Get the appSally Baker has been named the 2026 Tuggerah Westfield Local Hero. The award recognises her work at Mary Mac's Place in Woy Woy. She helps ensure people facing hardship are met with support.
Communities across the nation have held candlelight vigils in support of independent MP Helen Haines, who lost both legs after she was struck twice by a four-wheel drive outside her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday afternoon. She is in a critical but stable condition at The Alfred. Constituent Brendan Nugent was arrested at the scene and remains before the courts. The Rural City of Wangaratta lit its town beacon amber for the vigil. Haines's staff said more than $730,000 had been raised for Save the Children Australia in her honour.
Wangaratta educational support worker Lizz Gourley, who has met local MP Helen Haines only a few times, has written her a heartfelt letter after the attack. Ms Haines remains in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital, more than three days after she was struck by a car outside her electorate office. Ms Gourley described the attack as unfathomable and unacceptable, and said people across Australia were standing with the MP and her family. She recalled a brief photo moment when Ms Haines met her four-week-old daughter Minnie, and said Ms Haines seemed warm, genuine and kind.
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Get the appA 19-year-old man has been charged with burglary after allegedly breaking into Jolt Games in Mitchell, in Canberra, early on Sunday, 18 October. Police say he smashed the front glass door, damaged stock and was arrested nearby. Shop owner Luis Lopez, who was at home, saw the break-in on a phone alert and called police. Jolt Games closed on Sunday but planned to reopen on Monday afternoon. Regulars have offered to help clean up, restock and fix the window.
A trusted community member helped a migrant woman escape family violence after a late-night call for help. The woman was supported to speak to police and was connected with specialist services. The initiative, Project Sitara, trains community leaders known as Sitaras in Melbourne's western suburbs. Organisers say the program gives women from migrant and refugee backgrounds a way to reach support in their own language. The project has recently received philanthropic funding from the Minderoo Foundation to expand across Victoria.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation has won the Queensland Change Award at the 2026 Telstra Best of Business Awards. The foundation will represent Queensland at the national awards in November. Its more than $31 million investment since 1997 has funded clinical innovation, medical equipment, workforce development and better patient experience across the region. Foundation chief executive Gina Hogan said community donations, volunteering and business partnerships help people across the region access healthcare closer to home.
Residents of the City of Wanneroo are being urged to donate to this year's Council Christmas Appeal, formerly the Mayor's Christmas Appeal. From 26 October to 23 November 2026, gifts can be dropped off at 10 collection points across the city, including schools, community groups, shopping centres and City facilities. Five charities will receive the donations to support families struggling this Christmas. Items sought include non-perishable food, Christmas treats, new toys and gifts for children and teenagers, sporting and craft items, and toiletries. Bin locations will be announced later in October.
The president of Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club says a fatal shark attack at Sorrento Beach highlights the need for new clubrooms. Rob Doherty says the club's current facilities are inadequate for training. The club recently held a memorial for Greg O’Neill, who was killed in the attack. Doherty says the community has shown strong support for the club and the O’Neill family.
Picabeen Community Centre in Mitchelton is asking North-West Brisbane residents to donate food and household essentials for its annual Christmas Hamper Program. The centre expects more than 150 families will need support this year, up from about 140 last Christmas. Suggested items include canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, long-life milk, pet food, toiletries and baby products. Gluten-free options are also welcome. Donations are needed by 1 December and can be dropped off at 22 Hoben Street, Mitchelton.
Aussie Battlers expects to open a food hub in Laurieton by late November, giving relief to people facing poverty over Christmas. The space will provide food all year and sit apart from the group's shop. Founder and president Karen Sparkes said the festive season should be enjoyed by everyone, including those going through hardship. Food hampers and gifts will be offered, along with a photo with Santa. Anyone can get help from the shop, with proceeds returning to the community.
North Sydney Council is partnering with Lifeline to provide free services that build human connection and belonging, which can support better mental health. Lifeline Connect is a free face-to-face service at Stanton Library, where people can speak with a trained supporter in a safe, discreet setting. Booking is optional and walk-ins are welcome. Lifeline also runs a crisis centre in North Sydney, and is seeking new telephone crisis support volunteers. Information sessions are being held on 19 October and 19 November from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Anyone in crisis can call Lifeline on 13 14 11.
A Penrith jeweller will showcase rare Argyle pink diamonds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. York Jewellers will host a free Pink Diamond Open Day on October 15, displaying the sought-after gemstones. The event includes a raffle for a pink diamond pendant, with proceeds supporting the McGrath Foundation. The Argyle mine in Western Australia, which closed in 2020, was the primary source of these rare diamonds.
Karen Hardgrave is undertaking a fundraising trek inspired by Thea Hinton, a toddler with vision impairment. Hardgrave, known as Thea's 'bonus grandmother,' aims to raise $5000 for Vision Australia's Seeing Eye Dogs Youth Program. The 2027 Trek for Vision will see Hardgrave journey through Tasmania's Three Capes with vision-impaired participants and their guide dogs. The initiative seeks to support young Australians in accessing assistance and enhancing their societal participation. Hardgrave and Thea have formed 'The Snack Sistas' to promote the cause, with a trivia night planned for Valentine's Day 2027.
A new Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub will open in Penrith in early 2027, offering free specialist mental health support for children aged 0 to 12 and their families. The hub, located near Nepean Hospital, will be the first of its kind in the region and part of a $50.8 million joint investment by the Federal and State governments. It will provide support for mild to moderate developmental, emotional, relational or behavioural challenges without requiring a referral. The hub will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team including mental health clinicians, allied health professionals and care navigators.
Queanbeyan’s sporting community is helping complete the Yvonne Cuschieri House respite care facility. The six-bedroom centre for people aged 18 to 60 with terminal or chronic illnesses has been built, but its future operations depend on political decisions. Local clubs and businesses are assisting with landscaping, with the project scheduled for completion this weekend. The facility is named after Yvonne Cuschieri, who campaigned for a youth respite centre after her son’s death.