#Public Safety

Fresh details revealed regarding gun buyback scheme

Six NSW police stations, including Penrith, will accept surrendered firearms from November 2 under a new national gun buyback scheme. Eligible licence holders will receive compensation at a fixed price schedule. More stations will join in December, and the scheme will run for 12 months. Participants must book through the Gun Safe portal, as walk-in surrenders will not be accepted. Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said fewer guns in the community would make it safer.

Guardian AU· This weekPolitics

What the changing face of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs could mean for Victoria’s state election

Melbourne's eastern suburbs are shaping up as key battlegrounds in Victoria's state election. The Liberal party must win back several seats, including Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Ashwood, Ringwood and Bayswater, to govern in its own right. Labor holds all of them by narrow margins. Local voters raise concerns about small business costs, public safety and state debt. Some say they may back Labor despite criticism of its economic management.

7News Politics· This weekPolitics

Australian women in public roles reveal shocking scale of threats in wake of alleged attack on Helen Haines

Independent MP Helen Haines remains in a critical but stable condition after being struck by a vehicle on Monday. Brendan Nugent faces multiple charges after allegedly striking her with his four-wheel drive outside her Victorian electoral office. The incident has prompted women in public life to speak about threats they have received. Former MP Kylea Tink says she received death and rape threats during her campaign. Former ACTU secretary Sally McManus says she called police four times over threats during her public leadership role.

City Hub· This weekCouncil

Maroubra & Coogee Beach Closed Due To Whale Carcass

Randwick City Council has closed Maroubra and Coogee beaches after a whale carcass washed up on rocks between them. The carcass lies at Lurline Bay, just over two kilometres from either beach. Council is working with the Gamay Rangers and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. The carcass will stay in place for now, as discussions continue about a culturally and environmentally sensitive approach. Council is also considering closing the surrounding rock shelf walkway. Council urges people to avoid swimming at both beaches, as carcasses can attract sharks.

Ballarat City Council· This weekPolitics

Statement from the City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves regarding Helen Haines incident

Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves has expressed concern about a distressing incident involving Independent federal MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta. Hargreaves said everyone in public office deserves to be safe while doing their job. She said there is never a place for violence, harassment, threats or intimidation, including online. Hargreaves also said every woman deserves to live free from violence and fear, and extended her support to Haines.

ABC News Just In· This weekCrime

Sister of murdered UK MP Jo Cox wants Australia to tone down rhetoric

The sister of murdered UK MP Jo Cox has urged Australia to treat the attack on independent MP Helen Haines as a turning point. Haines was struck by a car outside her Wangaratta office on Monday. A 43-year-old man, Brendan Nugent, has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury and intentionally causing serious injury. Victoria Police says the incident is alleged to have been targeted. Kim Leadbeater called for more civil political debate, and Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek described an escalating volume of threats against politicians.

Neos Kosmos· This weekPolitics

Helen Haines loses leg after alleged vehicle attack outside Victorian electorate office

Independent MP Helen Haines has lost a leg after an alleged attack outside her electorate office. Her alleged attacker has been named as Brendan Nugent. Haines was in critical but stable condition after being rammed twice, according to Burke. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation as tragic. The head of Asio has warned about violent rhetoric in public discourse.

Guardian AU· A while agoBREAKING

Human rights commission says ‘violence has no place in our society’ after alleged attack – as it happened

Independent MP Helen Haines has lost a leg after an alleged attack outside her electorate office. Her alleged attacker has been named as Brendan Nugent. Haines was in critical but stable condition after being rammed twice, according to Burke. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation as tragic. The head of Asio has warned about violent rhetoric in public discourse.

Douglas Shire Council· A while agoCouncil

Fig tree removal at Rex Smeal Park

Douglas Shire Council will remove a mature fig tree beside the playground at Rex Smeal Park in Port Douglas. Arborist assessments found significant structural defects, including cracking and deterioration, and the tree cannot be saved. Removal is necessary for public safety. The area will be cordoned off from Monday 19 October 2026, with removal works starting on Tuesday 20 October and expected to finish before the weekend. Council plans to transplant mature fig trees to the site and install shade sails over the playground.

ABC News Just In· A while agoCrime

More teens arrested over alleged assault of 15yo boy

Police have arrested five teenagers over an alleged group assault on a 15-year-old boy in Stawell, in Victoria's west. Police allege the group attacked the boy near the corner of Wakeham and Doye streets on October 5 and stole his shoes and clothing. The boy was taken to hospital and has since been released. Four of the teenagers will appear in court at a later date, and police expect to charge a fifth. Community pressure is growing on the Northern Grampians Shire Council to install CCTV in crime hotspots.

TechCrunch AI· A while agoTechnology

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Day 2

Day 2 of TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs at Moscone West in San Francisco, offering an Expo Hall with more than 300 startups, live pitches, and AI-powered matchmaking for a community of over 10,000 attendees. Today's themes include artificial intelligence, robotics, AI hardware, public safety, and venture investment, with speakers from Nvidia, Waabi, Flock Safety, and Ricursive Intelligence. Stage sessions, roundtables, and networking lounges are available with an eligible pass, and organisers are offering 50 per cent off the walk-up rate. Side events are planned for the evening, with individual listings noting entry requirements and RSVP details.

TechCrunch AI· A while agoTechnology

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Day 1

Day 2 of TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs at Moscone West in San Francisco, offering an Expo Hall with more than 300 startups, live pitches, and AI-powered matchmaking for a community of over 10,000 attendees. Today's themes include artificial intelligence, robotics, AI hardware, public safety, and venture investment, with speakers from Nvidia, Waabi, Flock Safety, and Ricursive Intelligence. Stage sessions, roundtables, and networking lounges are available with an eligible pass, and organisers are offering 50 per cent off the walk-up rate. Side events are planned for the evening, with individual listings noting entry requirements and RSVP details.

Geelong Independent· A while agoCouncil

HMS Gheringhap to be removed

The City of Greater Geelong Council will remove and demolish the historical fishing boat HMS Gheringhap from Western Beach, citing public safety concerns. The council said the vessel has reached the end of its practical life and presents a serious risk of injury. Corporate Services executive director Troy Edwards said the boat has suffered significant damage and has been subject to unauthorised access, break-ins and anti-social and illegal activity. He said the decision was not taken lightly, and that the council recognises the vessel's history. HMS Gheringhap was built at Western Beach in 1972 as a work boat.

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