Melbourne Rooming house operator faces charges

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

A director of a rental accommodation services company is facing court on charges of operating a rooming house without a licence.

A rooming house is a building where one or more rooms is available to rent by four or more people. They are an affordable and comfortable rental option for many people but some of their residents are among the state’s most vulnerable.

It is alleged that Susan Trinh, the sole director of Impactz Pty Ltd, and the company, committed several offences under the Rooming House Operators Act 2016 and the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

Along with operating a rooming house without a licence, it is alleged they also failed to:

  • lodge bonds with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority
  • complete signed bond lodgement forms and provide them to the renter
  • provide renters with two copies of the condition report before they moved in, which an operator must do if they accept a bond from a resident.

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said that Trinh and her company dealt largely with international students and workers.

Rich said the renters in these cases were particularly vulnerable, often living in a foreign country away from family and other support networks, and would likely find it more difficult to voice a complaint or pursue their rights.

Operating a rooming house without a licence is a serious criminal offence with significant penalties.

There are currently 1,650 registered rooming houses and 1,294 licensed rooming house operators in Victoria.

If you’re concerned a rooming house does not meet the minimum standards, you can report it. If your concern is about health standards, contact your local council.

This matter is listed for a mention on 23 June 2025 at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

137-2025: Version 3.0 of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology is now in force and approved arrangement class conditions have been updated

Source: New South Wales Government 2

1 May 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Import-related biosecurity treatment stakeholders, including all importers, brokerages, onshore approved arrangement holders, overseas government and industry treatment providers, relevant domestic state and territory government agencies, and other shipping, freight, and logistics peak industry bodies.

What has changed?

Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology (version 3.0)

Version 3.0 of the  Methyl…

Niger

Source:

We’ve reviewed our advice and continue to advise do not travel to Niger. There’s ongoing political instability following a military takeover in July 2023. Protests and civil unrest could occur and turn violent quickly without notice. Avoid government buildings, demonstrations, large crowds and political gatherings. The overall security situation remains highly volatile, and movement restrictions may be implemented at short notice.

There’s a high risk of terrorism, and terrorists may target places visited by foreigners, government buildings and security facilities. There’s a high risk of kidnapping across Niger and foreigners have been targeted.

Some land borders remain closed, and others may close without warning. Trying to leave Niger by land borders is likely to be dangerous. Authorities have been conducting increased security checks on foreigners arriving in Niger by air. This may result in your passport being held by authorities for several days (see ‘Safety’).

136-2025: Conclusion of the 2024-25 Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) Risk Season

Source: New South Wales Government 2

1 May 2025​ 

Who does this notice affect? 

​​Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including Master Consolidators, vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers and principal agents— associated with shipping or importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2024-25 BMSB risk season. ​

What has changed? 

The 2024-25 BMSB risk season ended on 1 May…

CFA firefighter remembered at national memorial service

Source:

Garry Mallen’s family received a Memorial Medallion

This morning (1 May) the family of CFA Portland Fire Brigade volunteer Garry Mallen was presented with an AFAC Memorial Medallian.

The AFAC National Memorial Service, held in Canberra, is an annual event to honour fire and emergency services personnel who have died in the line of duty.

During the service, AFAC Memorial Medallions were presented to families of those being commemorated, including Garry. The service also acknowledged those people who have been added to the memorial wall. 

CFA CEO Greg Leach AFSM and CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan attended the service, along with members of Portland Fire brigade and Garry’s family.

  • Garry Mallen’s family with members of Portland brigade and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan
Submitted by News and Media

NT Police Force seek community action to take advantage of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police National Missing Persons Coordination Centre, are embracing innovative technology to help solve long-standing missing persons cases.

Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) combines DNA testing with genealogy research to offer fresh hope for cases that have remained unsolved for years, particularly those of unidentified human remains.

The Northern Territory currently have 64 cases of unidentified human remains under investigation with the Cold Case Taskforce. FIGG technology presents a new frontier in forensic science and allows investigators to use genetic data to trace family connections through DNA. The use of genealogy databases is a game-changer, providing families of missing persons a much-needed opportunity to find closure.

What is Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG)?

FIGG is an emerging technique that combines the power of DNA analysis with genealogy research. By comparing genetic material from unidentified remains with databases of individuals’ DNA, investigators can trace family relationships and potentially identify those who have been missing for years, or in some cases, decades.

This process can be particularly effective for cases where traditional investigative methods have not yielded results. The ability to access and cross-reference large, publicly available DNA databases greatly enhances the likelihood of making connections that would otherwise be impossible.

How Can You Help?

Members of the public who have already submitted their DNA to consumer databases such as Ancestry.com can play a pivotal role in solving cold cases. By downloading your DNA results and uploading them to genealogy databases like GEDmatch or FamilyTreeDNA, you could help solve a case that has left families without answers for years.

Instructions on how to upload DNA results to these databases can be found on their websites:

The key to achieving success with the use of this cutting-edge technology lies in the support of the community.

As FIGG continues to evolve, it holds promise for solving numerous unresolved missing persons cases across the Northern Territory and beyond. With 64 ongoing cases of unidentified human remains in the NT alone, this new method offers a renewed sense of optimism for those seeking answers.

The Northern Territory Police Force is encouraging members of the public to consider participating, helping to bring answers to families and giving long-term missing persons a chance at being identified.

For more information about how you can assist, please visit the websites linked above.

UPDATE: Call for information – Suspicious machinery fire – Yuendumu

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to a suspicious heavy machinery fire in Yuendumu on 14 December 2024.

On Friday 13 December 2024 at 5:30pm, four employees operating the site completed their shift and stopped their heavy machinery for the day. The machinery being:

  • Isuzu Tip Truck bearing
  • Bobcat E50 Mini Excavator
  • Caterpillar 311D Excavator
  • Chase CX57C Excavator

The machinery was parked along Nyrippi Road within approximately 50 meters of each other and upon the workers return to the site at 6:15am the following day, it was established that all but one of the machines were destroyed by fire.

A crime scene was established where the extensive damage to the equipment was assessed, which suggests the fire was deliberately lit.

Southern Crime members continue to investigate and urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P24347724.

You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Renewed call for information as investigation into former police officer progresses

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Renewed call for information as investigation into former police officer progresses

Thursday, 1 May 2025 – 12:00 pm.

Tasmania Police has renewed its call for information as the investigation into former police officer Dale Cook progresses.The investigation was announced in February to determine whether he used his position as a police officer to commit child sexual abuse crimes or any other criminal offending and identify any misconduct during his employment with Tasmania Police.Acting Deputy Commissioner Rob Blackwood said the investigation team had engaged with many people who either worked with Cook or knew him outside of his role as a police officer.“The investigation team sincerely thanks each person that has come forward to provide information, either in person or through the reporting options provided below. Every piece of information has been of value and will inform the outcomes of the investigation,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Blackwood said.“There are several avenues of enquiry outstanding, and the investigation team continues to work with oversight from the Integrity Commission to identify other criminal offending or misconduct during Cook’s employment with Tasmania Police.“The investigators would still like to hear from anyone with information.“The specialist investigation team recognises the need to offer choice and confidentiality to anyone wanting to provide information.”This includes:• Sending a direct email to the investigation team at cookinvestigation@police.tas.gov.au• Submitting an online form which allows you the option or remaining anonymous, or providing your details if you are willing to be contacted.• Submitting a report to the Tasmania Police Professional Standards online portal.• If you would like to meet in person, contact the investigation team at cookinvestigation@police.tas.gov.au and they will arrange this at a time and place that ensures confidentiality.Media outlets are reminded to be mindful of the following national guidelines when reporting on this matter.https://www.childsafety.gov.au/what-we-do/reporting-child-sexual-abuse-guidance-media-and-victims-and-survivors

Community volunteers celebrated with cheers

Source: South Australia Police

The City recently hosted a celebratory event to recognise the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers.

Mayor Linda Aitken said the 2025 Community Services and Conservation Volunteers Dinner at the Wanneroo Civic Centre was an opportunity to honour our incredible volunteers and thank them for their contributions to the City.

“With the City of Wanneroo home to almost 240,000 residents and growing rapidly, we rely more than ever on dedicated and committed volunteers to help ensure it continues to be a great place to live, work and visit,” she said.

“Our 92 conservation and community services volunteers help the City in a variety of ways, supporting staff to deliver a range of programs and services for some of the most vulnerable members of our community and caring for our natural environment.”

Six volunteers were presented with peer-nominated excellence awards for outstanding dedication to their role and service to the City.

Bukamu Dube

Since 2021, Bukamu has been a member of the City’s Multicultural Advisory Group and currently serves as its Deputy Chairperson, helping shape conversations around diversion and inclusion in our City.

Outside the group, Bakumu runs a small business focused on training and community support, helping others from multicultural backgrounds navigate new opportunities.

Kadambii Barnao

Kadambii started her volunteering journey with the City in 2011, as part of the City’s first Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, which has since evolved into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community reference group, Ni Kadadjiny Koort.

She remains an active and dedicated member of the group and a strong advocate for cultural values, human rights and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

Andrew Fairbairn

Andrew has served as a dedicated member of the City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Reference Group since 2019, consistently offering thoughtful input and championing meaningful change.

He has helped to raise awareness about mobility mapping in our town centre, highlighting how features like gradients, surfaces, ramps and elevators can make a real difference for people with mobility challenges, helping them navigate public spaces with greater confidence and safety.

Jennie Villiers

Jennie’s journey as a volunteer with the City started in 2016 when she attended a community planning event as part of the City’s GOLD program.

After asking about walking and photography in Koondoola Bushland, she helped organise a guided wildflower walk and has been involved with the City ever since.

She first registered as a conservation volunteer, becoming one of our most active contributors – regularly weeding, collecting litter and supporting conservation events.

Now, she leads annual wildflower walks for the community and local schools, and has even obtained a flora license for educational use and detailed surveys of Koondoola Bushland.

In 2023, Jennie took the lead in running her own conservation activities, building a team and strengthening the Friends of Koondoola Bushland group along the way.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved with your local community, contribute to a cause you care about and meet like-minded people.

To find out more about volunteering with the City, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/volunteers.

135-2025: Scheduled Service Disruption: Saturday 03 May 2025 – Multiple Systems

Source: New South Wales Government 2

01 May 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All clients submitting the below declarations:

  • Full Import Declaration (FID)
  • Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (LFSAC)
  • Short Form Self Assessed Clearance (SFSAC)
  • Cargo Report Self Assessed Clearance (CRSAC)
  • Cargo Report Personal Effects (PE)

Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests…