Category: MIL-OSI

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A brigade’s heart-warming gesture

Source:

While there might not be an obvious link between a CFA brigade getting two new firefighting vehicles and an animal support centre getting some warm bedding for its four-pawed mates, in this case there is.

A new tanker and a new ultralight for Newham Fire Brigade meant that the two existing vehicles needed clearing out before they went to auction. But to make room for the surplus gear the brigade’s shed needed a clear out.

In the shed were warm woollen blankets in good condition that were no longer needed.

Newham Fire Brigade Lieutenant Karen Meredith-Thomas immediately thought that the blankets could be put to good use by Bendigo Animal Relief Centre (BARC), which had just put out a plea on Facebook for donations of warm bedding for the animals in its care.

Karen decided to go one better than the blankets and put a call out on social media for people to contact Newham bridgade if they could donate anything else to BARC. The donations came in at an impressive rate – towels no longer wanted, more warm blankets, fluffy dog beds and even the goodies from a much-loved deceased dog’s estate.

Last week Karen delivered all the donations to BARC and with plenty of cold weather left for the season, they are already being put to good use.

  • Karen Meredith-Thomas, her dog Jessica, Newham Captain Bryan Hornbuckle and just a handful of the winter warming supplies collected by the brigade.
Submitted by Valerie Hornbuckle
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Gondola mock evacuation a success in Arthurs Seat

Source:

A CFA led exercise saw over 150 emergency services personnel join forces at a simulated rescue at Arthurs Seat Eagle (ASE) to ensure they are equipped should the situation arise.

The popular tourist attraction on the Mornington Peninsula closed their doors on Wednesday, 17 September to allow members of CFA, VICSES, FRV, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, and the Mornington Peninsula Shire to test their management plan.

The multi-faceted drill tested their high angle capabilities in tough terrain and extensive teamwork to rescue and extricate 24 trapped passengers safely from six gondolas, including helping a person in a wheelchair, and with a guide dog and baby.

Dromana Fire Brigade 1st Lieutenant and exercise Incident Controller Jason Fevola said it was a beneficial day to have agencies come together and test abilities and strengths, to be ready for the busy season which is about to arrive.

“The scene was complex, and it had its challenges, but the team are well drilled from ASE rescue and were well supported by all agencies,” Jason said.

“Days like this are fantastic to test and train our joint response, making sure we’ve got everything ironed out, so if something does happen in the future, we’re well prepared to protect our community.

“The gondola is a really unique resource and although we have similar in the ski fields and other alpine regions, in this area, teams really need to be familiar with what goes on and how we undertake a rescue.”

An Incident Management Team (IMT) lead by Jason deployed the appointment of resources from the staging area, with the controlled environment allowing for clear communication and adaptability.

While there is no room for error, Jason said it would take more than one crew to complete this rescue on any given day, and CFA’s new drone technology was a major asset to the experiment.

“Everyone got a chance to test their technology, and this year CFA has introduced drone capability, which gives us live visibility shots that go straight back to our IMT,” Jason said.

“We saw things we wouldn’t usually have been able to, which allowed us to make decisions simultaneously.” 

CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer District 8 Sean Kerr said the operation provided an opportunity for local personnel to practice rescue response in the case ASE have a mechanical failure.

“In this situation, trained ASE rescuers zipline to the gondola roof before abseiling down to the gondola doors to attach trapped passengers to a harness and safely lower them to the ground,” Sean said.  

“It requires a lot of training and practice, and we need to understand the complexities of undertaking rescues within these systems, so we know exactly where the issues are. 

“We’ve seen a huge leap forward in technology with the drones being utilised by CFA and FRV, and the live feed was invaluable to keep us up to date with how quickly things were happening. 

“We’ll take the key lessons learned across the agencies, review them, and put them into future planning and responses.”

Submitted by CFA media
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Brookvale depot leads the charge on switch to electric buses

Source: Mental Health Australia

The switch to electric buses for the state’s 8000-strong bus fleet is an important step closer, with the first conversion of a major Sydney depot to battery electric fast-charging technology.

Brookvale is the first of Sydney’s 11 bus depots to be fitted out for the change, with Australia’s first of its type gantry-mounted fast-charging station now installed.

The new gantry-mounted system offers higher charging power and shorter charge times, with the ability to recharge a bus in as little as 20 minutes to one hour.

Read the full release here. (PDF, 97.3 KB)

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New trial pathways make BVLOS approvals easier

Source:

Australia’s drone industry is growing quickly, with more operators looking to fly beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS). To support this growth, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is launching a 12-month trial to make BVLOS approvals more accessible.

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Mt Martha celebrates renovated station and new vehicle

Source:

Mt Martha Fire Brigade has officially opened their newly renovated fire station and handed their new Field Command Vehicle this week.

The upgrades to the station and new vehicle were celebrated with brigade members and local dignitaries which marked a new era for Mt Martha brigade.  

Due to the growing needs of the community, the station required some upgrades to allow the brigade to continue meeting service delivery demand long into the future.  

The upgrades include the refurbishment of the existing two-bay motor room, a new office, kitchen, multipurpose room, turnout room, breathing apparatus room, and laundry and drying room.  

In addition, a new external two-bay shed was constructed as well as a new externa concrete apron area – which will allow for ease of truck movement and ample car parking for volunteers. 

New changing facilities were also included, including privacy cubicles and gender-neutral and accessible bathrooms.  

Mt Martha Captain Phillip Mapleback said the brigade welcomed the new facilities and were looking forward to the future.  

“These upgrades were important to enable the brigade to keep providing protection to the community into the future,” he said.  

“It really makes our job a lot easier and future proofs our brigade.” 

He said the FCV would also be an invaluable asset to the brigade, increasing their capacity to respond to incidents in bushland. 

It has automatic transmission and does not require an endorsed license to drive and can be used in a range of incident management roles. 

“It will be just great to have the extra capacity the FCV offers us,” he said.  

CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Sean Kerr said he was glad to see Mt Martha receive critical upgrades.  

“It is great to see Mt Martha receive the facilities and equipment it needs to continue servicing the community at such a high level,” he said.  

“Congratulations on the renovations and new FCV. I look forward to seeing the brigade utilise these new resources for many years to come.”  

Submitted by CFA Media
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Call for information – Serious harm – Galiwinku

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to a serious harm incident that occurred in Galiwinku yesterday afternoon.

Around 4:25pm, local police received a report that a 14-year-old female had been assaulted by a 15-year-old male believed to be known to her. It is alleged the offender severed the victim’s finger with an edged weapon.

The victim was treated at the local clinic before being conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital via CareFlight.

The offender fled the scene prior to police arrival and remains outstanding.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to make contact on 131 444 or attend their local police station.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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Call for information – Crash – Darwin

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force are investigating after a crash in Darwin City overnight.

Around 12am, police observed a WA registered Toyota Single Cab Ute being driven by youths, travelling outbound on Cavanagh. Police attempted to conduct a traffic apprehension however the ute failed to stop at which time a pursuit was initiated for a short period of time, before being terminated for safety reasons.

A short time later, the ute drove through a red light at the intersection of Gardens Hill Road and Daly Street, colliding with a taxi.

The three occupants of the taxi, two males and female, were conveyed to hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

A 15-year-old male was taken into custody at the scene. It is currently unknown if he was the driver of the ute, and he has since been released pending further enquiries. 

Two other unknown occupants of the ute, believed to be youths, fled the location on foot.

Investigations remain ongoing. 

Road closures were in place throughout the night and have since been lifted.

Due to the nature of the collision, the incident is also being investigated as a serious custody incident.

Police are urging anyone with information, particularly dash-cam footage, to come forward on 131 444. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Free school camps at Birrigai continue

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

ACT public school students can access one free camp at Birrigai during their primary years.

In brief:

  • The ACT Government launched its free camps program in February this year.
  • ACT public school students can access one free camp at Birrigai during their primary years.
  • By the end of the 2025 school year, the program is set to deliver 58 camps for around 4100 students.

By the end of the 2025 school year, around 4100 ACT public school students will have attended a free camp at Birrigai.

Since the initiative was announced in February, more than 1700 students from 25 participating schools have attended a camp. By the end of term 4, Birrigai is projected to have delivered a further 33 camps for about 2400 students.

The free camps program

The program ensures every primary school student at an ACT public school can attend one free camp at Birrigai during their primary school years.

The 2025-26 Budget provided funding for the initiative over four years.

Plans for 2026

Planning for 2026 free camps are well underway with all eligible schools already booked in. Forward bookings indicate all eligible schools will have received one free camp by the end of 2026.

Birrigai offers different programs aligned with the curriculum. Themes include:

  • First Nations histories and culture
  • outdoor adventure and science
  • science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.

Outdoor activities are central to the experience. On camp, students may take part in:

  • adventure bush walks
  • team-building exercises like team treks and rope courses
  • campfires, damper cooking and seed grinding (and enjoying Birrigai biscuits)
  • challenges such as the crate climb, vertical playpen and giant’s ladder
  • a connection to Country experience with Birrigai Aboriginal rangers
  • learning about plants and living creatures, including kangaroos, emus, yabbies, Bogong moths and Muliyan (eagles)
  • arts and craft – from sketching their environment to building a shelter
  • play-based learning, storytelling and singing
  • self-directed exploration
  • collecting data as part of Birrigai’s ongoing EcoSurvey.

School camps support curriculum delivery, student wellbeing and a positive school culture.

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Free school camp program at Birrigai on track to host over 4000 students in first year

Source: Australian National Party




Free school camp program at Birrigai on track to host over 4000 students in first year – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 18/09/2025

Now in full swing, the ACT Government’s free school camps program at Birrigai Outdoor School is tracking to deliver 58 camps for around 4100 students by the end of the 2025 school year.

More than 1700 students have attended a free camp since the initiative was announced in February, with 25 schools having participated by the end of last week in a free camp at the outdoor school.

The program was set up to ensure every primary school age student in ACT public schools could attend one free camp at Birrigai during their primary school years. The 2025-26 Budget provides $3.3 million to fund the initiative over four years.

By the end of term 4, Birrigai, near Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park, is projected to have delivered a further 33 camps for approximately 2400 students. Planning for 2026 free camps are well underway with all eligible schools already booked in.

Birrigai offers curriculum-aligned programs that include First Nations histories and cultures, outdoor adventure, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics activities. School camps support curriculum delivery, the development of student wellbeing and a positive school culture.

“School camps are an important and formative part of the educational experience, and no student should have to miss out because of the cost,” ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said.

“The free camps initiative was set up after we learnt through feedback and data that cost was posing a barrier to many young people accessing the valuable experience school camps provide. It complements our other equity programs, including free three-year-old preschool, a Chromebook for every public secondary school student and the Future of Education Equity Fund.”

– Statement ends –

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Two arrested over alleged Kings Meadows assault

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two arrested over alleged Kings Meadows assault

Thursday, 18 September 2025 – 4:13 pm.

Police have today arrested and charged two teenagers over the alleged serious assault of a man on Hobart Road, Kings Meadows, last night.
Launceston detectives charged a 17-year-old boy with assault under the criminal code and he remains in custody.
A second 17-year-old boy has been charged with assault under the criminal code and he was bailed to reappear in court at a later date.
The arrests were made earlier today, following the alleged assault of a 40-year-old man outside Zap Fitness in the Launceston suburb of Kings Meadows, about 9.15pm on Wednesday.
The man sustained serious head injuries and remains in Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition.
Investigators are appealing to the public for any witnesses or dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au and quote job number 387-17092025.
Information can be provided anonymously.