Month: September 2025

Source: New South Wales – News

On Saturday 30 August, officers from Operation Measure, Western District CIB and Eastern Adelaide and Western Adelaide conducted a search at a Royal Park address.

The search resulted in the discovery of around 2,500 individual items – including 1,700 unopened boxes of Lego – worth $250,000.

Operation Measure officers believe the goods were stolen from department stores across the metropolitan area and were likely being sold on online sites. The haul was so large that Water Operations officers were utilised to remove three truck loads of goods from the premises.

A 41-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with theft and unlawful possession. He will appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 30 September 2025.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Operations Service John De Candia said the arrest was a result of collaboration between the retail industry and police.

“The size of the haul is significant and indicates the depth of the alleged offending we will allege has been taking place,’’ he said.

“Operation Measure will continue to target recidivist offenders we believe are responsible for the majority of the offending of this nature.

“This type of theft is not victimless. Those who purchase cheap goods from online sites are unwittingly facilitating this crime and we would urge them to consider this.’’

Operation Measure involves police and the retail industry working together to identify offending patterns and those responsible for retail theft. It targets recidivist offenders responsible for theft and those who use violence and threats during their crimes.

Operation Measure has had a positive impact on retail theft with a significant reduction in incidents since its inception. Almost 6,000 (5,927) retail thefts have been linked to nominated persons of interest, leading to about 2,500 (2,425) apprehensions (Arrests/Reports) linked to nominated persons of interest.

The June rolling crime statistics reveal shop theft in SA continued to decline with a six per cent decline reported – 18,343 to 17,225 offences – which is attributed to ongoing proactive operations. This is the eighth successive decline in reported shoplifting offences.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Spring brings vibrancy and fun with the launch of the Bloom program, a celebration of colour, creativity and nature, featuring more than 90 exciting events and experiences across Greater Bendigo and for the first time Loddon Shire.

A dazzling display of 43,000 tulips will transform Rosalind Park, Conservatory Gardens, Civic Gardens, Pall Mall and View Street into a sea of colour. Nature lovers can enjoy everything from cheeky gnome hunts in Canterbury Park Gardens, Dumawul Djaara tours including a new tour atLarni Garingilang at Bendigo Botanic Gardens, scenic wildflower walks including Heathcote’s stunning canola fields, to an enchanting Bloom After Dark illuminated trail in Bendigo city centre.

This year marks a new chapter with the Bloom program expanding to showcase Loddon’s fascinating experiences that include the breathtaking ancient landscapes and waterways, Kooyoora Wildflower Tours, the creative energy of the Loddon Valley Arts Festival, Wedderburn Open Gardens and a host of other unique program events.

The Bloom program reflects a newly formed Greater Bendigo Loddon Visitor Economy Partnership, which aims to unlock fresh opportunities for the region under the banner Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, the peak tourism body for our region. Local businesses are embracing the initiative, contributing to a diverse and vibrant Bloom calendar of events.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said Bloom offers something for everyone.

“From September to November, Bloom gives visitors and residents the chance to connect with natural beauty, culture, creativity and unique experiences,” Cr Metcalf said.

“I’m thrilled that for the first time the Bloom program celebrates Loddon’s awe-inspiring nature and experiences that truly complement Greater Bendigo region’s many attractions.”

Loddon Shire Mayor Cr Dan Straub welcomed the new partnership:

“With so many unique offerings from both neighbouring shires, this partnership is a powerful step forward as we develop new destination campaigns together. Bloom is a taste of the exciting opportunities ahead and a fantastic way to showcase Loddon’s natural attractions and creative spirit,” Cr Straub said.

For the full program and event details, visit:

Source: Mental Health Australia

Road improvement work starting next week on the Newell Highway between Moree and Boggabilla will deliver smoother, safer journeys for motorists travelling in the state’s north.

The NSW Government has invested $6.35 million for the work at Tackinbri, about 76 kilometres north of Moree, on a key regional route for locals, tourists and transport operators.

Transport for NSW Acting Executive Director Partnerships and Integration West Holly Davies said early work to upgrade culverts would start on Monday 8 September, with work on the main safety upgrades to get under way later in the year.

“A key focus of the safety upgrades will be to reduce the risk of head-on crashes along this 1.6-kilometre stretch of the Newell Highway,” Ms Davies said.

“We live in a large state which means we sometimes have to travel long distances on the road and fatigue can become a factor.

“One of the most important features of the safety work at Tackinbri will be the installation of a wide centre line that will put greater distance between oncoming lanes of traffic to help avoid head-on crashes that can be the tragic result of momentary lapses of concentration.

“The work will also include extensive road reconstruction and surface improvements that will provide a more resilient surface requiring less ongoing maintenance and fewer future disruptions for motorists.”

The work at Tackinbri continues a program of upgrades on the Newell Highway for the benefit of all residents and motorists in the state’s north.

Work on the heavy duty pavement upgrade of the highway between Narrabri and Moree that started in July 2022 is near completion and a separate safety upgrade at North Croppa, just north of Moree, wound up in November 2024.

These projects, along with the planned work at Tackinbri, will deliver an upgraded Newell Highway from Narrabri to Boggabilla, providing motorists with a safer, smoother ride all the way from Narrabri to the Queensland border.

Once early work starts at Tackinbri, changed traffic conditions will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.

Road users are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control, including single lane closures and a reduced 40 km/h speed limit.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic app or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.
 

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Serious crash at Rokeby Road, Howrah

Tuesday, 2 September 2025 – 11:21 am.

Police are investigating a serious crash involving a motorbike and a car on Rokeby Road at Howrah about 6.10pm last night (September 1).
A 21-year-old man who was the rider of the motorbike received serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.
The occupant of the vehicle, a black Holden Captiva was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The road was closed for several hours while crash investigators examined the scene.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Anyone with information in relation to the crash is asked to contact Bellerive Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote ESCAD: 342-01092025.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Motorists at Smeaton Grange, Mt Annan and Harrington Park will benefit from new permanent electronic (VMS) signage to be installed at three locations on the western, northern and eastern legs of the intersection at The Northern Road, Camden Valley Way and Narellan Road.

The new signage will advise drivers of road conditions in the area and be particularly useful in relaying up to date information during times of adverse weather, such as when roads are flooded.

With the area’s population growing, a need to improve real-time information was identified after events in 2021 which saw sections of Camden Valley Way unpassable due to weather.

The new VMS will be installed at locations where drivers are given up to date information to help them make decisions on alternate routes to avoid congestion or are committed to a location adversely affected by weather.

The sites being selected will also have the benefit of being near main power supplies, meaning they are more likely to remain active even during the worst events.

With work now commencing on the new signage, the local network will be integrated into the Transport Management Centre, providing up to date real-time information.

Motorists are urged to exercise care and be aware there may be speed restrictions while work is being undertaken.

Permanent signs are expected to be installed by October 2025.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two men who absconded from NT Corrections custody on Tuesday 26 August.

At 6:15am today, the 22-year-old was located and arrested by Fugitive Taskforce members at an address on Dixon Road in Braitling.

At 6:55am, the 21-year-old was located and arrested by Fugitive Taskforce members at an address nearby on Erumba Street.

They both remain in custody and are expected to be charged with Escape from lawful custody.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Counterfeit money circulating and charges laid

Tuesday, 2 September 2025 – 9:12 am.

Police are reminding the community to be vigilant for counterfeit notes, after an Invermay man was charged with multiple offences in Northern Tasmania.
“As part of ongoing investigations into counterfeit notes circulating, late last week police in northern Tasmania charged a 22-year-old man from Invermay with multiple counterfeit money related offences,” said Detective Acting Inspector Aziz Melick.
“A further seven people in northern Tasmania have also been proceeded against by police in relation to counterfeit money offences in August.”
Counterfeit notes circulating may appear legitimate at first glance, however, some have the word ‘PROPS’ printed on them.
“Police remind the community that it is an offence to possess, buy, sell and use counterfeit money,” said Acting Inspector Melick.
“If you’re handling cash – please be vigilant and check notes to prevent falling victim to these offences.”
When handling cash, people are asked to always check:

both sides of the note – some of these counterfeit notes have the word “PROPS” printed on them
that the security window feature is legitimate
for inconsistencies in thickness and colour.

If you detect a counterfeit note, contact police on 131 444 and provide any relevant information, including CCTV footage if possible.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: Australian Department of Communications

AUSTRAC has issued Revolut Payments Australia Pty Ltd (Revolut) with an infringement notice totalling $187,800 after the company notified AUSTRAC it had submitted late reports.
Revolut, a remittance service provider, self-disclosed failures to submit international funds transfer instructions within the timeframe stipulated by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Act.
AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said after Revolut identified the issue it took the prompt steps to submit its reports and fix its controls.

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 1 Sep 2025

A juvenile short-beaked echidna has been successfully rehabilitated and released into the wild in Rockhampton, following three months of intensive care by a specialist volunteer wildlife carer.

The echidna was seized by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) after it had been illegally taken from Mount Archer National Park by a member of the public.

A veterinarian assessment at the time of its seizure found that the echidna was underweight, humanised, and unable to forage for food on its own, and was placed with a licenced wildlife carer.

After two months of lengthy rehabilitation, it began foraging on its own for food and avoiding human interaction, which led to its release in August 2025.

Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 a person must not take, use, keep or interfere with a native animal, and could face a maximum penalty of $500,700 or two-years imprisonment.

Senior wildlife officer Leigh Deutscher said the release was rewarding and, fittingly, took place on World Ranger Day.

“A juvenile echidna was taken from Mount Archer National Park in February 2025 and kept in captivity for three months without a permit, licence or authority.

“After a concerned member of the public became aware of this and tipped us off, we were able to rescue the echidna and place it with a licenced wildlife carer.

“After a lengthy rehabilitation, we successfully released the echidna, and it immediately began foraging on small insects and disappeared into bushland.

“Taking or interfering with a native animal without relevant permits is illegal.

“If this is not enough deterrent, it is also important to consider the very specialised needs on native animals like echidnas and that keeping an animals without the appropriate skills and knowledge can be to the detriment of the animal – so please call the department if you see an animal you believe to be sick or injured.”

Echidnas are vital to their ecosystems, improving soil health, controlling pests, and supporting biodiversity through their digging and foraging behaviours.

People can report injured or sick native animals by calling 1300 130 372.

Media contact:                    DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@detsi.qld.gov.au

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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