Motorists in the New England region are being warned to expect changed traffic on Saturday 24 October. In Inverell, the Gwydir Highway and Inverell Bridge will close from 8.30pm to 9.30pm for the Sapphire City Festival fireworks, with detours for light and heavy vehicles. In Uralla, the New England Highway will close between John and King streets from 10.30am to 11.30am for the Fleet Warbirds Parade. Pedestrians should expect more foot traffic in both towns, and drivers are urged to take care. Live Traffic NSW offers real-time updates.
A free family event at the Coffs Harbour Jetty foreshore on Friday, 23 October, will feature emergency service displays, food trucks, live music, a firefighters' torchlight parade and a fireworks display over the harbour. The Community Engagement Evening runs from 5pm to 9pm and precedes the 2026 NSW Firefighter State Championships. Around 200 competitors from NSW and Victoria will compete at Maclean Street Sporting Fields on Saturday and Sunday, with entry free for spectators. Organisers say the championships are the first held in Coffs Harbour since 2003.
Organisers say the 122nd Narrogin Agricultural Show went very well, with sunny weather bringing thousands of visitors to Clayton Oval on Saturday. Narrogin Agricultural Society secretary Vicki Chadwick said the crowd was especially large for the fireworks. Visitors enjoyed a dunking machine run by local volunteer firefighters, road rescue demonstrations and an inside look at the St John WA ambulance. Entertainment included cultural performances, a magician, line dancing and free miniature tractor rides. Two service awards were presented to Ann Rintoul and Dorothy Andrews for their long dedication to the show.
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Families flocked to the Kojonup Showgrounds on Saturday for the annual Kojonup Show. The day began at 8.30am and ran until night. Children took part in circus workshops, face painting and laser tag, while classic show rides ran throughout the day. Shearing demonstrations, speed shears and art exhibitions showcased the region's farming roots. Food vans and stalls served visitors through the day. The show closed with fireworks lighting up the sky after sunset.
Revellers could ring in 2027 from the water at a North Sydney New Year's pool party. The harbourside pool would stay open until 12:30 am so swimmers can watch midnight fireworks. Council will vote on the plan next Monday, which would admit 1000 ticket holders from 6 pm on December 31.
The Junee Show will hold its first rodeo in its 136th annual event on Saturday, 24 October, marking the return of the sport to the town after more than 25 years. Organisers have offered almost $7,000 in prize money across steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and junior steer rides. Gates open at 9am, with the rodeo starting at 3pm and a fireworks finale at 9pm. Adult entry is $10, and children under 16 and concession holders pay $5, which includes rodeo access.
Whittlesea's Diwali festival returns this Friday, 31 October, for its ninth year. Organised by Mission Smile Inc with support from the Whittlesea council's community grants program, the event will feature a live DJ, fireworks, a marketplace with food stalls, traditional sweets and henna tattoo artists. Surprise acts are also planned. Bollywood dance workshops are free to join, and everyone of all ages is welcome, including first-time visitors. Diwali is a festival of light over darkness and good over evil, spanning five days and rooted in a centuries-old Indian tradition.
Northern Beaches Council says there will be no fireworks at Dee Why this New Year's Eve because no supplier could meet the requirements for an offshore barge display. Family-friendly entertainment will replace it, though details are yet to be confirmed. Fireworks will still go ahead at Manly Cove, Frenchs Forest Showground and Bayview. Local MP Michael Regan said he was disappointed and urged the council to look for an alternative site. Mayor Sue Heins said the community will still celebrate together across four locations.
Brisbane's Indian and multicultural communities will gather at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds on Saturday, 31 October, for HCA Deepavali 2026. The Hindu Council of Australia is hosting the free evening event from 4pm to 9pm, though registration is required. Planned attractions include a traditional Ramleela, cultural performances, food stalls, fireworks and a laser show. A 30-foot Ravan effigy is expected to be burned in the Ravan Dahan ceremony, which is traditionally associated with the victory of good over evil.
Lismore residents gathered at the Recreation Reserve on Saturday for a vibrant community event featuring fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities. The Light Up the Night spectacle, organised by the Lismore Progress Association and supported by Corangamite Shire Council, drew over 300 attendees who enjoyed a free barbecue, line dancing, and children's entertainment. Mayor Kate Makin praised the event's positive atmosphere and community spirit, while acknowledging the contributions of pyrotechnician Mitch Prewett and emergency services. The gathering also included fire safety advice and wellbeing support from various organisations.
