AU Engine

Source: Australia Government Statements 4

02 03 2026 – Media release

Ausfilm and Screen Australia have announced Partner with Australia (UK), a new initiative designed to deepen creative and commercial partnerships between the Australian and UK screen industries.
Taking place in London from 16–18 June 2026, the program will bring a curated delegation of Australian creatives and Ausfilm member businesses to the UK for three days of targeted industry engagement. Through roundtables, keynote and panel discussions, and structured networking sessions delivered in partnership with key UK industry bodies including the British Film Institute (BFI), Film London and Pact, the initiative will create direct pathways for co-development, production and broader collaboration under the Australia–UK Co-production treaty.
Partner with Australia positions Australian creatives and businesses as collaborative partners of choice on world-class productions. The initiative aims to capitalise on the strong cultural and economic alignment between Australia and the UK, supporting official and unofficial co-productions, location shooting, post-production partnerships and broader cultural export.
Ausfilm CEO Kate Marks said the initiative would present a clear and confident message to the UK market.
“We’re proud to be leading Partner with Australia alongside Screen Australia and working closely with the BFI, Film London and Pact to create meaningful opportunities for our industry. The UK is a natural partner for Australia, and this initiative ensures we are engaging in a focused and strategic way.
“It’s also an opportunity to highlight Australia’s exceptional creative talent, production and post-production expertise and globally competitive screen incentives, which together offer significant value for international collaborators.”
The announcement builds on the strong and enduring history of collaboration between the two countries. Australia–UK Official Co-productions – including the upcoming series Careless, the feature films Prima Facie and FING!, and previous documentaries Shane, The Australian Dream and David Attenborough’s Life in Colour – highlight the depth of cross border creative partnerships. In addition, titles such as The Dispatcher and Breakers, currently being produced in Australia, further demonstrate the growing momentum of shared storytelling.
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said the program is designed to deliver practical, concrete outcomes for experienced Australian creatives building on the international momentum around our talent and IP.
“The UK is one of Australia’s most important creative partners and this initiative will only strengthen the ties of our screen sectors. Partner with Australia is a focused platform to develop new relationships and advance projects that provide exciting avenues for genuine co-production and co-development.
“By supporting Australian companies and proven creatives with UK traction, we are strengthening the pipeline of projects that can be realised under the Australia–UK treaty, ensuring unique Australian stories and values continue to resonate with global audiences.”
Applications are now open on the Screen Australia website, with up to 20 production companies and up to 10 writer/creators eligible for funding of up to $10,000 each to support travel and accommodation in the UK, as well as related market opportunities in the region. Applications close 5pm AEDT Thursday 26 March 2026.
The funding is targeted at experienced producers and creatives with a proven ability to deliver projects of scale and a demonstrated connection to the UK market, ensuring the delegation is well-positioned to secure new partnerships and advance projects into development and production.
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MEDIA ENQUIRIES
AusfilmTom Roache, Director of Marketing, Communications & Industry Partnerships[email protected]
Media enquiries
Alyssa Lim | Publicist (Mon-Fri)
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
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Source: Australia Government Statements 4

27 02 2026 – Media release

Rachel Perkins. Photo credit: John Platt. 
Screen Australia has today announced the appointment of Rachel Perkins as Director of First Nations Strategy. A proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman with German and Irish heritage, Rachel is one of the nation’s most renowned screen practitioners, bringing unique, compelling stories to life and advocating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-representation and equity for more than thirty years.
An agenda-setting filmmaker and policy leader, Rachel has lent her high-level expertise to a number of influential organisations in leadership roles across Screen Australia, AFTRS, SBS, ABC, the Australian Film Commission, NITV, Indigenous Screen Australia, the NSW Film and Television Office, the National Indigenous Media Association of Australia and the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance.
As co-founder of production company Blackfella Films, Rachel has long driven and shaped First Nations storytelling in Australia with a strong focus on self-representation, told by and with Indigenous media practitioners. A transformative director, writer and producer for drama and documentary projects across TV and film, her credentials include work on pioneering and award-winning projects like Mystery Road, Total Control, The Australian Wars, Redfern Now, Bran Nue Dae, Radiance, Mabo and First Australians.
In the newly created role, Rachel will lead the strategic direction for Screen Australia’s First Nations Department and the broader sector by shaping recommendations for future policy, guiding investment priorities and driving engagement with government, culture and screen industry stakeholders.
Rachel Perkins said, “Screen Australia has such an important role in our nation’s cultural ecosystem, so I’m proud to play my part in ensuring all Australians continue to see themselves represented on screen. In particular, I’m passionate about the opportunity to provide the strategic support for First Nations creators and businesses to be empowered, own their stories and thrive.”
“The First Nations Department has a long legacy of incredible work. I’m keen to continue championing our exceptional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen practitioners and forge a path for the next generation of talent – delivering the kind of stories that will enrich and uplift the entirety of Australia’s innovative screen industry and audiences across the globe.”
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said, “Rachel’s appointment marks a bold new chapter, not just for Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, but for the future of local storytelling as a whole.”
“We created this new role because First Nations stories and contribution to our industry are more important than ever. Rachel’s deep experience across content, education, culture, advocacy and complex organisations makes her uniquely positioned to shape an exciting future for Screen Australia. No doubt she’ll continue to strengthen a vibrant screen industry that reflects the depth and diversity of Australian stories.”
Commencing in the position on 2 March 2026, Rachel will report directly to Brennan and will also work closely with recently appointed Head of First Nations Content, Gillian Moody-Ardler, who provides creative and operational direction for First Nations content investment.
For accompanying image assets, click here.
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Media enquiries
Alyssa Lim | Publicist (Mon-Fri)
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

Source: Australia Government Statements 4

24 02 2026 – Media release

Top (L-R): Tina Arena: Unravel Me, Atomic Paradise.Bottom (L-R): TAMPA: The Ship That Turned the Tide, Tastes of Africa.
Screen Australia has today announced 44 documentaries that will share in $5.6 million across production and development funding – projects that reflect the depth and diversity of Australian stories.
Projects include Australian and New Zealand co-production Atomic Paradise, major series TAMPA: The Ship That Turned the Tide from award-winning producers at Mint Pictures, The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal exploring the figure behind the internet meme sensation, and YouTube series Tastes of Africa and The Wombat Guy.
Screen Australia Head of Documentary Richard Huddleston said, “From brave historical interrogations and intimate character studies to timely geopolitical examinations, natural history epics and fresh digital‑first storytelling, these stories reflect a sector unafraid to innovate and to speak with authentic and diverse voices.
“The projects also speak to the curiosity, craft and ambition of Australian documentarians – it’s a privilege to support these teams as they bring unique perspectives to local and global audiences.”
Some of the supported projects include:  

TAMPA: The Ship That Turned the Tide: From the multi-award-winning producers at Mint Pictures (When The War is Over, The Hunt for the Last Nazis), this series is an in-depth look at ‘the Tampa crisis’ – the dramatic eight-day showdown at sea that triggered a diplomatic standoff between Canberra, Jakarta and Oslo. Major production investment from the ABC and Screen Australia, financed with support from Screen NSW. International distribution by ABC Commercial.
Atomic Paradise: From award-winning First Nations director John Harvey (Still We Rise, Off Country), Emmy Award-nominated producer Sally Aitken (Every Little Thing, Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles) and executive producer Aline Jacques (Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles), Atomic Paradise is a cinematic experience that reclaims the Pacific’s nuclear testing history through a First Nations lens. A co-production with New Zealand, this bold and unflinching feature is financed with principal production funding from Screen Australia with production support from the Shark Island Foundation and Screen NSW. Local distribution by Umbrella ANZ.
Empire In Colour: An Australian/Canadian Official Co-production, Empire In Colour is led by Emmy Award-winning producer Jo-anne McGowan (Edge of Life, River) and directed by John Harvey (Still We Rise) in Australia and by Sundance and Peabody Award-winning, Emmy-nominated Canadian filmmakers Catherine Bainbridge and Ernest Webb from Rezolution Pictures. Developed in conjunction with SBS and Canadian public education broadcaster TVO, the four-part series uses newly colourised archival footage to explore the lasting impact of the British Empire, prompting an honest exploration with its legacy. Empire In Colour received major production investment from Screen Australia and SBS and was financed with support from Screen NSW, TVO and TFO with support from the Canadian Media Fund. It will be distributed locally by SBS, with international sales by Fremantle.
Tina Arena: Unravel Me: Acclaimed director and Wonnarua man Adrian Russell Wills (Black Divaz), executive producer Mark Fennessey (Mystify: Michael Hutchence) and producer Jessica Carrera (Paper Dolls) unravel five extraordinary decades of pop icon Tina Arena’s career, revealing a life devoted to music. Principal production funding from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW and the Seven Network.
The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal: Multi-award winning director/producer Heath Davis (Book Week) and producer Jonathan Page (Knowing the Score), together with Ruth Harrison and Tim Randall in their filmmaking debut, tell the shocking life story of an internet icon propelled to global fame after his theatrical arrest eating a “succulent Chinese meal”. Principal production funding from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW. Local distribution by Bonsai Films.
Tastes of Africa: From producer and 2025 Digital Originals recipient Kauthar Abdulalim (Salma’s Season) and emerging writer/director Rendah Haj (Hayat) comes Tastes of Africa. Hosted by Santilla Chingaipe, this online/direct-to-audience series for YouTube takes viewers across Melbourne’s kitchens, community cook-ups and hidden eateries, guided by the traditional wisdom of aunties and younger African-Australians boldly reinterpreting recipes. Principal production funding from Screen Australia, in association with VicScreen.
The Wombat Guy: Directed by Tahnee McGuire (Strong Women) and produced by the all-female Queensland collective Five Storey Films (Rebecca McElroy, Emma Sargent, Jenine Olliver and Anna Jeffries), The Wombat Guy tells the story of shiftworking “sparky” and passionate wildlife rescuer Josh Neille. With his boundless energy and humour, Josh, his wife Amber and their spirited daughter Ashlee rehabilitate a menagerie of wildlife on their rural hobby farm. Created for social media, this ambitious 24-part series received principal production funding from Screen Australia, with support from Canadian production company Open Door.
This is Amy Taylor: Writer/director Eddie Martin (All This Mayhem) follows the frontwoman of punk band Amyl and the Sniffers in This is Amy Taylor. Produced by Shannon Swan (Gurrumul,  Lygon Street: Si Parla Italiano) and executive produced by Cody Greenwood (Under the Volcano), the feature received development funding.
MOONSHOT: From award-winning writer/director/producer Anna Broinowski (Aim High in Creation!), executive producer Tim White (Beast), story consultant Alex Proyas (The Crow) and producers Media Stockade (Mozart’s Sister, Back To Nature), this innovative cli-fi, hybrid documentary feature uses expert interviews, eye-witness testimonies and hard scientific evidence to investigate the possibility the super-rich are building a luxury colony on the dark side of the Moon. Set in 2033, this dark satire received development funding.

The full list of documentary blocklines is available here. The latest projects funded for documentary development are available here.  
For accompanying image assets, click here.
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Media enquiries
Alyssa Lim | Publicist (Mon-Fri)
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

Source: Tasmania Police

Alleged sex offender extradited from NSW to Tasmania

Friday, 6 March 2026 – 4:55 pm.

Officers from the Tasmania Police Western Sex Crimes Unit have extradited a 21 year old Northern Tasmanian man from New South Wales to Tasmania after he failed to appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on serious sexual offence charges.The accused man last appeared in the Burnie Magistrates Court on 3 July 2025 where he entered a plea of not guilty to the charges of:-Indecent assault x 2-Assault with Indecent Intent.The offences are alleged to have been committed on a minor in January 2023.The alleged offender was subsequently bailed to appear at the Burnie Magistrates Court on 5 August. The man failed to appear at that hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest.Detectives from the Western Sex Crimes Unit subsequently located the accused in New South Wales where, with assistance from New South Wales Police detectives, he was arrested and returned to Tasmania where he was presented to the Launceston Magistrates Court and remanded in custody to appear at a later date.

Source: Tasmania Police

Three people charged with public order incidents in Launceston

Friday, 6 March 2026 – 2:56 pm.

Three people have been charged with public order incidents after they were arrested in the Launceston CBD area this morning.
About 9.05am, it was reported to police that a disturbance was occurring in the Civic Square area, and a person was believed to have a knife in their possession.
Officers from Launceston Uniform quickly attended and arrested the three people involved in the disturbance who are known to each other.
Police have charged a:

33-year-old man with behave in a violent manner and unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place.
39-year-old man with behave in a violent manner, unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place, unlawfully possess an explosive device, and drug related offences.
36-year-old woman with drug related offences.

Police will allege they located a knife in the 33-year-olds possession, and a Molotov cocktail in the 39-year-olds possession. The knife and Molotov cocktail were not used in the disturbance, and both have been seized by police.
The charged people will appear before the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Senior Sergeant Donna Cayley is the 2026 recipient of the Patricia Anne Brennan Award, a prestigious honour recognising a member whose leadership and dedication have significantly advanced the role of women within the Northern Territory Police Force.

Senior Sergeant Cayley joined the Northern Territory Police Force in 2003 and has demonstrated consistent dedication to operational policing and organisational development. She currently serves as Officer in Charge of the Capability and Development Unit and Driver Training Section at the College.

Her career has included service in Tennant Creek, Major and Organised Crime, Sex Crimes, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre, the Territory Emergency Operations Centre, the Youth Engagement Division, and a number of Staff Officer appointments. This depth of experience reflects both her capability and her commitment to serving the Territory.

Commissioner Martin Dole said “Donna is a leader who invests in her people. She sets clear expectations, creates opportunity, and actively mentors those seeking to develop their skills and confidence.

“Under her guidance, many members have progressed to specialist roles and leadership positions. She understands that strong leadership builds strong teams, and strong teams build community confidence.

“Her integrity, professionalism and focus on developing others embody the standards we expect across the Northern Territory Police Force.”

Senior Sergeant Cayley was formally presented with the Patricia Anne Brennan Award today, ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday.

Source: Tasmania Police

Celebrating 50 Years of the Tasmania Police Academy at Rokeby

Friday, 6 March 2026 – 10:43 am.

Today marks 50 years since the Tasmania Police Academy officially opened its doors at Rokeby, a significant milestone in the history of policing in Tasmania.
Since 6 March 1976, 2926 recruits have trained at the purpose-built facility and gone on to serve the Tasmanian community as members of Tasmania Police.
Acting Commander Craig Joel said that while the exterior of the Academy remains largely unchanged, the nature of policing has evolved significantly since the 1970s – from uniforms and vehicles to technology, training methods and workplace culture.
“In the 1970s, the organisation looked very different, with fewer women in the Tasmania Police ranks and a training approach that was far less focused on the practical, real world scenarios that shape contemporary police training,” he said.
“The Academy itself has undergone many upgrades over time, including specialist spaces such as the scenario simulation house as well as large scale refurbishments of accommodation, office, gym, library and auditorium facilities.”
“This 50 year milestone is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate everyone who has contributed to the Academy over the years, including recruits, instructors, course directors and the many staff who ensure the facility operates at a high standard.”
“The ongoing success of the Academy is driven by the passion, professionalism and commitment of the people who work here, delivering high quality training that prepares recruits for the realities of modern policing.”
Acting Commander Joel said one such example is retiring Constable Rod Warrington who began his 48-year policing career at the Academy on 15 February 1978.
“After working across uniform, youth service and marine and rescue, Rod has dedicated the past 22 years to Operational Skills Training at the Academy,” he said.
“He has played an integral part in developing the operational skills training for our recruits and police officers over this time and even has a namesake award given to the recruit who demonstrates the highest skill in this area upon graduation.”
“Rod has seen firsthand just how much has changed with police training over the last 50 years, with developments like our scenario simulation house a strong example of giving our recruits realistic, hands on experiences that closely mirror the challenges they will face in operational environments.”
“While we honour the traditions that shaped the Academy, Tasmania Police is proud to provide contemporary training that reflects the needs of today’s officers and the expectations of the community we serve.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Launceston man charged over deliberately lit scrub fires

Friday, 6 March 2026 – 10:02 am.

Launceston CIB has charged a 35‑year‑old Launceston man with two counts of unlawfully setting fire to property following an investigation into several deliberately lit scrub fires in the Cataract Gorge area.
Police will allege the man deliberately lit two separate vegetation fires in the Gorge between 1 January and 5 March 2026.
These charges are the result of coordinated work by a multi‑agency taskforce involving Tasmania Police, the Tasmania Fire Service, the Environment Protection Authority and the Launceston City Council. The taskforce implemented targeted initiatives at the beginning of the fire season and continues to investigate suspicious fires across the Launceston area.
The man will next appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on 29 April 2026.
Anyone who witnesses illegal or antisocial behaviours is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged with several firearms offences in relation to targeted incident at Rokeby

Friday, 6 March 2026 – 7:52 am.

A 22-year-old man from Rokeby has been charged with several firearms offences in relation to a targeted incident at Rokeby this week where a firearm was allegedly discharged through the door of a unit.  
Police will allege that about 4.50am on Wednesday 4 March, a man approached a unit on Joseph Street and discharged a firearm through the front door.  
Damage was caused to the door and interior of the residence. No injuries were sustained.  
South East CIB members have been investigating the incident and with the assistance of specialist resources, they conducted a search at a separate residence in Rokeby yesterday (Thursday) morning.  
During this search police took a man safely into custody and allegedly located and seized a loaded sawn-off shotgun. 
The man has been charged with offences including recklessly discharge a firearm, discharge a firearm within 250 metres of a dwelling, and possess shortened firearm.  
He was detained to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court today (Friday 6 March).  
At this stage, police believe the incident was targeted and between parties who are known to each other.    
If anyone knows anything about illicit firearms in the community, they are urged to contact police on 131 444 or provide information through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – this can be done anonymously.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a man in relation to alleged fraud and serious animal cruelty offences in Tennant Creek.

On Wednesday 4 March 2026, officers attended a residence in Tennant Creek to execute a warrant in relation to historic fraud offences as part of an ongoing investigation.

While at the residence, officers located several malnourished and deceased dogs as well as a number of deceased protected native animals.

Animal welfare members also attended and two of the animals were required to be euthanised.

Senior Sergeant Michael Curtiss said “This was a confronting scene for our officers and the investigation remains in its early stages.

“The number of deceased dogs on this property is incredibly concerning. The 57-year-old was arrested during the search and remains in custody pending further investigation.   

“We currently believe the fraud could involve upwards of $600,000.

“Detectives are urging anyone with information to make contact on 131 444, anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”