Month: June 2026

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case from Queensland who visited several locations across Sydney CBD while unknowingly infectious.
A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website. Exposure locations and times are updated regularly. 
People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk. 
There have been 49 cases confirmed in NSW since 1 January 2026.
NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Christine Selvey said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.
“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Selvey said. 
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period.”
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes. 
“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Selvey said.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet.
People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. ​​

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged with driving offences at Latrobe

Friday, 5 June 2026 – 1:38 pm.

A 39-year-old man from Stony Rise has been charged with driving offences after he was detected on an electric scooter travelling at 52 km/h on Gilbert Street at Latrobe this morning.
Police have charged the man with offences including disqualified driving, drug driving, and use an unregistered vehicle. He will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date.
“It’s important for people to be aware that if an electric scooter exceeds 25 km/h under its own power, it falls into the definition of a motor vehicle,” said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.
“Subsequently, all of the laws that govern motor vehicles apply to it, including the requirement to be registered and insured, and the driver to hold a light motor vehicle licence.”
“The laws apply to all vehicles which can travel at speed, to ensure the safety of all road users.”

A scooter is only considered to be an electric scooter if it does not exceed 10 km/h under its own power.

If it exceeds 10 km/h but does not exceed 25 km/h under its own power, it falls into the definition of a personal mobility device.

If it exceeds 25 km/h under its own power, it falls into the definition of a motor vehicle and all of the laws that govern motor vehicles apply.

“Police urge all scooter users to be safe, wear a helmet and to be aware of the rules and comply with them,” said Acting Inspector Parker.
Scooter rules can be located at – https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/road_safety_and_rules/personal_mobility_devices

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A local firefighter at Cashmore Fire Brigade has found the perfect balance between volunteering for her community, juggling two jobs and finding time to engage in extra-curricular activities.

For nearly 30 years, Kay Antony has embedded herself in the Portland community, living on a dairy farm, being a part of the local run club and running a short-stay accommodation business.

Among that, for the last 10 years, Kay has been involved with both CFA and VICSES and is the prime example of how a passion for community, leisure, and purpose can lead you to things you enjoy most.

“The brigade wasn’t too far from the farm, and because I was already a member of VICSES and enjoying it so much, I thought I’d go check out CFA,” Kay said.

“I like it for the social side. They are a great bunch of people, and I love turning up to build those connections, learn new skills and help people in the community where I can.

“As I’m self-employed for work, I can fit my volunteering and hobbies into my lifestyle quite well.”

Kay describes herself as an ordinary, everyday member of the brigade and has enjoyed making new friends and responding to local call outs.

“I’m not involved in the management group of the brigade, and in given time I might put my hand up to do other roles, but at this stage, I’m happy doing what I’m doing,” Kay said.

“I think it just shows that you can juggle a few things and they all work in well together and align with all your different interests.

“You don’t have to go to training every week if you can’t get there, they understand, you can just attend the following week when you’re available.

“I’m always encouraging others around me to get involved where they can.”

Being semi-retired now, Kay looks forward to having more time to jump on strike teams in years to come, having not been out on a deployment since the 2019 Gippsland summer bushfires.

At 53-years-old, Kay’s aerobic fitness has played a large role in her volunteerism, and it all stems from her passion for running marathons.

Having already competed in Tokyo and Boston this year, she has her eyes set on three more – adding to her grand tally of 16, including four ultra marathons.

“I’m going to run the Gold Coast Marathon at the start of July with my son, and it will be his first one, then I’ll head to Sydney in August, another world major and then the local Three Bays Portland marathon at the end of the year,” Kay said.

“I was lucky enough to be selected in the Tokyo ballot, which can be hard as an Australian, so I made the most of the opportunity and travelled over there for three weeks solo.

“The Boston marathon was probably my favourite. It is so iconic. We all piled into yellow school buses to get to the start line, and people lined the streets cheering our names for the entire run. 

“While I have aerobic fitness, I probably lack the upper body strength, but at Cashmore, we’re all a team and we all bring different strengths and abilities which is great.”

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

During the devastating floods in 2022, Wirrate Fire Brigade lost everything – including their brand-new ultra-light, which did not have a chance to make it to a single job.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two people following a drug seizure in Ramingining.

Around 11:30am today, police received a report of six people at an address who had come into the community from Milingimbi for a funeral.

Several people allegedly fled the scene when police arrived.

Police spoke to a 32-year-old female and a 46-year-old male before 338 kg of kava and 156 packets of illegal tobacco were located in their possession.

The pair were arrested and conveyed to the Watch House.

Investigations are ongoing as police search for other offenders.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 1800 333 000.

Source: Tasmania Police

Firearms seized, licence suspended after police search

Friday, 5 June 2026 – 11:58 am.

A 24-year-old man from southern Tasmania has had his firearms licence suspended after police conducted a search at a residential property in relation to other matters.
During the search on Thursday, police identified a variety of ammunition that was not stored in accordance with legislative requirements.
Officers also located two firearm suppressors (silencers) at the premises.
Following the search, 26 firearms and a significant amount of ammunition were seized.
The man’s firearms licence has been suspended while Tasmania Police Firearms Services conduct further inquiries.
Police remind all firearms licence holders of their responsibility to always comply with safe storage requirements.
Incorrect storage increases the risk of firearms and ammunition falling into the wrong hands, posing a serious risk to community safety.
Anyone unsure of their obligations regarding the safe keeping of firearms and ammunition should seek further information by visiting www.fas.police.tas.gov.au
If you are aware of unlawful firearms in the community, contact Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is seeking public assistance to locate 44-year-old Brandt Graham who escaped from Darwin Local Court while under the custody of G4S this morning.

Around 9:50am, the offender escaped custody from G4S court security at the Darwin Local Court and was last seen on CCTV walking into Tamaris Court. He may also have been sighted at Doctors Gully around 10:40am.

He is described as being a Caucasian male, approximately 185cm tall with a medium build, long brown hair and a short beard. He has a tattoo on his left wrist and was last seen wearing the dark-coloured t-shirt in the attached photo.

The public are urged not to approach him and to contact police immediately via 000 if sighted.

Anyone with information in relation to his whereabouts is urged to contact police, or to report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The National Anti-Scam Centre is continuing its work to disrupt scammers as scams encountered online continue to drive the highest levels of loss.

Between 1 January and 31 March 2026, Scamwatch received 45,816 scam reports, down 17.8 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.

Of these reports, 6,775 involved a financial loss, with total reported losses of $76,703,589. This represents a 17% decrease in reported losses.  Scamwatch is one of several channels available for reporting scams. Consumers may also report scam activity to law enforcement and other organisations.

ReportCyber, which reflects reports to law enforcement, received 15,391 scam-related reports to police in the first three months of 2026, with reported losses of $187.7 million, which also represents a decline.

When adjusted to remove duplicates, Scamwatch and ReportCyber received a combined 60,657 scam reports, with reported losses of $248.3 million.

Another key source of losses, reports to banks, are included in our annual Targeting Scams Report. Detailed data was not available for the purposes of compiling this quarterly snapshot; however, we understand reflects a similar decline.

We welcome any decline in losses experienced by consumers and consider that ongoing efforts by governments, regulators, law enforcement, and industry are having an impact.

That said, we caution against drawing too much from one quarter of data as reports and losses typically move around somewhat.  We will continue to monitor closely to see whether this quarter’s data represents the beginning of a trend.

Scamwatch data is unique in that it includes additional elements such as contact method and demographics.  This enables us to form a more complete picture of emerging contact methods, scam types and impacted communities. 

Based on this analysis, online scams were the greatest source of financial harm, with Scamwatch reports showing Australians lost $38.3 million to scams that began through online contact in the first three months of 2026.

Online contact methods, including fake websites, advertisements, social media and mobile apps, accounted for around half of all reported Scamwatch losses during the quarter.

In response, the National Anti-Scam Centre disrupted thousands of scam operations during this period, with 5,834 scam websites taken down, including 1,960 fake online gambling websites.

These online scam gambling websites were also referred to Google to block advertisements on its platforms, including YouTube.

The National Anti-Scam Centre also referred 511 Facebook advertisements, profiles and groups to Meta for investigation as part of its efforts to disrupt scam activity across digital platforms.

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said scammers continue to exploit the reach and speed of online platforms to target Australians at scale.

“Online platforms give scammers the ability to reach large numbers of people quickly, cheaply and convincingly,” Ms Lowe said.

“Disrupting scam websites is one of the ways we can make it harder for criminals to reach Australians online. The takedown of thousands of scam websites in just three months shows both the scale of scam activity online and the scale of the disruption work underway.”

“The National Anti-Scam Centre is continuing to work with platforms and other partners to detect scam activity earlier and make it harder for scammers to operate across digital platforms,” Ms Lowe said.

People are urged to be cautious when engaging with online advertisements, websites and people on social media, particularly where there is pressure to act quickly, promises of high returns, or requests for personal information or payment.

“Scammers are increasingly using polished and professional-looking online content to appear legitimate, which can make it more difficult for Australians to spot a scam,” Ms Lowe said.

“Consumers should be cautious if a website or advertisement creates urgency, promises high returns or asks for payment or personal information upfront.”

“Before clicking a link, downloading an app or transferring money, take a moment to stop and check that the business, website or profile you are dealing with is genuine. If you are unsure, Australians should search for a business or service independently rather than relying on links in ads, posts or messages,” Ms Lowe said.

Other Scamwatch trends

• Investment scams saw the highest reported losses to Scamwatch in the first three months of 2026, with Australians reporting losses of $45.5 million.
• Reports of relationship scams losses increased with reported losses increasing to $7.5 million.
• Phishing scams remained one of the most commonly reported scam types in the first three months of 2026, with 13,428 reports made to Scamwatch.
• Email remained the most commonly reported contact method in the first three months of 2026, with 16,759 reports to Scamwatch.

Learn how to Stop. Check. Protect. to stay safe from scams:

STOP. Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details.

What to do:

• Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages
• Take time to think before responding to unexpected requests
• Don’t let anyone pressure you into immediate action
• Trust your instincts if something feels wrong

CHECK. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action.

What to do:

• Contact the person or organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app
• Read independent online reviews before engaging with businesses
• Research investment opportunities or offers through official sources like ASIC
• Get a second opinion from family, friends, or professionals

PROTECT. Act quickly it something feels wrong. The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers.

What to do:

• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details
• Contact IDCARE (www.idcare.org or call 1800 595 160) if you want support to recover – they can help you create a plan to the limit damage of scams
• Report to Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)  to help protect others
• Report to police (www.cyber.gov.au)
• Change passwords and security details if you think they’ve been compromised
• Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity
• Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening
• Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636

Source: Government of Victoria 3

What is the issue?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. Most cases of hantavirus infections are reported in Asia, Europe and the Americas. There has never been a recorded case in humans or animals in Australia.

Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, specified conditions and micro-organisms are required to be notified to the Department of Health. These requirements exist to protect the Victorian community by monitoring, preventing and controlling the occurrence of infectious diseases and other conditions.

As of 4 June 2026, hantavirus infection has been made an urgent notifiable condition for medical practitioners and pathology services in Victoria. This means that suspected or confirmed hantavirus infection must be notified to the Department of Health immediately (as soon as practicable and within 24 hours) by calling 1300 651 160. Pathology services must also provide written notification within 5 working days.

Who is at risk?

Hantaviruses can be transmitted to people through:

• contact with rodents or their saliva, urine or droppings.
• breathing in contaminated dust or aerosols in rodent infested areas
• contact with items or materials that have been contaminated with rodents.

Person-to-person is rare and has only been documented for the Andes virus. This is typically limited and occurs from close, prolonged contact with an infected person and is more likely to occur early in the infection.

People who travel to regions where hantavirus infections occur are at risk, particularly if they have been in contact with rodents, their urine, droppings or saliva or rodent infested environments (such as forested, agricultural and unused or unclean urban settings).

People who have had close contact with someone with hantavirus infection with Andes virus are also at risk.

Symptoms

Hantavirus infection can result in severe disease and death. Symptoms can develop from 1 to 8 weeks after exposure to hantavirus. It can present as distinct clinical syndromes.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is often seen in the Americas. Early clinical features may include fever or chills, headache, muscle aches and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. It often progresses rapidly to severe respiratory disease characterised by cough, progressive dyspnoea, hypoxia and pulmonary oedema.

Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome is often seen in Asia and Europe. Early clinical features may include fever or chills, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms, blurred vision, flushed face, inflammation or redness of the eyes and rash. It can lead to hypotension, shock, haemorrhage and acute kidney failure.

Case fatality rates range from 1 to 15 per cent in Asia and Europe and up to 50 per cent in the Americas.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hantavirus infection can be confirmed through testing:

• nucleic acid amplification testing
• hantavirus serology (IgM and IgG).

Recommended specimens for testing include EDTA blood and serum and should ideally be collected in early illness. For serology, baseline and convalescent samples (at least 10 to 14 days later) should be collected.

Confirmatory testing is available through the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory and must be approved by the Department of Health. Medical practitioners should seek testing advice from an infectious diseases specialist and/or Local Public Health Unit.

Recommendations

For medical practitioners

• Notify suspected or confirmed hantavirus infection to the Department of Health immediately (as soon as practicable and within 24 hours) upon diagnosis by calling 1300 651 160 (24/7) and connecting to the appropriate Local Public Health Unit.
• Consider hantavirus infection in patients with compatible illness AND epidemiological risk factors such as:
  • recent travel to regions where hantavirus infections occur AND have had potential contact with rodents, their saliva, urine or droppings or rodent infested environments; OR
  • contact with a human case of hantavirus infection with Andes virus or their respiratory or bodily fluids.
• If hantavirus infection is suspected, seek urgent advice from an infectious diseases specialist and/or Local Public Health Unit.
• Testing for hantaviruses is conducted at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory and must be approved by the Department of Health. Provide all relevant clinical details and risk factors on the request form.

For pathology services

• Notify hantavirus infection to the Department of Health immediately (as soon as practicable and within 24 hours) by calling 1300 651 160 (24/7), and connecting to the appropriate Local Public Health Unit. Pathology services must also follow up with written notifications within 5 working days.

Source: Government of Victoria 3

What is the issue?

There is an ongoing outbreak of diphtheria in northern and central Australia. Most cases have been reported in Northern Territory and Western Australia with smaller numbers in Queensland and South Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been more impacted.

There have been no cases identified in Victoria to date; however, there remains a small risk of diphtheria being imported into Victoria by travellers returning from higher risk areas.

Diphtheria vaccination eligibility

Diphtheria-containing vaccine is available to many Victorians under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). To provide additional protection during this outbreak, Victoria has expanded eligibility for free diphtheria toxoid containing vaccine (Boostrix®) including for people travelling to higher-risk areas.

A Medicare card is not required to access the state-funded vaccine.

Who is eligible for free vaccination in Victoria

In Victoria, diphtheria toxoid containing vaccine is available free-of-charge for the following groups:

For the latest outbreak information and list of higher risk areas please visit Diphtheria | Australian Centre for Disease Control.

Please note, while the vaccine is free-of-charge, some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee.

Recommendations

For health professionals

• Check the diphtheria vaccination status of patients, especially for those travelling to higher-risk areas. Offer people travelling to higher-risk areas a diphtheria-containing vaccination if they have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the past 5 years.
• Offer free diphtheria toxoid containing vaccine to anyone who is eligible under either the National Immunisation Program or the expanded state-funded campaign (Boostrix®).
• Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for vaccination information, including recommended booster dose intervals available at Diphtheria | The Australian Immunisation Handbook.

For the general public

• Check your Diphtheria vaccination status. For more information on how to do this, visit: How to find your immunisation records | Better Health Channel.
• People travelling to higher-risk areas should check their diphtheria vaccination status and consider getting vaccinated if they have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the past 5 years.
• Speak to your doctor ( GP or Aboriginal Health Services) or local immunisation provider to check if you are eligible for a free vaccine.

Diphtheria Booster Vaccination Campaign – Information for Aboriginal Health Services and General Practices

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Updated 4 June 2026

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Diphtheria Booster Vaccination Campaign – Information for the public

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Updated 4 June 2026

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