A City of Belmont residents' group has labelled annual electors' meetings a 'complete waste of time', questioning council engagement after low attendance and over 20 motions were presented. Read more on the local democracy debate.
Geelong region councils have spent over $1.3 million fighting cases at VCAT in recent years. Discover which councils are spending the most and what it means for ratepayers.
Explore the 5,000-year evolution of the bellows, from ancient slave-powered tubes to the Han Dynasty's double-action piston. Discover how this simple invention fuelled civilisation's metal age.
Former CoastFM sports host Craig Parkes has died after a hit-and-run cycling accident on Spit Rd, Mosman. Police are searching for the driver of a red MG SUV.
A blaze at the popular Dove and Olive pub in Surry Hills forced evacuations and halted light rail services. No injuries reported as firefighters extinguish the roof fire.
Australia's corporate regulator sues BDO WA and a lead partner over alleged audit failures concerning $30m in missing funds at Dubber Corporation. Read the full details.
A dramatic final round before the Christmas break saw City snatch top spot, a teen prodigy return with a ton, and a rare reverse outright in Newcastle's first-grade cricket.
Geelong's real estate market finished strong with a 79% clearance rate in the final auctions before Christmas. Discover which suburbs saw the biggest sales.
A NSW Supreme Court judge has ruled claims by former Cessnock councillors over the Liberal Party's candidate nomination failure are 'reasonably arguable'. The case will proceed, seeking accountability.
A jack-up barge has positioned itself off Nine Mile Beach, signalling the start of complex offshore works for the Belmont Desalination Plant. The project will secure the Lower Hunter's water future.
Striking rail workers at Downer's Cardiff workshop plan to continue industrial action through Christmas, seeking a 21.5% pay rise over four years. Read the latest on the dispute.
Police and community are searching for Andrew Leggett, 56, missing from Belmont. Follow live updates on the Newcastle Herald blog for breaking news across the Hunter.
A 32-year-old Swansea man faces court over allegedly displaying a prohibited Nazi symbol on a boat in a public place. Police seized two vessels during their investigation.
Vulnerable residents in a Geelong social housing complex have been left housebound for months due to a broken lift. Barwon Health blames the body corporate for the ongoing delay in repairs.
City of Newcastle plans to convert the former Astor Street landfill into a major solar farm, battery storage, and heavy EV charging facility, a key part of its 2030 net zero emissions target. Read the full plan.
Newcastle councillors have deferred a major plan to revitalise Civic Park and surrounds, citing a $70 million price tag and more pressing community priorities like safer streets and drainage.
Ditch boring presents this Christmas. A ticket to Jamberoo Action Park offers a full day of family thrills and splash-filled fun. Discover NSW's largest family-owned water park.
The Geelong property market saw strong activity in early December. Discover which suburbs recorded standout sales and what the latest auction results reveal about local demand.
Code of conduct complaints at Newcastle City Council have doubled in two years, costing ratepayers over $62,000. Nine complaints were lodged, with four still pending. Read the full report.
Lake Macquarie City Council is set to formally begin its search for a new CEO while also deciding on two significant housing developments that exceed current planning controls. Read the latest.
From blistering centuries to devastating bowling spells, discover the local heroes who dominated Geelong Cricket Association matches this weekend. Dive into the standout performances now!
Geelong's property market saw strong results in early December. Discover which suburbs achieved standout sales and what the latest auction clearance rates reveal about local demand.
A 28-year-old man has died following an alleged hit-and-run in Mooroolbark. A 39-year-old man is assisting police. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
A flawlessly renovated dual-level waterfront home in Belmont with 180-degree Lake Macquarie views is now on the market. Ideal for downsizers seeking a low-maintenance luxury lifestyle.
A Gold Coast councillor's $24,000 MG hatch win using a corporate credit card has ignited a debate on council expense policies. Discover the fallout and calls for reform.
Skydive Cairns staff have walked out after being told their pay could be slashed by up to 50%. The proposed cuts have sparked outrage and safety concerns.
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin and CEO Stevan Rodic are heading to the US again, with the $30,000+ trip funded by ratepayers. The visit aims to strengthen sister city ties with Anaheim.
A new $1.9 million beachfront campground with 100 sites has opened at Lake Macquarie's Belmont Wetlands, promising a major boost for Hunter eco-tourism and local jobs.
Anthony Larmah, 25, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a violent home invasion and attack on a Belmont mother with a meat cleaver. Read the full court details.
Belmont Forum transforms Christmas shopping with a free 4D grotto, interactive selfie zones, and daily letter-writing prizes. Discover festive fun for the whole family.