AU Engine

Source: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments

22 09 2025 – Media release

Top (L-R): Anne Edmonds, Kitty Flannagan (Bad Company)Bottom (L-R): Tony Armstrong, Henry Stone (Shilling It)
Screen Australia has announced $12.8 million in funding across 46 narrative projects, celebrating distinctive perspectives with local and global appeal. From bold stories to major co-productions, the titles showcase the originality and ingenuity of Australia’s creative talent, produced for a range of audiences.
Among the projects supported is director Rob Connolly’s Shiver, the first Australian narrative feature film to shoot in Antarctica; a laugh out loud comedy for ABC starring Anne Edmonds and Kitty Flannagan; Australian and Canadian co-production Written in the Stars; a satirical web series centred on beloved television personality Tony Armstrong; and crime mystery series The Killings: Parrish Station for Stan.
Director of Narrative Content at Screen Australia Louise Gough said, “We know Australian stories are in demand across the world and in our own backyard, and Screen Australia is uniquely positioned to support the tapestry of voices that celebrate and speak to our multi-faceted, diverse community. Local stories are resonant because they are beautifully particular yet underpinned by universal themes that all viewers can relate to.”
“Our creative industry is respected internationally for their craft and commitment to bold, ambitious projects. This investment is a testament to the tenacity of our emerging and established creatives, including the collaborative spirit that connects Australian stories with global audiences.” 
Director of Shiver Robert Connolly on an initial shoot in Antarctica.Some of the supported projects include:  

Shiver: From director Robert Connolly (The Dry, Blueback), Shiver will be the first Australian narrative feature to be filmed in Antarctica. Based on Nikki Gemmell’s acclaimed novel, this adaptation follows the profound transformation of a young journalist as she ventures into the vast, fragile wilderness of Antarctica. It will be produced by Liz Kearney (Memoir of a Snail) and Kate Laurie (Petrol) alongside Connolly. It has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen, with support from Minderoo Pictures. International sales by HanWay. 
Bad Company: A six-part comedy series from Guesswork Television created by AACTA award-winning comedian Anne Edmonds, who stars alongside Kitty Flannagan of the local and international hit Fisk. Set within the crumbling walls of an iconic theatre company on the brink of bankruptcy, Bad Company is directed by Tom Peterson (Fisk), produced by Andrew Walker (Deadloch), with executive producers Kevin Whyte (Rosehaven), Edmonds and Ben Grogan (Upper Middle Bogan). It has received major production investment from the ABC and Screen Australia and is financed in association with VicScreen. International sales by Guesswork Distribution.
Written in the Stars: An Australian and Canadian feature based on Su Dharmapala’s novel The Wedding Season, adapted for screen by Menik Gooneratne. A celebration of the Sri-Lankan community in modern-day Melbourne, this heartwarming rom-com explores universal themes of love and destiny. It will feature an all-South Asian cast led by Australian actor, writer and producer Gooneratne. Written in the Stars is directed by Fawzia Mirza (Queen of My Dreams) and produced by Leanne Tonkes (The Second), Andria Wilson Mirza (Queen of My Dreams), Melissa Russo (Together), Jenni Tosi (Holly’s Heroes), Marc Tetreault (Sullivan’s Crossing), and Jason Levangie (Sullivan’s Crossing). It has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the Telefilm Canada Production Program and VicScreen. Local distribution by Maslow Entertainment.
The Killings: Parrish Station: A six-part series from Helium Pictures for Stan directed by Daniel Nettheim (The Tourist, The Assassin), created and written by Ben Jenkins (The Chaser, The Checkout), Tim Pye (Bali 2002), Yolanda Ramke (Cargo) and Catherine Smyth-McMullen (The Other Lamb). A cosmic mystery intertwines with horror as a gruesome massacre at a remote research station plunges a detective into an inexplicable, decades-long mystery. The series is produced by Kerrie Mainwaring (Bali 2002) and executive produced by Helium’s Mark Fennessy. It has received major investment from Screen Australia and Screen NSW in association with ITV Studios and will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios.
2 Moons: From director Fadia Abboud (House of Gods) and in partnership with Powerhouse Parramatta comes a science fiction drama set in Western Sydney exploring the lives of five ordinary people as they grapple with a potential apocalypse. Produced by Annabel Davis (Here Out West) and Kali Reid from Co-Curious and executive produced by Sheila Jayadev. 2 Moons is a multi-writer feature with an interwoven plot from five writers including James Elazzi, Gabriel Faatau’uu-Satiu, Andrew Undi Lee, Randa Sayed and Danielle Stamoulos. It has received major production investment from Screen Australia.
Shilling It: A six-part satirical webseries in development from creators Henry Stone and Tony Armstrong, centred on a fictionalised version of Armstrong, as an Australian television personality caught in the ethical tug-of-war of lending his name to dodgy social media content brand deals. Across six 10-minute episodes, Tony navigates fame and influence while attempting to maintain personal integrity. Shilling It will be co-written and produced by Tony Armstrong and Henry Stone, with Stone directing.
Martini Mama: A comedic feature about confronting the past, regrets and navigating change from director John Sheedy (Runt). Written by Christopher Gist (The Op Shop), Martini Mama is produced by Julie Ryan (H is for Happiness), Ari Harrison (Penny Lane is Dead) and Kate Whitbread (The Spirit of the Game). It has received production investment from Screen Australia in association with Fandomodo and VicScreen, with support from Sanctuary Pictures, KW Films and Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund. Local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment and international sales by Upgrade.
Florence: A six-part premium drama series in development from Hoodlum Entertainment based on the true story of the iconic and enigmatic designer Florence Broadhurst. From co-creators Emma Freeman and Michael Lucas, the story unpacks the life of a woman who irrevocably changed the style of Australia. Kerrin McNeil and Tracey Robertson are producing, with executive producers Bazmark, Tracey Vieira, Nathan Mayfield, Sarah Mak and David Lloyd-Lewis.
Bloom: A five-part webseries written and directed by Stephen de Villiers (The Run) and Alice Yang that follows 16-year-old Jasmine who receives a cancer diagnosis and the emotional and physical toll this has on her and the people who love her. Released on YouTube and other platforms, Bloom is produced by Chloe Gardner (The Run), Robbie Greenwell and Maisie Fabry.

Two new Screen Australia funded original children’s series were recently announced for the ABC, Happy House and Caper Crew, which will screen in 2026.
On 1 July, Screen Australia launched its updated Narrative Content programs and guidelines tailored to meet industry needs, support practitioners and foster ground-breaking content for years to come.

2 Moons writing team including (L-R) Danielle Stamolous, Andrew Undi Lee, Randa Sayed, James Elazzi and Gabriel Faatau’uu-Saitu.
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Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

Australian and Japanese Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientists have strengthened their commitment to future research collaborations at a workshop in Tokyo.
Scientists from the Australian Antarctic Program and the National Institute of Polar Research (Japan) met in the Japanese capital across three days at the end of July.
There were 55 Japanese and 26 Australian scientists in attendance, across various disciplines of Antarctic science.

The workshop was hosted by the National Institute of Polar Research, Japan, Australian Antarctic Division, Australian Antarctic Program Partnership, University of Tasmania, Science Council of Japan, with funding support from the Australia-Japan Foundation and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
It focused on mapping out future Australia-Japan research collaborations and initiatives in Antarctic science, and to strengthen the relationship between the Japanese and Australian Antarctic programs.
Dr So Kawaguchi (Principal Research Scientist, Australian Antarctic Division), said the relationship between Australia and Japan is crucial to Antarctic and Southern Ocean science.
“Collaborations between the two countries have resulted in a huge amount of critically important research,” Dr Kawaguchi said.
“It’s vital that we continue to nurture this relationship.”
The workshop identified priority areas and coordination for future joint Antarctic and Southern Ocean science programs in the next 5 years and beyond.
That will include enhanced logistical coordination between the two countries, which will increase opportunities for a holistic approach to measuring and modelling the Antarctic environment and its associated processes.
“For example, strengthening long-term penguin monitoring and its coordination with at-sea krill surveys by both nations will provide important information for policy makers and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources to ensure the conservation of wildlife and their habitats under a changing climate”.
“An updated synthesis of the East Antarctic pelagic ecosystem using recent multidisciplinary ecological surveys will provide further opportunities for developing collaborative multinational research in future fieldwork campaigns”, Dr Kawaguchi said.
The Australia – Japan Workshop will serve as an important catalyst for further strengthening the strategic collaboration in Antarctic science.
“We need to be looking years into the future, to identify what our priorities should be,” Dr Kawaguchi said.
“Both countries are committed to conducting ground-breaking research on key priority questions in their respective Antarctic research strategies.”
The workshop released a Communiqué including specific statements and plans from each discipline group.
This content was last updated 22 minutes ago on 22 September 2025.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Fatal Crash at Emu Heights

Sunday, 21 September 2025 – 7:18 pm.

Sadly, a 57-year-old man has died following a crash at Emu Heights today.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 10am.
Initial inquiries indicate the man was travelling north on Massy-Greene Drive in a Kenworth Truck when he has collided with the rear of a second truck.
The driver of the second truck was transported to North West Regional Hospital by Ambulance Tasmania and was later discharged with no injuries.
Anyone with information or relevant dash cam footage, is asked to contact police on 131 444. Information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a youth in relation to an aggravated assault in Darwin overnight.

Around 1am, police received a report that a 16-year-old male was refused entry to a nightclub in the CBD. The 16-year-old has allegedly then sprayed two security guards with OC spray, striking one guard in the forehead and the other to the back. Both guards did not feel any effects or require any medical treatment.

The youth was arrested by police and remains in custody with charges expected later today.

The OC spray used was seized by officers and has been found to be an illegal OC spray that cannot be purchased in the NT. Investigations into how the youth came into possession of it are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P2525496. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man charged in relation to wounding incident at Devonport

Sunday, 21 September 2025 – 8:01 am.

Police have charged a 21-year-old man from East Devonport with common assault in relation to a wounding incident at Devonport overnight.  
Police will allege the man assaulted a 21-year-old man on Rooke Street about midnight.  
The victim was transported to the Launceston General Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.  
The charged man was bailed to appear before the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date.  
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact police on 131 444 and quote OR785517.  
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man charged with dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime

Sunday, 21 September 2025 – 7:50 am.

Police have charged a Mayfield man with dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime after approximately one million dollars was located in a vehicle last night.
At 8.30pm, East Coast police conducting an RBT on a vehicle in Triabunna, and located approximately $1,000,000 cash in a cardboard box in the vehicle.
The 57-year-old male driver from Mayfield was arrested and later charged with dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
Police will allege the cash is profits from the sale of illicit drugs in Tasmania.
This incident highlights the critical role frontline officers play in disrupting criminal networks and protecting the Tasmanian community.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously through crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales – News

Efforts are continuing to contact another two Optus customers whose details were provided to SAPOL by the company.

As a result of the welfare checks that have been completed no further adverse outcomes have been reported.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for public assistance to locate 28-year-old Rodney Turner who absconded from police custody in Alice Springs today.

Around 12:15pm, Rodney escaped custody at the Alice Springs Hospital on Gap Road, The Gap, while there to receive treatment.

Alice Springs police are actively looking for him and he is urged to return himself into custody as soon as possible.

Anyone with information regarding the man’s whereabouts is urged to contact police on 131 444. You can make anonymous reports via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales – News

About 6.30pm Friday 19 September, police were called to Punch Bowl Lookout in the Onkaparinga River National Park following reports that a group of hikers had become stranded.

Southern District patrols responded and entered the park on foot, locating the teens in a gorge. Officers traversed steep and thickly vegetated terrain to access the group who were cold but not seriously injured.

Police hiked with the boys out of the gorge where they met SA Ambulance Paramedics who attended to assist. One of the teens was taken to hospital with minor injuries with the remaining boys returning home to their families.

As we move into warmer months, police remind all hikers to plan ahead, carry appropriate gear and stick to marked trails. If you become lost, stay in one place and contact emergency services on triple zero (000) for assistance.

Source: New South Wales – News

The Thiele Highway is currently closed at this location in both directions.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route.