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.
Kiama council is progressing plans for a two-year trial of a special entertainment precinct, which could start by early next year. The precinct aims to boost live music, hospitality and the night-time economy through more flexible sound limits, longer trading hours and less red tape. Some critics say the proposal lacks ambition and want higher sound limits for longer periods. Councillors voted to progress the draft as originally recommended, with a month-long public exhibition still to come. Wollongong council is also investigating whether a similar precinct would suit its city centre.
Comedian Mark Trevorrow, performing as his character Bob Downe, shared the stage with drag queen Stan Munro at the Kyogle Bowlo on Saturday, October 17. The pair played to a packed crowd. Munro, who said Trevorrow makes him laugh easily, first met him 30 years ago at Daylesford, Victoria. Munro, 86, calls himself the oldest living Les Girl and has written a book, Secrets of a Showbiz Dame. He will be interviewed for Antiques Down Under and speak about the book in Sydney on November 7.
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A Sydney strip club owner has failed to overturn a 12-month ban on entering high-risk venues in Kings Cross and the Sydney CBD. The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority imposed the ban in July after a request from NSW Police. Manthos Papadopoulos, who owns Sydney Elements and Showgirls, faces multiple charges, including assault and choking offences, which he disputes. He has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent. Tribunal member Thalia Gordon found there was a sufficient risk he could cause trouble at both venues. The ban remains in place until next July.
Uniting's Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross marks 25 years with a free art exhibition at Paddington Town Hall from 16 to 19 October. The show features 133 artworks by 63 clients, who are among Sydney's most marginalised people. Organisers say it aims to bridge the gap between the wider community and people with stories to tell. Artworks will be sold through an online silent auction until 28 October, with proceeds going directly to the artists. The centre has supervised over 1.36 million injections since 2001 and recorded no overdose deaths among the 12,338 overdoses it has managed.
The City of Sydney is seeking public feedback on proposed special entertainment precincts across the city. The plans would support live music, performance and dining venues into the night. Councils could set tailored sound management and trading hours, and eligible venues could get extended trading hours and liquor licence fee discounts. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the precincts aim to keep Sydney a global city while protecting residents' quality of life. The plans are open for comment until 26 November, after which they will return to Council for final endorsement.
Bek Jensen will headline the Thrive Wellness Festival in Kurrajong on October 24, performing at MacMahons Park. The event celebrates health, happiness, and connection, with Jensen's soul, funk, and blues music drawing on her extensive career. Her latest album, Energy, reflects her journey as an empowered woman, while her single Hot Summer Sun explores love, life, and climate change. The festival runs from 11am to 4pm, with Jensen taking the stage at 12.30pm.
