Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s best sandwiches

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • This list includes cafes and delis from around Canberra.

    Chicken, roast beef, curried egg, salad, tuna or jam – however you like them, there’s a sandwich for everyone. We’re here to help you discover the best sandwiches Canberra has to offer.

    We asked Canberrans on WeAreCBR to name their favourite sandwich spot. These were the standouts, as voted by you:

    Located in No Name Lane, Sandoochie is open Monday-Friday to feed the working Canberrans. You will hardly ever see this joint without a line out the door. They offer a tantalising choice of 3-4 sandwiches and change the menu weekly.

    Blue Olive Café is located in the Melbourne Building. They offer a range of great Chunky New York style sandwiches for your next work lunch.

    This place not only offers great sandwiches and coffee, but you can grab both without even leaving your car. Kickstart is a drive-through cafe located in Fyshwick and Dickson, and they’ve just opened a third location in Belconnen.

    Melted menu items range from cheese toasties to Mi Goreng noodles – anything you would think wouldn’t go on a toastie is on offer.

    With over 10 locations in Canberra, Two Before Ten has become a go-to brunch and lunch spot. Of course they are offering up some solid sandwiches. They’ve got them fresh or toasted, and gluten-free and vego options.

    San Churro is a first and foremost a dessert venue, but who would’ve guessed they are also serving up some delicious toasties?!

    Hop into Bad Bunny for a great selection of sandwiches. They’ve got it all, from pork belly, corned beef to crispy chicken. They also have a great plant-based option of pulled mushroom with vegan cheese and vegan mayo.

    Bean Origin serves up great breakfast and lunch items. Try one of their delicious steak-sandwiches or toasties!

    &Sando is the casual counterpart to Matt Moran’s Compa. The menu features fresh deli counter sandwiches and pastries. Keep an eye out for the specials – past favourites have included Bolognese, provolone and bechamel, and a toasted truffle sando.

    Al’s Diner is bringing the New York-style deli experience to Alinga Street. Choose from fresh or hot sandwiches with flavours like beef & pickle, mushroom melt, chicken salad or the schnitty roll.

    You’ll find this bakery tucked away at the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. They’re well-loved for their breads and pastries, and their sandwiches are just as delicious. Choose from ciabatta or sourdough with options like hot salami, smoked salmon, marinated pumpkin or roasted capsicum.

    The sandwiches at Café Stepping Stone come with a side of social good. Stepping Stone create employment opportunities for migrant and refugee women. The potato masala toastie or green Reuben toastie are available at both locations.

    You’ll find this Dutch-inspired patisserie inside Manuka Court. Their display shelves are filled with pastries, cakes, and croquembouche. Regulars love the toasted and fresh sandwich options.

    Lava is well-known for their coffee, but did you know they offer tasty toasties? Flavours include classics like ham, cheese and tomato, as well as chorizo, chilli jam, basil and Swiss cheese.

    Empanadas and coffee are specialties of this suburban gem. They also offer pastries as well as fresh or toasted sandwiches.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Casey Community Recreation Park now open

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The park includes a multi-purpose court for playing different sports.


    In brief:

    • Casey Community Recreation Park is now open.
    • It is located between Plimsoll Drive and Yeend Avenue.
    • It includes equipment for the local community to get active outdoors.

    The new Community Recreation Park in Casey is now open.

    The park is located between Plimsoll Drive and Yeend Avenue.

    The park is designed to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community. It includes equipment and facilities for the whole community to get active outdoors.

    The play equipment has an emphasis on playing in nature. It includes equipment for all abilities. There are different areas for children to climb, hang, balance and explore. There is a forest ant springer for smaller children and a basket swing.

    Sandstone walls add a natural textural element to the space and provide further opportunities for balance and play. There are also plenty of benches around the space where parents can sit while supervising their children.

    Other new equipment includes:

    • a multi-purpose court for different sports
    • a cricket net
    • a flying fox.

    There are also shade structures, a barbecue and a picnic area for family or community gatherings. There are plenty of grassy areas for play and recreation.

    Accessible toilet facilities are available, as well as additional parking spaces including one accessible space. The surfaces have been upgraded and lighting has been installed. A non-verbal signage board clearly marks the space.

    The updated park space is next to Casey Dog Park. Together, the area is the perfect spot for local families to exercise, play and socialise.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Where to spot platypus in Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    These aquatic mammals are a sign of healthy waterways.


    In brief:

    • August is Platypus Month
    • The end of winter is a great time to spot them in the region
    • Learn how to take part in a platypus survey.

    Canberra and the surrounding region is home to several platypus populations. You could live closer to one than you might think.

    Platypus, known as “Mulanggang” in Ngunnawal language, are iconic creatures. Their presence signifies healthy landscapes and waterways.

    August is Platypus Month. The end of winter is an ideal time to spot platypuses as they are more active during the day.

    During August, Canberrans are invited to join one of 28 group surveys. These surveys help get a better understanding of platypus numbers in the rivers and creeks in the ACT region.

    Citizen scientists can learn how to spot a platypus while helping researchers monitor local populations.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    What does a survey involve?

    Each survey takes two hours. It includes:

    • meeting on site
    • a survey briefing
    • walking to the survey location
    • surveying for one hour
    • returning to the meeting point and handing in your data sheet.

    Who can participate?

    You don’t need to have had any experience to participate. You can book into as many surveys as you would like.

    Where are the surveys happening?

    Surveys are taking place at:

    • Point Hut Crossing
    • Queanbeyan River
    • Jerrabomberra Wetlands
    • Lower Molonglo at Namarag.

    There are also surveys in the Snowy Mountain region, at Cooma Creek and Mittagong Crossing.

    How else can I see platypus?

    Waterwatch is also running free walks on the Queanbeyan River and the Lower Molongo River.

    It’s the perfect way to spend a crisp winter morning learning more about the platypus.

    You can also use the Platty and Ratty Portal on the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch website. The portal tracks sightings of platypus and rakali (also known a water rats). You can use it to log sightings at any time of the year.

    Another spot to see platypuses is to visit the Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The Sanctuary gives visitors the opportunity to view platypuses and bird species at the ponds.

    Where can I find out more about platypus in the ACT?

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra Hospital’s new building now open

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Four-bed room in an inpatient unit within the new Critical Services Building (Building 5).


    In brief:

    • Canberra Hospital’s new Critical Services Building (Building 5) opened on Saturday, 17 August 2024.
    • This includes the new Emergency Department (ED).
    • If you need to attend the ED, please go straight to Building 5.

    Canberra Hospital’s new Critical Services Building opened on Saturday, 17 August 2024. It is called Building 5.

    Many of the critical care services located across the hospital can now be found in Building 5.

    Services that have moved to Building 5

    Building 5 now houses:

    • the main entry and reception
    • the emergency department
    • operating theatres and day of surgery admission
    • the Sterilising Services Unit
    • the intensive care unit
    • cardiac catheterisation laboratories
    • several inpatient wards, including Acute Cardiac Care Unit, Acute Medical Unit, Emergency General Surgery and Trauma, Neurosurgery and Oral Maxillofacial and Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
    • medical imaging
    • the helideck.

    The new Emergency Department

    The new Emergency Department (ED) in Building 5 opened on Saturday, 17 August.

    The ED in Building 12 has now closed.

    If you need to go to the ED

    If you need to attend the ED, please go straight to Building 5.

    There is a separate entrance to the ED on the southern side of Hospital Road, off Bateson Road.

    You can also drop off and pick up at the entrance.

    The closest parking is in the southern multi-storey car park on Bateson Road. This is less than 300m away.

    Signs across the hospital will help you find you way around.

    Operating theatres and other services

    Perioperative services, including operating theatres, have begun in Building 5.

    This includes both emergency and elective procedures.

    The move to Building 5

    The move into the new building took place in one day.

    This included relocating around 160 patients in several inpatient wards.

    Staff will also move over 3,000 items to the new building – from IV poles to wheelchairs.

    Around 3,000 staff have received training to work in the new building.

    Find more information on Building 5 at the Canberra Health Services website.


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: More transport options for a growing city

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Clean energy expert named ACT Scientist of the Year

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Protect yourself against respiratory illness

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    There are still many Canberrans becoming unwell with influenza, whooping cough and COVID-19.


    In brief

    • Respiratory illnesses are common in winter and leading into spring.
    • Vaccination and talking to your doctor are important steps in keeping well.
    • Staying home when sick and exercising good hygiene are also key to looking after yourself and the community.

    Spring is in sight but there is still plenty of respiratory illness around.

    Throughout winter, many unwell Canberrans have presented to doctors with influenza, whooping cough and COVID-19 symptoms.

    Dr Melanie Dorrington, the ACT Chief GP and Primary Care Advisor, says there has been a high number of influenza cases in the ACT and right across Australia this year.

    She is keen to remove the perception that some of these illnesses are not that serious.

    “It’s important to know that these illnesses are more than just colds”, she said.

    “Influenza and COVID, for example, are both highly contagious viruses that can affect people of all ages. These illnesses can affect everyone differently and people with health conditions and older people are at higher risk of severe illness.

    “There are actions people can take to help keep well while also protecting others in the community”.

    It’s not too late to vaccinate

    Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness It also helps protect the more vulnerable in the community. This includes babies too young to be vaccinated and others who can’t be vaccinated.

    If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, it’s not too late to do so.

    “It generally takes two weeks following vaccination to be protected,” Dr Mel said.

    “Given that these illnesses still hang around throughout spring, if you haven’t been vaccinated for influenza this year or had a COVID-19 vaccination, if you’re eligible, then now is the time.

    “You should talk to your GP or pharmacist about which vaccines are recommended and funded for you as it can depend on your age, health risks, and other individual circumstances.”

    Simple steps to stay well

    If you’re at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, it’s important to speak to your healthcare team before you become unwell.

    Things to ask your GP:

    • If I become unwell, what kind of tests should I have?
    • Do I need a PCR pathology request form? If so, how can I get one?
    • Am I eligible to take COVID or influenza antiviral treatments? If so, how can I access them early in my illness?

    There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others.

    “Stay home if you are unwell and don’t send your children to school or daycare if they are sick. Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene and look after your physical and mental health,” Dr Mel said.

    Find more information on how to be well this winter.

    Dr Melanie Dorrington


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Former Citizen of the Year blooms

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Nip started GG’s Flowers to support her younger sister Gayana, who has Down Syndrome.


    In brief:

    • Nip Wijewickrema was awarded Young Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2014.
    • Nip is the co-founder of GG’s Flowers, a social enterprise employing people with a disability.
    • Nominations for Young Canberra Citizen of the Year close on 30 September 2024.

    In 2014 Nip Wijewickrema was named the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year. The award recognised her work co-founding GG’s Flowers – a social enterprise employing people with disability.

    Ten years on from the award, Nip is still changing the world one flower at a time.

    “I’m still so passionate about meaningful employment for people with a disability,” she explains.

    Nip started the business to support her younger sister Gayana, who has Down Syndrome. She wanted to make sure Gayana would have support in the workplace and a chance to become more independent. Nip has grown GG’s Florist to a successful business spreading colour and joy across Canberra.

    “I feel like I have lived a lifetime in the last 10 years,” Nip says.

    “When I won the award, I was just freshly 21 and had no idea what the world had in store for me.”

    Being named Young Canberra Citizen of the Year gave Nip a helping hand at an important time.

    “Having the honour of being a Young Canberra Citizen was life affirming and really helped me on the journey to chase the stars in social enterprise land,” she explains.

    “Social entrepreneurs often don’t have a long shelf life. It’s a hard industry and almost impossible to remain profitable and viable as the years go on. Being able to fly that flag for 10 years is truly so wonderful.”

    So, 10 years on what does life look like?

    “I’m still working at GG’s Flowers, helping the team send beautiful flowers and gift hampers and create innovative NDIS disability support,” Nip says.

    “I’m wearing the same pink uniform and having a blast doing so! I can proudly say I still absolutely adore my job and love getting up every morning with purpose.”

    Each year the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year recognises an outstanding individual aged 12 to 25 who is:

    * is an exceptional role model

    * has championed youth issues

    * has significantly contributed to the ACT.

    Nip has words of advice to offer anyone thinking of nominating an outstanding young person this year.

    “I truly believe in acknowledging our unsung heroes to help them create good in our community. I know no one does good things for recognition, but if the recognition can help you do better and create social good – then go for it!”

    Nominations for Young Canberra Citizen of the Year are open to 30 September 2024. Find out more or make a nomination.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Increasing awareness of coercive control

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    People enduring coercive control can feel scared and unable to leave their partner.

    Trigger warning: this story discusses domestic violence.


    In brief:

    • Coercive control is when someone uses patterns of abusive behaviour against another person.
    • The abuse can be both physical and non-physical.
    • If you, or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, you can get help.

    The ACT Government is working to increase awareness and education around coercive control.

    Coercive control is when someone uses patterns of abusive behaviour against another person.

    People enduring coercive control can feel scared and unable to leave their partner.

    Understanding coercive control

    The abuse can be both physical and non-physical, including:

    • controlling who a person sees, what they wear, and where they go
    • tracking everything a person does
    • controlling a person’s finances, medicine, food or exercise
    • regularly criticising or blaming a person, so they doubt themselves
    • forcing someone to have sex or do sexual things
    • stopping a person from following their religion or cultural practices
    • threatening a person, their children, family or friends.

    Coercive control often underpins cases of family and domestic violence in our community. Abuse can also be targeted and subtle, and someone may not always know they are experiencing coercive control.

    Technology-facilitated coercive control

    Someone using coercive control may use digital technology as part of their abuse.

    This can include:

    • making repeated abusive, threatening or unwanted messages or calls
    • tracking someone’s location
    • checking who someone talks to online or over the phone
    • creating fake social media accounts and/or making hurtful or false posts about someone
    • controlling internet accounts or locking someone out of them – such as Wi-Fi, email, social media or banking
    • making, sharing or threatening to share intimate videos of someone without their permission
    • using cameras or recording devices to spy on someone.

    The Australian Government has developed the National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence.

    The National Principles aim to create a shared understanding of coercive control and increase awareness of the issue.

    Read more about the seven National Principles.

    Find support

    If you, or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, you can get help.

    1800RESPECT is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    You can get free counselling, information, and support:

    • call 1800RESPECT (1800 732 732)
    • visit 1800respect.org.au.

    There are also many other domestic, family or sexual violence specialist services available. Find a full list here.

    For more information about coercive control and support, and resources including videos and factsheets, visit https://bit.ly/3RFvrR4.


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Hit and run at Brooklyn Park

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A woman was lucky to escape serious injury after being struck by a car at Brooklyn Park last night.

    About 9.40pm on Friday 11 April a grey SUV was conducting a U-turn on Henley Beach Road, Brooklyn Park and struck a woman crossing the road.

    The grey SUV drove off.

    The 43-year-old Ridleyton woman was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment.  Fortunately, her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

    Police are still looking for the male driver and the grey SUV.

    Investigations are continuing, but it is believed that the people involved in this incident are known to each other.

    Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Driver and passenger arrested at Salisbury Heights

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Two people have been arrested after a Volkswagen failed to stop for police in the northern suburbs last night.

    At 8.15pm on Friday 11 April patrols spotted a Volkswagen sedan on Haydown Road, Elizabeth East and attempted to stop the vehicle however the driver sped off.

    Patrols called in the assistance of PolAir who tracked the vehicle as it travelled through Elizabeth East.

    The vehicle was seen to travel on the wrong side of the road on Midway Road and through a red light at the intersection of Main North Road and Black Top Road.

    Patrols successfully spiked the vehicle’s tyres on Stanford Road, Salisbury Heights.  The car turned into St Albans Drive, Salisbury Heights, and the male passenger was seen to run from the vehicle.

    The car continued for a short distance onto Featherstone Place, where the female driver abandoned the car and ran off.

    The driver was found a short time later, hiding in the rear yard of a Stanford Road address.

    A 22-year-old Elizabeth Grove woman was arrested and charged with drive dangerously to escape police pursuit, drive unlicensed, drive unregistered, trespass and unlawfully on premises.  She was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 12 May.

    Her vehicle was impounded for 28 days.

    Her passenger, a 35-year-old Renown Park man, was arrested and charged with breach of bail and outstanding warrants.  He was refused police bail and will appear in court on Monday.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Concluding Session, Commission on Population and Development Fails to Adopt Text on Ensuring Healthy Lives, Promoting Well-being for All

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Several Delegates Take Issue with Language Concerning Sexual, Reproductive Health Services, Reproductive Rights

    The Commission on Population and Development failed to adopt an outcome document today as it concluded its fifty-eighth session, with delegates sharply divided about support for sexual and reproductive rights, and some questioning commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    At the outset of the meeting, Catharina Jannigje Lasseur (Netherlands), Chair of the Commission at its fifty-eighth session, withdrew the draft resolution she had circulated earlier, citing a lack of agreement among delegations.  While noting “strong efforts towards consensus”, she acknowledged: “I see no other possibility at this late hour than to withdraw my proposal.”

    If adopted, that wide-ranging text, titled “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages” (document E/CN.9/2025/L.4), would have urged Member States to ensure everyone’s right to the enjoyment of the highest-attainable standard of physical and mental health and called on them to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services.  It would have also called on Governments to take concrete measures towards the full implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.

    The Programme, adopted by 179 countries at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo, set out an ambitious vision about the relationships between population, development and individual well-being.  It recognized that reproductive health and rights, as well as women’s empowerment and gender equality, are cornerstones of development.

    In the contentious discussion that followed the Chair’s withdrawal of her resolution, many speakers expressed regret that the Commission could not adopt a consensus text this year but diverged as to why agreement was not possible.

    Several speakers took issue with language concerning “sexual and reproductive health services”, as well as “reproductive rights”.  The representative of Djibouti said that there is an “ever-growing number of delegations who have come to realize that [these terms] have become — and remain — highly controversial”. Similarly, the observer for the Holy See said:  “This language has always been controversial.”  Nigeria’s delegate said that, despite various calls for the removal of certain language, the facilitators ignored these requests, which concern “cultural and ethical values and core national priorities”.

    Burundi’s delegate underscored that the phrase “sexual and reproductive rights” must not be interpreted to mean the right to abortion.  The term “gender” must be understood as exclusively meaning the biological sexes of male and female.  Further, “a strong family policy” must be at the heart of sustainable development, he said. The representatives of Iran, Cameroon, Belarus and the Russian Federation also said they could not agree with a text that did not incorporate references to the role of the family.

    However, South Africa’s delegate, delivering a statement on behalf of a number of countries, said:  “We are deeply concerned by what we have witnessed in this forum around fundamental rights and issues that have enjoyed long-standing consensus in the United Nations.”  Noting the ongoing challenge to human rights — including the right to development and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights — she reaffirmed commitment to the International Conference on Population and Development’s Programme of Action.

    Poland’s delegate, speaking for the European Union, also reiterated support to that Programme and the role of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in advancing sexual and reproductive health and gender equality. She stressed the need to ensure that “we live in a world without sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, where all women and girls can make choices about their life, health and well-being, where the potential of every individual is fulfilled and no mother or infant dies simply because the health system has failed them”.

    Inclusive and resilient health systems, universal healthcare and inclusive sexual health and reproductive services are essential to sustainable development, stressed Sweden’s representative, while France’s delegate stressed that reproductive rights “are what determines access to development for women and girls”.

    The representative of the United States, meanwhile, said that his delegation “rejects and denounces the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and will no longer affirm the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] as a matter of course”.

    Many delegations, however, took the floor to reaffirm their support for the 2030 Agenda, including the representatives of Chile, Lebanon, Colombia, the Republic of Moldova, the Philippines and Japan.  The representatives of Portugal, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Australia (also speaking for Canada and New Zealand), Norway, Belgium and Luxembourg expressed concern that foundational references to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs were consistently challenged during negotiations.

    “We cannot become accustomed to delegations picking and choosing from international commitments,” Brazil’s delegate said.  China’s delegate described the rejection of references to the 2030 Agenda as “a regression in the course of history”.

    In the face of such attacks, Germany’s delegate said, it is all the more vital to work together to realize the aspirations collectively agreed upon in the International Conference on Population and Development’s Programme of Action, the 2030 Agenda and the Pact for the Future.  The United Kingdom’s representative warned that “ignoring links between health, climate change and inequality do not make them disappear”, while Uruguay’s delegate observed:  “Sadly, we are living in a time when reason is insufficient.”

    Algeria’s representative sounded a more-hopeful note:  “Thanks to the work of this Commission, it was possible to have an exchange of views and achieve agreements that will undoubtedly facilitate negotiations in the future.”  For his part, the representative of Bangladesh urged:  “Let us not allow short-term differences to undermine our long-term destiny; consensus is not the surrender of national interests, it is the recognition that our fates are intertwined.”

    In her closing remarks, Ms. Lasseur encouraged delegates to reflect upon the larger role of the Commission.  With 116 Member States speaking in the general debate and more than 30 side events, this year’s session featured many examples of positive steps that have been made to implement the International Conference on Population and Development’s Programme of Action, she said.  “This shows that the [Programme and the Commission on Population and Development] are very much alive and kicking,” she said.  Participating in this forum, she added, “really made it clear to me who we are fighting for:  women and girls, often living in rural areas, sometimes in dangerous conflict settings, lacking access to basic healthcare services, not having the basic necessities to live a life of dignity”.

    “How unfortunate then that the Commission’s best efforts could not translate into an action-oriented outcome this year,” said Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, in her closing remarks.  People are dying because they are denied fundamental rights and choices, food, life-saving medicines and the basic necessities of life, caught up in catastrophes not of their own making, and for women and girls, in battles over their own bodies.

    “In this year, like no other, women and girls expect UNFPA and the United Nations to rush to their rescue,” she said, adding that once again, it will be poor people and the most vulnerable women and girls who will bear the greatest burden of ill health and preventable deaths.  “Who is listening to them?  Who will defend their fundamental rights?” she asked.  Reaffirming the Fund’s commitment to listening to them, she said it will continue to respond “based on what women and girls tell us they need”.

    Also regretting the lack of an outcome document, Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, expressed appreciation for the “frank, thoughtful and interactive” discussions held throughout the week.  The Commission heard about important progress in improving people’s health and well-being over the past decades even as it learned about the many health-related SDG targets that are off track.  She noted that these insights will feed into the Economic and Social Council’s activities.

    In other business, the Commission adopted the report of its fifty-eighth session (document E/CN.9/2025/L.3) and the provisional agenda of the fifty-ninth session (document E/CN.9/2025/L.2).  The Russian Federation’s delegate said his delegation was short-handed because one member arrived late due to visa delays and stressed that the United States has a legal obligation to issue visas in a timely manner.

    The Chair said that in the absence of an outcome document, she would prepare a summary of the proceedings.  Iran’s delegate said such a summary should not be considered a representation of the positions of delegations.

    The Commission also adopted a decision (document E/CN.9/2025/L.5), which decided that the special theme for its sixtieth session, to be held in 2027, will be “Population, poverty eradication and sustainable development”.  The Russian Federation’s delegate, noting that eliminating poverty is an important global goal, hailed the consensus by which the Commission chose the theme.

    The Commission then concluded its fifty-eighth session and opened its fifty-ninth session, electing Zéphyrin Maniratanga (Burundi) as Chair and Arb Kapisyzi (Albania), Sasha-Kay Kayann Watson (Jamaica) and Stéphanie Toschi (Luxembourg) as Vice-Chairs.  The nomination of the remaining Vice-Chair, to represent Asia-Pacific States, was deferred to a later date.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: Signing Day Sports Provides Announcement on 2024 Annual Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Signing Day Sports, Inc. (“Signing Day Sports” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: SGN), the developer of the Signing Day Sports app and platform to aid high school athletes in the recruitment process, today advises that its audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, included in the Company’s Annual Form on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2025, were accompanied by an audit opinion from its independent registered public accounting firm that contains a going concern emphasis or qualification. Release of this information is required by Sections 401(h) and 610(b) of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide. It does not represent any change or amendment to any of the Company’s filings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    About Signing Day Sports

    Signing Day Sports’ mission is to help student-athletes achieve their goal of playing college sports. Signing Day Sports’ app allows student-athletes to build their Signing Day Sports recruitment profile, which includes information college coaches need to evaluate and verify them through video technology. For more information on Signing Day Sports, go to https://bit.ly/SigningDaySports.

    Investor Contacts:
    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    212-671-1020
    SGN@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Signing Day Sports Announces Selected Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Signing Day Sports, Inc. (“Signing Day Sports” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: SGN), the developer of the Signing Day Sports app and platform to aid high school athletes in the recruitment process, today provided a business update and announced selected financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    “We are pleased to report a year of significant growth and success at Signing Day Sports,” commented Daniel Nelson, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Signing Day Sports. “With revenue reaching approximately $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024—a 100% increase from approximately $0.3 million in 2023—and gross profit rising to approximately $0.4 million from approximately $0.3 million, we are seeing the tangible results of our strategic initiatives. These results reflect our belief in the strength of our business model and highlight the increased demand for our platform.”

    “As the athletic recruiting industry continues to evolve, Signing Day Sports remains committed to empowering student-athletes with innovative tools and resources to navigate the recruitment process. Over the past year, we have continued key business relationships, including our continued collaboration with the U.S. Army Bowl, with the aim of further solidifying our leadership in the recruiting space. These efforts are driven by the significant impact we are seeking to make with our platform.”

    “Looking forward, we will continue prioritizing technology and customer growth opportunities to drive strategic growth. We believe that initiatives such as recruiting webinars, an expanded coaches’ contact list, and potential strategic transactions will enable us to unlock new opportunities and deliver even greater value to our users. Our commitment to broadening our geographic reach and growing our customer base has never been stronger as we lay the groundwork for long-term scalability.”

    “The challenges we navigated in 2024 have only reinforced the resilience and dedication of our team. I am incredibly proud of their focus and determination. As we move ahead, we are more committed than ever to execute our vision, strengthen relationships with our customers and collaborators, and drive long-term success for Signing Day Sports. Through disciplined capital allocation, strategic innovation, consistent execution, and a long-term growth mindset, we are shaping the future of athletic recruiting and creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes nationwide,” concluded Mr. Nelson.

    Financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024

    • Revenue totaled approximately $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, 2024, compared to approximately $0.3 million for the comparable 2023 period.
    • Cost of revenues totaled approximately $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately $0.04 million in 2023.
    • Advertising and marketing expenses were approximately $0.09 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately $0.4 million for the 2023 comparable period.
    • General and administrative expenses were approximately $7.8 million in 2024, compared to approximately $4.6 million in 2023.
    • Net loss was approximately $8.7 million, and diluted loss per share was $19.86, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of approximately $5.5 million, and diluted loss per share of $19.85 in 2023.

    The selected results included in this press release should be reviewed together with the Company’s complete financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024. The complete financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024 are available in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2025, and is available at: www.sec.gov.

    Signing Day Sports

    Signing Day Sports’ mission is to help student-athletes achieve their goal of playing college sports. Signing Day Sports’ app allows student-athletes to build their Signing Day Sports’ recruitment profile, which includes information college coaches need to evaluate and verify them through video technology. The Signing Day Sports app includes a platform to upload a comprehensive data set including video-verified measurables (such as height, weight, 40-yard dash, wingspan, and hand size), academic information (such as official transcripts and SAT/ACT scores), and technical skill videos (such as drills and mechanics that exemplify player mechanics, coordination, and development).  For more information on Signing Day Sports, go to https://bit.ly/SigningDaySports.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s periodic reports which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are, in some cases, beyond our control and could materially affect results. If one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors become applicable, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Investor Contacts:
    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    212-671-1020
    SGN@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Hingham Savings Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HINGHAM, Mass., April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS (NASDAQ: HIFS), Hingham, Massachusetts announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Earnings

    Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $7,124,000 or $3.27 per share basic and $3.24 per share diluted, as compared to $6,868,000 or $3.17 per share basic and $3.13 per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized return on average equity for the first quarter of 2025 was 6.46%, and the annualized return on average assets was 0.64%, as compared to 6.63% and 0.63% for the same period last year. Net income per share (diluted) for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 3.5% compared to the same period in 2024.

    Core net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized, was $6,125,000 or $2.81 per share basic and $2.78 per share diluted, as compared to $2,213,000 or $1.02 per share basic and $1.01 per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized core return on average equity for the first quarter of 2025 was 5.56% and the annualized core return on average assets was 0.55%, as compared to 2.14% and 0.20% for the same period last year. Core net income per share (diluted) for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 175.2% compared to the same period in 2024.

    See Page 9 for a Non-GAAP reconciliation between Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) net income and core net income. In calculating core net income, the Bank did not make any adjustments other than those relating to the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized. In the first quarter of 2024, both net income and core net income were positively impacted by lower income tax expense driven by excess tax benefit associated with the exercise of stock options and the revision of state income tax estimates.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets increased to $4.523 billion at March 31, 2025, representing 5.9% annualized growth year-to-date and a 0.1% decline from March 31, 2024.

    Net loans increased to $3.924 billion at March 31, 2025, representing 5.2% annualized growth year-to-date and a 0.4% decline from March 31, 2024. Origination activity was concentrated in the Boston and Washington D.C. markets and remained focused on stabilized multifamily commercial real estate.

    Retail and commercial deposits increased to $2.066 billion at March 31, 2025, representing 13.8% annualized growth year-to-date and 9.2% growth from March 31, 2024. Non-interest-bearing deposits, included in retail and commercial deposits, were $427.3 million at March 31, 2025, representing 30.0% annualized growth year-to-date and 23.0% growth from March 31, 2024.

    Growth in non-interest bearing and money market balances in the first quarter of 2025 continues to reflect the Bank’s focus on developing and deepening deposit relationships with new and existing commercial and non-profit customers. The Bank continues to invest in its Specialized Deposit Group, actively recruiting for talented relationship managers in Boston, Washington, and San Francisco, particularly as respected competitors exit these markets or merge with larger regional banks.

    The stability of the Bank’s balance sheet, as well as full and unlimited deposit insurance through the Bank’s participation in the Massachusetts Depositors Insurance Fund, continues to appeal to customers in times of uncertainty.

    Wholesale funds, which includes Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings, brokered deposits, and Internet listing service deposits, were $1.978 billion at March 31, 2025 representing a 2.8% annualized decline year-to-date and a 9.5% decline from March 31, 2024, as the Bank replaced a large portion of these funds with retail and commercial deposits. In the first quarter of 2025, the Bank continued to manage its wholesale funding mix to optimize the cost of funds while taking advantage of the inverted yield curve at certain durations by adding lower rate longer term liabilities. Wholesale deposits, which include brokered and Internet listing service time deposits, were $507.1 million at March 31, 2025, representing 9.9% annualized growth year-to-date and 1.4% growth from March 31, 2024. Borrowings from the FHLB totaled $1.471 billion at March 31, 2025, representing a 6.9% annualized decline from December 31, 2024, and a 12.7% decline from March 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, the Bank maintained an additional $918.0 million in immediately available borrowing capacity at the FHLB of Boston and the Federal Reserve Bank, in addition to $361.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.

    Book value per share was $200.69 as of March 31, 2025, representing 5.4% annualized growth year-to-date and 5.6% growth from March 31, 2024. In addition to the increase in book value per share, the Bank declared $2.52 in dividends per share since March 31, 2024.

    On March 26, 2025, the Bank declared a regular cash dividend of $0.63 per share. This dividend will be paid on May 14, 2025 to stockholders of record as of May 5, 2025. This will be the Bank’s 125th consecutive quarterly dividend.

    The Bank has also generally declared special cash dividends in each of the last thirty years, typically in the fourth quarter, but did not declare a special dividend in 2024 and 2023. The Bank sets the level of the special dividend based on the Bank’s capital requirements and the prospective return on other capital allocation options, particularly the incremental return on capital from new loan originations. This may result in special dividends, if any, significantly above or below the regular quarterly dividend. Future regular and special dividends will be considered by the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.

    Operational Performance Metrics

    The net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 increased 26 basis points to 1.50%, as compared to 1.24% in the quarter ended December 31, 2024. This was the fourth consecutive quarter of continued expansion, which has continued to accelerate. This improvement was the result of a decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, combined with an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities fell 21 basis points in the first quarter of 2025, as the Bank continued to reduce retail and commercial deposit rates, and to take advantage of the inverted yield curve by adding lower rate FHLB advances and brokered deposits. The yield on interest-earning assets increased by six basis points in the first quarter of 2025, driven primarily by a higher yield on loans, as the Bank continued to originate loans at higher rates and reprice existing loans, partially offset by a lower yield on cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.

    The net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 increased 65 basis points to 1.50%, as compared to 0.85% for the same period last year. The Bank experienced a significant decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities when compared to the prior year. This was driven primarily by the repricing of the Bank’s funding sources, as the Bank began to reduce retail and commercial deposit rates in the second half of 2024, and to take advantage of the inverted yield curve by adding lower rate FHLB advances and brokered deposits. During this period, the yield on interest-earning assets increased, driven primarily by an increase in the yield on loans, partially offset by lower yield on cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.

    Key credit and operational metrics remained strong in the first quarter of 2025. At March 31, 2025, non-performing assets totaled 0.04% of total assets, compared to 0.03% at December 31, 2024 and 0.04% at March 31, 2024. Non-performing loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio totaled 0.05% at March 31, 2025, compared to 0.04% at both December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024. The Bank did not record any charge-offs in the first three months of 2025 or 2024. Most of the non-performing assets and loans cited above were and are residential, owner-occupant loans.

    The Bank had only one small commercial real estate non-performing loan and no other commercial real estate delinquent loans as of March 31, 2025, and did not have any delinquent or non-performing commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2024 or March 31, 2024. This commercial loan became current shortly after the close of the first quarter. The Bank did not own any foreclosed property at March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 or March 31, 2024.

    The efficiency ratio, as defined on page 5 below, decreased to 45.82% for the first quarter of 2025, as compared to 52.30% in the prior quarter and 77.24% for the same period last year. Operating expenses as a percentage of average assets increased to 0.68% for the first quarter of 2025, as compared to 0.66% for the prior quarter and 0.67% for the same period last year. This reflects, in part, seasonally higher expenses during the first quarter and continuing investments in deposit-gathering infrastructure. As the efficiency ratio can be significantly influenced by the level of net interest income, the Bank utilizes these paired figures together to assess its operational efficiency over time. During periods of significant net interest income volatility, the efficiency ratio in isolation may over or understate the underlying operational efficiency of the Bank. The Bank remains focused on reducing waste through an ongoing process of continuous improvement and standard work that supports operational leverage.

    Chairman Robert H. Gaughen Jr. stated, “Returns on equity and assets in the first quarter of 2025 remained significantly lower than our long-term performance, reflecting the lingering challenge from the increase in short-term interest rates and a historically long and deep inversion of the yield curve. These conditions have posed a significant – albeit ultimately temporary – challenge to our business model.

    This challenge began to fade last year and we are cautiously optimistic moving forward. Returns in our core business have started to improve, driven by acceleration in our net interest margin. Our operational leverage remains critical to generating satisfactory returns over time. Although our investment returns are likely to remain volatile over any individual period, they continue to contribute meaningfully to growth in book value per share over time.

    While the last two years have been extraordinarily challenging, the Bank’s business model has been built to compound shareholder capital over time. We remain focused on careful capital allocation, defensive underwriting and rigorous cost control – the building blocks for compounding shareholder capital through all stages of the economic cycle. These remain constant, regardless of the macroeconomic environment in which we operate.”

    The Bank’s quarterly financial results are summarized in this earnings release, but shareholders are encouraged to read the Bank’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which is generally available several weeks after the earnings release. The Bank expects to file Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on or about May 7, 2025.

    Incorporated in 1834, Hingham Institution for Savings is one of America’s oldest banks. The Bank maintains offices in Boston, Nantucket, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

    The Bank’s shares of common stock are listed and traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol HIFS.

    Annual Meeting

    The Bank will hold its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Meeting”) at 2:00PM EST on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Hingham Historical Society (Old Derby Academy), located at 34 Main Street, Hingham, Massachusetts. We strongly encourage shareholders to attend in person, although they may also observe the Meeting by streaming video. Following the business meeting, the Bank will hold an informal meeting to discuss the results of the prior year and the operations of the Bank, as well as a question and answers session. We strongly encourage all shareholders to vote by proxy. Electronic voting will not be available. Registration for the meeting is available on the Bank’s website (click here). In addition to participating in the meeting itself, we also encourage shareholders to submit questions in writing in advance using the form on the Bank’s website.

     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Selected Financial Ratios
     
      Three Months Ended
    March 31,
      2024   2025
    (Unaudited)          
               
    Key Performance Ratios          
    Return on average assets (1) 0.63 %   0.64 %
    Return on average equity (1) 6.63     6.46  
    Core return on average assets (1) (5) 0.20     0.55  
    Core return on average equity (1) (5) 2.14     5.56  
    Interest rate spread (1) (2) 0.13     0.80  
    Net interest margin (1) (3) 0.85     1.50  
    Operating expenses to average assets (1) 0.67     0.68  
    Efficiency ratio (4) 77.24     45.82  
    Average equity to average assets 9.54     9.98  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities 119.91     122.26  
               
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31, 2024   March 31,
    2025
    (Unaudited)                      
               
    Asset Quality Ratios          
    Allowance for credit losses/total loans   0.67 %   0.69 %   0.69 %
    Allowance for credit losses/non-performing loans   1,530.95     1,775.00     1,487.46  
                       
    Non-performing loans/total loans   0.04     0.04     0.05  
    Non-performing loans/total assets   0.04     0.03     0.04  
    Non-performing assets/total assets   0.04     0.03     0.04  
                       
    Share Related                  
    Book value per share $ 190.07     $ 198.03   $ 200.69  
    Market value per share $ 174.46     $ 254.14   $ 237.80  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   2,180,250       2,180,250     2,180,250  
    (1) Annualized.
    (2) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (4) The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure that represents total operating expenses, divided by the sum of net interest income and total other income, excluding the net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.
    (5) Non-GAAP measurements that represent return on average assets and return on average equity, excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
     

    (In thousands, except share amounts)

    March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
    (Unaudited)                  
    ASSETS  
                     
    Cash and due from banks $ 6,200   $ 4,183   $ 8,664
    Federal Reserve and other short-term investments   367,046     347,647     352,977
    Cash and cash equivalents   373,246     351,830     361,641
                     
    CRA investment   8,759     8,769     8,900
    Other marketable equity securities   78,497     104,575     109,335
    Securities, at fair value   87,256     113,344     118,235
    Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost   5,500     6,493     6,494
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   69,484     61,022     61,322
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $26,760
    at March 31, 2024, $26,980 at December 31, 2024
    and $27,280 at March 31, 2025
      3,938,252     3,873,662     3,924,108
    Bank-owned life insurance   13,723     13,980     14,064
    Premises and equipment, net   16,844     16,397     16,244
    Accrued interest receivable   8,783     8,774     9,006
    Other assets   16,263     12,269     12,314
    Total assets $ 4,529,351   $ 4,457,771   $ 4,523,428

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                     
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 2,045,524   $ 2,094,626   $ 2,146,091
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   347,397     397,469     427,287
    Total deposits   2,392,921     2,492,095     2,573,378
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,684,675     1,497,000     1,471,000
    Mortgagors’ escrow accounts   13,570     16,699     15,820
    Accrued interest payable   14,040     8,244     11,266
    Deferred income tax liability, net   1,765     3,787     4,069
    Other liabilities   7,982     8,191     10,338
    Total liabilities   4,114,953     4,026,016     4,085,871
                     
    Stockholders’ equity:                
    Preferred stock, $1.00 par value,
    2,500,000 shares authorized, none issued
             
    Common stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares
    authorized; 2,180,250 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025
      2,180     2,180     2,180
    Additional paid-in capital   15,416     15,571     15,622
    Undivided profits   396,802     414,004     419,755
    Total stockholders’ equity   414,398     431,755     437,557
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,529,351   $ 4,457,771   $ 4,523,428
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Consolidated Statements of Income
     
      Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2024   2025
    (Unaudited)          
               
    Interest and dividend income:          
    Loans $ 43,120   $ 45,221
    Debt securities   45     95
    Equity securities   1,450     1,451
    Federal Reserve and other short-term investments   2,827     3,055
    Total interest and dividend income   47,442     49,822
               
    Interest expense:          
    Deposits   21,146     18,621
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   17,212     15,165
    Total interest expense   38,358     33,786
    Net interest income   9,084     16,036
    Provision for credit losses   108     300
    Net interest income, after provision for credit losses   8,976     15,736
    Other income:          
    Customer service fees on deposits   137     135
    Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance   81     84
    Gain on equity securities, net   5,971     1,281
    Miscellaneous   55     49
    Total other income   6,244     1,549
    Operating expenses:          
    Salaries and employee benefits   4,297     4,467
    Occupancy and equipment   431     439
    Data processing   755     724
    Deposit insurance   810     748
    Foreclosure and related   32     10
    Marketing   89     136
    Other general and administrative   813     946
    Total operating expenses   7,227     7,470
    Income before income taxes   7,993     9,815
    Income tax provision   1,125     2,691
    Net income $ 6,868   $ 7,124
               
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.63   $ 0.63
               
    Weighted average shares outstanding:          
    Basic   2,169     2,180
    Diluted   2,192     2,201
               
    Earnings per share:          
    Basic $ 3.17   $ 3.27
    Diluted $ 3.13   $ 3.24
               
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Net Interest Income Analysis
     
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025  
      Average Balance (9)  

    Interest

    Yield/
    Rate (10)
      Average Balance (9)  

    Interest

    Yield/ Rate (10)   Average Balance (9)  

    Interest

    Yield/
    Rate (10)
       
    (Dollars in thousands)  
    (Unaudited)                                                  
    Assets                                                  
    Loans (1) (2) $ 3,956,135   $ 43,120   4.36 %   $ 3,882,297   $ 44,787   4.58 $ 3,929,828   $ 45,221   4.67 %
    Securities (3) (4)   116,203     1,495   5.15       126,771     1,642   5.14     130,674     1,546   4.80  
    Short-term investments (5)   208,245     2,827   5.43       293,987     3,515   4.74     278,722     3,055   4.45  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,280,583     47,442   4.43       4,303,055     49,944   4.60     4,339,224     49,822   4.66  
    Other assets   64,034                 72,638               79,209            
    Total assets $ 4,344,617               $ 4,375,693             $ 4,418,433            
                                                       
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:     `                                            
    Interest-bearing deposits (6) $ 2,098,851     21,146     4.03 %   $ 2,136,101     20,518   3.81 $ 2,141,294     18,621   3.53 %
    Borrowed funds   1,471,027     17,212     4.68       1,421,152     15,985   4.46     1,407,844     15,165   4.37  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,569,878     38,358     4.30       3,557,253     36,503   4.07     3,549,138     33,786   3.86  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   346,136                   374,461               413,877            
    Other liabilities   14,261                   14,072               14,464            
    Total liabilities   3,930,275                   3,945,786               3,977,479            
    Stockholders’ equity   414,342                 429,907               440,954            
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,344,617               $ 4,375,693             $ 4,418,433            
    Net interest income       $ 9,084               $ 13,441             $ 16,036      
                                                       
    Weighted average interest rate spread             0.13 %               .53             0.80 %
                                                       
    Net interest margin (7)             0.85 %               1.24             1.50 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing
    liabilities (8) 
      119.91 %             120.97 %           122.26 %          
    (1 ) Before allowance for credit losses.
    (2 ) Includes non-accrual loans.
    (3 ) Excludes the impact of the average net unrealized gain or loss on securities.
    (4 ) Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
    (5 ) Includes cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.
    (6 ) Includes mortgagors’ escrow accounts.
    (7 ) Net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
    (8 ) Total interest-earning assets divided by total interest-bearing liabilities.
    (9 ) Average balances are calculated on a daily basis.
    (10 ) Annualized.

     HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
     Non-GAAP Reconciliation

     The Bank believes the presentation of the following non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to an investor’s proper understanding of results of operations and financial condition of the Bank. Management uses these measures in its analysis of the Bank’s performance. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes for the financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other banks.

     The table below presents the reconciliation between net income and core net income, a non-GAAP measurement that represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.

      Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    (In thousands, unaudited) 2024     2025  
               
    Non-GAAP reconciliation:          
    Net Income $ 6,868     $ 7,124  
    Gain on equity securities, net   (5,971 )     (1,281 )
    Income tax expense (1)   1,316       282  
    Core Net Income $ 2,213     $ 6,125  
    (1)  The equity securities are held in a tax-advantaged subsidiary corporation. The income tax effect of the gain on equity securities, net, was calculated using the effective tax rate applicable to the subsidiary.

    The table below presents the calculation of the efficiency ratio, a non-U.S. GAAP performance measure that management uses to assess operational efficiency which represents total operating expenses, divided by the sum of net interest income and total other income, excluding net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.

              Three Months Ended  
          March 31,       December 31,       March 31,  
    (In thousands, unaudited)     2024         2024         2025    
                             
    Non-U.S. GAAP efficiency ratio calculation:                        
    Operating expenses   $ 7,227       $ 7,174       $ 7,470    
                             
    Net interest income   $ 9,084       $ 13,441       $ 16,036    
    Other income     6,244         8,779         1,549    
    Gain on equity securities, net     (5,971 )       (8,503 )       (1,281 )  
    Total revenue   $ 9,357       $ 13,717       $ 16,304    
                             
    Efficiency ratio     77.24   %     52.30   %     45.82   %

    CONTACT: Patrick R. Gaughen, President and Chief Operating Officer (781) 783-1761

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Sentenced to Eight Years for Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Guatemalan national with a history of serious crimes and multiple deportations, has been sentenced to 100 months in prison following his latest encounter with U.S. authorities.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, Darwin Yuvini Escobar-Lopez a.k.a Carlos Antonio Aguilar-Garcia, a 40-year-old Guatemalan national, was encountered in New Mexico by U.S. Border Patrol agents on July 23, 2024. Escobar-Lopez criminal history includes a conviction in California in 2005 for “Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14,” classified as an aggravated felony, for which he served a three-year prison sentence. Following his conviction, Escobar-Lopez had been deported from the United States four times, with the most recent removal occurring in April 2024.

    On December 9, 2024, Escobar-Lopez pleaded guilty to reentry of a removed alien. Upon his release from prison, Escobar-Lopez will be subject to deportation proceedings.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, made the announcement today.

    The U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr prosecuted this case as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. [use if applicable] Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: GLOBE Mission Earth Supports Career Technical Education

    Source: NASA

    The NASA Science Activation program’s GLOBE Mission EARTH (GME) project is forging powerful connections between career technical education (CTE) programs and real-world science, inspiring students across the United States to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
    GME is a collaborative effort between NASA scientists, educators, and schools that brings NASA Earth science and the GLOBE Program into classrooms to support hands-on, inquiry-based learning. GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is an international science and education program that provides students and the public with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, contributing meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system.
    By connecting students directly to environmental research and NASA data, GME helps make science more relevant, engaging, and applicable to students’ futures. In CTE programs—where project-based and work-based learning are key instructional strategies—GME’s integration of GLOBE protocols offers students the chance to develop not only technical skills, but also essential data literacy and professional competencies like collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. These cross-cutting skills are valuable across a wide range of industries, from agriculture and advanced manufacturing to natural resources and public safety.
    The real-world, hands-on approach of CTE makes it an ideal setting for implementing GLOBE to support STEM learning across industries. At Skyline High School in Oakland, California, for example, GLOBE has been embedded in multiple courses within the school’s Green Energy Pathway, originally launched by GLOBE partner Tracy Ostrom. Over the past decade, nearly 1,000 students have participated in GLOBE activities at Skyline. Many of these students describe their experiences with environmental data collection and interactions with NASA scientists as inspiring and transformative. Similarly, at Toledo Technology Academy, GME is connecting students with NASA science and renewable energy projects—allowing them to study how solar panels impact their local environment and how weather conditions affect wind energy generation.
    To expand awareness of how GLOBE can enhance CTE learning and career preparation, WestEd staff Svetlana Darche and Nico Janik presented at the Educating for Careers Conference on March 3, 2025, in Sacramento, California. This event, sponsored by the California chapter of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), brought together over 2,600 educators dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in an evolving job market. Darche and Janik’s session, titled “Developing STEM Skills While Contributing to Science,” showcased GLOBE’s role in work-based learning and introduced new federal definitions from the Carl D. Perkins Act (Perkins V) that emphasize:

    Interactions with industry professionals
    A direct link to curriculum and instruction
    First-hand engagement with real-world tasks in a given career field

    GLOBE’s approach to scientific data collection aligns perfectly with these criteria. Janik led 40 educators through a hands-on experience using the GLOBE Surface Temperature Protocol, demonstrating how students investigate the Urban Heat Island Effect while learning critical technical and analytical skills. By collecting and analyzing real-world data, students gain firsthand experience with the tools and methods used by scientists, bridging the gap between classroom learning and future career opportunities.
    Through GME’s work with CTE programs, students are not only learning science—they are doing science. These authentic experiences inspire, empower, and prepare students for careers where data literacy, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving are essential. With ongoing collaborations between GLOBE, NASA, and educators nationwide, the next generation of STEM professionals is already taking shape—one real-world investigation at a time.
    GME is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AC54A and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Catering to kids in the Emergency Department

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Nurses Maddie, John and Alison in the new Canberra Hospital Emergency Department children’s area, which opens on 17 August.

    When Canberra Hospital’s new, larger Emergency Department (ED) opens this month, it will include a dedicated emergency area for children.

    This special unit’s design has children and families front of mind.

    There, children, families and carers can stay together in an area separate to the rest of the ED.

    This will help meet patients’ medical and psychosocial needs, as well as those of their families and carers.

    The children’s emergency area will have a separate triage and waiting area.

    In addition, an interactive display and access to an outdoor play courtyard will offer kids a welcoming, positive environment while they wait for treatment.

    Treatment rooms will be equipped with distraction therapies. There will also be a sensory room – a calming, reassuring space for neurodiverse patients and those with other special needs.

    “The emergency department can be an overwhelming place for paediatric patients,” Alison, an Emergency Department nurse, said.

    “Having such welcoming space and activities to do while waiting will make a big difference for them,” she said.

    The ED is planned to move to the new Critical Services Building – Building 5 at Canberra Hospital – on 17 August.

    Find out more at Built for CBR.


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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSED THE MEMBERS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN SLOVAKIA YESTERDAY

    Source: Government of India

    PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSED THE MEMBERS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN SLOVAKIA YESTERDAY

    BEFORE LEAVING FOR NEW DELHI INTERACTS WITH INDIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION

    Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Yesterday (April 10, 2025), the President addressed the members of the Indian Community at a Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Slovakia at Bratislava. The accompanying Minister of State, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya as well as Members of Parliament, Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt. Sandhya Ray were present on the occasion.

    Addressing the enthusiastic gathering of Indian community members, the President said that relations between India and Slovakia are based on mutual respect and shared democratic values. She was happy to note that over the years, India and Slovakia has witnessed a steady growth in economic, political and cultural ties.

    The President informed gathering about her fruitful meetings with the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Council of Slovakia. She said that during those meetings ways to further advance our bilateral relations in various fields were discussed. She told the community members that during the interactions, Slovak leaders expressed great respect for the hard work of the Indian community and their valuable contribution to the development and progress of Slovakia.

    The President appreciated the Slovak friends of India for their important role in further strengthening the friendly relations and mutual understanding between India and Slovakia. She was happy to note that India’s heritage and traditions are quite popular among Slovak people. She said that from Yoga and Ayurveda to Indian cuisine, the love for Indian culture in Slovakia is a testament to the growing strong ties between the people of the two countries. She expressed confidence that the translation of the Upanishads into the Slovak language would provide another opportunity for the Slovak people to connect with the ancient teachings of India.

    Today morning, the President interacted with the Indian Business delegation before leaving for New Delhi.

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech-

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2121032) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Eco-friendly skateboard idea gets wheels with ICON grant

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Matt Tomkins and Tim Miller teamed up to turn plastic bottle lids into skateboards with the help of an ICON grant.

    Have you ever wondered what skateboard decks are made from?

    Well, now you need look no further than the humble milk bottle lid, thanks to a clever idea from a couple of passionate Canberrans.

    The Endless Project was set up by Matt Tomkins and Tim Miller. Its purpose is to recycle plastic bottle lids into skateboard decks and create sustainable products for the adrenaline sports industry.

    Imagining The Endless Project

    When Matt’s work as a photographer dried up during COVID, he got chatting to Tim, founder of local charity Lids4Kids.

    They discovered a mutual love of the outdoors, extreme sports and protecting the environment.

    That’s when the idea to team up and build skateboards from plastic lids was born.

    Their start-up has pioneered the creation of 100 per cent recyclable skateboards.

    Beyond the boards

    The Endless Project is also a social enterprise with a mission to provide opportunities for disadvantaged people, including those living with a disability.

    “Previously, Tim had mentioned to me that he wanted to use the plastic bottle lids collected by Lids4Kids to make skateboards so that young people could get excited about recycling. Because of my love for skateboarding, community and the environment, I was very keen to get on board,” said Matt.

    “Whilst having so much in common, our differences and skills complement each other perfectly.

    “We realised that together, our impact could reach far beyond just local and that our partnership could create a global movement behind a high-impact brand that represents quality, sustainability and innovation,” Matt said.

    “We each care deeply about protecting the environment and tackling issues faced by young people,” Tim said.

    “Through The Endless Project, we want to support our community and donate to local charities that focus on mental health, education and the environment to help make our corner of the world a better place.”

    Speeding things up with an ICON grant

    In 2023, Matt and Tim received $30,000 in matched funding from the ACT Government’s ICON grant program facilitated by the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) to help take the business further.

    “The ICON grant has enabled us to engage a Canberra-based industrial designer to assist us with the development of 3D digital CAD models, moulds and construct the machines needed to be able to create our prototype skateboard decks. It will also allow our social enterprise to conduct essential research and development to validate our innovative solution for the skateboard industry,” Matt said.

    “If successful, we can confidently seek seed funding for the final moulds and start full-scale production of a sustainable alternative skateboarders have been waiting for.”

    ICON offers early-stage innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs like Tim and Matt with match-funded grants between $10,000 and $30,000 to kick start their business ideas.

    Applying for a grant

    ICON grants are currently open for expressions of interest until Thursday, 10 October 2024.

    To get started, book at intro meeting with CBRIN.

    Find out more at cbrin.com.au/icon

    Learn more about the Endless Project at endless.org.au


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Rebates available for businesses to install EV chargers

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Charging an electric vehicle on premises is cheaper and more convenient for businesses than using public charging stations.


    In brief

    • The Business Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate Program assists businesses to buy and install EV chargers on their premises.
    • Eligible businesses can apply for rebates of up to 50 per cent of the cost (capped at $3,000 ex GST).
    • There are other ACT Government initiatives that can support businesses to become more sustainable.

    The Business Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate Program is available to help businesses buy and install EV charging infrastructure on their premises.

    Eligible businesses can apply for rebates of up to 50 per cent of the cost (capped at $3,000 excluding GST).

    These rebates can help businesses looking to make the switch to an EV. They will always have a place to recharge their vehicle.

    Charging an electric fleet vehicles on the businesses own premises is cheaper and more convenient than charging at public charging stations.

    Businesses looking to buy an EV either new or second hand can also benefit from:

    For every petrol or diesel vehicle you switch to electric, your business could save tens of thousands of dollars in running costs over 10 years.

    Through the Sustainable Business Program, businesses can:

    • receive free advice about electrifying their fleet and the rest of their business
    • access up to $10,000 in rebates to make energy efficient upgrades.

    The charger rebate is available for eligible businesses based in the ACT that operate or subcontract fleet vehicles.

    Read more like this


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Susan Ryan AO sculpture unveiled

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Artist Lis Johnson with Justine Butler, daughter of Susan Ryan AO.


    In brief

    • There is a new sculpture of Susan Ryan AO in the Old Parliament House Senate Rose Gardens.
    • Susan Ryan AO was the first female Senator for the ACT and a women’s rights trailblazer.
    • The sculpture is by artist Lis Johnson.

    The late Honourable Susan Ryan AO has been honoured with a new sculpture. The sculpture is by artist Lis Johnson and is at the Old Parliament House Senate Rose Gardens.

    Susan Ryan AO (1942-2020) was a Senator from 1975 until 1988. She was also:

    • the first female Senator for the ACT
    • the first woman in a federal Labor Cabinet in 1983
    • the first woman in a federal Labor Cabinet in 1983.

    One of her many achievements was the introduction and passage of world leading legislation. This legislation was to:

    • prevent discrimination based on sex, marital status, or pregnancy
    • guard against harassment
    • dismantle barriers in the workplace.

    The sculpture was funded by the ACT Government as part of the Recognising Significant Women Through Public Art program. The ACT Government introduced this program to begin to address the imbalance in gender representation in the ACT Public Art Collection. The program also promotes female or gender-diverse artists through the commissioning process.

    The artist selected to create the sculpture, Lis Johnson, is a fine art figurative sculptor. Lis is based in rural Victoria and is highly regarded for her portraits and figurative memorials.

    “It was an honour to be chosen to portray Senator Susan Ryan – a truly worthy subject and a great role model,” Lis said.

    “An effective parliamentarian, she campaigned for and introduced important legislation, and from my research I got the impression she stayed true to her values, rising above partisan and factional squabbles.”

    The sculpture is titled ‘Senator Ryan Addresses the Rally’. It is inspired by a photo of Susan addressing a women’s work rally in 1977. The sculpture has been positioned in the gardens to allow for people to gather in front of the work. People can interact with it and sit on the garden bed beside it.

    “We visited different parts of Canberra looking at locations for the statue, and I realised the Rose Gardens was perfect,” Susan Ryan’s daughter, Justine Butler said.

    Susan Ryan’s office was on the senate side of Old Parliament House. Justine recalls spending a lot of time there with her brother as children.

    “I know children on excursions to Canberra regularly flock to the Rose Gardens. I hope that when they walk past the statue of our mother, it will evoke many questions about Susan Ryan – they will ask Who was she? What did she achieve? What was her life like as a young woman in parliament? I also hope this statue will see people more broadly reflect on the place of women in Australian politics.”

    This week, the ACT Heritage Library is marking the 40th anniversary of the commencement of the Sex Discrimination Act and the occasion of the unveiling. The library is displaying some of its Susan Ryan AO archival material, including:

    • her autobiography
    • photographs
    • how-to-vote cards for the 1975 and 1980 Federal Elections.

    Read more like this


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s top spots for sunrises and sunsets

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberra’s sunrises and sunsets are spectacular.


    In brief

    • Canberra has beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
    • We asked Canberrans on the @wearecbr Instagram page where their favourite spots are.
    • Here is a list of the best places in Canberra to watch the sun rise or set.

    There are few better ways to start or end the day than by watching the sun rise or set.

    One of the benefits of living in the bush capital is that there are plenty of spots to see breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.

    Dairy Farmers Hill lookout

    This lookout is home to the iconic eagle sculpture, Nest III, at the National Arboretum Canberra. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun rise or set, with 360-degree views of Canberra and the surrounds.

    Red Hill Lookout

    Whether you choose to hike or drive to the summit of Red Hill, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. To the northeast you’ll see Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin. Further up the hill toward the west, you can see the Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Mount Taylor.

    Davidson Hill

    A little further towards Woden, you’ll find Davidson Hill. This quiet spot is ideal for enjoying golden hour.

    Gossan  Hill

    This scenic spot is in Belconnen. This Bruce reserve is named for it’s ochre-coloured rocks, enhancing the golden tones of a sunrise. Bring your furry friend (on-leash and on a track or trail only) to enjoy the view too. .

    West Belconnen Pond

    You’ll find this peaceful lake on the edge of Dunlop. The sun reflects off the water, casting the bushland in golden lavender hues.

    Mulligans Flat

    Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is well known for its beautiful woodland and native wildlife. It’s also a tranquil spot to watch the sun rise or set.

    Mount Ainslie

    Mount Ainslie is one of Canberra’s most iconic lookouts. The views seem to stretch on forever, and twilight casts the entire city in a soft glow.

    Weston Park

    Canberrans of all ages flock to Weston Park for many different activities. While it’s an excellent area to get active, it’s also a peaceful spot to start or end the day with the sun.

    Lake Burley Griffin

    A stunning sunrise from Lake Burley Griffin is enough to lure many Canberrans out of bed in the morning. A walk around the lake of an evening is an especially lovely way to finish the day.

    Shepherds Lookout

    This is the northern-most viewing point of the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT. There are a number of walking tracks, all of which offer bush vistas. You might even be lucky enough to see a platypus or a Gang Gang cockatoo.

    Read more like this


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Meals in Schools pilot program begins

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    From August, students at five ACT public schools will have access to free breakfast and lunch, three days a week during school weeks.

    Students at five ACT public schools can access free meals, through an ACT Government pilot program.

    From August, students can enjoy free healthy breakfasts and lunches three days a week during school weeks.

    The pilot program is part of 2024–25 ACT Budget funding.

    It will run until July 2025 at:

    • Gilmore Primary School
    • Richardson Primary School
    • Narrabundah Early Childhood School
    • Gold Creek School (senior campus – years 7 to 10)
    • Melba Copland Secondary School (College campus only – years 10 to 12).

    Healthy, varied meals

    Meals will include tasty grab-and-go food such as yoghurt, fruit and vegetables, frittata, wraps and salad.

    Participating schools will provide their full menu to families as the program begins.

    An independently appointed nutrition service, The ACT Nutrition Support Service, has assessed the meals.

    The service employs Accredited Practising Dietitians. They are all passionate about helping children develop a positive relationship with food.

    The ACT Nutrition Support Service has provided nutrition education and support to schools, canteens and teachers since 2011.

    Pilot timeline

    Meal deliveries began from the week commencing 29 July at Gilmore and Richardson primary schools.

    Narrabundah Early Childhood School and Gold Creek School will receive meals from the week beginning 5 August.

    Deliveries will begin at Melba Copland Secondary School college campus the week beginning 12 August.

    The Embrace Disability Group

    The Embrace Disability Group has been awarded the contract to provide the meals.

    Embrace has catering and canteen experience in the ACT and Jerrabomberra region.

    An established catering group, they provide real-life working opportunities and hospitality training for people living with disabilities.

    The importance of good nutrition

    Nutrition has a real impact on students’ learning and wellbeing.

    Access to meals at school can help children better understand nutrition and feel happier at school.

    There will be opportunities for families, students and staff to give feedback on how they feel the pilot is working.

    This will help the Education Directorate evaluate the pilot in the second half of 2025.

    Each school will keep its community informed of the pilot’s progress.

    Find out more about financial and resource assistance for families.


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: AMC makes a difference through native plants

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Leigh, Production Nursery and Horticulture Program supervisor at the Alexander Maconochie Centre

    Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) detainees are helping climate-proof the region through an innovative program.

    There are seven people employed in the AMC’s Production Nursery and Horticulture Program.

    Together, they are working to restore endangered grassy woodlands in the Yass region.

    Over the past year, they have propagated around 3,000 native plants to help the Murrumbateman Landcare Group (MLG).

    Plants include eucalypts, wattles, shrubs and groundcovers. The MLG chose these varieties for their ability to withstand future climate conditions.

    These were grown as seeds from both local and non-local sources to ensure genetic diversity.

    They will also improve soil health on both private and public lands in the region.

    The program has been running for three years at the AMC, which has commercial grow houses and stock gardens on site.

    It is one of several opportunities offered to help detainees build new skills and confidence and give back to the community.

    Those involved have learned various propagation techniques and have even raised species that have struggled to grow in Murrumbateman.

    “The experience has also given detainees a real sense of achievement while nurturing their own personal growth. For some, these programs are more than a way to pass the time of their sentences – it can open up pathways for life after prison,” AMC Production Nursery and Horticulture Program supervisor Leigh said.

    The AMC’s partnership with MLG demonstrates that rehabilitation and community engagement can go hand-in-hand, with positive results.

    “This partnership is a wonderful example of how we can work together to achieve positive outcomes for both the environment and individuals involved,” MLG Committee Member Gill Hall said.


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Squeaky Clean puts community first

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The gritty laneway location was the perfect spot for a bar that embraces the alternative.


    In brief

    • Local bar Squeaky Clean was a recipient of the ACT Government’s Tourism Product Development Fund.
    • Applications for the Fund are now open.
    • Squeaky Clean is one of many Canberra businesses benefitting from new nightlife reforms.

    Jon Murphy opened his bar Squeaky Clean just last year with support from the ACT Government’s Tourism Product Development Fund.

    And new government reforms are now providing an atmosphere in which the business can thrive.

    The idea for the bar came from a desire to fill what Jon saw as a gap in the market.

    “I was in my thirties when I got to Canberra. I don’t wear suits or RM Williams, I don’t fit into the mould of the APS person. I tried so many places but I just couldn’t find my people,” he said.

    Jon set out to create a place where he could be his genuine self. The first step was to find the right space. A gritty laneway location in Verity Lane ticked many of Jon’s boxes.

    “I saw potential. The timber floors, high ceilings, the location, and the fact that it had character already.”

    The Tourism Product Development Fund

    A grant from the Tourism Product Development Fund allowed Jon to engage local builders.

    “We used the money to stay local and keep the money in town. That was part of our agreement with the builder that we went with, that they weren’t going to subcontract out of town,” he said.

    The principle of supporting local has stuck with Jon. It extends to the Squeaky Clean menu, which showcases local suppliers and producers. The burgers have quickly become a favourite among regulars. They feature beef from Southland’s Quality Meats and buns from Three Mills.

    “They’re local and they look after us. It’s that relationship thing – building relationships with people where we both keep the money in town,” Jon said.

    How to apply

    The Tourism Product Development Fund supports local businesses to provide better visitor experiences. This helps:

    • boost the local economy
    • create jobs
    • enhance Canberra’s reputation as a tourism destination.

    Applications for the Tourism Product Development Fund are now open.

    Find out more.

    New nightlife reforms

    Squeaky Clean is one of many Canberra businesses that will benefit from a range of reforms designed to boost the city’s nighttime economy.

    This includes the passage of the Liquor (Night-Time Economy) Amendment Bill 2024, providing eligible businesses with:

    • more flexibility around their trading hours
    • a reduction in annual liquor licencing fees for supporting live music and the arts
    • new provisions around celebrations of special events such as the Olympics and Floriade.

    The ACT Government has also introduced new fit-for-purpose Noise Standards in the City Centre Entertainment Precinct. The standards aim to:

    • boost the city’s entertainment and cultural scene
    • support local businesses
    • boost artistic growth
    • elevate the visitor experience
    • consider community wellbeing.

    In a further boost to musicians and the nighttime economy, free parking permits will be available for musicians to access loading zones for 30 minutes to unload their musical equipment. Musicians will be able to apply for a permit via the Access Canberra website.

    Read more like this:


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Canberran’s guide to running

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    With beautiful running tracks and plenty of running groups, Canberra is ideal for running.

    Running is good for the mind, body and soul, but getting started can be a little daunting. Maybe you want to know about the best running locations, find a running group to get you motivated, or maybe you just want to get started.

    Here are a few ideas on how to get involved in running right here in Canberra.

    Find a location

    Canberra is the bush capital of Australia, so there are plenty of tracks and trails to explore. With over 90 parks you won’t be getting bored anytime soon.

    The Find a Park map shows all the parks in Canberra, plus what you can and can’t do in them, and the background of each one.

    Join or start a run club

    Run clubs are all the rage right now! Whether you are a beginner, looking for friends, or want to challenge yourself with likeminded runners, there will be a run club for you.

    Canberra Runners offers a few different groups you can join depending on your availability and schedule.

    Running for Resilience caters for everyone. Whether you are a runner, walker or pushing a stroller, they have you covered. They have two possible routes you can take on Lake Burley Griffin.

    SundaySeshCBR is here to scratch that end of the week running itch! You can even bring along your furry friend to join in. They take off from On Lake Café in Barton.

    Underground Run Club is all about running and being social. Run with some likeminded runners and grab a coffee afterwards to finish off your Sunday run. They meet at Mocan and Green Grout.

    Chafe Chasers are all about inclusion and fun! Meeting at the Anchor near Merchant Navy Memorial on Lake Burley Griffin, you can do a 5km run or walk.

    Canberra Frontrunners is for all your running, walking, riding and strutting desires. This group was formed to be an inclusive and supportive place for LGBTQIA+ people and allies. They change locations often so make sure to stay up to date on where they are headed.

    Sign up for a running event

    There are a range of marathons, triathlons and fun runs in Canberra catering to all skill and experience levels. These include:

    Sri Chinmoy provides different running events all over Australia including Canberra. Some of the events include the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail 100, fun runs, Sri Chinmoy Triple – Triathlon and more.

    Canberra Colour Frenzy is the most colourful event you can find! This non-competitive run allows you to run, walk, skip, hop or whatever you want through the colour-tastic course.

    The Canberra Times Fun Run is one of Canberra’s most iconic events. This course is great for all levels of experience, but specifically great for beginners or those that need an easier run as it is a pretty flat course. Plus all runners get a finisher medal!

    Ready to get serious? Join The Canberra Times Canberra Marathon instead. With five different courses to compete in all levels of runners are invited to celebrate running.

    The Stromlo Running Festival provides many different running events. From a 5km run to a marathon, you can experience the stretches of wide trail up a vertical gain. Offering scenic views, this is not an event you want to miss.

    Capital to Coast is a multi-stage 100km foot race between Canberra and the South Coast of NSW. Each stage ranges from 8km to 15km in length and will take you up and past various elevation and terrains. Run solo or join a relay team of up to four members.

    The Aussie Peace walk isn’t necessarily about running, but with tracks ranging from 7km to 42km it’s sure to get your body pumping. This two-day intercultural festival encourages people from all around the world to experience the bush capital.

    Do a parkrun

    These events are fun and carefree if you make it that way, as there is no time limit, and no one finishes last. However, if you want to challenge yourself you can always try and beat your own personal record.

    Here are the current parkruns happening in Canberra:

    • Wagi Bridge parkrun
    • Gungahlin parkrun
    • Umbagong District parkrun
    • Ginninderra parkrun
    • Mount Ainslie parkrun
    • Burley Griffin parkrun
    • Coombs parkrun
    • Tuggeranong parkrun
    • Point Hut Pond parkrun.

    Join a training program

    Whether you are starting off, took a break, need some help, or just want to follow a routine, a training program can help you reach your goals. From rookie running to triathlon training, you can find something to meet your needs.

    A few training programs here in Canberra include:

    Females in Training ACT offer many different supported and self-driven training programs. Not only can you do weekly training sessions, but you can also sign up for a training program that are targeted at specific Canberra events.

    Achilles Australia helps Australians with a disability to enjoy a fun sociable active lifestyle. They welcome those to attend a regular training session and ensure members feel safe and supported.

    Peak Performance Running will provide you some directions, answers and guidance for your running journey. They will give you weekly advice and help you achieve their club goals.

    Eager2Elite provides individual specific running programs to help you reach your goals. You’ll receive one on one coaching, regular feedback and face to face discussions.

    There are also hundreds of online training programs you can sign up to and follow along. Join in a community and get your running journey started.

    Remember that when it comes to running safety and precaution should come first. Always:

    • let someone know where you are off to
    • wear sunscreen and a hat
    • bring adequate water
    • check the weather conditions.

    Make sure you stretch and prepare and don’t push yourself well past your limits.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Gungahlin’s best public art

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Stopping to Smell the Flowers is located near the Joey Park Playground in Throsby.

    Gungahlin in a multicultural region that’s home to many families.

    Many of the artworks scattered through Gungahlin feature playful elements that both adults and children will love.

    Set out for a day of art and adventure with this handy guide:

    Hall toilet block mural

    Location: Gladstone Street, Hall

    Artist: Geoff Filmer and Raphael

    Wildlife street artist Geoff Filmer collaborated with the Hall community to make this vibrant mural. The mural painted on the Hall toilet block channels a wildlife theme. Hall community members told Geoff how an echidna often runs across the road and into the park. This inspired Geoff to include two echidnas in the mural.

    The mural is a collaboration with an emerging artist who goes by the name of Raphael. To see more of Geoff’s work visit his Instagram page or Facebook page.

    Harrison School mural

    Artist: Eddie Longford

    Eddie Longford is a local Aboriginal artist who painted a mural at Harrison School. He collaborated with members of Harrison School to capture the essence of the school community.

    The mural depicts the mountain range behind the school along with native flora and fauna.

    For more of Eddie’s work, check out his Instagram.

    Ernest Cavanagh Street mural

    Location: near Communities @ Work, Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin

    Artist: Eddie Mowat

    This mural celebrates our essential workers during COVID-19. The piece depicts an empowering portrait of a nurse. The vibrant and captivating piece displays artist Eddie Mowat’s gratitude to essential workers. The mural is an ongoing reminder to our community of the hard work essential workers in Canberra do.

    Ginninginderry Light

    Artist: Geoff Farquhar-Still

    Ginninginderry is an Aboriginal word that means “sparkling” or “throwing out rays of light”. This sculpture is made of stainless steel and is embedded with millions of tiny glass beads. These beads reflect the light of the sun, the moon and local traffic to light up the Crace Pedestrian Plaza.

    Lady With Flowers

    Artist: Dean Bowen

    Melbourne artist Dean Bowen makes bronze sculptures with child-like whimsy. Lady with Flowers is close to a bus stop. It’s easy to imagine her catching a bus to the city to visit Bowen’s other Canberra sculpture, The Big Little Man.

    Stopping to Smell the Flowers

    Artist: Jimmy Rix

    This sculpture is close to the Joey Park Playground in Throsby. It was commissioned to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Floriade in 2017. It depicts the exchange of flowers as a representation of expressing love.

    A is for Alexander B is for Bunyip C is for Canberra

    Artist: Anne Ross

    The Monster that Ate Canberra is a children’s book written by author and illustrator, Michael Salmon. This sculpture features the books main character, Alexander Bunyip. You can find it near the Gungahlin Library.

    The Goongarline

    Artist: Malcolm Utley

    The local Indigenous people called Gungahlin’s rocky hills ‘Goongarline’. This sculpture is inspired by that landscape. It’s located near the Gungahlin Place Playground.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Seven named ACT Book of the Year 2024

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Local crime writer Chris Hammer has nailed it with this award win.

    The 2024 ACT Book of the Year has been awarded to Chris Hammer’s gripping crime thriller, The Seven.

    Chris will receive $10,000 as the author of the 2024 ACT Book of the Year.

    Chris is no stranger to the award – his non-fiction book The River was named ACT Book of the Year in 2011.

    2024 ACT Book of the Year finalists

    The ACT Book of the Year Award showcases the excellence of local authors.

    This year’s judges also awarded two highly commended and three shortlisted works.

    These include a diverse range of genres: crime fiction, poetry, short stories, non-fiction, and children’s historic fiction.

    Highly Commended

    • Untethered by Ayesha Inoon
    • The Measure of Sorrow: Stories by J. Ashley-Smith

    Shortlisted

    • Sleeplessness by Paul Hetherington
    • Tiwi Story: Turning history downside up by Mavis Kerinaiua and Laura Rademaker
    • The Great Gallipoli Escape by Jackie French.

    You can purchase all these in bookstores across the city.

    They are also available to loan from ACT Libraries.

    The Seven

    The judging panel included Helen Ennis, T.R. Napper and Barrina South. They had a tough time choosing the winning title, given the wealth of talent in Canberra’s writing community.

    Of The Seven, they said: “Chris Hammer demonstrates total mastery of the crime genre. From the first pages onwards Hammer creates a thrilling narrative filled with suspense that immerses the reader in gripping, page-turning intrigue.

    “Hammer conveys a beautiful sense of place in developing this quintessential Australian story, filled with compelling characters, who are poignantly reflective about their own lives. The narrative, exposing the power of the landed aristocracy in a fictional country town, is skilfully controlled so that the reader is never certain where they will be taken next, until the final resolution. The town itself functions as a powerful metaphor which, with its art deco façade, is an evocative setting for this world-class crime novel.”

    Visit the artsACT website for more information.


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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Free and low-cost ways to support local

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

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