Improved protection for Victorians this Thunderstorm Asthma season

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Six new automated pollen counters will be part of an expanded and more sophisticated thunderstorm asthma risk forecasting system in 2025, keeping Victorians safer on high-risk days this grass pollen season.

These new counters will replace manual traps, and use advanced imaging to deliver faster and more accurate data – giving Victoria a nation leading tool to strengthen forecasting and health alerts.

Providing a three-day forecast for all Victoria’s nine weather districts, the system will indicate a low, moderate or high risk – alerting people when they should avoid exposure outdoors to protect themselves and reduce demand on emergency services.

Thunderstorm asthma typically occurs between October and December when certain thunderstorms cause grass pollen grains to burst into tiny particles, which can be inhaled deep into the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms.

People most at risk are those with asthma, springtime hay fever and undiagnosed asthma. So if you’ve ever wheezed or had shortness of breath during the grass pollen season, speak to your GP about a plan.

You are encouraged to take any prescribed medication, follow your asthma action plan and be alert on higher-risk forecast days – closing windows and avoiding outdoor exposure during wind gusts and storms.

It is also recommended that you check the thunderstorm asthma forecast on Vic Emergency External Link daily, and set up a watch zone around where you live and work, to receive up-to-date advice and warnings.

The launch of the forecast system in 2017 followed the world’s largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event in Melbourne on 21 November 2016, that tragically resulted in 10 deaths and thousands of people developing breathing difficulties in a very short time.

The new pollen counters are part of a joint investment with the Allan Labor Government investing $2.97 million to deliver the modernised system – supported by a $2.4 million contribution from the Albanese Labor Government through the Disaster Ready Fund, which includes funding for a further three pollen counters in ACT, NSW and SA.

More information on thunderstorm asthma can be found on the Better Health Channel External Link .

Bendigo 2050 – Shaping our Future with Demographer Bernard Salt

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Australia’s leading demographer, Bernard Salt AM, will visit Bendigo in November to launch the development of Bendigo 2050 – a bold new vision for the city’s future.

Bendigo 2050 will be a forward-thinking strategy designed to guide long-term development and investment, foster collaborative partnerships, stimulate economic growth, and prioritise key projects that will shape Greater Bendigo over the next 25 years.

To find out more and be part of this exciting project, business and community leaders are invited to a presentation on Thursday November 13 as part of the Be.Bendigo Business Unboxed two-week business festival.

City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney said Bendigo 2050 was the next step in preparing for the city’s projected growth.

“In 2050, Greater Bendigo will be home to 200,000 people. Now is the time to plan for what our city and region will look and feel like, and what we’ll need to remain a leading, thriving regional city in Australia,” Mr Cooney said.

“This is an opportunity to be deliberately aspirational. Bendigo 2050 will not only reflect the City’s priorities but also highlight key projects that align with the long-term goals of our largest employers and institutions.

“Once complete, Bendigo 2050 will serve as a clear and compelling roadmap for investment and collaboration. It will feature a strong narrative and consistent message that local leaders can use when engaging with government, business and other stakeholders.

“Bendigo 2050 will represent a shared vision that sets Greater Bendigo up for continued success.”

Demographer Bernard Salt AM said he was delighted to contribute to the development of Bendigo 2050 and commended the City of Greater Bendigo for its bold and visionary approach.

“A long-term strategy like Bendigo 2050 is exactly what regional communities across Australia should be developing right now. I’ve long been an advocate for the potential of regional Australia to accommodate future population growth and drive national prosperity,” Mr Salt said.

“Strong regions mean a strong Australia and communities like Bendigo are central to that story.

“It takes decades to shape vibrant, resilient communities. Planning with ambition and clarity is how we ensure that regional centres continue to thrive, and the work we do today will uplift the future of regional Australia.

“Bendigo has much to be proud of. Its diverse economy – spanning advanced manufacturing, modern mining and gold production, major health and education facilities, government services, and a thriving arts and cultural scene – provides a solid foundation for future growth and innovation. I’m excited to be part of this journey for Bendigo.”

Bendigo 2050 – Shaping our Future is on Thursday November 13 at 7am, at the La Trobe University Bendigo campus. Tickets cost $20.

Call for information – Aggravated burglary – Leanyer

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police are calling for information in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred in Leanyer on Saturday morning.

Around 3:40am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a licenced premises on Leanyer Drive had allegedly been broken into, with offenders stealing a quantity of alcohol before fleeing the scene.

CCTV operators identified a white Toyota Prado as a vehicle of interest. Strike Force Trident and general duties officers later observed the vehicle travelling along Applegum Drive, Karama, and initiated a pursuit before terminating it a short time later for safety reasons. The vehicle was last seen travelling in the northern suburbs.

Investigations remain ongoing and the vehicle remains outstanding.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25265244. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Serious crash Mount McKenzie

Source: New South Wales – News

Police and emergency services have responded to a serious crash at Mount McKenzie in the Barossa region.

About 7.30am on Monday 6 October, police and paramedics responded to Eden Valley Road after a car crashed into a tree.

Eden Valley Road is closed between Sugar Loaf Hill Road and Hill Climb Road.

Major crash investigators are attending the scene.

Business fire at Torrensville

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are investigating a suspicious business fire at Torrensville in the early hours of this morning.

Emergency services were called to a butcher’s shop on Henley Beach Road, Torrensville at 5.30am on Monday 6 October by reports of a fire.

The front glass door to the premises had been smashed and a fire lit.

MFS crews quickly extinguished the fire and limited the structural damage.  An adjoining business also sustained minor smoke damage.

There was no one inside the business at the time and no reports of any injuries.

Henley Beach Road was closed to eastbound traffic but has since reopened.

Fire cause investigators will attend to examine the scene this morning.

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity or vehicles near the premises in the early hours of this morning or has any dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

257314

House fire at Salisbury

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are investigating a house fire at Salisbury overnight.

Emergency services were called to the vacant premises on Commercial Road, Salisbury about 1.15am on Monday 6 October by reports of a fire.

The fire started in one room of the house and spread to the roof before it was extinguished by MFS crews.

Crime scene investigators will attend the scene this morning to try to establish a cause.

Anyone who saw any activity at the premises overnight or in recent days or has any dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

257273

Search underway for missing man in north-east Tasmania

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search underway for missing man in north-east Tasmania

Monday, 6 October 2025 – 7:56 am.

Police including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter are currently searching the Hollybank area in northern Tasmania for a missing man.Peter Willoughby, 76, went missing on a walk in bushland about 2km from Hollybank yesterday afternoon.He was wearing a dark blue jumper, blue jeans and sneakers.Peter is being treated for a medical condition, which may result in him being disoriented.Police are currently searching the Excalibur Road area on foot as well as utilising the helicopter.If you’ve seen Peter please call Police on 131444.

Arrest after city glassing assault

Source: New South Wales – News

A man has been arrested after an altercation in the city last night.

At 7pm on Sunday 5 October, police and paramedics were called to Gilbert Place, Adelaide following reports that a person had been glassed.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening facial injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Hindley Street patrols swiftly responded and with the assistance of police security CCTV operators, located and arrested the suspect on nearby Morphett Street.

The 30-year-old man from Adelaide was charged with aggravated assault cause harm and bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday 26 November.

Crime Scene Investigators attended to examine the scene.

Anyone who witnessed this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

257088

Serious crash at Port Lincoln

Source: New South Wales – News

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash in Port Lincoln.

Just after 6pm Sunday 5 September, crews responded to reports of a single vehicle crash on Proper Bay Road, about 300m south of Stable Road.

Major Crash Investigators are making their way to the scene from Adelaide.

Road closures are in place and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Three youths in police custody following incident at Ashley Youth Detention Centre

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Three youths in police custody following incident at Ashley Youth Detention Centre

Sunday, 5 October 2025 – 5:06 pm.

Three youths are in police custody following an incident at Ashley Youth Detention Centre this afternoon.Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 3pm following a report three armed youths had set fire to part of the building.Upon arrival, police located the youths unarmed in an outside area and they were safely taken into police custody.No one was injured during the incident.Tasmania Fire Service remains on the scene extinguishing the fire however damage to the building is extensive.Investigations into the incident are continuing,Anyone with information should call police on 131444 or report to Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au