Discover the eight community champions nominated for the 2026 Australian of the Year Local Hero award. Their stories of resilience, compassion, and service prove one person can change a community. Tune in for the live announcement on January 25.
Cairns Regional Council unveils the full Australia Day 2024 schedule, featuring citizenship ceremonies, community awards, and a spectacular fireworks finale over the Esplanade Lagoon.
Cessnock City Council has scrapped a controversial decision to halt non-legislated net zero spending, reversing course after just one month. Read the full story on the debate and its financial implications.
Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash champions Australia Day as a moment for national unity and pride. Read her full argument against changing the date.
Hawthorn faces an anxious wait after star midfielder Will Day injured his shoulder at pre-season training, reviving fears from his 2024 campaign. Get the latest AFL updates.
Cessnock City Council will apply for a near 40% rate increase. If approved, residents could pay almost $600 more from 2027. Read the full debate and councillor reactions.
WA's new Local Government Inspector Tony Brown has selected his first council for proactive monitoring following recent controversies. Discover the details and what it means for governance.
A Kirrawee man has pleaded guilty to lighting fires in the Royal National Park during a heatwave, claiming he did it to photograph 'faces' in the smoke. Read the shocking court details.
The Geelong Australia Day fireworks and family event is cancelled. Organiser expresses heartbreak as council urges calm and respect for differing views on the national day.
Bondi terror attack hero Ahmed Al Ahmed shares photos of a dinner with filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan in the US, sparking rumours of a potential film about his bravery. Read more.
PM Anthony Albanese declares a national day of mourning on January 22 for the Bondi Beach terror attack. The day, themed 'Light Will Win', will honour the 15 lives lost. Read the full details.
PM Albanese confirms Kevin Rudd will conclude his US posting in 2026, praising his pivotal role. A national day of mourning is declared for Bondi attack victims as bushfire efforts continue.
Geelong Council unveils new Australia Day plans after cancelling the longstanding event. Discover the fresh approach and community-focused activities for 2025.
A federal inquiry examines the worsening financial state of Australian local governments, with Hunter councils highlighting unsustainable costs from climate change, tourism, and state mandates. Will it lead to real change?
Less than 5% of Cessnock households responded to a survey on a proposed 39.9% rate increase, with 82% opposed. Council faces a crucial vote amid claims of survey bias and cost-of-living concerns. Read the full story.
Ryan Turner, a British national, is detained in Australia awaiting deportation for alleged links to a neo-Nazi network. The case highlights national security concerns.
A British national is detained in Australia, facing removal over alleged ties to a neo-Nazi network. The case highlights national security concerns. Read the full story.
Celebrate Australia Day 2026 with free family entertainment at Coogee Beach. Enjoy live music, cultural performances, wildlife encounters, and classic Aussie competitions.
Newcastle ratepayers demand answers as council CEO's $608k package exceeds the Premier's pay. Former councillor reveals how Hunter coal mines triggered a 'relativity' salary spiral across local government.
Australian cycling star Luke Plapp defends his national time trial title in Perth, with Jay Vine tipped as the main challenger. Get the full preview and schedule.
Lake Macquarie City Council reveals a draft $80 million capital works plan for 2026-27, with over half earmarked for its fire-damaged Speers Point administration building. Discover the community projects set to benefit.
Perth motorists warned of major disruptions as the Westbridge Funds Road National Championships take over central roads from Jan 7-11. Plan ahead for delays.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.
A Port Stephens canoe club's missing trailer, thought stolen for scrap, was discovered impounded by council rangers. Read how a mix-up over registration led to the costly confusion.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG ended in just two days, leaving 90,000 fans disappointed and Cricket Australia facing huge losses. Curator Matt Page explains the grassy pitch decision.
England's historic two-day Boxing Day Test victory ends a 15-year drought in Australia and delivers a multi-million dollar financial hit to Cricket Australia due to lost match days. Read the full analysis.
Australia's dramatic batting collapse at the MCG has the Boxing Day Test on track to finish inside two days, posing a major financial blow for Cricket Australia. Follow the live action.
Perth's Boxing Day sales saw huge crowds at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, with nearly 100,000 shoppers expected. Discover the trends, top stores, and national spending forecasts.
Shoppers descended on Perth's Karrinyup Shopping Centre and CBD for Boxing Day sales, with major retailers reporting strong traffic and eager bargain hunters. Discover the scene and the deals.
Newcastle's iconic Boxing Day races made a triumphant return, with over 5000 attendees defying cooler weather. The event, boosted by headliner Hot Dub Time Machine, saw a surge in pre-sales and a vibrant party atmosphere.