Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged over Blackmans Bay incident

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 – 5:06 pm.

A 27-year-old man from Gardners Bay has been charged with a raft of offences following an incident in Blackmans Bay yesterday.
Police were called after reports a man had fired a shotgun at a vehicle during a disturbance involving people who were known to each other.
Both parties left the scene and significant police resources were used in the response, including specialist units and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Information provided by the public led to the man’s arrest near Blackmans Bay Beach.
Police will allege the man was in possession of a firearm when arrested, with two other firearms located nearby in a vehicle he is charged with stealing.
No one was injured during the incident or arrest, and police would like to thank members of the community for their support and assistance.
The man has been charged with the following offences:

Breach of bail
Motor Vehicle Stealing
Stealing
Drive while disqualified
Possess a firearm when not the holder of a firearm licence of the appropriate category
Recklessly Discharge a Firearm
Possession of stolen firearms
Possess shortened firearm
Possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued
Possess ammunition when not the holder of the appropriate firearm licence
Possess a controlled drug
Possess controlled plant or its products
Receiving stolen property
Resist a Police Officer

He has been remanded in custody to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged 27-year-old following reports a male was in the Galiwinku community selling Kava.

Around 12pm yesterday, local police received further information an unknown male was in community and about to board a flight leaving the island.

The male was spoken to at the Galiwinku airport and $152,900 in cash was located following a search of his luggage.

The 27-year-old was arrested and later charged with Supply Commercial Quantity of Kava following a further search of his residence. 

He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Northern Division Superintendent Lee Morgan said “Police will continue to target those who seek to exploit vulnerable communities in the Territory and we thank the Galiwinku community for their assistance.” 

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Council last night adopted the new Bendigo City Centre Action Plan 2026–2029, which includes reopening Hargreaves Street Mall as a one-way, low-speed shared zone from Mitchell Street to Williamson Street.

Opening the shared zone is one of 26 actions in the three-year plan aimed at strengthening the city centre as a vibrant, safe, welcoming, and investment-ready retail and activity destination.

The new plan outlines targeted actions to attract national retailers, high-quality food and beverage operators, and experience-based businesses. It also proposes initiatives such as shared tenancies, shopfront enhancements, short-term lease incentives, and a range of pilot programs to encourage activation and investment in the Mall.

The $500,000 project represents the most efficient, flexible, and cost-effective option. It will deliver a one-way shared lane by mid-September, with minimal disruption to traders and shoppers. The area will operate as a 10 km/h shared zone, improving connectivity between Mitchell Street and Williamson Street.

To transition into the shared zone from Mitchell Street, an existing gently sloped edge will connect the existing road surfaces. Bollards and planters will be arranged in a staggered layout to create a subtle winding path that encourages slow vehicle movement. A clear entry point will also be provided for cyclists travelling from Williamson Street to Hargreaves Street Mall.

Reopening the road is a key initiative to boost activity, increase foot traffic, improve access, and attract new business opportunities, including national brands.

No road excavation is required and existing infrastructure, including street furniture and the stage, can be repositioned. Trees will be retained, while Fun Loong Play Space will be secured with fencing.

The flexible design will also allow bigger events and activations, such as the Moonlight Market, to continue, helping to bring renewed energy and draw interest to the city centre.

While reopening the road is a permanent change, traffic flow, safety, and movement will be reviewed after 12 months to determine whether any improvements are needed.

Mayor Cr Prince said reopening Hargreaves Street Mall had been a long-standing topic of discussion within the community.

“There has been strong community sentiment, especially in recent weeks, showing how much people care about the Mall and the broader city centre succeeding as a key economic and civic hub,” Cr Prince said.

“Reopening the road is not a single fix. It’s part of a broader plan to drive revitalisation and investment, with a clear goal to attract more people, more often, in the city centre.

“This is an opportunity to reposition Hargreaves Street Mall as central Victoria’s flagship destination for shopping, dining, cultural experiences, and entertainment. The area has the scale to attract national brands, premium hospitality, and curated cultural events.

“This is a collaborative effort, with landlords, agents and businesses all playing a role in shaping the city centre’s future. The City can lead this action plan, but everyone needs to be on board for this to succeed.”

The previous Hargreaves Mall Action Plan 2023–2026 laid the groundwork for revitalisation, delivering improvements to the look and feel of the Mall through new infrastructure, public art, ongoing cleaning program and more than 500 events and activations.

The City also facilitates regular meetings with traders and Victoria Police, which will continue.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Around 10pm last night, the Northern Territory Police Force received reports of an overdue party consisting of two adults and two children who had departed Galiwinku by boat and failed to arrive at their intended destination.

NT Police Search and Rescue immediately commenced a coordinated search operation.

During the evening, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) deployed a Challenger jet aircraft to assist with the search; however, the vessel was not located overnight.

Joint coordination between AMSA, coordinating air assets, and NT Police Search and Rescue, coordinating sea assets, continued into the morning

At approximately 10:40am on Tuesday 19 May 2026, the missing party was located safe and well. It was established the vessel had suffered engine issues.

The party was safely returned to Galiwinku.

Assets involved in the search operation included:

• AMSA Challenger Jet aircraft
• NT Police aircraft
• Northern Territory Emergency Service
• NT Police Cultural Reform Team
• Australian Border Force vessel Leviathan
• Australian Defence Force P8-A aircraft
• Milingimbi Police working alongside the Milingimbi Outstation Progress Resource Association Rangers
• Galiwinku Police working alongside Marthakal Rangers

Senior Constable Michael Bishop from the NT Police Search and Rescue Section said, “This incident highlights the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation in achieving a quick resolution to what could have been a disastrous outcome. It is a reminder to all mariners to ensure their vessels are in working order and equipped with the required safety equipment.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: It is wonderful to have the Prime Minister here in the electorate of Perth in the great state of Western Australia, and to be accompanied by Premier Roger Cook. We delivered our Budget one week ago, and one of the big focuses of that budget was housing, making sure more Australians have a place to call home. But it wasn’t the first time our budgets focused on housing. This here on Pier Street is proof of our investment in housing. We’ve got some 100 social and affordable homes being built right here because of the strong partnership between the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments. Two governments who are committed to doing what is right for Western Australia and what is right for Western Australians. We’ll continue to champion housing in this electorate of Perth, across Western Australia, and across Australia. I’ll hand over to the Prime Minister to say a bit more.

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Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

On Sunday, 17 May Metcalfe Fire Brigade members joined together with CFA dignitaries and the local community to officially open the doors to their new fire station.

Around 100 people gathered to celebrate the milestone which allowed the brigade to show everyone their new state-of-the-art facility.   

The new station includes two motor bays, operational support areas, car parking and separate turnout areas with private change facilities to support gender diversity and accessibility. 

Metcalfe Fire Brigade Captain Len Girvan said the new station was welcomed not just by the brigade but by the wider community. 

“It has been a huge team effort, with a lot of different people putting in lots of work to make it happen,” Len said.  

“It has turned into a really great space, with so much more room allowing us to grow as a brigade. 

“The opening day was a great opportunity to celebrate with the community who are all so happy to see us in our new home.”  

Metcalfe Brigade was established as the Metcalfe Bushfire Brigade, which was formed in 1944.  

Lots has changed in the area in that time and Len said he is sure it will continue to change into the future.  

Metcalfe is also close to Ravenswood where one of the major bushfires burned in the 2025/26 fire season.  

“Our brigade was heavily involved in this fire season,” Len said. 

“This is opening is a celebration for the whole area.”  

Black Saturday also had a profound impact on the town of Metcalfe.  

The brigade also supported the response to the 2022 floods in Echuca, the 2019/20 fires, and many other major incidents throughout the years.  

The brigade has 26 operational members, with another 32 filling non-operational roles.    

Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 02, Archie Conroy, said it was great to see the brigade move into a new space.  

“It will allow the brigade to continue to grow and support their community,” Archie said.  

“Metcalfe do an incredible job of servicing their community and I look forward to seeing the brigade use this station to its fullest potential for many years to come.”  

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

HOST: Joel Creasy’s with us –

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Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Captain Matt Gallace and firefighter Ian Troutbeck

A passionate 80 years of community service was celebrated over the weekend, as CFA members from Main Ridge Fire Brigade gathered with friends and family to mark the occasion.

In lieu of their postponed 75^th celebrations, more than 50 people met at Merricks General Wine Store on Saturday (16 May) for a brigade dinner to acknowledge the remarkable achievement and present service awards to long-standing members.  

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM joined the festivities alongside local Captains and those from further abroad, and presented more than six National Medals, one with 1^st Clasp.

Main Ridge Fire Brigade Captain Matt Gallace opened the night and said it was a fantastic opportunity to come together on a more formal occasion to celebrate the milestone together.

“It was really nice to get together outside of the day-to-day training and jobs to take a look back at what we’ve achieved, what we’re here for, and the friendships we’ve made,” Matt said.

“I’ve been a part of the brigade for 29 years, with a one-year transfer to Warrnambool when I was at university, however, the culture has not changed over my time, it has always been terrific.

“We’ve had a really good run with people and that’s probably why we’re all members.

“We’ve got another four members coming through the training ranks at the moment, but new members are always welcome.”

Main Ridge Fire Brigade was formed in 1946 to service the needs of the surrounding area, with 29 founding members equipped with knapsacks, 100-gallon tanks, slashers, beaters, a cross-cut saw, axes and fire hoses. Now, 36 members attend approximately 60 incidents annually.

Prior to the formation of the brigade, fire suppression was undertaken by a small group of local residents equipped with knapsack sprayers and army boot beaters.

The brigade is part of the Hill and Ridge Emergency Network, made up of like-minded community stakeholders, and members continue to contribute their time annually to the Good Friday Appeal to collect community donations.

Matt said current and former members have a long history in fire prevention and planning, and the brigade’s equipment and resources have come a long way since he started.

“So much has changed and improved over the years for the better, particularly the new station that we moved into in 2014 which allows us to operate in more modern facilities,” Matt said.

“The new station is situated opposite the site of the very first Main Ridge fire station and is the third one we have been in over the 80 years.”

There has been ongoing advocacy from the brigade, significantly led by former Captain Ian Troutbeck, for the installation of strategic firefighting water tanks across their catchment since 2021. Following a successful grant, the brigade now proudly houses one at the station.

Seven service awards were presented on the night, ranging from five years to a momentous 45 years, all presented by CFA Commander Nick Bryant and Captain Matt Gallace.  

15-year service award recipients Kevin Wyatt and Justin O’Brien were congratulated for the critical role they played in gaining recent successful VESEP grants to obtain a new Light Tanker and to coordinate a new changeroom project to accommodate an expanding membership.

Secretary Katie McKenzie said the brigade has a history of helping when it’s needed, both locally and beyond through strike teams, and they recently responded to the Longwood fires in January.

“During this deployment, Main Ridge members formed a relationship with the Gooram and Ruffy Fire Brigades,” Katie said.

“This relationship has helped to facilitate continuing support through an ongoing Victorian Farmers Federation hay drive, involving substantial coordination efforts from Ian Troutbeck and generous support from local community members and organisations.”

If you’re interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has seized firearms, drugs and prohibited items at a property in Herbert during compliance and enforcement operations yesterday.

Firearms Audit and Enforcement Section members, with support from the Fugitive Task Force, attended the property following information reports relating to an unregistered firearm.

A firearms compliance inspection was conducted on a licence holder at the premises, where police located unsecured firearms and seized over 500 rounds of unsecured ammunition. Police also located a privately manufactured firearm, a homemade silencer, a flick knife and privately manufactured body armour.

During the compliance inspection, police observed indicators of drug activity within the residence. A subsequent search warrant was executed, resulting in the seizure of several cannabis plants, a trafficable quantity of cannabis plant material, and smaller quantities of cocaine and THC oil. Hydroponic equipment, approximately $5,350 cash believed to be tainted property, and a stolen trailer were also seized.

A 58-year-old male firearm licence holder was issued a Notice to Appear in Darwin Local Court on 25 August 2026 for:

• Supply Schedule 2 dangerous drug – less than commercial quantity
• Possess Schedule 2 dangerous drug – trafficable quantity
• Possess tainted property
• Fail to meet storage requirements
• Breach of firearms licence conditions

A 36-year-old male was also charged with:

• Possess body armour
• Possess prohibited weapon
• Possess unregistered firearm
• Possess silencer

He was remanded in custody to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Nine firearms were seized and action has been taken to suspend the firearms licence.

Sergeant Aaron Chapman, Firearms Audit and Enforcement said, “Unsecured firearms and prohibited items present a real risk to community safety, which is why police proactively conduct compliance and enforcement activities.

“Firearms licence holders must adhere to strict storage and compliance requirements at all times.

“Police conduct both targeted and routine compliance inspections, and we will continue to ensure licence holders are meeting their legal obligations.

“Where breaches are identified, enforcement action will be taken.

“We urge anyone with information about illegal firearms or suspicious activity to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

fter discussions between Australia and China, including between the Prime Minister and China’s Premier Li, the Albanese Labor Government has helped to secure three shipments of jet fuel, totaling more than 600,000 barrels or about 100 million litres.

The Government has also helped to secure another 38,500 tonnes of agricultural grade urea from Brunei, for Australian farmers, producers, and our agriculture industry, to keep Australia’s food and fiber production systems strong.

This adds to fertiliser and fuel that has been secured through the Albanese Labor Government’s $7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility, designed to help Australia’s agriculture and transport industries manage the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East.

The Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility has now helped to obtain around 125,000 tonnes of agricultural grade urea, in addition to the 250,000 tonnes of agricultural grade urea secured from Indonesia in partnership with Incitec Pivot.

This extra fertiliser gives greater certainty to farmers as they make planting and growing decisions, safeguarding our domestic food supply and the food security we provide to our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific region.

The three cargos of jet fuel from China are expected to arrive from early June, and are in addition to the 600,000 barrels or about 100 million litres of jet fuel already secured through the Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility.

These cargoes from China are a first step and we are working to ensure there will be more to come, to keep our aircraft flying, including to rural and regional areas.

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“In the face of global challenges, my Government will leave no stone unturned to shield Australians from the impact of global fuel challenges.

“The additional 600,000 barrels of jet fuel will help keep Australia moving, and the extra fertiliser will help provide certainty to our farmers.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong

“Australia is working with countries in our region to respond to this unprecedented shock to the global economy and ensure the continued flow of essential fuels.

“The Albanese Government is focused on securing the supplies – including diesel, jet fuel, petrol and fertiliser – that Australia needs.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“The additional jet fuel will support travel to Australia’s world class tourist destinations and support the movement of freight within Australia and exports overseas.”

“The fertiliser we have secured will support Australian farmers to produce the agricultural exports that we sell to the world, helping grow our economy and maintain our reputation as a supplier of world-class exports.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen

“The Albanese Government is continuing to secure more fuel to help Australians now while we set Australia up to better prepare for future shocks.

“Our efforts throughout Government have made Australia more energy secure now and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King

“Securing these jet fuel supplies is just one of the ways the Albanese Government is working with industry to keep people and goods moving.

“This additional fuel will be a welcome boost for our aviation sector and ensure the public can continue to fly with confidence.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins

“At a time of global uncertainty, our Government is doing everything we can to give our farmers confidence for the future.

“The additional fertiliser we have secured through our $7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility will mean Australia’s farmers can keep farming.

“Having access to critical inputs like fertiliser underpins the food security of Australia and the countries we export to, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, which is why we’ve been working day and night with industry to get fertiliser to our farmers.”