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Blue poles heads west

One of the national collection’s most iconic and cherished paintings, Blue poles, will travel across the country thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.

The work, which has never been seen in Western Australia, will go on display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia in Perth from April to September 2027.

Valued in 2023 at $500 million, Blue poles by American Abstract Expressionist artist, Jackson Pollock was purchased by the Australian Government in 1973.

This is the first time the painting has been loaned to an Australian venue by the National Gallery since 2003. With critical capital works already underway at the gallery, the loan will ensure that the work remains on display rather than being placed into storage.

As of 30 June 2026, more than 2.1 million Australians have engaged with more than 327 Sharing the National Collection loans which includes Australian and international works to 42 galleries and cultural venues across every state and territory.

The reaction from audiences and venue partners has been overwhelmingly positive with galleries reporting increases in visitor numbers of up to 51% for their exhibitions showcasing works from the national collection.

This includes sharing more than 50 pieces by legendary American artist Andy Warhol – including his iconic Campbell’s Soup and life-size Elvis works – with the Wanneroo Regional Gallery in 2024, which saw a 750 per cent increase in visitor numbers in the first four months.

the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

“Blue poles changed our nation, so it makes sense that the nation gets to see it.

“The national collection belongs to every Australian – no matter where they live.

“That’s why we’re sending Blue poles to Perth, making sure the west can enjoy this masterpiece and important part of our national story.”

to the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke

“Blue poles was railed against at the time as a waste of money and has proven itself to be one of the smartest investments the National Gallery has ever made.

“The greatest works in the world shouldn’t only be seen in private collections. We are a proud and important creative nation. Australians have a right to know that our national collection is world class, just as they have a right to know that as a national collection, it won’t only live in Canberra but will be shared with the whole of the nation.”

the National Gallery of Australia, Dr Nick Mitzevich

“When Jackson Pollock’s Blue poles entered the national collection, it signalled ambition, confidence and belief in the importance of art to national life. More than 50 years later, sharing this extraordinary work with audiences across Australia sustains that vision.

“Through the Sharing the National Collection program and with the support of the Australian Government, we are proud to bring one of the Gallery’s most significant works to Australian audiences in Western Australia – who otherwise may never have the opportunity to see it.”

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy.

Man charged with drone offences – Charlestown

A man has been charged with aviation offences for allegedly endangering the safe operation of a helicopter in the states Hunter Region.

It will be alleged about 1am last Sunday (23 August 2026), a rescue helicopter was flying 1000 feet above the Charlestown area on route to a medical emergency when a drone intruded into the helicopter’s airspace.

The helicopter did not need to take any evasive action and was able to continue with its duty. No air crew were injured.

Officers from the Lake Macquarie Police District – with the assistance of specialist officers from the Police Rescue & Bomb Disposal Unit – commenced inquiries into the incident.

About 3pm yesterday (Monday 24 August 2026), a search warrant was executed at a home on Newcastle Road, Wallsend, where a 46-year-old man was spoken to.

A drone was seized at the property by police.

Police will also allege that about 1kg of cannabis was located at the premises.

The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with seven offences including:
Do act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board
Operate unmanned aircraft in way that creates hazard
Fail to operate unmanned aircraft w/in visual line of sight
Operate unmanned aircraft in weather condition not permitted
Not operate unmanned aircraft as approved/permitted
Supply prohibited drug >small & <=indictable quantity
Possess prohibited drug

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 24 September 2026.

HUNTER MINES BACK UNDER THE MICROSCOPE TO BUST THE DUST

Upper Hunter coal mines are being put on notice to keep dust down this spring, as the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) launches its annual Bust the Dust compliance campaign.
EPA field officers will be out in force until mid-December, conducting unannounced inspections to ensure open-cut mines are taking appropriate steps to minimise dust to protect local air quality.
The blitz kicked off yesterday, with staff on the ground visiting seven mines across the region to assess how operators were managing dust.
It follows strong results in 2025, when staff carried out 34 inspections across 12 open-cut mines and found appropriate dust mitigation measures were in place.
NSW EPA Executive Director of Field Operations Steve Beaman said Bust the Dust ramps up compliance activity during the higher-risk spring and summer months.
“Last year we saw mines responding appropriately to the changing season, including slowing vehicle speeds, operating at lower elevations and standing down equipment when conditions were unfavourable,” Mr Beaman said.
“It’s a positive sign that community reports to the EPA about dust and air pollution have halved since 2023, but there is no room for complacency as the region becomes warmer and drier.
“We want to see those standards maintained, and our officers will again be turning up unannounced to make sure the right practices are in place.
“Dust can travel beyond mine boundaries and impact surrounding communities, so operators need to be constantly monitoring the weather and ready to act when it changes.
“That can mean deploying water carts on roads and stockpiles, changing how and where work is carried out, or stopping activities altogether during dry and windy conditions.
“While we increase our presence in the hotter months, we regulate dust emissions year-round and won’t hesitate to take action if companies fail to meet their obligations.”
Mines found to be in breach of their licence can face penalties of $30,000 for a first offence and $45,000 for subsequent offences.
Bust the Dust forms part of the EPA’s broader regulation of the coal mining sector, including strengthened requirements announced earlier this year to reduce fossil methane and boost transparency around greenhouse gas emissions.
A community drop-in session will be held in Singleton on 14 September 2026, where residents can ask questions and seek further information about the campaign.
The public is encouraged to report dust concerns to the EPA’s Environment Line by emailing info@epa.nsw.gov.au.:

Body located in search for missing man – Lambton

A body has been located in the search for a missing man in Newcastle.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries to locate a 60-year-old man, last seen in Lambton on Sunday 23 August 2026.

Following extensive inquiries and a land search, a body – believed to be that of the missing man – was located in Lambton today (Monday 24 August 2026).

The body is yet to be formally identified.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Appeal to locate man missing near Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing near Newcastle.

Anthony Chapman, aged 60, was last seen on Jerrawa Close, Lambton, about 12.30pm yesterday (Sunday 23 August 2026).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for Anthony’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, with a solid build, and is bald.

Anthony is known to frequent the Jesmond and Lambton area.

Anyone with information about Anthony’s whereabouts is urged to contact Waratah Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Workers at Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) take action

Highly skilled waterfront and electrical workers employed at Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) at Kooragang Island have taken the historic step of taking Protected Industrial Action for the first time in the company’s history due to the refusal of bosses to provide a decent agreement with conditions that are consistent with the rest of the industry.

This momentous action comes after more than sixteen years working to an enterprise agreement that NCIG workers say has left them trapped under the dead legacy of the WorkChoices era. This agreement was first struck in the wake of a period when workers’ rights were deliberately weakened and employers were handed unprecedented power by John Howard, Peter Costello and Peter Reith.

NCIG workers throughout the operations side of the business are standing together to secure a fair agreement that recognises the value they create every day and brings their conditions into line with industry standards. These workers operate and maintain the massive machinery which loads bulk cargo ships with export grade coal from throughout the Hunter region and beyond.

Members are seeking practical and overdue improvements including:

Fairer rostering arrangements;
Fairer recognition when working Public Holidays;
A decent wage increase to keep up with the rise in the cost of living; and
Conditions that reflect the skills, flexibility and productivity expected of a modern multi-skilled workforce.

Despite operating as a highly productive workforce, NCIG employees continue to be paid less than comparable workers at neighbouring operations while delivering stronger outcomes for the business.

“NCIG workers load more, do more, and carry broader responsibilities. They’re generating significant value and returns for the company but the bosses would rather provoke a dispute than settle a fair agreement,” said Glen Williams, the MUA’s Newcastle Branch Secretary.

“For years, these workers have been told there is no case for change, and when a company like this enters bargaining saying it wants nothing from negotiations, workers are entitled to ask whether that’s because management already secured everything it wanted under arrangements imposed in a very different industrial era,” Mr Williams said.

That question was answered clearly when NCIG recently put its proposed agreement to a workforce vote and the workforce decisively rejected it.

“With 98% voting against the proposal, NCIG workers sent an unmistakable message that they are no longer prepared to accept conditions that fall short of comparable workplaces or agreements that fail to recognise the contribution they make,” Mr Williams said.

“NCIG was given the opportunity to heed that message and come to the bargaining table with a genuine willingness for landing a fair deal. Instead, due to their unwillingness to compromise and their provocations, NCIG workers are now taking protected industrial action — for the first time in NCIG’s history,” Mr Williams added.

Appeal to locate wanted man – Northern Region

Police are appealing for public assistance locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant in the state’s north.

Bryce Jordan Fernley, aged 32, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for drug and firearms-related offences.

Officers attached to Northern Region Enforcement Squad have released an image of Bryce as inquiries continue to locate him.

Bryce is describe as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm – 170cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

He is believed to frequent the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens areas.

Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach but to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Opening of Solomon Islands Western Border Outpost facility

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and Solomon Island’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, the Hon Francis Sade, officially opened the Western Border Outpost today in the Shortland Islands, Solomon Islands.

The Western Border Outpost is a jointly delivered infrastructure project between the Australian and Solomon Islands governments. This new facility brings together the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity officials in a single location, enhancing interagency coordination and strengthening border management operations that help keep Solomon Islands secure.

Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Hon John Tuhaika Jnr., and Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour & Immigration, the Hon Harry Kuma also attended the opening ceremony.

The new facility will support Solomon Islands to strengthen border management and maritime security, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding security partnership between the two nations. Once handed over, this will be a sovereign Solomon Islands facility.

Australia is investing more than $100 million (AUD) towards the project, which will also provide offices, accommodation and a wharf capable of supporting Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats.

In partnership with the Solomon Islands Government, this project has created lasting benefits for local communities including 368 jobs created and more than 1,000 contracts awarded to local businesses.

Australia is proud to support the broad range of initiatives that strengthen Solomon Islands’ national security capabilities and support the growth of the RSIPF.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“The official opening of the Western Border Outpost marks an important milestone in Australia’s longstanding partnership with Solomon Islands.

“This new facility will support Solomon Islands to strengthen border management and maritime security while delivering real benefits for its people.

“It stands as a practical demonstration of what Australia and Solomon Islands can achieve together and provides a sovereign asset for Solomon Islands to use to strengthen its security.”

Successful trial of laser marks deepening of Australia-Japan defence collaboration

The Albanese Government has marked a significant milestone in Australia-Japan defence collaboration with successful field trials of a co-developed laser in South Australia.

The Boobook project has broken new ground as the first co-development project between Australian and Japanese defence industries, demonstrating deepening cooperation between our two nations.

The collaboration between Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Mitsubishi Electric Australia (MEA) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) has seen the successful field testing of a world-first prototype laser system.

The laser system draws on more than 20 years of research and development by DSTG to deliver a cutting-edge technology with the potential to enhance surveillance capability.

Boobook supports the implementation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s 4 May announcement, which committed to enhanced defence and security cooperation.

The successful Boobook trials conducted at Cultana Training Area and DSTG Edinburgh have provided valuable insights into the system’s design and technical requirements, informing the next phases of development and commercialisation.

The testing also demonstrated Australia and Japan’s ability to jointly develop advanced technologies and conduct multinational testing on Australian ranges. This paves the way for ongoing defence industrial collaboration on advanced defence capabilities between our two countries.

As the project progresses, MEA is establishing new facilities at Rydalmere, New South Wales in preparation for large-scale manufacturing within Australia.

This $70 million investment will become the home of a new MEA Defence Division, supporting future manufacturing opportunities in Australia and strengthening access to advanced Mitsubishi Electric defence technologies for the Australian Defence Force into the future.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP:

“This project demonstrates close collaboration with Japan, to develop cutting-edge technologies that address real capability needs for the Australian Defence Force.

“Boobook is more than a technology project. It is a practical example of the growing defence industrial partnership between Australia and Japan, as well as the opportunities that partnership creates for both nations.

“The establishment of Mitsubishi Electric Australia’s new defence facilities in Rydalmere is a strong vote of confidence in Australia’s defence industrial future and will support new opportunities for advanced manufacturing, technology transfer and workforce growth.”

Statement on Israel closing investigation on strikes against World Central Kitchen

Australia is outraged the Israeli Government has decided not to pursue criminal proceedings against those responsible for killing Zomi Frankcom and her World Central Kitchen colleagues.

The Australian Government learned of Israel’s decision late last night, moments before it was announced, on World Humanitarian Day – which is especially insulting to Zomi’s loved ones, humanitarians and all Australians.

Zomi represented the best of Australia. Her courage deserves to be celebrated. Her family deserves justice.

This decision falls far short of the accountability we expect.

This is despite Israel Defense Forces admissions that the IDF strikes on Zomi and her colleagues’ vehicles were the result of serious failures to follow IDF procedures, mistaken identification and errors in decision-making.

This was confirmed by Special Adviser Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin’s report.

Democracies seek and accept higher standards. The Australian Government will not stop pressing Israel for justice for Zomi and her colleagues.

I will call in Israel’s Ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman and have directed Australia’s Ambassador to Israel to convey our views directly to Israel as the Australian Government considers next steps.