Month: January 2026

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force hold concerns for the welfare of 50-year-old Phillip.

Phillip was last seen at a residence in Ali Curung at approximately 10am on Friday 2 January 2026, before walking away in a westerly direction. He has not returned since.

At the time, he was wearing a blue grey hoodie with a North Melbourne guernsey worn underneath, and black shorts with white stripes.

Phillip was not in possession of food or water when he left, and police and family members hold concerns for his welfare. He is known to have links to Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP260000675.

Source: Tasmania Police

Youths charged in relation to alleged assault in Rosny area

Saturday, 3 January 2026 – 11:45 am.

Police have charged three youths in relation to an alleged assault in the Rosny area last night where a man sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
About 10.15pm, a 19-year-old man was allegedly assaulted in the Rosny Park Bus Mall area.
He was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital with what are reported to be non-life-threatening injuries.
At this stage police have charged three youths aged 15, 16, and 17 with assault in relation to the matter.
“Everyone has the right to be safe in our public places, and police will not tolerate violence,” said Acting Inspector Andrew Morton.
“Police would like to speak to anyone who has information in relation to this incident, or recorded the incident on their mobile phone or dash cam.”
Information can be provided to police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – quote OR794008.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force is calling for witnesses in relation to a domestic violence related aggravated assault that occurred in Alice Springs last night.

At around 9:00pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a female allegedly being assaulted by a male.

On police arrival, it was established that a 31-year-old male had allegedly assaulted his 35-year-old female ex-partner before fleeing the area.

St John Ambulance attended and conveyed the victim to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment.

A short time later, the offender was located and arrested nearby, and he has since been charged with:

• Recklessly endangering serious harm
• Aggravated assault
• Engage in conduct that contravenes a DVO
• Going armed in public
• Make a threat to kill a person

He was remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on 5 January 2026.

During the investigation, it was identified that two witnesses recorded the alleged assault taking place with their mobile phones.

Police are urging the two witnesses, and anyone else that may have information relating to the incident, to contact police on 131444 and to quote reference number NTP2600000747. 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.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has now arrested and charged a 61-year-old male in relation to a fatal pedestrian strike that occurred on Saturday, 27 December 2025.

The male was arrested today following an extensive investigation coordinated by the Major Crash Investigation Unit with assistance from detectives of the Major and Serious Crime teams. The investigation included comprehensive CCTV review, crime scene examination and analysis, forensic examination, and witness enquiries. 

The 61-year-old male has now been charged with one count of Hit and run cause death.

Senior Constable Craig Tregea said, “Police remind members of the public that anyone involved in a traffic crash is legally required to stop, render assistance where possible, and notify police.

“Failing to do so can have serious legal consequences, particularly where a person is injured or killed.”

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 several locations in northern Sydney. 

The case recently returned from Indonesia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles, and they were also identified as a contact of a measles case on their return flight to Australia. 

People who attended the following locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk. 

Saturday, 27 December 2025: 

Train from Thornleigh Station to Epping Station, then bus from Epping Station to Macquarie Centre at approximately 11am.
Macquarie Centre from 12pm to 7pm including: 

Mitzu Restaurant from 1pm to 2.20pm
Macquarie Centre children’s play area from 2.20pm to 4pm
F&L Gourmet Restaurant from 5pm to 7pm.

Sunday, 28 December 2025: 

Storey Park playground, Asquith, from 12.30pm to 2pm.

Tuesday, 30 December 2025:

Waitara Oval from 1pm to 1:30pm. 
Jamie’s Kitchen and children’s play area, Waitara PCYC, from 1.30pm to 3pm. 
Aldi Supermarket, Westfield Shopping Centre, Hornsby from 2.45pm to 4.15pm.

Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital Emergency Department, various times from 5.15pm to 8pm.

Northern Sydney Local Health District Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Sean Tobin, 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 Tobin 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 18 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 Tobin 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). 

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: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Territory Road Policing has completed Operation Quinn, a major road policing enforcement initiative conducted across the Northern Territory during the Christmas and New Year school holiday period.

The operation aimed to keep Territory roads safe during one of the busiest travel times of the year by targeting the Fatal Five driving behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt non-compliance, distraction, and fatigue.

Operation Highlights

• 105 Random Breath Testing (RBT) stations deployed across the Territory.
• 12,595 breath tests conducted, with 85 drivers testing positive for alcohol.
• 336 roadside drug tests, resulting in 74 positive detections.
• 63,195 vehicles speed-checked, with 1,341 infringements issued for exceeding the speed limit.
• 769 traffic apprehensions carried out.
• 334 traffic infringements issued for other offences, 50 offenders arrested, and 126 Notices to Appear served.

Acting Superintendent Devrim Kanyilmaz from Territory Road Policing said, “The results show both the scale of the operation and the ongoing challenge of risky driving behaviours.

“Every positive alcohol or drug test represents a potential tragedy that was prevented.

“Our officers worked tirelessly to ensure families could travel safely during the festive season.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility – if you drink or take drugs, don’t drive.

“The Fatal Five are not just words – they are the leading causes of serious crashes and fatalities on our roads, and we will continue to target these behaviours to save lives.”

The NT Police Force is reminding all road users to:

• Plan ahead if you’re drinking – arrange a safe way to get home.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions behind the wheel.
• Obey speed limits and make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt at all times.
• Don’t drive tired – fatigue can be as dangerous as impairment.
• And look out for pedestrians on the roads.

Operation Quinn demonstrates the commitment of Territory Police to proactive enforcement and community safety. Similar operations will continue throughout 2026 to reduce road trauma.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has completed the first four weeks of Operation Ludlow II, with police maintaining a visible presence across Katherine throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

Four-week results:

• 1,244 proactive CBD patrols
• 94 arrests
• 1,954 point of sale refusals at takeaway outlets
• 101 licensed premises patrols
• 41 business engagements in the CBD
• 15 high visibility wanding operations
• 56 infringement notices issued
• 5 point of arrival and departure engagements
• 6 drone flights

Over the Christmas and New Year period, Katherine Police officers, alongside partner agencies, undertook a range of community engagement activities as part of Operation Ludlow II.

This included visits to public housing complexes on Christmas Eve, a joint visit to Katherine Hospital on Christmas Day with NT Fire and Emergency Services, and a visible policing presence throughout New Year’s Eve, supported by Territory Road Policing, wanding operations and licensed premises patrols across the Katherine region.

Katherine Police also deployed drone capability during New Year’s Eve operations to support crowd monitoring.

Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said, “The focus of the operation remained on visibility, prevention and engagement.

“Our priority throughout the festive season has been maintaining a strong police presence, working with partner agencies, and engaging with the community to support a safe environment.

“Our officers valued the opportunity to engage with the community across a range of activities during the festive period.

“Community members are encouraged to approach police officers on patrol. Any concerns can be reported by calling 131 444, or 000 in an emergency.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force conducted a targeted operation today in Coolalinga, focusing on vehicle theft and theft from vehicles occurring across the area.

The operation involved highly visible patrols, engagement with members of the public, and proactive monitoring of identified hotspots. Police will continue this operation over the coming days and weeks as part of an ongoing focus on reducing property crime in the rural area.

Police are urging the public to be vigilant by taking these simple steps to reduce the risk of opportunistic offending:

• Lock your vehicle every time and take your keys.
• Remove valuables from your vehicle or keep them out of sight.
• Report suspicious behaviour, including people loitering near vehicles or attempting to gain entry.

Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Burns said, “Offenders will often move through public areas checking door handles and looking for an easy opportunity. Securing your vehicle takes seconds and can prevent your car being stolen or property being taken.

“The message is simple – lock it or lose it.”

Police remind the community not to approach suspicious persons. Move to a safe location and contact police.

Anyone who witnesses crime or suspicious behaviour is urged to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Tasmania Police

Three bushwalkers rescued near Federation Peak

Friday, 2 January 2026 – 3:46 pm.

Police are reminding bushwalkers to be prepared and always carry communication devices, after three people were rescued from near Federation Peak last night.
“About 11am yesterday, an EPIRB was activated in the Federation Peak area, after a bushwalker became injured and required assistance from emergency services,” said Inspector Colin Riley.
“Three adults had been doing the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse when one of the adults fell down a five metre cliff and became injured.”
“The party activated their EPIRB and were rescued by helicopter about 6pm from the Bechervaise plateau.”
The trio were flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital. The injured man has sustained a non-life-threatening head injury.
“This rescue is a reminder to all bushwalkers that terrain can be dangerous, and it’s imperative to carry communication devices to call for assistance if required,” said Inspector Riley.
“Tragically this year we saw deaths in the Federation Peak area, and it’s a stark reminder of the dangers of bushwalking in the Tasmanian wilderness.”
Bushwalkers should follow these essential safety tips:• Be prepared: Ensure you have appropriate equipment, including a map, torch, suitable clothing and footwear for all conditions, a waterproof jacket, adequate food, water, and a first aid kit and carry it with you at all times.• Research your trip: Check the intended trip’s difficulty level and whether it aligns with your fitness and skill level. Always have a route plan, map, and check the expected weather forecast.• Inform others: Let someone know about your planned route and expected return time before embarking on your journey.• Carry communication devices: Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Consider a portable charger to extend your phone’s battery life.• Be mindful of mobile phones: While mobile phones can be helpful, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of communication and navigation during a bushwalking trip.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 17-year-old male in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred in Maningrida on Thursday afternoon.

Around 4:30pm, police received a report that a residence in the community had allegedly been unlawfully entered by multiple youths who gained access by causing significant damage to the rear door to the property.

It is alleged that a female occupant returned home from work and disturbed the offenders within the residence before they stole multiple items and fled the scene.

Police attended and conducted an extensive search of the community. During the search they identified that two additional properties had allegedly been unlawfully entered. Police believe the incidents are linked.

A 17-year-old male was arrested a short time later and was charged with:

• 3x Burglary
• Armed with an offensive weapon
• Theft

He will appear in court on the 17 March 2026.

Two offenders remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600000279. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.