Stay safe on the Kings Highway this summer

Source: ACT Police

Police and governments from the ACT and New South Wales are urging drivers to slow down and pay attention while travelling on the Kings Highway this summer.

As cross-border traffic increases during the busy summer period, the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership is encouraging drivers to drive safely on the highway.

ACT Policing Detective Inspector Mark Steel said that everyone will be keen to get their holidays underway but if you drive dangerously, you run the risk of not getting to your destination at all.

“Please avoid the fatal five driving behaviours, ensure you’re rested and not under the influence before you take off on your trip. Wear your seatbelts, don’t drive distracted, and don’t speed.”

“There will be increased traffic on the highway so drive to the conditions, slow down and be patient. As police and members of the community, we want this holiday period to be fatality free.”

NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Inspector Will Collins said it was concerning to see a number of drivers driving distracted or impaired, following one fatal crash and 15 injury crashes on the stretch so far this year.

“Since the start of 2025, we have charged 15 people for drink driving and 32 people driving under the influence of drugs on the Kings Highway between the ACT border and Batemans Bay.”

“We know thousands of people will be travelling over the Christmas period and NSW Police is imploring drivers to heed the warnings, don’t drive distracted, don’t put yourself, your family and others on the road at risk.”

“Since 2019, 10 people have lost their lives on the Kings Highway. Everyone deserves to arrive at their destination safely and celebrate the holiday period with their loved ones.”

ACT Member of the Legislative Assembly Taimus Werner-Gibbings said road safety had to be everyone’s top priority, whether we’re planning a family getaway, a camping trip with friends, or a weekend escape.

“Everyone knows there are more motorists on the road in summer, and many Canberrans will be going down the coast on the Kings Highway. If every motorist slows down, puts the phone away, avoids unsafe overtaking, drives to the conditions, and rests when tired, then every family on the road is safer.”

“If you’re towing a caravan or campervan, remember to check your tyres, towing capacity and caravan weight, and make sure your tow hitch, safety chains and lights are correctly attached and in working order.”

The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership was formed in 2008 and includes representatives from ACT Policing, New South Wales Police Force, the Eurobodalla Shire Council, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, NSW Transport, and the ACT Government, with the aim of reducing road trauma on the Kings Highway.

Man charged with arson following basement carpark fire in Lyneham

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Saturday, 6 December 2025 8:28am

Original publication: Saturday, 6 December 2025 8:28am

A 35-year-old Lyneham man will face court today after allegedly setting a scooter on fire in a basement carpark overnight before the fire expanded and engulfed a nearby vehicle.

About 9pm last night (Friday, 5 December 2025), police received reports of a fire in a basement car park on De Burgh Street in Lyneham.

The 35-year-old man is alleged to have made admissions to starting the fire to a resident of the apartment complex. Police subsequently arrested the man.

The man has been charged with arson building/vehicle and is expected to face the ACT Magistrates court this morning (Saturday, 6 December 2025).

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, or on 1800 333 000. Please quote reference 8237230. Information can be provided anonymously.

Burglary, robbery and head on collision being investigated

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Friday, 5 December 2025 10:08pm

Original publication: Friday, 5 December 2025 10:08pm

ACT Policing is investigating multiple incidents believed to be linked including a home invasion where a 72-year-old woman was tied up, a robbery at a Dickson business, and a fatal collision on an exit ramp off Gungahlin Drive today.

About 4:15am this morning (Friday, 5 December 2025), a 72-year-old Conder woman disturbed two persons wearing masks who were inside her residence. They allegedly tied her up and forced her to provide bank login details, before fleeing the scene in her Mazda SUV. The Mazda was recovered by police this afternoon and has been seized for forensic examination.

Later this morning, police received reports of an armed robbery of a business on Wooley Street in Dickson. Witnesses reported that several offenders entered the store and threatened staff with firearms before stealing a sum of cash.

The group fled in a white Nissan Pathfinder with ACT registration YNW 86T (which was allegedly stolen from a Gordon residence about 5am today). It was later located on fire in Macquarie.

Police believe at least one person from the Dickson group entered a silver Audi sedan with ACT registration YSC 34D. The Audi was observed in Woden and Tuggeranong and was pursued multiple times with police terminating pursuits due to the erratic driving manner of the vehicle.

About 12.15pm, the Audi was observed leaving the Barton Highway and driving the wrong way up an exit ramp towards Gungahlin Drive. Soon after it collided head on with a small tip truck, with the tip truck ending up on its roof.

The driver of the Audi (a 24-year-old man) was extracted from the vehicle by ACT Fire & Rescue and transported to hospital, where he was declared deceased. The driver of the truck was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Two co-offenders from this morning’s incidents remain outstanding.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the home invasion in Conder, robbery in Dickson, or has dash-cam footage of the Nissan or Audi, to come forward.

Anyone who can assist police should provide their contact details to Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, quoting 8236745.

Police seeking information about Wanniassa altercation

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Friday, 5 December 2025 11:35am

Original publication: Friday, 5 December 2025 11:31am

ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to identify two males who were allegedly involved in an altercation in Wanniassa in October.

About 9pm on Saturday 25 October 2025, police allege an altercation occurred at a house party in Wanniassa, where one male was allegedly pushed to the ground and hit on the head twice with a glass bottle.

Following enquiries, police are now seeking to identify two males who are believed to be involved in the incident.

One of the males was wearing a black jumper, grey pants and white sneakers at the time of the incident. The other male was wearing a black t-shirt with a black hoody over his shoulders, black pants and white sneakers.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  Please quote 8199221. Information can be provided anonymously.

As the individuals in question are believed to be under 18, we have blurred their faces to comply with legislation that prevents the identification of young people involved in a criminal incident.

Man facing court after failing to stop for police

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Friday, 5 December 2025 10:18am

Original publication: Friday, 5 December 2025 10:18am

A 25-year-old Aranda man will face court today after allegedly stealing a vehicle, failing to stop for police, driving under the influence of drugs and without a licence.

Early yesterday morning (Thursday, 4 December 2025) the 25-year-old man is alleged to have stolen a white 2020 Land Rover Discovery with ACT registration plate YQC 20W from a home in Gungahlin.

About 10.00am police received information that the Land Rover Discovery was in Macquarie. Police located and followed the vehicle.

Officers gestured the vehicle to stop, but the man continued driving making no attempt to pull over.

A tyre deflation device was deployed, successfully deflating the front left tyre.

Police continued to follow the vehicle, which was allegedly weaving through traffic at speed.

The man parked the vehicle nearby before surrendering to police.

The 25-year-old man underwent a drug screening test which resulted in a positive result.

The man was taken into custody and transported to the ACT Watch House. He is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today charged with drive motor vehicle without consent, aggravated dangerous driving, fail to stop motor vehicle for police, unlicenced driver – licence never held and driver prescribed drug in oral fluid.

Police are urging anyone who has dashcam footage of the vehicle on Thursday morning to provide their contact details to Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, quoting 8235661.

Reports of child approached by stranger near Legacy Park, Hobart Domain.

Source: Tasmania Police

Reports of child approached by stranger near Legacy Park, Hobart Domain.

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 – 7:18 pm.

Police are investigating after a child was reportedly approached by a stranger near Legacy Park at the Hobart Domain this afternoon.
Detective Inspector Craig Joel said a primary school child had reported being approached by a man about 12pm, who had allegedly attempted to usher the child into his vehicle, a white van.
“While no child was physically harmed, at this stage the man’s intentions are unclear and we are asking for any information from community members who may be able to assist the investigation.”
“The man was reportedly wearing a black medical mask, sunglasses with red arms, grey pants and black boots with brown coloured patches.”
“He was described as being about 170cm tall, with short or shaved hair and a grey beard.”
“He also reportedly had a bandage above his ankle and forearm.”
Detective Inspector Joel said police are calling for any information from the public about the incident, and are particularly interested in any available dash cam or other footage from the Domain area between 11am and 2pm.
“We understand some commercial vehicles such as garbage trucks may have been in the area at the time and may have relevant footage,” he said.
“Police are asking community members to be vigilant and to report any unusual vehicles parked near schools or other places where children may congregate.”
“Watch for vehicles that are parked in the wrong place, or for any people who appear to be trying to stop and speak with children away from responsible supervision.”
“Where possible, note down the registration number or take a photograph with your phone and make contact with school staff and police immediately.”
Investigations are underway and police will continue to patrol the area.
Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

Please note: This is not an image of the actual make and model. 

Arrest – Pursuit and police vehicle rammed – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Fugitive Task Force (FTF) has arrested a 25-year-old male in Katherine this morning.

Around 8:50am, FTF members attended an address on Rundle Street to execute the planned arrest of a 25-year-old male who was in breach of bail conditions. Upon police approach, the alleged offender entered his vehicle and fled the area.

A pursuit was initiated and continued along the Victoria Highway where a tyre deflation device was deployed. The vehicle evaded the device before driving into nearby bushland onto an unsealed road.

A second attempt to apprehend the vehicle was made, during which it allegedly rammed three police vehicles. It then drove at speed through a fence before coming to a stop.

The male subsequently exited the vehicle and surrendered to police. He was arrested at the scene without further incident and remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

No police were injured during the incident and three police vehicles sustained some damaged.

Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses a crime or anti-social behaviour to make contact on 131 444. You can also report anonymously through crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

BROCCABRUNA DR/FLINDERS HWY , COULTA (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Homes that have been built to withstand a bushfire, and are prepared to the highest level, may provide safety.

You may lose power, water, phone and data connections.

Fire crews are responding but you should not expect a firefighter at your door.

What you should do

  • Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan.
  • Protect yourself from the fire’s heat – put on protective clothing.
  • Tell family or friends of your plans.

If you are leaving

  • Leave now, don’t delay.
  • Roads may become blocked or access may change. Smoke will reduce visibility.
  • Secure your pets for travel.
  • If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.

If you are not leaving – prepare to defend

  • Identify a safe place inside, with more than one exit, before the fire arrives. Keep moving away from the heat of the fire.
  • Bring pets inside and restrain them.
  • Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your house.
  • Close doors and windows to keep smoke out.
  • If you have sprinklers, turn them on to wet the areas.
  • If the building catches fire, go to an area already burnt. Check around you for anything burning.

Enjoy Christmas shopping at artists market in the Mall this Friday

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Celebrate local talent and creativity at the Bendigo Art Collective Artists Market’s special Christmas shopping evening from 4pm to 8pm in Hargreaves Mall this Friday, December 12.

The Bendigo Art Collective Artists Market will feature a range of works from local artists, market stalls, free art activations, and digital artwork on the Mall’s big screen. This will also be an opportunity for local artists involved in the market to promote, engage and sell their work. 

The Bendigo Art Collective is building a community of local artists and businesses to work together for the love of art.

This is the second of four markets being held in Hargreaves Mall as part of the City of Greater Bendigo City Centre Community Activation Grants program.

The grants program has selected seven exciting free public experiences over 2025 and 2026 that empower local creatives and event organisers to deliver free community activations. The aim is to showcase local talent, boost foot traffic and enhance Bendigo city centre’s vibrancy for residents and visitors.

Event Lead Sarah The Painter said the concept for the Bendigo Art Collective Artists had been developed over the past two years.

“With thanks to the support of the City of Greater Bendigo, we are bringing art to the community this season in Hargreaves Mall,” Sarah said.

“During the market this Friday, there will be free art activities for all ages, live demonstrations by local artists, a community art exhibition and wonderful local businesses sponsoring artists.”

Bendigo Venues & Events Manager Julie Amos said in the lead up to Christmas, the shopping night at the Artists Market was a perfect opportunity to support local talent.

“Hargreaves Mall is a great location for this market and its open-air gallery. I encourage residents and visitors to support the artists market and enjoy the festive spirit from 4pm to 8pm this Friday,” Ms Amos said.

To complement the artists market, some retailer and hospitality outlets in Hargreaves Mall will be open including Joe Paul Menswear (until 8pm), Hippo Bubble Tea, Toppers Café (open until 8pm) and Heavenly Melts (open until 9.30pm).

Become a Bendigo Region Ambassador and visit attractions for free

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Become a Bendigo Region Ambassador and enjoy great savings when you take your family and friends to exciting local attractions or experiences.

The Bendigo Region Ambassador Pass is available to Greater Bendigo residents and Loddon Shire residents to use all year round. The pass entitles the holder to free entry and special offers for a range of attractions when they bring along their visiting relatives and friends.

The following businesses offer one free entry with the purchase of any full price adult or family ticket: Bendigo Military Museum, Golden Dragon Museum, Bendigo Tramways Talking Tram Tour*, Central Deborah Gold Mine Experience Tour*, Discovery Science and Technology Centre. There are also plans to involve some Loddon attractions in the coming months. To redeem the offer, show your pass.

There are also exclusive Ambassador Pass offers including tickets at Star Cinema at member price. Bring one or more visitors for a drink or bite to eat at The Great Stupa’s StupaView café and you will receive a free coffee or tea*.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the Bendigo Ambassador Pass offered many advantages during the holiday season.

“It’s the perfect time to become a Bendigo Region Ambassador with the launch of Our Kind of Summer today, a vibrant seasonal campaign inviting locals to welcome friends and family to the region and share their insider tips on the best places to explore and enjoy this summer in Greater Bendigo and Loddon Shire,” Cr Prince said.

“Residents have the inside knowledge on what makes the region so special. They can showcase everything from family attractions and outdoor adventures to festive celebrations, exceptional food and drink, and vibrant community events highlighted in the Our Kind of Summer campaign.

“There are also themed suggestions such as the best cool-down treats, top outdoor dining spots, family-friendly attractions, festive season guides, and ways to beat the summer heat.

“Visiting friends and family will love experiencing the region like a local. With so much to see, do and enjoy, they’ll be wanting to come back to experience more.”

Loddon Shire Cr Miki Wilson said she was delighted the Ambassador Pass and the new summer campaign were expanded to include regional residents and businesses from Loddon.

“This is a fantastic opportunity that has come about thanks to the new regional tourism partnership. I am pleased that now even more residents can now proudly showcase and experience some of the region’s key businesses and attractions,” Cr Wilson said.