Woman charged with making hoax emergency calls

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Saturday, 8 November 2025 8:18am

Original publication: Saturday, 8 November 2025 8:18am

A 41-year-old Taylor woman will face court today after allegedly making more than 30 hoax calls to emergency services.

Between November 2024 and October 2025, police allege the woman called support services and reported fictitious emergencies that were then referred to police.

Police attended these incidents but did not find anyone in need of assistance.

Officers from Tuggeranong Police Station began an investigation into the source of the calls and yesterday morning (Friday, 7 November 2025), executed a search warrant at the woman’s home.

The woman was charged with making a false statement to cause public alarm and is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Saturday, 8 November).

It is an offence under ACT and Commonwealth legislation to make a false report to police, to cause police or other emergency service resources to be wasted or to use a telephone service to harass a person.

Inappropriate use of the Triple Zero number can potentially delay the response to those in genuine need, such as those who are in a life-threatening situation.

Your guide to Canberra’s Christmas markets

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

In brief:

  • Canberra has a range of Christmas markets running in 2025.
  • Christmas markets are a great place for gift shopping, sampling festive treats and enjoying entertainment.
  • This story lists Canberra’s Christmas markets and what to expect at each one.

One of the best things about the lead up to Christmas is the markets.

Christmas markets are the ideal spot to:

  • pick up unique gifts for your loved ones
  • support local makers, artists and producers
  • catch some festive entertainment
  • taste delicious food and drink
  • get into the festive spirit
  • spot Santa.

Here are some of the Christmas markets not to miss in 2025.

Hall Village Christmas Street Party

When: Friday, 21 November 2025, 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Hall Village, Victoria St Hall
Note: Entry by gold coin donation, which supports event costs and local charities.

Hall’s annual Christmas Street Party runs the length of the village.

Roam through the artisan market and explore the wares of over 100 vendors.

Grab a bite from one of the tasty food vans or local cafes and pub. They’re staying open late that day.

You can also enjoy live music and entertainment, including carols, community group displays and a visit from Santa.

Handmade Market – Summer

When: Friday 28 November to Sunday 30 November 2025
Where: Budawang, Coorong and Parkes Pavilions, EPIC
Note: free entry, charity donation at doors welcome

Handmade Market is one of the best places to discover small businesses from Canberra and all over Australia.

The summer market takes on a festive flavour, with many Christmas gifts and treats you won’t find elsewhere.

Tick those gifts off your list as you check out the stalls. You can expect:

  • fashion
  • ceramics
  • handcrafted furniture
  • children’s items
  • original artworks
  • jewellery
  • accessories.

The food pavilion will be full of Christmas treats including puddings, gingerbread houses, mince pies, shortbread and Christmas cakes.

You can also head along to the market’s Low Sensory Hour from 9am until 10am on Sunday, 30 November.

Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar

When: Sunday 30 November, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla
Note: entry by donation. Most stalls take card payments but no ATM on site.

This unique Christmas market boasts:

  • a Scandinavian café
  • children’s Lucia procession (a Swedish tradition)
  • entertainment, a raffle and more!

There will also be a great selection of stallholders with gifts, food and homewares on sale.

Christmas at The Little Burley Market

When: Saturday, 6 December, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place (in between the International Flag display), Parkes
Note: free entry

What could be better than Christmas shopping by the lake?

You can find that perfect gift for a loved one, all while enjoying the view and supporting small businesses.

Wander through over 70 stalls, and enjoy:

  • festive entertainment including Christmas-themed choirs, bands and dancers
  • a jam-packed program of kids’ activities
  • free Santa photos.

South Canberra Community Markets – Christmas themed

When: Saturday, 6 December 2025, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: 244 Kambah Pool Road Kambah (opposite Murrumbidgee Golf Club)
Note: Gold coin donations. Bring cash for purchases, if possible.

While these markets are held monthly, the special Christmas theme makes this one an event not to be missed.

Find one-of-a-kind gifts in a farm setting in the foothills of the Brindabellas.

Once you’re done shopping you can relax in the shady food court and enjoy live music.

Kids can even pat and feed the cute farm animals (bookings required).

These markets support the work of Galilee School and Lions Youth Haven in assisting local disadvantaged youth.

Pearce Crafters Market – Christmas Sparkle

When: Saturday, 6 December, 10 am to 3 pm and Sunday, 7 December 2025, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Pearce Community Centre, Pearce
Note: free entry

This creative market offers plenty of opportunity to find thoughtful handcrafted gifts.

You’ll find a host of items crafted with care by local artisans.

If you’re visiting on the Saturday, keep an eye out for the man in red!

Christmas at Haig Park Village Markets

When: Sundays, 7, 14 and 21 December 2025
Where: Haig Park, Braddon
Note: free entry

Celebrate the festive season with Haig Park’s special-edition Christmas markets. And yes, there are three of them!

There will be more than 100 stalls set up each week. With everything from artisan wreaths to homemade Christmas cakes, there’s certain to be a little something for everyone (including your furry friends).

You can sing along to Christmas carols and chill out with live jazz and drumming performances.

There will also be special Christmas-themed kids’ activities, including:

  • free photos with Santa
  • letters to Santa
  • Christmas crafts
  • face painting
  • bubble play.

Old Bus Depot Markets – Super Christmas Sunday

When: Sunday, 11 December, 9.30 am to 2.30 pm
Where: Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue Kingston
Note: free entry

It’s easy to nail those Christmas gifts at the Old Bus Depot Markets.

You’ll find loads of holiday-themed handicrafts that make for a perfect Christmas present.

You can expect:

  • fresh Christmas trees
  • family and pet photos with Santa
  • handcrafted decorations
  • unique gifts
  • fresh, local seasonal produce
  • gift wrapping – gold coin donation to support charity.

Harmonie German Club Christmas Markets

When: Sunday, 14 December, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue Narrabundah
Note: free entry

There’s nothing quite like a European Christmas market. Come along to snap up some traditional German goodies to add to your festive table.

You can buy:

  • homemade cakes
  • deli goods and groceries
  • wine, beer and schnapps
  • freshly cooked German sausages.

You’ll also find community stalls, handmade crafts and other specialties.

There will be a free jumping castle for the kids and entertainment for all.

The Queanbeyan Christmas Market

When: Sunday, 21 December, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Lowe Street Queanbeyan
Note: free entry

Ok, it’s not quite Canberra, but the Queanbeyan Market is worth the trip.

Bursting with festive spirit, it’s a great option for:

  • ticking off the last of your Christmas shopping
  • enjoying sweet and savoury treats
  • soaking up a joyful community atmosphere.

Go for the shopping – stay for the food, music and festive fun.

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Five people in custody following Shorewell Park incident

Source: Tasmania Police

Five people in custody following Shorewell Park incident

Monday, 10 November 2025 – 6:40 pm.

Five people are in custody following an incident at a store in Wiseman Street, Shorewell Park this afternoon.Four men and a woman were arrested and taken into custody, after a man entered the premises shortly after 1.30pm, and allegedly threatened both staff and customers with a knife while attempting to steal from the store.He left the store a short time later, and returned with four others who police allege caused damage to the premises.The group left the scene in a vehicle which then allegedly evaded police before they were arrested at an address in Shorewell Park about 3.10pm today.Thankfully no one was physically injured in the incident.Investigations into the incident are ongoing.Anyone with information about the matter should contact Burnie Police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD240-10112025.

Arrest – Aggravated robbery – Cullen Bay

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two males following an aggravated robbery that occurred in Cullen Bay on Friday 7 November.

Around 2am on Friday morning, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that two males had allegedly entered a business premises on Marina Boulevard and stole a quantity of alcohol.

It is alleged that the 68-year-old business owner heard a loud noise nearby and went to investigate. She was then confronted by two males, one of which threw at rock at her, causing her to retreat inside for her safety.

The males then allegedly forced their way inside and stole a quantity of alcohol before fleeing the scene.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Today, detectives from Strike Force Trident, with assistance from the Dog Operations Unit, located and arrested an 18-year-old male at an address in Gray and a 20-year-old male in Ludmilla.

Both remain in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police believe a third offender remains outstanding and are urging anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2500110794. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 444 or via .

YORKE HIGHWAY, CLINTON (Building Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
10 Nov 2025 16:05

Issued for
YORKE HIGHWAY, CLINTON AND PORT CLINTON TOWNSHIP near Port Clinton on the Yorke Peninsula .

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from CLINTON STRUCTURE FIRE is in the PORT CLINTON AND CLINTON area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

New Commander appointed to Western District

Source: Tasmania Police

New Commander appointed to Western District

Monday, 10 November 2025 – 4:08 pm.

Commissioner Donna Adams has today announced the appointment of Nathan Johnston to the rank of Commander of Police.
Having joined Tasmania Police in 2003, Commander Johnston has significant and varied experience working across the state, particularly in the Northern and Western Districts, over the past 20+ years.
This week he will begin his new role as Commander of the Western District.
First posted to Launceston Police Station as a constable in 2004, Commander Johnston was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in Launceston in 2015.
In 2021 he became an Inspector, leading the Northern District’s Launceston Uniform Division and in 2023 moved to the Northern Criminal Investigation Division as Detective Inspector.
Commander Johnston has also held various leadership positions in other areas, including as Officer in Charge of Tasmania Police’s Bomb Response Capability and leading the Western Police Operation Centre during COVID-19.
He has assumed the role of Acting Commander in the Northern and Western District several times since 2022, providing strategic leadership and management while prioritising community safety and service delivery.
Commissioner Donna Adams said Commander Johnston has demonstrated significant strengths in policing and relationship-based leadership, highlighting his ability to collaborate effectively and build trust across diverse groups.
“He brings a wealth of experience and highly developed skills to this senior role, with a proven capacity to lead through influence and foster strong, collaborative relationships,” she said.
“I congratulate Nathan on his appointment and am confident that his leadership, experience, and commitment will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Tasmania Police.”
“I also want to acknowledge and thank Commander Stuart Wilkinson, who has been a steadfast leader for the Western District since 2023. His contribution has been instrumental, and he will continue to be highly regarded in his new role as Commander of Tasmania Police’s Family and Sexual Violence Command.”
Commander Johnston is looking forward to once again working in the north west of Tasmania.
“I’m excited to step into the role and continue to build relationships with the community, working together so that people feel safe,” he said.
“I am focused on supporting the members of the Western District and providing an environment where they can deliver a high level of service to the community,” he said.
Commander Johnston holds several academic qualifications including a Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies) and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management (Australian Institute of Police Management).
His appointment is effective immediately.

Vehicles clamped as part of hooning crackdown

Source: Tasmania Police

Vehicles clamped as part of hooning crackdown

Monday, 10 November 2025 – 3:56 pm.

Tasmania Police is continuing to target acts of hooning and reckless driving in the community, with seven vehicles clamped during a recent operation in the Derwent Park area of Glenorchy.
On the nights of Thursday, November 6 and Friday, November 7, police conducted a targeted operation relating to hooning, in particular at Sunmont Street and Bender Drive, at Derwent Park.
Glenorchy Division Inspector Jason Klug said during the joint operation involving Glenorchy Police and members from Southern Road Policing Services – with the assistance of drone technology – nine vehicles were detected being operated in an unsafe manner.
“This area has been the subject of on-going hooning and risk-taking behaviours involving vehicles, and this has had a negative impact on the community,” Inspector Klug said.
“Some of the driving behaviour observed by police during this operation was clearly reckless. These were vehicles driven in a public place, with an unnecessary execution of speed, of acceleration or a loss of traction.
“This manner of driving will not be tolerated. Those engaged in such activities can expect police to utilise their legislative powers to seize vehicles and arrest drivers.”
Seven vehicles were clamped and the drivers proceeded against by summons for related offences.
Two drivers received infringement notices, and one driver was detected driving under the influence of an illicit drug.
Police will continue to monitor and conduct similar operations in the Glenorchy area, and other known hot spots.
In the past four months, police in the Southern District have clamped or confiscated 76 vehicles in relation to hooning offences – 48 vehicles confiscated, and 28 vehicles clamped.
Vehicles have been taken off the road for periods ranging from 28 days through to indefinitely, with most of the vehicles confiscated being for periods of nine months and beyond.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and police urge anyone with information about hooning or reckless driving to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Arrest – Domestic violence – Humpty Doo

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested a 41-year-old female in relation to a domestic violence incident in Humpty Doo early this morning.

Around 12:45am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that an adult male had allegedly been stabbed by his female ex-partner.

It is alleged that the female assaulted the victim with an edged weapon, resulting in a significant laceration to his forearm.

Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital.

The 41-year-old female was arrested at the scene. She remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25302876. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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.

Call for information – Armed person – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an alleged armed person at a shopping centre in Alice Springs today.

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

Members from Strike Force Viper and general duties attended, however the alleged armed male had fled the scene prior to police arrival.

No injuries were reported to police and investigations are ongoing.

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/.

Call for information – Stolen motor vehicle – Wadeye

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police are calling for information in relation to a stolen motor vehicle and criminal damage incident that occurred in Wadeye in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Around 7:30am, local police observed the rear gate to the Wadeye Police Station had been damaged, resulting in it completely separating from the fence. A review of CCTV footage showed a Toyota Hilux ramming the gate at 3:30am that morning. Police subsequently received a stolen motor vehicle report in relation to the Hilux and recovered it at an oval within the community a short time later.

The vehicle has since been returned to its owner.

The unknown offenders remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500111171. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.