Athelstone house fire investigation

Source: New South Wales – News

A woman has been arrested following the investigation into a house fire at Athelstone on Sunday afternoon.

About 1pm Sunday 1 June, police and emergency services were called to Burton Road, Athelstone after reports of a house fire. On arrival, patrols found the home engulfed by fire and despite efforts by fire crews, it was destroyed. A female occupant was detained by police at the scene, during which a female police officer was allegedly assaulted.

The occupant was taken to hospital for a mental health assessment and the police officer was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Eastern District detectives and fire cause investigators attended the scene and following their investigation, the occupant, a 21-year-old woman, was arrested and charged with arson, aggravated assault, causing harm to an emergency service worker and resisting police. She was refused bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Monday 2 June).

Stabbing in the CBD

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are investigating an assault in the city earlier this morning.

Just before 5am on Monday 2 June, emergency services were called to a hotel on Morphett Street in Adelaide after reports of an assault.

Patrols arrived and found three men with stab wounds.  All three men were taken to hospital; two men are in a stable condition and the third man is in a critical but stable condition.

Investigations are continuing, but it is believed the people involved are all known to each other and this was not a random incident.

Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.  You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

New pedestrian crossing to improve road safety

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A pedestrian crossing with traffic lights will be installed on Canberra Avenue near Burke Crescent to improve safety for students.


In brief:

  • The ACT Government will install a ‘midblock pedestrian crossing’ on Canberra Avenue near Burke Crescent.
  • The crossing with traffic lights will improve safety for students from St Edmund’s and St Clare’s Colleges and other members of the community.
  • The announcement comes during National Road Safety Week 2025.

The ACT Government will install a ‘midblock pedestrian crossing’ with traffic lights on Canberra Avenue near Burke Crescent.

A midblock pedestrian crossing is a designated area for pedestrians to cross a street between intersections.

The crossing will improve safety for students commuting to and from St Edmund’s and St Clare’s Colleges, as well as the broader Canberra community.

The ACT Government will fast-track design of the crossing to support the approval process and enable construction. More information will be provided to the local school community on timing in the next couple of months.

The announcement comes during National Road Safety Week 2025, a time to reflect on the impact of road trauma and the collective responsibility to keep our roads safe.

Everyone has a role in road safety. Each action behind the wheel makes a difference.

All Canberrans are being urged to take the pledge to drive so others survive.

This means:

  • obey the speed limit
  • wear a seatbelt
  • don’t drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • drive to the conditions
  • leave the phone alone.

Find out more and take the pledge at Road Safety Week.

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More maternity facilities for Canberra Hospital

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

Construction set to begin on South Tuggeranong Health Centre

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

Serious crash at Stockport

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Stockport.

Emergency services responded to reports of a single vehicle crash on Twin Rivers Road, Stockport about 8.45pm on Sunday 1 May.

Major Crash investigators are attending the scene.

Twin Rivers Road will be closed overnight, near Ayliffe Bridge Road, while police investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Call for information – Aggravated assault – Leanyer

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred along Lee Point Road in Leanyer this morning.

Around 8:40am, police received reports of a male allegedly restraining a female from behind whilst he threatened her with a broken glass bottle. The victim screamed and the male fled the scene on foot before police arrival. It is alleged he ran across Lee Point Road toward Canaris Street in Wanguri.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident, particularly anyone with dash cam footage from the area at the time, is urged to contact police on 131 444. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Ways to save money this winter

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Save money this Canberra winter. Image: Lightbulb for Visit Canberra

In brief:

  • This article lists ways to save money this winter.
  • There are free and low-cost ways to keep entertained in winter.
  • This article provides tips to reduce energy bills in winter.

Winter is a great excuse to stay indoors and enjoy time at home. However, this can also make your bills go up.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy the colder months while saving money.

Use free streaming services

Save money this winter with Libraries ACT’s free streaming services.

Library members have access to:

  • Beamafilm – a streaming platform for movie lovers
  • BeamaKids+ – movies and shows for kids
  • Kanopy – a streaming service with over 45,000 films and TV series
  • Kanopy Kids – educational and entertaining movies and shows for kids
  • Story Box Library – a growing collection of videos with stories read aloud by favourite storytellers.

You will get eight movies or episodes a month. This includes international cinema and Australasian stories.

See how else your membership can keep you entertained this winter.

Find great local food deals

Winter is a great time to stay at home on the couch, but we all need to get out and about sometimes! Save money when dining out and find some local meal deals.

See our guide to eating out for less in Canberra.

Save money on books

Cuddling up on the lounge with a good book and a cup of tea is one of the best things about winter.

If you have a long list of books to get through, why not become a Libraries ACT member and borrow them for free? You can even borrow eBooks and audiobooks.

Visit the Libraries ACT website for more info.

Move more, spend less

Stop using expensive gyms this winter and try some free and low-cost ways to increase your activity levels.

Ten free or low-cost ways to get active in Canberra.

Declutter your house for free

The cooler months can be a great opportunity to declutter the house.

If you find household items you no longer want, use some of the free waste disposal options in Canberra.

Find out more.

Enjoy Canberra’s free activities

Winter doesn’t mean you need to hide away in your house, enjoy a free activity like trivia. Check out one of these free trivia spots.

If the kids are going wild inside, find a budget-friendly activity to keep them busy.

Take free public transport on Fridays

If you swap the couch for the city this winter, take advantage of fare free Fridays!

Every Friday, Canberrans can travel for free on our buses and light rail.

Remember you will still need to tap on and off each service to support data collection, but you will not be charged for the fare.

Smart shopping

If you’re spending more time at home in the cooler months, you may be more likely to online shop.

If you’re buying a service or product online, there are some things to remember to help avoid shopping disappointment.

  • do your research
  • know who you’re buying from
  • check delivery timeframes
  • be cautious with overseas websites
  • understand your rights.

More information on these tips here.

Grow your own veggies

If you’re looking for a new hobby at home, why not start a veggie patch? This can be rewarding and save you money.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got some great tips from Fiona Buining of Ainslie Urban Farm.

Learn how to grow veggies at home.

Get the most out of your heating system

With more time at home in the colder months, you might be tempted to have the heater on full blast, but this can add up.

Get the most out of your heating system by:

  • setting your thermostat between 18 – 21 degrees
  • only heating rooms you’re using by closing doors and windows
  • turning the heater off if you go out and setting a timer for when you get home
  • throwing on an extra layer or heated throw, or using a hot water bottle or wheat pack, before turning up the heat.

Find more energy saving tips and advice here.

Renting? Get free advice on how to save money on bills

Renters can get a free home visit with the Renters’ Home Energy Program. Experts will give advice on how to save money on energy bills.

During the visit, the energy expert will:

  • review how your home uses energy
  • show you quick, cheap, and effective ways to cut energy bills
  • give you a free heated throw rug or cooling towel (limited time only)
  • give you a personalised plan with low or no-cost ways to save on energy.

Book a home energy visit today.

Save money upgrading appliances

Jump online and get expert advice on your next electric appliance for free.

The ACT Government and consumer advocacy group, CHOICE, have created the Make Your Next Choice Electric online tool that gives Canberrans:

  • free access to CHOICE recommended products
  • an estimate on how much you could save by going electric.

The tool helps Canberra households to create their own energy transition plan and switch off gas.

Find out more about switching to electric.


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Light Rail Stage 2A business support measures

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The ACT Government has announced a targeted business support package.

In brief

  • The ACT Government is providing support to help the businesses impacted by light rail construction work in and around London Circuit.
  • Support is both practical and financial.
  • The initiatives aim to ease cost pressures and encourage visitation to the area.

The ACT Government is providing support to help the businesses impacted by light rail construction work in and around London Circuit.

Support is both practical and financial, with a focus on easing cost pressures and encouraging visitation to the area.

The package was informed by the impacted businesses and designed to help during the disruption.

Light Rail Stage 2A business support measures

  • Free parking Wednesday to Sunday evenings from 5:30pm (effective immediately) at nearby public car parks including:
    • Theatre Lane Car Park (opposite Sydney Building)
    • City Hill Car Park (Section 116)
    • Canberra Olympic Pool Car Park (City southeast)
    • Note: The existing parking hours at Hobart Place are already aligned with these times.
  • Outdoor dining permit fee waivers from 1 July 2025 for businesses directly impacted by construction activities
  • New CCTV cameras to be installed and upgraded around London Circuit to support safety during night-time trading
  • A campaign launching mid-year to promote that London Circuit is open for business, spotlighting local venues and retailers
  • Place making improvements including additional lighting delivered by the City Renewal Authority
  • Business Capability Building Program offering free tailored advice

Expanded liquor licence fee reductions

This targeted package will be supported from 1 July by expanded liquor licence fee reductions available to all eligible ACT hospitality businesses up to a 350-person capacity, building on significant reductions introduced in 2024.

An automatic 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to cafes, restaurants and general licences up to 150-person capacity.

Previously the 50% discount was only applicable to cafes and restaurants up to 80-person capacity.

A 50% liquor fee reduction will be expanded to venues showcasing artists between 151 to 350-person capacity, available upon application, in addition to the existing fee reduction of 80% for venues up to 150-person capacity.

Support local

Light Rail is transforming the city into a vibrant and well-connected place to do business.

However, with construction there is an impact on nearby business.

Canberrans are encouraged to show their support by visiting their favourite businesses in the city.

More information

Business owners in the London Circuit area will be contacted directly with further information on how to access support. The ACT Government will continue engaging with stakeholders as the project progresses.

Click here for more information.


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Funding boost to save Grassland Earless Dragon

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Found only in the Canberra region, the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon is one of the Territory’s most critically endangered species.

In brief:

  • The Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon is facing extinction.
  • A significant ACT Government investment will help conserve the local species.
  • This article looks at ways the funds will be used and what has been done already to save the species.

New ACT Government funding will help prevent extinction of the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon.

The unique lizard is found only in the Canberra region. It is one of the Territory’s most critically endangered species.

The Government will invest $4.5 million to support a recovery plan to help conserve the species. This builds on $2.7 million already invested since 2020.

How will the funds be used?

The additional $4.5 million will support:

  • $2.4 million for program operations. This includes ACT Government staffing to manage the Tidbinbilla breeding colony and deliver recovery actions.
  • $2 million to expand the breeding colony at Melbourne Zoo. The aim is for up to 200 breeding individuals.
  • $120,000 for ongoing release of Dragons bred in captivity back into the wild.

What has been done already?

The additional investment builds on previous government investment starting in 2020. This has been for:

  • habitat restoration
  • trial reintroductions
  • population viability modelling
  • cutting-edge genetic matchmaking to ensure a healthy, genetically diverse population.

The ACT Government has been running a captive breeding program.

The new funding will help expand recovery efforts.

Why is Melbourne Zoo involved?

Melbourne Zoo has a captive colony of Dragons.

Improving the species’ genetic diversity is key to ensuring its recovery.

Genetic analysis and matchmaking programs are essential to address inbreeding.

As such, the ongoing partnership with the zoo is crucial.

Melbourne Zoo provides animals for release and research.

It has also shared expertise in husbandry and breeding techniques.

What else should I know about the Dragon?

The Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon measures just 15cm and weighs 5–9 grams.

It was only recognised as a distinct species in 2019. It is now listed as critically endangered.

The Dragon population has declined dramatically due to:

  • habitat loss
  • fragmentation
  • altered fire and grazing regimes
  • climate impacts.

Wild populations are now found only in:

  • the Majura Valley
  • the Jerrabomberra Valley
  • parts of Queanbeyan.

The new investment will ensure continued conservation action.

It aims to give the Dragon a real chance to thrive again in Canberra grasslands.

Learn more about the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon on the Environment website.

Read more like this


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