Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

BLANCHETOWN

Issued on
29 Dec 2025 12:46

Blanchetown

The CFS is continuing to respond to a scrub fire 11km south of Blanchetown in the Riverland.

CFS volunteers worked overnight to contain and extinguish hot spots, having successfully halted the spread and preventing it from impacting surrounding scrub and neighboring properties.

Department for Environment and Water personnel are on the fireground today, working to extinguish any hot spots and strengthen control lines. Firefighters will also be supported by aircraft throughout the afternoon on Monday 29 December. Due to increased tourism along the river corridor, river users are urged to stay vigilant if in the area.

Crews will remain on scene until the area is deemed safe and will continue to monitor, with the heightened fire weather predicted over the coming days.

The fire has burnt approximately 4 hectares of native vegetation, including large river red gums.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and will be investigated.

This fire does not currently pose a risk to the community, however smoke may be visible around the area. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.
.

Message ID 0008872

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force has arrested and charged a 41-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence aggravated assault that occurred in Palmerston yesterday.

At around 4:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of an aggravated assault on Palmerston Circuit in Palmerston City. It is alleged an adult female had been assaulted by a male known to her with a broken glass bottle, resulting in a laceration to her arm.

Members of the public aided the victim and contacted police. Emergency services responded and the victim was conveyed to hospital for treatment.

The 41-year-old offender was arrested and has since been charged with Aggravated assault, Engage in conduct that contravenes DVO and Armed with an offensive weapon. He was remanded in custody to appear in court today.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

Field Day music festival will host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
Field Day will be the ninth festival to participate in the 12-month trial, with the festival taking place on Thursday 1 January 2026 at The Domain in Sydney.
The free and anonymous drug checking service allows festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons are provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers are available on site to provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support and information about additional support services.
While illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the service is intended to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm but is not a guarantee of safety.
“This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks,” Dr Chant said.
“Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
NSW Health is working closely with Field Day festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial. 
“We welcome the opportunity to host onsite drug checking at Field Day 2026. As a festival that has been running for decades, harm minimisation and safety is at the heart of everything we do,” a spokesperson for Field Day music festival said.
“To be amongst the first nine festivals in NSW to offer this to our festival goers is a great step toward state-wide harm minimisation practices with proven results across the globe. 
“We’re grateful to the volunteers and NSW Health for making this a reality at Field Day.”
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February next year when it will be independently evaluated.
The trial comes after the NSW Government’s Drug Summit concluded in December 2024. The Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provided a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
Further information can be found at NSW drug checking trial.
More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on Your Room.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged a 30-year-old female in relation to a series of thefts that occurred at a hospital in Alice Springs over the period of a year.

Between November 2024 and December 2025, it is alleged the 30-year-old attended the Alice Springs Hospital and stole personal belonging of elderly victims recovering from serious surgical and medical interventions. One victim passed away shortly after the offending occurred.

The offender was not known to the victims.

On Saturday 27 December 2025, members from Strike Force Viper attended the Alice Springs Hospital and arrested the 30-year-old female. She has since been charged with:

• 7 x Theft
• 13 x Obtain benefit by deception
• 1 x Obtain benefit by deception (attempt)
• 1 x Possess cannabis

She has been remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.

Acting Superintendent Deanne Ward said, “This is horrible offending that targeted the most vulnerable members of our community.

“Police have been investigating this for a number of days, and we believe there are more victims.

“We urge anyone who has had property stolen during a visit to the hospital, particularly in recent days, to make a police report via 131 444 or by attending their local police station.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Police detect motorists speeding and driving under the influence across north west

Monday, 29 December 2025 – 10:33 am.

Police are urging motorists to reset their behaviours and be safe on the roads after multiple drivers were detected speeding and under the influence of alcohol and drugs across the north-west.
“Concerningly, police have intercepted a disappointing number of motorists speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs across the north-west coast over the past few days,” said Acting Inspector Luke Negri.
“We know that speeding is a contributing factor to fatal and serious crashes on our roads, and it’s concerning that police on the north-west detected two excessive speeders on Saturday, 51 drivers speeding on Boxing Day, and a further 96 drivers speeding on Saturday and Sunday.”

On Saturday, a 35-year-old man was detected travelling at 109km/h in a 50km/h zone on Peters Street at Tullah; exceeding the speed limit by 59km/h. He was issued a fine of $1,178.75, six demerit points, and a four-month licence disqualification.
On Saturday, a 19-year-old man was detected travelling at 150km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Ridgley Highway at Ridgley; exceeding the speed limit by 50km/h. He was also not displaying his P-plates as required. He received fines totalling $1,281.00, eight demerit points, and a four month disqualification.

“We have seen a devastating number of deaths on our roads this year, and it’s confronting but we need to be clear to any motorist considering speeding – a fast drive may be your last drive,” said Acting Inspector Negri.
“As Operation Safe Arrival continues, we need motorists to remember that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs puts you at risk of crashing and killing or injuring yourself or someone else.”
“It’s concerning that police across the north west detected five motorists driving with illicit drugs present in their systems, and several drivers under the influence of alcohol including two high range detections.”

a 37-year-old man from Latrobe returned a reading of .207; more than four times the legal limit. He was issued an immediate 12-month disqualification.
a 51-year-old woman from Ridgley returned a reading of.245; nearly more than five times the legal limit. She was issued an immediate 12-month disqualification.

“Police will continue to target dangerous driving behaviours that contribute to serious and fatal crashes, and we need motorists to help us by being safe on the roads.”
“Drink and drug driving, and speeding is a conscious choice and one that significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death.”
“Drivers are urged to slow down, obey speed limits, and help keep Tasmanian roads safe for everyone.”
Anyone with information about dangerous driving is urged to contact police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

MENINGIE EAST

Issued on
29 Dec 2025 10:20

Meningie East

The CFS continues to respond to a fire burning in crop and scrub approximately 21km north-east of Meningie in the Coorong.

Approximately 20 CFS volunteers on 6 trucks are currently working to extinguish hotspots and strengthen control lines. Heavy machinery has established a containment line around the fire, which has been burning in inaccessible terrain. Crews have contained the fire, preventing it from spreading into surrounding scrub and are being supported by Farm Fire Units.

Firefighters will remain on scene until the area is deemed safe and will continue to monitor, with heightened fire weather predicted over the coming days.

The fire started at 2:30pm on Sunday 29 December, and has burned approximately 64 hectares.

The cause of the fire has been determined as originating from farm machinery.

These fires do not currently pose a risk to the community, however smoke may be visible throughout the area. Roads are currently open around this incident; however, this may change at short notice. Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.

Message ID 0008869

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA’s Property Advice Visit Service (PAVS) is a free initiative that connects trained CFA members with households at risk of fire.

Through tailored in-person visits to properties, CFA members help residents understand their local fire risk and offer practical, property-specific advice to improve preparedness. 

The aims of PAVS are to: 

• raise awareness of bushfire risk at the property
• encourage residents to take action to reduce their risk
• support informed planning and decision-making
• build trust and connection between CFA and the community
• refer residents to where they can seek further information.

Visits can be initiated by community members wanting advice, or by CFA members who target at-risk properties.

CFA members use the following ways to reach residents to promote the service in their local area:

• Use local events to promote PAVS.
• Share flyers or postcards through letterbox drops.
• Post on brigade or community social media sites.
• Advertise in local newspapers and newsletters.
• Offer PAVS to new residents or during community campaigns.
• Promote the service in new resident kits.
• Use existing community networks (for example, sports teams, local Landcare groups or Neighbourhood House).

During a visit

Visits can vary depending on the property. Following the Property Assessment Form, CFA members walk around the property with residents to help them understand how to improve access for emergency services, vegetation planning, design and planting, as well highlighting various actions to prepare their property. The visit is recorded in Survey123 and supported by the PAVS pack, which includes printed resources to prompt a bushfire planning discussion. 

The purpose of the visit isn’t to advise on technical details. Instead, it’s focused on generating conversations between residents and brigade members about practical ways to reduce fire risk and improve preparedness.

Benefits for community and brigades

Many factors, such as limited time, low awareness, lack of concern, or mobility challenges, can prevent community members from attending preparedness sessions or taking action. PAVS helps break down these barriers by meeting residents at their homes, at a time that works for them, and tailoring the conversation to their unique circumstances. This personalised approach can lead to stronger engagement and improved fire preparedness outcomes.

PAVS takes a strength-based and person-centred approach which means recognising individuals as experts in their own life. It’s not about doing things for them but about helping them understand their risk and pointing them to tools and services that can help. By taking a person-centred approach, CFA members provide the information and encouragement residents need to support their own decision-making.

One of the most important benefits for CFA is that PAVS sessions can strengthen community connections. During the PAVS visit, brigades can also collect information to help them in operational readiness such as water points, property identification, access and egress, landscape risk, and residents at higher risk. 

Strengthening PAVS evaluation

To ensure PAVS continues to deliver a meaningful impact, CFA is enhancing how we evaluate the program to help us understand what’s working, where improvements are needed and how PAVS contributes to community safety. Evaluation is more than just measurement – it’s about learning. It helps us reflect on what’s effective, what’s not and how we can evolve the program to better support communities in bushfire-prone areas.

The project team has been visiting regional areas to engage with brigades, watch PAVS in action and gather insights from those delivering the program on the ground. These real-world perspectives are essential to help us shape a more robust and responsive evaluation framework.

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

BLANCHETOWN

Issued on
29 Dec 2025 00:57

Incident Update

The CFS is responding to scrub fire, 11km south of Blanchetown in the Riverland.

CFS volunteers on 7 trucks are on scene working to extinguish the fire. Crew will remain on scene overnight and into the coming days to ensure the fire is contained and will be supported by the Department of Environment and Water personnel.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions..

Message ID 0008865

Source: Tasmania Police

Fatal glider crash at Tunbridge

Sunday, 28 December 2025 – 5:34 pm.

Police and emergency services attended a glider crash at Tunbridge, in Tasmania’s Southern Midlands, earlier today.
The single glider crash happened at a private airfield located on Tunbridge Tier Road, Tunbridge, shortly before 2pm.
Sadly, police can confirm a Tasmanian woman aged in her early 50s died from injuries sustained in the crash.
A second person, a Tasmanian man aged in his mid-60s who was pilot of the two-seater glider, sustained serious injuries.
He was transported from the airfield to Royal Hobart Hospital by helicopter.
Tasmania Police Inspector Aleena Crack said the man and woman were part of a group, which included the woman’s husband, who were at the airfield on Sunday.
“Police can confirm there has been a fatal crash involving a glider at Tunbridge and that sadly, the female victim was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Inspector Crack said.
“There was a larger group of people at the airfield at the time, and this is obviously a tragic outcome for these families and friends.”
The cause of the crash is under investigation and emergency services crews remain at the scene.

Source: NGARKAT HIGHWAY, NGARKAT (Grass Fire)

A sculpture from the National Gallery of Australia’s Sculpture Garden will be displayed on long term loan at the Museum of Art and Culture yapang (MAC yapang) in Lake Macquarie thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.

The large abstract work I Am, 2016 is by internationally recognised contemporary artist Andrew Rogers.

The work will move from beside Lake Burley Griffin to adorn the shores of Lake Macquarie where it will stand in MAC yapang’s renewed sculpture park in early 2026.

Examples of Rogers’ stunning work can be found across the globe in various locations from Zhengzhou public art project in China, University of California, Davis in the United States and recently in the centre of the Canberra International Airport.  

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the loan would draw new crowds to the host gallery’s fresh sculpture park.

“The national collection belongs to the entire nation, not just to Canberra.

“At any point 98 per cent of our national collection is held in storage. Over a million people have now had the chance to see a part of the national collection – that’s usually hidden – because of the Sharing the National Collection program.”

Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP said the program is benefiting communities like his.

“This is world class art landing right here in Lake Macquarie.

“It’s great to see the national collection being shared with communities like ours, where it’ll inspire locals, attract visitors and become part of the landscape. It’s a big win for the Hunter.”

Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the loan gave a new audience the chance to experience the sculpture.

“This partnership marks a new chapter in the story of Andrew Rogers’ sculpture, where it recently overlooked Lake Burley Griffin as part of the National Gallery Sculpture Garden, it will soon sit on the banks of Lake Macquarie in Booragul, New South Wales on long term loan.”

“Gifted to the National Gallery from the artist in 2018 through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, it is exciting we can now share this work with more Australians beyond the capital thanks to the Sharing the National Collection program.”

MAC yapang’s Director, Jasmine Kean said it was a win for the community.

“This loan of such a significant work from the national collection with its delicately balanced form will overlook Lake Macquarie; its ripples and tightly curling and unfurling form will nestle into the space and reflect on the movement of the lake.

“It will inspire our community and visitors who will have the pleasure of coming into close contact – we thank the National Gallery for this opportunity to share.”

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s national cultural policy. The program has provided $11.8m over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen right across the country. 

Regional and suburban galleries can register their interest in the loan program here.

Images and their correct attributions can be found here.