Month: August 2025

Source: Mental Health Australia

Designs are being finalised for the upgrade of historic Wallerawang railway station to allow it to reopen to passenger trains for the first time in more than 30 years.

The station dates back to the 1870s but it closed in 1989 and since then trains have passed through without stopping.

The $7 million dollar project funded by the NSW Government will involve upgrading the main platform, adjacent to Main Street, so trains in both directions can use the platform.

The design for the station has been developed to meet operational, accessibility and safety requirements to support improved community connectivity for Wallerawang and surrounds.

Construction works and platform modifications include new fencing, a boarding assistance zone and platform seating.

There will also be improvements to footpaths and walkways, new bike parking, a new forecourt, an Opal reader, improved lighting and CCTV.

Another feature will be windbreaks on the western and eastern ends of the station. It is proposed that these will feature historic images related to railways and the local region.

Transport for NSW Acting Executive Director Partnerships and Integration West Holly Davies said it is an exciting next step.

“I am sure that many in the Wallerawang community will be keen to see the designs of the station upgrades as they have advocated for its reopening for some time,” Ms Davies said.

“As well as the functional aspects of this work, the design of the windbreaks will be visually appealing. The idea is to bookend the platform with place appropriate images of significant aspects of Wallerawang as a working town.

“When trains can stop at Wallerawang there will be more convenient connections to Sydney and other major centres, improving residents’ access to health, education and social connection and potentially boosting local tourism.”

Earlier this year contractors for Transport commenced early enabling works including establishing a temporary work site, cleaning of platform surfaces, refreshing paintwork and condition assessment of buildings.

Now that the station design has been finalised, the next step will be construction of the upgrades which is due to start in late 2025 and finish around the end of 2026.

Details of the train services that will stop at Wallerawang and the associated timetables will be confirmed closer to the station’s re-opening date.

Wallerawang will be an unattended station. There are several unattended stations across the region and are all visited regularly by staff from larger stations to ensure they are kept clean and tidy, customer information is up-to-date and all facilities are in working order.

The designs for the Wallerawang station reopening project are now on public display online at transport.nsw.gov.au/wallerawang.

Members of the community can also attend a drop-in session to view the designs and speak to Transport staff about the project. The session will be on from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday 27 August 2025 at Wallerawang Library.

Source: Mental Health Australia

The NSW Government is moving forward with a New Approach to Road Recategorisation, demonstrating its commitment to delivering a road network that is fit for purpose with appropriate authorities funding and managing assets.

Transport for NSW is collaborating with councils and other key stakeholders as it introduces a refreshed way of identifying, submitting, assessing and implementing requests for roads to change categories.

It is designed to make processes more straightforward and transparent and provide a framework for road managers such as councils to understand how their roads are being used and which categories of State, Regional or Local roads they best fit into.

Historically there has been an ad-hoc approach to road recategorisation requests in NSW with road managers sometimes waiting several years for one-off periodic reviews that relied on subjective decisions.

The new Approach to Road Recategorisation will replace previous periodic reviews and will have an ‘always open’ approach for applications, meaning road managers such as councils will be able to submit proposals for road category changes at any time.

Click here for the complete media release (PDF, 141.99 KB).

Source: New South Wales – News

Today we celebrate the flying Swiss Army knives of the sky – helicopters.
Whether they’re swooping in to rescue someone off a cliff, circling overhead during a pursuit or playing the world’s worst game of hide and seek, helicopters prove they’re crime fighting sidekicks with rotor blades.
Without them, life-saving rescues would take a lot longer, and law enforcement would be stuck in traffic like the rest of us.
So, here’s to the choppers, keeping us safe, one dramatic entrance at a time!

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Six adult males and two male youths have been arrested following a stolen motor vehicle and pursuit in the Greater Darwin area on Saturday night.

Around 10:45pm, Strike Force Trident members were notified that a vehicle reported stolen on 15 August was observed in East Arm, parked at the East Arm boat ramp.

Trident members, supported by Darwin Traffic Operations (DTO), responded and located the vehicle parked at the East Arm boat ramp with eight males nearby. As police arrived, one alleged offender entered the vehicle and fled the scene.

Six adult males and one 16-year-old male youth were arrested at the boat ramp. Trident and DTO members then initiated a pursuit of the stolen vehicle.

A tyre deflation device was successfully deployed on Berrimah Road, however the vehicle failed to stop.

The offender travelled through Palmerston at reduced speeds before entering the shopping complex carpark at Maluka Drive.

Police blocked exits to prevent the vehicle from re-entering main roads; however, it attempted to evade police by mounting a kerb. It then came to a stop after colliding at low speed with a police vehicle.

There were no injuries as a result of the collision.

The 17-year-old male driver was arrested at the scene.

All eight males remain in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information on property crime to contact 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2500082199. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a 30-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Darwin City on Saturday evening.

Around 5:50pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male had allegedly been stabbed by a male known to him during an altercation on Tomaris Court.

Police and St John Ambulance attended the scene and located the victim with injuries consistent with having been stabbed. The victim was treated at the scene before being conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The alleged offender attempted to flee the scene but was arrested by police after a short foot pursuit.

The alleged offender remains in police custody with investigations ongoing.  Charges are expected to follow.

Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number P25218462. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force has arrested an 18-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault in Tennant Creek early this morning.

Around 4am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male had allegedly assaulted two women known to him at a residence in Tennant Creek.

It is alleged the offender first assaulted his partner, before a second woman attempted to intervene, resulting in the offender punching her in the face.

Police and St John Ambulance attended. The 18-year-old male was arrested following a short foot pursuit.

The first victim sustained minor injuries and did not require further medical treatment. The second victim was transported to Tennant Creek Hospital for treatment to facial injuries.

The alleged offender remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

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.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number P25219010. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales – News

About 3.50pm on Saturday 16 August, police and emergency crews were called to Jervois Road after reports of a Nissan SUV colliding with a stobie pole.

The driver, an 18-year-old man from Murray Bridge was conveyed to hospital with life threatening injuries

The three passengers were also conveyed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Traffic restrictions were in place for several hours but have since reopened.

Major Crash officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone who may have been witness and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssacom.au – you can remain anonymous.

Please reference 211678.

Source: New South Wales – News

Just after 3pm on Saturday 16 August, police were called to the Karoonda Highway after reports of a single vehicle collision involving a Toyota ute.

The driver, a 67-year-old Aldinga Beach woman was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Local police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Karoonda Highway was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Unprepared walkers assisted by Search and Rescue – Bluff River Gorge track, Buckland

Sunday, 17 August 2025 – 7:40 am.

Two people have been assisted by police to escort them from their day walk on the Bluff River Gorge Track near Buckland last night.
Shortly after 5pm yesterday, police were called by a 30 year old man and 28 year old woman who requested assistance from police.
Neither of the walkers were injured. They had around 15% mobile phone power, however, they had no appropriate navigational equipment and no additional light sources to illuminate the track to enable a safe exit.
As light was fading, the pair called police for assistance as they were unprepared for the walk and the cold conditions.
A ground Search and Rescue team were dispatched to locate and assist the two, arriving several hours after the initial call. The pair was cold but were found safe and well and escorted from the track.
Police remind people to be adequately prepared when going for walks in the Tasmanian wilderness.
Police advise bushwalkers against walking alone, and to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices. A two-way messaging emergency device is preferred.
• Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions, regardless of the season take a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water, first aid kit.• Research your intended trip – ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast.• Let someone know before you go – ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life. Batteries do not last as long when cold and mobile navigation apps deplete batteries quicker than other apps.• Carry a Personal Locator Beacon but be aware that they are a one-way communication device.• Be flexible. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk. Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.

Source: New South Wales – News

About 11.55pm on Saturday 16 August, police and emergency services were called to Grange Road after reports that a white Toyota sedan had collided with a man crossing the road.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the 52-year-old Pennington man died at the scene.

The driver of the Toyota, a 24-year-old Hope Valley man is assisting police with their enquiries.

Major Crash officers attended the scene.

Road closures were in place for several hours but have since reopened.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

The man’s death is the 52^nd life lost on SA roads this year.