Category: MIL-OSI

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Get ready for the 2025 school year

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

In Brief:

  • The 2025 public school year begins for new students on the 3 February and continuing students on 4 February.
  • This story contains key dates and information for families.

Canberra families are about to start another school year.

Here is everything you need to know to help you plan for the 2025 school year.

Student-free days and start of term

There are four student-free days each year for ACT public schools. These are the first day of each school term.

Student-free days are for staff development, enabling teachers and schools to plan in a student-free environment.

Friday 31 January will be a student-free day.

On Monday 3 February, new students will start school. Continuing students will return to school on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

Other term dates for the 2025 school year:

  • Friday 11 April – Term 1 ends
  • Tuesday 29 April – Term 2 begins (students start school)
  • Friday 4 July – Term 2 ends
  • Tuesday 22 July – Term 3 begins (students start school)
  • Friday 26 September – Term 3 ends
  • Tuesday 14 October – Term 4 begins (students start school)
  • Thursday 18 December – Term 4 ends.

Visit the Term Dates page for all school term dates.

Financial assistance

The Future of Education Equity Fund (Equity Fund) offers eligible families financial support to help with school essentials. It supports the more vulnerable families in our community.

Low-income families of students – from preschool through to year 12 – can receive a one-off, annual payment. This is to help cover the costs of schooling, such as:

  • uniforms
  • sport equipment and activities
  • tuition
  • music lessons.

The Equity Fund payments are $400 (preschool), $500 (primary school), and $750 (high school and college level, including CIT Year 11 and 12).

Equity Fund applications for the 2025 school year are now open.

Families can apply for all eligible students in their family in the one application, regardless of whether they attend different schools.

School staff are also able to help families to apply.

Applications close in November 2025.

Find out more about eligibility criteria and how to apply online.

Parent Portal

The Parent Portal is now available across all ACT public schools.

The portal allows secure sharing of information between parents/carers and teachers/schools online or via the Sentra for Parents app.

Parents and carers only need to sign up once, and can add multiple children to one account.

Find out more about the Parent Portal app.

Building Strong Foundations for literacy and numeracy

ACT public schools with preschool to year 2 students will receive extra funding for additional evidence-informed literacy and numeracy resources.

These resources will be in place for preschool to year 2 classrooms for the start of the 2025 school year.

Read more about the ACT Government’s Strong Foundations program.

Wellbeing for students

A new school year can be tough for some students, whether they are:

  • starting a new school
  • moving into high school or college
  • just dealing with any of the life changes thrown their way.

The ACT Government has online resources that could be helpful in starting conversations on finding ways to support them.

Visit the Education website to watch a video series on supporting an anxious child, and to access a mindfulness podcast series.

Asthma management

If your child has asthma, the start of the school year is a good time to make sure you’re managing it.

You may wish to:

  • book an asthma review with your child’s GP
  • update your child’s asthma action plan with their GP
  • make sure the school has your child’s reliever medication and spacer
  • talk to school staff
  • book an appointment with one of the asthma nurse educators at Canberra Health Services.

Learn more about children’s asthma education services.

Child development

Are you concerned about your child’s development? The start of a new year is a good time to contact the Child Development Service, to access free drop-in clinics and assessments.

Find out more about the Child Development Service

Healthy lunches

Find tips on how to pack a healthy lunchbox on ACT Health’s Fresh Tastes Lunchboxes website.

It includes a Grab and Go shopping list and tips for a waste-free lunchbox. You’ll also find tips on which food groups to include and how to swap for healthier options.

Looking for more healthy lunchbox tips? Try the Cancer Council’s Healthy Lunch Box Builder. It’s a great tool to help build a lunchbox so your child can get a healthy brain boost throughout the school day.

Free three-year-old preschool

ACT three-year-olds can now benefit from 300 hours of free preschool at over 140 locations.

This will save the average family around $1,329 a year.

Read more and find where to access three-year-old preschool.

Period products at all schools

In 2023 the ACT Government passed new legislation to make free period products available at a range of community locations across the ACT for anyone who needs them.

This includes at every ACT public school, which is something we already do as a system, and will continue to do.

Pads and tampons are available in ACT public high schools, colleges, and combined schools. Pads are available in ACT public primary schools.

They can be accessed at any time during the school day from the school front office.

The Education Directorate will continue to work with ACT Health to ensure age-appropriate information on menstrual hygiene is available for students through our schools.

Read more about free period products.

40 km/h school zones

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. As students return to school, remember to slow down and stick to the 40 km/h limit around schools between 8am and 4pm.

Mobile speed vans and police regularly patrol school zones. Let’s all slow down and support kids’ safety.

Back to school with Transport Canberra

The regular bus network and timetable will return from Monday 3 February 2025 including dedicated school services and ‘S’ trips which divert into schools. Please check your timetable so you are prepared and ready.

Students can download the MyWay+ app and use the real time journey planner for a simply way to plan and pay for their trip to school.

All school students receive a discounted fare when using MyWay+. Student concession MyWay+ travel cards purchased in 2024 and 2025 have an extended expiry date until 1 January 2026. If you would like to check the concession status of a card, please create a MyWay+ account and link the travel card to it. Alternatively, go to a MyWay+ retail outlet to check.

You can get a new student concession MyWay+ travel card for your child from MyWay+ retail outlets. Please note that secondary and tertiary students must provide proof of concessions at time of purchase to get the correct concession applied to the card.

To top up their MyWay+ travel card please go to a MyWay+ retail outlet or top up online through a MyWay+ account or the ‘quick top up’ option on the portal.

Whilst Transport Canberra are not charging penalty fares at the moment, it wants to obtain the most accurate data possible and encourage best practice for all students. Please remember to tap on and off with the same device when your trip starts and ends.

*Secondary students will need to carry their student ID card with them when travelling on the bus and light rail if they are using a MyWay+ concession account/travel card.

Transport Canberra is working to improve the MyWay+ system by allowing primary account holders, like parents or carers, to link multiple MyWay+ accounts. This is about to undergo testing with the community prior to launching over the next couple of months.

Transport Canberra will be taking an educative approach whilst the community and its workforce adjust to the change. Please be assured that kids can continue to travel on buses and light rail services. No child will be left behind.

Parents of primary school students, please refer to your school’s pack for travel details.

You can also plan your trip back to school with Transport Canberra’s Journey Planner.

Find out more about going back to school with Transport Canberra.

Parking around schools

The start of the school year is a particularly busy time in Canberra’s school carparks and surrounding streets.

Unsafe and illegal parking reduces visibility for students and motorists. This creates a hazard when students cross the road.

Parking inspectors and license plate recognition vehicles will be out and about enforcing safe parking around schools.

For drop-offs and pick-ups, arrange a meeting spot, arrive after the rush, or park a little further away from the school and walk with your kids the rest of the way.

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RANGE ROAD, WOODSIDE (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

WOODSIDE

Issued on
03 May 2025 15:22

Harrogate Fire

Issued for WOODSIDE in The Adelaide hills.

The CFS is responding to a grass and scrub fire at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

Approximately 60 CFS volunteers on 12 trucks, supported by 4 aircraft, have contained the fire to approximately 22 hectares.

CFS firefighters will remain on scene to make the area safe with additional crews coming from nearby brigades to support.

Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.

Message ID 0008555

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Arrests after stolen vehicle tracked to Salisbury East

Source: New South Wales – News

Two people were arrested after allegedly driving a stolen car across the state at high speed.

Just before 7am on Saturday 3 May, police were alerted that a car stolen from a Cummins property, on the Eyre Peninsula, was being tracked by the owner.

The silver Kia was tracked as it travelled at extreme speeds across the Eyre Peninsula and through the Mid North of the State.

PolAir responded and headed to the area while police on the ground attempted to spike the vehicles tyres numerous times as it continued to head towards Adelaide.

The stolen Kia was located in Lysander Place, Salisbury East about midday and the two occupants ran from the vehicle.

It will be alleged the man discharged a small calibre firearm but was quickly apprehended by police.  The man was taken to hospital for assessment prior to charging.

No shots were fired by police.

Fortunately, no police officers were injured during the incident.

The firearm has been seized by police.

A 31-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested and will be interviewed by police.  Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of this vehicle that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

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SLATERS LANE/TOD HWY , CUMMINS (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
03 May 2025 12:26

Issued for
SLATERS LANE & TOD HIGHWAY IN THE LOWER EYRE PENINSULA OF SA near 10KM NORTH OF CUMMINS.

Warning level
Advice – Monitor Conditions

Action
Monitor local conditions and stay informed if you are in this area. Decide what you will do if the situation changes.

At this time there is no threat to life or property and firefighters are attending this fire.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

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10 picnic spots in Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Head to Queen Elizabeth II Island for an iconically Canberran picnic. Image: Tourism Australia

In Brief:

  • Canberra has a wealth of excellent places to enjoy a picnic.
  • This story lists 10 picnic spots and describes what is available at each one.

Canberra does not disappoint when it comes to picnic spots.

Picture yourself sitting on a picnic blanket under the shade of the impressive trees at Lennox Gardens with a view of Lake Burley Griffin unfolding before you.

Or you could escape the city and venture out to Weston Park with the family to make use of the barbecue facilities. Soak up the views while the kids enjoy the water playground.

Here are some of our picks for your next picnic destination:

National Rose Gardens and Old Parliament House Gardens

In spring, these gardens are bursting with colourful roses. At Old Parliament House Gardens, wisteria drip from the pergolas.

Each of the gardens has plenty of soft grass where you can spread out. Choose a shady spot by the trees or soak up the sun.

Low on caffeine or food? Rosa’s at the Lawns is nearby and offers coffee, pastries and pizza.

Queen Elizabeth II Island

This picturesque island is the home of the iconic National Carillon. It was formerly known as Aspen Island.

With lush grass and shady trees, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy views of Lake Burley Griffin. Time your visit to hear the hourly chime of the Carillon’s 57 bronze bells.

Telopea Park

Telopea Park’s lush green grass and towering trees are the ideal spot for a picnic.

There are also:

  • shade sails
  • public toilets
  • picnic tables
  • a playground
  • a skate ramp.

With Manuka and Kingston shops nearby, there are plenty of choices for coffee or food to take along with you.

The National Arboretum

There are many idyllic picnic spots at the Arboretum. Head to Dairy Farmers Hill to enjoy 360-degree views across Canberra. You can also check out the iconic eagle sculpture, Nest III, up close.

Another favourite spot is the Himalayan cedar forest barbeque and picnic area. The picnic and barbeque desk has tables and free electric barbeques.

Weston Park

Weston Park spreads across 40 hectares, with plenty of picnic spots to choose from.

The area around Pescott Lane is a popular area for families. Here, you’ll find:

  • drinking water
  • picnic tables
  • a playground.

The Yarralumla Play Station is across the road from the picnic. It has a café and miniature railway.

Fadden Pines

Fadden Pines is loved by families in the Tuggeranong region. With three playgrounds and multiple picnic areas, there are plenty of spots to choose from.

It also has:

  • large shady trees
  • drinking water
  • a skate park

Lake Ginninderra

Virtually any spot around the edge of Lake Ginninderra is a beautiful setting for a picnic.

John Knight Memorial Park is particularly suitable. It has beautiful views of the lake and plenty of shady trees. You’ll also find:

  • picnic tables
  • public toilets
  • model boat jetty
  • water garden
  • drinking water
  • playground.

Mount Ainslie

You can choose to hike or drive to the top of Mount Ainslie. Either way, the view across Canberra is bound to get your heart racing.

There are picnic tables so you can take a seat and soak up the views.

Regatta Point

On a sunny afternoon, it’s a common sight to see locals enjoying a picnic on the grassy hill overlooking the lake.

There are public toilets nearby, as well as picnic shelters.

Need food and coffee? Pop into The Walter Café for some takeaway.

Lennox Gardens

The stunning park is home to Canberra Beijing Garden and Canberra Nara Peace Park. It’s right on the waterfront and has beautiful views and shady trees.

You’ll also find:

  • public barbecues
  • drinking water
  • picnic tables
  • public toilets.

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Your guide to adopting a dog in Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

  • This story includes some lesser-known considerations for adopting a dog.

Dogs are wonderful companions that bring joy to their families.

Owning a dog can help people to:

  • be more active
  • feel less lonely
  • socialise more
  • find a sense of purpose.

Before you bring a dog into your family, there are a few things to consider. Here are a few points that people don’t often talk about:

Each dog has a different personality

You may have expected that your new pup will love fetch and swimming. But then find they prefer tug and digging instead.

Spend some time getting to know your dog. Discovering their personality and temperament can be rewarding. Their genetics and history can inform how they react to different people, toys and other animals. Breed can also play a part in their temperament.

It can take three months for your dog to adjust to their new environment

Moving into a new home can be stressful for a dog. This is common for dogs who have come from a noisy shelter environment.

In the first three days, your dog will be decompressing. They may seem scared or unsure. During this time, you might not see their ‘true’ personality.

After three weeks, your pup will start settling in. Their personality will start to show as they get more comfortable. After three months it’s likely that your dog will be comfortable and trust you. It’s important to take this time with them and not try to rush them

You will always need to care for your dog – even on your hardest days

Taking your dog on a walk on a beautiful Sunday is wonderful, but not every day will be easy.

Remember that dogs still need to go for a walk even when you don’t feel like it. Your dog will still need to be looked after when you’re feeling sick, sad or stressed. Consider if you need a support system to help you look after your pet on difficult days.

Owning a dog will change the way your home looks

When you have a dog, your floor may always have a few toys strewn about. There may also be stray pieces of dog food and dog hair on it.

You may also need to change the way you decorate your home. This is to keep fragile items out of your dog’s reach. You should also consider if you are ready to clean up after your dog potentially having toileting accidents inside.

Your social life will look a bit different

Most dogs can be left alone for hours at a time. There are also pet-friendly venues around Canberra.

Even so, you should prepare for times where you need to leave an event early to be with your dog.

There may also be times where your pet is unwell. You may need to miss social occasions to care for them. Consider if these are sacrifices you are willing to make for your pet.

Travelling can be more challenging

Looking for dog-friendly accommodation while traveling can be difficult and expensive. It can also be hard to find someone to look after your pet if you plan on leaving them at home.

Before getting a dog, ask friends or family if they would be willing to look after your pet while you travel. You can also check out the costs of pet-boarding or pet-sitters. It’s important to be aware of these potential costs before getting a dog.

Dogs cost money

In addition to buying dog food, toys, and other treats, in the ACT, owners must register, microchip, de-sex their dog which costs money.  There are also licences and permits you may need to obtain if you wish to breed your dog or if there are 4 or more dogs living at your residence.

Dogs also need regular check-ups and vaccinations to keep them happy and healthy. Dogs can also have accidents from time-to-time which need to be seen to by a veterinarian, often at short notice. Consider whether you can financially look after a dog to give it the best life possible.

Moving your pet interstate and overseas can be costly

Most Australian airlines will not allow pets in the cabin. You might want to consider if you’re comfortable with your pet in the cargo hold, or if you’re comfortable driving interstate with your pet.

If an international move is on the cards during your pets’ lifespan, you need to factor in the extra cost of bringing them. Moving your pet internationally can be costly.

Having realistic expectations of what having a dog looks like is important for making informed decisions. A common reason for dogs being surrendered is because owners weren’t aware of the challenges of pet ownership.

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First students for Aunty Agnes Shea High School

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The new school’s logo and uniform design derive from an artwork created by Aunty Agnes Shea’s granddaughter.

In brief:

  • The first students are now attending Canberra’s newest public school – Aunty Agnes Shea High School.
  • The school is named after late senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea.
  • This week, over 50,000 students return to public schools across the ACT.

The brand-new Aunty Agnes Shea High School in Taylor welcomes its first students this week.

The ACT’s 92nd public school, it will cater to up to 800 years 7–10 students in the growing suburbs of north Gungahlin.

The new school’s students are among over 50,000 returning to public schools across Canberra.

Named for a great Canberran

The new school’s name honours late senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea.

The school’s logo and uniform design derive from the artwork ‘Journeys’ about Aunty Agnes Shea.

Artist Selina Walker is Aunty Agnes Shea’s granddaughter. She gifted ‘Journeys’ to the school.

The logo was co-designed with Aunty Agnes Shea’s family. The school’s first cohort of students and their families also contributed to how ‘Journeys’ is shown on the school uniform.

Contemporary facilities

The school features state-of-the-art learning spaces. It is also fully electric in its operations. The buildings use sustainable materials and a large solar panel array.

Students can also enjoy:

  • a double gym with basketball, netball, futsal, volleyball and badminton markings
  • a covered hard court suitable for basketball and netball
  • kickabout spaces for ball sports
  • external fitness equipment.

Spaces in the school are available for community use.

Aunty Agnes Shea OAM

Aunty Agnes Josephine Shea OAM dedicated most of her life to bettering the world for future generations of Aboriginal Australians.

She worked tirelessly in many different roles for the varying range of communities that call Ngunnawal Country home.

Aunty Agnes Shea’s achievements and dedication have been recognised over the years.

In 2001 she was awarded the Centenary Medal. In 2004, she received the Medal of the Order of Australia.

In 2010 she was awarded an ACT Senior Citizen of the Year award. She also gained a place on the ACT Honour Walk that same year.

Find more on the Aunty Agnes Shea High School website.

The brand-new school offers state-of-the-art facilities.

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Free camps for ACT public primary schools

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

All ACT primary school students will be able to attend a free camp at Birrigai during their primary school years.

In brief:

  • The ACT Government will provide one free school camp at Birrigai for every student during their primary years.
  • The free camps will be held at Birrigai Outdoor School from term 1 this year.

The ACT Government will provide one free school camp at Birrigai for every primary school student, with free camps starting in term 1 this year.

Camps will be held at Birrigai Outdoor School, near Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

It’s expected that one year group from each ACT public primary school will attend a free camp each year.

This will allow all ACT primary school students to attend a free camp during their primary school years.

Allowing everyone to participate

This new program means families won’t have to miss out due to cost.

School camps are an important part of the educational experience. The program ensures all students can attend.

The program roll out

It’s anticipated that more than 1000 students will benefit from the program in the first half of the year.

Additional school bookings will open in the coming weeks.

Work is underway to support the roll out of the program’s first phase in the first half of 2025. 

Schools will communicate to their school communities as plans are finalised.

Semester 1 2025 bookings are subject to availability.

Ensuring equity in education

Equity is one of the four principles of the ACT Government’s Future of Education Strategy.

The program comes in addition to other initiatives aimed at helping Canberra families with school costs. These include:

  • free three-year-old preschool
  • the Future of Education Equity Fund
  • a Chromebook for every public secondary school student.

Find out more at education.act.gov.au

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Man arrested after trying to evade police at Parafield Gardens

Source: New South Wales – News

A man has been arrested after trying to evade police at Parafield Gardens last night.

At 8.30pm on Friday 2 May police spotted a red Holden sedan on Martins Road, Parafield Gardens and directed the driver to stop.

The driver refused and took off at speed. The vehicle wasn’t pursued by police as fortunately PolAir was in the area and tracked the vehicle from above. The vehicle was tracked onto John Rice Avenue and the Grove Way where it will be alleged it reached speeds of 120 km/h.

Patrols successfully spiked the vehicle on two occasions on the Grove Way.

The vehicle continued into Fairview Park before stopping on Hamilton Road and the driver attempted to run from the car.

He was swiftly arrested after a short foot chase.

Checks revealed the 32-year-old driver from Banksia Park was currently disqualified from driving.

He was arrested and charged with fail to stop, drive dangerously to escape police, speed dangerous, drive disqualified and resist police.

His vehicle was impounded, and he was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 18 June.

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Driver arrested on North-South Motorway

Source: New South Wales – News

A man was arrested after trying to flee police on the North-South Motorway last night.

Police spotted the man’s vehicle on Bower Road, Semaphore just before 11pm on Friday 2 May but it took off and they called in the police helicopter to follow the black Holden sedan as it turned onto Causeway to head to the Port River Expressway.

The vehicle travelled at high speeds, taking the Northern Connector onto the North-South Motorway, before crashing into a roundabout near the Waterloo Corner Road exit.

The driver abandoned his vehicle and was walking east towards Port Wakefield Road but was easily spotted by police and arrested without further incident.

The 41-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

He was charged with excessive speed, speed dangerous and drive unlicensed and unregistered.  He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday 5 May.