Two men charged with attempted murder

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two men charged with attempted murder

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 1:10 pm.

Police have charged two men with attempted murder following ongoing investigations into an isolated incident in Herdsmans Cove in January.
A man received head and neck injuries after allegedly being shot on Calvert Crescent shortly before 5pm on Saturday, 18 January.
A 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were charged with drug and serious firearms offences following a search of a Herdsmans Cove address in February.
Investigations have continued, and the same men were arrested today after detectives and specialist police executed search warrants at addresses in Herdmans Cove.
They have both been charged with attempted murder and firearms offences and are expected to appear in court today.
Police will allege those involved are known to each other, and that the incident was targeted.

Top five things to do at Nara Candle Festival

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

See 2,000 candles light up Canberra Nara Peace Park. Image: VisitCanberra.

In brief:

  • The Canberra Nara Candle Festival is back this month.
  • The festival is on 25 October at the Canberra Nara Peace Park in Lennox Gardens.
  • This article lists Canberra Nara Candle Festival highlights.

The Canberra Nara Candle Festival is back this month.

The festival showcases Japanese culture and celebrates Canberra’s sister city relationship with Nara, Japan.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, visitors can experience Japanese culture through food, entertainment and hands-on activities and demonstrations. These accompany the main candle-lighting event at 7pm.

Key details

This family-friendly event is free to enter.

It will be held from 4 pm–9 pm, Saturday 25 October at the Canberra Nara Peace Park in Lennox Gardens.

Here are some event highlights:

See Nara Peace Park glow in candlelight

Don’t miss the beautiful display of 2,000 shimmering candles in the Canberra Nara Peace Park.

  • Time: 7 pm (after the official ceremony)
  • Location: main stage.

This annual event is inspired by Japan’s much larger candle festival, known as the Nara ‘Tokae’.

Tens of thousands of candles are lit each October in Nara’s parks and world heritage sites.

The festival name comes from the Japanese word ‘to-ka’, describing a shape resembling flower petals which sometimes forms around the wick when a candle is lit. This occurrence is believed to represent good fortune.

Ring the Rotary Peace Bell

Canberra Nara Peace Park is home to the Rotary Peace Bell – a symbol of peace and goodwill.

Festival attendees are invited take their turn striking the bell.

The Peace Bell expresses the goodwill between citizens of Canberra, our sister city Nara, and the rest of the world.

Rotary Club volunteers will be available to answer questions about the Canberra-Nara relationship.

Event details:

  • Time: 4 pm–9 pm.

Celebrate Japanese pop culture through Cosplay

Cosplay (costume play) is a significant aspect of pop culture in Japan.

Canberrans are invited to enter a Cosplay competition at this year’s festival.

Dress up as a character from your favourite tv show, movie, video game, manga or anime and you could win one of three awards.

Details:

  • Registration closes: 4:15 pm, 25 October
  • Event starts: 5:15 pm
  • Award ceremony: 6 pm–6:15 pm.

Register for the competition on the Events Canberra website.

Indulge in Japanese food and drink

What’s a better way to experience culture than indulging in traditional food?

There will be a variety of delicious Japanese food and drink on offer.

Vendors include:

  • Fuji Japanese Bakery
  • Taiyaki Cakes and Ninja Sausages
  • Doton
  • Australia Japan Society ACT – Japanese Food & Drinks.

There will also be other international cuisine on offer. See the full list of food on the festival web page.

Enjoy an exciting cultural performance by Nara students

There will be a range of exciting entertainment on offer at this year’s festival.

One not to miss is the performance by Nara University High School students.

The school has performed at the Canberra Nara Candle Festival annually since 2005.

The students have planned and choreographed this year’s performance, inspired by the contrast of ancient Japanese traditions and modern J-pop.

Details:

  • Performance time: 4:40 pm–5:00 pm
  • Location: main stage.

For more details on these events, or for the full festival program, visit the Events Canberra website.

Getting there

If driving, the nearest public carparks within the National Triangle include:

  • Langton Crescent Car Park
  • Treasury Car Park
  • National Library Car Park
  • Questacon Car Park.

A free shuttle bus will run from 3:40 pm–9:30 pm, servicing three stops:

  • National Library
  • Langton Crescent, Parkes
  • Lennox Gardens.

More information on transport and shuttle routes is available on the Events Canberra website.

For public transport details visit the Transport Canberra website.


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Search for missing walker, Mt Field National Park (update)

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search for missing walker, Mt Field National Park (update)

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 12:49 pm.

Search and Rescue teams are facing challenging conditions, including icy wind gusts and deep snow, as they continue to search for a missing walker in Mt Field National Park.
The search effort is being focused on the Tarn Shelf area, where knee to waist-high snow is being encountered in some areas.
Tasmanian man Daryl Fong, 30, was on a day hike in the Mt Field area at the weekend but his last known contact was about 3am on Sunday when he texted a friend, advising that he intended to seek shelter and camp in the park overnight.
A search has been under way since late Monday, when the alarm was raised.
Additional resources were deployed this morning, involving Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers, SES search and rescue volunteers, two Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics and the Westpac Rescue helicopter crew.
Police have released a photograph of Mr Fong as part of a call for information to anyone who may have seen him at the weekend, or since.
Mr Fong is believed to be wearing clothing similar to the image released.
Anyone with information about Mr Fong’s movements at Mt Field, or who may have seen him in the national park, is asked to contact Bridgewater Police on 6173 2010.

Inaugural Keith Smith Community Policing Award recipient announced

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Inaugural Keith Smith Community Policing Award recipient announced

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 12:33 pm.

A Northern Tasmanian police officer with more than 38 years’ service has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the Keith Smith Community Policing Award.Announcing the award in Launceston today, Commissioner Donna Adams said that Senior Constable Annabel Shegog was selected unanimously by a panel after receiving multiple nominations from community members and within Tasmania Police.“Tragically one of our own, Constable Keith Smith, was killed in the line of duty in the state’s north west in June this year,” Commissioner Adams said.“Keith was a well-respected and dedicated police officer who was committed to providing meaningful support to individuals while building lasting relationships founded on trust and service“As a fitting tribute to Keith, the inaugural Keith Smith Community Policing Award honours those who go beyond traditional policing by building trust, fostering partnerships, and improving the social cohesion of their communities.”Commissioner Adams said that with more than 38 years’ service with Tasmania Police, Senior Constable Shegog is a trusted and familiar face in Northern Tasmania.“Nominations outlined numerous examples of how Senior Constable Shegog’s dedication to community policing has helped build safer, more connected neighbourhoods in the north of the state, and consistently makes a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.“Senior Constable Shegog is known for her genuine care, cultural awareness, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.“Whether she’s supporting newly arrived refugee families, chatting with seniors at a Crime Stoppers event, or speaking to students about online safety and respectful relationships, she brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility to every interaction.“A regular at schools, community events, and local initiatives like ‘Cuppa with a Cop,’ Senior Constable Shegog often gives her time outside of work hours to make sure people feel heard and supported.“Her work with Neighbourhood Watch, multicultural organisations, and service clubs like Lions and Rotary has helped bridge gaps and build lasting trust between Tasmania Police and the community.”Commissioner Adams said that Senior Constable Shegog’s approach is all about prevention, inclusion, and respect.“She leads by example, and her quiet strength, kindness and integrity have earned her the respect of colleagues and community leaders alike,” she said.“Her service to the community reflects the compassion, service, and trust that Constable Smith embodied throughout his 25-year career, and demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community policing.Nominations for the Award came from members of the Tasmanian community as well as within Tasmania Police. The Award was open to currently-serving police officers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to community-focused policing and engagement and whose service to the community reflects the compassion and trust that Constable Smith embodied throughout his 25-year career.The panel members were Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman, Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood, Community Engagement Commander Jo Stolp, and Northern District Commander Marco Ghedini.For more information about the award visit https://www.police.tas.gov.au/about-us/keith-smith-community-policing-award/

Tiny toys, big missions: Knee High Spies launches on ABC this November

Source: AMP Limited

14 10 2025 – Media release

Knee High Spies
Kids, assemble! The ABC and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce a brand new action-comedy series for preschoolers, Knee High Spies, will launch on Monday 10 November at 5.55pm on ABC Kids and iview.
In this captivating series, a brave team of toy spies embarks on epic missions to save their beloved human family from the mischievous pet guinea pig Silver Paw (voiced by Ali McGregor).
Join teddy bear Jeremy Buttons, toy dinosaur Deena, piece of goo Squash and tech turtle Moss as they race against the clock to thwart Silver Paw’s rotten schemes. Can they stop her from sabotaging a sleepover, mounting a toy train heist or turning the kids’ playhouse into her new evil lair?
The award-winning team at Werner Film Productions (Dance Academy) and internationally acclaimed creator Tim Bain (Kangaroo Beach), are joined by Emmy Award winning director Jack Jameson (Sesame Street). This series brings together an incredible mix of puppetry, VFX and live action performances that is unlike anything ever seen before.
Knee High Spies is chockfull of fast-paced action, exciting rescues and interactive puzzles to solve with the help of the audience. Let’s get cracking!
Always free and Always entertaining, watch all of your favourite children’s series on ABC iview now.
Production credit: Knee High Spies is a Werner Films production for the ABC. Major production funding from Screen Australia, the ABC and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). Financed in association with VicScreen. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Developed with assistance of the ABC and the ACTF. Created and co-produced by Tim Bain. Produced by Nicole Minchin. Directed by Jack Jameson. Writers: Tim Bain, Charlotte Rose Hamlyn and Alix Beane. Script producer: Ray Boseley. Executive Producers: Joanna Werner, Stuart Menzies, Bernadette O’Mahony. ABC Commissioning Editor: Amanda Isdale. ABC Acting Head of Children & Family: Mary-Ellen Mullane.
ABC MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Lidia Williams, ABC Publicist
[email protected]
Media enquiries
Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
+ 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
Alyssa Lim | Publicist (Mon-Fri)
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

Charges – Sexual intercourse without consent – Malak

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Sex Crimes Section has charged a 55-year-old male in relation to a sexual assault that occurred in Malak on Saturday evening.

Around 7:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a male known to her.

It is alleged that the victim was asleep at the offender’s residence when she woke to the offence occurring.

Following the incident, the victim was able to flee the residence and seek assistance from people nearby, who contacted police.

Police located and arrested the 55-year-old alleged offender who was later charged with:

  • Aggravated Sexual Intercourse without Consent.
  • Breach of Bail

He has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 14 October 2025.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number P25273138. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/

Search for missing walker at Mt Field National Park

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search for missing walker at Mt Field National Park

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 9:47 am.

A search has resumed at Mount Field National Park this morning for a 30-year-old solo walker feared missing for more than 48 hours.
Tasmanian man Daryl Fong (pictured) was known to be day hiking in the Mt Field area over the weekend, but his last known contact was about 3am on Sunday when he texted a friend, advising that he intended to seek shelter and camp in the park overnight.
Conditions in the area were challenging, with freezing temperatures and snow depth up to 1m in some places.
Mr Fong is known to have some experience in the outdoors and may have had some suitable equipment and clothing.
Police were notified on Monday afternoon that Mr Fong had not returned from the park.
A helicopter search crew was deployed to the area at 4pm, but was not able to locate him.
Four Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers and an Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedic were deployed to the park late yesterday.
Additional teams of Police and SES Search and Rescue personnel, plus wilderness paramedics, were deployed this morning.
The rescue helicopter will also be in the area today.
Police have released a photograph of Mr Fong as part of a call for information to anyone who may have seen him at the weekend, or since.
Mr Fong is believed to be wearing clothing similar to the image released.
Anyone with information about Mr Fong’s movements at Mt Field, or who may have seen him, is asked to contact Bridgewater Police on 6173 2010.

Joint agency exercise strengthens readiness in Dandenongs

Source:

Image: Adam Carrigg – Pearcedale Fire Brigade

More than 130 firefighters and 35 vehicles from CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) took part in a large-scale exercise through the Dandenong Ranges on Sunday (12 October).

The exercise focused on improving understanding of the urban-rural interface, local terrain access and fire behaviour. 

CFA exercise controller, Devon Meadows Fire Brigade Health and Safety Co-ordinator Justin Stackpole, said the training was designed to strengthen firefighter preparedness and boost inter-agency coordination ahead of the summer fire season. 

“Training alongside our FFMVic colleagues helps us build that shared understanding so when a real incident happens, we’re already working in sync,” Justin said. 

“It’s also a great opportunity to fine-tune our communication systems and make sure we’re operating as one coordinated team.” 

The exercise tasked four CFA strike teams to travel through the ranges, stopping at key locations to hear from experienced firefighters who shared lessons from past incidents, including the 2009 Black Saturday fires.  

Crews discussed how they would respond in similar situations and practised joint planning alongside FFMVic personnel, while navigating steep and slippery terrain. 

The day concluded at Parks Victoria’s Olinda Depot, where participants reviewed what they’d learned and explored ways to strengthen collaboration during real emergencies. 

Justin said crews handled the simulation well. 

“Each agency held a debrief following the exercise to discuss lessons learned and share ideas for improvement,” he said. 

“It’s always better to find the weak spots in training than in a real emergency. 

“Everyone came away from this with sharper skills, stronger connections, and a clearer sense of how we operate together.” 

Submitted by CFA Media

High Street/Pall Mall tram track works to start next week

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo will commence a $5.68 million project next week on Friday October 24, to remove and replace a 660-metre section of ageing dual tram tracks in High Street and Pall Mall between Short Street and Mundy Street.

City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director, Brian Westley said during the works period this section of High Street and Pall Mall will be reduced to one lane on either side of the tram tracks and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be applied through the work zone.

“The City strongly encourages motorists travelling between White Hills and Golden Square and beyond to avoid the area where possible and use Weeroona Avenue/Lucan Street/Barnard Street and Don Street as alternative routes to avoid any potential delays,” Mr Westley said.

“When the works are underway there will be no right turns allowed into Forest, Williamson, Bull, and Mundy Streets and Easter Fair Way from High Street and Pall Mall for the duration of the works.  In addition to this the intersection of Mitchell and View Streets with Pall Mall will be closed to all traffic from October 26 to 28. Sidney Myer Place will be used as a work site compound and will be closed to traffic.

“Right hand turns will be available at Short Street and Chapel Street. Left hand turns will be available into High Street and Pall Mall from Forest, Mitchell, View, Williamson, Bull, and Mundy Streets and from Easter Fair Way.

“The southernmost pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Pall Mall and Williamson Street will remain open during the works. 

“The northernmost pedestrian crossing at Mitchell Street will remain open for the majority of the project.  However, the remainder of the intersections will be closed to crossing and right turning vehicle traffic.

“Works are anticipated to take place between 7am and 7pm, seven days per week with the possibility of some night works.  The project is expected to be completed by late November subject to weather conditions and the availability of supplies and materials.”

Project works will include:

  • Establishment of site and works storage compound in Sidney Myer Place, installation of temporary fencing, traffic barriers and signage
  • Protection of the existing infrastructure including heritage poles and utilities
  • Removal of existing historic granite cobble stones and existing track
  • Earthworks to subgrade level and disposal of all excess material
  • Installation of new track and associated infrastructure and reinstatement of cleaned granite cobble stones and asphalt road pavement to centre of adjacent traffic lane
  • New line-marking

Mr Westley said the section of the tram track has not been renewed since the 1930’s and needs replacement to ensure Bendigo’s famous talking trams can continue to operate.

“Bendigo Tramways is a much valued and loved local attraction for both residents and visitors and this work is necessary to help preserve one of Greater Bendigo’s most important heritage attractions and local economic drivers into the future.”

The tourist trams will not operate while works are underway. For more information on the operation of the trams, visit:

Second “pop up” travel immunisation clinic to take place in Bendigo in November

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo and Family Immunisation & Travel Specialists (FITS) Clinic are partnering to provide another satellite “pop-up” travel immunisation clinic for the wider Greater Bendigo community from 9am to 4pm on November 13, at the Strathdale Community Hub, 155 Crook Street Strathdale.

City of Greater Bendigo Community and Environment Manager Sue Harrison said the satellite clinic will specifically provide local access to the BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccine, a live vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis (TB) particularly in babies and young children, without the need to travel to Melbourne.

“These types of immunisations are recommended for those travelling to countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis,” Ms Harrison said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for parents with young children who are intending to travel overseas to these countries in the future to receive the necessary travel vaccines in Greater Bendigo.

“This is the second pop up clinic to take place this year in Greater Bendigo.  The first clinic we held in May was very popular as people living in regional Victoria usually have to travel to Melbourne to get their travel immunisations as the service is not normally offered in regional Victoria.

“FITS is Victoria’s largest private travel clinic for kids, comprising a team of paediatricians and immunisation nurses who specialise in travel medicine and immunisation and there will be costs associated with receiving the BCG vaccine.”

Patients must obtain a referral from their own doctor to attend the clinic.

To book online, please visit: