The man has been charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
Authorities advised people leaving the affected area to detour inland, with evacuation routes including Birregurra–Forrest Road and Forrest–Apollo Bay Road towards Colac, while noting conditions and road access may change.
Across the country, about 18,000 people were expected to become Australian citizens on January 26, hailing from nations including India, New Zealand, Turkey, the United States, Nigeria, Malaysia, Nepal and the United Kingdom.
As lead author of the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s SDA Design Standard, she helped establish minimum design requirements for new housing supporting people with extreme functional impairment—standards now embedded across the sector.
Dr Sadhai, a general practitioner at Bacchus Marsh Medical Centre since 2007 and a GP since 1995, has been a driving force in community health initiatives.
Bharat Nepal is the founding president of Australian Nepali Public Link Inc, a role he has held since 2012, and continues to serve as the organisation’s public officer and advisor.
Taken together, these honours reflect a shared national story: migrants and Australians of migrant heritage are not only participants in Australian life, but leaders shaping its future.
Queensland-based community stalwart Shyam Ratan Das has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his long-standing service to the Indian community.
Mukund Narayana Murti of Victoria has been awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for his outstanding contributions to strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relationships with Southeast Asia.
Chris Rua Antony died in hospital on February 20, a week after he was struck by a car while walking home from school along Pound Road in Narre Warren South.
Many senior Hamas leaders have lived for years in luxury abroad, in places such as Qatar and elsewhere, far removed from the consequences of the war they help direct.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek described Ramadan nights in Lakemba as one of Sydney’s great traditions, pointing to the bustling streets and strong sense of community.