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Our top tips for Scams Awareness Week

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Tax time is in full swing and so are the scammers! Their aim? To trick you into handing over your personal information so they can steal your identity and commit fraud in your name.

Scams Awareness Week is from 25–29 August 2025. It’s a great reminder to stop and take a sec to check it’s really us contacting you. We know you’re busy, juggling multiple deadlines, but scammers plan on you being distracted.

Do these 3 things to help protect yourself:

  1. Don’t be fooled by emails and texts with QR codes or links to an online portal that claim to be about your tax – that’s a scammer trying to steal your personal information.
  2. When checking the status of your tax return or using online services, always type the URL into your web browser – don’t click a link in a message.
  3. Make sure you protect your TFN, ABN and myID/RAM login details. Never give out your personal information to anyone unless they genuinely need it.

If you think a phone call, SMS, voicemail, email or social media interaction claiming to be from the ATO is not genuine, do not engage with it. You should:

  • go to verify or report a scam to see how to spot and report a scam, or
  • if you have divulged information or paid a scammer money, phone us immediately on 1800 008 540.

Learn more at ato.gov.au/scamsafe.

Keep up to date

We have tailored communication channels just for small businesses – so you’ll always be up to date with the latest information and changes relevant to you.

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Ceremony strengthens community ties

Source: New South Wales – News

Police officers protect the community, and the bond shared with those they serve was celebrated this morning during a special Raksha Bandhan ritual.

‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ to tie, and for the first time at South Australia Police (SAPOL) headquarters members from the Indian Hindu community were welcomed to honour the tradition.

This year, Raksha Bandhan falls on Saturday 9 August, and in India the annual festival celebrates the bond of protection between siblings when sisters tie rakhis on the wrists of their brothers.

In recent years, symbolism of this sibling bond has been extended to honour those who protect and serve the community including soldiers, police, and other emergency service workers.

During SAPOL’s Raksha Bandhan ceremony Indian Hindu community members tied a rakhi on the right wrist of police officers present to represent the bond of protection, care and obligation.

Delicately beaded, the rakhis featured the word ‘samp’, meaning ‘unity’.

Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens thanked all involved in the heartwarming event.

“While brothers promise to protect their sisters, our police strive to protect all in society without asking for anything in return,” he said.

“South Australia embraces many cultures and traditions, and we welcome any opportunity to celebrate diversity and collaboration.

“I know police and our colleagues across other emergency services feel appreciated by this gesture.”

Representing the community, Sangna Joshi explained the tradition to those present, which is deeply rooted in Indian mythology, and thanked all in uniform for their service.

“As police officers you serve on the frontline each and every day safeguarding our community, maintaining peace, and placing the needs of others above your own,” she said.

“Your sacrifice, discipline and courage give us a security and confidence to live our lives freely and safely… so this is a heartfelt expression of our respect, gratitude and admiration of the invaluable role you all play in our society.”

The ceremony concluded with traditional peda sweets offered to signify the sweetness of the bond.

Members from the Indian Hindu community were welcomed to South Australia Police Headquarters this morning for a Raksha Bandhan ritual.

‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ to tie, and the annual festival celebrates the bond of protection between siblings when sisters tie rakhis on the wrists of their brothers.

During SAPOL’s Raksha Bandhan ceremony Indian Hindu community members tied a rakhi on the right wrist of police officers present to represent the bond of protection, care and obligation.

Sangna Joshi was honoured to tie a rakhi on Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens as part of this morning’s ceremony.

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Two female youths charged over Glenorchy incident

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two female youths charged over Glenorchy incident

Friday, 8 August 2025 – 1:43 pm.

Two female youths have been charged in relation to a disturbance and serious assault in Glenorchy on Tuesday in which a 33 year old man sustained injuries.The four male youths from southern Tasmania – two aged 14 and two aged 15 – were arrested on Wednesday and jointly charged with Criminal Code Assault and bailed with conditions.Two 14 year old female youths have since presented themselves at Glenorchy Police Station and were charged with Criminal Code Assault.Detective Inspector Mark Burke said that all the alleged offenders in relation to the incident had now been charged.The man remains in the Royal Hobart Hospital where he is receiving treatment for head injuries and is in a stable condition.

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Floriade NightFest tickets on sale now

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Enjoy an amazing program of entertainment, market stalls and great food and drinks at NightFest this year.

In brief:

  • Floriade’s NightFest tickets are now on sale.
  • NightFest will run on the evenings of 2–5 October from 6:30 pm-10:30 pm.

Tickets to NightFest, Floriade’s dark side, are now on sale.

The exciting program of after-dark live entertainment and horticultural illuminations will run from 2–5 October, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm at Commonwealth Park.

Look forward to four nights of dazzling lights, delicious food and live entertainment.

Science and Nature

Now in its 38th year, Floriade will explore the theme Science and Nature. The garden designs and program are inspired by physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology and botany.

There will be a vibrant mix of:

  • illuminated garden beds
  • live music
  • roving performers
  • market stalls
  • food and drink stalls.

Entertainment

This year’s program features headline performances from two acclaimed Australian artists: Ella Hooper and Josh Pyke.

Josh Pyke will perform on Saturday 4 October.

Ella Hooper will take to the stage on Sunday 5 October.

The Kazador tent will return to NightFest this year with adults-only entertainment.

Kiss Tease Cabaret will combine risqué comedy, circus, burlesque and cabaret. The performance will feature Australian stand-up comedian Peter Berner as MC.

To see what else is on, visit the website.

Food and drink

A welcome boost

In 2024, Floriade and NightFest welcomed over 470,000 attendees. This is the fourth highest in the event’s history and provided a boost to the ACT economy.

These iconic events are a great way to welcome the arrival of spring.

Buying tickets

NightFest tickets are now on sale.

  • adult tickets – $41.50
  • concession – $36.50
  • child – $31.50
  • family passes – $114.50
  • free entry for children aged four and under.

Tickets to the Kazador show must be purchased at the same time as NightFest tickets and are $54.

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Wastewater innovation expert named ACT Scientist of the Year

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Dr McGaughey’s work is based at the ANU’s Research School of Biology.

In brief:

  • The 2025 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year Award has been awarded to Dr Samantha McGaughey.
  • Dr McGaughey is a wastewater innovation scientist based at the ANU’s Research School of Biology.
  • Her research focuses on harvesting clean water from wastewater.

Dr Samantha McGaughey has been named the 2025 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year.

Dr McGaughey is a postdoctoral research scientist. She has been recognised for her pioneering work in wastewater technology.

Her research focuses on creating new technologies that can safely and efficiently recover clean water – including valuable nutrients and minerals – from wastewater. Her work is based at the ANU’s Research School of Biology.

‘It’s a great honour to be named the ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year, and to be able to represent the incredible research and biotechnological innovation happening in the ACT,’ Dr McGaughey said.

‘My research aims to leverage nature’s extraordinary capabilities to develop technology to harvest clean water and critical resources from wastewater.’

About the award

The ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year Award celebrates up-and-coming scientists.

The award:

  • recognises local scientists’ excellence in research and innovation.
  • celebrates work shaping a more sustainable future.
  • reflects the ACT’s shared commitment to building a more resilient and knowledge-driven future
  • build’s on the ACT’s strong history of scientific excellence.

Recipients may inspire students and young people to choose a career in:

  • science
  • technology
  • engineering
  • mathematics.

The award highlights the important role of research in improving everyday lives.

Read more like this

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Arrest – Aggravated robbery – Nightcliff

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested a 35-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Nightcliff yesterday evening.

Around 6:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male had allegedly assaulted a security guard at a supermarket on Dickward Drive before fleeing with stolen items.

It is alleged the male was seen stealing items from the store before attempting to leave. When approached by the security guard, the male allegedly assaulted the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene on foot.

The victim was not injured during the incident and did not require medical assistance.

Extensive patrols were conducted; however, the male was unable to be located at the time.

This morning, Strike Force Trident officers located and arrested a 35-year-old male who remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500079202. You can report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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Grampians fire demonstrates power of shared responsibility

Source:

Ahead of the 2025-26 fire season, CFA is highlighting the exemplary co-ordinated community response shown in the west of the state last fire season.

The Yarram Gap Fire in the Grampians National Park burned more than 76,000 hectares of national park and 13,500 hectares of farmland in December 2024. 

Despite its scale, just four residential properties and 40 outbuildings were destroyed.  

Most notably, no lives were lost, a result CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Regional Commander (Grampians) Mark Gunning AFSM says was not down to chance.  

Speaking at the recent Emergency Management Victoria Conference, Mark credited the successful outcome to the remarkable cooperation and shared responsibility orchestrated between local communities, CFA and other Emergency Services agencies. 

“We need to acknowledge that there were some very significant impacts in a couple of areas, however we’ve never had a fire of this size in the Western District with such minimal loss,” Mark said. 

“That wasn’t luck. It was preparation, planning, and everyone working together. You make your own luck.” 

The Yarram Gap Fire, which was sparked by lightning on 16 December, merged with other large fires and at one stage threatened more than 5,200 homes. 

Mark said it was vital to ensure residents in Watch and Act and Emergency Warning areas understood that a fire truck could not be at every at-risk property. 

“The response we had from the community was a prime example of shared responsibility in action,” he said. 

“It only works if everyone knows their role, and this time people stepped up. Even an imperfect plan is better than no plan. The work you do before a fire starts will pay off when it arrives.” 

In the key days between 18–26 December, before the fire reached populated areas, CFA brigades, Indigenous Fire Teams, local governments, and residents worked side by side. Public information teams held community meetings in Stawell, Halls Gap, Pomonal, and Dunkeld, ensuring locals had timely, accurate information to act. 

Firebreaks were cut, properties prepared, and evacuation plans put into action.  

Mark said the Grampians response is a benchmark for all communities facing the threat of bushfire. 

“We don’t need a fire over the hill to start getting ready. We can start that work today. Clearing vegetation, talking to your family, checking in on your neighbours, it all makes a difference,” he said. 

CFA is encouraging all Victorians to review their Bushfire Plan and prepare their properties ahead of the 2025/26 Fire Danger Period. For more information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.

Submitted by CFA Media
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A new issue of What’s Happening has hit letterboxes

Source: South Australia Police

Check out the August-November 2025 edition of City’s newsletter – providing the latest updates on all the major projects within our boundaries.

The 16-page newsletter highlights an exciting period for the City, as two major projects – Dordaak Kepup library and youth innovation hub and the Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre – reach milestones.

This edition’s cover story is a deep dive on the City’s acquisition of a fully intact lifeboat from private ownership. Recovered from the SS Alkimos, the lifeboat washed up in 1964 and was kept on a property in Two Rocks before recently coming into the City’s collection.

Read more about the mysterious mishaps of the SS Alkimos in the magazine. For example, did you know it originally ran aground near Two Rocks before it ended up in its final location in Alkimos?

In this edition, we also honour the City’s first Freeman, Nick Trandos OAM JP, who was also the last Shire President and first Mayor of the City of Wanneroo.

Our tribute to Nick explores his many achievements, including the legacy he leaves as founder of the Olympic Kingsway Sports Club.

And speaking of Kingsway, if you’ve watched any Australia Cup matches in recent weeks, you would have noticed the incredible quality of the pitch. That’s all thanks to our Turf and Irrigation Technical Officer, Cam, who talks you through his techniques for getting the sporting grounds in tip top shape in ‘5 Minutes With…’.

You’re welcome, Perth Glory, Wellington Pheonix and Melbourne Victory!

We’re sure the immaculate surface played a role in Olympic Kingsway’s triumphant underdog win over Melbourne Victory in the Cup last week.

Our vibrant Kid’s Zone is also back in this edition, with a mini-history lesson on honey and beekeeping around Yanchep.

Be sure to keep an eye out for a copy or visit any of the City’s libraries or Civic Centre to pick one up.

You can also see these stories come to life with video content on What’s Happening digital.

For just its second time, the digital edition of the newsletter contains in-depth interviews with City staff, and a catalogue of images and bonus content which didn’t make its way to print.

To see it, visit www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/whatshappening

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Traffic changes along M7 Motorway in Eastern Creek

Source: Mental Health Australia

Road users are advised of changed traffic conditions on the M7 Motorway in Eastern Creek from Monday 11 August to Friday 15 August 2025, between 9pm and 4am.

The M7 Motorway will be closed to all traffic in one direction at a time during works. The M7 Motorway will be open to all traffic in the opposite direction during each closure.

During the work we will:

  • close the M7 Motorway southbound between Great Western Highway and the M4 Motorway
  • close the M7 Motorway northbound between Mini Link Road and the M4 Motorway.
  • the on-ramps from the M4 Motorway to the M7 Motorway will stay open in both directions while this work takes place.

Vehicles travelling along the M7 Motorway in southbound direction between Great Western Highway and Old Wallgrove Road, Eastern Creek will be detoured via Great Western Highway, Wallgrove Road, M4 Motorway and Old Wallgrove Road during the work.

Vehicles travelling along the M7 Motorway in northbound direction between Mini Link Road and Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek will be detoured via Mini Link Road, Wallgrove Road and Great Western Highway during the work.

Vehicles travelling under a permit must not travel off the approved route listed in their permit unless an updated permit is obtained from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Please keep to the speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs.

Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates across the network download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

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2.2 kilometre Elizabeth Drive upgrade opens as M12 Motorway remains on time and on budget

Source: Mental Health Australia

Government is continuing work to deliver the vital infrastructure rapidly growing Western Sydney communities need, with an upgraded section of Elizabeth Drive opening to traffic – a major milestone in the $2.1 billion toll-free M12 Motorway project.
 

Significant upgrades have taken a 2.2km stretch of Elizabeth Drive from a one lane road, to a three-lane dual carriageway. This transformation will increase road safety by significantly easing congestion for the 28,000 vehicles who drive this route daily.
 

As well as tripling the roadway for motorists, these upgrades also included a bridge that will stretch over the new Western Sydney Airport metro line, and Worimi Drive.
 

Elizabeth Drive is a key access route to the Western Sydney (Nancy-Bird) International Airport and rapidly growing Western Sydney communities including Bradfield, Badgerys Creek, Kemps Creek and greater Liverpool.
 

Once opened the M12 will provide direct access to the Airport and connect the Northern Road in the west with Elizabeth Drive and the M7 Motorway in the East.
Delivered in partnership with the Federal Government the M12 Motorway is on Budget and on time, with 14km of 16km of roadworks now completed opening of the motorway is on track for early next year. This road will remain in public hands.
 

The NSW and Australian Government are also investing a further $800 million for additional improvements on another section of Elizabeth drive, which will see the widening of an additional section from Devonshire Road towards the Airport from one to two lanes in each direction.
 

Planning for this work which will address congestion and increase reliability and safety for the community is currently underway.
 

The Government is investing over $2.7 billion for road infrastructure which will ensure the Aerotropolis meets its full potential, and growing local communities are receiving their fair share. These works which will complement the M12, include:
 

• $50 million for critical road upgrades across the Aerotropolis, including traffic lights and signals at the Elizabeth Drive and Luddenham Road intersection and a new turning lane at the Mamre Road and Kerrs Road intersection.
 

• $39 million to plan three key routes – Devonshire Road, Devonshire Link Road and Bradfield Metro Link Road – including a $12.5 million contribution from the Federal Government.
 

• $29.6 million for an incident management and response team to deploy rapidly to accidents and traffic delays. The new team will support key routes to and from the airport, along with the broader South Western Sydney road network.

•$30 million for more than 1000 new green directional signs across Sydney directing to the Aerotropolis and Western Sydney Airport.
 

For more information about the M12 Motorway and the Elizabeth Drive projects, go to nswroads.work/M12 and nswroads.work/elizabethdrive