Month: November 2025

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Source: Tasmania Police

24 drivers caught using mobile phones during Hobart traffic operation

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 – 4:47 pm.

Police have issued 24 infringements to drivers caught using mobile phones during a targeted traffic operation in central Hobart this morning.
Members of Southern Road Policing Services conducted the operation during morning peak hour, focusing on road safety offences and driver inattention.
Inspector Penny Reardon said police were disappointed by the number of motorists continuing to put others at risk.
“Using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous and illegal and people face a $410 fine and three demerit points if detected by police,” Inspector Reardon said.
In addition to the 24 mobile phone offences, officers issued infringements for:
• 3 drivers blocking a clearway
• 1 driver operating an unregistered vehicle
• 1 unlicensed driver
Inspector Reardon said similar operations will continue to take place.
“We will keep targeting dangerous driving behaviours to ensure motorists comply with the law and prioritise safety,” she said.
“If you’re on the roads, follow the rules and avoid distractions behind the wheel.”

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

A striking new public art exhibition featuring the unique flora and fauna of Box-ironbark Forest on Dja Dja Wurrung Country has transformed Pennyweight Walk into a walking gallery in the city centre.

Commissioned by the City of Greater Bendigo and curated by Reece Hendy from Nacho Station Street Art Collective, the Yirrip exhibition (which means ironbark in Dja Dja Wurrung language) injects the unique and diverse textures, colours, and landscapes of Bendigo National Park.

It features stunning works from 15 artists, 12 of whom are local to Greater Bendigo. They were all selected for their connection to place, distinctive styles, and ability to respond meaningfully to the themes of indigenous flora, fauna, and storytelling of Yirrip.

The result is a vibrant mix of realism and abstraction, each piece offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural environment and cultural heritage.

Yirrip features works from Alicia Huddy, Bridget Finch, Troy Firebrace, Lauren Starr, Sarah Macumber, Amanda Peluso, David Snowdon, Jasmine Howell-Saunders, Levi Jessen-Fennell, Steven Stanley, Andre Sardone, Gus Eagleton, Juzpop, Manda Lane and Reece Hendy.

Coordinator Creative City Maree Tonkin said Bendigo’s National Park inspired many fascinating interpretations amongst the various artists.

“The exhibition seeks to balance Greater Bendigo’s colonial history with deeper narratives of Country, ecology, and cultural identity,” Ms Tonkin said.

Exhibition curator Reece Hendy said at the heart of the exhibition was the Box-ironbark Forest, a resilient and unique ecosystem that wraps around Greater Bendigo.

“Bendigo National Park’s unique native bloom, with its diverse flowers, textures, and landscapes, often goes unnoticed. This exhibition brings these elements into public view, infusing the city with a renewed celebration of its natural heritage,” Reece said.

“This public art activation invites locals and visitors alike to experience Bendigo’s natural beauty in a new light through the eyes of artists who honour the land, its stories, and its spirit.”

There will be an official launch party in Pennyweight Walk on Saturday November 29 from 3pm to 4.30pm. All are welcome and the project artists will be attending.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has now arrested a 14-year-old male in relation to a violent incident in Alice Springs yesterday.

Earlier today, detectives from Strike Force Viper arrested a 17-year-old male in Alice Springs in relation to the incident. The 17-year-old is not believed to be individual who was armed with the machete. He remains in custody and is expected to be charged with recklessly endanger life.

A short time ago, detectives also arrested a 14-year-old male in Alice Springs. He remains in custody and is expected to be charged with Recklessly endanger life, Going armed in public, Breach good behaviour order and Damage to property.

Anyone with information, including footage of the incident, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25303198. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Tasmania Police

Woman loses licence for drink driving 5 times the limit

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 – 4:13 pm.

A 36-year-old woman has had her licence disqualified after being caught drink driving in Cooee this afternoon.
Community members raised the alarm with police about 12pm, after the woman allegedly crashed her vehicle in a carpark in South Burnie.
Police intercepted her near a short time later at Cooee, where she reportedly failed a roadside breath test.
She underwent further testing at the Burnie Police Station and returned a breath analysis reading of 0.269 – more than 5 times the legal limit.
Sergeant Craig Dawkins thanked community members for their assistance in the matter.
“Police thank the community for their quick action in reporting this incident. Information like this can be provided to police on 131 444, or Triple-Zero (000) in an emergency,” he said.
“With serious and fatal crashes at concerning levels across the state, police are disappointed that behaviour like this continues to put lives at risk.”
“As we head into the festive season, police urge all motorists to think twice before getting behind the wheel. It’s not worth the risk to yourself, to the community, and to your licence.”
The woman has been disqualified from driving for two years and will face the Burnie Magistrates Court at a later date.

Source: Tasmania Police

Temporary road closures for Targa Tasmania rally

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 – 2:48 pm.

Tasmania Police is reminding members of the public that tarmac rally Targa Tasmania will be conducted in areas of the state from this weekend.
This will involve the temporary closures of some public roads during various stages of the seven-day event.
Road closures have been advertised today in public notices in Tasmania’s major newspapers.
Members of the public are urged to familiarise themselves with the Targa schedule and be aware flow-on effects for motorists, who may experience road closures, as well as more traffic and spectator movement in their local area.
For a full list of road closures, visit the Tasmania Police website Community Alert link at www.police.tas.gov.au or visit www.targa.com.au
Targa Tasmania begins in the municipality of Hobart on Saturday, 15 November. This training session involves the closure of Chimney Pot Hill Road, between Ridgeway Road and Huon Road, from 7.30am to 9.30am.
Temporary road closures in the Hobart area will be in effect for Day 1 of competition on Sunday, 16 November.
This includes sections of Waterworks Road, Ridgeway Road and Chimney Pot Hill Road from 12.50pm to 4.50pm; and the Upper Domain Road between Lower Domain Road and Davies Avenue, from 1.15pm to 5.15pm.
Targa stages are conducted state-wide, with the final stage conducted in the Municipality of West Coast on Friday, 21 November.
Targa is popular with all ages and Tasmania Police encourages all competitors and spectators to enjoy the event, but to be mindful of the risks that can be associated with any form of motorsport.
Members of the motoring public are urged to be patient and remain composed by allowing more travelling time if they are likely to be affected by road closures.
Tips for spectators
Do:

At all times, be aware of vehicles competing
Stay alert and stand in a safe location
Always closely supervise children
Listen for approaching cars and remain alert
Obey officials – they have your safety in mind

Don’t:

Stand on the road
Sit too close to the road
Stand in front of objects which may prevent you from moving out of the way quickly (i.e fences)
Stand in front of signs
Interfere with signs

Tips for drivers

Plan ahead so that you are not going to be delayed unnecessarily and risk being placed in a position where you may be tempted to hurry home or to your destination
Increase concentration as spectators and more traffic than usual may be moving and travelling around your area. Targa officials may also be placing safety signs and barriers on, or near, road-related areas.

Source: South Australia Police

The activities will be conducted during the day and will involve the firing of flares.

Activity dates and hours include:

• 0800 – 1600 – Monday 10 to Friday 14 November, 2025
• 0800 – 1600 – Monday 17 to Friday 21 November, 2025

Flares may be visible to the public from Port Wakefield Highway and other surrounding St Vincent Gulf communities during the hours of testing.

Police urge the community to be mindful that flare sightings in the area may be as a result of the defence activity.

In an emergency contact triple-zero (000).

Further enquires can be directed to media@defence.gov.au

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 17-year-old male in relation to a violent incident in Alice Springs yesterday.

Around 12:10pm, police received multiple reports of a male armed with a machete in the food court of a shopping centre on Hartley Street.

The incident is alleged to have followed a previous disturbance.

A short time ago, detectives from Strike Force Viper arrested a 17-year-old male in Alice Springs in relation to the incident. The 17-year-old is not believed to be individual who was armed with the machete.

Investigators believe a 14-year-old male was armed with the machete and efforts are underway to locate him.

Anyone with information, including footage of the incident, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25303198. 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 safely located an overdue vessel after it failed to arrive at Elcho Island as planned on Friday evening.

Around 10pm on Friday, police received multiple reports that a vessel travelling from Milingimbi to Elcho Island carrying six adults and five children had failed to arrive when planned.

It was reported the group had run out of fuel and did not have access to food, water or safety equipment.

Milingimbi Police launched a search and located the vessel anchored in Hutchinson Strait at around 6:45am Saturday morning.

All occupants were provided with water, and the vessel was refuelled before being escorted safely to Elcho Island.

No injuries were reported.

Superintendent Daniel Bell said, “This serves as a timely reminder for all boat users to ensure you have sufficient fuel, water and provisions before heading out. 

“Carrying the appropriate safety equipment, including lifejackets and an EPIRB can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

“Always plan ahead and make sure you can get home safely.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Charges laid over Shorewell Park incident

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 – 1:39 pm.

Four people, including two youths, have been charged following an incident in Shorewell Park yesterday.
Police were called about 1:30pm on Tuesday, after a 14-year-old entered a shop premises on Wiseman Street and allegedly threatened both staff and customers with a knife.
He then reportedly left the store and returned a short time later with several other people, who police allege caused damage to the premises.
The group then left the scene in a vehicle which was allegedly used to evade police.
The vehicle was located at a Shorewell Park address shortly after 3pm, and five people were arrested at the premises without incident.
Four people have since been charged:
The 14-year-old has been charged with armed robbery, destroy property, common assault, possessing a dangerous article and other offences.
Another 14-year-old boy has been charged with destroy property, drive whilst unlicenced and stealing.
A 19-year-old Smithton man has been charged with destroy property and trespass.
A 21-year-old Shorewell Park man has been charged with destroy property.
Investigations are continuing into the alleged evade incident, and anyone who observed a white Mitsubishi Triton dual cab Utility (C31MR) driving in the Shorewell Park and Ridgley area on Monday afternoon, or who has other relevant information, is asked to contact police.
Information can be provided to Burnie CIB on 131 444 (quote OR789809) or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can stay anonymous.