Carly Patterson, a 36-year-old disability support worker and mother-of-two from Scone, went from novice to NSW and Tasmanian strongwoman champion in just 18 months. She now sets her sights on the Australian national podium in May 2026.
A Wollongong airport worker has received a conditional release order after police found a prohibited German pepper spray and flick knife in his home, following a domestic assault incident. Read the full court details.
A regulatory gap prevents childcare centres from searching for employees with enforceable conditions. Experts call for urgent reform to protect children's safety. Read more.
Health workers in Yarrabah are under siege from rock-throwing youths, forcing clinic closures and threatening vital services. Community leaders demand immediate intervention to protect staff and patients.
Six Northern Territory students with Down syndrome will attend a major Victorian conference after their advocacy group secured a $20,000 CommBank Community Grant to boost life skills and independence.
A Geelong social worker has been charged with sexually penetrating a woman at a rape clinic. The alleged assault occurred in 2021. Read the shocking details.
Hunter residents with disabilities face a confusing patchwork of council fees to access locked public toilets. Advocates demand free universal keys and clearer information.
A Geelong resident with a disability accuses the council of discrimination for refusing to seal a dangerous, potholed court. Belmont locals demand action on the safety hazard.
Shop owners and staff at Newcastle's Marketown Shopping Centre report daily antisocial behaviour, harassment and violence, with a recent stabbing highlighting growing safety fears. Calls for improved security intensify.
A vital children's cancer support centre in West Leederville has been forced to close after a deliberate fire. The attack has devastated families and shocked the local community. Police are investigating.
Newcastle Herald readers share views on local food security amid population growth, positive disability access experiences, and global political shifts under Trump. Read the community pulse.
A 63-year-old Geelong man has been sentenced to jail for stalking and unlawfully assaulting a young hospitality worker. Read the full court details and outcome.
Townsville's economic boom is threatened by a critical shortage of short-stay housing for workers. Industry leaders warn of project delays and a massive worker shortage unless immediate action is taken.
A mine collapse at Curragh coal mine has left one worker injured and another missing. Emergency services are on scene. Get the latest updates on this developing story.
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.
A 21-year-old Adelaide worker is in stable condition after a violent robbery where he was stabbed in the neck. CCTV captured the terrifying incident in Klemzig.
Suzanne Lupica, charged with murdering a Port Kennedy aged care resident, has been found mentally unfit to stand trial. The WA Supreme Court heard chilling details of the alleged attack. Read the full story.
A man and woman face court accused of confiscating passports from two massage parlour workers in Perth. The case highlights concerns over worker exploitation.
The Geelong community has come together to raise over $7000 for disability advocate Sarah Humble, funding a new power wheelchair to replace her failing one. Read this heartwarming story of local support.
With 21% of Australians living with a disability, Sport4All coaches are helping NSW clubs and schools break down barriers. Discover the simple, three-step process to create welcoming spaces for everyone.
A Cairns man with muscular dystrophy is stuck in hospital for weeks, unable to go home due to NDIS delays in approving a critical ceiling hoist. His story highlights systemic issues within the scheme.
A Cairns man with a spinal injury has been stranded in hospital for weeks, unable to go home due to NDIS funding delays for a crucial hoist. He demands urgent system reform.
A critical shortage of 18,000 skilled construction workers annually could delay and inflate costs for Brisbane's 2032 Olympic infrastructure. Will Queensland find the workforce?
Jenny O'Bryne, mother of missing Perth FIFO worker William Carter, asks the public not to donate to a GoFundMe set up without family consent. Police confirmed his body was found after a 10-day search.
A 70-year-old former Tasmanian school employee faces charges of persistent sexual abuse of a child. The alleged crimes occurred between 2018 and 2020. Support is available.
The WA government unveils a budget plan offering $10,000 cash to attract 1000 skilled tradies to Perth, aiming to tackle the housing crisis and build more homes. Read the full strategy.
WA Police have located a body believed to be missing 25-year-old FIFO worker William Carter. The Perth man vanished after being dropped at the airport on December 6.
Thousands of children with disability or illness celebrated at the annual KidsWish Christmas party at Symbio Wildlife Park. The Illawarra Mercury mascot joined the fun.
A Grattan Institute report reveals stark inequalities in psychosocial support across Australia. Access should be based on need, not location. Read why reform is urgent.
A near 50% increase in learning support assistants over five years is a key factor behind a $70 million staffing overspend in ACT public schools. An independent review is now underway.