Source: New South Wales – News
The number of lives lost on South Australia roads for 2025 has been revised.
The death of a 57-year-old male cyclist involved in a crash on Lobethal Road, Basket Range on 20 January will not be counted in the number of lives lost.
The current number of lives lost in 2025 is 25.
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We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Honiara. Political unrest can occur in Honiara during Parliament sittings, elections and times of political uncertainty. A motion of no confidence may be moved in Parliament from 6 May. Demonstrations can turn violent quickly. Avoid protests and political gatherings.
Petty crime, break-ins, robbery and more serious offences including sexual assault can occur (see ‘Safety’).
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Restrictions are being extended in the Southwest and Northeast
A lack of rainfall has left vegetation in the state’s South West and parts of the North East susceptible to fire ignition, with some areas as dry as they were during the devastating 1982/83 fire season.
Fire restrictions will be extended in the following municipalities:
All other Victorian municipalities will exit the Fire Danger Period on 1 May, with restrictions already lifted in some areas.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the decision to extend restrictions was necessary to protect communities while dry conditions persisted.
“We know people look forward to the end of the fire season, but in some areas it’s still too risky to lift restrictions,” Jason said.
“While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control.”
Residents in affected areas are reminded that burning off remains prohibited unless a valid permit is obtained.
Since 1 April, CFA has responded to 127 preventable vegetation fires across Victoria, with more than half (53 per cent) caused by escaped burn-offs. Other significant causes included bonfires, campfires, fire pits and fireworks.
“Escaped burn-offs continued to cause significant concern,” Jason said.
“What we want to avoid is preventable fires caused by complacency or misunderstanding.”
“Escaped burns tie up our resources and present a real danger to both the community and our volunteers.”
Jason also urged landowners to help reduce unnecessary callouts, by registering their burn-offs.
“We’re asking all landowners to register their burn-offs online, even if their municipality has exited restrictions,” he said.
“Registering helps prevent false alarms that divert resources from genuine emergencies.”
Under the CFA Act, penalties for lighting an open-air fire without a permit during the Fire Danger Period can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
Landowners can apply for a permit to burn off at firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Burn off safety checklist:
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The FDP will be extended in parts of Victoria
The risk is most prominent in bushland and grasslands in the South West, West and parts of the North East.
Victoria does not usually encounter significant fire behaviour at this time due to the shorter day lengths, sun angle and morning dew, however, under warm, dry and windy conditions, bushfires are likely to spread and would require greater resources than normal to contain.
To best safeguard communities and their properties, residents within the Southern Grampians, Moyne and Warrnambool local government areas will remain in fire restrictions until 12 May, with Glenelg enforced until 19 May and Towong, 26 May.
We ask landowners in these areas that all burning activities are put on hold until restrictions ease, unless permission has been received.
While rainfall is projected, it is still likely to be below average between May and July and although temperatures are dropping, the situation can change quickly, and communities must be prepared.
We understand autumn is an opportune time for residents to clean up their properties, but it is important Victorians check their local fire restrictions before lighting any fire in the open air.
The consequences for individuals can be severe, and the impact and damage of an escaped fire on local communities and emergency services can be devastating.
Whether that involves unnecessary callouts to a private burn-off, a campfire or outdoor cooking, we urge you to remain vigilant, reconsider your plans and ensure your set up is safe and adheres to the conditions of your area.
A written permit is required to burn off for farming practices during the FDP, but due to the fire risk in these regions, permits will be withdrawn, revoked or suspended if deemed unsuitable. Burning off piles of trees and branches does not fall in this category.
Now is not the time for Victorians to be complacent. Conditions are similar to 2013 and 2019, however, the extremity of the current level of dryness in the south west and west of the state is comparable to the extreme 1982/83 bushfire season.
Jason Heffernan
CFA Chief Officer
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30 April 2025
Social workers in First Nations communities need to incorporate Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing at the heart of their supervision practices on Country.
That’s the recommendation from University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers in a new study published in Australian Social Work.
First author Jamie Sorby – a Kamilaroi woman, qualified social worker and UniSA lecturer – says that current supervision practices in social work are centred on Western practices that overlook a community-grounded approach that is valued in First Nations culture.
“Western models of supervision often focus on managerial oversight, risk aversion and clinical outcomes, and are disconnected from the lived realities of both workers and clients in Aboriginal communities,” Sorby says.
“They tend to favour formal, hierarchical structures and overlook cultural values, emotional safety and relational trust.
“For Aboriginal workers, this can feel alienating and unsafe. Supervision should be a space of support, growth and cultural reflection, but often it’s not. This is why culturally responsive models are urgently needed,” she says.
The authors argue that traditional Western approaches to supervision often fail to acknowledge the lived experience of Aboriginal workers or the intergenerational trauma stemming from colonisation. As a result, these approaches contribute to staff burnout, mistrust, and poor retention of First Nations workers in social services.
The study introduces a suite of conceptual maps and visual artefacts that guide supervisors and practitioners to embed cultural safety into their practice.
The work was born out of conversations on Country between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal practitioners who wanted to challenge the status quo and embed Indigenous knowledges into professional development.
“For decades, Aboriginal communities have expressed concerns about social work practices often operating from individualistic models that don’t reflect our collectivist values or ways of being,” Sorby says.
“The issue is not new, it’s just that it hasn’t been listened to or acted on at a systemic level and we want that to change.”
Sorby says the impact on First Nations communities would be “transformative” if social workers were guided by Aboriginal perspectives, working with communities, not on them.
Notes for editors
“Supervision on Country: Enhancing Culturally Safe Social Work Supervision Through First Nations Knowledges” is published in Australian Social Work. DOI: 10.1080/0312407X.2025.2462304
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Contact for interview: Jamie Sorby E: Jamie.Sorby@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As the work takes place, access along shopfronts will be maintained at all times.
Work is underway at Narrabundah shops on Iluka Street.
Narrabundah is one of several local shopping areas across Canberra receiving important public space upgrades.
The work will address access, safety and parking issues.
Improvements will also be made to the centre’s overall look and feel, through the addition of new trees and landscaping.
It’s hoped these improvements will encourage residents to shop local and spend more time in their suburbs.
Find out more about the improvements at Narrabundah shops.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
New ACT laws aim to support tenants experiencing domestic or family violence.
New ACT rental laws to help victim-survivors leave abusive situations are now in place.
The new laws allow tenants who have experienced domestic and family violence to break a lease immediately.
To give their landlord a family violence termination notice, tenants need to provide supporting evidence.
This could include a declaration from a specified list of professionals or a relevant legal order.
Relevant professionals include:
The legislation also seeks to ensure victim-survivors’ confidentiality by preventing landlords or agents from sharing tenants’ sensitive information.
Other reforms include new provisions to protect tenants by:
Further rental reforms to come
From 9 January 2025 landlords will need to provide tenants with:
The unit title rental certificate provides tenants with important information about the owner’s corporation and the common property of their unit’s complex.
These reforms progress the ACT’s commitment to the ‘Better Deal for Renters’ agreed by the National Cabinet. It aims to strengthen renters’ rights across Australia.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi is the 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year.
A young African-Australian community leader has won the 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year Award.
Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi is an Executive Youth Leader at the African Australian Council ACT. She uses her lived experience to be a role model for young people.
In 2019, Ms Rabi emigrated from South Sudan, aged 15. She had lost both her parents at a young age.
Today she encourages celebrating African culture in Canberra. She promotes social cohesion and engagement in the broader community.
Her advocacy promotes inclusivity. It also fosters a greater understanding of the experiences and contributions of African Australians.
The Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate Canberrans aged 12 to 25 who have made a significant contribution to the ACT community.
The awards celebrate young people for achievements in fields such as sport, education, science, culture, the arts and the environment.
There were seven categories in this year’s Awards.
Winner: Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi
Ms Rabi is an Executive Youth Leader at the African Australian Council ACT. She is a powerful advocate for African-Australian youth. She celebrates African culture and promotes social cohesion, helping to reduce isolation and the impact of racial abuse, while encouraging broader community engagement.
Commendation: Ms Tahalianna Mahanga
Winner: Mr Seth Burr
Seth Burr is a Leadership group member at his school. He is also a mentor for younger students and a member of ACT Scouts. He participates in ANZAC Day marches, Gang Shows, peer monitoring, school musicals and fundraising events.
Commendation: Ms Emma Booth
Winner: Miss Jasmine Eldridge
Jasmine Eldridge, a single mother, has overcome many personal challenges. She has gained a diploma in Educational Studies. Through lived experience she advocates for young people with disabilities.
Commendation: Ms Jemma Rule
Winner: Mx Madison (Casey) Barancewicz
Mx Barancewicz is actively involved in Youth Advocacy Groups, projects. These include the ACT Youth Advisory Council, Disability Youth Reference Group, Unruly Girls Youth Ethics Advisory Group, Member and The ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance, the Youth Mental Health Youth Reference Group (YRG).
Commendation: Miss Sonali Varma
Winner: Ms Anjali Sharma
Ms Sharma is a climate activist. She introduced a Bill with Senator David Pocock, called the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill. She did this to compel the Federal Government to take the health of young people into consideration when approving developments that may release greenhouse gases.
Commendation: Ms Yuna Rougeaux
Commendation: Ms Neve Larsen
Winner: Ms Tahalianna Mahanga
Ms Mahanga is a proud young Wiradjuri and Tongan woman. She performs as a solo vocalist. She is also a youth advocate, including the ACT Student Representative at the National School Reform Agreement Ministerial Reference Group. She was involved with The Mindyigari Centre for Excellence at Erindale College and the Gugan Gulwan Youth Association.
Commendation: Ms Grace Flanagan
Winner: St Mary MacKillop College
The Year 12 cohort at St Mary MacKillop College designed the ‘Relay Your Way’ event. This local community initiative celebrates cancer survivorship, honours those we’ve lost, and spurs on the fight against cancer. They raised over $75,000 for the Relay for Life this year, the highest fundraising total for Relay for Life across Australia.
Commendation: ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance Youth Reference Group
Anyone can nominate a young person for an award. People can also self-nominate.
The nominations are assessed by representatives from the:
Find out more about the Awards.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 17-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Karama overnight.
Around 7:45pm, police received reports that two male youths entered a licenced premises on Kalymnos Drive, one of which allegedly threatened a staff member with an edged weapon and stole a quantity of cash from the register.
Security staff attended and the youths fled the scene on foot in the direction of Robyn Leslie Park on Koolinda Crescent.
Strike Force Trident later located and arrested a 17-year-old male who is expected to be charged later today.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25116385. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for a witness in relation to an aggravated robbery in Darwin CBD on Tuesday 15 April.
Serious Crime detectives believe the man pictured could assist with enquiries and are requesting he contact police.
Anyone with information on this man’s whereabouts is urged to contact police on 131 444 and reference job number NTP2500038888.