Latest news with #NSWRFS
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
‘Vital' act ahead of bushfire season
The next generation of firefighting vehicles will be put to the test when the bushfire danger period kicks off in NSW after years marred by devastating floods and bushfires. In a first for NSW, the Rural Fire Service has taken possession of six ultra-large Tatra trucks, which will be deployed when the northern danger period starts on August 1. NSW Premier Chris Minns said the firefighting trucks, which are being tested as part of the state government's next-generation fleet trials, were 'more than just vehicles'. 'They're vital tools protecting lives, supporting our firefighters and strengthening community safety across NSW,' Mr Minns said. 'We are providing our firefighters and the communities they protect with the best possible equipment and technology.' Some 290 new and refurbished firefighting vehicles have been delivered to NSW RFS brigades across the state over the past year. Supplied Credit: NewsWire Mr Minns said it was vital that emergency volunteers had new equipment, with scores having come out in recent months to assist after flooding on the NSW Mid-North Coast. Five people were killed during the record-breaking floods that smashed areas such as Taree, coming just a few years after floods devastated parts of nearby Lismore. At the same time, the government is working to implement recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which probed learnings from the 2019-20 season. NSW Premier Chris Minns said the new trucks were 'vital tools protecting lives'. NewsWire / Nikki Short Credit: News Corp Australia The state government says 290 new and refurbished have been deployed to NSW RFS brigades across the state, in addition to the six new Tatra vehicles. Coming in at a whopping 26 tonnes, the Tatra trucks are made in Czechia and can carrying nearly 9000 litres, making them the largest trucks in the fleet. Boasting the ability for tyres to inflate and delate, the Tatra trucks are made by a military specialised manufacturer and come in 4x4 and 6x6 models. Final fit-outs on the Tatra trucks will be completed domestically, with the first of the vehicles to be tested during the upcoming bushfire season. The first Tatra truck will be deployed as part of the next-generation trial this year. Supplied Credit: NewsWire NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said the rollout of the Tatra trucks formed part of a long-term program to 'future-proof ' the fleet. 'These vehicles feature the latest in crew protection systems, improved safety design and communications equipment, helping our crews to operate in the toughest conditions,' he said. 'This work will help make sure our volunteers will come home safely after fighting bushfires across the state.' Several new vehicles, excluding Tatra trucks, were deployed during the recent flood crisis, with the RFS also preparing a major move of its home base to Marsden Park.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Photos of Aussie tourist town reveal unlikely solution to major national issue
An impressive 12 hectares of potentially flammable land has been cleared from a picturesque tourist attraction thanks to a group of very hungry Aussie animals. For the past several weeks, ravenous goats have been working their way through thick vegetation in hard-to-reach areas of the Putta Bucca Wetlands — a disused quarry turned native paradise located just outside the western NSW town of Mudgee. From April to June, the animals were guided to dense areas where machinery could not reach, helping to reduce the bushfire risk at the popular outdoor spot ahead of summer, all while supporting the unique surroundings. 'The herd was moved progressively through the site to target over-vegetated areas while avoiding disturbance to environmentally sensitive zones,' Hollie Smith, an operational officer for NSW RFS — Cudgegong District, told Yahoo News. Video footage of the dozens of goats eagerly munching on long grass in steep, rocky and wet terrain has been praised by Aussies online, many of whom deemed the project a 'fantastic idea' and requested it be "conducted near their home". The clip also shows before and after images of the grazed areas, highlighting the stark difference the animals made. Goats remove invasive weed species, help regenerate native flora The goats, which grazed a total of 12.3 hectares, were confined using temporary fencing and 'strategically placed to match areas with high fuel loads or specific vegetation targets', Smith explained. 'They are only kept in each section for a short period — just long enough to effectively reduce the fuel loads.' And that's not the only benefit. 'The goats also consume invasive weed species and research shows that after passing through their four-chambered digestive system, only about 15 out of 1,000 seeds remain viable — helping support the natural regeneration of native flora by reducing weed competition,' Smith told Yahoo. The animals were supplied and managed by Dry Creek Farm at Mudgee. The local contractor specialising in targeted land management via grazing runs a herd of about 200 goats, with a rotating number used on individual jobs. Rare species tracked down in remote Aussie creek Cyclists' discovery in forest highlights growing Aussie issue: 'Prolific' Dead scientist's 'time capsule' in vault key to resurrecting Aussie species Goats utilised across NSW as part of ongoing grazing trial The project is part of a continuing trial into targeted grazing that was developed by NSW RFS in response to the state government's inquiry into the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. 'Putta Bucca was identified in the Cudgegong District Bush Fire Risk Management Plan and, due to its proximity to residential areas, environmental significance, and limited machinery access caused by thick vegetation growth, it was considered an ideal location for the trial,' Smith said. Similar trials have been conducted in various areas of the state as part of an ongoing effort to explore alternative hazard reduction methods, including the South Coast, the Liverpool Ranges, and the Wellington Caves near Dubbo. The trial was also carried out in Clandulla late last year following a wetter-than-average spring, Smith said. 'Another site that has been grazed within the past four years is along the Lue railway corridor. In both locations, the local communities have enjoyed seeing the goats in action and have taken a strong interest in the valuable role this method plays in bushfire risk management.' Several countries utilise goats to help clear flammable vegetation including the US, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The Advertiser
03-07-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Black Summer 'hero' firie quits Rural Fire Service in disgust after 18 years
A firefighter who was awarded for bravery during the Black Summer fires and suffered ongoing health issues, has resigned from the NSW Rural Fire Service. Ian Avage, previously a Rural Fire Service captain and group captain at Splitters Creek, located in Albury NSW, cited bullying, double standards and a lack of support for volunteers as his reason for quitting. "I can no longer be a part of what is quite obviously a failing organisation," Mr Avage said in his resignation letter, seen by - ACM masthead -The Border Mail and quoted with his permission. Mr Avage, an 18-year volunteer firefighting veteran, was one of six Riverina volunteers, including fallen firefighter Samuel McPaul, recognised for bravery during a tornado-like fire at Green Hill in 2019. The deputy group captain at the time was checking on his crews when a fireball exploded, forcing his vehicle to roll on its side. Mr Avage left his RFS vehicle and ran through the horrifying conditions to take shelter in a nearby property before his vehicle exploded into flames. "A 28-year-old lost his life in a nearby vehicle on that day," Mr Avage said. "Five other firefighters were injured in varying degrees, including myself. "I smashed my way out of the car window. The RFS vehicle was fully engulfed with flames. "I was 60 seconds off being toast. "Some time later, as a result of that day, things spiralled, went south for me, and I've got no qualms in talking about that. "I went through a couple of years of pretty nasty PTSD and put my family and friends through absolute hell. "Luckily, I was supported by good family, friends and a couple of very good people within the local RFS office. "No support from NSWRFS though; once you are given a workers' compensation claim number, they wipe their hands of you. Their mental health program has been a dismal failure." Mr Avage said he withdrew from his business, sold his partnership and worked for the RFS as a casual employee for three months. Then came a battle to get fair rights for his workmates. "It's taken me and another casual employee two, to two-and-a-half years to fight them, for myself and 20 other casual volunteers who were employed on a casual contract to get what was entitled to us," he said. "Finally, we got everything we're entitled to, but it took me and one other to continually pursue the RFS. "I had been in a sizeable business and worked closely with unions and negotiated EBAs over many years in the construction industry, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. "Their answer is no ... deny, deny, deny." Mr Avage said there would be more damage done before senior figures at the RFS "take off their blinkers". "The dictatorial hypocrisy that NSWRFS has become will prevail unless volunteers continue to stand up to them," Mr Avage said. "The sooner they realise and remember that without volunteers they have no job, the better. "Unfortunately, I feel there is some damage to be done still before they take off their blinkers." Volunteer Fire Fighters Association president Jon Russell said Mr Avage was one of many RFS volunteers to have quit after being "treated appallingly": "Eighteen years of unpaid volunteer service has just walked away because of the ongoing appalling treatment of volunteers by the RFS hierarchy," Mr Russell said. Mr Russell said he had alerted Albury-based Greens MP Amanda Cohn to the reasons leading to Mr Avage's resignation. Dr Cohn in April questioned the then-RFS commissioner, Rob Rogers, at a NSW estimates committee hearing about an alleged "bullying culture" within the organisation. "Last estimates, we discussed the monitoring of bullying within the RFS," Dr Cohn said. "You were on record previously saying you didn't think there was a problem with bullying, but a problem with accountability." Mr Rogers replied: "As at 28 March, we have received 223 workplace complaints ... whilst I don't like complaints, I think it's a good sign that there are more complaints. "It makes people feel a level of confidence in reporting through it. I would expect that there'd be a level of surge. "They've come through different ways - a formal complaint form and a third-party hotline that we've set up where people can ring a different outside agency to report it. "We've been working through those complaints. The new system is there and it's working." The RFS told The Border Mail it had "zero tolerance" for bullying or harassment. An RFS spokesperson said the service "sincerely thanks former captain Avage for his many years of service to his community and the organisation". "We take all complaints of inappropriate behaviour seriously and are committed to ensuring every member feels safe, supported and respected," the spokesperson said "To support this, the service implemented a number of mechanisms ... which provided current and former members with access to an independent review of serious misconduct matters, and now has the Workplace Complaints Resolution Framework, which came into effect in July 2024. "The RFS is also committed to the wellbeing of its members. "In the years following the 2019-20 fire season, the most devastating in the state's history, the service significantly expanded its mental health and wellbeing support, introducing new programs and strengthening existing services." A firefighter who was awarded for bravery during the Black Summer fires and suffered ongoing health issues, has resigned from the NSW Rural Fire Service. Ian Avage, previously a Rural Fire Service captain and group captain at Splitters Creek, located in Albury NSW, cited bullying, double standards and a lack of support for volunteers as his reason for quitting. "I can no longer be a part of what is quite obviously a failing organisation," Mr Avage said in his resignation letter, seen by - ACM masthead -The Border Mail and quoted with his permission. Mr Avage, an 18-year volunteer firefighting veteran, was one of six Riverina volunteers, including fallen firefighter Samuel McPaul, recognised for bravery during a tornado-like fire at Green Hill in 2019. The deputy group captain at the time was checking on his crews when a fireball exploded, forcing his vehicle to roll on its side. Mr Avage left his RFS vehicle and ran through the horrifying conditions to take shelter in a nearby property before his vehicle exploded into flames. "A 28-year-old lost his life in a nearby vehicle on that day," Mr Avage said. "Five other firefighters were injured in varying degrees, including myself. "I smashed my way out of the car window. The RFS vehicle was fully engulfed with flames. "I was 60 seconds off being toast. "Some time later, as a result of that day, things spiralled, went south for me, and I've got no qualms in talking about that. "I went through a couple of years of pretty nasty PTSD and put my family and friends through absolute hell. "Luckily, I was supported by good family, friends and a couple of very good people within the local RFS office. "No support from NSWRFS though; once you are given a workers' compensation claim number, they wipe their hands of you. Their mental health program has been a dismal failure." Mr Avage said he withdrew from his business, sold his partnership and worked for the RFS as a casual employee for three months. Then came a battle to get fair rights for his workmates. "It's taken me and another casual employee two, to two-and-a-half years to fight them, for myself and 20 other casual volunteers who were employed on a casual contract to get what was entitled to us," he said. "Finally, we got everything we're entitled to, but it took me and one other to continually pursue the RFS. "I had been in a sizeable business and worked closely with unions and negotiated EBAs over many years in the construction industry, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. "Their answer is no ... deny, deny, deny." Mr Avage said there would be more damage done before senior figures at the RFS "take off their blinkers". "The dictatorial hypocrisy that NSWRFS has become will prevail unless volunteers continue to stand up to them," Mr Avage said. "The sooner they realise and remember that without volunteers they have no job, the better. "Unfortunately, I feel there is some damage to be done still before they take off their blinkers." Volunteer Fire Fighters Association president Jon Russell said Mr Avage was one of many RFS volunteers to have quit after being "treated appallingly": "Eighteen years of unpaid volunteer service has just walked away because of the ongoing appalling treatment of volunteers by the RFS hierarchy," Mr Russell said. Mr Russell said he had alerted Albury-based Greens MP Amanda Cohn to the reasons leading to Mr Avage's resignation. Dr Cohn in April questioned the then-RFS commissioner, Rob Rogers, at a NSW estimates committee hearing about an alleged "bullying culture" within the organisation. "Last estimates, we discussed the monitoring of bullying within the RFS," Dr Cohn said. "You were on record previously saying you didn't think there was a problem with bullying, but a problem with accountability." Mr Rogers replied: "As at 28 March, we have received 223 workplace complaints ... whilst I don't like complaints, I think it's a good sign that there are more complaints. "It makes people feel a level of confidence in reporting through it. I would expect that there'd be a level of surge. "They've come through different ways - a formal complaint form and a third-party hotline that we've set up where people can ring a different outside agency to report it. "We've been working through those complaints. The new system is there and it's working." The RFS told The Border Mail it had "zero tolerance" for bullying or harassment. An RFS spokesperson said the service "sincerely thanks former captain Avage for his many years of service to his community and the organisation". "We take all complaints of inappropriate behaviour seriously and are committed to ensuring every member feels safe, supported and respected," the spokesperson said "To support this, the service implemented a number of mechanisms ... which provided current and former members with access to an independent review of serious misconduct matters, and now has the Workplace Complaints Resolution Framework, which came into effect in July 2024. "The RFS is also committed to the wellbeing of its members. "In the years following the 2019-20 fire season, the most devastating in the state's history, the service significantly expanded its mental health and wellbeing support, introducing new programs and strengthening existing services." A firefighter who was awarded for bravery during the Black Summer fires and suffered ongoing health issues, has resigned from the NSW Rural Fire Service. Ian Avage, previously a Rural Fire Service captain and group captain at Splitters Creek, located in Albury NSW, cited bullying, double standards and a lack of support for volunteers as his reason for quitting. "I can no longer be a part of what is quite obviously a failing organisation," Mr Avage said in his resignation letter, seen by - ACM masthead -The Border Mail and quoted with his permission. Mr Avage, an 18-year volunteer firefighting veteran, was one of six Riverina volunteers, including fallen firefighter Samuel McPaul, recognised for bravery during a tornado-like fire at Green Hill in 2019. The deputy group captain at the time was checking on his crews when a fireball exploded, forcing his vehicle to roll on its side. Mr Avage left his RFS vehicle and ran through the horrifying conditions to take shelter in a nearby property before his vehicle exploded into flames. "A 28-year-old lost his life in a nearby vehicle on that day," Mr Avage said. "Five other firefighters were injured in varying degrees, including myself. "I smashed my way out of the car window. The RFS vehicle was fully engulfed with flames. "I was 60 seconds off being toast. "Some time later, as a result of that day, things spiralled, went south for me, and I've got no qualms in talking about that. "I went through a couple of years of pretty nasty PTSD and put my family and friends through absolute hell. "Luckily, I was supported by good family, friends and a couple of very good people within the local RFS office. "No support from NSWRFS though; once you are given a workers' compensation claim number, they wipe their hands of you. Their mental health program has been a dismal failure." Mr Avage said he withdrew from his business, sold his partnership and worked for the RFS as a casual employee for three months. Then came a battle to get fair rights for his workmates. "It's taken me and another casual employee two, to two-and-a-half years to fight them, for myself and 20 other casual volunteers who were employed on a casual contract to get what was entitled to us," he said. "Finally, we got everything we're entitled to, but it took me and one other to continually pursue the RFS. "I had been in a sizeable business and worked closely with unions and negotiated EBAs over many years in the construction industry, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. "Their answer is no ... deny, deny, deny." Mr Avage said there would be more damage done before senior figures at the RFS "take off their blinkers". "The dictatorial hypocrisy that NSWRFS has become will prevail unless volunteers continue to stand up to them," Mr Avage said. "The sooner they realise and remember that without volunteers they have no job, the better. "Unfortunately, I feel there is some damage to be done still before they take off their blinkers." Volunteer Fire Fighters Association president Jon Russell said Mr Avage was one of many RFS volunteers to have quit after being "treated appallingly": "Eighteen years of unpaid volunteer service has just walked away because of the ongoing appalling treatment of volunteers by the RFS hierarchy," Mr Russell said. Mr Russell said he had alerted Albury-based Greens MP Amanda Cohn to the reasons leading to Mr Avage's resignation. Dr Cohn in April questioned the then-RFS commissioner, Rob Rogers, at a NSW estimates committee hearing about an alleged "bullying culture" within the organisation. "Last estimates, we discussed the monitoring of bullying within the RFS," Dr Cohn said. "You were on record previously saying you didn't think there was a problem with bullying, but a problem with accountability." Mr Rogers replied: "As at 28 March, we have received 223 workplace complaints ... whilst I don't like complaints, I think it's a good sign that there are more complaints. "It makes people feel a level of confidence in reporting through it. I would expect that there'd be a level of surge. "They've come through different ways - a formal complaint form and a third-party hotline that we've set up where people can ring a different outside agency to report it. "We've been working through those complaints. The new system is there and it's working." The RFS told The Border Mail it had "zero tolerance" for bullying or harassment. An RFS spokesperson said the service "sincerely thanks former captain Avage for his many years of service to his community and the organisation". "We take all complaints of inappropriate behaviour seriously and are committed to ensuring every member feels safe, supported and respected," the spokesperson said "To support this, the service implemented a number of mechanisms ... which provided current and former members with access to an independent review of serious misconduct matters, and now has the Workplace Complaints Resolution Framework, which came into effect in July 2024. "The RFS is also committed to the wellbeing of its members. "In the years following the 2019-20 fire season, the most devastating in the state's history, the service significantly expanded its mental health and wellbeing support, introducing new programs and strengthening existing services." A firefighter who was awarded for bravery during the Black Summer fires and suffered ongoing health issues, has resigned from the NSW Rural Fire Service. Ian Avage, previously a Rural Fire Service captain and group captain at Splitters Creek, located in Albury NSW, cited bullying, double standards and a lack of support for volunteers as his reason for quitting. "I can no longer be a part of what is quite obviously a failing organisation," Mr Avage said in his resignation letter, seen by - ACM masthead -The Border Mail and quoted with his permission. Mr Avage, an 18-year volunteer firefighting veteran, was one of six Riverina volunteers, including fallen firefighter Samuel McPaul, recognised for bravery during a tornado-like fire at Green Hill in 2019. The deputy group captain at the time was checking on his crews when a fireball exploded, forcing his vehicle to roll on its side. Mr Avage left his RFS vehicle and ran through the horrifying conditions to take shelter in a nearby property before his vehicle exploded into flames. "A 28-year-old lost his life in a nearby vehicle on that day," Mr Avage said. "Five other firefighters were injured in varying degrees, including myself. "I smashed my way out of the car window. The RFS vehicle was fully engulfed with flames. "I was 60 seconds off being toast. "Some time later, as a result of that day, things spiralled, went south for me, and I've got no qualms in talking about that. "I went through a couple of years of pretty nasty PTSD and put my family and friends through absolute hell. "Luckily, I was supported by good family, friends and a couple of very good people within the local RFS office. "No support from NSWRFS though; once you are given a workers' compensation claim number, they wipe their hands of you. Their mental health program has been a dismal failure." Mr Avage said he withdrew from his business, sold his partnership and worked for the RFS as a casual employee for three months. Then came a battle to get fair rights for his workmates. "It's taken me and another casual employee two, to two-and-a-half years to fight them, for myself and 20 other casual volunteers who were employed on a casual contract to get what was entitled to us," he said. "Finally, we got everything we're entitled to, but it took me and one other to continually pursue the RFS. "I had been in a sizeable business and worked closely with unions and negotiated EBAs over many years in the construction industry, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. "Their answer is no ... deny, deny, deny." Mr Avage said there would be more damage done before senior figures at the RFS "take off their blinkers". "The dictatorial hypocrisy that NSWRFS has become will prevail unless volunteers continue to stand up to them," Mr Avage said. "The sooner they realise and remember that without volunteers they have no job, the better. "Unfortunately, I feel there is some damage to be done still before they take off their blinkers." Volunteer Fire Fighters Association president Jon Russell said Mr Avage was one of many RFS volunteers to have quit after being "treated appallingly": "Eighteen years of unpaid volunteer service has just walked away because of the ongoing appalling treatment of volunteers by the RFS hierarchy," Mr Russell said. Mr Russell said he had alerted Albury-based Greens MP Amanda Cohn to the reasons leading to Mr Avage's resignation. Dr Cohn in April questioned the then-RFS commissioner, Rob Rogers, at a NSW estimates committee hearing about an alleged "bullying culture" within the organisation. "Last estimates, we discussed the monitoring of bullying within the RFS," Dr Cohn said. "You were on record previously saying you didn't think there was a problem with bullying, but a problem with accountability." Mr Rogers replied: "As at 28 March, we have received 223 workplace complaints ... whilst I don't like complaints, I think it's a good sign that there are more complaints. "It makes people feel a level of confidence in reporting through it. I would expect that there'd be a level of surge. "They've come through different ways - a formal complaint form and a third-party hotline that we've set up where people can ring a different outside agency to report it. "We've been working through those complaints. The new system is there and it's working." The RFS told The Border Mail it had "zero tolerance" for bullying or harassment. An RFS spokesperson said the service "sincerely thanks former captain Avage for his many years of service to his community and the organisation". "We take all complaints of inappropriate behaviour seriously and are committed to ensuring every member feels safe, supported and respected," the spokesperson said "To support this, the service implemented a number of mechanisms ... which provided current and former members with access to an independent review of serious misconduct matters, and now has the Workplace Complaints Resolution Framework, which came into effect in July 2024. "The RFS is also committed to the wellbeing of its members. "In the years following the 2019-20 fire season, the most devastating in the state's history, the service significantly expanded its mental health and wellbeing support, introducing new programs and strengthening existing services."
Perth Now
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Perth Now
Urgent health warning over toxic air
A thick cloud of dust and dangerous airborne particles has descended on Greater Sydney, prompting urgent health warnings from authorities advising residents to stay indoors and monitor for symptoms. Landmarks usually visible from across the city, including the iconic harbour, skyline and the Blue Mountains, were completely obscured on Tuesday morning as the dust storm blanketed the region. NSW Health issued a warning for residents, particularly those with asthma or respiratory conditions, to avoid outdoor activity, keep windows closed, and use damp cloths to cover their noses and mouths if necessary. A thick cloud of dust and dangerous airborne particles has descended on Greater Sydney, prompting urgent health warnings from authorities advising residents to stay indoors and monitor for symptoms NSW RFS Credit: Supplied The state government measures air quality using PM10, particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, and on Tuesday morning, Sydney's readings spiked dramatically. 'PM10 are particles in air with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less,' NSW Health explains online. 'PM itself is short for 'particulate matter', another term for particles. They can include dust or sea salt, as well as smaller particles generated from combustion processes such as vegetation fires, motor vehicles and industrial sources. 'These particles can pass into the lungs. 'Short term impacts include difficulty in breathing and worsening of asthma or chronic bronchitis symptoms. They can also cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat.' Between 8am and 9am, several areas in Sydney recorded PM10 levels above 600μg/m3, with Prospect reaching a staggering 693.3μg/m3. For comparison, Delhi, frequently ranked among the world's most polluted cities, was sitting at 107µg/m3. Even more alarming were readings in the Illawarra region, where levels spiked to 903.2μg/m3. A massive dust storm has blanketed Greater Sydney, pushing air pollution levels to 'extremely poor' and prompting urgent health warnings for residents to stay indoors. NSW RFS Credit: Supplied The NSW Rural Fire Service said the dust is being carried into the state by strong winds linked to extreme weather and drought conditions elsewhere. 'Dust and airborne particles, caused by severe drought in other states are currently being blown across south-east Australia by intense storms,' the RFS said in a statement. 'A dust storm originating in South Australia has moved into NSW overnight, significantly impacting air quality in several regions including the Greater Sydney area. 'Those with asthma or other respiratory issues are advised to minimise their exposure to the dust particles by avoiding outdoor activity, stay inside with your windows closed and cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.' Air quality across parts of Sydney had been classified as 'extremely poor' by 8am Tuesday, however that had been downgraded to 'very poor' by 10am. NSW Health uses five categories to measure air quality: good, fair, poor, very poor, and extremely poor. In 'good' conditions, daily life continues as normal. But in 'extremely poor' conditions, people are told to stay inside, move to safer locations if needed, and watch for respiratory symptoms. If symptoms develop, residents are encouraged to contact the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or consult their doctor. In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
News.com.au
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Prolific street artist Scott Marsh unveils controversial new Peter Dutton mural in Darlinghurst, Sydney
A new and highly controversial piece of street art depicting Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has appeared in Sydney this week, just days before Australians head to the polls. The mural, painted by well-known street artist Scott Marsh, portrays Dutton as a sex toy named 'The Dutt Plug'. 'Bend over backwards … just like your campaign promises. Tired of scandals that don't come with personal satisfaction?' the post reads. 'Worn out from all the flip-flopping without any real stimulation? 'Then meet your new favourite backdoor deal: The Dutt Plug. 'The Dutt Plug guarantees that the only thing getting screwed … is you.' The mural has attracted attention online, with various reactions from the public. Some viewers have praised the artwork for its boldness, while others have criticised it as inappropriate. Activist Grace Tame commented under the post: 'Genius.' Another commenter called for Marsh to be 'balanced' and do a similar mural of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This is not the first time Marsh has created politically charged street art. He is known for his provocative murals that provide brutal social and political commentary, wrapped up with a bit of humour. In 2019, he took aim at then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison over his handling of the bushfire crisis that devastated Australia. The mural, which appeared on Christmas Eve on Chippen Lane in Chippendale, depicted Mr Morrison wearing a Hawaiian shirt, lei and a Santa hat while holding a fancy cocktail. Behind the Prime Minister large flames burn, and a speech bubble depicts the words 'Merry crisis'. The mural made national headlines and was painted over by an unknown person four days after it appeared. Marsh painted the mural after Mr Morrison faced intense scrutiny over his decision to take a planned family holiday as dozens of fires burned across the country. Mr Morrison's staff deflected questions from the press for days about his whereabouts, and during his absence two firefighters were killed as they fought fires. Marsh announced on social media that funds raised from sales of merchandise associated with the mural had reached over $60,000, all of which he would donate to the NSW RFS.
