Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force holds concerns for the welfare of 26-year-old Gach, who was last seen leaving his home in Alice Springs yesterday afternoon at 3:30pm.
Gach last spoke to family later in the day at 5:30pm via phone, however he failed to attend work for a rostered shift that night.
Gach was driving his red Mazda CX5 with NT registration CG05CH, which was located this morning by police 14.5km west of John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve on Larapinta Drive.
He is described as being of Sudanese appearance, with dark skin and a slim build. He was last seen wearing cream tracksuit pants, a black t-shirt and black shoes.
Police are urging anyone who may have been travelling along Larapinta Drive between 5:30pm Monday 28 July and 8:00am this morning that may have seen Gach or his vehicle, or has dash cam footage, to please contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2500075979.
From L-R: CFA Board Member Peter Shaw, Captain Marcus Harris, Daniela De Martino MP, Sheena Watt MP
Cockatoo Fire Brigade has celebrated their renovated fire station and new command vehicle which will further boost their ability to protect their community.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Deputy Chief Officer South East Region Trevor Owen and other dignitaries joined the brigade for the official handover of the station and Field Command Vehicle (FCV) on Saturday, 26 July.
With a generous donation from the local Cockatoo Op Shop and the wider community, the project was initiated which grew into a $1 million dollar refurbishment with investment from CFA’s Base Capital Works Program.
The renovations provide a new office, turnout room, amenities, a breathing apparatus washroom, workshop, laundry, drying room and external covered pergola. The kitchen, training room and motor room have also been refurbished.
The bathroom facilities were included in the upgrade along with separate turnout rooms and change cubicles.
The new Field Command Vehicle is a 4WD off road vehicle which operates well in the bush by accessing difficult areas during an emergency.
Cockatoo Fire Brigade Captain Marcus Harris said the renovated station is a fantastic facility which will further support their 34 members well into the future.
“It’s great having a separate room for our turnout gear and dedicated spaces to wash, clean, dry and store clothing and equipment,” Marcus said.
“The new FCV vehicle will not only be a great asset to attend incidents, but will also be utilised for fire medical response call-outs which we’re currently training towards for the near future.
“We will also have an electric chainsaw, which was donated by the Emerald and District Bendigo Bank, in the FCV which will assist us with storm response in the area.”
Cockatoo Fire Brigade has been proudly serving the community since 1942. The brigade responds to more than 100 incidents each year and is well-known for their efforts on the front-line in many major bushfires including the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983.
Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen said the renovated station and FCV are welcomed resources for Cockatoo.
“This station upgrade further supports our volunteer training and service delivery needs well into the future,” Trevor said.
“The FCV will also increase the brigade’s capacity to serve and protect their local community.
“Cockatoo brigade has a rich history of protecting their local community and I look forward to seeing the brigade utilise this improved facility.”
For Golden Square 1st Lieutenant Daniel Nancarrow, community service doesn’t stop at the fireground, it flows through to the blood bank.
Daniel first donated blood in late 2019, after a regular donor invited him to tag along.
Since then, the 35-year-old has now donated 19 times and counting.
“I didn’t even know what my blood type was, I was curious to find that out. It turns out I have the universal blood type, O-Negative, which the blood bank was happy about,” Daniel said.
“After learning that, donating became a no brainer.
“Following that first donation it’s just become a permanent habit and part of my routine, I lock it into my calendar and pop in and donate.”
Daniel said the whole process is much easier than people think.
“It only takes about 15 minutes in the chair. The staff are great, and even if you’re not a fan of needles, they’ll put you at ease,” he said.
He said receiving a text a few days after a donation to let him know where his blood had gone made the experience even more rewarding.
“It’s just a good feeling knowing you’ve helped someone in need,” Daniel said.
That same instinct to help others is what led Daniel to join CFA.
He signed up at the end of the 2019–20 fire season, after watching the devastating impacts of fires across the state.
“It made me stop and think, maybe I can do something here,” he said.
“Once I joined, it all just clicked. Even with training delays due to COVID, I knew I’d found something I wanted to be part of.”
Daniel encourages others to take the first step, whether that’s booking a blood donation or signing up to volunteer.
“Don’t overthink it, just give it a go,” he said.
The Emergency Services Blood Drive, held annually by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, is currently taking place until 31 August.
To learn more about joining your local CFA, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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For Golden Square 1st Lieutenant Daniel Nancarrow, community service doesn’t stop at the fireground, it flows through to the blood bank.
Daniel first donated blood in late 2019, after a regular donor invited him to tag along.
Since then, the 35-year-old has now donated 19 times and counting.
“I didn’t even know what my blood type was, I was curious to find that out. It turns out I have the universal blood type, O-Negative, which the blood bank was happy about,” Daniel said.
“After learning that, donating became a no-brainer.
“Following that first donation it’s just become a permanent habit and part of my routine, I lock it into my calendar and pop in and donate.”
Daniel said the whole process is much easier than people think.
“It only takes about 15 minutes in the chair. The staff are great, and even if you’re not a fan of needles, they’ll put you at ease,” he said.
He said receiving a text a few days after a donation to let him know where his blood had gone made the experience even more rewarding.
“It’s just a good feeling knowing you’ve helped someone in need,” Daniel said.
That same instinct to help others is what led Daniel to join CFA.
He signed up at the end of the 2019–20 fire season, after watching the devastating impacts of fires across the state.
“It made me stop and think, maybe I can do something here,” he said.
“Once I joined, it all just clicked. Even with training delays due to COVID, I knew I’d found something I wanted to be part of.”
Daniel encourages others to take the first step, whether that’s booking a blood donation or signing up to volunteer.
“Don’t overthink it, just give it a go,” he said.
The Emergency Services Blood Drive, held annually by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, is currently taking place until 31 August.
To learn more about joining your local CFA, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
NT Police are calling for information after a male offender allegedly performed an indecent act while chasing a female in Alice Springs yesterday.
Around 5:20pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female had been chased by a male unknown to her while she was running on a path along the western side of the Todd River, heading north from Schwarz Crescent. It is alleged the offender performed an indecent act while chasing the victim, who was able to run away from him.
Police responded and conducted patrols of the area. Investigations to identify and locate the offender are underway.
He is described as being of Aboriginal in appearance, about 40-years-old, approximately 175cm tall with a slim build, grey hair and a light-grey coloured beard. He was reported as wearing a long dark jacket with a hood that had a fluffy trim, open-toe fluffy slippers, and was not wearing pants or underwear.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25201256. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.
Over one-in-four Australians have a better understanding of their finances
Almost one-in-two feel more confident shopping for better deals
NAB’s $0 monthly account fee transaction account has saved customers more than $500m
With cost-of-living pressures continuing to squeeze household budgets, new NAB research reveals more than one-in-four Australians say they now have a better understanding of their personal finances compared to a year ago.
The same research also shows nearly one-in-two feel more confident shopping around for better value products and services.
So, what does this shift look like in practice?
These are the four most common money moves Australians are making right now, according to NAB’s latest Consumer Sentiment report, and a banking hack that’s saved Aussies over half a billion dollars in account fees since 2010.
Cutting back on eating out
58% of Australians are eating out less, making it the most common lifestyle change in response to higher prices. And it’s working. Those cutting back are saving an average of $123 per month.
NAB’s $0 monthly account fee transaction account has saved customers more than $500m
2. Scaling back on entertainment
51% of Australians are spending less on entertainment like movies, concerts and events. A clear sign that discretionary spending is still under pressure. Those who’ve cut back are saving an average of $61 per month.
3. Ditching fees on transaction banking accounts
More than seven million Australians have signed up to NAB’s $0 monthly account fee transaction account, saving customers a combined $500 million in account fees since 2010. It remains the only $0 account fee transaction account offered by a major bank in Australia.
4. Saying no to micro-treats
48% have reduced spending on everyday extras like takeaway coffee and snacks. While small individually, these add up fast, saving the average person around $61 per month.
5. The great “subscription audit”
More than one-in-three Australians say they’ve cut back on food delivery, saving an average of $92 per month, while a similar number have reduced paid streaming services, saving about $31 per month. Together they form part of a growing “subscription audit” trend as people reassess recurring, convenience-based spending.
NAB customer Isabella Carlini-Rath said she’s trying to rein in those ‘treat me’ moments, spending less when she eats out and thinking twice before tapping.
“I’ve definitely been feeling the pinch lately,” Isabella said.
“I used to buy takeaway coffee every day, but now I’m cutting back.
“And I’ve been using the NAB app to go through my upcoming recurring payments and check what’s actually coming out each month. There were a few subscriptions I thought I had cancelled – music, food delivery, video streaming – but they were still charging me. It really adds up.”
NAB Executive Kylie Young
“It’s so helpful not being stung with account fees, that’s one of the reasons I opened a transaction account with NAB. It’s money I’d rather spend on myself.”
NAB Executive Kylie Young said Australians are continuing to take small, deliberate steps to stay on top of their finances, with many rethinking how they spend, save, and bank.
“Australians have proven they’re great budgeters, having kept their budgeting muscle in great shape throughout the past few years of higher prices. It’s not about extreme cutbacks but rather taking control in smaller ways that genuinely add up to meaningful savings,” said Ms Young.
And we want to support them with tools and products – like our $0 monthly account fee transaction account – that make those decisions easier.”
Ms Young also notes that consumer stress has dropped to its lowest point in two years, thanks to easing cost-of-living pressures and growing hope around more interest rate cuts.
“There’s still stress out there, but this is the first time we’re seeing evidence that there is light at the end of the tunnel with Aussies feeling cautiously optimistic and a little more in control of their finances.”
We’ve published a new taxpayer alert – TA 2025/2: Arrangements designed to improperly obtain goods and services tax refunds. This alert strongly warns businesses against using arrangements where a business colludes with another related business to create fraudulent invoices, so they can attempt to claim large GST refunds.
Tax professionals should be aware that these arrangements are increasing. The fraud is currently predominantly within the property and construction industry. We’ve also identified early signs of it proliferating in other industries, particularly by privately owned and wealthy groups. The arrangements vary, but have some, or all, of the following features:
false invoicing between related parties (for example, inflated invoices or issuing invoices where no goods or services are provided)
deliberately misaligning GST accounting methods across a group to contrive a GST refund
duplicating GST credit claims in related entities for a single high-value transaction
claiming GST credits for alleged purchases, development, and construction (by related entities) that never occurred
the use of straw directors to try and hide the true relationship between related parties.
This is not related to Operation Protego, where individuals created fake businesses and lodged fake BAS statements to gain GST refunds.
We regularly intercept and stop suspicious claims before a refund is issued. Those involved are exploiting the system and gaining an unfair advantage over honest businesses. You can help us put a stop to these arrangements by coming forward if you see them.
How to help
Be on the lookout – if you discover a client is involved, strongly encourage them to make a voluntary disclosure. Early cooperation and making a voluntary disclosure may reduce the penalties imposed.
If you suspect another agent or adviser is involved in GST refund fraud, you can confidentially report it to us by making a tip-off online or by calling 1800 060 062. Promoter penalty laws may apply to agents and advisers promoting these arrangements.
Police are seeking the assistance of the public to help identify a man breaking into cars in the Somerton Park area.
Around midnight on Sunday 20 July, a male suspect was caught on CCTV interfering with numerous vehicles in the Somerton Park area. Access was gained to several vehicles and property stolen from the cars.
The suspect is described as aged in his late 20s, of Caucasian appearance, wearing glasses, a long chain or necklace, a light-coloured hooded jacket and an “Ellesse” shirt and white sneakers.
Anyone who recognises the man or has information that may lead to his identity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au