NT Police Counter Terrorism Training Exercise – 20th May 2026

Casuarina Square will host a Northern Territory Police-led counter terrorism training exercise on Wednesday 20 May 2026 between 6:30pm and 9:00pm.

The exercise is a large-scale, multi-agency emergency response training activity involving approximately 150 Northern Territory Police and emergency services personnel. The scenario will simulate an active armed offender incident within the Centre using non-lethal training equipment and controlled operational procedures.

The purpose of the exercise is to test emergency response coordination, communication processes, mass casualty response procedures, and the ability of Casuarina Centre Management, retailers, and emergency services to respond effectively during a critical incident.

To facilitate the exercise, the Centre — including supermarkets, cinema and all major retailers — will close to the public from 6:00pm on Wednesday 20 May, with access restricted to authorised participants only.

The only businesses continuing to trade during this period will be Nando’s, Grill’d, KFC (external pad site) and World Gym.

Nearby residents, businesses and members of the public may notice an increased emergency services presence throughout the evening, including police vehicles, emergency personnel, simulated operational activity and potential loud noises, including simulated gunshots, as part of the controlled training environment.

Casuarina Square and NT Police would like to reassure the community that this is only a planned training exercise and there is no threat to public safety.

Advance notifications are being distributed to retailers, neighbouring businesses, tenants, and stakeholders to minimise community concern and ensure the public is aware of the activity in advance.

This exercise forms part of ongoing emergency preparedness initiatives aimed at strengthening public safety, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and ensuring retail staff and emergency services are well prepared to respond to major incidents.

Members of the public seeking further information are encouraged to contact Casuarina Square Centre Management or monitor official Northern Territory Police communication channels for updates.