Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in relation to drug offences in Mataranka yesterday.

Around 9:30am, Mataranka Police with the assistance of the Dog Operations Unit and Katherine Criminal Investigations Branch executed a search warrant at an address on Carew Road, Mataranka.

The 26-year-old was located inside a bus at the address.

The bus was searched and drug detection dog Ida led police towards an area where 185grams of Methamphetamine was located concealed within the dashboard of the bus.

The man was arrested and charges are expected to follow.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

One person has died following a single-vehicle crash in Livingstone last night.

Around 8:10pm, police received a report of a single-vehicle crash on the Stuart Highway, Livingstone, near the intersection of Livingstone Road.

Bystanders located two male occupants nearby who appeared to have been ejected from a blue Toyota Landcruiser after rolling.

A 21-year-old male was located dead on the scene and a 20-year-old male occupant was located with serious leg and head injuries and was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious condition.

The Stuart Highway was closed in both directions at the crash service as a major emergency response attended including Darwin Traffic Officers, Palmerston General Duties, St John Ambulance and the Critical Response Unit.

The road reopened around 5:30am this morning.

The lives lost on Northern Territory roads this year is now 17.

Source: Government of Victoria 3

Key messages

• H5N1 strain of avian influenza (also called H5 bird flu) has been detected in a wild bird in Victoria.
• H5N1 avian influenza spreads easily between birds and can spread to other mammals, but rarely from birds to humans.
• The current risk of H5N1 avian influenza to people in Victoria is low. Locally acquired human infections with this strain have not been reported in Australia.
• If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other animals, do not touch them. Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.
• Healthcare professionals should consider avian influenza H5N1 in patients who present with influenza-like illness AND who have had contact with sick or dead birds or animals (either overseas or in Australia).
• Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu are like seasonal flu (fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and respiratory symptoms) and may include conjunctivitis (sore red eyes).
• Avian influenza in humans is an ‘urgent’ notifiable condition in Victoria.

What is the issue?

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is caused by influenza viruses. It mainly spreads between birds. It can sometimes spread from birds to other animals and rarely to humans. Bird flu very rarely spreads from person-to-person.

H5N1 avian influenza, also called H5 bird flu, has been detected for the first time in a wild bird in Victoria. Detections in birds have been reported in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland this year. H5N1 bird flu has spread globally among many species of wild birds, poultry and sea mammals.

Who is at risk?

Most people are not at risk of avian influenza, as the viruses do not spread easily from birds to people.

People at higher risk of getting bird flu include those who have close contact with birds (and their respiratory secretions, faeces (droppings) or other body fluids), such as poultry or wildlife workers.

People who travel to countries with bird flu outbreaks and have contact with sick birds or other animals are also at higher risk.

Symptoms and transmission

Human cases of H5N1 bird flu are rare. Infection can be asymptomatic or present with symptoms varying from mild to severe. Symptoms may include flu-like symptoms such as:

• fever
• chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny nose
• red sore eyes
• fatigue
• muscle aches and pains
• headache
• shortness of breath.

Less common symptoms may include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.

In rare severe cases it can result in pneumonia, neurological changes (such as seizures), encephalitis, sepsis and multi-organ failure, which can potentially lead to death.

People can become infected if they:

• have close contact with infected birds and other animals or their respiratory secretions, faeces (droppings) and other body fluids
• breathe in contaminated dust or droplets.

The spread of H5N1 bird flu between people is very rare but may occur when a person has prolonged close contact with an infected person without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

You cannot catch H5N1 bird flu from eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of bird flu.

Recommendations

For the general public

• People should avoid contact with sick or dead birds or other animals. If you find multiple sick or dead birds, you should:
  • Avoid contact
  • Record what you see (by taking a photo or video of the animals and your location)
  • Report this to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24/7).
  • This can also be done through the online form.
• Getting your seasonal flu vaccination is strongly recommended. It reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill if you are exposed to both seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time.
• Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over and is available through GPs, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Health services and local councils.
• People working in close contact with poultry, sick birds or other animals should practise good hygiene and wear appropriate personal protective equipment Receiving a seasonal flu vaccine is particularly important for those that work with poultry or birds. Visit the Bird flu toolkit for people who work with birds for more information.

What to do if you are unwell and may have been exposed to H5N1 bird flu:

• Seek medical advice and tell your GP about any possible contact with a sick or dead bird.
• Wear a face mask and call ahead before attending your appointment so you can be seen separately from other patients if needed.
• H5N1 bird flu is diagnosed by testing swabs taken from the nose and throat. If you are diagnosed with H5N1 bird flu, you will need to isolate to stop it spreading.

For health professionals

• Healthcare professionals should consider avian influenza H5N1 in patients who present with influenza-like illness AND who have had contact with sick or dead birds or animals (either in Australia or overseas) in the 10 days before onset of symptoms.
• Animal-to-human transmission of H5N1 avian influenza is rare. Other respiratory viruses are more likely to be the cause of illness in people.
• If you suspect avian influenza in a patient
• Provide patient a surgical mask and isolate, preferably in a single room.

Testing

• Samples should be collected while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and in a negative pressure room if available. For the management of a suspected human case of avian influenza, this includes gloves, gown, protective eyewear and a P2 or N95 respirator.
  • Collect nasopharyngeal or nose and throat swab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and collect additional swabs based on symptoms (e.g. conjunctival swab for conjunctivitis).
  • Clearly specify that testing is for avian influenza, include relevant clinical and exposure information and mark the request as urgent.
  • Advise the patient to isolate at home until results become available.

Notification

• Medical practitioners and pathology services must notify any suspected or confirmed cases immediately to the department of health by calling 1300 651 160 (24/7) and connecting to the relevant Local Public Health Unit. Local Public Health Unit will advise on appropriate testing for avian influenza, if required.
• Recommend seasonal influenza vaccination for all patients aged 6 months and over
• The seasonal flu vaccine will minimise the risk that people become unwell with both seasonal and bird viruses at the same time. Local Public Health Units will follow up suspected cases and contacts.

Source: Government of Western Australia

A series of powerful video works will be on display at Wanneroo Regional Gallery from Wednesday 5 August to Saturday 3 October 2026.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is seeking public assistance to locate Mr Shakyle Simpson who is believed to be able to assist with an ongoing police investigation.

Mr Simpson is asked to please attend his nearest police station. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact police on 131 444. 

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Rental properties across regional and metropolitan Victoria have been inspected this week, as Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Renting Taskforce checks that advertised rental properties meet minimum standards.

Twenty-four inspectors have been attending open for inspections in Bendigo, the Latrobe Valley and Wangaratta. The taskforce has also been checking properties in Croydon, Dandenong, Maribyrnong and other suburbs in the south-east, west and inner north of Melbourne as part of a statewide inspection program.

Inspectors have been checking whether advertised rental properties meet Victoria’s minimum standards. They are also speaking with prospective renters about their rights under Victoria’s rental laws.

Under Victoria’s rental laws, it is an offence to advertise or offer a rental property that does not meet minimum standards. Where the taskforce identifies possible breaches, Consumer Affairs Victoria may take compliance or enforcement action.

The inspections are part of the taskforce’s work to improve compliance through proactive enforcement, early intervention and education.

The taskforce also identifies emerging issues in the rental market and works with industry to address them early. Recently, the taskforce worked with Reapit Group, which owns rental application platform 2Apply, to remove unlawful optional personal questions that could lead rental providers and agents to break the law.

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said the taskforce’s statewide checks were focused on making sure renters were treated fairly from the very start of the rental process.

“Minimum standards apply when a rental property is advertised, not only when a renter moves in,” Ms Rich said.

“Our taskforce is checking advertised properties and reminding rental providers and agents of their legal obligations at the point they enter the market.

“This work helps protect renters from being shown properties that simply don’t meet the basic standards of safety, security and amenity we would all expect in a home.

“It’s also a great opportunity to talk directly to renters, property managers and rental providers and support a better understanding of Victoria’s rental laws.”

Renters who see an advertised rental property that doesn’t meet minimum standards can report it anonymously.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Rental properties across regional and metropolitan Victoria have been inspected this week, as Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Renting Taskforce checks that advertised rental properties meet minimum standards.

Twenty-four inspectors have been attending open for inspections in Bendigo, the Latrobe Valley and Wangaratta. The taskforce has also been checking properties in Croydon, Dandenong, Maribyrnong and other suburbs in the south-east, west and inner north of Melbourne as part of a statewide inspection program.

Inspectors have been checking whether advertised rental properties meet Victoria’s minimum standards. They are also speaking with prospective renters about their rights under Victoria’s rental laws.

Under Victoria’s rental laws, it is an offence to advertise or offer a rental property that does not meet minimum standards. Where the taskforce identifies possible breaches, Consumer Affairs Victoria may take compliance or enforcement action.

The inspections are part of the taskforce’s work to improve compliance through proactive enforcement, early intervention and education.

The taskforce also identifies emerging issues in the rental market and works with industry to address them early. Recently, the taskforce worked with Reapit Group, which owns rental application platform 2Apply, to remove unlawful optional personal questions that could lead rental providers and agents to break the law.

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said the taskforce’s statewide checks were focused on making sure renters were treated fairly from the very start of the rental process.

“Minimum standards apply when a rental property is advertised, not only when a renter moves in,” Ms Rich said.

“Our taskforce is checking advertised properties and reminding rental providers and agents of their legal obligations at the point they enter the market.

“This work helps protect renters from being shown properties that simply don’t meet the basic standards of safety, security and amenity we would all expect in a home.

“It’s also a great opportunity to talk directly to renters, property managers and rental providers and support a better understanding of Victoria’s rental laws.”

Renters who see an advertised rental property that doesn’t meet minimum standards can report it anonymously.

Source: Tasmania Police

Kingston Police seize cash and illicit drugs

Friday, 31 July 2026 – 3:49 pm.

Police have seized cash and a mix of illicit drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, following the search of a private residence at Taroona.
Officers from Kingston Police, supported by Kingston CIB and the Dog Handlers Unit, conducted a targeted search of the property on Thursday afternoon.
During the search, police allege they found a significant quantity of drugs, some contained in sealed plastic bags.
Among the illicit drugs seized were cocaine, steroids, peptides, MDMA and methamphetamine, plus illicit plant products.
A 26-year-old Tasmanian man has been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and has been bailed to appear at a later date.
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information relating to illicit drug activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or you can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A stage collapse scenario replicating a real-world incident in Seymour last night has been deemed a success with hundreds of emergency personnel able to put their training into practice.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged following incident in Launceston CBD area

Friday, 31 July 2026 – 12:56 pm.

A 19-year-old man has been charged following an incident in the Launceston CBD yesterday afternoon. 
About 1.45pm, police responded to reports that a man was reportedly carrying a knife in the Brisbane Street area, and had left on a small motorcycle. 
Police coordinated an immediate response and located the man on Henry Street. He was safely taken into custody, and the knife allegedly in his possession was recovered. 
Police will allege the man confronted a youth on Brisbane Street, with the knife in his possession. The man and the boy are known to each other, and no physical injuries were reported. 
The 19-year-old man has been charged with several offences including being unlawfully armed in public, reckless driving, assault and possessing a controlled drug. He was detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court today.