Labor and the Greens say Tasmania's health system is in crisis after a second death linked to a delayed ambulance this month. A man in Zeehan who reported chest pain and breathing difficulties died after a crew from Burnie arrived 78 minutes after he called Triple Zero. The local station was unstaffed due to unfilled leave, and nearby paramedics were busy with other cases. Health Department figures show about 11 per cent of paramedic shifts have been unfilled since July last year.
Brisbane's Northside has a series of Christmas markets scheduled from mid-November into early December. Events include handmade gifts, artisan products, food, live music and family activities. Dates range from a Saturday evening market at Mount Maria College in Mitchelton on 14 November to a Fitzgibbon Community Markets event on 5 December. Many markets are held at schools, churches and community centres. Organisers encourage residents to shop local and support small businesses this festive season.
A man in his 60s died on Tasmania's west coast while waiting for an ambulance that took nearly 80 minutes to reach him. He called Triple Zero from the Zeehan area on Saturday, reporting chest pains and breathing problems. The Zeehan ambulance was unstaffed because of an unfilled roster gap, and nearby crews were attending other calls, so an ambulance from Burnie was sent. It arrived about 78 minutes after the call, but the man had already died. The Department of Health offered its condolences and said a comprehensive investigation will be held.
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A 28-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to arson over a fire at the Spencer Clinic, a mental health unit at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie. She appeared by video link from prison in the Burnie Magistrates Court. The fire on September 19 caused significant damage, and 19 patients had to be moved to beds elsewhere in Tasmanian hospitals. She will be sentenced by a Supreme Court judge in December. The state government plans a new 22-bed mental health facility at the hospital, due for completion in 2028.
Property firm Hotspotting says working-class areas are set to outperform wealthier suburbs over the next seven to 15 years. Glenorchy in Tasmania and Canterbury-Bankstown in New South Wales are among its top picks. Its founder, Terry Ryder, says a poor reputation does not stop areas from growing in value. Hotspotting also expects smaller unit complexes built around the 1950s and 1960s to perform well. Real Estate Institute of Australia president Jacob Caine says homebuyers are looking at areas they previously overlooked.
The west coast Tasmanian town of Strahan has a permanent local doctor for the first time in almost ten years. Dr Cathy Welch recently moved from remote Scotland to take up the post at the town's clinic, which is owned by Ochre Health. Residents say repeating their medical history to a new visiting doctor each time has been hard, and some avoid seeking help. Dr Welch says continuity helps doctors ask better questions. Peak body the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says the national shortage of GPs is beginning to ease.
A Sydney-born writer who moved to Melbourne spent 48 hours playing tourist in the city. Pan Pacific Melbourne in South Wharf, a five-star hotel overlooking the Yarra River, was the base. The writer praised the Panoramic Suite, its views, the Pacific Club Lounge and the Happy Sleeper Program. Activities included a river cruise, a visit to Melbourne Skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, and a tour of Starward Distillery in Port Melbourne. The writer's stay was complimentary, and all opinions are their own.
Residents say St Marys Pass, a winding six-kilometre road in Tasmania, is unsafe for modern traffic. Scamander resident Sandra French said falling rocks and close calls with heavy trucks have frightened drivers. Building Tasmania has costed seven options, ranging from $50 million to $2.7 billion. It backs the cheapest, a $50 million to $70 million upgrade of the existing road. State Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said alterations to the current road are the most sensible choice, but funding is not yet secured.
Tasmania Police charged four drivers with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the weekend of 9 to 11 October 2026. A 64-year-old Forest woman returned a reading of 0.239 and will appear in Smithton Magistrates Court. A 38-year-old unlicensed Spreyton man, reported for erratic driving on the Bass Highway, returned 0.151 and was disqualified for two years. Three other disqualified or unlicensed drivers were also detected. A 17-year-old who evaded a breath test in Burnie was arrested and his vehicle seized for three months. Police urged drivers to rethink driving after drinking or taking drugs.
