Michael Pettersson, Minister for Multicultural Affairs · Original source
The ACT Government has announced performers for the 2027 National Multicultural Festival in Canberra, to be held from 5 to 7 February 2027. The program includes ARIA Award-winning singer Kaiit, a MusicACT line-up, the Music in Exile project, and Friday Night Comedy with Dilruk Jayasinha, Lizzy Hoo and Hoani Hotene. Family entertainment features Play School alumni Zindzi & The Zillionaires and Jay Laga'aia, and First Nations children's performer Lucas Proudfoot.
Australian Bureau of Statistics · Original source
New Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on apparent food consumption show fruit intake rose 1.4 per cent in 2024-25, led by oranges, kiwifruit and grapes, while vegetable intake slipped 1.7 per cent to a seven-year low of about 181 grams per person daily. Avocado, pumpkin, and peas and beans recorded the steepest declines. Energy drink consumption grew 18 per cent, and total retail food and non-alcoholic beverage volumes reached an estimated 15.6 million tonnes
David Janetzki, Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership; Tim Nicholls, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services · Original source
The Queensland Government is investing more than $50 million in energy infrastructure to support the new Toowoomba Hospital and the city's growth. Ergon Energy has begun works to more than double the capacity of the North Toowoomba Substation, with $38 million for the substation and associated works and $16 million for a dedicated 3.6km underground electricity link to the hospital. The hospital will deliver at least 538 overnight beds, and the energy works are scheduled for completion in 2028.
Melissa Horne, Minister for Defence Industry · Original source
Victoria will host the 2029 and 2031 Australian International Airshow at Avalon, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Horne announced, securing the Southern Hemisphere's largest aviation, aerospace and defence event through to 2031. The AMDA Foundation will deliver the event, with the Victorian Government as an Official Partner. The 2027 Airshow runs from 23 to 28 February at Avalon Airport. The 2025 event generated $240.9 million for the Victorian economy and drew more than 900 exhibitors and 291 delegations from 43 nations.
Ryan Park, Minister for Regional Health · Original source
The NSW Government has released designs for new regional ambulance helicopter bases at Moruya and Wagga Wagga, the first to be delivered under a $63.95 million investment in regional aeromedical infrastructure, with planning progressing for a base at Port Macquarie. The bases will be located at local airports and include hangars, maintenance, mission-planning and training facilities. Construction at Moruya and Wagga Wagga is expected to start in early 2027, following planning approval and appointment of a building contractor.
Australian Federal Police · Original source
The Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team has upgraded charges against a 22-year-old Perth man, who now faces one count of acts in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Police will allege he sought help on a messaging platform with explosive devices, weapons manufacturing, combat techniques and fake documents. First arrested on 4 December 2025, he was expected to appear in the Supreme Court of Western Australia on 30 October.
