‘Excellent’ centre of cyber training
A Cyber Security TAFE Centre of Excellence has opened at CIT Woden, “helping to build a pipeline of cyber-ready workers”, the government states.
No need to send for a Doctor yet. This pipeline does not seem to involve conveyor belts or forcible conversion into emotionless, dehumanised metallic giants with only one goal: power.
Instead, the $5 million Centre — jointly funded by the federal and ACT governments — will serve as a hub for TAFEs across Australia, training students to prevent cyber threats; offering tailored cyber courses to address nationwide skills gaps, with fast-tracked degree-equivalent apprenticeships and micro credentials for university graduates; and strengthening Australia’s sovereign cyber security capability, including in energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure.
“Cyber security is vital for protecting Australians and protecting our economy,” Andrew Giles MP, Federal Minister for Skills and Training, said. “Having a workforce with cutting-edge cyber security skills is critical to placing Australia at the forefront of developments in the sector.”
It is unclear whether the ‘cyber threats’ include the sudden appearance of hitherto unknown twin planets, the hijacking of lunar weather bases, the alteration of mobile devices to seize control of people’s minds and march them into cyber conversion facilities, or the sudden transformation of the Earth’s dead into an army.
The centre will, however, build on Canberra’s existing cyber capabilities, including the Canberra Cyber Hub and the Canberra Innovation Network, and partner with another CIT Centre of Excellence to identify cyber risks in electric vehicles.
“Canberra is well placed to develop the Cyber Centre of Excellence,” Michael Pettersson MLA, ACT Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, said. “As the nation’s capital we have extensive sovereign cyber security capability and businesses based here, alongside established research and training institutions.”
This is the 13th TAFE Centre of Excellence announced under a $325 million national program.
In other news: a battered old London police box has been seen in Northbourne Avenue.
Grants back local energy innovation
Three projects will share more than $1.3 million from the ACT Government’s Energy Innovation Fund to support renewable energy and electrification.
Indi Flight Pty Ltd (Learn2Fly) will establish an electric aircraft training and maintenance hub powered by renewable energy, which will support sustainable regional air travel ($750,000).
Aratherm Services Pty Ltd will help manufacturers move off gas onto electric heating ($450,000).
The Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) will run the ACET (Accelerate Canberra’s Energy Transition) project, connecting researchers, startups, students, and investors to accelerate energy transition ($195,000).
Suzanne Orr MLA, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, said these projects unlock new opportunities for industry and drive innovation, while supporting the government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2045.
“These projects and the businesses behind them are helping to solve policy and technological challenges in energy transition, drive up collaboration and investment between all levels of industry, government and community, and inspire industry to take concrete steps in adapting to a changing climate,” Ms Orr said.
Since 2016, the Fund has invested $17 million in more than 20 ACT-based projects. Applications for the next round close on 30 September. For more information, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.
“I strongly encourage any Canberra-based businesses with ideas on how to solve energy challenges and accelerate the uptake of renewable energy initiatives to apply for the next round,” Ms Orr said.
Greens urge soy sauce fish ban
The ACT Greens have called on the ACT Government to follow South Australia’s lead and ban single-use plastic soy sauce fish containers.
South Australia banned the fish-shaped plastic soy sauce containers at the start of this month, the first jurisdiction to do so.
ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay MLA said the small plastic packets cannot be recycled at Canberra’s new recycling facility.
“Government needs to start working on how they will support people to find suitable, accessible and non-disposable alternatives,” Ms Clay said. “If we don’t ban or recycle these items, they have a higher chance to become litter, run off into our waterways, and cause real harm to our birds, fish and wildlife that mistake them for food.”
The ACT Government had already banned single-use plastic cutlery, bowls, plates, and polystyrene takeaway containers, Ms Clay noted. Restaurants provide environmentally friendly alternatives like soy sauce bottles.
Under the Plastics Reduction Act 2021, the ACT Government has powers to ban single-use plastics. It also has a Circular Economy Strategy, and set the world’s first zero waste target.
A government spokesperson said: “The ACT Government has committed to continue to identify problematic waste streams, including single-use plastics with suitable alternatives, that can be phased out from circulation. Any future changes would include consultation with stakeholders and the public.”
ACT marks Foster Care Week
Foster Care Week 2025 (14 – 20 September) recognises the contribution of foster and kinship carers across the ACT. In short-term, long-term, and emergency care, they look after vulnerable children and young people who cannot live with their own families.
“Foster carers provide a safe and nurturing home for children and young people who are unable to live with their own families,” Michael Pettersson MLA, Minister for Children, Youth and Families, said.
“They open their doors and hearts to those in need — often at short notice — offering the support and stability every child deserves.”
The government is strengthening the out-of-home care system, including the Next Steps for Our Kids 2022–2030 strategy and the Signs of Safety practice framework, and working with providers such as Barnardos, Key Assets Australia, and OzChild to support carers.
Those interested in becoming foster carers can visit Becoming a foster carer – ACT Government, or contact a foster care provider to learn more.
Phillip Oval upgrades
Stage 2 of the Phillip District Enclosed Oval redevelopment has begun. The works include a new irrigation system to improve turf quality, a new cricket turf wicket, drainage, lighting, a storage shed and upgrades to the Michael O’Connor Grandstand.
Local firm Projex Building, which built a new sports pavilion earlier this year, is carrying out the works.
The project will be completed in early 2026.
Sports minister Yvette Berry MLA said the upgrades were “an exciting next step in the transformation of Phillip District Enclosed Oval into a premier venue for local sport”.
