Eligible NSW firearms licence holders can surrender surplus and reclassified guns for compensation under a national buyback scheme. Bookings must be made through the Gun Safe portal, as walk-in surrenders at police stations will not be accepted. Holders with recreational hunting or vermin control reasons are limited to four guns each, while other eligible reasons allow up to 10. Metro stations, Grafton, Griffith and Dubbo accept surrenders first, with more stations joining from December 1 and January onwards. Bookings for later stages open on November 24.
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.
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.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Beau Lamarre-Condon has told his double murder trial that a friend encouraged him to dispose of the bodies of two men straight away, despite his wish to report the deaths to police. Lamarre-Condon, 31, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, who were shot in Baird's Paddington home in February 2024. His legal team argues the men were shot accidentally and that he acted in self-defence. In a statement read to the court, he alleges the friend, known as Elizabeth Kennedy, helped him dispose of the bodies at a farm.
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.
Parramatta Lanes recorded its biggest year yet, attracting more than 386,000 visitors over four nights from 21 to 24 October. The free festival used the city centre's streets, laneways and car parks for more than 400 performers, 70 food vendors and 10 stages. Lord Mayor Cameron MacLean said the event showcased the city's cultural diversity and its growing appeal in Western Sydney. The City of Parramatta said the festival was funded by the council and the NSW Government, with a $350,000 Open Streets grant to help deliver the event over three years.
A jury has heard a phone call in which Beau Lamarre-Condon claimed he suffered trauma from bullying by NSW Police Force members. The call was made on February 23, 2024, while he was on his way to hand himself in. He is accused of murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies at Baird's Paddington home on February 19, 2024. He has pleaded not guilty and is arguing self-defence. In his statement to police, Lamarre-Condon said a friend encouraged him to hide the bodies. She denies this and says she never saw the bodies.
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.
A surfer has died after being pulled from the water at Number One Beach in Seal Rocks, on the NSW Mid North Coast. Members of the public dragged the man from the water about 2.20pm on Monday. He was unresponsive. Paramedics tried to save him, but he died at the scene. He has not been formally identified but is believed to be in his 60s. The secluded beach sits opposite a caravan park and is popular with swimmers and surfers.
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.
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.
The Northern Beaches Ocean Festival returns for its 33rd year with a week of events on conservation, science and education. The program includes an underwater photography exhibition, rockpool discovery tours and living seawalls tours. The festival covers the area's five marine protected areas. Mayor Sue Heins says the event aims to raise awareness of life below the water and encourages everyone to help care for coastal and marine ecosystems. Details and event registration are available through the council's website.
