Month: December 2025

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
29 Dec 2025 18:08

Warning area
Langhorne Creek near Starthalbyn in the Adelaide Hills.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from LANGHORNE CREEK is in the Chaunceys Line Road and Kangaroo Road 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.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force’s Search and Rescue Section (SRS) is currently conducting a search operation in Darwin Harbour.

At around 6:30pm yesterday evening, police were notified a body was sighted in the water near an anchored military vessel. The body was last seen submerging underwater shortly after police arrival to the scene.

SRS resources were deployed, and search efforts are ongoing.

The operation is being conducted using aircraft, marine vessels, rescue watercraft and ground search teams, with support from NT Surf Life Saving.

Police are seeking information from anyone who may hold concerns for a person who has failed to attend appointments or has been uncontactable, particularly in the Darwin Harbour area.

The person is described as being an adult male, Caucasian in appearance, with a slim build and medium-length grey hair and was last seen wearing a light-coloured shirt or T-shirt.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2500128537.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Northern Country tomorrow, Tuesday, 30 December 2025.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Tasmania Police

Firearm used in Bridgewater wounding incident

Monday, 29 December 2025 – 2:01 pm.

Police investigations are continuing into an incident involving a firearm in Bridgewater on Sunday afternoon in which a man sustained a gunshot wound to his foot.
The injury is serious, but non life-threatening, and the 20-year-old man is receiving treatment in Royal Hobart Hospital.
The incident happened about 3.30pm on Sunday at a property in Taylor Crescent, Bridgewater.
Police believe four men arrived at the property in two separate vehicles – a white Ford Ranger and a white Ford Focus XR5 – then an altercation took place inside the house.
One man sustained a serious injury from a single shotgun blast to his foot.
Tasmania Police believe this is an isolated incident involving parties known to one another. Investigations are ongoing.
If anyone has information regarding the incident, including dash-cam or CCTV footage, or noticed anyone acting suspiciously in the Taylor Crescent area on Sunday, they should contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.
You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. Refer OR 793562

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

BLANCHETOWN

Issued on
29 Dec 2025 12:46

Blanchetown

The CFS is continuing to respond to a scrub fire 11km south of Blanchetown in the Riverland.

CFS volunteers worked overnight to contain and extinguish hot spots, having successfully halted the spread and preventing it from impacting surrounding scrub and neighboring properties.

Department for Environment and Water personnel are on the fireground today, working to extinguish any hot spots and strengthen control lines. Firefighters will also be supported by aircraft throughout the afternoon on Monday 29 December. Due to increased tourism along the river corridor, river users are urged to stay vigilant if in the area.

Crews will remain on scene until the area is deemed safe and will continue to monitor, with the heightened fire weather predicted over the coming days.

The fire has burnt approximately 4 hectares of native vegetation, including large river red gums.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and will be investigated.

This fire does not currently pose a risk to the community, however smoke may be visible around the area. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.
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Message ID 0008872

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force has arrested and charged a 41-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence aggravated assault that occurred in Palmerston yesterday.

At around 4:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of an aggravated assault on Palmerston Circuit in Palmerston City. It is alleged an adult female had been assaulted by a male known to her with a broken glass bottle, resulting in a laceration to her arm.

Members of the public aided the victim and contacted police. Emergency services responded and the victim was conveyed to hospital for treatment.

The 41-year-old offender was arrested and has since been charged with Aggravated assault, Engage in conduct that contravenes DVO and Armed with an offensive weapon. He was remanded in custody to appear in court today.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

Field Day music festival will host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
Field Day will be the ninth festival to participate in the 12-month trial, with the festival taking place on Thursday 1 January 2026 at The Domain in Sydney.
The free and anonymous drug checking service allows festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons are provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers are available on site to provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support and information about additional support services.
While illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the service is intended to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm but is not a guarantee of safety.
“This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks,” Dr Chant said.
“Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
NSW Health is working closely with Field Day festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial. 
“We welcome the opportunity to host onsite drug checking at Field Day 2026. As a festival that has been running for decades, harm minimisation and safety is at the heart of everything we do,” a spokesperson for Field Day music festival said.
“To be amongst the first nine festivals in NSW to offer this to our festival goers is a great step toward state-wide harm minimisation practices with proven results across the globe. 
“We’re grateful to the volunteers and NSW Health for making this a reality at Field Day.”
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February next year when it will be independently evaluated.
The trial comes after the NSW Government’s Drug Summit concluded in December 2024. The Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provided a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
Further information can be found at NSW drug checking trial.
More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on Your Room.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged a 30-year-old female in relation to a series of thefts that occurred at a hospital in Alice Springs over the period of a year.

Between November 2024 and December 2025, it is alleged the 30-year-old attended the Alice Springs Hospital and stole personal belonging of elderly victims recovering from serious surgical and medical interventions. One victim passed away shortly after the offending occurred.

The offender was not known to the victims.

On Saturday 27 December 2025, members from Strike Force Viper attended the Alice Springs Hospital and arrested the 30-year-old female. She has since been charged with:

• 7 x Theft
• 13 x Obtain benefit by deception
• 1 x Obtain benefit by deception (attempt)
• 1 x Possess cannabis

She has been remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.

Acting Superintendent Deanne Ward said, “This is horrible offending that targeted the most vulnerable members of our community.

“Police have been investigating this for a number of days, and we believe there are more victims.

“We urge anyone who has had property stolen during a visit to the hospital, particularly in recent days, to make a police report via 131 444 or by attending their local police station.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Police detect motorists speeding and driving under the influence across north west

Monday, 29 December 2025 – 10:33 am.

Police are urging motorists to reset their behaviours and be safe on the roads after multiple drivers were detected speeding and under the influence of alcohol and drugs across the north-west.
“Concerningly, police have intercepted a disappointing number of motorists speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs across the north-west coast over the past few days,” said Acting Inspector Luke Negri.
“We know that speeding is a contributing factor to fatal and serious crashes on our roads, and it’s concerning that police on the north-west detected two excessive speeders on Saturday, 51 drivers speeding on Boxing Day, and a further 96 drivers speeding on Saturday and Sunday.”

On Saturday, a 35-year-old man was detected travelling at 109km/h in a 50km/h zone on Peters Street at Tullah; exceeding the speed limit by 59km/h. He was issued a fine of $1,178.75, six demerit points, and a four-month licence disqualification.
On Saturday, a 19-year-old man was detected travelling at 150km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Ridgley Highway at Ridgley; exceeding the speed limit by 50km/h. He was also not displaying his P-plates as required. He received fines totalling $1,281.00, eight demerit points, and a four month disqualification.

“We have seen a devastating number of deaths on our roads this year, and it’s confronting but we need to be clear to any motorist considering speeding – a fast drive may be your last drive,” said Acting Inspector Negri.
“As Operation Safe Arrival continues, we need motorists to remember that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs puts you at risk of crashing and killing or injuring yourself or someone else.”
“It’s concerning that police across the north west detected five motorists driving with illicit drugs present in their systems, and several drivers under the influence of alcohol including two high range detections.”

a 37-year-old man from Latrobe returned a reading of .207; more than four times the legal limit. He was issued an immediate 12-month disqualification.
a 51-year-old woman from Ridgley returned a reading of.245; nearly more than five times the legal limit. She was issued an immediate 12-month disqualification.

“Police will continue to target dangerous driving behaviours that contribute to serious and fatal crashes, and we need motorists to help us by being safe on the roads.”
“Drink and drug driving, and speeding is a conscious choice and one that significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death.”
“Drivers are urged to slow down, obey speed limits, and help keep Tasmanian roads safe for everyone.”
Anyone with information about dangerous driving is urged to contact police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

MENINGIE EAST

Issued on
29 Dec 2025 10:20

Meningie East

The CFS continues to respond to a fire burning in crop and scrub approximately 21km north-east of Meningie in the Coorong.

Approximately 20 CFS volunteers on 6 trucks are currently working to extinguish hotspots and strengthen control lines. Heavy machinery has established a containment line around the fire, which has been burning in inaccessible terrain. Crews have contained the fire, preventing it from spreading into surrounding scrub and are being supported by Farm Fire Units.

Firefighters will remain on scene until the area is deemed safe and will continue to monitor, with heightened fire weather predicted over the coming days.

The fire started at 2:30pm on Sunday 29 December, and has burned approximately 64 hectares.

The cause of the fire has been determined as originating from farm machinery.

These fires do not currently pose a risk to the community, however smoke may be visible throughout the area. Roads are currently open around this incident; however, this may change at short notice. Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.

Message ID 0008869