Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The NT Police Force are calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in the Daly River Region on Tuesday morning.
Around 8am, police received reports that an 84-year-old male had been assaulted and had his vehicle stolen approximately 1 kilometre from the Woolianna Road and Daly River Road intersection.
It is alleged that a group of four youths threw rocks at an 84-year-old and his vehicle after her refused to give them a lift.
The victim exited his Toyota Hilux, and one male youth entered the vehicle and attempted to drive away from the location, but the vehicle stalled. At this time the victim attempted to remove the keys from the Hilux; however, the group allegedly began assaulting him before stealing the vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Daly River Police attended, and the 84-year-old male was transported to the Daly River Clinic for assessment with minor injuries.
The vehicle and the alleged offenders remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2500073955. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Around 50 young women from across the state recently took part in the ‘Girls on Fire’ program at CFA’s training ground at Bangholme, aimed at engaging more women in the emergency services sector.
The program offers women aged 14 to 19 the opportunity to participate in an action-packed day of interactive fire and emergency service simulations.
Guided by experienced emergency personnel, participants build confidence and leadership skills in a safe, inclusive space, by trying new things, and discovering how they can support their communities during a crisis.
Over the course of the action-packed day, CFA ran the teens through the Breathing Apparatus and Thermal Imaging Cameras used for search and rescue, along with live fire demonstrations on the gas pad.
Participants also explored radio communications using the Edithvale Mobile Command Vehicle and its crew, giving them deeper insight into CFA operations.
The event brought together representatives from CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, and Emergency Management Victoria to support the activities.
Shandelle Ross, a volunteer with Keysborough Fire Brigade and one of the trained CFA mentors, said the event was an incredible opportunity for the participants.
“CFA is grateful for the chance to be part of a program that uplifts young girls from across Victoria,” she said.
“To see the smiles on their faces as they tried new things was heartwarming, and we hope to see them return as the next generation of emergency service volunteers and workers.”
CFA was invited by Girls on Fire to deliver fire-based activities for the day, coordinated by Southeast Region Volunteer Sustainability Team member Olivia Duffy and District 8 Brigade Administration Support Officer Megan Angel, with support from volunteers across the district.
Jacarandas are a favourite street tree in Australia, but also one of the major culprits for drain blockages due to their aggressive root systems that spread many metres.
Researchers at the University of South Australia are calling for a major shift in how cities manage tree root intrusions into household sewer systems that cost millions of dollars in repair bills each year.
A new study by UniSA’s Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM) team reveals that current maintenance strategies are falling short, resulting in repeated pipe blockages, environmental contamination, and mounting damage bills.
Instead, the engineering researchers propose a smarter, preventative approach using predictive analytics to identify high-risk areas before damage occurs.
In a new paper published in Sustainability, the UniSA team reviewed global literature and maintenance practices, concluding that removing tree roots using mechanical and chemical measures is not the best solution. Roots can grow back, and the damage is costly to fix.
In Adelaide alone, SA Water reported more than 30,000 cases of tree root intrusion in 2020, accounting for nearly 60% of all sewer failures. Each year, the utility spends approximately $5 million on repair works and maintenance caused by blocked sewer pipes.
Tree root intrusions are a global headache, costing countries millions of dollars each year. Worldwide, remediation options include mechanical and chemical techniques to clear pipe systems and control root growth, as well as proactive approaches such as planting trees well clear of pipes.
But the traditional responses are only temporary fixes, according to UniSA Water Science and Engineering Professor Chris Chow, a senior author on the paper.
“Tree roots are the most common cause of pipe failures in many cities around the world,” Prof Chow says.
“The challenge is that cutting roots or applying chemicals are not permanent solutions. The chemicals can contaminate the soil, and the roots often grow back more aggressively.”
Instead, his team is advocating for a predictive approach, analysing key risk factors – such as pipe age, material, diameter, soil type, tree species and climate conditions – so that water utilities can model where tree root problems are most likely to occur.
“It’s essentially an early warning system,” says lead author Oliver Yang, a Master of Research graduate at UniSA.
“We can map out high-risk zones and guide smarter planting choices, better pipe materials and targeted maintenance,” Yang says.
While predictive models already exist for pipe failures based on material or age, few incorporate environmental or vegetation factors. This gap is significant, the researchers say, given the complex interactions between roots, soil, moisture and infrastructure.
Fast growing species such as eucalyptus, poplars, willows, jacarandas and desert ash are particularly aggressive, with root systems that can spread many metres in search of water – especially in dry or compacted soils.
Trees such as hackberry, varnish or lacquer species, brush box, willow myrtle and kurrajong trees are less intrusive and better choices for street planting.
“Globally, cities are spending millions each year fixing the same problems over and over,” says Yang. “With the right data and modelling, we can address this, saving money, protecting infrastructure and still enjoying the benefits of urban greenery.”
The researchers are calling for more region-specific studies and the development of locally-calibrated predictive tools that incorporate tree, pipe, soil and environmental factors.
On 1 July 2025, the general transfer balance cap (TBC) was indexed, increasing from $1.9 million to $2 million. This increase impacts members with a personal TBC. Members who started a pension before 1 July 2025 and haven’t previously reached or exceeded their personal cap are eligible for a proportional increase, based on their highest ever transfer balance and the amount of unused cap space.
Members starting a pension for the first time on or after 1 July 2025 are entitled to a personal TBC of $2 million.
Display of updated transfer balance caps
Updated personal transfer balance caps are now available and members can view their updated personal TBC in ATO online services.
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The City of Wanneroo has adopted its 2025/26 budget, prioritising a range of services and facilities to keep our community connected, safe and sustainable.
Council adopted a 3.5 per cent rate increase across all rating categories, and a 3 per cent increase for residential ratepayers which amounts to less than $1 per week for most homeowners.
Mayor Linda Aitken said the $353.4 million budget included a $132.6 million capital works program and investment in a range of community services and facilities to benefit all residents.
“We are committed to providing the programs, services, facilities and infrastructure our community needs and expects, while remaining mindful of the cost-of-living challenges people are facing,” she said.
“As one of Australia’s fastest-growing local government areas, we have a duty to ensure value for money for our ratepayers. Half of this year’s budget is funded from sources beyond rates, thanks to strong partnerships and a strategic focus on alternative revenue streams.”
“The City looks forward to delivering on this budget and continuing to build a thriving, inclusive and sustainable City for the generations to come.”
2025/26 capital works program highlights
Community recreation and facilities
Over the next 12 months, the City will spend $60.9 million on upgrades to existing sporting facilities and the construction of new facilities to ensure local families and sporting clubs can stay healthy, active and connected.
This includes $48.9 million to progress the construction of the Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
A $1.3 million investment will progress the design of a new sports hub for the Wanneroo Recreation Centre, a further $470,000 will progress a new amenities building at Abbeville Park in Mindarie, and $230,000 for an extension to the existing Wanneroo Showgrounds Clubrooms.
Construction of the highly anticipated Dordaak Kepup library and youth innovation hub is scheduled for completion, with the $18 million Landsdale facility set to open its doors in December 2025.
$1.6 million will support upgrades to Gumblossom Community Centre in Quinns Rocks, Yanchep Community Centre, Carramar Community and Butler Community Centre.
An additional $1 million will support the Girrawheen Hub Redevelopment project.
Waste management
We’ve allocated $4.4 million to support more sustainable and efficient waste management processes. Funding will progress the development of a recycling centre in Neerabup and waste transfer stations in Neerabup and Wangara.
Community safety
We’re investing $3.7 million to community safety measures this year, including $1.6 million to upgrade the Two Rocks Bush Fire Brigade.
We’ll also spend $1.6 million to commence detailed design for the Wanneroo Emergency Services Precinct, to ensure the City is better prepared for bushfires and other emergencies.
Parks, playgrounds and pathways
We’re committing $6.7 million towards park and playground upgrades, to ensure the community can enjoy our City’s natural environment. This work will include replacing playground equipment, shade structures, picnic shelters, barbecues and drink fountains.
A $515,000 investment will provide new play spaces at Rotary Park, and $320,000 will complete the construction of new toilet facilities at Amery Park in Hocking.
We’ve allocated $6.7 million to new and upgraded pathways and trails across the City, including new shared paths in Alexander Heights and from Butler to Alkimos Station.
A further $815,000 will provide pathway lighting at Kingsbridge, Chesterfield, Brampton, Lighthouse and Delamere parks.
Local roads
With a focus on creating a safe and connected City, we’ve allocated $18.2 million this year to road upgrades and traffic treatments.
This includes $4.8 million for Flynn Drive upgrades between Mather Drive and Old Yanchep Road.
We’re also spending $1.3 million on upgrades to the intersection of Marangaroo Drive and Girrawheen Avenue, and $750,000 on the construction of a dual carriageway between Marmion Avenue to Spinnaker Boulevard on Yanchep Beach Road.
In additional to the budget, the City is launching a new online payment portal this August, providing residents with a more flexible and user-friendly way to manage their rates.
The portal offers a variety of automated payment options, such as weekly, fortnightly or monthly direct debit payments, depending on what suits your budget.
For more information on the City’s 2025/26 budget and or the online payment portal, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/budget.
Please note, some figures have been rounded to nearest decimal whole number.
Police seek public assistance for investigation into online prescriptions
Tuesday, 22 July 2025 – 3:00 pm.
Investigators from Tasmania Police are appealing for public assistance as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraudulent online prescriptions.
Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said police are seeking to speak with anyone who has sought or obtained prescriptions through the website athleteswarehouse.com.au.
“We believe members of the community may have interacted with this website in good faith,” she said.
“Now is the time to come forward and assist police with critical information that may support the investigation.”
“Those people who have used the website, or who may have knowledge of its operations, are urged to contact us.”
Anyone with information should call Tasmania Police’s Western Criminal Investigation Branch on 131 444 and quote OR774910.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
Today, Detectives from SAPOL’s Anti-Corruption Section arrested and charged a 24-year-old woman from Victoria with 101 counts of deception and 26 counts of attempted deception after a lengthy investigation.
The woman appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today and was granted conditional bail to appear again on 29 September.
Property auctions in the City of Hume were targeted by Consumer Affairs Victoria’s underquoting taskforce over the weekend.
Taskforce inspectors visited Craigieburn and surrounds to monitor auctions for compliance with auction and sales rules, after tracking 70 sales campaigns in the lead up to the weekend. This follows a spike in underquoting complaints in the area, which is popular with first home buyers.
Inspectors also took the opportunity to educate agents and buyers about underquoting laws.
The taskforce uses a range of methods to monitor the property market. This includes tracking sales campaigns, inspecting estate agencies and attending auctions. This latest auction sweep follows an inspection blitz in the Doncaster area earlier in the year.
Since it launched in September 2022, the taskforce has:
received more than 4,200 complaints through its dedicated webform
monitored over 2,500 sales campaigns
attended 275 auctions
issued 185 fines totalling over $2 million, and
issued 244 official warnings to agents caught breaching their obligations.
It is also taking legal action against several agents for alleged breaches of the law.
More than one third of complaints are submitted by real estate agents, showing that agents doing the right thing are also frustrated with unfair and unlawful practices in their industry.
Property related crime including house break-ins, shop theft and car theft have continued to decline considerably in South Australia, the latest crime statistics have revealed.
The May rolling year crime statistics reveal the total number of property related offences has decreased by eight per cent – or 7,604 offences – in the period with significant reductions in most offences within the category.
Robbery and related offences have also continued to fall with a 10 per cent decline in offences recorded in the period – 80 offences – which is the sixteenth successive decrease in offences within that category.
The May figures reveal aggravated robberies declined by 14 per cent – from 490 to 432 offences reported and non-aggravated robberies rose by three per cent – from 75 to 77 offences reported.
Within the property related offences category theft and related offences recorded a 10 per cent decline in the period with a reduction in 5,709 offences – from 56,630 to 50,921.
Car theft recorded a six per cent decline – from 3,725 to 3,513 offences – and theft from a vehicle recorded a 20 per cent drop in offences – from 9,567 to 7,639 offences. This followed similar falls in the previous three reporting periods.
Shop theft has continued to fall in South Australia as ongoing proactive operations targeting recidivist offenders pay dividends with a seven per cent decline in the May period when 1,224 fewer offences were reported – from 18,405 to 17,181 incidents. This is the seventh successive decline in reported offences.
House break-ins have also continued to decline with a 10 per cent decrease recorded in the May period – from 5,822 to 5,228 offences – or 594 fewer incidents reported. This followed an 11 per cent decrease in the April period, eight per cent in March and seven per cent in February.
Non-residential break-ins also showed another healthy decrease with 318 fewer offences reported – from 3,708 to 3,390. The nine per cent drop followed a seven per cent decline in the April period and five per cent reductions in March and February.
The May rolling year statistics reveal acts intended to cause injury, which includes serious assault resulting in injury and common assault, increased by four per cent from 23,546 to 24,428 incidents reported.
Within that category the number of assault police incidents reported decreased by four per cent -from 626 to 601 incidents.
Reported homicides have returned to traditional levels with 10 recorded in the rolling year period compared with 23 in the corresponding period. A similar number were reported in the March and April periods.