The NSW Opposition says cafés could be fined $22,000 if they fail to offer a reusable cup under a proposed bill. Under the bill, businesses would have to offer reusable cups through a reuse scheme and could not charge for them. Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh says the plan adds costs and red tape for struggling businesses. The Liberals and Nationals have moved amendments to scrap the mandatory scheme and exempt small businesses, but Labor and the Greens voted against them. The Opposition says the government has not explained how the scheme would work in practice.
Aboriginal names could soon be considered for streets and buildings in Coffs Harbour under the city's first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy. Councillors endorsed the strategy at their latest monthly meeting after it was strengthened following public exhibition and community yarn sessions. The strategy outlines 38 actions and was developed with the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee. Short-term actions include compiling a database of Gumbaynggirr and local Aboriginal names, adding Acknowledgement to Country to email signatures, and creating a network of Reconciliation Champions. Progress updates will be provided through the City's reporting framework.
Yarpa's Meet the Buyer event, held on October 22 at the Western Sydney Convention Centre in Penrith, New South Wales, brought together First Nations suppliers and industry buyers. The day produced about 480 strategically matched meetings, totalling 114 hours. Yarpa director Shannon Mallison said the event aims to create real opportunities through real connections. Yarpa said its membership has grown to over 720 First Nations business members, 470 corporate, government and industry members, and 2,900 people in total since the first event in 2019.
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Tenterfield will move to Level 2 (Moderate) water restrictions from Thursday, 27 August 2026. Tenterfield Shire Council has also announced a closure of White Swamp Road from 10 September 2026 for pipe replacement. Killarney Road is affected by culvert repairs, which include replacing stormwater pipes and headwalls. The council has also announced five new bridge projects across the shire. Separately, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has started an aerial and ground baiting program to control wild dogs.
Lismore City Council has attached 20 Return and Earn baskets to public bins across Lismore and Nimbin, so residents can collect containers to claim refunds. The baskets sit on bins in the Lismore CBD, local parks and sporting fields. The council says a review found about $670,000 in container refunds was being lost to waste. Exchange for Change, which coordinates the scheme, funds the baskets. The baskets are a trial, and the council plans more across the CBD and villages in 2027 if it succeeds. Residents are asked to keep coffee cups and takeaway packaging out of the baskets.
Tamworth's Sports and Entertainment Precinct is set to receive new crossings, street lighting and a shared path by mid-December. The $1.42 million road safety project is nearing completion. Upgrades include wombat and pedestrian crossings, safety fencing and a 3-metre shared path along Longyard Drive. Council staff transplanted 22 Australian native grass trees to spots that do not block sight lines at the Jack Smyth Drive roundabout. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Australian Government's Road Safety Program, which aims to reduce severe road injuries and deaths.
Former Sydney police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon reported work-related psychological trauma and claimed schizophrenia symptoms during a call to a police assistance line while on his way to surrender to detectives. He is on trial for the alleged murder of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, claiming self-defence. Lamarre-Condon accused the force of bullying and lack of support, saying it affected his mental health. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Hay Shire Council and FW & RB Crighton Rural Engineering have been awarded more than $5 million in grants under the Australian Government's Sustainable Communities Program. Crighton's will merge its two local operations into a purpose-built facility with new equipment and worker accommodation. Council will establish a regional circular economy hub to support waste management and renewable energy delivery. The grants are part of a $50 million package funding 20 projects across the Murray-Darling Basin. The projects aim to offset the effects of voluntary water buybacks, create jobs and build long-term climate resilience.
A man has died after being pulled unresponsive from the water off Number One Beach at Seal Rocks on the NSW Mid North Coast. Members of the public brought him from the water about 2.20pm on Monday. Paramedics could not revive him after responding to a concern for welfare call. The man, believed to be in his 60s, has yet to be formally identified, NSW Police said. The incident is under investigation, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Researchers at Royal North Shore Hospital and the University of Sydney have unveiled a world-first screening program aimed at finding hidden heart disease early. It uses a simple blood test through the GP, with extension to rural, remote and First Nations communities a core goal. First Nations adults experience coronary artery disease and heart attacks at 2.8 times the rate of non-Indigenous adults. The NORTH Foundation has launched an $8 million appeal to bring the program into everyday care. Professor Gemma Figtree said early detection could prevent heart attacks.
Harry Kane wore a rare off-catalogue Rolex Daytona valued at up to AUD$2.2 million at the 2026 Ballon d'Or in London. The England captain later collected two awards at the ceremony, the first held in London. Other players and guests also wore notable watches on the red carpet. Ousmane Dembélé chose a high-tech Richard Mille RM 055, while Kylian Mbappé wore a vintage-style Hublot Classic Fusion Tributo. Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold wore a Vanguart Orb Flying Tourbillon.
