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Retail Crime Information Session Brings Together Tasmanian Retailers

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Retail Crime Information Session Brings Together Tasmanian Retailers

Wednesday, 17 September 2025 – 12:41 pm.

Retailers from across Tasmania came together today for a statewide Retail Crime Information Session, hosted by Tasmania Police and the City of Hobart, to explore strategies for improving safety in retail environments.
Inspector John Toohey from Hobart Police said the session provided a valuable opportunity for police, council representatives, and retailers to share insights and strengthen partnerships aimed at preventing retail crime.
“Unlike the previous session held in April which focused specifically on Hobart, today’s information session was open to all retailers across the state,” Inspector Toohey said.
“The agenda covered key topics including current trends in retail crime, preventative measures and threats in retail environments, de-escalation techniques and conflict management, personal safety strategies such as ‘Escape, Hide, Tell’, and the importance of timely incident reporting.”
“For retailers, simple steps like improving store visibility, installing quality CCTV, engaging with customers, and restricting access to sensitive areas can make a significant difference.”
“If a crime does occur, reporting it promptly allows police to respond effectively.”
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council remains committed to supporting a safe and vibrant retail sector.
“Today’s session reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration between local government, law enforcement, and retailers to address the challenges of retail crime,” she said.
Retailer Kelly Rollins highlighted the impact of retail crime on both business operations and community wellbeing.
“Sessions like this are essential for sharing practical knowledge and developing real-world solutions to keep staff and customers safe,” Ms Rollins said.

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Job ads down 4.2% nationally in August 2025

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Job ads down 4.2% nationally in August 2025

Michael Giampietro


News and updates
Labour Market

This month’s report explores new research into the factors shaping youth employment, highlighting both persistent challenges and emerging barriers with potential to change young Australians’ early career experiences.

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Arrest – Criminal damage – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 16-year-old male after an incident in Katherine on Thursday 11 September 2025.

Around 1:45am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a truck had been struck by an object while driving over the Katherine Bridge.

It is alleged that a male youth threw an unknown object at the truck before fleeing the scene. The truck sustained minor damage as a result of the incident.

Further investigations revealed the alleged offender had been involved in the theft of a push bike at a shopping centre on Katherine Terrace, shortly after the truck incident.

Yesterday, members from Strike Force Cerberus arrested a 16-year-old male who remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Superintendent Warren Scott said, “Throwing projectiles at moving vehicles is extremely dangerous and could end in serious injury or potentially death.

“Police take community safety very seriously and we continue to work with partnering agencies like the Department of Children and Families and Kalano Community Association.

“This ongoing hard work assists with education and prevention of these incidents which cause a significant danger to road users in Katherine.” 

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Road Safety on the Mitchell, Newell and Hume Highways gets a boost

Source: Mental Health Australia

Drivers on the Mitchell, Newell and Hume Highways will soon notice the start of construction of four new Average Speed Camera lengths targeting heavy vehicle speeding offences.

The locations are between Moree and Boggabilla and between Coonabarabran and Narrabri on the Newell Highway, between Vittoria and Windradyne on the Mitchell Highway and between Campbelltown and Wilton on the Hume Motorway. Construction is expected to begin in September at some sites.

Transport for NSW Executive Director, Road Safety Regulation, Duncan Lucas, said speed is the biggest killer on NSW roads.

“Average Speed Cameras are one of the many road safety programs and initiatives aimed at reducing speeding-related road trauma across NSW roads.
“Research shows that Average Speed Cameras dramatically reduce the number of serious crashes along a length of road.

“The 2023 Annual Speed Camera Review found fatal and serious injury crashes involving heavy vehicles fell by 42 per cent on Average Speed Camera lengths during the five years between 2018 and 2022,” Mr Lucas said.

Average speed enforcement works by measuring the amount of time it takes a vehicle to travel between two points which are a known distance apart. The average speed that the vehicle travelled between the two points can then be calculated.

During the construction period, drivers are asked to be alert for road works speed limits which may require temporary reductions in vehicle speeds.  This helps to keep our staff and contractors safe as they carry out work to improve road safety for our communities.

To sign up for alerts to changes in camera locations, visit www.saferroadsnsw.com.au. 
 

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Be prepared and register your burn-off online

Source:

Spring is a common time for landowners to take advantage of the favourable weather conditions to conduct burning off activities, however in most areas in Victoria, less than 50 per cent are registering their burn-offs online, with many unnecessarily waiting on hold to register over the phone.  

In some areas where the highest number of burn-offs are registered each year, such as Healesville, Olinda and Mt Evelyn in the Yarra Ranges, and Kyneton and Woodend in the Macedon Ranges – as many as 60 per cent of registrations are by phone, leading to longer wait times during busy periods.  

Triple Zero Victoria Chief Operating Officer Nicole Ashworth said registering burn-offs online was fast, easy and allowed call-takers to focus on higher priority calls. 

“Spring is the ideal time to prepare your property ahead of the fire danger period, which makes it one of the busiest times for people registering their burn-offs by phone,” Nicole said.  

“That’s why we always urge landowners to plan ahead and save themselves some time by jumping onto the Fire Permits Victoria website and registering well in advance, especially when suitable weather conditions are forecast.”   

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the Fire Permits Victoria website is the preferred platform for community members to register their burns.   

“By registering your burn-off, it allows emergency services to verify the fire is not an emergency before unnecessarily calling out local brigades,” Jason said. 

“It also allows us to display burn-offs on the CFA website so the public can see where a burn-off is taking place, preventing needless calls to Triple Zero (000). 

“Over the past year, CFA responded to nearly 900 escaped burn-offs, which utilised around 19,000 hours of our volunteers’ time. Please don’t leave your burn-off unattended and only burn-off when conditions are favourable.” 

The website allows you to notify emergency services of your burn-off, and also check and apply for a permit, if necessary.   

However, if your burn is taking place within the next two hours, you must register your burn via the phone line on 1800 668 511.   

Before you notify us, make sure you:  

  • Follow regulations or laws by CFA and local council.  
  • Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke.  
  • Check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and a few days afterward.  
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Arrest – Death – Palmerston

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a man after an alleged domestic violence related death in Palmerston overnight.  

Around 10:30pm, police received reports that a woman was unresponsive in the front yard of a residence on Waterhouse Crescent, Driver.

Emergency Services attended the scene and a 31-year-old woman was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.

The 32-year-old male partner of the deceased was arrested at the scene and currently remains in custody.

A crime scene remains in place and detectives from both the Domestic Violence and Major Crime Command are investigating.

Police are urging anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500092725. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 444.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

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Council adopts revised Industrial Land Strategy and Amendment C282gben

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Council has voted to adopt the revised Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy (2025) and the Greater Bendigo Industrial Development Guidelines (2025), as well as adopting Planning Scheme Amendment C282gben, following a Council meeting earlier this week.

These documents work together to provide clear direction around the use of existing industrial land and to provide a 30-year pipeline of industrial land for our growing city.

Planning Scheme Amendment C282gben helps to implement the revised Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy (GBILDS) by making changes to the Municipal Planning Strategy and the Planning Policy Framework of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.

The Amendment also supports the proposed Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct (BREP) and rezones land at 1029 Calder Highway, Maiden Gully from Industrial 1 Zone to Public Conservation and Resource Zone.

Acting Manager Strategic Planning Lauren Watt said adoption of the Amendment follows public exhibition and submissions.

“Amendment C282gben was publicly exhibited from October 31 to December 5, 2024, with 13 submissions received,” Ms Watt said.

“A Panel Hearing was held on May 20, 2025. The Panel considered all the submissions and three parties also presented to the Panel.

“The Panel concluded that most changes proposed by City officers in response to submissions were appropriate, with only two minor changes recommended.

“We will now submit Amendment C282gben to the Minister for Planning for approval.”

Amendment C282gben also includes the adoption and implementation of the new Greater Bendigo Industrial Development Guidelines that will replace the Good Design Guide for Industry 1997. The new guidelines outline how future industrial areas should look, function and perform. 
 

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Cyber Security TAFE Centre of Excellence opens

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Tailored cyber courses will be developed to address emerging skills gaps across the nation.

In brief:

  • A national hub for cyber skills and innovation launched in Canberra.
  • It will serve as a cyber security hub for TAFEs across Australia.
  • It will give future cyber students the opportunity to build on their cyber-security skills.

A national hub for cyber skills and innovation has opened in Canberra.

The Cyber Security TAFE Centre of Excellence is located at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Woden campus.

It will build on existing initiatives in the ACT, including:

  • the Canberra Cyber Hub
  • the Canberra Innovation Network.

The Centre will partner with CIT’s Electric Vehicle (EV) TAFE Centre of Excellence to identify cyber risks in electric vehicles.

Up-skilling our next generation of students

The Centre will:

  • give future students the opportunity to build on their cyber-security skills
  • provide students the opportunity to learn from the best in government, industry and business
  • train students to identify, tackle and prevent national cyber threats
  • provide skills to boost cyber literacy across Australia’s workforce.

Tailored cyber courses will be developed to address emerging skills gaps across the nation.

These will include initiatives for:

  • senior secondary students
  • cross-sector workers
  • final-year trades students aspiring to become small business owners.

A national hub for cyber security

The Centre will serve as a hub for TAFEs across Australia.

Providing professional learning with a focus on strengthening Australia’s sovereign cyber security capability, areas of focus include energy, utilities and critical infrastructure.

The Centre will help to build a pipeline of cyber-ready workers by fast-tracking higher and degree-equivalent apprenticeship pathways and developing micro credentials for university graduates.

This will be the 13th TAFE Centre of Excellence announced across Australia.

The project was jointly funded by the ACT Government and the Federal Government.

TAFE Centres of Excellence foster collaboration between TAFEs and key stakeholders including employers, unions and universities.

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Two injured in serious crash at Spreyton

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two injured in serious crash at Spreyton

Tuesday, 16 September 2025 – 9:57 pm.

Police are investigating a serious traffic crash involving a black Holden Commodore and white Nissan Navara on Sheffield Road, at Spreyton, today (Tuesday).
Police and emergency services were called to the scene of the head-on collision about 4:10pm.
The drivers of both vehicles – a man aged in his 70s and a second man in his early 60s – were taken to Launceston General Hospital with serious injuries.
They were the sole occupants of their vehicles and no one else was injured as a result of the collision.
The road was closed for several hours to allow crash investigators to examine the scene and conduct inquiries.
Police would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding.
Anyone with information, or dash-cam or CCTV footage of the incident, is asked to contact police on 131 444.

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City launches series to reduce landfill waste

Source: South Australia Police

Learn how you can send less to landfill by attending one of our free workshops this October and November.

The City is coordinating a variety of events, workshops and tours as part of the Less to Landfill Series.

The initiative will focus on reducing individual waste impact and increasing the understanding of resource recovery.

Events and workshops include sustainable gardening, plant swaps, sewing and community tours of Good Sammys, Containers for Change, and a local recycling facility.

On October 11, you can also take part in an unofficial world record mending attempt and help keep textiles out of landfill at our Great Global Mend event, delivered in partnership with the City of Stirling.

Full Less to Landfill event schedule:

Gardening in small spaces

Join the Youth team for a sustainable gardening workshop and learn tricks and tips for helping your garden flourish in a small space. For ages 8 to 18 years.

  • 11.30am to 1.30pm, Thursday 2 October at Clarkson Youth Centre
  • No registration required.

Plant swap and wicking bed workshop at Cockman House

Explore the oldest house in Wanneroo, participate in a plant swap and learn how to build an instant water efficient wicking bed for growing plants out of found items.

To join in the plant swap, simply bring a small healthy plant, cutting or seedling to that fits into one of these categories: Seeds, indoor plants, herbs, vegetables or flowers.

  • 1.30 to 4pm, Sunday 5 October at Cockman House (plant swap running during CH opening hours no bookings required. Bookings are required for the wicking bed workshop 2.30 – 3.45pm)
  • Find out more here.

The Great Global Mend

Take part in an unofficial world record mending attempt and help keep textiles out of landfill at our Great Global Mend event!

We’ve partnered with the City of Stirling to host a dedicated mending, clothes swap and sustainability focused event as part of our Less to Landfill series.

Bring your own clothing, cushion or other fabric item to mend, get tips from local community sewing groups, take part in a mini clothes swap event and get ready to join in the world record attempt.

  • 10am to 12pm, Saturday 11 October at Girrawheen Hub

Mending and Alterations Workshop

Hem your pants, mend a tear or sew a button at this free mending workshop! Develop the confidence and skills to learn simple hand and sewing machine techniques.

  • 1pm to 4pm, Saturday 18 October at Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre
  • Find out more here.

Community tour of Good Sammys and Containers for Change

Learn how giving quality items a second life can have a positive impact on this free tour of Containers for Change and Good Sammy stores in Wanneroo, Butler and Clarkson.

The tour includes lunch, a 10 per cent discount on all purchases made during the tour and a $10 Good Sammy gift card to spend instore.

  • 8.30am to 3pm, Wednesday 22 October, departing Wanneroo Civic Centre
  • Register online here.

Fix your op shop finds

Learn hand and machine sewing techniques to fix your op shop finds, or mend, alter and upcycle garments you already own at this free workshop.

  • 1pm to 4pm, Saturday 25 October at Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre
  • Register online here.

National Recycling Week Community tour of recycling facilities

Visit the Cleanaway Material Recovery Facility and CLAW Environmental to learn how your recycling is sorted and processed on this free interactive waste facility tour.

  • 8.30am to 3.30pm, Tuesday 11 November, departing Wanneroo Civic Centre
  • Register online here.

Keep up to date on the City’s events at wanneroo.wa.gov.au/events.