Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to a theft that occurred in Lyons over the weekend.
Around 10:35am today, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a significant quantity of copper wiring was stolen from air conditioner units at a facility along Damabila Drive between 22 January and 27 January 2026.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident or CCTV footage in the area to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600009077.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an indecent assault that occurred in Alice Springs over the weekend.
Around 6am on Sunday, police received a report that a male had entered a residence on Erumba Street, Braitling, and allegedly attempted to indecently assault a young woman.
The male was confronted by another resident and fled the scene on foot.
Police attended the scene and arrested a 16-year-old male a short time later.
He has since been released from custody pending further investigations.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist with investigations to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P26025563 . 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 has arrested a 25-year-old male in relation to a disturbance that occurred in Minyerri on Monday afternoon.
Around 12:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a group of up to 50 people fighting, some of whom were armed with weapons, resulting in one adult male suffering serious injuries.
It is alleged that during the incident, a 25-year-old male assaulted a 20-year-old male with an edged weapon before police attended and the group dispersed.
The victim was conveyed to the local clinic, where he was treated for wounds to his neck, abdomen and shoulder. He has since been transported to Royal Darwin Hospital via CareFlight in a serious but stable condition.
The 25-year-old alleged offender was later located and arrested. He remains in police custody and investigations are ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26026573. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Wimmera and North East districts tomorrow, Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Tomorrow’s conditions in the Wimmer and the North Eastwill be a continuation of the hot, dry, and windy conditions we have seen over the past few days.
Temperatures are set to reach the mid-forties with south westerly winds.
A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.
CFAChief Officer, Jason Heffernan, said the TFB has been declared due to the expected conditions and the current fires in the landscape across the Wimmera and theNorth Easttomorrow.
“Tomorrow’s conditions will make it difficult to suppress new fire starts, as well as providing a challenge for firefighters already working hard on containing existing fires,” he said.
“Even in areas not under total fire ban we are urging people to reconsider the need for things that have the potential to start fires.
“Crews all over the state have been working incredibly hard around the clock and we can thank them by following the strict conditions associated with a total fire ban.”
Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.
For more information on what you can and can’t do visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website.
Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information.
For decades, women have often been excluded from medical research, leading to gaps in knowledge and limited attention to how many health issues can disproportionately and differently affect them compared to men. A Department of Health led research funding initiative is helping to address this by supporting innovative research into women’s health.
The Women’s Health Research Catalyst Grants program is being delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s $153.9 million Women’s Health and Wellbeing package, aiming to change the way women’s health issues are treated in Victoria.
Fifteen projects have received funding through the Women’s Health Research Catalyst Grants program, with grants of up to $150,000. The research funding aims to advance understanding of how disease and health conditions affect women, and to strengthen evidence in areas previously overlooked.
The successful grant recipients are conducting research across a range of priority areas, including sexual and reproductive health, cardiovascular health, oncology, neurodegenerative conditions and chronic pain. The projects will contribute to a growing body of knowledge focused on women’s health.
Among the grant recipients is Professor Priscilla Dunk-West of Victoria University, who received funding to investigate how LGBTQ+ Victorians experience, interpret and navigate menopause as a bodily experience. The research aims to highlight the diversity of experiences within this community and develop a practice guide for health professionals to support LGBTQ+ people during menopause.
Professor Dunk-West, is a sociologist with a background in sexual health. She says there is limited research in Australia about how LGBTQ+ people navigate menopause and notes that her own experiences helped shape her interest in the topic.
“I come to my research with a lived experience lens which includes some very challenging years of perimenopause.
“There is a lot of emphasis on medical aspects to menopause such as managing symptoms but there is so much more to menopause than symptoms. I wondered how people navigate menopause in their queer relationships, how menopause was experienced in LGBTQ+ communities and how, as a broader community, we understand menopause for queer people. Our research team is thrilled to be able to undertake this important work,” Professor Dunk-West says.
Professor Dunk-West says she has high hopes for the research outcomes, with her research designed to draw directly on lived experience.
“We are asking participants to tell us what they think health professionals need to know, and thus drawing from the collective wisdom of LGBTQ+ people to inform the care and service needs in Victoria and beyond,” Professor Dunk-West says.
The study is currently seeking participants in Victoria who are LGBTQ+ and have experienced, or are experiencing, any stage of menopause, including perimenopause or postmenopause.
Western District police maintained a strong presence on local roads over the past week, including targeted traffic operations over the Australia Day long weekend.
Acting Inspector Luke Negri said the focus was on reducing serious injury and death on our roads by detecting and removing dangerous drivers.
“Across the period, police detected 20 drug drivers, all of whom will be summonsed to appear in court,” he said.
“Drug driving remains a significant cause of serious and fatal crashes, and motorists should expect ongoing enforcement.”
Several drink drivers were also detected, including:
A 49-year-old man charged with failing a breath analysis, failing to comply with a direction to undergo testing and possessing an open container of alcohol. He received a two year disqualification.A 53-year-old George Town woman (0.053), to be proceeded against by summons.A 23-year-old Heybridge woman (0.051) charged with exceeding the prescribed limit, breaching learner licence conditions and driving unaccompanied.A 34-year-old Queensland man (0.192) charged with exceeding the prescribed limit.A 30-year-old Ambleside woman who failed to provide a breath analysis – to be proceeded against by summons.A 37-year-old Burnie woman (0.039) charged with driving unlicensed and exceeding the prescribed limit.A 51-year-old Eugenana woman (0.250) charged with drink driving and failing to stop after a crash. She was remanded in custody.
Inspector Negri said speeding remains a significant concern, with 152 detections recorded in the district in the past week.
“On Monday, officers detected a 35 year old East Devonport man travelling at 117 km/h in a 60 km/h zone,” he said.
“His vehicle was clamped for 28 days, and he received a $1,178.75 infringement, six demerit points and a four month disqualification.”
Notable examples on Saturday included:
A 30 year old Beauty Point man travelling 100 km/h in a 40 km/h zone on Bakers Point Road in Narawntapu National Park.A 28 year old Victorian woman travelling 95 km/h in a 60 km/h zone at Kimberley.A 23 year old Burnie man travelling 147 km/h in a 110 km/h zone at West Ulverstone.
Inspector Negri said the use of seatbelts was also a focus of police.
“Officers conducted an operation in Smithton on Monday and detected five drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts, all within one hour.”
“Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in a crash,” Inspector Negri said.
“There’s no excuse for not wearing one. These are entirely preventable offences, and police will continue targeting this behaviour.”
“Both drivers and unrestrained passengers may receive an infringement, attracting a $410 fine and three demerit points.”
Anyone with information about dangerous driving should contact police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
CFA’s youngest first lieutenant Brodie Hanks is one of the many young people in CFA who has juggled volunteering with studying.
The 18-year-old joined Jancourt Fire Brigade when he was 16, signing up on his birthday because he couldn’t wait any longer.
“I was elected to the role of first lieutenant in July when I was 17 and I am working hard to pursue becoming a career firefighter,” Brodie said. “CFA has given me a place to explore something I am passionate about as well as giving me lifelong friends and skills.”
Brodie recently finished year 12 and for him volunteering alongside going to school was a complementary experience.
“CFA was an outlet for me to do something outside of school that wasn’t sport,” he said.
“I learned a lot of things through CFA that helped me at school like leadership skills, resilience and communication. These things aren’t necessarily taught in a classroom setting.”
Brodie said he takes on as much as he can in his brigade including strike teams – and he didn’t miss a single callout in his first year. But he believes volunteers can work this commitment around their lives and take on what suits.
“There have been a couple of times when I have got straight off the bus and put my turnout gear over my school uniform,” he said.
“If you know you have an exam coming up, you don’t have to go to the callouts in the middle of the night, but if you’re slugged down in study turning out can provide a really good brain break.
“Training fits pretty well around a school schedule and everyone is really supportive.”
Brodie said being part of CFA is a great opportunity for all young people. “Everyone gets around each other. It’s such a supportive environment, it looks great on a resume, and you have a lot of fun,” he said.
The City of Wanneroo has celebrated some of its most dedicated community champions at the latest City of Wanneroo Citizenship Ceremony, held at Kingsway Christian College.
Janine Wood – the driving force behind No Limits Perth, a not‑for‑profit organisation supporting vulnerable people in crisis across Perth’s northern suburbs – was named the Community Citizen of the Year.
Brady Fulcher (16), the WA Youth Lifesaver of 2025, received the Youth Community Citizen of the Year (16–30 years) award for his services to surf lifesaving and youth leadership.
The Senior Community Citizen of the Year (65+) went to Maxine Kluge, a much‑loved volunteer at Bethanie Beachside Aged Care Home, while the Challenge Brass Band took out Community Group of the Year for its work promoting inclusion, diversity and community connection.
The 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a notable contribution or providing outstanding service to their community.
Mayor Linda Aitken had high praise for this year’s winners.
“Their compassion, leadership and commitment help make Wanneroo a place where people feel supported, connected and proud to belong,” she said.
“Wanneroo is a City committed to the Australian values of giving others a fair go and being there for our mates and no one exemplifies these values more than this year’s Community Citizen of the Year Award winners.”
Community Citizen of the Year — Janine Wood: The CEO, co-founder and chair of No Limits Perth, was named the City’s Community Citizen of the Year. A driving force behind the charity’s mission to support vulnerable people in crisis, Janine has transformed No Limits Perth from a grassroots initiative into a dynamic organisation with more than 150 volunteers. Under her leadership, the charity launched the region’s first outreach hubs in Joondalup and Wanneroo, providing vital wrap-around support for people experiencing homelessness, hardship or rebuilding after crisis.
Youth Community Citizen of the Year — Brady Fulcher: Brady was recognised for his outstanding contribution through Surf Life Saving, youth leadership and community fundraising. As Youth Coordinator at the Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club – and the youngest person ever elected to its committee – Brady designed and leads the club’s first Youth Development Plan, creating clear pathways for young people in surf sports, lifesaving, officiating and training.
Senior Community Citizen of the Year — Maxine Kluge: Maxine received the Senior Community Citizen of the Year award for an extraordinary 17 years of volunteer service at Bethanie Beachside Aged Care Home. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering support have enriched the lives of hundreds of residents and strengthened the spirit of the Bethanie community. She has contributed thousands of volunteer hours and connected with hundreds of residents.
Community Group of the Year — Challenge Brass Band: The Challenge Brass Band was named Group of the Year. Through music, the band sparks conversations around LGBTQIA+ inclusion, disability awareness, and the value of older community members, proving that music can unite, uplift, and inspire positive change. This year, their initiatives have broken down barriers and brought people together, proving that music can create belonging, spark joy, and inspire positive change.
The City of Wanneroo has celebrated some of its most dedicated community champions at the latest City of Wanneroo Citizenship Ceremony, held at Kingsway Christian College.
Janine Wood – the driving force behind No Limits Perth, a not‑for‑profit organisation supporting vulnerable people in crisis across Perth’s northern suburbs – was named the Community Citizen of the Year.
Brady Fulcher (16), the WA Youth Lifesaver of 2025, received the Youth Community Citizen of the Year (16–30 years) award for his services to surf lifesaving and youth leadership.
The Senior Community Citizen of the Year (65+) went to Maxine Kluge, a much‑loved volunteer at Bethanie Beachside Aged Care Home, while the Challenge Brass Band took out Community Group of the Year for its work promoting inclusion, diversity and community connection.
The 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a notable contribution or providing outstanding service to their community.
Mayor Linda Aitken had high praise for this year’s winners.
“Their compassion, leadership and commitment help make Wanneroo a place where people feel supported, connected and proud to belong,” she said.
“Wanneroo is a City committed to the Australian values of giving others a fair go and being there for our mates and no one exemplifies these values more than this year’s Community Citizen of the Year Award winners.”
Community Citizen of the Year — Janine Wood: The CEO, co-founder and chair of No Limits Perth, was named the City’s Community Citizen of the Year. A driving force behind the charity’s mission to support vulnerable people in crisis, Janine has transformed No Limits Perth from a grassroots initiative into a dynamic organisation with more than 150 volunteers. Under her leadership, the charity launched the region’s first outreach hubs in Joondalup and Wanneroo, providing vital wrap-around support for people experiencing homelessness, hardship or rebuilding after crisis.
Youth Community Citizen of the Year — Brady Fulcher: Brady was recognised for his outstanding contribution through Surf Life Saving, youth leadership and community fundraising. As Youth Coordinator at the Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club – and the youngest person ever elected to its committee – Brady designed and leads the club’s first Youth Development Plan, creating clear pathways for young people in surf sports, lifesaving, officiating and training.
Senior Community Citizen of the Year — Maxine Kluge: Maxine received the Senior Community Citizen of the Year award for an extraordinary 17 years of volunteer service at Bethanie Beachside Aged Care Home. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering support have enriched the lives of hundreds of residents and strengthened the spirit of the Bethanie community. She has contributed thousands of volunteer hours and connected with hundreds of residents.
Community Group of the Year — Challenge Brass Band: The Challenge Brass Band was named Group of the Year. Through music, the band sparks conversations around LGBTQIA+ inclusion, disability awareness, and the value of older community members, proving that music can unite, uplift, and inspire positive change. This year, their initiatives have broken down barriers and brought people together, proving that music can create belonging, spark joy, and inspire positive change.
Firefighters have spent the afternoon responding to a structure fire at the Cleanaway Waste Transfer shed complex near Monash in the Riverland of South Australia.
Approximately 28 CFS and SA Metropolitan Fire Service firefighters are currently working through extremely hot conditions to extinguish the fire which has been contained to the shed and caused up to one million dollars of damage. Firefighters are also being supported by SA Police, SA State Emergency Service and SA Ambulance Service who have supported with firefighter welfare and heat stress.
Firefighters will remain on the scene overnight and throughout the day tomorrow to ensure the site is safe prior to handing back to the property owners.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and Fire Investigators will attend the scene when it is deemed safe.
Smoke is drifting over the area. As a precaution residents in the who suffer from respiratory or cardiac conditions may wish to consider closing all doors and windows and remaining indoors.
For further information refer to the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au