Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police are responding to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 5 near Rangitaiki School Road, Taupo District.
The crash was reported around 10:30am.
Initial indications suggest multiple people have been seriously injured. Helicopters are enroute to transport the patients.
The road is blocked and motorists are advised to expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: ACT Party
“It’s totally unacceptable that a Kāinga Ora tenant with 25 complaints of anti-social behaviour, six formal warnings, and police callouts has retained their taxpayer-funded tenancy”, says ACT’s Housing spokesperson Cameron Luxton.
“It’s clear that violent behaviour from people receiving a state home is still occurring and that the crackdown on them needs to go further.
“The Tenancy Tribunal has refused to terminate a KO tenancy in Whangarei even after Police confirmed that a ‘non-accidental shooting’ had occurred and that there was ‘a high risk of retaliation and ongoing violence of a similar nature from the parties involved’, and that threats had been made against a neighbour.
“KO urgently sought termination of the tenancy, but the Tribunal found that because the complaints came from anonymous sources and no complainant was willing to give evidence, the application to terminate lacked corroboration.
“ACT policy would ensure the requirement for KO to prove anti-social behaviour can include testimony from other residents in the neighbourhood. Both parties would have access to a private hearing by the Tenancy Tribunal to give testimony. This would protect witnesses and tenants in vulnerable situations who may be victims of abuse or intimidation.
“ACT’s coalition agreement committed to removing National and Labour’s damaging ‘Sustaining Tenancies Framework’ which has helped. But we clearly need to go further. In particular, ACT campaigned on:
Reducing bureaucracy around termination. Sign-off would only be required from the service unit manager, not the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Executive.
* Specifying that a tenancy can be terminated and not simply transferred to a different Kāinga Ora property if the tenant engages in dangerous or severe disruptive behaviour. Such behaviour would include drug production or supply, acts of violence, presentation of weapons, persistent intimidation or malicious harassment, and threatening or intimidating behaviour.
* Clarifying that tenants who are terminated for anti-social behaviour will be moved to the bottom of the public housing and emergency housing waitlists.
* Clarifying that the requirement for Kāinga Ora to ‘prove’ anti-social behaviour can include testimony from other residents in the neighbourhood. Both parties would have access to a private hearing by the Tenancy Tribunal to give testimony. This will protect witnesses and tenants in vulnerable situations who may be victims of abuse or intimidation.
“These tenants would not simply be moved on to another Kāinga Ora tenancy. ACT would move them to the bottom of both the public housing and emergency housing waitlists.
“This will introduce consequences for bad behaviour and provide an incentive for tenants to change their behaviour. And it will give more deserving people on the housing register who have not treated the community with disrespect a chance to be housed.”
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel:
Police are continuing to appeal for information from the public in the Operation Ascot homicide investigation in Wairarapa.
The Featherston scene examination is expected to be completed this morning.
The Kaitoke and Carterton scenes and cleared, and a blessing of the Carterton scene will take place later today.
A post-mortem of the deceased is expected to take place in Wellington tomorrow.
Charges are still being considered for the two men taken into custody yesterday.
Police maintain a presence in Wairarapa for community reassurance – however, we also reiterate our appeal to the public.
We know a number of people would have seen elements of what happened yesterday, and we are keen to talk to you if you have not already spoken to Police.
If you can help, please contact us on 105, either online or over the phone.
Please use file number 250322/8281 and reference Operation Ascot.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
One person has died after a two-vehicle crash on the Wellington motorway overnight.
Emergency services were called to State Highway 1, Kaiwharawhara about 11:30pm where two cars had collided in the northbound lane.
Sadly, the driver of the first vehicle was unable to be revived, and died at the scene.
The passenger from the first vehicle, and driver of the second, were both taken to Wellington Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and a crash investigation is underway.
The motorway reopened about 3:45am.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The 2023 ACT Book of the Year has been awarded to Frank Bongiorno’s Dreamers and Schemers.
The 2023 ACT Book of the Year has been awarded to Frank Bongiorno’s Dreamers and Schemers.
The book is a compelling and comprehensive account of Australia’s political life, from pre-settlement Indigenous systems to the present day.
Frank is a previous winner of the 2013 ACT Book of the Year and will receive $10,000 for this year’s win.
The judges have also awarded two highly commended and three shortlisted novels from local authors for 2023.
ACT Book of the Year 2023 finalists
This year’s shortlist was comprised entirely of non-fiction works.
You can purchase the books in bookstores across the city and borrow them from ACT Libraries.
The 2023 judging panel included Kaaron Warren, Adam Broinowski and Dylan Van Den Berg.
“Through Dreamers and Schemers Frank Bongiorno has skilfully combined multiple elements to deliver a captivating account of Australia’s political history,” the judges said.
“The book’s perceptive honesty and contemporary sensibility shine throughout the narrative, providing readers with a fresh perspective on the subject.
“Bongiorno has achieved the difficult task of synthesising a large volume of material in a coherent, clear and accessible manner, and his fluent style allows deeper insight into the complex dynamics that have shaped politics in Australia” they said.
This is the 30th anniversary of the ACT Book of the Year Award.
Visit the artsACT website for more information.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Setting your air conditioner to 23 degrees or higher can help avoid strain on the electricity grid.
Canberrans have a long, hot and dry summer ahead of us. It’s important to be aware of potential risks to your family and your property.
There are actions that you can take to prepare for the summer months. This includes things like preparing for hazard season and using electricity carefully.
During summer, the ACT can have a higher risk for:
If you and your home prepare well, you stand a better chance of surviving an emergency.
You can be emergency ready by completing or updating your survival plan and packing your home emergency kit.
Visit the ACT Emergency Services Agency website for more information and resources.
The ACT Government conducts several prescribed burns each year to manage fire risk across the region.
You’ll also see the ACT Government’s mowing team busy managing grass growth across the territory. This is part of the annual mowing program. This not only improves presentation, access and safety, it reduces fire fuel.
Find out when prescribed burns are happening in your area.
You can also check the ESA website to see a list of active incidents.
And if you see a fire unattended, call triple-zero (000).
During cases of extreme heat, some library branches may extend their opening hours. This is to allow the public to escape the heat. Extended opening hours is determined at the time on advice from ACT Health.
Not only are public library branches free and open to everyone, but all are air conditioned. The community can enjoy access to free books, DVDs, magazines, music downloads, e-books, wi-fi, programs and events.
When extreme heat events occur, Libraries ACT will display the extended opening hours on their website. Find out more.
On extreme heat days, the electricity grid can become strained. It’s important to be mindful of your energy use. This can help manage demand on days like these while still keeping your home cool and comfortable. It can also help you save on energy bills.
Our top tips to turn down the heat include:
Visit the Climate Choices website for more ideas on saving energy and saying cool for less.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Services based at the hub will include Northside Community Services, Relationships Australia, and Multicultural Hub Canberra.
A new youth and community hub has opened to the public on Gribble Street in Gungahlin.
‘Gunners Place’ will welcome the community while planning and design work continues on a larger venue.
The hub will serve as a base for groups to come together, share ideas, and work on initiatives to support their community.
The new meeting place will offer equipment to support shared office spaces. It will also feature a meeting room, small kitchen and smart board.
The ACT Government partnered with Barnardos Australia to set up Gunners Place.
Services based there will include Northside Community Services, Relationships Australia, and Multicultural Hub Canberra.
“We look forward to welcoming the local community into Gunners Place,” Michael Dunne of Barnardos Australia said.
“Young people will have an inviting, safe, non-judgemental and fun space where Youth Workers from the four services will be available to help and support them.
“Gunners Place will also be able to host other programs and school holiday events. The space can be hired out after hours and on weekends by the community,” he said.
Development approval for the new Gungahlin Community Centre is underway. It is expected to open in late 2026.
A community panel worked with the ACT Government to determine the centre’s needs, preferred location, design and ongoing building management model.
Draft designs were developed to create a space to best meet the needs of the entire Gungahlin community.
View the draft designs on the YourSay Conversations website.
Gunners Place joins existing community facilities in Gungahlin.
These include community centres, community halls and the Communites@Work community centre on Ernest Cavanagh Street, which community members can also book for events.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The ACT Government has introduced a regulation to prevent new gas connections in the ACT from 8 December.
The ACT Government has introduced a regulation to prevent new gas connections in the ACT from 8 December.
All-electric builds are not only a better choice for the environment, they save building users money on energy costs.
The average household of four people could save more than $2,500 a year in energy bills if they were all electric.
New homes and most new businesses can meet their energy needs today with energy efficient electric appliances, that are not only better for the environment but are also cheaper to run.
Why the regulation is important
Fossil fuel gas currently ranks as the second-largest source of emissions in the ACT, accounting for around 20 per cent of emissions.
Despite the increase in households switching to electric, fossil fuel gas emissions were not anticipated to fall significantly as many newly built homes and developments were still connecting to gas.
By discontinuing new fossil fuel gas connections, the ACT is taking a proactive step to make sure our city is set up for future energy needs.
This change is expected to result in cost savings for Canberrans, both in terms of avoided transition expenses (i.e. switching gas infrastructure to electric in future) and long-term energy bills.
About a third of Canberra households have already chosen all-electric and many are also embracing sustainable technologies such as solar panels, home battery systems, and are increasing the energy efficiency of their properties.
Regulation details
The regulation will prevent connections in all residential, commercial, and community facility land use zones. It will also apply to residential buildings (Class 1-4 buildings, as classified under the National Construction Code) and extensive renovation projects and knockdown rebuilds where a gas connection has been abolished to make a site safe for construction activities.
Homes and businesses with existing gas network connections can continue using gas. The regulation will also not apply to other land use zones, such as industrial areas.
The regulation will commence on 8 December 2023 with transitional arrangements in place for development applications (DA) lodged, and building approvals (BA) issued before 1 March 2024.
Exemptions are permitted in limited circumstances for commercial and community facility land use zones only.
For more information on the regulation, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Once complete, the school will have capacity for 975 students from preschool to year 6.
The Garran Primary School modernisation and expansion project has reached another milestone.
The school’s preferred design has been finalised and DA approval is being sought.
Construction is expected to commence in late April 2024, pending DA approval.
This project forms part of the ACT Government’s Infrastructure Plan education update.
Once complete, Garran Primary School will have capacity for 975 students from preschool to year 6.
The design was completed through collaboration between head contractor Joss Construction, the Education Directorate and Major Projects Canberra.
The result will be a modern, sustainable and inclusive facility to support all students.
It includes flexible spaces that will foster student development and learning.
The school will also have a new modern gymnasium, new canteen, hard courts, better parking and green spaces to create a vibrant and dynamic environment.
The school will continue to operate once construction begins.
Safety will be paramount, with a construction site fence fully enclosing the building site at all times.
The Garran Primary School modernisation and expansion project is part of the ACT Government’s investment in new and upgraded ACT public schools.
With the Woden region continuing to see high enrolment growth, the project will help meet the area’s current and future needs.
Garran Primary School first opened in 1967 and currently accommodates more than 600 students.
For more information about this project please visit garranps.act.edu.au
Canberrans can email any questions about the project to ACT.Education@act.gov.au
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Source: Liberal Democrats UK
The freedom to live your life as the person that you are, secure in the knowledge that their fundamental rights will be protected is not a lot to ask.
But in our country there are still too many people for whom that is an aspiration.
Our LGBTQ+ community face prejudice, discrimination and hostility simply because of who they are.
Their health care, their housing, even their education can all be affected.
But today I believe we have taken an important step forward in protecting vital rights and setting out how our government should deliver a positive future for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Our policy paper: ‘Free To Be Who You Are’ sets out how we will continue to pursue that Liberal Democrat goal of a society where nobody’s life chances are limited or constrained because of who they are.
Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of each of the great strides the UK has made towards LGBTQ+ equality. It was Ed Davey in 2003 who proposed the clause which finally repealed “Section 28”, the Conservatives’ law which prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities.
Lynne Featherstone – the first ever Liberal Democrat Equalities Minister – was the driving force behind the legislation that made Same Sex marriage happen.
And it was the former Liberal Democrat MP John Leech who spearheaded the campaign to pardon Alan Turing and Lib Dem peer Lord Sharkey, tabled the amendment to the Policing and Crime Act 2017 which posthumously pardoned thousands of gay men who had been criminalised for their sexuality.
Our party had been pushing to lift the ban on men who have sex with men’s ability to donate blood for over 15 years by the time it finally happened in 2021.
That is the proud tradition of which we are the keepers.
We know there is still a lot to do but each step is important to progress in achieving that free and fair society.
The measures we voted through today will mean:
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Officers continue to appeal for information following a murder in Tottenham.
Police were called to an address in Waverley Road, N17 at 20:45hrs on Thursday, 20 March following reports that two men had suffered gunshot injuries.
Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated one man, aged 27, for a gunshot wound to the head and another man, aged 25, for a gunshot wound to the leg.
Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the 27-year-old man died as a result of his injuries. He has been formally identified as Mahad Abdi Mohamed. His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
His family have released a tribute:
“Our family is grieving the profound loss of a son, a brother, a father and a friend. We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful for your understanding and support.”
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, of the Met’s Specialist Crime North team, said:
“Two men were shot on a residential street on Thursday, with one man sadly losing his life. My thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this time.
“We recognise the impact this will have on the local community. My team are working diligently to gather evidence and establish what led to this tragedy. I would ask any local residents with concerns to speak to officers at the scene, or to their local neighbourhood policing teams.
“I continue to ask for anyone who was in the area, past 20:00hrs on Thursday, 20 March, to please contact police if you heard or saw something suspicious. Your knowledge is critical to this investigation, and it may help us locate the suspects. Please do the right thing and come forward, you will be supported.”
The 25-year-old man remains in hospital, and is stable condition following surgery.
No arrests have been made and a crime scene remains in place whilst enquiries are ongoing.
If you know, or have any information then please come forward to police by stating CAD7426/20March or to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, your identity will be protected.
You can also report any information via our MIPP link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X55-PO1
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The project is one of a number across the country aiming to restore eastern bettong populations.
Eight eastern bettongs now call Mulligans Flat home as part of a conservation project.
The release is the next step in reintroducing the species of small marsupials to mainland Australia.
Eastern bettongs are called Ngaluda in the Ngunnawal language. They once lived in Canberra but have been extinct outside of Tasmania for more than 100 years.
The bettongs have a pivotal role in restoring balance to Australia’s ecosystem. They spread truffle spores, helping to improve the soil, and create burrows that support native plant growth.
Expanding their numbers at the sanctuary is a main step in rebuilding an entire food web of native species.
Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary began rehoming bettongs in 2012. Many of these tiny native creatures now live in the area.
“Our partners have been working for more than a decade to establish and expand the Sanctuary so we can foster new populations of threatened species and start to reverse the declines of native fauna,” Dr Jason Cummings from the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust said.
“This latest milestone is testament to the work and support of many partners including the ANU, ACT Government, and the National Landcare Program
“We are looking forward to seeing the bettong population grow and making bettongs available for other Sanctuaries around Australia.”
Canberrans can visit the Sanctuary to explore an endangered ecosystem. Wildbark Rangers are available to talk about the work they do to help Australia’s wildlife.
For more information about this project and the other animals they help to protect visit the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary website.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Canberrans love their festive lights.
For many Canberrans, the festive period is their time to shine.
From northside to south, the city hosts many spectacular festive light displays each year. These can bring delight and unify the community.
Enjoying them safely and respectfully makes the experience more fun for everybody.
Here are some top tips for Canberrans keen to enjoy the displays this year. Read on, whether you’re planning your own display or following the lights throughout the ACT.
Tips for organising a festive light display
Tips for visiting a festive light display
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book-gifting program devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children.
A pilot phase of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been launched in Belconnen.
Started by the famous singer in the US in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book-gifting program devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children.
A committed group of stakeholders from ACT Government and community organisations collaborated to create Imagination Library Kippax, which services Holt, Higgins, MacGregor and Latham.
The group has secured funding to provide books to 146 children for two years.
These families have a free, age-appropriate book delivered to their home each month, plus a tip sheet to help them engage with the books.
The Imagination Library Evatt/McKellar pilot has also commenced via the Evatt Primary School Family Connect program.
Pilot suburbs were selected due to Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data that identified higher developmental vulnerability in children in these areas.
“Libraries ACT is excited to be partnering with so many like-minded community partners and other Government directorates to bring the Imagination Library to the ACT,” Penny Davies from Libraries ACT said.
“Children learn best through everyday activities like singing, talking and playing games. Normalising reading as a daily activity is an important part of this. Reading aloud to children starting at birth helps build brain connections during the formation of the critical early years.
“Public libraries play an important role in the development of early childhood literacy and the Imagination Library is a wonderful addition to the range of resources and programs available to families,” she said.
While the Imagination Library program was introduced to Australia in 2013, it is new to the ACT.
The Imagination Library of Australia has shown outstanding results, including increasing the amount of time parents read with their child.
In Tamworth alone, babies’ enrolments at public libraries increased by 1000 per cent.
The program now operates in every state and territory excluding Tasmania.
Local families with children aged 0-3 can access the Imagination Library via local community partners, including Early Family Support (EFS) and Maternal and Child Health (MACH) services, Uniting Children and Families ACT, Capital Region Community Services (CRCS), HIPPY Australia, and The Smith Family.
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Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Detectives investigating a stabbing in Hackney that left a man with a serious arm injury are appealing for witnesses and information.
The incident happened at around 16:05hrs on Saturday, 22 February in Evering Road, N16. It is believed a music video was being filmed at the time of the attack and may have captured some of the events that took place.
The victim, an 18-year-old man, was taken to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery; he is now recovering from his injury.
Detective Sergeant Andy Rice from the Central East Command Unit said: “Our enquiries have established that a music video was being filmed at the time of the attack. I am keen to speak to anyone who has this footage as it could contain information that could assist this investigation.
“I would also urge anyone who has information that could help identify whoever is responsible to come forward and speak to us in confidence.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD4542/22Feb. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There has been no arrest and enquiries into the circumstances continue.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
It’s important to take extra care when swimming in inland waterways.
There’s nothing like a swim to cool off in the hot weather.
Don’t have a backyard pool? Canberra’s public pools are all open for summer. Plan a visit to:
Canberra also has inland waterways where you can swim.
Wherever you go, these simple guidelines will help you keep safe in and around the water this summer.
The ACT has several inland waterways, including Kambah Pool and Cotter Bend.
Remember to take extra care when swimming in inland waterways. Hazards are always present and can catch you by surprise.
It doesn’t matter how confident you are in and around the water. You can prepare by following safety advice:
Visit the City Services website to check current advice on conditions in Canberra’s lakes, ponds and rivers.
Whether it’s your own pool or you’re visiting someone else’s, be a backyard lifeguard. Follow these steps to keep everyone safe this summer.
New rules for home swimming pools in the ACT commence on 1 May 2024. Find out more at Home swimming pool safety reforms – Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate – Planning (act.gov.au)
For information on being a backyard lifeguard visit planning.act.gov.au/backyardlifeguard.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The system will better fit a growing and sustainable Canberra.
The ACT’s new planning system is now in effect.
This milestone comes after extensive research and work with the community and industry to create the new framework for the city.
The ACT Government has also released an update to the City Plan and a new City Centre Urban Design Guide, which will guide development and design in the City Centre.
The new, modern planning system will better fit a growing and sustainable Canberra.
It will support delivery of the 100,000 dwellings required to meet population and demand by 2050.
The new planning system will allow the Government to plan for this growth in a measured and sustainable way.
It will mean Canberrans have the services and infrastructure they need now and into the future
The Government has also released an update of the 2014 City Plan today which provides a clear vision and framework for future development in the City Centre as a place for all Canberrans.
The City Plan is supported by a new City Centre Urban Design Guide that works alongside the previously announced Housing and Urban Design Guides to improve development outcomes and guide the design and assessment of developments in the City Centre.
Training programs on the new planning – for both community and industry – have been occurring since September.
Development applications under the previous system will continue to be assessed.
More information about the Planning System and the City Plan is available on the ACT Government’s new Planning website.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
An artist’s impression of the Acton Waterfront park
The future public park at the Acton Waterfront will be known as Ngamawari (pronounced ‘nar-mar-wa-ree).
The name was gifted by local Ngunnawal representatives at a special ceremony today, which also saw the National Capital Authority (NCA) announce works approval for the new park.
Ngamawari – which means ‘cave place’ in Ngunnawal language – recognises the cultural significance of the limestone caves flooded during the creation of Lake Burley Griffin.
The name signifies these landmarks and the important role they played for shelter and art along the Molonglo River.
“Ngamawari reflects the truth telling story of this place – a place of significance to Ngunnawal people” Ngunnawal Elder Dr Caroline Hughes AM said.
“There is so much Ngunnawal history in this place that has not been told such as the limestone caves that have been hidden by Lake Burley Griffin at a time when Ngunnawal were excluded from the conversation and development of Canberra.
“Ngamawari celebrates and educates all about Ngunnawal Country, history and language,” she said.
City Renewal Authority CEO Malcolm Snow said the idea to recognise Ngunnawal culture has been a popular theme in public consultations on the Acton Waterfront project.
“We have been working closely with the Ngunnawal community representatives and artists on how the park’s design can celebrate and embed Ngunnawal culture and history,” Mr Snow said.
“It is now a great honour to accept this Ngunnawal-language name, which will help forge the identify for what will become a major Canberra destination featuring an adventure playground, cafes, native gardens and events lawns.
“Thank you to the Ngunnawal community for giving this name to the Acton Waterfront – it is precious gift that will leave its mark on future generations of visitors to the park.”
The City Renewal Authority wishes to thank the United Ngunnawal Elders Council, Dhawura Ngunnawal Caring for Country Committee and the Winanggaay Ngunnawal Language Aboriginal Corporation for sharing this name, as well as their insights and knowledge of the area.
The official naming comes as the NCA has provided works approval for the development of the public park following their recent public consultation.
A tender process is currently underway for the delivery of early works in 2024. It is expected the temporary park will open to the public in 2025-26, followed by the permanent park in 2028.
Please note: The new park name will officially come into effect once publicly notified on the ACT Legislation Register in early 2024.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
We asked Canberrans on the We Are CBR Instagram page to tell us their favourite place to grab a bite to eat in the city centre. Here are the top restaurants and cafes in Canberra’s CBD, as voted by you!
Dishing the deets on #1
It’s no secret that Canberrans love chicken and chips. The restaurant with the most votes is Fricken Chicken on Lonsdale Street.
An Italian love affair
From bottomless pasta to hand-stretched pizza, it’s clear that Canberrans love Italian food. Some local favourites include:
Mezzalira on London Circuit
Amici on Northbourne Avenue
Mama’s Trattoria on West Row
Briscola on Alinga Street
Enjoy the vibrant flavours of Asia
The café capital
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect flat white, a cheesy toastie or some smashed avo on toast – these cafés are the perfect place to grab a quick pick-me-up:
Good vibes, great food
Looking for somewhere to grab dinner and a drink after work? These top spots are your venues of choice:
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Esther works in the ACT Ambulance Service Communications Centre, where she answers emergency calls.
After helping save a stranger’s life by providing CPR, Esther was inspired to pursue a career in emergency services.
Today she works in the ACT Ambulance Service Communications Centre, where she answers emergency calls.
She is also training as a dispatcher, as part of the Centre’s triage team which allocates resources to various jobs.
While she enjoyed her previous career in the airline industry, Esther could not be happier in her current role.
“I worked for Qantas in customer service for 24 years, and many of the skills I developed during that time are relevant now, because it’s all about dealing with people,” Esther said.
“People calling the emergency line are often quite panicked, but if I can help bring down their stress levels and make them feel confident in my abilities and willingness to help, it goes a long way towards achieving a good outcome.”
A successful outcome was certainly achieved when Esther and her husband responded to a sudden emergency in Tuross Head on the south coast, where they were holidaying with their daughters.
“Richard and I were playing cards with our girls when we heard loud noises coming from next door and someone was yelling into a phone about needing an ambulance,” Esther said.
“The two of us climbed over the fence and saw a man in his 50s lying on the ground, completely blue and obviously not breathing. We jumped in and commenced CPR straight away,” she said.
As they were in an isolated area, it took a long time for an ambulance to arrive, and Esther and her husband had to keep doing compressions for a full 50 minutes.
They were eventually assisted by a police officer, who arrived about 25 minutes into proceedings.
“By the end I had no skin left on my hands but my husband and I just kept switching in and out – we work really well as a team,” Esther said.
Incredibly, the man survived, and Esther and her husband were later presented with St John’s Save a Life Award, by the Governor-General of Australia, the Honourable David Hurley.
“While it is very nice to receive an award, the best part of this was that we got to give someone some extra time with their family and friends, and I know how much that would mean to me,” Esther said.
“If I were to take one lesson from this, it is that normal people can administer CPR, and having knowledge of first aid skills can actually save a life.”
Esther says she’s glad that she was able to help, and is grateful that the incident helped steer her onto her current career path, where she feels she gets to make a positive difference to the community every day.
“It really is a feel-good job because you help people in their time of need,” she said.
“I really love going into work and absolutely love the team I work with, they are like my second family, and we enjoy spending time together in and out of the office.
“I would absolutely recommend this job to anyone who wants a career with a real purpose – if you have empathy and like helping people you won’t regret it.”
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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Attributable to Detective Inspector John Van De Heuvel:
Two people have been taken into custody and a homicide investigation launched following the death of a man in South Wairarapa this afternoon (Saturday 22 March).
Around 4pm Police responded to reports of a firearms incident, where a firearm was discharged at a vehicle exiting the supermarket carpark on State Highway 2, Featherston.
A short time later a man has been located in Carterton with an apparent gunshot wound, he has since died.
A second vehicle fled the scene and was intercepted by Police without incident at Kaitoke. The full extent of the two occupants’ involvement is a focus of our investigation.
State Highway 2 was closed for a period of time, however, has since reopened. A scene examination will continue in Featherston over the coming days.
Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this event or has any information for the people involved.
We acknowledge this was a distressing incident for those who witnessed it and the wider community. Police will have an increased presence in the community as we work to determine what led to the altercation, and who was involved.
If you have any information that has not been reported to Police, please contact us on 105 either online or over the phone.
Please reference Operation Ascot – File number: 250322/8281
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology uses AI to determine what shoppers take or return to shelves.
CIT Bruce has launched a new campus convenience store, YalaPlus, enabled by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is the first education institution in the southern hemisphere to use the technology.
Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology uses AI to determine what shoppers take or return to shelves.
Computer vision and deep learning techniques simplify the shopping experience by removing checkout lines, helping students get in and out quickly.
The technology uses synthetic datasets that mimic millions of realistic shopping scenarios to ensure accuracy in virtually any environment.
Professional services company Cognizant helped provide the solution integration to ensure seamless payment options for students.
At YalaPlus, students enter the store using their credit card or mobile wallet at the entry gate.
Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology then detects what they take from or return to the shelves and creates a virtual shopping session.
When students complete their shopping, they can leave the store without waiting in line, and their credit card is charged for the items they take.
CIT Student Association chief executive officer Andrew Scotford said the innovative stores would create an improved and more flexible student experience.
“Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology will benefit all students, especially those studying outside of regular business hours,” he said.
“Many CIT students are balancing work, study and training, so flexibility and accessibility are important to them.
“There are also 48 students who live on the CIT Bruce Campus that don’t have easy access to nearby shopping. YalaPlus now offers convenient access to products such as food, beverages and other essential items.”
CIT interim chief executive officer Christine Robertson says the Institute, now in its 95th year, is entering an exciting era of progress.
“CIT will open a new state-of-the-art, digitally connected Woden CIT campus in 2025, but innovation doesn’t wait. We’re committed to uplifting our existing facilities and experiences for students and staff,” she said.
The Student Association also plans to open two more stores at CIT campuses, at Fyshwick and at Bruce, in early 2024.
Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium is home to two other locations using this technology in Australia.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Road cyclist Jay Vine received the Athlete of the Year – Men’s Sport award.
Rower Nikki Ayers and road cyclist Jay Vine have been named Athletes of the Year at the 2023 CBR Sport Awards.
They received the awards for Para Sport and Women’s Sport, and Men’s Sport respectively.
Volleyball team the CBR Heat took home the Team of the Year award.
The awards, held last night, celebrate the ACT’s top athletes, teams and special contributors, and acknowledge their outstanding achievements.
The 2023 CBR Sport Award winners are:
For more information about this year’s winners visit the CBR Sport Awards website.
Rower Nikki Ayers was named both Athlete of the Year – Para Sport and Athlete of the Year – Women’s Sport.
Volleyball team the Canberra Heat was named team of the Year.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Landscape architect and founder of The Climate Factory Edwina Robinson recommends the Plant Selector Tool.
Anyone can be a green thumb if you know what to grow, and a key part of that is understanding your local climate.
The ACT Government’s Canberra Plant Selector is a free online tool that can help you choose the best plants for your climate-wise garden.
The tool features over 340 species. You can search for plants suited to Canberra’s climate based on sun, shade, frost tolerance and water needs.
Climate-wise gardens can help protect you against extreme heat, rainfall events and bushfires.
Edwina Robinson is a landscape architect and founder of Canberra social enterprise The Climate Factory.
The Climate Factory builds demonstration micro-forests around Canberra that cool the local environment, and work to inspire others to build their own community micro-forest.
Edwina recommends gardeners try the Canberra Plant Selector and says your climate-wise garden can help keep your home cool in hot weather – and can also provide a haven for native birds and pollinators.
“You might choose to have higher water use plants closer to the house. These will look lush and green and help keep your outdoor space cool. And consider incorporating a pond. It could even be a pond in a waterproof pot – full of wetland plants with leaves for dragonflies to land on,” she said.
“Canberra’s climate is likely, on average, to get hotter and drier in the future. So prepare your garden soil with organic matter. Choose plants carefully. And think about how you will water your plants during dry weather.
“The Canberra Plant Selector is a must for learning about garden plants. You should also visit local nurseries that specialise in plants for Canberra’s climate. And talk to neighbours who have gardens already,” she said.
Everyone can help to make Canberra a climate-ready city. As a climate-wise gardener, you can preserve water, reduce urban heat and create important habitat for native species.
View the Canberra Plant Selector.
Learn more about sustainable practices at home and at work at climatechoices.act.gov.au or email SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The training is designed to assist young drivers if they’re involved in, or come across, a motor vehicle crash.
The ACT Government has launched a new learner driver first aid program.
This will provide more flexible options for learner drivers to enhance their skills and credit their mandatory supervised driving hours.
From 22 November, Canberrans learning to drive will have an opportunity to obtain basic lifesaving first aid skills and claim five hours credit against their required driving hours.
The training is designed to assist people if they’re involved in, or come across, a motor vehicle crash.
The program won’t just provide the skills that could save a life, it’s hoped to be a reminder to the next generation of drivers of the serious consequences of car accidents.
Under the new program new drivers are eligible for the five credit hours if they have held a learner licence for at least three months.
There will be eight approved courses available from 22 November, delivered either online, face-to-face or a combination of both.
The time commitment and cost requirements for each course varies depending on the type and depth of content delivered.
The new learner driver first aid program builds on existing competency training for learner drivers to make sure people have a better understanding of road safety.
This new program joins two other road safety education opportunities available for driving hours credit:
* Vulnerable Road User Program offers a 10-hour credit for completing the course
* Safer Driver Course provides learner drivers aged under 25 with 20 hours credit towards their required driving hours.
Together these programs provide learner drivers aged under 25 years with up to 35 hours credit towards the 100 mandatory hours, and provide them with potentially life-saving skills.
“St John Ambulance ACT commends the government on their initiative to promote driver first aid specially aimed at learner drivers,” 2022 Senior Australian of the Year, ACT Senior Australian of the Year and St John Ambulance volunteer Val Dempsey said.
“This initiative through St John Ambulance ACT is supporting learner drivers in developing first aid skills, so they may be prepared to step forward with capabilities, competencies, and knowledge, to save a life in the event of an emergency, particularly in road safety.”
Learner driver first aid courses completed before the program’s commencement date, or with a provider that is not on the approved list, will not be eligible for the logbook credit.
For more information visit www.act.gov.au/roadsafety.
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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Attributable to Inspector Danny Kirk, Tairawhiti Area Commander:
Police are investigating reports of shots being fired at a house in Gisborne – the latest in a series of incidents believed to be gang-related.
About 6:30am today, Police were called to Ranfurly Street after someone living nearby heard a gunshot.
On arrival, Police determined that a house in the street had been shot at while people were inside.
It’s incredibly fortunate no one was injured.
Detectives are investigating this and other incidents in the Kaiti and Mangapapa areas last week, and believe them to be gang-related.
Police are working closely with gang leaders to work to de-escalate the conflict, and officers will maintain a highly-visible presence in the Gisborne area. Police have no tolerance for behaviour that presents a serious risk to public safety and our response to incidents of violence will be stern.
Anyone who has immediate concerns for their safety, or that of anyone else, is asked to please call 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Students get hands-on experience in caring for dogs.
Forget laptops – for some students, giving treats and tummy rubs are all in a day’s learning.
Nestled alongside bushland at CIT’s Bruce campus, CIT Dog Day Care is an authentic learning environment for aspiring animal care professionals.
Here, students pursuing careers in animal care gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
This not only equips them with essential skills towards a career in a field facing a shortage of qualified professionals, it’s also just great fun.
Erin, a current CIT student, says “I’ve always wanted to do an animal course. Working here gives us a real hands-on experience so that we know what we should be looking for. We’re supported the whole way by our teachers to work with the dogs and their owners – the support gives you a real boost to deal with all parts of the job.”
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students provide the best of care for their doggy clients.
This practical experience is complemented by classroom lessons throughout the week.
Some students are completing Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASBAs), some are Fee-Free TAFE course graduates – all are gaining foundational skills towards a career in anything from veterinary nursing to dog grooming.
As well as learning the optimal ways of communicating with the dogs in their care, students develop customer service skills liaising with their owners.
Small dogs attend day care on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and large dogs on Fridays.
The numbers of participating dogs are limited, ensuring students get to know each one well enough to offer individualised care.
Each day, the dogs enjoy high-quality care including multiple walks, grooming or bath time, play, basic training and socialisation – and plenty of attention and affection.
Maree, a supervisor, says the facility is “a unique space for students to develop real skills. Here they get a lot of preparation, true hands-on dog experience. They have an opportunity to see a range of natural behaviours and are able to develop the skills to manage situations in a supportive environment, all whilst collaborating and learning from other students.”
The CIT Dog Day Care facility has become popular with pet owners who appreciate the personalised attention their dogs receive from the enthusiastic and dedicated students and staff.
Its success highlights the close relationship between the Canberra community, CIT and industry, creating a safe, enjoyable environment for furry friends while contributing to the development of the next generation of animal care professionals.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Shirley Smith High School logo and uniform have been officially released.
Today the Shirley Smith High School logo and uniform were officially released in advance of the new school’s first year of operation in 2024.
Community input was sought on three potential design options for the school’s logo and uniform.
Following this community consultation, the final logo and uniform were chosen.
The final design concept chosen by the community is the ‘Curly S’.
The Curly S logo represents the initials in the name Shirley Smith, as well as the handwritten and the mechanical coming together, to show the relationship between people, community and the institution of education.
The community’s preferred colour for the logo is ‘fresh green’.
The student uniforms have both the Curly S logo on the chest, as well as the handwritten S design on the uniform body.
Located in Kenny, Shirley Smith High School is the ACT’s 91st public school.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Pharmacist Rebecca Richardson.
Canberrans who already use an oral contraceptive pill may be able to obtain a re-supply of their contraceptive at one of five participating pharmacies as part of a new trial.
Under the pharmacy trial, which is being led collaboratively by NSW Health and the University of Newcastle, people aged 18 to 35 may be able to get their next supply of the pill after a consultation with a participating pharmacist if they have been:
This initiative expands on the current trial of pharmacists supplying medications to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Enabling pharmacists to supply certain low-risk medications when it is safe to do so is one way of providing more timely access to medications and treatments for Canberrans and reducing pressures on primary health care providers and emergency departments.
The highly trained pharmacists participating in the trial will be able to have a conversation with eligible Canberrans to determine whether they can provide medications, or whether the person needs to see a doctor or nurse practitioner.
The five pharmacies participating in the trial are:
ACT Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild, Simon Blacker, said this is a step forward for Canberra women.
“It’s a good example of community pharmacies partnering with GPs and other health professionals to treat common health conditions with increased accessibility, in a safe and efficient way to unclog the health system,” he said.
“The ACT has now joined NSW, Queensland, and Victoria in the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill to women by community pharmacists. Community pharmacies in the ACT are ready to do more for patient’s health by having community pharmacists working to their full scope of practice, and we look forward to working further with the ACT Government on this.”
For more information visit on the pharmacy prescribing trial for the oral contraceptive pill or uncomplicated UTIs, visit: www.health.act.gov.au/pharmacy-trial
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Construction is underway on modernised southside mental health service facilities for children and adolescents.
A parents’ room for families with younger children, a purpose-designed therapeutic arts and play activities space, and more interview rooms are some of the fresh features for the new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Southside fit-out in the Woden Town Centre.
Construction has started on the 1,032 sqm ground floor refurbishment in Bowes Place in Woden, to replace the current accommodation in Callam Offices.
This will provide a better client experience and a more modernised work environment for staff to support the mental health treatment and care of their clients.
Upgrades will include a new waiting room near the main reception that supports young people to regulate in a low-stimulus environment if needed. There will also be modern treatment spaces for assessments and an overall aesthetic design to appeal to young people and their families or carers.
Office and administration spaces will be modernised to provide better workspace layouts for staff, a quiet room for staff to conduct activities that need additional privacy, a dedicated staff breakout room, modernised safety systems and a high-quality acoustic design throughout to minimise noise.
CAMHS Southside has operated from Callam Offices in Woden since 2001, but the location no longer meets the contemporary best-practice requirements for the team and the service.
The Callam Offices facility is busy and staff saw around 5000 clients last year. The new location will be more easily accessible for clients and close to amenities, public transport, and public parking.
CAMHS Southside will relocate to the new Bowes Place facility in early 2024 once construction is complete.
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