Communities across the nation have held candlelight vigils in support of independent MP Helen Haines, who lost both legs after she was struck twice by a four-wheel drive outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday afternoon. She is in a critical but stable condition at The Alfred. Constituent Brendan Nugent was arrested at the scene and remains before the courts. The Rural City of Wangaratta lit its town beacon amber for the vigil. Haines's staff said more than $730,000 had been raised for Save the Children Australia in her honour.
Spilt Milk will stay in Canberra until at least 2030, under a long-term agreement between the ACT Government and organisers Kicks Entertainment. The festival, founded in Canberra a decade ago, had faced uncertainty about its future. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the event brings tens of thousands of visitors and boosts local hotels and businesses. Since 2016, the festival has reportedly generated $127 million for the ACT. Tickets for the December 12 festival are on sale in a new limited release for $96.90.
Australians can now vote for the 2026 Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year. The Fred Hollows Foundation has named three finalists: Brad Ambridge, Dr Rachael Wu and Ben Stammer. Ambridge founded Rainbow Roos, a sports program for children of all abilities in the NSW Northern Rivers. Wu coordinates free dental clinics in Perth, and Stammer co-founded ReLove, which supplies furniture to families rebuilding their lives. Voting closes at 5pm AEDT on 30 October 2026, and the winner will be announced on 11 November 2026.
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Water regulators are visiting 120 properties across Lismore, Casino and nearby areas during October. The visits aim to help large water users understand metering rules before a December 1 compliance deadline. The Natural Resources Access Regulator says enforcement will follow once the deadline passes. Licence holders can meet the rules by installing an approved meter, applying for an eligible exemption, or classifying works into a category that needs no meter. Regulator director Keeley Reynolds urged users to act now rather than wait.
Longtime volunteer Ron Chittick has been awarded Life Membership of the North Coast National A & I Society, the highest honour the society can give. The presentation was made during the 2026 Lismore Show. Chittick first helped with show jumping in 1969 and has since judged, designed courses and organised events across the region. Society president John Gibson said Chittick has shown exceptional dedication over more than 55 years. Chittick also spent 50 years as a livestock auctioneer and has given more than 30 years to Rotary.
A man in his 50s has been airlifted to Lismore Base Hospital after a bulldozer rollover on a property near Bonalbo, New South Wales. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was sent to the property at 11.50pm on Saturday, October 17. The man was injured several hours earlier and was found by relatives after he failed to return home. Paramedics and the helicopter's critical care team treated him for leg and arm fractures.
St Mary’s Primary School in Bowraville will not charge fees in 2027, under a Small School initiative run by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools. The school is the first in the diocese to trial a no-fees year, and the offer applies to both new and existing students. Principal Amy Chapman said the school has 52 enrolled students and small class sizes that allow personalised support. The school also uses the Berry Street Education Model, and Kyogle will trial a reduced-fee year in 2027.
Two men have been charged with aggravated robbery after a 71-year-old woman was pushed to the ground and her handbag stolen outside a licensed premises in Casino. Police were called to Jabiru Lane at 10.45pm on Wednesday, October 14. The woman suffered grazes and bruising and was treated by paramedics. Police arrested a 31-year-old and a 21-year-old at a home in McDougal Street on Friday, October 16. Both men were refused bail and appeared in court on Saturday, October 17.
Lismore speech pathologist Charmaine Powell has been named Northern NSW's Allied Health Professional of the Year. She was recognised for her compassionate, person-centred care of young children and families, and for mentoring colleagues. The Northern NSW Local Health District awards were held at Southern Cross University in Lismore on Wednesday, 14 October, and drew 66 nominations. More than 850 allied health professionals work across the district, and winners will be eligible for nomination at the NSW Health awards in Sydney in June 2027.
Nearly five years after the 2022 floods, many Lismore residents are still rebuilding their lives. Alison Norris and her children must leave a temporary pod village by mid-December and have nowhere else to go. Some residents have relocated or accepted buyback payments, while others remain on the floodplain. A New South Wales auditor general report found earlier buyback programs did not deliver what was promised. The state government has since announced more land release and new homes.
The NSW Government has moved to repeal the Motor Vehicle Sports (Public Safety) Act 1985, a law that has regulated motor racing across the state for 40 years. Under the proposed Bill, motorsport would move from government regulation to industry-led self-regulation, which the government says would cut duplication. If passed, the new arrangements are expected to start in April 2027. Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said safety would remain central, as motorsport organisations already handle competitor licensing and safety protocols.
Asking rents for houses in regional New South Wales have risen over the past year, led by smaller towns, according to Domain data. The median weekly rent reached $640 in the September quarter, up 4.9 per cent. Berrigan recorded the steepest rise at 18.5 per cent, followed by Bellingen at 18.2 per cent. Experts say tenants priced out of nearby areas are moving further afield, while new workers and limited housing supply add pressure. Local agents report strong demand and few available rentals.
Thieves have stolen the heavy grey door from a toilet at the Mallanganee Observatory, taking the hinges as well. Resident Neville O’Malley, who cleans the toilets every second day, said the theft happened between October 21 and October 23. Police have been notified. Kyogle Council said the cost of replacing the door will depend on whether insurance covers it. The council said these thefts harm ratepayers, who must fund replacements or pay higher insurance premiums. Residents have asked for a live webcam or CCTV to monitor the site.
Readers across northern New South Wales reported overnight rainfall totals from rain gauges, with Wiangaree recording 32mm and Bean Creek north of Bonalbo recording 30mm. Mt Lindesay Road between Legume and Woodenbong is closed in both directions. The Bureau of Meteorology says more rain is possible tonight, with up to 30mm, and a further 0 to 5mm is possible on Tuesday, with showers and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms inland.
Emergency crews have rescued Hayden Wilde, 29, who was lost near a property on Mudflat Road at Drake. He was found on Sunday, October 25, after going missing the day before. An RFS helicopter, assisted by police, SES and the Casino VRA Rescue Squad, carried out the search. Helitak 203 located Mr Wilde on its final pass before returning to Coffs Harbour ahead of storms, and winched him to safety. Paramedics checked his medical condition.
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Children and their parents and grandparents gathered at KMI Hall in Kyogle on Sunday, October 25, after the teddy bears picnic was moved from Amphitheatre Park due to rain. Families sat on rugs with their teddies while the Kyogle Lions Club served a free sausage sizzle. Activities included face painting, box building, clay play, songs led by Jurassic Joe, and book readings. Ice cream was also served. Kyogle Council hosted the event.
An 88-year-old woman has died in hospital after she was struck by a car in Pyree, in the NSW Shoalhaven region. Police were called to Pyree Lane at about 1:45 pm on Saturday, 24 October, after reports of a pedestrian being hit. Paramedics treated the woman at the scene before she was flown to St George Hospital in a critical condition. Police were told on Sunday, 25 October, that she had died. The 43-year-old driver returned a negative result on a roadside breath test and was taken to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital for mandatory testing.
A whale calf carcass has washed ashore at Malabar Beach in Sydney, the third landing spot for the same animal. Randwick Council workers moved the remains up the sand, roped off the area and closed the beach on Tuesday. Council said strong currents moved the carcass from Lurline Bay and that it will be removed and disposed of on Tuesday 27 October. Earlier, Coogee and Maroubra beaches were shut after the carcass became stuck against rocks at Lurline Bay.
The NSW Government has committed $6.8 billion to electrify the South Coast rail line between Kiama and Bomaderry and to double tracks at key bottlenecks. Construction is expected to be complete by the mid-to-late 2030s, with detailed planning starting in 2027. The announcement follows the government scrapping timetable changes that were due to take effect in November after community concerns. Premier Chris Minns said the upgrade would deliver faster, more reliable trains. An immediate $621 million will fund upgrades to power, signalling and flood protection ahead of the main works.
Kiama Community Radio is hosting Blues in the Night, a fundraising event on Saturday 7 November at Kiama Leagues Club. The station, run by volunteers, is seeking support to fund its equipment, technology and facilities. Headliner Frank Sultana will perform alongside Shane Flew and Matt Ross, and Jr and the Jewel-Tones, which includes Kiama musician Dave Shaw. Doors open at 5 pm. Tickets cost $50, or $40 for station members, plus a booking fee. Every ticket sold supports the station, which has operated since 2020.
Police are searching for a man in a balaclava after a suspected arson attack on a house in Abbotsford, in Sydney's inner west. Four people were taken to hospital. An 88-year-old woman was rescued by a 49-year-old man who climbed a ladder. A neighbour confronted the man while he was allegedly setting the house alight. Police believe he fled in a red Holden Astra and had suffered burns. About 40 firefighters attended the blaze, which spread to an adjoining house.
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has been hired as a professor of practice at the University of Sydney. The 46-year-old joins the faculty of medicine and health, where the role will focus on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust. Ardern will explore ways to address global health challenges, inclusion and wellbeing, and will lead guest lectures and masterclasses. The university says the position is not a full-time teaching role. Ardern and her family moved to Australia in February, reportedly buying a $5.3 million home on Sydney's northern beaches.
Mini has unveiled the Lucky 13 Edition, an Australian-exclusive limited-run model based on the John Cooper Works three-door hatch. It honours the 1966 Bathurst 500 victory by Rauno Aaltonen and Bob Holden in a factory-backed Morris Mini Cooper S. The special edition's name comes from Mr Holden drawing number 13 from a hat and adopting it as his lucky number. Design cues include white bonnet stripes, a white roof and circular 13 decals. Just 26 cars will be built for Australia, with arrival expected in the first quarter of 2027. Pricing starts at $71,990 before on-road costs.
Will Lee has served 56 years with the NSW Rural Fire Service, which he began after helping fight a major fire in the northern Illawarra in 1968. He joined the Austinmer Bushfire Brigade in 1970 and went on to hold several leadership roles, including Group Captain. He was recognised with a National Medal with a fourth clasp at a recent ceremony, where his daughter Belinda Lee also received a 40-year Long Service Medal. Will now focuses on training young firefighters. He says the job of an old firefighter is to teach young firefighters to become old firefighters.
