AU Engine

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

The Virtual Women’s Health Clinic has helped hundreds of women and girls access free healthcare in its first year of operation, connecting them with expert support and advice.

Since its launch, the statewide service has supported over 850 Victorian women and girls through phone and video appointments, helping women access timely care without the need to travel long distances or face lengthy wait times for appointments.

With free appointments and no referral required, the service is helping women access sexual and reproductive healthcare, as well as support for some of the most common and complex health conditions affecting women.

Over its first year, the most common reason women accessed the service was for medical abortion, with over 300 clients supported with safe and non-judgemental care. The clinic also delivered more than 250 appointments for menopause and perimenopause care, more than 150 appointments for pelvic pain and endometriosis care and supported more than 100 women with contraception advice and prescriptions, including long-acting reversible contraception options.

Women also accessed the Virtual Women’s Health Clinic for a range of other health issues including sexual health testing, menstrual health, cervical screening and breast health care.

In particular, the clinic has played an important role in improving access to care for women living in rural and regional Victoria, connecting them with healthcare from home or anywhere – and reducing the burden of travel.

One year on, the Virtual Women’s Health Clinic continues to make quality women’s healthcare just a click or phone call away, ensuring more Victorian women and girls get the care and support they need, when they need it – no matter where they live.

The Virtual Women’s Health Clinic is delivered as part of the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program, transforming the way women’s health issues are treated in Victoria. The $153.9 million package over four years also includes the delivery of 20 Women’s Health Clinics in public hospitals, an expanded network of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs based in community health services, a dedicated Aboriginal Women’s Health Clinic, and Nina – the Mobile Women’s Health Clinic.

For more information, see Virtual Women’s Health Clinic on the Better Health Channel.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Labor Government will create a new Fair Work Court to provide simpler, fairer and faster justice for working Australians.

A fair workplace relations system relies on workers and employers being able to resolve disputes quickly and fairly.

The current court system for workers and employers can be costly, complex to navigate, and slow to respond to the needs of modern workplaces.

Currently, some workers and small businesses are spending more than two years fighting for a resolution that should be simple.

They also shouldn’t be in a situation where their case will cost more than their claim is worth.

The new federal Fair Work Court will provide a specialist forum for resolving workplace relations disputes that works seamlessly with the Fair Work Commission.

Specialist judges with workplace relations expertise would sit on the Court, with the aim of supporting faster, simpler and more accessible dispute resolution.

A new Fair Work Court is decades in the making, after the Howard Government abolished the last industrial relations court in 1997.

The Government will consult on the design of the proposed court this year.

Consultation will help shape how the Court works, including how it will work with the existing Fair Work Commission, and how it will improve access to justice and better support workers and employers navigating disputes.

Workers, employers, and legal experts will be able to provide feedback before the Government considers the court’s final design and next steps.

More details will be released soon about the consultation process.

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:

“Australians who have been underpaid hundreds, even thousands, of dollars shouldn’t have to wait years for justice, or be told their case will cost more than their claim.

“That’s why Labor will fix it – with the Fair Work Court to resolve disputes faster and at lower cost, benefiting employees and employers alike.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:

“A Fair Work Court will make a significant difference to help workers receive the entitlements and pay they worked hard for.  

“It is important the system works fairly and efficiently for workers and employers.

“Specialist judges with workplace relations expertise would ensure workplace matters are considered by people with appropriate expertise.

“We want to get this right, which is why consultation will be central to shaping the design of the proposed court.”

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General, Michelle Rowland:

“The Albanese Government is committed to enabling timely and effective access to justice for more Australians.

“The new Fair Work Court will create a streamlined dispute resolution pathway, drawing on the expertise of specialist judges to make it easier and simpler for workers and businesses to navigate the legal system.

“The Government looks forward to consulting with workers, business and the legal profession on the final design of the court.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Labor Government is expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payment to people training in an additional ten key front line health professions. This will provide cost of living relief for students and support our future healthcare workforce.

Unpaid practical placements are a big part of healthcare degrees. For some courses such as radiography, it is more than a year of the degree. For that commitment, many students have to give up paid work and many have to move away from home.

Paid prac provides financial support to help students while they undertake practical training. Paid prac already covers eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students.

The Albanese Labor Government is now expanding it to eligible students studying these ten courses: 

• clinical psychology
• physiotherapy
• occupational therapy
• speech pathology
• paramedicine
• radiography
• pharmacy
• rehabilitation therapies
• audiology
• podiatry

This is another way the Albanese Government is helping with the cost of living in addition to policies such as our 20 per cent cut to student debt, tax cuts for every taxpayer, cheaper childcare and backing wage rises.

Eligible students currently receive $338.60 per week during their clinical and professional placement periods. It is a means tested payment benchmarked to the single Austudy rate and indexed annually.

Paid prac is reducing financial pressure on students and allowing them to spend less time worrying about paying the bills and more time focused on their training.

It helps students doing placements when they have to relocate, including in the bush. Travel, accommodation and relocation costs can discourage students from undertaking placements in regional and remote Australia, where health workforce shortages are often most acute.

The expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment will help more students manage these costs, complete their qualifications and move into critical health and care jobs.

Expanding paid prac to more healthcare professions will help to continue building the health workforce Australia needs and strengthen Medicare.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Paid prac is already making a real difference – it’s helping students with cost of living while they train and that’s why we’re expanding it.

“This is an investment in our future healthcare workforce. We need more of them and this will help more Australians get the qualifications our nation needs.

“We’re backing Australians to get the education they need and this announcement builds on our reduction to student debt, free TAFE and tax cuts that put money back in people’s pockets.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler:

“The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by growing the health workforce Australians need.

“Training a domestic health workforce is crucial to ensuring every Australian can access quality health care where and when they need it.

“These are people who are going to look after us when we’re sick or old, helping women during childbirth, helping Australians living with disability.

“This expansion means that if you’re training to be a pharmacist, physio or psychologist, you’ll also now have a bit of extra help to get through.

“This will make a big difference for students doing placements in the bush who face extra costs when they’re training away from home.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Paid prac is working, that’s why we’re expanding it.

“Paid prac helps to pay the bills, pay the rent and pay for things like petrol and parking.

“Paid prac is making a difference now for students training for some of the most important jobs in our country.

“We’re expanding paid prac so more front line health workers will get that cost-of-living help while they train.

“This will help more students finish their qualifications and move into the jobs the country needs.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police have arrested three female youths following an aggravated burglary that occurred in Alice Springs in the early hours of this morning.

Around 1:15am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of intruders at a residence in Gillen. It is alleged the offenders gained entry after smashing a window with a garden tool.

A 24-year-old female occupant woke to the sound and observed the offenders inside the residence before securing herself inside a bedroom.

Police responded and arrested a 14-year-old and two 15-year-olds, after finding them hiding inside the residence. They remain in police custody at this time with charges expected to follow.

A crime scene was declared, and no injuries were reported to police. At this stage it is unknown if any items were stolen or if additional offenders were involved.

Investigations remain ongoing and police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444.

Please quote reference P26209100.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Junior members from four northwestern CFA fire brigades were treated to a Challenge Camp over the school holidays, working on their teamwork, camaraderie and decision-making skills.

More than 40 camp goers gathered at Doxa’s Malmsbury’s Camp on July 6-8, including 29 juniors aged between 11 and 16 years old from Maiden Gully, Glenlyon, Gisborne and Heathcote Fire Brigades and their junior leaders.

CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Regional Commander Tim Holland made a guest appearance, joining in on the activities during both the day and the evening before presenting CFA value awards to six juniors.  

Doxa’s is a not-for-profit organisation who support kids. They kindly organised transportation for brigade members on V/Line and facilitated activities during the day across the camp’s duration.

Maiden Gully Junior Leader Aleisha Shay said the camp was a huge success, and that the juniors brought an incredible amount of energy, enthusiasm and team spirit to every activity.

“Seeing the way the juniors supported each other and their ability to take on new challenges really demonstrated the true CFA spirit of teamwork – it was fantastic,” Aleisha said.

“Whether we were tackling the low ropes course, challenging their strategic thinking in the indoor activity, flying through the air on the giant swing, clambering up the Giants ladder or just cheering support around the GaGa pit, they represented their brigades incredibly well and we couldn’t be prouder.

“We mixed up the ages in the groups and it was so great to see them encouraging each other – and not just their mates. You could really see it in their connections from day one.

“We jam packed as many activities in there as we could, and the leaders got to have a go too which was great. We had a juniors vs leader and teachers dodgeball game and that got very competitive.”

While Aleisha said the GaGa pit was a highlight for everyone as it was an all-in activity, the games on offer after hours like the pool tables and the table tennis tables got a good run, as did the campfires and movies at night.

“You could go into any room and it’d be juniors from all brigades of any age, helping each other and having fun altogether,” Aleisha said.

“The camp could not have been possible without the generosity of our junior leaders and volunteers who took time out of their lives to help make the camp safe, successful and a heap of fun for everyone.”

11-year old participant from Maiden Gully Evelyn Shay said she enjoyed the camp and is very much looking forward to going again. 

“I had so much fun heading up the giant ladder – I was so excited to get all the way to the top,” Evelyn said.

“I made lots of new friends from different brigades and I hope to catch up with them again.”

Evelyn’s brother 13-year old Reuben Shay also appreciated getting to know other brigade members and said the giant swing was his favourite activity.  

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The quick actions of a Mooroolbark family have helped prevent a fire from spreading through their home, after a blaze recently ignited in their garage.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

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Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

What binds CFA members is the common goal to protect lives and property. But they are a diverse bunch – every member has a story and Faces of CFA introduces you to just some of those stories.

JOSEPH STUBBERFIELD, STAWELL FIRE BRIGADE

What is your CFA role?

Fifth lieutenant and health & safety and communications officer. I’m also co-chair of the West and South West Region Fire Medical Response (FMR) Committee.

Why did you join?

There’s a joke I tell that my father’s burnoffs had a habit of getting away from him and that CFA claimed his firstborn as a result. The truth is I’ve always wanted to give back to my community. When we lived in Killawarra, the Warby Ranges and surrounds always had significant fire risk and joining the local brigade just felt like the right thing to do. It’s more than volunteering – it’s about being there for people when they need it most.

What incident has had the greatest impact on you?

The 2024 Grampians fires. I was crew leader on Stawell Tanker 1 when we were forced to retreat and shelter at the oval as the fire front came through. I learned a lot that day that took me months to process. My driver reminding me to clear the dash while we sheltered in the oval is a  moment lodged in my memory. When the front passed, we went back out looking for properties to protect or save.

Driving through, we saw fewer cars at houses than there had been on our reconnaissance run before the fire. CFA messaging and the language around Catastrophic days meant that people left early and as a result weren’t home when the fire came through.

Who have been your mentors in CFA?

There have been many along the way. Stawell Captain Mal Nicholson has been a real mentor. He brings a level-headed approach to every situation, and on the fireground always seems to be a few steps ahead of any job. He’s also someone who always makes time for a chat, which tells you a lot about how much he cares for the people around him.

Looking back, Sue Sheldrick from Killawarra was an early influence. The positivity she brings to everything set a tone I’ve tried to carry with me. More broadly, CFA is loaded with good people giving their best. The organisation has more mentors in it than most people realise.

What have been the highlights of your time in CFA?

Strike team deployments and the big jobs always stand out. But some of the moments that stay with me most are the smaller ones. On a community safety visit to a kindergarten, I came in masked up in BA to help the kids understand that the noise it makes isn’t something to be afraid of – a skill that might just save their lives one day. One boy was clearly frightened when I came through the door. I made calm eye contact and gave him a thumbs up and space to become comfortable and approach me if he wanted. By the time I unmasked, he’d come forward and seemed much less scared.

That small moment meant a lot. It’s also the little acts, such as going into a burned property to retrieve something of value to the owner, or getting a water container for a dog at a car accident, that matter.

How do you motivate your brigade members?

I try to listen and think about things from their perspective and look for ways to lift other people up. My approach is consultative. There are people around me who know a great deal more than I do in many areas and I try to learn from them whenever I can. Loyalty matters to me too. I want the people I work alongside to know I’ve got their back.

What lessons are you most keen to pass onto other members?

If you want to step up, speak up. There are a lot of good people in CFA but everyone has day jobs and lives outside CFA. If you want more, talk to someone on your BMT, find a mentor who leads the way you’d like to lead. And remember, there is so much more to contribute than just jumping on a truck.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I get a chance to switch off properly, I love getting out into the hills with my family. Walking through the Grampians is a particular favourite. There’s a peace in the bush that’s hard to find anywhere else and sharing that with the most important people in your life is important.

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force advises that the Nightcliff Police Station front counter will permanently close at 4:00pm today, Wednesday 22 July 2026, as part of the transition of the facility to the future headquarters of Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services.

Members of the public requiring police front counter services after this time are encouraged to attend the nearest police stations located at:

• Darwin Police Station
• Casuarina Police Station
• Palmerston Police Station

The closure of the front counter will not impact frontline policing services in Nightcliff or surrounding communities. Police will continue to provide operational policing, emergency response, crime prevention and community safety services across the region.

The transition follows the Northern Territory Government’s announcement that the Nightcliff facility will become the new headquarters for Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services, providing a dedicated home for the agency and supporting the delivery of emergency services across the Territory.

Members of the public requiring police services can contact Police Assistance on 131 444, or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Source: Tasmania Police

Be prepared: Police urge caution as hazardous weather approaches

Wednesday, 22 July 2026 – 3:45 pm.

Police are urging motorists and bushwalkers to be aware of hazardous weather conditions across the state in coming days, with the potential for ice and snow in the West and Central regions, and strong winds in the far South.
“Our advice is simple – focus on your safety, and the safety of others around you,” Acting Inspector Daniel Moore said.
“Motorists must be prepared, drive to the conditions and take note of the forecasts and warnings that are in place.
“Check the road status before heading off, obey any road closure signs, and be prepared for changing, potentially dangerous conditions.”
A Bushwalkers Alert and a Road Weather Alert have been issued for snow above 400m across the Western and Central Plateau districts during tomorrow (Thursday). Snow and ice on roads will make driving conditions dangerous in elevated areas.
Snow is expected to fall in the Central Highlands from this evening.
Bushwalkers are advised that strong westerly winds, low temperatures and snow falling to around 400m are expected during Thursday. Snow may fall to around 300m in the southwest.
A Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds is current for the far south of Tasmania from Thursday afternoon until early Friday. Gusts above 100 km/h are expected across the area during this time, with gusts of 70 to 90km/h expected elsewhere.
“Snow and ice can develop quickly and make roads extremely dangerous, leaving motorists at risk of becoming stranded if they are not adequately prepared.” Acting Inspector Moore said.
“If your vehicle is not suitable for snow and icy conditions, or you don’t have the necessary equipment, such as snow chains, you should reconsider your travel plans.
“If you’re looking to go into the outdoors and wilderness areas for bushwalking, then you must be fully prepared for the rugged and changing conditions.
“Don’t walk alone, let someone know where you are going and your expected return time, and make sure you have all the necessary equipment such as warm and water-proof clothing, food, water, shelter and a personal safety location device and fully charged mobile phone.”
For bush walking safety advice, go to: parks.tas.gov.au/safety-in-parks
Tasmania Police Community Alerts: www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/
Bureau of Meteorology Tasmania forecasts and warnings: www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/index.shtml?ref=hdr