Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The National Anti-Scam Centre’s Job Scam Fusion Cell removed more than 29,000 scam social media accounts and 1850 fake job advertisements in a crackdown on employment scams targeting vulnerable Australians looking to ease cost of living pressures.

The fusion cell, which ran from September 2024 to March 2025, has published its report highlighting the combined efforts of government, law enforcement, academics, and the private sector in a coordinated effort to tackle the sharp rise in job and employment scams.

From 2022 to 2023, financial losses due to job scams increased by 151 per cent. In 2024, Scamwatch received more than 3000 reports of job scams, with reported losses totalling $13.7 million. Average losses to these scams were 5.1 per cent higher than the average for all other scam types.

“Job scams have been one of the fastest growing scam types, as scammers are increasingly preying on people seeking relief from cost-of-living pressures,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“These scams disproportionately impact people on low incomes, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, international students, non-resident visa holders, people with caring responsibilities, and others with limited employment options.”

“Job scams result in significant financial losses and put people at risk of identity theft through loss of personal information. That’s why we’ve worked collaboratively to disrupt these scams through intelligence-sharing, awareness campaigns, and targeted interventions,” Ms Lowe said.

Key initiatives undertaken and implemented by the Job Scam Fusion Cell include:

• Working with Meta to remove 29,000 accounts sharing job scam content
• Referring 836 scammer cryptocurrency wallets to digital currency exchanges for analysis and investigation, leading to blocking and blacklisting of wallets
• Referring 1850 scam enablers such as websites and scam job advertisements for removal
• Disrupting scammers’ impersonation of Australian Government entities, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Home Affairs, and APSJobs
• Holding awareness and prevention forums with organisations across the tertiary education sector to enable them to deliver scams awareness messaging
• Coordinating a social media campaign, tailored for at-risk groups
• Creating guides for businesses, including about how to protect themselves and the community from impersonation of their business and regarding identification and disruption of Job Scam Payments
• Establishing data sharing arrangements with cryptocurrency platforms

The fusion cell identified key risks with the impersonation of healthcare providers in scam job advertisements being used to harvest personal information and extract money from job seekers.

The National Anti-Scam Centre provided tailored advice to more than 40 organisations in the sector, including major state and territory hospitals, and small healthcare services, to help better protect job seekers. These efforts contributed to a near elimination of Scamwatch reports involving impersonation of healthcare organisations by March 2025.

In addition to these specific initiatives, the fusion cell provides a great sandbox environment – participants can move beyond saying to doing, to try different techniques and see what works.  A number of Job Scam Fusion Cell initiatives are now being examined for their application to other scam types.  Others have become part of business-as-usual activity past the life of the fusion cell.

“The work of the job scam fusion cell has been strategically targeted, drawing on data from victims’ experiences, Scamwatch and ReportCyber reports, stakeholder insights, and intelligence from participants. This approach has helped prevent and disrupt scams and has achieved significant and encouraging results,” Ms Lowe said.

The National Anti-Scam Centre continues to work with partners across sectors to analyse emerging threats, raise awareness, and implement targeted interventions that disrupt scams before they reach consumers.

Job and employment scams

• Scammers advertise job opportunities so they can steal money and personal information. Stop and check any job ad that requires payment of money to make money. It could be a scam.
• Scammers offer jobs that claim to pay well with low effort. But it’s only the scammer that will make money in the end. Often the job doesn’t exist at all.
• Scammers pretend to be hiring on behalf of high-profile companies and online shopping platforms. They also impersonate well-known recruitment agencies.
• Scammers may make contact unexpectedly through text message or encrypted message platforms like WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram.
• Scammers often ask for payment claiming it is required so you can start the role and get the income they’ve promised. Don’t enter any arrangement that asks for up-front payment via bank transfer, PayID or cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin or USDT. It’s rare to get money back that is sent this way.
• Don’t trust a job ad is real just because it appears on a trusted platform or website – scammers post fake ads too. If you come across a scammer, report it to the platform or agency and to scamwatch.gov.au.
• Never send passport, identity documents, or bank account details to an employer or recruitment firm unless certain they are genuine.

How to spot and avoid scams

STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if you’re unsure. Scammers will create a sense of urgency. Don’t rush to act. Say ‘no’, hang up, delete.

CHECK – Ask yourself could the call or text be fake? Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Contact the organisation using information you source independently, so that you can verify if the call is real or not.

PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank immediately if you lose money. If you have provided personal information call IDCARE on 1800 595 160. The more we talk the less power they have. Report scams to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service at scamwatch.gov.au when you see them. If you’re contacted on a messaging platform like WhatsApp or iMessage, please also report the scam in the app.

Background

Fusion cells are time-limited taskforces designed to bring together expertise from government and the private sector to take timely action to address specific, urgent scam issues. The National Anti-Scam Centre is coordinating a series of fusion cells with different participants to address significant scam issues.

The second fusion cell was announced in July 2024, following the first fusion cell on combatting investment scams.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 22 May 2025

Sparked by the recent spike in battery fires, the Queensland Government has committed $2 million to put out the battery fire risk in Queensland by expanding collection points.

With more than 200 battery-related fires in Queensland in the past year, the Local Government Battery Collection Program is part of the Queensland Government’s three-point plan to tackle battery safety.

Grants of up to $100,000 are available for Queensland councils or groups of councils to expand battery collection points and provide safer and more convenient disposal of problem batteries that currently have limited options for disposal.

By supporting Queensland councils to expand the number of collection points, this funding will not only make it safer and easier to properly dispose of batteries; but environmental risks and fires caused by battery combustion in council waste collection trucks and facilities will also be reduced.

Executive Director at the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Claire Andersen said the three-point plan addresses risks to human safety, council infrastructure and the environment.

“Lithium-ion batteries power our everyday lives – from simple AA batteries to e-scooters to rechargeable toothbrushes.

“But when disposed of incorrectly they can spark dangerous fires that put lives at risk, shut down essential services and leave councils and ratepayers footing the bill of costly damage and repairs.

“With the increase in battery fires over the past year, it was clear that urgent action was needed – so we quickly established our three-point plan which is rolling out now.

“This is an integral aspect of this plan; these grants are available to all Queensland councils or groups of councils to expand their battery collection points.

“Not only are we funding battery collection expansion, but we are also working with industry to implement strategies and powering up public awareness and education.

“Our message is simple: don’t bin your batteries.”

To find your nearest battery collection point visit: www.recyclemate.com.au

For more information on the Local Government Battery Collection Program or to make an application, click here.

Media contact:                 DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 22 May 2025

A man has received a hefty fine for unlawfully dumping rubbish in bushland in the Townsville Town Common Conservation Park.

Remote cameras captured a ute with rubbish in the tray entering the conservation park on 16 March 2025. The vehicle was later captured leaving the conservation park with an empty tray.

Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) conducted a site inspection and discovered the waste, which included air-conditioning units, empty boxes and other general waste.

Executive Director Waste and Enforcement Jackie McKeay said officers from DETSI’s Litter and Illegal Dumping Compliance Operations issued a show cause notice to the driver of the vehicle.

“The man admitted that he dumped the waste in the conservation park, and he went back to clean it up,” Ms McKeay said.

“He was issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice for $2,580. This fine is a reminder to Queenslanders that our remote cameras can be anywhere at any time.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping, and we investigate every report we receive.

“Recently, the Queensland Government made it easier for people to report illegal dumping with the new Litter and Illegal Dumping Online Reporting System.

“Unlawfully dumping waste is a pollution risk and a fire hazard, and it can harm our native animals.”

People can report littering and illegal dumping to their local council or via the online reporting tool: Report it.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

In brief:

• The 2025-26 international cricket schedule has launched.
• This includes two matches in Canberra at Manuka Oval.
• This article includes details plus the full Season 2025-26 international schedule around Australia.

---

Canberra will host two international cricket matches this summer.

In the much-anticipated summer of cricket, featuring the next edition of the Ashes against England, 26 international matches will be played in 11 cities across Australia.

For the first time in 17 years, there will be matches in every state and territory capital.

The international season kicks off in August 2025 with a men’s ODI and T20I series against South Africa and concludes eight months later in March 2026 with a women’s test match against India.

Australia to face India in Canberra

Both the Australian men’s and women’s teams will take on India at Manuka Oval.

The Men’s T20I Series v India match will be played on Wednesday, 29 October 2025.

The men’s blockbuster white ball series will include the first five-match T20I series between the cricket heavyweights.

The Women’s T20I Series v India will be played on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

The Australian women will host a multiformat series against the rapidly emerging Indian team.

Canberrans flocked to see international, domestic and local cricket played at Manuka Oval last summer.

This included the most-ever attendees to a women’s international fixture played at Manuka Oval.

Ticket details

International ticket pre-sales will begin on Tuesday, 3 June. This is for fans who have registered through Cricket Australia.

General public tickets will go on sale on Friday, 13 June.

The schedule at a glance

• NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes includes Gabba D/N Test and Adelaide Christmas Test

• Blockbuster India men’s white ball series features first five match T20 series

• Women’s multiformat series against India with Test Match at the redeveloped WACA Ground and three big stadium games

• Northern Series returns in tourist hot spots Darwin, Cairns and Mackay.

2025–26 International Schedule  

Men’s T20I Series v South Africa  

Sunday, August 10: Marrara Stadium, Darwin (N)

Tuesday August 12: Marrara Stadium, Darwin, (N)

Saturday, August 16: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, (N)

Men’s ODI Series v South Africa  

Tuesday, August 19: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, (D/N)

Friday, August 22: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, (D/N)

Sunday, August 24: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, (D/N)

Men’s ODI Series v India 

Sunday, October 19: Perth Stadium, Perth, (D/N)

Thursday, October 23: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, (D/N)

Saturday, October 25: SCG, Sydney, (D/N)

Men’s T20I Series v India 

Wednesday, October 29: Manuka Oval, Canberra, (N)

Friday, October 31: MCG, Melbourne, (N)

Monday, November 2: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, (N)

Thursday, November 6: Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast, (N)

Saturday, November 8: The Gabba, Brisbane, (N)

NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes  

21-25 November: West Test, Perth Stadium, Perth

4-8 December: Day-Night Test, The Gabba, Brisbane

17-21 December: Christmas Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

26-30 December: Boxing Day Test, MCG, Melbourne

4-8 January: Pink Test, SCG, Sydney

Women’s T20I Series v India 

Sunday, February 15: SCG, Sydney, (N)

Thursday, February 19: Manuka Oval, Canberra, (N)

Saturday, February 21: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, (N)

Women’s ODI Series v India 

Tuesday, February 24: Allan Border Field, Brisbane, (D/N)

Friday, February 27: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, (D/N)

Sunday March 1: Junction Oval, Melbourne, (D/N)

Women’s Test v India 

March 6-9: WACA Ground, Perth

---

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR

Source: New South Wales – News

Just after 3.30pm on Thursday 22 May, police were called to Shepherds Hill Road after reports of a collision between a truck and motorcycle.

The rider, a 46-year-old man from Blackwood, sustained serious injuries in the crash and rushed to hospital. He remains in a critical condition.

The truck driver, a 38-year-old man from Holden Hill, was not injured.

Traffic was blocked for westbound traffic from the Blackwood roundabout for several hours but reopened about 9.15pm.

Major Crash Investigators attended the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn’t yet spoken to police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.

​

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two walkers rescued from west coast wilderness

Thursday, 22 May 2025 – 7:14 pm.

Despite numerous warnings to bushwalkers of being prepared, police were again required to rescue two walkers from the west coast wilderness today.
Police search and rescue personnel including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were deployed to rescue a party of two who had become lost in the Savage River Regional Reserve.
The party had entered the area with insufficient equipment and limited knowledge of the area.
After two days in the area, they attempted to call triple zero for assistance however were unable to get phone coverage in the remote area. They eventually were able to hike to high ground and call for assistance.
“Police cannot reiterate enough that If hiking in a remote area ensure you not only have a mobile phone with adequate battery and backup battery but also carry navigation devices that work even when out of cellular coverage and a personal locator beacon,” Inspector Steve Jones said.
“Never solely rely on a mobile phone. Always carry enough adequate equipment and supplies for the intended journey and additional emergency supplies to survive when a trip does not go as intended.”

Source: Airservices Australia

Introduction

Of all the trends shaping the Australian economy over the past half century, one of the most profound has been the long swing towards Asia (Graph 1) and, more specifically in recent years, China – now our biggest single trading partner by a country mile (Table 1). But China is also front and centre in the US administration’s rapidly evolving tariff strategy. How that strategy plays out, and how China responds, are therefore key issues for the economic outlook in Australia, and hence the RBA’s monetary policy.

Given the importance of understanding the Chinese economy, the RBA has maintained a small team based at the Australian Embassy in Beijing since 2011, to take the temperature of the economy up close. Their work, together with the work of our Australian-based staff, directly informs our Monetary Policy Board’s deliberations – most recently earlier this week – and our broader analysis.

I recently joined the team to speak with a wide range of organisations drawn from right across the Chinese economy and the Australian export community, in both Beijing and Shanghai. The trip, arranged months earlier, turned out to be auspiciously timed, because it came in the week after so-called ‘Liberation Day’ – when US tariffs on China rose to 145 per cent, and China retaliated in kind.

Tonight, I want to discuss four key themes that we heard that week, and which – despite the further dramatic turn of events since then – seem so far to have stood the test of time.

For anyone wanting to cut to the chase, or, in the words of the Mandarin saying, ‘open the door and see the mountain’, I’ll put it more bluntly: don’t count China out.

Theme 1: People felt the economy was finally turning a corner in early 2025

Nearly everyone we spoke with felt the Chinese economy was at last turning a corner in the months leading up to 2 April:

• The September 2024 Politburo announcements and subsequent policy pivot were seen as a recognition of the need both for further stimulus and for a more determined switch in emphasis from boosting supply to boosting demand.
• The DeepSeek announcement, President Xi’s meeting with business leaders in the private sector and his well-publicised handshake with Jack Ma, triggered renewed optimism in support for the private sector and its capacity to innovate and harness the benefits from high technology, after a period of negative government sentiment, declining foreign investment and technology embargoes.
• Property markets seemed finally to be showing signs of stabilising, at least in larger cities, after years of declining sales, investment and prices.

It’s important to put these points in context. For anyone visiting China, the ever-present abandoned housing developments and stationary cranes provide a potent reminder of the challenges the Chinese economy has been through. But an improvement in sentiment, if it persists, would itself be an important economic development, after such a long period in the doldrums. And harder data also support the view that domestic demand growth had begun to strengthen in the first quarter of 2025.

Theme 2: ‘Liberation Day’ was a genuine shock

Against this backdrop, the eye-popping tariff tit-for-tat escalation in early April came as a genuine shock to most of those we spoke with. Significant increases were of course expected – but there was surprise along three dimensions. On scale, the typical expectation had been for a 25–50 percentage point increase: anything over 60 was judged to be an effective embargo. On speed, expectations of a rolling increase, or a negotiation period, were dashed. And on scope, the huge tariffs on China’s southeast Asian neighbours were seen as being aimed at cutting off trade and production chains that linked China to the United States via third countries. Some also contrasted the scale and immediacy of the Chinese retaliation with the absence of a similar reaction in Europe and elsewhere in the West, disappointing those hoping for a common front.

It is difficult to quantify the economic impact these mega-tariffs could have had on China. But expectations in China appeared to be in the range of 1.5–2 percentage points of GDP in 2025, before accounting for any offsetting policy stimulus.

Theme 3: China feels it has a strong economic hand in responding to tariffs

Those are big numbers. But for every expression of surprise, we also heard a striking confidence that China was going into this trade war with a strong hand. Judged solely in economic terms, that view rested on four main planks:

• First, a deep belief in the authorities’ commitment to deliver the growth target of ‘around 5 per cent’ a year. This goal may attract scepticism in some quarters –10-year bond yields in the 1.5–2 per cent range certainly suggest market participants have doubts over the medium term. But the commitment to the goal had a seemingly totemic status amongst most of those we spoke with.
• Second, a confidence that the Chinese authorities had the policy tools, the space and the will to inject the domestic stimulus needed to compensate for any weaker growth in trade. There are limits to this of course. Past efforts to boost domestic consumption have had mixed success. Many of the authorities’ existing policy tools are best suited to boosting supply, which diverts resources from consumption and adds further to production capacity, bearing down on inflation. And the barriers to a more persistent rise in consumption are arguably as much structural as cyclical, reflecting a limited social safety net, and constraints on the use of capital markets to manage savings. There are questions too about how much headroom is left for further stimulus. Public debt is elevated, particularly at local government level; nominal interest rates are already quite low, and focused on exchange rate and financial stability as well as demand management; and the central bank has made it clear it does not favour quantitative easing. This may be one reason why the authorities bided their time in the immediate aftermath of 2 April, spurning the ‘big bazooka’ policy package that some in the financial markets hoped for. But a range of monetary and financial easing measures have subsequently been announced, and the authorities have underscored their commitment to expand fiscal policy if needed to support the growth target.

• Third, we heard a general expectation that a large share of the economic costs of US tariffs would fall on the United States itself, and a determination not to cushion that impact. Nearly half China’s exports to the United States are products for which the United States has limited alternative external suppliers, including lithium batteries, computers, smartphones and video game consoles (Graph 2, lower right quadrant). Indeed, the massive advance in technology use is one of the most striking impressions to any outside visitor. The pass-through of US tariffs to US consumer prices for such goods is likely to be high – perhaps explaining why many were quickly exempted. Much of the rest of China’s exports (Graph 2, lower left quadrant) are products for which the United States is not a dominant source of demand, so could to some degree be divertible to other markets. There are far fewer products in the upper part of Graph 2, where the United States accounts for a large share of Chinese imports.

  The inflationary impact of US tariffs on US consumers could, of course, be reduced if the Chinese currency were devalued substantially, as happened in 2018–2019. But we detected little expectation that this would happen, because China would want to avoid: insulating the United States from its own tariffs; provoking retaliation from other countries; triggering capital outflow of the kind seen around the 2015 devaluation; or undermining the political and social gains (including recognition of China’s economic and technological advance) perceived to flow from a stronger exchange rate. Some noted that, according to simple measures of purchasing power parity such as the Economist’s ‘Big Mac Index’, the Chinese currency was more likely to appreciate rather than depreciate against the dollar, if left to its own devices.

  There was of course a recognition that Chinese exporters would face real economic costs if high tariffs persisted. It was too early to see any of that at the time of our visit. But we did hear a determination to face into it, if it came.

• Fourth, we heard real doubts about how much manufacturing currently done in China would relocate to the United States. Elevated labour costs, and a finite stock of advanced manufacturing skills, were thought to make it impossible to produce many goods at the prices US consumers expected to pay – as would the absence of the highly integrated, co-located supply chains that had developed within China as well as across Asia. And there were doubts about the viability of long-term investment in factories while the volatility of US policy settings remained so elevated.

Recent weeks have walked us back from the precipice a little. The rapid reductions in US tariffs on China’s Asian neighbours saw a pick-up in production and export via third countries, as was evident from the April trade data. And the threat of ‘mutual assured (economic) destruction’ provided the context for the rapid, if ostensibly temporary, reduction of United States and China tariffs. Those tariffs still remain well above historical levels, of course – and future increases, or other trade barriers, cannot be ruled out. But in view of the near-term de-escalation, China’s seemingly strong negotiating position and its scope to inject further stimulus, our baseline projection for Chinese GDP growth in the May Statement on Monetary Policy is 4.8 per cent in 2025 and 4.4 per cent in 2026 – only modestly changed on three months ago.

Theme 4: Australian companies see opportunities amidst the risks

As part of our trip, we held a roundtable discussion, organised by Austcham Shanghai, with a large group of Australian firms active in China, across retail, agriculture, banking, finance, law, steel, health care, manufacturing and commercial property. What really struck me about that session was how upbeat most, if not all, of the firms were about the outlook for their businesses. The recovery in sentiment in early 2025, and confidence that the authorities would ‘do what it takes’ to sustain the economy was part of it. But there was also a sense that recent developments in trade policy could enhance their competitive position in Chinese markets.

There’s always a risk of survivor and recency bias in such discussions, of course – and the firms involved varied considerably in size (and hence macro-economic impact). But we heard something similar in separate discussions with companies active in steel and iron ore – the latter, of course, being Australia’s largest export to China by some distance. They saw few threats to the scale and cost advantages of Australian ore relative to other producers in the near term (longer term challenges from the energy transition are of course a different matter). Their central expectation was for Chinese steel output to remain relatively robust, remaining at or near one billion tonnes a year in the near term. A large majority of Chinese steel is consumed domestically; and demand has been sustained in recent years by a pivot from property-related uses towards manufacturing and infrastructure. Further Chinese policy stimulus was expected to continue to involve (steel-intensive) infrastructure investment, despite the pivot to consumption. Chinese steel exports were obviously seen as more vulnerable to a slowdown in global demand. But direct exports account for a little more than a tenth of Chinese steel output (very little of which goes to the United States). And indirect exports via steel-intensive products, like machinery, ships and cars) are roughly the same again.

Conclusion

Let me conclude.

My goal this evening was deliberately narrow – to set out what I heard in China in the immediate aftermath of ‘Liberation Day’.

That narrative, at that time, was pretty positive: that the Chinese economy was seen as picking up in early 2025; that China felt it had a strong hand in responding to the economic impact of tariffs; and that Australian companies in China saw opportunities amidst the risks.

But, just as clearly, it was also partial – in four important ways.

First, it was just a moment in time – and as Jay Powell reminded us recently, life moves pretty fast. Tariff settings have already moved on dramatically, and will doubtless change further, whether up or down. And we’ll soon start to see data on just how the existing tariffs – still high by historical standards – are affecting the Chinese and global economies.

Second, it was just one set of views, from one country with a story to tell. Some of the judgements may prove wide of the mark – the tolerance for bearing economic costs may prove lower; domestic stimulus may prove to be harder to deliver; and so on.

Third, no in-the-moment assessment can hope to capture the ‘general equilibrium’ effects of such dramatic changes. An example of this is the possibility that Australian firms might in time face more intense competition, at home and overseas, from Chinese firms discounting output diverted from US markets. It’s unclear how big an effect this would be, given the limited overlap between Chinese and Australian outputs. But it’s clearly on the minds of others in the Asia–Pacific region.

Last, but not least, is perhaps the elephant in the room: how purely economic factors of the kind I’ve discussed here will interact with more strategic considerations, and where that leaves Australia. I’ve neither the competence nor the authority to discuss such issues – but I know that others on the panel and in the audience tonight here do! So I look forward to our discussion.

Thank you.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

To mark National Volunteer Week, approximately 100 City of Greater Bendigo volunteers were acknowledged at a celebratory morning tea held today at Ulumbarra Theatre.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the event was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the vital contributions of volunteers and to celebrate the spirit of National Volunteer Week.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom have been with us for years,” Cr Metcalf said.

“This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Communities’, truly reflects the power of volunteering to bring people together. Volunteering fosters meaningful relationships, enriches lives, and builds a sense of connection and belonging.

“Through these connections, our volunteers play a key role in creating inclusive and thriving communities.”

The City currently has around 445 volunteers supporting a wide range of services and activities that benefit the community.

“Whether it is welcoming visitors at our Visitor Centres, ushering guests at our theatres, sharing knowledge at the Gallery or Town Hall, helping run events for all ages, caring for the environment, or contributing through advisory groups—our volunteers’ time, energy, and enthusiasm are deeply appreciated,” Cr Metcalf said.

“We simply couldn’t achieve all that we do without them. Their passion, commitment, and generosity are invaluable, and we’re always looking for more people to join our volunteer team.

“Volunteering not only strengthens our community—it’s also proven to boost mental wellbeing. It’s a chance to connect with others, be part of a team, learn new skills, and build confidence.

“The City offers a well-established volunteering program with excellent training and support. If you’re considering volunteering, I encourage you to visit our website and explore the many opportunities available. I encourage you to give it a go.”

Volunteers support the City across a variety of services, including:

• Bendigo Animal Relief Centre
• Bendigo Art Gallery
• Bendigo Venues & Events
• Bendigo Visitor Centre
• Heathcote Visitor Centre
• Bendigo Writers Festival
• Bendigo Easter Festival
• Community Grants Advisory Panel
• Disability Inclusion Reference Committee
• Heritage Advisory Committee
• Intercultural Ambassador Program
• Yo Bendigo
• Positive Ageing Advisory Committee
• Youth Council

The City also partners with numerous volunteer groups to deliver events and deeply values this important collaboration in the community.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

A dedicated philanthropic fundraising campaign has ensured the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment can proceed.

Led by the Sidney Myer Fund and The Ian Potter Foundation, contributing $4M and $3M respectively, together with a number of private donors, the philanthropic campaign has achieved a total of $9.35M to date. The largest private donation of $1.5M has come from arts philanthropist, Dr Mark Nelson, who has connections to the Bendigo region.

The campaign, driven by the Gallery and a philanthropic fundraising committee chaired by Andrew Myer AM, has generated the largest-ever private investment in the development of civic infrastructure owned and operated by the City of Greater Bendigo.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said this incredible financial support reflected the value of the Gallery to Greater Bendigo and to the state of Victoria.

“Two of Australia’s most respected philanthropic foundations connected to the arts have embraced the opportunity to support our redevelopment, recognising the vital connection of culture and creativity to our community and the local economy,” Cr Metcalf said.

“In particular, we are delighted to have the support of the Sidney Myer Fund, a name that has had a long connection to Bendigo and also to the Gallery, including the Sidney Myer Work on Paper Gallery added in 2014.

“We sincerely thank Andrew Myer for chairing the fundraising committee and for his incredible enthusiasm for this project and the legacy it will leave.

“Philanthropy is an incredible, living gift for those in the fortunate position to contribute in this way, and the City and Gallery are truly grateful to the foundations and individuals who have kindly chosen to contribute to this next chapter in the history of our esteemed Gallery.”

Sidney Myer Fund Chairman Andrew Myer AM said his grandfather, Sidney Myer, opened the first Myer store in Bendigo 125 years ago and the city had been part of his family’s DNA ever since.

“My grandfather believed strongly that art, culture and creativity were vital to a good life, and that everyone in the community deserved to have access. Bendigo Art Gallery puts that belief into action and the Sidney Myer Fund is delighted to be able to support this major redevelopment that will serve the people of Bendigo for decades to come,” Mr Myer said.

The Ian Potter Foundation CEO Paul Conroy said the Foundation was delighted to support a regional gallery with such a strong reputation.

“The redevelopment plans are impressive and focus on the Gallery’s ability to grow visitation and participation, including education programs. Investing in this project strengthens this community asset that will provide further benefits for the wider Bendigo community through access to the arts, increased tourism and subsequent economic growth,” Mr Conroy said.

Bendigo Art Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot said this level of philanthropic support was unprecedented for Bendigo Art Gallery.

“It is an acknowledgement of the transformative impact arts and culture can have on a regional community and we truly appreciate our donors’ investment in the Gallery and Greater Bendigo,” Ms Bridgfoot said.

“During the construction phase, residents and patrons of the Gallery will have the opportunity to be part of this exciting project and make a philanthropic contribution of their own, with further details to be shared on how these funds will be used.

“At the heart of this project has been a vision to ensure the redevelopment delivers ‘The People’s Gallery’ – a space that is dynamic, inviting, accessible and inspiring for all who visit.

“We know the Gallery is treasured by our community and there will be many people, no matter the size of their donation, who will want to contribute to this transformative project for the Gallery and Greater Bendigo.”

The construction budget is made up of $21M from the Victorian Government, $9M from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4M from the Gallery Board and $9.35M from philanthropic donations, and is enough for the project to proceed.