Month: October 2025

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search for missing walker, Mt Field National Park (update)

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 12:49 pm.

Search and Rescue teams are facing challenging conditions, including icy wind gusts and deep snow, as they continue to search for a missing walker in Mt Field National Park.
The search effort is being focused on the Tarn Shelf area, where knee to waist-high snow is being encountered in some areas.
Tasmanian man Daryl Fong, 30, was on a day hike in the Mt Field area at the weekend but his last known contact was about 3am on Sunday when he texted a friend, advising that he intended to seek shelter and camp in the park overnight.
A search has been under way since late Monday, when the alarm was raised.
Additional resources were deployed this morning, involving Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers, SES search and rescue volunteers, two Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics and the Westpac Rescue helicopter crew.
Police have released a photograph of Mr Fong as part of a call for information to anyone who may have seen him at the weekend, or since.
Mr Fong is believed to be wearing clothing similar to the image released.
Anyone with information about Mr Fong’s movements at Mt Field, or who may have seen him in the national park, is asked to contact Bridgewater Police on 6173 2010.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Inaugural Keith Smith Community Policing Award recipient announced

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 12:33 pm.

A Northern Tasmanian police officer with more than 38 years’ service has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the Keith Smith Community Policing Award.Announcing the award in Launceston today, Commissioner Donna Adams said that Senior Constable Annabel Shegog was selected unanimously by a panel after receiving multiple nominations from community members and within Tasmania Police.“Tragically one of our own, Constable Keith Smith, was killed in the line of duty in the state’s north west in June this year,” Commissioner Adams said.“Keith was a well-respected and dedicated police officer who was committed to providing meaningful support to individuals while building lasting relationships founded on trust and service“As a fitting tribute to Keith, the inaugural Keith Smith Community Policing Award honours those who go beyond traditional policing by building trust, fostering partnerships, and improving the social cohesion of their communities.”Commissioner Adams said that with more than 38 years’ service with Tasmania Police, Senior Constable Shegog is a trusted and familiar face in Northern Tasmania.“Nominations outlined numerous examples of how Senior Constable Shegog’s dedication to community policing has helped build safer, more connected neighbourhoods in the north of the state, and consistently makes a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.“Senior Constable Shegog is known for her genuine care, cultural awareness, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.“Whether she’s supporting newly arrived refugee families, chatting with seniors at a Crime Stoppers event, or speaking to students about online safety and respectful relationships, she brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility to every interaction.“A regular at schools, community events, and local initiatives like ‘Cuppa with a Cop,’ Senior Constable Shegog often gives her time outside of work hours to make sure people feel heard and supported.“Her work with Neighbourhood Watch, multicultural organisations, and service clubs like Lions and Rotary has helped bridge gaps and build lasting trust between Tasmania Police and the community.”Commissioner Adams said that Senior Constable Shegog’s approach is all about prevention, inclusion, and respect.“She leads by example, and her quiet strength, kindness and integrity have earned her the respect of colleagues and community leaders alike,” she said.“Her service to the community reflects the compassion, service, and trust that Constable Smith embodied throughout his 25-year career, and demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community policing.Nominations for the Award came from members of the Tasmanian community as well as within Tasmania Police. The Award was open to currently-serving police officers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to community-focused policing and engagement and whose service to the community reflects the compassion and trust that Constable Smith embodied throughout his 25-year career.The panel members were Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman, Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood, Community Engagement Commander Jo Stolp, and Northern District Commander Marco Ghedini.For more information about the award visit https://www.police.tas.gov.au/about-us/keith-smith-community-policing-award/

Source: AMP Limited

14 10 2025 – Media release

Knee High Spies
Kids, assemble! The ABC and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce a brand new action-comedy series for preschoolers, Knee High Spies, will launch on Monday 10 November at 5.55pm on ABC Kids and iview.
In this captivating series, a brave team of toy spies embarks on epic missions to save their beloved human family from the mischievous pet guinea pig Silver Paw (voiced by Ali McGregor).
Join teddy bear Jeremy Buttons, toy dinosaur Deena, piece of goo Squash and tech turtle Moss as they race against the clock to thwart Silver Paw’s rotten schemes. Can they stop her from sabotaging a sleepover, mounting a toy train heist or turning the kids’ playhouse into her new evil lair?
The award-winning team at Werner Film Productions (Dance Academy) and internationally acclaimed creator Tim Bain (Kangaroo Beach), are joined by Emmy Award winning director Jack Jameson (Sesame Street). This series brings together an incredible mix of puppetry, VFX and live action performances that is unlike anything ever seen before.
Knee High Spies is chockfull of fast-paced action, exciting rescues and interactive puzzles to solve with the help of the audience. Let’s get cracking!
Always free and Always entertaining, watch all of your favourite children’s series on ABC iview now.
Production credit: Knee High Spies is a Werner Films production for the ABC. Major production funding from Screen Australia, the ABC and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). Financed in association with VicScreen. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Developed with assistance of the ABC and the ACTF. Created and co-produced by Tim Bain. Produced by Nicole Minchin. Directed by Jack Jameson. Writers: Tim Bain, Charlotte Rose Hamlyn and Alix Beane. Script producer: Ray Boseley. Executive Producers: Joanna Werner, Stuart Menzies, Bernadette O’Mahony. ABC Commissioning Editor: Amanda Isdale. ABC Acting Head of Children & Family: Mary-Ellen Mullane.
ABC MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Lidia Williams, ABC Publicist
[email protected]
Media enquiries
Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
+ 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
Alyssa Lim | Publicist (Mon-Fri)
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Sex Crimes Section has charged a 55-year-old male in relation to a sexual assault that occurred in Malak on Saturday evening.

Around 7:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a male known to her.

It is alleged that the victim was asleep at the offender’s residence when she woke to the offence occurring.

Following the incident, the victim was able to flee the residence and seek assistance from people nearby, who contacted police.

Police located and arrested the 55-year-old alleged offender who was later charged with:

• Aggravated Sexual Intercourse without Consent.
• Breach of Bail

He has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 14 October 2025.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number P25273138. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. 

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search for missing walker at Mt Field National Park

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 9:47 am.

A search has resumed at Mount Field National Park this morning for a 30-year-old solo walker feared missing for more than 48 hours.
Tasmanian man Daryl Fong (pictured) was known to be day hiking in the Mt Field area over the weekend, but his last known contact was about 3am on Sunday when he texted a friend, advising that he intended to seek shelter and camp in the park overnight.
Conditions in the area were challenging, with freezing temperatures and snow depth up to 1m in some places.
Mr Fong is known to have some experience in the outdoors and may have had some suitable equipment and clothing.
Police were notified on Monday afternoon that Mr Fong had not returned from the park.
A helicopter search crew was deployed to the area at 4pm, but was not able to locate him.
Four Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers and an Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedic were deployed to the park late yesterday.
Additional teams of Police and SES Search and Rescue personnel, plus wilderness paramedics, were deployed this morning.
The rescue helicopter will also be in the area today.
Police have released a photograph of Mr Fong as part of a call for information to anyone who may have seen him at the weekend, or since.
Mr Fong is believed to be wearing clothing similar to the image released.
Anyone with information about Mr Fong’s movements at Mt Field, or who may have seen him, is asked to contact Bridgewater Police on 6173 2010.

Source:

Image: Adam Carrigg – Pearcedale Fire Brigade

More than 130 firefighters and 35 vehicles from CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) took part in a large-scale exercise through the Dandenong Ranges on Sunday (12 October).

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo will commence a $5.68 million project next week on Friday October 24, to remove and replace a 660-metre section of ageing dual tram tracks in High Street and Pall Mall between Short Street and Mundy Street.

City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director, Brian Westley said during the works period this section of High Street and Pall Mall will be reduced to one lane on either side of the tram tracks and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be applied through the work zone.

“The City strongly encourages motorists travelling between White Hills and Golden Square and beyond to avoid the area where possible and use Weeroona Avenue/Lucan Street/Barnard Street and Don Street as alternative routes to avoid any potential delays,” Mr Westley said.

“When the works are underway there will be no right turns allowed into Forest, Williamson, Bull, and Mundy Streets and Easter Fair Way from High Street and Pall Mall for the duration of the works.  In addition to this the intersection of Mitchell and View Streets with Pall Mall will be closed to all traffic from October 26 to 28. Sidney Myer Place will be used as a work site compound and will be closed to traffic.

“Right hand turns will be available at Short Street and Chapel Street. Left hand turns will be available into High Street and Pall Mall from Forest, Mitchell, View, Williamson, Bull, and Mundy Streets and from Easter Fair Way.

“The southernmost pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Pall Mall and Williamson Street will remain open during the works. 

“The northernmost pedestrian crossing at Mitchell Street will remain open for the majority of the project.  However, the remainder of the intersections will be closed to crossing and right turning vehicle traffic.

“Works are anticipated to take place between 7am and 7pm, seven days per week with the possibility of some night works.  The project is expected to be completed by late November subject to weather conditions and the availability of supplies and materials.”

Project works will include:

• Establishment of site and works storage compound in Sidney Myer Place, installation of temporary fencing, traffic barriers and signage
• Protection of the existing infrastructure including heritage poles and utilities
• Removal of existing historic granite cobble stones and existing track
• Earthworks to subgrade level and disposal of all excess material
• Installation of new track and associated infrastructure and reinstatement of cleaned granite cobble stones and asphalt road pavement to centre of adjacent traffic lane
• New line-marking

Mr Westley said the section of the tram track has not been renewed since the 1930’s and needs replacement to ensure Bendigo’s famous talking trams can continue to operate.

“Bendigo Tramways is a much valued and loved local attraction for both residents and visitors and this work is necessary to help preserve one of Greater Bendigo’s most important heritage attractions and local economic drivers into the future.”

The tourist trams will not operate while works are underway. For more information on the operation of the trams, visit:

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo and Family Immunisation & Travel Specialists (FITS) Clinic are partnering to provide another satellite “pop-up” travel immunisation clinic for the wider Greater Bendigo community from 9am to 4pm on November 13, at the Strathdale Community Hub, 155 Crook Street Strathdale.

City of Greater Bendigo Community and Environment Manager Sue Harrison said the satellite clinic will specifically provide local access to the BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccine, a live vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis (TB) particularly in babies and young children, without the need to travel to Melbourne.

“These types of immunisations are recommended for those travelling to countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis,” Ms Harrison said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for parents with young children who are intending to travel overseas to these countries in the future to receive the necessary travel vaccines in Greater Bendigo.

“This is the second pop up clinic to take place this year in Greater Bendigo.  The first clinic we held in May was very popular as people living in regional Victoria usually have to travel to Melbourne to get their travel immunisations as the service is not normally offered in regional Victoria.

“FITS is Victoria’s largest private travel clinic for kids, comprising a team of paediatricians and immunisation nurses who specialise in travel medicine and immunisation and there will be costs associated with receiving the BCG vaccine.”

Patients must obtain a referral from their own doctor to attend the clinic.

To book online, please visit:

Source:

Alexandra Group training – Photo Adam Kamenek

On Sunday 12 October, brigades from across the Alexandra Group came together at Eildon Fire Station for a comprehensive training exercise designed to strengthen operational skills and teamwork ahead of the fire season.

Members participated in two concurrent sessions: a hoselay and pumping exercise using the Eildon fireboat; and a command and control session focused on incident management, communication planning, and fireground decision-making.

The morning also included an in-depth discussion about burnover procedures and an impressive remotely piloted aircraft system (also called a drone) demonstration, showcasing how technology can enhance situational awareness and safety on the fireground.

The event was led by experienced instructors, including Tony Scicluna AFSM, Andrew Feagan and Mark Kohler, with support from designated strike team leaders who coordinated timings, to ensure smooth transitions between activities. They also worked closely with instructors to manage vehicles and logistics throughout the day.

DGO Training for Alexandra Group Shannon Roach said the event was designed to offer something valuable for everyone.

“We wanted to create a day that catered to all levels of experience, hands-on, relevant, and different from regular brigade training. The focus was on practical learning, teamwork, and improving how we operate together at a group level,” Shannon said.

The exercise provided members with an opportunity to engage in realistic, scenario-based situations while strengthening relationships between brigades. 

Submitted by	Shannon Roach

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

The Australian Antarctic Program’s (AAP) recruitment campaign for the 2026/27 season is officially open, featuring jobs across a range of trades and professions.
Successful applicants will become expeditioners in the Australian Antarctic Program and will help run Australia’s three scientific research stations in Antarctica – Davis, Mawson and Casey, on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island or on scientific voyages.
The recruitment campaign offers the opportunity to live and work in a part of the world that few people ever get to see.
Contracts are available from four months to 12+ months long across a range of roles, including electricians, carpenters, mechanics and chefs as well as specialists in science, aviation and information technology.

Casey Station Leader Andy Warton said being a part of a tight knit Antarctic community is an incredible experience.
“Antarctica tests you — physically, mentally, emotionally. But the rewards are incredible,” he said.
“It’s a once in a lifetime adventure. You’ll make friendships that last for decades, and you’ll see and experience things that you would have never imagined.
“The work is hard and the isolation takes some getting used to, but I feel an enormous amount of pride in being a part of Australia’s Antarctic mission.”
AAD Director of Expeditioner Services Gina Woodward said the Australian Antarctic Program looks for applicants who are well suited to small community living, but are also technically proficient in their field.
“There’s an extensive recruitment process to find the right candidates,” she said.
“This is an opportunity that most people can only dream of, to become an Australian Antarctic expeditioner. With that opportunity comes enormous responsibility.
“Our expeditioners help protect and understand an incredible part of the natural world – a landscape and marine environment unlike anything else on the planet.”
“It’s a massive sacrifice being so far from family and friends, but the rewards are a lifetime of adventure stories, friendships and memories.”
Applications to live and work in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic as part of the Australian Antarctic Program close Sunday 16th November at 11.30pm.
Apply now.
This content was last updated 19 minutes ago on 14 October 2025.