UPDATE: Call for information – Structure fire – Ludmilla

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to a structure fire that occurred in Ludmilla on 1 January 2026.

Detectives from the Serious Crime Squad have identified a vehicle of interest within the vicinity of Mawalan Court between 9.30pm and 9.40pm on the night of the incident. The vehicle is described as a small older model dark coloured sedan with faded paintwork.

Detectives believe the occupants of this vehicle may have information that could assist with the investigation.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen a vehicle matching this description or with CCTV or dashcam footage in the area to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600000420. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Call for Information – Assault Police and Vehicle Damage – Galiwinku

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information after a police officer was assaulted in Galiwinku this morning.

Around 4am, officers were conducting patrols in Galiwinku in response to ongoing reported youth disturbances.

Upon police approach, the driver’s side window of the vehicle was struck by a rock, allegedly thrown by an individual involved in the incident.

One of the officers sustained an injury to his eye caused by broken glass fragments in the incident.

Police are investigating if the incident is linked to the ongoing disturbances involving youth offenders.

Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information urged to contact police on 131 444 or attend their local police station.

Please quote reference P26033549. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Boaters urged to be prepared after Binalong Bay rescue

Source: Tasmania Police

Boaters urged to be prepared after Binalong Bay rescue

Monday, 2 February 2026 – 2:08 pm.

Police are reminding boat users to be prepared after two men were rescued near Binalong Bay yesterday.
About 2pm Sunday, police received multiple reports of a vessel on fire at sea between Binalong Bay and The Gardens.
The Westpac Rescue helicopter was deployed to the area along with St Helens Marine Rescue volunteers aboard rescue vessel ‘Georges Bay’.
About 4:50pm, the helicopter located a 4.6 metre runabout adrift approximately 9 kilometres east-northeast of The Gardens.
A 53-year-old man and 62-year-old man were rescued from the boat by marine volunteers and returned to shore.
The 62-year-old man was taken to the St Helens District Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
Sergeant Josh Hayes from Northern Search and Rescue said while initial investigations indicated the vessel had appropriate minimum safety equipment, police were reminding boaters to ensure they also have communications equipment onboard.
“It is highly recommended to take communications equipment when at sea including VHF radio, EPIRB and mobile phones,” Sergeant Hayes said.
“Ease of communication can prevent a simple breakdown turning into an emergency.”
Before you head out, make sure to:
Plan before you launch:

Check the weather forecast and tides.
Ensure your vessel is seaworthy and not overloaded.
Carry all required safety equipment (anchor, flares, EPIRB, VHF radio, first aid kit).
If boating solo, tell someone your plan and when you expect to be back

Wear a life jacket:

Mandatory for all on board; check it’s AS4758 compliant and in good condition.
Inflatable life jackets must be serviced regularly.

Stay alert and sober:

Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Stay under 0.05
Keep a proper lookout and maintain safe speed.

Be ready to act in an emergency:

Know how to use your VHF radio and EPIRB.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or raise the alarm, without putting yourself at risk.

Be safe when swimming or diving:

Never swim or dive alone; always dive with a buddy.
Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Supervise children closely and avoid swimming at night or in unpatrolled areas.

For more information on safe boating and equipment requirements, visit www.mast.tas.gov.au.

Extradition – Historic child sex offences – Northern Territory

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has extradited a 66-year-old man from Western Australia in relation to alleged historic child sex offences committed in the Northern Territory.

On 31 January 2026, after extensive interstate enquiries and interagency collaboration in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, the man was extradited back to the Northern Territory.

He has since been charged in relation to alleged historic child sex offences committed between 2009 and 2019 and is due to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Applications open for City’s Medium Grants program

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Applications for grants of up to $10,000 are now open for the City of Greater Bendigo’s Medium Grants category to support local groups to undertake projects that align with the objectives of the City’s Council Plan Mir wimbul 2025-2029 or a local community plan.

City of Greater Bendigo Manager Community Partnerships Amy Holmes said Council allocates around $850,000 each year through the Community Grants Program and its various grant categories.

“It’s an important program and we want to see as many groups as possible accessing the funding available,” Ms Holmes said.

“The Medium Grants category provides up to $10,000 to help community groups cover essential costs and deliver activities that align with the Council Plan Mir wimbul 2025-2029 or a local community plan.

“The Community Grants Program makes a real difference for local groups as without this funding they would often not be able to undertake important activities that benefit our community.

“To be considered for a community grant, applicants must be a registered legal entity such as an incorporated association. However, if you are informal group or individual your application can be submitted by an auspice organisation.

“Before applying, groups should consider if there is a clear need for their activity, if there is community support for their activity and if they have the resources needed to deliver the activity.

“Grants Officers are available to provide advice, and we recommend applicants speak to our team about their project by calling 1300 002 642.”

To support groups to make their application, drop-in information sessions will be held as follows: 

  • Thursday February 5, 12.30-2pm at Galkangu – Bendigo GovHub Room G.03
  • Tuesday February 10, 11.30-1.30pm at Bendigo Library Activity Room 1
  • Wednesday February 18, 12.30-2pm at Galkangu – Bendigo GovHub Room G.03

Applications for the Medium Grants will close at 4pm on Thursday February 26, 2026.  

Foreign investors penalised for breach of Australian laws

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Today the Federal Court of Australia has ordered Indian Ocean International Shipping and Service Company Ltd (Indian Ocean) and Ms Jing Tian to pay $14 million in penalties for breaching Australia’s foreign investment laws.

This outcome sends a clear signal to foreign investors in Australia that they must follow the law or face the consequences.

This was the first case brought by a Treasurer under our foreign investment laws since they were introduced in 1975.

I will always act to protect the national interest and the integrity of our foreign investment framework.

In June 2024, I ordered five foreign investors, including Indian Ocean, to sell their shares in Northern Minerals Limited (Northern Minerals) to unrelated parties by 2 September 2024.

The orders were issued due to national security concerns about these investors’ shareholdings in the critical minerals company.

In August 2024, Indian Ocean transferred their shares in Northern Minerals to Ms Tian, who at the time was the company’s director and sole shareholder.

The Federal Court declared that the transfer of shares breached the disposal order.

The Albanese government will never hesitate to take decisive action to protect our national interests and preserve our national security.

100 years young and 80 years of dedication

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Jim Cole (left) and Fryerstown Captain Hamish Maccallum (right)

Fryerstown Fire Brigade recently took the opportunity to recognise a remarkable milestone, celebrating 80 years of dedicated service from one of its most dedicated members, Jim Cole.

The occasion was marked alongside another incredible achievement, with Jim celebrating his 100th birthday (Saturday, 3 January).  

Jim joined CFA in 1944 and was one of the founding members of the Fryerstown Fire Brigade at just 18 years old.  

His pride for the brigade and generosity with his time has helped shape Fryerstown Fire Brigade into what it is today.  

Now 100 years old, Jim reflected on how much has changed during his decades of service to the community.  

“In the early days, we only had knapsacks, rakes and beaters to fight fires, so it was hard going,” Jim said.   

“One year we were fighting a big fire at Guildford for days, no food, nothing. It was tough in those days. 

“Things are very different now and over the years the firefighting units have become top class.  

“I just leave the firefighting to the ‘young’ ones these days.” 

Firefighting, leadership and community service have become a family affair for the Cole family. 

Following in their father’s footsteps, Jim’s son James has dedicated 45 years to firefighting and has served in many roles including Captain of the Fryerstown Fire Brigade, while his daughter Julie has served for 15 years and is Captain of Walmer Fire Brigade. 

“Growing up on a rural property, bushfire awareness was part of everyday life,” Julie said.  

“Dad taught us to understand fire behaviour and its impact on livelihoods, stock and community. 

“It felt only natural to follow in dad’s footsteps and continue his legacy of volunteering with CFA, helping to protect our community just as he did for so many years.”  

CFA District 2 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Archie Conroy presented Jim with his 80-year service medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution.  

“Eighty years of service is a remarkable achievement and speaks to Jim’s lifelong commitment to protecting the community,” Archie said.    

Fryerstown Fire Brigade is richer for Jim’s contributions, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. 

Submitted by CFA Media

Police investigating serious crash involving a pedestrian in Moonah

Source: Tasmania Police

Police investigating serious crash involving a pedestrian in Moonah

Monday, 2 February 2026 – 8:41 am.

Police are investigating a serious crash involving a pedestrian at Moonah overnight.
Police responded to the incident in Charles Street just before 1am after a woman was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured.
The vehicle had left the scene prior to police arrival.
The woman was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital where she remains in a serious, but stable condition.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing, and police are calling for any witnesses or dash cam footage from the Charles Street, Moonah area shortly before 1am Monday 2 February.
Information can be provided by calling police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

Serious crash, Highland Lakes Road / Waddamana Road intersection

Source: Tasmania Police

Serious crash, Highland Lakes Road / Waddamana Road intersection

Sunday, 1 February 2026 – 7:08 pm.

Police have attended a serious crash involving two vehicles, that occurred today on Highland Lakes Road, near the intersection with Waddamana Road. Police and emergency services personnel attended the scene at around 11.30am.
Initial inquiries indicate that the driver of a Nissan Tiida was travelling north on Highland Lakes Road, when it crossed into the path of a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. Weather conditions at the time were unseasonally cold and wet.
The occupants of the second vehicle, all tourists from Poland, were not injured, but were assessed by Ambulance Tasmania as a precaution.
The driver of the Nissan Tiida received a compound fracture to his leg and was taken by Ambulance to Launceston General Hospital for further assessment and treatment. The remaining passengers in the Nissan Tiida were unharmed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote OR 796472 when providing information.

BLOWHOLE BEACH ROAD, DEEP CREEK (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Homes that have been built to withstand a bushfire, and are prepared to the highest level, may provide safety.

You may lose power, water, phone and data connections.

Fire crews are responding but you should not expect a firefighter at your door.

What you should do

  • Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan.
  • Protect yourself from the fire’s heat – put on protective clothing.
  • Tell family or friends of your plans.

If you are leaving

  • Leave now, don’t delay.
  • Roads may become blocked or access may change. Smoke will reduce visibility.
  • Secure your pets for travel.
  • If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.

If you are not leaving – prepare to defend

  • Identify a safe place inside, with more than one exit, before the fire arrives. Keep moving away from the heat of the fire.
  • Bring pets inside and restrain them.
  • Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your house.
  • Close doors and windows to keep smoke out.
  • If you have sprinklers, turn them on to wet the areas.
  • If the building catches fire, go to an area already burnt. Check around you for anything burning.