NSW boaties urged to ditch dated flares

Source: Mental Health Australia

NSW Maritime is asking boaties across New South Wales to safely dispose of their expired marine flares as part of its annual statewide collection program.

The program launches Friday 7 November providing boaties with a safe, simple, and free way to dispose of expired or unwanted marine flares, helping protect our waterways and the environment.

It comes as the warmer months see increased traffic on NSW waterways. NSW Maritime is asking the boating community to remind themselves of important boat safety measures.

Before you head out on the water:

  • Check your safety gear – including lifejackets, flares, and communication devices
  • Bring any expired flares to a designated collection point

Disposing of flares properly reduces the risk of accidental discharge and ensures hazardous items are handled safely.

Executive Director for NSW Maritime Mark Hutchings warned boaties that carrying expired flares onboard is dangerous.

“Marine flares are pyrotechnical devices that create heat and smoke and can burn up to 1600 degrees celsius. It’s critical that all boaties check their flares before hitting the water, and if they’re expired, take them to our disposal centres,” said Mr Hutchings.

“The last thing we want to see this summer is flares accidentally igniting or malfunctioning because boaties aren’t checking their equipment is up to date. Our collection program offers a safe and responsible way for people to dispose of expired flares.

“If you find yourself in a situation on the water where you need to use a flare, you want to have peace of mind it’s going to work as it should. I encourage all boaties to put safety first this summer,” said Mr Hutchings.

The Expired Marine Flare Collection Program runs from 7 to 23 November 2025 at key boating locations across NSW.

For Collection Locations and Dates please visit here.

For more information about the collection program and safe disposal methods visit here.

Grants helping Canberra’s community gardens grow

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government




Grants helping Canberra’s community gardens grow – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.


Released 04/11/2025

The ACT Government has awarded over $40,000 in grant funding to five community organisations through Round 11 of the Community Garden Grants program.

The program, now in its eleventh year, is designed to support the delivery of community gardens across Canberra to enhance community places and spaces.

Since 2015, there has been over $470,000 in funding provided by the ACT Government to 99 projects across the city. This has provided hundreds of Canberrans with the opportunity to learn, share and connect at their local community garden.

Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr said that community gardens in the ACT deliver benefits to people involved in the gardens as well as the broader Canberra community.

“Community gardens have a special place in the urban fabric of Canberra, with hidden gems like Indigenous food style gardens, urban gardens and micro-forests to be found throughout our city,” Minister Orr said.

“Some of the many benefits these gardens bring to communities include providing a place to grow fresh and healthy food, improving wellbeing through social connection, and helping us all to understand the importance of sustainable living and food security.

“For many individuals, these gardens are more than a place to grow food though. They provide opportunities for social interaction and physical activity and a place to connect with nature. They’re also helping the broader community by supporting pollinators and reducing the urban heat island effect.

“This year’s projects include native, sensory and food gardens, and even a garden for cultivating plants that can be made into fibres and dyes for making textiles, showing just how many and diverse the benefits of gardens are.”

The recipients of Round 11 of the Community Garden Grants are:

  • Rotary Club of Canberra Sundowners: enhance an existing community garden, install new wicking beds, improve water access and improve the accessibility of the garden beds – $8,850.
  • Northside Community Service: improve the community garden at Treehouse in the Park Early Learning Centre and Majura Community Centre in partnership to increase food production and establish native sensory spaces – $7,057.
  • Canberra Spinners & Weavers Inc: grow plants to produce natural dyes and fibres traditionally used in textile production for community workshops and individual projects – $8,200.
  • Canberra Seed Savers Cooperative: create a seed garden to promote food production in local communities using circular economy and zero emission principles – $9,585.
  • Forest School P&C: create a Serpent Sanctuary Garden in collaboration with their indigenous education officer – $7,500.

“If there’s a community garden in your area, I encourage you to check it out, learn how you can get involved, or even consider ways that you can create your own garden,” Minister Orr said.

For more information about the Community Garden Grants program, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.

Quotes attributable to Jim Corrigan, coordinator of the Amaroo Community Garden:

“The Amaroo Community Garden received a really huge boost with a Community Garden Grant last year. We were able to build a new garden bed, establish a permanent water supply and provide more composting facilities so we could work with the students of Good Shepherd School to compost their organic waste.

“This has allowed the Amaroo Community Garden to grow a wide range of vegetables. Much of the produce can be provided to families in need in the Gungahlin area.”

– Statement ends –

Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Drivers caught breaking road rules over the long weekend

Source: Tasmania Police

Drivers caught breaking road rules over the long weekend

Tuesday, 4 November 2025 – 10:24 am.

Police continued their road safety focus in north-west Tasmania over the Recreation Day long weekend, with multiple drivers caught breaking the road rules.
“Tragically this year we have seen a devastating increase in fatalities on our roads, and it’s disappointing to see that some motorists continue to put themselves and other road users at risk,” said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.
Over the long weekend, at traffic operations conducted by police across north-west Tasmania:

Four drivers were charged with drink driving:

A 23-year-old man from Devonport was detected on Stanley Street, Latrobe, and returned a reading of 0.162.
A 66-year-old man from Shorewell Park was detected on Mount Street, Burnie, and returned a reading of 0.117.  He was not wearing a seatbelt.
A 47-year-old man from Waratah was detected on Main Road, Penguin, and returned a reading of 0.119.
A 37-year-old man from Tugrah riding an ATV quad bike was detected on Top Farm Track, Granville Harbour, and returned a reading of 0.083.

Three drivers – one in Burnie and two in Devonport – returned positive results for driving with drugs in their system. They will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

A 34-year-old Westbury man was detected driving while disqualified at Stoney Rise.  He will be summonsed to appear in Court at a later date.

A 28-year-old woman from East Devonport evaded police on Wyllie Street, Devonport and was later charged with several offences including evade police (aggravated circumstances), drive whilst not the holder of a driver licence, breach of bail conditions, use unregistered motor vehicle, and unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place. She was detained for court and remanded in custody to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court on 4 November 2025.

A 19-year-old man from Burnie evaded police in the Burnie area and was later charged with evade police (aggravated circumstances), drive whilst not the holder of a driver licence, ride motor bike when not wearing helmet, and use unregistered motor vehicle. He was bailed to appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on 20 January 2026.

43 traffic infringement notices were issued for speeding offences, with a 50-year-old Burnie man detected travelling at 97km/h in a 60 km/h zone issued a fine of $615 and 5 demerit points.

Acting Inspector Martin Parker said Tasmania Police will continue its road safety efforts.
“It is extremely disappointing that some individuals continue to disregard the law and endanger other road users by undertaking risky driving behaviours,” he said.
“We will continue to conduct targeted and random patrols on Tasmania’s roads to detect and deter high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink driving, inattention, and not wearing seatbelts.”
“These factors overwhelmingly contribute to serious and fatal crashes.”
“Please help police to keep everyone safe by doing the right thing every time you travel on the roads.”
Incidents of dangerous driving can be reported to police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Man charged following disturbance in Launceston CBD on Sunday

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged following disturbance in Launceston CBD on Sunday

Tuesday, 4 November 2025 – 10:12 am.

Police are calling for further information from the public after a man was arrested in the Launceston CBD on Sunday afternoon. 
Police will allege the man spat on two women in the Brisbane Street area about 12.30pm and confronted several other people before being arrested by an off-duty police officer. 
The 32-year-old man from Launceston has been charged with assault, stealing, disorderly conduct, possession of a knife and offences against police. He appeared in an after-hours court on 3 November and was remanded in custody to re-appear at a later date. 
“Understandably this would have been a confronting incident for the witnesses,” said Senior Sergeant James Scicluna. 
“People have the right to feel safe in our community, and this type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by police.” 
“As part of our ongoing investigation police would like to speak to the two women who were spat at, we understand they left the area shortly after the incident.” 
“Police would also like to express our thanks to the two men who assisted our off-duty officer who arrested the man as the incident occurred.” 
If anyone has information in relation to the incident, they are asked to contact Launceston Police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – quote OR789125. 

Let’s stay safe this summer, simple steps make a big difference

Source: South Australia Police

South Australia Police (SAPOL) is reminding the community to stay aware of seasonal trends in Serious Criminal Trespass (SCT) offences, which historically increase during the spring and summer months. Data from the past three years shows that SCT offences often rise from September through January and similar trends may occur in 2025.

Several factors contribute to this seasonal rise, including school and university holidays starting in late September and early October. University breaks often extend into February, meaning some homes may be unoccupied for longer periods. Residential SCT offences are most common during daytime and afternoon hours, while non-residential SCT offences tend to occur in the afternoon and evening.

Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia said, “Although these seasonal trends have been observed in previous years, we do not accept them as inevitable. SAPOL is committed to disrupting this pattern through proactive policing and community engagement. Everyone has a role to play, and by taking simple but effective steps, we can collectively reduce the opportunities for crime and protect our homes and businesses”

SAPOL encourages community members to take simple, proactive steps to help secure homes and businesses. When away, lock all doors, windows, and gates, and keep spare keys with you, including vehicle keys. Use smart lighting or timer switches to make your property look occupied and consider asking a trusted friend or neighbour to help by closing curtains, parking in your driveway, emptying your letterbox, and bringing in bins. Pausing mail and newspaper deliveries and arranging parcel collection can also help. If posting on social media, avoid sharing holiday plans in advance and consider waiting until you return to share updates.

General home security measures can make a big difference. Lock external doors, including the door between your garage and house, and keep windows closed when you’re out or in another part of the house. Secure garages, sheds, and gates with quality locks, and consider installing bars or security screens. Doorbell cameras and security cameras are widely available and affordable. Keep vehicle keys out of sight and avoid obvious spots like kitchen counters or key hooks. Outdoor lighting helps reduce hiding spots and should cover key access points such as front and rear doors. Marking valuables assists police in identifying rightful owners and makes it harder for offenders to sell or dispose of stolen property.

By taking these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of SCT offences. For more information on home security, visit SAPOL’s website and under your safety, click Crime Prevention and Security. www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/crime-prevention-and-security

Train incident at Dudley Park

Source: South Australia Police

Police are at the scene of an incident at Dudley Park where a person has been hit by a train.

Just 8.30am today (Tuesday 4 November), emergency services were called to the railway crossing near Pym Street.

Train services are restricted in the area and road closures are in place.

Please avoid the area if possible.

Crocodile being relocated

Source: Government of Queensland

Issued: 1 Nov 2025

A large crocodile is being relocated from a Cairns facility to a private facility.

Our priority is the successful rehoming of the crocodile, and we have worked collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition.

In the best interests of the crocodile and people involved in the transfer, further details of the transfer, including the destination, cannot be shared at this time.

Background:

We will promptly provide an update when safe to do so.

Large crocodile rehomed to Australia Zoo

Source: Government of Queensland

Issued: 3 Nov 2025

A large saltwater crocodile has been successfully and safely relocated from a Cairns facility to Australia Zoo.

The crocodile was removed from Lakefield National Park in September for public safety.

Rehoming options were considered and it was determined that Australia Zoo was the best-suited facility to accept and care for a crocodile of this size and significance.

Australia Zoo safely transported the crocodile from Cairns to the Sunshine Coast over the weekend.

It was removed from the wild after we received reports of its repeated and concerning behaviour that was escalating, as a direct result of it being fed by people.

The smooth transition for the crocodile is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Australia Zoo and DETSI, highlighting the shared goal of wildlife conservation and education.

Background:

The crocodile is considered an icon crocodile under the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2018, meaning it must be rehomed to a licenced crocodile facility to promote education on crocodile ecology and conservation.

UPDATE: Arrest – Property offences – Tiwi

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have re-arrested a 28-year-old man, who was involved in an unlawful damage incident earlier today.

Following the man’s arrest this morning, he was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment where he subsequently absconded. Health staff immediately notified police.

A short time later, the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre received reports that a man had attended an aged care facility in Tiwi where he allegedly stole multiple personal items from residents and a vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Police deployed to the area and sighted the stolen vehicle on Varney Crescent, Jingili. Officers attempted to apprehend the vehicle; however, the offender abandoned it and fled on foot.

A cordon of the area was established, and the offender was located hiding inside a nearby residence.

The 28-year-old was arrested and remains in police custody.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25295566. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Arrests – Aggravated burglary – Darwin City

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested two men and one woman in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred in Darwin City on Friday evening.

Around 10:00pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a business premises on Mitchell Street had been unlawfully entered, and multiple items stolen.

It is alleged the three offenders entered the premises and stole a large quantity of merchandise before fleeing the scene.

On Saturday 1 November 2025, general duties officers located and arrested two of the alleged offenders, a 34-year-old woman and 42-year-old man, on Daly Street.

The following day, officers arrested a third man, aged 46, who was found in possession of items stolen from the business.

The three alleged offenders have been charges with:

  • Aggravated burglary
  • Theft

They were remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 3 November 2025.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500108893. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.