Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek has opened to commercial passenger flights, operating around the clock. Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun says the city is positioned to benefit through jobs, investment and freight links. The airport's cargo precinct is designed to eventually handle up to 1.8 million tonnes of air freight a year. Construction has created more than 12,800 jobs, with around half going to Western Sydney workers. Mannoun says roads, rail and public transport must keep pace with development for residents to reach the new jobs.
Travellers have been confused by Sydney's new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), with some passengers landing at the wrong airport. Julie Lundmark from Sweden was surprised to discover her return flight from Melbourne landed at WSI instead of Sydney Airport. She and her friend had to find ways to get back to Sydney Airport, where their car was parked. Another passenger thought he was travelling to Perth in Western Australia but landed at WSI instead.
Labor has announced that Penrith City councillor Garion Thain will contest the Badgerys Creek seat at the March 2027 state election. It is his second attempt at the seat, after he ran against Liberal MP Tanya Davies in 2023. Davies recently announced she would not contest the election, and the Liberals have yet to name a replacement. The Liberal Party currently holds the seat with a 10.5 per cent margin. Premier Chris Minns said he hoped the seat would fall to Labor.
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Western Sydney International airport is set to open, taking pressure off Kingsford Smith airport at Mascot, which has strict flight limits and a night curfew. The commonwealth government says it spent $5.3bn on the airport, while a metro rail link is estimated at about $11bn. Airlines including Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, VietJet and Qatar Airways will service the airport from late 2026 to late 2027, with some receiving support from a $16m state fund.
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.
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.
