NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: People you may not know attended an ACT public school

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    In brief

    • Over the years, many well-known people have attended a Canberra public school.
    • Some attended for a short time, for university or alongside training at the Australian Institute of Sport.
    • This article lists some of these people.

    It’s no secret Canberra is a great place to live. It’s also, unsurprisingly, a great place to go to school.

    We’ve pulled together a list of well-known people who have attended an ACT public school or university.

    From actors to authors and artists to activists, plenty of impressive Aussies were educated right here in Canberra.

    Some may have stayed only a while. Some came just for uni or a sporting scholarship. Regardless, we’re happy to claim them.

    While this is not an exhaustive list, you’re bound to discover something new as you scroll.

    SCREEN AND STAGE

    Alan Alder – Ballet dancer and teacher

    Canberra High School

    Wil Anderson – Comedian and TV presenter

    University of Canberra

    Imogen Bailey – Model, actress, singer

    Melrose High School, Phillip College (now Canberra College)

    Jon Casimir – TV producer and executive

    Hawker College

    Jackie Chan – Actor

    Dickson College

    Ronny Chieng – Comedian

    Australian National University

    Gary Eck – Comedian and TV presenter

    Latham Primary School, Belconnen High School, Hawker College

    Tim Ferguson – Comedian and TV presenter

    School Without Walls (now closed), Narrabundah College

    Leon Ford – Director and screenwriter

    Telopea Park School, Narrabundah College

    Hannah Gadsby – Comedian

    Australian National University

    Richard Glover – Writer and radio presenter

    Australian National University

    Alister Grierson – Director and screenwriter

    Australian National University

    Liv Hewson – Actor and playwright

    Alfred Deakin High School, Canberra College

    Matthew Le Nevez – Actor

    Telopea Park School

    Paul McDermott – Comedian and TV presenter

    Dickson College, Australian National University

    Rhys Muldoon – Actor

    Scullin Primary School (closed, now Southern Cross Early Childhood School), Belconnen High School, Hawker College

    Alex O’Loughlin – Actor

    Macquarie Primary School

    Felicity Packard – Screenwriter and academic

    Lyneham High School, University of Canberra, Australian National University

    Rachel Perkins – Director, producer and screenwriter

    Melrose Primary School (now closed)

    Tanzeal Rahim – Director and writer

    University of Canberra

    Helen Razer – Radio presenter and writer

    Weston Creek High School (closed, now part of Mount Stromlo High School), Narrabundah College

    Richard Roxburgh – Actor

    Australian National University

    Ben Snow – Visual Effects, Writer, Director

    Narrabundah College, University of Canberra

    James Wan – Director

    Lake Tuggeranong College

    Mia Wasikowska – Actor

    Cook Primary School (now closed), Ainslie Primary School, Canberra High School

    Kirsty Webeck – Comedian

    Mt Stromlo High School, Narrabundah College, University of Canberra

    Sara Zwangobani – Actor

    Cook Primary School (now closed), Hawker College

    BOOKS AND NEWS

    Bettina Arndt – Journalist

    Australian National University

    Cynthia Banham – Journalist and academic

    Australian National University

    Rosemary Church – International news anchor

    University of Canberra

    Morris Gleitzman – Author

    Canberra College of Advanced Education (now the University of Canberra)

    Irma Gold – Author and podcaster

    University of Canberra

    Stan Grant – Journalist and author

    Australian National University

    Emma Grey – Author

    Garran Primary School, University of Canberra, Australian National University, Canberra Institute of Technology

    Marion Halligan – Author

    Australian National University. Marian also taught English at Canberra High School.

    Sonya Heaney – Author

    Melrose High School, University of Canberra

    Jack Heath – Author

    Lyneham High School, Narrabundah College

    Ingrid Jonach – Author

    University of Canberra

    Emma Macdonald – Journalist

    North Ainslie Primary School, University of Canberra

    Andrew Marlton aka First Dog on the Moon – Cartoonist

    Yarralumla Primary School

    Karen Middleton – Journalist

    Belconnen High School, Hawker College

    Garth Nix – Author

    Turner Primary School, Lyneham High School, Dickson College

    Dan O’Malley – Author

    Garran Primary School

    Sarah Oakes – Editor and Journalist

    University of Canberra

    Debra Oswald – Screenwriter and author

    Australian National University

    Stephanie Owen Reeder – Author

    University of Canberra

    Jamila Rizvi – Author and journalist

    Lyneham High School, Hawker College

    Brendan Shanahan – Author and journalist

    Narrabundah College, Australian National University

    Kimberley Starr – Author

    Garran Primary School

    Gabrielle Tozer – Author and Journalist

    University of Canberra

    Karen Viggers – Author and vet

    Australian National University

    Sam Vincent – Author and journalist

    University of Canberra

    Amanda Whitley – HerCanberra founder

    University of Canberra

    SPORTS

    Suzy Batkovic – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Darren Beadman – Jockey

    Garran Primary School, Lyneham High School

    Michael Bevan – Cricketer

    Stirling College (became part of Canberra College)

    Abby Bishop – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Justin Blumfield – AFL player

    Melrose High School

    Andrew Bogut – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Edwina Bone – Hockey player

    University of Canberra

    Caroline Buchanan – BMX and mountain bike rider

    Duffy Primary School, Lanyon High School, Erindale College

    Liz Cambage – Basketballer

    UC SSC Lake Ginninderra (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Bradley Clyde – Rugby league player

    Hawker College

    Matthew Dellavedova – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Brennon Dowrick – Gymnast

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra), University of Canberra

    Danté Exum – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Linley Frame – Swimmer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    George Gregan – Rugby union player

    University of Canberra

    Aaron Hamill – AFL player

    Fadden Primary School, Melrose High School, Phillip College (became part of Canberra College)

    Lincoln Hall – Mountain climber

    Telopea Park School, Australian National University

    Shane Heal – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    James Hird – AFL player

    Ainslie Primary School

    Andrew Illie – Tennis player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Joe Ingles – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Lauren Jackson – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Stephen Larkham – Rugby Union player and coach

    Australian National University

    Scott Miller – Swimmer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Patty Mills – Basketballer

    Lanyon High School, UC SSC Lake Ginninderra

    Joanne Morgan – Netballer and coach

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Cameron Myers – Athlete

    UC SSC Lake Ginninderra

    Lucas Neill – Soccer player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Rennae Stubbs – Tennis player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Petria Thomas – Swimmer and Commonwealth Games Chef de Mission

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra), University of Canberra

    Marianna Tolo – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Emily Van Egmond – Soccer player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Mark Viduka – Soccer player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Todd Woodbridge – Tennis player and commentator

    Lyneham High School, Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Ned Zelic – Soccer player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    MUSIC

    Peter Blakeley – Singer and songwriter

    Hughes Primary School

    Peter Casey – Musical director

    Cook Primary School (now closed)

    Matt Cooper, Matt Parkitny, Alex Pearson, Joel Tyrrell, Trenton Woodley – Hands Like Houses band members

    Melba High School and Copland College (amalgamated to become Melba Copland Secondary School) and Canberra High School between them

    Martin Craft – Sidewinder band member

    Narrabundah College

    Cameron Emerson-Elliott, Toby Martin – Youth Group band members

    Narrabundah College

    Frank Gambale – Guitarist

    Canberra High School

    Peter Garrett – Midnight Oil band member and former politician

    Australian National University

    Adam Hyde, Reuben Styles – Peking Duk band members

    Lyneham High School and Dickson College between them

    Hayley Jensen – Singer and songwriter

    Australian National University, University of Canberra

    Steven Kilbey – The Church band member

    Lyneham High School

    Lisa Moore – Pianist

    Telopea Park School

    Tim Omaji aka Timomatic – Singer, songwriter and dancer

    Narrabundah College

    Tim Rogers – Musician, You Am I band member

    Australian National University

    Sally Whitwell – Classical pianist and composer

    Australian National University

    AND STILL MORE

    Jess Cochrane – Artist

    Mt Stromlo High School

    Stefania Ferrario – Activist and model

    Telopea Park School, Narrabundah College

    Rosalie Gascoigne – Artist

    Australian National University

    Bob Hawke – Former Prime Minister of Australia

    Australian National University

    Tziporah Malkah (formerly Kate Fischer) – Model and actress

    Narrabundah College

    Sam Mostyn – Current Governor General of Australia

    South Curtin Primary School (became Curtin Primary School), Woden Valley High School (became part of Alfred Deakin High School), Narrabundah College

    Hetti Perkins – Art curator, writer and activist

    Melrose Primary School (now closed)

    Patricia Piccinini – Artist

    Narrabundah College

    Sam Prince – Zambreros founder, entrepreneur and doctor

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Kevin Rudd – former Prime Minister of Australia

    Australian National University

    Gough Whitlam – Former Prime Minister of Australia

    Telopea Park School

    A COUPLE OF NOTABLE MENTIONS FROM OVER THE BORDER

    David Campese – Rugby Union player and commentator

    Queanbeyan High School

    Mark Webber – Formula One driver and commentator

    Isabella Street Primary School, Karabar High School

    ENROL YOUR CHILD IN AN ACT SCHOOL

    Today, more than 50,000 students are enrolled across the ACT’s 92 public schools.

    To find a school or enrol your child, visit the ACT Education website.

    To apply for university in Canberra, you’ll typically apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly to the university.

    Read more like this

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


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: World Chambers Federation announces new leadership for 2025–2028

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: World Chambers Federation announces new leadership for 2025–2028

    Mr. Marcelo Elizondo Secretary and Member of the Board, Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (Argentina) Mr. Andrew McKellar CEO, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Australia) Mr. Atef Al Khaja CEO, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bahrain)   Mr. Tom Laveren CEO, Voka Chamber of Commerce Mechelen-Kempen (Belgium)   Mr. Jean Pierre Antelo President, CAINCO (Bolivia) Ms. Maria Bustamante President, FIESC Chamber of Foreign Trade (Brazil)  Mr. Daniel Campos Caramori Vice-President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Canada)  Mr. José Ovidio Claros Polanco President, Bogota Chamber of Commerce (Colombia)  Ms. Rim Siam President of the Economic Business Women Council, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (Egypt)   Ms. Leticia Escobar President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of El Salvador (El Salvador)  Mr. Giorgi Pertaia President, Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Georgia)  Mr. Volker Treier Chief Executive of Foreign Trade and Board Member, German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Germany)   Mr. Ashish Vaid Past President, IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (India)  Mr. Mohammad Khazaee Torshizi Senior Advisor to the President, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (Iran) Ms. Gilit Rubinstein CEO, Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (Israel)  Mr. Dario Gallina Past President, Torino Chamber of Commerce (Italy)  Mr. Aigars Rostovskis President, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Latvia)   Mr. Katsuya Igarashi Executive Director, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Japan)  Dr. Erick Rutto President, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kenya)  Mr. Rabih Sabra Director General, Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (Lebanon)   Ms. Charlotte Parkhill Chair, Auckland Business Chamber (New Zealand)   Mr. Gabriel Idahosa President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nigeria)  Mr. Trajan Angeloski President, Macedonian Chamber of Commerce (North Macedonia)  Ms. Tamader Al Thani Director of International Relations and Chamber Affairs, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Qatar)  Mr. Ovidiu Ioan Silaghi Secretary General, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (Romania)  Mr. Marko Cadez President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (Serbia)   Ms. Melanie Veness CEO and Chairperson, PMCB and Association of South African Chambers (South Africa)  Mr. Seong Woo Lee Vice-President, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (South Korea)  Mr. Adolfo Díaz-Ambrona Secretary General, Spain Chamber of Commerce (Spain)  Mr. Izzet Volkan Chairman of the Board, Corlu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Türkiye)  Mr. Salem Al Shamsi Vice-President for International Relations, Dubai Chambers (United Arab Emirates)   Mr. Gennadiy Chyzhykov President, Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (Ukraine)  Mr. Ahmed M. El Wakil President, Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) (Transnational)  Mr. Yousef Khalawi Secretary General, Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (Transnational)  Mr. Natalio Mario Grinman President, Ibero-American Association of Chambers of Commerce (AICO) (Transnational)  Mr. Peter McMullin President, Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) (Transnational)  Mr. Ben Butters CEO, Eurochambres (Transnational)  Dr. Khaled Hanafy Secretary General, Union of Arab Chambers (Transnational) 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Media release: East coast gas market review an opportunity to strengthen investment and increase supply – Australian Energy Producers

    Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

    Headline: Media release: East coast gas market review an opportunity to strengthen investment and increase supply – Australian Energy Producers

    Australian Energy Producers welcomes the Federal Government’s review of the east coast gas market to deliver the natural gas needed to power the economy, put downward pressure on prices, and remain a reliable export partner. 

    Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said industry supported the Government’s commitment to consolidating and streamlining regulations and creating a long-term stable regulatory environment to facilitate investment in new supply. 

    “The review is an opportunity to future-proof the east coast gas market and ensure reliable and affordable gas supply for Australian households and manufacturers,” Ms McCulloch said.

    “Natural gas will play a critical role in Australia’s energy mix for decades to come. The east coast gas market needs to be fit-for-purpose to support continued investment in our abundant gas resources and avoid projected shortfalls.  

    Ms McCulloch said the review should focus on delivering new gas supply by streamlining regulation, restoring market signals, and eliminating duplicative and onerous reporting requirements. 

    “The Government’s Future Gas Strategy makes clear that natural gas will remain critical to Australia’s energy security through to 2050 and beyond. This requires a strong, stable and competitive east coast gas market that encourages investment and timely supply.” 

    The ACCC’s latest report on the east coast gas market released today underscores the urgent need to remove barriers to new gas supply to avoid forecast gas shortfalls. It found “the east coast has sufficient gas reserves and resources to meet projected domestic demand for at least the next decade”, but “a combination of policy, technical and commercial factors over the past 15 years has impeded their development”. 

    “Australian gas producers are committed to delivering the reliable and affordable gas supply Australians need, and we look forward to working constructively with government, gas users and stakeholders throughout the review,” Ms McCulloch said. 

    Media Contact: 0434 631 511

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young pupils champion Deaf Awareness

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The competition, which formed part of a wider initiative to promote deaf awareness, invited primary school pupils to create posters showcasing a superhero who is deaf, highlighting the importance of representation and understanding. 

    A judging panel selected three winning entries from the submissions received. The panel consisted of Councillor Ian Massie, member of the Learning and Families Committee, Fiona Mackay, Service Manager for Inclusion and Additional Support, David McPhee, Team Leader for Equalities, Ronald Burns, a resident and employee of the council who is a deaf BSL user and Kirsty Lockhart, Inclusion Co-ordinator. Additionally, Kirsten from Crieff High School and George Brodie, a previous pupil who is now studying Art at Dundee University were part of the judging panel. 

    The judges praised the entries as “very imaginative and eye-catching”, reflecting the pupils’ thoughtful engagement with the theme.  

    The winning entries from Hanna, Pitlochry Primary School, Taylor, Goodlyburn Primary School and Evie, Oakbank Primary School, were celebrated in a special presentation at the pupil’s schools where they received certificates and prizes for their outstanding work. 

    In addition to the poster competition, around 500 pupils participated in deaf awareness, using the online resource aimed at raising awareness about deafness and promoting inclusive communication strategies. The resource included a retelling of the well-know Elmer story in sign language by Hazel Burns, Librarian at Perth High School. 

    This resource will be a valuable addition to the ongoing work of the Hearing Support team who provide vital support to around 110 children and young people, both at home and within their educational setting. By complementing existing services, the resource will help further embed understanding and inclusion across primary schools within the Perth and Kinross area. 

    Congratulations to all the winners for their inspiring designs and to every pupil who took part in this important initiative.

    Councillor Ian Massie, selection panel judge and member of the Council’s Learning and Families Committee said: “This competition has been a fantastic way to engage young people in raising deaf awareness within their own and other schools in Perth and Kinross. The creativity and empathy shown in the pupils’ designs are truly inspiring, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.”

    Councillor Peter Barrett, Equalities Lead for Perth and Kinross Council, added:
    “Raising awareness about deafness and promoting equality is vital in building a more inclusive community. The work these pupils have done, both through their superhero designs and the online resource, demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to making a difference to those in our communities who are deaf. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Partner to Bridge Gap in Global Childhood Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital entered a significant new partnership to address inequality in global childhood cancer care at the Agency’s Rays of Hope Forum in Ethiopia today.

    St. Jude, based in Memphis, Tennessee in the United States, is investing US $4.5 million over three years for the IAEA to support countries in expanding access to paediatric radiotherapy and to strengthen health systems, with the goal of improving survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

    Each year, an estimated 400,000 children develop cancer globally. While survival rates exceed 80% in high-income countries with accessible care, over 90% of children with cancer reside in LMICs, where survival rates remain below 30%.

    A major contributor to this disparity is limited access to advanced clinical imaging, which is critical for accurate diseases classification, treatment planning and monitoring. Without it, children face delays or errors in diagnosis, significantly impacting outcomes.

    Access to paediatric radiotherapy is severely limited in LMICs, despite its importance in treating nearly half of all childhood cancers. A 2021 IAEA study highlighted major challenges in these settings, including  equipment access or insufficiencies, and a critical shortage of specialized radiation medicine professionals for childhood cancers.

    “Children should not die of cancer simply because of where they are born. Every child, everywhere, deserves the same chance to survive and thrive,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “By closing the gap in access to cancer care, we can ensure that children, regardless of their geographic location or economic status, have equal opportunities for successful treatment. Survival should be a reality, not a privilege.”

    The collaboration between the IAEA and St. Jude aims to strengthen national capacity in childhood cancer care and control and to improve access to paediatric radiotherapy by training specialists—essential for improving survival and outcomes for children with cancer. The partnership focuses on delivering technical resources, curricula and guidance documents for radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists, and supporting their implementation in selected LMICs. Through the imPACT Review assessment tools for childhood cancer, the collaboration also will assess capacities and needs of health systems and strengthen national cancer control programmes.

    “Over the past decade, St. Jude has expanded its global presence in pursuit of increasing childhood cancer cure rates worldwide. A critical step in our mission is ensuring children everywhere have access to necessary diagnostics and treatment,” said James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude. “Partnering with IAEA highlights that commitment and will help save countless lives.”

    This marks the launch of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer, under the wider IAEA Rays of Hope initiative. Rays of Hope has expanded life-saving cancer care to thousands of patients in LMICs around the world since launching in 2022. Securing more than €90 million already from dedicated donors and partners, including governments mobilizing national resources, has helped close the gap in global radiation medicine. Building on this impact, the IAEA is working with St. Jude to expand the initiative to focus on the gap in childhood cancer care.

    “Limited access to specialized care for children with cancer has a negative impact on their chances to be cured,” said Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, MD, St. Jude executive vice president and director of St. Jude Global. “Significant gaps in the quality of radiotherapy services exist in LMICs when compared to what is routine practice across high-income countries. This effort with IAEA will help strengthen the national capacity to treat children with cancer, and increase access to the vital diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy that will improve the survival rate and quality of life for children affected by cancers where these treatments play a prominent role.”

    Following today’s signing, the first phase of the Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer initiative will focus on jointly developing technical products and guidance documents—referred to as Global Goods—and organizing a series of events to support their effective adoption and use by countries. Addressing childhood cancer is a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive approach where the IAEA and St. Jude play key roles. It involves complex procedures that require sophisticated decision-making and highly technical skills that require specialized training. For paediatric radiotherapy specialists, partnership trainings and Global Goods will reduce knowledge gaps and enhance the quality of care their patients receive.

    IAEA

    The IAEA has over 60 years of experience supporting countries in the fight against cancer, including childhood cancer. Through its Human Health Programme, the IAEA has helped countries around the world to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease by developing and applying nuclear and radiation techniques. Its medical expertise across nutrition, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiobiology, radiation oncology, medical physics and dosimetry has advanced cancer care capacities through coordinated research projects, educational materials, e-learning modules, curricula, guidance documents, scientific publications, international codes of practice, databases, quality assurance activities, audit services, databases, the Human Health Campus and the implementation of the Technical Cooperation Programme. Through its Technical Cooperation Programme, it helps countries strengthen cancer care by providing equipment, training and technical assistance in diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Operating across four global regions, the programme tailors support to local needs and promotes regional collaboration.

    The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, launched in 2022, builds on this work to accelerate access to radiotherapy and medical imaging in low-resource settings. Through Rays of Hope the IAEA promotes comprehensive cancer care where it is needed most and has designated regional anchor centres to serve as knowledge and capacity building hubs for radiation medicine.

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, is a global leader in the research and treatment of childhood cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening pediatric diseases. St. Jude is the only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the U.S. childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude is extending its mission to help more children around the world. In 2018, St. Jude and World Health Organization launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer to increase survival rates from 20% to 60% by 2030 for six of the most common forms of childhood cancer. The St. Jude Global Alliance is a global network with a shared vision of improving care and increasing survival rates of children with cancer and blood disorders worldwide. To learn more, visit stjude.org, read the St. Jude Progress blog, and follow St. Jude on social media @stjuderesearch.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CryptoMiningFirm Launches GreenMine 2.0: A Next-Generation, AI-Powered, Carbon-Neutral Cloud Mining Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CryptoMiningFirm, a global innovator in green cloud mining solutions, today announced the official launch of its next-generation platform, GreenMine 2.0, a fully automated and carbon-neutral cloud mining ecosystem. With this release, CryptoMiningFirm aims to democratize cryptocurrency mining by eliminating traditional entry barriers such as hardware investment, technical expertise, and high electricity costs.

    Leveraging AI-driven automation, renewable energy, and a zero-threshold onboarding model, GreenMine 2.0 empowers users globally to generate passive income through the mining of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and other top digital currencies — directly from their mobile devices.

    Bitcoin Nears All-Time Highs as Cloud Mining Demand Surges

    CryptoMiningFirm’s announcement comes amid a dramatic surge in Bitcoin prices, which recently rose to $107,340, edging closer to its historical high of $111,917. The rally has been fueled by strong inflows into spot ETFs — with BlackRock’s IBIT alone accounting for over $1.3 billion in net inflows in a single week — and growing expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

    “With global interest in cryptocurrency reigniting, there’s no better time to introduce a smarter, cleaner way to mine digital assets,” said Jane Doe, CEO of CryptoMiningFirm. “We built GreenMine 2.0 so that anyone, anywhere — with no technical skills or capital investment — can tap into the world of crypto mining and start earning immediately.”

    Key Features of CryptoMiningFirm’s GreenMine 2.0

    1. Zero Entry Barrier:

    Users can register in under a minute and receive a free welcome bonus worth $10–$100, allowing them to mine without any upfront investment. The platform guarantees a minimum daily earning of $0.60 from this bonus alone.

    2. Smart Mining Automation:

    The platform’s AI intelligently selects the most profitable cryptocurrencies to mine in real time based on network difficulty, market volatility, and block rewards. Mining is completely automated — no hardware, no coding, and no daily intervention required.

    3. Carbon-Neutral Infrastructure:

    GreenMine 2.0 is powered entirely by 100% renewable energy, including solar and wind sources. The company has also implemented thermal recovery systems that redirect excess heat into local community heating projects, aligning with ESG best practices.

    4. Transparent & Flexible Plans:

    With more than 10 mining contracts available, users can choose between short-term high-yield plans or longer-term value accumulation. Contracts support a wide array of cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, DOGE, LTC, and XRP.

    5. App-Enabled Wealth Management:

    Available on both iOS and Android, the CryptoMiningFirm app allows users to monitor real-time earnings, manage contracts, and withdraw funds in just a few taps. Withdrawals are processed in under 60 seconds, with support for over 10 cryptocurrencies.

    A Sustainable Model for Global Crypto Adoption

    CryptoMiningFirm’s cloud-based model solves one of the most pressing challenges in traditional mining: environmental impact. By leveraging globally distributed data centers powered by clean energy, the company eliminates the massive carbon footprint typically associated with crypto mining.

    In addition to zero hardware requirements, the company operates with no hidden fees, offers round-the-clock support, and ensures 100% platform uptime — features that have quickly made it a top choice for both beginners and crypto veterans.

    “GreenMine 2.0 is more than a mining platform. It’s a financial empowerment tool,” said Jane Doe. “Whether you’re a student in India, a remote worker in Kenya, or a retiree in Canada — you can now participate in the crypto economy without risks or restrictions.”

    New Referral and Affiliate System

    To further expand its global user base, CryptoMiningFirm has introduced a referral program that offers up to 4.5% in commissions, capped at $10,000 per referral. This system enables users to monetize their networks while contributing to the adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) tools worldwide.

    Upcoming Roadmap & Expansion

    The company plans to roll out several enhancements in the coming months, including:

    • Smart contract-based earnings verification for transparency and auditability
    •  Staking-as-a-Service modules to complement mining income
    •  AI portfolio rebalancing tools to help users maximize ROI across digital assets

    Localized data centers in Latin America and Southeast Asia to reduce latency and boost regional performance

    CryptoMiningFirm is also working on integrating Fiat-to-Crypto payment gateways, allowing users to fund accounts via credit cards or bank transfers and further easing access for first-time crypto users.

    Industry Recognition and Compliance

    With its focus on transparency, CryptoMiningFirm adheres to international KYC/AML standards and has undergone multiple third-party audits of its smart contract framework and platform code. The firm is registered in multiple jurisdictions and complies with local data privacy and digital asset laws.

    The company’s current user base spans over 80 countries, with the largest adoption seen in the U.S., Nigeria, India, and Brazil. More than 120,000 active users have joined the platform since its soft launch earlier this year.

    About CryptoMiningFirm

    Founded in 2020, CryptoMiningFirm is a leading provider of green cloud mining solutions that allow individuals and institutions to generate passive income from cryptocurrencies without the need for technical expertise or hardware investments. The company is committed to reshaping the crypto mining landscape through innovation, sustainability, and global accessibility.

    For more information, visit the official website: https://cryptominingfirm.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Partner to Bridge Gap in Global Childhood Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital entered a significant new partnership to address inequality in global childhood cancer care at the Agency’s Rays of Hope Forum in Ethiopia today.

    St. Jude, based in Memphis, Tennessee in the United States, is investing US $4.5 million over three years for the IAEA to support countries in expanding access to paediatric radiotherapy and to strengthen health systems, with the goal of improving survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

    Each year, an estimated 400,000 children develop cancer globally. While survival rates exceed 80% in high-income countries with accessible care, over 90% of children with cancer reside in LMICs, where survival rates remain below 30%.

    A major contributor to this disparity is limited access to advanced clinical imaging, which is critical for accurate diseases classification, treatment planning and monitoring. Without it, children face delays or errors in diagnosis, significantly impacting outcomes.

    Access to paediatric radiotherapy is severely limited in LMICs, despite its importance in treating nearly half of all childhood cancers. A 2021 IAEA study highlighted major challenges in these settings, including  equipment access or insufficiencies, and a critical shortage of specialized radiation medicine professionals for childhood cancers.

    “Children should not die of cancer simply because of where they are born. Every child, everywhere, deserves the same chance to survive and thrive,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “By closing the gap in access to cancer care, we can ensure that children, regardless of their geographic location or economic status, have equal opportunities for successful treatment. Survival should be a reality, not a privilege.”

    The collaboration between the IAEA and St. Jude aims to strengthen national capacity in childhood cancer care and control and to improve access to paediatric radiotherapy by training specialists—essential for improving survival and outcomes for children with cancer. The partnership focuses on delivering technical resources, curricula and guidance documents for radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists, and supporting their implementation in selected LMICs. Through the imPACT Review assessment tools for childhood cancer, the collaboration also will assess capacities and needs of health systems and strengthen national cancer control programmes.

    “Over the past decade, St. Jude has expanded its global presence in pursuit of increasing childhood cancer cure rates worldwide. A critical step in our mission is ensuring children everywhere have access to necessary diagnostics and treatment,” said James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude. “Partnering with IAEA highlights that commitment and will help save countless lives.”

    This marks the launch of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer, under the wider IAEA Rays of Hope initiative. Rays of Hope has expanded life-saving cancer care to thousands of patients in LMICs around the world since launching in 2022. Securing more than €90 million already from dedicated donors and partners, including governments mobilizing national resources, has helped close the gap in global radiation medicine. Building on this impact, the IAEA is working with St. Jude to expand the initiative to focus on the gap in childhood cancer care.

    “Limited access to specialized care for children with cancer has a negative impact on their chances to be cured,” said Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, MD, St. Jude executive vice president and director of St. Jude Global. “Significant gaps in the quality of radiotherapy services exist in LMICs when compared to what is routine practice across high-income countries. This effort with IAEA will help strengthen the national capacity to treat children with cancer, and increase access to the vital diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy that will improve the survival rate and quality of life for children affected by cancers where these treatments play a prominent role.”

    Following today’s signing, the first phase of the Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer initiative will focus on jointly developing technical products and guidance documents—referred to as Global Goods—and organizing a series of events to support their effective adoption and use by countries. Addressing childhood cancer is a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive approach where the IAEA and St. Jude play key roles. It involves complex procedures that require sophisticated decision-making and highly technical skills that require specialized training. For paediatric radiotherapy specialists, partnership trainings and Global Goods will reduce knowledge gaps and enhance the quality of care their patients receive.

    IAEA

    The IAEA has over 60 years of experience supporting countries in the fight against cancer, including childhood cancer. Through its Human Health Programme, the IAEA has helped countries around the world to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease by developing and applying nuclear and radiation techniques. Its medical expertise across nutrition, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiobiology, radiation oncology, medical physics and dosimetry has advanced cancer care capacities through coordinated research projects, educational materials, e-learning modules, curricula, guidance documents, scientific publications, international codes of practice, databases, quality assurance activities, audit services, databases, the Human Health Campus and the implementation of the Technical Cooperation Programme. Through its Technical Cooperation Programme, it helps countries strengthen cancer care by providing equipment, training and technical assistance in diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Operating across four global regions, the programme tailors support to local needs and promotes regional collaboration.

    The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, launched in 2022, builds on this work to accelerate access to radiotherapy and medical imaging in low-resource settings. Through Rays of Hope the IAEA promotes comprehensive cancer care where it is needed most and has designated regional anchor centres to serve as knowledge and capacity building hubs for radiation medicine.

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, is a global leader in the research and treatment of childhood cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening pediatric diseases. St. Jude is the only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the U.S. childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude is extending its mission to help more children around the world. In 2018, St. Jude and World Health Organization launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer to increase survival rates from 20% to 60% by 2030 for six of the most common forms of childhood cancer. The St. Jude Global Alliance is a global network with a shared vision of improving care and increasing survival rates of children with cancer and blood disorders worldwide. To learn more, visit stjude.org, read the St. Jude Progress blog, and follow St. Jude on social media @stjuderesearch.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Significant Investment enhances popular car parks in Pitlochry and Perth

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The enhancements include resurfacing of car parks in Ferry Road Car Parks and Rie-achan car parks in Pitlochry and Norie Miller and Back Wynd car parks in Perth, ensuring a smoother and safer experience for drivers. 

    In addition, improved street lighting has been installed to improve visibility and safety, particularly during the darker months. Back Wynd Car Park, has also undergone drainage improvements to better manage surface water and reduce the risk of flooding.

    Pitlochry, a popular tourist destination, is expected to particularly benefit from these upgrades, which support the town’s infrastructure and enhances the visitor experience.

    Councillor Eric Drysdale, Convenor of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure, said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high-quality infrastructure that supports both our local communities and the tourism economy.

    “By improving the condition and safety of our car parks, we’re making it easier and more welcoming for people to visit and enjoy what Pitlochry and Perth have to offer.”

    “These works are part of a broader strategy to ensure public facilities across the region are well-maintained and fit for purpose, improving everyday facilities for residents and supporting the local economy.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Partner to Bridge Gap in Global Childhood Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital entered a significant new partnership to address inequality in global childhood cancer care at the Agency’s Rays of Hope Forum in Ethiopia today.

    St. Jude, based in Memphis, Tennessee in the United States, is investing US $4.5 million over three years for the IAEA to support countries in expanding access to paediatric radiotherapy and to strengthen health systems, with the goal of improving survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

    Each year, an estimated 400,000 children develop cancer globally. While survival rates exceed 80% in high-income countries with accessible care, over 90% of children with cancer reside in LMICs, where survival rates remain below 30%.

    A major contributor to this disparity is limited access to advanced clinical imaging, which is critical for accurate diseases classification, treatment planning and monitoring. Without it, children face delays or errors in diagnosis, significantly impacting outcomes.

    Access to paediatric radiotherapy is severely limited in LMICs, despite its importance in treating nearly half of all childhood cancers. A 2021 IAEA study highlighted major challenges in these settings, including  equipment access or insufficiencies, and a critical shortage of specialized radiation medicine professionals for childhood cancers.

    “Children should not die of cancer simply because of where they are born. Every child, everywhere, deserves the same chance to survive and thrive,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “By closing the gap in access to cancer care, we can ensure that children, regardless of their geographic location or economic status, have equal opportunities for successful treatment. Survival should be a reality, not a privilege.”

    The collaboration between the IAEA and St. Jude aims to strengthen national capacity in childhood cancer care and control and to improve access to paediatric radiotherapy by training specialists—essential for improving survival and outcomes for children with cancer. The partnership focuses on delivering technical resources, curricula and guidance documents for radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists, and supporting their implementation in selected LMICs. Through the imPACT Review assessment tools for childhood cancer, the collaboration also will assess capacities and needs of health systems and strengthen national cancer control programmes.

    “Over the past decade, St. Jude has expanded its global presence in pursuit of increasing childhood cancer cure rates worldwide. A critical step in our mission is ensuring children everywhere have access to necessary diagnostics and treatment,” said James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude. “Partnering with IAEA highlights that commitment and will help save countless lives.”

    This marks the launch of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer, under the wider IAEA Rays of Hope initiative. Rays of Hope has expanded life-saving cancer care to thousands of patients in LMICs around the world since launching in 2022. Securing more than €90 million already from dedicated donors and partners, including governments mobilizing national resources, has helped close the gap in global radiation medicine. Building on this impact, the IAEA is working with St. Jude to expand the initiative to focus on the gap in childhood cancer care.

    “Limited access to specialized care for children with cancer has a negative impact on their chances to be cured,” said Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, MD, St. Jude executive vice president and director of St. Jude Global. “Significant gaps in the quality of radiotherapy services exist in LMICs when compared to what is routine practice across high-income countries. This effort with IAEA will help strengthen the national capacity to treat children with cancer, and increase access to the vital diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy that will improve the survival rate and quality of life for children affected by cancers where these treatments play a prominent role.”

    Following today’s signing, the first phase of the Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer initiative will focus on jointly developing technical products and guidance documents—referred to as Global Goods—and organizing a series of events to support their effective adoption and use by countries. Addressing childhood cancer is a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive approach where the IAEA and St. Jude play key roles. It involves complex procedures that require sophisticated decision-making and highly technical skills that require specialized training. For paediatric radiotherapy specialists, partnership trainings and Global Goods will reduce knowledge gaps and enhance the quality of care their patients receive.

    IAEA

    The IAEA has over 60 years of experience supporting countries in the fight against cancer, including childhood cancer. Through its Human Health Programme, the IAEA has helped countries around the world to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease by developing and applying nuclear and radiation techniques. Its medical expertise across nutrition, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiobiology, radiation oncology, medical physics and dosimetry has advanced cancer care capacities through coordinated research projects, educational materials, e-learning modules, curricula, guidance documents, scientific publications, international codes of practice, databases, quality assurance activities, audit services, databases, the Human Health Campus and the implementation of the Technical Cooperation Programme. Through its Technical Cooperation Programme, it helps countries strengthen cancer care by providing equipment, training and technical assistance in diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Operating across four global regions, the programme tailors support to local needs and promotes regional collaboration.

    The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, launched in 2022, builds on this work to accelerate access to radiotherapy and medical imaging in low-resource settings. Through Rays of Hope the IAEA promotes comprehensive cancer care where it is needed most and has designated regional anchor centres to serve as knowledge and capacity building hubs for radiation medicine.

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, is a global leader in the research and treatment of childhood cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening pediatric diseases. St. Jude is the only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the U.S. childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude is extending its mission to help more children around the world. In 2018, St. Jude and World Health Organization launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer to increase survival rates from 20% to 60% by 2030 for six of the most common forms of childhood cancer. The St. Jude Global Alliance is a global network with a shared vision of improving care and increasing survival rates of children with cancer and blood disorders worldwide. To learn more, visit stjude.org, read the St. Jude Progress blog, and follow St. Jude on social media @stjuderesearch.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia

    Heavy surf and intense rains hit Sydney beaches during a 2020 East Coast Low. Lee Hulsman/Getty

    Right now, a severe storm likely to be the first significant east coast low in three years is developing off the coast of New South Wales. It’s expected to intensify today before approaching the coastline on Tuesday. Huge waves, sustained heavy rains and very strong winds are likely.

    At this stage, it’s expected to linger offshore south of Coffs Harbour – the same area hit hard by unprecedented floods on the Mid-North Coast last month. Residents on the coast or in low-lying areas have been asked to prepare.

    There’s nothing new about east coast lows, intense winter storms which can hit coastlines anywhere from southern Queensland to Tasmania. But what is new are the historically warm seas. Just like a tropical cyclone, east coast lows feed on ocean heat. And just like a tropical cyclone, they can intensify rapidly if the conditions are right.

    The storm looming this week has been intensifying very fast, to the point it could be classified as a “weather bomb” – a storm undergoing explosive cyclogenesis.

    If the storm shapes up as predicted, we can expect to see damage to houses and trees as well as significant beach erosion – especially in heavily populated areas exposed to the storm’s southern flank.

    The Bureau of Meteorology is issuing warnings about the looming east coast low.

    What to expect from this storm

    It’s too early to say just how bad this storm will be. Much depends on how intense it becomes and how close it tracks to the coast.

    Earlier storms have caused flooding of businesses and properties and significant disruptions to transport networks and electricity supplies.

    The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting strong to damaging winds and moderate to heavy rain for this deepening weather system from Tuesday onwards, and hazardous surf conditions for much of the week.

    Sea surface temperatures are 1 to 2.5°C above average off most of the NSW coast. This ocean heat will act as fuel for the storm, boosting the chance of even stronger winds and heavy rain if the centre moves closer to the coast and slows down.

    The NSW winter storm is intensifying and is expected to hit the Mid-North Coast on Tuesday 1 July.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    East coast lows are distinct

    Why do winter storms need their own title? East coast lows are quite distinct. They’re most common in autumn and winter, but they can occur any time.

    These weather systems usually form after an upper atmosphere low or deep trough gets stronger over eastern Australia.

    This triggers the development of a low pressure system at sea level near the coast to the east of the upper level system. These often intensify rapidly.

    During summer, these weather systems can occasionally form in the aftermath of a Coral Sea tropical cyclone as it moves towards the central east coast. By the time the decaying cyclone reaches the cooler waters of the Tasman Sea, it has lost its characteristic warm core. It can now rapidly transition into an east coast low.

    Two of Australia’s most populated areas, Sydney/Central Coast and Brisbane/Gold Coast are in the zone most likely to be affected by these intense storms.

    What role is climate change playing?

    About 90% of all extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases goes into the oceans. The world’s oceans are now at their warmest point on record.

    Marine heatwaves are causing many unwelcome changes. Warmer waters made South Australia’s ongoing devastating algal bloom more likely. A huge marine heatwave hit Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef before heading south. In southeast Australia, the warm East Australian Current is pushing further south, taking warm-water species into Tasmanian waters.

    The steady warming of oceans off southeast Australia not only fuels more extreme weather but damages marine ecosystems and commercial fisheries.

    As climate change intensifies, researchers have found intense east coast lows will actually become less common in the future – but the storms which do form could be more dangerous. A similar trend is likely for tropical cyclones around Australia.

    As the world gets hotter still, the intensity of rainfall extremes associated with these weather systems is expected to rise – especially short-duration rainfall.

    That means a higher risk of river and flash flooding, more damage from high energy wind and waves along exposed coasts and significant erosion of beaches and cliffs. Damage to the coasts will be worsened by rising sea levels.

    Bracing for more extremes

    It’s been a terrible six months for extreme weather. The year started with severe flooding in northern Queensland in February, followed soon after by Tropical Cyclone Alfred which hit heavily populated parts of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

    A couple of weeks later, intense rains devastated western Queensland, causing huge livestock losses. But even as floods hit the east coast, farmers across the continent’s southern reaches are struggling with extreme drought.

    As the Mid-North Coast braces for yet more extreme weather, residents should heed warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, visit the NSW emergencies and natural disasters website and listen to information provided by the national broadcaster.

    Steve Turton has received funding from the Australian government.

    – ref. Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW – https://theconversation.com/warmer-seas-are-fuelling-the-dangerous-weather-bomb-about-to-hit-nsw-260070

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor of Australian and Aboriginal history, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney

    Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council staff and members with researchers and actuaries from Finity Consulting. UNSW Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group

    The shift to clean, renewable sources of energy presents a rare opportunity for First Nations people, not only as energy users but as landholders.

    We wanted to explore the potential for First Nations land in the energy transition across New South Wales. The transition is well underway, but the pace must accelerate to meet state targets for 2030 and beyond.

    Our new report found the state’s 121 Aboriginal Land Councils have an opportunity to partner with renewable developers and build solar, wind or transmission lines on their own land.

    Such projects can offer jobs during construction and a smaller number of ongoing positions, as well as annual payments. This is why farmers and other landholders often look to renewable projects as a reliable source of income.

    To date, the 447 square kilometres of the state owned by Aboriginal Land Councils has not been actively used in the energy transition. As a result, First Nations involvement in the transition has been limited and the renewables boom has not flowed to these communities.

    Making this opportunity a reality will require collaboration with governments, electricity networks and industry, as well as policy support.

    The role of land councils

    In NSW, land councils have been operating since 1983, the year the state government passed laws recognising Aboriginal land rights. About a third of Australia’s First Nations people live in NSW.

    Each land council is governed by Aboriginal members, and they are located in most country towns and across Sydney.

    Land councils have a statutory responsibility “to improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the Council’s area and other persons who are members of the Council”. These councils manage their land to protect culture and heritage.

    Generating wealth through the development of Aboriginal land is a key objective of Aboriginal land rights in NSW.

    Aboriginal goals in the energy transition

    Following analysis of the land potentially available to renewable energy projects, our research moved on to exploring what Aboriginal land councils want from the energy transition.

    We ran workshops with three land councils: Tibooburra in the far northwest, Hay in the southwest and Brewarrina in the northwest of the state. Each had expressed interest in renewable developments and concern around exposure to extreme weather events.

    In these workshops, land council members told us about their priorities for energy.

    Reliable energy was a major concern for Tibooburra, far from the main electricity grid.

    For Brewarrina on the Barwon River, energy security in the face of heatwaves and floods was front of mind. High energy bills in housing ill-equipped for extreme weather was another big issue.

    Members of Hay land council told us they wanted ownership and equity share in renewable energy projects. Their goal was to create opportunities to live, work and care for Country.

    The Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council (brown) is found in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone, while Tibooburra (green) and Brewarrina (orange) land councils are more remote.
    Norman, H., et al. (2025) APPI Policy Insights Paper, CC BY-NC-SA

    Renewable energy, First Nations land

    Aboriginal land councils own and manage about 450 square km of land in NSW. Resolving outstanding land claims would further expand the estate.

    Our analysis reveals current land holdings could host up to 11 gigawatts of solar or 1.6 gigawatts of onshore wind energy projects.

    But several barriers stand in the way. There are long delays in the processing of Aboriginal land claims and the return of vacant Crown Land. This limits options for land councils to contribute to renewable energy development.

    Realising opportunities in the energy transition

    Our case studies demonstrate the potential for Aboriginal land to support the state government’s renewable energy efforts. This can also bring economic and social benefits to Aboriginal communities. But the opportunities will vary from place to place.

    In areas at the edge of the grid, such as Tibooburra and Brewarrina, Aboriginal land could help meet regional energy demand through small to mid-scale wind and solar projects, microgrids and batteries.

    Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council, on the other hand, is in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone. This is an area where new renewable energy projects, storage facilities and high-voltage transmission lines are already being constructed. Land under claim here holds huge economic potential for both mid-scale renewable energy (solar installations feeding into the local electricity network) and large-scale renewable energy projects.

    Unlocking the power of renewable energy zones (NSW EnergyCo)

    How can authorities support land councils?

    At present, local Aboriginal Land Councils need expertise and resources to turn this opportunity into reality.

    Our report identified four broad areas for policy reform:

    1. Build capacity for land councils to manage clean energy opportunities and risks on their landholdings. This could include establishing a dedicated government team to support interested land councils, and funding land councils to engage expertise and develop renewable energy projects.

    2. Enable collaboration between electricity network distributors and land councils to set up microgrids. One case study, Tibooburra Local Aboriginal Land Council had land suitable for a microgrid and battery to support the energy provider. But early-stage support is needed to develop such projects.

    3. Pilot programs to develop mid- and large-scale renewable energy projects on land council holdings. A partnership between lands councils and planning authorities could demonstrate a model for arranging approval processes. Programs by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency have proven successful in the past. We recommend funding these organisations to run a program for land council-developer partnerships in large-scale renewables.

    4. Strengthen recognition of Aboriginal rights to unlock the renewable energy potential of Aboriginal land. This could include expediting land claims and land transfers and providing incentives for cooperation between land councils and Traditional Owners.

    The next five years will be crucial for NSW’s renewable energy transition. Getting the foundations right now could empower Aboriginal landholders and their regional communities to get the most out of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

    Heidi Norman receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Australian Public Policy Institute, Boundless and the NSW Government.

    Saori Miyake receives funding from Australian Public Policy Institute and Boundless for this project.

    Sarah Niklas receives funding from the Australian Public Policy Institute and Boundless for this project.

    Therese Apolonio receives funding from Australian Public Policy Institute, Boundless and the NSW Government.

    – ref. Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition – https://theconversation.com/heres-how-first-nations-landholders-can-share-the-benefits-of-the-nsw-energy-transition-259702

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Consultation on Guidance for the Australian Clearing and Settlement Facility Resolution Regime

    Source: Airservices Australia

    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today released a consultation paper on proposed guidance for the Australian Clearing and Settlement (CS) Facility Resolution Regime.

    In September 2024, the Australian Parliament passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Act 2024. This amended the Corporations Act 2001 to provide the RBA with crisis resolution powers with respect to domestically incorporated clearing and settlement (CS) facilities. These powers enable the RBA to manage or respond to a threat posed to the continuity of critical CS facility services or the stability of the financial system in Australia arising in relation to a domestic CS facility licensee.

    The RBA has developed draft guidance to provide transparency about when and how the RBA would generally expect to use these resolution powers. It aims to assist CS facilities, their users, market operators and other stakeholders to understand the RBA’s general approach to resolution and the potential effects on them if the RBA decides to use a resolution power.

    The RBA is inviting submissions on this consultation from interested parties by 11 August 2025. Following the consultation, the RBA will publish the finalised guidance.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Consultation on Guidance for the Australian Clearing and Settlement Facility Resolution Regime

    Source: Reserve Bank of Australia

    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today released a consultation paper on proposed guidance for the Australian Clearing and Settlement (CS) Facility Resolution Regime.

    In September 2024, the Australian Parliament passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Act 2024. This amended the Corporations Act 2001 to provide the RBA with crisis resolution powers with respect to domestically incorporated clearing and settlement (CS) facilities. These powers enable the RBA to manage or respond to a threat posed to the continuity of critical CS facility services or the stability of the financial system in Australia arising in relation to a domestic CS facility licensee.

    The RBA has developed draft guidance to provide transparency about when and how the RBA would generally expect to use these resolution powers. It aims to assist CS facilities, their users, market operators and other stakeholders to understand the RBA’s general approach to resolution and the potential effects on them if the RBA decides to use a resolution power.

    The RBA is inviting submissions on this consultation from interested parties by 11 August 2025. Following the consultation, the RBA will publish the finalised guidance.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: North-West woman charged with drug trafficking

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    North-West woman charged with drug trafficking

    Monday, 30 June 2025 – 3:45 pm.

    A 36-year-old woman from Tasmania’s North-West has been charged with drug trafficking after her arrest near Ulverstone.
    Police allege the woman had 140 grams of methamphetamine (ice) in the vehicle she was driving.
    The quantity of drugs seized is equivalent to about 1400 ‘street deals’.
    The drugs were found during a search of the vehicle by officers from the Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit, after police had intercepted the car on the Bass Highway, near Ulverstone, last Friday.
    The woman has been charged with one count each of trafficking in a controlled drug, possess a controlled drug, and unlicensed driving and has been bailed to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court on October 6.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Ailwood, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong

    FG Trade/Getty

    Last week, the Australian Human Rights Commission launched a new report on sexual harassment, called Speaking From Experience. It includes the voices of more than 300 victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment from vulnerable communities.

    In it, the commission calls for a new wave of robust law reform measures to protect and support victim-survivors and hold employers accountable.

    This report comes five years after the 2020 Respect@Work report, which made 55 recommendations to address workplace sexual harassment. Yet, in 2022, a survey by the commission found one in three workers had experienced sexual harassment.

    This new report is a watershed one, building on the work already done since 2020. So how far have we come in dealing with workplace sexual harassment? And how would new laws help?

    What’s in the new report?

    The Australian Human Rights Commission’s new report, Speaking From Experience, emerges from the Respect@Work recommendations.

    Recommendation 27 of the Respect@Work report suggested the commission establish a way to hear historical disclosures of workplace sexual harassment. The commission then turned this recommendation into its latest release.

    This report was a listening process that put victim-survivors front and centre. First Nations, migrant, LGBTQIA+, disabled and young workers were the main contributors to the report.

    An example of the experiences of the contributors is a fast food worker, who said:

    I know personally for me, as a queer person, I’m just exhausted […] it’s
    just a lot of mental energy and for nothing to happen, or for it to cause
    more problems, it’s just like really a deterrent…

    The commission was particularly concerned with identifying what does – and what does not – help victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment. The contributors shed light on what needs to change in the workplace and in the law.

    One major theme was about non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which are commonly used to settle workplace sexual harassment claims.

    NDAs restrict who victim-survivors can speak to about their experience of workplace sexual harassment, including colleagues, friends, family and in public. Sometimes these agreements can hamper attempts to get support for the harassment.

    The commission found victim-survivors are often pressured to sign NDAs in circumstances where the employer has far more power.

    The commission recommended new legislation to restrict using agreements in this way.

    This recommendation extends well beyond Respect@Work, which only produced best-practice guidelines. Extending the regulation is an important step forward, as subsequent research has revealed how ineffective these guidelines have been in practice.

    Australia is now out of step with the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada, which have all regulated the use of NDAs after the #MeToo movement.

    Working Women’s Centres are currently leading a sector-wide campaign for change, and the regulation of NDAs is underway in Victoria.

    Improving the positive duty

    Respect@Work introduced a positive duty on people running a business or undertaking to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate sexual harassment from the workplace.

    In Speaking From Experience, the commission is asking for enhanced regulatory powers to enforce the positive duty to make it more effective.



    Read more:
    Explainer: what is a ‘positive duty’ to prevent workplace sexual harassment and why is it so important?

    The commission is currently prevented from speaking publicly, or to other regulatory agencies, about its enforcement activities unless it has entered an “enforceable undertaking” with an organisation or applied for a Federal Court order.

    This means that, 18 months after being empowered to enforce the positive duty, the commission can’t speak publicly about how it is doing so.

    To be an effective regulator, it must be able to publicise its enforcement actions and share information with other agencies.

    The current law actually contributes to the culture of silencing and secrecy that continues to shroud workplace sexual harassment.

    Further, there are currently no civil penalties for breaching the positive duty. In Speaking From Experience, the commission found this limits the extent to which some workplace leaders will take the positive duty seriously. It found this risks turning the prevention of workplace sexual harassment into a box-ticking compliance process.

    The recommendations about penalties and transparency represent an acknowledgement that the commission’s powers to create systemic and structural change to target workplace sexual harassment are too limited.

    In the absence of penalties, risk to reputation – the fear that public exposure of inaction or permissive workplace cultures concerning sexual harassment – remains the greatest incentive for employers to comply with the positive duty.

    But workplace sexual harassment has been unlawful for more than 30 years. The current law does little more than continue to ask employers to do the right thing.

    If the commission is not given the powers it needs to effectively enforce the law, too much reliance is placed on individual complainants to take action. As the Speaking From Experience report reveals, that means victim-survivors would need to overcome massive social, economic, cultural and legal barriers.

    Over to the government

    Speaking From Experience is a significant moment for workplace sexual harassment law reform and policy in Australia. It continues the work that Respect@Work started and takes it in a new direction, focusing on protecting and supporting victim-survivors and accountability for employers.

    The Albanese government says it’s serious about addressing workplace gender equality and the prevention of violence against women. If that’s true, it should implement the commission’s recommendations in full, and quickly.

    Sarah Ailwood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help – https://theconversation.com/im-just-exhausted-sexual-harassment-at-work-is-still-rife-these-new-laws-would-help-259884

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Ailwood, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong

    FG Trade/Getty

    Last week, the Australian Human Rights Commission launched a new report on sexual harassment, called Speaking From Experience. It includes the voices of more than 300 victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment from vulnerable communities.

    In it, the commission calls for a new wave of robust law reform measures to protect and support victim-survivors and hold employers accountable.

    This report comes five years after the 2020 Respect@Work report, which made 55 recommendations to address workplace sexual harassment. Yet, in 2022, a survey by the commission found one in three workers had experienced sexual harassment.

    This new report is a watershed one, building on the work already done since 2020. So how far have we come in dealing with workplace sexual harassment? And how would new laws help?

    What’s in the new report?

    The Australian Human Rights Commission’s new report, Speaking From Experience, emerges from the Respect@Work recommendations.

    Recommendation 27 of the Respect@Work report suggested the commission establish a way to hear historical disclosures of workplace sexual harassment. The commission then turned this recommendation into its latest release.

    This report was a listening process that put victim-survivors front and centre. First Nations, migrant, LGBTQIA+, disabled and young workers were the main contributors to the report.

    An example of the experiences of the contributors is a fast food worker, who said:

    I know personally for me, as a queer person, I’m just exhausted […] it’s
    just a lot of mental energy and for nothing to happen, or for it to cause
    more problems, it’s just like really a deterrent…

    The commission was particularly concerned with identifying what does – and what does not – help victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment. The contributors shed light on what needs to change in the workplace and in the law.

    One major theme was about non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which are commonly used to settle workplace sexual harassment claims.

    NDAs restrict who victim-survivors can speak to about their experience of workplace sexual harassment, including colleagues, friends, family and in public. Sometimes these agreements can hamper attempts to get support for the harassment.

    The commission found victim-survivors are often pressured to sign NDAs in circumstances where the employer has far more power.

    The commission recommended new legislation to restrict using agreements in this way.

    This recommendation extends well beyond Respect@Work, which only produced best-practice guidelines. Extending the regulation is an important step forward, as subsequent research has revealed how ineffective these guidelines have been in practice.

    Australia is now out of step with the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada, which have all regulated the use of NDAs after the #MeToo movement.

    Working Women’s Centres are currently leading a sector-wide campaign for change, and the regulation of NDAs is underway in Victoria.

    Improving the positive duty

    Respect@Work introduced a positive duty on people running a business or undertaking to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate sexual harassment from the workplace.

    In Speaking From Experience, the commission is asking for enhanced regulatory powers to enforce the positive duty to make it more effective.



    Read more:
    Explainer: what is a ‘positive duty’ to prevent workplace sexual harassment and why is it so important?

    The commission is currently prevented from speaking publicly, or to other regulatory agencies, about its enforcement activities unless it has entered an “enforceable undertaking” with an organisation or applied for a Federal Court order.

    This means that, 18 months after being empowered to enforce the positive duty, the commission can’t speak publicly about how it is doing so.

    To be an effective regulator, it must be able to publicise its enforcement actions and share information with other agencies.

    The current law actually contributes to the culture of silencing and secrecy that continues to shroud workplace sexual harassment.

    Further, there are currently no civil penalties for breaching the positive duty. In Speaking From Experience, the commission found this limits the extent to which some workplace leaders will take the positive duty seriously. It found this risks turning the prevention of workplace sexual harassment into a box-ticking compliance process.

    The recommendations about penalties and transparency represent an acknowledgement that the commission’s powers to create systemic and structural change to target workplace sexual harassment are too limited.

    In the absence of penalties, risk to reputation – the fear that public exposure of inaction or permissive workplace cultures concerning sexual harassment – remains the greatest incentive for employers to comply with the positive duty.

    But workplace sexual harassment has been unlawful for more than 30 years. The current law does little more than continue to ask employers to do the right thing.

    If the commission is not given the powers it needs to effectively enforce the law, too much reliance is placed on individual complainants to take action. As the Speaking From Experience report reveals, that means victim-survivors would need to overcome massive social, economic, cultural and legal barriers.

    Over to the government

    Speaking From Experience is a significant moment for workplace sexual harassment law reform and policy in Australia. It continues the work that Respect@Work started and takes it in a new direction, focusing on protecting and supporting victim-survivors and accountability for employers.

    The Albanese government says it’s serious about addressing workplace gender equality and the prevention of violence against women. If that’s true, it should implement the commission’s recommendations in full, and quickly.

    Sarah Ailwood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help – https://theconversation.com/im-just-exhausted-sexual-harassment-at-work-is-still-rife-these-new-laws-would-help-259884

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Flooding demonstrates danger in Govt ‘growth at any cost’ ideological agenda – Tom Kay

    Source: Choose Clean Water – Tom Kay


    Flooding in the top of the South Island, and the threat of more to come later this week, demonstrates the dangers of the Government pushing ahead with policy changes based on narrow ideological grounds and a ‘growth at any cost’ agenda, say freshwater campaigners.


    Tom Kay, spokesperson for the campaign group Choose Clean Water, says the Coalition Government’s proposed resource management reforms, with an ideological focus on ‘the enjoyment of property rights’, will inevitably leave communities more vulnerable to the impacts of flooding. 


    “The Coalition Government has demonstrated across its resource management reform that they care more about the profits of commercial players than good governance for the health and stability of our communities. Their ‘growth at any cost’ agenda is not only thoughtless but downright dangerous.”


    Kay, a strong advocate for the idea of Making Room for Rivers as a strategy to keep communities and infrastructure safe from flooding while restoring the health of our rivers, says while many communities, councils, and insurance companies are ready for action to avoid hazards and widen allowed floodplains, the Government must not put growth and development on par with community safety and environmental health if they want to meaningfully reduce the risk to communities.


    “We’ve just seen yet another example of devastating flooding following back-to-back experiences in Otago in October, the West Coast in November, and Canterbury in May. The costs are incredibly serious, including people losing their lives.


    “We know our rivers need more space to carry floodwater safely, especially with the more extreme weather we’re getting as the climate continues to warm. But the Government’s narrow focus on growth and private property rights through their resource management reform risks undermining progress towards this.”


    Kay says international evidence and case studies show the best option for keeping communities and infrastructure safe from flooding is to avoid development in high-risk locations, and to incentivise and fund planned relocation from places already at high risk. This approach also provides the best opportunity for restoration of rivers and their floodplains, whilst increasing community wellbeing, amenity values, and resilience.


    However, he says the Government’s focus on growth and property rights is inconsistent with this.


    “Documents continue to highlight the Coalition Government’s obsession with growth, and the misplaced idea that somehow we can continue to grow anywhere, with few restrictions, and still somehow mitigate the consequences. We can’t.


    “While we support the introduction of a National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards, for some reason it is less-developed now than it was last year, and drafted provisions that would have prioritised using nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk—such as making room for rivers, and to direct councils to avoid development in high risk locations, are gone.”


    “The proposed provisions direct councils to “consider” risk and act “proportionately”, leaving plenty of room for vested commercial interests to push councils into continuing to allow development, including homes, in high-risk locations.


    “Not to mention that the proposal doesn’t apply to the development of infrastructure, which is one of the main and most expensive assets hit during flooding; or to aquaculture, agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, mining, quarrying, or forestry activities and the land and buildings they use.”


    Kay says proposed changes to weaken the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management will also undermine the need to keep people out of harm’s way, and to maintain sufficient river health and width to safely carry floodwaters.


    “We have a requirement to prioritise the health of water bodies and communities in the management of our freshwater under the idea of Te Mana o te Wai. Flood managers have supported this idea as a way to help communities reconsider how they live with rivers, including their associated risks and hazards, and to make changes that increase flood resilience and river health together. 


    “But the Coalition Government wants to get rid of this prioritisation.”


    “We also have no idea what the Government wants to do with an existing provision in the policy that prevents the ‘loss of river extent’, and thereby maintains wider flood corridors, for example; or whether they want to remove a provision that requires water to be managed as part of an ‘integrated response to climate change’.”


    “Our rivers and wider catchments need to be healthy and resilient if our communities are going to be safe from the worst harms of flooding. This Government needs to understand that private property rights and growth-at-all-costs won’t enable that. It will cost us all in the long-run.”


    The Government’s consultation on freshwater and natural hazard policies, as well as related policies, is open for submissions until 27 July. 


    Note: 


    • Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Tom Kay toured the country promoting the idea of Making Room for Rivers in his previous role as Freshwater Advocate for Forest & Bird. He has spoken to over 60 groups and was met with understanding and support from communities, councils, and insurance companies across New Zealand. Tom presented to Tasman District Councillors in May 2023.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Honouring the driving forces of the transport sector

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    New drivers, old hands, smart brains and clever operators were honoured on Saturday at the 2025 South Island Seminar Industry Awards in Christchurch.
    The awards, hosted by Transporting New Zealand, celebrate individuals and organisations that have made exceptional contributions to the road transport sector through innovation, safety, industry awareness, and training.
    The Supreme Contribution to NZ Road Transport Award was a posthumous award to Alex McLellan who tragically died in a workplace accident last year.
    Alex was the founder of Balclutha’s McLellan’s Freight and was a huge presence in the freight sector. He was well known for his big hearted and generous nature, his sense of fun, and a commitment to making the industry better.
    The award was accepted on his behalf by widow Kim Unahi-McLellan, herself a key player in the sector.
    The other award winners were:
    Jax Smith and Jen Hall, the co-owners of Marlborough’s Renwick Transport, won the TrackIT Logistics Women in Road Freight Transport Award.
    From advocating for diversity to lifting grape harvest logistics standards in Marlborough , they are a driving force for change, community and inclusion in the industry.
    The EROAD Young Driver Award went to Sydney Sangster of Conroy Removals.
    Aged 22, Sydney is a top-tier operator, navigating the South Island in B-Trains with confidence and skill. From tail-lift trucks to career day presentations, she’s delivering excellence and promoting the industry to the next generation of drivers.
    The EROAD Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award went to Hammar New Zealand Limited for their AI-powered pedestrian detection system.
    Installed on side-loaders, the system identifies when people are too close to a trailer or vehicle, triggering real-time visual and audio alerts for operators.
    The Fruehauf Outstanding Contribution to Innovation Award went to TrackIT Logistics for its end-to-end business platform. It integrates dispatch, compliance, safety, stock management and live data, and is the trusted tool for many businesses nationwide.
    The Outstanding Contribution to Training Award went to MOVe Logistics, which has embedded training into the fabric of its operations.
    The company has delivered a range of development opportunities for its people, supporting qualifications across the Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Operator programme, micro-credentials and business training.
    Dom Kalasih, the chief executive for Transporting New Zealand, said it was fantastic to see the calibre and the numbers of people nominated for the awards.
    “Times are tough at the moment, but these are the people and the companies that don’t shy away from investing in their products, and their people.”
    “I applaud all the nominees and the winners for making our industry better in all sorts of ways.” 
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Charges – Domestic Violence – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force, Northern Domestic Violence Investigation Unit has charged a 57-year-old male following reports of domestic violence in May and across last week.

    In relation to matters that occurred between 26 and 28 June 2025, the male was charged with three counts of Breach Domestic Violence Order.

    The male has also been charged with Aggravated Assault and Breach Domestic Violence Order for an incident that occurred on 23 May 2025, and the same charges again for an incident that occurred on 21 May 2025.

    He is remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today and investigations remain ongoing.

    The female victim remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition. Investigations remain ongoing into the cause of the female’s injuries.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (131 114).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director Wu Cheng-wei Meets Outstanding Taiwanese Young Doctors Studying in Australia

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and colleague were pleased to meet with Dr. Lin Yu-Ju from the Department of Family Medicine at Taichung Veterans General Hospital and Dr. Hsu Chia-Yun from the Department of Pediatrics at National Taiwan University Hospital, who are currently in Sydney for further training. They gained insights into the rigorous training process of Taiwan’s outstanding doctors and expressed deep admiration for the young physicians’ dedication to continuous learning and their pursuit of excellence in medical knowledge and skills.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 480

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    WW 480 SEVERE TSTM KS NE 300450Z – 301100Z

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 480
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1150 PM CDT Sun Jun 29 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Northern Kansas
    Western and Central Nebraska

    * Effective this Sunday night and Monday morning from 1150 PM
    until 600 AM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Various forecast guidance suggests that storms should
    intensify, expand, and linearly organize into the overnight as they
    progress southeastward, potentially into an MCS with wind
    damage/some hail possible.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 85
    statute miles north and south of a line from 30 miles north
    northwest of Mccook NE to 30 miles southeast of Hastings NE. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean storm motion vector
    30025.

    …Guyer

    Read more

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Inspiring Aussies share their stories of doubt in new CommBank campaign – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    Hear how Australians from sport, entertainment and social enterprise turned doubt into action – as part of CommBank’s refreshed brand platform championing everyone to fulfil their personal potential.

    Doubt is something we all face, but it’s how we respond that defines us.

    CommBank’s new campaign, Doubt Never Did, shares the real stories of Australians from all walks of life who have faced self-doubt, setbacks and uncertainty – and kept going. From personal reinvention to pushing through rejections, doubt is part of the turning point that helped them succeed.

    Jo Boundy, CommBank Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Doubt can hold us back – whether it’s taking the first steps to start a business or savings goal, or hitting a roadblock further along in your journey. This campaign shows Australians they’re not alone, and that doubt can be a powerful turning point. Back yourself and know that with CommBank in your corner, you can.”

    Meet the Australians who turned doubt into something more

    From elite sport to the stage and kitchen, the inspiring Australians who feature in the national campaign have each faced down their own moments of doubts. Hear conversations with:

    Mary Fowler, CommBank Matilda’s superstar – who rose from Cairns to the world stage, overcoming pressure and expectation to become one of the most exciting talents in global football;
    Zoe Karatzovalis, Yellow Wiggle, inclusivity champion and business owner of inclusive dance studio, Infinite Abilities Performance Arts; and
    Shaun Christie-David, social entrepreneur, Founder of Plate it Forward and Colombo Social;

    From today, see these stories on billboards across the country with QR codes to listen to the full audio interviews hosted by podcaster Matty J.

    https://youtu.be/81FiIPeJerk

    Mary Fowler, CommBank Matildas superstar, said: “Doubt has been a constant presence in my journey.”

    Mary grew up in Cairns and quickly made her mark on football, playing professional overseas while still a teenager. But even as her career accelerated, self-doubt followed – especially during setbacks and injury.

    “Sometimes the situations we’re in and the problems that we’re facing… they feel so big to overcome that it seems like there’s no way through them.”

    Now, Mary is focused on flipping the mindset. “I really hate the idea of being a victim… As much as I can, I just try to flip the perspective on a lot of these things. That actually helps me see a lot more positives in what I’m doing and makes it a bit easier to get through it without feeling sorry for myself.”

    Mary’s advice? “Everyone experiences doubt. I think it’s a normal part of our journey. The thing to try change is not doubt itself, but the way you react to it and how quickly you can counter it. Don’t let doubt hold you back and keep believing in yourself.”

    Zoe Karatzovalis, Yellow Wiggle and Founder of Infinite Abilities Performance Arts, said: “I doubted myself more than everyone did. I think everyone believed in me more than I did… I just didn’t really know what I was doing.”

    Zoe grew up in Port Lincoln, where her passion for dance started early. But it was her brother, Costa, who shaped her purpose. “My brother, Costa, he’s on the autism spectrum… we always connected through music and dance. He was a big inspiration in my life… I really wanted to be the change and to inspire others too.”

    After moving to Sydney to pursue a professional dance career, Zoe faced pressure and rejection. “I felt like I was this small fish in this huge pond… I struggled to make fri

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Rotary Park upgrades to begin soon

    Source: South Australia Police

    Work will soon begin on the final stage of upgrades to Rotary Park Play Space, making the much-loved local park even more accessible, fun and family-friendly.

    Last year, the City revitalised the park’s iconic fort play area and added wheelchair access to support inclusive, imaginative play for children of all ages and abilities.

    The upcoming works will replace ageing play equipment, park furniture and lighting, while also improving safety with new drainage and flood control measures.

    Visitors can look forward to new play zones with rubber soft-fall surfacing, inclusive features like mini-towns, climbing nets, swings, a toddler area and nature play elements.

    New footpaths will connect key areas of the park, making it easier for families with prams and people using mobility aids to get around. All play areas will be covered by shade sails, and more trees will be planted to create a cooler, greener environment.

    Mayor Linda Aitken said the upgrades would help Rotary Park remain a favourite local destination.

    “Rotary Park has always been a well-loved place where families come together,” she said.

    “These improvements will make it even easier for our community to meet, play and enjoy the outdoors.”

    The concept design was guided by community feedback. 

    Construction is expected to start early next year.

    MIL OSI News –

  • Wimbledon 2025: Dates, top seeds and match schedule

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Wimbledon is a grasscourt Grand Slam organised by the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The tournament was first held in 1877. Here is what you need to know about the year’s third major after the Australian Open and French Open:

    WHEN IS WIMBLEDON 2025 HAPPENING?

    * The Championships will run from June 30 to July 13.

    WHERE IS WIMBLEDON TAKING PLACE?

    * Wimbledon is held in London every year.

    * The three main showcourts at the All England Club are Centre Court, Court One and Court Two. Unlike other Grand Slam venues, the All England Club does not name its courts after former players.

    * Centre Court is the largest with a capacity of nearly 15,000 spectators. Court One has a capacity of 12,345 while Court Two, nicknamed the ‘Graveyard of Champions’ due to the many early upsets there over the years, seats 4,000.

    WHO IS INVOLVED IN WIMBLEDON?

    * The top-ranked players automatically enter the main draw with 32 seeds announced prior to the draw to ensure they do not meet in the early rounds. From the 2021 Championships, seedings for the men’s and women’s singles are based on world rankings.

    * Italian Jannik Sinner, who won his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, is the current men’s world number one. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, also a three-times major winner, is the women’s top-ranked player.

    * Spanish world number two Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his second French Open title, is looking to complete a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles.

    * American world number two Coco Gauff, the women’s champion at Roland Garros, is eyeing a first Wimbledon crown.

    * World number five Novak Djokovic will resume his quest for a record-extending 25th men’s Grand Slam singles title, while five-times major winner Iga Swiatek chases a first Wimbledon crown. Czech Barbora Krejcikova is the defending Wimbledon women’s champion.

    * Organisers also hand out wild cards for local hopes and notable players who have dropped down the rankings.

    TOP SEEDS

    Men:

    1 Jannik Sinner

    2 Carlos Alcaraz

    3 Alexander Zverev

    4 Jack Draper

    5 Taylor Fritz

    6 Novak Djokovic

    7 Lorenzo Musetti

    8 Holger Rune

    9 Daniil Medvedev

    10 Ben Shelton

    Women:

    1 Aryna Sabalenka

    2 Coco Gauff

    3 Jessica Pegula

    4 Jasmine Paolini

    5 Zheng Qinwen

    6 Madison Keys

    7 Mirra Andreeva

    8 Iga Swiatek

    9 Paula Badosa

    10 Emma Navarro

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City to hold flag raising ceremony to mark start of 2025 NAIDOC Week celebrations

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting the community to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025 at a special Flag Raising featuring a Dja Dja Wurrung Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 10am, Monday July 7 in the Bendigo Library Gardens.

    This year’s National NAIDOC Week will take place from July 6 to 13.  2025 marks 50 years of the week-long celebrations and the theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.

    In Greater Bendigo a range of local activities will take including the Knuldoorong Art Exhibition 2025 which will launch at 5pm on Thursday July 3 at Dudley House in View Street.  The exhibition will continue on Friday July 4 to Sunday July 13 from 11am to 4pm.

    The Knuldoorong Art Exhibition showcases a range of artworks and pieces from First Nations artists and creatives.  It includes paintings, weaving and jewellery with all artwork available for purchase.

    City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the City will also light up the Rosalind Park Conservatory in Pall Mall to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week.

    “NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Cr Metcalf said.

    “It is also a great opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the oldest continuing cultures on the planet,

    “I encourage residents to come along to the annual flag raising in the Library Garden  and help celebrate this important annual event.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do you have Bitcoin? Be aware of the tax consequences of selling your investment

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Allen, Senior lecturer, Curtin University

    Bitcoin is ubiquitous. It is impossible to open a social media stream or news source without encountering yet another mention of the topic. Many Australians have invested, hoping for a good return.

    But they may not have considered the tax consequences of their investments. So some might be in for an unexpected surprise.

    The tax implications of Bitcoin ownership and other cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum largely turns on how seriously an investor pursues and manages their purchase.

    Given the enormous computing power and electric power needed to create Bitcoin from scratch, few Australians are actively mining Bitcoins.

    Mining involves creating digital information that yields the unique data “tokens” known as Bitcoins. It involves using specialised software to add new groups of transactions (known as blocks) to the shared transaction record (known as the blockchain.

    Trading in Bitcoins

    People who create Bitcoins are considered to be running a business and face the same tax consequences as any other active business, paying ordinary income tax on their profits.

    However, most Australian Bitcoin investors are using online exchanges to buy and sell already created Bitcoins.

    For them, the tax consequences will depend in the first instance on the frequency with which they buy or sell their Bitcoins and the level of study and ongoing monitoring and management they assign to the investment.

    A passive Bitcoin investor who simply buys some coins and largely ignores it until an opportune time to sell comes up will be treated purely as an investor by the Australian Taxation Office.

    For these people, the coins are characterised as passive investment assets similar to ownership of shares, gold or land. These Bitcoin investors will be subject to the capital gains rules in the income tax law.

    If they realise a gain on the sale of Bitcoin and the sale takes place within a year of the purchase, the gain will be fully included in the investor’s taxable income for the year the sale took place.

    If the sale takes place more than a year after purchase, the investor will qualify for a capital gains tax discount that makes half the gain exempt from tax, with only half included in their assessable income subject to taxation.

    But if the investor has a loss on the sale of Bitcoin, it can be recognised for tax purposes. But it will be quarantined against capital gains realised by the investor.

    In other words, it can only be used to reduce the amount of capital gains realised by the investor on the sale of other assets.

    Assumptions challenged

    While it is generally thought the capital gains treatment of Bitcoin sales has been settled for some time, a recent criminal case challenges some commonly accepted assumptions.

    The case was brought against a police officer charged with stealing Bitcoin recorded on a hardware wallet seized in a drug raid.

    The magistrate suggested Bitcoin was an asset (a view consistent with that of the tax office) but went on to suggest it was property similar to money.

    This led at least one tax lawyer to suggest there would be no tax consequences from selling Bitcoin for cash, as this would be akin to exchanging money for other money.

    It is, however, very unlikely a tax court would use a comment from the criminal case to unwind what has been settled tax law.

    Active investors

    If investors plays a more active role by frequently buying and selling Bitcoin or by actively researching and monitoring factors affecting its price, the tax office may consider they have shifted from being a passive investor to an active trader.

    A number of tax consequences follow.

    At one time, designation as a Bitcoin trader might have triggered a GST liability. If an investment trader has sales exceeding A$75,000 per year, they are considered an enterprise that must register as a GST business and pay GST on sales of goods or services.

    This included sales of Bitcoins, which were regarded as intangible goods by the tax office similar to music, films or other types of personal consumption.

    The tax office’s view

    However, following a very intense and ultimately successful lobbying campaign by digital commerce groups, the tax office revised its view and now considers Bitcoin to be a form of money for GST purposes.

    That means a sale of Bitcoin is treated as an exchange of money similar to changing Australian dollars for UK pounds or a $10 bill for five $2 coins.

    The office now recognises no sale of goods or services when there is a transfer of Bitcoin, leaving the transaction outside the goods and services tax system.

    The tax office’s view is the characterisation of Bitcoin as equivalent to money for goods and services tax purposes has no bearing on its character for income tax purposes. Instead, it is treated the same as any other trading stock or business asset if the seller is considered a trader.

    This has two implications. First, if the seller realises a gain on the sale of Bitcoin, the full amount of the gain is included in the person’s taxable income, regardless of whether it is sold more or less than one year after acquisition.

    Secondly, and very importantly for some, if an investor has a loss on the sale of Bitcoin – for every winner there is a loser in the investment world – and can convince the tax office they are an active trader, they can recognise the full loss. This means they can use the loss to offset other taxable income including wage and salary or business or professional income.

    Those who have taken the plunge into a Bitcoin investment or those considering the possibility should first consider carefully the tax consequences.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Do you have Bitcoin? Be aware of the tax consequences of selling your investment – https://theconversation.com/do-you-have-bitcoin-be-aware-of-the-tax-consequences-of-selling-your-investment-259671

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Occupational therapists tackle obstacles in the home, from support to cook a meal, to navigating public transport

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Hitch, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Deakin University

    Occupational therapists (OTs) have been in the spotlight this month after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) froze NDIS payments for these services at $193.99 per hour for the sixth year.

    The NDIA also cut travel payments for OTs who visit people in their home and community by 50%.

    Health Minister Mark Bulter says it’s important people on the NDIS aren’t paying more for therapy and support than they would pay in the health or aged care system.

    But OTs are concerned this could affect therapists’ viability, including their ability to support people with disability in their homes and communities.

    But what can OTs actually do? And why is it often better to do this in a person’s home and community?

    Who might see an OT?

    Imagine trying to get back to your daily life after a major health setback, such as a car accident or stroke, or an episode of a long-term condition or disability, such as depression or arthritis. The things you used to do with ease can become difficult and exhausting.

    After such a setback, your home or community can also feel like an obstacle course. Maybe you can’t carry the laundry basket out to the line anymore, or you’re struggling to keep up with your children.

    This is where occupational therapy can make a real difference. OTs are health professionals that enable people to do the things they need, want and love to do in daily life, from getting dressed to cooking dinner, gardening to driving.

    Occupational therapists work with people of all ages. They overcome barriers by changing the environments and objects we use, teaching new skills, rehabilitating old ones and tweaking the way we tackle tasks.

    What can OTs do in the home and community?

    Seeing people in their own homes and communities allows the therapist to get a more accurate picture of a person’s strengths and abilities, which can be difficult to understand in a clinic.

    OTs use their skills and creativity to provide personalised care, tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

    An older person with dementia might, for example, cause alarm by putting a plastic kettle on the stove of a hospital kitchen. But they could make their cup of tea perfectly safely at home with their stove top kettle.

    OTs can support home and community mobility, such as checking a wheelchair passes smoothly through doorways and can manoeuvre in tight spaces such as bathrooms.

    But they can also advise on kitchen aids and seating to save energy for people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, to support them continuing to cook family meals.

    In their work with neurodivergent people of different ages, an OT might help an autistic teen develop sensory strategies to deal with their busy and noisy school day.

    For other people, OT support might help them navigate their local public transport system. Learning and practising skills where they’re used makes it easier to carry them over into everyday life.

    What does the research say?

    Research shows home and community OT can lead to better activity and participation than clinic-based therapy. It’s also cost-effective.

    For stroke survivors, OT makes everyday tasks like showering or getting dressed easier.

    OT at home eases burden and stress for the parents of children with cerebral palsy and carers of people with dementia.

    OT at home helps older people with ongoing health issues to be more actively involved in their communities.

    Community OT is also effective in supporting recovery for people with mental health problems, enabling them to enjoy community and leisure activities, seek and maintain employment and enhance physical activity.

    OT focuses on helping you do the things that keep you well and independent, which means fewer trips back to the hospital. OTs can spot and solve trip hazards within homes, for example, before a frail person has a fall.

    People who get OT at home soon after leaving hospital are less likely to be readmitted. Emerging research also suggests OT can work jointly with paramedics when someone falls at home by visiting and offering immediate treatment that prevent avoidable hospital stays.

    There are some downsides, such as limited access in disadvantaged communities. While telehealth can address some barriers, it is not suitable in every case.

    How do Australians access OTs?

    There are many pathways to access OT services, but the complexity of the health-care system means the process is challenging to navigate.

    OT services can also be costly, due to severely limited funding, equipment and transport costs.

    OT is available as part of Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme for older people.

    OT has also played a key role in supporting NDIS participants since the scheme’s inception. However, waiting lists often stretch for many months and not everyone knows about what OT can offer.

    You can also access community OT through Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans, local community health centres and councils and through private health insurance rebates.

    Thanks to Lana O’Neil (Occupational Therapist at Western Health in Victoria) and Sarah McCann (Senior Occupational Therapist at Western Health) for sharing their clinical expertise for this article.

    Danielle Hitch does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Occupational therapists tackle obstacles in the home, from support to cook a meal, to navigating public transport – https://theconversation.com/occupational-therapists-tackle-obstacles-in-the-home-from-support-to-cook-a-meal-to-navigating-public-transport-259807

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Dodd, PhD Student in Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy, The University of Western Australia

    The long-eared kultarr (_A. auritus_) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears. Ken Johnson

    Australia is home to more than 60 species of carnivorous marsupials in the family Dasyuridae. Almost a quarter of those have only been scientifically recognised in the past 25 years.

    Other than the iconic Tasmanian devil, chances are most of these small, fascinating species have slipped under your radar. One of the rarest and most elusive is the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger), a feisty insect-eater found in very low numbers across much of the outback.

    To the untrained eye, the kultarr looks very much like a hopping mouse, with long legs, a long tail and a tendency to rest on its hind legs. However, it runs much like a greyhound – but its tiny size and high speed makes it look like it’s hopping.

    Kultarr or kultarrs?

    Until now, the kultarr was thought to be a single widespread species, ranging from central New South Wales to the Carnarvon Basin on Australia’s west coast. However, a genetic study in 2023 suggested there could be more than one species.

    With backing from the Australian Biological Resources Study, our team of researchers from the University of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum and Queensland University of Technology set out to investigate.

    We travelled to museums in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to look at every kultarr that had been collected by scientists over the past century. By combining detailed genetic data with body and skull measurements, we discovered the kultarr isn’t one widespread species, but three distinct species.

    Three species of kultarrs

    The eastern kultarr (A. laniger) is the smallest of the three, with an average body length of about 7.5cm. It’s darker in colour than its relatives, and while its ears are still big, they are nowhere near as big as those of the other two species.

    The eastern kultarr is now found on hard clay soils around Cobar in central NSW and north to around Charleville in southern Queensland.

    The eastern kultarr (A. laniger) is the smallest of the three species.
    Pat Woolley

    The gibber kultarr (A. spenceri) is the largest and stockiest, with an average body length of around 9cm. They are noticeably chunkier than the other two more dainty species, with big heads, thick legs and much longer hindfeet.

    As its name suggests, the gibber kultarr is restricted to the extensive stony deserts or “gibber plains” in southwest Queensland and northeast South Australia.

    The gibber kultarr (A. spenceri) is largest and stockiest.
    Ken Johnson

    The long-eared kultarr (A. auritus) is the middle child in terms of body size, but its ears set it apart. They’re nearly as long as its head.

    It’s found in patchy populations in the central and western sandy deserts, living on isolated stony plains.

    The long-eared kultarr (A. auritus) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears.
    Ken Johnson

    Are they threatened?

    All three species of kultarr are hard to find, making it difficult to confidently estimate population sizes and evaluate extinction risk. The long-eared and gibber kultarrs don’t appear to be in immediate danger, but land clearing and invasive predators such as cats and foxes have likely affected their numbers.

    The three species of kultarr seem to now inhabit smaller areas than in the past.
    Cameron Dodd

    The eastern kultarr, however, is more of a concern. By looking at museum specimens going back all the way to the 1890s, we found it was once much more widespread.

    Historic records suggest the eastern kultarr used to occur across the entirety of arid NSW and even spread north through central Queensland and into the Northern Territory. We now think this species may be extinct in the NT and parts of northwest Queensland.

    What’s next?

    To protect kultarrs into the future, we need targeted surveys to confirm where each species still survives, especially the eastern kultarr, whose current range may be just a shadow of its former extent. With better knowledge, we can prioritise conservation actions where they’re most needed, and ensure these remarkable, long-legged hunters don’t disappear before we truly get to know them.

    Australia still has many small mammal species that haven’t been formally described. Unless we identify and name them, they remain invisible in conservation policy.

    Taxonomic research like this is essential – we can’t protect what we don’t yet know exists. And without action, some species may disappear before they’re ever officially recognised.

    The authors wish to acknowledge the important contributions of Adjunct Professor Mike Westerman at La Trobe University to the research discussed in this article.

    Cameron Dodd receives funding from the Australian Biological Resources Study and Society of Australian Systematic Biologists.

    Andrew M. Baker receives funding from the Federal Government, State Governments, Australian Biological Resources Study and various Industry sources.

    Kenny Travouillon receives funding from Australian Biological Resources Study.

    Linette Umbrello receives funding from the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) National Taxonomy Research Grant Program (NTRGP)

    Renee Catullo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals – https://theconversation.com/australias-cutest-mammal-is-now-australias-cutest-three-mammals-260006

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Cameron Dodd, PhD Student in Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy, The University of Western Australia

    The long-eared kultarr (_A. auritus_) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears. Ken Johnson

    Australia is home to more than 60 species of carnivorous marsupials in the family Dasyuridae. Almost a quarter of those have only been scientifically recognised in the past 25 years.

    Other than the iconic Tasmanian devil, chances are most of these small, fascinating species have slipped under your radar. One of the rarest and most elusive is the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger), a feisty insect-eater found in very low numbers across much of the outback.

    To the untrained eye, the kultarr looks very much like a hopping mouse, with long legs, a long tail and a tendency to rest on its hind legs. However, it runs much like a greyhound – but its tiny size and high speed makes it look like it’s hopping.

    Kultarr or kultarrs?

    Until now, the kultarr was thought to be a single widespread species, ranging from central New South Wales to the Carnarvon Basin on Australia’s west coast. However, a genetic study in 2023 suggested there could be more than one species.

    With backing from the Australian Biological Resources Study, our team of researchers from the University of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum and Queensland University of Technology set out to investigate.

    We travelled to museums in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to look at every kultarr that had been collected by scientists over the past century. By combining detailed genetic data with body and skull measurements, we discovered the kultarr isn’t one widespread species, but three distinct species.

    Three species of kultarrs

    The eastern kultarr (A. laniger) is the smallest of the three, with an average body length of about 7.5cm. It’s darker in colour than its relatives, and while its ears are still big, they are nowhere near as big as those of the other two species.

    The eastern kultarr is now found on hard clay soils around Cobar in central NSW and north to around Charleville in southern Queensland.

    The eastern kultarr (A. laniger) is the smallest of the three species.
    Pat Woolley

    The gibber kultarr (A. spenceri) is the largest and stockiest, with an average body length of around 9cm. They are noticeably chunkier than the other two more dainty species, with big heads, thick legs and much longer hindfeet.

    As its name suggests, the gibber kultarr is restricted to the extensive stony deserts or “gibber plains” in southwest Queensland and northeast South Australia.

    The gibber kultarr (A. spenceri) is largest and stockiest.
    Ken Johnson

    The long-eared kultarr (A. auritus) is the middle child in terms of body size, but its ears set it apart. They’re nearly as long as its head.

    It’s found in patchy populations in the central and western sandy deserts, living on isolated stony plains.

    The long-eared kultarr (A. auritus) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears.
    Ken Johnson

    Are they threatened?

    All three species of kultarr are hard to find, making it difficult to confidently estimate population sizes and evaluate extinction risk. The long-eared and gibber kultarrs don’t appear to be in immediate danger, but land clearing and invasive predators such as cats and foxes have likely affected their numbers.

    The three species of kultarr seem to now inhabit smaller areas than in the past.
    Cameron Dodd

    The eastern kultarr, however, is more of a concern. By looking at museum specimens going back all the way to the 1890s, we found it was once much more widespread.

    Historic records suggest the eastern kultarr used to occur across the entirety of arid NSW and even spread north through central Queensland and into the Northern Territory. We now think this species may be extinct in the NT and parts of northwest Queensland.

    What’s next?

    To protect kultarrs into the future, we need targeted surveys to confirm where each species still survives, especially the eastern kultarr, whose current range may be just a shadow of its former extent. With better knowledge, we can prioritise conservation actions where they’re most needed, and ensure these remarkable, long-legged hunters don’t disappear before we truly get to know them.

    Australia still has many small mammal species that haven’t been formally described. Unless we identify and name them, they remain invisible in conservation policy.

    Taxonomic research like this is essential – we can’t protect what we don’t yet know exists. And without action, some species may disappear before they’re ever officially recognised.

    The authors wish to acknowledge the important contributions of Adjunct Professor Mike Westerman at La Trobe University to the research discussed in this article.

    Cameron Dodd receives funding from the Australian Biological Resources Study and Society of Australian Systematic Biologists.

    Andrew M. Baker receives funding from the Federal Government, State Governments, Australian Biological Resources Study and various Industry sources.

    Kenny Travouillon receives funding from Australian Biological Resources Study.

    Linette Umbrello receives funding from the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) National Taxonomy Research Grant Program (NTRGP)

    Renee Catullo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals – https://theconversation.com/australias-cutest-mammal-is-now-australias-cutest-three-mammals-260006

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • EAM Jaishankar on US visit from June 30; to attend Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 1

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the United States from 30 June to 2 July at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to participate in the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM), scheduled for 1 July, an official said on Sunday.

    In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Quad Foreign Ministers will build upon the discussions held during the last QFMM, which took place in Washington on January 21 this year.

    “They will exchange views on regional and global developments, particularly those concerning the Indo-Pacific, and review the progress made on various Quad initiatives in the run-up to the Quad Leaders’ Summit, which will be hosted by India. The Ministers are also expected to deliberate on new proposals aimed at advancing the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the MEA statement read.

    EAM Jaishankar will also inaugurate an exhibition titled, “The Human Cost of Terrorism” at the United Nations Headquarters, New York on June 30.

    “The exhibition will highlight the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts around the world, and the steps taken by the international community to combat terrorism,” the statement noted.

    India’s UN Mission said it will “highlight the devastating toll of heinous terrorist acts around the world”.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host the upcoming QFMM, which will also be attended by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, next Tuesday in Washington.

    Rubio’s first diplomatic engagement after he took office on January 21 was the Quad foreign ministers meeting, which took place a day after President Donald Trump was inaugurated.

    Next week’s meeting “builds on that momentum to advance a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific”, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the Department of State, Thomas Pigott, said.

    “This is what American leadership looks like: strength, peace, and prosperity,” he said.

    Earlier, S. Jaishankar posted on X that he had a phone conversation with Penny Wong on Thursday in preparation for the Quad meeting.

    The Quad meeting will be the first time the ministers get together after the Pahalgam attack.

    It will come a day before Pakistan takes over the rotating presidency of the Security Council.

    The Quad meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for the Summit to be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which will bring US President Donald Trump, and Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Shigeru Ishiba of Japan to India.

    At their meeting in February, PM Modi said he looked forward to hosting Trump at the summit.

    The first foreign affairs meeting after Trump’s inauguration showed his administration’s regional priority as China’s threat loomed. However, the world’s attention turned to the Middle East and Ukraine.

    The conflict between Israel and Iran appears to have ebbed for now, freeing some bandwidth to turn attention to the Indo-Pacific, where China poses a challenge to the nations of the region.

    (IANS)