AU Engine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Territory Road Policing Division (TRP) was out in force over the long weekend, travelling from Darwin to Alice Springs, targeting the fatal five, before joining the southern team ahead of the Finke race. 

Darwin members conducted a high visibility highway patrol along the Stuart Highway in the days leading up to the event, stopping at a number of locations where they conducted large-scale Random Breath Testing (RBT) operations.

High visibility road policing duties over the long weekend also included speed camera vans operating in and around Alice Springs and the location of the event

The TRP Division also provided support to Alice Springs General Duties during the event and assisted in the response to serious crashes during the race, including the death of a motorcycle rider.

Over the extensive operation, nine crashes were attended, 12 RBT stations were put in place, and 6975 vehicles were speed checked over 17 locations resulting in 135 drivers receiving speeding infringements.

The following results were also recorded by TRP:

– 129 vehicle apprehensions conducted with 54 traffic infringements issued

– 1146 breath tests conducted with nine positive results

– 58 drug tests conducted with five positive results

– 12 vehicles found with defects

– 4 arrests

– 38 cautions

– 11 Notices to Appear

Territory Road Policing Superintendent Rick Magree said the operation was a success for the division and praised the majority of the road users for “doing the right thing” over the weekend.

“Our high visibility on the roads was effective as most drivers were doing the right thing, especially those who were in Alice Springs for the event.

“The TRP Division sees these large events as an opportunity to ensure Territory roads are safe and prevent illegal behaviour from drivers.

“The entire division would also like to send its condolences to the family and friends of a motorcycle rider who tragically died following a crash in the Finke Desert Race.

“Our thoughts are with you all and those involved with the event at this difficult time.”  

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Fugitive Taskforce continues to intensify efforts to locate and arrest fugitive 44-year-old Brandt Graham, who escaped lawful custody at Darwin Local Court on Friday after jumping the dock and fleeing on foot.

Following the escape, Fugitive Taskforce and other police sections have conducted an extensive search across Darwin, tracking Graham to multiple locations where he is believed to have actively evaded police with the assistance of known associates.

Throughout the weekend, the Fugitive Taskforce maintained pressure on Graham and his support network. Police believe he remains within the Greater Darwin region and investigations are ongoing.

To date, seven people have been arrested during the operation for outstanding warrants, breach of bail and drug related offences. One woman, aged 25, remains in custody under investigation for assisting the fugitive.

Detective Sergeant Tim Healey said police remain determined to bring Graham back into custody.

“Information provided by members of the public has enabled investigators to continue following every lead, and we will find Mr Graham,” Sergeant Healey said.

“We are warning anyone who is assisting Graham to evade police to stop immediately. If you choose to help him avoid arrest, you can expect to be identified, investigated and prosecuted.”

Mr Graham is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 185cm tall, of medium build, with long brown hair and a short beard. Police believe he may have made attempts to change his appearance, cutting his hair shorter.

He has a tattoo on his left wrist and was last seen wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt.

Members of the public are urged not to approach Graham. If he is sighted, contact police immediately on 000.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact police or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media note: Available CCTV footage can be requested via pfes.media@pfes.nt.gov.au 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Even off duty, police are always keeping an eye on what’s happening around them.

An off-duty K9 officer was leaving work for the evening on Friday when a vehicle sped past the police station, on Vanderlin Drive, at a significant speed.

The vehicle was detected travelling well above the speed limit and nearby General Duties officers conducted a traffic apprehension shortly afterwards.

The driver, a 21-year-old man, returned a positive roadside drug test before voluntarily informing police that he was also in possession of cannabis.

A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered approximately 6 kilograms of cannabis, packaged in 12 cryovac-sealed bags.

The man was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with a range of drug and traffic offences.

Senior Sergeant Meacham King said the driver’s timing couldn’t have been much worse.

“This fella was obviously in a hurry and, unfortunately for him, happened to drive past an off-duty officer whose spider senses must have been tingling,” Snr Sgt King said.

“What started as a speeding offence quickly turned into something much more serious.”

“The message is simple: don’t do drugs, and don’t speed. If you choose to do both at the same time, there’s a good chance you’ll end up meeting police.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Assistant Commissioner awarded Australian Police Medal in King’s Birthday honours

Monday, 8 June 2026 – 8:05 am.

Assistant Commissioner Doug Oosterloo has been awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM) in the King’s Birthday Honours today.
Expressing her congratulations, Commissioner Donna Adams said, “the awarding of the Australian Police Medal is well-deserved recognition of Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo’s career achievements to date.”
Doug Oosterloo joined Tasmania Police in 1994, commencing his career as a Constable in Burnie. He was appointed to Commander, Statewide Services in 2023, and Assistant Commissioner in 2025.
“Over more than three decades, Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo has built a remarkable and diverse career marked by ethical policing, integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to the Tasmanian community,” said Commissioner Adams.
“From frontline operational roles to complex investigations and senior leadership, Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo has consistently demonstrated integrity, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to doing the job well.”
“Throughout his career, he has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, each time bringing thoughtful leadership and a strong focus on outcomes – particularly in challenging and high-pressure environments.”
“His ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery has made a lasting impact across the organisation, and his emphasis on high standards and leadership development continues to shape the next generation of Tasmania Police members.”
“Across all areas of his work, Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo has been a strong contributor to reform, innovation and governance. His efforts have helped strengthen integrity frameworks, improve policy and training, and lift investigative capability across the organisation.”
“The APM recognises not just Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo’s achievements, but the consistent professionalism, leadership and commitment he brings every day.”
“His career is a reflection of the values we strive for as an organisation, and his contribution has benefited both Tasmania Police and the broader community we serve.”
“This recognition is richly deserved, and I know all members of Tasmania Police will join me in congratulating Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo on this significant achievement.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ith the passing of Father Michael Tate AO, we grieve for an outstanding Australian whose life was defined by conviction, faith and service.

Michael’s contribution to our nation was extraordinary in both its breadth and its depth. He excelled as a parliamentarian, minister, diplomat and, ultimately, as a Catholic priest.

As a Senator for Tasmania, and later Minister for Justice in the Hawke and Keating Governments, Michael helped shape important reforms in Australia. In 1987 he played a key role in establishing the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and initiated a national review of gun control laws.

In 1994 he was appointed as Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See and to the Hague. As Ambassador he represented our nation with distinction, wisdom and dignity.

Following a successful career in public life, he answered a long-held vocation to the priesthood. His ordination reflected the depth of his faith and his desire to serve others. As Father Michael Tate, he became a trusted spiritual guide to many Tasmanians.

Those who knew Michael personally have lost a loyal friend, valued colleague and generous mentor.

The Commonwealth and Tasmania have offered a State Funeral to honour his remarkable life.

May he rest in peace.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Australia has lost one of our brightest lights and our biggest hearts. Professor Richard Scolyer was a truly remarkable man. He was a personal friend, a neighbour of mine in Camperdown for many years, a proud inner Westie, a great Australian. As a joint 2024 Australian of the year, Professor Scolyer took his place in the national spotlight with determination with purpose as he publicly dealt with an aggressive form of brain cancer. The cancer specialist who became his own subject, Professor Scolyer walked his uncertain path, as he called it, with courage, determination and grace and his legacy will always be with us. The recently established Richard Scolyer Chair at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse proudly bears his name and one day when a cure is found, Richard’s name will be spoken. The hearts of all Australians go out to his wife, Dr Katie Nicoll, who I spoke with this morning and offered a state funeral for Professor Scolyer, which has been accepted.

It also goes to their children who they love so dearly, Emily, Matthew and Lucy. Richard’s mother and father in Tasmania, brother Mark. In his final letter, he left us with an incredible insight into what an extraordinary character he was. He said he wanted to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who gave it a crack, but did so with humility, love and compassion. He says this in his final letter: ‘we all have a responsibility to try to change the future for others and leave the world a better place.’ The world is a better place because of Richard Scolyer’s contribution. That’s a contribution that will go on through the work done in his name, but also the work that he has done, which advanced the cause of finding a cure in such a practical way. He continued to work right up until the very end until it was impossible, but spent, as I spoke with Katie this morning, his final days with family, still in good humour and with the strength, determination and character that defined what is an extraordinary legacy. May he rest in peace.

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Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ith the passing of Richard Scolyer, we have lost one of our brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts.

As the joint 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Scolyer took his place in the national spotlight with determination and purpose as he very publicly dealt with his glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Every day, this remarkable man – the cancer specialist who became his own subject – took us into his confidence, and he lifted us all in the process.

Richard’s journey was difficult and confronting. “My uncertain path”, as he termed it with characteristic understatement.

Yet it was one he travelled with courage, determination, and a grace that never ceased to be remarkable. The way he shared it with us was an act of profound generosity. He showed us what it means to hope, and to keep searching for solutions. He showed us how to stand firm against fear and stay true to yourself.

Now Richard’s journey is done, yet his legacy will always be with us. The recently established Richard Scolyer Chair at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse proudly bears his name. And one day when a cure is found, Richard’s name will be spoken.

The hearts of all Australians go out to his wife, Dr Katie Nicholl, and their children, Emily, Matthew and Lucy.

And may Richard Scolyer rest in peace. 

Source: Government of Western Australia

Shani Gelmi has been awarded the top honour at the City of Wanneroo Community Art Awards, receiving the grand prize for her work on paper; It’s time to air the dirty laundry.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three men following a violent disturbance at a town camp near Tennant Creek yesterday afternoon.

Around 1pm, police received reports of a large group of people fighting with weapons and three vehicles on fire.

Police attended the scene and found a large-scale disturbance involving between 80 and 100 people armed with a variety of weapons. Police dispersed the crowd; however, several altercations continued upon their arrival.

A 44-year-old man was located among the crowd with serious injuries and was taken to Tennant Creek Hospital by St John Ambulance for treatment.

Police seized a number of weapons at the scene, and investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

Three men have since been arrested in relation to the disturbance. They have been charged with a number of offences, including going armed in public and violent disorder, and have been remanded in custody.

Detectives from the Tennant Creek Investigations Unit continue to investigate the serious harm of the 44-year-old man, with further charges expected.

Acting Commander Peter Dash said, “Police confirm that this disturbance is related to an ongoing feud involving families from outlying communities and is related to a couple of fatal vehicle crashes in the region over the last couple of years.

“NT Police has been working closely with AFLNT, Patta Aboriginal Corporation and other service delivery partners in Tennant Creek to ensure scenes like this did not occur in our town.

“We are extremely disappointed that these families chose to attend Tennant Creek armed with a variety of traditional and improvised weapons, intent on causing harm to others. This behaviour is disgraceful and disrespectful to the traditional owners of Tennant Creek and the community of Tennant Creek. This behaviour will not be tolerated. Anyone who chooses to engage in this level of violence can expect to be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

“NT Police will continue to work with the affected families and communities to attempt to conciliate this ongoing tension and prevent feuds. NT Police will be speaking with AFLNT to determine whether there are consequences for the visiting football teams.”

Source: Government of Western Australia

Dalvik Park in Merriwa has a fresh new look, courtesy of some talented young artists.