Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A male has been charged, and another issued a notice to appear following a drug and cash seizure in Borroloola last week.

Borroloola police officers conducted an investigation and executed a search warrant at a commercial premises in Borroloola around 9am on Friday 13 March. 

During a search of the residence and vehicle occupied by a 68-year-old male, police seized the following: 

• 11.3 kilograms of cannabis
• $550,335 in Australian currency
• Drug paraphernalia
• A Toyota Landcruiser
• A mobile device

The 68-year-old was arrested for drug offences and conveyed to the Borroloola Police Station.

Borroloola Police executed a second search warrant at 12pm at the male’s usual residence in King Ash Bay in which large clip seal bags previously containing cannabis, a quantity of cannabis and evidence of drug supply were all seized.

The male was later charged with:

• Possess schedule 2 dangerous drug – commercial quantity
• Supply schedule 2 dangerous drug – commercial quantity
• Receiving or possessing tainted property

On Saturday, 14 March at around 12:30pm and with the assistance of the Fugitive Task Force and Alice Springs based Drug Investigation Unit, a search warrant was executed at a separate King Ash Bay residence occupied by a 56-year-old male, where a commercial quantity of cannabis was located along with illegal tobacco, loose ammunition and fireworks.

The male was not present at the time but will be charged with:

• Possess schedule 2 dangerous drug – commercial quantity
• Possession of ammunition
• Possess fireworks outside prohibited period

Investigations remain ongoing into the large quantity of Australian currency seized.

Anyone with information regarding the supply and distribution of illicit drugs is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Dawn Whittall at Sedgwick brigade

While the fire season placed sustained demand on CFA firefighters across Victoria, behind the scenes, CFA peers stepped in to provide essential wellbeing support.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

​NSW Health is expanding free access to the Japanese encephalitis vaccine to people who plan to visit high-risk local government areas for outdoor recreation, following detection of the virus late in the mosquito season.
People living or working in eight additional local government areas are now eligible to access the free JE vaccine. The additional LGAs are Armidale, Ballina, Bathurst, Byron, Oberon, Tweed, Walcha, and Yass Valley.
Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is also now available until the start of winter for anyone in NSW who plans to visit any defined high-risk LGAs for outdoor recreational activities such as camping, caravanning, boating, hunting and fishing while mosquito activity remains high.
Dr Keira Glasgow, NSW Health Director One Health Branch sai​d of the seven cases reported in NSW in the last two years, six are believed to have been bitten by mosquitoes while camping or caravanning. 
“One of the reasons we have temporarily expanded access to the JE vaccine is because we are experiencing a prolonged mosquito season,” Dr Glasgow said.
“The majority of confirmed cases have been from people visiting these high-risk areas for outdoor recreation so we are urging people to protect themselves against mosquito bites, particularly if planning a camping or fishing trip in the coming weeks.”
JE is a rare but serious illness spread by infected mosquitoes. While many people experience mild illness, it can cause severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions and reduced consciousness and in rare cases can be fatal.
The virus was most recently detected by NSW Health in sentinel chicken surveillance testing at Hay on 25 February 2026.
“There is no specific treatment for JE virus so prevention through vaccination is essential,” Dr Glasgow said.
“People planning to travel to the high-risk regions in the school holidays should have a discussion with their vaccination provider as soon as possible, as protection from the vaccine can take up to two weeks to develop.”
JE vaccine is available through local general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services and pharmacists.
People living, working or planning an outdoor trip to high-risk LGAs should make an appointment and let healthcare provider know it is for the JE vaccine ahead of time, as the vaccine may need to be ordered.
A booster dose may be recommended for some people with ongoing risk of exposure one to two years after completing their primary course.
Information on eligibility for a free JE vaccine is available on Japanese encephalitis vaccination.
For more information on protecting yourself from mosquito bites visit: Mosquito borne diseases.​​

Source: Tasmania Police

Investigations into death on Hobart waterfront

Tuesday, 17 March 2026 – 12:22 pm.

Police are investigating the death of a man at the Hobart waterfront this morning, whose body was found in the water near Franklin Wharf.
The man’s body was located by police divers shortly before 7.45am.
Police can confirm the man is a 23-year-old French citizen, who was a crew member of a scientific vessel docked in Hobart.
Police have notified the French consulate, and Interpol is assisting with notification of the man’s next of kin.
Inspector John Toohey said: “This is a tragic outcome for this man’s family, his friends and his crew mates and our thoughts and condolences go out to them at this time.”
Police were notified of the incident about 3.55am this morning and responded quickly. A police vessel also assisted in the search, but the man could not be located.
About 7am, officers from the police dive squad entered the water near Princes Wharf 1 to assist in the search and the man was located shortly after.
Early indications are the man may have jumped in the water voluntarily. There are no suspicious circumstances at this time.
Investigations are continue and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Residents across south-east Victoria may have noticed smoke hanging low over the hills last weekend (14-15 March) followig a coordinated series of planned burns carried out to reduce fuel loads and strengthen community safety ahead of the next fire season.

Across three locations – Nerrena, Traralgon West and Clifton Creek – firefighters, land managers and volunteer crews worked side by side to complete burns that will support resilience across local communities and landscapes.

Small burn, big benefit at Nerrena

Saturday morning began at Nerrena, where crews completed a 3.5‑hectare low‑land forest burn. Although modest in scale, the site plays an important role in shaping fire behaviour within the broader mosaic of surrounding farmland and forested gullies. Good conditions and steady teamwork helped crews complete the burn safely and efficiently.

Sunday operations at Traralgon West

Crews shifted their focus to Scrubby Lane in Traralgon West for a roadside planned burn conducted under clear, cool autumn conditions. This site carried an added layer of complexity. The burn zone was next to a large pine plantation, so precise ignition work and constant monitoring was needed to ensure the fire remained within containment lines. Despite the additional challenges, teams executed the operation smoothly, helping to make a key access corridor safer for the season ahead.

Major fuel reduction at Clifton Creek

The weekend’s largest operation took place at Clifton Creek, where firefighters and land managers completed a 49‑hectare planned joint agency bushland burn. The burn forms part of an ongoing effort to reduce fuel hazards in an area that has experienced significant fire activity in recent years. By mid‑afternoon, the main burn area was safely contained, with crews patrolling and blacking out hotspots as the light faded across the ridgelines.

A collective effort across agencies and volunteers

None of the weekend’s achievements would have been possible without a wide network of people and organisations working together. Volunteer CFA members from across South East Region played a central role, providing valuable local knowledge, on‑the-ground skills and many hours of service. They were supported by 28 members from the CFA Planned Burn Taskforce, who brought additional capability in ignition, sector operations and burn control.

The burns were further strengthened by the involvement of key partner agencies, including:

• HVP Plantations
• Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action 
• Parks Victoria
• GLaWAC (Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation)

This collaborative approach ensured burns were conducted safely, responsibly and with a shared focus on long‑term landscape health.

Looking ahead

As the final plumes of smoke lifted on Sunday evening, crews wrapped up another successful chapter in the region’s autumn burning program. The weekend’s operations highlighted what can be achieved when agencies, volunteers, landholders, and Traditional Owner organisations work together toward a common goal: safer communities and healthier landscapes.

Submitted by	Mitchell Emmett

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A woman has been arrested following a general disturbance at a pavilion on Tate Place in Winnellie on Sunday evening.

Around 6pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a large disturbance involving an estimated 40 people fighting with improvised items.

The disturbance allegedly occurred involving a large group of people following a verbal confrontation between youths.

Police from Casuarina and Darwin General Duties were deployed to the location. 

The disturbance ceased upon police arrival and a 22-year-old female was arrested for disorderly behaviour and drug-related offending, and conveyed to Palmerston Watch House.

Police engaged with members of the groups allegedly involved and the venue staff assisted to facilitate mediation at the scene.   

No injuries were reported to police, Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information including footage is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26077509. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The Bendigo East Swimming Pool will become a summer season only, heated facility and Faith Leech Aquatic Centre will be open and heated all year round following a decision by the Greater Bendigo City Council at last night’s Council meeting.

The service changes will mean the community continues to have access to a year-round, heated, outdoor 50 metre pool.

Faith Leech Aquatic Centre currently operates for eight months of the year and this will now increase to all year round.  The community will also still have year-round access to the City’s two indoor heated aquatic facilities, Gurri Waanyarra Wellbeing Centre and Peter Krenz Centre.

The City will work with the voluntary Bendigo East Swimming Pool Committee of Management regarding its interest in continuing to operate the facility over the summer.  However, should the Committee decide that they do not wish to do so, the City will appoint a suitably skilled and qualified operator prior to the commencement of the 2026/27 summer season.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said managing an aquatic facility is a significant undertaking and Council acknowledges the Bendigo East Swimming Pool Committee of Management’s commitment and many contributions to running the facility over many years.

“It is challenging to operate aquatic facilities due to a range of factors, including significant safety requirements, risk management and increased capital and operating costs,” Cr Prince said.

“These factors are placing growing pressure on all aquatic services, particularly those managed by volunteers.  This is not just a Greater Bendigo problem, nationwide service providers are facing similar challenges with ageing infrastructure, increasing running costs and changing community needs for aquatic facilities.

“The City will also work on refreshing its Community Aquatic Facilities Strategy to ensure the community’s diverse needs can be supported into the future.

“A community desire to have access to a year-round outdoor swimming facility was identified through community engagement for the Strategy and Faith Leech Aquatic Centre, as Greater Bendigo’s premier, heated outdoor aquatic facility, is the most suitable facility to provide this service into the future.

“The City will also continue to work with Swimming Bendigo to support a collaborative approach to lane availability and management for Greater Bendigo’s three swimming clubs over the winter season.

“Faith Leech Aquatic Centre and the indoor heated facilities will be available, and the City has provided lane availability assurances to the Bendigo East Amateur Swimming Club.

“Faith Leech Aquatic Centre is centrally located, with more contemporary change rooms and a suitable first aid space.  It also features a pool hoist and wet deck area to provide greater accessibility.

“Council acknowledges the popularity of Bendigo East Swimming Pool, particularly in the summer months, and is pleased to be able to support its ongoing operation in summer.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has apprehended four male youths in relation to a burglary that occurred in the early hours of this morning in Alice Springs.

Around 2:30am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a licensed premises on Todd Street had been unlawfully entered.

It is alleged a group of male youths had broken a window and unlawfully entered the premises for a period of time, before fleeing the scene on foot. No items were reported stolen to police.

Strike Force Viper and general duties members responded, and after reviewing CCTV, located and apprehended four male youths aged 10, 11, 12 and 13-years-old a short time later near a shopping centre on the corner of Bath Street and Gregory Terrace.

The 10, 11 and 12-year-olds were released into the care of a responsible adult.

The 13-year-old was arrested and is expected to be charged in relation to the burglary.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26078778. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

An 18-year-old male has been arrested and charged in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred in Alice Springs last week.

Around 4:25am on Thursday 12 March, it is alleged four male offenders unlawfully entered a residence in St Andrews Place, Desert Springs. One of the offenders allegedly assaulted the occupant aged in his 70s before stealing alcohol and fleeing the scene.

As a result of police investigations, an 18-year-old male was located and arrested at a residence on Lyndavale Drive last night.

He has since been charged with Aggravated burglary, Aggravated robbery and Damage to property. He has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court tomorrow.

The three other alleged offenders remain outstanding and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600024205.

Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: I want to welcome Your Majesty the King on your first visit to Australia since your ascension. It’s a pleasure as well to welcome Her Majesty the Queen, who has of course a very special relationship with our country. Australians have a great affection for both of you, and we also have a great affection for Denmark. Many of us have travelled there. We understand each other, our countries share very similar values about human rights and democracy. Similar values as well about the challenges facing the world, in particular the challenge of climate change and energy and how to deal with what is the biggest economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution. And the work that we’re doing together is so important. Your support for Australia, of Denmark, for our Free Trade Agreement with the European Union is also much appreciated and I take the opportunity to thank you for that support. Of course, on this visit through two territories, Uluru, of course, a very important site for every Australian, but particularly for First Nations people. We also, with your visits to Victoria and then I will join you in Tasmania in a couple of days’ time. And it’s important as well, I think that this isn’t just a royal visit, this is an extensive visit with members of the delegation talking with Australia about economic cooperation, and our foreign affairs relationships as well. So, welcome. Jodie and I look forward very much to having dinner with you tonight at The Lodge, and I know that at Government House yesterday was a splendid welcome, thank you, you can take credit for the weather, it’s been quite extraordinary since you have been here as well. So, welcome.

< HIS MAJESTY, KING FREDERIK OF DENMARK: