Year 12 students across NSW have begun their Higher School Certificate written exams this week. Students from the Port Macquarie campus of Hastings Secondary College are sitting their papers at the Salvation Army Hall in Lord Street. Student leaders Lachlan Browne and Cameron Carson said they felt prepared after the first English paper. Both plan to take a gap year before further study, with Browne aiming for occupational therapy and Carson for diagnostic radiography. The campus has 73 Year 12 students this year.
After visiting Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney in Westmead, Troy Dodds writes that the House gives families a place to stay, eat and keep working during hospital stays. The charity offers hospital hospitality carts, family rooms at several hospitals and a tutoring program. It relies mainly on public donations, not government funding. A 48-hour Double Donations drive starts at midday on Wednesday, October 21, with every donation matched by partners including FDC.
Experts say online manosphere communities promote narrow ideas of masculinity that oppose feminism and gender equality. Psychologist Zac Seidler says young men are often drawn in by loneliness, a lack of purpose and worries about the future. Developmental paediatrician Billy Garvey advises starting with curiosity, because lecturing young people can push them away. Warning signs include new language, relying on a few influencers and rising grievance against women.
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Sony has launched the ECM-W5 wireless microphone kit, priced at $619 in Australia, with a November release. The kit includes two transmitters and one receiver. Compatible Sony cameras can record 32-bit float audio directly into the video file, so creators do not need to sync separate recordings. Each transmitter has 64GB of backup storage, and Sony claims a range of up to 500 metres with a clear line of sight. The kit costs more than DJI's $479 Mic 3 two-transmitter kit, which is limited to 24-bit when connected directly to Sony cameras.
Buyers agents say real estate agents use psychological tactics to win sales. Abdullah Nouh and Michelle May say some listings omit price guides to attract enquiries and gauge buyers. Agents may also ask for verbal offers to test the market, and single-figure price guides can sit at the bottom of a range. Buyers agents advise against committing early, sharing budgets, or accepting pressure to make an offer before auction.
Cold and flu medicines containing andrographis have been recalled across Australia after the herb was linked to rising cases of anaphylaxis. The Therapeutic Goods Administration says these products will no longer be listed as low-risk. It reported a fatal case in June 2024. Several brands, including BioCeuticals Armaforce and Clinical ImmuneForce, are affected. The regulator has warned it will take action against retailers that have not removed the products from mid-October.
Economist Mariana Mazzucato argues governments should actively shape how markets are run, rather than simply fixing failures. In her new book, The Common Good Economy, she says the public sector often carries the risks of innovation while private companies keep the rewards. She proposes sharing profits through taxes and government equity stakes. She also calls for clear public missions and a wellbeing measure that goes beyond gross domestic product. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has previously praised her analysis.
Quizmaster John James Maloney has set ten questions about time and clocks. The questions cover topics including Lord Howe Island's daylight saving shift, the origin of the name Big Ben, and the circadian rhythm. Other questions ask about a Bundy clock, the time of the Apollo 11 Moon landing and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Answers are included, with readers invited to test their knowledge.
The Riverina region will host a variety of festivals and performances this week, including stage productions of The Wizard of Oz and Disney’s Frozen. Griffith will hold its Spring Festival, featuring citrus sculptures and garden tours, while Leeton celebrates its annual town show. Other events include the Spirit of the Land Festival in Lockhart, the Illabo Show, the Mirrool Silo Kick, and Hay Glow, offering activities for all ages.
Former Fraser Coast councillor James Hansen, 57, has been identified as the man found dead in floodwaters at Boompa, police say. He served on the Fraser Coast regional council from 2012 to 2024 and ran for One Nation in 2017. Mayor George Seymour called his death a great loss to the community. Police have begun an investigation and will prepare a report for the coroner. Separately, six campers were rescued from flood waters at Leyburn on the Southern Downs.
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.
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.
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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.
Entries for the 2026 Spring in the Mary Photo Competition close this weekend, on October 31. The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee is inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to share spring images from across the region. Six award categories share $2,500 in prizes, including a Junior category for entrants aged 16 and under. Entrants may submit up to three original photographs taken within the Mary River catchment, using a camera or smartphone. Images, a short caption and an entry form are to be emailed to the committee.
Tamborine Mountain U3A is bringing mature residents and retirees together through a wide range of classes and events. The group has run on the mountain since 2007. Members can take part in activities including ballet, card games, pickleball, language classes and novel discussions. Branch Secretary Bev Kirk says the group helps prevent loneliness and keeps members engaged. The U3A also runs events at local businesses, including a Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Night on October 23 at the Fox and Hounds.
Trilogy Accounting, a local accounting firm, is celebrating 15 years in business. Directors Samantha Newsham and Noela Lee say their active community involvement, including helping found the Canungra Chamber, has helped the business grow. Noela said the firm values the long-term trust built with clients. The early years were difficult, with some days passing without payment, but the team has continued to support local residents and businesses with their finances. Samantha said many startups seek advice before making decisions.
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.
