Man arrested for aggravated robbery in West Lakes car park

Source: New South Wales – News

A man was arrested after allegedly trying to steal a woman’s car at knifepoint at West Lakes this morning.

About 8.40am on Saturday 21 June, the victim, a woman aged in her 60s, was seated in her parked car in a car park on Bower Road, West Lakes when she was approached by a man.

The man opened her car door, presented a knife and demanded the car keys.  The woman screamed, alerting witnesses and the suspect ran away.

It will be alleged he was located a short distance away by patrols.

Police Dog Bandit and Water Operations Police were called in to search the area to locate items discarded by the offender as he fled the scene.  PD Bandit located a backpack and other items, while divers are searching the canal and surrounds for the knife believed to have been discarded.

A 19-year-old Semaphore Park man was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery.  He will be interviewed by Western District CIB detectives and has not yet applied for bail.

Serious Assault – Dundee Beach

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A man has been flown to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment after a serious assault at Dundee Beach late last night.

Shortly after 11pm the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre received a report of an alleged assault on a 55-year-old man by a group of people after a minor vehicle crash. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

As a result of the alleged assault, the victim suffered serious injuries to his face.

General Duties police, St John Ambulance and a CareFlight helicopter attended the scene before the man was flown to RDH where he underwent surgery.

A crime scene was declared, and investigations are ongoing.

The offenders remain outstanding, and police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P25166318. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Dumping disgrace discovered at lsla Gorge

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 20 Jun 2025

Open larger image

200 illegally dumped truck tyres in the Isla Gorge National Park

Up to 200 illegally dumped truck tyres in the Isla Gorge National Park have prompted disgust and sparked a joint investigation to find the person or business responsible.

During a bushfire in October 2024, the tyres were discovered in a deep ravine adjacent to the Leichhardt Highway.

Located approximately 340km west of Bundaberg and 230km southwest of Rockhampton, Isla Gorge National Park features stunning gorges, sandstone outcrops and striking rock formations.

Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and Banana Shire Council compliance officers launched an investigation.

Senior Ranger Chris said the tyres posed a significant fire risk and had polluted a highly sensitive environment.

“This shocking example of illegal dumping has delayed our planned burn program, and we are doing everything we can to remediate the site and find the person or business responsible,” Ranger Chris said.

“We believe someone in the region knows who is responsible for dumping the tyres, and we are asking anyone with information to call us on 1300 130 372 or call the Banana Shire Council on (07) 4992 9500.”

“Due to the remote location and the size of the tyres, rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service were unable to remove them using conventional methods.

“The complex clean-up operation involves a specialist contractor with a 130-tonne crane to remove and recycle the tyres.”

“Visitors to our national parks don’t want to see illegally dumped waste, and that’s why we take a zero-tolerance approach to offenders.

“People involved in illegally dumping waste can receive hefty fines, and they can be ordered to clean up the mess.

Banana Shire Council Mayor Nev Ferrier said the dumping was unacceptable and showed no respect for the region’s natural environment.

“It’s just disgraceful, whoever did this clearly has no regard for the land, our national parks, or the people who care for them,” Mayor Ferrier said.

“The Isla Gorge is one of the most beautiful parts of our region, and to see it treated like this is heartbreaking.

“I urge anyone who knows anything about this to do the right thing and come forward.”

See it, Report it, Stop it — Everyone can play their part by reporting littering and illegal dumping via the Litter and Illegal Dumping Online Reporting System.

People can also report littering and illegal dumping to their local council.

$13-million investment reopens Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land)

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 20 Jun 2025

One of Queensland’s most popular outback national parks will reopen on 4 July 2025, in a major boost for the local tourism industry.

Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land) was closed following the impacts of an unprecedented flood event in March 2023.

The Boodjamulla Cooperative Management Council (CMC), comprising the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, has been working hard to re-open the national park.

Principal Ranger Marnie Augusteyn said the Queensland Government had invested almost $13 million to reopen the national park, and the tourism industry is thrilled.

“The funding includes an investment of $6.7 million for repairs and the construction of new visitor infrastructure within the Lawn Hill Gorge section,” Ms Augusteyn said.

“We’re also investing $6.1 million for reconstruction work on water treatment, sewage management, power supply and flood resilience work into our ranger residences.”

Michael Miller CEO Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation said he was on Country recently to inspect the progress.

“To assist with the staged reopening, Waanyi Elder Everyl Johnny will be based at Boodjamulla gorge to personally welcome visitors on behalf of all Waanyi people to the national park,” Mr Miller said.

“She will provide inductions to visitors, giving insight into Waanyi culture and the impacts of the flooding.

“On behalf of the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, we welcome visitors back to the national park.

“This is our backyard, and please treat it with the same respect that you would your own backyard.

“Please pay attention to restricted access areas for your own safety and pay respect to our culture.”

CEO Tourism Tropical North Queensland Mark Olsen said the Lawn Hill Gorge section of Boodjamulla National Park is an iconic location.

“Reopening Boodjamulla National Park for winter will provide a much needed boost to the northwest and the communities along the Savannah Way that have faced difficult times over past three years,” Mr Olsen said.

“Our great thanks and appreciation to the Waanyi Native Title Corporation, the DETSI team and the QPWS team onsite that have made this possible, it is a huge boost for the region.”

In June 2023, the national park was returned to the Waanyi People. Now dedicated as Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land), it is the first of its tenure class in Queensland.

For more information on available tourism activities, visit Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park or Boodjamulla Cooperative Management Council.

Call for witnesses – Indecent assault – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an indecent assault on female that occurred along the Todd River while she was on a run yesterday afternoon.

About 3:45pm, police received reports of an indecent assault on a female by a male travelling on a bike. 

It is alleged the female was on an afternoon run along the Todd River before she was indecently assaulted nearby the Stott Terrace Bridge by a male youth on a black bike described as of tanned skin, tall and wearing a black shirt with the white numbers ‘2000’ on the back. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident or captured dash cam footage of the male described nearby is urged to contact police on 131 444 and reference job number NTP2500062998. You can also anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

2025 Australian Antarctic Medals announced

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

Medical practitioner, Dr Jan Wallace
Dr Jan Wallace has been a pioneering force in Antarctic medicine, with a career spanning over 40 years as a general practitioner, remote medicine specialist, educator, and mentor.
She has served across all Australian Antarctic stations, Macquarie Island, and aboard Antarctic vessels, providing medical care in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. Her roles have included not only direct clinical care, but also leadership in research, education, and support for both expeditioners and fellow medical practitioners.
Dr Wallace’s research into first aid training for expeditioners directly shaped the Australian Antarctic Division’s first aid program, resulting in improved safety and operational protocols.
She has guided generations of Antarctic medical practitioners and inspired many, including future doctors and women in medicine, to pursue careers in remote and expeditionary healthcare.
“I felt quite overwhelmed and emotional that my fellow expeditioners considered me worthy of a nomination,” Dr Wallace said.
“I am particularly proud that the medal citation mentions that my research into expeditioner first aid training has improved safety for our teams down south.”
Dr Wallace’s dedication, compassion, and pragmatic leadership have helped set the standard for Antarctic medical care, strengthened the wellbeing of the Australian Antarctic community, and ensured the next generation of practitioners are well prepared for the unique challenges of polar medicine.
“Receiving this honour is the cherry on top of my amazing Antarctic journey over many years, which would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many others in the Antarctic family,” she said.

Dr Jan Wallace (seen here at Mawson station) has been a pioneering force in Antarctic medicine. Photo: Geoff Wallace

2025–26 ACT Budget: investing in sport and recreation

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

New and expanding sporting facilities will create more spaces for Canberrans to play, train and come together.

In brief:

  • The 2025–26 ACT Budget will support new and expanded sports facilities.
  • These include facilities in Taylor and Molonglo.
  • There will also be a boost to the Sports and Recreation Investment Scheme.

The 2025–26 ACT Budget is investing in sport and recreation infrastructure across Canberra.

The major investment includes:

  • new playing fields and a pavilion in Taylor, including early planning and design work starting in 2025–26
  • the first stage of the Stromlo District Playing Fields in Molonglo
  • a boost to the Sports and Recreation Investment Scheme to support local clubs and facilities.

These new and existing venues will create more spaces for communities to play and train together.

They will help meet growing demand from local clubs and communities as Canberra continues to grow.

Taylor District Playing Fields

Taylor District Playing Fields will be expanded with two new rectangular synthetic grass fields.

The addition of modern, inclusive facilities will further enhance the space. These include:

  • LED lighting for extended use
  • a new sports pavilion
  • female-friendly changerooms
  • public toilets and community amenities.

Stromlo District Playing Fields

Stromlo District Playing Fields will support community sport in one of Canberra’s fastest-growing areas.

Stage 1 will include a synthetic grass sportsground with two rectangular fields.

There will also be:

  • a modified AFL oval
  • LED sportsground lighting
  • a sports pavilion.

Essential civil works will also be carried out, including roads, parking, stormwater treatment and landscaping.

Supporting local clubs

The ACT Government will also double its investment in the Sports and Recreation Investment Scheme.

This will support new and upgraded community sporting infrastructure around the city.

High-quality facilities for a growing city

The Budget investment will bring long-term benefits for local communities in these growing regions.

It delivers on the ACT Government’s commitment to support active lifestyles and give more Canberrans the chance to get involved in sport.

These projects come in addition to upgrades at existing sporting facilities across Canberra.

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Charges – Secondary supply of alcohol – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force have charged a 58-year-old female and 80-year-old male with secondary supply of alcohol as part of a targeted operation in Katherine today.

This morning, police executed search warrants at two separate residences within a block of units near the Katherine CBD. The operation was initiated following community concerns of ongoing supply of alcohol to individuals subject to Banned Drinking Orders (BDOs), particularly in the early hours of the morning.

As a result of the search warrants police seized a significant quantity of alcohol and cash. They were both taken into custody and the 80-year-old male was later charged with:

  • Unauthorised sale of Liquor 
  • Possess ammunition without a license

He was bailed to appear in Katherine Local Court on 23 July 2025.

The 58-year-old female was charged with unauthorised sale of liquor and was bailed to appear in Katherine Local Court on 23 July 2025.

Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said, “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. Secondary supply is not a victimless crime, it is a serious offence carrying a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment. Secondary supply of alcohol undermines the BDO system, exploiting vulnerable community members.

“It contributes directly to antisocial behaviour, fuels violence and places significant strain on emergency frontline and health services.

“This operation forms part of a broader alcohol harm reduction strategy aimed at improving community safety and wellbeing across the Territory. Police will continue to actively target those who profit from the illegal secondary supply of alcohol, with a particular focus on those who sell to people prohibited from purchasing it.”

Northern Territory Police Force are committed to working with partner agencies and the community to disrupt illegal alcohol supply and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Anyone with information on the illicit secondary supply of alcohol in the community are urged to report it to police by either calling 131 444 or making an online police report at https://pfes.nt.gov.au/reportonline. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or via their online portal at https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

UPDATE: Arrests – Escape custody – Darwin CBD

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested both youths who escaped custody in the Darwin CBD earlier this afternoon.

About 6:20pm, both youths were arrested in the Darwin CBD by members from the Dog Operations Unit, Strike Force Trident, Territory Safety Division, Fugitive Task Force and general duties after being observed by a Dog Operations Unit member on patrol.

Patrol Dog Wedge was deployed and the two youths were apprehended a short time later with some further assistance from the public.

Police would like to thank members of the public involved.