Month: March 2026

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

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

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

For Aireys Inlet Fire 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 Otways fire complex in January 2026 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 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 the Aireys brigade members 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 described 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.

“I first went to Gellibrand and the objective was to protect a house. We stopped the fire from getting too close as helicopters flew overhead dropping water on the fire. The helicopters were much louder than I expected.

“After that we were deployed to a fire next to a road, and used a monitor and hoses on the back to extinguish it. There were wood plantations nearby that needed protecting.

“As the night and day crews switched over at the Gellibrand resource centre, it was amazing to see so many people and vehicles. It was a massive set-up.”

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: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking court action against locksmith business Wise Tech Services Pty Ltd (trading as Pick & Lock).

The court action alleges Wise Tech Services and director Eliyahu Kuznitz, 30, misled consumers about their prices, and falsely claimed the business had received positive testimonials from more than 23,000 customers.

The court case follows Consumer Affairs Victoria’s public warning about the company last year.

Wise Tech Services’ website, trading under the business name Pick & Lock, claimed to have the lowest callout prices in the Melbourne area. It also claimed consumers could call for a free estimate.

When customers contacted the business, many were told a locksmith needed to assess the job before offering a quote. A technician would then attend and begin work without giving a quote, and customers were charged up to $2,167.

Wise Tech Services also operated the website E.Z Locksmiths, which was also the subject of numerous complaints.

Consumer Affairs Victoria has been contacted more than 160 times about Wise Tech. It continues to receive reports about other concerning locksmith services.

If you’ve had a bad experience with a locksmith, submit a complaint online or call 1300 55 81 81.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Motoring groups and the ACCC outlined to fuel companies the impact that rapid price spikes and fuel supply issues are having on consumers and businesses around Australia at an emergency meeting convened by the ACCC in Sydney and Melbourne today.

ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb reiterated that the ACCC was closely monitoring behaviour in the fuel market during the current Middle Eastern conflict, warning companies against collusive, anti-competitive or misleading or deceptive conduct.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from major fuel companies, wholesalers and retailers, who were asked to explain recent price hikes, including why prices moved more quickly than expected following increases in international crude oil, and refined benchmark prices.

“In the meeting, we were given important information about the supply chain, the volatility in international pricing and impacts on the Asian region which we will closely scrutinise,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

Measures to address regional supply issues were also discussed.

“We reiterated that the ACCC stands ready to use its authorisation powers to assist with effective fuel distribution throughout the country. Today’s meeting was important for our engagement with industry to support the consideration of any authorisation application,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“We understand the concerns of farmers, businesses and consumers about petrol and diesel supplies in regional locations. In today’s meeting we noted that independent suppliers with established relationships in regional areas are a crucial part of this market and need to be part of the solution to the supply issues, including by receiving adequate allocations from the major suppliers.”

“If we find there is conduct that is collusive, for example any agreements to divide up or supply certain customers or set prices, or any other collusion in breach of competition laws, we will investigate it and take action,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“During this time and at all times, we encourage fuel companies to be accurate, open and honest about the reasons for price increases across the country and to treat their customers fairly.”

The ACCC also outlined for the fuel companies some de-identified examples of consumer reports received about the impact of price increases and supply disruptions on households and businesses. The ACCC’s concerns were echoed by motoring organisations represented at the meeting.

“Since this crisis began we have heard from many consumers who are concerned and frustrated about pricing conduct by retailers,” Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“We urged the fuel companies to be open and honest with consumers about the reasons for their pricing decisions. During this challenging time it is important for all parties to work constructively and respectively.”

The ACCC will publish the next weekly update of the monitoring report of fuel prices in Australian capital cities, with the inclusion of prices in 190 regional locations, on Friday.

Background

The meeting, held jointly in Sydney and Melbourne, was chaired by Commissioner Anna Brakey and attended by Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb and Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe, as well as ACCC staff.

It was attended by senior executives/representatives from:

• Ampol Limited
• Australasian Convenience & Petroleum Marketers Association
• Australian Automobile Association
• Australian Institute of Petroleum
• bp Australia
• Chevron Australia
• EG Australia
• ExxonMobil Australia
• Freedom Fuels
• National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA)
• Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA)
• Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ)
• Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT)
• Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV)
• 7-Eleven
• United Petroleum
• Viva Energy
• WA FuelWatch

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Two people have been rescued after they attempted to cross floodwaters along Larapinta Drive near Alice Springs this morning.

Around 6:05am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a vehicle had driven into floodwaters and been swept off the road while travelling towards Hermannsburg along Larapinta Drive.

Members from The Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) and Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) attended the scene. One of the occupants of the Toyota Landcruiser was on the roof of the vehicle, about 50 metres downstream, and the second was clinging onto a tree a short distance away.

NTFES and NTPF members entered the water, using life jackets and ropes, and safely retrieved both people.

They were assessed by St John Ambulance and did not suffer any injuries.

Watch Commander Alistair Gall said, “Members of the public are urged to never attempt to enter floodwaters.

“You are not only risking your life, but the lives of the emergency services personnel that come to assist.”

NTFES Commissioner Andrew Warton said, “Floodwater can be more dangerous than it appears, with fast-moving currents and hazards hidden beneath the surface – so if it’s flooded, forget it.”

“I commend the staff and volunteers involved in this rescue for their calm, professional response in difficult conditions.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has rescued a man from floodwaters after he attempted to cross a flooded bridge near Beswick on Monday.

At approximately 2:50pm, police observed a 45-year-old man walking towards a flooded bridge on the Waterhouse River from the Barunga side.

The man entered the flooded Dook Creek area in an attempt to access the bridge leading to Beswick Community.

Officers on the Beswick side of the bridge observed the risky behaviour rand verbally directed the man not to enter the floodwaters. However, he ignored police directions, removed his footwear and proceeded onto the flooded bridge.

When he reached approximately halfway across the bridge, which was covered by floodwaters estimated to be 1.2 metres above road level at the time, he began to struggle against the current. He was swept downstream by fast moving water before being carried into a clump of trees, where he managed to hold on while awaiting assistance.

Police launched a vessel and safely retrieved the man from the water.

Sergeant Scott Lewis, one of the two officers who put his own safety at risk to rescue the man, expressed frustration at having to repeat the same warnings about the dangers of entering floodwaters.

“Our officers continue to risk their own safety to rescue people who ignore repeated warnings not to enter floodwaters,” he said.

“The last thing we want in these situations is for someone to lose their life as a result of poor judgement.

“We need people to remember that if it’s flooded, forget it.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A male has been charged, and another issued a notice to appear following a drug and cash seizure in Borroloola last week.

Borroloola police officers conducted an investigation and executed a search warrant at a commercial premises in Borroloola around 9am on Friday 13 March. 

During a search of the residence and vehicle occupied by a 68-year-old male, police seized the following: 

• 11.3 kilograms of cannabis
• $550,335 in Australian currency
• Drug paraphernalia
• A Toyota Landcruiser
• A mobile device

The 68-year-old was arrested for drug offences and conveyed to the Borroloola Police Station.

Borroloola Police executed a second search warrant at 12pm at the male’s usual residence in King Ash Bay in which large clip seal bags previously containing cannabis, a quantity of cannabis and evidence of drug supply were all seized.

The male was later charged with:

• Possess schedule 2 dangerous drug – commercial quantity
• Supply schedule 2 dangerous drug – commercial quantity
• Receiving or possessing tainted property

On Saturday, 14 March at around 12:30pm and with the assistance of the Fugitive Task Force and Alice Springs based Drug Investigation Unit, a search warrant was executed at a separate King Ash Bay residence occupied by a 56-year-old male, where a commercial quantity of cannabis was located along with illegal tobacco, loose ammunition and fireworks.

The male was not present at the time but will be charged with:

• Possess schedule 2 dangerous drug – commercial quantity
• Possession of ammunition
• Possess fireworks outside prohibited period

Investigations remain ongoing into the large quantity of Australian currency seized.

Anyone with information regarding the supply and distribution of illicit drugs is urged 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: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Dawn Whittall at Sedgwick brigade

While the fire season placed sustained demand on CFA firefighters across Victoria, behind the scenes, CFA peers stepped in to provide essential wellbeing support.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

​NSW Health is expanding free access to the Japanese encephalitis vaccine to people who plan to visit high-risk local government areas for outdoor recreation, following detection of the virus late in the mosquito season.
People living or working in eight additional local government areas are now eligible to access the free JE vaccine. The additional LGAs are Armidale, Ballina, Bathurst, Byron, Oberon, Tweed, Walcha, and Yass Valley.
Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is also now available until the start of winter for anyone in NSW who plans to visit any defined high-risk LGAs for outdoor recreational activities such as camping, caravanning, boating, hunting and fishing while mosquito activity remains high.
Dr Keira Glasgow, NSW Health Director One Health Branch sai​d of the seven cases reported in NSW in the last two years, six are believed to have been bitten by mosquitoes while camping or caravanning. 
“One of the reasons we have temporarily expanded access to the JE vaccine is because we are experiencing a prolonged mosquito season,” Dr Glasgow said.
“The majority of confirmed cases have been from people visiting these high-risk areas for outdoor recreation so we are urging people to protect themselves against mosquito bites, particularly if planning a camping or fishing trip in the coming weeks.”
JE is a rare but serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes. While many people experience mild illness, it can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness and in rare cases can be fatal.
The virus was most recently detected by NSW Health in sentinel chicken surveillance testing at Hay on 25 February 2026.
“There is no specific treatment for JE virus so prevention through vaccination is essential,” Dr Glasgow said.
“People planning to travel to the high-risk regions in the school holidays should have a discussion with their vaccination provider as soon as possible, as protection from the vaccine can take up to two weeks to develop.”
JE vaccine is available through local general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
People living, working or planning an outdoor trip to high-risk LGAs should make an appointment and let healthcare provider know it is for the JE vaccine ahead of time, as the vaccine may need to be ordered.
A booster dose may be recommended for some people with ongoing risk of exposure one to two years after completing their primary course.
Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on Japanese encephalitis vaccination.
For more information on protecting yourself from mosquito bites visit: Mosquito borne diseases.​​

Source: Tasmania Police

Investigations into death on Hobart waterfront

Tuesday, 17 March 2026 – 12:22 pm.

Police are investigating the death of a man at the Hobart waterfront this morning, whose body was found in the water near Franklin Wharf.
The man’s body was located by police divers shortly before 7.45am.
Police can confirm the man is a 23-year-old French citizen, who was a crew member of a scientific vessel docked in Hobart.
Police have notified the French consulate, and Interpol is assisting with notification of the man’s next of kin.
Inspector John Toohey said: “This is a tragic outcome for this man’s family, his friends and his crew mates and our thoughts and condolences go out to them at this time.”
Police were notified of the incident about 3.55am this morning and responded quickly. A police vessel also assisted in the search, but the man could not be located.
About 7am, officers from the police dive squad entered the water near Princes Wharf 1 to assist in the search and the man was located shortly after.
Early indications are the man may have jumped in the water voluntarily. There are no suspicious circumstances at this time.
Investigations are continue and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Residents across south-east Victoria may have noticed smoke hanging low over the hills last weekend (14-15 March) followig a coordinated series of planned burns carried out to reduce fuel loads and strengthen community safety ahead of the next fire season.

Across three locations – Nerrena, Traralgon West and Clifton Creek – firefighters, land managers and volunteer crews worked side by side to complete burns that will support resilience across local communities and landscapes.

Small burn, big benefit at Nerrena

Saturday morning began at Nerrena, where crews completed a 3.5‑hectare low‑land forest burn. Although modest in scale, the site plays an important role in shaping fire behaviour within the broader mosaic of surrounding farmland and forested gullies. Good conditions and steady teamwork helped crews complete the burn safely and efficiently.

Sunday operations at Traralgon West

Crews shifted their focus to Scrubby Lane in Traralgon West for a roadside planned burn conducted under clear, cool autumn conditions. This site carried an added layer of complexity. The burn zone was next to a large pine plantation, so precise ignition work and constant monitoring was needed to ensure the fire remained within containment lines. Despite the additional challenges, teams executed the operation smoothly, helping to make a key access corridor safer for the season ahead.

Major fuel reduction at Clifton Creek

The weekend’s largest operation took place at Clifton Creek, where firefighters and land managers completed a 49‑hectare planned joint agency bushland burn. The burn forms part of an ongoing effort to reduce fuel hazards in an area that has experienced significant fire activity in recent years. By mid‑afternoon, the main burn area was safely contained, with crews patrolling and blacking out hotspots as the light faded across the ridgelines.

A collective effort across agencies and volunteers

None of the weekend’s achievements would have been possible without a wide network of people and organisations working together. Volunteer CFA members from across South East Region played a central role, providing valuable local knowledge, on‑the-ground skills and many hours of service. They were supported by 28 members from the CFA Planned Burn Taskforce, who brought additional capability in ignition, sector operations and burn control.

The burns were further strengthened by the involvement of key partner agencies, including:

• HVP Plantations
• Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action 
• Parks Victoria
• GLaWAC (Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation)

This collaborative approach ensured burns were conducted safely, responsibly and with a shared focus on long‑term landscape health.

Looking ahead

As the final plumes of smoke lifted on Sunday evening, crews wrapped up another successful chapter in the region’s autumn burning program. The weekend’s operations highlighted what can be achieved when agencies, volunteers, landholders, and Traditional Owner organisations work together toward a common goal: safer communities and healthier landscapes.

Submitted by	Mitchell Emmett