Three volunteer emergency services in Wyndham will share in state government funding for vehicles and equipment. Wyndham Vale CFA, Wyndham SES and Wyndham West SES are among 350 organisations set to receive part of more than $31 million from the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program. The round will deliver almost $20 million for vehicles, more than $5 million for facility upgrades and more than $1 million for other operational equipment. Werribee MP John Lister, a volunteer emergency service worker himself, said he was proud to back local volunteers.
A grey four-wheel drive sank in floodwater covering a road in Morayfield, north of Brisbane, within about six minutes. ABC reporter Will Murray and bystander Daniel Hainey pulled the driver free after the vehicle was submerged. Flood researcher Amy Peden said people cannot judge the depth or speed of floodwater, and warned that rescues can cost would-be rescuers their lives. Queensland Fire and Rescue instructor Matt Kelemen advised occupants to lower windows or break side windows, as opening doors against floodwater is difficult.
Chery plans to set up an Australian research and development centre to adapt vehicles from its expanding brand range to local driving habits, roads and weather. Chery International president Zhang Guibing said the company wants more local input, and that any brand launching in Australia could be covered. The company has not yet disclosed a location, opening date or investment amount. Chery is already working with Melbourne-based engineering firm Premcar on testing the Stockman ute, which is due in Australia from February 2027. Several other brands are preparing Australian launches during 2027.
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Livingstone Shire Council is asking residents and visitors to help protect sea turtles as nesting season begins on the Capricorn Coast, with up to 100 mother turtles expected to nest before March. Farnborough Beach is a key nesting site, and four-wheel-drive users are asked to keep off the dry sand near the dunes and drive on wet sand instead. Seven new signs were installed along the beach with Darumbal rangers. A young male turtle rescued from the beach in October is recovering at Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
A columnist asks whether modern car features are weakening driver skills. Lane assist, automatic braking and reverse cameras aim to make driving safer and smoother. The writer admits to relying on a reverse camera and says it has exposed a gap in their own parking ability. Cars can now also detect signs of driver fatigue. The writer urges drivers to use the extra mental space these systems create to stay focused and in control on the road.
NSW Parliament has passed legislation that will move ownership of more than 6,000 Rural Fire Service firefighting and support vehicles from councils to the RFS. The change takes effect from 1 July 2027. The government says a $470 million investment over ten years will improve fleet reliability and safety. This includes up to eight regional maintenance hubs. Local Government NSW welcomed the reform, which removes the vehicles from council budgets.
Three volunteer emergency services in Wyndham will share in state government funding for vehicles and equipment. Wyndham Vale CFA, Wyndham SES and Wyndham West SES are among 350 organisations set to receive part of more than $31 million from the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program. The round will deliver almost $20 million for vehicles, more than $5 million for facility upgrades and more than $1 million for other operational equipment. Werribee MP John Lister, a volunteer emergency service worker himself, said he was proud to back local volunteers.
The Dubai Police have added a Lamborghini Temerario to their tourist patrol fleet. The hybrid supercar has a 920-horsepower engine and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds. It will operate in popular tourist areas to increase law enforcement visibility and foster positive public relations. The vehicle is part of the department's luxury fleet, which includes other high-performance cars like the Bugatti Veyron and Aston Martin One-77.
Police allege a 23-year-old man was repeatedly stabbed in Belconnen in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 October. Police say the man stopped to speak with a group that was throwing objects at vehicles near the intersection of Coulter Drive and Ginninderra Drive at about 12:30am. He was able to drive home, where his family took him to hospital. A police spokesperson said he is in a stable condition and that investigations are continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers and quote P2494375.
A 23-year-old man was stabbed multiple times in Belconnen early on Wednesday, ACT Policing says. Police allege four people were throwing objects at passing vehicles near the intersection of Coulter Drive and Ginninderra Drive. ACT Policing Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee said the man got out of his car at about 12:30am after an object was thrown at it. The man's condition has been stabilised and he remains in hospital. The four people allegedly involved are still at large, and police have asked anyone with information to come forward.
Four cars were destroyed by fire in the Yatala Labour Prison car park in Adelaide's north early in the morning. Police are investigating the blaze as a suspected arson attack and have called it suspicious. The Public Service Association says two staff members saw a person wearing a balaclava when they arrived for work, and the person fled. The union has long called for a fence and 24-hour security, requests it says the department rejected. The department's chief executive says every option is being considered, including fencing off the car park.
As summer approaches in south-west Victoria, drivers are urged to inspect their vehicles to avoid potential hazards and expensive repairs during the upcoming fire season. This proactive measure can mitigate risks and ensure road safety.
A 1998 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, previously owned by Rod Stewart, is being auctioned online through Lloyds Auctions. The car is part of a seven-part auction series featuring items from Australian businessman Darryn Lyons' collection. Bidding closes on 31 October 2026. Lyons, who once served as the Mayor of Geelong, acquired the vehicle from a specialist dealer in England and has described it as one of his most treasured possessions.
Chinese-made cars accounted for 38.9 per cent of Australia's new-vehicle market in September 2026, outselling combined Japanese and Thai vehicles. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Electric Vehicle Council reported 42,045 Chinese vehicles sold, compared to 40,933 from Japan and Thailand. This milestone was first reached in June 2026, boosted by a shipment of nearly 5000 vehicles from BYD and Denza. South Korea and Germany followed as the top five countries of origin, with sales down 5.0 and 1.7 per cent respectively.
Toyota Australia is lobbying the federal government to adjust emissions regulations, warning they could raise prices for popular diesel models like the HiLux and LandCruiser 70 Series. The company argues the current New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) may unfairly impact rural and regional Australians who rely on diesel vehicles. Toyota says it supports the NVES but believes the scheme should be more equitable for light commercial vehicles, which face increasing pressure from 2027.
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Ford Australia ceased manufacturing cars a decade ago, with the final Ford Falcon and Territory produced at Broadmeadows in 2016. The company had a history of over 90 years in Australia, starting with the Model T in 1925. Ford Australia produced iconic vehicles like the Falcon, Coupe Utility, Cortina, and Laser. The 1971 XY Phase III GT-HO Falcon is considered a legendary performance car. The company's design centre and engineering capabilities led to significant models like the XA Falcon and special editions. The end of local manufacturing marked the closure of a significant chapter in Australia's automotive history.
Police are seeking information after four Bushfires NT vehicles were stolen from the Acacia Hills station in the Northern Territory. The thieves cut a fence to access the grass fire units, which were later spotted in the Daly River area. One vehicle broke down at the Lake Bennet turn-off, while another was seen stationary near Daly River. Investigators are also looking into a possible link to the theft of a white Nissan patrol from Adelaide River.
