Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is the first regional council and third in Australia to receive Welcoming Cities Accreditation at the Excelling Level, and the first to do so under the new national standards.  The Excelling Level Accreditation is assessed across six key areas – leadership, inclusion, economic development, civic participation, equitable access, and learning.

Welcoming Cities is a national network of cities, shires, towns and municipalities, who are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate.  The network recognises that of all tiers of government, local councils are best placed to understand the complexity and diversity of their communities.

City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney said in 2020 the City of Greater Bendigo was the first local government in Australia to be accredited as a Welcoming City by the Welcoming Cities Network and is delighted to receive the further Excelling Level Accreditation.

“Achieving Excelling Accreditation as a Welcoming City recognises Greater Bendigo’s considerable commitment to cultural diversity, Aboriginal reconciliation and social cohesion,” Mr Cooney said.

“This latest milestone strengthens the City’s reputation as a national leader in inclusion and raises our profile at State, National and International levels.

“It sets a benchmark for the City to continue its work to improve services and ensure Greater Bendigo is a welcoming city for all.”

The City of Greater Bendigo was also recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion by winning a 2023 Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence and winning the 2024 LGPro Award for Diversity and Inclusion.

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Albanese Government continues to invest in the shared health security of our region. Through a new $48 million program, Australia will support the Pacific family to manage increasing rates of HIV infections.

This funding will assist Pacific governments to contain the spread of HIV through technical assistance, disease surveillance and co-investment in their national public health responses.

Rising rates of HIV, and co-infections like tuberculosis, place increased pressure on Pacific health systems, societies and economies. COVID has been an important reminder in recent years that communicable diseases, such as HIV, cost lives and ignore borders.

Ahead of World AIDS Day, acknowledged on 1 December each year, Australia reaffirms its support to ending the global AIDS epidemic by 2030. This latest announcement complements broader and longstanding Australian support to strengthen national health systems in our region and beyond.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“We are partnering with the Pacific to tackle the growing public health threat of HIV, including by sharing Australian knowledge and expertise and investing in community-led responses.

“Australia is continuing to work with our Pacific partners to reduce HIV transmission and support people living with HIV.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:

“As rates of HIV in the Pacific rise, Australia stands ready to co-invest with Pacific partners to strengthen nationally led HIV responses.

“As a member of the Pacific family, we will always be ready to support local leadership and community led responses to HIV in the region.

“Australia is committed to working with our regional partners to advance strong, resilient health system capable of responding effectively to HIV.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development Anne Aly:

“Australia is proud to share our expertise in containing HIV as a public health threat, drawing on our decades of research and hard-won experience.

“By supporting resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems across the Pacific, we are investing in the shared health security of our region.”

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Fire Danger period will commence at 1am on Monday, 15 December 2025 for the following municipalities.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Sharing important fire safety advice

CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) proudly attended the Melbourne Disability Expo on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of participation.

This ongoing commitment reflects the shared strategy of the fire services to engage with people with disability — a group at higher risk of home fire fatalities. In fact, 62 per cent of home fire deaths across Australia involve people with a disability.

Our stall was strategically located opposite the coffee cart and seating area, ensuring a steady stream of visitors. Conversations focused on home fire safety essentials, including the importance of working smoke alarms and specialised alarms for the deaf community.

The new Auslan videos about smoke alarms were a major drawcard, sparking interest and discussion about how these alarms work and the subsidies available to make them more affordable.

We met Terri, a wheelchair user living alone, who was surprised to realise her smoke alarms were more than 15 years old. We explained why replacing them was essential for her safety. 

Rachel’s smoke alarms — 23 years old — offered another striking example of how easily these devices can be overlooked, underscoring the importance of conversations like those at the Expo. Meanwhile, Mary, who charges multiple lithium-ion battery-powered devices including her wheelchair, in her garage, agreed to install smoke alarms there to add an extra layer of protection.

Disability service providers were another key audience. These professionals are well-placed to assess the fire safety needs of their clients and support them in upgrading alarms and implementing other measures. Many were surprised to learn that our fire safety online learning modules and resources are free.

After four years of attending this Expo, it was encouraging to hear comments shift from “Why are the fire services here?” to “It’s great to see you again — this is so important” and “I need to tell you what I’ve done since last year.” These conversations show the community is taking ownership of fire safety.

Looking ahead, Wednesday 3 December marks International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). One in six people in our community live with a disability. Watch this film featuring this year’s six IDPwD ambassadors to learn more.

CFA and FRV remain committed to improving fire safety for people with disability. To learn more about this work, email communityprograms@cfa.vic.gov.au. 

Submitted by	Angela Cook

Source: Government of Queensland

Issued: 26 Nov 2025

Groundbreaking research is set to transform the construction industry with the development of sustainable, cost-effective and low-carbon emission building materials for modular and prefabricated housing.

Nearly $1 million in funding will support four innovative science projects, designed to strengthen collaboration between Queensland and German researchers to tackle key scientific challenges that help grow the bioeconomy.

It’s part of a joint initiative between the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space in Germany (BMFTR).

Through the Queensland-Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program, University of Southern Queensland Associate Professor Wahid Ferdous will work with the Fraunhofer Institute, Sika Deutschland and Composite Edge in Germany on a project which aims to develop bio-panels for roofs and walls.

“These bio-panels are made from bio-fibres and bio-resin that can replace traditional building panels that emit high levels of carbon emissions and do not decompose,” Assoc Prof Ferdous said.

“This project is expected to lead to a more sustainable future for Queensland through the advancement of sustainable bio-based solutions, which will reduce waste and create new jobs.

“I look forward to working closely with my German counterparts to deliver impactful outcomes that benefit both regions and contribute to advancing sustainable bio-based technologies.”

The Queensland-Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program provides grants of up to $250,000 to Queensland-based universities and research organisations’ projects.

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson highlighted the significance of this partnership in tackling global challenges and delivering economic, social and environmental benefits.

“This program not only strengthens our scientific ties with Germany but also positions Queensland as a leader in growing the global bioeconomy,” Prof Wilson said.

“The four projects will explore scientific solutions that not only reduce our environmental impact but also build a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.”

The Bioeconomy funding department at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) said the program between Germany and Queensland has proven to be a great success.

Four outstanding bilateral projects have been selected which exemplify the strong potential of our collaboration to advance innovative solutions for a sustainable bioeconomy.

Organisation	Project title	Project description
The University of Queensland	Gas to food for an Innovative and Advanced Circular Bioeconomy – Production of Renewable Outputs	This project aims to transforms waste gases into sustainable protein for animal feed and even human food, helping to reduce greenhouse gases, support eco-friendly farming, and improve global food security.
The University of Queensland	Engineering Pseudomonads for sustainable production of oleochemicals (BioOlé)	This project aims to turn sugar industry by-products, like sugar cane and beet leftovers, into eco-friendly fats used to make everyday materials like plastics. By reducing reliance on petroleum and palm oil, it supports sustainability, cuts waste and helps protect the environment.
University of Southern Queensland	Development of high-performance and durable bio-composite sandwich panels for modular housing	This project aims to create affordable, eco-friendly building panels for use in modular and prefabricated housing.
The University of Queensland	KILLFUNGI: Novel diterpene antimicrobials as new agricultural fungicides	This project aims to create eco-friendly agricultural fungicides to protect crops, boost yields, and lower the carbon footprint of food production.

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 11:44pm

Original publication: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 11:11pm

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 12:30pm

Original publication: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 12:29pm

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 10:49am

Original publication: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 10:49am

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 10:19am

Original publication: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 10:18am

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 10:14am

Original publication: Monday, 24 November 2025 3:04pm