through the Safer Together program, have reconstructed 5 bushfires from the 2023-24 fire season, including the bushfires at:

• Bayindeen – Rocky Road
• Mt Stapylton
• Bellfield
• Staffordshire Reef
• Dereel.

The reconstructions strengthen CFA and FFMVic’s science and learnings across fire behaviour, modelling, suppression and overall management effectiveness to improve how we prepare for and manage major fires.

Researchers examined fires that burned more than 28,000 hectares and interacted with areas that had undergone planned burning in the past five years.

FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said reconstruction reports are essential for understanding fire behaviour in real conditions and improving how agencies manage bushfire risk and are part of an annual program of research that fire agencies collaborate on.

‘These reports help us learn directly from major fires and understand what worked, what was challenged and where we can improve,’ Mr Hardman said.

Researchers looked at how fuel treatments, the landscape, weather and firefighting efforts affected how the fires spread and how severe they became. This included on-the-ground observations, aerial infrared imagery, fuel moisture data and new 3D mapping technology.

Overall, research from the Bayindeen – Rocky Road fire found that fuel management can make a real difference during major fires by slowing or moderating fire behaviour in some parts of the landscape and creating safer conditions for firefighters.

‘The research shows fuel-reduced areas can support decision-making during a fire by giving crews more options on the ground,’ Mr Hardman added.

When fire moved into areas that had been treated by planned burning, researchers found lower fire severity, suggesting that fire behaviour was less intense. Experienced crews on the ground reported that those treated areas made it safer and easier for firefighters to work closer to the fire edge, slow or stop the fire, and establish containment lines.

The research also observed lower fire severity in treated areas in parts of the fire footprint. This included reduced canopy scorch and char height compared with nearby untreated areas. These patches of lower severity fire can help reduce longer-term ecological damage and support environmental recovery.

The reports highlight variability in the effectiveness of planned burning, influenced by factors such as fire behaviour at the time of interaction, time since treatment, fuel regrowth and weather. This reinforces the need for ongoing research and continual improvement in how fuel management is planned and delivered.

The reports also reviewed how fire danger ratings and bushfire simulators performed. Those insights will help refine modelling, risk assessment and operational planning.

‘By combining field data with operational experience, we’re strengthening the evidence that underpins both fuel management and fire response,’ Mr Hardman said.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said reconstruction reports ensure lessons from major bushfire events are recorded and shared across the sector so that we continually improve mitigation, planning and operations.

‘By combining field data with operational experience, we’re strengthening the evidence that underpins both fuel management and fire response,’ Mr Slijepcevic said.

‘Each reconstruction helps build a clearer picture of how fire behaves under extreme conditions. This work is critical to improving preparedness, supporting firefighters during incidents and making Victoria more resilient ahead of future fire seasons.’

To view the full reports, visit Fire research and adaptive management publications.

Submitted by	CFA media