Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Four people have been taken to hospital following a serious crash near Acacia Hills overnight.
Around 12:55am this morning, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a crash between a road train and a Toyota Prado on the Stuart Highway.
The crash was reported to have occurred about 2km north of a service station in Acacia Hills.
The vehicle is believed to have been travelling south when it collided with the rear trailer of a road train turning north out of Acacia Quarry.
Four adults, two men and two women were found injured at the scene.
All four were conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital via St John Ambulance with one female passenger in a critical condition.
The road train initially stopped before continuing to a truck yard in Humpty Doo.
Police located the road train at a business in Humpty Doo where the driver returned a positive drug test and was arrested.
Emergency service workers are still at the scene of the crash. There are diversions around the crash scene. The Stuart Hwy is expected to be open by 11:00am.
The Major Crash Unit is investigating and anyone with information or dash cam footage is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and reference P26132382.
Call for information on Bridgewater firearms incident
Friday, 8 May 2026 – 10:35 am.
Police are investigating a firearms incident in Bridgewater last night in which multiple shots were fired into a house and a parked car.
The incident happened just before 8.30pm in McShane Road, Bridgewater, with police calling for information about the actions of two people seen on a motorcycle in the areas of McShane Road, Eddington Street, and Gunn Street, around that time.
Two people were inside the house when the shots were fired and no one was injured.
Initial investigations indicate two people, believed to be men, arrived near the property on a motorcycle.
One person, wearing a motorcycle helmet, then approached the house on foot and fired at least three shots with a small calibre rifle at the front of the building.
A further two shots were fired into the rear window of a vehicle parked in the driveway.
The person then ran from the scene and got on the rear of the waiting motorcycle, with the two people riding away towards Gunn Street.
Police investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage from McShane Road last night, is asked to contact police on 131 444.
You can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
75-year-old Norwood man charged with possession of child exploitation material
Friday, 8 May 2026 – 10:08 am.
*** Content Warning ***A 75-year-old Norwood man has been charged with possession of child exploitation material.
Tasmania Police commenced an investigation after child exploitation material was detected being uploaded to the internet, and the man was identified as a suspect.
The Tasmanian Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET), comprised of Tasmania Police’s High-Risk Child Exploitation Unit and the Australian Federal Police, executed a search warrant at Norwood on Wednesday.
During the search, police located and examined numerous digital devices, and the man was arrested and charged with possession of child exploitation material.
He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court later this month.
Online child abuse is a serious crime type. Tasmania Police, with the support of its partners, is committed to stopping these crimes and keeping our children safe. If you have seen inappropriate behaviour online that you suspect is child abuse, report it:
• If the child is in immediate danger, call 000.
• Call 131 444
• Report online to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) https://www.accce.gov.au/report
Please note, customers buying tickets to Mt Buller Village must transfer between the coach drop-off point at Mt Buller Village and the customer’s accommodation using their own alternative transport.
Melbourne to Mt Buller (single and return) including the coach services between Melbourne and Mt Buller (includes gate entry fee).
Youth myki holders are entitled to free travel between Melbourne and Mansfield.
Return
Single
To accommodation
To Mt Buller Village
To accommodation
To Mt Buller Village
Adult
$138.00
$114.90
$87.25
$75.70
Concession
$112.05
$88.95
$72.40
$60.85
Child (5 – 18)
$90.90
$74.70
$56.45
$48.35
Youth Myki
$85.20
$69.00
$53.60
$45.50
Mt Buller to Melbourne fares (single only) including the coach services from Mt Buller to Melbourne (gate fees not required). Tickets should be pre-purchased for this service as there is no V/Line ticket office at Mt Buller.
From accommodation
From Mt Buller Village
Adult
$65.25
$53.70
Concession
$50.40
$38.85
Child (5 – 18)
$44.45
$36.35
Youth Myki
$41.60
$33.50
*Gate entry fee – all visitors to Mt Buller are required to pay a gate fee onto the mountain
Luggage
Total luggage limit is 32 kilograms per customer. Luggage is restricted to a maximum of two items per person, with no one item weighing more than 16 kilograms. One set of ski gear (boots, stocks, & skis) is considered as one luggage item. One carry-on item is also permitted.
Concession fares are available to Seniors Card holders, pensioners, students, and Victorian Health Care card holders. A valid concession card must be presented upon request.
No further discounts (including voucher or group travel tickets) apply to these fares.
Return travel can be completed anytime until the end of the snow season, Sunday 04 October 2026. As reservations are required on all services, it is recommended that both outbound and return travel are booked at the same time.
Normal refund conditions apply.
Pensioner and Seniors Free Travel Vouchers are not available on the Mansfield – Mt Buller coach. These vouchers can only be redeemed on the journey between Melbourne and Mansfield. Tickets for travel between Mansfield and Mt Buller should be booked in advance by calling MMBL on (03) 5775 2606.
myki cannot be used on the Melbourne – Mansfield and Mansfield – Mt Buller coach services. Only V/Line tickets are available for these services.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 14-year-old male in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred yesterday in Alice Springs.
Around 6:05pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that an unknown male offender had unlawfully entered a residence on Johannsen Street in Gillen.
It is alleged the offender confronted the sole occupant, a female aged in her 30s, and physically assaulted her. The victim fought the offender off and ran from the location.
She did not suffer any injuries.
The offender allegedly stole a black electric scooter from the residence and fled the scene prior to police arrival.
Police commenced investigations and around 12pm today the 14-year-old was arrested in Gillen. He remains in police custody to be charged with Aggravated Robbery and Burglary. The scooter remains outstanding.
Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P26131034. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.
Youth charged over significant damage to UTAS campus
Thursday, 7 May 2026 – 2:56 pm.
Police have charged a 13-year-old boy following significant damage to the University of Tasmania Cradle Coast Campus in Burnie.
On Monday 4 May 2026, university staff reported several windows at the campus had been smashed over the weekend.
Detectives from the Western Criminal Investigation Branch commenced an investigation and, following enquiries, identified a 13-year-old as the alleged offender.
The estimated replacement cost for the damaged windows is approximately $300,000.
Police continue to work closely with the University of Tasmania and Burnie City Council as part of the investigation.
The youth has been charged and bailed to appear before the Burnie Magistrates Court (Youth Justice Division) at a later date.
Anyone with information in relation to the matter is asked to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a rare but potentially serious infection that is spread through mosquito bites.
High-risk areas in regional Victoria are experiencing a prolonged mosquito season this year due to recent flooding in parts of northern Victoria.
Eligibility criteria for the JE vaccine have been simplified. The free JE vaccine is available for people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria.
Temporary expanded eligibility (until 31 July 2026): The free JE vaccine is available for people who plan to visit any of the 24 high-risk local government areas in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk areas, for outdoor recreation.
People at increased risk of mosquito bites are advised to stay protected by getting vaccinated, if eligible, and following mosquito-bite prevention advice.
Speak to your doctor or local immunisation provider to check if you are eligible for the free vaccine, including if you plan to visit any of the high-risk local government areas (LGAs).
For more information on Japanese encephalitis and vaccine eligibility, including a list of all eligible local government areas, visit Japanese encephalitis.
What is the issue?
Since 2022, Japanese encephalitis (JE) continues to be detected in Victoria and other south-eastern Australian states. There is an ongoing risk of Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases in high-risk areas of regional Victoria. This year’s mosquito season has been prolonged with episodes of heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of northern Victoria.
Eligibility criteria for the free JE vaccine have been simplified. All people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local governments areas in Victoria are eligible for the free JE vaccine.
In addition, to keep Victorians protected over the coming months, the Japanese encephalitis vaccination program has been temporarily expanded.
Until 31 July 2026, people aged 2 months or older who plan to visit any of the eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk areas, for any outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and hunting are now also eligible for a free vaccine.
People at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis regardless of local government area criteria, continue to remain eligible for a free JE vaccine.
There are 24 local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria that are currently eligible for a free vaccine. Medicare eligibility to receive a free JE vaccine is not required. More information on Japanese encephalitis and the complete vaccine eligibility criteria, including information on eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria and interstate, is available at Japanese encephalitis.
Who is at risk?
People at risk of mosquito bites while in high-risk areas where human cases and virus detections have been reported are at greatest risk of Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases.
There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis. Therefore, it is important to stay protected by getting vaccinated if eligible and following mosquito-bite prevention advice.
Symptoms and transmission
Japanese encephalitis virus can spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Most people experience no or mild symptoms. In some rare cases, Japanese encephalitis can cause serious infection with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches or pains, neck or back stiffness, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures, coma and other neurological illness and may lead to permanent disability or even death.
Anyone who has spent time in high-risk areas of regional Victoria and develop these symptoms should seek urgent medical care and testing.
Recommendations
For the general public:
Any person aged 2 months or older who lives or works in eligible high-risk local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria is eligible for a free JE vaccine.
Until 31 July 2026, people who plan to visit any of the high-risk local government areas in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk areas, for any outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and hunting are now also eligible for a free JE vaccine.
Priority groups at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis regardless of local government area criteria remain eligible for a free JE vaccine.
For more information on Japanese encephalitis and vaccine eligibility, including information on eligible local government areas in Victoria and interstate, visit Japanese encephalitis.
Speak to your doctor (GP) or local immunisation provider to check if you are eligible for a free vaccine ahead of any planned travel during the coming months.
Stay protected against Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne diseases by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. For more advice, visit Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases on Better Health Channel.
For health professionals:
Any person aged 2 months or older who lives or works in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria is eligible for a free JE vaccine.
The Japanese encephalitis vaccination program has been temporarily expanded until 31 July 2026. Eligibility now includes people aged 2 months or older who plan to visit any of the high-risk local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria, or any interstate high-risk area, for any outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning, fishing, boating and hunting.
Priority groups who are at increased risk of Japanese encephalitis regardless of local government area criteria, continue to remain eligible for a free Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
Immunisation providers are encouraged to recommend the Japanese encephalitis vaccine to all eligible people, including those planning travel for outdoor recreation in the coming months. Medicare eligibility is not required to receive a free vaccine.
Complete vaccine eligibility criteria, including information on eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria and interstate, are available at Japanese encephalitis.
Japanese encephalitis is an urgent notifiable condition which requires notification to the Department of Health upon initial diagnosis or clinical suspicion as soon as practicable and within 24 hours.
The hearing will bring together national and South Australian perspectives from a broad range of organisations, researchers, leaders and advocates to provide evidence to the Committee.
Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said “Racism, hate and violence have serious and lasting impacts. Hearing directly from experts and people with lived experience is critical to understanding the scale and drivers of the problem and identifying effective responses.”
“This hearing provides an important opportunity for people and organisations in South Australia to have their voices heard.”
The inquiry is examining the prevalence, impacts and drivers of racism, hate and violence, as well as existing responses and opportunities for reform. Evidence gathered during the hearings will inform the Committee’s final report to Parliament.
Witnesses scheduled to appear include the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network, NPY Women’s Council, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, Dale Aguis (the South Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People), Shona Reid (the South Australian Guardian for Children and Young People) and Professor Irene Watson (Adelaide University).
Further interstate public hearings will continue in other locations as part of the inquiry.
Information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website.
Please note the committee and secretariat are unable to provide counselling, advice, or support for individuals. Help is available:
For First Nations people:
13YARN: 13 92 76
Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
Yarning SafeNStrong: 1800 959 563
For all people:
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Headspace: 1800 650 890
Suicide Call Back Service:1300 659 467
1800 Respect: 1800 737 732
Media inquiries
Office of Senator Jana Stewart Media contact: Hannah Purdy 0438 003 838
With the fire season behind us, emergency services are urging landowners to register their burn-offs to avoid unnecessary callouts.
The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify.
CFA is also urging people to ensure they are picking appropriate conditions to conduct a burn-off to minimise the risk of burns escaping.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said with unusually warm weather this autumn people should take care.
“We have had some rainfall however people shouldn’t become complacent, burning off still needs to be done with care,” Garry said.
“We know burn-offs can flare up several days afterwards, so it’s important residents monitor wind conditions before and after burning off and notify their neighbours to be mindful of smoke.
“If you light a fire to burn off, you own it. Please don’t leave your burn-off unattended and always make sure it is fully extinguished properly with water.”
An online registration will always be fast and easy. Unregistered burn-offs can cause a spike in calls to Triple Zero (000) and unnecessary callouts for firefighters.
Triple Zero Victoria’s Chief Operations Officer, Paul Santamaria, encourages the community to take the very simple step of planning ahead and registering their burn-off online.
“We are still seeing high registrations by phone in some areas including Lara, Yarrawonga. Healesville, Olinda, Kyneton, Woodend and Mount Evelyn, and we encourage these communities to register online,” Paul said.
“When everyone does their bit and registers a burn-off online it reduces unnecessary calls, and helps our Triple Zero Emergency Communications Officers to focus on emergencies.
“If you are planning to burn-off more than two hours from now, registering online will always be the fastest and simplest option.”
If for any reason you are unable to plan ahead and need to start your burn-off immediately (within 2 hours), you can register by calling 1800 668 511 – however early planning, and online registration is preferred.