A record-breaking trial run for the longest intermodal freight train will pave the way for regular, more efficient services between Merbein and the Port of Melbourne, thanks to the Allan Labor Government. The 1500 metre container train operated by Pacific National was hauled by three locomotives pulling 86 wagons. This longer, heavier train can haul approximately 4000 tonnes of freight without needing extra locomotives and train crews. Longer trains will operate during peak seasons to move higher volumes of produce such as table grapes and citrus from the Sunraysia Region, taking more trucks off regional and urban roads.

https://www.miragenews.com/record-breaking-freight-train-delivers-goods-1100220/

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Tasmania Police's Taskforce Saturate continues to target repeat offenders with the aim of making our community safer. Acting Commander John Toohey of Southern District said "at the start of September, Taskforce Saturate was bolstered with four additional officers, with one clear objective, to deal with as many repeat offenders as possible." "In just 25 days, Taskforce Saturate has charged 73 people, with 342 charges being laid against these repeat offenders." "The resulting charges include aggravated assault, robbery, aggravated burglary, assault, breach of bail, firearm offences, drug offences, family violence offences, dangerous driving, evade police, disqualified driving and disorderly behaviour.

https://www.miragenews.com/taskforce-saturate-charges-73-in-25-days-for-1100221/

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The latest report of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons' (RACS) Western Australian Audit of Surgical Mortality (WAASM) shows that over the last two years there has been a notable rise in deaths in patients under the care of a surgeon in Western Australia (WA). The standout observation in this year's report is an increase in deaths in 2022, the second year this has occurred. The increase of 40-50 patients (approximately seven per cent) in each of the last two years is an abrupt reversal of the almost uninterrupted decline in deaths under a surgeon since WAASM commenced over 20 years ago.

https://www.miragenews.com/covid-legacy-effects-may-boost-death-rates-in-1100227/

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In celebration of Benalla Rural City's rich heritage and promising future, the Benalla Festival 2023 has unveiled an exciting lineup of events set to captivate residents and visitors alike. With the theme 'Past, Present, Future', the festival promises a diverse range of activities, embodying the town's vibrant spirit. Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn expressed her enthusiasm for this year's Festival lineup. "The Benalla Festival has always been a testament to our community's unity and creativity," Cr Hearn said.

https://www.miragenews.com/benalla-festival-2023-unveils-exciting-lineup-1100218/

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Unlike many of us, Gayle loves public speaking. It's a skill she's developed over many years working as a teacher, and recently through being involved with Toastmasters, an educational organisation dedicated to improving public speaking skills. In 2022, a local church asked Gayle to speak about her cancer experience at their Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. After giving it some thought, she realised that she was ready to share her story and said yes to the opportunity. Gayle has had 5 different cancers since 1991, lost 11 body organs along the way, and in 2017 went through research for the BRCA gene mutation.

https://www.miragenews.com/fifth-time-cancer-survivor-gayle-empowers-1100229/

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Are you a Koori artist, business owner, or industry mentor? Register to learn more about our free ! 'The is designed to help Koori people establish or improve their creative businesses with information from professionals in their industries and communities,' said Mayor Kenrick Winchester. 'We are holding a series of information sessions about the program in October and we encourage prospective mentors and creative people to come along and hear about how the program will work.' 'After these information sessions attendees will be able to apply to be part of the workshop series.

https://www.miragenews.com/koori-arts-biz-program-1100224/

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New mums and dads in Wyndham and across the western suburbs will get the specialised support they need to care for their new babies, close to home - with the first of 12 new and upgraded Early Parenting Centres now complete. Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne and Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn Thomas today toured the new multi-million-dollar Wyndham Early Parenting Centre in Werribee, set to open to parents this month. Designed to feel like a home away from home, the centre supports families with children up to four years of age, giving them the advice and care they need - like support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.

https://www.miragenews.com/new-early-parenting-centre-delivered-for-west-1100170/

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The world premiere of Baz Luhrmann's "Faraway Downs," an inspiring epic adventure and reimagined extended version of Luhrmann's 2008 film "Australia," will be presented by Baz Luhrmann in person, on closing night of the inaugural SXSW Sydney 2023 Screen Festival on Oct. 21, 2023. The film, told in six chapters, will premiere all at once on Hulu in the United States, Star+ in Latin America and on Disney+ in all other territories on Nov. 26, 2023. "I was inspired to re-approach my film "Australia" to create "Faraway Downs" because of the way episodic storytelling has been reinvigorated by the streaming world," said Baz Luhrmann.

https://www.miragenews.com/baz-luhrmanns-faraway-downs-world-premiere-set-1100183/

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Labor has given every reason for the Premier to confirm that Parliament will resume on Tuesday, 17 October, finally putting an end to a tumultuous week-and-a-half of uncertainty for Tasmanians. Last week, when the Government was unravelling, I wrote to Premier Jeremy Rockliff to offer a pair to offset the absence of a Liberal Member for Clark. This was an important step to provide the Government with a path back to Parliament so we could get on with the job of dealing with important matters for Tasmanian.

https://www.miragenews.com/tasmanian-labor-ensures-parliaments-stability-1100188/

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Minister for Housing The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon The Palaszczuk Government will provide $1.4 million for a new supported accommodation service in Nambour for young people experiencing homelessness Funding will see IFYS provide accommodation and wraparound support at upgraded former church A former church in Nambour has been transformed into a supported accommodation service for local young people experiencing homelessness. The Palaszczuk Government has committed almost $1.4 million to Integrated Family and Youth Service (IFYS), primarily for onsite support workers, to deliver temporary supported accommodation for young people on the Sunshine Coast.

https://www.miragenews.com/sunshine-coast-old-church-serves-at-risk-youth-1100189/

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The largest ever Commonwealth funding program for renewable hydrogen is now open for applications. The Albanese Government's $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart program will help tap into the enormous global pipeline of private investment in hydrogen, right here in Australia. The program will help large-scale renewable hydrogen projects get going by bridging the commercial gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and the market price. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Hydrogen Headstart would be a game changer in the development of Australia's renewable hydrogen industry.

https://www.miragenews.com/2b-program-launches-to-boost-australias-1100202/

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SafeWork NSW has fined a food delivery company for not adequately training more than 1000 food delivery riders in hazard and fatigue management, road safety, the use of PPE and work health and safety duties and obligations. This comes as the Minns Labor Government introduced a bill to parliament that, if passed, would see increased fines for non-compliance with Work Health and Safety regulations. SafeWork NSW Inspectors recently met with representatives from Fantuan to discuss rider safety trends identified in recent compliance activities and assess Fantuan's compliance with Part 4.

https://www.miragenews.com/food-delivery-firm-fined-for-neglecting-1100204/

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Playford's emerging leaders have been busy knocking down social barriers as they learn how to prepare for their futures through the Playford's new Young Leaders Program 2023. Launched in August 2023, the Young Leaders Program delivers youth training to Playford's young people who identify as having a disability and/ or having lived experience of mental illness. Young people aged between 16 - 25, who live work or study in Playford were eligible to participate in a series of four half-day working sessions, where they learnt to advocate for their own needs and explore job pathways.

https://www.miragenews.com/young-leaders-raise-awareness-for-world-1100222/

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Today we recognise and support World Mental Health Day. Recognised nationally and internationally, World Mental Health Day is a reminder that we all have a part to play in understanding mental health, raising awareness and driving actions that promote and protect everyone's mental health. The Mental Health Australia theme for 2023 is "look after your mental health, Australia" and focuses on awareness, belonging and connection. It is an important reminder to us all to check in with our colleagues, family and friends and ourselves.

https://www.miragenews.com/defence-department-marks-world-mental-health-1100226/

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Works for the relocation of the maintenance shed at Crescent Head Holiday Park will begin on Monday 16 October, weather permitting. We are pleased to advise that work is expected to begin next week to relocate the Crescent Head Maintenance Shed. The work will involve selective tree removal, installation of a new retaining wall and slab and then the relocation and installation of the shed on the new site. The project will begin with earthworks, a new concrete slab and the construction of the retaining wall at the shed's new location.

https://www.miragenews.com/crescent-head-shed-moving-to-new-home-1100161/

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Every day, we hear stories about the difference Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy volunteer prison chaplains are making in the lives of people inside correctional centres who were feeling hopeless, helpless and alone. They include people like Angela*, who had to leave her three children behind when she went to prison. She was lonely, depressed and afraid. Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy prison chaplains are making in the lives of people inside correctional centres. "Then I met the prison chaplains and everything changed," Angela said.

https://www.miragenews.com/carinity-prison-chaplains-delivering-words-of-1100166/

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The Rockliff Government must outline how it intends to support the operations of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter after withdrawing the service's license to fundraise from January next year. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter estimates it has raised about $10 million to support the service since it was established in 2000 through community and corporate sponsorship. Now, this breathtakingly bad decision will see Tasmanian taxpayers forced to pick up the tab while the state faces crises in health, housing and cost-of-living.

https://www.miragenews.com/rockliff-govt-denies-funding-for-crucial-1100173/

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A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: The UK Government does not support the use of UK territory by anyone, including Afghan nationals, to plan, recruit for, incite or finance terrorism in Afghanistan, or to seek political change through violence. We strongly discourage others from doing so. Political change sought through armed violence or incitement of violence that amounts to an offence in UK law can be subject to investigation. Violence of any kind is not in the interests of Afghanistan, or the international community, and we deplore violent attacks of all kinds.

https://www.miragenews.com/uk-gov-condemns-violence-in-afghanistan-1100180/

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Following a review of the dairy quota allocation system, the Government will progress changes to the system in order to maximise opportunities for our dairy exporters, Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor announced today. "Having signed seven new or upgraded Free Trade Agreements since 2017, New Zealand has several new dairy quotas - including with the United Kingdom and the European Union. "These newly secured quotas meant it was timely to review our quota system and make sure that our dairy exporters are able to get the most out of these market opportunities.

https://www.miragenews.com/nz-gov-boosts-dairy-exports-with-enhanced-quota-1100193/

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Along with preparing for major project procurement processes, participants also networked with representatives from Martinus Rail, Inland Rail's principal contractor for the Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes enhancement works. The key business support program is being delivered by Deborah Wilson Consulting Services and comprises five workshops over nine months with one-on-one mentoring support available to participating businesses in between. The third round of workshops will be held at the end of November, with a focus on meeting project requirements and business development.

https://www.miragenews.com/inland-rail-boosts-local-business-skills-for-1100192/

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Right now, the Commonwealth Government is holding a consultation on declaring an 'Offshore Renewable Energy Area' in the Ocean off the coast of the Illawarra. We are asking everyone in the community to participate in the consultation and show their support for the Declaration of this Offshore Renewable Energy Area, before Monday 16 October. This is an incredible opportunity for Illawarra workers and our entire community to build the renewable energy infrastructure we need to create thousands of good union jobs and meet our climate obligations at the same time.

https://www.miragenews.com/update-on-illawarra-offshore-renewable-energy-1100186/

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Police have charged a 17-year-old boy following an alleged pursuit west of Melbourne yesterday. It is alleged police observed a Ford sedan with no number plates on the Midland Highway, Goornong about 8.35am. The car was allegedly travelling at speeds exceeding 120km/h in a 60 zone on the Midland Highway, Huntly. Police attempted to intercept the vehicle on Waratah Road, Huntly a short time later. It is alleged the car drove on the wrong side of the road at high speeds to evade police. Police initiated a pursuit when the car was observed allegedly driving dangerously in Powells Avenue and Strickland Road, East Bendigo about 9.

https://www.miragenews.com/youths-arrested-after-pursuit-west-of-melbourne-1100160/

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Recovery from Benalla Rural City's latest flood event is well underway. Rural and urban roads and key facilities have been reopened after they were forced to close after flood waters peaked early Thursday morning. Benalla Rural City Council Mayor Bernie Hearn said the community's cooperation and understanding were greatly appreciated as recovery efforts were undertaken. Faced with its first flood since opening, the Council's recently redeveloped Visitor Information Centre emerged unscathed. While ground-level public toilets were inundated, this was anticipated and incorporated into their design.

https://www.miragenews.com/flood-recovery-continues-1100168/

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Consumer confidence rose 1.9 points last week, and the four-week moving average increased by 0.6 points. Among the mainland states, confidence rose in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, while it fell in South Australia and Western Australia. The 'weekly inflation expectations' index softened 0.1 percentage points to 5.1 per cent, while the four-week moving average stayed at 5.2 per cent. 'Current financial conditions' rose 3.2 points, moving above 70 for the first time since April. 'Future financial conditions' increased 1.

https://www.miragenews.com/consumer-confidence-lifts-to-seven-month-high-1100176/

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Wall and Floor Tilers specialise in laying clay, ceramic, marble slate and glass tiles on indoor and outdoor surfaces for both protective and decorative purposes. You can work on residential, commercial, and industrial new-build projects, house and apartment remodelling and refurbishment, renovation and restoration, and lay tiles for swimming pools and surrounds.

https://www.miragenews.com/how-do-i-become-wall-and-floor-tiler-1100174/

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Members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) are supporting a First Nations Voice to Parliament — as a pathway to ensuring we have the very best health outcomes for the whole community. Speaking ahead of a 'Health Workers for Yes' rally in Adelaide today, ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said the Voice was a natural extension of person-centred care, a central tenet of health care, which ensures people are involved and supported to have control over their own care to lead to better outcomes.

https://www.miragenews.com/nurses-midwives-approve-voice-to-parliament-1100179/

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A Charles Darwin University (CDU) program helping to guide high school students into tertiary education is expanding to Katherine, Alice Springs and Nhulunbuy. Applications are open for CDU's Aspire program , which supports, guides and encourages high school students to pursue higher education by introducing them to university life, pathways and support to set and achieve academic goals. From next year the program will be expanded to CDU's Katherine and Alice Springs campuses and Nhulunbuy centre, as well as continuing in Darwin and Palmerston.

https://www.miragenews.com/university-outreach-program-expands-to-nts-1100196/

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Police can now name the man who was found deceased after a house fire in Foxton on 27 September. He was Dean Kahukiwa, aged 32. Dean was resident in Foxton at the time of his death. The homicide investigation in relation to Dean's death is ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage. A scene examination and post mortem have been completed, and an investigation team based in Horowhenua is continuing work to establish the circumstances leading to Dean's death and identify those responsible.

https://www.miragenews.com/foxton-homicide-name-release-1100199/

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The win, secured in the final seconds of the tie, means Australia - who lost 4-0 to Japan on Saturday - will advance if Chinese Taipei fail to defeat the defending champions on Wednesday. Both teams knew a win could secure them a place in the Finals and the match got off to a cagey start at the Taipei University Stadium. After numerous attempts by both sides, Australia finally broke the deadlock through Daniel Fornito in the 18th minute. The hosts fought back in the second period, with Huang Wei-Lun drawing them level in the 33rd minute.

https://www.miragenews.com/futsalroos-triumph-over-chinese-taipei-in-afc-1100205/

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The Allan Labor Government's latest sporting grants program will bring more Victorians together through sport, encouraging young athletes to join their local sports club and discover the benefits of being active. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced applications are now open for the latest round of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program to support children and families from across Victoria with the cost of participating and playing local sport. Through the program, eligible families can apply for vouchers of up to $200 per child to use at their registered provider without the worry of upfront costs.

https://www.miragenews.com/supporting-our-kids-to-get-ready-get-set-get-1100121/

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