Today marks World Diabetes Day, where the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Bupa Foundation are highlighting the critical role of community-led action in addressing diabetes within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The focus of this year’s commemoration is “Building the Workforce, Strengthening Community, and Closing the Gap”. The Ongoing Challenge of Diabetes While there has been tangible progress in recent years, diabetes remains a severe health challenge. The rate of diabetes-related deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has decreased from 100 per 100,000 in 2008 to 70 per 100,000 in 2019. Nevertheless, diabetes still accounts for 7.3 percent of all deaths and continues to impact families across multiple generations. In certain regions, the rates of Type 2 diabetes are considered to be among the highest globally. Dr. Jason Agostino, NACCHO Medical Advisor, acknowledged that although management is improving and more people with diabetes are achieving healthy blood sugar levels due to community-controlled care, the complex nature of the disease requires greater attention. Diabetes rarely occurs in isolation; most people starting dialysis in these communities have diabetes, and many also experience heart disease. Dr. Agostino emphasized the necessity of long-term investment and a tailored approach to address these complex needs, along with greater investment in prevention efforts to break the intergenerational cycles of diabetes. Community-Led Solutions: Health Strong, Diabetes Gone NACCHO and the Bupa Foundation are addressing these complex needs through the NACCHO | Bupa Foundation Health Strong, Diabetes Gone partnership. This collaboration aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to strengthen their workforce, improve early detection and prevention, and ensure that care is culturally informed and locally led. Central to the success of this initiative is the philosophy of community control, reflecting trust, respect, and community leadership. NACCHO Chair Donnella Mills stated that every improvement and life change stems from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leading the solutions for their families and the next generation. She noted that the partnership is about trust, empowerment, and pride, emphasizing, “When we build our workforce, we build the strength of our communities”. The Health Strong, Diabetes Gone program is built on long-term vision, investing in people, training, and the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, rather than short-term fixes or symbolic gestures. NACCHO CEO Pat Turner AM asserted that this approach proves that community control delivers better outcomes. Training and Technology: Empowering the Workforce Key components of the partnership focus on building local capability and providing essential educational resources. 1. Train the Trainer Program: This initiative builds local confidence, capability, and leadership across various regions through a community-led methodology. Since its launch, 16 trainers and assessors have successfully completed the Diabetes Train the Trainer workshop. These individuals are now equipped to lead specialized diabetes skillset training for Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, including those participating in the Aboriginal Health Worker Traineeship Program. 2. NACCHO Diabetes Learning Hub (LMS): NACCHO designed this digital education platform specifically to deliver culturally safe, evidence-based diabetes training and support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce employed in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). The LMS offers flexible, on-demand learning intended to strengthen care coordination, improve early intervention strategies, and enhance outcomes for families managing diabetes. A Call for Sustained Action This World Diabetes Day, NACCHO and the Bupa Foundation issued a unified call to action, reminding all stakeholders that progress requires communities to lead the way. The organizations are demanding: Long-term, sustained investment in community-led diabetes prevention, screening, and care. • Dedicated support for mothers, children, and families to actively break the cycle of intergenerational diabetes. Greater access to continuous glucose monitoring, advanced therapies, and emerging technology. The strengthening of the ACCHO workforce to ensure culturally safe care is available where it is most needed. The future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and truly closing the gap, hinges on listening to, investing in, and backing solutions that are driven by the community.

A new employment program designed to support job seekers in remote communities began operation this month, replacing the previous Community Development Program. The Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) commenced on 1 November 2025, bringing a fresh approach to employment support across 60 regions in remote Australia. The service has been developed following extensive consultation with remote community members, job seekers, First Nations peoples, and existing service providers. RAES aims to deliver culturally safe and flexible employment services tailored to the unique needs of remote communities. The program will focus on helping job seekers build skills, find pathways to work, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Key features of the service include personalized mentoring and training, community-based projects that develop job-ready skills, and flexible delivery that reaches job seekers whether they live in town centres or more remote homelands and outstations. Forty-nine individual providers have been contracted to deliver the service across the RAES regions. Job seekers can expect to be contacted by their local provider to discuss their individual employment goals and opportunities. The program’s design incorporates lessons learned from previous remote employment trials and reflects feedback from stakeholders about what works best for remote communities. For more information about RAES and to find your local provider, visit www.niaa.gov.au/remote-jobseekers.

Reconciliation Australia has announced the winners of the fifth Narragunnawali Awards, the only national awards dedicated to recognizing Australian schools and early learning services implementing outstanding reconciliation initiatives. The ceremony, held on Thursday, November 6, at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra, celebrated organizations whose commitment to reconciliation has become systemic and deeply embedded in their practice. The Narragunnawali program, which provides tools and resources for educational services to take action towards reconciliation between First Nations peoples and other Australians, currently engages more than 14,000 Australian schools and early learning services. Narragunnawali (pronounced narra-gunna-wally) is a word from the language of the Ngunnawal people, meaning alive, wellbeing, coming together and peace, and is used with permission of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council. Schools Category Winner: Briar Road Public School The winner of the Schools category was Briar Road Public School, located on Dharawal Country in Airds, NSW. Chair of the awards judging panel and Reconciliation Australia Board Director, Sharon Davis, praised the school for creating an environment where reconciliation is “both expected and celebrated,” and where “community ownership of the journey is evident”. The judges observed that the school has successfully built a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are thriving, alongside Pacifica, Māori, and non-Indigenous students and families who are also included and uplifted. Briar Road Public School was recognized not only for embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives in its work but also for ensuring that non-Indigenous staff take on the heavy lifting of the ongoing work of reconciliation in education. Highly Commended and Truth-Telling The judges also highly commended Karuah Public School on the Mid North Coast of NSW for its dedicated work. Karuah Public School was noted for having “situated itself on the front line of truth-telling about its past exclusion of Aboriginal students”. According to Sharon Davis, their five-year journey involved consistent dialogue, respect, and vulnerability, transforming a once-divided community into one that is more connected and hopeful. Early Learning Winner: Evans Head-Woodburn Preschool The winner of the Early Learning category was Evans Head-Woodburn Preschool, situated on Bandjalang Country in Northern NSW. The judging panel stated that the service demonstrated an exceptional, long-standing commitment to reconciliation. Their approach is guided by Bandjalang Elders and Traditional Owners, with the team working closely with families to cultivate a learning space defined by respect, truth-telling, and belonging. The service was commended for being “more than inclusive,” as it is led by and with the local community, which makes reconciliation central to its identity and practice. Reconciliation: Systemic, Not Symbolic Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine congratulated all winners and finalists, expressing optimism about the quality of work demonstrated. Mundine highlighted that this year’s submissionsshowcased “reconciliation that is not symbolic or seasonal but systemic and embedded into governance, the curriculum, staffing, culture and community relationships”. The CEO noted stories of engaged families, exceptional educators, and dedicated Elders and First Nations community members who have developed enriching relationships with the educational services, benefiting the children who learn from them. Finalists and Event Context Other finalists acknowledged for their commitment and hard work included Bannister Creek Primary School (Perth), Goodstart Shailer Park (Logan City Qld), and Tillys Play and Development Centre – Rutherford (Maitland, NSW). Films showcasing the work of all six finalists were captured by the Indigenous production company Wirrim Media. The evening awards ceremony followed a day-long national forum held on November 6, which brought together educational leaders and professionals—both First Nations and non-First Nations—to critically examine current reconciliation efforts within the Australian education sector. The Narragunnawali Awards have been held every two years since 2017. Reconciliation Australia acknowledged the generous support of Telstra and Teachers Health Group, who made the 2025 awards possible, and the BHP Foundation for its longstanding support of the Narragunnawali program.

The date is 11 November. The time is 11:00 am. For four years, the Western Front had been an endless cacophony of mud, misery, and heavy gunfire. Then, at that exact, precise moment, it stopped. This moment in 1918, the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”, is the most defining silence of the 20th century. It began as Armistice Day, a moment of profound relief and sorrow, and has since evolved into Remembrance Day, a complex, global commitment to memory. Let’s unpack the incredible story of this day, from the tragic delay that defined the end of World War I to the unique ways Australia chooses to honour its soldiers today The Six-Hour Silence and the Great War’s Absurd End By November 1918, Germany’s position was completely untenable; their military leader, Paul von Hindenburg, even urged the cabinet to sign the armistice, regardless of the harsh Allied terms. On 10 November, after Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, the German delegation received instructions to sign a suspension of fighting. The Armistice was officially agreed upon in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, France, between 5:00 a.m. and 5:45 a.m. on 11 November. Here’s the stunning twist: Marshal Ferdinand Foch, the Allied Supreme Commander, mandated that hostilities would cease six hours later. This bureaucratic delay meant the ceasefire only took effect at 11:00 a.m. Paris Time. That six-hour delay transformed the “eleventh hour” from a simple moment of peace into a symbol of ultimate, organizational futility. Thousands of men were killed in those final, strategically meaningless hours. This tragic reality is epitomised by the fate of war poet Wilfred Owen, who was killed in action just one week before the guns fell silent. The raw grief over those men, killed so close to peace, magnified the “pity of war” and cemented the solemnity of the first Armistice Day. The terms of the Armistice itself were staggering: it secured the immediate, unconditional surrender of the German military, demanding the immediate evacuation of French and Belgian territories, and the handover of 5,000 artillery pieces, 25,000 machine guns, and 5,000 railway locomotives. The Rituals: The Two Minutes and the Red Flower If the end of the war was defined by a chaotic noise that suddenly stopped, the commemoration would be defined by silence and the poppy. The Great Silence On the first anniversary of the Armistice in 1919, King George V formalized the tradition of silence . The idea was championed by Australian journalist and veteran Edward George Honey. The King requested a “complete suspension of all our normal activities” for two minutes at 11 am, so everyone’s thoughts could be concentrated on “reverent remembrance of the Glorious Dead” . Though Honey had initially suggested five minutes, the period was officially shortened to two minutes after a trial at Buckingham Palace . This tradition of two minutes’ silence was immediately adopted in Australia and other Commonwealth nations. The Enduring Poppy The poppy (Papaver rhoeas) became the enduring symbol of remembrance. Why? Because the flower thrived in the landscape of the Western Front, flourishing strikingly in the soil churned up by the intense fighting and shellfire in Flanders. This natural phenomenon inspired Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae to write his iconic poem, ‘In Flanders Fields,’ in 1915. The torch was then picked up by American humanitarian Moina Michael, who campaigned to make the poppy a symbol of remembrance. Frenchwoman Madame Anna Guérin then successfully introduced the concept of selling artificial poppies to raise money for war orphans. Today, the money raised from the red poppies sold by the RSL continues to benefit veterans. Part III: A World Divided: Remembrance vs. Veterans The Second World War forced Allied nations to reconsider the focus of 11 November. The Commonwealth Pivot: Following the immense slaughter of WWII, Commonwealth countries, including Australia, renamed Armistice Day to Remembrance Day. This change officially included those who died in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts. The UK, however, largely shifted its major national ceremony to Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November) to ensure the focus wasn’t too heavily weighted toward WWI. The American Divergence: The United States chose a different path, renaming the day Veterans Day in 1954. Crucially, Veterans Day is distinct from Commonwealth observances; it honours the service of all U.S. military veterans—living and deceased—not solely the fallen. The German Reflection: Germany consciously decouples its memory from 11 November. They observe Volkstrauertag (People’s Mourning Day) two Sundays before Advent. Its modern focus is deliberately universal, commemorating victims of war and violent oppression from all nations, and emphasizing reconciliation and peace. Australia’s Modern Policy and the New Pin In Australia, the significance of Remembrance Day was profoundly renewed in 1993, on the 75th anniversary of the armistice. The remains of an Unknown Australian Soldier from a French military cemetery were ceremonially entombed in the Memorial’s Hall of Memory. This event “touched a chord across the Australian nation” and firmly re-established 11 November as a central national day. Four years later, the observance was formalized. In 1997, Governor-General Sir William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring 11 November as Remembrance Day . He urged all Australians to observe at least one minute’s silence at 11 am . While the original tradition was two minutes , this mandate provided a specific, contemporary Australian focus, dedicated to remembering those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts . The Army Remembrance Pin (2015) The most recent evolution in Australian recognition is the introduction of the Army Remembrance Pin (ARP) in 2015 . This pin formally acknowledges Army members who have died while in service since the conclusion of the Second World War (i.e., after 3 September 1945) . The pin’s policy is groundbreaking: the death does not have to be directly related or attributable to service. This means it recognizes deaths occurring domestically, on training, or due to illness while still in uniform. The pin’s face features the Rising Sun Badge and the motto: “In memory of

Melbourne recently hosted the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) for the annual National Multicultural Health & Wellbeing Conference, attracting over 300 participants from a range of backgrounds. Held at the Victoria Pavilion, the event’s theme, “Shaping Tomorrow Together,” set the tone for lively discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s diverse communities. Delegates explored priority topics such as mental health, women’s wellbeing, and the impact of cultural barriers on access to services. Strong representation from Filipino-Australian and other multicultural communities demonstrated the importance of inclusivity in policy development, while FECCA’s CEO highlighted the need to address specific health challenges faced by migrants and refugees. Sessions showcased solutions in areas like community engagement, culturally responsive care, and technology’s role in health equity. The event concluded with a call for policies that support multiculturalism and guarantee equal access to healthcare for all Australians. For more insights and perspectives, follow updates at #FECCA2025.

The Albanese Government has committed $8.9 million in funding to undertake critical conservation works at the Port Arthur Historic Site, delivering on an election pledge announced during the 2025 campaign. The allocation will enable the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority to implement essential stabilisation and conservation measures for the deteriorating Penitentiary Building, one of the site’s most significant structures and a cornerstone of Australia’s convict heritage narrative. Constructed 183 years ago, the Penitentiary Building sustained major fire damage in the 1890s and has since stood as a prominent ruin symbolising Australia’s colonial penal system. However, its exposed coastal position leaves the structure increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, coastal erosion, and salt-induced deterioration—environmental pressures that authorities warn are being accelerated by climate change. The conservation project will engage specialist heritage tradespeople to undertake the restoration work, simultaneously preserving traditional craftsmanship skills within Tasmania’s heritage sector. The funding has been allocated through the Government’s Local Environmental Projects Program. Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt emphasised the investment would ensure Port Arthur remains “open and thriving” while protecting what he described as one of Australia’s World Heritage treasures. Member for Lyons Rebecca White characterised Port Arthur as holding particular significance for Tasmanians, stating the investment “protects its heritage and supports the local experts who care for it.” Member for Franklin Julie Collins described the site as “a world-class destination and an integral part of Tasmania’s rich history.” Port Arthur CEO Will Flamsteed said the funding would facilitate urgent interventions to stabilise deteriorating stonework, protect vulnerable timber and iron elements, and preserve what he termed the Penitentiary’s “story of resilience—ensuring it stands the test of time for generations to come.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced sweeping youth justice reforms that will see children accused of serious violent crimes prosecuted in adult courts, sparking an intense debate about community safety versus rehabilitation. The Victorian Government will introduce legislation this year to automatically transfer children as young as 14 to adult courts when charged with serious violent offences, including aggravated home invasion, carjacking, and machete-related violence. Premier Jacinta Allan announced the “Adult Time for Violent Crime” reforms, stating they respond to community concerns about youth offending and victim impact. “Too many victims, not enough consequences,” Ms. Allan said, citing a 15.7% increase in criminal offences which the government attributes largely to repeat youth offenders. How the Reforms Will Work Under the proposed changes, children aged 14 to 17 charged with specified violent offences will face prosecution in the County Court—Victoria’s adult criminal jurisdiction—rather than the Children’s Court. The transfer to adult court will be automatic unless “substantial and compelling reasons” exist to keep cases in the youth justice system. Cognitive disability may constitute such a reason, while age alone will not. Young people convicted in adult courts could face significantly harsher penalties, including life sentences in the most serious cases. The reforms will also change sentencing principles in the Children’s Court for offences that remain in that jurisdiction. Judges will be required to prioritize community safety and consider victim impact, while the longstanding principle that detention should be “a last resort” for children will be removed. The government expects the legislation to pass Parliament this year, with implementation planned for 2026. Government’s Case for Change Premier Allan said the reforms are designed to ensure serious consequences for violent youth crime and improve community safety. “This is fundamentally about victims and making our community be safe and feel safe,” she said. The government points to rising crime statistics and concerns about repeat offenders as justification for the tougher approach. Officials argue that existing Children’s Court processes have not adequately addressed serious violent offending or provided sufficient accountability. Concerns from Legal and Indigenous Groups The reforms have drawn strong criticism from human rights organizations, legal professionals, and Indigenous advocacy groups. Multiple organizations have described the changes as an “alarming race to the bottom” in youth justice, warning they prioritize punishment over rehabilitation. Nerita Waight, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, said the reforms contradict Victoria’s progress toward a treaty with Aboriginal communities, given Indigenous children are significantly overrepresented in the justice system. “Punishing trauma is not the answer,” Ms. Waight said. Legal and criminology experts have raised concerns that prosecuting children in adult courts ignores research on adolescent brain development and may increase rather than reduce reoffending rates. Critics also point to evidence supporting therapeutic and culturally specific intervention programs as more effective alternatives to harsher penalties. What Happens Next The government will introduce the legislation to Parliament in the coming months. Given the government’s majority, passage appears likely. The reforms have ignited a broader debate about youth justice approaches, with supporters emphasizing community safety and victim rights, while opponents warn of potential harm to young people and question the evidence base for punitive measures. Victoria would join a small number of jurisdictions that routinely prosecute children in adult courts for serious offences if the reforms proceed as planned. The impact of the changes on reoffending rates and community safety will become clearer after implementation in 2026.

The Australian Government has announced a comprehensive $8.5 million tourism support package for the Red Centre, aimed at revitalizing the region’s economy following recent declines in visitor numbers. The centrepiece of this initiative is the $1 million Alice Springs Revival and Resilience Grant Program, which opened for applications today. The program targets small tourism operators within the Alice Springs and MacDonnell tourism region who are experiencing financial difficulties. Eligible businesses must employ fewer than 19 staff members and maintain an annual turnover below $5 million. These grants will provide financial assistance to cover operational expenses, enabling tourism businesses to remain viable while benefiting from complementary government initiatives designed to increase visitation to the Red Centre. Two additional grant programs will be launched in the near future to support the development of new tourism experiences and enhanced destination marketing to domestic and international audiences. Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell emphasized the government’s commitment to the region: “These grants demonstrate our dedication to maintaining the Red Centre as a cornerstone of Australia’s tourism industry. The Alice Springs Revival and Resilience Grant Program will help businesses maintain operations, preserve local employment, and attract increased visitation to the region. We are committed to supporting local enterprises in an area that features some of the world’s most remarkable natural attractions.” Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy highlighted tourism’s economic importance: “Tourism, particularly First Nations tourism, represents a vital economic component for Central Australia, with the Red Centre attracting visitors from throughout Australia and internationally. These grants support local businesses and employment while strengthening communities. This tourism support package represents another significant investment by the Australian Government in Central Australia and its residents.” Marion Scrymgour MP, Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, stated: “Central Australia possesses exceptional natural beauty with the potential to establish itself as a premier global tourism destination. Our government is committed to enhancing the resilience of tourism operators throughout Alice Springs and the MacDonnell region. We are focused on delivering meaningful support to local businesses and tourism operators. A revitalized tourism sector will generate employment opportunities while showcasing the unique attributes of the Red Centre.”

MP David Crisafuli has announced the immediate repeal of a controversial regulation, which he terms the “CFMEU Tax,” arguing the action is vital to boost productivity and deliver housing affordability across Queensland. The statement was made from his office and subsequently posted on Facebook. Mr. Crisafuli declared that his government is moving aggressively to address inefficiencies in the building sector. He stated, “We are restoring productivity in Queensland by scrapping Labor’s CFMEU Tax,” and emphasized that this represents “the biggest steps forward for productivity on Queensland construction sites and being able to deliver more houses today.” Allegations of Misogyny and Corruption The regulation being removed is formally known as BPIC, which Mr. Crisafuli explicitly labelled as the “CFMEU Tax,” asserting, “that is the removal of BPIC which we are calling the CFMEU Tax.” He laid the blame for the tax squarely on the previous administration, claiming, “It was put in by the former government.” He then made serious accusations regarding the intent and effect of the clause, stating that “It was all about looking after their mates.” He alleged that the working culture was negatively impacted by the regulation, asserting that “the misogyny the bullying the harassment on construction sites by the CFMEU was not just allowed but it was encouraged through this clause.” He confirmed the immediate removal: “we’re removing it today.” Economic Impact and Housing Affordability The Member of Parliament stressed that the continuation of the tax would have crippled the state’s economy, citing findings from an independent assessment. Mr. Crisafuli noted, “An independent report has found that if BPIC continued by 2030 we’d be paying 25% more on major projects and that would be worth over $20 billion to our state.” He directly linked the repeal of the tax to critical relief in the housing market, warning of severe consequences had the regulation remained. He explained that without the removal of BPIC, “In the house market that means 26,500 less homes built and that would have forced rents up by 8.3%.” Concluding his statement, Mr. Crisafuli affirmed decisive action, stating, “So we’re taking action BPIC is gone.” He ended with a determined commitment to improving the state’s economic landscape: “The days of the CFMEU running riot across Queensland will be a thing of the past and we are determined to make sure that we return productivity and affordability to this great state.”

Australia’s most vital services—including our electricity, water supply, and transport networks—are facing growing threats from highly advanced, state-backed hacking groups based in China. According to warnings from top intelligence officials and cybersecurity experts, these attacks are moving beyond simple data theft and are now focused on “cyber-enabled sabotage,” meaning the hackers are trying to gain access in order to actively disrupt or damage the critical infrastructure millions of Australians rely on every day. Why the Alarm Bells Are Ringing The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has reported aggressive cyber activity aimed squarely at sectors like telecommunications, energy grids, and water supplies. These threats are serious because a successful attack could directly endanger public safety. Experts warn that such sabotage could: Cause blackouts during extreme weather events. Disrupt vital emergency services. Potentially contaminate water supplies. The financial toll is already significant. Official intelligence reports suggest that the cost to Australia from espionage and cyberattacks—with critical infrastructure being a prime target—has reached billions of dollars in the past year alone. The Threat Is Evolving Cybersecurity researchers have identified specific Chinese hacking groups, including Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon, that are constantly adapting their methods. Their strategy is often patient: they look for hidden weaknesses and maintain quiet access to systems. The goal is to be fully prepared for high-impact disruptions if global geopolitical tensions rise. This pattern is part of a wider global trend where hostile nations blend online warfare with economic and political objectives. What Needs to Be Done In response, ASIO and government cybersecurity agencies are urging immediate action. They are calling on Australian companies and all government bodies to significantly increase their vigilance, immediately strengthen digital defenses, and urgently improve their plans for responding to a security incident. The consensus is clear: close collaboration between the private companies that run these services and the public sector is absolutely critical to preventing major acts of sabotage. While the severity of the threat is high, experts also emphasize a balanced perspective: most attempted attacks are proactively defended against, and Australia’s defense capabilities are strong and constantly improving. Continued investment in cyber resilience, clear public awareness, and transparent information sharing are crucial to keeping vital services secure against these persistent and evolving risks. This report is based on recent public warnings and verified reports from ASIO and reputable cybersecurity studies. The financial loss figures are derived from official intelligence and media assessments for accuracy and credibility.