Month: March 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Alice Springs early on Saturday morning.

Just after 12am on Saturday, a group of unknown male youths were allegedly causing a disturbance on Todd Street when a nearby adult male engaged with the group, encouraging them to leave the area. It is alleged one of the unknown youths subsequently threw a scooter at him, striking him in the head and causing him to lose consciousness.

Security personnel from a nearby venue provided first aid to the victim before St John Ambulance arrived and conveyed him to hospital.

The group of youths fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

At approximately 10pm on Friday night, the Northern Territory Police Force’s Search and Rescue Section (SRS) assisted the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in coordinating a response to an unregistered EPIRB activation approximately 70km northeast of Borroloola, in the remote area of Pellew Islands.

An AMSA Challenger rescue aircraft was deployed by JRCC from Cairns to support aerial search efforts, while on-water assistance was provided by local mariners from King Ash Bay.

At around 1am, an overturned landing craft was located from the air, with a 55-year-old man clinging to the hull. The responding vessel from King Ash Bay reached the scene shortly after and successfully rescued the man, who was in good health despite being stranded for nearly four hours.

The rescue was complicated by the area’s remoteness and hostile environment with saltwater crocodiles populating the region.

Search Coordinator, Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr from the SRS, said, “While the activation of the EPIRB played a key role in the successful rescue, it was the swift action and support from King Ash Bay locals that ultimately ensured the man’s survival. Their knowledge of the area and willingness to assist authorities in rescuing a fellow Territorian cannot be overstated”.

The cause of the incident remains unknown, however initial indications suggest that vessel overloading and rough sea conditions may have contributed and will be the subject of a marine incident report via Marine Safety NT.

This incident serves as a timely reminder for all mariners to ensure their EPIRBs are current and registered with AMSA.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 14-year-old male after an aggravated burglary in Katherine overnight.

About 8:15pm, police received reports of an unlawful entry from a relative of an elderly resident living in Katherine South.

The resident awoke to noise and upon further inspection noticed the door had been damaged and her mobile phone and set of keys were missing. She used her medical alert device to call family, who notified police.

Katherine general duties and Dog Operations Unit members attended the residence and conducted patrols nearby. The alleged offender was apprehended a short time later and was found in possession of a number of stolen keys and an edged weapon.

Senior Sergeant Glenn Leafe said “Investigations remain ongoing into this incident as there were several sets of keys found in possession of the alleged offender.

“This lady did an excellent job seeking help, and her family acted promptly to ensure police could apprehend this young person nearby, preventing further offending. This type of conduct is not tolerated in our community and we will continue to investigate and put offenders before the court”

Police urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency call 000. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to stolen motor vehicles that were sighted driving dangerously in Alice Springs early this morning.

At 4:15am, police CCTV operators sighted two vehicles being driven recklessly on Todd Street in Alice Springs. One of the vehicles, a white Haval SUV, was allegedly driving behind a security vehicle and attempting to ram it, however no contact was made. The second vehicle, a silver Mazda hatchback, was following closely behind the SUV.

The two vehicles subsequently left the area and were last sighted travelling towards East Side. Police commenced investigations and Strike Force Viper members located both vehicles a short time later abandoned on Coolibah Crescent. Both have been seized to undergo forensic examination.

Police attended the registered address of the vehicles in East Side and confirmed they had been stolen earlier in the night.

Members from the Dog Operations Unit, Strike Force Viper and general duties conducted area patrols to locate the unknown offenders, however they currently remain outstanding.

Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25087519. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating after multiple disturbances occurred in Wadeye on Saturday afternoon.

Around 12pm, local police members responded to a growing disturbance between families in the community. The incident continued throughout the afternoon before the group was dispersed.

A short time later, the unrest continued and additional resources from Peppimenarti and Territory Support Division were deployed to assist, and the groups were again separated.

Police have not received any reports of injuries at this stage; however, multiple edged and makeshift weapons have been seized from properties.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said, “This level of violence is simply not acceptable.

“We are working closely with Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to enhance community engagement to ease tensions within the community.”

Source: New South Wales – News

Police and emergency services were called to the intersection of Wakefield Street and Frome Street, Adelaide about 9.30pm on Sunday 30 March by reports of a collision.

It is believed the pedestrian was crossing Wakefield Street when he was struck by a Nissan four-wheel drive, then by a second vehicle, a Mazda station wagon.

Sadly, the 65-year-old Adelaide man died at the scene.

The driver of the Nissan, a 61-year-old Mitchell Park man, was arrested by Major Crash officers and charged with cause death by careless driving.  He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 18 June.

The driver of the Mazda, a 20-year-old Hillcrest man, is assisting police with their enquiries.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene for forensic examination.

Major Crash Investigation Section has released two images of two separate cars following an investigation.

Following the initial collision between the Nissan utility and the pedestrian a dark sedan with a spoiler on the rear and a white SUV were seen in CCTV footage to pass through the collision scene in a westerly direction.

These two vehicles are not believed to be involved in the collision (images below).

Police are appealing for the driver of both vehicles or any other witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Please reference 25-034M.

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 31 Mar 2025

Dozens of university researchers and business stakeholders have been honing their partnership building expertise at masterclass events in Rockhampton, to support more regional Queensland research projects to get off the ground.

Over the past six weeks, 35 researchers from across the state have been taking part in the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program masterclass series held at CQUniversity (CQU) and James Cook University (JCU).

The $7 million Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) initiative delivered by CSIRO, aims to transform project ideas in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, into impactful real-world solutions.

Research leaders have been given the skills and tools to effectively identify, approach, engage and collaborate with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across regional Queensland – assisting them during the research and development stages of a concept – from ideation to commercialisation.

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilison said these masterclasses are expected to equip researchers and business-minded individuals with the knowledge and strategies to effectively transform scientific ideas into viable commercial ventures.

“This program increases opportunities for business and industry investment in science and recognises and supports entrepreneurship,” she said.

“The RUIC program promotes economic growth in Queensland’s regional areas, ensuring that local SMEs remain competitive and continue to thrive.

“We want to boost regional collaboration between businesses and researchers, to grow industry engagement across the state and get more projects launched.”

CQUniversity Regional Futures Executive Director Paul Hodgson said the RUIC program is an excellent platform to develop relationships between regional universities and SMEs.

“As a regional university, CQUniversity is proudly focused on delivering ‘research with impact’, which is only possible through strong partnerships with industry, particularly SMEs,” he said.

“The RUIC masterclass series was a timely and critical process in upskilling the engagement capability and confidence of our researchers to deliver sustained impact into the future”.

View further details on the Regional University Industry Collaboration program.

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We’ve reviewed our advice for Qatar and continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions. You may be placed under a travel ban if you’re involved in a dispute about (but not limited to) business, labour, employment, fines or civil legal proceedings. You won’t be able to leave Qatar until your travel ban is removed (see ‘Travel’).

Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests (see ‘Safety’).

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Back L to R: Jeremy Martin, Jai Maher, Aaron Yates, Captain Wayne Draper, ACFO Bryan Russell, Michael Franchetto, Bayley Charalambous. Front L to R: Lynne O’Callaghan, Narelle Douthie, Jarod Rodway

Morwell Fire Brigade has officially welcomed the arrival of its new heavy tanker through the station doors, which is set to boost firefighting capabilities to serve the local community.

Brigade members gathered at the fire station on Thursday, 27 March to celebrate the new addition to their fleet, where CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bryan Russell had the honour of handing over the keys.

Morwell Captain Wayne Draper said the brigade was excited to use the new tanker which will put them in a better position to protect the community because of the increased water capacity of 4,000 litres.

“The new tanker has been great for morale since coming into the station. It’s very user friendly and will be a great benefit to us,” Wayne said.

“The extra 1,000 litres of water will go a long way out on the fireground.

“It is also now a lot more comfortable for members to ride in the cab, and the simplicity of the layout has been easier for our volunteers to navigate.

“Over the past few months, we’ve put a lot of work into adjusting to a completely different truck, as this one is a lot bigger than what we’ve had previously.

“I’ve been really proud of how well our members have embraced the challenge. We’ve had eight drivers and operators do more than 15 hours of training each to become accredited and they are keen to put their training into practice.”

CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bryan Russell said the new tanker will not just be an asset for response but also for the safety of the members.

“It has some fantastic enhancements, with updated crew protection systems and burnover protection, plus full equipment stowage,” Bryan said.

“The new features also aim to reduce crew fatigue and improve safety and ergonomics including easy-to-read electric monitors and electric rewind hose systems.”

“Environmentally, we’re reducing impacts through use of recyclable building materials and higher levels of emission controls.”

The heavy tanker’s 4×4 capability and automatic transmission will also help crews access fires in difficult terrain.

The new vehicle was funded through the Victorian Government’s CFA Capability Funding package and is one of 48 new tankers being rolled out to CFA fire brigades across Victoria to ensure volunteer firefighters are well-equipped to protect their communities.

Morwell Fire Brigade has a strong membership of 78, with 31 of them operational, and a strong female presence of six operational, six auxiliary and 14 junior members.

The brigade has a large response area in the Latrobe Valley area of Gippsland and averages 310 callouts a year.

Submitted by	CFA media

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