Curtin University’s Dr Jonathan Sae-Koew has received Healthway’s prestigious Early Career Research Fellowship to work in collaboration with the Y WA to co-design and evaluate strategies for promoting the mental health of young people in the City of Belmont.
Heathway CEO Colin Smith said Dr Sae-Koew’s Fellowship, worth $396,711 over the next three years, will support those teenagers who need it most.
“We know it is challenging for young people to thrive when resources and opportunities are limited.”
“Through this fellowship, we will be able to identify the most impactful ways to enhance their mental health and wellbeing,” he said.
Dr Sae-Koew said his project will initially focus on working with the Y WA in the City of Belmont to adapt their existing youth programs to help young people reach their full potential and become productive, engaged members of society.
“We’re not starting again here, we’re building on what is already out there via some great service providers, such as the Y WA and their Base@Belmont Youth Centre, to support and promote models of work in other local government areas,” he said.
“We’ll be helping them to refine their existing services and map out what additional support might be needed to promote positive mental health.”
This announcement coincides with the opening of Healthway’s Health Promotion Research and Scholarship Programs for 2025. More than $800,000 in grants is available through the Health Promotion Research Scholarship, Aboriginal Health Research Scholarship and Health Promotion Research Fellowship programs, which are designed to support researchers in improving the health and wellbeing outcomes for Western Australians.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) and the South Australian Police Historical Society has today commemorated Police Foundation Day by unveiling a memorial plaque in Hindmarsh Square for an officer killed on duty.
Dignitaries including Lord Mayor, the Honourable Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM, Minister of Police Stephen Mullighan, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM and Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM LEM united with other guests this morning to honour and remember 23-year-old Foot Constable John McLennan Holman, who was tragically murdered at the location on 23 February 1929.
Police Foundation Day is held annually on 28 April to commemorate SAPOL’s founding in 1838, being the oldest centrally organised police service in Australia, and one of the oldest civilian police services in the world.
“Today, we pay tribute to Constable John McLennan Holman who had his life tragically cut short early in his policing career,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“Constable Holman was a promising young officer who was held in the highest esteem by fellow comrades and his dedication to the job sadly eventuated in the loss of his life.
“Since the establishment of South Australia Police in 1838, 62 police officers have been killed in the line of duty. This is a stark reminder of the dangers police face when protecting the community.”
During a historical address, former Deputy Commissioner and Police Historical Society member John White revisited the tragic 1929 incident as part of the memorial service.
“Constable Holman’s death brought about a shock wave across the community,” he said.
“This memorial reminds us of the sacrifice this young officer made in the vicinity of where he was heartbreakingly killed.”
Foot Constable Holman and fellow constables Budgen and Marshall responded unarmed to a report of shots being fired at Grenfell Street. Upon arrival, they reportedly found the area strangely quiet, with a motorcycle and sidecar parked unattended.
Seizing the machine, the constables travelled a short distance when suddenly confronted by two men, one John Stanley McGrath, who suddenly shot Constable Holman after he dismounted and identified as a police officer.
“Both men turned and ran away while, unarmed and wounded, constables Holman and Budgen bravely gave chase. Shot in the abdomen, Constable Holman collapsed while Constable Budgen continued chase, calling for backup from a nearby Constable King,” Mr White told the crowd.
“Following a vicious gunfight involving Constable King, McGrath was shot in the leg and fell. When
Constable Budgen leant over the offender, he heard a click and, fortunately, realised McGrath was out of ammunition.”
Once McGrath and his accomplice were apprehended, Constable Holman was found unconscious and conveyed to the then Adelaide Hospital, where he sadly died from his wounds an hour later.
Constable Holman had only joined the service two years prior in 1927 and was due to be married a week later. McGrath was found guilty of his murder in July 1929 and sentenced to death. This was later commuted to life imprisonment, but he was released after serving only 13 years.
On Monday 25 February 1929 a state funeral was held for the fallen constable, seeing thousands line Adelaide streets in respect and disbelief.
“For their actions on 12 May 1930, Constables Budgen and King were awarded the King’s Police Medal for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in recognition of the fearless discharge of their duty at the risk of death on February 23, when Constable Holman was fatally shot,” Mr White added.
Minister of Police Stephen Mullighan paid his respects at today’s memorial and acknowledged the work of all police, past and present.
“Today, decades on, we honour the sacrifice of a young officer who died tragically far too soon,” he said.
“The State Government acknowledges the ongoing risk and sacrifice our brave police continue to take on while protecting fellow South Australians. “
Meanwhile, Constable John McLennan Holman is also remembered and honoured on the South Australia Police Roll of Honour and Wall of Remembrance, and the Australian National Police Memorial Wall of Remembrance, Canberra.
Bill Prior, President of the SA Police Historical Society, former Deputy Commissioner and Police Historical Society member John White, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens, Honourable Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM and The Hon Stephen Mullighan MP, Minister for Police at today’s Police Foundation Day memorial event in Hindmarsh Square.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM with the unveiled plaque dedicated to Constable John McLennan Holman, who was killed on duty in 1929.
In 2025 we recognise and honour the passing of Constable John McLennan Holman who died as a result of a fatal gunshot, whilst he was in the execution of his duty on 23 February 1929 in Hindmarsh Square Adelaide.
Foot Constable John McLennan Holman and his gravesite. The gravesite was restored in 1998 with funding from the Police Association of South Australia.
The Register state funeral coverage February 26, 1929.
Lock your diffs and hold on to your grab handles! The City of Wanneroo is bringing the Ready 4 Adventure Show to Wanneroo this May.
Running in high-range from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 May, the show promises three action-packed days of all things 4WD, caravanning, camping, boating and fishing – right here in the heart of Wanneroo.
Well-known among adventure lovers, Ready 4 Adventure started as a popular magazine before becoming a TV series on Channel 9. Now, it’s bigger, bolder and live, designed to immerse attendees in the ultimate outdoor lifestyle experience.
City of Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said the event would be the first major outdoor adventure exhibition held north of the river, delivering exciting benefits for local residents and businesses, and an action-packed experience for people from all over Perth and beyond.
“We’re proud to bring this fantastic event to the Wanneroo Showgrounds and showcase our City as a vibrant destination for large-scale community events,” Mayor Aitken said.
“This is a great opportunity for locals to soak up a weekend of fun, inspiration and discovery, and for visitors to experience the incredible spirit of Wanneroo and everything we have to offer in our vibrant City.”
The show will feature an extensive lineup of exhibitors and attractions, including:
Caravan and 4WD displays
Australia’s leading 4WD and accessory brands
Market alley, offering adventure gear, local products and unique finds
Food trucks and live cooking demos, including smoked meat specialists
Licensed bar area
Kid’s and family zone with carnival rides and entertainment for all ages.
There will also be live demonstrations and special attractions, including:
4×4 track demonstrations by YouTube personality Mad Matt and Eureka 4×4
The Shark 6 Stage, presented by BYD, with expert talks and cooking demos
Show & Shine competition for 4WD enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor explorer or simply looking for a great day out, the Ready 4 Adventure Show is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
It’s going to be an unmissable event, and to celebrate, the City of Wanneroo is giving away 10 double passes to the show.
All you need to do is head to the City of Wanneroo Facebook page, find the giveaway post, and tag who you’d bring along for your chance to win.
This notice affects importers of live plants (nursery stock), customs brokers and departmental staff.
What has changed?
Effective immediately, enhanced regulatory measures are now in place to manage the risk of Xylella fastidiosa (Xylella) in plant hosts imported from Iraq for use as nursery stock.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has identified a recent publication which…
The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a draft plan for the development of an exciting new suburban level playspace at Garden Gully Reserve and is now seeking community feedback.
The draft playspace plan includes:
A new public toilet and a shelter with a BBQ
Shade trees, seating, irrigated lawn areas, and planted garden beds
Paths to connect the playspace to the Ironbark Gully Trail, Ashley Street, and to the existing hockey ground
Colourful concrete play tunnels and an all-abilities carousel
A big swing unit with a basket swing, a standard seat and a toddler seat
A play tower for climbing and sliding
Spring rockers, weave poles, colourful steppers, balance boulders; and,
Bike hoops and a drinking fountain with a dog bowl
City of Greater Bendigo Parks and Open Space Manager Chris Mitchell said in 2024 the City of Greater Bendigo updated the existing masterplan which was developed in 2004 to incorporate new public toilets, construction of a new suburban level playspace and the provision of improved paths and linkages to the Ironbark Gully Trail.
“The new playspace and new public toilets are both key projects of the updated Masterplan and will be constructed in a safer and more accessible location west of the existing hockey ground,” Mr Mitchell said.
“When the masterplan was up-dated the community were informed that there would be a separate community engagement process for the design of the playspace.
“The City now wants to know what the community likes about the draft design, what they don’t like and what colours they would like to see in the new playspace.
“Things that cannot change in the draft plan include the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) accessible footpath alignment, the location of the shelter and toilet block, the 10metre buffer from the existing hockey fencing and the extent of the playspace footprint.
“The existing neighbourhood level playspace will remain in operation until construction of the new playspace is completed in 2027. Following construction of the new playspace the existing playspace will be dismantled and removed.”
Residents can provide their feedback on the draft plan by visiting the City’s Let’s Talk Community Engagement website by Friday May 16, 2025.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC is encouraging businesses to review their card payment surcharges to ensure they are in line with their cost of accepting card payments.
Businesses should also ensure they adequately disclose upfront any card payment surcharges that apply, so that their customers can make informed decisions before ordering, booking and paying for a product or service.
Misleading surcharging practices and other add-on costs is a compliance and enforcement priority for the ACCC in the 2025-26 financial year.
“Businesses need to ensure their customers know about any card payment surcharges upfront, and that they are only charging what it costs them to accept those card payments,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.
The Australian Consumer Law prohibits businesses from misleading people about the prices they charge.
The Competition and Consumer Act also prohibits businesses from charging a card payment surcharge that is excessive. A card payment surcharge is considered excessive if it is higher than the business’s ‘cost of acceptance’.
For example, if a business’s ‘cost of acceptance’ for Visa credit card payments, including the merchant service fee and all other permissible costs, is 1 per cent, and they choose to charge a card payment surcharge, they can only apply a surcharge of up to 1 per cent to their customers that pay using a Visa credit card.
The ACCC has commenced an education and compliance campaign to inform businesses, particularly small businesses, of their obligations and help them to comply with the relevant laws.
As part of this campaign, the ACCC is helping businesses to comply with the law through advertisements and updated guidance material. It will also be engaging closely with relevant industry representatives to help them support their small business members in complying with the laws.
The ACCC will also be actively monitoring business compliance, and may take appropriate compliance or enforcement action, in line with our Compliance and Enforcement Policy.
“We understand that small businesses need to be across a lot of information to comply with all of the laws that apply to their business, however, charging excessive surcharges and not being upfront with customers about pricing can result in small businesses losing customers,” Mr Keogh said.
“It is important for small businesses to ensure they understand their obligations and check their costs of acceptance to know what amounts they can legally charge their customers as a payment surcharge, as well as reviewing how they inform customers of their prices, including any applicable surcharges.”
More information to help businesses comply with the law is available on the ACCC website.
Businesses may also wish to seek advice from their bank or payment facilitator, an accountant or business advisor to assist them with working out what their ‘cost of acceptance’ is.
Background
A standard set by the Reserve Bank of Australia sets out the costs that businesses can include when working out their ‘cost of acceptance’ for each payment type they accept. More information about this can be found on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s website.
Businesses’ banks or payment facilitators provide businesses with statements or similar payment processing information, which includes their main costs of accepting different payment types, typically shown as a percentage figure amount.
There are other costs that businesses may be able to include when calculating their ‘cost of acceptance’. Businesses need to be able to verify and calculate these costs with reference to contracts, statements or invoices from their providers.
The costs for accepting card payments can vary between businesses. This means that the card payment surcharges charged to customers can also vary between businesses.
The ACCC’s education and compliance engagement campaign is about the existing surcharging laws.
Future Industries Institute researchers Professor Colin Hall and Professor Allison Cowin.
UniSA researchers are the big winners in a Federal Government announcement of two new industry-led collaborative research centres designed to strengthen Australia’s manufacturing sector.
FII Industry Professor Colin Hall is one of the key researchers in the newly established AMCRC, that involves 73 industry partners, 14 research organisations and five government departments, sharing in $57.5 million in government funding and $213 million in partner contributions.
He says that additive manufacturing – commonly known as 3D printing – is revolutionising the way that many industries work.
“Once limited to plastic prototype parts, 3D printing today includes metal, ceramic and composite materials that are on the cusp of full-scale adoption across Australia’s manufacturing sector,” Prof Hall says.
Over the next seven years, the AMCRC will tackle some significant challenges hampering the advancement of 3D printing, so that processes can be optimised, new materials developed, and the workforce upskilled.
UniSA Business entrepreneurship and innovation researcher, Associate Professor Shruti Sardeshmukh, will lead the Sustainable Manufacturing research theme in the AMCRC, helping to develop sustainable 3D printing solutions to transform manufacturing businesses across Australia.
“By embedding environmental, social and governance principles, 3D printing can fuel innovation, drive business transformation and propel Australian businesses towards a more resilient future,” Assoc Prof Sardeshmukh says.
The other themes are Applications and Materials Development; Technology and Process Development; and Surface Technologies and Post-Processing, which will be the major focus of UniSA’s FII researchers.
“From a South Australian perspective, this CRC means that UniSA can engage with some of our long-term industry partners, including SMR Automotive, Starke-AMG, EntX and Laserbond to take our industry research and workforce development to a higher level,” Prof Hall says.
FII Professor Allison Cowin, an international leader in wound healing and regenerative medicine, will be a key researcher in the $238 million Solutions for Manufacturing Advanced Regenerative Therapies (SMART) CRC.
The SMART CRC involves 63 partners spanning government, industry, medical providers, universities and research institutes, all focused on helping Australian biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies bring a 10-year pipeline of regenerative therapy projects to market.
A $65 million commitment from the Federal Government will be boosted by an additional $173 million in partner contributions.
“The SMART CRC will accelerate the Australian regenerative therapy industry,” Prof Cowin says. “It will catalyse, drive and co-ordinate a national effort, guiding industry growth in the cell and gene therapy sectors.
“Regenerative therapies aim to cure, rather than treat diseases. They replace, engineer and regenerate human cells, tissues and organs that will restore normal function in patients with diseases such as cancer, diabetes, wounds and blood disorders.”
The SMART CRC is expected to create 1500 skilled jobs and generate $4.5 billion worth of business over the next decade, setting Australia up as a global leader in technologies that can cure disease rather than treating symptoms.
Along with the Additive Manufacturing CRC, it will build sovereign manufacturing capability, anchoring companies and their technology to Australia, instead of relying on foreign supply chains.
UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Enterprise, Professor Peter Murphy, says once UniSA and the University of Adelaide merge in 2026 to become Adelaide University, the new institution can expect to share in more than $26 million worth of projects through the AMCRC and SMART CRC.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the Australian manufacturing sector and will lead to exciting times ahead, not only for our researchers but for the nation as a whole,” Prof Murphy says.
The third Cooperative Research Centre announced by the Federal Government is the Care Economy CRC, a partnership between 60 research, government and industry organisations to revolutionise the care sector by customising the commercialising new technologies, data solutions and models of care.
University of South Australia scientists have developed a highly sensitive method to detect illegal opioids and a veterinary sedative in Australia’s wastewater system, providing a vital early warning tool to public health authorities.
A new study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, funded by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and Preventative Health SA, explains the innovative wastewater-based testing method capable of identifying trace levels of nitazenes – a class of highly potent synthetic opioids – and xylazine, an animal sedative not approved for human use.
Nitazenes are among the most dangerous opioids ever synthesised, up to 1000 times more potent than morphine. Initially developed in the 1950s but never approved for clinical use, these substances have recently emerged in the illicit drug supply worldwide. Their extreme potency poses a significant risk of overdose, often with fatal consequences.
Xylazine, commonly used in veterinary medicine, is often added to illicit opioids such as fentanyl and heroin. It complicates overdose treatment because its effects cannot be reversed with naloxone, the standard emergency antidote for opioid toxicity. Moreover, xylazine use is associated with severe health impacts including sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, and dangerous skin ulcerations.
“This is the first time a comprehensive suite of nitazene compounds and xylazine has been monitored in Australian wastewater,” says lead researcher UniSA Associate Professor Cobus Gerber.
“Our method can detect even minute levels, allowing us to track emerging threats before they escalate,” he says.
Over a three-day period in August 2024, researchers analysed 180 wastewater samples from 60 sites around Australia. They identified five different nitazenes in 3–6% of all samples. Alarmingly, xylazine was detected in 26% of all samples.
“Given the potency of nitazenes and the health complications associated with xylazine, even low-level detections are a red flag,” says co-first author Dr Emma Keller.
The research team developed a laboratory method using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to concentrate and identify target compounds. The method achieved up to 1000-fold enrichment, with limits of detection well below 1 ng/L for most substances.
Crucially, the method is adaptable and can be quickly updated to detect new derivatives as they emerge – an essential capability as drug manufacturers continue to tweak chemical structures to evade legislation.
“This analytical platform enhances Australia’s capacity to monitor and respond to the shifting landscape of illicit drug use,” says Assoc Prof Gerber. “It complements forensic analysis and can provide near real-time data to inform public health strategies.”
The results underscore the growing presence of harmful and often unsuspected substances in street-level drugs. In the United States, xylazine has already been detected in over 80% of fentanyl-containing paraphernalia and is implicated in an increasing number of overdose deaths.
“With similar patterns now being detected in Australia and nitazenes also infiltrating the stimulant market, there’s an urgent need to raise awareness and strengthen harm reduction responses,” Assoc Prof Gerber says.
“Comprehensive method to detect nitazene analogues and xylazine in wastewater” is authored byEmma L. Keller, Brock Peake, Bradley S. Simpson, Jason M. White and Cobus Gerber. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-025-36425-0
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Keep an eye on those around you, looking out for signs they may be struggling.
In brief:
The festive season isn’t a happy time for everyone.
There are many ways to show people you care if they are having a hard time.
You can assist charities in a number of ways.
The festive season isn’t always easy or enjoyable for everyone.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can show a fellow Canberran that someone cares.
Consider those around you
Loneliness, grief or the stress of preparing for the holidays can get people down or leave them feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
When things are not going well for you or someone you know, it is important to remember that you are not alone and there are people and services that can provide help, support and assistance.
As well as being aware of your own mental health, keep an eye on those around you, looking out for signs they may be struggling. It could be a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour.
There are resources available if you need help with your mental health. Find out more by visiting the ACT Health website.
Aimed at people under 25, their parents and carers, MindMap is a unique online tool where young Canberrans can find appropriate service information in a safe and anonymous way.
If the situation is life-threatening, call Triple 000 immediately or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
Ways you can give this Christmas
There are also plenty of ways you can help locally this Christmas.
While most charities will gladly accept financial donations, Canberrans can help those who might be doing it tough by donating gifts, toys, gift cards and/or non-perishable food items to one of the following charities.*
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Every ACT Policing vehicle can enforce the road rules anywhere, anytime.
In Brief:
There will be more drivers on the road during the summer.
Road safety is a priority for the whole community.
This story outlines how to be safe on the road as well as penalties for driving offences.
As the festive season kicks off and you are planning holidays, road trips and celebrations it’s crucial to remember that road safety should always be a top priority.
Whether you’re travelling interstate or staying in Canberra keeping safety in mind can ensure a smooth enjoyable journey for everyone on the road.
Impaired driving
With more people celebrating during the summer months, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is dangerous.
ACT Policing will have the power to immediately remove people who choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol by imposing immediate licence suspensions.
First time low-range drink drivers will receive an immediate fine. They will also receive a six-month loss of licence under the new infringement scheme.
In addition, a new combined drink and drug driving offence, for which penalties will be significantly higher than for separate drink and drug driving offences, will commence.
From 1 January 2025, roadside drug testing for cocaine will be in operation in addition to the current roadside drug testing for methamphetamine, MDMA or ecstasy, and cannabis that contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Every ACT Policing vehicle can enforce the road rules anywhere, anytime. So if you drink or take illegal drugs and drive, you can stop it…or cop it.
Plan your trip and take breaks
It’s important to plan your trip and take regular breaks. Plan to stop, rest, and stretch your legs to stay alert.
We know there will be more motorists on the road in summer, particularly on the Kings Highway. This is because Canberrans commute to holiday destinations on the south coast. No one wants to cause a serious crash or fatality that keeps families apart for the holidays so please:
put the phone away
slow down and drive to the conditions
be patient during expected periods of congestion
leave a safe distance with the vehicle in front
rest when tired.
Keep distractions at bay
Research shows that driver distraction increases the risk of an accident. Taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles the risk of a crash, with mobile phones often being the source of that distraction.
Leave your phone alone while driving. Mobile device detection cameras are in operation in the ACT and fines apply.