Month: June 2025

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Call for witnesses – Indecent assault – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an indecent assault on female that occurred along the Todd River while she was on a run yesterday afternoon.

About 3:45pm, police received reports of an indecent assault on a female by a male travelling on a bike. 

It is alleged the female was on an afternoon run along the Todd River before she was indecently assaulted nearby the Stott Terrace Bridge by a male youth on a black bike described as of tanned skin, tall and wearing a black shirt with the white numbers ‘2000’ on the back. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident or captured dash cam footage of the male described nearby is urged to contact police on 131 444 and reference job number NTP2500062998. You can also anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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2025 Australian Antarctic Medals announced

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

Medical practitioner, Dr Jan Wallace
Dr Jan Wallace has been a pioneering force in Antarctic medicine, with a career spanning over 40 years as a general practitioner, remote medicine specialist, educator, and mentor.
She has served across all Australian Antarctic stations, Macquarie Island, and aboard Antarctic vessels, providing medical care in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. Her roles have included not only direct clinical care, but also leadership in research, education, and support for both expeditioners and fellow medical practitioners.
Dr Wallace’s research into first aid training for expeditioners directly shaped the Australian Antarctic Division’s first aid program, resulting in improved safety and operational protocols.
She has guided generations of Antarctic medical practitioners and inspired many, including future doctors and women in medicine, to pursue careers in remote and expeditionary healthcare.
“I felt quite overwhelmed and emotional that my fellow expeditioners considered me worthy of a nomination,” Dr Wallace said.
“I am particularly proud that the medal citation mentions that my research into expeditioner first aid training has improved safety for our teams down south.”
Dr Wallace’s dedication, compassion, and pragmatic leadership have helped set the standard for Antarctic medical care, strengthened the wellbeing of the Australian Antarctic community, and ensured the next generation of practitioners are well prepared for the unique challenges of polar medicine.
“Receiving this honour is the cherry on top of my amazing Antarctic journey over many years, which would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many others in the Antarctic family,” she said.

Dr Jan Wallace (seen here at Mawson station) has been a pioneering force in Antarctic medicine. Photo: Geoff Wallace

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2025–26 ACT Budget: investing in sport and recreation

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

New and expanding sporting facilities will create more spaces for Canberrans to play, train and come together.

In brief:

  • The 2025–26 ACT Budget will support new and expanded sports facilities.
  • These include facilities in Taylor and Molonglo.
  • There will also be a boost to the Sports and Recreation Investment Scheme.

The 2025–26 ACT Budget is investing in sport and recreation infrastructure across Canberra.

The major investment includes:

  • new playing fields and a pavilion in Taylor, including early planning and design work starting in 2025–26
  • the first stage of the Stromlo District Playing Fields in Molonglo
  • a boost to the Sports and Recreation Investment Scheme to support local clubs and facilities.

These new and existing venues will create more spaces for communities to play and train together.

They will help meet growing demand from local clubs and communities as Canberra continues to grow.

Taylor District Playing Fields

Taylor District Playing Fields will be expanded with two new rectangular synthetic grass fields.

The addition of modern, inclusive facilities will further enhance the space. These include:

  • LED lighting for extended use
  • a new sports pavilion
  • female-friendly changerooms
  • public toilets and community amenities.

Stromlo District Playing Fields

Stromlo District Playing Fields will support community sport in one of Canberra’s fastest-growing areas.

Stage 1 will include a synthetic grass sportsground with two rectangular fields.

There will also be:

  • a modified AFL oval
  • LED sportsground lighting
  • a sports pavilion.

Essential civil works will also be carried out, including roads, parking, stormwater treatment and landscaping.

Supporting local clubs

The ACT Government will also double its investment in the Sports and Recreation Investment Scheme.

This will support new and upgraded community sporting infrastructure around the city.

High-quality facilities for a growing city

The Budget investment will bring long-term benefits for local communities in these growing regions.

It delivers on the ACT Government’s commitment to support active lifestyles and give more Canberrans the chance to get involved in sport.

These projects come in addition to upgrades at existing sporting facilities across Canberra.

Read more like this:

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Charges – Secondary supply of alcohol – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force have charged a 58-year-old female and 80-year-old male with secondary supply of alcohol as part of a targeted operation in Katherine today.

This morning, police executed search warrants at two separate residences within a block of units near the Katherine CBD. The operation was initiated following community concerns of ongoing supply of alcohol to individuals subject to Banned Drinking Orders (BDOs), particularly in the early hours of the morning.

As a result of the search warrants police seized a significant quantity of alcohol and cash. They were both taken into custody and the 80-year-old male was later charged with:

  • Unauthorised sale of Liquor 
  • Possess ammunition without a license

He was bailed to appear in Katherine Local Court on 23 July 2025.

The 58-year-old female was charged with unauthorised sale of liquor and was bailed to appear in Katherine Local Court on 23 July 2025.

Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said, “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. Secondary supply is not a victimless crime, it is a serious offence carrying a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment. Secondary supply of alcohol undermines the BDO system, exploiting vulnerable community members.

“It contributes directly to antisocial behaviour, fuels violence and places significant strain on emergency frontline and health services.

“This operation forms part of a broader alcohol harm reduction strategy aimed at improving community safety and wellbeing across the Territory. Police will continue to actively target those who profit from the illegal secondary supply of alcohol, with a particular focus on those who sell to people prohibited from purchasing it.”

Northern Territory Police Force are committed to working with partner agencies and the community to disrupt illegal alcohol supply and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Anyone with information on the illicit secondary supply of alcohol in the community are urged to report it to police by either calling 131 444 or making an online police report at https://pfes.nt.gov.au/reportonline. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or via their online portal at https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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UPDATE: Arrests – Escape custody – Darwin CBD

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested both youths who escaped custody in the Darwin CBD earlier this afternoon.

About 6:20pm, both youths were arrested in the Darwin CBD by members from the Dog Operations Unit, Strike Force Trident, Territory Safety Division, Fugitive Task Force and general duties after being observed by a Dog Operations Unit member on patrol.

Patrol Dog Wedge was deployed and the two youths were apprehended a short time later with some further assistance from the public.

Police would like to thank members of the public involved.

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Be part of the solution to plastic pollution

Source: South Australia Police

This Plastic Free July, take the pledge to reduce your plastic waste and make a positive impact – small changes really do make all the difference!

Throughout the month, the City is hosting a range of free workshops where you can learn what happens to your waste, discover simple ways to reduce it and find out how to live more sustainably in your everyday life.

Let’s work together for cleaner streets, healthier oceans and thriving, beautiful communities.

Event dates and times

Ditch the gladwrap! Fabric food cover sewing workshop

The Waste Education team are hosting a pop-up workshop where you can stop by and learn to create your own fabric food covers.

10am to 11am, Tuesday 1 July at Yanchep Central Shopping Centre. Register here.

3.30pm to 4.30pm, Tuesday 1 July at Yanchep Central Shopping Centre. Register here.

10.30am to 12.30pm, Saturday 5 July at Yanchep Library. Register here.

Plastic Free It’s All About Play

Join us for a fun filled program packed with multi-sensory toys, craft, dress ups and tactile experiences designed to keep your child engaged and entertained as they learn through play.

9am to 11am, every Monday in July at Yanchep Library.

No registration required, find out more via our website.

Community tour of the Cleanaway Material Recovery Facility and CLAW Environmental

Learn how your recycling is sorted and processed on this interactive tour of these two waste facilities.

8.45am to 3pm, Thursday 17 July, departing Wanneroo Civic Centre.

Register online via the City of Joondalup website.

Earthside Eco Bums modern cloth nappy workshop

Learn what cloth nappies are all about, how they work and what you’ll need to get started at this free workshop.

11am to 12pm, Wednesday 30 July at Yanchep Library

Register here.

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Call for information – Escape custody – Darwin CBD

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force are seeking public assistance to locate two male youths who escaped corrections custody in the Darwin CBD this afternoon.

Around 4:10pm, police were made aware of two male youths that escaped from a corrections vehicle along Bennett Street while being conveyed in corrections custody around 4pm. One of the youths were last seen wearing a grey jumper and grey pants and the other was last seen with a green jacket.

Police are actively searching for the absconders and are urging anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number P25165835. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Speech – Heads of Prosecuting Authorities of Commonwealth Countries Conference

Source: Australian Ministers for Education

South Australian café owner sentenced to 6 years’ imprisonment for GST fraud
Ben.PetersJones

Year
2024

Location
South Australia

Between March 2014 and January 2016, Shaun Both (the offender) was a sole trader of Metro Express Café at Mawson Lakes in South Australia. In that time, he lodged 9 quarterly Business Activity Statements (BAS) with the ATO. As a result of false statements in the BAS, in circumstances where the café had ceased trading, the offender dishonestly obtained $1,001,004 in Goods and Services Tax (GST). In January 2016, the offender used some of the last GST refund to purchase a $530,000 residential property outright. 

Following an investigation by the ATO, the offender was charged with the following offences:

  • nine counts of obtain financial advantage by deception, contrary to section 134.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Counts 1-9); and
  • one count of knowingly dealing with money that is proceeds of crime ($100,000 or more), contrary to section 400.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Count 10).

He first appeared in the Magistrates Court of South Australia in 2019 but then absconded to Western Australia after failing to appear in court in April 2020 when he was subject to home detention bail. In December 2023, the offender was arrested on the outstanding warrant in remote Western Australia and extradited back to South Australia where he was remanded in custody. The offender pleaded guilty to all counts at a committal hearing.

Sentencing

On 5 August 2024, the offender was sentenced by his Honour Judge Muscat in the District Court of South Australia to a total effective sentence of six years and six months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years and eight months.

In sentencing the offender, his Honour Judge Muscat noted:

  • The BAS lodgments “represented a sustained course of conduct which escalated in terms of the amounts dishonestly obtained over an almost two-year period”.
  • Although the offender suffered from poor mental health, alcohol abuse and gambling habits and they were relevant to the background of his offending, they did not significantly reduce his moral capability or the need for personal and general deterrence.
  • The offender had a prior history of dishonesty offending. He had previously received the benefit of suspended sentences and court-ordered medical treatment for his alcohol and mental health issues.
  • It was clear that the offender “wanted to live a certain lifestyle and he certainly did that”. The offender gambled extensively, spent money at shopping centres and online, and “on things he did not really need other than to live the life he wanted”.
  • The loss to the Commonwealth was significant, with only about $350,000 recovered by the ATO by way of garnishee and bankruptcy proceedings, with no realistic prospect of recovering further amounts.

His Honour gave the offence a 20 per cent discount for his guilty pleas. He noted that the case against the offender was “overwhelming” but he did save the time and expense of a trial.

His Honour directed (and the CDPP conceded it was appropriate) that the sentence for Count 10 be served concurrently on the sentence imposed for Counts 1-9 as the offence concerned expenditure of the final BAS refund.

Relevant links

ATO media release published 6 August 2024 Café owner’s bold brew in $1 million GST fraud

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SAPOL to transform firearms services

Source: New South Wales – News

South Australia Police (SAPOL) is transforming firearms services with the introduction of the South Australia Firearms Register (SAFR).

The new system will enhance efficiency, security and accessibility, improving the experience for firearm owners, businesses and law enforcement.

Officer in Charge of Firearms Branch, Superintendent Lauren Leverington said the system is anticipated to be operational mid-2026.

“As we develop the new digital system, SAPOL is asking firearm licensees to provide us with feedback on their current user experience,” Superintendent Leverington said.

Licensees who have registered their email address with SAPOL’s Firearms Branch will receive an email invitation to complete a survey. For those who haven’t registered, a participation link is available on the SAFR page on SAPOL’s website or is available here.

“We encourage all licensees to participate and share their insights to help us improve our services,” Superintendent Leverington said.

Plans for SAFR include offering 24-hour online access for 15 digitised firearm services for dealers and licence holders. This will expediate application processing and reduce wait times. Users will also benefit from improved visibility and tracking of their applications.

“SAPOL recognises the community’s frustration with the current application processing times,” Superintendent Leverington said.

“To address this in the short term, additional staff have been employed to manage the workload more efficiently.”

Key benefits of SAFR include:

  • Faster processing – digital applications will be reviewed and processed more quickly, reducing wait times for both applicants and administrators.
  • Secure online payments – offering a more convenient way to pay.
  • Secure and centralised storage of all digital submissions and enhanced reporting and workload tracking for Firearms Branch
  • Built in validation to reduce errors through the use of mandatory fields to prevent incomplete or incorrect submissions.
  • Environmentally friendly through minimised use of paper, supporting sustainability goals.

The SAFR initiative also forms part of the broader National Firearms Register (NFR) program. SAPOL is partnering with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to deliver unified and efficient firearms information in near real time across Australia.

“SAFR is shaping the future of firearms services in South Australia by delivering a new system. Together with our Commonwealth partners, SAPOL aims to elevate safety standards and improve service across the firearms community,” Superintendent Leverington added.

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UPDATE: Charges – Property damage – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Strike Force Cerberus have arrested two male youths in relation to property damage in Katherine Wednesday evening.

Yesterday, police identified one of the alleged offenders walking along Sandalwood Crescent and he was arrested without incident. A short time later, a second offender aged 15 was located and arrested in bushland near De Julia Court.

The 15-year-old was charged with Property damage and Breach of bail, and the 14-year-old charged with Property damage and bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Police would like to thank the public for their assistance and continue to urge those who witness a crime or anti-social behaviour to contact 131 444.