Category: MIL-OSI

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Final municipalities in northwest to enter Fire Danger Period

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Fire Danger period will commence at 1am Monday, 24 November 2025 for the following municipalities in the state’s northwest.

  • City of Wyndham 

  • Hume City Council 

  • Melton City Council 

  • City of Whittlesea 

Residents in these areas are encouraged to use this time to prepare their properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP). This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.    

CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 14, Geoff McGill, said fuels were rapidly drying out.  

“Now is the time for communities to get ready,” he said. 

“We’re asking residents to clean up around their homes, remove flammable materials, and ensure any private burn-offs are completed safely and responsibly before restrictions come into effect.” 

“Recent rain means we are seeing things green up but underlying soil is still very dry increasing the likelihood of fast-moving grassfires. 

For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au. 

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511. 

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately. 

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website. 

Fire Danger Period information: 

A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. 

Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can 

To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. 

Submitted by CFA Media
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Calling all young voices: Applications for the ACT Youth Advisory Council are now open!

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government




Calling all young voices: Applications for the ACT Youth Advisory Council are now open! – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 13/11/2025

A fantastic opportunity has opened for young people who want to share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives to help shape ACT Government decisions that affect them.

Young people aged 12 to 25 are encouraged to apply to join the ACT Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which provides a platform for young Canberrans from all walks of life to have their voices heard in policymaking and ensure that their views are represented in government decisions.

Members of the ACT Youth Advisory Council meet with the Minister for Children, Youth and Families, and actively contribute to ACT Government policy development. They also play a pivotal role in delivering the annual ACT Youth Assembly, which brings together young people from across the ACT to provide their views on some of the Territory’s most urgent problems.

Members of the ACT Youth Advisory Council serve terms of up to a total of three years and reflect the diversity of Canberra’s youth. The ACT Government aims to ensure the Council represents a broad range of backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQA+ young people, young people with disability, and those from various socio-economic backgrounds. Young people who face challenges in their lives are especially encouraged to participate and contribute their lived experience if they feel comfortable to do so.

Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson MLA, said all eligible young people should apply to join the ACT Youth Advisory Council.

“It’s a privilege to work with the inspiring young leaders who make up the ACT Youth Advisory Council. Young Canberrans contribute so much to the Territory, and we have much to learn from them. They care deeply about social justice, climate change, gender equality and other complex, pressing issues,” Minister Pettersson said.

“It’s vital that we listen to young people’s views and perspectives and give them meaningful opportunities to help shape policy. The ACT Youth Advisory Council plays an incredibly important role in our community, and I urge all young Canberrans to get their applications in.”

Applications close on Friday 19 December 2025.

Young people can apply online via the ACT Youth Advisory Council application form or find more information at: www.act.gov.au/community/youth.

Quotes attributable to Ms Price Magero, Member of the ACT Youth Advisory Council:

“Being part of the ACT Youth Advisory Council (YAC) since May 2023 has given me an incredible platform to bring youth perspectives into government discussions and influence real change in our community. Through YAC, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to important consultations such as the ACT Preventive Health Action Plan, the Education Amendment Bill 2024, the Social Media Bill, the Mobile Phone Policy in ACT Schools, and the ACT Disability Inclusion Strategy. I’ve also represented the Council at the National Youth Forum and the Intergenerational Fairness Summit and helped organise Youth Assemblies that give young people a space to voice their ideas and experiences directly to decision-makers. These opportunities have strengthened my communication, negotiation, and leadership skills and shown me how powerful collective youth action can be. I encourage every young person to step forward, share their story, and apply: your voice, experiences, and ideas truly count in shaping a better future for us all.”

– Statement ends –

Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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386-2025: Unplanned Outage: Thursday 13 November 2025 – External Broker Website

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

13 November 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Customs brokers who use the External Broker Website.

Information

Service Disruption start time:

As of: 08:00 Monday 10 November 2025 (AEDT).

Detail:

The External Broker Website is currently experiencing an unplanned outage. As a result, clients are unable to access this system.

Action

No action required. This issue is being investigated as a high…

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385-2025: Scheduled Outage: Friday 14 November to Monday 17 November 2025 – Biosecurity Portal (digital identity), BCST, EVE, RAM website

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

13 November 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Approved arrangements operators who will be required to view and/or update details of their Approved Arrangement via the Approved Arrangement Management Product (AAMP).

Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections through the Biosecurity Portal using the ‘Sign in with digital identity to access’ pathway.

…

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Second World Summit for Social Development 2025

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

Australia believes social development is the foundation of peace, prosperity and stability.

While all Member States must do more to tackle social challenges, the need is particularly pressing in situations of conflict.

The escalating crises in Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Palestine, Ukraine. The ongoing persecution and displacement of the Rohingya people.

Across these crises, hard-won gains on social development are being reversed.

People are being deprived of access to education and livelihoods. And Australia believes no one should be left behind.

We are deeply committed to the 2030 Agenda and advancing human rights, gender equality and disability equality.

We bring this conviction to our partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, working through the UN and with regional partners to lift people up to promote inclusion and ensure dignity and opportunity for all.

Our investments are reducing poverty and building robust social protection systems to expand access to education, healthcare and decent work.

These are investments in human potential, social cohesion, sustainable development and a better future for all.

At a time of global instability and uncertainty, Australia is a steadfast and reliable partner.

While some other donors are reducing their development budgets, we have made the decision to increase ours.

Because Australia understands that we all have to play our part to support social development, and ultimately, we all benefit from each other’s stability and prosperity.

Through our social protection programs in the Pacific, Australia is contributing to country-led efforts to strengthen systems to reduce poverty.

We are helping to expand access to assistive technologies across the Indo-Pacific, helping children with disabilities to engage in education.

These are just a few of the many examples of programs we proudly support.

Because whole societies benefit from uplifts in economic and civic participation.

Australia is deepening partnerships with the Pacific family to better understand and work together to address the challenges facing small island developing states.

Which is why we are advocating for fairer measures of vulnerability, including in ODA graduation criteria and adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.

When development is values-aligned and locally led, societies are afforded the best opportunity for lasting peace and prosperity.

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CFA urges burn off caution after spike last November

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA is urging residents across Ballarat and surrounds to take extra care when burning off, following the announcement of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) on 24 November for the City of Ballarat, Hepburn Shire, Moorabool Shire and Golden Plains.

During the corresponding pre-FDP window last year, more than 50 vegetation fires were recorded in Ballarat and surrounding areas between 14–25 November 2024, many of which began as private burn-offs that escaped or were burns that were left unattended.  

CFA is encouraging landholders to use the remaining time to prepare their properties safely and avoid preventable callouts. 

CFA District 15 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Harris said escaped burn-offs remain a major contributor to local vegetation fires. 

“Last year, it was disappointing to see so many fires which could have been avoided,” David said. 

“We’re asking the community to learn from that and take the necessary steps to manage burns safely this year, particularly given the drier conditions we’re facing.” 

“People preparing their properties is positive, but it must be done responsibly. 

“A few simple precautions now can help us avoid another spike like we saw last year.” 

Residents should always: 

  • Check local conditions and weather forecasts, including wind changes 
  • Ensure burn-offs are fully extinguished before leaving the area 
  • Maintain a three-metre cleared area around the burn 
  • Keep water or firefighting equipment on hand 
  • Register their burn-off at firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 
Submitted by CFA Media
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Man charged with stealing from Hobart jewellery store

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged with stealing from Hobart jewellery store

Thursday, 13 November 2025 – 11:19 am.

Police have charged a 43-year-old man after almost $10,000 worth of jewellery was allegedly stolen from a store in Hobart yesterday morning.
Police were called to the scene in the CBD shortly before 11am, after the man reportedly left the store with a quantity of bracelets and anklets.
The man was arrested in Warrane about noon and has been remanded in custody.
At this stage only a small amount of the stolen jewellery has been recovered, and investigations are continuing to locate the remaining items.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact police on 131 444 (quote OR789985).
Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. You can stay anonymous.

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Fifth festival to participate in NSW drug checking trial

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

Strawberry Fields festival will be the next major event to host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
The fifth festival to take part in the 12-month NSW drug checking trial, Strawberry Fields will take place between Friday 21 and Sunday 23 November 2025 in Tocumwal, in southern NSW.
The free and anonymous drug checking service will allow festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons will be provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They’ll also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers will be available to provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support and information about additional support services.
While illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said the service is intended to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm but is not a guarantee of safety.
“This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks,” Dr Chant said.
“Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
Strawberry Fields General Manager Vicky Keeler said the service was a very welcome addition to its harm minimisation undertakings.
“We are committed to creating the safest possible environment for everyone who attends our events,” Ms Keeler said.
“Drug checking is an important step forward in harm reduction, giving patrons access to free, professional advice that can help them make more informed decisions.
“Partnering with NSW Health on this initiative reflects our ongoing focus on safety, care, and wellbeing for our community.”
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February next year when it will be independently evaluated.
The trial comes after the NSW Government’s Drug Summit concluded in December 2024. The Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provided a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
Further information can be found at NSW drug checking trial.
More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on Your Room.
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Charges – Assault police – Hermannsburg

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 27-year-old male has been charged after he assaulted police officers during an arrest in Hermannsburg yesterday.

Around 2:10pm, the two police officers were conducting a welfare check on a 27-year-old male, not from the community, when they identified he was subject to a parole revocation. It is alleged that while attempting to take him into custody, he bit one of the officers on the arm, before biting the second officer on the hand and punching him multiple times to the head.

The 27-year-old was taken into custody without further incident and conveyed to the Alice Springs watch house.

He has since been charged with:

  • 4 x Assault a Member of The Police Force
  • 2 x Resist Police in Execution of Duty
  • Drive Motor Vehicle While Unlicensed
  • Drive Unregistered Motor Vehicle
  • Drive Uninsured Motor Vehicle
  • Disorderly Behaviours in Public Place
  • Furnish False Particulars

He is due to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.

Both officers received treatment for wounds at the local clinic, before seeking further treatment in Alice Springs.

Superintendent Robert Griffiths said, “This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“Our frontline officers dedicate themselves to serving and protecting the community, and any assault against them is both disgraceful and intolerable.

“We are committed to ensuring the offender is held accountable in court.”