Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia welcomes the agreement by the United States, Israel and Iran to a two-week ceasefire to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Australian Government has been calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict for some time now.

Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and oil and gas facilities, is causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and impacting oil and fuel prices.

We have been clear the longer the war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be, and the greater the human cost.

Australia has been working with international partners in support of diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so critical supplies can flow to those who need it, including the most vulnerable.

We thank and support the work of negotiators, including Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, in advancing de-escalation efforts.

Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict. 

We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to a suspicious death that occurred in the Avon Downs district on Sunday 5 April.

Around 5:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female had stopped breathing in the vicinity of Barkly Homestead on the Barkly Highway after a vehicle she was travelling in allegedly hit a kangaroo.

The 27-year-old female was located deceased at the scene. A 33-year-old male was subsequently arrested and remains in police custody. The pair are believed to have been in a domestic relationship.

It is alleged that between the hours of 1:30am and 5:30am on Sunday, a male and a female were in a dark-coloured Jeep Cherokee parked on the side of the road by the intersection of the Barkly and Tablelands Highways.

Police are seeking any information or dashcam footage from motorists who were in the area at that time.

It is believed that this male and female have used the vehicle to drive from Gympie, QLD through to Barkly Homestead, NT between the dates of 1 April and 5 April. They are believed to have passed through Ban Ban Springs, Emerald, Winton, Cloncurry, Mt Isa and Camooweal in QLD.

Anyone who has seen this vehicle and its occupants and has any information pertaining to them is encouraged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26099556.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

On Sunday 15 March, Cosgrove & Pine Lodge Fire Brigade members came together to acknowledge and celebrate 115 years of service to the community.

Members were joined by their families, friends, community members, CFA District 22 Assistant Chief Fire officer Rohan Taylor, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria District Chairperson Paul Verbeek, Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff Akers and Kim O’Keefe MP to acknowledge and celebrate 115 years of the brigade.

The brigade’s story began in February 1910 when there was first talk within the community to form a fire brigade at Pine Lodge. Momentum grew and by early December 1910 a meeting was held to formally establish the Cosgrove & Pine Lodge Bush Fire Brigade.

From those early days of knapsacks and beaters, through to today’s modern 4WD tankers and firefighting equipment, the brigade has proudly served and protected the community.

The brigade also awarded several service medals:

• Colin Jeffery 60 years
• John Mason 50 years
• Peter Jeffery 40 years
• Noel O’Sullivan 40 years
• Stef Close 25 years
• Darren Cook 15 years

The brigade also awarded their first Brigade Life Membership to Colin Jeffery which was presented to him by Paul Verbeek, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria District Chairperson. Colin has been a member for 60 years, has held various roles and is a former captain of the brigade. Colin is a well-respected and valued member of both the brigade and the community.

To acknowledge 115 years of the fire brigade a commemorative book was launched documenting the brigade’s history from those early days through to 2025.

“The brigade wouldn’t be here today without the countless people who have contributed over the years – in big ways and small,” Cosgrove & Pine Lodge Fire Brigade Captain Jason Watts said..

“Every effort, every hour volunteered, and every act of service has helped shape who we are today.

“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone, and for me personally it is a privilege to lead such a passionate and enthusiastic group of members. For a brigade of our size to reach 115 years is a magnificent achievement.”

Throughout the brigade’s history, members have fought fires both locally and beyond with many taking part in strike teams across Victoria and interstate. Most recently the brigade was deployed to the Longwood fires in January with members and the tanker committed for an extended period of time.

Submitted by	Jason Watts

Source: South Australia Police

South Australia Police (SAPOL) will open the doors to its state-of-the-art Gepps Cross facility for a community Open Day on Sunday, 19 April.

The family-friendly event will run across two sessions, from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm, with visitors able to register for hourly time slots.

The open day offers a rare look at the new home of Mounted Operations, Dog Operations and the Band of the South Australia Police.

Visitors can expect to see:

• Police dogs and horses
• Specialist vehicles, including STAR Operations’ BearCat
• Water Operations and Traffic vehicles, including a police motorbike, traffic vehicle, boat and jet ski
• Community engagement displays from Neighbourhood Watch, Recruiting, Police Legacy, the Police Historical Society and Retired Police Dogs of SA
• Performances by the Band of the South Australia Police

Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said the event is an opportunity to showcase the purpose-built facility and connect with the community.

“This is a great opportunity for South Australia Police to open up the new facility at Gepps Cross for the general public who are invited to visit mounted operations, dog operations and the band,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“The community will also be able to see some of our specialist equipment up close and find out about some of the great community programs we have to offer.

“Plus, if you’re interested in a career change, our recruiting team will be on site to talk about the benefits of joining SAPOL.”

The $93 million Gepps Cross precinct was developed to bring together key specialist units in a modern, purpose‑built environment.

Mounted Operations features 32 stables, paddocks and an undercover arena designed to support horse welfare and year-round training.

Dog Operations includes 15 kennels and specialist training areas, supporting teams that detect drugs, explosives and firearms, locate missing persons, and assist in suspect apprehension.

The Band of the South Australia Police, Australia’s oldest police band, continues its long-standing role in community engagement, performing at major state events and local community activities.

Entry to the event will be via the Briens Road entrance, with parking available at Roma Mitchell Secondary College and surrounding streets.

Patrons must present their online ticket upon arrival. You can secure ticket free of charge here

Visitors are advised the site covers roughly 1.2 kilometres and includes uneven, hilly terrain and a short walk to and from the parking areas. Please be prepared for this.  Due to operational requirements, there will be some restricted areas where attendees cannot go.

As the precinct is a designated protected place pursuant to Section 63B of the Police Act 1998, security measures (including metal detection) will be in place and attendees must comply with conditions of entry.

Prohibited items include alcohol, weapons, glass containers, fireworks, and other items that may pose a safety risk.

For the safety of all attendees and the security of the facility, attendees must comply with any reasonable direction given by a Police Officer or Police Security Officer.

Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and enclosed footwear.

Source: South Australia Police

Police arrested the driver of a stolen car at West Hindmarsh this morning.

Police were patrolling the Woodville area around 5.45am on Wednesday 8 April when they spotted a stolen Toyota sedan travelling on Woodville Road at Woodville South.

The Toyota had been reported stolen from a business in Hawker Street, Brompton yesterday, 7 April.

The patrol followed the stolen car until it could be safely intercepted at the intersection of Port Road and South Road, West Hindmarsh.  The driver was removed from the car while the vehicle was stationary at the red light.

An axe was allegedly found on the passenger seat of the stolen Toyota.

The driver, a 32-year-old Renown Park man, was arrested and charged with driving while disqualified, illegal use and carry offensive weapon.

He was bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 20 May.

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Source: South Australia Police

Two men have been arrested overnight after being caught trespassing on a construction site at Findon.

Police were called to a property on Crittendon Road just before midnight on Tuesday 7 April, after reports that two people were seen within the construction site.

Patrols established cordons and entered the site, where it will be alleged that two men were located inside the premises. One man surrendered immediately, while the second fled and concealed himself within the compound.

Police Dog Duke and his handler were deployed to search the site, locating the second man a short time later. He was arrested by PD Duke and taken to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during his arrest.

The 29-year-old from Seaton was charged with being unlawfully on premises and granted bail to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 7 May.

The 30-year-old from Adelaide was charged with being unlawfully on premises and breach of bail. He was refused police bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court when medically fit.

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Source: South Australia Police

Just before 11.30pm on Tuesday 7 April, police and emergency services were called to a single-vehicle crash on War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide.

A ute had left the road on War Memorial Drive, gone down an embankment and hit a tree on the northern bank of the river.  Luckily, the tree prevented the Ford Ranger from ending up in the River Torrens.

The driver, a 24-year-old Medindie man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

His ute was towed from the scene.

Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

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Source: South Australia Police

A driver escaped serious injury after crashing into a fence at Rosewater last night.

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo is inviting the community to come together at local Anzac Day Dawn services on Saturday 25 April. 

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will officially end at 1am on Monday 13 April in the following municipalities within CFA Districts 7, 15 and 16.

• City of Ballarat
• Hepburn Shire Council
• Moorabool Shire Council
• Northern Grampians Shire Council
• Pyrenees Shire Council
• Ararat Rural City Council
• Borough of Queenscliff
• City of Greater Geelong
• Golden Plains Shire Council
• Surf Coast Shire Council

As restrictions lift, CFA is urging residents to remain fire-aware, with dry autumn conditions and strong winds still capable of producing fast-moving grassfires.

CFA West Region Deputy Chief Officer Steve Alcock said improving conditions across the region have allowed for restrictions to ease.

“Cooler temperatures and some rainfall in parts of these districts have helped reduce the overall risk,” Steve said.

“While this allows landowners to clean up their properties and those in agriculture to carry out essential works, it’s important that people don’t become complacent.

“There is still dry vegetation across the landscape, and fires can spread quickly if they’re not properly managed.

“Conditions can change quickly on hot, dry and windy days, so it’s important to monitor the forecast and plan accordingly.”

Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to check the Fire Danger Period status in their destination and remain vigilant.

With the FDP ending in these areas, some landowners may choose to resume burn-offs. However, CFA District 7 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Wayne Aylmer said it is essential to ensure conditions are safe before proceeding.

“If you’re planning a burn-off, make sure you check local conditions, register it, and follow local council laws and regulations,” Wayne said.

“Registering your burn-off means that if smoke is reported, it can be quickly cross-checked, helping to avoid unnecessary callouts for CFA crews.”

To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, all burn-offs must be registered. If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response.

Burn-offs can be registered online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.

Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and anyone nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.

 Burn-off safety checklist 

• Check fire restrictions in your area and register your burn-off. 

• Monitor weather conditions, especially wind.  

• Notify neighbours to prevent unnecessary emergency calls. 

• Maintain a three-metre firebreak, clear of flammable materials. 

• Have enough equipment and water to contain the fire.  

• Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay until it is fully extinguished. 

• If your burn-off gets out of control, call 000 immediately. 

For tips on protecting your health from smoke, visit the EPA Victoria website. 

Submitted by	CFA media