A biosecurity lockdown will cover Enfield in southwest Sydney from Monday after red fire ants were found at the suburb's freight centre in late September. The zone extends two kilometres from the Enfield intermodal logistics centre. Movement of high-risk items such as turf, mulch, soil, potted plants and heavy equipment will be restricted and must be treated before moving through the zone. NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said daily life would otherwise continue as normal. Further fire ants have not been found since the initial detection.
Parramatta Lanes is bringing food, music, art and cultural experiences to the streets and laneways of Parramatta. Councillor Sreeni Pillamarri has encouraged residents and visitors to explore the city and support local businesses. In a social media post, he described the event as a celebration of creativity, cultural diversity and local businesses. He invited families and visitors from across Western Sydney and beyond to attend. He also congratulated the organisers, businesses, artists, performers and volunteers involved.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
