Month: May 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a 37-year-old male in relation to a sexual assault committed on a female, aged under 16, in the Palmerston CBD late yesterday afternoon.

The offender was not known to the victim.

Detectives from the Child Abuse Taskforce identified and arrested the alleged offender earlier today.

He remains in police custody, with charges expected to be laid later this evening.

Anyone who witnesses crime is urged to contact police on 131 444 or dial Triple Zero in an emergency. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Strike Force Lyra, with specialist assistance from the Territory Response Group and Dog Operations Unit, have arrested a 27-year-old male in relation to domestic violence and firearm offences in Leanyer yesterday afternoon.

On Saturday, the male attended a residence in company of two other persons and allegedly demanded money from a female victim before threatening to shoot and kill her. The victim is believed to be known to him. The offender allegedly continued assaulting and threatening the victim for some time and demanded the victim to remove her jewellery before he fled the scene.

Later that day, the alleged offender returned to the victim’s residence and made further threats.

On 28 May 2025, police executed a coordinated high-risk apprehension resulting in the alleged offender being apprehended in Leanyer without incident. During the arrest, the offender was located in possession of a firearm and a machete, concealed within his clothing.

He has since been charged with:

• Aggravated assault
• Assault with intent to steal – Aggravated
• Make a threat to kill a person
• Trespass
• Drive Unlicenced
• Possess / Carry / Use Controlled Weapon
• Possess / Use Firearm while Unlicensed
• Possess Unregistered Firearm
• Going armed in Public

He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Strike Force Lyra continues to actively seek out those who commit Domestic and Family Violence offences. Domestic and Family Violence has no place in our community, and we appreciate the brave victim-survivors and witnesses who report these incidents to Police.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Burnie man on firearms charge

Thursday, 29 May 2025 – 2:15 pm.

A 64-year-old man has been arrested and remanded in custody after the discovery of illicit drugs and a homemade gun at a Burnie residence.
The arrest follows the search of a property in the suburb of Romaine on Monday, where Tasmania Police allege a quantity of illicit substances and a homemade firearm were located.
The Burnie man was taken into custody and has since been remanded to appear in court at a later date.
Police remain committed to targeting the possession and distribution of illicit substances and unlawful firearms in the community.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or via the website at www.crimestopperstas.com.au

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CFA crews were kept busy last night with a wind turbine fire at a wind farm in Great Western.

The wind farm fire began at about 9.30pm on Wednesday 28 May and seven CFA units from Ararat, Stawell and Great Western fire brigades attended the scene.

CFA District 16 Commander Ben Townsend said the fire was monitored by the company last night and crews were called back when it reignited at about 3.20am.

“CFA crews that attended did what they could do to create safety zones and remained clear of the structure,” Ben said.

“Crews were initially called out because the main body of the wind turbine was on fire. They contacted the operator of the turbines and shut them down.

“Crews left the scene in the hands of the owners to monitor and just after 3am they got called back because a blade had caught fire, dislodged and fell to the ground.”

The scene is now under control and will be investigated.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source:

Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner, Community Safety, Joshua Fischer, Ashlea and Michael Vamplew with Harlow and Cranbourne Fire Brigade CFA member Zoe Russell.

A Cranbourne father who saved his daughter when a fire broke out in their family home is calling on Victorians to fit smoke alarms in all bedrooms.

The call comes as the latest figures show that between May 2024 and May 2025, FRV and CFA responded to more than 1,880 residential fires across Victoria, while 18 people died in preventable house fires during 2024.

Most fatal fires and those that cause serious injuries occur in bedrooms and living areas, however, FRV and CFA’s most recent survey of Victorians revealed just 17 percent of Victorians are protected by smoke alarms in their bedrooms.

On a cold August night last year, Michael Vamplew and his partner Ashlea woke to hear their two-year-old daughter Harlow screaming for help, after a fire took hold in her bedroom when her bed linen was ignited by a malfunctioning nightlight and powerboard.

Despite having smoke alarms installed in the hallways, no alarm was triggered as Harlow’s bedroom door was closed, containing most of the smoke inside.

“We heard her scream and call for help. I saw smoke rolling out beneath her bedroom door,” said Mr Vamplew.

“I knew we were in trouble and did what any other parent would do – the door was swollen shut from the heat of the fire, so I kicked it down. I just prayed that my daughter was safe. As I opened the door, she was standing there and I just grabbed her.”

Mr Vamplew saw flames had engulfed the majority of Harlow’s bedroom, from floor to ceiling.

“If there was a smoke alarm in the bedroom, it would have picked up the initial smoke before there was such a large fire,” he said.

In line with the family’s home fire escape plan, while Mr Vamplew got Harlow to safety, Ashlea helped to evacuate the other children and contacted the authorities with FRV and CFA arriving to tackle the blaze. Harlow was treated for third degree burns to her feet.

The Vamplews have since installed interconnected smoke alarms throughout their home so when one alarm activates, all will now sound.

“Everyone should definitely have smoke alarms in their bedrooms because they allow you to act before it is too late,” said Mr Vamplew.

“We have three children under four and if the fire had been in our one-year-old’s room, then the situation could have been significantly worse.”

Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner, Community Safety, Joshua Fischer hopes the Vamplew family’s lucky escape sends a strong message to all Victorians.

“What happened to the Vamplew family clearly demonstrates why it is so vital to have smoke alarms fitted in every bedroom of your home,” said Joshua.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook hoped this Smoke Alarm Action Day (1 June), residents feel prompted to reevaluate the placement and condition of their smoke alarms.

“We know fire risk is greatest when you are asleep, because we can lose our sense of smell. Without a working smoke alarm in your bedroom, your family may not wake up in time to safely escape,” Garry said.

When checking, installing, or replacing your smoke alarms, FRV and CFA advises:

• Only working smoke alarms save lives.
• Smoke alarms should also be installed in every bedroom and living area.
• Smoke alarms must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house and on each level.
• Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall or installed on the wall at least 30cm from the ceiling to avoid dead air space.
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so when any alarm is activated, all smoke alarms will sound.
• Fire services recommend the use of smoke alarms powered by a 10-year long life battery.
• Smoke alarms should be tested monthly by pressing the test button on the alarm and waiting for the test alarm to sound.
• Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or dusted at least once a year to remove particles that will affect smoke alarm performance.
• Replaceable batteries in a smoke alarm need to be changed yearly.
• Smoke alarms, including those attached to mains power, should be replaced every 10 years
• For more information, go to www.vic.gov.au/smoke-alarms

Submitted by	CFA media

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Increased fire risk in Victoria throughout winter

Victorians are facing an increased bushfire risk across much of the state after a warm and dry autumn, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for winter, released today.

*Emergency Management Victoria’s media release

March and April saw the fourth highest temperatures on record, below average rainfall across much of Victoria and an extension of the Fire Danger Period in some parts of the state for the first time since 2019.

These conditions, coupled with existing underlying dryness, has led to a higher level of dried grass and vegetation. In grassland, halted pasture growth has led to grazed-out or bare conditions.

As a result, an above average bushfire risk is predicted for much of southwest Gippsland, extending into central, southwest and northwest Victoria, as well as parts of northeast Victoria this winter. The increased risk isn’t for long-running bushfires, but events caused by uncontrolled burn-offs and other activities.  

Normal rainfall is expected this winter, and Victorians can expect normal fire potential across the rest of the state. However, fires are possible on dry and windy days in areas with dry or cured vegetation.

Even in winter, it’s vital for communities to remain vigilant, particularly if burning-off. Register your burn-off and monitor weather conditions. Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading and never leave a burn-off unattended.

The emergency management sector is continuing its preparedness activities with statewide briefings and state-level exercising. Incident management personnel are doing all they can to prepare for emerging risks and respond to any emergencies. 

The Seasonal Outlook for winter is developed by the Australian and New Zealand Fire and Emergency Services Council (AFAC) and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology, along with state and territory fire and land managers

It’s important for communities to understand their local risks. Keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.

Quotes attributable to Acting Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM

“The lack of rainfall and dry vegetation across many parts of the state is a great concern for firefighters this time of the year and we’re asking people to remain vigilant and not become complacent just because we’re not in summer anymore.

“While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control, especially when coupled with strong winds.

“The impact and damage of an escaped fire on local communities and emergency services can be devastating.”

Submitted by	CFA media

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Members of the Stawell Fire Brigade

Horsham, Stawell and Ararat are today among 20 CFA brigades trained and ready to respond to select medical Triple Zero calls, as part of a new initiative between CFA and Ambulance Victoria.

Submitted by	CFA Media

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Joint open letter urging investment to address unmet need for psychosocial support outside the NDISJoint open letter urging investment to address unmet need for psychosocial support outside the NDIS

On Monday 26 May 2025, Mental Health Australia and all state and territory mental health peak bodies wrote to all Health and Mental Health Ministers encouraging decisive action on investment in psychosocial support outside the NDIS to meet need. The letter calls for Health and Mental Health Ministers, at their upcoming meeting, to:

• recommend to National Cabinet that it agree a funding envelope for a 50:50 cost share arrangement to increase investment in psychosocial supports over a five-year period to meet need; and
• commit to a public consultation process to design future psychosocial support arrangements. 

We know that 493,600 people across Australia are missing out on the psychosocial support they need and deserve. It is now nine months since Australian governments released analysis quantifying this shortfall. We welcomed governments’ commitment to the development of a “robust plan for future psychosocial support arrangements” at the last Health and Mental Health Minister’s meeting, and are now urging action to deliver these arrangements. 

Governments have the information needed to make wise investments in psychosocial services to achieve good outcomes. Governments have an analysis of unmet need, evidence about what works, existing interjurisdictional governance mechanisms to build on, and existing service infrastructure and commissioning pathways. All we need now is for Governments to commit funding to ensure all people in Australia who need it can access quality psychosocial supports.

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Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has outlined its preliminary competition concerns with Elders Limited (Elders)’ (ASX:ELD) proposed acquisition of Delta Agribusiness (Delta) in a Statement of Issues published today.

Elders and Delta supply rural merchandise such as agricultural chemicals, seed, fertiliser, animal health products and related services, such as agronomy services, through their retail networks. Both companies also supply rural merchandise to wholesale customers in Western Australia.

“Competition in the supply of rural merchandise is critical to Australian farmers and our global competitiveness in agricultural products,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

“We have preliminary concerns that the proposed acquisition may lead to higher prices or reduced quality in the supply of rural merchandise without an independent Delta competing with Elders following this proposed acquisition.”

The ACCC is concerned that the proposed acquisition may reduce competition in the retail supply of rural merchandise in various local markets, and at a broader regional, state or national level.

“Elders and Delta, through their networks of stores, are both significant retail suppliers of rural merchandise in Australia,” Mr Keogh said.

The ACCC’s preliminary view is that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in the retail supply of rural merchandise in certain local markets in the North-West Victoria, Northern Wheatbelt (WA), Central Wheatbelt (WA), Great Southern (WA) and Murray-Mallee (SA) regions. The ACCC is also exploring potential concerns in other local markets where both Delta and Elders have a retail presence, and at a broader geographic level.

“We are continuing to investigate how closely Elders and Delta retail stores compete with each other, and the extent to which larger retail chains and smaller retailers (or smaller chains) are likely to compete with Elders if the proposed acquisition were to proceed,” Mr Keogh said.

“A key issue we are testing is the extent to which having a chain of retail stores assists Delta to compete with Elders more effectively than smaller retailers, both in individual local markets, and across a broader geographic area,” Mr Keogh said.

The ACCC is also considering whether the proposed acquisition would reduce competition at the wholesale level in Western Australia, or whether alternative suppliers would be able to compete with Elders effectively, should it acquire Delta. 

The ACCC has not reached a concluded view on any of the issues outlined.

The ACCC invites submissions in response to the Statement of Issues by 12 June 2025. Parties can contact the ACCC via mergers@accc.gov.au.

More information including the Statement of Issues is available on the ACCC’s public register here: Elders Limited – Delta Agribusiness.

Notes to editors

‘Agronomy services’ refer to advice provided to farmers by qualified individuals known as agronomists with specialised knowledge in soil and plant sciences. It encompasses a range of advice and services aimed at optimising crop production and farm management.

Rural merchandise is an umbrella term for agricultural products purchased by farmers as inputs into operating a farm and includes agricultural chemicals, seed, fertiliser, animal health products and other miscellaneous merchandise. Some rural merchandise stores also offer agronomic advice.

Background

Elders is an ASX-listed (ASX:ELD) agribusiness. It supplies rural merchandise through its 245 Elders-owned retail stores across the country and also supplies independent stores via its national wholesale business, Australian Independent Rural Retailers (AIRR). Elders also provides agronomic services, livestock and wool agency, real estate, financial, and feed and processing services across Australia.

Delta is an Australian retail supplier of a range of rural merchandise products and related services. Delta operates 64 retail stores, primarily in regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, and also operates a wholesale business (Delta WA) in Western Australia. Delta also provides agronomic services, livestock agency, grain marketing, real estate and financial services.