Nominations now open for Greater Bendigo Youth Awards

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Awards to celebrate and recognise the everyday contributions, skills, accomplishments and achievements of young people aged between 12 and 25 years of age who work, live and study in Greater Bendigo.

The awards aim to recognize and honour the skills and accomplishments of young individuals across various areas, as reflected in the six award categories which are:

  • Creativity and innovation
  • Contribution to the community
  • Excellence in leadership
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Sustainability and environment
  • Inclusion and equity

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the awards program recognises the everyday contributions of young people in our community that often go unrecognised.  

“By nominating a young person for the Youth Awards, you will help shine a light on their efforts and inspire others. Recognizing these young individuals not only honours their hard work and dedication but also encourages them to continue making positive impacts,” Cr Metcalf said.

“We have exceptional young people in Greater Bendigo who make small and large contributions to the community that have a lasting and positive impact on our lives every day.  Often this goes unrecognised, but they keep quietly working and using their skills and talents to make Greater Bendigo a better place.

“It’s often said that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, but we know that young people are already leaders today. They are kind, creative, innovative, and generous with their time and contribute to improving the lives and experiences of those around them through their actions both big and small.

“If you know a young person who you think should be acknowledged, I encourage you to nominate them for the City’s youth awards.”

Greater Bendigo Youth Mayor Levity Camilleri said the Youth Awards are an incredible way to celebrate and acknowledge the creativity, leadership, and excellence of local young people.

“It’s truly amazing and inspiring to see the diverse skills, contributions, and stories of young people in our community,” Levity Camilleri said.

“It’s important to appreciate young people’s work across the municipality, it helps strengthen our culture, social cohesion, and quality of life. I encourage anyone who knows an exceptional young person who contributes to our community to nominate them for the Youth Awards and to celebrate their contribution.”

Nominations for the Greater Bendigo Youth Awards can be made online until 5pm Tuesday September 30, 2025. 

Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony which will take place on Friday November 21, 2025.

Nominations to the Greater Bendigo Youth Awards may also be considered for the 2026 City of Greater Bendigo Young Citizen Year of the Year award.

The Greater Bendigo Youth Awards were developed with significant input from the City’s Youth Council and are a key action of the Greater Bendigo Youth Action Plan 2023-2024.

To nominate someone, visit:

Weekly injection could be life changing for Parkinson’s patients

Source:

14 July 2025

UniSA PhD candidate Deepa Nakmode and Professor Sanjay Garg in the lab.

A new weekly injectable drug could transform the lives of more than eight million people living with Parkinson’s disease, potentially replacing the need for multiple daily tablets.

Scientists from the University of South Australia (UniSA) have developed a long-acting injectable formulation that delivers a steady dose of levodopa and carbidopa – two key medications for Parkinson’s – over an entire week.

Their findings have been reported in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research.

The biodegradable formulation is injected under the skin or into muscle tissue, where it gradually releases the medication over seven days.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disorder, affecting more than 8.5 million people worldwide. Currently there is no cure and the symptoms – tremors, rigidity and slow movement – are managed with oral medications that must be taken several times a day.

The frequent dosing is a burden, especially for elderly patients or those with swallowing difficulties, leading to inconsistent medication levels, more side effects, and reduced effectiveness.

Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg, from UniSA’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, says the newly developed injectable could significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient adherence.

“Our goal was to create a formulation that simplifies treatment, improves patient compliance, and maintains consistent therapeutic levels of medication. This weekly injection could be a game-changer for Parkinson’s care,” Prof Garg says.

“Levodopa is the gold-standard therapy for Parkinson’s, but its short life span means it must be taken several times a day.”

UniSA PhD student Deepa Nakmode says the in-situ implant is designed to release both levodopa and carbidopa steadily over one week, maintaining consistent plasma levels and reducing the risks associated with fluctuating drug concentrations.

“After years of focused research, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our innovation in long-acting injectables for Parkinson’s disease reach this stage. Our invention has now been filed for an Australian patent,” Nakmode says.

The injectable gel combines an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer PLGA with Eudragit L-100, a pH-sensitive polymer, to achieve a controlled and sustained drug release.

Extensive lab tests confirmed the system’s effectiveness and safety:

  • More than 90% of the levodopa dose and more than 81% of the carbidopa dose was released over seven days.
  • The implant degraded by over 80% within a week and showed no significant toxicity in cell viability tests.
  • The formulation can be easily administered through a fine 22-gauge needle, minimising discomfort and eliminating the need for surgical implant.

“The implications of this research are profound,” Prof Garg says. “By reducing the frequency of dosing from multiple times a day to a weekly injection is a major step forward in Parkinson’s therapy. We’re not just improving how the drug is delivered; we’re improving patients’ lives.”

Prof Garg says the technology could also be adapted for other chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, pain management, and chronic infections that require long-term drug delivery.in

The system can be tuned to release drugs over a period ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on therapeutic needs.

UniSA scientists hope to start clinical trials in the near future and are exploring commercialisation opportunities.

The study, titled “Development of an in-situ forming implant system for levodopa and carbidopa for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease,” is authored by Professor Sanjay Garg,  Deepa Nakmode, Dr Sadik Abdella and Dr Yunmei Song. DOI: 10.1007/s13346-025-01892-y

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Contact for interview: Professor Sanjay Garg E: sanjay.garg@unisa.edu.au

Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142  E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

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Stolen BMW recovered at Elizabeth East

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are still looking for a driver who stole a car during a break-in at Norwood overnight.

Police were called to a report of a break-in and car theft from a home on Kensington Road, Norwood about 1.45am on Monday 14 July.

An intruder broke into the house and stole a handbag, wallet and car keys to the red BMW hatchback parked in the driveway.

The stolen car’s onboard tracking showed it outside several addresses in Royston Park before it led police across the northern suburbs to Adare Court, Elizabeth East where the car was located, abandoned at 2.45am.

Police searched the area with the assistance of PolAir and Police Dog Enzo, but the suspect was not located.

Police found another set of car keys to a Subaru inside the stolen BMW and ask any residents in the Norwood, Royston Park area to check to see if they have also had keys stolen overnight.

Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Man charged following alleged evade in Hobart’s northern suburbs

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man charged following alleged evade in Hobart’s northern suburbs

Monday, 14 July 2025 – 6:47 am.

A 27 year old man from Hobart’s northern suburbs has been charged following an alleged evade incident in Hobart’s northern suburbs yesterday.

The man, who was wanted by police in relation to alleged family violence matters, was safely taken into custody at a Glenorchy petrol station about 2.50pm while he was attempting to refuel.

Police allege the man, who was riding a motorcycle, had earlier evaded police in Bridgewater and Berriedale.

No one was injured during the incident.

The man has been charged with:

Evade Police (Aggravated Circumstances) x 3
Drive whilst not the holder of a drivers licence x 3
Dangerous Driving x 1
Assault x 1
Tamper with Monitoring device x 2,
Breach of Interim Family Violence Order x 7,
Breach of Court bail x 20
Contravene Conditions of a notice (Breach of Police Bail) x 13

The man has been detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court this morning.

Man in custody following alleged evade in Hobart’s northern suburbs

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man in custody following alleged evade in Hobart’s northern suburbs

Sunday, 13 July 2025 – 3:20 pm.

A 27 year old man from Hobart’s northern suburbs is in custody following an alleged evade incident in Hobart’s northern suburbs today.
The man, who was wanted by police in relation to alleged family violence matters, was safely taken into custody at a Glenorchy petrol station about 2.50pm while he was attempting to refuel.
Police allege the man, who was riding a motorcycle, had earlier evaded police in Bridgewater and Berriedale.
Police resources including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were used to safely take the man into custody.
Inspector Ian Mathewson said that no one was injured during the incident, however investigations are ongoing.
“The motorcycle was a blue Suzuki registration A688X, with the rider wearing black clothing with a black and white helmet. Police are urging anyone with information or dash cam footage relating to the blue Suzuki to contact Bridgewater Police on 131444,” Inspector Mathewson said.

Arrest – Domestic violence – Coconut Grove

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 42-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Coconut Grove yesterday.

Around 1:30pm, police received a report of an aggravated assault occurring on Dick Ward Drive in Coconut Grove. It is alleged the male offender was physically assaulting his female partner who fell unconscious as a result of the assault.

Witnesses to the incident provided initial first aid to the victim prior to police arrival. She was subsequently conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital by St John Ambulance for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested the offender at the scene.

He has since been charged with Aggravated assault, Choking, strangling or suffocating, Intend serious harm, cause harm, and Make a threat to kill. He was remanded in custody to appear in court on 14 July 2025.

Police would like to thank the bystanders who provided aid to the victim. Anyone who has information in relation to the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500070677.

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.

Crash on West Terrace, Adelaide

Source: New South Wales – News

Emergency services are at the scene of a crash on West Terrace, Adelaide.

The collision occurred about 12.30pm on Sunday 13 July near the intersection of West Terrace and Franklin Street, Adelaide.

West Terrace is currently closed for northbound traffic from Franklin Street.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible.

13 year old boy injured in motorbike crash

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

13 year old boy injured in motorbike crash

Sunday, 13 July 2025 – 11:20 am.

Police are investigating after a 13 year old boy was injured in a motorbike crash on an East Coast fire trail yesterday.
Police were notified by Ambulance Tasmania about 11.30am in relation to a boy being injured in a motorbike crash and needing to be airlifted to Hobart.
The boy is believed to have been riding on fire trails with family members when he came off the bike.
After the crash, the boy was able to ride back to the Chain of Lagoons, and from there was airlifted to Hobart with serious but non life threatening injuries.
Members of the public are reminded that fire trails and forest roads are public streets and drivers must be licensed and using registered vehicles. The road rules apply on these roads as they do on any other.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact St Helens Police on 131444.

Car into tree at Wasleys

Source: New South Wales – News

A driver was injured in a serious crash at Wasleys this morning.

The single vehicle collision occurred about 5.20am on College Road, Wasleys.

A car left the road and hit a tree.

The driver was extricated from the wreckage by emergency services and taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Westbound traffic on College Road will remain closed while police examine the scene and investigate the circumstances around the crash.

Teenage driver arrested after pursuit in Athol Park

Source: New South Wales – News

A teenage boy has been arrested following a brief pursuit with a stolen car in the western suburbs overnight.

Just before 9pm Saturday 12 July, Western District patrols spotted a Ford sedan driving on Athol Street at Athol Park. Checks on the registration revealed it had been stolen from a home at Elizabeth Downs earlier that morning.

Police tried to stop the car however the driver refused and the Ford was pursued along Glenroy Street and Park Avenue. The sedan turned onto Alicia Street where the driver jumped out of the moving car and fled on foot.

Police gave chase and quickly arrested the teen nearby.

The car rolled into a small tree, causing minor damage to the front of the car and number plate.

The 15-year-old boy was charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle, driving unlicensed and dangerous driving to escape police pursuit.  He has not applied for bail and will appear in the Adelaide Youth Court tomorrow, Monday 14 July.

The Ford was towed from the scene for forensic examination and will be returned to the owner.