30/10:16 WST Warning to Sheep Graziers for South West forecast district

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDW29000

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Western Australia

Warning to Sheep Graziers
for the South West forecast district

Issued at 10:16 am WST on Saturday 30 May 2026.

Sheep graziers are warned that showers and strong northwesterly winds are expected during Sunday. Areas likely to be affected include parts of the South West forecast district. There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.

The next warning will be issued by 5:00 pm WST Saturday.

29/14:58 WST Severe Weather Warning for Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal, South East Coastal, Great Southern, Central Wheat Belt and parts of Goldfields, Gascoyne and Eucla districts.

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDW21037
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal, South East Coastal, Great Southern, Central Wheat Belt and parts of Goldfields, Gascoyne and Eucla districts.

Issued at 2:58 pm Friday, 29 May 2026.

DAMAGING TO LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS TO AFFECT THE SOUTH WEST LAND DIVISION FROM SATURDAY EVENING.

Weather Situation: A strong cold front will sweep over western districts overnight on Saturday, bringing damaging to locally destructive wind gusts and periods of heavy rainfall. The front will first affect the Central West during Saturday evening, before extending southwards to parts of the Lower West and South West, including Perth, before sunrise early on Sunday morning. During Sunday, a deepening low pressure system approaches the southwest and will bring another burst of damaging to locally destructive winds to western and southern parts of the South West Land Division. By Monday the low pressure system is expected to move to the east and the risk of damaging winds extends to inland parts.

DAMAGING TO LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS in excess of 125 km/h are possible in showers and thunderstorms around the front moving over the Central West during late Saturday evening and the Lower West and South West, including Perth, before sunrise on Sunday morning.

Isolated DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 90 km/h are possible in showers and thunderstorms over western parts of the South West Land Division through the remainder of Sunday, before WIDESPREAD DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts to 110 km/h are likely to redevelop in the evening. LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS in excess of 125 km/h are again possible over an area southwest of a line from Lancelin to Albany, including Perth, during Sunday evening and Monday morning.

The risk of DAMAGING WINDS will extend to inland parts of the South West Land Division and southern Goldfields throughout Monday, but will ease about the west coast before midday.

Moderate to HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is also possible over the weekend in persistent showers and thunderstorms in western districts. This is most likely through the Central West district from late Saturday afternoon through to early Sunday morning, where six-hourly rainfall totals between 40 to 60 mm are likely.

The winds associated with the low pressure system during Sunday evening and Monday morning are expected to produce dangerous weather that is only seen once every 3 to 5 years in the southwest of WA.

A separate warning for DAMAGING SURF and ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES is also current for parts of the coast. For more details, refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Merredin, Moora, Mount Barker, Narrogin, Norseman, Northam and Perth.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
* Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
* Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
* If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
* Be careful of fallen power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
* Assess your home, car and property for damage.
* If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
* If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AWST Friday.

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and Department of Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

29/14:51 WST Coastal Hazard Warning for parts of Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal and South East Coastal districts.

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDW21137
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Coastal Hazard Warning

for ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES and DAMAGING SURF

For people in parts of Central West, Lower West, South West, South Coastal and South East Coastal districts.

Issued at 2:51 pm Friday, 29 May 2026.

Damaging surf and abnormally high tides for the southwest from Sunday morning

Weather Situation: A deepening low pressure system is forecast to approach the southwest during Sunday bringing strong to gale force westerly winds, elevated sea levels and large and powerful waves. The low pressure system is expected to move east during Monday with sea levels and waves remaining elevated until Monday afternoon.

ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES which may lead to sea water flooding of low-lying coastal areas are likely between Gregory and Cape Naturaliste. Tides are likely to rise well above the normal high tide mark during Sunday morning. Tides are also expected to rise well above the normal high tide mark for coastal areas between Jurien Bay and Israelite Bay during the Monday morning high tide.

DAMAGING SURF CONDITIONS which may lead to coastal erosion and localised damage to coastal infrastructure are possible between Gregory and Cape Naturaliste from the Sunday morning high tide. Wave heights are expected to significantly increase during Sunday with DAMAGING SURF CONDITIONS possible between Gregory and Cape Leeuwin through to Monday afternoon.

Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.

Locations which may be affected include Albany, Bunbury, Esperance, Geraldton, Mandurah, Margaret River and Perth.

A separate warning for DAMAGING, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL is also current. For more details, refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises:
* If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Keep away from coastal areas including beaches, tidal rivers, creeks, cliff areas and sand dunes.
* Beach closures may be in place. Follow the advice of local authorities.
* Keep away from flooded drains.
* Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
* If you live in the risk area, be prepared to relocate to a safer place.
* Move furniture and other items up high to avoid water damage.
* Have an evacuation kit ready including medicines, important documents, pet supplies and clothing.
* In a life threatening situation call 000.
* If your home or property has significant damage, like flooding, call the SES on 132 500.

The next Coastal Hazard Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AWST Friday.

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and Department of Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Clinican Alert: Outbreak of Ebola Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

Source: Government of Victoria 3

Key messages

  • There is a current outbreak of Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
  • The risk of importation of Ebola disease to Australia is very low.
  • Clinicians should consider Ebola disease in:
    • Patients with fever (>38C) AND
    • History of travel to an endemic area or an outbreak area OR contact with someone with Ebola disease or their blood, other bodily fluids or organs within 21 days of illness onset
  • If you suspect Ebola disease, place the patient immediately in a single room with infection control precautions and seek urgent advice from an infectious diseases specialist.
  • Suspected or confirmed Ebola disease must be notified immediately to Local Public Health Units by calling 1300 651 160.
  • If contacted by a patient and assessed as at risk of Ebola disease, seek urgent advice from an infectious diseases specialist and immediately notify the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160
  • Refer to the Victorian Guidelines for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers for Health Services for further guidance on case investigation and management.

What is the issue?

A major outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus has been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola disease outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026.

The risk of Ebola disease importation to Australia is low. Returned travellers from affected areas with fever are more likely to have other diagnoses, particularly malaria.

As of 27 May 2026, the DRC has reported 1077 suspected cases, 246 suspected deaths, 121 confirmed cases and 17 confirmed deaths. Uganda has reported 7 confirmed cases with 1 confirmed death. In the DRC, cases have been confirmed across Ituri, Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivi provinces. For current information on the outbreak, visit the WHO webpage: Ebola outbreak – DRC 2026.

There are no specific vaccines or treatments available for Bundibugyo virus. Treatment is supportive.

Who is at risk?

As of 29 May 2026, the Current Outbreak Areas are the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Neighbouring countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo are also considered at high risk for further spread. People who live in or travel to Ebola disease affected areas are at risk.

Ebola virus can spread from person-to-person through:

  • contact with the blood, bodily fluids (such as stools, vomit, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk or semen) or organs of a person with Ebola disease (living or deceased)
  • contact with objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with infectious bodily fluids.

Hospital workers, laboratory workers, family members and carers of someone with Ebola disease are at greatest risk of infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Ebola disease can develop 2 to 21 days after exposure. In the early stages of disease, symptoms may include:

  • fever
  • muscle and joint pain
  • headache
  • sore throat
  • weakness.

These may be followed by:

  • vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • abdominal pain
  • rash
  • kidney and liver functions can also be reduced.

Some cases develop internal and external bleeding, and may progress to multi-organ failure and death.

Recommendations for Health Professionals

  • As of 29 May 2026, the Current Outbreak Areas are the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
  • Consider Ebola Disease in:
    • patients with fever (>38C) AND
    • history of travel to an endemic area or an outbreak area OR contact with someone with Ebola disease or their blood, other bodily fluids or organs within 21 days of illness onset.
  • Consider alternative diagnoses. Patients returning from affected areas with fever are more likely to have other diagnoses, particularly malaria.
  • If Ebola Disease is suspected:
    • place the patient in a single negative pressure ventilation room with own bathroom (if available).
    • implement standard, contact and airborne precautions, including appropriate personal protective equipment.
    • seek urgent advice from an infectious disease specialist.
    • immediately notify the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160.
    • defer pathology specimen collection until further advice from an infectious diseases specialist and/or Local Public Health Unit.
  • If contacted by a patient and assessed as at risk of Ebola disease, seek urgent advice from an infectious diseases specialist and immediately notify the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160.
  • Testing for Ebola virus is conducted at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory and must be approved by the Department of Health.
  • For more guidance on Ebola disease management, including testing and infection prevention and control measures, refer to the Victorian Guidelines for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers for Health Services.

UPDATE: Concern for welfare – East Arnhem Land

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force continue to hold concerns for the welfare of 31-year-old Marius who has been missing in East Arnhem Land for a week.

The search has involved NTPF Search and Rescue members, local Police, NTES, NTFRS, Dhimurru Rangers, Yirralka Rangers, NORFORCE and Nautilus Helicopters, as well as drone-in-a-box systems which have been remotely piloted from Darwin.

While police have not yet found any evidence that indicates the whereabouts of Marius, the search is persistent and four helicopters are in the air today scanning an area of about 1500sqm.

Police are particularly interested in anyone who saw the vehicle Marius was believed to be driving in on the day of his disappearance.

The vehicle was a Blue Toyota Hilux Dual Cab with the registration CG10EZ.

The vehicle has since been recovered abandoned on the Central Arnhem Highway.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Northern Territory Police Force on 131 444 or visit your local station. Please quote reference NTP2600049591.

29/14:50 EST Initial Minor Flood Warning for the Wallis Lake

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDN36638

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Initial Minor Flood Warning for the Wallis Lake

at Tuncurry

Issued at 2:48 pm AEST on Friday 29 May 2026

Flood Warning Number: 1

MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT TUNCURRY FRIDAY EVENING ON THE HIGH TIDE

Moderate to locally heavy rainfall recorded in the Wallis Lake catchment since Thursday afternoon has caused river level rises along the Wallamba River at Nabiac and Wang Wauk River at Willina. The combined flows from the Wallamba and Wang Wauk Rivers may result in minor flooding in Wallis Lake at Tuncurry Friday evening, on the high tide.

Further rainfall is forecast for the remainder of Friday, which may lead to additional river and lake level rises.

Wallis Lake:

Minor flooding possible in Wallis Lake at Tuncurry.

The Wallis Lake at Tuncurry (Point Rd) is currently at 0.26 m and steady, below the minor flood level. The Wallis Lake at Tuncurry (Point Rd) may reach around the minor flood level (0.90 m) Friday evening, on the high tide.

Safety Advice:

  • Don’t drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
  • Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
  • Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don’t drive on flooded roads.
  • Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
  • For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next Issue:

The next warning will be issued by 10:30 AM AEST on Saturday 30 May 2026.

Latest River Heights:

Location River Height Tendency Time of Observation
Wallamba River at Nabiac 7.71 mAHD Rising 2:30 pm Fri 29/05/26
Wang Wauk River at Willina 3.98 m Rising 2:38 pm Fri 29/05/26
Wallis Lake at Tuncurry (Point Rd) 0.26 m Steady 2:40 pm Fri 29/05/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.

Backing allied health workforce to boost regional care

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Published:
Friday 29 May 2026 at 12:16 pm

The Victorian Government has announced $4.4 million to continue the Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Student (SPOTS) Grants Program for a further 2 years, through to 2028.

The program will provide more than 250 grants of up to $15,000 each to support students beginning their careers in regional Victoria.

Students can apply before graduating and use the funding to help cover the costs of relocating and starting work in regional areas, making it easier to take up these roles.

The program has demonstrated strong demand, with the first three rounds fully subscribed and all 442 grants awarded.

Continuing the program will support more people in regional Victoria to access speech pathology and occupational therapy services.

Speech pathologists support people with communication and swallowing difficulties, while occupational therapists assist people to participate in daily activities including self-care, work, learning and social connection.

The next round of grants will open in October 2026, with funding to be allocated in early 2027.

For more information, see Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Student Grant Program on the Vic Gov website.

Updated

Charges – Police targeted – Palmerston

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Territory Road Policing (TRP) have arrested and charged a 35-year-old man after an incident where police were targeted at a Random Breath Testing (RBT) station in Palmerston last week. 

Around 3:40pm on Friday, 22 May, Territory Road Policing members were conducting an RBT on Temple Terrace.

A Toyota Landcruiser was directed into the RBT but it refused to stop and allegedly drove through the RBT narrowly missing two TRP members. No injuries were reported.

The alleged offender has now been arrested and charged with Recklessly endanger serious harm, Drive manner dangerous and numerous traffic offences. He has been bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on Monday 8 June 2026.

Superintendent Rick Magree said police would not tolerate such dangerous and unacceptable behaviour.

“We are appalled by the recklessness of this individual who targeted police officers doing their job.

“The deliberate targeting of our hardworking officers is absolutely abhorrent and we will not stand for it.”

29/13:43 EST Initial Minor Flood Warning for the Myall River

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDN36652

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Initial Minor Flood Warning for the Myall River

at Bulahdelah

Issued at 1:41 pm AEST on Friday 29 May 2026

Flood Warning Number: 1

MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT BULAHDELAH FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Moderate to locally heavy rainfall recorded in the Myall catchment since Thursday afternoon has caused river level rises at Bulahdelah and upstream. Further rainfall is forecast for the remainder of Friday, which may lead to additional river level rises. Minor flooding may develop along the Myall River at Bulahdelah Friday afternoon.

Myall River:

Minor flooding is possible along the Myall River at Bulahdelah.

The Myall River at Bulahdelah is currently at 2.23 m AHD and rising, below the minor flood level. The Myall River at Bulahdelah may reach around the minor flood level (3.00 m AHD) Friday afternoon.

Safety Advice:

  • Don’t drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
  • Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
  • Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don’t drive on flooded roads.
  • Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
  • For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next Issue:

The next warning will be issued by 06:00 PM AEST on Friday 29 May 2026.

Latest River Heights:

Location River Height Tendency Time of Observation
Myall River at Markwell 5.29 m Rising 1:28 pm Fri 29/05/26
Myall River at Bulahdelah 2.33 mAHD Rising 1:15 pm Fri 29/05/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.

Is your smoke alarm close enough to wake you?

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Incident photo

CFA and FRV are joining fire services across Australia for Smoke Alarm Action Day on 1 June, urging Victorians to test their smoke alarms and check they are correctly installed and in working order.

This year, CFA and FRV are asking households to go a step further and consider whether their smoke alarms provide enough warning if a fire starts while someone is asleep. 

Fire investigation data shows sleeping areas are the most common points of ignition in residential fires that result in serious injury or death. 

A recent fire in Mooroolbark has highlighted why smoke alarm placement matters, after an unattended candle ignited a fire in an upstairs bedroom while an occupant was sleeping. 

CFA crews were called to the home about 3am on 15 May, with the resident waking to find the bedroom already well alight, before managing to escape unharmed. 

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the room of origin, preventing it from spreading further through the home. The bedroom sustained significant damage. 

CFA Incident Controller Kyle Willsher said the resident was fortunate to wake when they did. 

“Crews were called about 3am and, thankfully, everyone was already out of the house when we arrived,” Kyle said. 

“There were smoke alarms operating elsewhere in the home, but there was no alarm in the bedroom where the fire started. 

“This is a reminder that smoke alarms need to be close enough to wake you, especially if a fire starts while you are sleeping. 

“Candles should never be left unattended, and they should always be extinguished before leaving a room or going to sleep.” 

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said the incident showed why Victorians should not assume one smoke alarm is enough. 

“If a fire starts while you are asleep, every second counts,” Garry said. 

“Smoke alarms should be installed in bedrooms, living areas and hallways. 

“Interconnected smoke alarms provide the best protection because when one alarm activates, all smoke alarms in the home sound. 

“Use Smoke Alarm Action Day to test your alarms, check where they are installed and talk to your family about your home fire escape plan.” 

Acting Fire Rescue Commissioner Joshua Fischer said that working smoke alarms are essential for home fire safety. 

“In an emergency such as a house fire, seconds can make all the difference. Working smoke alarms give you the best chance to get out safely and call Triple Zero (000),” he said. 

“That means every household must have working smoke alarms that are tested regularly and replaced if they are more than 10 years old. It is also recommended to install additional smoke alarms where they will wake you — including inside bedrooms and living areas — to give you the best chance of escape if a fire occurs. 

“As we head into winter, Victorians should also reduce fire risks around the home by keeping flammable items away from heaters, never leaving candles unattended and turning off electrical appliances before going to sleep.” 

CFA and FRV are urging Victorians to: 

  • Test smoke alarms monthly  
  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway  
  • Interconnect smoke alarms where possible  
  • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years  
  • Keep clothing, bedding and curtains at least one metre from heaters  
  • Never leave candles, cooking or heaters unattended  
  • Make and practise a home fire escape plan 
Submitted by CFA Media