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Doors officially open at new Natte Yallock Fire Station

Source:

Natte Yallock Fire Brigade has celebrated the official opening of their new fire station and handed over their new ultra heavy tanker with brigade members and local dignitaries.

The brigade is now operating out of a new contemporary state-of-the-art station, replacing the former station on School Road.   

Gathering at the fire station on Saturday (18 October), Natte Yallock Captain Ronald Peacock said the brigade is proud to call this new station home.   

“It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come from what was a small tin shed, to now operating out of a modern facility,” Ronald said.    

“We are now even better equipped to respond and protect our community when they need us most.  

“For our brigade members, it means we can focus more on the job and less on juggling space or gear. It might seem small, but it makes a big difference when things get busy.   

“For the community, this station is a commitment to safety, preparedness and quick response in times of a crisis.”   

The station features a motor room with two reverse in bays fitted with powered roller doors, a turnout room, laundry facilities, changeroom areas, a workshop and an office space.  

“We’re also building for the future, and that means creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and supported,” Ronald said.  

“The additions of gender neutral toilets and showers are a big step forward in encouraging more women into volunteer roles too.   

“We are hopeful this will play a positive role in attracting a diverse range of members to our brigade into the future.”  

The new Ultra Heavy Tanker is also a welcome addition to the brigade which will allow them to better navigate remote, rural areas with open grasslands due to its increased water carrying capacity.   

CFA District 2 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Archie Conroy, congratulated the brigade on their new fire station and truck.   

“This station is a testament to the dedication of the Natte Yallock Fire Brigade and the community that supports them,” Archie said.   

“The Ultra-Heavy will be a valuable asset heading into the upcoming fire season.” This can only happen because of the tremendous support from communities like that of the Natte Yallock and their partnership with CFA.  

“The larger, updated facility means our volunteers have a comfortable place to train, turnout and work from for many years to come.”

Submitted by CFA Media
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Finalists announced for the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

20/10/25

Finalists for the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards have been announced, recognising excellence, innovation and leadership across Victoria’s public healthcare system.

Now in their 19th year, the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards celebrate the dedication of health services, teams and volunteers delivering outstanding care and improving health outcomes for all Victorians.

This year’s awards include 16 categories across three streams – General Awards, Premier’s Health Service of the Year Awards and Volunteer Awards.

Thank you to all health services that entered this year. The strong number and exceptional quality of submissions reflect the commitment and creativity that continues to define Victoria’s public healthcare sector.

The Department of Health also extends gratitude to this year’s awards judging panel –health professionals from across health services, non-government organisations and peak bodies – for bringing their expertise and insights to the selection process.

View the list of 2025 finalists.

Winners will be announced at the 19th Victorian Public Healthcare Awards Gala Night on 26 November 2025.

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No price, no ad – putting a stop to rental bidding

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Real estate agents and rental providers will be blocked from advertising rental properties without a fixed price, thanks to a partnership between Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Renting Taskforce and property website operators, REA Group and Domain.

Their platforms – realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, have now been upgraded in response to calls from our Renting Taskforce.

Now rental providers and agents will not be able to list rental properties unless they use a single, fixed price. This keeps prices transparent for renters and helps rental providers and agents stay on the right side of the rental bidding laws.

In Victoria, rental properties must be advertised with a fixed price under rental bidding protections introduced in the 2021 rental law reforms.

Advertising a rental property with a vague price range or without a price is harmful to renters because it encourages offers of rental bidding.

The Renting Taskforce has been cracking down on non-compliant advertisements, conducting market sweeps and inspections, issuing numerous official warnings and sending communications to estate agents across the state to remind them of the legal requirements.

In 2024-25, the taskforce issued more than 50 infringements totalling over $600,000 to rental providers and agents who did not advertise a rental property with a fixed price. The taskforce also took criminal prosecutions against 5 estate agencies for this offence.

This change at the advertising stage guarantees clear prices for renters, helps the taskforce use its resources more efficiently and prevents estate agencies from making potentially costly mistakes in the first place.

New reforms coming into effect on 25 November will outlaw all remaining types of rental bidding. Agents and rental providers will be banned not only from soliciting offers of increased rent from potential renters, but also from accepting any unsolicited offers from them. The renting taskforce will actively monitor the new laws.

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Skippy gives the M12 a hop of approval!

Source: Mental Health Australia

Only in Australia and in a bold attempt to be the first, two kangaroos have used the new toll-free M12 Motorway as a transport connection between the M7 Motorway with the Western Sydney International Airport and The Northern Road.

Workers adding the finishing touches to the new road said that while spotting kangaroos is roo-tine in the area, they are not hopping to conclusions about the pair’s motive just yet!

While some speculation thought the pair were looking for greener pastures, some workers on site speculated they were out on a roo-mantic date taking advantage of the new toll-free shortcut!

Fourteen kilometres of the $2.1 billion M12 Motorway has surface works almost complete, with workers now delivering the final touches before opening next year.

The toll-free M12 Motorway is a joint project between the Australian and NSW Governments.

Part of the final works will include four fauna crossings and turtle barriers to keep wildlife and motorists safe.

The fauna crossings are located at Badgerys Creek, Kemps Creek, Cosgroves Creek and within the Western Sydney Parklands. 

These crossings are vital in protecting and assisting local wildlife to safely move in and around the area. Fauna crossings are a proven and essential feature in major road upgrades, and the M12 is no exception. 

Given the area’s rural setting and the scale of increased infrastructure in the area, it was important we minimise the impact on local wildlife. By providing these crossings, the project is helping safeguard the welfare of native species and improve driver safety.

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Bridge girders now in place at Jervis Bay

Source: Mental Health Australia

Eleven super-T girders have been lifted into place at Jervis Bay Road intersection forming the base of the new bridge that will significantly improve traffic flow and safety in the region. 

The pre-cast concrete girders form the deck for the new overpass bridge that will allow traffic on the Princes Highway to move uninterrupted while Jervis Bay Road traffic flows under the bridge.

More information is available in the full media release (PDF, 102.78 KB).

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Skyfire to return in 2026

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Skyfire 2026 will include markets, food vans, music and more.

In brief:

  • Skyfire is returning in 2026.
  • The aerial display set to music will take place on Saturday 14 March.
  • The event will include markets, food vans, music and more.

Canberra’s skies will light up on Saturday 14 March as Skyfire returns in 2026.

Radio stations Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3 Canberra have joined forces to bring the popular fireworks spectacular back for another year.

The ACT Government will support the event through its Major Event Fund.

Skyfire began as a small event in 1989. Over the years it has grown to an all-day spectacular including live performances, food trucks and activities.

The event is set around and above Lake Burley Griffin and viewed by at least one third of the ACT population.

This year, Canberrans can look forward to:

  • southside markets
  • two entertainment hubs featuring live broadcasts
  • speakers for those who forget to bring radios
  • big screens to watch the action from the lake unfold.

The synchronized soundtrack show will include:

  • 40,000 pyrotechnic effects
  • 2,500 shells
  • 25,000 shooting comets.

The show will begin at 8:30pm and run for 20 minutes.

Around 120,000 people are expected to attend Skyfire 2026.

More details

Further details about the event, transport and traffic changes including road closures will be released in early 2026.

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UPDATE: Call for information – Aggravated burglary – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred in Katherine East on Saturday 11 October 2025.

It is alleged that four unknown offenders unlawfully entered a government compound, gaining access to two community service buildings and an armoury.

While inside, the offenders allegedly stole and damaged a significant amount of property, including ammunition.

CCTV footage from one of the buildings shows the four offenders inside the premises at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2500101464. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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District 7 women leading the way

Source:

Kicking off first thing on Saturday morning, District 7 women came together at VEMTC Central Highlands for a skills day, setting out in four groups to take part in four hands-on activities.   

The program featured two hot fire training drills, a session on forced entry techniques and the Driving circuit traversing vertical and horizontal slopes, undulating tracks, and water crossings in tankers and 4WDs.   

Designed to be inclusive of operational and non-operational members, the activities selected and the composition of the groups were informed by the members’ preferences gathered during the expression of interest process. This ensured that each activity was engaging and accessible to all. Non-operational members were encouraged  to have a go to gain an appreciation and awareness of what is involved being operational.  

Margaret Millar, a non-operational member shared her reflection of the day.

“All the team leaders and instructors included me. It was great and I really enjoyed it,” Margaret said. 

For Operational members the day provided a hands-on experience to learn and practise fireground skills and some members stretched their skills to leadership and mentoring. 

Group leader Joy Thorup-Anderson said, “It was absolutely amazing to see others grow in confidence through new experiences or even getting over fears.’ 

District 7 Women’s Network Representative and Captain Shannon Robinson shared her thoughts about the event.

“It was incredibly empowering and encouraging. It created a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone felt comfortable to ask questions, take on challenges, and learn without pressure or judgment,” Shannon said.

“The shared experiences and strong sense of connection among the group helped build confidence, making it not just a training day but a truly inspiring experience.”

The District 7 Women’s Network was formed in 2024. Over the past 10 years the percentage of operational women in District 7 has steadily grown from 13.1 per cent to 16.8 per cent. Although numbers are slowly rising, women remain a minority in CFA.   

The Women’s Network supports and encourages women to participate at all levels of CFA in District 7 by creating activities and events that support inclusion. The network provides a platform to celebrate women’s achievements and inspire others, build on skills and confidence, and provide a forum for addressing challenges or barriers faced by women in District 7.   

This was the second all-women hot fire training day event for District 7, and the first hosted by the District 7 Women’s Network.   

Upcoming events include a fire ecology walk in November and a visit to a fire tower in March.

Submitted by Emma Taunt
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Young engineers make waves on RSV Nuyina

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

Two University of Tasmania engineering students have been making waves on RSV Nuyina, thanks to a unique onboard opportunity offering real-world engineering experience.
Patrick Quinlan and Liam Eadie recently spent two weeks onboard the ship, as scientists, engineers and crew tested the ship’s marine science systems and processes, in preparation for the first Antarctic voyage of the season.
The opportunity was provided through the Centre for Antarctic and Southern Ocean Technology (CAST), a collaboration between the Australian Antarctic Division, CSIRO and University of Tasmania.
The aim was to give young engineers a taste of what it could be like working in the Australian Antarctic Program.

Australian Antarctic Division Director of Science Systems Engineering, Lloyd Symons, facilitated the students’ experience, which included observing, and contributing to, the calibration and testing of the ship’s acoustic systems, deployment of acoustic and oceanographic instruments from the trawl deck, and mapping the seafloor.
The students were also required to complete an onboard task.
Liam, a mechanical engineering student, said he used onboard data to support fatigue analysis of the ship’s hull.
“The Nuyina is fitted with an advanced ice-loading system, and I explored the documentation to better understand its capabilities,” he said.
“Using the data collected during our voyage, I developed a program to perform mechanical fatigue analysis on the hull.
“This experience was an exciting opportunity to apply the theoretical principles I have learned throughout my degree and the practical skills from my Honours project in a real-world environment.”
Patrick, a computer science and electronic engineering student, with an interest in robotics and instrument design, coding and data, spent time on the trawl deck, as the scientists and crew deployed a range of instruments.
“I have always been interested in marine and Antarctic science, and this program has helped me experience what it will be like to work in the field as an electronic engineer,” he said.
“I helped mount a redirection cage on a trawl net to funnel items into the net.
“I also collected some data myself by deploying an XBT [expendable bathythermograph] off the back of the ship to measure temperature and depth.”
Patrick also processed chlorophyll data (a green pigment in algae) collected on the ship, mapped out its concentration along the ship’s path, and made the information available on the onboard Data in Real Time (DiRT) web service.
“Whilst I always wanted to go to Antarctica to work one day, this trip onboard the RSV Nuyina made me realise that the operations onboard may be even more exciting,” Patrick said.
This content was last updated 3 days ago on 17 October 2025.

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Delivering on our commitments for Canberra

Source: Australian National Party




Delivering on our commitments for Canberra – 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 19/10/2025

A year ago today, Canberrans voted for Labor’s progressive, long-term vision for our city.

Since then, we have been focussed on delivering what we promised Canberrans in health, education, housing and community infrastructure.

We are also undertaking the biggest transformation of our city centre since self-government.

It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the heart of our city, positioning the ACT to remain one of the world’s most liveable and future-ready places in the decades to come.

This transformation is well underway, with large-scale projects revitalising the way Canberrans can experience and enjoy our city, including:

  • Extending the light rail network to Commonwealth Park.
  • Raising London Circuit, improving connectivity and enhancing amenities between the city and lake.
  • Constructing a new lyric theatre, enabling world-class performances to be held in our city.
  • A more connected Acton Waterfront – creating a new lakeside destination.
  • A new UNSW campus – bring around 6000 students and employees to our city centre.
  • A new Canberra Aquatic Centre, which will also support future Convention Centre and Entertainment Precinct.

Canberra’s population has grown by nearly 50 per cent over the past 25 years and is now approaching 500,000. 

These projects are central to ensuring Canberra continues to grow as a thriving, inclusive and sustainable capital city.

Alongside the transformation of our city centre, we are also delivering improvements right across Canberra’s suburbs and regions – ensuring every part of our growing city benefits from investment and renewal.

This includes new health centres, more parks and playgrounds, upgraded community facilities, better active travel infrastructure, and improved roads and public transport connections.

This is an ambitious plan for Canberra’s future. One that reflects our values and meets the growing needs of our city.

– Statement ends –

Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases

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