Category: MIL-OSI

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Recognition for student driven to make a difference

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Lawson Connor is an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) of the Year Award finalist.

In brief:

  • Gungahlin College student Lawson Connor is a national finalist at the 2024 Australian Training Awards.
  • He has overcome health challenges and wants to become a paramedic.
  • He hopes others are aware there are many career pathways.

A couple of years back, Lawson Connor was picked up from school by ambulance so often, he was on first-name terms with many paramedics.

He missed a whole term of year 9 at Gold Creek School. This was due to epilepsy-related health challenges.

One of seven children, Lawson says he pretty much grew up in hospital.

A proud Wiradjuri man, he is now 17 and at Gungahlin College. And tonight, he is a national finalist at the 2024 Australian Training Awards.

He is in the running for the Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) of the Year Award.

People from all over Canberra, and further afield, in Wiradjuri country, will cheer him on.

A turning point

If there was a turning point for Lawson, perhaps it was when he became vice-captain of Gold Creek School.

He led several initiatives and was a mentor for many. This included other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

A teacher encouraged Lawson to consider applying for an ASbA. He hasn’t looked back.

A clear career path

Lawson was inspired by the kindness he’d experienced in the health system. He had already decided to pursue a career in health care.

He was accepted into Indigenous Allied Health Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy ASbA program.

Through this, he is completing a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33021) through CIT. He is doing this while finishing years 11 and 12.

The program has given him insights into career pathways in the health sector. He has also found clarity about his career goal.

“Through placements I’ve tried out different areas … physio, occupational therapy, aged care … it’s really helped me narrow it down, to paramedicine.”

“It would be such an honour to be able to provide emergency healthcare within the community, especially a rural or remote community, or a disadvantaged Indigenous community, where I could provide a level of cultural care and understanding.”

Lawson has also taken an online university class this year. It is part of an early entry program for Midwifery, Nursing and Paramedicine.

Well-deserved recognition

Today, Lawson’s health is much better. He has been also received several awards. These include:

  • a Year 10 Excellence Award
  • the ACT ASbA of the Year Award, ACT Training Awards
  • an Exceptional Young Person Award, ACT Children’s Week Awards
  • the flagship Children’s Commissioner Award, ACT Children’s Week Awards.

Advice for others

Lawson hopes other students may be inspired by his journey to consider alternative pathways.

It worries him that a lot of his friends are stressed about getting a high-enough ATAR.

“I want a lot of people to know that ATAR isn’t the only option to get into a university or have a successful life,” he said. “There are so many avenues.”

Lawson recommends talking to careers teachers at school about available pathways.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, there are dedicated programs and supports to consider.

“There are so many opportunities out there,” Lawson said.

“If you really want to do something, pursue it. You can achieve it.”

Find out more about the ASbA program on the ACT Education website.

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Parent Portal app now available

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The new Parent Portal app makes it easier for families to engage with their school.

In brief:

  • The new Parent Portal app is available for all ACT public school families.
  • It is called Sentral for Parents and follows children from kindergarten through to year 12.
  • This story outlines the key features of the app and how it can be accessed.

The new Parent Portal smartphone app is now available for all ACT public school families. The app gives them more choice in how they access information from their child’s school.

The app is called Sentral for Parents. It has the same functionality as the web-based Parent Portal and follows students from kindergarten through to year 12.

Parent Portal is a secure online platform for sharing student information between ACT public schools and parents and carers.

Parent Portal makes it easier for families to engage with their school by housing key information on one system. Parents and carers only need to sign up for the Parent Portal once. Multiple children can be added to one account using the access key for each child’s school.

Parents can use Parent Portal and the Sentral for Parents app to: 
*    notify their school if their child is sick
*    book parent-teacher interviews
*    receive their child’s academic reports (including past reports)
*    receive their school newsletter 
*    receive messages from their child’s teachers
*    see their child’s student timetable
*    get daily notices of school activities
*    update contact details, and
*    make payments.

So far, 24,405 parents and carers have registered to use Parent Portal. This number is expected to grow now that the Sentral for Parents app is available. 

Parents of new ACT public school students, including those starting kindergarten in 2025, will receive a registration link and access key from their school. They will need to set up an ACT Digital Account if they don’t already have one to register.

Parents and carers can find more information on the Education Directorate website.

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All-abilities bike track now open in Evatt

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Sporting organisations, therapy providers, and community and disability organisations gathered to open the new path.

In brief:

  • A new bike track and storage shed suitable for all abilities is now open.
  • The accessible track is designed to help kids build cycling skills, road safety awareness and confidence.
  • It will host the Cyclabilities program run by Abilities Unlimited Australia.

A new accessible cycling path has opened in Evatt.

The all-abilities Road Safety Learn to Ride concrete bike track and bike storage shed are located at Evatt Community Playground. This is adjacent to Evatt Primary School.

The new facility will make learning to ride safer for all children, no matter their ability.

On Saturday mornings, the Abilities Unlimited Australia (AUA) Cyclabilities program will use the track.

When not in use by Cyclabilities, it is available for the community to enjoy.

AUA Cyclabilities

AUA provides tailored programs for children with disabilities. It promotes inclusion and empowers every child to discover their potential through sports.

The Cyclabilities program is an inclusive cycling initiative.

It helps children of all abilities learn cycling skills and road safety awareness. Beyond this, it fosters social, emotional and physical development.

On Saturday mornings, over 100 participants take part. The new Evatt facility will help grow participation in the program.

AUA’s 1:1 and small group sports programs are designed to meet the unique needs and abilities of each child.

“This inclusive facility is a vital gift to our community, offering children of all abilities a safe space to learn cycling, develop essential road safety skills, and build confidence,” Co-founder of Abilities Unlimited Australia Fiona Jarvis said.

“Children with disabilities face heightened risks and barriers to participation. This precinct breaks those barriers, fostering independence, inclusion, and community connection.”

The ACT Government’s 2024 Community Sport Facilities Program provided funding to Abilities Unlimited Australia (AUA) for the project.

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Inclusion Awards recipients announced

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Ravi Krishnamurthy accepts the Leader in Inclusion award from Mark Mulligan of Icon Water.

In brief

  • Winners of this year’s Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards have been announced.
  • The Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in the community.
  • The six award winners are listed in this story.

Recipients of the Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards have been announced.

The Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in the Canberra community.

They recognise those who improve the experiences of people with disability in the workplace, business and community.

The nomination process

Anybody can nominate someone in one of the six award categories.

Nominees can be:

  • individuals
  • teams
  • local businesses
  • community organisations

Self-nominations are also welcome.

The judging process

The judging panel includes:

  • people with disability
  • awards sponsors
  • ACT Inclusion Council members
  • members of the Canberra business community.

“It is wonderful to see the achievements of all the winners… They are taking us one step closer to a truly inclusive capital,” ACT Inclusion Council Chair Mr David Smith said.

The winners

Leader in Inclusion – Ravi Krishnamurthy
Ravi has been a relentless force for change in the Canberra community for more than 20 years.

Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices – The Apollo Neurodiversity Program
This program offers neurodivergent people a career in ICT within the Australian Public Service.

Excellence in Collaborating with people with Disability – Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group
Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group, by Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, has set a benchmark for inclusive co-design.

Excellence in Access and Inclusion – Netball ACT’s 2024 All Abilities Netball program
Netball ACT’s 2024 All Abilities Netball program has enabled people with disability to play netball in a mainstream competition, making sport more inclusive.

Excellence in Innovation and Impact – Derek Brewer
Derek is the founder of Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program. This supports neurodivergent learner drivers and other learner drivers with disability.

Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality – Renée Heaton
Renée is a powerful advocate and leader. She has led the ACT Disability Reference Group for almost four years.

Congratulations to the winners and all nominees.

View the list of finalists and winners on the ACT Inclusion Council website.

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Charges – Drug offences – Gapuwiyak

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 32-year-old male for drug offences in Gapuwiyak on 8 April 2025.

Police conducted a lawful search at a residence in the community where they located and seized a commercial quantity of kava, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of cash.

The 32-year-old male who is unlawfully in Australia, was arrested and subsequently charged with Supply kava – commercial quantity, Possess kava – commercial quantity, Possess property commission of offence and Resist police in execution of duty.

He appeared in Darwin Local Court earlier this month and was remanded to re-appear in Darwin Local Court on 1 May 2025.

Acting Superintendent Daniel Bell said “Local officers worked collaboratively with many community members and stakeholders to identify the offending and enable a swift response.

“The supply of illicit substance in vulnerable remote communities has devastating effects. Police will continue to target those who seek to gain benefit from the supplying and selling of these substances and ensure that offenders are held to account.”

Anyone with information on the supply of illicit substances into communities are urged to call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Call for witnesses – Domestic violence – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an alleged domestic violence assault that occurred in a community in Katherine on Friday.

Around 1am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a 16-year-old female had been assaulted by her partner at a community residence in Katherine.

Police and St John Ambulance attended, with the 16-year-old located and conveyed to hospital with multiple stab wounds to her back and injuries consistent with being stomped on. She remains in hospital in a stable condition after being transferred to Darwin.

Police have identified the 17-year-old male partner as a person of interest, and efforts are currently underway to locate him.

Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500040300. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

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Easter Long Weekend Wrap Up – Territory Road Policing and Operation Tuglo

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force were out in force over the Easter long weekend with multiple high visibility operations across the NT.

The Territory Road Policing Division set up 56 Random Breath Test stations and conducted 484 mobile random breath tests throughout the Territory, with over 5,071 road users breath tested. Of that number, 41 people tested positive to alcohol and 25 tested positive to drugs from the 131 drug tests conducted.

Road Policing issued 373 traffic infringement notices and provided 72 cautions, the majority of these interactions were related to speeding and persons not wearing seatbelts. Additionally, speed cameras checked 19,234 vehicles, capturing 491 for speeding.

Superintendent Rick Magree said, “We know that people are four times more likely to die on Territory roads than the national average. With the increased traffic on the road over the Easter long weekend, comes increased risk.

“Overall, most people were well behaved and enjoyed their long weekend responsibly, However It’s disappointing that a number of drivers still made poor choices in relation to the Fatal Five, predominantly with drink and drug driving as well as speeding.

“With the upcoming long weekend Territorians can expect to see the Road Policing Division out with an increased presence keeping everyone safe on our roads.”

In addition to the increase in RBT stations across the Territory, Operation Tuglo was commenced across Darwin, Adelaide River and Alice Springs, targeting the transportation of dangerous drugs, weapons and other illegal items via the air and road in the NT.

Operation Tuglo conducted high visibility screening of passengers on commercial flights arriving at Darwin and Alice Springs airports as well as vehicles travelling along the Stuart Highway.

Thirty-nine commercial flights with over 6,600 passengers and their luggage were screened using drug, firearm and explosive detection dogs. Fortunately, no illicit substances or illegal items were detected.

Over 135 vehicles were screened with drug detection dogs with 80 vehicle searches resulting in seizure of 2.76kg of cannabis, 2kg of Kava, 28 litres of spirits all destined for remote restricted communities. Five stolen motor vehicles were also apprehended in Adelaide River.

Additionally, one illegal firearm fashioned from a 22. calibre rifle was seized from a vehicle in Adelaide River.

The operation resulted in three arrests, five Traffic Infringement Notices, two defect notices, and 10 people were issued with a Notice to Appear.

Superintendent Lee Morgan said, “I want to commend all the officers involved in this significant operation.  

“While the results from the airport checks were reassuring, the findings at the Adelaide River roadblock were disappointing.

“The discovery and seizure of an illicit firearm is a serious matter, and that alone makes the operation worthwhile.

“We remain committed to disrupting the supply of dangerous drugs and illicit substances into our communities.

“Our focus will continue to be on those who traffic illicit substances into the Territory and specifically into remote areas, where some of our most vulnerable people reside.

“Those who seek to profit from the harm of others, particularly the vulnerable, are a blight on our society and will be relentlessly pursued.

“As a whole the Territory enjoyed a safe and responsible long weekend.” 

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Arrest – Aggravated assault – Woodroffe

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a 29-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault in Woodroffe yesterday afternoon.

Around 3:15pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports of a female exiting a Toyota Hilux on Chung Wah Terrace and sitting on the foot path in a distressed state, whilst the Hilux pulled up next to her.

An unknown member of the public, driving a white single cab utility, stopped to assist the female and spoke to the male driver of the Toyota Hilux from which she had exited.

The male driver of the Toyota Hilux subsequently left the scene, and the female victim left on foot. 

Around 3:50pm, the JESCC received further reports indicating that the male and female party had been involved in an altercation at a residence in Woodroffe earlier in the afternoon, where the male is alleged to have assaulted the female and forced her into his vehicle.

Initial investigations have found the male and female are known to each other and there is no apparent ongoing risk to the public.

Police later located and arrested a 29-year-old male who remains in custody with charges expected to follow.

Investigators believe the male who stopped to assist in the vehicle pictured may be able to assist in the investigation.

Police urge anyone in the area between 2:50pm and 3:15pm with dash-cam footage or CCTV to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500041492. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

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Call for information – Aggravated robbery – Wagaman

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Wagaman on Monday afternoon.

Around 2:45pm, police received reports that three youths had allegedly robbed a store in a shopping centre along Wagaman Place with one of the youths jumping behind the counter to threaten a staff member with an edged weapon.

The group then allegedly stole a quantity of alcohol and cigarettes before fleeing the scene in a black Toyota Hilux.

Police attended the scene; a crime scene was established, and investigations are ongoing.

Strike Force Trident urge anyone with information in relation to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500041477. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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Woman bitten on hands by dingo on K’gari

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 22 Apr 2025

Visitors to K’gari are being urged to never walk alone after a woman was bitten on the hands by a dingo near the Winnam camping area around 10:30am on 17 April 2025.

Rangers are investigating an incident that left the woman with two lacerations to the middle fingers on both hands.

The woman had walked away from the camping area to the ocean when she was quickly approached by five dingoes, with a tagged dingo lunging at the woman and biting her on the hands.

The Queensland Ambulance Service treated the woman on K’gari, and she was advised to see a doctor.

People at the camping area had previously received be dingo-safe education from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.

It is believed the pack of dingoes were hanging around the camping area after getting access to a large amount of unsecured food from a different campsite earlier this week.

Rangers provided further be dingo-safe advice to campers in the area and will conduct additional patrols over the weekend.

Residents and visitors to the island must be aware of the risks, and should always walk in groups, carry a stick and keep food and rubbish secured.

Report any concerning dingo encounters by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au

Visitors to K’gari are reminded to Be dingo-safe! at all times:

  • Always stay close (within arm’s reach) to children and young teenagers
  • Always walk in groups and carry a stick
  • Never feed dingoes
  • Camp in fenced areas where possible
  • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
  • Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
  • Never store food or food containers in tents, and
  • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

For more information go to K’gari dingoes.

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