50 years ago The Express, September 22, 1976 Fire night for public   THE Narracan group of fire brigades will be holding a fire education night on Friday at the Moe Fire Brigade Hall. This is the first time in the 15 years of the Narracan group that such a night has been open to the public. There will be two guest speakers – Mr Fred Eades, a Melbourne loan assessor who will talk on fire accidents in country areas, and Mr A. Murray Clarke, a specialist at the Royal Children’s Hospital who will talk and show slides on children’s burns. As there is a limited number of seats, reservations may be made by ringing Mr G. Young, Narracan group officer. _____________________________________________________________ 30 years ago The Express, September 23, 1996 Calling for trading report   ONCE more information on the state government’s controversial shop trading reform legislation comes to hand, the Shire of La Trobe commissioners want an urgent report prepared. At a meeting last week, commissioners were briefed on the government’s proposal to extend trading to 24 hours a day. The Shop Trading Reform Bill, which is still to be fully considered by government, provides extended trading throughout Victoria, 24-hours a day and seven days a week except on Good Friday, Christmas Day and part of Anzac Day. Under the Bill, ratepayers can petition their council to conduct a binding communnity poll to determine whether Sunday trading should be restricted. But it would take 10 percent of voters, or an estimated 5000 Shire of La Trobe residents, to petition for a poll. A minimum of 25,000 people would then have to register opposition before the shire could enforce restrictions. A report to last week’s La Trobe shire meeting warned the proposed legislatiion could have a “major administrative impact” on the shire’s day-to-day operations. It claimed the Bill was likely to cause considerable debate within the local community. _____________________________________________________________ 10 years ago The Express, September 22, 2016 Precinct connects Moe community THE heart of Moe has been given a new lease of life and an old barrier between north and south Moe removed, following the opening of the stage of the Moe Rail Precinct Revitalisation Project. Speaking in Moe on Monday, Regional Development Minister Fiona Nash said the old railway station yards that used to divide the central business district had been transformed into an inviting gateway between the two. “The new library, cafe, council area and plaza are expected to bring 90,000 people into Moe’s CBD each year,” Ms Nash said. “We expect this renewal in the heart of the CBD to spread as more visitors give local business the confidence to invest.” Latrobe City acting chief executive Sarah Cumming said council contributed $3 million towards the development of the Moe Rail Precinct project. “It is a community facility designed to provide civic services including access to the library and learning, maternal and child health, a community kitchen, a café and dining area, public meeting rooms and an inspiring roof garden,” Ms Cumming said.  

Flying Officer Kbora Ali, an Afghan-born aviator and member of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), delivered the Anzac Day Dawn Service commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial in April 2026. The address marked a significant moment in her life, reflecting on her journey from a refugee to a military trailblazer. Ali was invited to speak at the 2026 Anzac Day Dawn Service after receiving an official letter from the Australian War Memorial in December 2025. During a meeting with the director of the Australian War Memorial, Matt Anderson, she was presented with two coins: one representing Australia and another featuring both the Australian and Afghan flags, symbolizing her dual heritage. Ali's parents, who were refugees from Afghanistan, attended the ceremony, marking their first Anzac Day as members of the defence force. She shared her family's story of fleeing Afghanistan during the war, with her father being rescued by an Australian naval patrol in 2001. Ali's speech highlighted the sacrifices made by Australian Defence Force personnel and their families, drawing parallels between her family's experience as refugees and the ongoing service of ADF members. She emphasized the importance of supporting veterans dealing with moral injury and mental health challenges. Ali also discussed her role as a Personnel Capability Officer, helping ADF members navigate service life. Her book, 'First of Her Kind', co-authored with her sister Razia Ali, details her journey from refugee to military officer. The speech concluded with a reflection on the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and a commitment to honouring the sacrifices of service personnel. Ali's father shared a poignant moment in court where he pleaded for his family's right to stay in Australia, a story that deeply moved the family during the Anzac Day celebrations. The event was attended by approximately 35,000 people, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and senior military leaders. Ali's address was a powerful testament to her personal journey and her commitment to serving Australia.

11K likes, 479 comments - wilstracke on May 2, 2026: "It’s weird, right? #anzacday #welcome #debate #choice #weird".

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has become the first Asian former head of state to be taken into custody by the International Criminal Court over charges of crimes against humanity for killings linked to his "war on drugs".