Firearms licence holders in NSW can now book through the Gun Safe portal to surrender eligible guns and ammunition for compensation. The scheme officially starts on 2 November and is expected to see up to 274,000 firearms returned in the state. It follows the Bondi Beach terror attack earlier this year, in which 15 people were killed. Only Sutherland and Penrith police stations take bookings in the first phase, with more stations opening later in November and in 2027. Police Minister Yasmin Catley said fewer guns in the community mean a safer community.
About 300 people rallied outside the Inner West Council meeting at Ashfield Town Hall on October 20, demanding more consultation time and information on the Fairer Future Plan 2. Lilyfield residents said they received notice of the plan only two weeks into the six-week consultation period. A motion to extend consultation to February was voted down 8-7 by the Labor majority. Mayor Darcy Byrne offered an extra week of consultation, but only for Lilyfield. Submissions close on October 28.
Jurors have been shown CCTV footage of accused police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon. The footage allegedly shows him enlisting the help of several friends after he murdered his ex-partner.
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A friend of accused killer Beau Lamarre-Condon has told a New South Wales Supreme Court jury that he sent her photos of his ex, Jesse Baird, with another man. The former police officer has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Baird and flight attendant Luke Davies, who were shot in Mr Baird's Paddington home in February 2024. The witness, known as Elizabeth Kennedy, said he described breaking into Mr Baird's house in August 2023 to steal his phone and wallet.
Prosecutors allege former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon murdered journalist Jesse Baird and his new partner Luke Davies at Baird's Paddington home in February 2024. Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his barrister says he acted in self-defence. Prosecutors allege he later tried to conceal the killings, including by hiding the bodies in surfboard bags at a farm and a Greek monastery. The trial before the NSW Supreme Court continues.
Some Balmain-area residents have criticised the state government's plans for Bays West, urging more community consultation, while the authority overseeing the project says residents have ample opportunities to contribute. Plans include 7,000 to 8,500 homes, a Metro station due in 2032, and at least 10 per cent affordable or essential worker housing. A community meeting led by the Better Future Coalition rejected current proposals. Greens MP criticised the absence of public housing, while Inner West Council said it will push for a stronger affordable housing share.
Security footage shows accused killer Beau Lamarre-Condon returning to the alleged crime scene with a mop and bucket after the shootings. The court heard he bought a surfboard bag before and after the killings, and later tried to sink the bodies in a dam. Lamarre-Condon denies murder, claiming he acted in self-defence during a scuffle. Police allege he was covering his tracks.
Narrabri Shire Council is hosting six free events for NSW Small Business Month, focusing on technology, tourism, finance, and networking. The events include AI workshops, a visitor economy session, a cash flow seminar, and a networking night. Council is also supporting the Narrabri Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and a ticketed investment forum. Mayor Darrell Tiemens emphasised the importance of small businesses to the local economy.