NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CIT launches checkout-free store

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology uses AI to determine what shoppers take or return to shelves.

    CIT Bruce has launched a new campus convenience store, YalaPlus, enabled by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.

    The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is the first education institution in the southern hemisphere to use the technology.

    Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology uses AI to determine what shoppers take or return to shelves.

    Computer vision and deep learning techniques simplify the shopping experience by removing checkout lines, helping students get in and out quickly.

    The technology uses synthetic datasets that mimic millions of realistic shopping scenarios to ensure accuracy in virtually any environment.

    Professional services company Cognizant helped provide the solution integration to ensure seamless payment options for students.

    At YalaPlus, students enter the store using their credit card or mobile wallet at the entry gate.

    Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology then detects what they take from or return to the shelves and creates a virtual shopping session.

    When students complete their shopping, they can leave the store without waiting in line, and their credit card is charged for the items they take.

    CIT Student Association chief executive officer Andrew Scotford said the innovative stores would create an improved and more flexible student experience.

    “Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology will benefit all students, especially those studying outside of regular business hours,” he said.

    “Many CIT students are balancing work, study and training, so flexibility and accessibility are important to them.

    “There are also 48 students who live on the CIT Bruce Campus that don’t have easy access to nearby shopping. YalaPlus now offers convenient access to products such as food, beverages and other essential items.”

    CIT interim chief executive officer Christine Robertson says the Institute, now in its 95th year, is entering an exciting era of progress.

    “CIT will open a new state-of-the-art, digitally connected Woden CIT campus in 2025, but innovation doesn’t wait. We’re committed to uplifting our existing facilities and experiences for students and staff,” she said.

    The Student Association also plans to open two more stores at CIT campuses, at Fyshwick and at Bruce, in early 2024.

    Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium is home to two other locations using this technology in Australia.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Local sporting heroes celebrated

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Road cyclist Jay Vine received the Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport award.

    Rower Nikki Ayers and road cyclist Jay Vine have been named Athletes of the Year at the 2023 CBR Sport Awards.

    They received the awards for Para Sport and Women’s Sport, and Men’s Sport respectively.

    Volleyball team the CBR Heat took home the Team of the Year award.

    The awards, held last night, celebrate the ACT’s top athletes, teams and special contributors, and acknowledge their outstanding achievements.

    The 2023 CBR Sport Award winners are:

    • Athlete of the Year – Para Sport: Nikki Ayers (Rowing)
    • Athlete of the Year – Women’s Sport: Nikki Ayers (Rowing)
    • Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport: Jay Vine (Cycling, Road)
    • Team of the Year: Canberra Heat (Volleyball)
    • Rising Star: Cameron Myers (Athletics)
    • Minister for Sport and Recreation Award’s for Event Excellence: Cricket ACT – Festival of Cricket
    • Minister for Sport and Recreation’s Award for Innovation: Capital Athletics – Unification of Athletics in the ACT
    • Minister for Sport and Recreation’s Award for Inclusion: Hockey ACT – Pride in Sport Program
    • ACT Sport Hall of Fame – Associate Member: Graham “Joe” Henstock (Hockey) and Laurie Fisher (Rugby Union)
    • ACT Sport Hall of Fame – Full Member: Grant Bluett (Orienteering)

    For more information about this year’s winners visit the CBR Sport Awards website.

    Rower Nikki Ayers was named both Athlete of the Year – Para Sport and Athlete of the Year – Women’s Sport.

    Volleyball team the Canberra Heat was named team of the Year.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Plant selector tool helps gardeners be climate-wise

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Landscape architect and founder of The Climate Factory Edwina Robinson recommends the Plant Selector Tool.

    Anyone can be a green thumb if you know what to grow, and a key part of that is understanding your local climate.

    The ACT Government’s Canberra Plant Selector is a free online tool that can help you choose the best plants for your climate-wise garden.

    The tool features over 340 species. You can search for plants suited to Canberra’s climate based on sun, shade, frost tolerance and water needs.

    Climate-wise gardens can help protect you against extreme heat, rainfall events and bushfires.

    Edwina Robinson is a landscape architect and founder of Canberra social enterprise The Climate Factory.

    The Climate Factory builds demonstration micro-forests around Canberra that cool the local environment, and work to inspire others to build their own community micro-forest.

    Edwina recommends gardeners try the Canberra Plant Selector and says your climate-wise garden can help keep your home cool in hot weather – and can also provide a haven for native birds and pollinators.

    “You might choose to have higher water use plants closer to the house. These will look lush and green and help keep your outdoor space cool. And consider incorporating a pond. It could even be a pond in a waterproof pot – full of wetland plants with leaves for dragonflies to land on,” she said.

    “Canberra’s climate is likely, on average, to get hotter and drier in the future. So prepare your garden soil with organic matter. Choose plants carefully. And think about how you will water your plants during dry weather.

    “The Canberra Plant Selector is a must for learning about garden plants. You should also visit local nurseries that specialise in plants for Canberra’s climate. And talk to neighbours who have gardens already,” she said.

    Everyone can help to make Canberra a climate-ready city. As a climate-wise gardener, you can preserve water, reduce urban heat and create important habitat for native species.

    View the Canberra Plant Selector.

    Learn more about sustainable practices at home and at work at climatechoices.act.gov.au or email SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Learner driver first aid program launched

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The training is designed to assist young drivers if they’re involved in, or come across, a motor vehicle crash.

    The ACT Government has launched a new learner driver first aid program.

    This will provide more flexible options for learner drivers to enhance their skills and credit their mandatory supervised driving hours. 

    From 22 November, Canberrans learning to drive will have an opportunity to obtain basic lifesaving first aid skills and claim five hours credit against their required driving hours. 

    The training is designed to assist people if they’re involved in, or come across, a motor vehicle crash. 

    The program won’t just provide the skills that could save a life, it’s hoped to be a reminder to the next generation of drivers of the serious consequences of car accidents.

    Under the new program new drivers are eligible for the five credit hours if they have held a learner licence for at least three months.

    There will be eight approved courses available from 22 November, delivered either online, face-to-face or a combination of both.

    The time commitment and cost requirements for each course varies depending on the type and depth of content delivered.    

    The new learner driver first aid program builds on existing competency training for learner drivers to make sure people have a better understanding of road safety. 

    This new program joins two other road safety education opportunities available for driving hours credit:
    *    Vulnerable Road User Program offers a 10-hour credit for completing the course
    *    Safer Driver Course provides learner drivers aged under 25 with 20 hours credit towards their required driving hours.

    Together these programs provide learner drivers aged under 25 years with up to 35 hours credit towards the 100 mandatory hours, and provide them with potentially life-saving skills.

    “St John Ambulance ACT commends the government on their initiative to promote driver first aid specially aimed at learner drivers,” 2022 Senior Australian of the Year, ACT Senior Australian of the Year and St John Ambulance volunteer Val Dempsey said.

    “This initiative through St John Ambulance ACT is supporting learner drivers in developing first aid skills, so they may be prepared to step forward with capabilities, competencies, and knowledge, to save a life in the event of an emergency, particularly in road safety.”

    Learner driver first aid courses completed before the program’s commencement date, or with a provider that is not on the approved list, will not be eligible for the logbook credit.

    For more information visit www.act.gov.au/roadsafety.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ‘Unleashing’ opportunities for CIT students

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Students get hands-on experience in caring for dogs.

    Forget laptops – for some students, giving treats and tummy rubs are all in a day’s learning.

    Nestled alongside bushland at CIT’s Bruce campus, CIT Dog Day Care is an authentic learning environment for aspiring animal care professionals.

    Here, students pursuing careers in animal care gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

    This not only equips them with essential skills towards a career in a field facing a shortage of qualified professionals, it’s also just great fun.

    Erin, a current CIT student, says “I’ve always wanted to do an animal course. Working here gives us a real hands-on experience so that we know what we should be looking for. We’re supported the whole way by our teachers to work with the dogs and their owners – the support gives you a real boost to deal with all parts of the job.”

    Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students provide the best of care for their doggy clients.

    This practical experience is complemented by classroom lessons throughout the week.

    Some students are completing Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASBAs), some are Fee-Free TAFE course graduates – all are gaining foundational skills towards a career in anything from veterinary nursing to dog grooming.

    As well as learning the optimal ways of communicating with the dogs in their care, students develop customer service skills liaising with their owners.

    Small dogs attend day care on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and large dogs on Fridays.

    The numbers of participating dogs are limited, ensuring students get to know each one well enough to offer individualised care.

    Each day, the dogs enjoy high-quality care including multiple walks, grooming or bath time, play, basic training and socialisation – and plenty of attention and affection.

    Maree, a supervisor, says the facility is “a unique space for students to develop real skills. Here they get a lot of preparation, true hands-on dog experience. They have an opportunity to see a range of natural behaviours and are able to develop the skills to manage situations in a supportive environment, all whilst collaborating and learning from other students.”

    The CIT Dog Day Care facility has become popular with pet owners who appreciate the personalised attention their dogs receive from the enthusiastic and dedicated students and staff.

    Its success highlights the close relationship between the Canberra community, CIT and industry, creating a safe, enjoyable environment for furry friends while contributing to the development of the next generation of animal care professionals.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New logo and uniform for Canberra’s newest school

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Shirley Smith High School logo and uniform have been officially released.

    Today the Shirley Smith High School logo and uniform were officially released in advance of the new school’s first year of operation in 2024.

    Community input was sought on three potential design options for the school’s logo and uniform.

    Following this community consultation, the final logo and uniform were chosen.

    The final design concept chosen by the community is the ‘Curly S’.

    The Curly S logo represents the initials in the name Shirley Smith, as well as the handwritten and the mechanical coming together, to show the relationship between people, community and the institution of education.

    The community’s preferred colour for the logo is ‘fresh green’.

    The student uniforms have both the Curly S logo on the chest, as well as the handwritten S design on the uniform body.

    Located in Kenny, Shirley Smith High School is the ACT’s 91st public school.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Pharmacy trial expanded to include some oral contraceptives

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Pharmacist Rebecca Richardson.

    Canberrans who already use an oral contraceptive pill may be able to obtain a re-supply of their contraceptive at one of five participating pharmacies as part of a new trial.

    Under the pharmacy trial, which is being led collaboratively by NSW Health and the University of Newcastle, people aged 18 to 35 may be able to get their next supply of the pill after a consultation with a participating pharmacist if they have been:

    • taking their existing pill for contraceptive purposes; and
    • continuously prescribed a low-risk oral contraceptive pill in the last two years by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

    This initiative expands on the current trial of pharmacists supplying medications to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

    Enabling pharmacists to supply certain low-risk medications when it is safe to do so is one way of providing more timely access to medications and treatments for Canberrans and reducing pressures on primary health care providers and emergency departments.

    The highly trained pharmacists participating in the trial will be able to have a conversation with eligible Canberrans to determine whether they can provide medications, or whether the person needs to see a doctor or nurse practitioner.

    The five pharmacies participating in the trial are:

    • Capital Chemist Charnwood
    • Gold Creek Discount Drug Store
    • The Pharmacy on Petrie (Civic)
    • Erindale Pharmacy
    • Pharmasave Woden Pharmacy

    ACT Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild, Simon Blacker, said this is a step forward for Canberra women.

    “It’s a good example of community pharmacies partnering with GPs and other health professionals to treat common health conditions with increased accessibility, in a safe and efficient way to unclog the health system,” he said.

    “The ACT has now joined NSW, Queensland, and Victoria in the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill to women by community pharmacists. Community pharmacies in the ACT are ready to do more for patient’s health by having community pharmacists working to their full scope of practice, and we look forward to working further with the ACT Government on this.”

    For more information visit on the pharmacy prescribing trial for the oral contraceptive pill or uncomplicated UTIs, visit: www.health.act.gov.au/pharmacy-trial

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work begins on Woden mental health facility

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Construction is underway on modernised southside mental health service facilities for children and adolescents.

    A parents’ room for families with younger children, a purpose-designed therapeutic arts and play activities space, and more interview rooms are some of the fresh features for the new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Southside fit-out in the Woden Town Centre.

    Construction has started on the 1,032 sqm ground floor refurbishment in Bowes Place in Woden, to replace the current accommodation in Callam Offices.

    This will provide a better client experience and a more modernised work environment for staff to support the mental health treatment and care of their clients.

    Upgrades will include a new waiting room near the main reception that supports young people to regulate in a low-stimulus environment if needed. There will also be modern treatment spaces for assessments and an overall aesthetic design to appeal to young people and their families or carers.

    Office and administration spaces will be modernised to provide better workspace layouts for staff, a quiet room for staff to conduct activities that need additional privacy, a dedicated staff breakout room, modernised safety systems and a high-quality acoustic design throughout to minimise noise.

    CAMHS Southside has operated from Callam Offices in Woden since 2001, but the location no longer meets the contemporary best-practice requirements for the team and the service.

    The Callam Offices facility is busy and staff saw around 5000 clients last year. The new location will be more easily accessible for clients and close to amenities, public transport, and public parking.

    CAMHS Southside will relocate to the new Bowes Place facility in early 2024 once construction is complete.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stromlo BMX track ready for new competition

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Riders can expect seven elite jumps and a progressive jump line with 10 rolls and jumps catering for beginners to intermediate levels.

    The new BMX freestyle facility at University of Canberra Stromlo Forest is ready to host its first event this weekend, the ACT Jam 2023.

    The track is designed by the Freestyle ACT BMX Club and caters to the needs of beginners entering the sport, right through to elite level riders.

    Riders can expect seven elite jumps and a progressive jump line with 10 rolls and jumps catering for beginners to intermediate levels.

    “I’m ecstatic to see Freestyle BMX be catered to with such a high-quality BMX facility. Off-road cycling tends to start with riding a BMX bike, jumping dirt jumps,” Tyson Jones-Peni, President, Freestyle ACT BMX Club, said.

    “The bike control you learn from Freestyle BMX riding is hard to replicate on any other bike and with a facility like this, we can expect to see the next generation of BMX rippers come out of Canberra,” he said.

    The BMX project is another step towards the ACT Government’s vision of the University of Canberra Stromlo Park Master Plan.

    The track provides a new place for the community to meet and be active while enjoying the increasingly popular sport.

    It is also ideal for hosting BMX freestyle events, such as the ACT Jam 2023.

    “Canberrans love riding bikes – we have the highest participation rate in the country. And with amazing facilities like we have here at UC Stromlo Forest Park, it’s not hard to see why,” Nick Hannan, Executive General Manager, AusCycling, said.

    “Around 16,000 Canberrans rode a mountain bike in the last year. What’s really exciting is that participation among women and girls has gone up more than 180% over the last five years. 

    “Local riders like Caroline Buchanan and Harriet Burbidge-Smith are winning some of the biggest events in the world and inspiring the next generation back home to get on a bike.”

    The ACT Jam is sponsored by Boost Mobile.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Local teacher inspires with story

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Sam Davies shares his story in the Be That Teacher campaign.

    UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra teacher Sam Davies loves being a teacher.

    He is just one of eight teachers across Australia sharing their stories in a new initiative called Be That Teacher.

    The joint Australian, state and territory government campaign aims to showcase the value and importance of teachers while encouraging people to consider a career in teaching.

    Teachers across Australia share why they choose to teach and their inspirational stories about the lasting impact they have had on their students.

    “If life is about creating meaningful moments, you get a meaningful moment every day in this profession,” Sam said.

    “Every day we have the opportunity to make a real and positive difference in the lives of our young people.”

    Ewen McMahon is one student at UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra who has benefitted from Sam’s dedication.

    “I only had him for one semester in Year 11 English, but he inspired me with just how involved he is in the class – how quickly he got to know everyone personally. He will go out of his way, in his own time, to make sure everyone’s okay and understanding the work, to check if anyone has questions and has what they need to get the work done,” Ewen said.

    “He just goes above and beyond. He just really cares and that comes out through in the way he teaches as well as who he is as a person.”

    While there are many excellent teachers like Sam across the country, more are needed.

    The National Teacher Workforce Action Plan was developed to address the national issue of teacher workforce shortages.

    It is hoped both the plan and the Be That Teacher campaign increase the number of people choosing to become teachers and ensure that existing teachers remain in the profession.

    If you are a school leaver, graduate or career switcher thinking about a career in teaching, view the pathways into teaching, scholarships and support available to you.

    “I hope that anyone considering a career in teaching will be touched by these remarkable stories, and that they will see how fulfilling this profession is,” Sam said.

    Read more on the Be That Teacher website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT to exceed tree-planting targets

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ACT Government’s effort to plant thousands of city-cooling trees is on track.

    The ACT Government’s tree-planting effort  to help to cool the city is on track.

    New data released in the Government’s annual tree report revealed it is positioned to plant more than 64,000 trees by mid next year.

    The initial target was 54,000 trees.

    More trees being established in the suburbs and city will strengthen Canberra’s resilience to the urban heat island effect – something which is exacerbated by climate change.

    This is the fifth large tree planting in the ACT’s history.

    The new stock is set to grow canopy cover across the city, especially in new and emerging suburbs built after 1990.

    In addition to the planting, the Government has invested in more tree maintenance staff to manage the ACT’s large and ageing urban forest.

    The planting program is supported by the introduction of the Urban Forest Act 2023 and the Urban Forest Strategy.

    New laws to protect Canberra’s trees for a generation come into effect from 1 January 2024.

    For the first time, all trees planted on public land will be protected, as well as trees over 8 metres tall on leased land.

    Information sessions for industry and the community will be held throughout November to provide an overview of the new tree laws before they come into effect.

    It is hoped the combination of more plantings, improved maintenance and protection of existing trees will ensure Canberra’s trees provide lasting benefits to generations of Canberra families.

    The ACT Government has set a target of 30 per cent canopy cover or equivalent by 2045.

    Canopy cover is measured by LiDAR data, the scientific standard in determining tree coverage across Canberra’s urban footprint.

    This is detailed in the annual Urban Tree Canopy Coverage Report which explains each suburb’s tree canopy data.

    Canberra’s city-wide canopy cover was last measured in 2020, estimating that Canberra has a canopy cover of 22.5 per cent.

    LiDAR data is updated every five years to determine the success of the tree planting program and urban forestry policies.

    Suburbs with the highest levels of tree canopy cover above the 30 per cent target include:

    • Isaacs
    • Reid
    • Aranda
    • Cook
    • Forrest
    • Deakin
    • Garran
    • Braddon
    • Weetangera

    For more information visit: www.cityservices.act.gov.au/trees-and-nature/trees/urban-forest-strategy

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: High school program inspiring gender equality

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Anna completed a site visit at the National Gallery of Australia.

    Anna Mongan felt sure she wanted to pursue a career in education.

    That was until she took advantage of the Understanding Building and Construction Program (UBCP) as a year 9 student at Melba-Copland Secondary School.

    The first of its kind in both the ACT and Australia, the curriculum-based program is designed to remove barriers preventing young women and gender diverse students from safely, equitably and fully participating in the building and construction industry.

    It does this through targeted, careers-focused learning in schools, to help young women and gender diverse students discover the option of this career pathway, including a vocational pathway.

    As part of the program, Anna completed a week-long work experience placement at consultancy RPS Group, where she was mentored by Practice Lead Tracy Wilcox.

    Tracy is a National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) committee member and is committed to championing diversity in the traditionally male-dominated industry.

    “I do this because I never had it myself,” she said.

    “There is a resource shortage across industry, which means there is a whole pool of talented individuals we are not even considering, this includes women. Diversity is important at all levels, and we need to open doors to give people a chance.”

    Anna’s week was packed with new experiences, including project management meetings, site visits and the opportunity to speak with RPS clients as well as those at all levels of the business.

    “The environment was very supportive and welcoming. I was given all these great opportunities to try things and listen in on things so that I get a taste of what it would actually be like to work here,” Anna said.

    Melba-Copland began offering the Understanding Building and Construction Program just this year.

    A pilot program of four schools ran in 2022, developed in a partnership between the ACT Government and NAWIC, and partly funded by a National Careers Institute (NCI) Partnership Grant.

    The program is now offered at five ACT public schools:

    • Alfred Deakin High School
    • Calwell High School
    • Harrison Public School
    • Mount  Stromlo High School
    • Melba-Copland Secondary School.

    The ACT Government is committed to a target of 10 per cent female employment in the ACT construction industry.

    Increasing women’s participation in the construction industry and other traditionally male-dominated industries is a key focus of the ACT Women’s Plan 2016–26.

    It also aligns with the Future of Education Strategy in partnering with industry to bring real-life learning into the classroom and take learning into the broader community.

    While work experience gave Anna welcome insight into consultancy work, she feels she might pursue a trade apprenticeship.

    “I haven’t quite decided what I want to do but I 110 per cent want to do it within the construction industry,” she said.

    For now, her priority is graduating year 12 – something Tracy strongly endorses.

    “It’s important to have a Plan B if you’re going into a trade. It’s all about being able to change and adapt as your body and situation change,” she said.

    Tracy’s strongest piece of advice, however, is simple: “Take every opportunity, understand your worth and back yourself”.

    At the end of her placement, Anna is happy to recommend the UBCP program to other students because it has provided her with meaningful opportunities to explore this industry.

    “I can say I will be going back to school and bragging about this great chance I was given,” she said .

    Learn more about the Understanding Building and Construction Program.

    Anna learnt a great deal on work experience at RPS Group.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Outdoor dining permits made easier

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Additional outdoor dining opportunities will allow more Canberrans to enjoy the warm weather over summer.

    The ACT Government is making it even easier for businesses to provide outdoor dining by offering a one-day turnaround on simple applications this summer.

    Outdoor dining permits will now allow food businesses to use public space adjacent to their premises, subject to certain conditions being met, while applications for ongoing use are being considered.

    The current process has a turnaround of approximately 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the application.

    The fast-track permits will provide timely and streamlined processes for applicants, making it easier for existing restaurants, cafés, and other food-based businesses to expand their trading spaces outdoors.

    The new scheme forms part of the ACT Government’s broader reform program to improve regulation, making it even easier for businesses to activate public spaces and grow their business.

    In addition, more outdoor dining opportunities will allow more Canberrans to enjoy the warm weather over summer.

    Outdoor dining permit approval will depend upon availability of public unleased land adjacent to the premise.

    Any furniture that is not fixed to the ground will need to be removed outside of operating times.

    Access Canberra’s Event Coordination and Business Assist Team is available to help businesses thrive by assisting them to develop and expand their business opportunities as well as to provide a direct contact point to understand current opportunities and flexibility under ACT legislation.

    It also provides an initial contact point in government to help navigate business and regulatory requirements.

    Businesses or event coordinators can contact the Event Coordination and Business Assist Team directly at ACBusinessTeam@act.gov.au or alternatively by calling 02 6205 4400 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

    Further information and scenarios have been added to the Access Canberra website to inform businesses what is allowed under liquor licensing.

    License holders and food businesses will be contacted about opportunities available this summer.

    For more information about outdoor dining and the Event Coordination and Business Assist Team, please visit www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work begins on Belconnen Oval Wetland

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Belconnen Oval Wetland is part of the ACT Government’s Healthy Waterways Program.

    Work on the Belconnen Oval Wetland to improve water quality and catchment health has now commenced.

    The new wetland will help to remove harmful nutrients before they enter Lake Ginninderra and will also provide habitat for native species and provide an excellent place for locals to enjoy.

    There will be new trees and water plants planted around the wetland, which will filter an estimated 30 per cent of harmful nutrients like phosphorous before it enters the lake.

    Temporary fences will surround the area for the community’s safety to restrict access until works are completed. This is expected to happen by mid-2024.

    Belconnen residents were asked to share their thoughts on the project, which shaped an improved final design.

    The Belconnen Oval Wetland is part of the ACT Government’s Healthy Waterways Program, designed to remove pollutants from stormwater before it flows into lakes and ponds.

    Through projects like the floating wetlands in Lake Tuggeranong and the re-naturalisation of Tuggeranong Creek, the government hopes to help foster native biodiversity across the city, reduce harmful pollutants, keep water safe, and preserve Canberra’s natural environment.

    For more information about the construction work and other projects helping to protect local waterways, visit tthe ACT Healthy Waterways Program page on the Environment website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Supporting healthier Canberra workplaces

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    National Zoo and Aquarium staff enjoy being a part of the Healthier Work community.

    Canberra businesses looking to support their employees’ health and wellbeing can join the ACT Government Healthier Work program.

    The free program helps businesses to support, protect and improve the wellbeing of their employees.

    This is done through implementing new strategies and activities that focus on improving both physical and mental health.

    Leadership advice, networking opportunities and access to experienced Healthier Work advisors – who meet with businesses in person or online – are also key to the program.

    The National Zoo and Aquarium are part of the program and actively work towards ensuring all employees are healthy and happy at work.

    “We joined the Healthier Work program to become part of a community of like-minded employers who were looking to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff,” the National Zoo and Aquarium’s WHS Coordinator, Julie, said.

    The program can be adapted for any business or industry.

    For Parbery Consulting, it was the program’s holistic approach to wellbeing that drew them in.

    “We’re always looking at new ways to improve our wellbeing supports, and the Healthier Work program helps us achieve that goal,” Parbery Consulting Managing Partner Kylie Burnett said.

    “The Healthier Work action plan keeps us all accountable and motivates us to improve and grow our wellbeing initiatives.”

    “Everyone goes through ups and downs. Being a Healthier Work workplace doesn’t mean those ups and downs don’t happen, it just means that we can bounce back quicker,” Kylie said.

    Along with helpful resources, the program offers:

    • information and support for managers and leaders
    • a tiered recognition scheme with promotional benefits
    • regular up-to-date news and ideas about workplace health and wellbeing initiatives
    • networking opportunities
    • events and seminars.

    To join the Healthier Work program, Canberra businesses can visit the Healthier Work website: healthierwork.act.gov.au.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Warning period commences for mobile device detection cameras

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Drivers caught using their mobile device by one of Canberra’s mobile device detection cameras will now receive a written warning.

    A three-month warning period will commence from Friday 3 November for mobile device detection cameras, as part of the next phase of making Canberra’s roads even safer.

    Drivers caught using their mobile device by one of Canberra’s mobile device detection cameras will now receive a written warning.

    Infringements and demerit points will then start being issued from February 2024.

    Three transportable road safety cameras were introduced on Canberra’s roads in February 2023, along with a fixed camera on Hindmarsh Drive (near the Monaro Highway overpass) in June.

    A second fixed camera will be installed on Gungahlin Drive (near the Barton Highway overpass) by the end of 2023.

    It is hoped this warning phase will reinforce the need for behaviour change.

    Since the ACT Government began collecting data, over 39,000 Canberrans have been detected using a mobile device. That number translates to cameras detecting over 150 people currently breaking the law each day.

    Motorists are being asked to leave their phone alone and prioritise getting themselves and all road users home safely.

    The cameras will be able to detect:

    • a driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device in their hand at the ear or above the shoulder,
    • a driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device by resting the device between the ear and the driver’s shoulder,
    • a driver holding a mobile device in their hand or hands, including where it is held at chest level or below,
    • a driver touching, but not holding, a mobile device with their hand where the device is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle, and
    • a mobile device that is resting on any part of the body of a driver whether or not the device is also touched or held (except where the device is in a pocket of the driver’s clothing or in a pouch that is worn by the driver).

    Throughout the three-month warning period the third phase of a comprehensive road safety campaign will be undertaken. The campaign will ensure the community is aware that it is illegal to use their mobile device while driving and will provide substantial warning that infringements will commence from February 2024 for any driver who chooses to break the law.

    It is important to note that ACT Policing is still issuing infringements to drivers they detect illegally using their mobile phone. The warning period only applies to mobile detection cameras.

    The goal of mobile device detection cameras is to increase road safety by utilising the latest in road safety technology to deter and detect unsafe driving.

    The roll out of these detection cameras is part of delivering on the ACT Government’s commitment to ‘Vision Zero’ of no deaths or serious injuries on Canberra’s roads.

    For more information visit www.act.gov.au/roadsafety.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New development for Constitution Place precinct

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    An artist’s impression of the new Constitution Place development.

    A new $150 million office development will be built in the city centre following the sale of an ACT Government block of land to Capital Property Group.

    The $17.75 million sale will see the developers of Canberra’s award-winning Constitution Place precinct – Bates Smart and Construction Control – deliver a six-level, 14,000sqm commercial building on the corner of Vernon Circle and Constitution Avenue.

    Construction is set to commence in mid-2024, and be completed late 2026.

    The project continues the renewal of the city centre, alongside the Canberra Theatre redevelopment and evolving Acton Waterfront.

    Capital Property Group Chief Executive Officer Stephen Byron said this project would build on the success of Constitution Place.

    “We are committed to setting a new standard of excellence for office development and further revitalising Canberra’s City Centre,” he said.

    “This new development will provide high-quality, centrally located office accommodation to meet the city’s growing needs.”

    The new development will place a strong emphasis on sustainability, targeting a WELL Gold-rated Shell and Core, and aiming for a 5-star NABERS energy rating.

    It will also feature a 99kw roof-mounted solar array and have no gas plant allowing for the building to be 100% carbon neutral in operation.

    The building is also proposed to have a hybrid timber construction where part of the building structure and fabric will be built from sustainable timber, further reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

    “We are passionate about Canberra and continuing to make it Australia’s most vibrant, liveable city,” Mr Byron said.

    “Our experience in award-winning precinct design, honed over 25 years at Canberra Airport, positions us well to harness the full potential of the opportunity with this project.”

    The sale was completed through a competitive tender process with the ACT Government via the City Renewal Authority. The land sale was managed by JLL ACT.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: FuelCheck to continue to provide savings to Canberra motorists

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberra motorists will continue to have access to real-time fuel pricing.

    Canberra motorists will continue to have access to real-time fuel pricing at petrol stations across the ACT, following a successful trial of the FuelCheck scheme in the ACT.

    For many households the cost of fuel is a significant expense. Canberra motorists will be able to continue to find cost savings on fuel as the ACT Government continues to work with the NSW Government to provide the popular FuelCheck scheme in the ACT.

    By shopping around and checking FuelCheck, Canberra motorists can enjoy savings of, on average, 11 cents per litre on standard unleaded, 15 cents per litre on premium unleaded; and 25 cents per litre on diesel and pay less than the national average for their fuel.

    This means a motorist who drives an average of 12,100 kilometres per year could save around $140-$200 for a petrol car and $350 for a diesel car, annually.

    Since FuelCheck’s introduction in the ACT in November 2022, the app was downloaded around 100,000 times by Canberrans.

    Over 95 per cent of ACT service stations have signed up to FuelCheck and there has been a high level of retailer and consumer satisfaction with the tool.

    Opting into the FuelCheck scheme has also given small and independent ACT operators the opportunity to take advantage of free price advertising and bring awareness of their location to a larger audience.

    Along with giving motorists the capacity to save, FuelCheck also allows users to see information on when the best day of the week to buy, and to receive alerts on when prices drop at favourite stations.

    “The NRMA is pleased to see the continuation of FuelCheck in the ACT to give motorists greater pricing transparency,” Peter Khoury, NRMA Spokesman, said.

    “As fuel prices remain volatile and cost of living continues to rise, FuelCheck will continue to make a massive difference for consumers by ensuring they can always find the best price fuel near them.

    “As the Christmas period approaches, real-time fuel prices will help motorists to better plan their journeys and when and where they should fill up,” he said.

    More information on fuel pricing in the ACT and the FuelCheck scheme is available at https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/consumer-rights/fair-trading-and-consumer-rights#Fuel-prices.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Light rail reaches 15 million passenger journeys

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A recent survey found 98 per cent of passengers reported being satisfied with the ease of using the light rail.

    Canberra’s light rail system has reached another passenger milestone with more than 15 million passenger journeys now taken since its April 2019 launch.

    Future public transport journeys will be even easier to make when a new ticketing system rolls out in the second half of 2024.

    The MyWay+ system will be available for both buses and light rail and will allow passengers to pay using a phone app, smartwatch, traditional travel card or credit or debit card.

    Light rail offers Canberrans a convenient, sustainable and reliable form of public transport.

    A light rail satisfaction survey undertaken last month found that 98 per cent of passengers reported being satisfied with the ease of using the light rail when they took public transport.

    Fifty-one per cent of passengers also reported they plan to continue their journey through the city by taking advantage of light rail stage 2A in the future.

    In the past three months, 22 per cent of all public transport journeys across the whole of Canberra were on the light rail.

    The latest data also shows that public transport mode share in Gungahlin has increased by nearly 50 per cent since the introduction of light rail.

    Private car usage has declined further with the highest drop recorded in Gungahlin and North Canberra, along the light rail alignment, reducing by 9 per cent in Gungahlin, and 13 per cent in North Canberra.

    Construction on Stage 2A – which will see the line extended to Commonwealth Park – is expected to start once raising London Circuit is complete.

    This work progresses, with the first temporary road and demolition of the southbound bridge over London Circuit complete.

    Canberrans can expect to see substantial changes in the city centre as upgrades better connecting the city and the lake are carried out.

    Planning and design continue on the further Stage 2B to Woden.

    The ACT Government has also started construction on the ‘green track’ prototype at the National Arboretum. Canberrans will be able to see the design of grassed track areas through the city on the stage 2A line.

    Find more information on the MyWay+ system.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Businesswoman of the Year flies high

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Dr Debbie Saunders, second from right, is the founder and CEO of Wildlife Drones.

    Drones and wildlife may seem like an odd coupling, but for conservation ecologist Dr Debbie Saunders, it has proven to be a real winner.

    Debbie is the founder and CEO of Wildlife Drones, a local Canberra company established in 2016 that is doing something no one else in the world is doing – tracking wildlife with drone technology.

    Her efforts to improve conservation management practices around the world has earnt her a number of accolades, the latest being 2023 Canberra Businesswoman of the Year at the recent Canberra Women in Business Awards.

    “Winning this award is pretty amazing, a real highpoint in my career. It’s nice to be recognised,” she said.

    But for Debbie, it wasn’t always easy.

    “There were a lot of naysayers over the years. People who didn’t really believe in what I was doing. But you can’t worry about that,” she said.

    “I have amazing mentors, and a support network in Canberra. You just need to surround yourself with people who lift you up and believe in you.”

    Wildlife Drones came about after a struggle to track the humble swift parrot.

    “It’s a small animal that moves dynamically across massive landscapes – it’s also critically endangered,” Debbie said.

    “My colleagues had tried to track them before. They would catch them, which is a feat in of itself, put a tag on them but when they released them, they never found them again. All of that effort, and they would just fly away.

    “So if we wanted to track them, we really needed to find a different way.”

    Debbie received an ICON grant to help develop her product (which enabled her to buy her first drone), and took advantage of the many programs and events offered by the Canberra Innovation Network.

    Now, Wildlife Drones is the only company in the world providing this kind of technology, and it’s all manufactured in Canberra.

    Governments, not-for-profits, zoos, environmental consultants and researchers are using Wildlife Drones’ technology to track everything from giant hornets and Burmese pythons in the US, to koalas and bilbies in Australia.

    Debbie says Canberra has been a great place to start up and grow a business, with a supportive innovation ecosystem that has helped her attract investment.

    “Being from wildlife background, I wasn’t sure how to do some things, like a business pitch,” she said.

    “But it’s amazing how many synergies there are between business and research. And that was the moment it clicked for me – I do this all the time, applying for grants is exactly the same thing.

    “I now have an amazing team and work on amazing things. That has been the real game changer, surrounding myself with smart and creative people who are up for the challenge.”

    So, what’s next for Wildlife Drones?

    “So many things,” laughs Debbie.

    “We’re developing a new product and it’s got nothing to do with drones.

    “With the new Global Biodiversity Framework that was signed off, and a lot of countries signed up to, businesses are now required to be accountable in terms of biodiversity. There’s an immense amount of data out there that can be used to help businesses and corporations better understand biodiversity and how to monitor and track over time.

    “We are developing software to help make use of all that data.

    “It’s great to be in a time when biodiversity is front and centre.”

    For more information about the Canberra Innovation Network go to the CBRIN website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Lights, camera, action! AUSTIN begins filming

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    AUSTIN stars Ben Miller, Michael Theo, and Sally Phillips.

    Cameras have officially started rolling on AUSTIN, a new eight-part ABC comedy series being filmed in Canberra.

    Produced by the award-winning team at Northern Pictures – in partnership with the ABC, Screen Australia, ITV Studios, and Screen Canberra – AUSTIN is the acting debut for Love on the Spectrum fan-favourite Michael Theo, who will star in the series alongside two renowned UK actors, Ben Miller and Sally Phillips.

    About AUSTIN

    When much-loved children’s author Julian Hartswood (Ben Miller) inadvertently causes a social media storm, his career and that of his illustrator wife Ingrid (Sally Phillips) appears to be over. That is until Austin (Michael Theo), the neurodivergent son that Julian never knew existed, turns up out of the blue. 

    Could embracing this modern nuclear family be Julian’s route back from cancellation? Will Ingrid forgive him? One thing is for certain: if Julian thinks Austin is going to be a push over, he’s in for a rude awakening.

    Production brings support for the local screen industry 

    Supported by the ACT Government and Screen Canberra through the CBR Screen Attraction Fund and CBR Screen Investment Fund, this series will be filmed almost entirely in Canberra, with one week of filming in the UK.  

    The 28-day shoot will provide training and employment opportunities for local industry and significant economic expenditure.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fee-Free TAFE to continue

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Fee-Free TAFE is a jointly funded initiative of Australia’s Commonwealth, state and territory governments, providing tuition-free vocational education and training to eligible ACT students wanting to train, retrain or upskill.

    Fee-Free Tafe – a jointly funded initiative of the Australian and ACT Governments – will continue until 2026.

    This extension will allow Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) to deliver another 3600 places over three years from 2024 onwards.

    This amounts to 600 tuition-free places for Canberrans each semester from 2024 through to the end of 2026.

    There will be a focus on priority learners and areas of skills demand.

    Applications for CIT Fee-Free TAFE places in semester 1, 2024, open Monday, 13 November 2023 and prospective students are encouraged to apply early.

    All are invited to attend CIT Open Day on Friday, 17 November, at the CIT Reid, Bruce and Fyshwick campuses.

    CIT has successfully met its targets in the first year of delivering Fee-Free TAFE, reaching its allocated 2,530 enrolments for 2023.

    More than 1000 of CIT’s Fee-Free TAFE student enrolments have been in the care sector, in skilled areas of demand such as childcare, aged care, disability care and community services.

    CIT has also seen a strong uptake of education and training in cyber security. The Certificate IV Cyber Security has been the most popular of all Fee-Free courses with 264 enrolments.

    “CIT has shown we can successfully deliver the national Fee-Free TAFE program, making education and training more accessible to Canberrans and continuing to drive the ACT’s workforce forward, especially in industry areas of need and to priority learner cohorts,” CIT Interim CEO Christine Robertson said.

    “Vocational education and training can change people’s lives, and Fee-Free TAFE is providing opportunity, especially to priority learners. It’s encouraging to see big enrolments among our youth and job seekers, while Fee-Free TAFE in the ACT has supported 430 women in financial hardship to access education and training.

    “Students have shared how they may not have even considered vocational education and training if not for the opportunity and accessibility that Fee-Free TAFE has provided them.”

    “We look forward to seeing more students graduate of Fee-Free TAFE and becoming the carers, construction workers, hospitality staff and digital experts the ACT needs. We’ve also had many students graduate short course via Fee-Free TAFE, which has set them on the pathway to further education,” she said.

    Highlights of CIT’s Fee-Free TAFE delivery in 2023 include:

    • 268 course completions already, mainly in short courses, which is a great pathway to further study and jobs
    • 1,609 female student enrolments (more than 60 per cent of total). CIT has been enhancing diversity in student cohorts e.g. 25 enrolments for women in building, construction and electronics trades
    • 430 women in financial hardship. Fee-Free tuition has made education and training possible.
    • 1,027 enrolments in care sector related courses, across areas including childcare, aged care, disability care, and community services
    • 936 enrolments for students aged between 17 and 24
    • 774 enrolments for job seekers
    • 215 enrolments for unpaid carers
    • 163 enrolments for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples
    • 124 enrolments for people that identify with a disability
    • 55 enrolments are for Humanitarian visa holders and 161 for other eligible visa holders
    • 30 enrolments for veterans.

    More information on CIT courses eligible for Fee-Free TAFE enrolment in Semester 1, 2024, is available at the CIT Fee-Free TAFE webpage.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Friends help to conserve Mount Painter

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Convenor of the ParkCare Friends of Mount Painter group, Sarah Hnatiuk.

    Did you know the ACT Government operates and manages more than 90 parks and nature reserves for our community to enjoy? Volunteers – like the Friends of Mount Painter – play a huge role in making this possible.

    The Friends of Mount Painter is a registered ParkCare Patch group that is made up of a small number of residents who support ACT Parks in the management of the 93-hectare reserve.  

    Convenor Sarah Hnatiuk, along with her group of volunteers, is helping protect and enhance the area for generations to come.

    “The Parks and Conservation Service are the land managers and deliver the ACT wide programs. We are here to support their activities and work on a different scale,” Sarah said.

    “Where we are useful is that we know the reserve intimately, in a way that the rangers wouldn’t as they have such a wide area to manage.

    “We might come across a new invasive weed and notify the parks service so they can jump on it quickly.”

    ParkCare volunteer activities include things such as:

    • revegetation and tree planting
    • weed and erosion control
    • seed collection
    • vegetation mapping
    • water quality monitoring
    • track maintenance
    • biodiversity surveys.

    “We do quite a lot of tree planting because this is an area which was extensively cleared, other reserves that have larger amounts of native vegetation do not have the same challenge.”

    “We also host classes from the Macquarie Primary, and we go with them on educational walks of the reserve,” Sarah said.

    Canberrans can search for their closest ParkCare volunteer group and get involved through the online ParkCare Hub.

    More information about the ParkCare initiative can be found on the ACT Parks website: parks.act.gov.au

    Stay up to date with news and events in the ACT, sign up to our email newsletter: Subscribe to OurCBR

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT netball court upgrades begin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Netball is one of the Canberra’s most popular sports with over 12,000 participants.

    Netball courts around Canberra will begin receiving upgrades from today, giving players and officials improved facilities.

    The work planned across the city’s five district netball facilities will include improvements to playing surfaces, fencing, drainage and stormwater management.

    The ACT Government is working with Netball ACT, following their ongoing engagement and advocacy on behalf of the local netball community.

    Netball is one of Canberra’s most popular sports with over 12,000 participants.

    The upgrades align with the vision of the ACT Government’s CBR Next Move Sport and Recreation Strategy, to get all Canberrans moving more through sport and active recreation.

    Netball ACT’s courts remediation project will be staged over two years, with works at the Arawang Netball Association facility in Stirling starting today, and work commencing at the Canberra Netball Association facility in Lyneham also.

    South Canberra, Belconnen and Tuggeranong will receive their improvements later in 2024.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Creating opportunities for women in construction

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Kaitlyn Lucas says the Women in Construction program gave her the tools to pursue a career in the construction industry.

    The ACT Government is encouraging women to consider careers in Canberra’s construction industry through an innovative training program.

    The Women in Construction program, which recently received recognition in the ACT Training Awards, encourages women and gender diverse Canberrans to enter the construction industry through a traineeship or apprenticeship pathway.

    Over five weeks, the program combines theory and practical hands-on learning with site tours, work preparation sessions and training courses to prepare participants for their placements.

    Kaitlyn Lucas is a first-year electrical apprentice who is currently working on the new CIT campus in Woden.  She says the Women in Construction program set her up with the qualifications and confidence, to pursue a career in construction.

    “A lot of the program was preparing for construction, so getting your basic qualifications, basic cards to get on site, elevated work platforms training, and first aid, which is important,” she said.  

    “My goal now is to get my qualification, and then one day I’d like to become a project manager.

    “These skills and qualifications set you up. It’s a good starting point.”

    As part of the program, participants undertake training courses including:

    • Work safely with asbestos containing materials
    • Identify and report asbestos containing materials
    • Apply WHS requirements, policies, and procedures in the construction industry
    • Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (White Card)
    • Handle Construction Materials
    • Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention
    • Course in Workplace Impairment Prevention
    • Bullying and Harassment and WHS Hazard Identification
    • Gender Equity Awareness – Safe and Respectful Workplaces
    • Workplace Mental Health Awareness.

    Each program participant is also supplied with their own personal protective equipment.

    Women in Construction Information Session 

    An information session about the next round of the Women in Construction program will be held at the Canberra Institute of Technology in Bruce. All individuals seeking to be part of program must attend the session.

    • Where: CIT Bruce
    • When: Thursday 26 October 2023, 10:30am-12:30pm

    Women in construction is delivered by Lendlease in collaboration with Major Projects Canberra and in partnership with Australian Training Company, The Umbrella Collective, Creative Safety Initiatives, The Canberra Institute of Technology, The ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority and Icon.

    More on the CIT Woden Campus’ social objectives can be found online.

    Stay up to date with news and events in the ACT, sign up to our email newsletter: Subscribe to OurCBR

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Animal educators in attendance at school

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Calwell High School students with Mr Ricky, Deputy Principal of Happiness

    Everyone knows educators make an enormous difference in a student’s life. But did you know some of those educators have four legs and a tail?

    In some ACT public schools, animals are playing an important part in supporting learning and emotional wellbeing and making a significant impact on students, staff and families.

    Calwell High School’s beloved therapy dog, Mr Ricky, quickly became an integral part of the school community.

    So much so he has been given the title of Deputy Principal of Happiness.

    Recognising the power of therapy dogs in promoting student wellbeing, Principal Steve Collins eagerly sought to bring Mr Ricky, who was trained by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, to the school.

    Since his first day of school in March, Mr Ricky has been a daily presence, bringing smiles and comfort to everyone he encounters.

    He spends his days traversing the hallways, visiting classrooms, and responding to signs of student anxiety by offering a reassuring paw on the lap – a gesture that can bring comfort to those in need.

    Collaborating with the school psychologist, social worker, and school youth health nurse, Mr Ricky has proven to be a calming and supportive presence during important sessions and discussions.

    At Arawang Primary School, 10-year-old rescue greyhound Tom helps students with their reading.

    Tom is part of the Story Dogs program and visits the school library each week with his handler, Amalia, to read with students, one on one.

    Students select books based on their own interests and read directly to Tom, who is quiet, gentle and loves cuddles.

    “Story Dogs has been in place in our school for only a term and during that time we have already witnessed the wonderful benefits of the program,” Arawang Primary Deputy Principal Cindy Condon said.

    “The students who participate count down the days each week until Tom arrives and cannot wait to choose a book to read to him. Tom gently relaxes beside them and listens to them read each week and his calmness and happiness is felt and mirrored by the students. Students’ reading and literacy has improved and most of all we have witnessed an amazing boost to their confidence!”

    Story dogs also assist children’s reading at several other ACT public schools and at regular sessions in ACT libraries.

    In term 3, students at Alfred Deakin High School had their learning supported by three-month-old calves Cookies and Cream.

    Part of the Cows Create Careers program, Cookies and Cream helped students improve their understanding of and interest in the dairy industry and farming.

    The program has run at Alfred Deakin since it began 20 years ago.

    Students from nearby schools, including Hughes Primary, also visit Alfred Deakin to learn more about the program.

    “Our students came away with big smiles on their faces and then had a rich discussion about what we learned and develop further wonderings to continue our inquiry about farming,” said Hughes Primary teacher Sally Baker.

    Story Dog Tom and his handler Amalia assist with student reading at Arawang Primary School.

    Cookies – or is it Cream?

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More electric buses start zapping into Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The new electric buses will provide clean, quiet, and comfortable services with zero emissions.

    The ACT Government is continuing the transition to a zero-emissions future with the first of four new electric buses to hit the streets of Canberra.

    The battery electric buses will be based at the Belconnen Depot, bolstering the number of zero-emission bus services running out of north Canberra.

    The depot will be upgraded to install the appropriate charging infrastructure, which will use existing grid capacity to supply energy.

    Each bus takes approximately five hours to fully charge and can operate up to 400 kilometres on a full charge, cutting noise pollution and harmful emissions from public transport interchanges and on Canberra streets.

    The new buses will bring Canberra’s total electric bus fleet to 16, with an additional 90 electric buses set to be delivered in the next three years.

    To facilitate the growing fleet of zero emissions buses, the Zero-Emission Transition Plan for Transport Canberra supports the transition for public transport workers, with diesel mechanics trained with the skills they need to work on the new electric fleet, and power a more sustainable future for public transport in the ACT.

    Stay up to date with news and events in the ACT, sign up to our email newsletter: Subscribe to OurCBR

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Home energy support for those who need it most

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The upgrades will keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter.

    The Australian Government and ACT Government have committed $35.2 million to ease the cost-of-living pressures for Canberra’s public and community housing tenants.

    Over the next three years, the ACT Government has allocated $28 million under its Home Energy Support Program package to provide energy efficiency upgrades such as ceiling insulation of up to 5,000 properties and some electrification upgrades.

    To date 186 public houses have already received insulation upgrades and over 100 electric appliance upgrades have been made.

    The additional $7.2 million investment from the Australian Government will allow for the full electrification of at least 900 properties.

    These upgrades will keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter.

    The upgrades also support a just transition for Canberrans who need the most support as the Territory moves towards an electric future.

    The project is in line with the ACT’s broader commitment to phase out fossil fuel energy use (including fossil fuel gas) and become a net zero emissions city by 2045.

    Find out more about the Home Energy Support Program at https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/canberras-electrification-a-just-transition

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More services at Canberra’s Walk-In Centres

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    New funding will allow for expanded services and more healthcare professionals for Canberra’s Walk-in Centres.

    Canberra’s nurse-led Walk-in Centres have become part of the national network of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, providing more health services and care options for Canberrans.

    Building off the success of the walk-in centre model of care, the Commonwealth Government will invest more than $7 million to expand services and hire more healthcare professionals.

    Funding to integrate the Walk-in Centres with the Urgent Care Clinic network will increase the number of nurses and allied health professionals including:

    • three new nurse practitioners and three new advance practice nurses
    • an advanced scope physiotherapist for the Weston Creek Walk-in Centre to treat patients with musculoskeletal injuries, and provide virtual assessments and support for nursing staff in other Walk-in Centres
    • a radiographer and sonographer for the Weston Creek Medical Imaging Service to extend the service to provide afterhours imaging.

    Funding will also provide more equipment for the Walk-in Centres to treat a wider range of conditions. This includes:

    • slit lamps and tanometers for eye examinations and removal of foreign objects in the eyes
    • handheld ultrasound machines for examination of lacerations and other wound types
    • vascular doppler for investigating blood flow.

    The scope of services will expand further over time to include treatment for shoulder injuries, male urinary tract infections, injury in pregnancy and screening for sexually transmitted infections.

    Canberra Health Services has commenced the recruitment of new staff and purchase of new equipment, and it is expected the full scope of additional services will be available from early 2024.

    Nurse-led Walk in Centres are open seven days a week, including public holidays. For current opening hours and waiting times, visit the Canberra Health services website.

    Stay up to date with news and events in the ACT, sign up to our email newsletter: Subscribe to OurCBR

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Meet the 2024 ACT Australians of the Year

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    2024 ACT Australian of the Year Joanne Farrell

    The four winners of the 2024 ACT Australian of the Year Awards are as diverse as they are inspiring.

    There’s Joanne Farrell, a champion for females working in construction; Ebenezer Banful OAM, a volunteer and multiculturalism advocate; Caitlin Figueiredo, a young political changemaker; and Selina Walker, an emerging Ngunnawal elder and leader.

    The ACT winners will join the other state and territory recipients as finalists for the national awards announcement on 25 January 2024.

    Take a look at the winners and find out more about their work.

    2024 ACT Australian of the Year – Joanne Farrell

    Joanne (Jo) Farrell is a champion for females in the construction industry.

    In 2020, she founded Build Like a Girl, a not-for-profit program that supports girls and women to work in trades.

    Build Like a Girl matches females with pre-apprenticeship and entry-level training, then mentors them to secure work in the construction industry.

    As the general manager of Kane Constructions ACT, Jo has pushed for a better gender balance.

    Jo works closely with government, peak industry bodies, unions, training organisations and building contractors to help them recruit, train and employ women in trade roles.

    She also led construction of Strathnairn Charity House, a project designed and mostly built by women, which was auctioned in March 2023. Proceeds from the sale were distributed to local charities.

    2024 ACT Senior Australian of the Year – Ebenezer Banful OAM

    Ebenezer Banful OAM arrived in Australia over 30 years ago.

    He has since dedicated himself to helping others understand Ghanaian and African values, promoting multiculturalism and helping newly arrived communities integrate into Canberra.

    He helped found the Companion House community organisation that supports survivors of persecution, torture and other war-related trauma.

    Ebenezer has served on numerous committees advocating for multiculturalism. He has volunteered at nearly every National Multicultural Festival and set up Radio Ghana Hour, a community station focused on Ghanaian life and culture, for which he is program coordinator and presenter.

    Respected in his community, Ebenezer’s efforts have helped create harmony and understanding.

    2024 ACT Young Australian of the Year – Caitlin Figueiredo

    Changemaker Caitlin Figueiredo is determined to give young people a say in politics.

    In 2015, she worked to bring young people’s voices into parliament through a national youth advisory council.

    This led to her election to the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) board.

    She revitalised and transformed AYAC, which represents 4.5 million young Australians, creating a more diverse board that better represented young people.

    Empowering the next generation of female politicians, she co-founded a political leadership group called Girls Take Over Parliament. It connects with young women from all political parties and enables them to receive support and training from a bipartisan lens.

    Caitlin has also addressed the United Nations about the Sustainable Development Goals; this previous work establishing youth structures on gender equality is ongoing.

    Image courtesy of The Canberra Times

    2024 ACT Local Hero – Selina Walker

    Ngunnawal woman Selina Walker is a respected emerging elder and leader whose integrity has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and reconciliation across the ACT.

    Selina continues her grandmother Aunty Agnes Shea’s legacy of influencing and driving change with her unwavering efforts.

    Since 2018, Selina has promoted reconciliation as co-chair of the ACT Reconciliation Council.

    As a founding member of Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation, she helps improve outcomes for Aboriginal families and children, especially those in out-of-home care.

    Selina advocates for Indigenous people within the justice system as a member of the ACT Victims of Crime and Justice Committee and has held roles to improve all children’s educational outcomes in the Catholic school system.

    A kinship carer, Selina was awarded Barnardos’ 2017 ACT Mother of the Year.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –