Far North tourism leaders have returned from Canberra after raising concerns about proposed cuts to the Working Holiday Maker visa program. Leichhardt MP Matt Smith joined industry representatives at Parliament House to stress the value of backpackers to the regional economy. Smith said the group had constructive meetings with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Senator Murray Watt. Industry bodies also backed a petition calling on the government to maintain visa availability and length of stay. Smith described the talks as just the beginning.
A first home buyer paid $1,305,000 at auction for a two-bedroom apartment in Alexandria, $55,000 above the reserve. The converted warehouse apartment at 2/145 Belmont Street drew 30 people and five active bidders. Across Sydney, 561 properties were scheduled for auction this week. In Mosman, a five-bedroom home at 36 Medusa Street passed in at $9.85 million after only one registered party failed to bid. In Huntleys Cove, a downsizer paid $1.97 million for a ground floor apartment, $20,000 above reserve.
About 300 people rallied outside the Inner West Council meeting at Ashfield Town Hall on October 20, demanding more consultation time and information on the Fairer Future Plan 2. Lilyfield residents said they received notice of the plan only two weeks into the six-week consultation period. A motion to extend consultation to February was voted down 8-7 by the Labor majority. Mayor Darcy Byrne offered an extra week of consultation, but only for Lilyfield. Submissions close on October 28.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
A second cinema has been added to the closing night screening of Dimitri Tarlow's Electra at the 31st Greek Film Festival of Sydney, due to sold-out demand. The screening is on Sunday, 25 October at 7pm at Palace Cinemas Norton Street in Leichhardt. Tarlow's contemporary version of Sophocles' tragedy is his directorial debut. It mixes a noir style with dark cabaret elements to explore justice, revenge and violence. Loukia Michalopoulou plays Electra, who seeks vengeance with her brother Orestes for their father's murder.
Northern Peninsula Area community leaders have travelled to Canberra to press politicians for funding to address a chronic housing shortage in the Cape region. Mayor Robert Poipoi and councillors have made housing their top priority. The council wants $120 million over six years for at least 120 new homes across five communities, plus $3 million for immediate housing needs and $14 million for social housing upgrades. The push follows an outbreak of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in Injinoo, a condition linked to household overcrowding.
The federal government has dropped planned changes to disaster recovery funding that would have made states, territories and councils pay up to 50 per cent of recovery costs. Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the decision on Friday. The Commonwealth currently pays up to 75 per cent. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli welcomed the reversal, while Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said councils should not be responsible for disaster recovery funding. Local leaders in the Far North had strongly opposed the changes.
House prices in seven Queensland suburbs could more than double by 2036, according to new realestate.com.au data. Woodridge is forecast to rise from $781,000 to $1.64 million, a gain of more than $858,000. Kingston is also tipped to climb sharply. West End's median unit value could reach $1.84 million, while economists warn that such growth would come at a high cost to housing affordability. The projections assume historical trends continue and are not guaranteed forecasts.
The 31st Greek Film Festival has opened in Sydney with its largest Opening Night crowd in ten years. The sold-out event on Tuesday, 13 October, drew 680 guests to Palace Norton Street Cinemas in Leichhardt. Festival Chair Pamela Proestos said the turnout showed continuing interest in Greek cinema in Australia. The festival runs until 25 October, with nearly 40 films screening at Palace Norton Street and Palace Moore Park, including restored classics.
Hundreds of people gathered at Palace Cinemas Norton Street in Leichhardt to open the 31st Greek Film Festival in Sydney. The opening night film was Konstantinos Mousoulis' comedy Best Friends Forever. Con Apoifis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, thanked the festival committee and supporters. Georgios Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, said the festival brings modern Greek culture to the city. Nearly 40 films will screen until 25 October at Palace Cinemas venues, including Norton Street and Moore Park.
Queensland Police have confirmed that a man reported missing from Leichhardt on 12 October has been located safe and well. Police thanked the community and media for helping in the search. Earlier, officers had appealed for public help after the man was last seen on Kynance Street at about 7.20pm on 12 October. He was described as 180cm tall with grey hair and brown eyes, wearing black shorts and no shirt. Police and family had expressed concern for his welfare because of a medical condition.
An investigation has been launched into whether a new State Emergency Service facility could be built at Callan Park. The Inner West Council and the SES are considering whether one of the park's empty buildings could suit vehicle bays, training rooms, administration space and volunteer amenities. The planned changes follow the passing of a bill that makes it easier for new activities to use existing infrastructure. Planning Minister Paul Scully said the facility could be achieved without losing green space, as demolishing unused buildings would increase public parkland.
Far North Queensland tourism leaders and Leichhardt MP Matt Smith plan to travel to Parliament House in Canberra to propose changes to the proposed Working Holiday Maker visa program. The government has announced that visa holders seeking a second or third year would enter a ballot for limited spots. Smith says the government's changes should consider the importance of foreign workers in regional areas. Opposition Senator Susan McDonald said the changes would reduce the supply of workers who pick crops and support regional tourism and hospitality.
An ABC investigation has detailed allegations that Mark Dennis, a Sydney criminal defence barrister, gained power within the children's charity Sunrise Cambodia and had access to vulnerable children. Dennis was arrested after child abuse material was allegedly found on his devices when he returned from Cambodia in January. He was released on bail and was later found dead at his home in February. Former staff say they saw troubling behaviour but felt unable to report it because Dennis was a major sponsor.
