Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSTwo young boys have been found dead at a home in a small regional town
with police arresting a woman believed to be their grandmother
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueOfficers visited the property at Coonabarabran
following reports of a concern for their welfare
was taken to hospital for further assessment where she remains under police guard
The deaths are being investigated under Strike Force Darnum
assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad
Premier Chris Minns described the discovery of the boys' bodies as heartbreaking
"What has occurred is terrible and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran's grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them," he said."I can not begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
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All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePolice say there is no ongoing threat to the community and they are not looking for anybody else
after the bodies of two children were found at a Coonabarabran property on Monday afternoon
were discovered deceased inside a home on Emu Lane by police who were responding to a concern for welfare
Officers attached to the Orana Mid-Western Police District established a crime scene following the tragic discovery
A 66-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for further assessment
Police have confirmed the woman and children are known to each other
Strike Force Darnum has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident
and local officers are being assisted by detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad
Two children have been found dead after NSW Police made a grisly discovery in the region's north on Monday
officers attached to Dubbo police attended a home in Coonabarabran - around 90 minutes north of Dubbo - following reports of a concern for welfare
police located two children - aged 8 and 10 - dead
A statement released by NSW Police said the woman
was in custody at Coonabarabran Police Station and is assisting police with their inquiries
The statement NSW Police issued said there "is no further information available at this time"
Police have indicated inquiries into the death of the two children are ongoing
Editor, Daily Liberal, Western Advocate, Central Western Daily
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 54-year-old was stopped by Oxley police just after 9.20pm on Friday night
which targeted drink and drug driving and general road compliance around Tamworth and Gunnedah
Three people were charged with drink-driving offences as part of Operation Fume
Picture from fileThe man was charged with drive with high range PCA and given a future court attendance notice to appear at Quirindi Local Court on Wednesday
A total of three people were charged with drink-driving offences as part of the two-day operation on Friday and Saturday
Officers conducted 227 random breath tests and 30 random drug tests
The high-visibility operation involved officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command
who were supported by general duties officers from the local commands
The operation involved mobile and stationary random breath testing
as well as random drug testing and proactive patrols of known 'hot spots'
three people were charged with drink-driving offences
while six drivers returned positive drug tests
and 15 other traffic infringements were issued
The licences of all drivers returning a positive roadside drug test were suspended for 24 hours
with further action dependent on the outcomes of secondary results
a 20-year-old man has been banned from getting behind the wheel for six months after he was caught driving at 54km over the speed limit on Thunderbolts Way
Officers attached to New England Highway Patrol were patrolling the popular tourist route at about 4.45pm on Sunday
when a grey Mercedes was allegedly detected travelling 154km/h in a signposted 100km/h area
The driver was stopped and subjected to a roadside breath and drug test
and allegedly returned a positive detection for methamphetamine
and a secondary oral fluid test was conducted for further analysis
and police will await the results of secondary testing before deciding on any further action
The man was issued with an infringement notice for P2 driver exceed speed 45km
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All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMs Ball moved back to Tamworth in November 2024 with her 12-month-old daughter
and has now unsuccessfully applied for more than 30 rentals in the city
Tennaria Ball has been seeking a low-cost rental in Tamworth since November 2024. Picture by Gareth GardnerInitially renting a room from a friend, Ms Ball was advised to seek assistance from Homes North in the organisation's temporary accommodation (TA) motel units for homeless people to get onto a "priority list" for housing
She has now been living in the TA motel since late January
and finding it impossible to find a rental
"I'm now playing the waiting game," she said
Currently receiving a single parent payment and Family Tax Benefit
Homes North has assessed Ms Ball is capable of affording up to $450 a week in rent
she would ideally like to find a three-bedroom home with a safe outside space
"I've applied for rentals under $450/week and I'm still being rejected for them," she said
"Being a single parent seems to be why I'm being rejected
"I have applied for units and been rejected ..
and most of the time it's because they don't want kids in a unit where there are people next door because of noise."
Anglicare's annual Rental Affordability Snapshot paints a dire picture of the housing crisis in the New England and North West
showing even full-time work isn't enough to guarantee people will be able to find an affordable rental property
The national Snapshot evaluates the available rentals on a given weekend and assesses whether they are affordable and appropriate for a range of people
This year's research was conducted nationally in March
only one rental in the region was affordable for a person on the Job Seeker payment
while a single out-of-work parent can afford just 1pc of properties
with out-of-work couples able to afford just 4pc
A person on Youth Allowance looking for a share-house can afford no rentals
Single retirees living on the Age Pension can only afford 1pc of rentals
with a couple able to afford just 6pc of rentals
A single person working full-time on the minimum wage will find that only 3pc of rentals are affordable
Homes North senior housing manager Nicholas Grimes says a lack of social housing in Tamworth was fuelling the local situation
"The rental market is so tight - we have very few vacant properties and as soon as one becomes available
there are likely three or four properties they can apply for in their affordability range at the moment ..
'The rental market is so tight' in Tamworth says Homes North senior housing manager Nicholas Grimes
from fileMr Grimes said Homes North clients were really struggling because for the three
four or five low-cost properties they could afford
there were 50 to 70 people applying for them
"It's extremely competitive and we just don't have government funding at the moment that would allow us to build more properties," he said
Homes North was seeing a lot of the same people it had been seeing for years
"We're seeing people who have never needed social housing or our help before
and know nothing about the process," he said
"They may still be working but have been priced out of the market
"A lot of people are only one or two pay cheques away from being homeless and needing help from us."
Mr Grimes said Homes NSW had designated Tamworth as a high-demand area
"This demand is growing so fast I don't think there are enough properties being built
to keep up with the demand from people coming here," he said
between 60 and 70pc of people in Homes North temporary accommodation were able to eventually move into social housing or private rentals
"Unless something is done about the existing rental issues
we won't be holding at that figure for very long," he said
"The number of people in TA has tripled since 2023 - there were some weeks where we got down to single digits of clients in motel rooms
but we've not now been below 90 households in at least the past 12 months."
Single mother Tennaria Ball has unsuccessfully applied for more than 30 rentals in Tamworth
Picture by Gareth GardnerWhen asked what would make things easier for her
"More social housing would help not only me but others in the same situation"
"It would be easier if the government invested more in social housing because real estates and landlords seem very set ideas about who they want as tenants in their rentals," Ms Ball said
Anglicare has called on the Federal Government to increase the number of social and affordable homes by doubling the Housing Australia Future Fund
It also wants to see JobSeeker increased to 90pc of the Age Pension
and an increase to the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 50pc for couples and 40pc for singles
Anglicare also wants the NSW Government to commit to building 25,000 new social and affordable homes over the next five years
expand access to Crown Land for social and affordable housing
and fund wrap-around supports for vulnerable renters and older Australians
Photo: Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOSAdelaide captain Jordan Dawson is braced for a strong response from Port Adelaide in the next instalment of one of the AFL's greatest rivalries
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Power were dealt a 90-point humiliation by the Western Bulldogs in round eight
ending their three-match winning streak in brutal fashion
It followed a 91-point thrashing from Collingwood in round one - the two heaviest defeats of coach Ken Hinkley's 13-year tenure
But Port have made a habit of bouncing back from heavy losses in recent times and will be geared up for a huge Showdown in front of their home fans at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night
the Power have responded to all four of their defeats by more than 40 points with a win the following week
"We were in a similar position this time last week after the Freo game," Dawson said of Adelaide's 18-point loss in Perth
which the Crows followed with a 60-point burial of Carlton on Saturday
"We respect them highly and we look forward to the battle this weekend."
Last August's Showdown was a fierce battle
(Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)Showdown 57 is the first meeting between the sides since last August's fiery encounter
which reached a flashpoint when then-Power star Dan Houston laid out Adelaide's Izak Rankine with a brutal high bump
ruling him out of Port's 2024 finals campaign and the opening round of this season
Adelaide's Josh Rachele and Darcy Fogarty stoked the fire with public comments about Port and their supporters
Rachele notably took a swipe at Power fans by saying they have "no teeth" in a radio interview
Dawson and Port captain Connor Rozee played the straightest of bats when they fronted South Australian media
Asked how they feel about their arch-rivals
both skippers said they "respect" the opposing side
"They always have a bit of fire," Dawson said of the Adelaide derby
"We might leave the build-up for (the media) but for us it's just about playing footy
"No matter where the teams are on the ladder
it's always a good contest and we all love playing in them as well."
Adelaide sit fifth and Port 12th but they're separated by just four points
(Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)Rozee conceded not much went right for Port against the Bulldogs in Ballarat
where they conceded 18 goals to three after quarter-time
"We've shown in the past that when we have a bad loss we're able to respond," Rozee said
"That's because we stay tight as a group and listen to what Kenny says and what we need to do the following week
"That will be the same approach this week."
Port's 22-point win over the Crows last August snapped a three-match losing streak against their arch-rivals and squared the all-time ledger at 28 wins apiece
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueUPDATED 05/05/2025 5:00pm:After announcing pricing for the entry-level Pro variant on February 28
Volkswagen Australia has now confirmed pricing for the all-wheel drive ID.4 GTX flagship
Volkswagen launched the ID.4 overseas in December 2020
with first Australian deliveries initially due in late 2023
then March 2025 and now finally "around mid-2025"
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsIn that time
Australia's electric vehicle (EV) market has gone through a significant period of growth but has now slowed down
despite more affordable models being introduced to local buyers
The ID.4 will arrive priced from $59,990 before on-road costs
That sees it undercut the upcoming, updated Tesla Model Y Launch Series by about $3400
with Volkswagen's EV boasting a better driving range to the tune of about 80km
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsThe ID.4 Pro is also $1000 more affordable than the related Cupra Tavascan Endurance
which has identical outputs but a slightly shorter driving range and lower DC fast-charging rate
the Cupra is produced in China while the ID.4 comes from Germany
priced exactly $10,000 higher than the base Pro but bringing more power and AWD
There's just one variant available at launch
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsDimensions2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsWarranty and ServicingThe Volkswagen ID.4 is backed by a five-year
Service intervals and pricing are yet to be announced
The Volkswagen ID.4 has not yet been issued an Australian safety rating by ANCAP
however it achieved a five-star result in New Zealand and Europe after testing conducted in 2021 by Euro NCAP
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsStandard safety equipment includes:
The local Volkswagen ID.4 lineup will consist of two variants
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 price and specsThe ID.4 Pro features:
An Exterior Style package is available on the Pro for an extra $900
Volkswagen hasn't yet detailed the exterior paint colour choices for the ID.4 Pro
it's confirmed metallic paint will be a $1000 option while premium metallic finishes will cost $1300 on the GTX
MORE: Everything Volkswagen ID.4
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Photo: Tracey Nearmy/AAP PHOTOSA woman in her 60s has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a baby
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueEmergency services attended a property at Darra in Brisbane's southwest on April 3
following reports an infant was unconscious and not breathing
The baby boy was later declared dead at the scene
Police established Operation Whiskey Nocturne to investigate his death and on Monday detectives charged a 63-year-old Darra woman with manslaughter
She is due to appear before Richland Magistrates Court on June 4
Picture by Zac Lowe.Some part of Scott Kendell always knew where he would land this year
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHe might just be 17 years old
but the Tamworth product is already his own man
Having spent 2024 with the Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters
he wanted a change during his last year in the Group 4 under 18s competition
So he signed with the North Tamworth Bears
chief among them his family connections to the club
have donned North Tamworth jerseys in the past
And while Kendell knew deep down that a move to the Bears was on the cards
he could never have predicted what came next
It was not long after his arrival that coach Jermain Walford decided to make him a part of the team's leadership group - although he didn't get the news from Walford directly
"I don't even think he told me, I think Seth Pearson [Bears co-captain] told me actually," Kendell said
"But I was super-excited to be a part of it
If there were questions as to why a newcomer to the side would be entrusted with a significant role
he played a crucial role in defence and gained important metres every time he had his hands on the ball during North Tamworth's 28-0 win over the Aberdeen Tigers
but when I got out there all the nerves went and I just did the job," Kendell said
View +10 PhotosPictures by Zac Lowe."I was happy with how I played
Given that the Tigers had claimed a narrow trial victory over the Werris Creek Magpies
North Tamworth knew that they were no walkovers
That is why Pearson was so pleased with their performance
particularly coming off the back of a disappointing first-round showing against the Dungowan Cowboys
"We just didn't do what was working for us and panicked [against Dungowan]," he said
we did a lot of ball work and structure to redeem ourselves
we were a bit flat and waiting to get into it
The maturity Kendell shows on the field is also a trait he has exhibited in his personal life
having decided last year that school was not for him and instead begun a carpentry apprenticeship at Greentree House Builder
He is so far "loving" the change in direction and this year with the Bears
will be a fitting last hurrah as he eyes the world beyond Tamworth in 2026
"I would love to move up to the Gold Coast with my brother," Kendell said
Photo: Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOSSEAT COUNT IN 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueSEAT NUMBERS
* Labor - 85 seats (+7 from 2022 election)
* Independents/Minor parties - 10 seats (-1)
with 77.8 per cent of the national tally counted
* Melbourne (Vic) - Greens leader Adam Bandt is in danger of losing his seat to Labor challenger Sarah Witty
A high number of postal votes are flowing to Labor over the Greens
* Kooyong (Vic) - Independent MP Monique Ryan faces a challenge from Liberal Amelia Hamer
with the teal leading 50.7 per cent to 49.3 per cent
* Bradfield (NSW) - Just 501 votes separate independent challenger Nicolette Boele and the Liberals' Gisele Kapterian in the former safe seat for the coalition
* Bullwinkel (WA) - Barely anything splits Labor and the Liberals in the newest WA seat
with Labor's Trish Cook leading by just 85 votes over Liberal Matt Moran
* Goldstein (Vic) - A razor-thin margin of 95 votes separates leading independent MP Zoe Daniel and Liberal challenger Tim Wilson
with the result to come down to preferences
* Longman (Qld) - Coalition MP Terry Young is ahead of Labor's Rhiannyn Douglas by a mere 102 votes in a seat previously held by the LNP with a margin of 3.1 per cent
* Wills (Vic) - Labor MP Peter Khalil faces a challenge from Greens candidate Samantha Ratnam
with the incumbent ahead 51.6 per cent to 48.4 per cent
* Ryan (Qld) - A three-way contest has emerged in the Brisbane-based seat between Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown
the coalition's Maggie Forrest and Labor's Rebecca Hack
but the result will come down to preference flows from the party that finishes third
* Fremantle (WA) - A close battle in one of Labor's safest seats
with Labor MP Josh Wilson under threat from independent challenger Kate Hulett
* Bean (ACT) - The Labor stronghold held by MP David Smith is being challenged by independent Jessie Price who is leading 50.1 per cent to 49.9 per cent for Smith
who previously held the seat by more than 12 per cent
their latest win a convincing victory over the Gold Coast Suns
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSThe Brisbane Lions' premiership defence is hitting somewhere near top gear and there's plenty in reserve for Chris Fagan
who is forecasting selection headaches for the table-toppers
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA 12th win from the last 13 encounters with Gold Coast on Sunday at the Gabba followed the Lions' dominance of St Kilda a week earlier
They're now 7-1 and back on top of the AFL ladder
despite acknowledging struggles with team defence and consistency around the stoppages
Fagan's side were ominously dominant in those two areas on a wet night in Brisbane on Sunday
a ruthless third term setting up a comfortable 9.12 (62) to 7.7 (49) scoreline that flattered the Suns
Brisbane's Will Ashcroft had a huge impact in the Lions' win over the Suns at the Gabba
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Midfielders Will Ashcroft
Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley put on a clinic as the Lions won clearances 47-28
Charlie Cameron ended a three-game goal drought with a trio of majors
the small forward also missing two set-shot snaps he would normally swallow up
And Jack Payne returned from illness to put the clamps on Coleman Medal leader Ben King
who didn't touch the ball until the third term
Suns coach Damien Hardwick tipped his cap to the "humming" Lions
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says the table-topping Lions still have plenty in reserve
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"The past two weeks we're getting back to somewhere near what we look like when we play our best footy," the coach said
"The boys have embraced the pressure stuff and team defence side of things
and we've got good results on the back of that."
That effort came hours after Keiden Coleman's impressive return from a knee reconstruction in a two-point VFL win against the Suns
10 marks and five tackles in his first game since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in round one last year
Keidean Coleman made an impressive return to the Lions' VFL side 14 months after an ACL rupture
(Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)Fellow defender Tom Doedee also starred
the Adelaide recruit playing his fourth game since overcoming back-to-back knee reconstructions
Doedee had initially been reluctant to put his name forward for AFL selection
but has told Fagan he is ready for a recall
Sam Day (hamstring) will likely be sidelined
but the coach said forwards Kai Lohmann (shoulder) and Logan Morris (calf) should both be available to face North Melbourne in Hobart next week
It creates a selection headache for the coach
who took his side to the flag with Coleman
Darcy Gardiner and Lincoln McCarthy all sidelined by knee injuries last year
"We've got a few coming at us," Fagan said
"He (Coleman) has got to push his way into the side ..
I'm reluctant to change a group that's doing a good job
and sometimes it's good to get a second game
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCanterbury are set to lose Jacob Preston for at least three weeks as Melbourne forwards Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu breathe a sigh of relief after the NRL charge sheet came out
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueStar second-rower Preston will cop three weeks on the sidelines with an early guilty plea for a grade-two crusher tackle on Gold Coast captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui late in the Bulldogs' 38-18 win at Magic Round
The Bulldogs are already missing suspended forwards Sitili Tupouniua and Josh Curran for their away clash with Canberra on Saturday
The Storm lost 20-18 to the Raiders in golden point in a controversial Sunday night finish to Magic Round
they led 18-12 and fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen kicked a field goal in the 75th minute that would have taken them to 19-12
the Bunker found an elbow to the head of Raiders captain Joseph Topine by Storm lock Loiero in a previous play when Melbourne had the ball
The Raiders then levelled through a scintillating try to fullback Kaeo Weekes
but the Storm were in position for a field goal in golden point when prop Utoikamanu was pinged and sin-binned for stomping on hooker Tom Starling in the play-the-ball
Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu (right) has escaped charge from the fiery loss to Canberra
(HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOS)"The game was in the balance and ..
"I was trying to play the ball and move Tom Starling out of the way
especially when you have been warned from the refs about that sort of stuff."
Raiders skipper Jamal Fogarty then landed the winning penalty after Loiero was ruled to have taken Hudson Young high
While coach Craig Bellamy was scathing post-match of his side's lack of discipline
he also suggested the officiating did his side no favours when asked if the Storm were "hard done by"."You can say that if you like," Bellamy replied
That sentiment could well be enhanced on Monday after both Loiero and Utoikamanu were cleared by the match review committee to play in the home game against Wests Tigers on Sunday
Papenhuyzen spoke to ABC Radio Sport after the match
and his assessment of the Utoikamanu incident proved prophetic
"You are trying to get a quick play-the-ball
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueLate Sunday afternoon
he was feeling lots of emotions as the dust started to settle on the 2025 federal election campaign
and I'm humbled by the level of support from across the electorate," he said
says he will represe not every person in the electorate
Picture by peter HardinMr Chaffey's introduction to federal politics involved a nine-month campaign
during which he travelled 36,000 kilometres and knocked on 24,000 doors
"There were certainly a lot of supportive people I met along the way
and lots of those people even turned up - not always members of The Nationals - to help on polling booths and show support," he said
and while the national results show a different story
Mr Chaffey said The Nationals look set to hold all their seats
"It was a big step [going from mayor to federal candidate] but I hit the ground running once the polls had been declared," he said
and I'm very proud to be part of the team."
Mr Chaffey had received more than 60 per cent of the two-party preferred vote against Labor's Nathan Fell
in a seat The Nationals have held for the past 41 years
"To have a two-party preferred vote of just under 63 per cent for a first-time candidate in a field of 10 candidates is
"That is a swing away from The Nationals but [former Member for Parkes] Mark Coulton - who retired after 17 years - had worked for that long to build up a two-party preferred vote to about 68pc
"To hold it around - I think it's floating between 63pc and 64pc [as of Sunday] - I'm absolutely amazed and humbled by the support I've been given right throughout the Parkes electorate by those who have put their trust in me
"I've now got three years to prove myself, to put their trust into The Nationals as The Nationals' representative in the seat of Parkes.
While Mr Chaffey is yet to be officially declared the Member for Parkes - that is now all but a formality - he is keen to get to work
"The Parkes electorate represents 51pc of NSW and it needs its representative," he said
"Then it's down to work - obviously federal government is not local government but I will be approaching it the same way
"I've been given the honour of being the Member for Parkes and my focus will be to represent every single person that lives in the electorate
View +3 PhotosPictures supplied"There is a lot of work to do and I'll go about it in the same tradesman-like fashion that I did as the mayor of Gunnedah and as I do with everything in life."
Mr Chaffey already has challenges in his sights: cost of living
"I think a lot of people got sick of hearing about the cost-of-living crisis during the campaign
"Knocking on all those doors [during the campaign]
and a lot of [the Coalition's] policies were really focused on relieving some of that cost pressure
"A lot of our community's population level is not increasing
the pressure on a lot of our provision of services in regional communities is increasing
"Retention and attraction of people has to be the test that everything is done by in the Parkes electorate - you can't continue to keep going backwards in population
"The common issues in each community holding us back from attracting people are aged care
Nationals candidate Jamie Chaffey with his wife Judy and team at Dubbo
Picture by Ciara BastowHaving travelled so many kilometres during the campaign
Mr Chaffey said the road network was simply not getting the funding it needs
"Councils need better support to be able to provide the level of service for roads - whether they are gravel or sealed - require in the Parkes electorate," he said
Telecommunications was another major issue
Mr Chaffey noting it was a "major burden" for many communities within the electorate
With the support of The Nationals and the Coalition
Mr Chaffey was able to make election commitments during the campaign
I will still be working extremely hard to make sure the minister of those particular areas
understand how important it is for our communities that great consideration is given to help fund some of those projects," he said
"Because it's all about people - if we don't get the infrastructure and services right
we won't even retain the people that are here."
Gunnedah has been Mr Chaffey's home for 30 years
his new role means "a lot of time away" on the road
"There are electorate offices in Broken Hill
that is the job and that is where the work will take me," he said
and there are a lot of commitments across this vast electorate outside of those times
Jamie Chaffey in Gunnedah on Monday after his election win
I'll look to spend as much time here as I can
Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOSErin Patterson had shared with true crime fans her love of mushrooms
excitement over buying a food dehydrator and plans to cook beef Wellington
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 50-year-old mother of two has pleaded not guilty to all counts against her
including three murder charges for killing her estranged husband's family after feeding them lunch at her Leongatha home
Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson all died in hospital from death cap mushroom poisoning after eating a beef Wellington Patterson had prepared for them on July 2023
Heather Wilkinson and Don and Gail Patterson died after eating lunch at Erin Patterson's home
(HANDOUT/INTRAWORK BUSINESS SERVICES)Patterson claims it was "a terrible accident"
Three members of a true crime Facebook group Patterson was part of gave evidence on day five of her Supreme Court trial in Morwell
The group was created to go over the case of convicted baby killer Keli Lane
she was a really good researcher," group member Christine Hunt said about Patterson's online reputation
said in 2023 Patterson had shared photos of a black dehydrator with mushrooms inside
"She was a bit excited that she'd purchased a food dehydrator," Ms Barkley said via video link
Screenshots of Patterson's messages to the group were also shown to the jury
"I've been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything
the kids had no idea," she wrote in one post
Simon Patterson finished his evidence to the jury after almost three days in the witness box
said Patterson "seemed to really like mushrooms"
In the weeks before the deadly mushroom meal
Patterson asked the group if anyone had cooked a beef Wellington and if they had advice
Erin said she was making beef Wellington," Ms Hay said
"I think she was at the supermarket and she messaged us something about the beef that she was buying."
She said Patterson had told them the mushrooms came from an Asian grocer
Ms Hay said Patterson asked her for tips on how to make sure the beef Wellington pastry did not go "soggy"
as it was one of Ms Hay's favourite dishes
said she joked: "I'd make a tofu Wellington"
so we had a good laugh about that," she said
Patterson's estranged husband Simon finished his evidence to the jury after almost three days in the witness box
Simon Patterson said his mother stopped reading messages from Erin after trying to solve a dispute
(Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)Defence barrister Colin Mandy SC put it to Simon that he had asked Erin - two days after the lunch - "is that what you used to poison them?"
"I did not say that to Erin," Simon responded
The jury of 15 people were shown messages from a family group Signal chat between Simon
his former wife and his parents - in December 2022 - after he last week claimed she had sent "extremely aggressive" messages to his mother and father
which he said were from a few months later
having a crack at me and accusing me of some things in response to what I'd messaged her about," he said
After his parents tried to help Erin and Simon resolve a dispute over his child support payments
his mother Gail took a step back and stopped reading messages from Erin in the group chat
"Mum really struggled with anxiety," he said
The trial before Justice Christopher Beale will continue on Tuesday
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSDamien Hardwick has called for better "protection" of Matt Rowell after the Gold Coast midfielder's quiet night against Brisbane and argued the result wasn't indicative of the gap between his Suns and the best
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueGold Coast looked up for the fight at the Gabba on Sunday when they finished the first half with some momentum and trailing by just 11 points
the third quarter one-way traffic as the Lions shot clear for a 12th win from the last 13 encounters
Three late goals papered some cracks for the Suns in a 9.12 (62) to 7.7 (49) loss in wet conditions
Hardwick's side falling to 5-2 while the reigning champions (7-1) regained top spot on the ladder
Rowell and Lachie Neale having a not so friendly conversation in the QClash
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)"We were hoping to be better," the coach said
"We saw the demolition of the Saints (by the Lions) last week and similar today
"We've got some things we can get to work on and we know the answers."
Lachie Neale (25 and 10) and Hugh McCluggage (30 and eight) showed their class while Josh Dunkley (26 disposals) kept Suns stoppage king Rowell to just 16 touches and one clearance
off contract beyond this year and in demand
began the season brilliantly but was also kept relatively quiet in a 16-disposal game against Sydney last week
He'd had at least 10 clearances in three of his previous six games and averages 6.4 in his 91-game career
"He does battle and he doesn't get a lot of protection (from officials)
I'm not going to lie," Hardwick said of the 23-year-old
The coach believes his midfield bull could be appealing for more free kicks given the man-handling he receives around the contest
I'm talking throughout the course of the year,' he said
"He doesn't get enough protection for a ball player
did some stuff up there as well (to try to get into the contest)
Suns players took the field with plenty of hope before the reality check came
very good year and a couple of quieter weeks."
will play sixth-placed Western Bulldogs and third-placed Hawthorn at home-away-from-home Darwin in the next fortnight
"That's the best place to be," Hardwick said of the challenge ahead
"Instead of running away from it you step straight into it."
He didn't agree that the one-sided loss to the Lions
you don't give yourself a chance," he said
but when they absolutely destroy you in that part of the ground ..
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCanterbury winger Jacob Kiraz is in top form in the top-of-the-table team and good judges are backing him to make a NSW debut in State of Origin
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 23-year-old missed the opening four rounds of the season with injury but his hat-trick display in the 38-18 win over Gold Coast at Magic Round on Sunday was top-shelf
Kiraz has the qualities Origin coaches and selectors look for
although his selection for game one of the series on May 28 will likely depend on the availability of injured duo Brian To'o and Zac Lomax
who both shone in last year's series win for the Blues
Kiraz made 228 metres of headway in his brilliant performance
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Kiraz made 228m from 22 runs against the Titans and had two line breaks
The Canterbury flyer is tough and willing out of the back-field with the ball
and he's also dynamically dominant in the air
just like his captain Stephen Crichton who is one of the first picked for the Blues
Crichton was asked why Kiraz would look good in a Blues jersey
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo says "everything" about Kiraz screams Origin
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"He has good high-ball awareness and the way he carries the footy
He is really focusing on playing his best footy for the Dogs."
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said Kiraz had the key qualiity of being able to change momentum and not be dictated by it,
That's a great trait to have for any Origin prospect
Ciraldo had no doubt Kiraz was in the sights of Blues' selectors
"If he keeps playing like that he is going to be banging the door down for Origin," Ciraldo said
"We missed him at the start of the season and he was working away hard in the background to get himself right to come back in and play
He's come back and played at an exceptional level
"Some of our attack at the start of the game was a little bit clunky but he was coming up with plays at the back end of the set to get the scoreboard ticking over
Kiraz has done a great job to get himself ready to play and he can keep improving."
Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOSYears after his wife died while kayaking
a man has been accused of murder and trying to claim more than $1 million in life insurance
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueGraeme Davidson
has been charged over the death of his wife Jacqueline
drowned while kayaking with her husband at Lake Samsonvale
She could not be revived when they returned to shore and died at the scene despite onlookers and emergency services performing CPR
Her death was considered an accidental drowning
But police investigations for a report to the coroner uncovered further evidence and a homicide probe was launched "18 months to two years" after her death
"Police are alleging the male person was involved in the drowning in the lake," Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor told reporters on Monday
Graeme Davidson was charged with murder and fraud after a 'complex and lengthy' investigation
(HANDOUT/QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE)Under Operation Victor Harlow
detectives gathered witness and expert statements including information about the lake's conditions at the time of Ms Davidson's death
The "complex and lengthy" probe led to Davidson being charged with murder
fraud and attempted fraud following his arrest in Brisbane on Sunday
"The cause of death was drowning but it was a case of talking to witnesses and gaining further evidence that the matter appeared suspicious," Insp Windsor said
"Incidents are not always what they initially seem
so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation."
Insp Windsor said the married couple were living together but police would allege there was "some form of breakdown in the relationship" at the time of Ms Davidson's death
He said police would allege Davidson made a life insurance claim and attempted to make another after his wife's death
confirming they related to the fraud charges
"The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million," Insp Windsor said
Police evidence included the lake's conditions at the time of the woman's death
(Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)He said Davidson had been living in Thailand for a "number of years"
But Insp Windsor said police chose "not to go down that path" and instead charged Davidson when he visited Brisbane for family reasons
Davidson was refused police bail and his matter went before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday
He did not appear in court and was remanded in custody after his matter was adjourned until May 19
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueEdward Morgan
appeared by video link in Tamworth Local Court on Monday
keen to have his say in support of a bail application
who is facing charges of intimidation and trespass
has failed in a bail application in Tamworth Local Court
Picture from fileThe West Tamworth man's Aboriginal Legal Service solicitor Sarah Chia attempted to shut him down a number of times during the appearance
and it took a rebuke from magistrate Julie Soars to quieten him so the court could hear the solicitor's petition clearly
Morgan is yet to enter pleas for charges of intimidation
and trespass for entering inclosed land without a lawful excuse
Police documents tendered to court allege that between 6.33am and 7am on April 28
Morgan entered the CTC Tobacconist shop in Hobbs Lane
without permission of the owner and then intimidated the owner
Ms Chia offered a number of strict conditions
including Morgan not having contact with the complainant
not entering the Hobbs Lane CTC Tobacconist
The list also included Morgan making an appointment with the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service and accepting recommended treatment
Ms Chia admitted her client had a criminal history but had been offence-free for the past "few years"
Ms Soars said there was "a strong prosecution case" against Morgan
including CCTV footage of the alleged incident and witnesses
She noted the intimidation charge carried a potential five-year prison sentence
and Morgan had faced this charge in the past
warrants and failure to appear" incidents went against his release on bail
"[Morgan] has endangered the safety of the complainant and the community," Ms Soars said
but he poses a serious threat to the community
and the bail conditions do not reduce his failure to appear or endanger the community
As Ms Soars ordered Morgan receive medical treatment while in custody
and the magistrate ordered him cut off quickly at the end of his matter
Morgan will return to Tamworth Local Court in May
Photo: HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCENew Zealand will spend billions replacing the Defence Force's aging maritime helicopters
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAlong with the $NZ2 billion ($A1.85b) for the helicopters
the government said it would increase baseline spending by $NZ239 million ($A207m) for the Defence Force each year over the next four years
"It is very clear that New Zealand is not immune from the increasing tensions being felt throughout the world," New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins said in a statement on Monday
(HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE)"(This) sets us on our path for defence spending to reach two per cent of GDP by 2032-33," she said
New Zealand's Defence Force has struggled with systemic underspending over the past several decades
which amounts to just over one per cent of GDP now
the government said it would boost defence spending with $NZ9 billion ($A8b) of new funding over the next four years
"There is no economic security without national security
and Defence personnel need the right equipment and conditions to do their jobs," Collins said
"As a maritime nation we are prioritising naval capability," she said
New Zealand's first national security review in 2023 called for more military spending and stronger ties with Indo-Pacific nations to tackle climate change and strategic competition among the West
New Zealand has eight SH-2G(I) Seasprite maritime helicopters
Collins said replacing these will increase the defensive and offensive capabilities and surveillance range of New Zealand's frigates
Collins added she will have more to say about defence investments in the coming year when the government unveils its budget
New Zealand's budget is scheduled for May 22
and will outline spending for the 12-month period to June 30
Photo: Pat Hoelscher/AAP PHOTOSMichael Maguire is set for the biggest call of his Brisbane coaching tenure yet as he deliberates whether Ezra Mam will come straight back into a badly-beaten Broncos side for round 10
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMam was booed by the Suncorp Stadium crowd when shown on the big screens in Brisbane's 32-8 loss to Penrith at Magic Round
the last of nine games he missed due to his ban for drug-driving
A magistrate told the Broncos playmaker he was lucky not to have killed anyone when he crashed into an Uber containing three people while driving unlicensed and under the influence of cocaine last October
was fined $850 and banned from driving for six-months
He made a public apology in February and has been training at five-eighth in preparation for an NRL return with the Broncos
Maguire said he had not yet considered whether to recall Mam for the Souths game or ease him back through Queensland Cup
"I'll go through this game and work out which way we'll go," he said
Mam was booed by the Suncorp Stadium crowd after his ban for drug driving
Maguire will come face-to-face with a Broncos side whose halves were thoroughly outclassed by Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary at Magic Round
Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds admitted he put the Broncos under pressure
with stand-in five-eighth Ben Hunt also struggling to halt the Panthers once they were on a roll
I obviously didn't have one of the greatest games," Reynolds said
"There's a few things I got wrong out there and put the team under a bit of pressure
the Broncos would have an attacking livewire eager to write his wrongs
But the fifth-placed Broncos have been largely served well by Hunt at five-eighth on a 5-4 start to the season
"(Mam) will be ready to play if he was called upon
"But he's done everything he possibly can to give himself the opportunity to come into selection."
Maguire will consult with Reynolds and senior players as to whether Mam should be selected
or whether he may need time playing for feeder side Souths-Logan
"There's parts of his game that under repetition he hasn't been able to have
I have to make sure he is ready to go," Maguire said
"I talk to my leaders all the time about how the team looks and what we're doing and what we're moving towards."
Photo: Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOSKEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND NINE OF THE AFL SEASON
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueCROWS HOT
They say form goes out the proverbial window when it comes to clashes between South Australia's bitter rivals Adelaide and Port Adelaide
The Power will hope so after suffering a 90-point loss to the Bulldogs
which joins their 91-point drubbing from Collingwood in round one as the two heaviest defeats of coach Ken Hinkley's 13-year tenure
PRESSURE ON JUSTIN LONGMUIR AHEAD OF HUGE PIES CLASH
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is a man under pressure after a humiliating 61-point loss to St Kilda and the spotlight will be firmly on the underperforming Dockers on Thursday night when they host Collingwood at Optus Stadium
The Magpies will come off a five-day break for the Perth trip and coach Craig McRae says "watch this space" about team changes
If the Magpies take a depleted line-up west and still win
West Coast are 0-8 in a disastrous start to Andrew McQualter's tenure as coach
but Sunday's clash with fellow strugglers Richmond (2-6) at the MCG gives the Eagles a chance to get off the mark
Co-captain Oscar Allen is set to play in defence for a third straight game
and the responsibility on him will be huge after Jeremy McGovern was ruled out with concussion
Former Western Bulldogs player Bailey Smith has had a dig at his old club
saying he'd rather be playing for Geelong in front of a huge MCG crowd than at the Ballarat construction site
It sparked a cheeky war of words with Marcus Bontempelli
three weeks out from red-hot midfielder Smith's first game against the Dogs since his high-profile switch
HOW DO THE BOMBERS HANDLE THEIR INJURY CARNAGE
Essendon looked all at sea against North Melbourne when defensive chief Jordan Ridley went down with a hamstring injury
The Bombers will have to take on rejuvenated Sydney - and face several weeks - without key interceptor Ridley
while Harry Jones and Jade Gresham are also injured
Melbourne's revival from a horror 0-5 start has so far included wins over Fremantle
Richmond and West Coast - all sides who sit outside the top eight
But the challenges quickly get far more difficult
starting with red-hot Hawthorn at the MCG in round nine
That test is followed by a tough trip to the Gabba to face reigning premiers Brisbane
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSFederal Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has been praised for being "very brave" after revealing he will undergo surgery for prostate cancer
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe one-time deputy prime minister
who comfortably won his regional NSW seat of New England in Saturday's election
received the diagnosis following a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
Barnaby Joyce decided to keep his diagnosis to himself until after the election
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)The test came back with an elevated result and a subsequent MRI and biopsy revealed he had prostate cancer
told Seven's Sunrise program he kept his diagnosis quiet until after the election
"I waited until obviously after the election - I didn't want a big circus going on," he said
straight down the road and straight into surgery."
before noting that was normal with a disease like prostate cancer
you go to the toilet a bit more than you should," he added
Federal Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek praised Mr Joyce for going public with his diagnosis
"It's very brave of Barnaby to share his experience," she told Seven
"I really do think that having high-profile people like Barnaby talk about their health challenges is really important to encourage other men to get the test."
Ms Plibersek noted that Labor Party national president Wayne Swan
was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 48
"Wayne had surgery decades ago and his health is terrific," she said
Prostate cancer was generally very treatable if caught early
Labor had a landslide victory at the election
reducing the coalition to one of their worst performances at the polls
after Liberal Leader Peter Dutton lost his own seat
Photo: AP PHOTOBrazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro says he expects to be discharged from hospital soon and may attend a rally backing a proposed amnesty for supporters
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue"After three weeks
at 10am (1300 GMT)," the 70-year-old wrote in a post on social media platform X
his medical team had said his release was expected "in the coming days" after major abdominal surgery in April to treat an intestinal obstruction
My next challenge: joining the Peaceful March for Humanitarian Amnesty on Wednesday
Bolsonaro was hospitalised for his sixth surgery related to a 2018 stabbing that left lasting injuries
He was admitted to a hospital in Brasilia after experiencing severe abdominal pain during a political event in Brazil's northeast
That cut short a tour aimed at drumming up support for the amnesty initiative targeting those convicted over the January 2023 riots after his narrow election loss to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022
Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that Bolsonaro should stand trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the election result
and buildings are tearing off at the edges like metal rusting near the sea
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThis is not a city where money has been poured into civic projects
where small ornate details are obsessed over
This is a city that is lived in - like a lounge room where magazines and empty glasses have been tossed on the table and the carpet shows the stains of countless accidents
Picture by Michael TurtleAnd Belgrade has seen a lot of living
It was the centre of one of the most important prehistoric cultures of Europe (the Vinca culture)
So many people from so many lands have walked across this ground
"Serbia is a poor country," the manager at my hotel tells me over a local draught (which sadly is not called Serbeera - a missed marketing opportunity!)
Picture by Michael Turtle"I don't know why you come here
It's not the first time a local has asked me this since I arrived
Although Serbs are extremely patriotic and proud of their nation
they don't seem to always understand the appeal for foreigners
But the greatest charm of Belgrade comes not from the relatively small collection of tourist sites
The very thing that makes this city gritty is what also makes it so dynamic and void of sterility
I decide to at least start with the main landmarks
a complex of defences and palatial spaces that has been the site of the city's main castle or fort for more than two millennia
The current version is from the 18th century
rebuilt during a brief period of Austrian rule
but its role is now recreation rather than protection
and parklands behind the thick stone walls
Picture by Michael TurtleA few kilometres away
the Church of St Sava is a more modern icon of the city
it was only in recent years that the final touches were put on the monumental structure
which is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world
The design is based on Istanbul's Hagia Sophia and the interior glitters with enormous golden mosaics and suspended chandeliers
one of the most important Serbs of modern history - Nikola Tesla
The inventor was clearly ahead of his time
with groundbreaking work on things like motors
He didn't always get the credit he deserved
possibly because his American benefactors favoured US interests
and this is one of the subplots of his life that can be explored in the museum
along with examples of many of his projects
this was a relatively quiet museum when I first visited Belgrade more than a decade ago
perhaps partly because the Tesla name has taken on a new life.)
One of several bombed buildings in the city that have never been repaired
Picture by Michael TurtleFor a general look at the country
the National Museum of Serbia has had a makeover recently and the revitalised space has more than 30 sections covering history from the Roman era right up to 21st-century art
But for a look at its most important modern era
based around the mausoleum of Josip Broz Tito who served as the authoritarian president of the former nation for 27 years
The concept of a united Yugoslavia is still seen positively by many Serbians and the museum has more than 200,000 artefacts commemorating that period
including a large collection of batons used in relay races that celebrated Tito's birthday each year
A bronze statue of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito
Picture by Michael TurtleIt's impossible to visit Belgrade and avoid some of its controversial history - and that's the way the city wants it
After NATO bombings in 1999 during the Kosovo War
rather than repair the damaged army headquarters
a monument to the instability of the 1990s
it's also become a morbid tourist attraction where the twisted metal beams protrude from the shattered concrete
It's just one of several bombed buildings in the city that have never been repaired
On walls that do remain throughout the city
the legacy of that period is explored in street art created by the post-war generation
playful and profound - offer a window into the soul of the youth and how they see their place in Belgrade..
shocked that tourists would see more than the coast of the Balkans
Street art and murals add to Belgrade's vibrant urbanity
If all the places I've already mentioned are not enough to justify a visit
perhaps you only need to stop and look around
I find a table at a traditional Serbian restaurant where the tables are spilling out onto the street and are full on this warm summer evening
Food and drinks are very cheap by Australian standards
the energy moving between them as though Nikola Tesla was controlling it
those centuries of heritage lighting up the city
You can see more things to do in Belgrade on Michael's Time Travel Turtle website.
with Charlie Cameron and Lachie Neale instrumental
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCharlie Cameron has burst to life as the Brisbane Lions shot to the top of the AFL ladder and put Gold Coast in their place in a lopsided QClash
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Suns entered 5-1
sitting third with ambition to prove their mettle against the reigning premiers
in driving rain and after a hard-fought first half
the Lions' midfield dominated the clearances and their small forwards profited in a 9.12 (66) to 7.7 (49) Sunday night Gabba win
Lions coach Chris Fagan was thrilled with how his side shut down the Suns' strong midfield and restricted their free-flowing attack as he declared: "We knew tonight we were probably facing the best Gold Coast team we've ever faced."
Three late goals flattered the Suns and helped them narrowly avoid their lowest score in 28 meetings as a QClash record crowd of 33,612 gathered to watch the Lions' 12th win from these teams' past 13 meetings
Will Ashcroft and Hugh McCluggage had 27 of the Lions' 47 clearances
Will Ashcroft won the medal for best afield in a QClash
Josh Dunkley kept Matt Rowell quiet to complete the Lions' midfield masterclass
Cameron (three goals) hadn't kicked a goal in three games but had two in as many minutes in the second term thanks to some quick footwork and a handy grubber off the deck
He missed two snaps he would usually swallow up but marked strongly and moved well to look back to his threatening best after a quiet start to the season
Charlie Cameron was back near top form for the Lions
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Fagan hailed Cameron
who had also kicked 0.4 last week in their big victory against St Kilda
"I sort of knew once he'd kick one he'd kick a few more," said Fagan
a bit flat by his performances but tonight in probably our biggest game for the year he produced and that's no surprise."
The margin had been just 11 points at halftime and the Suns looked ripe to push the Lions
But they wasted opportunities with long bombs into the Lions' defensive zone
who repelled and allowed Cameron and Callum Ah Chee (three goals) to prosper
A 12-clearance difference in the third term was the biggest for the Suns since 2019 and led to a five-goals-to-one quarter that ended the fight
wearing their inaugural 1987 Brisbane Bears guernsey in a retro throwback
jumped to first after Collingwood's loss to Geelong on Saturday
Will Ashcroft won the Marcus Ashcroft Medal after gathering 34 possessions
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Former Suns forward Sam Day had a forgettable night against his old team
subbed out with a hamstring injury in the first quarter
Lachie Weller (hamstring) was also an early casualty for the Suns
Bailey Humphrey added a quirky chapter to the QClash's history book
gifting Jarrod Berry a goal after his bizarre antics on the mark gave away a 50 metre penalty
hadn't made the distance from outside the arc but got another chance from the top of the goal square after Humphrey had grabbed a handful of turf and under-armed it towards him as he kicked for goal
It was the Lions' only goal in a hotly-contested first quarter
Coleman Medal leader Ben King was well held by the returning Jack Payne
and was unable to get a touch until kicking his first goal in the third quarter
Suns' coach Damien Hardwick could only tip his cap to the Lions
"You get taught a lesson … they're humming at the moment," he said
"We couldn't control the midfield battle at all
Locals, medical staff and emergency services have improved access to the redeveloped Inverell Hospital thanks to recent roadwork on Moore Street - the site of the hospital’s new main entrance.
ImageCollapse the ImageInverell - Moore St hospital access upgradeImage controls:
The work was conducted on a 1000 metre section of Moore Street and included pavement rehabilitation, widening, a turning lane into the hospital, a drainage upgrade and better visibility for safer access.
The improvements also support the ability of community members to connect to other health services, such as drug and alcohol counselling, dietetics and GP clinics.
According to Inverell Shire Council’s Director of Civil Services, Justin Pay, the upgrades have been delivering positive benefits.
“The dual lane entrance has provided safer and improved access into Inverell Hospital for patients and visitors,” he said.
“Sight distances have been improved, and the upgrades of the entrance have been well received.”
The Moore Street improvements used many Inverell-based suppliers and businesses, equating to a $674,500 spend in the Local Government Area and delivering a considerable boost to local employment.
Transport for NSW recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and care of Country. We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present.
Photo: Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOSRichmond coach Adem Yze will wrap his arms around Noah Balta in the face of ongoing jeers from opposition supporters
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBalta returned to the sound of boos from Hawthorn fans in the Tigers' 16.13 (109) to 6.8 (44) loss at the MCG on Sunday
after spending a week on the sidelines because of his court-imposed curfew
It was his first match since being sentenced last month for assaulting a man on December 30 last year
Balta was also targeted during a win over Gold Coast - his only other appearance this season after serving a four-match suspension related to the assault - three days before he was sentenced
"Every supporter group can do what they want
but what we can do is put our arms around him and support him," Yze said after Sunday's match
"We've just got to make sure that doesn't tip over the edge and create any anxiety and pressure for him
"We've got to support him as best we can throughout the week and he knows how much we love him
every supporter group can do what they want
but I would be hoping the Tiger Army don't do that to other players."
Balta had a solid game with eight marks and 14 disposals before being subbed out in the last term
who is free to play against winless West Coast next Sunday
limped off in the final minutes against Hawthorn after appearing to roll his ankle
"He was trying his best to get our ball movement going from our back half
Yze also backed Tim Taranto despite the experienced midfielder gifting Hawthorn a goal by shoving James Sicily over and giving away a 50-metre penalty
Sicily had thrown Maurice Rioli to the ground after catching the Tiger holding the ball
Most players on the ground became involved in the ensuing melee
"Sicily's a fiery character and he got into one of our younger players
so for our vice-captain to step in and fly the flag ..
when one of your players is going in to help one of your younger players and fly the flag and lead by example ..
he might have overstepped it but I'd rather him do that than not go in there at all."
and it looks like they will be holding it for another three
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFirst-time candidate Jamie Chaffey has secured the seat with more than 60 per cent of the two-party preferred vote against Labor's Nathan Fell
One Nation candidate Mark Carter polled strongly in the primary vote
Mr Chaffey has big shoes to fill as he takes over from Mark Coulton, who held the seat for 17 years but chose to retire in the lead up to the election
Mr Chaffey said it would be a "rare privilege" to be one of the lower house members of the Commonwealth and part of the 150 people who represent the country
"I mean that is a rare privilege for anybody," he said
Picture by Ciara Bastow"I'm hopeful that I can be successful and be one of those people."
starting off the night strong and continuing to race ahead while other candidates fought it out behind him
Despite an 8.03 per cent swing against The Nationals
he had more than 11,000 first preference votes
The National's candidate Jamie Chaffey will continue to hold the seat of Parkes
Picture by Ciara BastowMr Chaffey said he thinks the Nationals' policies "are better"
"I think it's so important that regional Australia gets its fair share
we've missed out the last three years," he said
"A lot of the decisions that have been made have hurt our communities."
He said if the coalition government returned
they would be able to overturn a lot of the decisions that have been made
Nationals candidate Jamie Chaffey and his wife Judy
Picture by Ciara Bastow"We could see the pressure on families start to be reduced
particularly around our energy policy," he said
"We will make sure that there is power and it's affordable into the future and back our small business
Hi! I'm Ciara and I've been working as a journalist for a number of years now, covering everything ranging from council, human interest stories, community news and sport. Got a story? Email me at ciara.bastow@austcommunitymedia.com.au
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueTasmania
I'm about halfway into a five-day stint on the federal election campaign
travelling with the Labor contingent to follow the Prime Minister around the country as he makes his pitch for another term as leader
in what will end up being seven plane trips between eight cities before the week is done
Brittney Levinson was on the campaign trail with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Keegan CarrollSwitching my phone off aeroplane mode
A "Welcome to Launceston" message pops up from Uber
but I won't be needing to hitch a ride-share
There's already a coach waiting to take the journalists and camera crews to the next location
Launceston is one of three cities I'll visit in one day
a fairly standard schedule for a journalist on the campaign
Picture by Brittney LevinsonJournalists from all different news outlets join the trail for varying stints
although some weary souls are on board for the entire five-week campaign
to follow Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to a Labor volunteer barbecue
lasts about one hour before we're back on a plane
It's these parts of the campaign that are very much made for television
the staged event is simply a photo and TV opportunity; the Prime Minister takes no questions from reporters
But they're also a chance to observe the leader in the environment, talk to people on the fringes and catch some of the unplanned chaos that can arise, like protests
the Prime Minister gets surrounded by journalists
Picture by Brittney LevinsonDuring a pic fac in the electorate of Banks
the Prime Minister struggles to make his way through the large press pack and volunteers at the pre-polling booth
Mr Albanese manages to stop to hold a baby
but his visit is cut short after a NSW Senate candidate begins heckling him
shouts "There is blood on your hands!" and "What do you have to say to Palestinian Australians?" before the Prime Minister is whisked away into a waiting car
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese struggles through the press pack in Sydney's south-west
Picture by Brittney LevinsonLocal couple Darrell and Joan Schofield are on their way to cast an early vote when they come across the bewildering scene
They're in even more disbelief when they realise the Prime Minister is standing directly across the street from them
The Prime Minister's security detail remains close by at these events and can include up to five or six bodyguards at any one time
They follow Mr Albanese to his press conferences too
which usually happen once a day alongside a policy or funding announcement
There's an unspoken agreement between reporters that the first couple of questions are relevant to the announcement
before they fire off any other questions relevant to their audience
Photographers on the Labor campaign trail quickly check their shots before the bus moves on
Picture by Brittney LevinsonTravelling with the journalists are also a handful of Labor staffers
who do their best to keep the press pack well-fed and corral the group on and off buses
broadcast journalists are often required to do live crosses from their seats
while radio reporters can be heard recording voice-overs from underneath the makeshift soundproofing of their suit jackets
Travel sickness medication can be a necessity for print and digital journalists who use every possible moment of transit to file stories and blog posts
As we retire to the hotel rooms that the Labor team has booked for us (but paid for by our employers)
a message with tomorrow's schedule arrives from the staffers
just strict times for bag drop (often before 7am)
when the bus or plane will be leaving and rough flight durations
A Sky News reporter broadcasts live from the Labor campaign bus
Picture by Brittney LevinsonMystery chartered flights
also all paid for by individual news organisations
usually separate from the main city airports
and the pilots are careful not to mention the destination as they make announcements over the loudspeaker
It's never explicitly said why the flights and bus trips are so secretive
but it's safe to assume that not wanting to tip off the opposition and protestors are big considerations
There's probably a conversation to be had about the kilometres that are travelled by the leaders
their staffers and the trailing press packs
and whether the benefits of these journeys justify the emissions
the campaign trail is the closest they'll get in three years to the leaders of the major parties
to interrogate their policies and get real-time answers (not carefully worded written responses from a "spokesperson" after a three-day wait) on matters voters care most about
Do you have questions about how the campaign trail works? Leave them in the comments below or contact brittney.levinson@canberratimes.com.au
Brittney is part of the federal political bureau, covering politics, the public service and economics. Brittney joined The Canberra Times in 2021 and was previously the property reporter. Got a news tip? Get in touch: brittney.levinson@canberratimes.com.au
Photo: AP PHOTOThe South Texas home of Elon Musk's SpaceX rocket company is now an official city with a galactic name: Starbase
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA vote on Saturday to formally make Starbase a city was approved by a lopsided margin among the small group of voters who live there who are mostly Musk's employees at SpaceX
The tally was 212 in favour to six against
according to results published online by the Cameron County Elections Department
Musk celebrated in a post on his social platform
Starbase is the facility and launch site for the SpaceX rocket program that is under contract with the Department of Defense and NASA that hopes to send astronauts back to the moon and someday to Mars
The election victory was personal for Musk
The billionaire's popularity has diminished since he became the chain-saw-wielding public face of President Donald Trump's federal job and spending cuts
and profits at his Tesla car company have plummeted
SpaceX has generally drawn widespread support from local officials for its jobs and investment but the creation of an official company town has also drawn critics who worry it will expand Musk's personal control over the area
with potential authority to close a popular beach and state park for launches
SpaceX is also asking federal authorities for permission to increase the number of launches from five to 25 a year
The city at the southern tip of Texas near the Mexico border is only about four kilometres and SpaceX officials have said little about why they to want a company town
(AP PHOTO)"We need the ability to grow Starbase as a community," Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders wrote to local officials in 2024 with the request to get the city issue on the ballot
The letter said the company already manages roads and utilities
as well as "the provisions of schooling and medical care" for those living on the property
SpaceX officials have told lawmakers that granting the city authority to close the beach would streamline launch operations
and even just moving certain equipment around the launch base requires the closure of a local highway and access to Boca Chica State Park and Boca Chica Beach
Critics say beach closure authority should stay with the county government
which represents a broader population that uses the beach and park
Another proposed bill would make it a Class B misdemeanour with up to 180 days in jail if someone doesn't comply with an order to evacuate the beach
The South Texas Environmental Justice Network
which has organised protests against the city vote and the beach access issue
held another demonstration Saturday that attracted dozens of people
Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOSGWS coach Adam Kingsley admits Jake Stringer could spend more time on the bench after opting to use the star forward as a substitute against Sydney
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIn his 13th AFL season
Stringer started as a sub for the first time and kicked three goals as the Giants went down by 14 points at the SCG
Kingsley said he had started Stringer on the bench in a bid to help the former Essendon spearhead increase his fitness
Stringer had been kept goalless in last round's defeat to the Western Bulldogs after playing with sickness
He had been dogged by illness in the pre-season
missing two simulation matches before a hamstring strain forced him out of the first two home-and-away rounds
"Ever since he got quite crook a week and a half before the opening round
(his preparation) has just been a bit patchy," Kingsley said
"He got crook again last week and played crook (against the Bulldogs) and so I made an error of judgment there
"We need to get some work into him to get him near his best
"If that means he misses a week and we use that extra week to train him and get some work into him
Stringer replaced Toby Bedford after the star tagger was caught high by Sydney defender Lewis Melican
Melican will face scrutiny after Bedford was forced out of the game with blurred vision
Kingsley said Bedford did not suffer a concussion
which was obviously quite disappointing for us," Kingsley said
"He'd started on (Isaac) Heeney and didn't start particularly well
but he'd shifted to (Chad) Warner after probably five minutes of that quarter and was doing a really good job
"I don't think Warner had touched the ball and maybe had one for the remainder of the quarter - no doubt it was certainly a little bit crippling for us
"When it's a really important player to the way that you play structurally
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueOn Sunday morning
While Mr Joyce "and his team" were "very humbled" by the federal election outcome in New England
he was "not in a positive mood" when he spoke with the Leader
describing the result as a "silver lining on a big storm cloud"
Barnaby Joyce at Tamworth High School polling booth with his volunteers Daniel Gillett
Picture by Garth Gardner."It's like being a very good player on the losing side - that's not where I want to be," he said
"I want to be on the winning side because on the winning side I get to do more for [the people of New England]
"It would be rather selfish to say I'm really happy that we just lost the grand final because I played a good game."
representing 52.68 per cent of the votes in New England
The electoral redistribution saw almost 20,000 additional voters added to New England
and pundits were predicting the outcome could have been much closer for the historically safe Nationals' seat
Mr Joyce
was confident about how the party would poll in Muswellbrook
"We did well and that's because we had a plan for Muswellbrook - to get Muswellbrook ahead," he said
Mr Joyce said mining workers supported the Coalition's nuclear plan
The election outcome was bittersweet for New England's Labor candidate
Ms Hughes acknowledged there had been a small swing to Labor in the electorate
but said more people needed to hear what the party "is doing
"I spoke to a lot of people the length and breadth of the electorate
and there were a lot of people who wanted to see a change in New England
but it was heartening to hear that," she said
as well as standing twice as a Labor council candidate
"When people had a chance to meet me and hear me speak
many were impressed and thought 'this person could be a good representative for me'," she said
Ms Hughes said population growth in locations such as Armidale and Tenterfield had been positive for Labor in New England
and the party had done "reasonably well" there
Barnaby Joyce greeting voters at South Tamworth High School on Saturday
will be getting "straight back to service" for the people of the electorate
Picture by Gareth GardnerLooking ahead in New EnglandFor the incumbent Member for New England
it's now time to focus on getting "straight back to service for the people of New England"
"You have to work with the cards that are dealt to you," Mr Joyce said
"It's not that we won't get anything for the electorate - it's just harder
"[I've been] in the political game for 20 years
so you get to know people on the other football side
and although you play as hard as you can on the paddock
you don't play football in the change room or on the sideline."
Mr Joyce said New England had "hospitals without doctors"
"a water crisis that's coming for Tamworth" due to the city's water storage not keeping pace with it's population growth
and the "scourge of intermittent power" with transmission lines dividing communities and "devastating" property prices
Mr Joyce has been the Member for New England since 2013
At the close of counting on Saturday night
Brent Larkham for Pauline Hanson's One Nation was coming in third
ahead of Greens candidate Wendy Wales in fourth
and then Family First's Holly Masters and Tod Juchau for Trumpet of Patriots
Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOSStar New Zealand goalshooter Grace Nweke has produced yet another dazzling display to help lead the NSW Swifts to a 71-63 win over the Queensland Thunderbirds at Ken Rosewall Arena
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueScores were level at half-time of Sunday's Super Netball match
but the Swifts broke the contest open with a 23-13 third quarter to improve their season record to a perfect 4-0
The 23-year-old shot 148 goals across her first three games for the Swifts
"I'm learning on the job and really enjoying it," Nweke told Fox Sports
I think it's a pretty standard game for me
Just wanting to be a bit better in that regard
"I feel like I was available to the ball and pretty accurate with my shots
Nweke has been working on her movement in order to become a more complete player
"I'm not wanting to be a one-trick pony," she said
"I want to be able to diversify my skill sets
and know that in moments where I need to change up what I'm doing
Swifts wing attack Paige Hadley was also a powerhouse
earning player of the match honours for her 32 feeds and just one turnover
"I was just so in the moment," Hadley said
I'm really proud of the girls in that third quarter
Firebirds goalshooter Mary Cholhok led the way for the visitors with 42 goals from 50 attempts
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe $400,000 business case for an equine centre of excellence was commissioned by the Upper Hunter Shire Council with state government funding to identify suitable locations, business models and possible operators.
An artist's impression of a potential future 'Museum of Australian Horse Country' in the Upper Hunter.A report to the council highlights the project will likely not be owned or operated by the council and points instead to those already involved with the Hunter Valley Equine Precinct near and around Scone Racecourse.
High and very high risks were identified in the financial feasibility study, which said the challenge would be in generating enough revenue to cover operational costs based on a visitation forecast of 12,500 paying visitors per year.
That number was viewed as realistic by the consultants, Spedding Torres, who undertook the study in the context of the existing number of visits to the shire. That figure is about 126,000 unique visitors per year.
"Like many community and cultural facilities, visitation alone, even at this level, does not provide sufficient revenue to cover costs, meaning that additional revenues would need to be found through philanthropic means, donations or a significant uplift in visitation to make the (museum) financially viable," the report said.
"A standalone facility is not likely to achieve visitor numbers to be viable, as such this business case recommends that the [museum] is integrated into an existing precinct and is co-located with complementary facilities".
Sites that were considered included two locations in the vicinity of Scone Race Club, the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre, a second site between it and Scone Equine Hospital, as well as White Park, Campbell's Corner, and Scone Airport.
That list was developed in consultation with the council and the community. Each was assessed for its accessibility, existing infrastructure and potential to drive tourism.
No other private land holdings or non-council-owned sites were identified.
Ultimately, only Campbell's Corner and the Hunter Valley Equine precinct were shortlisted for further analysis.
Cost planning showed that a refurbishment option of 600 to 700 square metres, with associated external works, would cost between $8.1 and $8.9 million, while a standalone new build of about 2000 square metres was projected to cost $26.6 million.
Risks included the inability to identify and engage a suitably qualified operator, and the fact that the financial viability of the museum was contingent on staff, visitation, and capacity to attract interest.
The report was tabled at a council meeting on Monday (April 28).
Councillor Adam Williamson welcomed it as a step forward.
"It does give the option for the business people and entities of Scone involved in the horse industry to move forward with a long-wanted museum of Australian horse history," Councillor Williamson said.
"And it does give conceptual arrangements and how this could be brought forward.
"I think it's very positive that this is now completed and I would like to highlight that it is not likely to be owned and operated by the council but by private and other governmental agencies."
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAn elated crowd filling out the brightly lit function room in Canterbury-Hurlstone RSL roared for the Foreign Minister as she strode onto the stage
thank you for believing in Labor," Senator Wong bellowed to a crowd which needed little encouragement
They had been waiting for Mr Albanese to arrive for some time
Now they were at the peak, spilling out in a sea of red, welcoming their new Prime Minister
Cheers had erupted in the function room early and often
and as the night progressed past 8pm a sense of nervous caution upheld by Labor staffers and supporters right up until the end was abandoned
and Mr Albanese will be the first prime minister to win back-to-back elections since John Howard
An emotional Anthony Albanese greets supporters as he arrives to give his victory speech on Saturday night
Picture AAPThe sense of history was not lost on the crowd
Albo!," rang out the chant around the room as the victorious Prime Minister made his way to the podium
Mr Albanese's first act was to grasp the hands of his son Nathan
the crowd had booed and waved as Mr Dutton delivered his concession speech
both acknowledging the party's loss and his own
to Labor's Ali France in the seat of Dickson
But Mr Albanese chided his supporters when hearing the jeering in the crowd
delivered with a sense of victory and charged with self-belief
"It is with a deep sense of humility and a profound sense of responsibility that the first thing that I do tonight is to say 'thank you' to the people of Australia for the chance to continue to serve the best nation on Earth," he told supporters," he said
the Australian people have voted for Australian values: for fairness
"Australians have voted for a future that holds true to these values
a future built on everything that brings us together."
Mr Albanese struggled to fish his Medicare card out of his pocket
but this was quickly washed away by the eruption of support for the Prime Minister's signature move
But it was his promise to new Labor voters that will carry him forward tomorrow
"So many Australians who have voted Labor for the first time," Mr Albanese said
repaying your trust will drive our government each and every day of the next three years."
Miriam Webber is a federal politics and public sector reporter, with an interest in integrity, transparency and accountability in government. She has been a member of the federal political bureau since 2023, and previously worked as the city reporter. Reach her at miriam.webber@canberratimes.com.au
showing Aboriginal families and NSW police at the Inverell Aquatic Centre
Welcome to Dunghutti Country: Price event cancelled after Aboriginal people denied entry
Twenty years of discrimination: NT Aboriginal police officers make complaint to Human Rights Commission
On the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Ride
Walgett locals reflect on its enduring legacy
Children are bearing the brunt of the Closing the Gap failures
Report finds Voice referendum normalised racism and increased hostility toward First Nations People
Elders are working with lawyers coordinating a Racial Discrimination Human Rights Complaint
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePundits had predicted a swing against incumbent Mr Joyce as the tally started to roll in from 6pm on Saturday
with just around 15,000 votes remaining to count as of 7am on Sunday
Mr Joyce has benefitted from a two per cent swing away from Labor candidate Laura Hughes
New England is a division that has shifted borders for this election with almost 20,000 additional voters inside the new boundary
which some pundits thought could have contributed to a shift away from the historic safety held by the Nationals
A little more than 105,000 votes have been counted
Mr Joyce has secured about 52 per cent of the votes to lead 67 per cent to 33 on a two-party preferred basis
One Nation candidate Brent Larkham has also garnered 10,000 primary votes
indicating a five per cent upswing for Pauline Hanson's party in the region
View +4 PhotosVast swathes of people pre-polled in line with other electorates
There is one fewer candidate this time around
but Independent Natasha Ledger previously appeared on the ballot alongside Ms Hughes and Mr Joyce
Former Greens candidate Carol Sparks and Independent Matt Sharpham each secured about 7500 primary votes previously
while Wendy Wales steps into the shoes as Greens contender
Mr Joyce was in Sydney to be part of Sky News' coverage of the night
while Ms Hughes held a quiet function closer to home in Tamworth
The predictive result for Mr Joyce bucks the national trend
where ABC Analyst Antony Green called a Labor victory within two hours of the count starting
"This could be a big win for Labor," he told the ABC panel
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has also lost his own seat of Dickson to a significant Labor swing with the ABC predicting on Sunday morning that Labor might have secured its biggest majority in history
The tally above updates every five minutes as new count data is added
*Vote counting will not continue on Sunday
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
Sydney FC now wait to see if Adrian Segecic stays put or goes abroad
Photo: Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOSAfter missing out on the A-League Men finals
Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay is set to remain at his post and hopes young gun Adrian Segecic will be with the Sky Blues after this season too
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBut he concedes a move overseas could well be the move his breakout star has to make
Sydney's season ended in demoralising fashion with a 5-1 loss to second-placed Melbourne City
meaning Adelaide United claimed sixth place ahead of them
The Sky Blues only needed a point from their last two games to make finals
Their seventh-placed finish follows a semi-final exit from the Asian Champions League Two
"I'm sure they're quite down at the end of the day," said Talay
people mourn for a week and then people have to get on with their lives and that's something that we need to do as well."
Sydney are yet to officially confirm off-contract Talay will continue
But he has reportedly committed on a two-year deal and "definitely" intends to stay put
"It's not 100 per cent confirmed," he said
where we did well and where we didn't do so well
"It's one of those things where you review the season and we'll make decisions with players that are currently coming off contract and players that are contracted."
has been a revelation with 18 goals in all competitions
we definitely want to keep Adrian," Talay said
"But the season that he's had and what he's produced this year
it's a great opportunity to have an opportunity to go overseas if that comes to fruition for him
"And I believe that he will definitely take that opportunity if it does show itself
I think if he's going to stay in our competition
Adrian Segecic launches a left-foot shot during Sydney FC's campaign in Asia
(James Gourley/AAP PHOTOS)Talay noted Sydney conceded too many goals this season and hopes central defender Alex Grant
"We need an experienced central defender next season definitely and those discussions are happening with Alex at the moment," Talay said
Talay believed young centre-back Alexandar Popovic would learn from a disastrous night against City
He noted a "challenging" season had been about transition and bringing through younger players
"We all understand in Australia the landscape of Australia and where we fit in the landscape of world football as well," he said
"We're trying to produce our own players from our academy and I think the club has been quite successful in that manner and we continue to want to do that
we want to provide opportunities where we can sell players overseas and make everything sustainable as well."
Photo: Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOSRising star Darcy Jones is drawing inspiration from reigning premiers Brisbane as GWS look to end their early-season form slump with a derby win
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Giants are 4-3 and risk damaging their top-four ambitions if they again give up bragging rights to Sydney at the SCG on Sunday
While Jones admits back-to-back defeats have sent his sixth-placed side slightly spiralling
the small forward says pointing to Brisbane's run to the 2024 AFL flag has helped them refocus
The Lions were 13th (2-5) heading into round eight last year and only made it into the top eight in round 16 after overcoming a spate of injuries
Darcy Jones can't wait to tackle the Swans
(Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)"It's not the end of the world - in our minds
so we just need to stay positive," Jones told AAP
"I look back at Brisbane last year - they were not in a very good stage this time of year
I said as soon as I got on the bus in Canberra after the Bulldogs game ..
"And what better game to win than against the Swans
We'll be ready to get one on the board again."
Sydney defender Lewis Melican says it's the same story across the city
with last year's beaten grand finalists also bent on resuscitating their season
are 14th (2-5) and on a three-game losing streak
Sydney at least have recent derby history on their side
having won their past four meetings with GWS
we'll reach a stage where it might be too far to come back from
so we've got to start playing the footy we want to play soon," Melican told AAP
"I wouldn't really say there's much of a grace period (adjusting under Cox)
"We just need to really knuckle down because he's (Cox) had a pretty clear mindset that he wants to be a defence-first team
we probably haven't been able to do that the way we want to and the scoreboard's been showing it."
dropping forward Tom Hanily and back-up ruck Peter Ladhams
while defender Ben Paton is out with a calf injury
Fellow defender Sam Wicks returns from his own calf injury
alongside midfielder Angus Sheldrick and defender Joel Hamling
Josh Kelly (hip) and Conor Stone (omitted) out of the side
Giants rookie and Western Sydney local Josaia Delana will make his AFL debut
joined by fellow forward Callum Brown and defender Joe Fonti
Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOSA man who stabbed six weekend shoppers could have been reconnected with mental health support well ahead of the tragedy after a plea by his mother for assistance
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueJoel Cauchi was known to Queensland police for suspected mental health concerns more than a year before he armed himself with a 30-centimetre long knife and launched his unprovoked and deadly mall attack
the 40-year-old killed six people and injured 10 others in Sydney's Bondi Junction Westfield on April 13
2024 before being shot dead by police inspector Amy Scott
Cauchi called police to his family home in Toowoomba
after his father Andrew took his collection of knives
This included a knife that was the exact type used in the mall attack
body-worn video from a senior constable called to the Toowoomba house was played in the NSW Coroners Court on Monday
It's pretty expensive and he won't give it back," Cauchi says on the roadside outside the home as the officer approaches
He is seen persistently urging the officer
to talk to his parents and get the knives back right away
Inspector Amy Scott shot Joel Cauchi dead after he had killed six people in the mall
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)While claiming he would become financially broke or homeless without the knives
a female constable was chatting with the then-39-year-old's mother Michele who said her son had stopped taking his medication years before and was now believed to be hearing voices
"She was asking for help," the officer told the court
Cauchi was a "high-functioning" schizophrenic who had a university degree
could speak two languages and was studying to become an English teacher
His parents told police attending their home they held concerns for their son's mental health
including that he had been up at 3am pacing around
Michele Cauchi told the officers her husband Andrew took the knives out of concern
Cauchi was "in a rage" after they were taken
pushing his father and swearing at his mother
In an email sent that night to the Queensland police mental health incident co-ordinator
the more senior officer requested a follow-up
"It's likely we will have further calls for service to the house," he wrote
"If a follow-up could be made of the family … that would be great."
State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan is overseeing the inquest
(HANDOUT/NEW SOUTH WALES DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES AND JUSTICE)But nothing was organised after an "oversight" meant the email was seen but then forgotten about by a co-ordinator after being called to another job
Cauchi had been successfully treated for decades through anti-psychotic medication and psychiatric visits
But by March 2020 he had been completely detached from the mental health system
When asked by police about his mental health at the January 2023 call-out
Cauchi said he felt "really good" and "terrific"
He also said he felt much better since ceasing his medication which he claimed caused numerous side-effects
the inquest also heard evidence from a Brisbane highway patrol officer who pulled Cauchi over in September 2021 because of "erratic driving"
saw Cauchi "brake checking" his silver Toyota sedan by stopping and starting the vehicle before swerving sharply into the right-hand lane
He activated lights and sirens before pulling the vehicle over
Cauchi told the officer he did not realise how he was driving
The officer said when he searched for prior history
he was unaware there had been a pattern of behaviour with the then 38-year-old pulled over for similar driving twice before
The inquest before State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan continues on Tuesday
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMichael Roser
was spotted on a trail camera breaking into a home that was part of a deceased estate.Michael Roser
appeared via videolink at Armidale Local Court on Monday
He pleaded guilty to entering a home with the intention of stealing
had been in custody since being arrested and charged over the incident in November last year
Roser was spotted on a motion activated camera entering the Canambe Street
Armidale property about 9am on November 19 last year
The home was part of a deceased estate and had been cleaned
"[Roser] attended the property while it was unoccupied and was spotted on a trail camera set up to monitor chickens kept on the premises," police claimed
the camera also recorded Roser forcing his way into the home through a rear wooden door
police claimed Roser "went through the home opening drawers and rummaging through piles of clothing"
Officers estimated Roser was at the property for just under an hour
the home's caretaker arrived to find Roser in the house
He was charged with entering a dwelling with the intent to steal
Defence solicitor Elizabeth Stahlut said Roser's actions showed he had a significant mental health disorder
"My client has a history of homelessness and a dysfunctional family background," Ms Stahlut said
"He is trying to rehabilitate himself and he is keen to be released to get back into the community."
Magistrate Mark Richardson agreed Roser had shown "a capacity to reform and that is to his credit"
The non-parole period is less than three-quarters of the sentence because the court found special circumstances
I cover the New England district. Phone me on 0477 347 108 if you have any news.
Photo: AP PHOTOBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer flagged
during a phone call to congratulate Anthony Albanese on his historic election victory
that he would shortly dispatch a top defence adviser to Australia to discuss the AUKUS submarine program
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueStarmer spoke to Albanese on Sunday morning after the Australian leader won a second term in government
"Australia and the UK have a strong and enduring friendship
and the prime minister said he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese in the years to come
including through increased trade and economic security for working people in both countries," a Downing Street spokesperson said
including shared support for Ukraine and agreed to "increase ambition" on the AUKUS submarine program
Starmer said he would ask his AUKUS adviser
to travel to Australia in the coming weeks to discuss the programme further
AUKUS is a trilateral naval security alliance between Australia
Australia is set to acquire three Virginia-class submarines from the US in the early 2030s before a new fleet of boats is built for delivery from the 2040s
But the US is behind in its production of the boats needed
the American president can sink the deal if his navy's capabilities are at risk
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in February said the president supported supported the $368 billion deal after Australia made an $800 million down payment for the plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines
Albanese also had phone conversations with other world leaders on Sunday
including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy
Photo: AP PHOTOPrince Harry's claim that he's the victim of a "stitch-up" after losing a legal challenge over his UK security is "really offensive"
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueKen Wharfe
who was a royal protection officer to Harry
believes the duke has "played the wrong card" regarding his security
Harry can't expect the "all-singing-and-dancing protection" he had in the United Kingdom" when he was a working member of the royal family
Ken Wharfe says Harry's allegation of a "stitch-up" is "really offensive" (AP PHOTO)Harry now needs to show some "humility" if he wants to begin talks with his UK family
Harry has called for the Home Secretary to review the body that authorises protection for senior royals after he lost a Court of Appeal challenge last week over his security arrangements while in the UK
He told the BBC he "can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK"
But Wharfe says Harry "has really played the wrong card"
"I don't see how he can expect to get full protection when he arrived back in the UK
when he is no longer a member working the royal family
when he knows that the actual security package comes at the expense of the British taxpayer," he told the PA news agency
The police have seen it - so where's the problem?"
Harry failed in his appeal against the dismissal of his High Court claim against the Home Office
over the decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures that he should receive a different degree of protection when in the UK
He told the BBC he can only come to the UK safely if he is invited
and King Charles could help resolve the situation by "stepping aside and allowing the experts to do what is necessary"
that this is a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up
Harry says the decision "is knowingly putting me and my family in harm's way"
Wharfe said: "With regards to the stitch-up
I think what he should be doing now is actually showing some humility
"If a reconciliation is part of what he wants
then this is hardly the way to go about reconciling the differences that exist within your family."
Harry's level of security changed in 2020 when he and his wife Meghan stepped down as working royals and moved to Canada
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHorse trainers Trent Smith and Claudia Smith will have to pay almost $80,000 in damages to the owners of championship-winning cutting horse Moore Metal after a decision handed down by the NSW District Court on March 14
Although Mr Smith conceded responsibility for the horse's injuries
he argued in court the horse was not worth as much as the owner
"I could not ask a lot of him as he was not very strong," Mr Smith said during the hearing in April
"Through the process of training he became better
but he was not one of the better horses I had at the time..
I considered him in the middle range of the horses I had that year."
A "reduce speed" sign at the site of the crash on Moriguy Road
Picture from fileThe court heard that on May 26
Mr Smith was towing a trailer full of horses to a cutting competition in Tamworth when he missed a turn on Moriguy Road
The crash resulted in the death of Mr Smith's father
Of the 17 horses being transported for the competition
eight were euthanised on scene and eight were taken to a local vet Dr Ross Pedrana for treatment
Moore Metal had already proven successful in the sport of cutting
cutting requires competitors to maneuver their horses to break off small groups of cattle from a herd
In June 2016 he and Mr Smith won the Futurity event at the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity show at Tamworth - a title that came with a $75,000 prize
The next month they placed third at a similar event in Toowoomba
Moore Metal had won a total of $91,214 in prize money - just short of the $100,000 needed to land him a spot in the National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame
Moore Metal would never reach that milestone as the accident severely injured his leg
the injury reduced Moore Metal's value by leaving him unable to compete and decreasing his breeding potential
In the lawsuit Mr Jones claimed damages for the horse's vet bills
ongoing medical treatment and loss of resale value
Moore Metal had already reached his competition potential and was unlikely to have future success
"After the Futurity event I could not get Moore Metal to progress from a futurity horse to a sound
The Smiths also argued that Mr Jones could have reduced his losses by having the horse euthanised in the days following the accident
They said Mr Jones' decision to keep the horse alive was "uncommercial" and was based on a "sentimental desire" to continue to own a horse
Dr Pedrana said he told Mr Jones the injury was so severe that he could euthanise the horse if he wished to do so
But he also discussed with Mr Jones the treatment options should he wish to keep the horse
Handing down his decision, District Court judge Greg Waugh said it was his impression that Mr Smith was trying to "downplay" Moore Metal's achievements and future potential
"Whether he did this consciously or subconsciously
Judge Waugh also said he did not accept Mr Smith's claim that Mr Jones acted contrary to medical advice by keeping the horse alive
the plaintiff did not act unreasonably in failing to euthanise Moore Metal in the days following the accident," he said
The court determined the total amount of damages for the horse to be $122,696
$42,000 for future expenses and $20,000 for loss in value
Taking away what Mr Jones was able to claim in insurance
Mr Smith was ordered to pay $78,132 in damages
Allison Hore is a journalist with the Daily Liberal.
Photo: AP PHOTOWarren Buffett has shocked an arena full of his shareholders by announcing that he wants to retire at the end of the year
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBuffett
said on Saturday he will recommend to Berkshire Hathaway's board that Greg Abel should become CEO at the end of the year
"I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the Chief Executive Officer of the company at year end," Buffett said
Abel has been Buffett's designated successor for years and he already manages all of Berkshire's non-insurance businesses
But it was always assumed that he wouldn't take over until after Buffett's death
Previously the 94-year-old investor has always said he had no plans to retire
Buffett announced the news at the end of a five-hour question and answer period and didn't take any questions about it
He said the only board members who knew this was coming were his two children
Many investors have said they believe Abel will do a good job running Berkshire
but it remains to be seen how good he will be at investing Berkshire's cash
Buffett also endorsed him on Saturday by pledging to keep his fortune invested in the company
"I have no intention — zero — of selling one share of Berkshire Hathaway
I will give it away eventually," Buffett said
"The decision to keep every share is an economic decision because I think the prospects of Berkshire will be better under Greg's management than mine."
Thousands of investors in the Omaha arena gave Buffett a prolonged standing ovation after his announcement in recognition of his 60 years leading the company
Buffett earlier warned that US President Donald Trump's tariffs were harmful
Buffett said Trump's trade policies have raised the risk of global instability by angering the rest of the world
"We should be looking to trade with the rest of the world
We should do what we do best and they should do what they do best," he said
Photo: HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOSCanterbury lock Kurt Mann believes he is ready to become Queensland's oldest State of Origin debutant since Arthur Beetson
after waiting more than a decade for his chance
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMann will run out onto Suncorp Stadium on Sunday against Gold Coast knowing he is inching closer to a Maroons debut at the same ground in Origin I come May 28
the 32-year-old last month received the backing of Maroons coach Billy Slater who said Mann had Origin "traits"
Kurt Mann (r) played for Queensland Under 20s in 2012 but has yet to appear in senior Origin ranks
(Robb Cox/AAP PHOTOS)A centre when he debuted in the NRL with Melbourne in May 2014
Mann has become one of the key cogs of Canterbury's rebuild for the past two seasons at lock
He was given a brief taste of Origin environment when he entered Maroons camp in 2021
but the Winton junior from rural Queensland is firming as a bench option this year
he would be the third oldest Origin debutant of all time behind Beetson in the inaugural Origin game in 1980 and NSW prop Tony Butterfield in 1998
who had to wait until his final season when aged 35 for Origin to be introduced
no other Maroon has debuted after their 32nd birthday
but I'd definitely be excited and if I was given the opportunity
as they spent two years as teammates at Melbourne at the start of Mann's career
Mann has benefited from mobile middle forwards becoming more valuable with the increased speed of the game
Mann (r) has been playing some of his best football for ladder leaders Canterbury
(Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)The Maroons opted to have both Kalyn Ponga and Ben Hunt on their bench in last year's series-deciding loss
and are expected to go with an extra forward this year
Mann said he had not gone searching for Slater's comments backing him
"I've had people mention stuff to me about it … but we've still got a lot of work to do here," Mann said
"If we take care of our job here at the Bulldogs
"It's obviously a credit to Ciro (Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo) and the program they run here for me to be at this age and probably playing my best footy
Mann also insisted there had been no change in mood at Canterbury ahead of Magic Round
after their first loss of the season to Brisbane
"We had a minor hiccup on the weekend where we let the game get away from us," Mann said
"The result was about the only thing that was different
Everyone bounced in (to training) with the same energy."