The Australian Taxation Office is urging people to lodge their 2025-26 returns before the 2 November deadline rather than leaving it until the last minute. Around nine million returns have already been processed, but about two million people who usually prepare their own returns have yet to submit. ATO Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen said straightforward returns take an average of eight minutes through myTax. Lodging late can bring penalties of up to $1820, and delaying does not change the payment due date.
Cabonne Mayor Kevin Beatty has welcomed the Australian Government's decision not to proceed with proposed changes to disaster recovery funding. Council unanimously backed advocacy against the reforms in August. Analysis for Cabonne found Commonwealth funding could have fallen by more than $4.6 million under the proposed model. Two infrastructure betterment projects, which secured more than $7.4 million, could also have received only a fraction of that amount. Council will again sponsor the Australian National Field Days, held from 22 to 24 October.
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A cook is encouraging Australians to prepare traditional Valencian paella respectfully, to avoid misinformation about the Spanish dish. Paella began as a simple farmers' meal cooked over open fire in the Valencia region. World Paella Day is marked each year on 20 September. The recipe calls for chicken, rabbit or extra chicken, green and butter beans, saffron, pimenton and Valencian rice. Cooks are told not to stir the rice once the stock is added, and to finish with a crispy base called socarrat.
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.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has admitted that a $6 million grant promised to Marrickville Golf Club is not for fixing sewage problems, as he had told Parliament. Infrastructure Department officials told a Senate estimates hearing that the project includes no sewerage works. Most of the money will go towards redeveloping the clubhouse, with smaller amounts for stormwater upgrades and landscaping, according to council minutes. Albanese said the NSW government is funding the sewerage aspects. Opposition Business Manager Dan Tehan urged him to correct the record. Albanese also holds an undisclosed honorary membership at the club.
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.
