Readers' Letters: Australia Day Debate, Scams & Local Concerns
Newcastle Herald readers share diverse views on Australia Day's meaning, hate speech laws, local scams, and community safety in a series of passionate letters to the editor.
Category : Search result: community volunteers Australia
Premier Flees Angry Bushfire Locals, Defends CFA Funding
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan left via a back door to avoid frustrated residents in fire-hit towns. As the state assesses the devastation, she faces pressure over CFA funding and vehicle safety. Read the full story.
Geelong's New Australia Day Plans After Event Axed
Geelong Council unveils new Australia Day plans after cancelling the longstanding event. Discover the fresh approach and community-focused activities for 2025.
Illawarra heatwave kills 650 bats, devastates colonies
Extreme temperatures over 41°C have killed hundreds of flying foxes in Dapto and Figtree, leaving wildlife volunteers distressed and vulnerable species at risk. Learn more about the impact.
CFA volunteers use 30yo trucks as Premier defends funding
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan defends $80M CFA funding amid volunteer fury over ageing fire trucks. As bushfires rage, crews face 40C heat in vehicles without aircon. Read the full story.
SA Heatwave Kills Thousands of Bats, Volunteers Rescue
Adelaide's fruit bat colonies are devastated by extreme heat. Volunteers work tirelessly on rescues and rehabilitation, facing huge costs. Learn about the crisis and response.
Free Australia Day Festival at Coogee Beach
Celebrate Australia Day 2026 with free family entertainment at Coogee Beach. Enjoy live music, cultural performances, wildlife encounters, and classic Aussie competitions.
Hunter SES smashes record with over 5000 incidents in 2025
Hunter SES crews faced their busiest year ever, responding to over 5000 incidents and 10,000 volunteer hours in 2025's severe storms and floods. Read about their heroic efforts.
Youth sport's goals must be bigger than just winning matches
A Newcastle Herald reader argues that community sport, when focused on wellbeing and inclusion, is vital for youth resilience and mental health. Read the full debate.
Charities urge WA to check on neighbours this Christmas
Welfare groups warn of increasing financial hardship in WA this festive season. Anglicare CEO calls for community vigilance as emergency relief requests surge. #Christmas #CostOfLiving
Samaritans Christmas Lunch Serves Hunter Community
Over 150 volunteers served a festive feast to up to 1200 people at the 25th Samaritans Christmas Lunch in Newcastle, providing vital community support during tough economic times.
Canberra's pro-Palestine Jews seek free speech protection
Members of Canberra's Jewish community call on the Albanese government to safeguard the right to protest while drafting new hate speech laws in response to the Bondi Beach attack. Read their concerns.
Hospital staff create Christmas magic for sick kids
Staff at Townsville University Hospital have transformed the children's ward into a winter wonderland, bringing festive joy to young patients and their families this holiday season.
Israeli President Accepts Invitation for Australia Visit
Israel's President Isaac Herzog will travel to Australia following an invitation from PM Albanese, expressing shock over the Bondi terror attack and rising antisemitism.
Christians do the Christmas heavy lifting for the needy
While Christianity declines in Australia, its followers remain the backbone of practical charity, especially at Christmas. This is a tribute to their quiet, year-round service.
Mandurah's 2025 Review: Loss, Triumph & Change
A look back at Mandurah's unforgettable 2025: saying goodbye to King Carnival, welcoming champion athletes, and navigating community change. Read the year's biggest stories.
Pinjarra Gets Final Licence Plate Recognition Cameras
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.
WA's feel-good stories of 2025: Kindness triumphs
As 2025 ends, we spotlight uplifting West Aussie stories that brought joy—from miraculous pet rescues to incredible reunions and local legends. Read the good news WA needed.
Newcastle Letters: Legacy, Bondi, and Community Views
Readers share powerful tributes and perspectives on climate action, the Bondi tragedy, and societal divisions. Explore the community's voice in the Newcastle Herald.
Irish teacher Sarah Halpenny dies unexpectedly in Melbourne
The Australian-Irish community mourns the sudden death of beloved teacher and athlete Sarah Halpenny in Melbourne. A fundraiser has surpassed $300,000 AUD.
Wollongong stands with Jewish community after Bondi terror
Nearly 200 people from diverse backgrounds gathered in Wollongong for a Hanukkah service, showing solidarity with the Jewish community days after the deadly Bondi terror attack. Read about the powerful message of unity.
WA volunteers sacrifice Christmas to help others
As Perth faces a record-hot Christmas, thousands of emergency services volunteers are giving up family time to keep the community safe. Read their inspiring stories.
Geelong raises $7000 for disability advocate's wheelchair
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.
Newcastle stands with Jewish community after Bondi attack
How Newcastle's community is responding with grief and solidarity following the deadly anti-Semitic attack at Bondi Beach. Insights from local leaders and interfaith support.
Bondi's tribute flowers moved for permanent memorial
The floral tributes for the Bondi terror attack victims are being preserved. A local artist will create an installation, while cards go to the Jewish museum. Thousands gathered nationwide to remember.
Volunteer Homes Needed for Seeing Eye Dogs in Perth
Vision Australia calls for Perth volunteers to provide short-term homes for working Seeing Eye Dogs. All expenses covered. Apply now to support the blind community.
Australia Needs Christmas Spirit More Than Ever
Columnist Joe Spagnolo argues that amid global conflict and economic strain, the unifying message of Christmas is vital for Australia's national spirit. Read his compelling case.
Perth Rabbi: Anti-Semitism Creep Changes Australia
Perth Rabbi Daniel Lieberman speaks out on the disturbing rise of anti-Semitism in Australia, detailing personal experiences and a changed national atmosphere. Read his urgent call for awareness.
Illawarra Poll Shows Strong Support for Green Energy
New independent polling shows a clear majority of Illawarra residents support the transition to renewable energy, with strong backing for both household and large-scale projects. Discover the community's vision for a sustainable future.
Albanese sidelined in Bondi mourning as political fallout grows
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was denied a central mourning role after the Bondi attack, sparking a political crisis over anti-Semitism. Read the full analysis of the government's response and the shifting landscape.
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