First-home buyers who used the government's 5 per cent deposit scheme in Sydney and Melbourne unit markets face the greatest risk of negative equity, according to a FoundIt report. Average home prices in both cities are more than 6 per cent below last year's levels. Buyers who entered the market shortly after the scheme's October expansion could owe tens of thousands of dollars after selling. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg called the expansion unfair, while a spokesperson for Minister Clare O'Neil said the scheme had saved buyers money.
A 21-year-old man allegedly armed with a pistol was shot by police in Glen Alpine, in Sydney's southwest, on Thursday. Emergency services were called to Strathmore Place after reports the man had made threats. Officers gave first aid before paramedics took over, and the man was taken to hospital in a serious condition. No other injuries were reported. A critical incident investigation is underway, led by the Burwood Police Area Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
The NSW Government will add 190 new bus services on routes 413 and 418 before the South-West Metro opens on Friday 30 October. Route 413, which runs between Campsie and the Sydney CBD, will gain 173 extra weekly trips. Off-peak 413 buses will run every 20 minutes instead of every 30. Route 418, linking Burwood and Sydenham, will receive 17 extra weekly trips. Transport Minister John Graham said the extra services work with the Metro. Local MP Jo Haylen said the changes would improve frequency and operating hours for residents.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
NSW Police have appealed for information about a man who allegedly masturbated during a Bring Your Baby movie session at Event Cinemas, Westfield Burwood, on Friday morning. A mother attending the session with her nine-month-old daughter said she confronted the man, who she says admitted the act. The man left before security arrived. Police describe him as Caucasian, in his mid-20s, of medium build, with short hair and a goatee. Event Cinemas said it is reviewing the practices for these sessions.
A 32-year-old man has been charged after allegedly setting fire to a stolen vehicle in a Dulwich Hill carpark and leaving on foot carrying a firearm. Police arrested him at about 11:30pm on Sunday in Burwood after a three-day search. He was treated for minor injuries sustained during the arrest and taken to Newtown Police Station. Police say a group of people reported being threatened by a man carrying a shotgun. He has been charged with multiple offences, refused bail and is due to appear in court on Monday.
A 32-year-old man has been arrested in Sydney's inner west after allegedly stealing a car, setting it on fire and fleeing a confrontation with its owners. Police say he had been on the run since Friday morning. He was arrested late Sunday in Burwood after an appeal by police, sustaining a minor injury. The incident began in a basement car park in Dulwich Hill, where fire crews extinguished the blaze with no injuries recorded. The man has been charged with seven offences, including possessing a shortened firearm without authority, and is due to appear in court on Monday.
A 32-year-old man has been arrested in Burwood, in Sydney's inner west, after allegedly firing a gun during a confrontation in Dulwich Hill. Police say he stole a car, set it alight and threatened its owners before fleeing on foot through a nearby park. Fire and Rescue NSW put out the blaze and no injuries were recorded. Police released an image of the suspect and the suburb was locked down for several hours. The man, who was found after being on the run since Friday, faces seven charges, including possessing a shortened firearm without authority.
A 32-year-old man has been charged over an alleged car fire in Dulwich Hill and a sawn-off shotgun scare in Sydney's Inner West. Police were called to a car park at about 10.20am on Friday after a man allegedly set fire to a stolen vehicle while carrying a gun. Fire and Rescue NSW crews extinguished the car, and no injuries were reported. Police arrested the man on Burwood Road in Burwood at about 11.30pm on Sunday after he allegedly tried to evade officers.
Police have arrested a 32-year-old man in Burwood, days after a gunman sparked a lockdown in Sydney's inner west. Police were called to a Dulwich Hill car park on Friday morning after reports of a stolen vehicle. Officers were told a man armed with a firearm allegedly set the vehicle on fire before leaving on foot, prompting a lockdown of the area. Fire and Rescue NSW put out the fire, and no injuries were reported. The man was arrested on Sunday night after allegedly trying to evade police.
A 32-year-old man has been arrested in Burwood, in Sydney's inner west, after allegedly firing a gun during a confrontation in Dulwich Hill. Police say he stole a car, set it alight and threatened its owners before fleeing on foot through a nearby park. Fire and Rescue NSW put out the blaze and no injuries were recorded. Police released an image of the suspect and the suburb was locked down for several hours. The man, who was found after being on the run since Friday, faces seven charges, including possessing a shortened firearm without authority.
A 36-year-old man has been charged over alleged hammer attacks on two elderly men in Sydney's northwest. Police allege a 75-year-old was struck in the face at his Doomben Ave home on Tuesday night. Less than 10 hours later, a 71-year-old was allegedly hit several times in the face and head in a nearby park. Both men were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital. Police arrested the man at a Eastwood unit after executing a search warrant, and he was refused bail.
Children's Week runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, celebrating children's talents, achievements and rights. This year's theme is that children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion. A special Chinese Storytime at Balwyn Library lets children paint Chinese calligraphy to decorate the Belonging Tree. Activities also run alongside Community Safety Month and Halloween, including a community safety pop-up at Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre and several local Halloween events.
Nambucca Heads teenager Matthew Jeffery, 15, is making a name for himself in Australian chess. In April, he finished first on the opening day of the two-day Burwood ACF Tournament Classical in Sydney, then placed second at the Burwood Saturday Rapid Tournament, winning $250. In May, he competed in the four-day Churchie International in Brisbane, a field of 180 players, finishing equal first among unrated players and equal 33rd overall. He trains at Nambucca Heads Chess Club and Coffs Harbour Chess Club. He says he enjoys the problem-solving aspect of the game.
A 28-year-old Sydney resident now faces two charges after Australian Federal Police executed a search warrant at a Rydalmere residence. The operation followed US reports of child abuse material being uploaded to an online platform. Officers confiscated multiple devices containing explicit content involving both real and animated minors. The accused is scheduled to appear in Burwood Local Court. Investigations, including material analysis, continue.
