Month: January 2026

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Darwin City this morning.

Around 3:45am, CCTV operators observed an altercation between four males on Mitchel Street near the intersection of Knuckey Street.

One male is allegedly knocked to the ground and assaulted, rendering him unconscious, before the alleged offender flees the scene.

Police and St John Ambulance attended and a man, aged in 20’s, was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in a critical condition.

Police investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P26020905. 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 Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on the Stuart Highway near Wycliffe Well on Tuesday 20 January 2026.

Around 6am Tuesday, police received a report of a motorcycle crash north of Wycliffe Well, where a 22-year-old male was located deceased at the scene.

Further enquiries have since identified that four other males were present at the time of the crash and fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Later that morning, police officers located three adult males and one male youth walking south along the Stuart Highway. All four appeared injured and were suffering from dehydration.

Investigations have since established the group had allegedly stolen three motorcycles from a nearby remote station overnight and were travelling along the Stuart Highway between Wycliffe Well and the Devils Marbles Hotel when the crash occurred.

All four males were conveyed to Tennant Creek Hospital for medical treatment and remain in police custody as enquiries continue.

Major Crash investigators are continuing to investigate the incident with assistance from Tennant Creek Criminal Investigation Branch.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo congratulates two outstanding local leaders on being named the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year for 2026.

Bagshot resident Barry Clay is the Citizen of the Year, in recognition of his strong leadership and contribution to the Bagshot district for several decades.

Axedale resident Phannika Finnerty is the Young Citizen of the Year, acknowledging her ongoing service to Dementia Alliance and establishing and leading the Dementia Buddy Program.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the City was delighted to honour these two worthy community leaders.

“I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Barry Clay and Phannika Finnerty on becoming the 2026 Citizen of the Year, and Young Citizen of the Year respectively. Both of you have made a significant contribution to the Greater Bendigo community in such positive ways,” Cr Prince said. 

“Barry is a much-loved pillar of the Bagshot community, serving on the Bagshot Hall Committee for 50 years and counting and dedicating countless hours to ensure the hall thrives as a gathering place for locals and the wider community.

“Phannika is the driving force behind the Dementia Buddy Program, creating a safe, inclusive space where students, especially those with autism and additional needs, can connect meaningfully with people living with dementia.

“Both Barry and Phannika are truly committed to their communities and wonderful examples of volunteers who tirelessly give back.

“These awards recognise their service to others, and the passion, determination and positivity they bring is uplifting and inspiring.”

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has decided that Ampol Retail Holding Pty Ltd’s (ASX:ALD) acquisition of EG Group Australia and EG AsiaPac Holdings (together, EG Australia) requires further in-depth assessment by the ACCC.

This means the ACCC has not approved the acquisition in its Phase 1 assessment and the transaction will move to a Phase 2 review.

Ampol and EG Australia both retail fuel, including petrol and diesel, and convenience products in all Australian states and territories.

The ACCC is satisfied that the acquisition could substantially lessen competition in the retail supply of petrol and diesel in several markets in Australia.

“The acquisition would combine two major fuel retailers in Australia,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.  

“We have identified 115 EG sites where the acquisition could substantially lessen competition in the relevant local market, and also consider that the acquisition could substantially lessen competition in the metropolitan areas of Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.”

Ampol’s offer to divest 19 retail fuel sites does not adequately address these local or metropolitan wide issues which is why we have decided to conduct a further in-depth competition assessment.

The ACCC has not reached a conclusion on the issues and will continue to consider the acquisition in Phase 2.

The ACCC invites submissions in response to its Phase 2 Notice by 4 February 2026. Parties can contact the ACCC via mergers@accc.gov.au.

This is the first assessment to be subject to a Phase 2 review under the new merger control regime, which became mandatory on 1 January 2026.

More information and the Phase 2 Notice will be available on the ACCC’s acquisitions register today here: Ampol – EG Australia.

Background

Merger control regime

From 1 January 2026, it is mandatory for businesses to notify the ACCC of any acquisition that meets the notification thresholds set by the Minister. They must wait for ACCC approval before they can proceed. 

Once notified, the notification is listed on the ACCC’s Acquisitions Register and stakeholder consultation is invited. The ACCC is required to make a decision in 15 to 30 business days in its Phase 1 assessment, subject to any extensions, to either approve the acquisition or refer it to a Phase 2 review.

The ACCC can decide a notification is to be subject to a Phase 2 review if the ACCC is satisfied that the acquisition to which the notification relates, if put into effect, could, in all of the circumstances, have the effect, or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market.

Under the Competition and Consumer Act, a Phase 2 assessment can take up to 90 business days, unless extended under specific circumstances.

More guidance on the new merger regime can be found on the ACCC’s website: Guidance documents for the merger control regime

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Wendy Scott, firefighter, Aireys Inlet Fire Brigade

Taking the step from training into a first strike team deployment can feel daunting for any new member.

For Aireys Inlet Brigade member Wendy Scott, that step recently became a defining and rewarding moment — one that highlights the importance of preparation, mentoring and strong brigade culture.

Wendy was deployed on her first strike team to the Otway fire complex earlier this month as part of a composite crew from across the Coastal Group. Although she was nervous, she credits the training and support she received from Aireys Inlet Fire Brigade for giving her the confidence to take part.

“I was nervous but  wasn’t scared,” Wendy said. “I think I did OK and I know what I can do better next time.”

That confidence didn’t come from chance. Wendy spoke strongly about how the brigade’s ongoing training, encouragement and support prepared her for the realities of strike team work — both practically and mentally.

“I really want to thank all of Aireys brigade and the District 7 Women’s Network for all the training, support and encouragement — and the banter,” she said.

Wendy was placed with an experienced and supportive crew, something she describes as making a huge difference on the day. 

“What an experience to be a part of,” Wendy said. “I’m so grateful for all the training the brigade has put me through.”

Like many first deployments, the day was busy and intense — so much so that there wasn’t time for a photo. Still, seeing familiar faces from her home brigade on the fireground was reassuring, reinforcing the sense of teamwork that extends beyond a single crew or truck.

Despite being tired at the end of the shift, Wendy reflected on the experience with pride and gratitude. Her story is a reminder that quality training, supportive leadership and positive brigade culture empower members to step forward when it counts.

For members considering their first strike team deployment, Wendy’s message is: “trust your training, lean on your crew, and give it a go”.

“The confidence gained on the fireground is built long before deployment — through the effort, encouragement and shared commitment of the brigade.” 

Submitted by	Andrew Wilson

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) have been hard at work this week visiting towns surrounding firegrounds to offer up to date information and answer questions.

Submitted by	Colac ICC

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

HTID music festival will host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
HTID will be the tenth festival to participate in the 12-month trial, with the festival taking place on Saturday 24 January 2026 at the Sydney Showground.
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 HTID festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial. 
The organisers of HTID festival said their priority is always the safety and wellbeing of festival attendees. 
“The operation of onsite drug checking has been a welcome addition to the health and safety measures we undertake at all of our events. Providing people with free, confidential and non-judgmental advice can help them make better decisions,” a spokesperson for HTID music festival said.
“We are proud to have been early supporters of NSW Health on this Government-led harm reduction initiative and are grateful to the volunteers that make this service happen.”
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February this 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: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Carlisle River Fire Brigade has commended the extraordinary efforts of firefighters and support crews following recent fires in the area, while urging the community to remain vigilant as conditions continue to change in the week ahead.

Submitted by	Kirsten Dudink

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Carlisle River Fire Brigade has commended the extraordinary efforts of firefighters and support crews following recent fires in the area, while urging the community to remain vigilant as conditions continue to change in the week ahead.

Submitted by	Kirsten Dudink

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

13/01/26