Surf Coast Shire Council is asking residents to help shape a Structure Plan that will guide how Winchelsea grows and changes over the next 15 years. The plan will draw on the recently completed Winchelsea Place Plan, which sets out what residents value most and want to protect. Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps said the first phase of community engagement is open. People can complete a 10-minute survey online, mark issues or priorities on an interactive map, or attend drop-in sessions held on 25 October, 31 October and 1 November.
The Western Australian Local Government Association and ABC WA brought council and media leaders together on 22 October. The stakeholder event covered sector priorities, community initiatives and ways to strengthen engagement. Mayors, presidents and chief executives from several cities, shires and towns attended, along with senior ABC WA staff. WALGA President Mark Irwin said councils deliver positive outcomes that are often overlooked, and encouraged attendees to share those stories. WALGA CEO Nick Sloan said the group represents Western Australia's 139 local governments.
Southern Grampians Shire Council is asking residents how they would like to receive information and take part in local decisions. Feedback will help shape the council's Communication and Engagement Strategy for 2027 to 2031. Mayor Dennis Heslin said the council wants to understand which current methods work well and where it can improve. Residents can complete an online survey, which takes about five to ten minutes, or collect a hard copy from the Brown Street office. Feedback closes at 5:00pm on Friday 20 November 2026.
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Upper Lachlan Shire Council will hold a series of community outreach meetings across the shire in October and November 2026. Residents can meet councillors and raise local issues and ideas. The meetings will take place in Big Hill, Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga, with the Big Hill meeting on 13 October already held. The Crookwell meeting is on 20 October, Gunning on 27 October and Taralga on 5 November. All meetings start at 6:00pm and are open to local residents and community members.
Dr Kalam Khadka is a cybersecurity researcher, educator and social activist based in Canberra. Born in Nepal, he holds a PhD in Cyber Security from the University of Canberra. His research covers human factors in cybersecurity, phishing, social engineering and cybersecurity resilience. He works to help individuals and organisations better understand and respond to digital threats. Dr Khadka is also involved in community engagement and social contribution.
Aftab Malik, Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, faces criticism from some Muslim communities despite his efforts to engage with both critics and supporters. Malik, who has a background in countering violent extremism, has met with over 200 Muslims nationwide and published a report with 54 recommendations. The government accepted 35 of these, allocating $42 million to various initiatives but rejecting structural reforms he advocated for. Critics argue the role lacks power and is more symbolic than impactful.
The Minns Labor Government is advancing plans to develop a long-vacant government-owned site in Woolloomooloo, Sydney, into 15 social housing units. The 56-66 Nicholson Street property has remained unused since 1989, following the termination of a previous building contract. The proposal includes 13 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units, with community engagement underway to shape the project. Homes NSW aims to submit a development application to the City of Sydney by December, seeking approval for a three-storey residential building.
