Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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The First Responders Team

The First Responders team, made up of members from Geelong West Fire Brigade, a paramedic, and an emergency doctor, recently took part in the 2025 Treadmill Challenge in Richmond.

The event is part of the national Walk for Epilepsy campaign, raising funds and awareness for a condition that touches so many families.

Seventeen teams lined up for the Challenge, including football clubs, media personalities, corporate groups and fitness fanatics. The rules were simple but tough: keep a treadmill moving for two and a half hours, with the furthest distance covered earning the win. On the start list were big names such as Mark Philippoussis, Andy Maher, Brett Ratten and Neil Balme.

The First Responders decided to make their mark by running in full operational kit, complete with turnout gear and breathing apparatus.

Despite finishing somewhere in the middle of the results table, the team took out one of the most meaningful honours of the day — the Team Spirit Award.

For those involved, the cause could not have been more personal. Every member of the First Responders team has seen the impact of epilepsy up close. Paramedic Rob and Geelong West Lieutenant Stephen Robertson both have daughters living with epilepsy.

Speaking during the event, Stephen shared that the Epilepsy Foundation has been a lifeline for his family since his daughter Charlotte was diagnosed at just five months of age.

“The Foundation has been a sounding board for us since Charlotte’s diagnosis. In the past 18 months she has been in ICU twice as a result of seizures. Knowing there’s an organisation standing beside families like ours makes a world of difference,” Stephen said.

Epilepsy affects one in 25 Australians, with around 270,000 people currently living with the condition, including about one in 200 children.

The First Responders’ effort was about more than distance. It was about heart, teamwork, and showing that when we come together for a cause, we can make a real difference.

Submitted by	Stephen Robertson

Source: New South Wales – News

Currently, 64 people have lost their lives on South Australian roads this year. Officer in Charge of Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Shane Johnson said like most long weekends throughout the year we can expect increased traffic on the roads and South Australia Police will conduct a state-wide road safety operation to keep road users safe.

Operation Safe Long Weekend will be in effect from Friday 3 October to Monday 6 October 2025 and will target the Fatal Five factors that contribute to road trauma on South Australian roads, being drink and drug driving, speeding, distraction, seatbelts and dangerous driving.

“Last October long weekend one person lost their life and eight were involved in crashes resulting in life changing injuries,” Superintendent Johnson said.

“Speeding was also an issue last year, with 774 people caught driving above the speed limit.

“We know speed is a major factor in why people crash, take your time to get to your destination, it’s more important to arrive a couple of minutes later than not arrive at all.”

With the long weekend being in the middle of school holidays, drivers are reminded not to be distracted and take regular breaks.

“Make sure everyone in the car wears a seatbelt and stop regularly to avoid fatigue. Regular stops every two hours also help passengers get through a long journey and potentially stop them causing distractions along the way.

“Be patient with other road users and be aware of the traffic around you.

“Remember the journey can be just as fun as the destination so take your time and explore along the way. Just make sure you get there, or home, safely.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 56-year-old male in relation to the death of a woman in Casuarina on Friday 26 September 2025.

The alleged offender, who is the victim’s partner, was arrested yesterday and has now been charged with one count of Murder.

He has been remanded to due to appear in Darwin Local Court 3 October 2025.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Source:

A live burnover drill highlighted one of the ways our members get fire ready at the Volunteer Forum hosted by Montrose CFA.

Montrose Lieutenant Tim Bishop collaborated with Chief Officer Jason Heffernan about the specifics as the Montrose crew executed the drill.

At a forum focused on community engagement, Montrose Captain Matt Jalowicki and Montrose Community Safety Officer Liz Peters shared their experience from fighting a fire in the heart of the Montrose community in March and the importance of engaging with the community.

The team also presented on the upcoming Get Fire Ready weekend, where more than 500 CFA brigades will open their doors to the community throughout October.

Other CFA community engagement programs highlighted included the Property Advice Visit Service (PAVS), Truck Time kids program, Community Fireguard and online learning modules.

Check out all the Volunteer Forum from Montrose had to offer or jump straight to the key moments below.

Key moments:

5:25 Opening
7:29 Coming up
8:18 Get Fire Ready
18:17 Wye River community preparation
21:42 Montrose fire – Captain Matt Jalowicki
24:15 Montrose fire – Peter Smith, Upper Ferntree Gully Captain
27:07 Montrose fire – Liz Peters, Montrose Community Safety Coordinator
32:24 Montrose Resilience Group – Meet at Montrose at Midday (MAMAN)
37:00 Montrose fire community experience
39:25 Chief’s burnover drill
53:33 Training Update
1:01:55 Montrose Passport training initiative
1:03:25 Montrose brigade history
1:08:48 Montrose community safety team member Fiona Naisbitt
1:09:36 Truck Time
1:11:39 Property Advice Visit Service (PAVS)
1:12:33 PAVS video
1:15:04 Community Fireguard
1:17:27 Fire Wise Kids
1:19:19 Community elearning modules
1:21:34 Audience question – breathing apparatus glasses
1:23:16 Audience question – electric trucks
1:25:30 Thank yous
1:28:00 Closing credits

Submitted by	CFA News

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 23-year-old male in relation to a disturbance in Warruwi earlier today.

Around 11:15am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male entered a government facility on Warruwi Internal Road carrying an edged weapon and began threatening staff.

It is alleged that the male threw the edged weapon, striking an employee in the back, before leaving the facility and damaging a company vehicle in the process.

He then returned to the building and allegedly attempted to gain access, but the building was already in lockdown.

He then attended the Warruwi Clinic and allegedly threw a spear in the direction of two employees before other workers were able to intervene.

The group managed to get to safety before releasing the offender, who continued making threats before fleeing the scene.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.

Police deployed from Maningrida to the community and arrested a 23-year-old male.  He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Senior Sergeant Christopher Harden said, “Police will continue to work alongside community leaders, elders and service providers to manage the impact of this incident and maintain community safety.”

Source: Australian Green Party

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting a number of locations in Sydney’s northern beaches.
The case was a close contact of a recently reported case of measles in Northern Sydney.
People who attended the following locations at the times listed below should watch out for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

Dee Why Discount Vitamins,2/681 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why
Thursday, 25 September11:00am to 11:30am
Monday, 13 October

Twist Espresso & Wine23 Howard Ave, Dee Why
Thursday, 25 September11:20am to 12:30pm
Monday, 13 October

Chemist Warehouse Dee Why23 Howard Ave, Dee Why
Thursday, 25 September12:00pm to 12:40pm
Monday, 13 October

Woolworths Dee Why37 Howard Ave, Dee Why
Thursday, 25 September12:15pm to 1:30pm
Monday, 13 October

Mex & Co Manly​​30-32 S Steyne, Manly
Saturday, 27 September6:30m to 8:30pm
Wednesday,15 October

Northern Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Michael Staff, said people who visited the above locations at the specified times should monitor for symptoms.
“Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Staff said.
“Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore eyes, and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash which usually spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it is really important for people who visited this location to monitor for symptoms until the day indicated above for each location.
“Anyone who develop symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to say they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
“We want to again remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.
“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.
“Anyone born in 1966 or after needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are currently occurring in several regions of the world.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born in 1966 or after who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on current measles exposure locations visit Measles public exposure locations in NSW.
For more information on measles, read the measles fact sheet.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
​

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Yesterday the Northern Territory Police Force successfully executed a coordinated operation across Wadeye and Palumpa, resulting in multiple arrests and the conclusion of a significant crime spree.

In Wadeye, Strike Force Trident detectives, the Dog Operations Unit and Wadeye local police conducted a joint operation targeting outstanding offenders wanted in connection with a crime series that occurred in the Darwin and Palmerston areas. This resulted in the arrests of three youth offenders aged 14, 16, and 17 and one 19-year-old male connected to an attempted stolen motor vehicle and robbery matter occurring in Coolalinga last week.

The group were arrested and charged with multiple counts of:

• Aggravated robbery
• Drive/Ride/Use motor vehicle without consent
• Engage violent conduct
• Theft
• Damage property

The group has also been linked with the alleged theft of a red Toyota Land Cruiser stolen from Wadeye and later located in Katherine which occurred on 22 September 2025. These arrests mean that all alleged offenders linked to this series of crimes are now in custody. The offenders faced court today.

During the course of police’s enquiries in Wadeye a further two arrests were made that were unrelated to the crime series. The male and female youth were both charged with Breach Bail.

Later that same morning in Palumpa, Stike Force Trident detectives arrested two males aged 20 and 21 for Drive/Ride/Use Motor Vehicle without consent, fuel theft and shoplifting. These arrests were in relation to an alleged theft of a green Toyota Hilux which was stolen from a property at Lind Road, Johnson on 17 September 2025.

Trident investigators also located and arrested a further two males, aged 22 and 31, who both had outstanding warrants for their arrest.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Marc Tizzoni of Strike Force Trident said, “These results highlight the determination and capability of the investigators within our unit and in the Northern Territory Police Force.

“Offenders may think they can move between communities to avoid detection, but our investigators will find them and hold them to account, no matter where they are in the Territory.

“Police would like to thank the community for their ongoing support and assistance during these investigations.”

Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses a crime or antisocial behaviour to make contact on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Bushwalkers safe after Overland Track ordeal

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 4:56 pm.

Two bushwalkers are safe and recovering after a challenging night on the Overland Track at Cradle Mountain, where they were forced to shelter in freezing conditions before being rescued early this morning.
The couple, a husband and wife from Queensland in their mid-30s, had just begun a six-day hike in the Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park when they encountered difficulty on Wednesday evening.
With worsening weather and fatigue setting in, they made the decision to set up camp between Kitchen and Waterfall Valley Huts and activate their Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
A four-person rescue team comprising two Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers and two Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics reached the pair around 3am Thursday.
Pictures and video available here.
Despite efforts to deploy the rescue helicopter, poor weather conditions made aerial access impossible.
Inspector Nikala Parsons from Tasmania Police Search and Rescue said the couple’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation when venturing into Tasmania’s wilderness.
“While their equipment was suitable, it was clear they hadn’t prepared themselves fully for the demands of the Overland Track,” Inspector Parsons said.
“They underestimated the conditions and the effort required to deal with them.”
Overnight temperatures dropped to an apparent -6°C with snow showers and strong winds.
One of the hikers was taken to hospital as a precaution after experiencing mild hypothermia.
Inspector Parsons praised the couple’s decision to carry a tent and a PLB, both of which proved vital to their safety.
“This incident highlights why carrying a tent is compulsory on the Overland Track,” she said.
“And it reinforces the value of a PLB, which allowed us to locate them quickly in very difficult conditions.”
The walkout took just over six hours, with both hikers now safe and receiving care.
Tasmania Police urges all bushwalkers to thoroughly prepare for wilderness hikes, including physical conditioning, understanding weather risks, and carrying essential safety equipment.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Shots fired at Herdsmans Cove house

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 4:29 pm.

Police are investigating shots fired at a home at Herdsmans Cove on Wednesday night.
About 8pm, police received a call that two shots had been fired through the loungeroom window of a home at Lamprill Circle, at Herdsmans Cove.
Two people inside the property at the time were not physically injured.
The shots damaged a window and a wood panel on the exterior of the house.
Police are calling for information to try and identify the offender, or offenders, and any vehicle that may have been used.
Police believe this may be an incident involving parties known to each other and there is no threat to the wider community.
Anyone with information regarding the shots fired, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage taken from Lamprill Circle about 8pm on Wednesday, should contact police on 131 444. Quote Offence Report 786462.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers in 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au