Simulated plane crash puts joint-response efforts to the test

Source:

CFA participated in a major multi-agency training exercise on Tuesday, which tasked crews to respond to a simulated aircraft crash at the Ballarat Aerodrome.

Representatives from CFA, Victoria Police, VICSES, Ambulance Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria took part in the exercise with support from the Ballarat Shire Council. 

CFA District 15 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lachie Redman said multi-agency exercises play a vital role in strengthening emergency readiness. 

“Joint training like this helps us build familiarity across agencies so that, in a real event, we’re already speaking the same language and understand how each other operates,” Lachie said. 

“It’s also a chance to refine how we communicate across different radio systems and work together as one coordinated unit.” 

First responders were briefed on the scenario when the exercise got underway to ensure their response was as realistic as possible. 

The exercise simulated a light aircraft emergency involving a distressed passenger, culminating in a high-speed landing attempt at Ballarat Aerodrome. 

The aircraft overshot the runway, collided with a fence, and broke apart on impact, ejecting several passengers. 

Emergency crews responded as bystanders began gathering near the crash site. 

The objective of the exercise was to test and improve the way emergency services work together when responding to large-scale emergencies. 

CFA District 15 Commander Damien Scott, who oversaw CFA’s response at the exercise, said he hopes crews never have to face such a serious incident in real life, but they are well prepared if required.  

“Our crews performed well throughout the simulation,” Damien said. 

“Exercises like this let us challenge our plans, practice key roles and build confidence across the crew,” Damien said. 

“They’re especially valuable for newer members getting exposure to this scale of response in a controlled environment.” 

Each agency held a debrief after the exercise concluded to review lessons learned and share improvement ideas. 

“We’d rather identify any gaps in training than discover them during an actual incident,” Damien said. 

“Everyone involved has come away from this with better knowledge, stronger connections, and a clearer understanding of how we operate together.” 

Submitted by CFA Media

Have you seen this vehicle in the southern suburbs?

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are seeking assistance from the public following an incident in the southern suburbs earlier this week.

Crime Gangs Task Force Detectives are investigating a serious assault that occurred about 6.30pm on Tuesday 3 June.  It will be alleged a man was taken by force from a retail shop on Honeypot Road at Huntfield Heights and driven around the area.

Police will allege the victim, a 24-year-old man from Parafield Gardens, was assaulted by the occupants of a silver 2017 Mitsubishi Triton with a canopy (see picture), at Sports Park Drive, Morphett Vale.

The man was taken by SAAS members to hospital, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Following an investigation, Detectives arrested a 29-year-old man from Port Noarlunga, he was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated theft.  He was granted police bail to appear in court at a later date.

A 27-year-old man from Hackham was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and aggravated theft.  He was refused police bail and appeared in Christies Beach Magistrate Court on Wednesday 4 June where he was remanded in custody.

A 20-year-old man from Moana was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and aggravated theft.  The man is alleged to be a member of the Comanchero MC and he will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates court later today (Friday 6 June).

Police believe this was not a random incident and there is no risk to the community.

Investigators are seeking witnesses, CCTV and dash cam footage of the incident on Sports Park Drive, Huntfield Heights.  Anyone who may have seen a silver 2017 Mitsubishi Triton being driven erratically and at a high speed on the Southern Expressway between 5.45pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 3 June to contact Crime Stoppers.  You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

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Award-Winning TV Creators Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright and Soo Hugh Headline Future Vision 2025

Source: AMP Limited

06 06 2025 – Media release

Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright and Soo Hugh
Australians in Film, in association with presenting partners Screen Australia and VicScreen, proudly announce the return of FUTURE VISION—Australia’s premier global television exchange for the world’s top creative minds—set to take place July 14–16 at ACMI, Australia’s national museum of screen culture in Melbourne.
With the global screen industry in flux, FUTURE VISION enables Australia’s leading creatives to connect and forge smarter collaborations with each other and international partners as they collectively reflect, reimagine and reinvigorate the way stories are told.
Three of the most powerful global voices in contemporary storytelling will headline the second annual event.

Richard Gadd, the multi-Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody-winning creator and star of the cultural phenomenon Baby Reindeer.
Sally Wainwright, BAFTA award-winning creator and director of the critically acclaimed Happy Valley.
Soo Hugh, Peabody-winning and BAFTA-nominated creator of the internationally lauded series Pachinko.

Bruna Papandrea (Nine Perfect Strangers) and Tony Ayres (The Survivors), return as FUTURE VISION co-chairs, continuing their leadership at a time where strategic solutions have never been more important.
With the international screen industry confronting global market contraction, regulatory uncertainty, and the rise of AI — FUTURE VISION 2025 will explore how creativity and strategic collaboration can guide the industry forward.
This year’s theme, Optimism, builds upon last year’s focus on Courage, inviting attendees to reimagine what’s possible in this rapidly evolving media landscape.
Papandrea and Ayres said, “We are so enormously thrilled to have three of our television heroes coming to FUTURE VISION this year. Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright, and Soo Hugh are undoubtedly some of the most exciting television creators in the world today. They create unforgettable worlds and characters that explode onto our screens, and they are masters of their craft. We cannot wait to engage with them in Melbourne and bring their thinking and provocation to the thought leaders at home.”
Richard Gadd said, “Events like FUTURE VISION are very important. They bring together people who care about pushing boundaries, taking risks, and telling stories that mean something.”
Sally Wainwright said, “I’m delighted to have been asked to take part in FUTURE VISION and am looking forward hugely to talking telly with everyone. One of my absolute favourite shows of recent years was Deadloch. I loved it because it was as absurd as it was dark, which for me is always a winning combination. I’m thrilled to be able to visit where it was shot.”
Soo Hugh said, “Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky to learn from extraordinary storytellers who taught me the power of vision and reminded me how deeply personal stories can resonate globally. I’m excited to attend FUTURE VISION – to listen, exchange ideas, and be inspired by voices that see the world a little differently.”
FUTURE VISION will once again bring together drama and narrative comedy creators, writers, producers, commissioners, and development executives from Australia and across the globe for three days of cutting-edge conversation and strategic thinking:

Monday, July 14 – OPEN DAY: A day open to established creatives, industry stakeholders, and curious minds. Also available via livestream for those who cannot make it to Melbourne.
July 15–16 – INVITE-ONLY SESSIONS: Programming for top-tier writers, directors, producers, and commissioning executives.

From keynote conversations to insightful case studies, FUTURE VISION offers an unprecedented opportunity for the industry to come together, think big, and shape the future of television.
Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon says: “Screen Australia is proud to be supporting FUTURE VISION once again. With Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright and Soo Hugh to headline, the 2025 offering will be valuable for our Australian screen sector to come together and learn from key industry players on how we can continue to launch our stories onto a global stage. Considering our local industry is already one of innovation, strong community and resilience, we have good reason to get behind the event’s theme of Optimism.”
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks says, “Victoria’s screen industry has a strong track record of creating high-end television that captivates audiences across the globe. We’re proud to support the return of FUTURE VISION to Melbourne for another year. This event connects Australia’s leading screen storytellers with the creators of some the world’s most watched TV series. From global sensation Apple Cider Vinegar to forthcoming new series The Survivors, Victoria continues to be a global screen powerhouse.”
Australians in Film Executive Director Peter Ritchie says; “There are real opportunities for the Australian screen sector globally, and we are so enormously grateful to our headline international guests, our co-Chairs, Screen Australia and VicScreen, all our industry partners, attendees and guests who are coming together so generously to prioritize a strategic approach to the ways we commission, develop and execute our Australian screen stories for international audiences.”
FUTURE VISION is proudly supported by industry peers Walt Disney Company Australia & New Zealand, Netflix and Stan. Our Venue Partner is ACMI, our Official Hotel Partner is Sofitel Melbourne On Collins and our Supporting Partner is Scape.
FUTURE VISION Media Enquiries
Jane Lunn C/- LUNN &Co
+61 402 248 811 | [email protected]
Media enquiries
Maddie Walsh | Publicist
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
+ 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

Youth charged over offences committed in Southern Tasmania

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Youth charged over offences committed in Southern Tasmania

Friday, 6 June 2025 – 11:46 am.

Police have charged a 15-year-old from the Bridgewater area over a number of offences committed in Southern Tasmania recently.
Police will allege the youth committed an aggravated armed robbery on a food delivery driver in Gagebrook on 8 May.
The youth was charged with:

1x aggravated armed robbery
1x motor vehicle stealing
3x stealing
1x aggravated burglary
1x possess controlled plant or its products
2x possess a controlled drug
1x possess thing used for administration of controlled drug
1x evade police
1x injure property
1x common assault

He will appear before the Youth Justice Court today.

Tax time is the ideal time to complete a super health check

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

It’s important people know how much super they have, where it is, and if their employer is paying the right amount. At tax time we encourage everyone to complete a super health check.

For most people it only takes a few minutes, and most checks can be done on ATO online. The super health check consists of the following 5 checks:

1. Check your contact details

2. Check your super balance and employer contributions

3. Check for lost and unclaimed super

4. Check if you have multiple super accounts and consider consolidating

5. Check your nominated beneficiary

People can do a super health check at any time, but it’s a good idea to do it at least once a year, such as when preparing their tax return. It’s a great way of understanding super and staying in control.

An additional benefit of completing a super health check could be the early detection of fraudulent activity. If people think there’s been activity on their super account that they haven’t authorised, they should contact their super fund immediately.

Visit ato.gov.au/SuperHealthCheck for more information or to watch a short that explains each check in more detail.

The super health check is also available in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, and Vietnamese.

Looking for the latest news for Super funds? You can stay up to date by visiting our Super funds newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly Super funds newsletter and CRT alerts.

Vote for Bendigo and Heathcote in Top Tourism Town Awards

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Exciting news! Bendigo and Heathcote have been shortlisted as category finalists in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards for the fifth year in a row.

Bendigo has been shortlisted in the ‘top tourism town’ category, with Heathcote being shortlisted in the ‘small tourism town’ category, and now it’s time for the public to add their vote.

In 2024, Bendigo scooped gold and Heathcote won bronze at the Victorian Awards. Bendigo went on to compete at national level and won silver in the Top Tourism Town category of the Australia Top Tourism Awards.

City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy and Experience James Myatt said it was fantastic news for the Greater Bendigo region to be recognised again as finalists in these prestigious awards.

“We are very excited that Bendigo and Heathcote are finalists for the fifth year in a row, recognising them as must-see visitor destinations that deliver amazing and memorable experiences,” Mr Myatt said.

“We are hoping to bring home the gold again with the public vote now open until Friday June 27.

“The final result is a combination of public voting, user reviews, a video promotion and suggested itineraries, so it means so much for Bendigo and Heathcote to be recognised in this way.

“We have an incredibly passionate tourism industry, including attractions, accommodation, retail and hospitality providers who offer unique experiences for people of all ages and interests.

“To be named the top tourism town or small tourism town, we need our community to vote.

“It’s easy to do, visit the Victoria Tourism Industry Council website, click ‘vote now’ and select Bendigo and Heathcote. You can also enter your details to go into the draw to win a prize.

“So, vote for Bendigo and Heathcote today!”

To make your vote count, and be entered into the prize draw, you need to vote by 5pm Friday June 27.

To submit your vote, visit:

2025 RAW Arts Awards celebrates young creatives

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Talented young creatives have been recognised at the City of Greater Bendigo’s 2025 RAW Arts Awards at a special presentation held at The Capital last night.

The RAW Arts Awards showcase and foster the talents and artistic pursuits of young people in the region 25 years of age and under, with this year’s awards attracting 103 applicants.

The winner and a highly commended entry are recognised in four categories: Visual Arts, Literature, Performing Arts and Short Film.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the RAW Arts Awards evening and accompanying exhibition provided a wonderful opportunity for young talent in the region to showcase their work.

“The RAW Arts Awards is such a special event in the calendar and a chance for young people to present their work to a wider audience, and gain the recognition they deserve,” Cr Metcalf said.

“I am so pleased that the RAW Arts Awards program is a stepping stone for many flourishing creatives and helps to foster their talents and artistic pursuits.

“We are so lucky to have these young aspiring creatives right here in Greater Bendigo, and I congratulate all of the winners and those who have contributed to RAW this year and shared their talent, imagination and stories.”

Winners in each category received a $1,500 cash prize and a $500 cash prize was awarded to highly commended creatives.

The announcement of winners was interspersed with a showcase of Performing Arts entrants and screening of films submitted in the Short Film category.

The 2025 RAW Arts Awards winners and highly commended applicants are as follows:

Visual arts

Winner: Geordie Williamson

Highly commended: Jorjiah Sjaardema

Literature

Winner: Kayla Barnfield

Highly commended: Matilda Wilby

Performing arts

Winner: Emma Gleeson

Highly commended: Matilda Wilby

Short film

Winner: Tilda Picken

Highly commended: Yasmin Russell

2025 RAW Arts exhibition

The 2025 RAW Arts exhibition features this year’s visual arts entries at Dudley House, 60 View Street. Entry is free and open to the public. The opening times are as follows:

  • Friday June 6, 11am to 5pm
  • Saturday June 7 to Monday June 9, 11am to 3pm

Applications open for 2025-26 ACT Environmental grants

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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 05/06/2025

Community groups, volunteers and citizen scientists are invited to apply for funding to support projects that protect and restore the ACT’s natural environment, with applications now open for the 2025–26 ACT Environmental Grants Program.

A total of $360,000 is available across two grant streams:

  • Environment Grants – Up to $35,000 per project is available for community-led initiatives that improve biodiversity, restore landscapes, connect people to nature and support Caring for Country.
  • Environmental Volunteer Group Assistance Grants – Up to $5,000 per project is available to help volunteer groups build their capacity and continue their valuable environmental work.

Now in its 29th year, the Environmental Grants Program has supported hundreds of local initiatives, from ecological restoration and habitat creation to youth engagement and citizen science projects.

Launching the grants on World Environment Day, Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr said there is no better time to highlight the vital role local groups play in protecting the environment.

“There’s no better time than World Environment Day to highlight the incredible contribution Canberrans make in protecting our natural spaces,” Minister Orr said.

“The ACT Government deeply values the tireless work of community groups, environmental volunteers and citizen scientists who are restoring bushland, enhancing biodiversity and helping to make Canberra a more liveable, sustainable city.”

Minister Orr said the grants not only support conservation outcomes, but also deliver social and educational benefits.

“These grants are about empowering local communities to lead the way, whether through habitat restoration, education, or on-ground conservation. They also support wellbeing by connecting people to nature in meaningful ways,” she said.

“If you’re part of a local group with a great idea to care for our environment, I encourage you to apply.”

Friends of Magpie Hill co-convenors Morgyn Phillips and Astrida Upitis said the support their group received through the program had already delivered long-term benefits.

“Thanks to an Environmental Volunteer Group Assistance Grant, our volunteer group, Friends of Magpie Hill has been able to access expert training in plant and bird identification,” they said.

“This training has helped us gain a better understanding about native grasses and plants in our park and where to focus our regeneration efforts.”

The grants have also had a lasting impact on education-focused projects across the ACT, including at Merici College, where students recently restored a degraded grassy woodland corridor on school grounds.

Felicity Maher, Sustainability Coordinator at Merici College, said the program was a valuable opportunity for students to engage with environmental issues.

“Thanks to funding from the ACT Environmental Grants Program, our students planted 600 native plants in a degraded grassy woodland corridor on our school grounds,” Ms Maher said.

“The project not only enhanced local biodiversity but also created an outdoor learning space for students and a green corridor the wider community can enjoy.”

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for schools and community groups to make a lasting environmental impact.”

Applications for the 2025-26 ACT Environmental Grants close Wednesday 17 July 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.act.gov.au/money-and-tax/grants-funding-and-incentives.

– Statement ends –

Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Arrests – Burglaries – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force responded to multiple burglaries in Alice Springs yesterday and have arrested two male youths allegedly involved.

About 10:15am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports of a burglary at a residence in Braitling. It is alleged an unknown number of offenders caused damage before entering the residence and stealing personal items from within.

Later, about 3:10pm, the JESCC received reports of a burglary at a different address in Braitling. It is alleged four unknown offenders were dropped off by a vehicle before they unlawfully entered the residence by causing damage. It is unknown if anything was stolen before they fled the scene in the same vehicle that dropped them off nearby.

A short time later, about 4:30pm, the JESCC received reports of a burglary at a residence in East Side. It is alleged four to six unknown offenders unlawfully entered the residence and demanded car keys from a female inside. The victim retreated to the laundry, locking herself inside and called Triple Zero. The alleged offenders continued to rummage through the house, locating the keys to a white Toyota RAV4 before stealing it from the premises. As they were leaving the location they allegedly swerved towards responding police vehicles, narrowly missing.

The vehicle allegedly drove erratically through the Alice Springs CBD and further members from Strike Force Viper, Dog Operations Unit and general duties deployed.

A Tyre Deflation Device was unsuccessfully deployed as the vehicle travelled south along the Stuart Highway. Soon after, the vehicle allegedly targeted a police vehicle by throwing large rocks, causing minor damage.

The vehicle was later located abandoned just north of Braitling.

This morning, police arrested two male youths, aged 14 and 16-years-old, for their alleged involvement in the morning burglary in Braitling and the 4:30pm burglary in East Side. Charges are expected to follow.

Strike Force Viper has carriage of the investigation and are working to identify and apprehend anyone involved. It is not known at this stage if all three incidents are linked.

Anyone with information in relation to the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. You can make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.

Public Health Alert: Dangerous drugs found in counterfeit ‘Xanax’ in Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services




Public Health Alert: Dangerous drugs found in counterfeit ‘Xanax’ in Canberra – 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 05/06/2025

  • Counterfeit (fake) ‘Xanax’ containing a novel benzodiazepine and a strong synthetic opioid has been found in the ACT.
  • This mix of drugs could cause overdose or death.
  • This drug combination has not previously been found in the ACT.
  • Any use of illicit and counterfeit (fake) drugs carries a risk to health.

What is the issue?

A mix of dangerous drugs has been found in counterfeit (fake) ‘Xanax’ in Canberra. Multiple benzodiazepines (including bromazolam, a strong non-registered benzodiazepine, alprazolam and diazepam) and a very strong synthetic opioid (protonitazene) have been detected in a sample tested at the CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service. Consuming this mix of illicit drugs could be life threatening.

Why is this dangerous?

There is the increased risk of overdose and death from a combination of a strong synthetic opioid and a benzodiazepine, especially when it is unexpected. Counterfeit (fake) drugs can look very similar to legitimate products. You should only consume benzodiazepines that have been prescribed to you by a doctor and dispensed by a pharmacy. There is the potential for contaminants in counterfeit (fake) products that can increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

What do I do if I have taken counterfeit (fake) ‘Xanax’?

If you experience unexpected or adverse drug effects, feel unwell, or are with someone who does, seek urgent medical attention at a hospital emergency department or call emergency triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Signs of an opioid overdose can include:

  • drowsiness
  • difficulty speaking or walking
  • loss of consciousness
  • unusual (slow or obstructed) breathing, or
  • skin turning blue or grey.

The risk of harms from illicit substances is higher if you are alone, or use them in combination with other drugs including alcohol.

Take Home Naloxone

Naloxone is an easy-to-use life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Free naloxone is available without a prescription from locations throughout the ACT for people at risk of opioid overdose or who may witness an overdose. This includes people who take counterfeit (fake) benzodiazepines because of the risk of contamination with opioids. More information can be found here.

Always call an ambulance if opioid overdose is suspected, even if naloxone has been given. Synthetic opioids like nitazenes may need repeat doses of naloxone.

What do I do, if I think I have counterfeit (fake) ‘Xanax’?

If you or someone you know might be in possession of counterfeit drugs, you should safely dispose of it. Testing and/or safe disposal of small amounts can be done at the CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service. For further details about drug checking visit the ACT Health website.

This alert has been issued on the basis of the information available at the time of the alert’s release in the interests of prompt communication about the risks of this substance.

– Statement ends –

ACT Health Directorate | Media Releases

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