The Australian and NSW Governments are jointly funding the $261.17 million Newell Highway heavy duty pavement upgrades between Narrabri and Moree
These upgrades will improve safety for motorists and reduce future maintenance requirements and costs
The HDPU project includes upgrading four priority sections along the Newell Highway with over 20 kilometres of new road pavement
widening of road shoulders and the provision of five additional overtaking lanes
Ongoing delays of at least fifteen minutes should be expected between Narrabri and Moree
Please drive to the conditions and always follow the directions of signs and traffic control
If your vehicle is over 3.8 metres wide, notify us ahead of your trip on 1800 741 636 (Option #2) or email NewellHighwayWideLoads@fultonhogan.com.au ahead of your journey so that arrangements can be planned within the construction area to minimise delays
Watch this animated video that explains how oversize over mass (OSOM) vehicles and their pilot vehicles should travel through construction zones with special wide load bays
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit the Live Traffic website or call 132 701
Read our April notification (PDF, 1.36 MB) to find out more
Read our notification (PDF, 244.84 KB) to find out more
Read our notification (PDF, 256.71 KB) to find out more
Three new overtaking lanes south of Moree are now open thanks to a $261.1 million investment between the Australian and New South Wales governments
providing safer and more efficient road journeys
For drivers of the Newell Highway the upgrades are a welcome improvement
with new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes south of Moree
and a new northbound lane now open at Bellata
Read our media release to find out more
ImageCollapse the ImageNewell highway Narrabri Moree Project MapImage controls:
The project includes over 20kms of heavy duty pavement upgrades along four sections (1
2,3 & 5) of the Newell between Narrabri and Moree.Key features include:
Section 1 - looking southbound to Narrabri
Section 1 - 10.7km to 13.3km north of Narrabri map
Section 2 - 18.1km to 23.7km north of Narrabri at Edergoi map
Section 3 - 46.4km to 50.8km north of Narrabri at Bellata map
Section 5 - 88.2km to 96.2km north of Narrabri near Moree map
Announcement to award tender for main construction to Fulton Hogan – 13 April 2022
Local job seeker and supplier networking sessions in Narrabri and Moree - 15 & 16 June 2022
Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG)
If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us
Distribution Lists N2M HDPU Email ListValues to always add
Personal Information Collection Notice: Transport for NSW is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal and health information is managed according to law. Find out why we collect your personal information and how we use and manage it by reading our privacy statement or phone 13 22 13 to request a copy
For further information about this project
Email: newell.upgrade@transport.nsw.gov.au
Mail: Newell Highway upgrade, Narrabri to Moree Heavy Duty Pavements; PO Box 334, Parkes NSW 2870
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: 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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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
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSLABOR POLICIES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN SECOND ALBANESE TERM
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* HECS debts will be cut by 20 per cent for those with student loans
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese flagged this as the first piece of legislation that will be introduced when parliament resumes
* Bulk-billing will be expanded to 90 per cent by 2030 with an extra $8.5 billion to be spent on a boost to Medicare
* A further 50 Medicare urgent care clinics will be build across the country
* Tax cuts of up to $268 will be rolled out from July 2026
with a further cut of $536 in July 2027 and every financial year after that
Australians can expect tax cuts under the second-term Labor government
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)* Taxpayers will receive an instant $1000 deduction when they complete their tax return
* A scheme allowing a five per cent deposit to first-home buyers will be expanded to all people looking to buy their first property
* Labor has promised to build 100,000 homes solely for the purchase of first-home buyers
* Non-compete clauses will be banned for workers changing jobs if they earn less than $175,000 a year
* Households will get a 30 per cent discount to install electric batteries from July 2025
* The Albanese government has promised to set up a national environment protection agency
after plans were stalled in his first parliament
* Work will be done to bring the port of Darwin back to Australian ownership
* A critical minerals strategic reserve will be set up to stockpile mining materials to trade on global markets
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: Ethan James/AAP PHOTOSThe closure of a youth detention centre with an "ongoing abuse risk" has been further pushed back as part of broad justice reforms
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's Ashley Youth Detention Centre was in 2023 recommended to be shut as soon as possible in the final report of an inquiry into institutionalised child sexual abuse
the subject of horrific stories of mistreatment
which had previously pledged to shut the centre by the end of 2024
later said it would be closed in 2026 once replacement facilities had been established
Minister for Children Roger Jaensch says the centre can't close until a new one is up and running
that date was pushed back to early 2028 as part of the release of a master plan for the construction of a more therapeutic centre north of Hobart
"We cannot (close the centre) before we have a new functional detention facility," Minister for Children and Youth Roger Jaensch told reporters
"We believe … we can see the new facility built before the end of 2027 and then the closure of Ashley shortly thereafter."
Labor opposition MP Sarah Lovell said there was no clear plan for what would happen in the meantime
"The (inquiry) made it crystal clear: Ashley must close as soon as possible," she said
"Community safety is directly linked to effective
we are failing both the young people in the system and the communities they return to."
A master plan for a new facility has been released but it won't be built before the end of 2027
(Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)A parliament committee was last week told the government was investigating recent complaints from detainees about the use of isolation and restraints
Mr Jaensch acknowledged Ashley had not produced good outcomes for young people and hadn't reduced re-offending
the state government was providing diversionary programs for young people and the centre was safer than ever before
"We're not seeing an increase in reports of sexual abuse
although we leave the channels open for anyone with concerns to report them
there hasn't been a recent concern raised about recent sexual abuse matters at Ashley Youth Detention Centre."
The new centre will have 16 residential beds
plus two for new arrivals and two medical beds
Of 111 state servants suspended since late 2020 because of child sexual abuse allegations
41 remain subject to ongoing investigations by the government
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Photo: Ethan James/AAP PHOTOSTasmania's footy DNA will prove a massive lever in attracting talent to the fledgling club
according to an AFL premiership-winning recruiting guru who has joined the Devils
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 areaContinueDerek Hine
regarded as one of the most accomplished recruitment managers
was on Monday announced as Tasmania's inaugural head of recruiting
Hine spent more than two decades at Collingwood and helped build teams that won flags in 2010 and 2023
He has also helped oversee the establishment of expansion clubs Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney
Tasmania is in ongoing discussions with the AFL around what draft picks and list concessions will be provided to the new franchise ahead of its debut season in 2028
Hine said he understood it would include the No.1 pick
but it was also important to ensure draft success in the medium and long term
Being able to build something from scratch was a key motivator in Hine's desire to link with the Devils
after departing Collingwood at the end of 2024
Hine said he would make the same pitch to prospective players
which I don't think is going to be that hard a sell," he said
Jack Crisp proudly shows the trophy to fans after Collingwood's 2023 AFL premiership
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)"There is a fundamental difference
as opposed to a state that has the DNA of AFL footy
The energy within the state is incredible."
Hine's signing was part of a two-pronged Devils coup that also included Melbourne's Todd Patterson
who has joined as the club's first head of list management and strategy
Patterson has been in charge of the Demons' AFLW list
The pair will oversee the establishment of Tasmania's AFL
AFLW and VFLW rosters - a Devils VFL team is on track to enter the state league in 2026
The Tasmania Devils are on track to join the VFL in 2026
(Loic Le Guilly/AAP PHOTOS) Patterson said they wanted to strike a balance between bringing island state players home and ensuring the team would be competitive from day one
"I think Tasmanians want to see Tasmanians wearing the jumper
Tasmanians also want the best team possible," he said
"Naturally given draft concessions are the cornerstone of a new team
but we need to get the experience right through the team."
Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale said Hine brought a wealth of experience
Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale is delighted by the two-pronged appointment
(Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)"He has a proven track record
and his passion for talent identification and team building aligns perfectly with our vision," Gale said
"To attract someone of Derek's calibre at this formative stage speaks volumes about what we're creating."
The Devils' AFL licence is contingent on the construction of a roofed stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart
The state Liberal government on Monday announced it was moving away from a plan to seek private investment to cover a funding shortfall
also supported by the state's Labor opposition
must be voted through state parliament to get the green light
One of the concept designs for Hobart's proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point
(HANDOUT/TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT)The state government had pledged to cap its spend at $375 million
while the federal government is chipping in $240 million and the AFL $15 million
Gale said it wasn't his position to judge how the stadium would be funded
Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOSA maintenance worker accused of killing gangland lawyer Joseph Acquaro has walked from court a free man after his murder charge was dropped
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 areaContinueVincenzo Crupi
was accused of shooting dead Mr Acquaro as he left his East Brunswick gelato store on March 15
He pleaded not guilty to murder and was awaiting trial in the Victorian Supreme Court but prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams on Monday confirmed the case had been discontinued
Joseph Acquaro was shot dead in front of his East Brunswick gelato shop in March 2016
(Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS)Mr McWilliams did not detail in court the reason why prosecutors dropped the murder charge
Justice Jane Dixon confirmed Mr Crupi was not in custody on any other matters so she allowed him to the leave the dock for the rest of the brief hearing
Mr Crupi hugged his lawyers outside the courtroom but declined to comment
He was first charged in 2018 with Mr Acquaro's murder and was committed to stand trial in the Victorian Supreme Court the following year
But the case was repeatedly delayed due to a legal fight over confidential material
Victoria Police sought to withhold more than 600 pages of documents from Mr Crupi's lawyers
arguing it could identify a police informant known as Informer Z
A Supreme Court judge ruled against the police in 2018
saying the documents could substantially assist Mr Crupi in his defence
always denied shooting Joseph Acquaro dead
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)The police commissioner then appealed the decision to the High Court
with three justices overturning the judge's original ruling in September 2024
The case was sent back to the Supreme Court but no new trial date was listed
always denied the allegation he shot dead Mr Acquaro
Police had alleged Mr Crupi carried out the murder following a dispute over payment for tiling work he carried out at Mr Acquaro's gelato store
But Mr Crupi claimed Mr Acquaro was an informer and it was reasonably possible he was killed by someone who had learnt of his discussions with police
Mr Acquaro had represented prominent gangland figures during his time as a lawyer and he had strong ties with Melbourne's Calabrian community
it was revealed he had shared information about at least one of his clients to police although he was never formally registered as an informer
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: 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
Photo: AP PHOTOIsrael has approved plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip and remain in the territory for an unspecified amount of time
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 areaContinueIf implemented
the move would vastly expand Israel's operations in the Palestinian territory and likely bring fierce international opposition
Israeli cabinet ministers approved the plan in an early morning vote on Monday
hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March
which the officials said was meant to help Israel achieve its war aims of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages held in Gaza
also would push hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza
in what would likely exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis
Since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in mid-March
Israel has unleashed fierce strikes on the territory that have killed hundreds
It has captured swathes of territory and now controls roughly 50 per cent of Gaza
Israel halted all humanitarian aid into Gaza
setting off what is believed to be the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war
The ban on aid has prompted widespread hunger and shortages have set off looting
The Israeli officials said the plan included the "capturing of the strip and the holding of territories"
The plan would also seek to prevent the militant Hamas group from distributing humanitarian aid
which Israel says strengthens the group's rule in Gaza
The plan also included powerful strikes against Hamas targets
A ban on humanitarian aid entering Gaza has led to widespread hunger among residents
(AP PHOTO)The officials said Israel was in touch with several countries about US President Donald Trump's plan to take over Gaza and relocate its population
under what Israel has termed "voluntary emigration"
yet which has sparked condemnations from Israel's allies in Europe and the Arab world
One of the officials said the plan would be implemented gradually
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing military plans
According to an internal memo circulated among aid groups and seen by The Associated Press
Israel told the United Nations it will use private security companies to control aid distribution in Gaza
said it would not participate in the plan as presented to it
detailed notes from a meeting between the Israeli defence body in charge of co-ordinating aid to Gaza - COGAT - and the UN
all aid will enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing
letting approximately 60 trucks enter daily and distributing 20 kilograms of aid parcels directly to people on the day of entry
The memo said the aid will be distributed at logistics hubs
which will be run by private security companies
The fighting has displaced more than 90 per cent of Gaza's population
and turned Gaza into an uninhabitable moonscape
Israel's offensive has killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza
(AP PHOTO)The UN said the plan would leave large parts of the population
It said the plan "appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic - as part of a military strategy"
Israeli strikes across Gaza continued overnight
killing at least 17 people in northern Gaza
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel
killing 1200 people and taking about 250 hostages
Israel's offensive has killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza
Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOSBig-name international music concert tours will get discounted arena hire fees at some of Australia's largest venues if they choose home-grown Australian acts to open their shows
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 Australian live music industry is struggling against streaming services that favour American tunes
and the local scene in NSW has taken a hit over the years since the pandemic and lockout laws
NSW Premier Chris Minns said that giving Aussie artists their first big break in front of thousands of locals will help them get high rotation on playlists
Global artists playing at NSW stadiums like Accor will get an incentive to use local opening acts
(Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)"The Hoodoo Gurus got their first big break after they performed with Lou Reed in 1984," Mr Minns said
Mr Minns dedicated the incentive to the late Michael McMartin
who managed the Hoodoo Gurus and had a passion for pushing Aussie talent to be included on the stadium tours
"We want more Australian musicians to have that opportunity
performing on the biggest stages in NSW alongside the best international artists," Mr Minns said
WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre and the Sydney Opera House
the NSW Government will reduce the venue hire fee by $20,000 for each eligible show across various NSW venues and will offer a $5,000 reduction at the Sydney Opera House
at least one Australian artist must be included as a support act on an international artist's headline tour
The Australian performer or band must appear on the same stage as the international artist and be announced at the same time as the tour
The measure kicks off Monday and spans an initial two years
"There were just three Australian albums in the ARIA top 100 charts in 2024," Arts Minister John Graham said
"This represents a crisis for Australian music."
Australia's Ball Park Music is set to open for Oasis during their tour Down Under
(EPA PHOTO)Oasis is touring Australia in October and November and has asked Australia's Ball Park Music to open for them
"There's no denying the benefit of a big support slot
The opportunity to play your music live in front of a new audience is the best marketing we have as artists
the chance to showcase what we're all about in the most real and authentic fashion," Ball Park Music said
"Any initiative that can help amplify Australian talent
and aid in building a long-term and engaged audience is a massive step in the right direction."
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: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken his election landslide as a mandate to press ahead with key reforms as he stares down the Greens on housing
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 areaContinueDespite winning a substantial majority
Mr Albanese insists the government would turn to priority reform and not get ahead of itself
Legislation to slash student debt by 20 per cent will be the introduced when parliament resumes
"I didn't get ahead of myself in the last three years
we had a lot to turn around," he said in Canberra on Monday
Housing will remain a major priority with the prime minister ready to take on the Greens
who still hold the balance of power in the Senate despite losing two seats to Labor in Brisbane
Greens leader Adam Bandt has pledged to use the balance of power to force progressive reform but the prime minister took a stern tone after the Liberals and Greens lost their housing spokespeople
"We have a clear mandate to build more housing
criticising the Greens and coalition for stalling Labor's housing policies
then they'll receive the same response that the housing spokespeople for the Liberal Party and the Greens got on Saturday."
Mr Albanese also outlined his priorities abroad
He will travel to Canada for a G7 summit in June
with Indonesia to be his first international bilateral trip
Mr Albanese's ministry is expected to showcase many new faces in the party room
(Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)The prime minister has spoken with a number of global counterparts including US President Donald Trump since his re-election and more conversations have been lined up as his leadership team meets on Monday to decide on a new cabinet
the delicate factional balance in the ministry could stir a wider reshuffle under an ascendant left wing
Caucus will also meet after the final ballots have been counted and seats determined
Labor picked up in excess of a dozen seats
with more on the table as ballot counting continues
The government needed at least 76 out of 150 lower house seats to win and could end up with 85 or more
The government faces a weakened opposition with the battered Liberals losing at least 13 seats and as many as 19
Peter Dutton is the highest-profile casualty among the Liberals who could lose as many as 19 seats
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)Peter Dutton was the highest-profile casualty
becoming the first opposition leader to lose his seat as three Liberal frontbenchers were booted from parliament by Labor candidates
the leadership frontrunners include shadow treasurer Angus Taylor
defence spokesman Andrew Hastie and immigration spokesman Dan Tehan
Some Liberal senators concede the coalition had failed to offer voters a substantial policy platform
"You've got to have the ambition to lead on the economy and ..
I don't think that's been evident over the last few years," Liberal senator Andrew Bragg told ABC radio on Monday
Angus Taylor is among leadership contenders but is under fire for the Liberal election campaign
(Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)The coalition needed to avoid culture wars that target minorities and become more inclusive to win back the middle ground
while branding a decision to preference One Nation as "misguided"
was scathing of Mr Taylor's role in the defeat saying "the economic narrative was just completely non-existent"
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said it would be "extraordinary if Angus Taylor was rewarded with a promotion after the diabolical contribution that he made to this history-making coalition defeat"
before police claim he ran at her vehicle while armed with a machete
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 areaContinueJaiden Schutz appeared via video link from Tamworth prison in Tamworth Local Court this week and continually played with and stroked his hair throughout his bid for bail
Jaiden Schutz appeared via video link from Tamworth prison in Tamworth Local Court this week and continually played with and stroked his hair throughout his bid for bail.The court heard the "serious" allegations against Schutz in court after the 27-year-old had spent almost a week in custody before lodging a bid for release
Police prosecutor Sergeant Sarah Miller opposed bail and said Schutz
was a risk of committing further serious offences
She said the allegations show "a weapon brandished towards the complainant"
and "the statement 'I would put a blade through your head'" was concerning
"Then he ran towards her vehicle with a machete," she submitted to the court
The court heard Schutz was put on an intensive corrections order (ICO) - or jail term in the community - in late-March
and was on a Community Corrections Order (CCO) for domestic violence offences
Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) solicitor Courtney Edstein said her client could live in Inverell under a curfew with family and not leave
She said he would have no contact with the complainants; not to enter Tamworth; not to possess or use any weapons; among a list of conditions
She conceded his record was against him but the strong conditions could mitigate the risks
The court heard he was arrested on the night of April 23
He's accused of intimidating a woman on April 8
as well as April 22; being armed with a machete on the afternoon of April 22 with intent to commit an assault; and knowingly contravening an AVO having twice breached the same order within 28 days
He's also accused of possessing cannabis and a weapon; and resisting officers
as well as using a prohibited weapon contrary to a prohibition order on the night of April 23
"The conditions see Mr Schutz a significant distance ..
from where the alleged offending occurred," Miss Edstein said
Magistrate Julie Soars said the alleged threat to the woman had been recorded
"The complainant is said to have a recording of the threat: 'I'll put a blade through your head'," she said
She said Schutz was on conditional liberty
and the AVO stipulated no contact which "has [allegedly] been breached with a serious threat"
"Unfortunately for Mr Schutz his record is against him," she said
"He's got previous firearm matters on his record
"I can't see the bail conditions reduce the risk ..
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Photo: AP PHOTOYemen's Houthi rebels say they will impose a "comprehensive" aerial blockade on Israel by repeatedly targeting its airports
in response to Israel expanding its operations in Gaza
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 Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile strike that hit near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport
saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate
Most attacks from Yemen have been intercepted by Israel's missile defence systems
though a drone strike hit Tel Aviv in 2024
Sunday's missile was the only one of a series launched since March that was not intercepted
The Houthis' Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre
a body set up in 2024 to liaise between Houthi forces and commercial shipping operators
issued the warning about targeting Israeli airports
saying Ben Gurion Airport would be the top target
The statement attached an email it said was sent to the International Air Transport Association
and the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organisation
Houthi forces called "upon all international airlines to take this announcement into serious consideration ..
and to cancel all their flights to the airports of the criminal Israeli enemy
in order to safeguard the safety of their aircraft and passengers"
A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel collapsed in March and air and ground attacks have resumed
(AP PHOTO)Israel's security cabinet approved plans for an expanded operation in the Gaza Strip
adding to signs that attempts to stop the fighting and return hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas have made no progress
Since the collapse of an earlier ceasefire agreement in March
Israeli troops have been carving out wide buffer zones in Gaza
squeezing the 2.3 million population into an ever narrower zone in the centre of the enclave and along the coast and shutting off the entry of aid trucks
Aid groups have warned the Israeli blockade risks a humanitarian disaster
Israel's campaign on Gaza has laid waste to much of the enclave and so far killed more than 52,000 people
That Hamas offensive killed 1200 people and led to 251 people being taken hostage
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
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: Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOSWestpac shares have sold off after posting weaker than expected first-half profit
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 areaContinueAustralia's oldest bank was the worst performer of the big four
down more than three per cent per cent to $32.40 around 1pm AEST on Monday after it first half profit dipped to $3.3 billion
Chief executive Anthony Miller touted the group's balance sheet as it navigates an economically uncertain backdrop and volatile market conditions
"The foundations of the bank have strengthened materially over the last two decades," he said
A common tier T1 equity ratio of 12.6 per cent was more than six percentage points higher than pre-global financial crisis levels
while the bank's deposit-to-loan ratio was at a record high of 84.5 per cent
"These foundations will support us to navigate increasingly volatile and uncertain conditions stemming from trade and geopolitical tensions," Mr Miller said
Westpac CEO Anthony Miller (right) says he is looking forward to working with a Labor government
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)Recent instability due to US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs has also impacted global credit markets
particularly over those last couple of months
has increased the cost of credit in the International and wholesale markets," Mr Miller said
will mean that as and when we need to access the markets for incremental funding
Westpac also said there was welcome relief on the way
now that the Reserve Bank of Australia appeared to be turning into an interest rate easing cycle
"The resilience of customers who have navigated significant cost-of-living challenges over the past few years is impressive," Mr Miller said
"This resilience is reflected in the improvement in credit quality metrics
indicating we may have passed the low point in the cycle."
The bank's mortgage delinquencies and impairment charges remain low
Westpac was the worst performer of the big four banks
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)Mr Miller congratulated federal Labor on its landslide win after the weekend election
noting the clear result would be a boon for the nation
the consistencies and certainty that that re-election delivers is quite profound," he said
"It certainly sets us aside and sets us apart from many other countries around the world
and given the inconsistency of the volatility that we're seeing."
including those flagged in Westpac's most recent consumer survey
"Business confidence has also weakened; this could lead to softer consumer spending and business activity," Mr Miller said
Westpac announced an interim dividend of 76 cents per share
one cent higher than the previous corresponding period
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
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 PHOTOSKEY NARRATIVES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 10 OF THE NRL
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 areaContinueARE PENRITH BACK TO THEIR BEST
The Panthers' 32-8 defeat of Brisbane at Magic Round was their most complete performance of a poor season to date
Nathan Cleary was at his creative best playing off the back of his physical and defensively enthusiastic teammates
but coach Ivan Cleary shrugged at suggestions the four-time reigning premiers were back to their best
The Panthers face North Queensland this Saturday
Jye Gray and Peter Mamouzelos joined a South Sydney casualty ward now bursting at the seams
Wayne Bennett tipped only Latrell Mitchell (suspension) would return for this weekend's clash against Brisbane
meaning they'll be without more than 1,000 games of NRL experience
Brisbane five-eighth Ezra Mam has cleared the nine-game suspension he incurred for drug driving so is available for selection in Friday night's clash against Souths
The severely understrength Rabbitohs loom as an easy kill to help Mam get his eye in
but coach Michael Maguire has not yet made a decision as to whether the five-eighth will return via reserve grade
Canberra's golden point win over top-four hopefuls Melbourne improved their record to 7-2 and lifted the Raiders to second place on the ladder
they'll face the only side higher on the ladder - Canterbury - for a test of their heavyweight status and could finish the round atop the ladder with a win
There's two rounds left for players to push their cases for State of Origin
Mitch Moses and Jarome Luai were both strong at Magic Round in pursuit of a NSW halves spot
while Tom Dearden and Cam Munster are jostling for the five-eighth position next to Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans
Jacob Kiraz and Terrell May are leading contenders for NSW debuts as well
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
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
one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations
Photo: AP PHOTOUS President Donald Trump says he is directing the Bureau of Prisons to reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison to "house America's most ruthless and violent offenders"
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"REBUILD
AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!" he posted on the Truth Social platform
we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals
and keep them far away from anyone they could harm."
The closure of the federal prison in 1963 was attributed to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility
because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat
It is now one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations
The prison — infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it — was known as the "The Rock" and housed some of the nation's most notorious criminals
including gangster Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly
It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies
including The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage
Nearly all were caught or didn't survive the attempt
The Alcatraz prison once housed gangster Al Capone and has been the subject of numerous movies
(AP PHOTO)Trump said he'd come up with the idea to reopen Alcatraz because of frustrations with "radicalised judges" who have insisted those being deported receive due process
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement the agency "will comply with all Presidential Orders"
a California Democrat whose district includes the island
questioned the feasibility of reopening the prison after so many years
"It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction
The President's proposal is not a serious one," she wrote on social media platform X
The order to reopen Alcatraz comes as Trump has been clashing with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador
Trump has also talked about wanting to send American citizens there and to other foreign prisons
Trump has also directed the opening of a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay
to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labelled the "worst criminal aliens"
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
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Picture by Zac Lowe.Speaking to the Leader as the sun began to set this evening
Sean Hayne's demeanour could best be described as one of cautious pride
Hayne's perennial pragmatism wouldn't allow him to celebrate too raucously
"It's a good start for the year for us," he said
so we've got to get ready for that on a short turnaround ..
The early stages of the game certainly didn't look as though Gunnedah would spring the upset
The visibly nervous hosts made a number of errors in the opening 15 minutes which were punished quickly and severely by an alert Boars side at Kitchener Park
Adrian Smith opened the scoring after leaping over the outstretched arms of a Gunnedah defender
before former captain-coach Mick Watton showed that he still poses ample threat on the field with a try of his own
a switch seemed to flick in the Bulldogs and the mistakes dried up
scraped over on the left edge in the 23rd minute soon to be followed by Will Patterson
the score was 10-10 and the momentum has settled in Gunnedah's arms
Patterson notched his second try less than ten minutes after the resumption of play
and the Bulldogs were in full control as Moree uncharacteristically struggled to maintain possession
View +17 PhotosPictures by Zac Lowe."We were in that arm wrestle the whole way," Boars co-coach Jack Durheim said
"Our discipline and ball control really let us down
Last year we were getting the bounce of the ball and really running away with it
this year we've got to work a bit harder."
But with the score at 16-10 and the hosts seemingly in control
Bulldogs captain Lincon Smith was sin-binned for high contact
Home fans' stomachs were doing somersaults soon after when Jake Tighe crossed for a try (which went unconverted) to bring Moree within two points
Gunnedah survived 10 minutes while only conceding the one try
but the guys have been working hard on their defence and they're working hard for each other
so I was always confident we could hold them out," he said
and the shoe was soon placed on the other foot when one of the Boars was sin-binned with less than 10 minutes in the game
It did not take long before newly-signed halfback Ezra Gibson chipped a grubber beneath the crossbars and grounded the ball by the skin of his teeth
That put the Bulldogs' lead out to eight points
and felt like the nail in the coffin for Moree
Callum Hayne's subsequent try in the final seconds of the game was then a cherry on the cake of Gunnedah's victory
The result marked Moree's second consecutive loss
Left to sit on the sidelines by a hamstring injury incurred during their match against Werris Creek
Durheim acknowledged that the Boars are now being chased by the rest of the competition and need to handle that pressure better
"We just need to get ourselves to that next level
to match the enthusiasm that other teams are coming at us with."
Photo: HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOSMelbourne coach Craig Bellamy wants his players to take ownership after poor discipline while in possession of the ball cost the Storm victory against Canberra
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"One thing we can control is our actions," Bellamy said
"To give away penalties when you have got the ball
The Storm lost 20-18 in golden point in the final match of Magic Round on Sunday
the Bunker found an elbow to the head of Raiders captain Joseph Topine by Storm lock Trent Loiero in a previous play when Melbourne had the ball
But the Storm were in position for a field goal in golden point when prop Stefano Utoikamanu was pinged and sin-binned for stomping on hooker Tom Starling in the play-the-ball
He'd already given away a penalty in the first-half while in possession
after wrangling with Canberra prop Joseph Topine
Loiero again transgressed when he hit Raiders forward Hudson Young in a high tackle in the 85th minute
with Jamal Fogarty landing the winning penalty
Trent Loiero (13) cost Melbourne with his poor discipline
(HANDOUT/NRL PHOTOS)Storm captain Cameron Munster
"I said to him to just take some learnings from it
I have been in those situations before," Munster said
"You don't what to be the guy that clips a chin and they go for two and get the penalty
I have been in grand finals where I have done some silly stuff
"He's a great player and we've all had those opportunities and lost those moments
Storm coach Craig Bellamy wasn't happy with his side's ill-discipline
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)"I'm not going to sit there and bag him
He's done some great stuff for us as a player
A lot of people will be on his back but as a group we have got to stick together and learn."
Bellamy also weighed in on Utoikamanu's actions
I'm not exactly sure what happened," he said of the stomp
"To turn the ball over when you've got the ball 15m from their line ..
if he was in the wrong he needs to pick his discipline up
I don't know exactly who was the instigator
You show me a bloke that gives away two penalties when you've got the ball in a game
You are not looking at too many people."There was a sense the Storm had been hard done by but Bellamy wasn''t going down that path."You can say that if you like," he said
Munster was also careful about commenting on the officiating
"I can't remember the last time a team got penalised with the ball but ...we played some dumb footy tonight," Munster said
"As much as it looked like it was in the hands of the ref
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSA brazen serial groper who preyed upon 18 women in a nightclub has avoided jail time after a judge found his risk of reoffending was low
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 areaContinueDavid Maria Anthony Rayan
was facing up to 10 years in prison but was instead sentenced to a two-year community corrections order on Monday
He dodged reporters' questions as he left the Victorian County Court
The former PwC IT worker pleaded guilty to 17 charges of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault over the attacks at Revolver Upstairs in Melbourne's inner east
CCTV footage from the nightclub showed Rayan groping his victims on the buttocks
stroking their backs and kissing them on the arms and shoulders
The attacks happened on three separate occasions in September and October 2023
Rayan admitted to police he touched one of the women accidentally
but claimed he could not remember the other incidents because he was too drunk
Victorian County Court Judge Peter Rozen said he held reservations about those claims as he sentenced Rayan over the "brazen" attacks
The attacks occurred at Revolver Upstairs in Melbourne's inner east
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"Your offending was deliberate and you knew what you were doing," he said
The women were entitled to feel safe in the nightclub and the scale of Rayan's crimes was concerning
He noted that three victim impact statements were read to the court
where the women described their ongoing anxiety and shattered sense of security
Judge Rozen also decided Rayan's moral culpability was considerable and said the 34-year-old lacked insight into his offending
But the judge accepted the sexual assaults were at the lower end of seriousness
given Rayan's victims were adults and the attacks were fleeting
The sentencing judge said David Rayan's offending was out of character
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)His risk of reoffending was also low
no pending charges and no diagnosed mental health conditions
"I accept this offending was out of character for you," the judge said
Rayan was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order with 180 hours of unpaid community work
He will also have to complete treatment for alcohol abuse and programs to reduce his risk of reoffending
Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOSLIBERAL LOSSES MOUNT IN LABOR LANDSLIDE
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* Dickson
QLD - after a nearly 25-year stranglehold
opposition leader Peter Dutton has been ousted from parliament with a spectacular loss to Labor's Ali France who is leading by more than 10,000 votes
NSW - the southern Sydney seat taking in large swathes of populous suburbs such as Liverpool and Sutherland and in Liberal hands since 1996 has fallen to 29-year-old Labor candidate David Moncrieff
NSW - another important southwestern Sydney electorate has been clinched by Labor's Zhi Soon kicking out the coalition's foreign affairs spokesperson David Coleman
QLD - the northern Brisbane seat close to Mr Dutton's electorate has also slipped from Liberal hands with Labor's Emma Comer capitalising on a 7 per cent swing in her favour
QLD - the marginal eastern suburbs Brisbane electorate fell victim to Labor's surge with Kara Cook joining a class of newly minted Queensland female Labor MPs in parliament
QLD - northern Queensland also joined in the coalition's rout with former professional basketball player Matt Smith benefiting from Anthony Albanese taking his campaign to the seat not held by Labor since 2010
SOME OF THE TOP PENDING SEATS TO WATCH AS COUNT CONTINUES:
ACT - the once safe seat is in doubt with independent Jessie Price surging against Labor's David Smith as it comes down to the wire with more than 80 per cent of votes tallied
WA - the razor-thin margin between Labor's Trish Cook and the Liberal's Matt Moran is reflected in a 50-50 split of the votes with nearly 70 per cent of the count completed
WA - Labor is hoping to add to its tally by stealing the seat from the Liberals who hold it with a 4.2 per cent margin
VIC - after nabbing it from Liberal Tim Wilson in the 2022 election as part of the Teal wave
Zoe Daniel is hoping to retain the crucial Melbourne seat with a slim lead of 1780 votes
VIC - the Greens' Samantha Ratnam is neck and neck with Labor's Peter Khalil
the government's special envoy for social cohesion
where he leads by more than 940 votes in a campaign where Gaza featured heavily
cost of living and youth crime are all considerations for the towns' strong Indigenous populations.Gomeroi man Tom French says housing and youth crime are big issues for Moree's Aboriginal community heading into the election
On life and liberty: human rights leaders take concerns about youth justice to United Nations
This new program is inspiring young Moree mob
Moree battling through 'devastating' flooding with more water forecast to come
Walgett's water supply found to have a sodium level 15 times higher than medically recommended
Comparing apples with apples: cost of groceries sky high in remote communities
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCorey Allan found a new perspective on life during a 596-day absence from the NRL and is now intent on repaying St George Illawarra for sticking by him in the "dark" times
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 former Queensland representative could not get out of bed
walk or shower without assistance for six weeks after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the 2024 pre-season
The gym session injury left Allan's first season with his new club as a write-off
Allan's positive outlook on the world was tested
"I couldn't even get out of bed without my partner
she had to carefully hold my leg and I'd have to swing around," he told AAP
"I was constipated from all the painkillers
Things got better when Allan cleared the six-week mark and had been reassured by coach Shane Flanagan there would be a place for him at the Dragons in 2025
Allan says the injury left him to reassess his life
"It sort of made me think about what I'm going to do after footy
I've started a carpentry course and I've been looking into the firies (fire brigade)
"It's sort of stuff like that you think about once something like this happens
You honestly think footy's forever when you're in it
It kept my mind busy as well when I was injured."
After working back to match fitness in NSW Cup
Allan finally had the chance for an NRL comeback in the Dragons' 34-28 to Wests Tigers at Magic Round on Saturday
The match came almost 600 days after his last appearance for the Sydney Roosters in the 2023 finals series
Allan hadn't been expecting to crack first grade so early in the season but injuries to Mat Feagai and Christian Tuipulotu opened up a spot on the wing
Corey Allan says since his injury he's thought more about life after rugby league
(Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)When he told Allan he'd be playing at Magic Round
Flanagan paid little mind to the emotion that such an occasion would bring up
we've got a good relationship so that's all I need," Allan said with a smile
notably pulling off a fantastic one-on-one tackle to deny Jahream Bula a certain try
there's now only one thing on Allan's mind
"I've got a point to prove and repay the faith," Allan said
"(The Dragons) could've dropped me after I did my knee
It was probably easier for them to just say
I've stuck to my rehab and really want to show them that they made the right decision keeping me around
"(The injury lay-off) was dark but I sort of put that behind me and now I'm just a happy guy."
Photo: EPA PHOTOA first-half header from Florian Lejeune has given Rayo Vallecano a 1-0 win over Getafe in the Madrid derby
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 areaContinueLejeune headed home Isi Palazon's corner in the seventh minute on Friday (Saturday AEST) to lift Rayo into ninth place in the La Liga standings
It was only the home club's second win and second clean sheet in their past 11 league games
but the margin of victory could have been greater were it not for the heroics of David Soria in the Getafe goal
Neither side showed much style in a scrappy game that reflected both teams' inconsistent seasons
It was Getafe's fourth defeat in a row and third consecutive 1-0 loss
They also suffered the blow of a late red card for captain Djene Dakonam
Photo: Scott Radford-Chisholm/AAP PHOTOSReuben Cotter is set to miss North Queensland's last two games before State of Origin after being charged for a high tackle
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 areaContinueAll eyes had been on how the NRL would police high tackles at Magic Round after 18 sin bins last weekend
While the league's match review committee and on-field referees were on the same page for the first four games of the weekend
Cotter was not sin-binned for his shot but has now received a grade-two careless high-tackle charge
Cotter went on report for his high shot on Marata Niukore ahead of the Warriors' first try in their 30-26 win on Saturday night
But the Cowboys co-captain was not penalised on-field
despite the shot looming as the most serious of the weekend so far
Cotter will miss clashes against Penrith and Manly
the Cowboys' last two games before Billy Slater names his team for the Origin series opener
Former Wally Lewis Medallist Cotter had been expected to feature
but he would head into the game on May 28 having not played in almost a month
In the highly unlikely event he opts to fight the charge at the judiciary
Cotter would risk missing Origin I altogether
given his suspension would be increased by one game
The Cowboys will draw strength from their ability to beat the Panthers without Cotter earlier in the season
with the lock missing that game in Sydney through illness
Photo: AP PHOTOEngland's nearly-man Harry Kane was about to start celebrating his first career title
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 areaContinueThen Yussuf Poulsen scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time for Leipzig to draw with Bayern Munich 3-3 and postpone the Bundesliga leaders' expected title party on Saturday
just we're not yet," Bayern veteran Thomas Muller said
(AP PHOTO)Bayern are now all but certain to win the championship
Bayer Leverkusen can still mathematically catch the Bavarian serial winners and defend their title
but they'll have to win their remaining three games while making up a goal difference of 30 goals
Bayern would still have to lose their final two matches
been forced to wait for a first major trophy after a career of near-misses and disappointments
The 31-year-old had to watch his teammates play without him as he was suspended against Leipzig because of an accumulation of yellow cards
Leipzig made the better start and deservedly led at halftime thanks to goals from Benjamin Sesko and Lukas Klostermann
leaving the watching Kane sitting stone-faced in the stands
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany evidently found the right words during the break
Kane's former Spurs teammate Eric Dier pulled one back with a header from Michael Olise's corner in the 62nd minute
and Olise himself equalised a minute later after the home team's sloppy play from the restart
Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt denied Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka
and Konrad Laimer headed over against his former side as Bayern created a host of chances as the rain streamed down
Sane then finally made one count with a fierce shot inside the far post in the 83rd
Bayern fans set off fireworks as they celebrated and Kane was ready to run onto the field to join his teammates until Xavi sent Poulsen through for the final say
"We're almost champions," Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said after what he described as "a spectacle."
Bayern may have to wait only a day for their record-extending 34th crown as Leverkusen must win at Freiburg on Sunday
but they would happily settle to take their title on home turf against Borussia Monchengladbach next week when Kane will be back
regardless whether we become champions tomorrow or next week," goalkeeper Jonas Urbig said
resurgent Borussia Dortmund climbed past Leipzig and Freiburg into fourth place with a 4-0 demolition of Wolfsburg from braces by Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi
Dortmund have garnered 16 points from their last six matches and are well in contention again for a top-four finish
Borussia Monchengladbach played out a wild 4-4 draw with lowly Hoffenheim
who fought from 2-0 and 3-2 down to lead 4-3 before Gladbach's Tim Kleindienst had the last laugh in stoppage time
Jens Stage struck twice early on for Werder Bremen before Union Berlin rallied to a 2-2 draw
while in Hamburg Nick Woltemade first had a penalty saved before scoring a late winner in a 1-0 win for Cup finalists VfB Stuttgart at St Pauli
who had Siebe van der Heyden and goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj sent off
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: Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOSStar goalshooter Sophie Garbin has produced a match-winning display to ensure the Melbourne Vixens maintained full bragging rights over the Melbourne Mavericks with a 67-59 Super Netball 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 areaContinueGarbin nailed 45 goals from 52 shots and Kiera Austin chipped in with 16 goals and three Super Shots to ensure the Vixens improved their head-to-head record against the Mavericks to 3-0
it squared up the Vixens' season record at 2-2
helping to make up for last week's 10-goal home loss to the West Coast Fever
"I thought everyone did an amazing job," Garbin told Fox Sports after Sunday's match at John Cain Arena
we've probably been focusing a bit too much on trying to change and have a bit of variety
and we got to the grand final last year doing that
having our own individual strengths and working to them
"We know we've got a really tough month coming up with the Swifts
but getting the win today was the start of it."
(Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)Vixens coach Simone McKinnis said a win over the team's cross-town rivals was always significant
"It's a rivalry that's growing," McKinnis said
"We don't want to get beaten by the Mavericks
You know that's something they really want
"They fought really hard and they were going for it out there today."
"That's Sophie at her best - when she's demanding that ball in that circle
and sometimes you'll hear her screaming for it," McKinnis said
and when she's positioned and takes that on
The Mavericks are now 1-3 and face a battle to work their way back into the finals mix
The Mavericks' Shimona Jok was a handful for her rivals
(Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)The opening quarter was an even affair
with the Vixens just doing enough to take a 16-15 lead into the first break
It was late in the second quarter when the Vixens flexed their muscles
The Mavericks trailed by just three goals entering the five-minute Super Shot period
but two long-range bombs from Austin helped inspire a 9-3 run to give the Vixens a 35-26 lead at half-time
Although star Mavericks goalshooter Shimona Jok (43 goals from 47 attempts) was proving hard to stop
Vixens duo Garbin and Austin were just as lethal at the other end
The lead swelled to 13 by late in the third quarter
with the Mavericks unable to launch any meaningful fightback
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSNationals MP Barnaby Joyce has revealed he will undergo surgery after being diagnosed with 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 former deputy prime minister comfortably won his regional NSW seat of New England at the federal election
The test came back with an "elevated" result and the subsequent MRI and biopsy revealed the prostate cancer
He told ABC News he would have an operation on Monday followed by a short stay in hospital
Mr Joyce said he kept the diagnosis private to not distract from the election campaign
"I knew it would turn into a bit of a circus," he said
"I wanted the campaign to focus on the campaign and I didn't think this issue needed to be a part of that."
reducing the coalition to one of their worst performances at the polls and the loss of leader Peter Dutton in the process
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSMany supporters never believed Anthony Albanese's victory would come so easily
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 as the prime minister toured his home turf in the afterglow of the landslide win on Sunday morning
inner-west Sydney locals were keen to share in his joy
who owns music store Crosstalk Records in Mr Albanese's electorate
gifted him a vinyl of Easy by Australian rock band The Easybeats as he made the morning rounds
Joshua Gibbs marked the prime minister's 'Alban-easy' win with an Easybeats vinyl record
(Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)"Nobody thought it was going to be easy
but looks like it was Alban-easy," he said
He told AAP the prime minister has visited his store before and often receives a rockstar reception in the area
with Mr Gibbs feeling somewhat giddy himself after Mr Albanese thanked him
the prime minister's first stop on Sunday was for coffee at a local institution in his seat of Grayndler
Mr Albanese soaked in the rays at Bar Italia's leafy courtyard with his fiancee Jodie Haydon
Bennelong MP Jerome Laxale and a few members of the party faithful
Mr Albanese's first stop after his election win was to a coffee shop he visited with his mum
(Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)"I used to visit this coffee shop with my mum," he told reporters
and I did certainly think of her last night as well - she would be very proud."
He offered a "grazie mille" to wait staff and thanked supporters before giving back by scooping gelato for locals and members of his media pack
Mr Albanese also took a moment to offer his sympathies to Peter Dutton
who lost both his seat and the election in a brutal double whammy for the coalition
"I feel for Peter Dutton," Mr Albanese said
and it would have been a tough night for Peter."
His successor in the north Brisbane electorate of Dickson
became the first person ever to unseat a federal opposition leader
and I couldn't be happier about that," Ms France told reporters
Ali France has faced challenges to become the first person to unseat a federal opposition leader
(Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)Labor is on track to more than double its lower house caucus in Queensland
Ms France will be one of the most celebrated members of the new Queensland caucus
and not just because of her history-making feat
The former journalist has campaigned for seven years against Mr Dutton
overcoming the amputation of one her legs in a car accident 13 years ago and the loss of her 19-year-old son to leukaemia in 2024
and we knew we'd have a big fight to keep him here with us," Ms France recounted tearfully
'don't make me the excuse for not doing important things'
"At times it's felt just so incredibly hard but I've just always thought of his courage and determination and happiness in the face of just insurmountable pain."
Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOSDropped Gold Coast back-rower David Fifita will return to his home city of Ipswich to play in the Queensland Cup and is ready to run 250m
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 areaContinueFifita will play for the Ipswich Jets against Northern Pride on Sunday after Titans coach Des Hasler dropped him for the NRL clash with Canterbury after the 50-18 capitulation to North Queensland
He will be player No.700 to line up for the famous Jets in what will be a homecoming after he grew up in Ipswich
Fifita got through the team's captain's run at North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday
Jets chairman Steve Johnson said the Maroons star was itching to carve up and do the jersey proud in the home Ipswich clash
Queensland State of Origin star David Fifita will be looking to shine for the Ipswich Jets
(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)"David is an Ipswich lad," Johnson told AAP
"He played junior football at Redbank Bears in under-13s and in rep sides before the Broncos moved him to Souths Acacia Ridge
and he never got to play for Ipswich after that."This will be his (fifth) game in Cup
His second game in 2018 was for Souths-Logan against us and he tore us apart as an 18-year-old kid
and then a few weeks later Wayne Bennett put him straight into the Broncos side in the NRL
and when he rang yesterday he was excited to get back."
The Jets have also set Fifita a task of sorts while playing him in his favourite position
"I have challenged him to run 250m tomorrow
and we jokingly told the other back-rowers to make 60 tackles each so Dave can run the ball
He just needs to clear his head and enjoy it," Johnson said
whereas Des has been playing him on the right
Current Broncos playmaker Ben Hunt was famously dropped by Bennett in 2017 and went back to the Jets and played a starring role in a 44-24 win over Norths
Former coaches Ben and Shane Walker told him to go out and gave fun and play his natural game
He was selected in the Maroons side weeks later and won back his Broncos jersey
"One of the common facts of rugby league is that two players to go from Queensland Cup to State of Origin are Ipswich Jets halfbacks - Allan Langer in 1987 and Ben Hunt in 2017," Johnson said
"Ben played great for us and then played Origin
and that has been our conversation with David
He is excited to be wearing the jersey and to be Ipswich Jet number 700."
Photo: Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOSFour-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson returned to the fold as Hawthorn celebrated their AFL/VFL centenary in style with a 65-point drubbing of Richmond
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 areaContinueClarkson was one of the dozens of club greats among the 62,321 spectators on hand to see fan favourite Jack Gunston kick his 500th career goal in the Hawks' 16.13 (109) to 6.8 (44) triumph at the MCG on Sunday
Clarkson figured prominently in the pre-match ceremony
back in brown-and-gold for the day after being estranged from the club since his 2021 exit
The 57-year-old joined retired greats Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis
to present the spoils of last decade's three-peat when the Hawks' 13 premiership cups were paraded for the crowd
Alastair Clarkson (centre) was back in Hawks colours as the club celebrated 100 years
(Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)Hawks coach Sam Mitchell
who took the reins from Clarkson in a messy handover
admitted it had been daunting to have so many greats around the club during the build-up
"He's a four-time premiership coach of the club and hasn't been around for a while
so it's great that he was able to go out and spend some time with the guys that he coached from Hawthorn," Mitchell said
"Then on the other side he's coaching an opposition team
so there's always going to be some complexities around that side of things."
Sunday's scrappy win won't be remembered as fondly as any of those grand final triumphs
but was another box ticked on the path to a possible 14th flag
The Hawks are 6-2 ahead of a clash with Melbourne in round nine
while Richmond (2-6) will look to bounce back against winless West Coast
Hawthorn's superior class and dominance at the contest meant they proved far too strong for the Tigers
pulling away after halftime to post their biggest win of the season to date
tempers flared in the second term when James Sicily caught Maurice Rioli holding the ball and threw the Tiger to the ground
Tim Taranto flew the flag for Rioli - gifting Sicily a 50-metre penalty and goal by shoving him over - while most players were involved in the ensuing melee
Sicily's goal helped Hawthorn to a 34-point lead before Richmond kicked their first major through Seth Campbell after more than 52 minutes of action
Gunston reached his milestone in the third quarter
snapping his second goal for the day as the margin grew to 49 by the final change
It blew out when Hawthorn finished full of running
kicking five goals to two in the last quarter
Noah Balta rose above recent off-field controversies to take this mark for the Tigers
(Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)Gunston and Hawks cult hero Nick Watson were the best of the goalkickers with three each and Jack Ginnivan added two from 14 disposals
"Five hundred goals for Jack is phenomenal," Mitchell said
five) were Richmond's busiest on a tough day
The Tigers were beaten 117-84 in contested possession and kicked their lowest score of the season
but it was just our polish (that let us down)," Richmond coach Adem Yze said
Tigers defender Noah Balta returned to the sound of boos from Hawthorn fans after a week on the sidelines because of his court-imposed curfew
It was Balta's first match since being sentenced last month for assaulting another man on December 30 last year
and he limped off in the final few minutes after appearing to roll his right ankle
Photo: AP PHOTOBochum and Heidenheim are both staring relegation in the face after the struggling teams fought out a scoreless draw in a tense Bundesliga encounter
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 defeat on Friday (Saturday AEST) would have condemned bottom club Bochum to the drop in Germany
but a point means they survive at least one more week
The Ruhr side remained last in the Bundesliga standings
The result was equally frustrating for Heidenheim
Heidenheim lost goalkeeper Kevin Muller to injury in the 50th minute
when he was taken off on a stretcher after a goalmouth clash with Ibrahima Sissoko
Photo: AP PHOTORussia continues to press its offensive in eastern Ukraine with high intensity
with more than 200 clashes in a single day
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 areaContinueUkraine's General Staff said on Facebook fighting had intensified particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region
where Ukrainian forces said they repelled 70 attacks over the course of Sunday
The town serves as a key transport hub and Russian forces are reportedly approaching from the east
The information could initially not be independently verified
Attempts by Russia to break through to the west into the neighbouring industrial area of Dnipropetrovsk have so far been repelled by Ukraine
Russia's air defence systems destroyed 26 Ukrainian drones overnight
TASS news agency reported on Monday citing Russia's defence ministry data
The attacks come despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States to broker a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev
US President Donald Trump recently proposed an unconditional 30-day truce
a plan Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accepted
Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the offer
Putin has declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with the annual Victory Parade on Moscow's Red Square to mark the end of World War II
The ceasefire is scheduled to start at midnight Wednesday-Thursday in Moscow and end at midnight Saturday-Sunday
Kiev has rejected the limited pause and demanded that the ceasefire be extended to 30 days
"The Russians are asking for a ceasefire on May 9 and are themselves firing at Ukraine every day
This is cynicism of the highest order," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram on Sunday
Photo: HANDOUT/World Surf LeagueAustralian surfers are the big winners in a revamped 2026 World Surf League calendar that has axed the divisive finals day to decide the world champions
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 WSL has announced a new schedule that sees the Championship Tour pushed back from a January start to kick-off at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach in April
This is followed by events at Margaret River and Snapper Rocks
giving Australian surfers a flying start in their home breaks
"I think kicking off the tour in Australia is a great way to start," WSL boss Ryan Crosby told AAP
"There's so many amazing and iconic waves in Australia
it was a really good opportunity for us to start the season here and we're excited to do that
"This change actually does a lot of things for us as it puts us into a lot of really good swell periods for all of our venues
"It also allows us to bring the European leg into October
which is a big help for us because that's a really good window for them so that'll be a big improvement
"Portugal will now be in a time of year when the wave will actually be better."
Aussie Isabella Nichols celebrates her Rip Curl Pro triumph at Bells Beach
(HANDOUT/World Surf League)There are still 12 events
with the Pipe Masters in Hawaii held in December the tour finale
with a win in that event worth 15,000 points instead of the usual 10,000
The controversial mid-season cut has been softened
coming after the ninth tour stop at Lower Trestles in California
and that will be determined by a surfer's best seven results
The fields of 36 men and 24 women will then be narrowed to 24 men and 16 women for stops 10 and 11 before all surfers return for the iconic North Shore event
Crosby said surfers were surveyed as well represented by a new advisory council in discussions about the changes
"We were talking about what's the optimal form for the league and what do we want it to look like and the answer that kept popping up for us was finishing at the world's most iconic wave," Crosby said
to fan feedback - we spent a lot of time actually talking to the surfers."
Crosby didn't believe that the current finals format
where the top five surfers compete in one-day winner-take-all decider
was unanimously unpopular and said seeding surfers at Pipe meant they retained an element of it
"There are differing opinions on the format across the board ..
I will say I think there were more of the preferred the world champion being decided by aggregate points," the American said
really gives us what we think is the best of both worlds."
Jack Robinson gets emotional after winning the men's final at Bells for an Aussie one-two
(HANDOUT/World Surf League)West Australian Jack Robinson
who won at Bells Beach last month and has competed in the one-day finals over the three years its been held
backed crowning the world champion at Pipeline
"Pipeline is what it's all about - there's a reason so many people dedicate their lives to mastering it," he said in a statement
"Starting my 2023 season with a win at Pipe was huge
but I can only imagine how incredible it would be to end the season winning both the event and the world title there
"It's exciting to see the CT keep evolving
and I'm stoked the WSL is listening to feedback and working hard to make the tour better for everyone."
** Full CT fields rejoin post-season surfers to compete for Pipe Masters Titles
Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSGold Coast coach Damien Hardwick is urging his players to enjoy the hype of their highly-anticipated clash against Brisbane
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 third-placed Suns play the second-placed Lions on Sunday night - the first time the clubs meet while holding such high ladder positions
either," Hardwick told reporters on Friday
The former Richmond coach has instructed his players to embrace the hostility from the pro-Lions crowd at the Gabba
We have used that a little bit with regard to our away record ..
it has been a learning process for our players," Hardwick said
"It's understanding and embracing the fact that it's going to be a hostile environment - and enjoy it
"You get the privilege to represent the Gold Coast Suns in a hostile environment that is baying for your blood
"So the understanding and the growth in that space has been pretty big for us
"And they're going to get another big challenge - there's not many more hostile environments than the Gabbatoir
when they (Brisbane) are up and going - and they are at the moment."
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