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.
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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.
The NSW Department of Education retains ownership of the former Courallie High School site in Moree, with no immediate plans for community use. Several groups have proposed ideas for the property, including a space science school, a community support facility, an agricultural boarding school, and an Aboriginal learning and cultural centre. The department is considering options for the site's future but has not confirmed any formal proposals or discussions with the groups involved.
Beau Lamarre-Condon has told his murder trial that a friend urged him to dispose of two men's bodies straight away, although he wanted to report the deaths to police. Lamarre-Condon, a former police officer, has pleaded not guilty to the murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. His statement alleges the friend, known to the court as Elizabeth Kennedy, helped carry and weigh down the bodies, which she denies. Kennedy has told the court she knew nothing about the bodies. The trial before Justice Natalie Adams continues.
A woman from Point Frederick has been charged by Australian Federal Police for allegedly displaying prohibited hate symbols on social media. She is the second person charged by the National Security Investigations teams over similar conduct.
A Westpac Rescue Helicopter was sent by NSW Ambulance to a motorcycle accident on the M1 Motorway at Somersby on Saturday, October 24, at about 4pm. A man was injured in the crash.
A luxury Byron Bay retreat linked to Hollywood actor Matt Damon has sold for $4.65 million. The Broken Head property, known as Blackwood House, was listed at a $12.5 million price guide in 2022. Damon rented the home in 2017 while filming a cameo for Thor: Ragnarok. He stayed for several months with friend Chris Hemsworth, which fuelled speculation he would move to Australia permanently. Damon did not buy the property, and he returned to the United States after his stay.
A health advocate has urged Wollongong City Council to act on hooning and excessive vehicle noise in central Wollongong. Sally Stevenson told councillors at a public access forum that the noise is disrupting sleep and making people feel unsafe, especially women. She cited a council survey showing 22 per cent of people feel safe in the CBD at night. She called for a user-pays police operation in the worst hotspots, saying a small group of vehicles causes most noise events. Council is also supporting a Reclaim the Night march on Thursday, October 29.
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.
The Central Coast VRA Rescue squad was busy on Sunday, October 25, attending three rescues in just 90 minutes. The squad was activated to a motor incident shortly before 4pm.
