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.

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Strengthening cultural inclusion in early childhood

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.

UPDATE: Death – Johnston

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 22-year-old female has died in hospital following an alleged domestic violence incident in Johnston on 21 May.

Since the incident, the alleged offender, a 22-year-old male, was charged with Aggravated assault and appeared in Darwin Local Court on 26 May.

The cause of death remains unknown and the Major Crime Unit are continuing investigations.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

High range speeding on Bass Highway

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

High range speeding on Bass Highway

Saturday, 31 May 2025 – 4:29 pm.

An 18-year-old P1 driver from Lutana has had their vehicle clamped and will face a fine and disqualification after they were detected driving at high-speed this morning and tested positive to a roadside drug test.
Just before 11:30am, whilst police were conducting a high visibility road safety operation along the Bass Highway, they detected a red Holden Commodore travelling at excessive high speed along the highway at Westbury. The vehicle was detected at 164km/h in a 110km/h zone, and the driver was safely intercepted by police.
The driver was an 18-year-old man from Lutana with a P1 driver licence which restricts him to maximum speed of 100km/h. Subsequently the driver was travelling at 64km/h over the speed limit, and they returned a positive roadside drug test.
The driver has been fined $1161.50 and six demerit points for the excessive speed, and their vehicle will be clamped for 28 days. Being a provisional driver who normally only hold 4 demerit points, the driver will be subject to a further period of disqualification.
“Speeding and drug driving are both part of the ‘Fatal 5’ causes for fatal and serious crashes, but in this example when you combined both, the consequences could have been disastrous,” said Sergeant Benjamin Kromkamp.
“Had police not been actively patrolling this area, the high-speed driving could have easily resulted in another serious or fatal crash on our roads.”
“Tasmania Police will continue to hold unsafe drivers to account including the seizure of vehicles and disqualification of licenses.”
“Remember that police can be anywhere, anytime, so slow down and get to your destination safely. It’s about your safety and the safety of everyone else.”

UPDATE: Search and Rescue Operation – Darwin Harbour

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force have recovered a body following an extensive search and rescue operation in the Darwin Harbour.

The search and rescue operation commenced last night and continued until early hours of this morning; however, the NT Police Search and Rescue Section, a Careflight helicopter and the Port Authority were unable to locate the male reported missing.

Early this morning, the search operation redeployed assets in an attempt to locate the missing person; consisting of two helicopters, two NT Police vessels, Surf Life Saving, NT Emergency Service volunteers, Crocodile Management and NT Police members on foot along coastlines nearby.

At approximately 11:30am this morning, a body was sighted in the water within the vicinity of the East Arm Wharf. The NT Police vessel Mick Read attended and recovered the body and the male was declared deceased. The body recovered matches the description of the person who jumped off Channel Island Bridge at around 9:40pm last night.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

The NT Police would like to thank all supporting agencies and members of the public who may have assisted in conducting a search of Darwin Harbour.

Arrest – Domestic violence offences – Palmerston

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 41-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident in Palmerston yesterday.

About 12:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a female being stabbed multiple times at the back of a shopping centre nearby Kilgour Lane.

The male and female are known to each other.

Police arrived and arrested the male nearby. St John Ambulance conveyed the female to Royal Darwin Hospital in a stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident is still under investigation and charges are expected to follow.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444 and reference job number NTP2500055552. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.

Concern for welfare – Search and Rescue Operation – Darwin Harbour

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Search and Rescue Section are actively searching for Brendon Doherty, a 55-year-old male, who voluntarily jumped off the Channel Island Bridge last night accompanied by work mates.

About 9:42pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of the male drifting away after several minutes of him laughing and active within the water after jumping off the bridge. It is alleged Mr Doherty was unable to swim back to shore, despite his friends’ attempts to encourage him. He was last seen in the middle of the channel, drifting toward Darwin City in strong tidal currents. Witnesses observed him for approximately two minutes before losing sight of him.

He was last seen wearing steel cap boots, shorts and a dark shirt.

The Search and Rescue Section deployed and overnight have done an extensive search of the Elisabeth River in the East Arm area. Police are urging anyone who may witnesses a male floating or along the shore in the harbour to provide aid and call Triple Zero immediately.

Blackdown Tableland National Park temporary closure

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 26 May 2025

Blackdown Tableland National Park is temporarily closed to allow roadworks aimed at improving visitor safety and access to be completed.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is upgrading and resealing the main access road, as well as undertaking grading and re-gravelling works between Yaddamen Dhina (Horseshoe lookout) and the Munall camping area, including upgrades and repairs to steep, sealed sections of the road.

These improvements will enhance the overall visitor experience.

For safety reasons, the narrow and winding access road cannot accommodate vehicles and visitors during the roadworks.

Blackdown Tableland National Park is scheduled to reopen on 1 August 2025, following completion of roadworks.

QPWS will provide an update when the protected area is safe to reopen.

Visitors are being urged to check Park Alerts for up-to-date information on protected area closures.

The public is urged to obey all signs and directions from Rangers to ensure their safety.

Media contact:                 DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

Police catch drink and drug drivers

Source: New South Wales – News

South Australia Police detected 53 drink and drug driving offences in a targeted statewide road safety operation last week.

Operation Stop Drink and Drug Drive was conducted from 23 to 25 May 2025 involving both static and mobile alcohol and drug testing units.

Officer in Charge of Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Shane Johnson said the results indicate that too many drivers are still making the irresponsible decision to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“Drink and drug driving is a selfish decision that puts drivers and other road users at unnecessary risk of injury or a loss of life,” Superintendent Johnson said.

“In this operation, police detected 23 positive drug driving offences and 32 drink driving offences, so 51 people immediately lost their licence and 22 had their vehicle impounded.

“Police will continue to conduct high-visibility operations across the state to target those who ignore the law. If you drink alcohol or take drugs and get behind the wheel, you are taking an unnecessary risk and will get caught. “

An incident of note involved a 62-year-old Para Hills woman who was detected allegedly with a blood alcohol reading five times over the legal limit with a reading of 0.266 after failing to navigate a left-hand turn and crashing a vehicle on a pedestrian refuge. She was issued with drink driving and driving without due care and issued with a 12-month immediate loss of licence.

A 62-year-old Morphett Vale man was also detected with an alleged a blood alcohol reading of 0.266 was stopped for driving in an erratic manner. He was issued with a 12-month immediate loss of licence notice and police impounded his vehicle for 28 days.

A LEGO-lover’s guide to Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Join Roundabout Canberra, with special thanks to Goodies Junction, for the Great LEGO Sale 2025.

In brief:

  • There are lots of things for LEGO and block enthusiasts to do in Canberra.
  • This article includes a list of upcoming events and activities for all ages.

Does your child love blocks and LEGO?

Young builders can find plenty of options right here in Canberra.

From epic exhibitions to rainy-day activities, we’ve gathered some ideas to satisfy every brick-head.

Of course, many of these are just as relevant to Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs) too.

Libraries ACT Brick Club Challenge

Libraries ACT run a Brick Club Challenge.

It’s a great option for some school holiday fun or rainy-day activity.

Kids can find inspiration in online story time videos. There’s a list of fun ideas to get their creative juices flowing. Once they’ve chosen, it’s time to get stuck into their LEGO, or other building materials.

Keen builders can have their grown-up share a photo of their handiwork on the Libraries ACT Facebook page.

Find the Challenge on the Libraries ACT website.

The Canberra Brick Show

The Canberra Brick Show is Canberra’s ultimate LEGO fan event.

Hosted by the Canberra LEGO User Group, this year’s event will be on 1–2 November at Thoroughbred Park.

Grab a ticket to see over 300 tables of amazing displays, exhibits and vendors from around Australia.

LEGO fans of all ages are welcome at this weekend of brick-filled fun.

Learn more about the event.

Join the Canberra LEGO User Group (CLUG)

CLUG is a non-profit association which aims to share techniques and ideas for building LEGO projects.

Members also showcase projects at local and interstate Lego exhibitions.

Join the CLUG private Facebook group.

The Roundabout Canberra Great LEGO Sale 

Looking to add to your collection while supporting Canberra families in need?

Each year, Roundabout Canberra runs its Great LEGO Sale.

Organised in partnership with Goodies Junction, the sale is at the Albert Hall.

Every dollar raised goes directly to Roundabout Canberra. This helps them provide essential baby and children’s items to families in need.

Visit the Roundabout Canberra website for more details.

Bricks @ Woden School

The Bricks @ Woden School takes place each year to wow LEGO lovers young and old.

This family-friendly event is held at the school. Funds go towards important projects for students with special needs.

Visit to see amazing LEGO displays of all sizes.

This event is coordinated by the Woden School in association with the Canberra Lego User Group and the Woden School Parents & Citizens Association.

Find out on The Woden School website.

A different type of block: BlocHaus Bouldering

BlocHaus Fyshwick has a dedicated space for kids aged 5–12 years. This area allows kids and their families to enjoy climbing together.

The gym also runs facilitated kids’ programs. Kids learn to get the most from bouldering and their developing skills.

As with every LEGO build, every climb is a puzzle. The key is experimenting with how your body moves to figure it out.

BlocHaus’s Mitchell gym is for visitors aged 12+.

Find out more about BlocHaus.

The family-friendly Bricks @ Woden School event is held annually.

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