Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA Manager Community Engagement & Program Development Paul Harris accepting award

CFA has been recognised for its statewide volunteer-led community preparedness communication platform, the Mobile Engagement Unit (MEU), that helps Victorians prepare for bushfire risk.

CFA proudly received the Excellence in Community Engagement Award at the Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) Conference on Wednesday 27 May in Brisbane for the impressive MEUs that are strategically placed around Victoria.  

Additionally, CFA was acknowledged as the People’s Choice Award winner by the 130 conference delegates, following a passionate presentation that showcased the impact and value of the MEUs in the Victorian community.

The cost-effective, versatile, quick to deploy minivan has been custom designed and built by volunteers – for volunteer use. They are powered by solar, equipped with a large in-built TV screen, and fitted with trestle tables, drawers, a fridge and charging capabilities to ensure fire safety education, recruitment and community preparedness can be delivered.

The mobility of the vehicle means volunteers can quickly reach remote communities to engage with residents, form stronger connections, share knowledge and promote preparedness.

CFA Manager Community Engagement & Program Development Paul Harris said Victorian bushfire prone communities are often the hardest to reach, so CFA sought to change that.

“Remote communities most at risk of bushfires have no infrastructure, no meeting spaces, often no power or signal and have very little access to trusted information when they need it most,” Paul said.

“That was a problem we wanted to solve, so we changed the way we communicated.

“The MEU isn’t just a vehicle; it is a structural shift in how emergency communication is delivered. We’re not just delivering information, we’re enabling conversations.

“They allow us to reach both travellers and visitors, connect dispersed communities face to face and provide incident information when it matters most. Plus, educate on a broad range of subjects to mitigate and prevent bushfire impact – such as how to create a bushfire plan or emergency kit.

“We can provide live mapping, VicEmergency App support, digital access, independent communications when networks are down and support during response and recovery.”

Eight MEUs operated by local brigade’s travel across Victoria taking trusted information directly to communities, and are formally based in Ararat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Diamond Creek, Sale, Dandenong, Geelong and Hamilton.

Between 2022 and 2025, the MEUs travelled 771 times, interacting with more than 70,900 community members across coastal, rural, peri-urban, alpine and forested areas – including key tourism corridors.

The multi-coloured, vibrant exterior has been designed to standout when based in a local town. 

“During the Grampians fires of 2024-2025, we parked an MEU in the popular rural town of Dadswell’s Bridge to support travellers moving through a potential impact corridor,” Paul said.

“There were many anxious people and tourists passing through, but they were able to charge their phones, check maps, speak directly with CFA members and gain reassurance in real time.

“The vehicle became a place to get information, to ask questions and to feel supported.

Paul said these achievements would not have been possible without the commitment of CFA’s Community Engagement Coordinators and volunteers across the state.

“Our CFA members and community engagement staff continue to make the MEU’s an integral part of our service delivery and community preparedness efforts,” Paul said.

“Acknowledgement must also go to Project Manager Craig Hearson for his outstanding contribution, leading the design and consultation process with regional stakeholders to ensure the development and implementation of the MEUs met the needs of both volunteers and communities.

“Our fleet team played a pivotal role in expertly managing the fabrication and customisation of the MEUs.”

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A successful planned burn has been carried out at Skipton following years of planning to reduce bushfire risk to the township.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

fter 15 years of planning, seven years of construction and a year of testing; Western Sydney International Airport will welcome its first passengers on 25 October 2026.

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is Australia’s brand-new full-service airport operating curfew-free to deliver international, domestic and freight services.

With Western Sydney now Australia’s third-largest economy and home to half of the city’s population, the new airport will serve up to 10 million passengers annually, with scalable expansion to meet future demand.

Jetstar will operate the airport’s first ever commercial passenger flight, with an Airbus A320 set to take off from WSI to the Gold Coast at 11am on Sunday 25 October.

From launch, Jetstar will operate up to 14 flights a week between WSI and Melbourne; four weekly flights to the Gold Coast and three weekly flights to Brisbane.

Qantas will commence services from WSI from 28 March 2027, operating four flights per week to Brisbane and four flights per week to Melbourne, using QantasLink Embraer E190 aircraft.

Freight operations will commence earlier on Sunday 26 July, and Qantas Freight will begin regular flights to and from WSI the following evening.

These regular flights were secured by the Albanese Government in June 2023, as Qantas and Jetstar became the first airlines to announce they would fly in and out of Sydney’s new airport.

They will be joined by Air New Zealand, who will commence flights to Auckland on 26 October and Singapore Airlines, whose daily flights to Changi start on 23 November 2026.

Western Sydney’s new 24-hour airport is the centrepiece of the Albanese Labor Government’s near $18 billion investment in Western Sydney, including the future Sydney Metro Airport rail connection and significant road upgrades to nearby Elizabeth Drive, Fifteenth Avenue and Mamre Road. This investment builds upon benefits already delivered through the recent opening of the M12 Motorway.

The entire WSI project has created over 12,800 jobs, with around half of those jobs going to local workers.

More than $500 million has also flowed to more than 360 Western Sydney based businesses during major construction works at WSI, including local tradies and construction companies, caterers, and security guards.

WSI will begin freight operations in July, however, in line with the Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995, 1 November 2026 has been determined as the intended gazettal date for WSI to be open for night aircraft movements. This will have the effect of ceasing currently permitted freight flights from taking off or landing at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport during the overnight curfew period. Exceptions will continue to be made for emergencies or where there is special dispensation.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“In 2011, I commissioned a joint study with the NSW Government into how we’d deliver a second airport. I said at the time, it wasn’t ‘a matter of if Sydney needed a new airport, but when.’

“15 years later, this new airport is almost ready to open.

“I want to thank the tens of thousands of people who over the years planned, built and are now testing Western Sydney International Airport and the surrounding infrastructure right here in Western Sydney.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King

“This is a big moment for Sydney, with passenger flights at Western Sydney Airport commencing in just 137 days.

“With the new Nancy-Bird Walton Terminal, and brand-new cargo and business precincts readying to open, this won’t just be the centre of travel in Western Sydney, but also jobs.”

Quote attributable to the Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland

“With the opening date now set, Western Sydney is one step closer to having our own gateway to the world, creating jobs and unlocking new opportunities for our region.”

Quote attributable to the Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen

“Western Sydney’s gateway to the world is opening soon, and it will open ready to support Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Cleaner, greener fuel that we can grow, and soon, produce here.”

Quote attributable to the Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley

“The Albanese Government isn’t just delivering Western Sydney’s new airport, but also the infrastructure upgrades it needs as well. Welcome projects for a growing community.”

Quote attributable to the Member for Macarthur, Mike Freelander

“This project is a tremendous boost for South West Sydney and will deliver economic and transport opportunities for workers and travellers alike. I am thankful to those involved in this project, including my son who worked on it, and I can’t wait to see it in action!”

Quote attributable to Member for Banks, Zhi Soon

“For communities right across Sydney, this is a really exciting moment. After years of planning and construction, Western Sydney International is about to open its doors, creating jobs, boosting our economy and connecting Sydney to the world in new ways.”

Quote attributable to Member for Hughes, David Moncrieff

“Western Sydney Airport will be a game-changer for the southwestern Sydney economy. This project will deliver jobs and business opportunities for residents and small businesses across the Macarthur region and Liverpool area.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police have seized firearms, drugs and prohibited weapons during Firearms Audit and Enforcement (FAE) compliance activities conducted across the Territory throughout May 2026.

During the month, FAE members carried out 11 random inspections of licensed firearms storage facilities and executed 11 targeted search warrants.

As a result, police seized 124 firearms, two unlawfully manufactured firearms, ammunition and a range of prohibited weapons.

Of the 11 compliance inspections conducted, offences were detected in eight cases. Three people were arrested, while five others were issued Notices to Appear. Police also issued five infringement notices for minor offences and suspended or revoked 21 firearms licences.

Many of the offences involved failures to properly secure firearms and ammunition. Police also identified a concerning trend of firearms being stored in a loaded condition.

Several inspections also uncovered evidence of other criminal activity, leading to further police action.

Items seized included:

• Cannabis plants being grown in hydroponic setups
• Traffickable and personal quantities of cannabis
• Methamphetamine
• Drug-related paraphernalia

Offenders will face a range of charges, including:

• Failing to meet firearms storage requirements
• Breaching firearms licence conditions
• Unlawfully altering firearms
• Possessing dangerous drugs
• Cultivating cannabis plants
• Possessing prohibited weapons

Superintendent Ian Kennon said the results highlight the risks associated with firearms non-compliance.

“The majority of offences we are detecting involve firearms licence holders failing to properly secure their firearms and ammunition,” Superintendent Kennon said.

“Unsecured firearms can be stolen and end up in the hands of criminals or children, with potentially tragic consequences.

“We are also increasingly finding firearms stored in a loaded condition. This is extremely dangerous and puts the community at risk.”

Superintendent Kennon said compliance inspections frequently uncover offending beyond firearms-related breaches.

“When police attend properties to conduct inspections, we regularly identify other criminal activity, including drug offences.

“This reinforces the value of the proactive work being undertaken by our members.”

Police will continue both planned and unannounced compliance inspections across the Northern Territory.

“Firearms licence holders must comply with their legal obligations at all times,” Superintendent Kennon said.

“If you fail to meet storage requirements or breach your licence conditions, enforcement action will be taken, including possible court action and the loss of your firearms licence.”

Anyone with information about illegal firearms or suspicious activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

*As this matter is now before the courts, this media release has been amended since its original publication.*

The Northern Territory Police Fugitive Taskforce continues to intensify efforts to locate and arrest fugitive 44-year-old man, who escaped lawful custody at Darwin Local Court on Friday after jumping the dock and fleeing on foot.

Following the escape, Fugitive Taskforce and other police sections have conducted an extensive search across Darwin, tracking the man to multiple locations where he is believed to have actively evaded police with the assistance of known associates.

Throughout the weekend, the Fugitive Taskforce maintained pressure on the man and his support network. Police believe he remains within the Greater Darwin region and investigations are ongoing.

To date, seven people have been arrested during the operation for outstanding warrants, breach of bail and drug related offences. One woman, aged 25, remains in custody under investigation for assisting the fugitive.

Detective Sergeant Tim Healey said police remain determined to bring him back into custody.

“Information provided by members of the public has enabled investigators to continue following every lead, and we will find the man,” Sergeant Healey said.

“We are warning anyone who is assisting him to evade police to stop immediately. If you choose to help him avoid arrest, you can expect to be identified, investigated and prosecuted.”

He is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 185cm tall, of medium build, with long brown hair and a short beard. Police believe he may have made attempts to change his appearance, cutting his hair shorter.

He has a tattoo on his left wrist and was last seen wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt.

Members of the public are urged not to approach him. If he is sighted, contact police immediately on 000.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact police or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media note: Available CCTV footage can be requested via pfes.media@pfes.nt.gov.au 

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

LISA CHESTERS: Good afternoon and welcome to all those visiting Bendigo. I am Lisa Chesters, the proud federal member for Bendigo, and so pleased to be able to welcome the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, back to Bendigo. It’s an important visit. It’s a visit where the PM said he was coming to Bendigo. I said, we are going to TAFE, and for good reason. This campus is doing extraordinary things and training the next generation of tradespeople that our community desperately needs, whether it be for home construction, road civil construction, or for any number of the community projects that we are building right now in this town. Before I hand over to the PM, can I give a huge shout out to all the students that we have met today, the amazing men and women, locals who have said we want to be part of the change and that are on a pathway to a job and a skilful life. And can I give a shout out to our hosts, Bendigo TAFE, who are growing, and to the amazing TAFE teachers for what they are doing. There’s a real sense of energy here at this campus and that’s why I was so pleased to be able to welcome our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to Bendigo and to Bendigo TAFE. So, welcome, Prime Minister.

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Fugitive Taskforce has arrested a 44-year-old offender who has been outstanding since Friday after escaping lawful custody at Darwin Local Court and fleeing on foot.

On Tuesday afternoon, police were following a grey Mazda in Gunn before intercepting the vehicle in the vicinity of Lakeview Boulevard and Chung Wah Terrace.

The 44-year-old male fled the scene on foot before being apprehended by the Dog Operations Unit.

The adult male driver of the vehicle was also subsequently arrested. Both remain in custody and are expected to be charged later this evening.

Fugitive Taskforce Detective Sergeant Tim Healey said: “This was an extensive manhunt that involved multiple units and we thank the public for their ongoing assistance.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force have upgraded charges against three men involved in a serious assault earlier this year.

A 48-year-old man who was seriously assaulted at the Casuarina Bus Interchange on 12 March succumbed to his injuries and died in hospital two months later.

The Major Crime Squad has continued to investigate the incident and subsequently submitted a brief to the Director of Public Prosecutions seeking to upgrade the charges from aggravated assault to murder. The DPP has accepted the application, and all three men have now been charged with one count of murder.

Two men, aged 26 and 31, are due to appear before Darwin Local Court tomorrow and a 19-year-old man is due to appear in Darwin Local Court on 12 August 2026.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey said the victim’s family remains at the forefront of investigators’ minds.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this man as they continue to endure an unimaginable loss,” he said.

“This was a vicious attack and the level of violence displayed was reprehensible and has no place in our community.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

oday Apple CEO Tim Cook called me to brief me on the major announcement Apple has made regarding their new online safety controls for children. 

Mr Cook told me these changes are in part inspired by Australia’s world-leading social media age ban, as well as the continued research Apple is undertaking into the impact of social media on kids.

I welcome this announcement, and I am proud of the world leading work Australia is doing to fight for a safer online world for our children. 

We have a long way to go, and we knew it would not be easy.

However, we are now seeing a number of nations follow Australia’s lead and take forward their own social media age bans. 

Mr Cook invited me to visit Apple the next time I am in the United States to see this technology in action, and I plan to take up that offer so we can keep learning how best to protect our kids.

Australian parents led this effort, and we are proud to back them. We have already seen more than 5 million under-16s accounts removed, deactivated or restricted. 

Social media companies have a social responsibility, and we make no apology for holding them to account to help keep kids safe.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Irrewarra Fire Station before and after

CFA has replaced the doors of nearly 40 fire stations to future proof brigades around the state.

Submitted by	CFA Media