Month: May 2026

Source: Government of Victoria 3

The Melbourne – Mansfield – Mt Buller Snow Coach service will run from Friday 5 June until Sunday 4 October.

V/Line has once again teamed up with multiple partners to provide a seamless Snow Coach service for customers to enjoy the ski season.

The Snow Coach consists of three connecting coach services including: 

• V/Line Melbourne – Mansfield coach service
• Mansfield Mt Buller Bus Lines (MMBL) service Mansfield – Mt Buller Village
• Mt Buller ‘Ride Share’ service between Mt Buller Village and the customer’s accommodation  

Each coach service is timed to ensure all customers travelling will experience a smooth journey and connection from the city to the slopes. 

Due to the popularity of the Snow Coach service, tickets must be reserved for both directions.

Tickets can be purchased:

• by calling 1800 800 007 (6am-midnight)
• at staffed V/Line stations
• at metropolitan premium stations
• or at V/Line ticket agents. See where to buy tickets for more information.

If you wish to travel only between Mansfield – Mt Buller please call MMBL directly on (03) 5775 2606 to reserve your seats.

Customers travelling with a mobility aid should contact MMBL 24 hours in advance to arrange travel from Mansfield to Mt Buller Village. 

Please refer to the MMBL website to view timetables.

Fares

Please note, customers buying tickets to Mt Buller Village must transfer between the coach drop-off point at Mt Buller Village and the customer’s accommodation using their own alternative transport.

Melbourne to Mt Buller (single and return) including the coach services between Melbourne and Mt Buller (includes gate entry fee). 

Youth myki holders are entitled to free travel between Melbourne and Mansfield. 

 

	Return		Single
	To accommodation	To Mt Buller Village	To accommodation	To Mt Buller Village
Adult	$138.00	$114.90	$87.25	$75.70
Concession	$112.05	$88.95	$72.40	$60.85
Child (5 – 18)	$90.90	$74.70	$56.45	$48.35
Youth Myki	$85.20	$69.00	$53.60	$45.50

 

*Gate entry fee – all visitors to Mt Buller are required to pay a gate fee onto the mountain

Luggage

Total luggage limit is 32 kilograms per customer. Luggage is restricted to a maximum of two items per person, with no one item weighing more than 16 kilograms. One set of ski gear (boots, stocks, & skis) is considered as one luggage item. One carry-on item is also permitted.
 
Website
www.mmbl.com.au/winterservice

More Information

• Concession fares are available to Seniors Card holders, pensioners, students, and Victorian Health Care card holders. A valid concession card must be presented upon request.
• No further discounts (including voucher or group travel tickets) apply to these fares.
• Return travel can be completed anytime until the end of the snow season, Sunday 04 October 2026. As reservations are required on all services, it is recommended that both outbound and return travel are booked at the same time.
• Normal refund conditions apply.
• Pensioner and Seniors Free Travel Vouchers are not available on the Mansfield – Mt Buller coach. These vouchers can only be redeemed on the journey between Melbourne and Mansfield. Tickets for travel between Mansfield and Mt Buller should be booked in advance by calling MMBL on (03) 5775 2606.
• myki cannot be used on the Melbourne – Mansfield and Mansfield – Mt Buller coach services. Only V/Line tickets are available for these services. 

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 14-year-old male in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred yesterday in Alice Springs.

Around 6:05pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that an unknown male offender had unlawfully entered a residence on Johannsen Street in Gillen.

It is alleged the offender confronted the sole occupant, a female aged in her 30s, and physically assaulted her. The victim fought the offender off and ran from the location.

She did not suffer any injuries.

The offender allegedly stole a black electric scooter from the residence and fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Police commenced investigations and around 12pm today the 14-year-old was arrested in Gillen. He remains in police custody to be charged with Aggravated Robbery and Burglary. The scooter remains outstanding.

Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P26131034. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Tasmania Police

Youth charged over significant damage to UTAS campus

Thursday, 7 May 2026 – 2:56 pm.

Police have charged a 13-year-old boy following significant damage to the University of Tasmania Cradle Coast Campus in Burnie.
On Monday 4 May 2026, university staff reported several windows at the campus had been smashed over the weekend.
Detectives from the Western Criminal Investigation Branch commenced an investigation and, following enquiries, identified a 13-year-old as the alleged offender.
The estimated replacement cost for the damaged windows is approximately $300,000.
Police continue to work closely with the University of Tasmania and Burnie City Council as part of the investigation.
The youth has been charged and bailed to appear before the Burnie Magistrates Court (Youth Justice Division) at a later date.
Anyone with information in relation to the matter is asked to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: Government of Victoria 3

What is the issue?

Since 2022, Japanese encephalitis (JE) continues to be detected in Victoria and other south-eastern Australian states. There is an ongoing risk of Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases in high-risk areas of regional Victoria. This year’s mosquito season has been prolonged with episodes of heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of northern Victoria.

Eligibility criteria for the free JE vaccine have been simplified. All people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local governments areas in Victoria are eligible for the free JE vaccine.

In addition, to keep Victorians protected over the coming months, the Japanese encephalitis vaccination program has been temporarily expanded.

Until 31 July 2026, people aged 2 months or older who plan to visit any of the eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk areas, for any outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and hunting are now also eligible for a free vaccine.

People at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis regardless of local government area criteria, continue to remain eligible for a free JE vaccine.

There are 24 local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria that are currently eligible for a free vaccine. Medicare eligibility to receive a free JE vaccine is not required. More information on Japanese encephalitis and the complete vaccine eligibility criteria, including information on eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria and interstate, is available at Japanese encephalitis.

Who is at risk?

People at risk of mosquito bites while in high-risk areas where human cases and virus detections have been reported are at greatest risk of Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases.

There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis. Therefore, it is important to stay protected by getting vaccinated if eligible and following mosquito-bite prevention advice.

Symptoms and transmission

Japanese encephalitis virus can spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Most people experience no or mild symptoms. In some rare cases, Japanese encephalitis can cause serious infection with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches or pains, neck or back stiffness, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures, coma and other neurological illness and may lead to permanent disability or even death.

Anyone who has spent time in high-risk areas of regional Victoria and develop these symptoms should seek urgent medical care and testing.

Recommendations

For the general public:

• Any person aged 2 months or older who lives or works in eligible high-risk local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria is eligible for a free JE vaccine.
• Until 31 July 2026, people who plan to visit any of the high-risk local government areas in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk areas, for any outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and hunting are now also eligible for a free JE vaccine.
• Priority groups at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis regardless of local government area criteria remain eligible for a free JE vaccine.
• For more information on Japanese encephalitis and vaccine eligibility, including information on eligible local government areas in Victoria and interstate, visit Japanese encephalitis.
• Speak to your doctor (GP) or local immunisation provider to check if you are eligible for a free vaccine ahead of any planned travel during the coming months.
• Stay protected against Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. For more advice, visit Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases on Better Health Channel.

For health professionals:

• Any person aged 2 months or older who lives or works in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria is eligible for a free JE vaccine.
• The Japanese encephalitis vaccination program has been temporarily expanded until 31 July 2026. Eligibility now includes people aged 2 months or older who plan to visit any of the high-risk local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk area, for any outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and hunting.
• Priority groups who are at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis regardless of local government area criteria, continue to remain eligible for a free Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
• Immunisation providers are encouraged to recommend the Japanese encephalitis vaccine to all eligible people, including those planning travel for outdoor recreation in the coming months. Medicare eligibility is not required to receive a free vaccine.
• Complete vaccine eligibility criteria, including information on eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria and interstate, are available at Japanese encephalitis.
• Japanese encephalitis is an urgent notifiable condition which requires notification to the Department of Health upon initial diagnosis or clinical suspicion as soon as practicable and within 24 hours.

Source:

Issue date: Thursday, 7 May 2026

The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will be holding a public hearing in Adelaide on Friday 8 May 2026 for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The hearing will bring together national and South Australian perspectives from a broad range of organisations, researchers, leaders and advocates to provide evidence to the Committee.

Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said “Racism, hate and violence have serious and lasting impacts. Hearing directly from experts and people with lived experience is critical to understanding the scale and drivers of the problem and identifying effective responses.”

“This hearing provides an important opportunity for people and organisations in South Australia to have their voices heard.”

The inquiry is examining the prevalence, impacts and drivers of racism, hate and violence, as well as existing responses and opportunities for reform. Evidence gathered during the hearings will inform the Committee’s final report to Parliament.

Witnesses scheduled to appear include the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network, NPY Women’s Council, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, Dale Aguis (the South Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People), Shona Reid (the South Australian Guardian for Children and Young People) and Professor Irene Watson (Adelaide University).

Further interstate public hearings will continue in other locations as part of the inquiry.

Information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website.

Please note the committee and secretariat are unable to provide counselling, advice, or support for individuals. Help is available:

For First Nations people:

• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
• Yarning SafeNStrong: 1800 959 563

For all people:

• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Headspace: 1800 650 890
• Suicide Call Back Service:1300 659 467
• 1800 Respect: 1800 737 732

Media inquiries

Office of Senator Jana Stewart
Media contact: Hannah Purdy
0438 003 838

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

With the fire season behind us, emergency services are urging landowners to register their burn-offs to avoid unnecessary callouts.

The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify.   

CFA is also urging people to ensure they are picking appropriate conditions to conduct a burn-off to minimise the risk of burns escaping.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said with unusually warm weather this autumn people should take care.

“We have had some rainfall however people shouldn’t become complacent, burning off still needs to be done with care,” Garry said.

“We know burn-offs can flare up several days afterwards, so it’s important residents monitor wind conditions before and after burning off and notify their neighbours to be mindful of smoke. 

“If you light a fire to burn off, you own it. Please don’t leave your burn-off unattended and always make sure it is fully extinguished properly with water.” 

An online registration will always be fast and easy. Unregistered burn-offs can cause a spike in calls to Triple Zero (000) and unnecessary callouts for firefighters.

Triple Zero Victoria’s Chief Operations Officer, Paul Santamaria, encourages the community to take the very simple step of planning ahead and registering their burn-off online.

“We are still seeing high registrations by phone in some areas including Lara, Yarrawonga. Healesville, Olinda, Kyneton, Woodend and Mount Evelyn, and we encourage these communities to register online,” Paul said.

“When everyone does their bit and registers a burn-off online it reduces unnecessary calls, and helps our Triple Zero Emergency Communications Officers to focus on emergencies.

“If you are planning to burn-off more than two hours from now, registering online will always be the fastest and simplest option.”

If for any reason you are unable to plan ahead and need to start your burn-off immediately (within 2 hours), you can register by calling 1800 668 511 – however early planning, and online registration is preferred.

For more information about burning off safely, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff. 

Before you notify us, make sure you:  

• Follow regulations or laws by CFA and local council.  

• Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke.  

• Check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and a few days afterward.  

• Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop.  

• Establish a gap in vegetation or fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material.  

• Have enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.
• Never leave a burn-off unattended.  

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Werribee Fire Brigade’s road crash rescue team has taken second place at this year’s NSW State Road Crash Rescue Challenge.

Submitted by	Shaunnagh O’Loughlin

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

With a $32 billion investment, the Victorian Budget 2026-27 delivers a more significant spend across Victoria’s health system than ever before.

This includes $1.6 billion to ensure every public hospital has the funding needed to continue delivering the world-class care Victorians rely on, supporting services to meet rising demand

This year’s Budget focuses on making access to healthcare easier, faster and more affordable to ensure Victorians can get the care when they need, when they need it.

Investing in Victorian health services

The Budget supports expanding and upgrading hospitals to meet growing demand in the outer suburbs and regions where it’s needed most. This includes:

• $284.4 million to operationalise, expand and support new or upgraded hospitals including the Pakenham Community Hospital, the uplift of the children’s emergency department at University Hospital Geelong, the expanded emergency department at Werribee Mercy Hospital, the new multi-storey building at Angliss Hospital, and the expansion of services at Cranbourne, Craigieburn and Mernda Community Hospitals.
• A $370 million investment to deliver critical upgrades at Dandenong, West Gippsland and Wonthaggi Hospitals.

Additional investments to strengthen and future-proof health service infrastructure include:

• $75 million for the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund
• $15 million for the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund
• $35 million for the Medical Equipment Replacement Program
• $20 million for the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program
• $10 million for the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Capital Renewal Fund
• $7.5 million for the Minor Capital Works Renewal Program – Public Sector Residential Aged Care

A further $91.2 million will support Victoria in building our strong healthcare workforce for the future, including an additional 250 graduate nursing and midwifery positions and training programs to continue our strong pipeline of psychiatrists and psychologist in the public mental health system.

Delivering better and more responsive emergency care

The Budget includes investments to ensure Victorians get the critical emergency care they need, when they need it most. This includes:

• $50.7 million to get paramedics back on the road sooner and deliver faster, more responsive care.
• $9.7 million to improve how Triple Zero Victoria calls are triaged, reviewed and classified.
• $10 million to continue an existing pilot underway to improve ambulance transfer times during emergency department peak periods.
• $30.6 million to support Ambulance Victoria’s clinical triage team, helping Victorians who don’t need an ambulance connect with the right care.
• $20.9 million for Victoria’s Urgent Care Clinics to help reduce the demand on busy hospital emergency departments.

Improving access to timely surgery and more care closer to home

The Budget includes investments to improve access to planned surgery and the delivery of world-class healthcare closer to home – saving Victorians time and money and freeing up hospital beds for the sickest patients. This includes:

• $50.1 million to deliver 4000 more planned paediatric surgeries and $16 million to deliver 45,000 additional specialist clinic appointments for children statewide over the next four years.
• $27 million so more young Victorians can get endoscopies to diagnosis and treat bowel cancer
• $130 million to boost the Better at Home program to deliver care at home.
• $3.1 million to expand the Virtual Hospital pilot
• $20.5 million to strengthen home-based and local dialysis care.
• $8 million to establish the Specialist Advice Now pilot to connect patients with specialist care advice without long wait times.

Supporting Victorians at every stage of life

This year’s Budget includes support for Victorians starting, growing or raising a family, ensuring they have access to the free care they need. This includes:

• $43 million to continue the Public Fertility Care program and public egg and sperm bank
• $249 million to support families in Melbourne’s growing western suburbs with 1,500 additional ultrasound appointments, 32 new postnatal beds and the delivery of more Special Care Nursery cots at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
• $6.8 million to open the Hastings Early Parenting Centre.

The Budget also invests in support for older Victorians to age with dignity and access appropriate care. This includes:

• $35.7 million to support high quality nurse-led care in public sector residential aged care services
• $17 million to continue the Residential in Reach Program, bringing hospital-level care directly into residential aged care facilities.
• $5.1 million to continue the Guardianship in Hospitals program.

Boosting mental health support

By strengthening frontline services and expanding free community-based and targeted care, the Budget supports the mental health and wellbeing services Victorians rely on. This includes:

• $8.4 million to deliver a new Mental Health Hospital in the Home program at Monash Health
• $125 million to open 40 new forensic mental health beds at Thomas Embling Hospital
• $13.2 million to establish an innovative Aboriginal-led service ‘The Nest’ offering intensive social and emotional wellbeing support for infants and children
• $9.7 million to continue community-based outreach and free mental health services for young people and families, including the Youth Outreach Recovery Service (YORS)
• $4.9 million to fund Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in Cowes, Warrnambool, Horsham and Ballarat, and the Statewide Intake Hotline
• $6.5 million to fund targeted suicide prevention initiatives like the Hospital Outreach Post-Suicidal Engagement (HOPE)
• $5.5 million will strengthen Victoria’s mental health crisis response services.

An additional $94.3 million investment will deliver important harm reduction, treatment and support initiatives including:

• $52 million to continue Victoria’s health-led response to public intoxication, including dedicated First Nations-led outreach and places of safety
• $9.6 million for the continued delivery of the successful Victorian Pill Testing Service.

For more information about the Victorian Budget 2026-27, visit the Victorian Budget website or read the Premier’s media release.

Source: Tasmania Police

Three people have been arrested following a targeted search at George Town yesterday.
Members of George Town Uniform with the support of Taskforce Raven, Northern CIB, the Dog Handler Unit, and specialist police resources executed a search warrant at the private residence about 2.30pm Tuesday.
The search was conducted as part of a broader investigation into a series of alleged burglary, stealing and damage incidents across the North-East.
During the latest search, police located and seized quantities of illicit substances, drug paraphernalia, firearm parts and stolen property including three motorcycles and an ATV (believed to be stolen), tools and power tools.
A 23-year-old George Town man was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of property and drug-related offences.
A 21-year-old George Town man was arrested and charged with obstructing police, and unlawful possession.
A 21-year-old George Town woman was arrested and charged with breaching a police family violence order.
They will each appear in court at a later date.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.

Source: Tasmania Police

Police investigating serious crash at Sidmouth

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 – 3:46 pm.

Police are investigating a serious single-vehicle crash at Sidmouth where a woman received critical injuries.
Police and emergency services were called to the West Tamar Highway just before 9.45am Wednesday (May 6) after reports a vehicle had crashed into a power pole.
The driver – a Mayfield woman in her 20s – was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition.
The two passengers in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Early investigations indicate the grey Holden commodore sedan was travelling south on the highway when it left the road and crashed into the pole.
The West Tamar Highway was closed for several hours as a result of the crash.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. 
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has 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.