More than a thousand people gathered on Perth's Sorrento Beach to pay tribute to Greg O'Neill, who was killed by a great white shark in September. His son, Keelan O'Neill, urged the crowd to return to the water and keep doing the things they love. His daughter, Bianca, said the ocean was her father's happy healing place. O'Neill was the third person killed by a shark in Western Australia this year. His swimming group, the Sorrento Squids, returned to the water on Sunday.
A modernist home designed by Perth architecture practice Hawkins, Sands and Aris is on the market in Sorrento, with an asking price from $2.6 million. The four-bedroom property at 33 Marine Terrace sits about 350 metres from Marmion Pool. Owner Phil Costello said his mother, Dorothy Costello, bought the home in 2007 and kept its original features. The listing agent, Alice Murray of Peard Real Estate, said interest has been strong, mostly from families. The home is open by private appointment.
Swimmers have returned to Sorrento Beach in Western Australia, a month after a shark attack killed a local man. The Sorrento Slugs, a group of regular swimmers, say the attack has made them feel more vulnerable. They have swum at the same spot for 40 years, near where Greg O’Neill was taken by a shark. The group says they would not use a new swimming enclosure if one were built, as they did not use the previous one. They believe the beach was previously safe, but that sense of security has now gone.
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The City of Joondalup will move up to 850 truckloads of beach sand from one side of Hillarys Boat Harbour to the other. Sand building up at Sorrento Beach will be shifted to the north side of the harbour to address ongoing erosion at Hillarys Beach. The seven-week project costs about $200,000 and has run annually since 2018. Works are scheduled to start on October 12 on weekdays from 7am to 5pm. Sections of Sorrento and Hillarys beaches will close during the works for safety reasons. Mayor Daniel Kingston said the program helps protect the city's coastline.
The City of Joondalup and the WA State Government are in a dispute over beach fees for educational swimming programs. The city charges the Department of Education over $20,000 a year to use Mullaloo and Sorrento beaches, which the department requested to be waived. The council voted against exempting government departments from these fees, with Mayor Daniel Kingston arguing the costs should be covered by the state's surplus. Education Minister Sabine Winton criticised the decision, stating it could impact public safety measures.
The shark barrier at Quinns Beach is set to be reinstalled next week, while the Cottesloe barrier has been delayed due to unsafe weather conditions. Cottesloe mayor Melissa Harkins acknowledged community concerns following recent shark activity. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed funding is available for local governments to install beach enclosures. The City of Wanneroo uses a team of at least five to install the barrier, depending on conditions.
Author Chris Hammer discusses his latest crime novel, Full Circle, which explores corporate greed and family conflict in Sorrento, Victoria. The book follows a former undercover cop and his partner as they navigate a world of wealth and murder. Hammer, a former journalist, draws on his experience and research to create a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of Australian finance and the super-wealthy.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast are on track for their wettest October in six years. Brisbane has recorded about 170 millimetres this month, roughly double its October average of 87 millimetres. Flash floods hit Caboolture and Morayfield, where more than 400 millimetres fell over the past week. The Sunshine Coast is likely to break its October record, with 369 millimetres already recorded at its airport. The Bureau of Meteorology says Brisbane is not expecting heavy falls, apart from possible showers.
A $40 million luxury apartment project at Hope Island Resort on the Gold Coast has sold more than $28 million of residences ahead of completion. GH Properties says 14 of the 21 Sage apartments have sold at an average price above $2 million. The developer's managing director, Ellen Guan, said the boutique, north-facing waterfront units have drawn strong interest from downsizers. Prices start at $1.63 million for large two-bedroom apartments and $1.96 million for three-bedroom apartments. Residents will have access to the resort's golf course, pool and wellness programs.
The Gold Coast Titans will receive $15 million in federal funding towards a new high-performance and community sports centre in Carrara. The centre will bring the club's NRL and NRLW programs and Titans Netball together at one site. It is also intended to support preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Planned facilities include playing fields, shared amenities and inclusive facilities for Para-athletes, plus a First Nations cultural education centre. More than 100 people are expected to be employed during construction, with over 145 ongoing roles supported.
An off-the-plan apartment at the upcoming Nalu development in Miami has sold for $14.5 million, a new record for the suburb. The ground-floor unit is part of a $500 million project on the former beachfront site of a retro resort owned by Moose Toys executive chairman Paul Solomon. Solomon bought the site for $23.75 million in 2018 and sold it to Monaco Property Group in 2024 for $70 million. The tower is due for completion in late 2028, and remaining three-bedroom apartments start from $6.95 million.
The first apartment development in the $600m Serenity 4212 community on the northern Gold Coast has topped out. Lakeside at Helensvale is being built by joint venture partners Keylin and Kinstone Group. Developers say 70 per cent of buyers so far are aged over 50. A new collection of top floor residences, with two and three-bedroom homes starting at $1.22m, has been released. Residents are expected to move in by spring 2027.
Police are investigating a dangerous driving incident in Surfers Paradise on the evening of 23 October. A Toyota Hilux was reportedly driven erratically along the Esplanade before stopping near a metal barrier at the Staghorn Avenue intersection. The vehicle was allegedly driven deliberately into the barrier, causing it to fall and injure a 40-year-old Labrador man. Bystanders tried to restrain the 31-year-old Surfers Paradise driver, who allegedly fled before officers arrived. Police located him nearby shortly afterwards, and he received a dog bite during arrest. Both men were taken to hospital, and inquiries are continuing.
Hope Vale angler Justin Convent won the adult prize, a Quintrex boat with a motor and trailer, at the Cooktown barramundi competition. More than 1100 anglers entered the event held from Friday to Sunday. Junior winner Nickalah Cobus also took home a boat. Thomas Hone caught the heaviest fish, weighing 7.4 kilograms. Local business owners said the weekend brought many shoppers into town.
Gleneagle State School celebrated 70 years of play on September 16 with an Under 8s Day attended by more than 150 community members. Children, parents and extended family took part in pony rides, cookie decorating, loose parts play, sensory play and hula hoops. Local police and firefighters also visited. Under 8s Day coordinator and Prep teacher Shannon Taylor said the event gave families and younger children a welcoming way to connect with the school before starting Prep.
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Retired dentist Peter Lynch has designed a $4 plastic basket that lets pickers pack mulberries directly into punnets. His Sunshine Coast hinterland farm, Kureelpa Mulberry Company, says the change has cut fruit damage by 80 per cent and reduced labour costs. The farm's four-week harvest depends on daily pickers, and the couple is concerned that cuts to working holiday visa numbers could make hiring difficult. Two French working holiday makers on the farm said a second year in Australia is uncertain.
Children aged 0 to 5 are invited to a Pop Up Playtime session at the Cooktown Botanic Gardens on Wednesday 18 November. Titled Bugs in my Backyard, the morning takes place at the Botanic Gardens Yarning Circle. Activities include bug hunting, bug-themed stories and hands-on discovery among the plants and pathways. Children can look under leaves for beetles, watch butterflies and find out what else lives in the gardens.
Nebo residents face a planned water supply outage from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday, 29 October 2026, while the council carries out repairs at the Emergency Services Building. About 11 properties on St Lawrence and Kemmis Streets will be affected. Once supply returns, some households may notice discoloured water. Residents in that situation are advised to flush their taps and avoid using washing machines until the water runs clear. Flushing water can be reused on gardens or lawns.
Mining companies in Queensland's North West Minerals Province are struggling to find workers as drilling ramps up and new jobs open. AIC Mines chairman Aaron Colleran said hiring has been difficult everywhere, including at its Eloise copper mine near Cloncurry. The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association estimates the industry will need 24,000 new workers across the country by 2027. Queensland Resources Council figures point to competing skill needs and fewer young people entering trades and mining careers. Industry leaders say apprenticeships must grow to ease the shortage.
Logan has about 206 hectares of vacant industrial development land, the Property Council says, offering room for new investment as greater Brisbane faces a shortage of industrial space. Property Council Queensland executive director Jess Caire said infrastructure such as roads and water must keep pace with demand. The council is calling for a $500 million industrial infrastructure fund and a coordinated state strategy to unlock more employment land. Average sale prices for smaller industrial sites rose about 44 per cent over the year to June 2026.
City of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane Bullets are calling on residents to nominate people who make a difference in local sport. The Community Hero initiative recognises coaches, volunteers and everyday champions who go above and beyond. Two finalists will each receive four game tickets and a half-time shout-out. The major winner will receive a courtside box experience for four, food and drinks, a signed jersey and an on-court thank you. Nominations close at 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour has paid tribute to former councillor James Hansen, who has died. Hansen served one term on the former Woocoo Shire Council from 2004 to 2008 and three terms on Fraser Coast Regional Council from 2012 to 2024. Seymour described Hansen as one of the region's last dairy farmers and a passionate advocate for primary producers. He said Hansen always stood up for his beliefs. Seymour said his thoughts are with Hansen's family and friends after what he called a sudden and tragic loss.
Community and not-for-profit groups have until this Saturday, 31 October 2026, to apply for Council's Community Grants Round 1. Two grant levels are available. Small Grants of up to $5,000 are co-funded by Senex Energy and do not require a co-contribution, although one is favoured. Major Grants range from $5,001 to $20,000 and require a co-contribution of up to 50 per cent. Groups can discuss their projects with Council's Local Development Officers before applying.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has won the Local Government Mutual Services Risk Excellence Award for its Flash Flood Sensor Network. The radar sensors monitor water levels at known flood-prone locations across the region. Readings feed into the Cassowary Coast Disaster Dashboard, where residents, emergency services and Council can view local conditions. The network has already helped police and State Emergency Service personnel monitor conditions around Mission Beach. Council is running a three-year trial to verify the sensor readings and assess the system's effectiveness.
