A man has been charged with a raft of offences after allegedly stealing a car from Athol Park this afternoon.
About 3.30pm Monday 11 August, police were called to Athol Street, Athol Park following reports that a Toyota ute had been stolen from outside a business premises.
The owner noticed his ute being stolen and tried to prevent the suspect from driving away. He was dragged a short distance by the ute, but thankfully did not sustain serious injuries.
Police subsequently tracked the ute via GPS to Commercial Road, Port Adelaide.
Multiple patrols and PolAir were dispatched to assist in locating the ute which was spotted in a shopping centre car park.
As officers approached the ute, the driver attempted to flee and allegedly assaulted police before being taken into custody. Fortunately, the officers were not injured.
A search of the stolen car uncovered tools allegedly stolen from a construction site at the shopping centre.
The 56-year-old man from Port Adelaide was charged with acts to endanger life, illegal use of a motor vehicle, driving disqualified, serious criminal trespass, theft, assaulting a prescribed emergency worker and resisting arrest. He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court tomorrow (Tuesday 12 August).
The car was forensically examined at the scene, before being returned to the owner.
Members of Adelaide University Solar Racing Team: Adam Longmire, Maria Kapsis and Adam Palkovics. Credit: University of Adelaide/Lachlan Wallace.
Using a fully solar-powered vehicle built from scratch, university students will race across Australia as part of the world’s biggest solar car challenge aimed to foster sustainable transport innovation.
The biannual event, Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, sees students from around the world design and manufacture a vehicle powered solely by the sun, to be driven from Darwin to Adelaide CBD via Stuart Highway — a 3020km journey mixing with traffic on public roads.
This year’s competition will run from August 24 to 31, with 37 teams competing, largely made up of university students from engineering, maths, science, business, and media disciplines.
Students from the University of Adelaide have competed as Adelaide University Solar Racing Team (AUSRT) since 2015; this year, for the first time, UniSA students have come on board expanding the team across both institutions ahead of their unification as Adelaide University from 2026.
Together, the team has designed and built Lumen III which is the first new car for AUSRT in eight years and the most advanced vehicle AUSRT has ever created.
AUSRT Team Manager and final-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student Adam Palkovics says it’s been a challenging but rewarding ride, with construction progressing well.
“The team is feeling very excited about the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, especially since it’s our first time building a car from scratch,” Palkovics says.
“The challenge itself is gruelling and extremely difficult to complete. In general, only ten out of 30 to 40 teams make it to the finish line. Our main goal is to finish the challenge for the first time for AUSRT.”
The energy-efficient electric vehicle Lumen III has been in development since the end of the last race in 2023, with the majority of the current team joining in 2024. While the race has regulations such as car dimensions, battery size and solar array limits, it’s ultimately a design-led competition encouraging creativity.
AUSRT’s design philosophy is centred around safety and reliability, with a strong focus on performance and balancing weight with aerodynamics.
“We’ve learned to do more with less, especially in ‘David versus Goliath’ situations. Our past success has come from building a car that doesn’t break down, and we’ve used those lessons to optimise our new design,” Palkovics says.
“The race is more like a marathon than a sprint. We’ll be adjusting our strategy every ten minutes to calculate the most energy-efficient speed to cruise at.”
AUSRT race strategist and UniSA PhD candidate in mathematics Maria Kapsis is responsible for devising that strategy and ensuring the team’s vehicle is operating as efficiently as possible on the journey from Darwin to Adelaide.
The Adelaide University Solar Racing Team. Credit: University of Adelaide/Lachlan Wallace.
“One of my main jobs is to optimise Lumen III’s solar array so that it provides maximal performance in gathering energy from the harsh Australian sun,” Kapsis says.
“I’ve also been working with a group of third-year mathematics students to develop software that will provide the team with the most efficient cruising speeds during the race.”
UniSA mathematics student Rong Xu has helped Kapsis as part of her final-year project and says developing the software has involved multiple steps.
“Using data from previous races, we’ve developed a mathematical model to calculate how much solar energy the vehicle will need for the race then, using solar radiation forecasts, calculated how much solar energy would be available to the vehicle during the race,” Xu explains.
“We’ve created a simulation of the vehicle’s journey from Darwin to Adelaide to determine the best speed profile for the car, while testing it under different weather scenarios to demonstrate how driving strategies should adapt to changing conditions.”
The competition aligns with the students’ values for sustainability while developing their problem-solving abilities.
“For the AUSRT team, renewable energy and solar racing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a passion. We’re all really driven to innovate and get involved in the sustainable energy sector,” Palkovics says.
“Being part of the solar racing team lets us apply the theory we learn in class to real-world challenges.”
The competition generates key industry partnerships for universities, and often leads to job opportunities with global leaders in engineering, automotive, and sustainable transport.
“It gives students an opportunity to develop skills that are sought after by industry,” Kapsis says.
As a part of an ongoing partnership, Adelaide University is providing logistic support to the aCentauri Solar Racing team from ETH Zurich university. This enables students and academics from both institutions to build relationships that will strengthen research on solar powered cars well into the future.
“There’s huge reward in competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, not just in the experience, but in knowing we’re building one of the fastest solar cars in the world,” Palkovics says.
“It’s not often you get the opportunity to compete at an international level while also creating the experience of a lifetime.”
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge will be livestreamed on YouTube. Keep up to date with Adelaide University Solar Racing Team on Facebook and find out more on the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge website.
Media contact:
Lara Pacillo, Media Officer, The University of Adelaide. Mobile: +61 404 307 302. Email:lara.pacillo@adelaide.edu.au
Police are investigating an assault at Davoren Park this afternoon.
A man was assaulted at western end of the shopping centre on Peachey Road, Davoren Park about 4.15pm on Monday 11 August and sought assistance from a nearby pharmacy.
Police and paramedics attended, and the victim was taken to hospital by ambulance. His injuries are serious but not believed to be life-threatening.
Northern District detective and crime scene investigators will attend and examine the scene.
Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
While investigations are in their early stages, this does not appear to be a random incident.
Southern District Operation Measure and Southern patrols have arrested a man and woman following an investigation into the alleged thefts of thousands of dollars’ worth of tools from hardware stores across the suburbs and Fleurieu peninsula.
The hardware chain reported 21 thefts and attempted thefts since 29 May involving the same two suspects and a vehicle.
The thieves targeted power tools, heaters, electrical and hardware items.
Police spotted the suspect vehicle at Hackham in the early hours of this morning.
Following investigations and searches throughout the day, police located and seized power tools and other items confirmed to have been stolen during the crime series, and other items suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained.
A 32-year-old Hackham man and a 30-year-old Hackham woman were arrested and charged with multiple counts of theft.
They were both refused police bail and will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court today, Monday 11 August.
Investigations are also continuing for the remaining stolen property believed to be outstanding.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of stolen goods can report it anonymously to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information after police members were assaulted during an arrest in Titjikala earlier today.
At around 1:15pm, Santa Teresa members identified a male who was subject of a parole revocation during a routine patrol in Titjikala. While taking the offender into custody, a group of people nearby allegedly armed themselves with rocks and threw them at the attending members and the police vehicle.
Both members were struck to the body and were forced to withdraw. The vehicle also sustained damage.
The offender fled the scene on foot and remains outstanding.
The police officers suffered minor injuries and did not require medical attention.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing and anyone with information urged to contact police on 131 444 or attend their local police station. Please quote reference P25213628. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
In the past year, Victorian healthcare workers delivered 212,705 planned surgeries – the highest ever on record – with more Victorians receiving the care they need, faster.
This quarter, all Category 1 patients continued to be treated within the recommended time, and median wait times for Category 2 and 3 patients improved by 5 and 25 days, respectively, from the same quarter last year.
This outstanding result is thanks to our incredible health services, nurses, doctors, surgeons and other health workers, working hard to deliver great patient care in even better ways.
Guided by the Planned Surgery Reform Blueprint (the Blueprint), our health services are delivering on reforms that are improving support for patients, significantly reducing wait times and contributing to ensuring more patients receive timely, high-quality care.
The Blueprint continues to deliver initiatives that improve supports for patients while waiting for care, increases access to optimisation and non-surgical pathways and improves system efficiency, enabling Victorians to receive the planned surgery they need, when they need it.
Thanks to all our health workers who are part of transforming the way we deliver planned surgery and better health outcomes for Victorians.
Michelle’s story
Guided by Victoria’s Planned Surgery Reform Blueprint, health services like West Gippsland Hospital have been implementing reform to improve how surgery is delivered, ensuring patients like Michelle receive the care they need, faster.
We provide the registered agent lodgment program to help you manage your workload. It allows you to progressively lodge your clients’ obligations over a 12-month period.
Various factors can affect the due date you receive for a client, for example:
the type of entity
when you added them to your client list
whether
they are new registrants
they have overdue prior year returns
their last return was taxable or non-taxable.
See the following examples of income tax return due dates and which clients they generally apply to.
31 October
This due date applies to entities:
with overdue prior year returns
added to your client list after 31 October
we’ve advised of this due date, for example if
they’ve been prosecuted for non-lodgment
a new registrant self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) was reviewed at registration.
Tip: If you lodge your clients’ overdue prior year returns by 31 October, their current year return will receive your lodgment program due date.
31 January
This due date applies to:
taxable large and medium entities (except individuals) as per their latest year lodged
the taxable head company of a consolidated group (including a new registrant), with a member who has been deemed a medium or large entity in the latest year lodged.
28 February
This due date applies to:
non-taxable large and medium entities (except individuals) as per their latest year lodged
new registrant large and medium entities (except individuals)
the non-taxable head company of a consolidated group (including a new registrant), with a member who has been deemed a large or medium entity in the latest year lodged
any member of a consolidated group that exited the group during the year of income
the large or medium new registrant non-taxable head company of a consolidated group
new registrant SMSFs.
31 March
Excluding large and medium taxpayers, this due date applies to:
individuals and trusts whose latest return resulted in a tax liability of $20,000 or more
companies and super funds with total income over $2 million in the latest year lodged
the head company of a consolidated group with a member who had a total income over $2 million in the latest year lodged.
15 May
This due date applies to all entities that do not have to lodge earlier and are not eligible for the 5 June concession.
More information
You can find more details about Registered agent lodgment program due dates on our website. They are listed by month, tax return and obligation type.
New southside hydrotherapy pool opening next week – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Construction of the new hydrotherapy pool in Tuggeranong is now complete, delivering an important health and wellbeing service for south Canberra.
The new hydrotherapy pool will open to the public from 25 August 2025. It is another example of the ACT Government’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality and person-centred care for our community.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry said the new facility offers a vital and accessible service for many people in Canberra’s south.
“This new hydrotherapy pool is a fantastic addition to the Lakeside Leisure Centre, and I would like to thank Minister Stephen-Smith for her continuous work on this project from inception right through to completion.” Minister Berry said.
“There are flexible booking options through the Active World app or in person at reception, so the community can access the benefits of hydrotherapy. This will be available to the public from early next week.”
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new facility – located at the Lakeside Leisure Centre – complements the hydrotherapy pool at the University of Canberra Hospital, ensuring more Canberrans can access hydrotherapy services close to home.
“Hydrotherapy is a powerful tool for recovery, rehabilitation and pain management,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“This new pool will support people living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer and migraines, and those recovering from injury or surgery. It’s designed to be inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all Canberrans.”
The hydrotherapy pool has been designed in line with the Australasian Health Facilities Guidelines to ensure accessibility, safety and comfort for all users. Key features include:
Additional accessible and standard parking spaces
Ramps to access the centre and the pool
Underfloor heating and water temperature at 33-34 degrees (about the same as skin temperature – which means the body does not go into any shock when entering the water and enables the muscles and nervous system to relax)
Accessible bathroom and changeroom
Safety and accessibility support features like handrails, bariatric rated hydraulic hoist to access the pool & slip resistant flooring
Storage for mobility aids including wheelchairs and mobility scooters
Importantly, the facility also includes a Changing Places facility, a specialised accessible public toilet for people with disability who have high physical support needs. The inclusion of a Changing Places facility responds directly to community feedback received during the development of the ACT Disability Strategy in 2022.
“Integrating a Changing Places facility into our new hydrotherapy pool ensures people with disability and high support needs can access therapeutic aquatic services with dignity, safety, and comfort,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
The new hydrotherapy pool will be managed by Belgravia as part of the Lakeside Leisure Centre.
Dr Samantha McGaughey named ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Postdoctoral research scientist Dr Samantha McGaughey has been awarded the 2025 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year Award.
Dr McGaughey a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Australian National University Research School of Biology, she researches innovative wastewater technologies that aim to advance global efforts in environmental sustainability, water security and resource recovery.
“I would like to congratulate Dr McGaughey on the outstanding achievement of being named ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year, and for her important work that is making real-world differences,” said Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
“Her research focuses on learning from nature’s processes for harvesting and separating water and critical resources, with the goal of developing new membrane separation technologies to efficiently and safely harvest clean water and valuable nutrients, minerals and metals from wastewater.”
“Canberra has been the home of many significant scientific achievements, and it is important we acknowledge the work scientists do for the benefit of our community.”
“Research and innovation play a key role in shaping how we move into the future, and the ACT Government is committed to recognising our up-and-coming scientists.”
Quotes attributable to 2025 ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year Dr Samantha McGaughey:
“It’s a great honour to be named the ACT Emerging Scientist of the Year, and to be able to represent the incredible research and biotechnological innovation happening in the ACT. “
“Water and resource security are significant challenges felt locally and globally, but nature has evolved solutions to many of the problems we face. My research aims to leverage nature’s extraordinary capabilities to develop technology to harvest clean water and critical resources from wastewater.”
“This achievement is made possible thanks to the incredible support and collaboration across our research community, and it reflects the ACT’s shared commitment to building a more sustainable, resilient, and knowledge-driven future.”
Extending suicide-related support funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
The ACT Government is committing more funding over the next two years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention, intervention, postvention and aftercare support.
Minister for Mental Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said Thirrili, an Aboriginal and Torres Islander Community Controlled Organisation, has received $1.52 million to help deliver culturally sensitive support to families, and to reduce suicide and the impacts of suicide in the ACT’s First Nations communities.
“The ACT Government has been working with Thirrili over the last three years and this funding will provide certainty for recruitment of local staff to deliver this critical service,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Thirrili plays an important role in Canberra’s broader mental health and suicide prevention system. It has developed strong community relationships and draws on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural values when working with families and communities affected by the traumatic impacts of suicide.
“With the establishment of strong relationships and our ongoing funding, Thirrili can continue to build capacity and support ACT families when they need it the most.”
Canberrans can find out more about how to access mental health services and programs on the ACT Government’s Mental Health webpage.
Quotes attributable to Dr Summer May Finlay, Yorta Yorta woman and Thirrili Chair:
“We extend our thanks to the ACT Government for continuing to be part of our journey. By collaborating, we can carry out our shared purpose to provide healing and recovery following a suicide. With this support, we can provide sustainable change for the ACT Community”.