Month: May 2026

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged with attempted murder over Chigwell wounding incident

Friday, 22 May 2026 – 9:48 am.

A 33-year-old Chigwell man has been charged with attempted murder following ongoing investigations into a wounding at Taree Street, Chigwell on the night of Sunday, 5 April.
The man was arrested in Werribee by Victoria Police’s Fugitive Squad and Special Operations Group on Wednesday morning, at the request of Tasmania Police.
He was extradited to Tasmania by detectives from Glenorchy Criminal Investigation Branch late yesterday.
The man was charged with attempted murder over the incident, where a 29-year-old man from Bridgewater sustained a serious gunshot wound to the head and neck area.
He will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court today.
Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with further information about the incident should contact Glenorchy CIB on 131 444 and quote OR 802048.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Chloe Neate (standing), Tyler Edwards, Lincoln Graham and Karen Allatt.

A new CFA recruit who was recently involved in a car accident said the trauma has further inspired her to help others and encourages the community to get involved too.

Trafalgar Fire Brigade volunteer Chloe Neate said she always wanted to follow the footsteps of her in-laws who have a long history with CFA.

“I always wanted to do something involving emergency services, I like getting out there and helping people in their times of need,” Chloe said.

Chloe understands the significance of helping people all too well after her car accident in October last year, a couple months before completing her final General Firefighter (GFF) assessment.

“It was very scary and I have a lot of trauma from that incident, but I can now help someone through that, even if just holding their hand telling them they will be ok,” Chloe said.

Chloe was one of four new recruits from her brigade who successfully completed their GFF in December last year, just in time for the challenging 2025-26 fire season.

“I learnt a lot throughout the GFF process and made some strong connections,” Chloe said.

“We’re like a family at our brigade and I’m lucky to have some great mentors.”

Trafalgar Fire Brigade Captain Mark Walshe welcomed the four new recruits and said they always have room for more.

“It’s brilliant to have some youth coming into the brigade, they offer a different perspective and it’s always good to see what they see,” Mark said.

“We are lucky to have 26 operational members but we’re always looking for more firefighters and members in support roles off the truck.

“People bring different skillsets into the brigade and there’s a role for everyone.

“Our brigade members are from all walks of life and they all look at things differently.

“I encourage people to put up their hand and give it a go. You don’t have to commit a lot of time if you don’t have it. Everyone is capable and we’re here to help you along the way.

“I was new to the town when I joined CFA and it was a great way to meet people and become part of the local community.”

CFA is celebrating Volunteer Week this week and is encouraging community members to ‘give us a hand’. If you’re interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer.   

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

On Wednesday 20 May, The Royal Children’s Hospital and the Good Friday Appeal hosted a special event to recognise and thank community groups and fundraisers for their extraordinary efforts in raising a record breaking $25,268,485 for the 2026 Appeal.

Submitted by	Georgina Hill

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he St George Illawarra Dragons Community and High Performance Centre is now open, thanks to joint funding between the federal and state governments and the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The new $65 million centre in Wollongong brings elite training, community programs and new opportunities for women and girls under one roof.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Minister for Sport Anika Wells, News South Wales Minister for Sport Steve Kamper and other local representatives at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus for the opening of the world-class facility, which will create sporting legacy for teams, fans and the Illawarra community into the future.

The Albanese Government invested $13.6 million in the facility, alongside funding from the New South Wales Government and St George Illawarra Dragons. 

The Centre unites the Dragon’s facilities together in one location, laying a strong foundation for the club’s future.

The new centre boasts two full-sized NRL playing fields, high performance gym and sports science facilities, medical and treatment areas, and equitable facilities for male and female players.

Dedicated classroom and program spaces, a lecture theatre with an internal ‘grandstand’, communal function rooms, an allied health area, meeting rooms and office space for football, community and administrative staff and community partners make the centre a community asset.

The centre also features a research and collaboration hub that is shared with the university, reflecting a partnership built on values in health, education and community resilience.

For women and girls in the region, the centre creates greater opportunities for participation in sport and is expected to draw in an additional 6,000 women into sport across the Illawarra over the next decade.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This is what rugby league is all about – community, a sense of identity and belonging, learning on and off the field and always looking to improve yourself right beside your teammates.

“Our investment of $13.6 million to the St George Illawarra Dragons’ Community and High Performance Centre will provide a world-class facility for the Dragons to deliver the next chapter for the Illawarra.

“Fifteen months ago, we backed this vision for the boys and girls of the Illawarra to be the next NRL and NRLW Dragons, and today we’re proud to help make it a reality.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“This isn’t just a training centre for the Dragons – it’s a place where the next generations of athletes will develop, where women and girls will have access to sport, and where the community can come together around something they can be proud of.

“Women and girls deserve the same quality facilities as men, and I’m proud the Albanese Government helped make that a reality in this centre.

“High performance sporting centres like this one have launched the careers of champions across this country, and we’re giving the Illawarra the facilities to match that ambition.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes:

“The opening of the Bruce Gordon Centre is a major milestone for the Illawarra and a powerful example of what can be achieved when all levels of government and community partners work together.

“This world-class facility will help nurture the next generation of local sporting talent, while creating more inclusive opportunities for people of all ages, genders and abilities – fostering a lifelong love of sport and community.

“It will be especially important for local women and girls, giving them access to elite facilities close to home and the chance to pursue sport at the highest level.

“I thank the St George Illawarra Dragons and the University of Wollongong for their vision and commitment in delivering this outstanding community asset.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Whitlam Carol Berry:

“Whether you’re a young person dreaming of wearing a Dragons jersey or someone who’s looking forward to greater access to quality sporting facilities, this is a facility our whole community can be proud of.

“We have seen in the NRL that investment into quality sporting facilities and programs is incredibly important for club success and community culture. By investing in our young talent here in the Illawarra, we help build local champions, not only in the NRL but across a wider range of sports.

“When women and girls have access to good facilities, they stay involved in sport longer, step into leadership roles, and become the coaches and role models for the next generation. This is what this Centre will make possible here in the Illawarra.”

Quotes attributable to St George Illawarra Dragons Chairman, Andrew Lancaster:

“Today marks a significant moment in the history of the St George Illawarra Dragons. The Bruce Gordon Centre gives our club a home that matches our ambition — not only for our elite teams but also for our pathways, staff, partners, supporters and our community programs.

“We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government, the Australian Government and the University of Wollongong for their partnership and belief, which have made this possible.

“The Dragons have always had deep roots in the region, and the Bruce Gordon Centre strengthens that connection in a meaningful and lasting way.

“It will help us develop the next generation of rugby league talent, provide equitable facilities for our NRL and NRLW players, and create more opportunities for young people, particularly women and girls, to see a genuine future for themselves in sport.

“The Bruce Gordon Centre is a facility the whole region can be proud of.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Serious Crash – Sandfly Road, Margate

Friday, 22 May 2026 – 8:59 am.

Police and emergency services were called to attend a serious single vehicle crash on Sandfly Road, Margate last night about 9.10pm.
Initial enquiries indicate a white 2003 Ford Falcon sedan, travelling in the Sandfly direction, has lost control navigating a left-hand bend, with the vehicle exiting the roadway and colliding with several trees.
The sole occupant and driver of the vehicle, a 41-year-old man from Kingston, received medical assistance at the scene and was conveyed to the Royal Hobart Hospital with serious injuries.
Sandfly Road was closed for about three hours while the scene was attended to and processed by specialist police units.
Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the crash and police urge any members of the public who may have witnessed a white 2003 Ford Falcon sedan in the area around the time of the crash to contact Kingston Police Station quoting ESCAD: 474 – 21052026.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged over oil incident in Launceston CBD

Friday, 22 May 2026 – 8:57 am.

A man has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of incidents involving the dumping of oil at the intersection of York and Bathurst streets in Launceston.
Members of Taskforce Raven this week attended an address at Ravenswood and arrested an 18-year-old man in relation to the most recent incident on Friday 8 May.
The man has been charged with commit a nuisance, unapproved disposal of general waste, and littering.
He will appear in court at a later date.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in providing information in relation to these incidents.
Anyone with information about similar offending is asked to contact police on 131 444 or report via Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

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Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, the City of Greater Bendigo will light up the Conservatory in red to thank local volunteers who make a real difference in the community every day.

From Friday May 22 until Sunday May 24, the Conservatory in Rosalind Park will glow red in the evenings to recognise volunteers across the region who give up their own time to help others.

At the City, around 454 volunteers support a wide range of City services and activities that benefit the community. A special morning tea at The Capital was held today, Thursday May 21, to thank volunteers for their valued contribution.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said lighting up the Conservatory was a fitting way to acknowledge all volunteers across the region.

“Volunteers are at the heart of our community, and the City is very fortunate to have such a large group of passionate volunteers who support City services,” Cr Prince said.

“Volunteering at the City is so varied. Roles include welcoming visitors at Bendigo and Heathcote Visitor Centres, assisting guests at the Ulumbarra and Capital theatres, supporting events, caring for the environment, or contributing to City-run advisory groups.

“We simply couldn’t do all that we do without the dedication, enthusiasm, and generosity of our volunteers.

“The theme for National Volunteer Week 2026 is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’ to honour the dedication of current volunteers, while inviting new participants to experience the personal and community benefits of volunteering.

“Volunteering helps to create a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community, and is proven to be great for mental wellbeing.

“It also offers opportunities to meet new people, enjoy new experiences, feel part of a team, and learn new skills. Whether you’re new to volunteering or have paused your volunteering commitments, now is a great time to get involved.

“The City has so many different volunteering options and a well-established volunteering program with excellent training and support. I encourage residents to visit the City website and look for volunteering roles that will interest you.”

Volunteers support the City across a range of services. These include Bendigo Animal Relief Centre, Bendigo Venues & Events, Bendigo Visitor Centre, Heathcote Visitor Centre, Bendigo Easter Festival, Community Grants Advisory Panel, Disability Inclusion Reference Committee, Heritage Advisory Committee, Intercultural Ambassador Program, Yo Bendigo, and the Youth Council.

The City also partners with other volunteer groups to deliver events and values the relationships that have developed over many years.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The Living Arts Space at Bendigo Visitor Centre is delighted to present Brick by brick: 10 years of building Bendigo, a new exhibition celebrating a decade of creativity from the Bendigo LEGO® User Group.

Founded in 2014, the Bendigo LEGO® User Group has grown to more than 100 members across central Victoria.

Since 2016, the group has hosted its popular annual Brick Show, attracting brick builders and enthusiasts from across Australia. Members meet monthly to collaborate, create and share ideas.

For Brick by brick: 10 years of building Bendigo, the members were inspired by the rich heritage history and iconic architecture in the region.

The free exhibition features 15 detailed builds, including the historic Sandhurst Public Offices (the former Post Office on Pall Mall), the former Bendigo Law Courts, Elmore Train Station, Charing Cross, the Chinese imperial dragon Sun Loong, Central Deborah Gold Mine, The Capital theatre, a winery display at Heathcote and much more.

They have been created by group members Darren Hutchesson, Michael Peebles, Dale Harris, Michael Piggott, Brent Toma, Kara Harris.

Visitors are welcomed by Sandy the Gold Miner, a 2.8-metre-tall figure made from more than 65,000 bricks. No glue has been used in the building of the structure. Sandy is the big brother of the group’s mascot, Doug, and he sets the scene for an impressive showcase of local talent.

Bendigo LEGOR User Group President Kara Harris said Brick by brick: 10 years of building Bendigo at the Living Arts Space was a wonderful way to mark the group’s 10-year milestone.

“It is really exciting to look back to when we first started as a group to where we are now,” Kara said.

“Bendigo LEGO® User Group members have long been inspired by the historic architecture of Bendigo.”

Acting Manager Economy & Experience Nicole McNamara said Brick by brick perfectly complements the current Curiosity: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks exhibition at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre.

“You can discover fun facts about each build and be inspired to create something of your own. After visiting the exhibition, why not explore Bendigo’s fantastic heritage through Bendigo’s iconic city centre and spot these landmarks in real life,” Ms McNamara said.

The official Brick by brick exhibition opening is at 5pm tomorrow, Friday May 22 at the Living Arts Space, located in Bendigo Visitor Centre, 51-67 Pall Mall. All are welcome.

Brick by brick: 10 years of building Bendigo is open until August 19, 2026 (9am to 4.30pm daily).

Source: Tasmania Police

Death following crash at Sidmouth on 6 May

Thursday, 21 May 2026 – 2:29 pm.

Sadly, a 23-year-old woman has died following a serious single vehicle crash at Sidmouth on Wednesday, 6 May.
Police and emergency services were called to the West Tamar Highway just before 9.45am, after reports a vehicle had crashed into a power pole.
The Mayfield woman was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition and has since died.
She was driving the vehicle. Her two passengers suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and loved ones.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant dash cam footage is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote ESCAD 000102-06052026.