Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search to return to Hollybank Forest Reserve

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 3:54 pm.

Tasmania Police and SES volunteers will return to the Hollybank Forest Reserve on Wednesday to resume the search for missing Scottsdale man Peter Willoughby.
Mr Willoughby, 76, was reported missing on the afternoon of Sunday, October 5, after he went walking in thick bushland near Hollybank, in the state’s northeast.
Despite extensive search efforts in the days after Mr Willoughby’s disappearance, sadly, there has been no sign of him or new clues that could lead to his possible location. 
Tasmania Police Northern Search and Rescue (SAR) Inspector Nick Clark said approximately 30 people would be on the ground on Wednesday actively searching for Mr Willoughby.
Also, Sustainable Timber Tasmania staff will be offering logistical assistance.
“This will be a substantial search, and include officers from Northern SAR, Western SAR, general duties police, plus the involvement of SES volunteers,” Inspector Clark said.
“The search will look to review some of the terrain we have previously covered, but we will also look at searching some new areas to the south of Mr Willoughby’s last known location.”
The search effort had been paused since Friday, due in part to inclement weather which posed a risk to searchers in the heavily forested search areas.
Inspector Clark said searchers were determined to find Mr Willoughby, but given it has been several days since his last contact, police hold serious concerns for his welfare.
Anyone who may have seen Mr Willoughby in the Hollybank area, or has information that could lead to his location, can contact police no 131 444.

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

The Government has today advised universities of their 2026 allocations of international student places. These are within the approved National Planning Level for international education to manage growth in a sustainable way.

Consistent with the 2026 National Planning Level announced in August, public universities were invited to express interest in securing a share of the additional 17,500 places made available.

Growth in overall student commencements has moderated strongly, with visa applications down 26% as compared to last year.

Five universities did not ask for any growth, while 32 sought some increase in their international student profile. Allocations have been driven by each institution’s demonstrated delivery against government priorities of new housing, south-east Asian engagement and market diversification.

Regional universities have secured strong growth in their allocations, consistent with the Government’s policies to share the benefits of international education more fairly and evenly. Charles Sturt University, Federation University, the University of Newcastle and Charles Darwin University have secured the largest proportional growth in their allocations.

Universities that are building more accommodation have received increases to their international student allocations.

New student housing is now growing, with more than 11,000 new beds under construction, more than 15,000 with development approvals in place, and more than 12,000 in the planning process (latest Urbis data).

31 of the 32 institutions that sought growth have received at least 50 new student places. We are in further discussions with the remaining university about market diversification, south-east Asian engagement and its investment in new housing.

These steps are all about ensuring Australia’s international education sector operates sustainably in Australia’s national interest.

Final 2026 allocations for public universities

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“International education is an important national asset.

“It brings tens of billions of dollars into the economy each year. It also builds friendships and long-term connections around the world.

“But we need to manage it sustainably and that’s what these allocations for universities do.

“We’re making sure growth in international education happens in a way that supports the national interest and spreads benefits more evenly.

“Regional universities play a vital role in local communities and economies and we’re backing them with more places.

“We also know international education is a target for unscrupulous individuals trying to make a quick buck.

“That’s why we introduced legislation to Parliament last week to crack down on dodgy operators and practices.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill: 

“International education has delivered profound benefits to Australia for decades. It’s a $51 billion sector that Australians can be proud of, educating future global leaders, strengthening international ties, and enriching our communities.

“Australians expect to see growth in student numbers supported by investment in new housing which is what the Government’s policies now incentivise, especially for the larger institutions.

“Engaging with south-east Asia is in Australia’s national interest, and the 2026 international student allocations recognise universities which are demonstrating genuine focus on our region.”

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two men charged with attempted murder

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 1:10 pm.

Police have charged two men with attempted murder following ongoing investigations into an isolated incident in Herdsmans Cove in January.
A man received head and neck injuries after allegedly being shot on Calvert Crescent shortly before 5pm on Saturday, 18 January.
A 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were charged with drug and serious firearms offences following a search of a Herdsmans Cove address in February.
Investigations have continued, and the same men were arrested today after detectives and specialist police executed search warrants at addresses in Herdmans Cove.
They have both been charged with attempted murder and firearms offences and are expected to appear in court today.
Police will allege those involved are known to each other, and that the incident was targeted.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search for missing walker, Mt Field National Park (update)

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 12:49 pm.

Search and Rescue teams are facing challenging conditions, including icy wind gusts and deep snow, as they continue to search for a missing walker in Mt Field National Park.
The search effort is being focused on the Tarn Shelf area, where knee to waist-high snow is being encountered in some areas.
Tasmanian man Daryl Fong, 30, was on a day hike in the Mt Field area at the weekend but his last known contact was about 3am on Sunday when he texted a friend, advising that he intended to seek shelter and camp in the park overnight.
A search has been under way since late Monday, when the alarm was raised.
Additional resources were deployed this morning, involving Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers, SES search and rescue volunteers, two Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics and the Westpac Rescue helicopter crew.
Police have released a photograph of Mr Fong as part of a call for information to anyone who may have seen him at the weekend, or since.
Mr Fong is believed to be wearing clothing similar to the image released.
Anyone with information about Mr Fong’s movements at Mt Field, or who may have seen him in the national park, is asked to contact Bridgewater Police on 6173 2010.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Inaugural Keith Smith Community Policing Award recipient announced

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 12:33 pm.

A Northern Tasmanian police officer with more than 38 years’ service has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the Keith Smith Community Policing Award.Announcing the award in Launceston today, Commissioner Donna Adams said that Senior Constable Annabel Shegog was selected unanimously by a panel after receiving multiple nominations from community members and within Tasmania Police.“Tragically one of our own, Constable Keith Smith, was killed in the line of duty in the state’s north west in June this year,” Commissioner Adams said.“Keith was a well-respected and dedicated police officer who was committed to providing meaningful support to individuals while building lasting relationships founded on trust and service“As a fitting tribute to Keith, the inaugural Keith Smith Community Policing Award honours those who go beyond traditional policing by building trust, fostering partnerships, and improving the social cohesion of their communities.”Commissioner Adams said that with more than 38 years’ service with Tasmania Police, Senior Constable Shegog is a trusted and familiar face in Northern Tasmania.“Nominations outlined numerous examples of how Senior Constable Shegog’s dedication to community policing has helped build safer, more connected neighbourhoods in the north of the state, and consistently makes a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.“Senior Constable Shegog is known for her genuine care, cultural awareness, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.“Whether she’s supporting newly arrived refugee families, chatting with seniors at a Crime Stoppers event, or speaking to students about online safety and respectful relationships, she brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility to every interaction.“A regular at schools, community events, and local initiatives like ‘Cuppa with a Cop,’ Senior Constable Shegog often gives her time outside of work hours to make sure people feel heard and supported.“Her work with Neighbourhood Watch, multicultural organisations, and service clubs like Lions and Rotary has helped bridge gaps and build lasting trust between Tasmania Police and the community.”Commissioner Adams said that Senior Constable Shegog’s approach is all about prevention, inclusion, and respect.“She leads by example, and her quiet strength, kindness and integrity have earned her the respect of colleagues and community leaders alike,” she said.“Her service to the community reflects the compassion, service, and trust that Constable Smith embodied throughout his 25-year career, and demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community policing.Nominations for the Award came from members of the Tasmanian community as well as within Tasmania Police. The Award was open to currently-serving police officers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to community-focused policing and engagement and whose service to the community reflects the compassion and trust that Constable Smith embodied throughout his 25-year career.The panel members were Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman, Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood, Community Engagement Commander Jo Stolp, and Northern District Commander Marco Ghedini.For more information about the award visit https://www.police.tas.gov.au/about-us/keith-smith-community-policing-award/

Source: AMP Limited

14 10 2025 – Media release

Knee High Spies
Kids, assemble! The ABC and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce a brand new action-comedy series for preschoolers, Knee High Spies, will launch on Monday 10 November at 5.55pm on ABC Kids and iview.
In this captivating series, a brave team of toy spies embarks on epic missions to save their beloved human family from the mischievous pet guinea pig Silver Paw (voiced by Ali McGregor).
Join teddy bear Jeremy Buttons, toy dinosaur Deena, piece of goo Squash and tech turtle Moss as they race against the clock to thwart Silver Paw’s rotten schemes. Can they stop her from sabotaging a sleepover, mounting a toy train heist or turning the kids’ playhouse into her new evil lair?
The award-winning team at Werner Film Productions (Dance Academy) and internationally acclaimed creator Tim Bain (Kangaroo Beach), are joined by Emmy Award winning director Jack Jameson (Sesame Street). This series brings together an incredible mix of puppetry, VFX and live action performances that is unlike anything ever seen before.
Knee High Spies is chockfull of fast-paced action, exciting rescues and interactive puzzles to solve with the help of the audience. Let’s get cracking!
Always free and Always entertaining, watch all of your favourite children’s series on ABC iview now.
Production credit: Knee High Spies is a Werner Films production for the ABC. Major production funding from Screen Australia, the ABC and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). Financed in association with VicScreen. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Developed with assistance of the ABC and the ACTF. Created and co-produced by Tim Bain. Produced by Nicole Minchin. Directed by Jack Jameson. Writers: Tim Bain, Charlotte Rose Hamlyn and Alix Beane. Script producer: Ray Boseley. Executive Producers: Joanna Werner, Stuart Menzies, Bernadette O’Mahony. ABC Commissioning Editor: Amanda Isdale. ABC Acting Head of Children & Family: Mary-Ellen Mullane.
ABC MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Lidia Williams, ABC Publicist
[email protected]
Media enquiries
Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
+ 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
Alyssa Lim | Publicist (Mon-Fri)
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Sex Crimes Section has charged a 55-year-old male in relation to a sexual assault that occurred in Malak on Saturday evening.

Around 7:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a male known to her.

It is alleged that the victim was asleep at the offender’s residence when she woke to the offence occurring.

Following the incident, the victim was able to flee the residence and seek assistance from people nearby, who contacted police.

Police located and arrested the 55-year-old alleged offender who was later charged with:

• Aggravated Sexual Intercourse without Consent.
• Breach of Bail

He has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 14 October 2025.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number P25273138. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. 

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search for missing walker at Mt Field National Park

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 9:47 am.

A search has resumed at Mount Field National Park this morning for a 30-year-old solo walker feared missing for more than 48 hours.
Tasmanian man Daryl Fong (pictured) was known to be day hiking in the Mt Field area over the weekend, but his last known contact was about 3am on Sunday when he texted a friend, advising that he intended to seek shelter and camp in the park overnight.
Conditions in the area were challenging, with freezing temperatures and snow depth up to 1m in some places.
Mr Fong is known to have some experience in the outdoors and may have had some suitable equipment and clothing.
Police were notified on Monday afternoon that Mr Fong had not returned from the park.
A helicopter search crew was deployed to the area at 4pm, but was not able to locate him.
Four Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers and an Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedic were deployed to the park late yesterday.
Additional teams of Police and SES Search and Rescue personnel, plus wilderness paramedics, were deployed this morning.
The rescue helicopter will also be in the area today.
Police have released a photograph of Mr Fong as part of a call for information to anyone who may have seen him at the weekend, or since.
Mr Fong is believed to be wearing clothing similar to the image released.
Anyone with information about Mr Fong’s movements at Mt Field, or who may have seen him, is asked to contact Bridgewater Police on 6173 2010.

Source:

Image: Adam Carrigg – Pearcedale Fire Brigade

More than 130 firefighters and 35 vehicles from CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) took part in a large-scale exercise through the Dandenong Ranges on Sunday (12 October).