Cook Shire parks vandalised in burnout spree
Cook Shire Council is facing a hefty repair bill after vandals destroyed public ovals and parks in a series of deliberate burnouts. Community outrage grows as vital facilities are left unusable.
Cook Shire Council is facing a hefty repair bill after vandals destroyed public ovals and parks in a series of deliberate burnouts. Community outrage grows as vital facilities are left unusable.
Doug William Diver, ex-deputy president of Shire of Ashburton, faces Perth court on over a dozen child sex offences. The 59-year-old was remanded in custody. Read the latest.
A State of Disaster has been declared for 18 Victorian municipalities, including Golden Plains Shire, as the Mount Mercer grassfire remains uncontrolled. Stay informed on the latest warnings and conditions.
The Blackwood community is heartbroken after vandals destroyed 52 memorial trees planted to honour a local volunteer. Read how this act has shattered residents.
The Golden Plains community is remembering Wendy Hellebrand, a dedicated nurse and volunteer described as its Florence Nightingale. Read her inspiring story.
The husband of Murray-Wellington Shire President Linda Balcombe faces court over alleged harassing phone calls to a fellow councillor. Read the latest on this political scandal.
A spike in vandalism and illegal camping at Port Kennedy Scientific Park is endangering the 700ha coastal reserve. Authorities are urging the community to report illegal activity to protect the site.
The revitalised Murray Library has reopened with a fresh new look, funded by a $200,000 Community Bank Pinjarra grant. Join the celebration this Saturday, January 10, 2026!
A beloved children's cubby house at Queenscliff Football Netball Club has been destroyed by vandals, leaving the community devastated. The club is now calling for public support to help rebuild the play space for local kids.
A key bridge on the Fernleigh Track near Whitebridge has been closed after vandals set it alight, marking the latest in a spate of destructive acts across Lake Macquarie. A detour is in place.
Lake Macquarie City Council navigated a pivotal 2025, marked by a CEO departure, a united front on housing, and emerging political shifts. Read our full review of the year's key events.
A terminally ill woman with a visible disability permit was shamed with a nasty note at a Sydney surf club. Her husband demands action as the club investigates the shocking incident.
Thieves stole life-size Lego figures of Mary and Baby Jesus from a Nelson Bay church's nativity display on Christmas Day, disappointing the local community. The figures were later partially returned.
An 18-year-old Canberra man faces court accused of performing Nazi salutes at shopping centres and defacing ANU buildings with neo-Nazi stickers. Police warn of radicalisation signs.
A bushfire emergency warning is in place for parts of the Shire of Gingin, north of Perth, with residents told to leave immediately. The fire has burnt 150 hectares amid scorching 41.4C heat.
A serious crash on the Captain Cook Highway near Cairns has caused major traffic delays. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and expect significant disruptions. Check for updates.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council issues a formal warning to residents living unlawfully in sheds, caravans, and other structures. Learn the rules and potential fines.
A young Indigenous leader from Cairns graduates from a landmark university program, setting her sights on a future in law and community advocacy. Read her inspiring story.
WA's planning body has greenlit a $25 million Woolworths development in Pinjarra, overriding the Shire of Murray's concerns about the location's impact on the historic town centre. Discover the details.
The Shire of Murray has finished installing its new licence plate recognition CCTV network, boosting community safety with real-time data for police. Read about the project and its funding.
Upper Hunter farmers celebrate as the critical Coulsons Creek Road reopens just before Christmas, ending a costly five-year detour. The $60 million project fixes a botched council upgrade.
Muswellbrook Shire Council is consulting on a Special Rate Variation for mining land to address a looming $5 million annual revenue shortfall. The move aims to protect community services and fund economic transition.
A petition with over 10,000 signatures demands a parliamentary inquiry into WA's demersal fishing ban. The Cook Government prepares to defend the controversial policy in court.
The WA government announces plans to increase penalties for hate crimes and introduce new offences, responding to community calls for stronger action against prejudice-driven violence.
Doug William Diver, former Shire of Ashburton deputy president, has been charged with multiple child sex offences. The 68-year-old will face court in Perth. Read the full details.
Outraged fishing groups take the Cook Government to court over a permanent fishing ban in WA's South Coast. Get the full story on the legal fight and its impact.
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja calls for unity after a Brisbane mosque is vandalised with white supremacist symbols. The veteran batter also fights for his Test career in Adelaide.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at a Perth synagogue for a vigil honouring the 15 lives lost in the Bondi Beach shooting. Community leaders call for action against antisemitism.
Townsville mother-of-two Dr. Jessica McKinnon graduates as a doctor after a decade of study, inspired to give back to her community. Read her inspiring story.
Shire of Murray CEO Dean Unsworth has been awarded the 2025 Local Government Leader of the Year title at the IPAA WA Achievement Awards. Discover his collaborative leadership and key achievements.