Man extradited to Tasmania on alleged child sex abuse charges

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man extradited to Tasmania on alleged child sex abuse charges

Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 3:27 pm.

Detectives from Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Artemis, have extradited an 84-year-old man from Queensland for alleged child sexual abuse offences.
The man will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court tomorrow morning (Monday 19 May), on charges of three counts of persistent sexual abuse of a child, and three counts of indecent assault.
The abuse is alleged to have occurred between 1963 and 1982 and involve multiple victim-survivors connected the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where the man held leadership positions. The man was also a Tasmanian police officer between 1974 and 1977. As the matter is now before the courts, no further comment can be made.
Taskforce Artemis is a specialist police team investigating child abuse allegations from the Commission of Inquiry. The Taskforce is working closely with government agencies to share information, support victim-survivors, and hold alleged perpetrators to account through an intelligence-led approach.
It is acknowledged that offences of this nature are deeply disturbing, however, Tasmania Police strongly encourages anyone with information about any form of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, to come forward and report it.
Reports can be made directly to police on 131 444, or by visiting a police station or Arch centre https://arch.tas.gov.au/. You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Crimestopperstas.com.au.
Anyone can report concerns or incidents involving police to the Tasmania Police Professional Standards online portal.
Any concerns or incidents involving government employees can be reported directly to the Integrity Commission or the Office of the Independent Regulator.
The Tasmanian Government’s Keeping Children Safe website is available at https://keepingchildresafe.tas.gov.au/Support for victim survivors, if required, is available through Arch or https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/

Serious crash at Cambrai

Source: New South Wales – News

Police and emergency services are responding to a serious crash at Cambrai.

A collision occurred between a truck and two cars on Ridley Road about 1.15pm on Sunday 18 May.

Ridley Road is closed between Paynes Road and Schubert Road until further notice.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Charges – Sexual intercourse without consent – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have arrested a 25-year-old man after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old female who was known to him near the Stuart Highway, Katherine East, yesterday.

The incident allegedly took place between 9pm on Friday 16 May and 2am on Saturday 17 May,  near the walking path adjacent to the Stuart Highway between Maluka Road and the Katherine Police Station.

Yesterday, detectives from Katherine CIB with assistance from Katherine General Duties arrested the 25-year-old at an address in Katherine East without incident. He was later charged with:

  • 2 x Sexual intercourse without consent
  • 1 x Act of gross indecency without consent
  • 1 x Deprivation of liberty

He was remanded to appear in Katherine Local Court on Monday 19 May 2025.

Investigators have identified several witnesses via CCTV that may be able to assist them with their enquiries and urge anyone with information, or who has dashcam footage in the area, to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500050958. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Body located in search for missing man on Hobart’s Eastern Shore

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Body located in search for missing man on Hobart’s Eastern Shore

Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 12:39 pm.

Sadly, police can confirm a body believed to be that of a missing 63 year old Rokeby man was located earlier today.
Inspector Andrew Keane said that the man’s body was located in a creek just off Droughty Point Road about 9.30am.
The man was found following an extensive land, air and sea search after the 63-year-old man was reported missing on Hobart’s Eastern Shore on Thursday afternoon.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this tragic time,” Inspector Keane said.
“Initial investigations suggest that there are no suspicious circumstances however forensic examinations will now take place as is the usual process and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.”
Inspector Keane thanked members of the Eastern Shore community who helped search for the man and provided valuable information throughout the past three days.
“Every piece of information provided by members of the community was assessed and was followed up as a matter of priority,” he said.
“We appreciate the assistance of the local community at this very sad time.”

Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Devonport

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Devonport

Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 7:20 am.

Police are investigating a serious crash on the Bass Highway in Devonport last night.Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 8pm last night (17/5/25) after a 17 year old male youth was crossing the Bass Highway near the Homemaker Centre, Devonport.The youth was struck by a westbound Nissan X Trail travelling at approximately 110kph, in the right hand lane.The driver of the car stopped immediately to lend assistance and call for help.The youth was treated at the scene and taken by ambulance to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie with what are believed to be non life threatening injuries.The Bass Highway was closed for around three hours while police Crash Investigaton Serices, Forensic Services, and SES volunteers attended and worked through the scene.Initial investigations suggest the youth was part of a small group who had crossed the highway to buy food when he was struck.The driver of the car had his two children in his car with him at the time. They were all understandably shaken, but uninjured.Anyone with information including dash cam footage should contact Devonport Police on 131444.

Upgrades for Gungahlin residents

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Yerrabi Pond District Park has recently been upgraded

If you live in Gungahlin, you’ve likely spotted some construction and maintenance activity in your neighbourhood.

The ACT Government has been busy upgrading some of your favourite spots on the northside.

Here’s what’s been happening:

Yerrabi Pond District Park

A visit to Yerrabi Pond District Park always makes for a fun family day out.

Recent upgrades include:

  • new unisex accessible toilets with baby change tables
  • new barbecue facilities
  • rubbish bins
  • better lighting
  • two new drinking fountains
  • bicycle parking
  • new garden beds and trees.

Further upgrades are underway and are expected to be completed by May 2025 (weather permitting).

Gungahlin Town Centre

It’s going to get easier to walk cycle and travel around Gungahlin.

Active travel designs for 13 new routes are in the works. Proposed improvements include:

  • new and upgraded paths
  • priority crossings
  • intersection upgrades
  • path widening and paving.

Cycle paths

Recent maintenance works means Canberrans can enjoy smoother rides on:

  • Gungahlin Drive, Ngunnawal
  • Gungahlin Drive to Lexcen Avenue, Nicholls
  • Keeleway Avenue to Decima Circuit, Nicholls.

Franklin Dog Park

Franklin Dog Park opened in mid-January.

The fully enclosed area includes:

  • weave poles
  • hoop tunnels
  • log balance beams
  • a new car park with two accessible spaces and five bike rails.

Dog poo bag dispensers and bins are also available.

Gungahlin memorial hall and condolence lounge

Construction has begun to build a new non-denominational memorial hall and condolence lounge.

It will accommodate approximately 100 people.

It’s expected to be completed early 2026, weather permitting.


Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


UPDATE: Arrest – Fatal crash – Palmerston

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Fugitive Taskforce has arrested a man who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal crash in Palmerston yesterday. 

The 38-year-old was arrested without incident in Farrar earlier today.

He remains in custody and investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing.

UPDATE #2 – Charges – Serious harm – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 22-year-old man has been charged in relation to a serious assault that occurred in Alice Springs on Thursday afternoon.

Detectives have now charged the man with one count of Acts Intended to Cause Serious Harm and he has been remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Monday 19 May 2025.

The 27-year-old victim has since been conveyed to Adelaide for further treatment.

Commander James Grey-Spence said, “Investigations indicate that this incident was confined to those directly involved and not part of any broader conflict.

“Police are working closely with Traditional Owners, Elders, community members, Land Councils, and other government agencies to enhance community safety and prevent further incidents.”

Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms

Saturday, 17 May 2025 – 2:49 pm.

Police are investigating an attempted arson at the Rosebery/Toorak Football Clubrooms in Rosebery overnight.Tasmania Fire Service and emergency services were called to the scene in Primrose St about 2.45am, after a neighbour heard a window being smashed.Quick action by the neighbour with a small fire extinguisher saw the fire extinguished prior to the brigades’ arrival.Damage to the building was minimal, with some scorching and a broken window.TFS investigations today determined the fire had been deliberately lit, and it is believed some object with an accelerant was thrown through the window.Police are seeking any information from the public, including any details around a small dark coloured hatchback that was seen leaving the area immediately after.Anyone with information should contact Police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au, quoting reference number 775130.

Trail runner rescued from the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain National Park

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Trail runner rescued from the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain National Park

Saturday, 17 May 2025 – 12:02 pm.

A female trail runner has been rescued after becoming lost on the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain National Park last night.
Search and Rescue was called to coordinate rescue of the woman from Overland Track after the woman called emergency authorities on her mobile.
Police and a Tasmania Parks and Wildlife ranger located the woman around 8pm last night, seeking shelter overnight at the Waterfall Hut.
The woman was then walked out to safety a short time ago,
Police advise bushwalkers against walking alone, and to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices. A two-way messaging emergency device is preferred.• Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions, regardless of the season take a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water, first aid kit.• Research your intended trip – ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast.• Let someone know before you go – ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life. Batteries do not last as long when cold and mobile navigation apps deplete batteries quicker than other apps.• Carry a Personal Locator Beacon but be aware that they are a one-way communication device.• Be flexible. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk. Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.