UPDATE: Charges – Aggravated burglary – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

An 18-year-old male has been arrested and charged in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred in Alice Springs last week.

Around 4:25am on Thursday 12 March, it is alleged four male offenders unlawfully entered a residence in St Andrews Place, Desert Springs. One of the offenders allegedly assaulted the occupant aged in his 70s before stealing alcohol and fleeing the scene.

As a result of police investigations, an 18-year-old male was located and arrested at a residence on Lyndavale Drive last night.

He has since been charged with Aggravated burglary, Aggravated robbery and Damage to property. He has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court tomorrow.

The three other alleged offenders remain outstanding and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600024205.

Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Opening remarks – Meeting with Their Majesties The King and Queen of Denmark

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: I want to welcome Your Majesty the King on your first visit to Australia since your ascension. It’s a pleasure as well to welcome Her Majesty the Queen, who has of course a very special relationship with our country. Australians have a great affection for both of you, and we also have a great affection for Denmark. Many of us have travelled there. We understand each other, our countries share very similar values about human rights and democracy. Similar values as well about the challenges facing the world, in particular the challenge of climate change and energy and how to deal with what is the biggest economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution. And the work that we’re doing together is so important. Your support for Australia, of Denmark, for our Free Trade Agreement with the European Union is also much appreciated and I take the opportunity to thank you for that support. Of course, on this visit through two territories, Uluru, of course, a very important site for every Australian, but particularly for First Nations people. We also, with your visits to Victoria and then I will join you in Tasmania in a couple of days’ time. And it’s important as well, I think that this isn’t just a royal visit, this is an extensive visit with members of the delegation talking with Australia about economic cooperation, and our foreign affairs relationships as well. So, welcome. Jodie and I look forward very much to having dinner with you tonight at The Lodge, and I know that at Government House yesterday was a splendid welcome, thank you, you can take credit for the weather, it’s been quite extraordinary since you have been here as well. So, welcome.

< HIS MAJESTY, KING FREDERIK OF DENMARK:

Alcohol seizures – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Katherine Police have seized a significant amount of alcohol across separate apprehensions in the Territory’s north.

On Saturday, after receiving information, police apprehended a vehicle driving from Darwin to Beswick at about 10:30pm, resulting in a large amount of liquor being seized.

In a separate incident, Katherine Police officers conducting alcohol compliance checks duties in Pine Creek on Sunday afternoon seized 30 litres of beer from a person after he allegedly attempted to pass the purchased alcohol to a waiting van outside a licensed premises.

The male allegedly refused to leave the licensed premises after the seizure and received an electronic liquor infringement notice (ELIN) for failing to leave after several warnings. He also received a Banned Drinking Order (BDO).

Katherine Social Order Unit Sergeant Matthew Holmberg said “Police are actively targeting the secondary supply of alcohol in flood-affected areas and will continue to do so to ensure a safe community for everyone.

“To anyone thinking of illegally supplying alcohol to others, our message is simple – don’t do it or prepare to face the consequences.”

Death following crash at Mooreville on 2 March

Source: Tasmania Police

Death following crash at Mooreville on 2 March

Monday, 16 March 2026 – 1:53 pm.

Sadly, a 75‑year‑old man has died following a single‑vehicle crash at Mooreville on 2 March.
Police and emergency services were called to West Mooreville Road at around 5.15am after a Toyota Landcruiser left the roadway and came to rest in a paddock.
The man, who was travelling as the front‑seat passenger, was initially taken to the North West Regional Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where he has since passed away.
The 63‑year‑old driver received non‑life‑threatening injuries.
Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, and the vehicle has been seized for examination.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

‘Vols on Hols’ extends across the south east

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

After a successful summer, CFA’s ‘Vols on Hols’ program will continue throughout the Easter school holidays to ensure popular holiday towns have the fire response coverage they need.

The Vols on Hols pilot program successfully extended across southern parts of the state this summer, enhancing the capacity for volunteers to respond to emergencies in the peak season.   

It has been running every year since it started in Mallacoota in 2023, with a further eight locations added to the initiative to boost community safety.  

The program aims to add more boots on the ground, engaging with brigade members who are willing and able to assist while on holiday in the area.  

The program now includes Mallacoota, Toorloo, Omeo, Metung and Marlo in CFA’s District 11 and in Seaspray, Port Albert, Dargo and Licola in CFA’s District 10.  

The locations have been chosen as they are tourist hot spots over holiday periods and long weekends, with their populations swelling to thousands more than their normal size.  

Drew Stockton, who regularly volunteers out of Edithvale Fire Brigade has been participating in the ‘Vols on Hols’ program with Mallacoota Fire Brigade for three years since it launched and said he loves being able to be there for the community he holidays in.  

“We have been holidaying in Mallacoota for about ten years,” Drew said.  

“I would like to know that if something were to happen, then I could be there to help. 

“I could assist given my skills and experience as a CFA Firefighter, regardless of whether I’m on holiday.” 

“It’s of course everyone’s choice if they take part, but this program makes it easier to just bring your gear along and step into that operational role if you’re needed,” Drew said. 

Deputy Chief Officer for the South East region Trevor Owen said the program has provided a capacity boost to towns across the region when they need it most. 

“These places are dealing with large numbers of visitors and combined with the challenging conditions it is good to know we have that increased capacity,” Trevor said. 

“The year‑round appeal of areas like Gippsland, attracts people for a wide range of outdoor and environmental tourism opportunities across all seasons   

“We completely understand our volunteers are on holidays to spend valuable time with their families, fishing, boating or other recreational activities, but we also know the nature of our members is that they want to help and want to assist the local CFA brigade if they are in town. 

“Any of the brigades in the program would appreciate the extra hands during the busy parts of the year.”    

For anyone interested in taking part in the program please get in touch with the Volunteer Sustainability Team by emailing vst-ser@cfa.vic.gov.au 

Submitted by CFA Media

Positive first year for bookable bulk waste collection

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City’s transition to a bookable waste collection service has resulted in more than 2,000 tonnes of material being diverted from landfill.

The City’s transition to a bookable waste collection service has resulted in more than 2,000 tonnes of material being diverted from landfill.

Mayor Linda Aitken said the results show clear benefits for the community.

“More than 12 months on, this system is delivering real environmental and financial benefits for our residents,” Mayor Aitken said.

“Giving people the flexibility to book a collection when it suits them is a modern, convenient and sustainable approach. It’s great to see the community embracing it!”

Introduced in July 2024, the new system replaced the traditional scheduled verge collections with a more modern, convenient and sustainable approach. 

Instead of waiting for an annual collection date, residents can choose a time of year or date  that suits them and book online, by phone or in person with five collection streams available: bulk junk, bulk green waste, mattresses, whitegoods and e-waste.
 
The change was designed to support better recycling habits, improve separation of materials, reduce scavenging and keep local streets cleaner year round.

Since launch, more than 40,000 collections have been completed and wait times have dropped from up to 8 weeks at the start of the new service to just 2-4 weeks . 

The City has also achieved an impressive 37.6% recycling rate, diverting over 2,100 tonnes of materials from landfill, and supporting Council’s vision for a more sustainable future

Residents have embraced the change with more than 70% satisfied with the new model, saying they’d happily use it again.

A full review and community survey will be undertaken after three years of operation to measure long-term performance and track improvements.

For more information read our Bulk Review Fact Sheet. 
 

Fire restrictions to end in parts of north-west Victoria

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

  • Loddon Shire Council 

  • Buloke Shire Council 

It has been a long and challenging fire season and as we head into autumn, there is still heightened fire risk, with dry weather expected for many more months.   

As fire restrictions begin to lift, CFA is urging residents to remain alert as the current and continued conditions can still lead to fast-moving grassfires even in cooler weather.  

CFA Deputy Chief Officer for North West Region Trevor Weston said the easing of restrictions was due to a number of favourable factors in some areas.   

“This year’s fire season has been arduous, but the risk is easing in these municipalities, and we need to give our primary producers time to prepare the ground for the growing season ahead,” Trevor said.    

“Nights are becoming increasingly cool, and we are seeing dew in the mornings that further reduces our fire risk and potential. 

“We have also seen some rain start to hit the region.” 

Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant and to check the Fire Danger Periods that are in place in the region they are residing.   

With the end of the FDP, some landowners may choose to resume burn-offs, but it’s essential to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before proceeding. 

To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, landowners must register their burn-offs. If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response. 

Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke. 

Burglary and indecent assault – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police are searching for a male suspect following a burglary and alleged indecent assault on an elderly woman at a residence in Alice Springs.

The offender is described as a young, adult male with a stocky build, mixed-race appearance with a tanned complexion and curly hair featuring sun-bleached tips.

Earlier, police received a report about 8:30am today relating to the incident which is alleged to have occurred yesterday.

It is alleged the offender entered a residence through an unlocked rear door while an 82-year-old woman was inside the home. The offender allegedly assaulted the woman and stole a mobile phone before leaving the premises.

The woman’s adult son later attended the residence to check on his mother after the suspect activated the emergency button on the stolen phone, sending him an alert.

The woman’s stolen phone was later located by a member of the public near the intersection of Bloomfield Street and Bradshaw Drive.

Detectives from the Southern Crime Section have carriage of the investigation, which remains ongoing.

Police are urging anyone who may have information about the incident, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the areas of Finlayson Street, Barclay Crescent, Carruthers Crescent and Standley Crescent between 10:00am and 1:00pm of Friday 13 March, to contact them immediately on 131 444 and quote reference number P26076070.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Call for information on Invermay incident

Source: Tasmania Police

Call for information on Invermay incident

Saturday, 14 March 2026 – 3:40 pm.

Police are investigating an incident involving a weapon on Invermay Road, Invermay, about 3.25pm on Friday, 13 March.
Initial investigations are two men, who have told police they were being chased by two other men, sought refuge in a local business on Invermay Road.
The second group of two men then entered the store, one of them armed with a small axe or hatchet, and approached the men.
There was a physical altercation between the men inside the premises.
No one was seriously injured during the incident and the axe appears to have dropped to the floor during the altercation and was not used to injure anyone.
It is not yet known what the relationship is between the men, or why two of them were being chased.
The fight broke up quickly and all men left the store in different directions.
Two offenders were seen heading south on Invermay Road about 3.35pm and have yet to be identified.
Two men were spoken to by police near the scene.
There have been no charges laid and the matter is under investigation.
Police are calling on anyone with information, or video footage of the incident, to contact them on 131 444.
Members of the public can also report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.au

Wounding incident at Mowbray

Source: Tasmania Police

Wounding incident at Mowbray

Saturday, 14 March 2026 – 3:18 pm.

Police are investigating an incident in Mowbray on Saturday morning in which a man sustained a single gunshot wound.
The 38-year-old man was in a private residence at the time he sustained the injury to his lower left leg, about 4.25am today. The firearm involved is thought to be a small calibre rifle, possibility a .22.
The man received treatment at the Launceston General Hospital and was later transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.
Initial reports are a man entered the premises of the Mowbray property earlier today and an altercation occurred with the male occupant. A firearm was discharged and the occupant of the residence sustained a gunshot wound.
It is believed that the persons were known to each other.
The injured man has provided police with only limited information.
No one else in the property was injured during the incident.
There have been no arrests made.
Police investigations are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444. Police are interested in viewing dashcam or CCTV footage of the Pleasant Street, Mowbray area, from earlier today.
The public can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au