Month: March 2026

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Image: Field of View Sports Photography

Over 100 CFA urban and rural brigades have left their mark on Stawell over two action packed weekends, at the 2026 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships.

The Urban Juniors kicked off proceedings on 21-22 March followed by the Urban and Rural Seniors and Rural Juniors finishing proceedings on 28-29 March. 

Competition was fierce, with the team from Osborne Park taking out the Urban Senior competition and Leopold A claiming the Rural Seniors. While in the Juniors, it was Beazley’s Bridge A (Rural) and Echuca A (Urban), who claimed the honours. 

It was the first time since 2006 that Stawell has hosted the event, and the compact nature of the set up proved a hit, with spectators easily able to swap between viewing urban and rural events within a short distance. 

The market display area also drew strong interest, with the latest next generation pumper proving a popular attraction.  

Inside the operational doctrine training tent, members and visitors engaged with the latest virtual reality technology, including CFA’s new driving simulator and a world class aviation simulator. 

The annual Torchlight Procession lit up the town (on 28 March), with more than 40 brigades lining Stawell’s historic main street with LED torches.   

Acting CFA Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said the Championships remain one of the organisation’s most important traditions. 

“The State Championships are always a great opportunity for our volunteers to get together. Especially this year after the extremely tough fire season we’ve had so far,” Alen said. 

“It’s been great to speak with our members from all over the state across both weekends and I am in awe of their commitment to their communities and to CFA.” 

Some competitors even travelled from across the country to take part, including the team from Harvey in Western Australia.  

Harvey coach Mitch Golding said the journey to Stawell was all part of the experience. 

“A few of our members made the long drive across the Nullarbor,” Mitch said. 

“It’s a big trip, but it’s something the team has committed to for a long time. This would be around our 30th Championships, so it’s a tradition for us. 

“But once you’re here, it’s all worth it. The facilities are great, the competition is strong, and it’s a chance to catch up with people we don’t see very often.” 

The 2027 CFA/VFBV State Championships will again take place in Stawell on 13-14 and 20-21 March at North Park Reserve.  

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to $25.3 million in funding for NewVolt to build a shared fast‑charging network for electric trucks in Victoria, to support the electrification of Australian road freight.

NewVolt will deliver three open-access, fast‑charging hubs for heavy and medium electric trucks along major freight corridors in Melbourne’s west, south-east and northern suburbs. The charging hubs will provide fast charging to both foundation fleet customers and the broader industry. ARENA’s investment includes support for between 50 and 100 electric trucks operating heavy freight across greater Melbourne in what represents the first phase of NewVolt’s planned national network.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said projects like this are critical to cutting emissions from one of Australia’s hardest‑to‑abate sectors.

“Heavy freight is one of the toughest forms of transport to electrify. It relies on high-powered, reliable charging and today the upfront cost of new trucks and infrastructure is a real barrier,” Mr Miller said.

“By backing shared charging infrastructure projects like NewVolt, ARENA is lowering the barrier to entry for a broader spectrum of operators and building the foundations of a national electric freight network.”

Mr Miller said the project would also help strengthen Australia’s energy security.

“Australia’s freight supply chain is reliant on imported diesel. Decarbonising our heavy freight is not only good for emissions, but it also means the freight sector will be protected from international oil price volatility. Projects like this can help build a more resilient transport system by powering trucks with Australian electricity instead.”

The first site is targeted to open in late 2026, with the remaining hubs to be delivered through 2027.

NewVolt CEO and Co-Founder Anthony Headlam said, “Since we founded NewVolt in 2019, our mission has been to fast-track the Australian freight industry’s transition to electric trucks. ARENA’s investment helps bring forward that transition.”

“The NewVolt Network represents foundational infrastructure for heavy vehicle electrification. The network is purpose-built for trucks – offering price-certain, scheduled fast charging for fleets large and small, powered by renewable energy. The trucks are now available in the market and the business case for fleets to electrify keeps getting better. Our network helps fleets deploy those trucks confidently.”

The project is funded through ARENA’s Driving the Nation Program, which aims to help industry build confidence in electric freight solutions and accelerate emissions reductions across Australia’s transport sector. For more information on Driving the Nation including program guidelines, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit ARENA’s funding page.

About ARENA’s focus on Decarbonising Transport

Decarbonising transport is a key strategic priority for ARENA. Transport plays a vital role as an enabler of Australia’s economy, yet is responsible for around 20% of Australia’s emissions. The government’s latest Transport and Infrastructure Sector Plan warns that as the economy grows, demand is projected to rise for transport modes across land, air and sea until at least 2050.

To address this challenge, ARENA is currently focused on supporting projects that accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and low-carbon fuels across both light and heavy road transport. Read more about these focus areas on ARENA’s strategic priorities page.

ARENA media

Source: Government of Western Australia

Keep your eyes peeled for our magazine What’s Happening as it hits letterboxes this week, as well as some special video content in our online edition!

Source: Airservices Australia

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a man in relation to a death in Katherine overnight.

Around 6.45pm, police received a report that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed at an address in Holtze Crescent.

Police attended the scene but could not locate the victim. Patrols located a vehicle nearby which contained the 19-year-old who was suffering a serious stab wound to his upper body.

Police placed the victim into the rear of the police vehicle with two officers providing first aid. The man was conveyed to Katherine AUSMAT Field Hospital where he was declared deceased a short time later.

A second vehicle was located at the hospital with an 18-year-old male suffering from a stab wound to the upper body. He was transported by CareFlight to Darwin in a serious but stable condition.

The 19-year-old driver male of the second vehicle was arrested in relation to the incident and currently remains in custody.

It is believed the men are known to one another.

Multiple crime scenes have been declared and due to the deceased being in the care of police shortly before his death, the death will be investigated as a death in custody with oversight from the Professional Standard Command.

Police are urging anyone with information to make contact on 131 444, quote reference P26092527 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersnt.com.au. 

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged following assault at Ulverstone holiday park / call for witnesses

Sunday, 29 March 2026 – 2:09 am.

Tasmania Police have arrested and charged a 56-year-old Ulverstone man following an alleged assault at the Big 4 Holiday Village on Water Street, Ulverstone, on Saturday 28 March 2026.
Police were called to the location at approximately 7.05pm following reports of an altercation between two individuals. A man has since been taken into custody and charged with assault. He will appear at the Burnie Magistrates Court on Sunday morning.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, as it is believed several people observed the assault occur.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 and quote Offence Report 801301.

Source: South Australia Police

South Australia Police, SA Ambulance Service (SAAS), South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and SA Health today conducted a deployment exercise on North Terrace and at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Linda Williams said the exercise involved a series of simulated emergency scenarios designed to test agency coordination and response.

“Today’s exercise began with a car crash on North Terrace followed by a simulated explosion,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.

“Police also practiced their response to an active armed offender and hostage scenario, while MFS, SAAS and SA Health practiced their responses to these scenarios as well.

“These exercises give emergency services the opportunity to practice their skills and procedures in a safe environment.

“Any lessons will be shared around the country to ensure law enforcement agencies can utilise them prior to responding to a real-life incident.”

MFS Chief Officer Jeff Swann also attended the exercise.

“Participation in a controlled multi‑agency exercise of this scale strengthens collaboration between emergency services, improving clarity of command and the timely flow of information. All agencies involved share a common objective, to achieve the best possible outcome for the community,” Mr Swann said.

“The exercise also provides MFS personnel with the opportunity to assess risk, prioritise actions and adapt effectively as incidents escalate or change, ensuring coordinated and reliable support to the relevant control agencies during complex emergency situations.”

SAAS Chief Executive Officer Rob Elliott said that multi-agency exercises provide vital opportunities for emergency services to test both their emergency response capabilities in real time scenarios and their abilities to work together seamlessly.

“Multi-agency and mass-casualty event training are core components of much of our work as an ambulance service,” Mr Elliott said.

“Many of the incidents that SAAS paramedics, doctors and nurses attend involve a multi-agency response. When working in a time-critical emergency situations, it is essential that our emergency services know their roles and how they complement each other.”

SAPOL capabilities participating in today’s exercise include Bomb Response, STAR, SRS, Forensics, Disaster Victim Identification, negotiators, intelligence and public information.

This exercise was funded by the Australia New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee. Lessons identified will be shared nationally to support continuous improvement across law enforcement agencies.

SAPOL thanks the community for their patience with road closures and any inconvenience caused. Thank you also to the Adelaide Convention Centre for working closely with SAPOL in the planning and conduct of this exercise.

Source: South Australia Police

A man has been taken to hospital after a crash at Yumali.

Just after 1am today (Sunday 29 March), police and emergency services were called to the Dukes Highway after reports that a car had crashed and rolled.

The driver, a 21-year-old Morphett Vale man was flown to hospital in a serious condition.

A male passenger was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

084090

Source: South Australia Police

A man has died after a crash at Kingsford, north of Gawler.

About 7.50am today (Saturday 28 March), police and emergency services were called to Wilhelm Road after reports of a motorcycle crash.

The rider, a 54-year-old Modbury Heights man died at the scene.

Major Crash officers attended the scene to examine the circumstances of the incident.

Roads were closed in the area but have since reopened.

The man’s death is the 28^th life lost on SA roads this year.

083432