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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: The second All-Russian long-range shooting tournament in memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Okhlopkov has ended in Yakutsk

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Yuri Trutnev with the winners of the second All-Russian long-range shooting tournament dedicated to the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Okhlopkov

    October 13, 2024

    In Yakutsk, the winners of the second All-Russian long-range shooting tournament dedicated to the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Okhlopkov were determined

    October 13, 2024

    Award ceremony for the winners of the second All-Russian long-range shooting tournament dedicated to the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Okhlopkov

    October 13, 2024

    Participants of the second All-Russian long-range shooting tournament dedicated to the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Okhlopkov

    October 13, 2024

    Yuri Trutnev with participants of the second All-Russian long-range shooting tournament dedicated to the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Okhlopkov

    October 13, 2024

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    Yuri Trutnev with the winners of the second All-Russian long-range shooting tournament dedicated to the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Okhlopkov

    On October 13, the winners of the second All-Russian Long-Range Shooting Tournament dedicated to the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Okhlopkov were determined in Yakutsk. The closing ceremony of the competition was held by Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation – Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District, Chief Judge of the tournament Yuri Trutnev, Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Aisen Nikolaev and Hero of Russia, Guards Major, Deputy Chief Judge Yaroslav Yakubov. The total prize fund of the tournament was 18 million rubles.

    Over the course of two days, more than 140 shooters from different regions of the country, including participants in the special military operation, competed in night and day shooting. Among those who went to the firing line were active military personnel, employees of law enforcement agencies and special forces, as well as civilian shooting enthusiasts.

    “Next year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. The tournament we are holding is directly related to this anniversary. The competition is held in honor of the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Matveyevich Okhlopkov. And those who are now standing on the site, put on camouflage not only at the tournaments. We will do everything possible to make the competition interesting, objective and fair, so that through your work and joint efforts our country becomes stronger. I am sure that we need to continue this work. We have chosen a good place: Yakutia – a republic with good traditions of sniper skill. Competition creates opportunities to grow and move forward. Thanks to this tournament, among other things, more high-class shooters will be trained in our country, young guys will become interested in military-sports training, which means the level of sniper skill will grow and our Motherland will become stronger,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    “I think the tournament was a success. Many more people came than the first time. The organizing committee headed by Yuri Petrovich Trutnev did a tremendous job to ensure that the best shooters of our country met at the competition. But there is no limit to perfection, we are already starting to prepare for the next tournaments, we will make every effort to ensure that they are held at an even higher level. The results that the participants of these competitions showed, despite the weather, indicate that our Yakutia and all of Russia have traditions of great ancestors, which are continued by their descendants,” noted Aisen Nikolaev.

    The third place in the “Night” stage of the tournament was taken by a sniper with the call sign Kolpachok and a spotter with the call sign Vokha. The second place in the “Night” stage went to the pair Hunter and Creed. The first place in the “Night” stage was won by the pair with the call signs Brat and Kos.

    The third place in the Day stage was won by the sniper pair with the call signs Agron and Yurich. The second place in the Day stage was taken by Nagirny and Bocharov. The first place in the Day stage was awarded to the shooters with the call signs Kolpachok and Vokha.

    The third place winners of both stages were awarded high-precision rifles “Arkuda” of the domestic manufacturer. The second place winners were presented with the keys to the new all-terrain vehicle “Sokol” of the manufacturing plant “Yakt-Sokol” – a resident of the TOR “Patrioticheskaya”. The winners of the competitions received off-road pickup trucks.

    Yuri Trutnev presented a high-precision Raptor rifle from the domestic brand Bespoke Gun. “This prize will go to the 155th separate guards marine brigade of the Pacific Fleet. We have met with the commanders and fighters of this brigade on the line of combat contact many times. I am proud of the fighters and their commanders. I hope that they have many victories ahead and, most importantly, a common victory,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    Following the two stages, special prizes were awarded from the Combat Sniping Federation and manufacturers of weapons and equipment: Lobaev Arms, ORSIS, Russian Solid, Dedal-NV and others.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/52985/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Against the backdrop of the ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon and despite attacks that have hit United Nations positions, injuring a number of peacekeepers in the past several days, UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly. The Secretary-General pays tribute to the dedicated personnel of UNIFIL.

    The Secretary-General reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times without qualification. In a deeply worrying incident that occurred today, the entrance door of a UN position was deliberately breached by IDF armored vehicles.

    UNIFIL continuously assesses and reviews all factors to determine its posture and presence. The mission is taking all possible measures to ensure the protection of its peacekeepers. UNIFIL’s role and its presence in southern Lebanon is mandated by the UN Security Council. In this context, UNIFIL is committed to preserving its capacity to support a diplomatic solution based on resolution 1701, which is the only possible way forward.

    The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.

    He calls on all parties, including the IDF, to refrain from any and all actions that put our peacekeepers at risk. The Secretary-General takes the opportunity to reiterate the call for a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, SH7, Lewis Pass

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following a two vehicle crash on State Highway 7, Lewis Pass yesterday afternoon, Sunday 13 October.

    Police responded to the crash around 11:45am.

    One person was transported to hospital in a critical condition where they have since died.

    Two further people were transported to hospital in a moderate condition.

    The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

    Source: United Nations – English

    gainst the backdrop of the ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon and despite attacks that have hit United Nations positions, injuring a number of peacekeepers in the past several days, UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly. The Secretary-General pays tribute to the dedicated personnel of UNIFIL.

    The Secretary-General reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times without qualification. In a deeply worrying incident that occurred today, the entrance door of a UN position was deliberately breached by IDF armored vehicles.

    UNIFIL continuously assesses and reviews all factors to determine its posture and presence. The mission is taking all possible measures to ensure the protection of its peacekeepers. UNIFIL’s role and its presence in southern Lebanon is mandated by the UN Security Council. In this context, UNIFIL is committed to preserving its capacity to support a diplomatic solution based on resolution 1701, which is the only possible way forward.

    The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.

    He calls on all parties, including the IDF, to refrain from any and all actions that put our peacekeepers at risk. The Secretary-General takes the opportunity to reiterate the call for a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Electric car sales have slumped. Misinformation is one of the reasons

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Analytics & Resilience, UNSW Sydney

    Karolis Kavolelis/Shutterstock

    Battery electric vehicle sales in Australia have flattened in recent months. The latest data reveal a sharp 27.2% year-on-year decline (overall new vehicle sales were down 9.7%) in September. Tesla Model Y and Model 3 cars had an even steeper drop of nearly 50%.

    Sales also fell in August (by 18.5%) and July (1.5%). There’s a clear downward trend.

    Before this downturn, electric vehicle sales had been rising steadily, supported by increased choices and government incentives. In early 2024, year-to-date sales continued to grow compared to the same period in 2023. Then, in April, electric vehicle sales fell for the first time in more than two years.

    Australia isn’t simply mirroring a broader global trend. It’s true sales have slowed in parts of Europe and the United States — often due to reduced incentives. But strong sales growth continues in other regions, such as China and India.

    A range of factors or combinations of them could help explain the trend in Australia. These include governments axing incentives, concerns about safety and depreciation, and misinformation.

    Governments are cutting incentives

    Electric vehicles typically cost more upfront. However, the flood of cheaper Chinese vehicles is lowering the cost barrier.

    Federal, state and territory governments also provide financial incentives to buy electric vehicles. These have been among the main drivers of sales in Australia.

    Nationally, incentives include a higher luxury car tax threshold and exemptions from fringe benefits tax and customs duty. But several states and territories have scaled back their rebate programs and tax exemptions in 2023 and 2024.

    New South Wales and South Australia ended their $3,000 rebates on January 1 this year. At the same time, NSW ended a stamp duty refund for new and used zero-emission vehicles up to a value of $78,000. Both incentives had been offered since 2021.

    Victoria ended its $3,000 rebate, also launched in 2021, in mid-2023.

    In the ACT, the incentive of two years’ free registration closed on June 30 2024.

    Queensland’s $6,000 electric vehicle rebate ended in September.

    The market clearly responded to these changes. However, reduced financial incentives alone cannot explain the full picture. Despite several rounds of price cuts, sales of popular Tesla models are falling.

    Buyers are increasingly opting for hybrid vehicles instead. In September, sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles were up by 34.4% and 89.9%, respectively.

    These sales trends reflect other consumer concerns beyond just the upfront cost.

    Resale value worries buyers

    One major issue for car buyers in Australia, and globally, is uncertainty about their resale value. Consumers are concerned electric vehicles depreciate faster than traditional cars.

    These concerns are particularly tied to battery degradation, which affects a car’s range and performance over time. And batteries account for much of the vehicle’s total cost. Potential buyers worry about the long-term value of a used electric vehicle with an ageing battery.

    For example, a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus with nearly 85,000km currently lists for about $34,000. It has lost roughly half its value in just three years.

    While Tesla offers transferable four-year warranties and software updates, the rapid evolution of EV technology also makes older second-hand models less desirable, further reducing their value.

    Fires raise fears about safety

    Electric vehicle fires have made headlines globally. This has created doubts among consumers about the risks of owning them.

    In Korea, a high-profile battery fire in August 2024 led to a ban on certain electric vehicles from underground car parks. While similar bans are not common in Australia, some have been reported. These could have harmed local consumer confidence.

    Incidents of electric vehicle fires have increased along with vehicle numbers. Statistically, these vehicles are not more prone to fires than conventional cars – in fact, the risk is clearly lower.

    For example, analysis of publicly available statistics from South Korean government agencies, one of the early adopters of electric vehicles, show the number of fires per registered electric vehicle is steadily increasing. Fire risk remains lower than for traditional vehicles, although the gap is shrinking as the electric vehicle fleet ages. And the highly publicised nature of their fires is a source of growing buyer hesitancy.

    Electric vehicle fires in Korea are increasing with EV numbers, but the rate is still less than for petrol or diesel cars.
    Author provided using data from South Korean government agencies, CC BY

    Misinformation and politicisation are rampant

    The full environmental benefits of electric vehicles depend on widespread adoption. However, there is a wide gap between early adopters’ experiences and potential buyers’ perceptions.

    Persistent misconceptions include exaggerated concerns about battery life, charging infrastructure and safety. Myths and misinformation often fuel these concerns. Traditional vehicle and oil companies actively spread misinformation in campaigns much like those used against other green energy initiatives.

    In response, coalitions such as Electric Vehicles UK have formed to combat these false narratives and promote accurate information.

    The politicisation of green initiatives adds to the challenge. When electric vehicles become associated with a specific political ideology, it can alienate large parts of the population. Adoption then becomes slower and more divisive.

    Green transition is a work in progress

    The electric vehicle market in Australia is facing challenges, despite the growing variety of models and price cuts.

    The EV sales trend signals deeper issues in the market. Broader trends, such as the dominance of SUVs and utes, underscore the fact that while the transition to greener vehicles is progressing, it remains uneven.

    Further efforts will be needed to reduce misconceptions and misinformation, and bridge the gap between owners’ experience and potential buyers’ perceptions. Only then can Australia enjoy the environmental benefits of widespread EV adoption.

    Hadi Ghaderi receives funding from the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre, Transport for New South Wales, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, IVECO Trucks Australia limited, Victoria Department of Education and Training, Australia Post, Bondi Laboratories, Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, Sphere for Good, Australian Meat Processor Corporation,City of Casey, 460degrees and Passel.

    Milad Haghani 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. Electric car sales have slumped. Misinformation is one of the reasons – https://theconversation.com/electric-car-sales-have-slumped-misinformation-is-one-of-the-reasons-240545

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash, SH1, Rakaia

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are at the scene of a crash involving a car and truck, which has blocked State Highway 1, north of Rakaia.

    The crash was reported about 8.40am, on the overbridge near Main Rakaia Road.

    There are no reports of serious injuries, but the road is closed.

    Southbound traffic is being diverted at the intersection of SH1 and Old South Road. Northbound traffic is being diverted up North Rakaia Road.

    Motorists should expect delays while the scene is cleared.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police catch up with alleged fleeing driver

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A 50-year-old man is facing the court, after he allegedly failed to stop for Police on the North Shore last night.

    Just before 9.30pm, a Police unit saw a vehicle being driven well over the legal speed limit on the Northern Motorway.

    Waitematā Road Policing Manager, Senior Sergeant Andrew Hawkins, says the driver was signalled to stop. He slowed down but did not pull over.

    “As Police pulled alongside this vehicle, the driver has sped up again, and fled. We did not pursue and followed the vehicle’s movements on traffic cameras.

    “The vehicle exited the motorway at Onewa, and officers soon found it abandoned on Tarahanga Street in Northcote.

    “The alleged driver was quickly located nearby but claimed to have no knowledge of the vehicle. Its keys were found in his pocket, and after declining breath and blood tests, he was arrested.”

    The 50-year-old man is scheduled to appear in the North Shore District Court today facing charges of failing to stop, reckless driving, driving contrary to a zero-alcohol limit and refusing to give blood.

    The man’s vehicle was also impounded.

    “This was great work from our staff to bring the incident to a safe and satisfying conclusion,” Senior Sergeant Andrew Hawkins says.

    “We won’t tolerate this abhorrent and reckless driving behaviour. The alleged offender’s actions put other motorists at great risk, and we are happy his vehicle is now off the road.”

    ENDS.

    Tony Wright/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reminder: Tasman highway maintenance closure planned – State Highway 60 Mariri Causeway

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    The State Highway summer maintenance programme will be in full swing in Tasman in October with new chipseal to be laid on the State Highway 60, Mariri Causeway (south of Motueka).

    A daytime road closure will occur this coming weekend Saturday, 19 October, from 7am to 5pm when road workers will chipseal a one-kilometre section of the highway.

    The work has been planned for a Saturday to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. It is outside of school hours, there are fewer trucks on the road, and no public transport will be operating

    A local road detour will be available via Robinson Road, Main Road Lower Moutere, Wildman Road, and Quayle Street (otherwise known as High Street South). The same detour will apply in reverse for motorists travelling from Motueka to Richmond.

    This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel time. Drivers travelling between Richmond and Motueka must allow extra time for their journeys.

    The Great Taste Cycle Trail will remain open, but the detour route means it will be affected by increased traffic.

    Drivers and cyclists must share the road with care. Cyclists need to be aware there will be more vehicles around them, and drivers must look out for cyclists as well.

    Once the chipsealing is completed, the Mariri Causeway will reopen under a temporary speed limit of 50km/hr to give the chipseal time to bed in. Road workers will then sweep clear any loose chip and re-apply road markings. 

    Drivers must follow all temporary speed limits. They are there to protect the road and vehicles from damage, and to keep people safe. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or bad weather this work will be postponed.

    Works schedule

    • Saturday, 19 October from 7am – 5pm
    • Detour for traffic travelling from Richmond to Motueka is via Robinson Road, Main Road Lower Moutere, Wildman Road and Quayle Street. The reverse will apply for traffic travelling from Motueka to Richmond.
    • The Great Taste Trail will remain open during the works.

    More information

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 2 closed at Mt Bruce – Serious crash (SH2 NOW OPEN UNDER STOP/GO)

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Update 1:40 pm: State Highway 2 is now open to one lane under stop/go temporary traffic management.

    Drivers can expect delays and should allow extra time for their journeys. They should also take extra care when travelling through the crash site.

    12 October, 1:15 pm:

    Drivers are asked to delay their travel and avoid the area as emergency services attend a serious crash at Mount Bruce, north of Masterton, on State Highway 2.

    The single vehicle crash was reported around 12:45 pm. The highway is currently blocked at the intersection of Hiwitoru Road.

    Drivers travelling between  Masterton and Eketahuna can expect travel delays until the crash scene is cleared and the incident is resolved.

    Drivers travelling between  Masterton and Eketahuna can expect delays until the crash scene is cleared and the incident is resolved.

    Road users must follow the instructions of emergency services and contractors and obey all traffic management instructions.

    Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

    Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Wheely easy access coming to Illawarra Train Stations as E-Scooter trial extension is confirmed

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 11 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Transport

    The NSW Government is investing $10 million to make it safer and easier to walk and ride to 11 Illawarra stations.

    The planned initiatives will include things like footpath upgrades, better lighting, new bicycle storage around stations for people who choose to walk or cycle to and from their homes and to other modes of transport.

    More than $3 million of the investment will be used to build a two-way shared cycleway at Corrimal, which would stretch nearly one kilometre along Murray Road between Corrimal Station and Cawley Street. Corrimal will also see a new pedestrian refuge installed and additional bicycle racks outside the station.

    Other stations to benefit from proposed upgrades include:

    • Helensburgh will see existing bicycle storage upgraded and bicycle racks replaced, a footpath upgrade and new lighting. Footpaths will also be improved between the station and nearby bus stop, with a new refuge crossing installed across Lawrence Hargrave Drive between school and railway station.
    • Stanwell Park will see new lighting and CCTV installed and footpaths upgraded.
    • Scarborough will see including a new pedestrian refuge across Lawrence Hargrave Drive between the station and nearby school, improved footpath access between the station and bus stop and improvements to station stairs.
    • Coledale will see stairs replaced with a ramp.
    • Austinmer will see two pedestrian refuge crossings installed across nearby streets and a new sheltered bicycle storage space at both station entrances.
    • Thirroul will see existing bicycle storage upgraded and bicycle racks replaced, a footpath upgrade and new lighting. The nearby bus stop will be improved so vehicles can overtake waiting buses.
    • Bulli will see new sheltered bicycle storage installed, existing bicycle racks upgraded and more lighting.
    • North Wollongong will see a new secure bicycle shed with CCTV installed.
    • Coniston will see sheltered bicycle storage installed, new lighting and upgraded footpaths. Design work is also underway to make Coniston fully accessible.
    • Dapto will see new sheltered bicycle stalling installed.

    Twenty-eight projects have been identified and prioritised following extensive consultation with the community and other stakeholders.

    Further consultation will take place with the community as the projects progress, with all of them expected to be completed between early next year and the first half of 2026.

    The Transport Integration and Placemaking projects are being delivered through Transport for NSW’s Rail Service Improvement Program, in partnership with Wollongong City Council and Sydney Trains.

    This announcement comes as Transport for NSW has approved an extension of Wollongong City Council’s shared e-scooter trial until 30 June 2025.

    In the first 12 months of the trial with operator Neuron Mobility, 165,000 e-scooter trips were taken in the Wollongong local government area – with riders collectively clocking up over 316,000 kilometres, enough to ride around Australia over 20 times.

    In addition to extending its trial, the council is also exploring options to expand the trial footprint, to support more people riding shared e-scooters to reach their destinations.

    Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Jo Haylen MP:

    “This is an exciting and incredibly important investment for the people of Wollongong.

    “Given there are 25 train stations in the Wollongong Local Government area, there is a growing need to ensure pedestrians and cyclists can connect to these public transport hubs as safely and easily as possible.

    “Sheltered bicycle storage, new refuge crossings and street lighting with CCTV are just some of the many projects we will be rolling out to support the community.

    “We know people in the Illawarra love active transport, so making it easier for people to make the most of these last mile connections is essential.

    “Extending the Wollongong e-scooter trial until June next year is a big added bonus too.

    “All of these small but meaningful investments dotted along the coast will make neighborhoods across the Illawarra better connected.”

    Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park MP:

    “It’s not every day that 11 trains stations receive much needed upgrades, but that’s exactly what is happening here in the Illawarra.

    “These small and important investments will make it so much easier for families to access their station, and safely lock their bike up there for the day.

    “Upgrades to lighting, footpaths and crossings will also go a long way to improving the overall safety and access for commuters and tourists alike.”

    Quotes attributable to the Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP:

    “I’ve said before Wollongong is the best city in the world to ride a bike, now it’s the best place to ride an e-scooter.

    I am pleased that council is also exploring expanding the eScooter trial zone to potentially include Port Kembla and that’s really exciting.

    “The upgrades to stations and improved connections to Corrimal Station will make for a better public transport experience for current and future residents.”

    Quotes attributable to the Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson MP:

    “After its recent accessibility upgrade, it’s exciting to see Dapto Station is once again receiving welcome investment from the Minns Labor Government. The new sheltered bike racks are a big win for our community and will make it easier to ride to the station, for those who want to.”

    Quotes attributable to the Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP:

    “Lawrence Hargrave Drive is the main artery connecting the villages along the coast. As a result, it’s incredibly busy and a challenge for pedestrians to cross. I really welcome the new pedestrian refuges that will make it safer for people to cross the road, as well as the other investments being made for our local stations.

    “Works being undertaken at our train stations and roadways are crucial after they were neglected by the former Liberal National State government. The upgrades at Austinmer in particular, are changes I have campaigned on, I am thrilled the Minns Labor Government will be delivering these upgrades!”

    Quotes attributable to the Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Tania Brown:

    “Projects like these upgrades to Murray Road, and other locations around Wollongong, will assist people to comfortably and safely walk, roll, cycle or scoot to and from train stations that link our city.

    “We welcome the grant funding from the NSW Government and will continue to look for ways to collaborate with Transport for NSW to improve the public and active transport system across Wollongong.

    “We’re pleased to see an extension of the trial to 30 June 2025 to allow Council to work with Transport for NSW to continue to learn about e-scooter use and the further opportunities the shared scheme offers to support e-micromobility across Wollongong.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Approves $825 Million to Helene Survivors and Communities, President Biden and Administrator Criswell Travel to Florida

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Biden-Harris Administration Approves $825 Million to Helene Survivors and Communities, President Biden and Administrator Criswell Travel to Florida

    Biden-Harris Administration Approves $825 Million to Helene Survivors and Communities, President Biden and Administrator Criswell Travel to Florida

    FEMA received over 250,000 applications for assistance in one day, making it the busiest day in the agency’s history for registrations

    WASHINGTON – FEMA remains fully committed to assisting survivors affected by Helene and Milton as response teams work tirelessly to address immediate needs. 

    Today, President Biden and FEMA Administrator Criswell traveled to St. Petersburg, Florida to visit areas impacted by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. On Friday, in response to Milton, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, unlocking federal funds for survivors in 34 counties for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Survivors also have access to Serious Needs Assistance, for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. 

    Yesterday, FEMA experienced a record-breaking day with over 250,000 applications, making it the busiest day in FEMA history for registrations inclusive of all storms. Applying online at disasterassistance.gov is the best way to apply for assistance.

    Throughout the Southeast, over 9,600 total federal personnel are deployed, including 4,100 FEMA personnel on the ground, working closely with state officials to ensure survivors receive the support they need. As of today, FEMA has approved $474 million in assistance for individuals and communities affected and over $351 million for debris removal and activities to save lives, protect public health and safety and prevent damage to public and private property.

    Hurricane Milton Recovery Update

    While Hurricane Milton has passed, people in Milton-affected areas should continue following safety guidance from local officials – stay clear of downed power lines and continue to practice power outage and generator safety. 

    Power Restoration: Power restoration efforts have significantly improved across the region following Hurricane Milton. Crews have continued to work around the clock and have restored over 71% of the power outages.  

    Debris: FEMA is currently working with state and local officials on debris removal plans for areas affected by the storms. Residents should pay attention to local guidance related to debris removal in their area.  

    Staffing: More than 800 FEMA staff are on the ground providing support to affected communities. FEMA mobilized search and rescue teams, disaster response units and vital resources across Florida. Urban Search and Rescue continues to support state search and rescue teams, the National Guard, and local authorities. Federal teams supplemented the state’s critical operations such as water rescues, Emergency Operations Center support, volunteer and donations management and fire/HAZMAT response.

    Sheltering: Over 40 shelters are currently housing over 2,700 people impacted by Milton, a significant decrease from nearly 13,000 earlier in the week.  

    Commodities: FEMA has delivered more than 1.2 million meals and 392,000 liters of water to augment the state’s supplies. FEMA has an additional 7.2 million meals and 4 million liters of water available to support survivors of Hurricane Milton, ensuring critical supplies are ready for immediate distribution. 

    Hurricane Helene Recovery Updates

    FEMA has approved $474 million in federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene survivors and over $351 million in public assistance funding to help communities rebuild.  
     
    Hurricane Helene recovery efforts continue, with federal responders working throughout the region to provide immediate and long-term support. FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open across the region to provide support.

    The agency is actively working alongside state, local and tribal partners to assess damage and support those affected by Helene. Over 9,600 personnel from across the federal workforce, including FEMA staff, are deployed to affected communities. To date, FEMA has delivered over 12.6 million meals and more than 12.8 million liters of water to the region. 

    Disaster survivors in certain areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated areas should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Helene.   

    There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:  

    Support for North Carolina

    Financial Support: FEMA has approved more than $86 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 66,800 households.

    Power and Cellular Restoration: More than 96% of originally reported power outages have been restored. Cellular restoration continues to improve, with more than 93% of cellular sites in service as of today.  

    Staffing: As response efforts continue in North Carolina, more than 1,250 FEMA staff are on the ground providing support to affected communities. Over 350 Urban Search and Rescue personnel remain in the field helping people. These teamshave rescued or supported over 3,100 survivors to date.

    Sheltering: More than 2,225 families who cannot return home are staying in safe and clean lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, residents in declared counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. FEMA will notify applicants of their eligibility for this assistance through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance. Shelter numbers continue to decline, with 14 shelters housing just over 500 occupants. 

    Commodities: Commodity distribution, mass feeding, and hydration operations remain in areas of western North Carolina. Voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. Mobile feeding operations are helping survivors in heavily affected areas, including mass feeding sites in Buncombe and Watauga counties serving locations across the impacted areas. 

    Resources

    • There are more than 300 Disaster Survivor Assistance members supporting neighborhoods in four counties to connect survivors with the assistance they need.
    • There are four Disaster Recovery Centers now open, where survivors can speak directly with FEMA and state personnel for assistance with their recovery.  To find the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.
    • Residents can visit: ncdps.gov/helene to get information and additional assistance.  
    • Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.  

    Support for Florida

    As Helene recovery efforts continue in Florida, FEMA has approved more than $164 million for over 53,700 households. FEMA specialists are canvassing Florida communities affected by Helene to help survivors apply for assistance. Additionally, FEMA inspectors are visiting applicants’ homes to verify disaster-caused damage.

    There are 82 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and three Disaster Recovery Centers are open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Additional centers will reopen following assessments to the facilities impacted by Milton. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.  

    Support for South Carolina

    As recovery efforts continue in South Carolina, FEMA has approved over $114 million for more than 129,500 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties, continuing to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    There are 76 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and one Disaster Recovery Center is open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Residents with questions on Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133. 

    Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information. 

    Support for Georgia

    FEMA has approved over $94 million for more than 99,800 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    There are 129 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and two Disaster Recovery Centers are open with another opening today where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Resources: Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene. 

    Support for Virginia  

    To date, FEMA has approved over $3.9 million for over 1,220 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties, helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

    There are about 40 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and three Disaster Recovery Centers open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at: Recover – Hurricane Helene | VDEM (vaemergency.gov)

    Support for Tennessee

    FEMA has approved more than $10 million for disaster assistance for over 2,036 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties, helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

    There are more than 40 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors without cell coverage or power.

    Counties continue to establish donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.

    Voluntary Organizations

    Voluntary organizations are also providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has hundreds of trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters. Additionally, they are helping find loved ones through their helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Reunification page where people can enter pertinent information about the person they’re looking for. If someone is missing a child related to this disaster or any other incident, they need to call 9-1-1 and then 1-800-THE-LOST to receive assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

    FEMA remains steadfast in its mission to support survivors as they begin their recovery from these historic storms. The agency will continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by Milton and Helene.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Overnight closure of SH1 Silverdale-Warkworth on Mon 21 Oct

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising motorists of a full closure to both northbound and southbound traffic on State Highway 1 between Silverdale and Warkworth from 9pm on Monday 21 October to 3am on Tuesday 22 October.

    Waka Kotahi will be working with Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and NZ Police to stage an emergency exercise in the Johnstones Hill Tunnel during this time.

    Light vehicles will be detoured via Hibiscus Coast Road and Old State Highway 1. 

    Overweight vehicles will not be able to use Grand Drive in Orewa due to weight restrictions. 

    These emergency exercises are part of an ongoing programme at both the Johnstones Hill Tunnel, Waterview Tunnel and Victoria Park Tunnel and enable emergency response teams to practice, review and update emergency response protocols.

    This closure is weather dependent and may change from advertised dates.

    Please take care when travelling through our work sites and watch out for our crews. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the directions of traffic management staff and signs.

    NZTA thanks everyone in advance for your patience and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4331-4333: Today’s Rover ABC – Aurora, Backwards Driving, and Chemistry, with a Side of Images

    Source: NASA

    4 min read

    Earth planning date: Friday, Oct. 11, 2024

    This blogger is in the United Kingdom, just north of London, where we yesterday had beautiful night skies with a red aurora that was even visible with the unaided eye, and looked stunning on photographs. That reminded me of the solar storm that made it all the way to Mars earlier this year. Here is my colleague Deborah’s blog about it: “Aurora Watch on Mars.” And, of course, that was a great opportunity to do atmospheric science and prepare for future crewed missions, to assess radiation that future astronauts might encounter. You can read about it in the article, “NASA Watches Mars Light Up During Epic Solar Storm.” But now, back from shiny red night skies north of London, and auroras on Mars six months ago, to today’s planning!

    Power — always a negotiation! Today, I was the Science Operations Working Group chair, the one who has to watch for the more technical side of things, such as the question if all the activities will fit into the plan. Today there were many imaging ideas to capture the stunning landscape in detail with Mastcam and very close close-ups with the long-distance imaging capability of ChemCam (RMI). Overall, we have two long-distance RMIs in the plan to capture the details of the ridge we are investigating. You can see in the accompanying image an example from last sol of just how many stunning details we can see. I so want to go and pick up that smooth white-ish looking rock to find out if it is just the light that makes it so bright, or if the surface is different from the underside… but that’s just me, a mineralogist by training, used to wandering around a field site! Do you notice the different patterns — textures as we call them in geology — on the rocks to the left of that white-ish rock and the right of it? So much stunning detail, and we are getting two more RMI observations of 10 frames each in today’s plan! In addition there are more than 80 Mastcam frames planned. Lots of images to learn from!

    Chemistry is also featuring in the plan. The rover is stable on its wheels, which means we can get the arm out and do an APXS measurement on the target “Midnight Lake,” which MAHLI also images. The LIBS investigations are seconding the APXS investigation on Midnight Lake, and add another target to the plan, “Pyramidal Pinnacle.” On the third sol there is an AEGIS, the LIBS measurement where the rover picks its own target before we here on Earth even see where it is! Power was especially tight today, because the CheMin team does some housekeeping, in particular looking at empty cells in preparation for the next drill. The atmosphere team adds many investigations to look out for dust devils and the dustiness of the atmosphere, and APXS measures the argon content of the atmosphere. This is a measure for the seasonal changes of the atmosphere, as argon is an inert gas that does not react with other components of the atmosphere. It is only controlled by the temperature in various places of the planet — mainly the poles. DAN continues to monitor water in the subsurface, and RAD — prominently featured during the solar storm I was talking about earlier — continues to collect data on the radiation environment.

    Let’s close with a fun fact from planning today: During one of the meetings, the rover drivers were asked, “Are you driving backwards again?” … and the answer was yes! The reason: We need to make sure that in this rugged terrain, with its many interesting walls (interesting for the geologists!), the antenna can still see Earth when we want to send the plan. So the drive on sol 4332 is all backwards. I am glad we have hazard cameras on the front and the back of the vehicle!

    Written by Susanne Schwenzer, Planetary Geologist at The Open University

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Major investment deals set to be announced at government’s inaugural International Investment Summit as PM vows to ‘remove needless regulation’ declaring Britain open for business

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    Billions worth of investments in emerging growth sectors including AI and life sciences, and infrastructure are set to be unveiled by businesses and ministers at the government’s inaugural International Investment Summit today.

    • Ministers set to unveil billions worth of major investment deals in AI, life sciences and infrastructure
    • Follows investment of £24 billion in clean energy from business leaders hailing the UK’s “clear policy direction”
    • Comes as leading investors, CEOs, and politicians convene for inaugural International Investment Summit
    • PM vows to “do everything in my power to galvanise growth” as he pledges to “get rid of regulation that needlessly holds back investment”

    Billions worth of investments in emerging growth sectors including AI and life sciences, and infrastructure are set to be unveiled by businesses and ministers at the government’s inaugural International Investment Summit today (Monday 14th October).

    World leading CEO’s and investors from across the globe will meet with ministers, First Ministers, and local leaders at the Guildhall – a historic landmark which has served as the ceremonial heart of the City of London for centuries. 

    Securing investment is central to the government’s mission to deliver economic growth which will create jobs, improve living standards, and make communities and families across the country better off.  

    The government has already secured tens of billions worth of investments within 100 days of being in office. The International Investment Summit will provide an opportunity to build on this progress and showcase the UK’s economic strengths. The event will demonstrate that through serious, stable governance, the UK can establish enduring partnerships with businesses to boost investment and give investors the confidence they need to choose Britain. 

    In a sign of intent to deliver on its central promise, this government has immediately made a series of major interventions to restore economic stability and create the right conditions for growth and investment. Business leaders this week hailed the UK’s “clear policy direction” as they announced over £24 billion worth of investment in clean energy projects.

    The government’s policy platform – including bolstering the Office for Investment, a robust Industrial Strategy, major planning reforms to unlock infrastructure and housing, and founding a National Wealth Fund to catalyse private money – will attract investment, kickstart growth, and unlock Britain’s potential. 

    In his keynote speech opening the summit, the Prime Minister will outline how the government will build on this work, with a vow to “do everything in my power to galvanise growth including getting rid of regulation that needlessly holds back investment.” 

    He is expected to say not enough has been done to make sure the UK is keeping pace with emerging industries. He will pledge to “upgrade the regulatory regime to make it fit for the modern age, making Britain fit to harness all opportunities.”

    In his keynote speech, the Prime Minister will make his ‘pitch for Britain’. On the value of stability, the Prime Minister is expected to say: 

    “It’s not just that stability leads to growth – though we all recognise that. It’s also that growth leads to stability. Growth leads to a country that is better equipped to come together and get its future back. That’s why it’s always been so critical to my project.

    “We have a golden opportunity to use our mandate, to end chop and change, policy churn and sticking plasters that make it so hard for investors to assess the value of any proposition. 

    “We have the determination, the focus on clear long-term ends, a mission-led mindset that thinks in years, not the days or hours of the news grid, needed to unlock that potential. Do not doubt that. 

    “We are focusing on investment because the mission of growth, in this country especially, demands it. Private sector investment is the way we rebuild our country and pay our way in the world. This is a great moment to back Britain. This is great moment to back England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.”

    On regulation, he is expected to say: 

    “We’ve got to look at regulation where it is needlessly holding back the investment, to take our country forward.

    “Where it is stopping us building the homes, the data centres, warehouses, grid connectors, roads, trainlines, you name it then mark my words – we will get rid of it.

    “We will rip out the bureaucracy that blocks investment and we will make sure that every regulator in this country take growth as seriously as this room does.”

    The government will ask the CMA to prioritise growth, investment, and innovation through their work as a priority and it will also be reviewing the focus of other major regulators. 

    The regulatory review is just one part of the government’s work ensuring Britain is at the front of the queue for emerging opportunities. It builds on the recent creation of the Regulatory Innovation Office, which will curb red tape for cutting-edge emerging technologies, speed up approvals, and allow them to be rolled out to the public safely and quickly. 

    These changes come at the same time as the government delivers on a key manifesto promise to establish a modern Industrial Strategy. Long called for by business, the strategy hardwires long-term stability for investors and plays to the UK’s strengths by focusing on eight growth-driving sectors. 

    The summit will involve sessions with ministers and business leaders to discuss how together we can ensure the UK capitalises on emerging growth sectors including health tech and AI, clean energy and creative industries, for the good of working people. Confirmed speakers including Ruth Porat President & Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet, David A. Ricks Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly, Alex Kendall CEO of Wayve and Pushmeet Kohli Vice President of Research at Google DeepMind. 

    The Prime Minister will take part in an “in conversation” event with former CEO and chairman of Google Eric Schmidt, moderated by CEO of GSK Dame Emma Walmsley to discuss how the UK can seize the opportunities of AI to drive growth and productivity, and it’s potential to improve public services such as health and education.

    The Chancellor will close the summit and take part in a panel event discussing investment opportunities in the UK with Group Chief Executive of USS Carol Young, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock Larry Fink and CEO of Brookfield Asset Management Bruce Flatt.

    Attendees will then be invited to an exclusive reception at St Paul’s Cathedral attended by His Majesty The King. 

    Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson OBE said: 

    “It’s never been a better time to invest in Britain. This summit is a hugely significant moment to showcase the UK’s economic strengths on the world stage and I’m delighted to be part of the government’s important work to drive growth and investment across the UK.”

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: 

    “I’m delighted to be attending the International Investment Summit. With a new government, we are reclaiming Britain’s reputation as a magnet for global investment – bringing with it new technology, new ways of thinking and, crucially, new jobs across our country, meaning higher living standards.  

    “London and the UK are open for business, trade and investment. I will continue working with the Government to forge new partnerships, reset relationships and seize the opportunity to secure long-term investment so that we can build a better London for everyone and deliver the change Britain needs.”

    Alex Kendall, Co-Founder and CEO of Wayve, said: 

    “I’m delighted to join the inaugural International Investment Summit. The UK has a strong opportunity to lead in Embodied AI, especially in automated vehicles. 

    “We appreciate the Government’s proactive collaboration with industry on intelligent legislation like the AV Act 2024. Their sector-specific approach to AI regulation is the right way to encourage both investment and innovation. 

    “As we advance our Embodied AI technology into safe, reliable, production-ready software for global automakers, we look forward to continuing to work with the Government to harmonise global regulations and scale UK innovation internationally.”

    Ruth Porat Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet Inc said:

    “Google is proud of our long history of meaningful investments in local talent, infrastructure and digital skilling in the UK which help everyone participate in the benefits of the digital economy. With the UK’s rich academic heritage, particularly in the sciences, it is well-positioned to capture the many opportunities that AI can deliver. 

    “The Investment Summit is an important moment to reflect on the progress to date, and how to best position the UK as a global leader in AI, with the economic and societal benefits this transformative technology can deliver today, and in the years ahead.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Coalition seizes Newspoll lead, but other polls have Labor improving

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    A national Newspoll, conducted October 7–11 from a sample of 1,258, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a one-point gain for the Coalition since the previous Newspoll, three weeks ago. After three 50–50 ties in a row, this is the first time this term the Coalition has led in Newspoll.

    Primary votes were 38% Coalition (steady), 31% Labor (steady), 12% Greens (down one), 7% One Nation (up one) and 12% for all Others (steady). By 2022 election preference flows, these primary votes would normally give a 50–50 tie, so rounding probably contributed to the Coalition’s lead.

    Anthony Albanese’s net approval slumped six points to -14, his worst this term in Newspoll, with 54% dissatisfied and 40% satisfied. Peter Dutton’s net approval improved one point to -14. Albanese led Dutton as better PM by 45–37 (46–37 previously).

    The graph below shows Albanese’s Newspoll net approval ratings this term. The data points are marked with plus signs and a smoothed line has been fitted. Albanese’s net approval has been below -10 in two of the last three Newspolls, causing the trend line to turn down.

    Other federal polls last week had improvements for Labor, and Essential and Resolve last week both suggest the Middle East conflict has had virtually no impact on Australian party support. It’s possible this Newspoll is a pro-Coalition outlier.

    Labor’s primary improves in Resolve poll

    A national Resolve poll for Nine newspapers, conducted October 1–5 from a sample of 1,606, gave the Coalition 38% of the primary vote (up one since September), Labor 30% (up two), the Greens 12% (down one), One Nation 5% (down one), independents 12% (steady) and others 3% (down one).

    Resolve doesn’t usually give a two-party estimate, but applying 2022 preference flows to the primary votes would give Labor about a 51–49 lead, unchanged from September.

    Albanese’s net approval was unchanged at -18, with 53% giving him a poor rating and 35% a good rating. Dutton’s net approval improved one point to -1. Albanese led Dutton by 38–35 as preferred PM, a slight increase from 35–34 in September.

    The Liberals led Labor by 38–26 on economic management (37–26 in September). On keeping the cost of living low, the Liberals led by 31–24 (32–25 previously).

    By 58–29, respondents said they would struggle to afford an expense of a few thousand dollars (57–31 in May). This is the highest “struggle to afford” since Resolve started tracking this question in February 2023, but Labor can take some comfort from the little change since May.

    Asked who was most responsible for rising living costs, 36% selected the federal government, 13% global factors, 13% businesses, 12% the Reserve Bank and 8% state and territory governments. Labor incumbent Jim Chalmers led the Liberals’ Angus Taylor as preferred treasurer by 24–18.

    If Australians could vote in the US presidential election, Kamala Harris would lead Donald Trump by 52–21 (50–25 in September). Before Joe Biden’s withdrawal in July, he led Trump by just 26–22 with Australians with 31% for “someone else”. Harris’ net likeability is +24, Trump’s is -47 and Biden’s is -25.

    Labor gains lead in Essential poll

    A national Essential poll, conducted October 2–6 from a sample of 1,139, gave Labor a 49–47 lead including undecided (48–47 to the Coalition in late September). Primary votes were 34% Coalition (down one), 32% Labor (up three), 12% Greens (steady), 8% One Nation (steady), 1% UAP (down one), 9% for all Others (steady) and 5% undecided (steady).

    On Israel’s military action, 32% said Israel should permanently withdraw from Gaza (down seven since August), 19% said Israel is justified (up two), 18% said Israel should agree to a temporary ceasefire (down three) and 32% were unsure (up eight).

    On the Australian government’s response, 56% were satisfied (up five since August), 30% thought the government too supportive of Israel (down two) and 14% too harsh on Israel (down two).

    By 40–27, voters would support a road user tax for electric vehicle drivers. Just 2% thought the gap between the rich and poor was decreasing, 71% thought it was increasing and 27% staying the same. On Australia’s political system, 48% thought it needs reform but is fundamentally sound, 40% said it needs fundamental change and just 12% said it’s working well.

    Morgan poll tied

    A national Morgan poll, conducted September 30 to October 6 from a sample of 1,697, had a 50–50 tie, a one-point gain for Labor since the September 23–29 poll.

    Primary votes were 37.5% Coalition (down 0.5), 31.5% Labor (up 1.5), 12.5% Greens (down one), 5.5% One Nation (up one), 9% independents (down 0.5) and 4% others (down 0.5).

    The headline figure uses respondent preferences. By 2022 election preference flows, Labor led by 52–48, a 0.5-point gain for Labor.

    ACT election and NSW byelections this Saturday

    The ACT uses the Hare Clark proportional method with five five-member electorates to elect its 25-member parliament, so a quota for election is one-sixth of the vote or 16.7%. The ACT is easily Australia’s most left-wing jurisdiction, and Labor has governed since 2001, often in coalition with the Greens. In 2020, Labor won ten seats, the Liberals nine and the Greens six.

    There will also be three NSW state byelections this Saturday in the Liberal-held seats of Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater. Labor won’t be contesting any of these byelections. In Pittwater, Liberal Rory Amon defeated independent Jacqui Scruby by 50.7–49.3 at the 2023 state election. Amon resigned after being charged with child sex offences and Scruby will contest the byelection.

    NSW and Victorian state polls

    A NSW state Resolve poll for The Sydney Morning Herald, conducted with the federal September and October Resolve polls from a sample of 1,111, gave the Coalition 37% of the primary vote (down one since August), Labor 32% (up two), the Greens 11% (down one), independents 14% (steady) and others 6% (steady).

    The Poll Bludger said the primary votes suggested a “slight two-party advantage to Labor”. Labor incumbent Chris Minns led the Liberals’ Mark Speakman as preferred premier by 37–14 (38–13 in August).

    By 61–23, voters thought the NSW government is not doing enough to help renters. By 53–19, they thought the government should put aside money towards future metro rail projects.

    A Victorian state Redbridge poll, conducted September 26 to October 3 from a sample of 1,516, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a one-point gain for the Coalition since a late July Redbridge poll. Primary votes were 40% Coalition (steady), 30% Labor (down one), 12% Greens (steady) and 18% for all Others (up one).

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Coalition seizes Newspoll lead, but other polls have Labor improving – https://theconversation.com/coalition-seizes-newspoll-lead-but-other-polls-have-labor-improving-240785

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major investment deals set to be announced at government’s inaugural International Investment Summit as PM vows to ‘remove needless regulation’ declaring Britain open for business

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Billions worth of investments in emerging growth sectors including AI and life sciences, and infrastructure are set to be unveiled by businesses and ministers at the government’s inaugural International Investment Summit today.

    • Ministers set to unveil billions worth of major investment deals in AI, life sciences and infrastructure
    • Follows investment of £24 billion in clean energy from business leaders hailing the UK’s “clear policy direction”
    • Comes as leading investors, CEOs, and politicians convene for inaugural International Investment Summit
    • PM vows to “do everything in my power to galvanise growth” as he pledges to “get rid of regulation that needlessly holds back investment”

    Billions worth of investments in emerging growth sectors including AI and life sciences, and infrastructure are set to be unveiled by businesses and ministers at the government’s inaugural International Investment Summit today (Monday 14th October).

    World leading CEO’s and investors from across the globe will meet with ministers, First Ministers, and local leaders at the Guildhall – a historic landmark which has served as the ceremonial heart of the City of London for centuries. 

    Securing investment is central to the government’s mission to deliver economic growth which will create jobs, improve living standards, and make communities and families across the country better off.  

    The government has already secured tens of billions worth of investments within 100 days of being in office. The International Investment Summit will provide an opportunity to build on this progress and showcase the UK’s economic strengths. The event will demonstrate that through serious, stable governance, the UK can establish enduring partnerships with businesses to boost investment and give investors the confidence they need to choose Britain. 

    In a sign of intent to deliver on its central promise, this government has immediately made a series of major interventions to restore economic stability and create the right conditions for growth and investment. Business leaders this week hailed the UK’s “clear policy direction” as they announced over £24 billion worth of investment in clean energy projects.

    The government’s policy platform – including bolstering the Office for Investment, a robust Industrial Strategy, major planning reforms to unlock infrastructure and housing, and founding a National Wealth Fund to catalyse private money – will attract investment, kickstart growth, and unlock Britain’s potential. 

    In his keynote speech opening the summit, the Prime Minister will outline how the government will build on this work, with a vow to “do everything in my power to galvanise growth including getting rid of regulation that needlessly holds back investment.” 

    He is expected to say not enough has been done to make sure the UK is keeping pace with emerging industries. He will pledge to “upgrade the regulatory regime to make it fit for the modern age, making Britain fit to harness all opportunities.”

    In his keynote speech, the Prime Minister will make his ‘pitch for Britain’. On the value of stability, the Prime Minister is expected to say: 

    “It’s not just that stability leads to growth – though we all recognise that. It’s also that growth leads to stability. Growth leads to a country that is better equipped to come together and get its future back. That’s why it’s always been so critical to my project.

    “We have a golden opportunity to use our mandate, to end chop and change, policy churn and sticking plasters that make it so hard for investors to assess the value of any proposition. 

    “We have the determination, the focus on clear long-term ends, a mission-led mindset that thinks in years, not the days or hours of the news grid, needed to unlock that potential. Do not doubt that. 

    “We are focusing on investment because the mission of growth, in this country especially, demands it. Private sector investment is the way we rebuild our country and pay our way in the world. This is a great moment to back Britain. This is great moment to back England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.”

    On regulation, he is expected to say: 

    “We’ve got to look at regulation where it is needlessly holding back the investment, to take our country forward.

    “Where it is stopping us building the homes, the data centres, warehouses, grid connectors, roads, trainlines, you name it then mark my words – we will get rid of it.

    “We will rip out the bureaucracy that blocks investment and we will make sure that every regulator in this country take growth as seriously as this room does.”

    The government will ask the CMA to prioritise growth, investment, and innovation through their work as a priority and it will also be reviewing the focus of other major regulators. 

    The regulatory review is just one part of the government’s work ensuring Britain is at the front of the queue for emerging opportunities. It builds on the recent creation of the Regulatory Innovation Office, which will curb red tape for cutting-edge emerging technologies, speed up approvals, and allow them to be rolled out to the public safely and quickly. 

    These changes come at the same time as the government delivers on a key manifesto promise to establish a modern Industrial Strategy. Long called for by business, the strategy hardwires long-term stability for investors and plays to the UK’s strengths by focusing on eight growth-driving sectors. 

    The summit will involve sessions with ministers and business leaders to discuss how together we can ensure the UK capitalises on emerging growth sectors including health tech and AI, clean energy and creative industries, for the good of working people. Confirmed speakers including Ruth Porat President & Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet, David A. Ricks Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly, Alex Kendall CEO of Wayve and Pushmeet Kohli Vice President of Research at Google DeepMind. 

    The Prime Minister will take part in an “in conversation” event with former CEO and chairman of Google Eric Schmidt, moderated by CEO of GSK Dame Emma Walmsley to discuss how the UK can seize the opportunities of AI to drive growth and productivity, and it’s potential to improve public services such as health and education.

    The Chancellor will close the summit and take part in a panel event discussing investment opportunities in the UK with Group Chief Executive of USS Carol Young, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock Larry Fink and CEO of Brookfield Asset Management Bruce Flatt.

    Attendees will then be invited to an exclusive reception at St Paul’s Cathedral attended by His Majesty The King. 

    Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson OBE said: 

    “It’s never been a better time to invest in Britain. This summit is a hugely significant moment to showcase the UK’s economic strengths on the world stage and I’m delighted to be part of the government’s important work to drive growth and investment across the UK.”

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: 

    “I’m delighted to be attending the International Investment Summit. With a new government, we are reclaiming Britain’s reputation as a magnet for global investment – bringing with it new technology, new ways of thinking and, crucially, new jobs across our country, meaning higher living standards.  

    “London and the UK are open for business, trade and investment. I will continue working with the Government to forge new partnerships, reset relationships and seize the opportunity to secure long-term investment so that we can build a better London for everyone and deliver the change Britain needs.”

    Alex Kendall, Co-Founder and CEO of Wayve, said: 

    “I’m delighted to join the inaugural International Investment Summit. The UK has a strong opportunity to lead in Embodied AI, especially in automated vehicles. 

    “We appreciate the Government’s proactive collaboration with industry on intelligent legislation like the AV Act 2024. Their sector-specific approach to AI regulation is the right way to encourage both investment and innovation. 

    “As we advance our Embodied AI technology into safe, reliable, production-ready software for global automakers, we look forward to continuing to work with the Government to harmonise global regulations and scale UK innovation internationally.”

    Ruth Porat Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet Inc said:

    “Google is proud of our long history of meaningful investments in local talent, infrastructure and digital skilling in the UK which help everyone participate in the benefits of the digital economy. With the UK’s rich academic heritage, particularly in the sciences, it is well-positioned to capture the many opportunities that AI can deliver. 

    “The Investment Summit is an important moment to reflect on the progress to date, and how to best position the UK as a global leader in AI, with the economic and societal benefits this transformative technology can deliver today, and in the years ahead.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli tanks ‘forcibly enter’ UN position in southern Lebanon

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Sept. 22, 2024 shows a UNIFIL patrol vehicle in Marjeyoun, southern Lebanon. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Sunday that two Israeli tanks destroyed the main gate of one of its positions in southern Lebanon and “forcibly entered” the site after blocking its movement the previous day.

    “At approximately 4:30 in the morning, while the peacekeeping soldiers were in shelters, two Merkava tanks belonging to the Israeli army destroyed the main gate of the position and entered by force. The tanks left about 45 minutes later,” UNIFIL said in a statement, referring to a position in the Ramyah area on the Lebanese side of the border.

    According to UNIFIL, the breach was part of recent Israeli violations against UN forces and positions over the weekend.

    “At approximately 6:40 in the morning, peacekeepers in the same location reported multiple bursts of gunfire 100 meters north, creating dense smoke. Despite wearing protective masks, 15 peacekeepers experienced symptoms such as skin irritation and stomach issues after the smoke entered the base. They are receiving treatment,” the statement added.

    In addition, UNIFIL reported that on Saturday, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers prevented a critical UNIFIL logistical movement near the southeast village of Mays al-Jabal.

    “Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701,” UNIFIL stated, adding that it has “requested an explanation from the IDF for these shocking violations.”

    Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been carrying out an intense air campaign on Lebanon, dubbed “Arrows of the North,” amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The campaign has included attacks on UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, injuring at least five UN peacekeepers over the past week.

    On Sunday, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attacks. Responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier remarks urging the UN to “get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way” from southern Lebanon, Mikati said this “represents a new chapter in the enemy’s disregard for international legitimacy and its relevant resolutions.”

    “Lebanon, while condemning Netanyahu’s position and the Israeli aggression against UNIFIL, reaffirms its commitment to international legitimacy, Resolution 1701, and the role of the United Nations forces in the south, and demands that the international community take a firm stand to halt Israeli aggression,” Mikati added.

    Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire along the Lebanon-Israel border, raising fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel rages in the Gaza Strip.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Songs of freedom: Unplugging rules that prevent venues choosing their music

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Songs of freedom: Unplugging rules that prevent venues choosing their music

    Published: 13 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    Baffling restrictions on licensed venues that include “no entertainment” clauses are being torn up as part of the Minns Labor Government’s committment to bring back live music and nightlife to Sydney and across the state.

    Red tape that has built up in the system includes development consent conditions that specify what genre of music can be played at a venue – or stipulate that only a soloist, duo or trio can play, while a band is out of bounds.

    Specific approval conditions in some cases get so granular as to allow a cover band to play a venue but prevent original music being performed – or prevent live entertainment altogether.

    Pocket Bar in Terrigal has been forced to turn away a choir for having more than three members.

    Barangaroo House operates under conditions that make strobe lights and a disco ball a contravention.

    At the Mitch Hotel in Alexandria, management has wanted to stage acoustic music on Sunday afternoons but have been prevented by no entertainment restrictions in their venue’s Development Consent.

    Erskineville Hotel is barred from providing entertainment and Petersham Public House can’t have amplified music in the beer garden.

    At the South Dubbo Tavern, licence restrictions included a clause on hosting “small cover bands” rather than original rock bands. This effectively meant the Tavern could host an AC/DC cover band but if Angus Young came to town he would be unable to plug in his guitar and play Thunderstruck.

    Councils can currently apply “no entertainment” clauses regardless of the type of entertainment, noise impacts or community desire. This can mean even a mime artist is technically not allowed to perform at a local venue.

    Giving musical programming back to the venues that know their audiences is another milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s crusade against pointless red tape on going-out. This will be delivered in the second tranche of the Vibrancy Reforms, along with:

    Ending the antiquated rule that prevents people living within five kilometres of a registered club from signing in without first becoming a member
    Binning the restriction on outdoor dining approvals that prevented patrons from standing while drinking outside a licenced premises.

    The first round of Vibrancy Reforms delivered improvements that:

    • Permanently relaxed rules for outdoor dining to allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space
    • Ended single noise complaints from shutting down pubs and other licensed venues
    • Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play)
    • Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife
    • Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance
    • Created easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups.

    Stifling rules have diminished opportunities for artists in NSW and the right of communities to engage with new voices and be part of the emergence of the next big act from their local area.

    A number of Sydney venues are restricted to playing recorded music, locking out any additional opportunities for live performers.  Development consent conditions may even specify how many instruments can be played inside a venue.

    Similar conditions were removed from liquor licences by legislation in November 2020.

    At present, removing conditions requires venues to formally apply to council to modify the development consent, which is costly, time-consuming and not guaranteed to succeed. It also means more administrative burden for councils.

    Under the soon to be introduced second tranche Vibrancy Reforms, the outdated conditions will be turned off for all licensed venues in the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act. For hotels, clubs and small bars, the prohibition on live entertainment will also be overridden.

    Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

    “When it’s a DA not the DJ choosing the tracks, you know the system has lost its way.

    “People don’t want their local councillor or state minister deciding what they listen to and what live music they can see.

    “How can anyone have faith in rules that allow a cover band to play but tell the band that wrote the songs to hit the road?

    “The Vibrancy Reforms are remastering a tangle of red tape and restrictions that do not pass the pub test, quite literally.

    “This plan to remove red tape builds on the Minns Labor Government’s multi-faceted support for live music that offers extended trading for venues that stage live performance, soundproofing grants to help live venues prosper in their” neighbourhoods and direct support for musicians and roadies via the Touring and Travel Fund.”

    Minister for Planning Paul Scully said:

    “These proposed changes will provide greater clarity for venues that host live music and encourage even more venues to support live entertainment.

    “It’s a chance to support performers and provide even greater opportunities for the people of NSW to enjoy a great night, or day, out.”

    Mitch Hotel at Alexandria owner Brett Davis said:

    “Acoustic duos or trios on a Sunday afternoon is something else our patrons can enjoy and maybe draw some more people to the venue; we’re not looking to have DJ sets or big bands.

    “However, the costs and time to have the current condition removed is too excessive, so we have decided not to pursue it.

    “We welcome these proposed changes to support venues like ours.”

    CEO of House of Pocket Hospitality Group Karl Schlothauer

    “The existing restrictive consent conditions limit our engagement with the local creative community and places a ceiling on being able to creatively use the space.  It stops our ability to diversify the venue offerings, and you have to be able to do this in regional areas and particularly tourism areas like the Central Coast in order to have your business survive all year round.

    “If the conditions were removed, we would be able to employ more local artists and trial new things. The Central Coast has a large population of creative practitioners, but they are stifled in not having many venue opportunities to perform.

    Sydney-based PEPTALK band member Phoebe Sinclair said:

    “If venues can host entertainment more regularly without so many restrictions there will absolutely be more employment opportunities for musicians.

    “This in turn will help so many artists to actually work in the industry full time, as it can be a difficult leap without consistency in the live performance space.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Joseph R. Biden and FEMA Administrator Tour Damage in St. Petersburg Post Hurricanes

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Joseph R. Biden and FEMA Administrator Tour Damage in St. Petersburg Post Hurricanes

    President Joseph R. Biden and FEMA Administrator Tour Damage in St. Petersburg Post Hurricanes

    Today, President Joseph R. Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell met with federal, state and local officials as well as survivors to receive a briefing on the recovery efforts and tour the damage in areas of Florida impacted by two hurricanes less than a week apart.

    Throughout the Southeast, over 9,600 total federal personnel are deployed, including 4,100 FEMA personnel on the ground in Florida, working closely with state officials to ensure survivors receive the support they need.

    On Friday, Oct. 11, the President approved a major disaster declaration for 34 counties in Florida following Hurricane Milton. President Biden previously approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, Georgia North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. FEMA reported a record-breaking day on Oct. 12 with more than 250,000 applications received for disaster assistance. 

    Those affected by Hurricane Milton can now start to register for disaster assistance. In addition, Hurricane Helene survivors—who to date have been approved for over $474 million in federal disaster assistance—can also continue to apply for assistance. 

    FEMA encourages individuals to apply online as this remains the best way to apply for disaster assistance. The three ways to apply include visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App. Survivors may receive funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. 

    These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states impacted by Helene and Milton.

    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56331″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/1adfdc1ae08d66d832526d602202b69e.jpg?itok=V6aB1lMJ” alt=”Caption:

    St. Petersburgh, Fla – President Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell met with community members, local, state, federal officials and disaster survivors to talk about the ongoing Hurricane Milton recovery efforts. 

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    St. Petersburgh, Fla – President Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell met with community members, local, state, federal officials and disaster survivors to talk about the ongoing Hurricane Milton recovery efforts. 
    LAKEPORT, Florida – Florida Army National Guard members assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment load food, water and tarps into a vehicle at a point-of-distribution site. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army Guard)
    STARKE, Florida – Airmen from the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing, arrive at the National Guard Camp Blanding Joint Training Center to restock supplies for their continued missions in support for Hurricane Milton relief. (Photo credit: U.S. Army Guard) 
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56311″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/deebdbe219b8e886e70979f83d19e7dc.jpg?itok=TqaqbOxl” alt=”Caption: Tampa, FL – After Hurricane Milton, U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell makes a visit to Tampa and talks with Chris Whitler of Task Force 8, a Florida search and rescue team that primarily focuses on water-based rescues.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Tampa, FL – After Hurricane Milton, U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell visited Urban Search and Rescue and emergency workers primarily focused on water-based rescues.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56268″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/4f066b8ad59fa36135e4ab194c997003.jpg?itok=igLEwDnk” alt=”Caption: Greenville, SC (Oct. 11, 2024) – FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center is open to those affected by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Greenville, SC (Oct. 11, 2024) – FEMA continues to open Disaster Recovery Centers in the states impacted by Hurricane Helene. View this online resource for an update on locations for the Disaster Recovery Centers.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56291″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/30761d701e1ad8455bab482d304acb1a.jpg?itok=aQih8k7D” alt=”Caption: Fort Pierce, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Volunteers with a faith-based organization support survivors of Hurricane Milton.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Fort Pierce, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Volunteers with a faith-based organization support survivors of Hurricane Milton.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56302″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/74649b5a2cbeca184114d315e25946ad.jpg?itok=KQpymVeI” alt=”Caption: Tampa, FL – FEMA’s federal partner Health and Human Services (HHS) sent a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) from Alabama to Florida in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The 37 team members are supporting St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, as three of the local hospitals are closed due to the hurricane. The DMAT team members assemble their own emergency room and are doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, psychiatrists, paramedics, logistics, and security personnel and will stay until the mission is complete.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Tampa, FL – As part of the federal response, Health and Human Services (HHS) ASPR reassigned a NDMS Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) from Alabama to Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. This team is supporting St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The 37-person DMAT team consisting of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, psychiatrists, paramedics, logistics, and security personnel are augmenting the hospital staff and providing medical care to the community.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56325″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/81375e36d113f3799509b6f384e99cc0.jpg?itok=ArKAEY6d” alt=”Caption: Elizabethton, Tenn. (Oct. 11, 2024) – Salvation Army has joined the River’s Edge Fellowship to provide meals for the evening to local survivors affected by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Elizabethton, Tenn. (Oct. 11, 2024) – Salvation Army has
    joined the River’s Edge Fellowship to provide meals for the
    evening to local survivors affected by Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56308″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/eec42c5018f150321910c3b8d147069c.jpg?itok=fryygDUN” alt=”Caption: Jonesborough, Tenn. (Oct. 11, 2024) – FEMA and Red Cross representatives speak with a survivor at the state-initiated Multi-Agency Resource Center which includes the Small Business Administration and several local and state organizations to provide assistance to survivors of Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Jonesborough, Tenn. (Oct. 11, 2024) – FEMA and Red Cross representatives speak with a survivor at the state-initiated Multi-Agency Resource Center which includes the Small Business Administration and several local and state organizations to provide assistance to survivors of Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56202″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/f7fb86176346e14cbc56c8a24998d9ef.jpg?itok=HZuKFXDX” alt=”Caption:

    Smyth County, Va. (Oct. 10, 2024) – A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist leaves a flyer with information on applying for disaster assistance after Hurricane Helene at a home in Smyth County, Va., on Oct. 10.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Smyth County, Va. (Oct. 10, 2024) – A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist leaves a flyer with information on applying for disaster assistance after Hurricane Helene at a home in Smyth County, Va., on Oct. 10.

    FEMA’s Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor control web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Rumor Response.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New investment to make it safer and easier for primary school kids to walk and cycle to school

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 14 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Transport

    A brand new raised pedestrian crossing outside Ryde Public School is one of the projects being funded by the NSW Government to make it easier for kids to walk, ride or scoot to school.

    The new “wombat crossing” on Argyle Avenue, Ryde, will include fencing and concrete blisters to slow vehicles outside Ryde Public School, making it safer for kids to cross before and after school and for community members to access Top Ryde Shopping Centre.

    The new crossing is part of a $10 million Get Kids Active fund, a Minns Labor Government initiative that is delivering projects around primary schools that make it safer and more comfortable for students and their families to walking, scoot or ride to school.

    The new program, announced in early 2024, has seen grants of up to $800,000 secured by 24 councils to deliver new projects.

    The Get Kids Active program has also brought bike skills courses into the school yard, to increase kids’ confidence and safety awareness when on two wheels.

    So far, over 1000 students at 18 schools across NSW have enrolled in the school holiday courses, learning about safely crossing the road with their bikes, correct helmet fitting, riding on ramps and taking part in fun-filled activities like relays.

    The Get Kids Active program will give primary school children and their parents more confidence to ditch the car trip to and from school, and consider walking, bike riding, scootering or skateboarding instead.

    The funding announcement comes as applications open for another $60 million in Get Active NSW grants for councils across the state.

    From 14 October 2024, councils can apply for grants in this latest round of Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active and Get Kids Active funding programs. Upgrades that can be delivered through these programs include new footpaths and cycleways, and improved safety features for bike riders and pedestrians.  

    Shortlisted applications will be prioritised to ensure that 40 per cent of funding is for Regional Outer Metropolitan projects, and 15 per cent is for projects in Western Parkland City.

    Last year, 108 Get NSW Active projects were completed with a total grant value of $35.1 million. Of these, 50 projects were completed in greater Sydney worth $21.8 million and 58 were completed in regional and outer metropolitan areas worth $13.1 million.

    Quotes attributable to Minister Haylen:

    “The raised wombat crossing outside my own kid’s primary school means they can be seen clearly by oncoming cars, and those cars are slowing down to navigate the bump.

    It’s a small piece of infrastructure, but it gives me a big boost of confidence knowing that my kids can walk, ride or scoot safely to school.

    “With Get Kids Active program, we want to invest in small infrastructure projects like wombat crossings to make everyone’s walks to school safer, no matter where they live in the state.

    “It’s been brilliant to see how this program can make a difference in front of the school gates, now we’re working with the Department of Education on the other side of the school gates to deliver more in-school infrastructure, like bike and scooter parking.”

    Quotes attributable to Ryde Councillor Lyndal Howison:

    “Ryde streets are busy with a lot of traffic congestion. By giving kids safer options to walk, ride or scoot to school, it will open these travel options up as a viable alternative to jumping in the car.

    “It’ll be good for the kids who are out there getting active, and better for everyone else as more cars come off the streets.”

    Quotes attributable to Executive Director of Active Transport Anna Bradley:

    “Data shows less than one in four NSW school children currently walk or ride to and from school, while Transport’s community consultation revealed over 70 per cent of parents and carers ideally want to be walking to school with their children most days.

    “In designing the program, Transport for NSW undertook extensive consultation with parents, carers and community groups which revealed there was a strong interest for children to use active transport more often, as it provides good exercise and quality family time.

    “We also consulted with Aboriginal communities in Redfern, Tamworth and Bourke to understand their journey to school experiences and local perspectives.

    “This program is making small but meaningful infrastructure and education interventions to make it easier for kids across the state to find active and independent ways to travel to school.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland Police disrupt alleged kidnapping

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Officers made several arrests in Tāmaki Makaurau early this morning, after responding to an alleged kidnapping incident in Epsom.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, from Auckland City’s Crime Squad, says Police were called to a home address on Coronation Road just after midnight.

    “We received a concerning report that a group of men were trying to force their way into a home.

    “The men allegedly forced entry and presented weapons to an occupant at the address, holding them against their will. They also allegedly stole some personal items, including jewellery.”

    “Officers rushed to the scene and disturbed the alleged offenders, who tried to flee in two vehicles. Police were able to prevent one from leaving, with the occupants then attempting to flee on foot.

    “All of the alleged offenders were eventually taken into custody thanks to the good work of the staff who attended, the Police Dog Unit and the Police Eagle helicopter. 

    Four men aged 18, 20, 22 and 23 are scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court today facing charges of kidnapping and burglary.

    A 16-year-old male has also been charged with kidnapping and burglary and is set to appear in the Auckland Youth Court.

    “This was a frightening experience for the victim, who thankfully was uninjured during the incident. Support is being provided to them, and we hope the arrests also bring them some reassurance,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

    “Police will not tolerate unlawful activity that impacts the community’s sense of safety, and we are actively committed to investigating any reports of such behaviour.”

    As the matter is before the court, Police are limited in further comment.

    ENDS.

    Tony Wright/NZ Police
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shift in policy to strengthen nation’s growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Employees work at an assembly line of Chinese vehicle manufacturer Seres Group in Liangjiang New Area, southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, April 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s economic growth is expected to strengthen on a sequential basis amid the latest stimulus package and with more incremental policies in the pipeline, translating into over 5 percent year-on-year growth in the fourth quarter, analysts and economists said on Sunday.

    They said a long-awaited policy shift is unfolding for China’s economy and markets, as policymakers have pledged to strengthen countercyclical adjustment and step up fiscal policy support. This will include the largest debt resolution support in recent years, with a particular focus on addressing pressing challenges such as the prolonged housing downturn, debt issues and sluggish domestic demand.

    Their comments came as data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Sunday that China’s consumer prices rose at a slower pace in September, while the decline in factory gate prices continued, pointing to pressures on the world’s second-largest economy and intensifying the need to roll out more incremental policies.

    The country’s consumer price index, the main gauge of inflation, rose 0.4 percent year-on-year in September, compared with a 0.6 percent increase in August. The producer price index, which gauges factory gate prices, dropped 2.8 percent last month, widening from a 1.8 percent fall in August, the NBS said.

    “The slower CPI growth in September was mainly due to still-weak domestic demand, seasonal factors and the high comparison base in the previous year, while the deeper PPI drop was influenced by falling commodity prices, especially in the energy sector,” said Zhou Maohua, a researcher at China Everbright Bank.

    Shen Bing, director-general and a senior research fellow at the market and price research institute of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said the growth in CPI is expected to register a mild recovery while maintaining overall stability in the fourth quarter of the year.

    This is because consumer demand has shown signs of pickup, with the sales of passenger vehicles and home appliances having improved, a trend that would be consolidated upon the implementation of incremental policies to expand domestic demand, Shen said.

    On Saturday, the Ministry of Finance announced plans to soon introduce a comprehensive package of new targeted policy measures, with a key focus on improving the financial situations of local governments, facilitating the stabilization of a bottomed out property market, and enhancing the risk resilience and credit allocation capabilities of major banks, among other things.

    The ministry said there is still ample room for the central government to borrow and increase its deficit. It plans to enhance the large-scale debt limit at once, replace the hidden debt of local governments, and increase support for local governments to resolve debt risks.

    Chang Haizhong, executive director of corporates at rating agency Fitch Bohua, said this policy is the largest supportive debt measure introduced in recent years and will greatly alleviate the pressure on local governments.

    “It is expected that the hidden debt of local governments may be replaced in large part by increasing the issuance of treasury bonds in the future,” he said.

    According to Chang, the current economic growth is under pressure and fiscal revenue is lower than expected, making some local governments more stretched financially.

    “Once implemented, this policy will substantially reduce local fiscal pressure, unleashing fiscal funds for economic development and ensuring people’s livelihoods. At the same time, the balance sheets of local government financing vehicles will also be strengthened,” he said.

    Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said his team estimates that the size of the announced fiscal stimulus package will be at least 4 trillion yuan ($566 billion), surpassing market expectations.

    “It will directly drive GDP growth in the fourth quarter to rise above 5 percent, thereby helping achieve the annual growth target of around 5 percent this year,” he added.

    Lu Ting, chief China economist at Nomura, said he believes that much of the incoming fiscal stimulus will likely be used to fill the fiscal gap faced by local governments.

    “In addition to the 200 billion yuan for strategic projects announced by the National Development and Reform Commission, we expect the country to increase fiscal transfers to local governments and give them a large quota for borrowing,” he said.

    Lu added that policymakers might consider an increase in spending on social security to help those with lower incomes and to encourage childbirth, and they will likely provide funding to those presold residential projects that have been delayed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Backing the bittern: The bird on the brink

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Threats facing the Australasian Bittern (Matuku-hūrepo)

    The bittern’s declining numbers are reflective of the region’s shrinking wetlands, where they’re commonly found. Since European settlement, 90 per cent of freshwater and natural wetlands and half of our coastal wetlands in Waitaha have been lost through human impact. 

    Other threats include collisions with vehicles and starvation caused by:

    • changes in water levels that leave birds ‘high and dry’,
    • lack of food and/or habitat where the species can hunt,
    • and murky water quality (sedimentation) – as bittern are visual feeders. 

    One of the best ways we can help the species is to protect and enhance our remaining wetlands, and where possible, create new wetlands, to provide an optimum breeding and feeding habitat.

    A starving juvenile bittern that was rehabilitated and successfully released – Photo credit: Peter Langlands – Wild Capture

    Elusive ‘spy’ behaviour

    If you’ve seen a bittern, consider yourself lucky! They’re known for their cryptic behaviour and are very good at avoiding people. Principal biodiversity advisor Frances Schmechel says bittern have been referred to as the James Bond of the bird world. 

    “They’re like spies in that they’re very elusive. They kind of skulk around and do a great job at hiding. 

    “If they are in a situation where they’re startled, they’ll stand upright with their bill pointing skyward and sway.” 

    The bittern are also known for the “booming” call that the males make during spring. 

    “It’s such a mystical type of sound to hear in a wetland,” Frances explains. “Some say it’s almost spiritual.”

    Listen to the ‘booming’ sound on this Department of Conservation (DOC) webpage.

    A skulking bittern at Old Mill Lane Wetland – Photo credit: Hilton and Melva Ward

    Preserving raupō habitat

    90 per cent of bittern sightings in Waitaha over the last 15 years have occurred in the Te Waihora and Pegasus Bay areas. Their most important habitat is dense/mature raupō beds on river, wetland or lake edges.

    The wetlands around the margin of Te Waihora are the largest remaining area of wetland habitat in lowland Canterbury, covering around 4,500 hectares. A DOC-run willow control programme, which we’re helping fund, is a key initiative for supporting bittern.

    Not only do willows suck up large volumes of water but they also encroach on native wetland vegetation such as raupō. They create a dense canopy and interfere with the function of the wetland, including destroying spawning grounds for benthic fish (fish that deposit their spawn on or near the bottom of the sea or lake) – which the bittern feed on.

    Their most important habitat is dense/mature raupō beds on river, wetland or lake edges

    At Te Waihora, willows were invading the raupō at an alarming rate. The ‘bittern habitat’ aspect was a key driver for establishing and maintaining the control programme, which began in 2011. 

    DOC biodiversity ranger Allanah Purdie says reversing the spread of willow is a cost-effective and efficient way to support bittern. 

    “Raupō is by far their preferred habitat – so when you remove the willow, you get bittern.” 

    As Allanah points out, the species’ perilous future is representative of the overall condition of wetland systems that remain. 

    “It’s an indicator for all our other wetland species and the health of the ecosystem as a whole, all of which are suffering as a result of long-term wetland degradation.” 

    Community conservation efforts

    In Waimakariri, the Bittern Īnanga Rushland wetland is one of three Kaiapoi projects being undertaken by an extended family who are passionate about restoring biodiversity to the area. 

    One of the aims is to attract bittern, and the site has also been identified as a potential Canterbury mudfish habitat. It is receiving $15,000 in funding this financial year through the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee. 

    The support will help with the control of willows and poplars, along with more than 350 metres of fencing to create a large buffer to protect the rushland and make room for plantings. 

    Landowner Nicky Auld says a bittern is now frequenting the area. 

    “It was very rewarding seeing a bittern for the first time, and it is now a regular visitor to the rushland – where it feeds on eels, fish and whitebait.  

    “We’ve been scattering raupō seeds in the hope that the rushland may become even more attractive to these magnificent birds, and a breeding ground.” 

    Others who have raupō on their property are already in a good position to help. 
    Allanah says wet areas with fresh standing water – about 20 cm deep – are ideal habitat. 

    “Bittern need areas to take-off and land in, so consider keeping the larger stature plants back at least ten metres from the water, with Carex around the margin and then raupō in the middle.  

    “The species is intrinsically linked to areas with marginal or dense vegetation. They don’t like being out in the open and are very prone to disturbance. If you have a disturbance event in a wetland they’ll go to ground or disappear.” 

    Bittern are known for being highly mobile, so when they do disappear – it can be to quite a distance away. One that was fitted with a transmitter was tracked flying from Te Waihora to Blenheim – more than 300 km. 

    The Great Matuku Muster

    Another initiative that’s helping raise awareness of the bittern’s plight is The Great Matuku Muster – which calls on people to listen out for, and record, the males’ ‘boom’ sound. 

    The events take place on one day each month in spring, with the next due on Saturday 19 October and Saturday 16 November, for up to an hour from sunset. 

    The muster is supported by a series of workshops around New Zealand to help people learn more about the bird and what to listen for. To find out more or to sign up, visit lovebittern.com. 

    This initiative runs alongside annual monitoring by regional councils, DOC and volunteers – aligning with bittern breeding season from October to December.  

    Our monitoring is getting underway now at key sites on Environment Canterbury managed land – helping build an updated picture of the species’ local population size. 

    Preventing extinction

    Conservationist Peter Langlands, who’s carried out extensive monitoring of bittern in Waitaha, describes the situation as ‘critical’. 

    “I’m worried that we may lose the source population of bittern in Canterbury. We must act now if we’re to save the species.” 

    Peter believes a collaborative approach to large scale habitat restoration projects, and scaling up wetland creation, will lead to the best conservation outcomes.  

    Frances echoes Peter’s sentiment. 

    “They’re such a mysterious, and surprisingly graceful bird. When you see one for the first time – it’s special. It would be really unfair if we didn’t manage to conserve that experience for people.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police drones assisted in detecting hooning motorists in Southern Tasmania

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Police drones assisted in detecting hooning motorists in Southern Tasmania

    Monday, 14 October 2024 – 1:02 pm.

    Two motorists have been charged for travelling dangerously in Southern Tasmania on Saturday night, after they were monitored by a police drone and subsequently arrested by police.
    “On Saturday night, police deployed drones to the Rose Bay and Montagu Bay areas, to covertly monitor known hooning hotspots, and detect and remove unsafe motorists from the roads,” said Sergeant Andy McShane.
    A 17-year-old motorcycle rider with a learner licence was detected dangerously conducting an extended burnout and high-speed wheel-stand. The rider will appear in court in November for serious traffic offences. Police investigations are ongoing to locate and seize the motorcycle.
    An 18-year-old driver was detected dangerously conducting a prolonged burnout in Montagu Bay.  His vehicle has been clamped for a month, and he will appear in court on summons for several driving related charges.
    “It’s pleasing to see that drones are assisting police to detect and remove unsafe motorists from our roads, however, it’s disappointing that some motorists continue to drive and ride dangerously which puts themselves and others at risk” Sergeant McShane said.
    “The behaviour of the motorcyclist was reckless and extremely dangerous, and they’re lucky to have not been seriously injured or killed from their actions.”
    “If anyone has information that would assist us to locate and seize the motorcycle – a blue Yamaha YZF-R6 with Tasmanian registration A377U – I ask them to come forward.”
    “Police will continue to deploy drones across the state, to assist in investigations, and detect and deter unsafe motorists and those who commit anti-social behaviours.”
    Anyone with information in relation to the location of the Yamaha, or instances of dangerous driving when they occur, is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 (info can be provided anonymously). 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NGV’s Reko Rennie retrospective asks whether he should be considered Australia’s Keith Haring

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University

    Installation view of
    OA_RR, 2016-2017 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia     Photo Kate Shanasy

    Is Reko Rennie Australia’s equivalent of Keith Haring? Both Rennie, a Melbourne-based Aboriginal artist who celebrates the heritage the Kamilaroi people of northern New South Wales, and Haring, the American pop art great, emerged out of an urban graffiti culture.

    Both create a widely recognisable visual language that has a striking vitality, sense of authenticity and a pulsating vibrancy. Both are deeply autobiographical artists who created a visual code through which to share their personal histories.

    Rennie is an interdisciplinary artist who seamlessly moves between video, printmaking, sculpture, painting and neon art. With more than a hundred works on display, drawn from the artist’s two-decade-long career, this is the first significant retrospective of his art.

    Rennie possesses the gift of creating memorable images that are simultaneously puzzling, intriguing and entertaining. On entering the gallery, you encounter a 1973 Rolls-Royce Corniche decorated with the strange camouflage colours that reoccur throughout Rennie’s art. The physical car is accompanied by a three-channel video work with a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds soundtrack.

    Installation view of REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
    Photo Kate Shanasy/NGV

    Beginnings

    Although born in Footscray in Melbourne, the artist’s grandmother Julia, who belonged to the Stolen Generation in the 1920s and was enslaved on a pastoral station, raised him and imparted to him his Kamilaroi heritage. In his youth, Rennie saw a photograph of a pastoralist and his wife dressed up for Sunday church and seated in their luxury Rolls-Royce car. At the time, he reflected on the poverty his grandmother would have experienced while working on a pastoral station.

    The markings he made on the car, that are layered with a traditional diamond pattern of the Kamilaroi people, claim ownership over the vehicle. Inside it is a photograph of his grandmother. In the video, with a setting sun as a backdrop, Rennie drives the car down dirt tracks to his home country and, in something resembling burnouts, he makes traditional sand engravings with the tyres of the car. The work is poignant, evocative and becomes quickly embedded in your memory.

    The piece references an earlier one, with a pink 1973 Holden Monaro. In that video, the car performs a series of burnouts and doughnuts, the traditional initiation ceremony with Westie drag-racing culture of suburbia into which the artist was born. This is in contrast with the initiation practices and traditional sand engravings of the Kamilaroi people. The video is accompanied with an operatic score from Yorta Yorta woman, composer and soprano, Deborah Cheetham, performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Again, the video becomes a haunting and somewhat surreal experience.

    Street spaces

    Rennie is an artist who looks best when he operates in a public environment.

    His early street art, accompanied by break dancing and hip hop, thrives in the accidental lighting of urban spaces. He loves the way street art can ambush the viewer and employ strategies that catch and hold the gaze of the casual passerby. Keith Haring and Howard Arkley were two of the artists who pointed a way for Rennie to move from the street and onto the gallery wall. Although they may have suggested some of the formal strategies, Aboriginal culture provided the content that would consummate the work and give it a narrative.

    When in 2020 there was a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Lieutenant James Cook’s first landfall at Botany Bay and the HMB Endeavour’s charting of the East Coast of Australia, the Carriageworks in Sydney commissioned Rennie to make a piece for the occasion.

    Reko Rennie, REMEMBER ME 2020, LEDs, plastic, aluminium, electrical components, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Gift of the Eva, Mila and Reko Collection through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2023.
    2023.229
    © Reko Rennie

    His monumental text work is made up of LED neon lettering held up in an aluminium armature. It measures over two-and-a-half metres in height and almost 19 metres in length. The simple message, one anchored in a tradition of street art, reads: “REMEMBER ME”. Cook’s landing marked the beginning of a process of invasion and dispossession, Rennie’s text affirms an opposition to the invasion and stresses that First Nations people survived. Sovereignty was never ceded.

    This message has been at the core of much of Rennie’s art, for instance, in the two neon pieces, OA Warrior I (pink) and OA Warrior I (blue), both from 2020. They are based on an 1800s photograph of a defiant Kamilaroi warrior with his raised club. The message is that the OA (Original Aboriginal) will never cede sovereignty.

    Reko Rennie, Kamilaroi born in 1974, Initiation 2013, synthetic polymer paint on plywood, Collection of the artist.
    Supported by Esther and David Frenkiel
    © Reko Rennie, courtesy blackartprojects, Melbourne

    In a much earlier piece from 2016, that has always been one of my favourites in Rennie’s art, a ten-metre-long banner bears the inscription, “I was always here”. It is made of hand-pressed metallic foil on satin where he employs the geometric diamond patterning of the Kamilaroi people as a background to the words.

    The work commemorates all of the Frontier Wars, massacres and oppression suffered by First Nation peoples in this country and in many other countries in a powerful way.

    ‘We’re not a monoculture.’ Artist Reno Rennie introduces his works.

    Impressive and consistent

    Rennie, who turns 50 this year, exhibited at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015 and with the 2016 XIII Bienale de Cuenca in Ecuador and has held numerous exhibitions across Australia, Asia, the United States and Europe.

    His star is in the ascendancy and he is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most distinctive and versatile artists, who is attracting international acclaim.

    Beautifully curated by Myles Russel-Cook as his final show at the NGV before he takes up the directorship of ACCA, Rekospective is impressive in scope, consistent in content but not repetitive.

    While Keith Haring died at the age of 31, I feel Reko Rennie will be viewed, in retrospect, as an artist at least as significant as Haring and one of growing importance in Australian art.

    REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie is at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia until 27 January 2025. Free admission.

    Sasha Grishin 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. NGV’s Reko Rennie retrospective asks whether he should be considered Australia’s Keith Haring – https://theconversation.com/ngvs-reko-rennie-retrospective-asks-whether-he-should-be-considered-australias-keith-haring-238881

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Coastal comeback: shorebirds digging in for another breeding season

    Source: New South Wales Environment and Heritage

    Each year threatened birds such as Little Terns, Pied Oystercatchers, Hooded Plovers and Beach Stone-curlews lay their eggs on beaches up and down the east coast, where they are highly camouflaged and can be very difficult to see.

    Due to threats including native and introduced predators, crushing and disturbance from vehicles, humans and domestic dogs, flooding of nesting sites and adverse weather conditions, most beach-nesting birds remain endangered in NSW.

    Here are a few small things you can do to ‘share the shore’ and help endangered beach-nesting birds raise their chicks on our beaches:

    • Keep an eye out for and respect bird nesting signs and fenced-off nesting areas on the beach.
    • Make sure dogs are only walked on an approved dog-beach and always kept on a leash.
    • Walk on the wet sand to avoid nesting birds.
    • Only drive on designated 4WD beaches and stay below the high tide mark to avoid accidentally crushing a chick.
    • Ensure you take fishing lines and rubbish with you, to ensure avoidable deaths from entanglement or ingesting rubbish are avoided.

    Last season was a good one for Little Terns which experienced an almost 15 percent increase in breeding pairs from the previous season across the state.

    For more information on shorebirds in NSW, visit Share the Shore.

    Quotes attributable to NPWS Threatened Species Project Officer Katherine Howard:

    ‘Beach-nesting birds rely on the camouflage of their eggs and chicks to keep them safe, but on busy summer beaches, this strategy can really backfire. You might not see the eggs or chick until it’s too late.

    ‘We need all beach users to “share the shore” with our feathered friends by following a few easy guidelines and leaving some space for birds to raise their families.

    ‘Off-leash dogs may seem harmless, but they are terrifying to birds, causing them to fly away and leave eggs unguarded. Please check online whether dogs are allowed at your beach before you go, keep them on a leash and keep them well away from nesting birds.’

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Take care, strong winds forecast for Harbour Bridge from this evening

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    Motorists are being encouraged to take extra care if travelling on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this evening, with possible 90km/h west and south-west wind gusts between 8pm tonight and 10am tomorrow (Tuesday 15 October).

    At this stage, the bridge is expected to have four lanes open in each direction during the Tuesday morning peak. However, people are encouraged to look out for the electronic message boards and traffic management, which will be used to indicate any lane closures and reduced speeds, and to follow New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) on Facebook and X (Twitter) for up-to-date information.

    Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge.

    Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.

    NZTA thanks road users for their patience and understanding while we work to keep everyone safe.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Public aids in drunk driver arrest

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A member of the public who spotted a man behaving in a drunken manner before hopping behind the wheel has aided Police in his arrest.

    At about 8pm on Thursday, a Police unit was flagged down by a member of the public while driving along Onerahi Road.

    Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom says the person told Police they had observed a man in a nearby takeaway shop who they believed was intoxicated.

    “The person was able to provide officers with a detailed description of the male and his vehicle.

    “Units have subsequently located the man driving and pulled him over where he was allegedly more than three times the legal alcohol limit.”

    Inspector Nordstrom says the man allegedly admitted to drinking more than a dozen beers and blew an alcohol reading on 805mcgs.

    “We thank those who are alerting us to this behaviour, vigilant reporting is often the key to Police being able to respond in a timely manner and hold people to account for their actions.

    A 57-year-old man has been remanded in custody to reappear in Whangārei District Court on 27 October.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: BRI to play role in sustainable development push

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China will step up efforts to boost green development while promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, and support low-carbon transformation in developing countries, China’s ecology and environment minister said.

    The country’s concept and technologies of green development have been widely implemented during BRI infrastructure projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the China-Laos Railway, Huang Runqiu, minister of ecology and environment, said on Friday.

    China has signed 53 agreements on climate change cooperation with 42 developing countries while providing over 3,000 training sessions on ecological and environmental management for personnel in more than 120 countries. It has also provided feasibility assistance to enhance the climate change resilience of developing countries by helping to set up low-carbon demonstration zones, Huang said.

    He made the remarks during a forum on building a green Silk Road and enhancing South-South cooperation during the annual meeting of China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development held in Beijing.

    In the future, China will offer more support for low-carbon transformation in developing countries, said Huang, who is also the executive vice-chairperson of the CCICED, adding the country will also share important concepts and the effective practices of coordinated efforts in carbon reduction and pollution control.

    Professor Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, said at the forum that a green BRI is more important to the world and China than ever before.

    “We are in the period where we need dramatically to accelerate the transformation of the world energy system. And China is the world’s great supplier of the technologies, hardware and software for that transformation because China produces the world’s low-cost and high-quality hardware and software whether it’s for zero-carbon power generation, long-distance power transmission, electric vehicles and supply chains,” Sachs said.

    China has great capacity in those sectors, and the world needs such capacity for accelerated green transformation, Sachs said, adding that the BRI is a great mechanism financially, organizationally, diplomatically, conceptually and in terms of specific project implementation to achieve such transformation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Regional NSW Ambulance staff recognised for their service and bravery

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Regional NSW Ambulance staff recognised for their service and bravery

    Published: 14 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Health

    NSW Ambulance staff from across southern NSW have today been recognised for their service and dedication at a special awards ceremony in Goulburn.

    Among those being recognised are paramedics and control centre staff who responded to a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, as well as those who successfully assisted with a premature birth and resuscitation.

    Other NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers were acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Certificates of Appreciation, Commissioner Unit Citations, while others were recognised for attaining or expanding their qualifications.

    The Goulburn Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the second of three events being held in 2024 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. The first ceremony was held in Port Macquarie with the third to be held in Sydney in December.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “This ceremony is about recognising the hard-working NSW Ambulance clinicians, control centre staff and volunteers who serve our communities so effectively, day in and day out.

    “Today, we honour the dedication of our clinicians and control centre staff whose tireless efforts make our communities safer, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

    “I also want to thank and recognise the exceptional care paramedics and call takers deliver to the people of NSW during their times of greatest need.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:

    “The NSW Ambulance staff being recognised today have shown they can perform their duties to the highest standard even in the most challenging situations.

    “Each award is not just an acknowlegement of individual excellence, but a celebration of the collective spirit of teamwork and resilience that defines our NSW Ambulance and wider NSW Health community.

    “Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for being there to service your communities in their time of need. Your role is incredibly appreciated.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

    “It is a privilege to stand here today and recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and provide critical care in life-threatening situations is a testament to their training and character.

    “As well as awarding the Commissioner’s Unit Citation and Commissioner’s Certificate for those who attended a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, we are also recognising our paramedics for their long and diligent service with Long Service Good Conduct medals, the National Medal and the National Emergency Medal.

    “Today, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the profound impact they have had on countless lives. We are proud to recognise the invaluable work they do every day.”

    MIL OSI News –