Investigation into serious motorcycle crash at Gagebrook

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Investigation into serious motorcycle crash at Gagebrook

Saturday, 11 October 2025 – 11:37 am.

An 18-year-old man is in hospital following a serious motorcycle crash at Gagebrook on Friday night.
Police observed the man from a distance, riding a motorcycle along a concrete bike path adjacent to the East Derwent Highway, shortly after 10pm.
When police entered on to the bike track a short time later, they located the rider lying beside the track with serious injuries.
Initial investigations indicate the rider has crashed into a metal bollard in the centre of the track.
Police provided first-aid at the scene before the man was transferred by Ambulance Tasmania to the Royal Hobart Hospital for emergency treatment.
As is normal practice, a Professional Standards investigation will be conducted into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police are calling for witnesses to the crash, or any person who observed a black Hyosung GT650 motorcycle being ridden in the Gagebrook and Brighton areas from about 9.45pm to around the time of the crash, to come forward.
Anyone with dash cam footage or information should contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. Please quote OR 787213.

UPDATE: Fatal crash at Tantanoola

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are investigating a fatal crash in the State’s south-east.

About 2.30pm on Friday 10 October, police were called to Tantanoola Road at Tantanoola after reports a Mazda ute had crashed into a tree.

The driver and sole occupant, a 37-year-old man from Mount Gambier, sadly died in the crash.

Major Crash Investigators flew to the scene this evening to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Tantanoola Road was currently closed between Kongorong-Tantanoola Road and the Princes Highway but was reopened just after 10pm.

The man’s death is the 70th life lost on SA roads this year.

Arrests – Property offending – Tennant Creek

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested four youths in relation to property offending committed in Tennant Creek overnight.

Around 8pm, police received a report of an attempted unlawful entry at a residence on Paterson Street. It is alleged a group of youths attempted to enter the residence, subsequently damaging the front doors, and breaking a window after throwing a rock through it.

They fled the scene on foot.

Around 9:35pm, police were notified of three youths attempting to unlawfully enter a residence on Ambrose Street. The offenders allegedly smashed a window in an attempt to gain access to the house. The offenders fled upon police arrival.

Around 10:10pm, four youths allegedly caused extensive property damage at a licensed venue on the corner of Ambrose Street and Stuart Street. Police responded and arrested the four males aged 10, 11, 12 and 13-years-old.  The 10, 11 and 12-year-olds were dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

The 13-year-old remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

At this stage, police believe the incidents are linked and investigations are ongoing.

Superintendent Peter Dash said, “The recent property offending we have seen committed by youths is completely unacceptable.

“Two members from Strike Force Viper have deployed from Alice Springs this morning to bolster police resources and assist with investigations, and the community can be assured that we will identify and apprehend those involved.

“This offending and the increase in property offending by youth was also discussed at the Youth Engagement Targeted Intervention meeting this morning in Tennant Creek, with police and other youth agencies in attendance. Tennant Creek police will continue to deploy a range of overt and covert measures to apprehend these offenders.

“We would like to thank the community for their support and would urge them to continue to report crime to 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Operation Quantico – Drug seizure

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested four people and seized three kilograms of methamphetamine following an ongoing investigation into the interstate supply of illicit drugs into the Territory.

Around 12:30am on Thursday 9 October 2025, detectives from the Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) and Gangs Task Force (GTF) supported by Australian Border Force officers executed a search warrant at Darwin Airport.

A 32-year-old female from Queensland was allegedly found in possession of two kilograms of methamphetamine concealed within her checked luggage and was arrested at the scene.

A 25-year-old male, who was allegedly waiting in the airport pick-up area to collect the woman, was arrested a short time later.

Detectives executed a further search warrant at a residence in Palmerston, where approximately 180 grams of cocaine, 28 grams of methamphetamine and items indicative of drug supply were seized. A 29-year-old male was arrested at the location.

All three alleged offenders have been charged with:

  • Supplying a commercial quantity of a Schedule 1 dangerous drug
  • Possession of tainted property relating to the seizure

And were remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 10 October 2025.

These arrests follow an earlier arrest on 26 September 2025, when detectives conducted a lawful search of a property in Fannie Bay, where they located and seized one kilogram of methamphetamine linked to the same syndicate. A 20-year-old male was arrested and charged with Possession and Supplying a commercial quantity of a Schedule 1 dangerous drug.

He was remanded to appear in court on 26 November 2025.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lawson said, “This operation should serve as a warning to anyone attempting to import dangerous drugs into the Territory.

“The three kilograms seized had a potential street value of around $3 million, money they attempted to make at the expense of vulnerable Territorians.

“These substances destroy lives and families, and we will continue to do everything we can to disrupt the flow into the community.”

AFP Detective acting Superintendent Mal Bickford said the arrest highlighted the AFP’s commitment to combatting drug trafficking.

“The AFP and our partners are committed to identifying those responsible for the importation of these illegal drugs and their intended distribution across Australian communities,” Detective acting Superintendent Bickford said.

“Criminal syndicates go to great lengths to conceal their activities, but that will never deter the AFP and its partners.”

ABF Acting Inspector Harrison Springfield said people attempting to smuggle illicit drugs across the border should be warned, you will be caught.

“Our intelligence-led operations and advanced technologies are continuously evolving to identify and disrupt drug trafficking networks at every stage.

“This seizure is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our officers and our ongoing commitment to staying ahead of criminal enterprises. We will continue to adapt and innovate to protect Australia’s borders and communities from the threat of illegal drugs.”

Call for information – Domestic violence – Darwin City

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Darwin City at approximately 9pm on Wednesday 10 September 2025 near Finnis and Mirambeena Streets.

Two adult males, known to each other, were involved in a physical altercation resulting in serious injuries. Both were transported to hospital by paramedics.

Police are urging anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage in the area at the time of the incident to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2500090709.

Electronic evidence can be uploaded via the provided link or QR code. https://ntpol.au.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/ntp2500090709.

Serious crash Tantanoola

Source: New South Wales – News

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash in the south-east of the state.

About 2.30pm on Friday 10 October, police were called to Tantanoola Road at Tantanoola after reports a car had crashed into a tree.

Tantanoola Road is currently closed between Kongorong-Tantanoola Road and the Princes Highway. Please avoid the area.

School zone extended for improved safety near Bathurst South Public

Source: Mental Health Australia

A 40 km/h school zone outside Bathurst South Public School will be extended by 100 metres to boost safety for all students, parents and road users in the area.

Transport for NSW conducted a speed zone review on Leena Street, South Bathurst at the request of the school community who raised concerns about increased traffic in the area.

Transport for NSW Acting Executive Director Partnerships and Integration West Holly Davies said the review assessed a number of factors including location, crash history, road environment, the number of access points, road usage, traffic mix and traffic volumes, and recommended the existing reduced speed limit be extended on Leena Street.

“Leena Street is managed by Bathurst Regional Council and previously functioned as a no-through road providing access to Bathurst South Public School and a council-owned art collection facility,” Ms Davies said.

“Last year council completed construction that opened Leena Street as a connecting road running between Havannah Street and Panorama Avenue, leading to an increase in traffic as the road now carries not only school traffic but also general through traffic.

“Leena Street is particularly busy during school drop-off and pick-up times with many children seeking to cross the road in a 50 km/h zone, raising safety concerns.”

The speed zone review determined that the existing 40 km/h school zone that runs for 50 metres on Leena Street from the intersection with Havannah Street should be extended by 100 metres, for a total of 150 metres.

The change will come into effect on Tuesday 14 October with new signage to be installed to advise motorists.

“The change will add just a few seconds to trips on Leena Street, a small price to pay for improved road safety for all users,” Ms Davies said.

A speed zone review is a comprehensive process that includes site inspections, analysis of the current road environment and road condition, consideration of crash data and traffic volumes.

Members of the community can sign up here to receive the latest updates on speed limits changes in their nominated area, to propose a speed zone review in their area, and to have their say on speed limits.
 

Arrests – Protest activity – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force and The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) responded to protest activity in Alice Springs yesterday.

Around 4:45am on Thursday morning, police were notified that protesters were blocking Hatt Road, south of Alice Springs. It is alleged up to thirty people were in attendance and had blocked road access to Pine Gap. Two of the protestors, aged 38 and 40, had locked themselves to 44-gallon drums filled with cement.

A number of vessels were also being used to block the road.

Members from the Territory Safety Division, Social Order, and general duties attended and were required to close the road to traffic for safety reasons.

NTFRS members utilised specialist equipment to safely remove the protestors from the drums, and they were arrested. Both were charged with Fail to cease to loiter and will appear in court on 13 November 2025.

Southern Commander James Gray-Spence said, “NT Police have always respected the right to protest lawfully.

“However, we do not support protest activities involving unlawful conduct including intentionally obstructing public roads that deprives the Alice Springs community of multiple police and fire crews who should be combatting domestic violence, property crime, and other emergencies.”

Painting trees blue to shine a light on mental health

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services




Painting trees blue to shine a light on mental health – 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 10/10/2025

A tree in Gowrie has been painted blue as part of the Australia-wide Blue Tree Project to mark World Mental Health Day.

This is the fourth tree in Canberra to be painted blue with funding from the ACT Government to encourage the community to start conversations about mental health.

Minister for Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said blue trees can be a visual symbol of hope and generate important discussions with friends and loved ones.

“If someone walks or drives past and doesn’t know why a tree has been painted blue, finding the answer can prompt a discussion about mental health and wellbeing that might not have happened otherwise,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“In 2023, 37 people tragically lost their lives to suicide in the ACT. Each death from suicide has an impact across the community – in families, friendship groups and workplaces – often affecting dozens, if not hundreds of people.

“Openly discussing mental health is an important first step in reducing this number and addressing the stigma that still exists in our society.”

Minister Stephen-Smith said seeing a blue tree was a good reminder to check in on family members or friends to see how they’re going.

“People can be going through a hard time for all sorts of reasons, and human connection is important even when things are going well. Supporting a loved one can be as simple as just listening and chatting to them about what they are going through, helping to find resources or organising an appointment,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“Seeing a blue tree is also a good opportunity for self-reflection and encourages people to think about their own mental health.”

The ACT Government continues to invest in mental health services to support the community with $9.4 million committed in the Territory 2025-26 Budget over four years to strengthen community-based mental health programs, especially for young people and their families.

The ACT Government also recently launched Minds Together, a free online program to support families, friends and carers of those experiencing suicidal distress and committed $1.5 million to Thirrili, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation, to help deliver culturally appropriate care and support in suicide prevention, intervention, postvention and aftercare support for ACT’s First Nations communities.

“It is important for Canberrans to know that there are services and support for people who are struggling with their mental health, including culturally safe options,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“I urge anyone going through a hard time, or who knows someone who could use help, to get in touch with one of the great support services in the ACT. Please remember that you are never alone.”

Visit the Blue Tree Project website for more information on the project and where to find a blue tree anywhere in Australia.

For more information on mental health support and care in the ACT, visit the ACT Government website.

For immediate support, contact:

  • Access Mental Health: 1800 629 354
  • Lifeline: Provides crisis support and suicide prevention services (call 13 11 14) (online option Lifeline Crisis Online Chat Service | Lifeline Australia)
  • Beyond Blue: Offers support for anxiety, depression, (call 1300 22 4636).
  • Suicide Call Back Service: Provides counselling for people affected by suicide or with thoughts of suicide (call 1300 659 467)
  • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 or webchat.
  • Medicare Mental Health: provides information, advice and links to free and low-cost phone and online mental health services, as well as supports to help you or someone you know Medicare Mental Health Canberra | Medicare Mental Health Canberra
  • Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) – online suicide prevention training program, available free of charge to the ACT public. Accessed here QPR Training
  • Q Life: LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral (call 1800 184 527).

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Feedback sought to shape how roads and streets are managed across NSW

Source: Mental Health Australia

NSW’s roads and streets form 80 percent of the state’s public spaces and provide addresses for more than 3.3 million properties – and now the community has a chance to help shape their future.

Transport for NSW is leading a once-in-a-generation review of the Roads Act 1993 and is seeking input from councils, community members, peak bodies and industry experts about how the legislation should be reformed.

The aim is to create a more modern, flexible and easy-to-use law that can help enable NSW Government initiatives such as housing targets and making the state more liveable and vibrant.

In the past roads were mainly considered simply as routes for vehicles, but now they are recognised for their much wider functions including community spaces for events and outdoor dining, corridors for housing and freight, and routes for public transport, cycling, walking and e-micromobility.

Consultation is currently underway on an Options Paper which outlines three possible models for reforming the law and Transport for NSW is asking for anyone who interacts with the Act directly, to provide their detailed feedback.

The broader community is also being asked to contribute to an online survey and have a say about what they want roads and streets to look and feel like and what could be done to help make them safer, easier, or more enjoyable.

 Transport for NSW Executive Director of Transport Policy Ruth Graham said now is the time to update the Act to bring it up to modern standards and expectations.

 “There are frustrations that the Act does not provide clarity over which authority manages what, definitions can be vague, and this leads to too much red tape, duplication and decisions not being made locally.

 “Ultimately the aim of this review is to create an Act that underpins a well-functioning road network. From highways to laneways, we need our state’s roads to help create and connect vibrant, liveable towns and cities.”

 “We know that successful reform cannot be designed in isolation which is why we want to draw upon the knowledge, experience and insight of councils, industry, government agencies, community groups and individuals during this review.”

 Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Sydney Eamon Waterford said roads are so much more than simply avenues to move vehicles through.

 “Cultural shifts in the past 30 years have seen roads transform into places for people, for parties, as well as for cars, buses and light rail,” Mr Waterford said.

 “The review of the Roads Act gives us a unique opportunity to expand the scope of what our roads are used for and create a truly connected, vibrant and liveable city. Kerb to kerb, we want to see all kinds of users on our roads.”

 Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils Mayor Sue Moore said while road funding is not part of the review, she would welcome any reforms that would give councils more freedom to make decisions on their local road network

 “Reviewing the Act and making changes to it could support community wellbeing and liveability by providing councils with greater influence over local streets and their use for a variety of recreational activities and events,” Cr Moore said.

“Streamlining approvals processes could reduce community frustration and assist with meeting state and local housing targets.”

NSW President of the peak body representing transport planners and traffic engineers, Transport Professionals Association Graham McCabe agreed more clarity is needed for councils and developers alongside other considerations.

“We also need a broader view of how to balance the need to move people and goods making streets better places,” Mr McCabe said.

“We want the review of the Act to look at how we manage the road network in the best interests of the community, providing access to properties and embedding the safety and amenity of all users of the road environment, such as vehicle occupants, public transport patrons and people using the corridor as a public space.”