A 73-year-old Mount Colah man has been charged by the Australian Federal Police over allegedly displaying prohibited Nazi symbols online. The charges follow a four-month investigation by the AFP's National Security Investigations team, which began in June after a report about an online user posting banned symbols alongside antisemitic commentary. Investigators searched a residential property in the Upper North Shore suburb on Tuesday and seized several electronic devices. The man faces four counts of publicly displaying prohibited Nazi symbols, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment if convicted.
A 62-year-old man running a Berowra Heights post office has been charged with possessing commercial quantities of vaping and tobacco goods. Police allege he used his senior post office role to import large quantities of illicit tobacco and vapes. Investigators executed a search warrant on Tuesday, October 13. Search warrants in Zetland and Banksmeadow led to two further arrests. Police seized more than 3 million cigarettes, 15,000 vapes and $60,000 in cash. The man was granted conditional bail and will appear before Hornsby Court on November 18.
A video piece from The Lorikeet, presented by Huw Bradshaw, looks into the large, multi-clock fountain standing in the centre of the Hornsby mall. The feature, published on 20 October 2026 by Brad Esposito, brings together a sculptor, a local council and several clocks in its account of the structure. The source material is brief, so further details about its design, cost or history are not included here. Readers are directed to the video for the full explanation of the fountain.
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The cheapest unleaded 91 petrol prices for the week ending 9 October 2026 were recorded at OTR Rouse Hill in Rouse Hill and BP Hornsby in Hornsby, both at 240.9 cents per litre. The lowest premium 95 prices were at OTR Rouse Hill at 256.4 cents per litre, while the cheapest premium 98 was at Ampol Kenthurst in Kenthurst at 267.9 cents per litre. For diesel, the lowest price was at Pearl Energy Annangrove in Annangrove at 278.5 cents per litre.
A 62-year-old Berowra Heights man, who works as a licensed post office manager, has been charged over the alleged importation of illicit tobacco and vapes. Police from a joint-agency task force executed search warrants in Berowra Heights, Zetland and Banksmeadow, seizing more than 3.3 million sticks of illicit tobacco, 14,040 vapes and $60,470 in cash. The man was granted conditional bail and is due back at Hornsby Local Court on 18 November 2026. Two 36-year-old men arrested in Banksmeadow face similar charges. Detective Superintendent John Watson said organised crime networks rely heavily on trusted insiders to bypass border security.
Delegates from the Round Square International Conference 2026 planted 800 native plants near the Quarry Loop at Hornsby Park on 30 September and 1 October. Barker College hosted the conference, which drew more than 1,000 students and teachers from over 150 schools worldwide. Delegates also learned about Indigenous storytelling and how a former quarry became a public park. The planting forms part of Hornsby Shire Council's wider restoration work. Mayor Warren Waddell thanked the participants, saying the plants would serve as a lasting reminder of the connections made.
The City of Parramatta has appointed Steven Head as its new interim Chief Executive Officer for 12 months, starting on Monday, 26 October 2026. Head has held senior leadership roles at several NSW councils, including Hornsby Shire, Uralla Shire, Willoughby City and Ku-ring-gai, and has also worked with Transport for NSW. Lord Mayor Cameron MacLean said Head has the experience needed to guide the organisation as Parramatta grows. The appointment follows a recruitment process run by Council, and comes as the council advances major infrastructure and city development projects while strengthening its governance.
The cheapest unleaded 91 petrol prices for the week ending 9 October 2026 were recorded at OTR Rouse Hill in Rouse Hill and BP Hornsby in Hornsby, both at 240.9 cents per litre. The lowest premium 95 prices were at OTR Rouse Hill at 256.4 cents per litre, while the cheapest premium 98 was at Ampol Kenthurst in Kenthurst at 267.9 cents per litre. For diesel, the lowest price was at Pearl Energy Annangrove in Annangrove at 278.5 cents per litre.
Student volunteers from Barker College, part of the Round Square network, planted 800 new plants at Hornsby Park, contributing to its environmental restoration. The event, tied to the conference theme 'Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land', combined cultural heritage, environmental care, and future-focused restoration. Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell commended the participants' efforts, noting the plants symbolise shared environmental responsibility. Barker College Head Phillip Heath AM highlighted the global collaboration's alignment with Round Square's values. The planting aims to enhance habitat, landscape healing, and water quality for future park visitors.
Steven Head has been appointed as the new interim CEO of Parramatta Council, replacing Gail Connolly, who left a year ago. Head has held leadership roles in several NSW councils and Transport for NSW. Lord Mayor Cameron MacLean said Head’s experience will guide the council through Parramatta’s growth. Head’s appointment follows a recruitment process and will last 12 months, starting October 26.
Hornsby Shire Council has launched a new video series featuring residents sharing their experiences of making homes more energy efficient. The Love Your Home series showcases practical upgrades, from sealing draughts to installing solar panels, to reduce energy use and lower household bills. Mayor Warren Waddell said the videos provide practical advice from community members who have already completed energy-saving upgrades. The initiative aims to help residents reduce household emissions and improve energy efficiency, with local households accounting for around 65 per cent of the shire’s total carbon emissions.
A black-and-white cat named Max has been reunited with his family in Cherrybrook after two anxious weeks. His owner, Katy, put up 200 missing posters and searched local streets, reaching out to schools, daycares and students. After Max was sighted, animal rescue volunteer Jen safely captured him and returned him to Katy within 24 hours. Katy then posted Found posters to thank the community for its kindness and teamwork.
The Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook is running its Trees of Joy campaign again this year, aiming to deliver more than 1,000 Christmas gifts. Shoppers choose a gift from a bauble bearing a person's story and wish, then return it to a drop-off point. The club works with more than 10 local charities to reach children and adults who may otherwise go without. Trees are at four shopping centres in Cherrybrook, Westleigh, Pennant Hills and Thornleigh from 2 November until 10 December. Rotary asks people to return gifts early to ease distribution.
The Kenthurst Probus Club welcomed Rhonda Brown as its newest member at a morning meeting. Guest speaker Mai Nguyen, a spokesperson for Australia's Falun Dafa Association, spoke on traditional Chinese culture. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a set of daily exercises that followers believe improve wellbeing. The Communist Party of China has banned the practice. Members plan an outing to the Theatre Royal for Fiddler on the Roof, a walk at Boongala Gardens and a bus tour to Yarrawonga.
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Police arrested two people in Freshwater after a vehicle stop on 19 October. The driver allegedly returned positive drug tests and police allegedly seized drugs, knives and housebreaking tools. The driver was arrested and given a 24-hour licence suspension, and a 29-year-old passenger was charged with property, weapon and drug offences. Northern Beaches Police are also investigating alleged thefts at a Belrose store and warn residents about text message scams asking for money. An 81-year-old man transferred almost $10,000 after a scammer posed as his son.
Galston Uniting Church has recognised Amy Kosilo for leading an appreciation project at the Galston Early Learning Centre. She worked with the centre's Preschool team, and the project helped children think about nature, community and caring for Country. Later in the month, Amy Kosilo, Catherine Koutlis and Daniela Palmer attended the 2026 NSW Early Years Nature Connections Conference. The centre plans to grow its Bush Program so children can explore and learn about the natural world.
Sydney’s Southwest Metro will open on 30 October, extending the line from Sydenham to Bankstown. The 66-kilometre route will include stops such as Marrickville, Canterbury, and Lakemba, replacing the old T3 heavy-rail line. Transport for NSW says the new Metro will carry 50 per cent more passengers and provide faster trips, with trains running every four minutes during peak times. Premier Chris Minns and Transport Minister John Graham have thanked commuters for their patience during the delays. Further extensions to the line are in early planning stages.
Brendon and Emma Reynolds have put the historic Junee Hotel on the market so they can move closer to family. The couple took over the lease in 2023 and later bought the property, restoring its rooms, bathrooms and bar. They have added community events, including a singles night that Emma says led to five relationships. Emma criticised government taxes on regional pubs and staffing rules that limit backpacker workers. The couple plan to live in the hotel while a sale progresses, which they say can take six to 12 months.
Blacktown pilot Aglaya Papadokokolakis flew the first commercial aircraft out of Western Sydney International Airport on Sunday. She said the milestone was a career highlight, launching operations in her home region. Her father is also a pilot, and she encouraged young women to pursue aviation despite its male-dominated reputation. The airport opened after about eight years of construction and is set to run around the clock. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened it at a Sunday morning ceremony, and its first international flight arrived on Monday.
As part of Small Business Month in October, three New England and North Coast businesses are being highlighted. Steve Shaw runs GH Innovations in Thrumster, helping local firms attract customers through online search and sales improvement. Di Wade runs Rawspice Boutique in South West Rocks, offering independent fashion and lifestyle products. Meagan Hudson and Rory Taylor run Beardy Downs in Emmaville, making small-batch tallow and beeswax products through BD Collection.
Drivers travelling between Armidale and the coast on Waterfall Way should allow extra time from Monday, 26 October, to Sunday, 8 November. Transport for NSW says a string of maintenance jobs and projects may cause cumulative delays, with some sections of up to 10 minutes. Vehicles wider than 3 metres face restrictions on parts of the route, and a permit is needed. Motorists can follow signs and directions from traffic controllers, or use alternative routes including the Oxley Highway, Gwydir Highway or New England Highway.
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has taken up a part-time professor of practice role at the University of Sydney. She will guest-lecture, run masterclasses and mentor students and researchers in the school of public health. Her work will focus on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust. Ardern, who led New Zealand from 2017 to 2023, said she has been focused on leadership since leaving office. University vice-chancellor Mark Scott said her leadership showed that empathy and resolve can strengthen each other.
Credit Corp Group, which buys bad debts at a discount and collects them, is on track for another record result this year. The listed business posted a record $105.5 million net profit in 2025/26 and is targeting between $112 million and $120 million this financial year. Chief executive Thomas Beregi told shareholders the purchase of one of HSBC's run-off credit card books was a key driver. Its consumer lending arms grew almost a fifth in the September quarter, led by its Wallet Wizard loans, which carry an annual interest rate of 47.8 per cent.
