Month: January 2026

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to a number of incidents reported in Katherine overnight.

At around 10:30pm, police received a report that up to 10 youths were in the vicinity of a service station on Katherine Terrace, with one allegedly armed with a knife.

One of the youths is alleged to have smashed a car window before the group fled the scene on foot.

At around 12:15am, police received reports that a group of youths allegedly entered another service station on Bicentennial Road, stealing small items, causing damage, and fleeing the scene.

At approximately 1:15am, youths allegedly attended a residence on Grevillea Road, where a house window was smashed and a vehicle damaged before the offenders fled the area.

These matters remain under investigation and police are yet to confirm the incidents are linked. The offenders remain outstanding, and police urge anyone with information, particularly CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact police on 131 444.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
26 Jan 2026 16:12

Warning area
Berri in the Riverland of South Australia.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from a building fire in MONASH is in the Berri 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: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the whole state of Victoria tomorrow, Tuesday 27 January 2026.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Garth Johnson has dedicated more than 45 years to serving his community as a CFA volunteer, a leader in road rescue and a wellbeing advocate.

Garth joined CFA on 12 April 1984 with Cranbourne Fire Brigade, following in the footsteps of his father.

“I grew up around CFA. It was a bit of a legacy,” Garth said.

Most of his service has been with Langwarrin Fire Brigade, where he is now a life member, alongside stints at Pearcedale and Devon Meadows.

Throughout his career, Garth has made significant contributions to CFA’s operational capability, particularly in road rescue.

It was during his time at Langwarrin that he helped develop what has since become the national standard road rescue vehicle used for emergency response.

He also played a key role in enhancing the Road Rescue training package, much of which remains in use today.

“Road rescue sort of took over my life,” he said.

“I had an engineering workshop at the time, and as a brigade we were building a new rescue unit. I was heavily involved in the design and layout, and it became my passion.

“We’re very proud of what we built, because that layout is now used across Australia.

 “It was something we put a lot of time, effort and pride into. It was entirely funded by the brigade, and I made up a lot of the tools and attachments. We wanted the best possible setup.”

In late 1992, Garth attended a callout that would mark the beginning of a long and difficult personal journey.

“I went to an incident that triggered my PTSD,” he said.

Despite continuing to respond to emergencies for many years, Garth’s condition went undiagnosed.

“At the time, I didn’t realise what was happening,” he said.

“It took 23 years before I was diagnosed, because I wasn’t looking for it. When the diagnosis finally came, it was shock.”

“I ended up getting counselling, and that’s when things started to change for me,” he said.

After sharing his story with his peers and receiving strong support, Garth realised the impact his experience could have in helping others recognise the signs of PTSD.

“If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone,” he said.

“That’s why I made it my mission to help others.

“I started doing presentations at local brigades, and the feedback was really positive, so I kept going.”

The initiative quickly expanded.

“My wife Jane and I now travel the state, speaking at CFA brigades, SES and Coast Guard. It’s grown far beyond what I ever expected.”

Over the past 12 years, Garth has delivered more than 50 mental health presentations to emergency services personnel and their families.

“Because I didn’t reach out for so long, I tell my story right up front. I don’t hold back,” he said.

“We encourage partners to come along to the presentations, so they know what to look for and how to support their loved ones.

“The CFA wellbeing team is amazing. I always encourage people to reach out and get the help.”

On being awarded the Australian Fire Services Medal, Garth said: “To be honest, I’m a bit shocked. I never imagined I’d receive an award like this.”

“I’m honoured and very humbled.”

Even after four decades of service, Garth continues to lead from the front. He is currently an active member of Drouin Fire Brigade and recently returned from serving as a Strike Team Leader and Sector Commander during the Walwa bushfire.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

This Australia Day, five highly regarded CFA members have been awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), in recognition of their outstanding service to CFA and their communities.

The AFSM is the highest award for a member of an Australian fire service which is awarded to a select group of dedicated fire service members as part of the Australia Day honours.

The five members have been recognised for their exceptional bravery, expertise, and leadership, leading their regions through major emergencies such as Ash Wednesday, Black Saturday, the 2019/20 bushfire season, and ongoing 2025/26 season all while advocating for modern and innovative development across CFA’s fleet, training, recruitment and equipment to enhance capabilities.

The 2026 CFA Australian Fire Service Medal recipients are:

Emma Conway embodies the highest standards of service, integrity and leadership. With an impressive 21-year career at CFA, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication as both a volunteer and a career firefighter. Her exceptional leadership during major emergencies, strong commitment to volunteer and workforce development, and passionate advocacy for inclusion and diversity set her apart as a remarkable role model.

Brendan Blake has dedicated more than 54 years to CFA, serving in key leadership roles across multiple brigades, notably during major fires including Ash Wednesday, Black Saturday and the 2019/20 bushfires, to pioneering the design of modern fire trucks. A strong advocate for leadership development, Brendan has mentored countless firefighters, promoted female recruitment and championed succession planning.

As a volunteer for more than 40 years, holding several frontline roles, Garth Johnson now primarily serves at Langwarrin as the 1st Lieutenant. Garth helped develop the state’s first Rescue Unit and improved Road Rescue training. Passionate about mental health, he now shares his personal experience to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help, making a significant impact on fellow firefighters.

Kelvin Bateman’s contributions to CFA have spanned over 46 years, serving as Captain of the Dunrobin–Nangeela Brigade for 32 years and holding various roles in the VFBV, including Board member. As 2nd Deputy Group Officer of the Casterton Group, he is held in high regard for his integrity, fair approach and leadership, and many volunteers turn to him for support in times of need.

Gavin Parker began his service with the CFA as a volunteer in 1976 and transitioned to a career firefighter in 1995. Over nearly five decades he has held key leadership roles, most in the Latrobe Valley and South East Region, and during the 2009 Black Saturday and 2019/20 bushfires. Gavin has made a lasting impact through innovation, pioneering thermal imaging technology and developing training drills, work that has earned him international recognition.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan congratulated the five highly respected CFA AFSM recipients for their admirable achievements and invaluable service to CFA and the Victorian community.  

“CFA is incredibly proud of its volunteers and staff, and it is great to see our members recognised with the highest fire service medal in the country,” Jason said.

“We are fortunate as an organisation to have so many incredible people who devote a large part of their life to the protection of lives and property in their communities, and I thank them for their dedication.”

CFA would also like to recognise AFSM recipient and Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Graham Kirk, who has also contributed significantly to CFA and Victoria’s fire services.

Another eight former and current CFA members were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), Elizabeth Bate, Beverley Edwards, Ian Kellett, Major Neil Leckie, Geoffrey Penny, Graeme Robb, Gordon Simpson and Christine Welsh.  

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Brendan Blake (left)

Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) recipient Brendan Blake describes his 54 years of volunteering with CFA as a ‘50 year marriage’, a union built on dedication, respect, and loyalty.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Kelvin Bateman has been the driving force behind the successful Dunrobin-Nangeela Fire Brigade, just north of Casterton, for decades.

He is serving his 33rd year as captain of the brigade and has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 46 years. He still attends most brigade callouts, taking on the roles of crew leader and incident controller.

Kelvin is also the brigade’s community safety coordinator, and 2nd deputy group officer and communications officer for the Casterton Group.

He is held in high regard for his integrity, fair approach and leadership, and many volunteers turn to him for support in times of need in both operational and non-operational situations.

Kelvin’s deployments include the Coleraine and Churchill fires and north-east fires in 2009, the Blue Mountains in 2013 and the 2019-20 fires in Victoria. He has also led numerous strike teams across District 4 and neighbouring districts in response to large fires including the 2024 Kadnook and 2024-25 Grampians fires. In all these incidents he ensured that the safety and welfare of crews was his highest priority, which earned him the respect and admiration from those he served alongside.

Working in conjunction with Casterton Fire Brigade, Kelvin established Dunrobin-Nangeela as an urban support brigade to strengthen the capability across the district, and it has several accredited breathing apparatus operators.

At the group level, Kelvin is skilled at planning for campaign fires and allocating strike teams to ensure volunteer fatigue management is factored into operational decision-making. His clear understanding of the group’s brigades and resources is critical in making sure crews are not overworked and firefighting efforts are spread across the district.

In addition to his significant contribution to operational response, Kelvin has been a member of the District 4 Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Council since it was established more than 20 years ago. He’s passionate about the safety of CFA volunteers and works with the VFBV and volunteers to achieve outcomes in the best interest of the district.

He has an unbiased and realistic approach when analysing CFA draft policies and procedures, helping to maintain a sensible approach for the organisation while also supporting volunteers. Kelvin’s determination to strive for better outcomes for volunteers led to him being appointed to the VFBV Board in October 2024.

He has been a member of the District Planning Committee (DPC) since 2012 and was the chair from 2021 to 2023. His contribution is recognised by all members as exemplary. As chair, he ensured meetings ran smoothly and actions were followed up. He spends many hours reading, researching and speaking to people though his well-developed networks to understand the issues presented to DPC.

“After I became the District 4 President of the VFBV Council in 2012, I visited all the district’s fire stations to assess what was needed,” Kelvin said. “My main passion has been to get better infrastructure and trucks for the district. I keep plugging away writing to people to improve the district’s facilities. Through the DPC, I was successful in getting toilets installed in all brigade stations.

“I’m also writing to our local MP and enclosing photos of what some of our stations look like.”

Kelvin has been part of the Rural Championships for more 32 years where he has made an outstanding contribution to help many young people develop and take up roles in CFA. As a founding member of the District 4 State Rural Championships Committee, he has played an important role encouraging numerous junior-aged members to join a brigade, join a running team and compete each year. He has mentored many brigade juniors and helped them to become senior volunteers, with many going on to become brigade lieutenants and captains.

“I trained the current captain of Henty brigade when he was 12 or 13 years old to compete in a running team,” Kelvin said. “A lot of youngsters I trained as juniors moved away, but over the past few years they come back to compete in Championships. It’s great that they still have an interest in the brigade.

“We need to mentor the youngsters in the brigade and keep them involved to make sure they know they are important. We need to talk to them all the time and keep them motivated and interested.”

He has also been involved in CFA’s Captains Peer Mentor Program where he is a sought-after mentor. His passion for leadership and knowledge makes him a valuable addition to the program and is another example of how Kelvin wants to encourage members to excel in their brigade roles.

“This program is important because it helps new captains develop an understanding of their responsibilities and role – for example, completing fire reports and the Section 29. I have also given feedback to VFBV about the program.”

As a farmer, Kelvin recognises that his leadership success within CFA is largely down to the support of his family.

“I could not have done everything I’ve achieved so far with CFA without the support from my wife Julie and two children Gabriella and Allan, as we run a 1,200-acre Angus beef farming operation, calving down 300 beef cows a year.”

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Gavin Parker AFSM began his service with CFA as a volunteer at Neerim South Fire Brigade in 1976, where he held numerous leadership positions.

In 1995, he became a career firefighter with CFA and, following the transition of career firefighters to Fire Rescue Victoria in 2020, he has continued to serve CFA in Gippsland on secondment from Fire Rescue Victoria.

Over the course of almost five decades, Gavin has served in a wide range of frontline and leadership roles across Victoria, particularly in the Latrobe Valley and throughout CFA’s South East Region. He has held positions including senior station officer and currently serves as a commander, leading emergency operations in one of the state’s most complex and high-risk regions.

“I’m still a member of Neerim South brigade and proud to be a life member,” Gavin said. “I’m still passionate about the brigade and attend as much as I can – though not as much as I’d like to.”

Gavin joined the brigade at a young age because his father was the captain.

“I really enjoy my time with my local brigade. CFA is a good family organisation, with generations of families involved. A brigade is a great place for people to come together.

“What is especially important about brigades is that they mirror the community they serve, comprising a range of people with different views and experiences.”

He is a highly experienced and credentialed emergency services professional, holding formal qualifications across a broad spectrum of incident management roles. His primary qualification is as an Operations Officer Level 3, and he is also certified as a Rostered Duty Officer, Regional Agency Commander, Planning Officer Levels 2 and 3, Division Commander, Sector Commander, Incident Controller Level 2, Logistics Officer Level 3 and Strike Team Leader. These qualifications reflect his extensive operational expertise and his capacity to lead and support complex emergency incidents across multiple levels of command and coordination.

“I’m really grateful to have been given so many opportunities. This is a real strength of CFA. Whether you are operational or in a support role, CFA gives members opportunities to develop,” Gavin said. “I’ve embraced those opportunities and taken on some interesting tasks that have pushed me out of my comfort zone.

“It’s worth being flexible in CFA, and this has allowed me to take on a range of roles in incident response.”

Gavin has demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience in numerous emergency incidents. During the 2009 bushfires, he led a crew to fight the Churchill fire, operating under extreme conditions to successfully defend a critical communications tower. In the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires he played a key role in managing complex peat fires, applying his deep tactical expertise to coordinate safe and effective multi-agency responses. He was also involved in a deployment to fires in California in 2017.

Beyond his operational leadership, he will leave a legacy of innovation. He was instrumental in introducing thermal imaging cameras (TICs) to CFA and is recognised as the organisation’s subject matter expert. He also developed and delivered structured TIC training drills that significantly enhanced firefighter safety and operational capability. His training methodology was internationally recognised and published in both Australian and international fire magazines.

“Typically, TICs are just used for structure fires, but they have a range of uses. I’ve been an advocate for using TIC technology and their application for a range of fires and incidents,” Gavin said. “We trial new equipment and update training packages so that we get the maximum benefit from TICs. We’ve led the way internationally on this.”

Additionally, Gavin has pursued professional development through prestigious awards that have allowed him to gain knowledge from the US and Canada. Through the Prince of Wales Award in 1999, he studied firefighting aircraft operations, thermal imaging and data terminal technology across several US states. A 2016 scholarship from the Emergency Services Foundation gave him the opportunity to gain new skills in managing fires and incidents in the coal-fired power generation industry and ground fuels such as coal and peat.

Gavin has made a significant contribution to the safety and wellbeing of Victorian communities throughout his distinguished career through his commitment to innovation and dedication to frontline personnel. He has served CFA and the wider community with distinction and has had an enduring impact.

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Emma Conway’s outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to community safety, and tireless advocacy for CFA volunteers and women in emergency management make her a highly deserving recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal.

Over a distinguished 21-year career with CFA, Emma has served with dedication as both a volunteer and career firefighter. She joined CFA as a Junior in 1991 and volunteered with the Wangaratta and Somerville brigades before joining the career ranks in 2007, serving as a firefighter in Mildura, Morwell, Rowville and Traralgon.

Emma’s ability to support and lead people saw her move up the ranks at both CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), where she held operational leadership roles including Commander and Assistant Chief Fire Officer. During this time, she drove operational improvements and helped to build strong, trusted relationships with emergency service partners, local government and the Victorian community. She also returned to CFA as a volunteer, joining the District 9 Headquarters Brigade.

“Service has always been central to my family – it never occurred to me not to serve the community,” Emma said.

“Dad joined CFA when I was eight, and I grew up following him around – it was a huge buzz to go with him to community and brigade events.

“Joining as a Junior was about belonging: being at the station, cleaning the trucks, being part of the team.

“What I remember most is the sense of connection, seeing community in action.”

Emma’s operational leadership has been evident during some of Victoria’s most significant emergencies including the 2019-20 fires, severe storm events and numerous Gippsland bushfires. Throughout these complex, high-pressure incidents, Emma has led incident management teams with calm authority, while maintaining strong, respectful connections with local brigades and affected communities.

“Out of all the incidents, the Black Summer fires have had the most significant impact on me,” Emma said.

“Working as one of the Deputy Incident Controllers at the Swifts Creek Incident Control Centre showed me what sustained support really looks like and helped me grow my own capability.

“Seeing people I’d worked with throughout my career, integrating my district’s volunteer brigade members into the incident, and becoming part of the FFMVic team – there’s something incredibly special about working together in an incident management capacity where every member is critical. It doesn’t matter how tired you are, or how challenging the days get, you see each other through it.”

Emma’s career is defined not only by her operational expertise, but by her commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive CFA. A passionate advocate for volunteer development and recognition, she works to ensure volunteers are supported, capable and heard.

Through initiatives that strengthen brigade capability, foster leadership at all levels and address barriers to participation, Emma has made a lasting contribution to community safety. She has also been a trailblazer for women within CFA and across the broader emergency management sector, and is a respected role model and mentor who actively encourages women to pursue leadership roles.

“Helping people recognise that they have capacity and agency of their own is incredibly rewarding,” Emma said.

“Many women in firefighting only realise what they’re capable of once they’re given the opportunity.

“Diversity isn’t just about gender – it’s diversity of thought, background, education and experience. It’s about helping people understand that their experience is just as valid as anyone elses; that their input matters.”

Emma has recently taken on the role of Deputy Director of Operations at AFAC, remaining intrinsically linked to fire and emergency services through her responsibility for international and interstate resource sharing. She remains a CFA volunteer with District 9 Headquarters Brigade, with a focus on supporting incident management.

With many awards and honours under her belt including two National Emergency Medals and the National Medal Emma exemplifies the highest standards of service, integrity and leadership, making her a most worthy recipient of the AFSM.  

“I was in Germany for a workshop when I got the email saying I was nominated for an AFSM – I got quite overwhelmed,” Emma said.

“Working as a CFA staff member has been a huge part of my life, and I’m grateful to all the people who have helped shape that experience.

“Even now, I feel deeply connected – being a leader within CFA has always been a privilege.”

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) proudly acknowledges Senior Constable Josef Hart and Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan as recipients of the Australian Police Medal (APM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.

The Australian Police Medal recognises distinguished service by members of Australian police services and is one of the nation’s highest honours for policing excellence.

Senior Constable Hart has dedicated more than three decades to policing in the Northern Territory, serving across frontline, specialist and remote postings including Borroloola, Maningrida, Daly River and Galiwinku. Widely regarded as a true “bush cop,” Senior Constable Hart has built enduring trust within remote communities through cultural respect, community engagement and service above self.

Since 2013, Senior Constable Hart has been a cornerstone of the Junior Police Rangers (JPR) Program, while also supporting the NT Police and NT Fire and Emergency Services Cadet Program, recruit training and driver training. Through his mentoring and leadership, countless young Territorians have been empowered with skills in leadership, teamwork, cultural awareness and resilience, with many going on to careers within policing and emergency services.

Senior Constable Hart has also been recognised for acts of bravery, including a 2012 ocean rescue at Dhudupu Beach, for which he received a Royal Humane Society bravery citation. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to building capability within the NTPF and strengthening community relationships across the Territory.

Detective Superintendent Morgan has served in the NTPF for over 27 years, working across frontline, investigative and senior leadership roles in remote, regional and metropolitan regions including Alice Springs, Groote Eylandt, Papunya and Darwin.

Currently commanding the Drug and Organised Crime Division, Detective Superintendent Morgan leads complex operations targeting serious organised crime, drug trafficking and firearms offences. He is nationally recognised for his calm and decisive leadership during critical incidents, including his role as Territory Duty Superintendent during the 2019 Darwin mass shooting, where his tactical judgement and communication were instrumental in resolving the incident.

Detective Superintendent Morgan has also played a pivotal role in establishing the Fugitive Task Force, an enduring operational capability that has significantly improved community safety through the arrest of high-risk offenders. His leadership during the COVID-19 response, high-profile coronial investigations, and national organised crime forums has strengthened interagency collaboration and frontline policing outcomes.

Commissioner of Police Martin Dole APM said the awardees reflect the very best of Northern Territory policing.

“I acknowledge both Senior Constable Josef Hart and Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan for their unwavering professionalism, integrity and commitment to serving and protecting the Northern Territory community.

“Both officers have dedicated an extensive amount of their lives to policing and are exemplary leaders for all.” the Commissioner said.

The Northern Territory Police Force congratulates Senior Constable Hart and Detective Superintendent Morgan on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their exceptional service to the community.