Month: December 2025

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is warning the public of multiple high-dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablets in circulation in NSW, found to contain a higher dose than is usually expected.
The tablets were detected by the NSW Government’s Drug Checking service at Lost Paradise music festival on Monday 29 December and Tuesday 30 December on the Central Coast of NSW.  Images and more information are available at Public drug warnings.
NSW Poisons Information Centre, Acting Medical Director and Clinical Toxicologist Dr Angela Chiew said although detected on the Central Coast, it is important to know these tablets could be circulating anywhere in the state.
“We are urging the community to be extra cautious this New Years Eve and be aware that high dose MDMA is circulating in the community,” Dr Chiew said.
“MDMA can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death.
“These risks are greatly increased if MDMA is used in combination with other stimulants, such as amphetamines or cocaine, or if high amounts are consumed over a short period of time.
“The amount of MDMA in a tablet or capsule can vary significantly, even within the same batch.”
Hot environments increase the risk of harm from MDMA. Taking a break from dancing, seeking shade and drinking water are important measures to reduce the risk of overheating.
“It is very important to remember if you or a friend has taken drugs and feel unwell, you won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care. If you or a friend feels unwell, please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000),” Dr Chiew said.
For information about the potential adverse effects of MDMA, please contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
For support and information with alcohol, MDMA and other drugs, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015. This is a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information.
NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) also provides a range of harm minimisation resources and advice and can be reached on 1800 644 413.

Source: Tasmania Police

Somerset man on firearms, drugs charges

Wednesday, 31 December 2025 – 2:57 pm.

Police seized firearms and drugs, including a sawn-off rifle, a taser and zip-lock bags containing methylamphetamine, during a search of a property at Somerset on Tuesday.
Officers from Burnie Police, the Western Drugs and Firearms Unit, dog unit and specialist resources were involved in the search in the state’s North-West which resulted in the detection of firearms, ammunition, drugs and cash, and also some power tools believed to be stolen property.
A 37-year-old Somerset man has been charged with a range of offences and been detained for court.
Among the charges, police will allege the man was in possession of firearms which were unregistered, had been shortened, were not kept securely and that he was not licensed to possess.
If anyone has information regarding illicit firearms or drug activity, report to police on 131 444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

30/12/25

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

23/12/25

Source: Tasmania Police

Burnie man charged with serious firearms offence

Wednesday, 31 December 2025 – 2:41 pm.

A 35 year old Burnie man has been charged with a serious firearms offence after a police operation today.Police officers from Operation Scelus conducted a search of a house in Burnie this morning and located a gel blaster.As a result, the man has been charged with one count of possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued, and other minor charges.The man will appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on 12 May 2026.Anyone with information about illegal firearms, including gel blasters, should contact police on 131444 or report to Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. You can remain anonymous.Under Tasmania’s permanent firearms amnesty people can surrender illegal or unwanted firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, or gel blasters that have the appearance of a firearm at any time without fear of being prosecuted for the possession.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Summer may feel like a late start, but holiday season has come with or without the sun. Here are a few tips to remember so you can get the most out of this time of year.

Be smart in the sun

Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide – protective clothing, sunscreen 50+, hats, seek shade and wear sunglasses to avoid the perils of sunburn.

Find out how to be sun smart on the Cancer Council website

Remember to stay hydrated and be mindful of heat

• Take a full water bottle with you when you leave the house, and drink water along with any alcoholic drinks.
• Hot cars can be up to 30 degrees hotter than outside in minutes, don’t leave kids or pets in cars unattended.

Find out more about extreme heat on Better Health Channel

Don’t let food poisoning ruin your fun

If you’re hosting, make sure food doesn’t stay out too long and below 5 degrees. If it’s been out longer than 4 hours – throw it out, don’t save it for later.

Find out more about food safety outdoors at Better Health Channel

Watch out for the mosquitoes

Mosquito bites can be more than just annoying – they can carry serious disease. Using mosquito repellent is the best way to avoid bites. Apply on top of sunscreen, reapply after swimming, and don’t forget the kids.

Find out more about protecting yourself from mosquito-borne disease at Better Health Channel

Keep the germs out of the pool

Shower before swimming, wash your hands, change nappies in the right place, and stay out of the pool if you’re sick.

Find out more about healthy swimming at Better Health Channel

Check in on others

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be tough. Having friends, family, or even small connections can be powerful for your health and wellbeing, or for those you know.

Find out about Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals on Better Health Channel

Be safe around water

If you’re planning to visit a beach, inland waterway or pool this summer, prepare to stay safe around the water.

Find out more about summer water safety at Lifesaving Victoria

Be safe around others

Source: Tasmania Police

New Norfolk teen charged with multiple offences

Wednesday, 31 December 2025 – 12:21 pm.

Police have charged a teenage boy with more than 20 property and drug-related offences committed in the New Norfolk area in recent months.
The 16-year-old from New Norfolk was arrested on Tuesday and faces 21 charges, including burglary, stealing, motor vehicle stealing and drug offences.
Police allege the youth is responsible for a series of offences committed in the New Norfolk area since October, including the burglary of several local small businesses and the stealing of a range of items.
Bridgewater Police Inspector Luke Horne said the teenager was arrested and detained to appear in the Youth Justice Division of the Hobart Magistrates Court.
“While people are enjoying time with family and friends over the holidays, our officers are continuing to work around the clock to keep the community safe and hold offenders accountable,” Inspector Horne said.
Anyone with information about criminal activity in the New Norfolk area is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

Source: Tasmania Police

Investigation into serious crash on Lyell Highway

Wednesday, 31 December 2025 – 11:33 am.

Police are investigating a serious crash on the Lyell Highway at Granton on Tuesday which resulted in five people being taken to hospital.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 4.12pm on 30 December after a head-on collision involving a silver Ford Falcon utility and blue Honda Jazz.
Preliminary investigations indicate one of the vehicles veered out of its lane, with the impact leaving the Honda overturned in the middle of the highway and the Ford utility off the road.
A third vehicle travelling on the highway, a white Nissan Leaf, was involved in a secondary impact at the scene.
A 30-year-old woman who was the driver of the Honda was taken to Royal Hobart Hospital with serious injuries.
Two passengers in the Honda, plus the driver and passenger of the Ford, were taken to Royal Hobart Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Nissan was not injured.
The Lyell Highway was closed for about six hours to allow crash investigators to examine the scene and conduct inquiries.Police would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding.
Anyone with information on the crash, or relevant dash cam footage, is asked to contact 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: 270-30122025.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting locations across Sydney.
The case recently returned from South-East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
People who were on board the flight below or who attended the following locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
27 December 2025:

Flight GA712, Jakarta to Sydney arriving in Sydney 10.45 am
Sydney Airport International Arrivals Hall from 10.45 am to 12.00 noon

29 December 2025 and 30 December 2025:

Blacktown Hospital Emergency Department waiting room from 12.00 noon on 29 December to 6.00 am on 30 December

Western Sydney Local Health District Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Conrad Moreira, said  if you or someone you know visited the above locations at those times, you should monitor for symptoms.
If symptoms develop, see your doctor or health service (including emergency department). Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles, so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,” Dr Moreira said
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms until 17 January 2026.”
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Moreira said
“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have a dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet .
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A group of CFA firefighters are ready to fight fires in remote areas across the state following seven weeks of intensive training to become arduous firefighters.

The pilot program is a first for CFA where 15 arduous firefighters will have the capability to attack and suppress fires in difficult terrain that aren’t accessible via a fire truck or aircraft.

The crew is made up of volunteer firefighters who respond to different types of scenarios, including lightning strikes, bushfires and preventative works such as backburning operations.

They can be deployed to a remote area for up to 24 hours, can carry up to 20kg in their packs and are trained to walk within 45 minutes from a vehicle.

They also carry a range of mechanical tools such as chainsaws, leaf blowers, hose lay packs and small pumps, to help them create fire breaks or directly suppress fires by pumping water directly from a nearby creek or dam.

Corio Fire Brigade volunteer and Remote Arduous Firefighting team leader Bradley Coulter has been part of the pilot program for a year where he has helped identify what equipment was needed and helps coordinate the response.

“My role is to ensure we have the skills the team requires to successfully complete the task given,” Bradley said.

“Over the course of the training, we’ve not only benefited from the new skills we’ve learnt, we’ve become an incredible team and we consider each other family.

“In my coordination role, safely undertaking the task is my number one priority, then making sure we have the right balance of skills in the right roles.

“The team is incredibly fit and has the specialist skills and the endorsement to operate in remote areas where we don’t have a dedicated vehicle to support us.

“Our aim is to be rapidly inserted somewhere to get on top of small events before they become big events.

“It’s been an intense journey but I’m exceptionally proud of the team and the camaraderie we’ve created.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said around 60 percent of Victoria has privately owned land and a large portion of that is bushland so it was important for us to increase our capability to help further protect lives and property.

“These arduous firefighters give CFA a complementary service alongside our partner agency, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) to work together to protect communities across the state,” Jason said.

“The crew will not only be a great asset for Victoria, they can also be deployed to support the suppression of interstate fires too.

“This team has worked incredibly hard over several months and should be proud of what they’ve achieved.

“Thanks to the NSW Rural Fire Service delivering the specialised training, our arduous firefighting team is ready to respond.”

CFA will evaluate the use and effectiveness of the arduous crew at the end of this fire season with the hope to extend the program further in 2026.

“It would be great to see this program extended, with those in metropolitan Melbourne also encouraged to join,” Jason said.

Submitted by	CFA Media