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Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE trains Gender-Sensitive Police Units and Public Order Protection Department staff in Tajikistan to enhance response to domestic violence

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE trains Gender-Sensitive Police Units and Public Order Protection Department staff in Tajikistan to enhance response to domestic violence

    OSCE trains Gender-Sensitive Police Units and Public Order Protection Department staff in Tajikistan to enhance response to domestic violence | OSCE
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    Home Newsroom News and press releases OSCE trains Gender-Sensitive Police Units and Public Order Protection Department staff in Tajikistan to enhance response to domestic violence

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: APHA appoints new Chief Executive

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    APHA appoints new Chief Executive

    Richard Lewis will lead the Animal and Plant Health Agency in its drive to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy

    Richard Lewis, newly appointed Chief Executive of the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

    Richard Lewis has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

    His term will begin on 16 June 2025, following a competitive recruitment process. Richard will take on the role on a permanent basis, succeeding Dr Jenny Stewart, who has served as interim Chief Executive since 1 July 2024.

    Richard Lewis, newly appointed Chief Executive of APHA, said: 

    It’s a real honour to be appointed Chief Executive of APHA.

    Now more than ever, the UK needs a strong, science-led Animal and Plant Health Agency.

    From protecting our borders against animal and plant threats to unlocking opportunities for trade and growth, I’m excited to champion APHA’s vital work — and to lead alongside the world-class scientists and experts who make it possible.

    Richard Lewis biography

    • Richard has previously served as the Chief Constable for both Dyfed-Powys Police and Cleveland Police.   
    • Richard has held several national portfolios for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and was awarded a NPCC commendation for distinguished service. 
    • In Wales, Richard has also led for the police service on rural affairs such as habitat protection, rural crime and mental health in the agricultural community.

    Notes for editors 

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on SMCY (102.27%), MSTY (101.29%), ULTY (78.88%), AIYY (70.96%), LFGY (69.83%), and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Weekly Payers and Group D ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker    1    		 ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency    		 Distribution
    per Share    		 Distribution
    Rate    2,4    		 30-Day
    SEC Yield3    		 ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record Date    		 Payment
    Date
    CHPY* YieldMax™ Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly – – – – – –
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2360 35.40% 0.00% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4170 69.83% 0.00% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2199 29.87% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3590 45.69% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2270 29.60% 0.00% 100.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0822 78.88% 2.21% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.0973 38.00% 69.89% 53.05% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1289 57.35% 96.57% 64.98% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.2301 70.96% 4.89% 93.15% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4877 43.54% 4.40% 89.31% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3023 33.00% 3.44% 44.35% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3254 35.32% 4.03% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.3356 101.29% 0.50% 0.48% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    SMCY YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.5012 102.27% 3.01% 67.02% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    WNTR** YieldMax™ Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks – – – – – –
    XYZY YieldMax™ XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4412 59.61% 6.32% 89.82% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4437 30.86% 3.08% 0.00% 4/10/25 4/11/25
    Weekly Payers & Group A ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY UTLY YMAG YMAX CRSH FEAT FIVY GOOY OARK SNOY TSLY TSMY XOMO YBIT


    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling     (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    *The inception date for CHPY is April 2, 2025.

    **The inception date for WNTR is March 26, 2025.

    1 All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, YMAG and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026.
    2 The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on April 8, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3 The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended March 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.
    4 Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5 ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage is the portion of the distribution that represents an investor’s original investment.


    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For XYZY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here. For BIGY, click here. For SOXY, click here. For MARO, click here. For FEAT, click here. For FIVY, click here. For LFGY, click here. For GPTY, click here. For CVNY, click here. For SDTY, click here. For QDTY, click here. For WNTR, click here. For CHPY, click here

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax™ ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sustainable Household Scheme saves Canberrans millions

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) has generated over $46.9 million in savings for Canberrans.

    The ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) has generated over $46.9 million in savings for Canberrans.

    The SHS provides zero-interest loans to help with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades.

    Since it began in July 2021, savings have been achieved through products including:

    • rooftop solar systems
    • batteries
    • ceiling insulation
    • replacement of gas or inefficient electric appliances with efficient electric appliances.

    The SHS has also supported Canberrans to buy electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

    The upgrades are resulting in energy bill and fuel cost savings.

    The Sustainable Household Scheme

    Through the SHS, eligible Canberrans have access to up to $15,000 in zero-interest loans.

    Loans can be used on a range of energy-efficient upgrades, such as:

    • efficient heating and cooling
    • cooktops and hot water systems
    • solar panels
    • battery storage
    • electric vehicles
    • ceiling insulation.

    Savings across Canberra

    New data shows the approximate spread of these savings across the ACT.

    Tuggeranong leads the way with $12.3 million saved on bills so far.

    • Tuggeranong: $12.3m
    • Belconnen: $12.2m
    • Gungahlin: $10.1m
    • Canberra Central: $3.4m
    • Weston Creek: $3.1m
    • Woden: $3.1m
    • Molonglo: $2.3m
    • Rest of ACT: $0.3m

    Rooftop solar is particularly popular. Approximately 58 per cent of solar installations in the ACT since the start of the SHS used an SHS loan.

    Reducing costs and emissions

    The SHS has approved over $225 million in loans and supported the installation of over 19,000 sustainable upgrades since it began.

    This not only saves households money on energy bills, but it also helps reduce the territory’s emissions.

    The SHS contributes to the ACT achieving a sustainable, resilient future, with a target of net zero emissions by 2045.

    It is a key part of the Government’s strategy to lower emissions and tackle climate change, while supporting ACT homes to reduce power bills and growing jobs in the region’s renewable energy industry.

    Find out more about the SHS at climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-household-scheme

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Aggravated robbery – Darwin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested four youths in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Darwin yesterday.

    Around 12:15pm, police received reports of a robbery that occurred at a shopping complex on Bagot Road.

    It is alleged that two youths entered the store, one of which used a baseball bat from the store to threaten staff. They then stole two scooters and the baseball bat and fled the scene.

    A short time later, police received a report of the group attempting to gain entry to a complex in Coconut Grove.

    Strike Force Trident attended and arrested four male youths aged 10, 10, 11 and 12.

    The 12-year-old male has been charged with Aggravated robbery and Attempted burglary and will face court at a later date.

    The remaining offenders were dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

    Investigations are ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25095881.

    Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Alice Springs yesterday.

    Police are interested in speaking to the occupants of the pictured vehicle, which was seen in the area at the time of the alleged assault.

    Police do not believe the vehicle’s occupants were involved in the incident, but believe they can assist with ongoing enquiries.

    Anyone with information is urged to call police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500036419. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Call for information – Aggravated assault – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning in Alice Springs.

    Police are particularly interested in speaking to the pictured male who they believe can assist with ongoing enquiries.

    Anyone with information regarding the identity of the pictured male is urged to call police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500036419. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Aggravated burglary – Tennant Creek

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged three males in relation to an aggravated burglary in Tennant Creek last night.

    About 9:25pm, police received reports of a social club being unlawfully entered on Schmidt Street. It is alleged three males aged, 21, 20 and 11-years-old, damaged the property with a crowbar to gain entry before stealing a large quantity of alcohol.

    The offenders fled the scene before police arrival but were located and arrested a short time later.

    Both adult males have been charged with Aggravated burglary, Damage to property, Theft and Recruitment of a child and were remanded to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court today.

    The 11-year-old was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cheer on our Olympians and Paralympians at the AIS

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberrans gathered to watch the Matildas play at Canberra’s last watch party in Garema Place.

    The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Arena has been selected as a live site for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    There will be two watch parties in the recently upgraded arena. Sit back on a bean bag and watch the Games on the big screens.

    You can also head along to the AIS Visitor Centre to watch the Channel 9 broadcast of the Games. It will be screening from 26 July until 11 September.

    Here’s everything you need to know:

    When is it on?

    There will be two watch parties in August:

    • Sunday 4 August for the Olympics
    • Sunday 31 August for the Paralympics

    Both events will run from 10am to 2pm.

    How much are tickets?

    The events are free, but bookings are required.

    Book your ticket for the Olympics LIVE Watch Party.

    Book your ticket for the Paralympics LIVE Watch Party.

    What are the food options?

    There will be local food trucks at the arena selling food and drink.

    Is it family-friendly?

    Absolutely. Children are welcome to attend and there will be kids’ entertainment options at both parties.

    Are there other entertainment options?

    Entertainment options include:

    • children’s face painting
    • colouring in
    • sport demonstrations and challenges
    • free AIS tours every 30 minutes
    • free entry to Sportex, the interacting sporting exhibit
    • meet and greet past Olympians and Paralympians to see their medals
    • an Olympic podium and photo wall.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Robert Foster artwork finds new home at Kingston Arts Precinct

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Journey contains 37 individual plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

    An award-winning Robert Foster artwork is the first confirmed for display in the future Kingston Arts Precinct.

    The artwork, titled The Journey, was gifted to the ACT Government.

    The work

    Many Canberrans will know The Journey. It had pride of place in the foyer of ActewAGL’s Bunda Street premises for over ten years.

    The artwork spans around 300 square metres. It contains 37 plexiglass cones, known as ‘Ossolites’.

    These glow different colours according to the time of day. Inbuilt motion sensors also interact with viewers’ movement.

    ActewAGL commissioned The Journey in 2010, to mark its 10th anniversary.

    The company offered the work to the ACT Government following the sale of the Bunda Street building.

    It will now be refurbished and incorporated into the new Kingston Arts Precinct design.

    Although The Journey is a gift to the ACT Government, the artist’s estate will receive a voluntary royalty.

    This acknowledges the change in ownership and the artist’s continuing interest in the work.

    Under the Artist’s Resale Royalty Scheme, artists and their estates are entitled to a 5 per cent royalty whenever an eligible artwork resells in Australia.

    The artist

    The late Robert Foster was a renowned local artist, best known for the iconic F!NK water jug.

    His works are held in major public collections. These include the National Gallery of Australia, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

    Robert died following a car accident in 2016.

    He established F!NK + Co, a design and manufacturing company, with his wife, Gretel Harrison. It has employed many artists who have gone on to productive careers as designers and makers in the region.

    “I am super appreciative of artsACT for finding a new home for Robert’s sculpture The Journey so that once again people will be able to walk through his mesmerising forest of lights,” Gretel said.

    F!NK + Co will work with the Kingston Arts Precinct design team to integrate The Journey into its new home.

    The Kingston Arts Precinct

    The Kingston Arts Precinct will be a hub for arts organisations in Canberra.

    It will house:

    • Canberra Contemporary Art Space
    • Canberra Glassworks
    • Craft ACT
    • M16 Artspace
    • Megalo Print Studio
    • PhotoAccess
    • a new space for Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

    The precinct will be a fitting new home for The Journey where it will captivate a new audience and further honour the artist’s legacy.

    Find out more about the Kingston Arts Precinct at BuiltforCBR.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Building connections through shared reading

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A new Libraries ACT program is bringing Canberrans together to share the joy of stories read aloud.

    No matter your age, there’s something comforting about being read to.

    A new program at Libraries ACT taps into this, bringing Canberrans together to experience the joy of stories read aloud.

    Shared Reading is a free weekly program offered at Tuggeranong and Dickson libraries.

    In each 90-minute session, participants gather to hear a facilitator read a short story.

    There are pauses for group discussion. This allows participants to share their thoughts, emotions and personal connections to the story, if they wish.

    Building connections

    Shared reading sessions present a great way to meet people and make new friends.

    The program is designed to support all ages, with particular benefit to those aged 60+.

    The sessions offer a powerful remedy for loneliness and isolation.

    More than just reading aloud, Shared Reading creates a space where participants can fully engage with the story and each other without judgment.

    The approach allows people to connect deeply with the literature and with one another.

    The facilitator

    Local educator Louise Bromhead will lead the sessions.

    With extensive training in Shared Reading facilitation, Louise is passionate about the program and its potential to foster meaningful connections among participants.

    Meet and greet

    The program kicks off with an information session and meet and greet on Wednesday 17 July 2024.

    Participants can learn more about the program, meet Louise, and enjoy a cuppa and biscuit.

    Come and join in

    Whether you’re an avid reader, looking to connect with others, or both, this program offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

    Dates (Wednesdays)

    • July: 17, 24, 31
    • August: 7, 14, 21, 28
    • September: 4, 11, 18, 25
    • October: 23, 30
    • November: 6, 13, 20, 27
    • December: 4, 11, 18

    Times

    • Tuggeranong Library: 10:15am to 11:45am
    • Dickson Library: 1:30pm to 3:00pm

    Cost: free

    Register to experience the Shared Reading program.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s best curries

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Tokyo Canteen offers a delicious Japanese curry. Image: VisitCanberra

    Few foods are as comforting as a curry – especially on a cold Canberra day. Curries encompass dishes from many different cuisines, meaning there is a curry for every taste and mood.

    We asked Canberrans on the WeAreCBR page to name their favourite curries. Here are the best, as voted by you:

    This restaurant is tucked away at Manuka shops. Its menu includes thali, a Nepalese dish with a choice of curry sauce and proteins. There are also options for vegetarians.

    Canberrans from Woden and beyond have flocked to Pearce for Rama’s curries for 29 years. The fusion menu offers a fresh take on Indian cuisine.

    Spice Affair offers dishes from different regions of India. Whether you’re craving a korma, madras, daal, vindaloo or rogan josh, their extensive menu has it all.

    Locals love Spice Route for its flavourful dishes. The menu includes many traditional Indian dishes and an Indo-Chinese section.

    This Belconnen favourite is a short drive from Melba shops. Its menu boasts butter chicken, korma, jalfrezi, rogan josh, vindaloo and many more Indian curry dishes.

    No. 8 Thai is at Griffith shops. The menu includes Thai curries like green curry, red curry, yellow curry, massaman, and panang.

    Taj Agra is another longstanding Canberra favourite, having opened here 20 years ago. The menu is packed with north Indian classics including tandoori dishes, chettinad, tikka masala and more.

    Kinn Thai has an extensive menu that includes barramundi curry, panang curry, green curry, massaman beef curry and a red duck curry.

    Mirchi features mainly north Indian dishes, with a handful from southern India too. There are fragrant, spiced dishes on the menu for vegetarians and meat eaters.

    The former owners of Sukothia and the Red Hill Tea House have opened Myanmar Corner to celebrate their native Myanmar dishes. The menu is a unique fusion of Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisine.

    Indo Café, Canberra City

    A lunchtime favourite for hungry city workers. Indo Cafe is well-known for its delicious curries. Their lunch specials are quick, affordable and the perfect remedy for chilly winter days.

    The Mustang offers a section of traditional dishes from Nepal and the surrounding region. There are many curries, including palak paneer, butter chicken, prawn curry and more. They cater to vegetarians, vegans and those who are gluten-free.

    Lamb shank massaman, wagyu panang, and salmon green curry are just some of the dishes you’ll find at Chong Co. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options on the menu.

    The menu at Blu Ginger is reflective of India’s diverse cuisine. You’ll find the seafood allepy curry from Kerala, Goanese fish curry and Punjabi saagwala curry among many others.

    Dum Dickson offers traditional Indian curries including madras, korma, saag, vindaloo, rogan josh and more. They have a range of protein options on their menu, and a large vegetarian section.

    7 Village has a large menu that’s a mix of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes. There are traditional curries and chef’s specials. They also offer meal deals and lunch specials.

    Yogi’s fragrant curries have made them a firm favourite for those in the inner south. They offer authentic Indian dishes, with options for vegetarians.

    For a Japanese take on curry, visit Tokyo Canteen for their kare raisu Japanese curry. Choose from either panko chicken, tempura prawn or tofu.

    Did we miss your favourite? Send us an email at ourcanberra@act.gov.au.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Milestone for Big Canberra Battery

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Williamsdale battery will deliver 250MW of storage.

    The ACT Government has reached a major milestone in its work to future-proof Canberra’s energy supply.

    The development application has been approved to deliver Stream 1 of the project – a grid-scale battery in Williamsdale.

    This ACT Government has partnered with Eku Energy on this project. Construction will begin later this year.

    The Big Canberra Battery will be capable of delivering 250 MW of power – more than a third of Canberra’s peak electricity demand. It will be able to deliver this power for two hours.

    The Big Canberra Battery will have 500 MWh of capacity, which on a single charge could supply 23,400 households with their daily energy use.

    Approximately 180–200 jobs will also be created through the project.

    More batteries for Canberra

    The Government has also finalised the installation of batteries at nine government sites in the ACT as part of its work on Stream 2 of the project.

    The sites include:

    • Belconnen Parks Depot
    • Gungahlin Family and Child Centre
    • Allara Depot
    • Kambah Depot
    • Ron Reynolds Centre
    • Chifley Community Hub
    • Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm
    • Cotter Depot
    • Greenway Ambulance Station.

    The batteries capture energy generated from rooftop solar panels. This will help power the sites and will reduce government spend on electricity, benefitting the broader network during peak electricity consumption times.

    Two further batteries will be installed at Mount Stromlo High School and 255 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick in early 2025.

    The ACT Government has also partnered with the Commonwealth Government and Evoenergy through the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program.

    Through this, three medium-sized neighbourhood-scale batteries will be installed in Casey, Dickson and Fadden.

    A battery operator will be selected in late 2024 following a procurement process.

    The Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid.

    It will help grow the ACT’s renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the territory.

    Building a cleaner future

    Battery storage technology is a critical component of the ACT’s net-zero emissions future.

    The ACT has delivered 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2020.

    Initiatives like this build on that achievement and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy in supporting a robust, affordable and sustainable energy grid.

    Find out more about the Big Canberra Battery Project and other ways Canberra is leading the way on climate action by visiting climatechoices.act.gov.au

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Rehab robots help patients with brain injuries

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The equipment can help to improve function after serious brain injuries.

    Three new robots at the University of Canberra Hospital are helping patients recover from serious brain injuries.

    The hospital is the second public facility of its kind in Australia to offer this service. The robots are a joint venture between Canberra Health Services and the University of Canberra.

    The equipment is a tool for treating patients. It can help them to improve function after serious brain injuries including stroke.

    World experts have trained the hospital’s team to use these robots. This helps them to find the best ways to build the robots into client treatment.

    Students studying occupational therapy and physiotherapy at the university will learn about robotics as part of their coursework. The students will be involved in ongoing research projects at the university.

    The university’s Honours students will also be speaking to clinicians and patients about the robots and how they have helped to improve treatment and further build on research.

    “By embedding elements of robotics rehabilitation into the University’s relevant course curricula, our students will be exposed to this innovative technology,” Professor Stuart Semple, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, University of Canberra said.

    “That will enhance their learning outcomes and career opportunities in the health workforce of the future.”

    The ACT Government and the Canberra Hospital Foundation funded the three robots. Generous donors and the Canberra Hospital Foundation’s community partnership with GIO also helped.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Accessing payments and services now easier for new parents

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A new trial is helping parents access government payments and services more easily when having a baby.

    Parents having a baby at Canberra Hospital or North Canberra Hospital can now take part in the Birth of a Child Newborn Enrolment Trial.

    In partnership with Services Australia, the ACT Government is trialling an Australian-first where parents can register the birth of their baby across federal and territory government agencies using myGov.

    The trial makes it easier for parents to access government services and register their baby’s birth.

    By signing up to the trial, the hospital will share information with Services Australia to:

    • enrol their baby in Medicare and receive a new Medicare card with their baby added
    • enrol their baby in the Australian Immunisation Register
    • register for their family’s Medicare Safety Net
    • register their baby for a My Health Record
    • let Centrelink know about the birth of their child to finalise their application for family assistance
    • register their baby’s birth with ACT Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

    How to access the trial

    To enrol in the trial, new parents will need to ensure they:

    • check their details with the hospital are up to date
    • link their Medicare and Centrelink accounts to their myGov account
    • complete a pre-birth claim (as early as 3 months before the baby is born)
    • complete a new consent form (provided when your baby is born)
    • provide the completed consent form to the hospital before being discharged.

    When they agree to participate in the trial, they are agreeing to let Canberra Health Services share information about them and their baby with Services Australia.

    A collaborative approach

    The ACT Government is working with Services Australia to lead the trial.

    The trial automates newborn enrolment and birth registration processes across the state, territory and Commonwealth government agencies.

    It supports a cross-jurisdictional ‘tell us once’ approach – reducing the need for parents to re-supply information the government already holds.

    When a parent agrees to participate in the trial, they agree to Canberra Health Services (CHS) sharing information about them and their baby to Services Australia.

    The Birth of a Child Newborn Enrolment Trial helps remove administrative burden from parents, giving them more valuable time with their baby.

    The trial is part of a range of improved maternity services initiatives in the ACT.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: The ultimate Canberra markets guide

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    From flowers and fresh produce to homewares and more.

    Local markets are more than just a place to grab a quick bite or pick up a few veggies.

    A visit to a local market is an opportunity to:

    • taste produce from local producers
    • browse wares from local artists
    • enjoy a delicious meal
    • listen to live music
    • support your community.

    No matter what side of the lake you live on, Canberra has some excellent markets.

    Some are weekly, some only come a few times a year – but all of them offer a unique Canberra experience.

    Here’s your guide to Canberra’s markets:

    The Capital Region Farmers Market

    For 20 years, the Capital Region Farmers Market has been connecting local producers with hungry Canberrans.

    You can find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and poultry. But there is also:

    • baked goods
    • nuts and seeds
    • dairy products
    • and plenty more.

    Plus, there is freshly prepared food and coffee. Take a seat and refuel with plenty of cuisines on offer.

    Southside Farmers Market

    Frequency: Every Sunday from 7am until 11pm

    A similar feel to the Capital Region Farmers Market, but on a smaller scale. It has a strong community feel, with smiling stallholders eager to have a chat.

    Don’t forget to pick up a coffee and something delicious to eat.

    Old Bus Depot Markets

    Frequency: every Sunday from 9:30am to 2:30pm

    These markets are held at the Old Bus Depot, a beautiful industrial building. There is a large range of vendors stocking a huge range of wares.

    Enjoy a variety of different cuisines, baked goods and coffee. The Old Bus Depot Markets have an especially strong arts, crafts and collectibles presence. Homewares, fashion and accessories are also popular.

    Haig Park Village Markets

    Frequency: every Sunday from 8am to 2pm

    This weekly market has a lovely community atmosphere. Dogs are welcome and it’s family friendly. The food options are particularly good, so be sure to arrive with an empty stomach.

    Hartley Hall Markets

    Frequency: The first Sunday of every month (except January) from 10:30am to 2pm

    These markets have a small-town country theme. There’s a very rural feel, with down-to-earth local suppliers.

    There’s produce, arts, crafts, gifts, and more. While you’re there, fuel up on fresh food at one of the many vendors, and enjoy some live music.

    The markets are dog-friendly and families are welcome. There is also plenty of parking, and the showgrounds and all facilities are accessible.

    Entry is a gold coin donation, which supports local disability service charity Hartley Lifecare.

    Little Burley Markets

    Frequency: every Saturday from 9am until 2pm

    This might just be Canberra’s most scenic markets. Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, there are beautiful views year-round.

    Dogs are welcome and there are even dog treats for sale.

    There are plenty of food and coffee options, as well as homewares, accessories, flowers and more.

    Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

    Frequency: every Thursday to Sunday from 7am to 5:30pm

    This was Canberra’s first farmers market, beginning more than 50 years ago.

    These days, you can find just about everything you need for your weekly shop. There’s delis, bakeries, cafes, produce shops and so much more. Niche Markets is a subsection of the markets where you’ll find specialty stores, fresh food options galore and Book Lovers Lane.

    Capital Food Market

    Frequency: every Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 8pm

    This market first opened in 1976 as the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets. It’s recently had a revamp and houses a wide variety of different retailers.

    In addition to produce, delices and bakeries there are a range of dining options including:

    • Florence Gelato
    • Le Cheeserie
    • What The Pho.

    There are more dining options arriving throughout the year.

    The Forage

    Location: various

    Frequency: a few times a year

    Canberra foodies await the announcement of the next Forage with bated breath. It’s a food lover’s dream, with dozens of local food and beverage businesses to choose from.

    There are often entertainment options including live music and performances.

    Handmade Market

    Frequency: Quarterly

    Each Handmade Market sees over 260 small businesses gather at EPIC. Each market presents a different array of stallholders. You can expect Australian designers and makers selling homewares, fashion, artworks and everything in-between.

    There is also a dedicated gourmet food hall.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text of the Catechesis of the Holy Father

    Source: The Holy See

    The following is the text of the catechesis of the Holy Father, prepared for 9 April 2025:

    Catechesis of the Holy Father
    Cycle of Catechesis – Jubilee 2025
    Jesus Christ our hope
    II. The life of Jesus. The encounters
    4. The rich man.
    Jesus looked at him (Mk 10:21)
    9 April 2025
     
    Reading: Mk 10:17-22
    As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”. Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honour your father and your mother”.
    He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth”. Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me”.
    At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
     
    Dear brothers and sisters,
    Today we will look at another of Jesus’ encounters, narrated by the Gospels. This time, however, the person encountered does not have a name. The evangelist Mark presents him simply as “a man” (10:17). He is a man who has observed the commandments ever since his youth but who, despite this, has not yet found the meaning of his life. He is searching for it. Perhaps he is one who has not yet truly made up his mind, despite his appearance as a committed person. Indeed, beyond the things we do, our sacrifices and successes, what truly counts in order to be happy is what we carry in our heart. If a ship has to set sail and leave the port to navigate in the open sea, it can be a wonderful ship, with an exceptional crew, but if it does not pull up the ballast and the anchors that hold it down, it will never manage to depart. This man has made himself a luxurious ship, but he has stayed in the port!
    As Jesus makes His way through the street, this fellow runs up to Him, kneels before Him and asks: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 17). Notice the verbs: “what must I do to have eternal life”. Since observance of the Law did not give him the happiness and security of being saved, he turns to the Master Jesus. What is striking is that this man does not know the vocabulary of gratuitousness! Everything seems to be owed. Everything is a duty. Eternal life is for him an inheritance, something that is obtained by right, through meticulous observance of commitments. But in a life lived in this way, although certainly for good purpose, what space can love have?
    As always, Jesus goes beyond appearances. While on the one hand this man sets out before Jesus his fine resume, Jesus goes beyond and looks within. The verb that Mark uses is very significant: “looking at him” (v. 21). Precisely because Jesus looks within each one of us, He loves us as we truly are. Indeed, what will He have seen inside this person? What does Jesus see when He looks within every one of us and loves us, despite our distractions and our sins? He sees our fragilty, but also our desire to be loved as we are.
    Looking at him, says the Gospel, He “loved him” (v. 21). Jesus loves this man before He even extended the invitation to follow Him. He loves him just as he is. Jesus’ love is gratuitous: exactly the opposite of the logic of merit that has beset this person. We are truly happy when we realize we are loved in this way, freely, by grace. And this also applies to the relationships between us: as long as we try to buy love or beg for affection, those relationships will never make us feel happy.
    The proposal Jesus makes to this man is to change his way of living and relating with God. Indeed, Jesus recognizes that inside him, as in all of us, something is lacking. It is the desire we carry in our heart to be loved. There is a wound that belongs to us as human beings, the wound through which love passes. To overcome this lack we do not need to “buy” recognition, affection, consideration: instead, we need to “sell off” everything that weighs us down, to make our hearts freer. There is no need to continue to take for ourselves, but rather to give to the poor, to provide, to share.
    Finally, Jesus invites this man not to stay alone. He invites him to follow Him, to be within a bond, to live a relationship. Indeed, only in this way will it be possible to emerge from his anonymity. We can hear our name only within a relationship, in which someone calls us. If we remain alone, we will never hear our name spoken, and will continue to be that “man”, anonymous. Perhaps today, precisely because we live in a culture of self-sufficiency and individualism, we find ourselves more unhappy because we no longer hear our name spoken by someone who loves us freely.
    This man does not accept Jesus’ invitation and stays alone, because the ballast of his life keeps him in the port. His sadness is the sign that he has not managed to leave. At times, what we think are riches are instead only burdens that are holding us back. The hope is that this person, like each one of us, will sooner or later change and decide to set sail.
    Sisters and brothers, let us entrust to the Heart of Jesus all people who are sad and undecided, so that they may feel the loving gaze of the Lord, who is moved by looking tenderly within us.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Newbury Line, Bunnythorpe

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Bunnythorpe this morning.

    Police were called to the crash, involving a truck and a van, at the intersection of Newbury Line and Te Ngaio Road at around 10:10am.

    The driver of the van died at the scene. The passenger of that vehicle was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The truck driver was uninjured.

    The circumstances of the crash are under investigation.

    The road has since reopened.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SIA surprise inspections uncover illegal security in Brighton

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    SIA surprise inspections uncover illegal security in Brighton

    A recent SIA-led joint operation investigating unlicensed door staff in Brighton led to three arrests.

    On Friday 4 April the Security Industry Authority (SIA), together with Home Office Immigration Enforcement (HOIE) and Sussex Police, conducted unannounced inspections at three venues in Brighton.

    The SIA planned the inspections to check that security workers in the city’s night-time economy were properly licensed and had the right to work in the UK. The choice of venues came as a result of intelligence relating to the use of counterfeit licences.

    The inspecting team didn’t find any security operatives working without licences during the inspection itself. However, they uncovered evidence showing that unlicensed operatives had recently worked illegally as door supervisors at two of the venues.

    HOIE arrested and bailed one door supervisor for not having the right to work in the UK. The security company that employed him will be considered for a civil penalty, which could be as much as £60,000. HOIE detained a second door supervisor, pending removal, for working in breach of his visa conditions. A search of the door supervisor’s home address revealed a third individual, who was also arrested for working in breach of their visa conditions

    Kirsty Grant, the SIA Criminal Investigations Officer who led the inspection, said:

    We would like to thank Home Office Immigration Enforcement and Sussex Police for working with us on this operation. It’s crucial for public safety that door supervisors are properly trained and licensed. People who abuse the system are putting venue customers at risk. They are also putting themselves at risk of arrest and potentially imprisonment and deportation. Security companies should take note: deploying unlicensed staff or failing to conduct basic identity and right to work checks on your employees can be very expensive and lead to a criminal record.

    Background

    The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the home secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).

    For media enquiries only, please contact  media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Large Crocodile captured near Proserpine boat ramp

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 7 Apr 2025

    A 4.5m estuarine crocodile has been captured in a baited trap near the Proserpine River boat ramp at Conway on the Proserpine River in north Queensland.

    The large male crocodile had been sighted in very close proximity to the boat ramp and pontoon, and given its size, concerning behaviour and increased risk to public safety, it was declared for removal from the wild under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan (QCMP).

    Rangers set a baited trap on Friday 4 April 2025, and it was captured during the early hours of Saturday 5 April 2025. It will be rehomed at a crocodile farm or zoo.

    During assessments of the location prior to the animal being declared for removal, Wildlife Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) found discarded fish frames that had been left at the boat ramp.

    Members of the public have also reported entire pig carcasses being tied at the boat ramp.

    Acting Manager Northern Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Jane Burns said it is likely the pig carcasses had been left at the boat ramp in a deliberate attempt to lure the animal.

    “Deliberate or inadvertent feeding of crocodiles at boat ramps or fishing locations can change their behaviour, and they will hang around an area expecting food,” Ms Burns said.

    “Crocodiles do not need to be fed, and tourists and people living in crocodile habitat should make sensible choices around the water to prioritise their safety and to help prevent crocodiles being removed from the wild.

    “Under the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2018, it is an offence to deliberately discard fish frames or pig carcasses that may attract crocodiles,

    “This type of behaviour is very disappointing and concerning. It creates an increased risk to public safety.

    “Crocodiles can become habituated to an easy meal, and associate that with a particular location or people. This unfortunately has created a higher risk of a crocodile attack at this location.”

    Anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of this crocodile, or any crocodile in Queensland is encouraged to call 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.

    All crocodile sightings should be reported to DETSI in a timely manner.

    Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

    View further information about croc safety at Be Crocwise in Croc Country.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Anywhere at any time—Be Dingo-Safe!

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 9 Apr 2025

    Visitors to K’gari during the Easter school holidays are urged to prioritise safety and have an incident-free trip by following the Be dingo-safe! advice.

    People are reminded to always carry a dingo safety stick, avoid walking alone, refrain from running and ensure that children are always close.

    Ranger in Charge Dr Linda Behrendorff said dingoes could be anywhere at any time and people can’t be complacent.

    “Holiday periods are always busy on K’gari, and residents and visitors should be thinking about our safety messages at all times, Dr Behrendorff said.

    “There have been 28 high risk incidents on the island this year, and we want to get through this holiday period without any further interactions.

    “Dingoes should never be fed or approached for photos, and if they’re lingering around camping areas they should be deterred through making assertive and loud noises.

    “Fishers should never let dingoes get access to discarded bait, and fish frames should be buried at half a metre deep.

    “Throwing one piece of bait or unwanted sausage can instantly change the behaviour of a dingo, and that can lead to changes in behaviour of a dingo pack.

    “Human intervention through deliberate or inadvertent feeding of dingoes or by approaching them for selfies is unlawful and can lead to negative interactions.

    “To stay safe and protect the unique wildlife, we’re asking all visitors to remain vigilant, secure food and rubbish properly, and Be dingo-safe!”

    Visitors to K’gari are reminded to be dingo safe at all times:

    • Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
    • Always walk in groups
    • Always carry a stick when walking
    • Camp in fenced areas where possible
    • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
    • Never feed dingoes
    • Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
    • Never store food or food containers in tents, and
    • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE helps keep soft targets safe from terrorism through interagency co-operation in Turkmenistan

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE helps keep soft targets safe from terrorism through interagency co-operation in Turkmenistan

    Participants in an interactive OSCE workshop on protecting soft targets from terrorism through interagency co-operation in Ashgabat, 1 April 2025. (OSCE/Kamila Sabyrrakhim) Photo details

    From schools and places of worship to shopping malls, any public place can become a target for terrorists and violent extremists. To enhance the protection of these soft targets, practitioners from over twenty Turkmen government agencies came together for an interactive workshop held by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat on 1 and 2 April.
    Participants discussed the current threat landscape, risk and crisis management, and human rights considerations. Through a scenario-based exercise of a potential terrorist attack, they also practiced physical security measures, hostile reconnaissance detection, and evacuation and invacuation procedures.
    During his opening remarks, Geldimyrat Haldurdyyev, Head of Law and International Relations Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, said, “The global nature of the threat of international terrorism has necessitated the unification of international efforts to combat it. Turkmenistan, as a proponent of a policy of peace and good neighbourliness — especially relevant against the backdrop of the challenging global situation, where armed conflicts are erupting in various parts of the world, posing a serious threat to all of humanity — reaffirms, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions on the prevention and fight against terrorism, its unequivocal condemnation of terrorist acts in all their forms. It remains fully committed to the efforts of the international community in combating this evil.”
    Experts from the Berlin Police Department and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism also took part in the event and shared their experience and good practices.
    “By fostering collaboration among stakeholders with diverse expertise, we can collectively identify vulnerabilities, share best practices, and develop tailored solutions to combat terrorism, all while ensuring our measures remain grounded in respect for human rights,” said Bernd Heinze, Ambassador of Germany to Turkmenistan.
    “Terrorism seeks to undermine the very values that unite the OSCE participating States,” said John McGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “In order to better protect soft targets, it is essential to have a good understanding of how attackers behave and make decisions, what risks are present and what possible mitigation measures may be required.”
    The workshop is the first activity conducted in Turkmenistan under the OSCE extrabudgetary project PROTECT. The event was designed to gather feedback and inputs from national beneficiaries on technical needs, and was organized with financial support from Germany.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation: update

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation: update

    Minister Phillips today delivered a speech on the government’s plan to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation.

    With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement updating the House on government action to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation and on progress on the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry.

    Child sexual abuse and exploitation are the most horrific and disturbing crimes – an abuse of power against those who are most vulnerable, leaving lifelong trauma and scars.

    Best estimates suggest that 500,000 children are sexually abused every year. Analysis by the police found that there were 115,000 recorded cases of child sexual abuse in 2023, 4228 group-based offences identified by the CSE Taskforce, of which 1125 were family abuse, and 717 were sexual exploitation cases. In a growing number of recorded cases the perpetrators themselves are under 18.

    The House will be aware that, in its first year of operation up to March 2024, the Grooming Gangs Taskforce contributed to 550 arrests across the country. I can tell the House that – in the last nine months of 2024 – the Taskforce contributed to 597 arrests, in other words it surpassed in that nine month period what it has achieved in its first full year of its operation. Data for the first three months of this year is currently being collected from forces and will available early next month, but all round, we are making progress at every level to increase the number of investigations, increase the number of arrests, and most importantly, increase the number of victims who are seeing their attackers brought to justice.

    Yet despite the seriousness and severity of these crimes, there has been a shameful failure by institutions and those in power over many years to protect children from abuse or exploitation. So we are today setting out a progress update on action the government is taking to tackle Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation to get support and justice for victims to ensure perpetrators are caught and put behind bars.

    CSA Measures

     Action on CSA since the election means we are introducing:

    • A new child sexual abuse police performance framework, including new standards on public protection, child abuse and exploitation;
    • Legislating targeting online offending, including abuse and grooming enabled by AI (Artificial Intelligence);
    • New powers for Border Force to detect digitally held child sex abuse at the UK border
    • New restrictions preventing registered sex offenders from changing their names to hide the threat they pose
    • Increased investment in law enforcement capability, through the Police Undercover Online Network and the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme.

    In the Home Secretary’s statements to the House in January, she also set out what we are doing to crack down on grooming gangs. And today I can provide an update:

    • Baroness Casey’s 3-month National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse is ongoing. It is building a comprehensive national picture of what is known about child sexual exploitation, identifying local and national trends, assessing the quality of the data, looking at the ethnicity issues faced for example by cases involving Pakistani heritage gangs, and reviewing police and wider agency understanding.
    • We are developing a new best practice framework to support local authorities which want to undertake victim-centred local inquiries, or related work, drawing on the lessons from local independent inquiries like Telford, Rotherham and Greater Manchester. We will publish the details next month.
    • Alongside this we will set out the process through which local authorities can access the £5m national fund to support locally-led work on grooming gangs. Following feedback from local authorities, the fund will adopt a flexible approach to support both full independent local inquiries and more bespoke work, including local victims’ panels or locally led audits into the handling of historic cases.
    • The Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Gavin Stephens, has – at the Home Secretary’s request – urged the Chief Constables of all 43 police forces in England and Wales, to reexamine their investigations into group-based child sexual exploitation which resulted in No Further Action decisions.
    • And, as of 1 April, the Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel can review child sexual abuse cases which took place after 2013. Victims and survivors can now ask the Panel to independently review their case if they have not already exercised their Victims Right to Review.
    • I can also announce that we intend to expand the Independent Child Trafficking guardians’ scheme across all of England and Wales, providing direct support to many more child victims of sexual exploitation and grooming, which to date has only been available in selected areas.

    These measures will enable more victims and survivors to receive the truth, justice, improvements and accountability that they deserve – and put more vile perpetrators of this crime behind bars.

    IICSA Inquiry

    Much of this crucial activity builds on the vital work of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse undertaken between 2015 and 2022. Let me – on behalf of this whole House –thank again Professor Alexis Jay for chairing that seven-year National Inquiry with such expertise, diligence and compassion.

    IICSA revealed the terrible suffering caused by child sexual abuse and the shameful failure of institutions to put the protection of children before the protection of their own reputations.

    The Inquiry drew on the testimony of over 7,000 victims and survivors and considered over 2 million pages of evidence.

    Its findings, culminating in the final report published in October 2022, were designed to better protect children from sexual abuse and address the shortcomings which left them exposed to harm.

    The publication of that final report two and a half years ago should have been a landmark moment. But instead, the victims and survivors were failed again.

    None of the Inquiry’s recommendations were implemented or properly taken forward by the previous government in the twenty months they had to do so.

    Progress update

    As part of today’s Progress Update, the Government is setting out a detailed update and timetable on the work that is underway on the IICSA recommendations as part of our action on child sexual abuse. I can announce to the House that;

    • To prioritise the protection of children and improve national oversight and consistency of child protection practice, this Government will establish a new Child Protection Authority.

    • Building on the national Child Safeguarding Review Panel, the Child Protection Authority will address one of IICSA’s central recommendations by providing national leadership and learning on child protection and safeguarding. Work to expand the role of the Panel will begin immediately and we will consult on developing the new Authority this year

    • We have also asked Ofsted, HMICFRS and the CQC to conduct a joint thematic review of child abuse in family settings starting this Autumn.

    Mr Speaker, the IICSA report recommended the introduction of a new mandatory duty to report – something the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and I have all supported for more than a decade

    • In the Crime and Policing Bill we will now be taking forward the new mandatory duty to report child sexual abuse for individuals in England undertaking activity with children – and crucially, a new criminal offence of obstructing an individual from making a report under that duty.

    • Mandatory reporting – will create a culture of openness and honesty rather than cover-ups and secrecy. It will empower professionals and volunteers to take prompt, decisive action to report sexual abuse. It will demonstrate to children and young people that if they come forward, they will be heard. And anyone who seeks deliberately to prevent someone fulfilling their mandatory duty to report child sexual abuse will face the full force of the law.

    Today’s update also sets out how the government is supporting victims and survivors in accessing support and seeking justice:

    • We are tasking the Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates to carry out a targeted inspection on the experiences of victims of child sexual abuse in the criminal justice system
    • We are instructing the Information Commissioner’s Office to produce a code of practice on the retention of personal data relating to child sexual abuse.

    In some cases where there have been serious institutional failings which contributed to the abuse, those institutions have provided financial redress schemes or compensation to victims and survivors who are affected. We continue to support those schemes as recognition by those institutions that they badly failed children in their care.

    On the IICSA proposal for a wider national redress scheme for all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in institutional settings, the scale of that proposal demands that it is considered in the context of the Spending Review later this year, and we will make further updates at that stage.

    But one crucial area where we want to make immediate progress is on the provision of therapeutic services for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. We will therefore bring forward proposals in the coming weeks to improve access to those services, with further details to be set out following the upcoming the Spending Review.

    Also ahead of the Spending Review, I can announce that – in this financial year – the Home Office will double the funding it provides for national services supporting adult survivors of child sexual abuse, providing more help to those adults who are living with the trauma of the horrific abuse they suffered as children.

    Finally, we want to speed up progress to make it easier for victims and survivors to get recompense directly from institutions that failed them. We are therefore removing the three-year limitation period on victims and survivors bringing personal injury claims in the civil courts and shifting the burden of proof from survivors to defendants, thereby protecting victims from having to relive their trauma to get compensation they are owed.

    Next steps/conclusion

    Mr Speaker, today’s update   – building on the measures the Home Secretary announced in January – demonstrates this Government’s steadfast commitment to tackling child sex abuse.

    The measures we are implementing will protect more children, find more criminals, and deliver support and justice to more victims and survivors.

    But this is not the end point; it is just the beginning. We will continue to drive forward reforms to protect more children from abhorrent abuse and support more adult survivors of these traumatic crimes.

    And as we pursue our Safer Streets Mission, we will use every available lever to drive progress on these issues across government and beyond.

    I want to finish with a word for the victims and survivors.

    No one should go through what you did.

    And while the failings of the past cannot be undone, we can, we must and we will strain every sinew to prevent them being repeated.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK prepared for holiday visitor surge

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau today convened a meeting to co-ordinate the preparations for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during the Mainland’s Labour Day Golden Week from May 1 to 5.

     

    Noting that the number of visitor arrivals will increase during the Labour Day Golden Week, which is Hong Kong’s peak travel season, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, who hosted the meeting, explained that working together effectively is crucially important.

     

    “Government departments, relevant organisations and the trade will strengthen co-ordination and communication and do our best to welcome visitors arriving in Hong Kong with a view to creating a good travel experience for visitors.”

     

    The parties concerned will maintain close communication and take forward the preparations for welcoming the visitors, the bureau said, adding that they will make timely reports on the latest situation to the interdepartmental working group chaired by the Chief Secretary.

     

    Representatives from Police, Customs, the Immigration and Transport departments along with District Offices took part in today’s meeting.

     

    Tourism-related organisations including the Travel Industry Authority, Tourism Board, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority as well as major tourist attractions and the hotel industry also sent representatives to attend the meeting.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norton Announces Community Project Funding Application Process

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced the process for applying to her office for Community Project Funding, formerly known as earmarks, for fiscal year 2026 (FY26). For a Community Project Funding request to be considered, eligible entities must submit an application by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21st to NortonCommunityProjectFunding@mail.house.gov.

    Under the House Committee on Appropriations’ eligibility requirements for FY26, only governmental entities and public institutions of higher education will be eligible for projects under the T-HUD Economic Development Initiatives program. Memorials, museums, and commemoratives (i.e., projects named for an individual or entity) are not eligible for Community Project Funding. The subcommittees’ requirements can be found here. All projects that were included in House Reports for Fiscal Year 2025 are eligible in Fiscal Year 2026 but must be resubmitted for consideration.

    Late or incomplete applications, including applications that do not provide the information required by the relevant subcommittee, will not be considered. The project must be located in the District of Columbia.

    An application consists of all the information about the entity and project required by the applicable subcommittee, as well as the following:

    • Name of the recipient
    • Address of the recipient
    • Amount of the request
    • Explanation of the request, including purpose, and a justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds
    • Evidence of community support
    • If on behalf of a non-profit, evidence the entity is a non-profit organization as described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and evidence non-profit’s work is primarily focused on D.C.

    The Appropriations Committee is only permitting certain programs within specific subcommittees, listed below, that are going to participate in the Community Project Funding process.

    Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

    • Department of Agriculture–Farm Production and Conservation Programs
      • Natural Resources Conservation Service (Conservation Operations)
    • Department of Agriculture–Research, Education, and Economics
      • Agricultural Research Service (Buildings and Facilities)
    • Department of Agriculture–Rural Development
      • Rural Housing Service (Community Facilities)
      • Rural Utilities Service (ReConnect Program)
      • Rural Utilities Service (Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants)
      • Rural Utilities Service (Rural Water and Waste Disposal Grants)

    Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

    • Department of Commerce
      • NIST—Scientific and Technical Research
      • NOAA—Coastal Zone Management
    • Department of Justice
      • COPS Technology and Equipment
      • Byrne Justice
    • National Aeronautics and Space Administration
      • Safety, Security, and Mission Services

    Energy and Water Development

    • Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works)
      • Investigations
      • Construction
      • Mississippi River and Tributaries
      • Operation and Maintenance
    • Department of the Interior/Bureau of Reclamation
      • Water and Related Resources

    Homeland Security

    • Federal Emergency Management Agency
      • Federal Assistance—Emergency Ops. Centers
      • Federal Assistance—Pre-Disaster Mitigation

    Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

    • Environmental Protection Agency
      • STAG—Clean Water State Revolving Fund
      • STAG—Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

    Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

    • Army
    • Army National Guard
    • Army Reserve
    • Navy & Marine Corps
    • Navy Reserve
    • Air Force and Space Force
    • Air National Guard
    • Air Force Reserve
    • DoD, Defense-Wide

    Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

    • Department of Housing and Urban Development
      • CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives
    • Department of Transportation
      • Airport Improvement Program
      • Highway Infrastructure Projects
      • Transit Infrastructure Projects
      • Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements
      • Port Infrastructure Development Program

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Coalition’s domestic gas plan would lower prices – just not very much

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Hepburn, Professor, Deakin Law School, Deakin University

    A LNG carrier departs Gladstone. Ivan Kuzkin/Shutterstock

    It surprised many Australians when the Coalition announced a plan straight from the progressive side of politics: force large gas companies to reserve gas for domestic use – at a lower cost than they could sell it for overseas.

    As a populist move during a cost-of-living election, it’s a good one. Australia’s gas producers sell 70% of gas extracted on the east coast overseas under long-term contracts, even as southeastern states such as Victoria face possible gas shortages. Western Australia has long had an effective policy requiring up to 15% of offshore gas to be reserved for domestic use.

    After a fortnight’s delay, the Coalition has now publicly released the modelling behind its policy. Undertaken by Frontier Economics, the modelling indicates that reserving 50 to 100 petajoules of gas in the first year would cut wholesale prices by 23%. This would mean a 15% drop in prices for large-scale users – but only a 7% fall for household gas bills and a 3% fall in electricity bills.

    This doesn’t sound like much, because it isn’t. Gas prices soared during the Ukraine war and haven’t yet returned to their pre-war levels. Labor has dubbed the plan “gaslighting”, and will rely instead on a gas policy released last year to open up more gasfields and build import terminals. Gas producers don’t like the Coalition’s plan, and neither does billionaire Liberal benefactor Gina Rinehart. Dutton’s plan isn’t crazy – it’s just not likely to make a big difference.

    Most of Queensland’s gas is exported at present.
    Chris Andrews Fern Bay/Shutterstock

    How would this gas reservation policy work?

    The Coalition has proposed what it calls an East Coast Reservation Scheme, with the goal of progressively decoupling Australia’s east coast gas market from the volatile international market.

    It has two parts. First, it would require new exporters, in the first year of operation, to reserve an additional 50–100 petajoules for the domestic market. Second, it would create a gas security charge, to be imposed on gas producers seeking to export “additional” (non-contracted) gas on the international market.

    This would give gas producers an incentive to sell non-contracted gas to the domestic market, because they would get greater profits selling in Australia, even at a lower base price.

    Further, the policy would prevent gas producers from charging domestic buyers international prices, setting a competitive price.

    In effect, the gas security charge is akin to a levy or a reverse tariff. The levy can be avoided if producers supply up to 100 petajoules to domestic markets. That’s about as much gas as New South Wales’ gas pipelines deliver each year – 101 petajoules (PJ) as of 2022–23, or the equivalent of 26 full liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, which hold about 3.8 PJ on average.

    What are the issues with this plan?

    There are legitimate concerns. First, the policy does not directly address domestic gas pricing and won’t help with the cost of living crisis. Over time, it could create a more competitive domestic market, but the fact producers could make marginally more money selling gas on the domestic market doesn’t guarantee change.

    Second, the policy does not directly address the looming gas supply crisis. That’s because existing gas producers would not be legally obliged to commit to more gas domestically – they could still export it. The obligation to commit an additional 50-100 petajoules to the domestic market only applies to gas exporters in their first year of operation.

    If policymakers want to solve the supply crisis, they would be better served by imposing direct export controls in the form of a clear gas reservation mandate. This works, as Western Australia’s long experience shows.

    How did we get here?

    When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, it led to huge spikes in global gas prices and shortages in Europe as the world moved away from Russian gas.

    In the 2010s, Australia had already been ramping up gas production. But in the wake of the Ukraine war, Australia became a major gas exporter. Producers traded as much gas as possible on the international market, selling it for over A$40/GJ. Meanwhile, Australia’s coal production was falling.

    Domestic gas demand shot up, and prices went from $8 to $30 a gigajoule. In response, the Albanese government introduced an emergency price cap for the wholesale gas market, prohibiting producers from entering into supply contracts with domestic purchasers for prices above a cap, currently set at $12/GJ. While the cap did partly insulate domestic consumers, it was always intended as a temporary measure.

    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recently predicted a gas supply shortfall of up to 40 petajoules in the southern states as early as September due to declining production in Victoria and South Australia as well as higher demand. Without access to uncontracted Queensland gas, supply will run very low. This is a significant energy security risk, and one the Coalition’s gas policy doesn’t directly address.

    Victorian residents are more reliant on gas than other states – and shortfalls are looming.
    M-Production/Shutterstock

    What’s next?

    Australia is one of the world’s top three LNG exporters. The fact a gas giant could be facing domestic shortages is both unnecessary and embarrassing. Reaching this point represents decades of policy failure.

    Reserving gas for domestic use works for the west coast, and it would work for the east. But the Coalition’s plan is not quite a gas reservation scheme. It doesn’t create a comprehensive reservation mandate and questions remain about its capacity to address domestic pricing and supply.

    At present, it seems like a lot of effort without great benefit. Will households really notice their gas bill is 7% cheaper?

    Samantha Hepburn 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. The Coalition’s domestic gas plan would lower prices – just not very much – https://theconversation.com/the-coalitions-domestic-gas-plan-would-lower-prices-just-not-very-much-254194

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund to be paused for Inquiry into Club Sector

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 09/04/2025

    In a continued commitment to gambling harm minimisation, the ACT Government has announced the temporary pause of the Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund. This pause will remain in effect while an independent inquiry is conducted into the future of ACT’s club sector.

    The Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund, which was established in 2019, was designed to help clubs reduce their reliance on gaming revenue by supporting the development of non-gaming revenue streams and enhancing administrative efficiency. Under new legislation introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly today, the Fund will be suspended for two years to allow the ACT Government’s approach to diversification support to be better informed by the findings of the Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector.

    “By suspending this fund, we are taking a proactive step towards considering different approaches to supporting diversification of the clubs sector.” said Dr Marisa Paterson, Minister for Gaming Reform. “As we progress major reform to address gambling harm this term, the government is committed to supporting clubs to diversify, as we recognise the vital role they play in the social life of many Canberrans.”

    The Inquiry into the Future of the Club Sector will advise the government on the development and implementation of a comprehensive club sector transition plan, including recommendations on how best to support revenue transition of ACT clubs.

    In the most recent round of the funding, $450,000 was awarded to two clubs. The Belconnen Soccer Club will receive $250,000 for renovations to an outdoor functions area, while the Canberra Tradesman’s Union Club will receive $200,000 to support the development of an environmental, social, and governance strategy for a development project.

    “This grant will not only improve our facilities but also enable us to host more events and strengthen our role as a meeting place for people of all ages,” said Suzy Berry, CEO of Belconnen Soccer Club. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the ACT Government, which is helping us build a sustainable future for the club and our members.”

    The Gaming Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will suspend both incoming and outgoing payments to the Fund during the inquiry period.

    The Bill also introduces amendments to the Gambling and Racing Control Act 1999 to expand information-sharing provisions in relation to investigations conducted by the Gambling and Racing Commission. These amendments will speak directly to the concerns raised by complainants and ensure going forward that they can be informed about the status of the progress of their complaints.

    – Statement ends –

    Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: StepStone Evergreen Funds Added to Bergos Private Markets Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, Switzerland, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP), a leading global private markets solutions provider, announced today that several of its private market evergreen funds are now accessible through Bergos AG, which manages CHF7.3 billion in assets on behalf of clients.

    StepStone funds now available at Bergos AG are:

    • StepStone Private Venture and Growth Fund (“SPRING Lux”) is a broadly diversified venture and growth strategy fund leveraging an open architecture approach, selecting managers across the innovation economy. As of February 28, 2025, SPRING Lux has $341.7M in AUM and has delivered a 59.92% total net return since inception in November of 2022.
    • StepStone Private Infrastructure Fund (“STRUCTURE Lux”) seeks to provide current income and long-term capital appreciation by offering investors access to a global investment portfolio of private infrastructure assets. As of February 28, 2025, STRUCTURE Lux has $79.9M in AUM and has delivered a 24.91% total net return since inception in September of 2023.
    • StepStone Private Credit Fund (“SCRED Lux”) offers a permanent private debt co-investment solution deploying various credit-related strategies across market cycles to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation. As of January 30, 2025, SCRED Lux has $43.6M in AUM, leveraging a ‘multi-lender’ approach since inception in June of 2024.
    • StepStone Private Credit Europe ELTIF (“SCRED Europe”) is structured to offer investors access to a broadly diversified, European-focused private credit strategy, with a primary focus on senior secured direct lending. The fund has successfully launched with over €250 million in seed capital, backed by a robust pipeline of opportunities.

    “Investors have embraced our approach to accessing the private markets through StepStone’s evergreen platform, and we are excited to deliver this access to Bergos’ clients,” said Neil Menard, Partner and President of Distribution at StepStone. “Bergos aligns with our mission of providing investors access to institutional-quality private market investments around the globe, and we are proud to partner with an institution whose values reflect our own.”

    Earlier this year, StepStone launched SCRED Europe, a private credit fund available to EU-domiciled professional and retail investors1. SPRING Lux and STRUCTURE Lux were also recently converted from reserved alternative investment funds (RAIFs) to UCI Part II compliant structures, allowing professional investors and semi-professional investors greater access to the private markets, including private equity, infrastructure, and real estate.

    1 As defined under Directive 2014/65/EU. SCRED Europe is only available to professional and retail investors in those EEA Member States into which the manager of the fund has registered it for marketing. Further detail on the fund’s registration status is available from the manager on request. This press release is not and should not be understood to be an offer of securities in any fund mentioned herein.

    About StepStone

    StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP) is a global private markets investment firm focused on providing customized investment solutions and advisory and data services to its clients. As of December 31, 2024, StepStone was responsible for approximately $698 billion of total capital, including $179 billion of assets under management. StepStone’s clients include some of the world’s largest public and private defined benefit and defined contribution pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies, as well as prominent endowments, foundations, family offices and private wealth clients, which include high-net-worth and mass affluent individuals. StepStone partners with its clients to develop and build private markets portfolios designed to meet their specific objectives across the private equity, infrastructure, private debt and real estate asset classes.

    About Bergos

    Bergos AG is an independent Swiss Private Bank focusing on private wealth management. Bergos emerged in 2021 with a new shareholder base from its former mother company, the Berenberg Group founded in 1590, and has been serving international private clients and entrepreneurs in the Swiss financial center for over thirty years. Its headquarters are in Zurich with an office in Geneva. The Swiss Private Bank is dedicated to “Human Private Banking” and specializes in wealth management and advisory services. With more than 130 employees, the focus is on providing expert guidance in all known liquid asset classes, as well as in private markets and alternative investments. Following a “beyond money” approach, we also offer expertise in art collecting and philanthropy. For entrepreneurial clients, Bergos offers access to M&A and other corporate finance services. Bergos AG offers private clients, entrepreneurs and their families a holistic, cross-generational service that focuses on security, neutrality, internationality and openness to the world.

    BERGOS’ SERVICES ARE NOT MARKETED, SOLICITED OR OFFERED TO ANY PERSON RESIDENT OR ORGANISED INSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT ANY TIME. THEREFORE, BERGOS DOES NOT MARKET, SOLICIT OR OFFER STEPSTONE EVERGREEN FUNDS IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO US PERSONS.

    THIS DOCUMENT IS A MARKETING COMMUNICATION. PLEASE REFER TO THE OFFERING MEMORANDUM OF SPRING LUX, STRUCTURE LUX, SCRED LUX AND SCRED EUROPE (COLLECTIVELY, THE “FUNDS”) BEFORE MAKING ANY FINAL INVESTMENT DECISIONS.

    PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE MAY VARY.

    This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation for any security, or as an offer to provide advisory or other services by StepStone Group Private Wealth LLC (“SPW”), StepStone Group LP (“StepStone”), StepStone Group Europe Alternative Investments Limited (“SGEAIL”) or their subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, the “Managers”) in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The information contained in this document should not be construed as legal, financial or investment advice on any subject matter. The Managers expressly disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken based on any or all of the information in this document.

    Before investing you should carefully consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are explained in the relevant Offering Memorandum for each Fund, a copy of which may be obtained from SGEAIL upon request.

    Information contained herein is subject to change and amendment. An indication of interest in response to this advertisement will involve no obligation or commitment of any kind.

    Prospective investors should inform themselves and obtain appropriate advice as to any applicable legal or regulatory requirements and any applicable taxation and exchange control regulations in the countries of their citizenship, residence or domicile which might be relevant to the suitability, subscription, purchase, holding, exchange, redemption or disposal of any investments.

    An investment involves a number of risks and there are conflicts of interest. Please refer to the risks outlined in detail in the relevant Offering Memorandum for each Fund.

    Marketing in the European Union

    The Funds are alternative investment funds (“AIFs”) for the purpose of Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (“AIFMD”). SGEAIL is the alternative investment fund manager (“AIFM”) of the Funds.

    The Funds that do not qualify as ELTIFs can be marketed to Professional Investors in the EEA in accordance with the requirements set out in Article 32 of AIFMD.

    Marketing of the Funds outside the EEA or in the EEA to investors other than Professional Investors (where relevant) must comply with applicable national private placement regimes. Those investors are required to inform themselves of any applicable local requirements or restrictions before investing in the Funds and to assess the impact of any risks they may be exposed to when investing in the Funds.

    Notice to all European Economic Area (EEA) residents

    In the EEA, this document is disseminated by SGEAIL.

    The Funds may only be offered or placed in an EEA Member State: (1) to Professional Investors to the extent that they have been registered for marketing in the relevant EEA Member State in accordance with Article 32 AIFMD (as amended and as implemented into the local law/regulation of the relevant EEA Member State); (2) to non-professional investors who meet the requirements of any national law/regulation which permits them to invest in AIFs, as specifically identified below; or (3) as they may otherwise be lawfully offered or placed in that EEA Member State, including at the exclusive initiative of an investor where permitted in accordance with the AIFMD.

    A list of the EEA Member States in which the Funds are registered for marketing under Article 32 AIFMD is available from the Managers upon request.

    Notice to investors in Austria

    Certain of the Funds have been notified to the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) for marketing to professional investors (Professionelle Anleger) within the meaning of § 2 para 1 no 33 of the Austrian Alternative Investment Funds Act (Alternative Investmentfonds Manager-Gesetz; AIFMG) in accordance with Article 32 AIFMD and § 31 AIFMG. In the Republic of Austria, the relevant Funds may only be offered or placed and any offering or marketing materials related thereto may only be distributed to investors who are either (a) professional investors (Professionelle Anleger) as defined in § 2 para 1 no 33 AIFMG or where relevant (b) qualified retail investors (Qualifizierte Privatkunden) as defined in § 2 para 1 no 42 AIFMG. Distribution of the relevant Funds and any offering or marketing materials related thereto to retail investors (Privatkunden) as defined in § 2 para 1 no 36 AIFMG in the Republic of Austria is not permitted. Subscriptions by retail investors (Privatkunden) will therefore not be accepted. None of the Managers or the relevant Funds are subject to supervision by the FMA or any other Austrian authority. Neither the relevant Offering Memorandum, nor the relevant key information document (KID) have been reviewed by the FMA or any other Austrian authority.

    Notice to professional and semi-professional investors in Germany

    Certain of the Funds have been notified to the German Financial Services Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht, or BAFIN) in accordance with Section 323 of the German investment code (Kapitalanlagegesetzbuch – KAGB).

    The relevant Funds may only be marketed and offered to professional and, where relevant to semi-professional investors in the Federal Republic of Germany, as defined in Section 1 (19) nos. 32 and 33 of the KAGB. The relevant Funds have not been admitted for marketing to retail investors within the meaning of Section 1 (19) no. 31 of the KAGB in Germany. Accordingly, the relevant Funds may not be offered and marketed to retail investors in Germany. This disclosure, the relevant Offering Memorandum and any other document relating to the relevant Funds, as well as information or statements contained therein, may not be supplied to retail investors in Germany or any other means of public marketing. Any resale of the relevant Funds in Germany may only be made to professional and semi-professional investors in Germany and in accordance with the provisions of the KAGB and any other applicable laws in Germany governing the sale and offering of the relevant Funds.

    Notice to investors in Italy

    Certain of the Funds have been passported with the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB) for the marketing in Italy vis-à-vis professional investors in accordance with Article 32 AIFMD, article 43 of the Italian Legislative Decree of 24th February 1998, no. 58 (testo unico della finanza, the “TUF”) and relevant local implementing regulations in Italy. The relevant Funds may be distributed exclusively to the following categories of investors: (i) “professional investors” as defined in the AIFMD; or where relevant (ii) “non-professional investors” who: (1) invest at least EUR 500,000 in the relevant Fund; or (2) invest at least EUR 100,000 in the relevant Fund, and in the case of the latter, either: (a) the investment is made by a licensed portfolio manager on behalf of the non-professional investor; or (b) the investment is made by the non-professional investor in the context of the provision of investment advice, and is subject to the requirement that the entirety of any investments by that same non-professional investor in EU AIFs does not exceed ten percent (10%) of his or her financial portfolio as a result of a subscription or investment in the relevant Fund.

    Notice to investors in Switzerland

    The offer and the marketing of the Funds in Switzerland will be exclusively made to, and directed at, qualified investors (the “Qualified Investors”), as defined in Article 10(3) and (3ter) of the Swiss Collective Investment Schemes Act (“CISA”) and its implementing ordinance, at the exclusion of qualified investors with an opting-out pursuant to Article 5(1) of the Swiss Federal Law on Financial Services (“FinSA”) and without any portfolio management or advisory relationship with a financial intermediary pursuant to Article 10(3ter) CISA (“Excluded Qualified Investors”). Accordingly, the Funds have not been and will not be registered with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”) and no representative or paying agent have been or will be appointed in Switzerland. This document and/or any other offering or marketing materials relating to The Funds may be made available in Switzerland solely to Qualified Investors, at the exclusion of Excluded Qualified Investors. The legal documents of the Funds may be obtained free of charge from the Managers.

    Notice to investors in the United Kingdom

    The Funds are alternative investment funds for the purpose of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations, 2013, as amended by the Alternative Investment Managers (Amendment, etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“UK AIFM Regulations”). SGEAIL is the alternative investment fund manager (“AIFM”) of the Funds. 

    The Funds have been registered for marketing under Regulation 59(1) of the UK AIFM Regulations. On that basis, the Funds may be marketed in the United Kingdom to UK persons who qualify as Professional Investors.

    Contacts

    Shareholder Relations:
    Seth Weiss
    shareholders@stepstonegroup.com
    +1 (212) 351-6106

    Media:
    Brian Ruby / Chris Gillick / Matt Lettiero, ICR
    StepStonePR@icrinc.com
    +1 (203) 682-8268

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rise in dangerous dirt bike rider behaviour in Hamilton

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Senior Sergeant Scott McKenzie, Hamilton Area Manager; Youth and Community

    Police are noticing a rise in incidents involving people riding dirt bikes in an unsafe and dangerous manner around Hamilton City.

    Riding motorcycles or dirt bikes in dangerous and anti-social ways is unacceptable. It puts not only the rider but other members of our community at risk.

    Yesterday, Police were called to a single vehicle crash on Hukanui Road, Hamilton, where a dirt bike rider was seriously injured after coming off his bike around 2:15pm.

    Police will be making further enquires into these types of behaviours and will take enforcement action where necessary.

    We are asking the public to help us, by reporting any unsafe or dangerous behaviour.

    If you witness any riding behaviour that could put anybody at risk, please call 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.

    Gain as much information as you are safely able to, including the type of activity, any descriptions of the bikes and riders, and any photos or video footage.

    If Police are not able to attend these incidents immediately, follow-up action will be taken.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police arrest senior Comanchero leader

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    The last of the Comanchero Motorcycle Gang leadership group not facing charges, is now facing court over two major investigations into drug importations.

    Police have charged the National Vice President in relation to offences linked to the importation of methamphetamine and cocaine into the country.

    Assistant Commissioner: Investigations Paul Basham says every member of the gang’s leadership is now facing serious charges.

    “This is a significant milestone and represents years of relentless investigative work to disrupt and hold the Comancheros to account for criminal activity.

    “There is no doubt that this sustained enforcement activity has had considerable impact on the gang’s ability to conduct their offending.”

    The 36-year-old man was arrested in Howick yesterday.

    Assistant Commissioner Basham says members of the National Organised Crime Group were there to make the arrest.

    “This man has been charged over the investigation into the importation of methamphetamine at the Port of Tauranga in December last year,” he says.

    “He has also been charged over offending linked to the importation of cocaine into New Zealand earlier this year.

    “It will be alleged that this man played a significant role in working across transnational organised criminal groups with these importations.”

    This week’s arrest comes off the back of three major investigations which culminated at the end of 2024 with nearly every Comanchero member facing criminal charges.

    Assistant Commissioner Basham says: “This is tenacious investigative work and I’d like to acknowledge the investigation staff based in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.

    “We have not wavered in enforcing the law with gangs and organised criminal groups who are causing a high level of harm in communities right across this country.”

    The 36-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with importing methamphetamine, attempted possession of cocaine for supply and participating in an organised criminal group.

    • Background notes for editors:

    – Operations Avon, Scuba and Embargo targeted the Comancheros over a three year period
    – Those investigations resulted in 137 charges laid against the gang’s members and associates
    – Operation Bridle saw four arrests over the alleged importation through the Port of Tauranga
    – Three men are before the Auckland District Court over the importation of cocaine earlier this year

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –