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Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs have looked into a message sent by Willie Rioli
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSWillie Rioli has apologised for a private message sent to a Western Bulldogs player that caused a stir and was referred to the AFL
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 league will take no further action after the Port Adelaide forward contacted a teammate of Bulldogs opponent Bailey Dale
It's an unwelcome distraction for the Power ahead of next Saturday night's Showdown against Adelaide
"Port Adelaide is aware of a private message sent by Willie Rioli to a Western Bulldogs player following Saturday afternoon's game between the two clubs," the Power said in a statement on Monday evening
"The matter has now been resolved privately after Willie contacted Bailey Dale from the Bulldogs."
saying it had "reminded both clubs to ensure any communications remain respectful"
Port are coming off a 90-point thrashing from the Bulldogs on Saturday in Ballarat
which featured an on-field skirmish between Rioli and Dale
Rioli can accept a $1000 fine for striking Dale off the ball in the third term
Once the Bulldogs became aware of the text
The Bulldogs will head to Darwin to play Gold Coast on Saturday night
Rioli posted on Instagram after Port's emotion-charged win over Hawthorn
and the backlash prompted him to briefly take leave from the club
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All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAround 10:30am on Sunday (May 4) the helicopter was sent to a horse riding accident at Garland Valley, near Putty.
A man in his 60s was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter's critical care medical team on-scene for multiple injuries, before being transported to the John Hunter Hospital.
Hours later, around 2:30pm, the chopper went out to the aid of a teenage male involved in a motorcycle accident at Lake Liddell near Muswellbrook.
He also suffered multiple injuries, which required treatment on-scene. He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
Picture by Jonathan CarrollThe next time a major international music act rolls into McDonald Jones Stadium or the Newcastle Entertainment Centre
it's hoped the concert is opened by an Australian artist
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 Minns Labor government announced on Monday that they are cutting hire fees by $20,000 for promoters that book Australian support acts for concerts headlined by international artists
Venues covered under this policy include Broadmeadow's McDonald Jones Stadium and the Newcastle Entertainment Centre
The policy has been dubbed "Michael's Rule," after late artist manager Michael McMartin (Hoodoo Gurus
Minister for music and the night-time economy John Graham said live music supports 4000 jobs and adds $5.5 billion to the state economy
but it was under threat due to streaming platforms being dominated by big-name international artists
Australia has hosted international tours from Taylor Swift
and shows are scheduled for later this year from Oasis and Lady Gaga
Beatles icon Paul McCartney did not have a support act when he played in Newcastle in October 2023
many music festivals that have traditionally supported emerging Australian acts
"There were just three Australian albums in the ARIA top 100 charts in 2024," Mr Graham said
"This represents a crisis for Australian music
"The rise of streaming is flooding our market with American music and creating a roadblock for NSW artists trying to break through
we will get more local acts onto the big stage
fans are still paying the big money for big international acts
Michael's Rule will help our local artists capture that attention."
McDonald Jones Stadium has hosted four concerts - Elton John twice
Paul McCartney and Pink - between January 2023 and February 2024
despite having council approval for up to six events per year
There are no concerts scheduled for later this year or in 2026
Pink was supported by Dance Monkey hit-maker Tones and I in Newcastle
Picture by Jonathan CarrollOf the four concerts
which was Australian Dance Monkey star Tones and I
like a venue hire fee reduction when international tours include an Australian artist as a support act
can only be a positive that will assist to secure even more concerts at Newcastle's premier venue," a spokesperson for Mr Graham told the Newcastle Herald
this initiative will provide more opportunities for Aussie artists to join the biggest names in music and give them the stage to take their careers to new heights
"We're in constant contact with promoters to bring more concerts to McDonald Jones Stadium following the success of Pink
"These were the first concerts held at McDonald Jones Stadium in over three decades and they're just a taste of what's to come
"We're working incredibly hard to ensure McDonald Jones Stadium is being considered for international tours
"To see three of the biggest superstars on the planet perform in front of sold-out crowds doesn't go unnoticed and we're confident of securing even more concerts for Newcastle."
The Newcastle Entertainment Centre has hosted two international acts so far in 2025 - American pop-rock band Goo Goo Dolls and '80s pop superstar Cyndi Lauper
They were supported by established Australian acts Thirsty Merc and The Veronicas respectively
the Entertainment Centre hosted international stars Matchbox Twenty
All were supported by Australian artists except for O'Donnell
Brisbane indie-rockers Ball Park Music, who last month played a sold-out show at Carrington's Earp's Distilling for The Act II
were recently unveiled as Oasis's support for the UK band's comeback Australian stadium tour later this year
"There's no denying the benefit of a big support slot," Ball Park Music said in a statement
"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
we've had - and continue to get - great support slots where we've seen a direct growth in our audience that often translates to a boost in our number of long-term fans
none of whom would have discovered us without that exposure."
Emerging Newcastle rock band Dust has also benefited from supporting American and English rock bands Interpol and Bloc Party on their Australian co-headline tour last year
Josh Leeson is a news and features journalist, who focuses on Lake Macquarie, politics and entertainment at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport, including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
Photo: HANDOUT/World Surf LeagueStephanie Gilmore and the dozen local hopes have had their Gold Coast Pro campaigns paused for at least three days after conditions at Burleigh Heads fell flat
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 areaContinueMen's round-of-32 and women's round-of-16 heats won't be contested until at least Thursday after officials made the Monday morning call to place competition on hold
The initial plan was to assess conditions on Tuesday for a possible start
but the hold was later extended until at least Thursday
"There were a few waves on offer this morning
which is what we expected," WSL deputy commissioner Renato Hickel said
"We are expecting this trend to continue for the coming days and even get a bit smaller
and with another great-looking swell expected for the end of the week
we will come back on Thursday and make another call for competition to potentially resume
The Gold Coast Pro is on hold until at least Thursday
(HANDOUT/World Surf League)"The swell for the weekend looks great
so we are looking forward to riding some great waves here at Burleigh Heads."
Back on the Championship Tour for the first time since 2019
the Gold Coast stop produced an eventful opening weekend that saw Jack Robinson bundled out and veterans Julian Wilson and Gilmore progress in their top-level returns
They are two of 12 Australian hopes still alive
Molly Picklum and Sally Fitzgibbons all impressive in the opening round on Saturday
will face world champion Caity Simmers when action resumes
then scored a 15.47 in Sunday's elimination round to knock out compatriot Robinson
slated to face Brazil's series leader Italo Ferreira
whose aerial prowess makes him tough to stop on the Queensland coast
"I just really wanted the opportunity to get that match-up ..
I can showcase something that can challenge him."
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 ..
2GB SydneyA MAN accused of repeatedly firing a gun into the air from a moving vehicle in three separate incidents at Toronto and Tenambit has been sent for a mental health assessment
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 areaContinueBrandon Rogan
is accused of filming himself driving through Toronto about 4pm on Sunday when he held a firearm out of the window
was then posted online and later passed onto police
Police said the firearm was allegedly fired again from the vehicle at Tenambit about 9.35pm on Sunday
Port Stephens-Hunter police were notified and launched an investigation into the shootings and at 2.35am on Monday were making inquires into a vehicle on Burley Street at Tenambit when the 26-year-old again allegedly fired a shot into the air from the parked vehicle
Police said they were assisted by PolAir in tracking the vehicle from Tenambit to a home on Coal Point Road at Coal Point where police and specialist officers from the Tactical Operations Unit arrested Mr Rogan about 5.15am
was also arrested at the home and the pair were taken to Toronto police station
A search of the home allegedly revealed a firearm
Police said investigations revealed Mr Rogan was disqualified from driving
subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order and did not have permission to drive the vehicle
including three counts of firing a firearm in a public place and refused bail by police
His matter was mentioned in Toronto Local Court on Monday afternoon when Mr Rogan was sent for a mental health assessment
He did not enter any pleas or apply for bail
Ms O'Connor was charged with concealing a serious indictable offence when she appeared in Toronto Local Court on Monday
She did not enter a plea and was refused bail overnight until Tuesday
Police have said there were no reports of any person being injured or any property being damaged
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020.
Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOSA dog's simple sniff at a music festival could lead to a multimillion-dollar payout in a massive class action lawsuit targeting police strip searches
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 areaContinueThousands of people were strip searched at music festivals as officers allegedly given inadequate training and supervision routinely conducted the inspections over a six-year period
An "extraordinary" and unlawful strip search by police at a popular music festival and the conduct of authorities defending it is leading the class action in NSW
A woman underwent a humiliating and unlawful search that found nothing
(Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)Raya Meredith alleged she was subjected to assault
battery and false imprisonment by police at the Splendour in the Grass music festival in July 2018 after a drug detection dog sniffed in her direction
She was stopped and directed to a makeshift inspection area of open cubicles with tarpaulin screens near the entrance
A male police officer allegedly walked in to the area where Ms Meredith was being searched
as a female officer interrogated and inspected her
which was allegedly conducted with inadequate privacy
and was threatened with ejection from the festival
barrister Kylie Nomchong SC told the Supreme Court on Monday
which did not comply with legislated safeguards
"This is an extraordinary story … but it is not an isolated one," Ms Nomchong said
NSW is accused of deploying large numbers of officers to festivals to do strip searches en masse
(Samantha Lock/AAP PHOTOS)The state allegedly deployed large numbers of officers to music festivals with the intention of routinely doing strip searches en masse between 2016 and 2022
The directions given were "woefully inadequate" and senior echelons of the force failed to ensure officers were properly trained and supervised
expose her genitals and remove a tampon during the search - "akin to things that would happen during a sexual assault," Ms Nomchong told the court
The state's conduct in defending the claim had also increased the harm to the lead plaintiff and aggravated damages would be sought
the state persisted with hurtful allegations and unjustifiable
The state conceded in March she was unlawfully strip-searched but has not accepted fault in relation to more than 3000 others part of the class-action
NSW Police acknowledged failures highlighted in a watchdog's audit of strip searches in 2023
(Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)The state's barrister Julian Sexton SC told the court there may be limitations on damages and the amount that could be paid
A sum of $50,000 sought for exemplary damages could exceed $150 million if applied across the class action participants
for what are alleged to be systemic failures rather than individual instances
NSW Police blamed a change in priorities during COVID-19 public health orders and restrictions when acknowledging failures highlighted in a watchdog's audit of strip searches in 2023
They included a finding more than half of the officers who carried out strip searches in preceding years had not completed specialist training
initially scheduled to be heard over four weeks
has been adjourned until May 13 with further written submissions due in the coming days
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
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
which stretches into every state and territory
Today's is written by Stock Journal senior journalist Paula Thompson
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 areaContinueLife on the land is tough
Drought makes it nigh unbearableSouth Australia is grappling with a once-in-a-century drought and its effects are far-reaching - both financially and psychologically
I've been privileged to be able to sit down with farmers who have opened up about what it has done to their businesses and mental health
including one you went to school with and who you've known all your life
through no fault of their own but simply due to the massive financial pressure you're under
A farmer told me that conversation was the hardest day he'd had in 20 years of farming
Imagine setting up a business you think is almost bulletproof
through investing in cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities
only to produce a small fraction of what you would in a typical season
Imagine seeing $2 billion worth of investment being poured into the state's steelworks to keep it going
while you wait months to see if you can access a few thousand from government support programs
It's not only the drought causing serious heartbreak
it is coupled with the massive rise in the cost of living and electricity prices that are through the roof
Even if a break does happen in South Australia
which some forecasts are predicting won't happen until June
One farmer I spoke to said it would take at least eight years to recover from this past season
I've had farmers seriously questioning why they do what they do when it can result in such heartbreak
I could see why they did what they do - they had an amazing operation
farmed in a beautiful part of the world and ran a mob of obviously very contented livestock
but I hope by listening to what they had to say
But the only factor that will really help is the heavens opening and the much-yearned-for break to the season finally happening
Paula Thompson is Stock Journal's senior journalist. She has been an agricultural journalist for more than 20 years. She covers a wide range of areas for the Stock Journal, including livestock markets and the grains industry.
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
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: 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
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 areaContinueJust before 4:00am on Friday
a 25-year-old man was allegedly forced to stop his vehicle on the New England Highway
about five kilometres east of Muswellbrook
by a group of five males in a silver Subaru Impreza
The man was allegedly removed from his vehicle before he was assaulted and forced into the Subaru
Police believe the Subaru remained on Tindale Street for some time
before travelling to the Denman or surrounding rural area
a 35-year-old man was stopped in his vehicle outside the same address in Tindale Street
when a Holden Commodore utility crashed into the front of his vehicle
The 35-year-old man was allegedly approached and threatened by an occupant of the ute before he drove away without injury
Police believe these two incidents may be linked
Picture NSW PolicePolice later found the 25-year-old man at Muswellbrook railway station with facial injuries
He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District have established Strike Force Sanderston to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident
police have released CCTV footage of two vehicles and three men who may be able to assist with the investigation:
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
with Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook councils endorsing the Upper Hunter Region Place Brand
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 brand harnesses the beauty and rugged charm of the region
from horses to blue heelers and the warm hospitality of towns like Denman and Scone
It aims to bring the region together to drive tourism
The project was delivered with funding from the NSW Government's Resources for Regions program
which fully funded Upper Hunter Shire Council's contribution of $229,800
alongside a further $100,000 investment from Muswellbrook Shire Council
The Upper Hunter Brand consists of nine key elements: Strategy
But the community will have to wait a little bit longer for the final reveal
Picture suppliedThe brand is due to launch in late May Upper Hunter Mayor Maurice Collison said the brand will embody what makes the region so distinctive
"The Upper Hunter has a proud story to tell - built on resilience
"This brand gives us the tools to tell that story to the world
while fostering local pride in everything that makes our communities special."
Picture Laurie SullivanMuswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton said it's time the region was shared with visitors from NSW
from the sense of community to the wide-open spaces
and it's time to share that with the world," Mayor Drayton said
The best part of the new brand is that it will be available for all businesses to use."
The creation of the Upper Hunter Place Brand has been led by industry-leading agency For The People
the agency behind brand development for Launceston
West Coast Tasmania and the Blue Mountains
welcomed the brand's potential to support local businesses and regional tourism
"The Upper Hunter is a truly unique destination
from our world-renowned equine industries to our spectacular natural landscapes," Mr Toms said
"This brand gives us a unified voice and strong visual identity to promote everything the region has to offer."
Picture suppliedThe Upper Hunter Place Brand has already been endorsed by Upper Hunter Country Tourism and early adopters such as the Aberdeen Highland Games have committed to using it to promote the 2025 event
A staged implementation plan is currently being developed with the brand set to be rolled out through marketing campaigns
merchandise and opportunities for local businesses and organisations over the coming months
Photo: AP PHOTOFormer US vice President Mike Pence has repeatedly invoked the constitution
after receiving the John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
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 areaContinuePence received the award for his refusal to endorse President Donald Trump's efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election
The award recognises Pence "for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on January 6
Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol chanted that they wanted to "hang Mike Pence"
we have to find common ground," Pence said
"I hope in some small way my presence here tonight is a reminder that whatever differences we may have as Americans
the constitution is the common ground on which we stand
"It's what binds us across time and generations
His comments came hours after an interview with Trump aired in which he was asked whether US citizens and non-citizens both deserve due process as laid out in the fifth amendment of the constitution
I don't know," Trump said when pressed in an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker
Pence never mentioned Trump during his 10-minute speech but made several references to the Trump administration
Referencing what he called "these divided times
in these anxious days," he acknowledged that he probably had differences with the Democrats in the room but also with his own Republican Party "on spending
tariffs and my belief that America is the leader of the free world and must stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured"
Trump pressured Pence to reject election results from swing states where the Republican president falsely claimed the vote was marred by fraud
When a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol
some chanted that they wanted to "hang Mike Pence"
Pence was whisked away by Secret Service agents
narrowly avoiding a confrontation with the rioters
"Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution
giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts
not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify," Trump wrote at the time on Twitter
as rioters moved through the Capitol and Pence was in hiding with his family
aides and security detail inside the building
Pence rejected Secret Service advice that he leave the Capitol
staying to continue the ceremonial election certification of Democrat Joe Biden's presidential victory once rioters were cleared
Photo: Dan Peled/AAP PHOTOSThe federal government says it will stand up for the Australian film industry
in response to Donald Trump's 100 per cent tariffs on film productions made outside the US
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"The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death
Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States," the US president posted on Truth Social on Sunday
Australia is such a popular location for foreign film productions
it is sometimes dubbed "Hollywood Down Under" with recent large-scale productions including The Fall Guy
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and Thor: Ragnarok
State and federal rebates entice foreign film productions to Australia
(HANDOUT/ROADSHOW)The federal government's location offset scheme offers a 30 per cent rebate for big budget film projects shot in Australia
with additional post-production rebates and state governments offering further sweeteners
But the imposition of tariffs could mean these incentives are no longer attractive enough for productions aimed at the massive US market
Trump's move will send shockwaves through the industry globally
according to industry peak body Screen Producers Australia (SPA)
it is unclear what this announcement means in practice or how it will be applied and implemented"
there's no doubt it will send shockwaves worldwide."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday said he has had a "warm and positive" conversation with Donald Trump
But he did not specifically mention to reporters the film industry tariffs Mr Trump announced
US President Trump says foreign productions damage his nation's film industry
(HANDOUT/Sony Pictures Publicity)Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said he was monitoring the situation closely
"Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry," Mr Burke said in a statement
Foreign productions are big business for the local screen industry
according to the latest Screen Australia figures
Just under half of the $1.7 billion spent on screen production in Australia during 2023/24 was on international productions
with $767 million spent making foreign film and television
It's not yet clear how the tariffs might be imposed but they could also affect the export of Australian content to the US market
potentially making tickets more expensive for films such as George Miller's Mad Max series
In Mr Trump's announcement on social media
he described film incentives as a threat to the US by foreign nations
"This is a concerted effort by other Nations and
a National Security threat," Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday
Picture by Marina NeilI AM beyond tired of the ongoing violence towards women
Australian Femicide Map reports 24 Australian women have been killed this year between January 13 and April 25
and why are our politicians virtually silent on this
Our basic right to exist freely in public is being ripped away
Most recently it has been on the Fernleigh Track
a place that should offer peace and freedom
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 areaContinueHow have we allowed this to become normal
Where our presence in public spaces is treated like a risk we are taking
and live without being blamed for the violence committed against us
We are done being told to be careful or stay quiet and alert
This is not about individual men's feelings
this is about a culture that protects perpetrators and burdens women with the cost of survival
until it's none you do not get to tell us how to feel
we have the right to be loud and we absolutely have the right to be safe
OVER Easter I travelled to a small town on the northwest slopes and plains called Bingara
A huge number of people were free camping in the district on the Gwydir
Come Saturday I noticed the local IGA had people lined up almost out the doors trying to buy their Easter supplies
The reason for the queue was internet wasn't working in the town
I'm told the Telstra repeater station was either down for maintenance or just down
Double Bay or Merewether without internet every week
How does the 12th richest country in the world ignore this all-too-common bush problem
Telstra says if you're not happy use another provider
During this visit a local developed a medical issue
But they do have a multi-purpose centre (small hospital) well equipped to deal with medical problems
Easy - just teleconference a big city hospital for guidance
ten hours had passed before access could be established
The staff at MPS are amazing like all medical professionals
I believe it's a Hunter area health facility and problem
stump up the funds for a better internet link to the centre
more expensive than the non-existing service
Politicians should hang their heads in shame
I find that I still have so many questions that remain unanswered
Why has no maternity wear company designed clothing for the elderly males whose chest has slipped to waist level
Whose idea was it to make so many grocery items difficult to open and double sealed
unscrewed the cone-shaped top but no sauce came out
I then discovered that as well as the screw on top
there was a cap under it; a cap with a pull-out tab the size of an atom
Why do government departments continually issue new complicated forms for the elderly to fill in
internet connection and a degree in computer science
How did Noah get over a million species of animals onto his boat
was the ark a convertible to enable headroom for the giraffes
Perhaps others of the elderly brigade could add questions of their own
I WAS interested in Colin Rowlatt's letter ("Sydney can't keep getting cash at our expense"
It is a major engineering project (not yet completed)
A couple of friends and I rode the Metro when it terminated at Chatswood in about 2019
The Metro will ultimately be extended to Bankstown
I learned that the Metro cars are made by the French multinational engineering firm Alstom and built in Andhra Pradesh
where they are loaded onto lorries to be delivered to the service centre at Tallawong
Of course Sydney isn't the only place where state government money is being spent
One has only to look at the Newcastle Inner-City Bypass
which is nearing completion for $450 million
and the extension of the M1 Motorway from Blackhill to Raymond Terrace for $2.1 billion
We here in the Hunter are not being left behind
THE attitude of both major political parties towards gambling advertising is appalling
Despite the damning figures revealed in Garry Linnell's column ("Hey Albo
the fact that they have refused to take any action in my opinion borders on corruption
Handouts from gambling companies are staggering
Surely the time for drastic action has arrived and it should be immediately on the agenda of our newly elected parliament
the NRL is finally doing something about high tackles
Many are tackles just using the shoulder with no arms
and coaches and so-called greats are complaining
Ask the older players now going through all their concussions and consequences what they think
Congratulations Chelsea Thomson on your opinion piece ("Young people: it's a privilege to vote
I found your contribution to be refreshing and inspiring
Keep contributing opinion pieces with your thoughts as many will welcome your opinion and ideas
Matt Ophir ("Offshore wind is no paradise"
opines that offshore wind farms are a blight on the horizon
The ones I've seen are rather gracefully hypnotic
They are certainly a better view than open cut coal mines
He frets that an exclusion zone will prevent fishers from catching any fish that grow around them
There are also exclusion zones at Chernobyl and Fukushima
Offshore wind farms will be an asset for our region
perhaps they could be combined with tidal power
Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOSGWS youngster Josaia Delana jokes he only needed to fly just a few friends and family out of Fiji for his AFL debut against Sydney
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueGiven two days' notice to rally the troops
Western Sydney teenager Delana had a support crew of 80 to watch his first senior game in the Giants' 14-point derby loss in front of a near-capacity SCG
Among those who made the four-hour flight across the South Pacific Ocean were Delana's grandmothers
The 18-year-old had jested in the lead-up to the derby about bringing all of Fiji to the Sydney venue
with his family asking for at least 150 tickets to the in-demand clash
got a couple of tickets for the family," Delana told AAP
It was pretty chaotic from letting my family know and then friends and extended friends and etcetera - plenty of phone calls and messages
A lot of my family were already in Sydney and I only needed to fly a couple of friends out of the country
"It was really good to go out there and represent myself
Small forward Delana was limited to three touches as the Swans defence kept proven stars Jesse Hogan and Darcy Jones to one major apiece
Delana showed glimpses of his pressure game from his rugby league background
laying five tackles to accompany star GWS onballer Finn Callaghan's equal-game-leading eight
"Dad put me in league growing up and just tackling the big boys
it's pretty easy when it's just (Isaac) Heeney and all that," Delana said
these boys are nothing compared to when I was younger'
"I just love the hunt and the drive to go and tackle
but just the adrenaline running out with the boys and seeing 40,000 out there
The eighth-placed Giants (4-4) will look to stop their slide down the ladder when they take on Geelong (5-3) at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday
"We'll just to continue to focus on ourselves and work towards next week," Delana said
Photo: AP PHOTODonald Trump has renewed his threat to annex Greenland by military force if necessary
saying the US needs the large Arctic island "very badly" for national security
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 areaContinueSpeaking to US broadcaster NBC
he declined to rule out the use of military force
but I don't rule out anything," he said on Sunday
Denmark's King Frederik visited met with the new Greenlandic government last week
(AP PHOTO)"Greenland is a very small amount of people
But we need that for international security."
Trump has been floating the idea of the US taking control of Greenland
which is an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark
and has previously suggested the use of military force as an option
Trump sparked backlash from Europe with the idea of simply buying Greenland
Greenland is part of the North American continent and extends into the Arctic
The island is of great importance for the global climate and for military control of the Arctic
It is also rich in resources such as rare earths
important shipping routes run through the region
The governments of Greenland and Denmark have vehemently rejected Trump's ambitions
Trump has also expressed an interest in seeing Canada become part of the US
and his repeated remarks on the matter are even thought to have swayed the country's recent election outcome
the US president made it clear that he does not consider military force an option for Canada
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2 May 2025 8:29 am · Hunter News · Ian Crouch
Police have set up a strike force to investigate an alleged kidnapping in Muswellbrook.
Police say on March 21 a 25-year-old man was pulled from his car on the New England Highway and bundled into a silver Subaru Impreza and taken away.
Detective have released CCTV of the three men they believe could be involved.
Police say the 25-year-old was later found at Muswellbrook Railway Station with facial injuries.
The men in the CCTV footage are described as Caucasian and in their 30’s wearing baseball caps.
2NUR FM acknowledges Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders both past and present.
reflecting a global trend that risks a future baby bust and harm to the economy
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 areaContinueHealth data shows the district's fertility rate has averaged at about 1.9 babies per woman over 10 years
This statewide and national average is 1.7 across the decade
A rate of 2.1 children is needed to ensure a stable population
University of Newcastle Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken said the reasons for falling fertility were "basically socioeconomic"
"More women are going into the paid workforce and pushing the boundaries of their own fertility," Professor Aitken said
"Many want to have children but can't because they've left it too late
where women are making a conscious choice not to have children."
there had been "a shift where the purpose of life is no longer about having a family or worshipping your chosen deity"
"It's about self-fulfillment and realising your potential," he said
"For some people that doesn't involve having a family."
He said humanity was "becoming more urbanised as a species"
we tend not to have large families because cities are very expensive places to live and educate your children."
She also has a four-year-old daughter named Mary
said it was "very important to my husband and I to have kids"
"Part of our upbringing and beliefs helped shape that," she said
"We didn't anticipate twins but it's a huge blessing."
She said having kids was "a personal decision for everyone"
"You never know what your fertility journey will look like
but we were open to whatever number of children we were able to have."
the community will face future challenges in keeping our way of life and fulfilling jobs and roles in essential services."
She said this was an issue that would affect everyone
an obstetrician and gynaecologist with University of Newcastle
said "the decline in fertility is steep once you hit 35"
she'd see "women in their 40s looking to start a family and not understanding their fertility chances at that age are much lower"
"The education on that is a little bit lacking," she said
Professor Aitken said fertility rates were "falling all over the world"
"The important thing is to try to understand the mechanisms that are driving the decline," he said
He said a global population decline would "not happen tomorrow or in the next five years"
"The time is decades to centuries," he said
But it was important to be aware of the problem to manage it
"If the population of China halves before the end of the century
the geopolitical consequences for Australia will be enormous," he said
"They probably won't have the boots on the ground to invade Taiwan
but they will cease to be the market they were."
Health and medicine, science, research, nutrition. Email: dcronshaw@newcastleherald.com.au
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOSFederal Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has been praised for being "very brave" after revealing he will undergo surgery for prostate cancer
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe one-time deputy prime minister
who comfortably won his regional NSW seat of New England in Saturday's election
received the diagnosis following a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
Barnaby Joyce decided to keep his diagnosis to himself until after the election
(Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)The test came back with an elevated result and a subsequent MRI and biopsy revealed he had prostate cancer
told Seven's Sunrise program he kept his diagnosis quiet until after the election
"I waited until obviously after the election - I didn't want a big circus going on," he said
straight down the road and straight into surgery."
before noting that was normal with a disease like prostate cancer
you go to the toilet a bit more than you should," he added
Federal Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek praised Mr Joyce for going public with his diagnosis
"It's very brave of Barnaby to share his experience," she told Seven
"I really do think that having high-profile people like Barnaby talk about their health challenges is really important to encourage other men to get the test."
Ms Plibersek noted that Labor Party national president Wayne Swan
was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 48
"Wayne had surgery decades ago and his health is terrific," she said
Prostate cancer was generally very treatable if caught early
Labor had a landslide victory at the election
reducing the coalition to one of their worst performances at the polls
after Liberal Leader Peter Dutton lost his own seat
Photo: AP PHOTOThe race for the remaining Champions League places behind Paris Saint-Germain remains wide open in the French league after Marseille drew 1-1 at Lille
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 areaContinueWith two rounds left and PSG already crowned champions
second-placed Marseille missed the chance to open up a three-point gap on Monaco after goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli's blunder in the 74th minute on Sunday (Monday AEST)
The top three teams qualify for the group stage of the Champions League
with the fourth team getting a spot in the qualifying rounds
Marseille have a one-point lead over Monaco
Lille and Strasbourg - one point further back
Lille striker Jonathan David intercepted Rulli's attempted pass inside the box and headed the ball towards Matias Fernandez Pardo
who shot past the goalkeeper into the back of the net
Amine Gouiri had put Marseille in front in the 57th minute from Adrien Rabiot's assist
PSG secured the French league title last month with six matches to spare
but the fight for the Champions League places has not been lacking suspense
Just five points separate second-placed Marseille from seventh-placed Lyon
Lyon's hopes of European soccer next season took a blow as the seven-time French champions lost 2-1 against Lens
Anass Zaroury scored the winner with a superb 30-metre strike into the top corner five minutes from time
soon after Georges Mikautadze levelled for the hosts with a header
The result left Lyon outside of the European places
Lyon enjoyed much of the possession but lacked a cutting edge and went behind when Goduine Koyalipou scored after a corner in the 21st minute
Substitute Jim Allevinah scored his first goal for Angers in the French league as his club won 1-0 at Nantes to leapfrog their rivals and take a big step towards survival in the top division
Allevinah scored with a low strike in the 52nd minute
It was the first shot on target in the match
came on after 20 minutes as a replacement for the injured Zinedine Ferhat
Angers moved to 14th place in the standings
one point above Nantes and two points above Le Havre
Le Havre won 2-1 at Auxerre to move four points above the drop zone
1 May 2025 5:58 am · Hunter News · NSW Police · Ian Crouch
They were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
The 14-year-old girl was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed, take and drive conveyance withourt consent of owner, and break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence.
The tow passengers were charged with being carried in a conveyance taken without consent of owner and break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence.All three have been granted conditional bail to face the children’s court on May 28.
Play Duration: 52 minutes 18 seconds52m Presented by
Mawunyo Gbogbo grew up as a church-going African Australian girl growing up in the sleepy mining town of Muswellbrook, NSW.
Her parents met in Ghana, migrating to Australia when she was a baby.
At high school, Mawunyo fell hard for a charismatic boy, and for the first time, she was introduced to hip hop music.
When she was offered a chance to further her budding media career in New York City at the Bible of hip hop, The Source magazine, she grabbed it.
But while her time in New York was thrilling, it also threatened to derail her dreams.
Hip Hop and Hymns is published by Penguin. The book has has been optioned by Tony Briggs, who created and wrote The Sapphires
Mawunyo is now in the throes of writing her first novel.
Download the ABC listen app to hear more of your favourite podcasts
has helped Bordeaux-Begles reach the Champions Cup final
Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSAustralian rugby stars - including three former Wallabies now thriving overseas - have excelled in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup to set up a showdown in Europe's top club event
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 areaContinuePete Samu
went over for a glorious early try as Union Bordeaux-Begles ended Toulouse's two-year unbeaten run in the tournament
brilliantly winning the all-French battle 35-18 victory at the Matmut Atlantique on Sunday to reach the final for the first time
also featuring ex-Australia lock Adam Coleman
unexpected and rather epic 37-34 victory over Irish favourites Leinster in Dublin on Saturday
The 'Saints' emerged triumphant with five tries
including one from their popular Australian fullback James Ramm
while former Wallabies' back-rower Josh Kemeny shone and Angus Scott-Young came off the bench to help them become the first English finalists since Exeter won in 2020
The five Aussies will do battle in the final on May 24 in Cardiff's Principality Stadium as Northampton seek to end French Top 14 clubs' recent domination of the title
It won't be easy for Northampton with Bordeaux-Begles having looked mightily strong in kayoing the six-time champions with tries from Samu
while Matthieu Jalibert and Maxime Lucu impressed with valuable booted points
who'd been unbeaten since losing in the 2023 semi-finals to Leinster
responded with two tries from Dimitri Delibes and Pierre-Louis Barassi but were crucially weakened by the absence of the injured Antoine Dupont
"They had a 10-minute spell of domination and we did not crack
We're so happy to qualify in front of our fans as we've been through very tough moments," said Jalibert
referring to Toulouse's 59-3 win against UBB in last season's Top 14 final
The 33-year-old veteran Tasmanian lock Coleman
is of Tongan descent and now playing his international rugby for the Pacific Island
He only lasted 28 minutes after failing a head injury assessment following his tackle on Julien Marchand
the former Waratahs wing who played just once for Australia's under-20s but hasn't yet played played a senior international even though he's eligible for New Zealand
who played at the last World Cup for the Wallabies
was also in fine form in the back row battle but did receive a late yellow for a high shot on Rabah Slimani that forced the Saints into an almighty backs-to-the-wall struggle to eke out their three-point win
Police have released CCTV footage of a group of men who they believe can assist with their inquiries following a suspected kidnapping at Muswellbrook
a 25-year-old male was allegedly forced to stop his vehicle on the New England Highway
It’s understood he’d been targeted by at least five men in a silver Subaru Impreza
He was allegedly removed from his vehicle before being assaulted and forced into the Subaru and then driven to Tindale Street in Muswellbrook
Officers believe the Impreza remained there for a lengthy amount of time
before travelling to Denman or a surrounding rural area
when a Holden Commodore utility crashed into the front of his car
He was then threatened by an occupant of the ute before he drove away without injury
Police deem the two incidents may be linked
Officers later found the 25-year-old man at Muswellbrook railway station with facial injuries
He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital… and has since been released
they’ve released CCTV footage of two vehicles and three men who may be able to assist with the investigation
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Photo: AP PHOTOJay Vine has taken another major step on his remarkable comeback to cycling by making the podium in third place at one of European cycling's top stage races
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 tough Australian
whose career was in the balance last year after a horror crash at the tour of the Basque Country
put in a terrific final-day time trial in the Swiss race on Sunday to grab his first overall podium place at a WorldTour event since winning the Tour Down Under back home at the start of 2023
It demonstrated the 29-year-old Queenslander is returning to near his finest form as he approaches next week's first Grand Tour of the year
Vine's UAE Team Emirates Portuguese teammate Joao Almeida took the overall win after finishing second in the 17.1km time trial around Geneva which was won by double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel
who's also on the road back to his imperious best after suffering multiple broken bones in a training accident last year
winner of the third stage in brilliant fashion
had been fourth overall going into this fifth and final stage
needing to claw back half-a-minute on the leading trio of Frenchman Lenny Martinez (Bahrain-Victorious)
Italian Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana) and Almeida
who were separated by just three seconds in the GC
Almeida produced a brilliant ride to finish second in the TT
only bettered by nearly 12 seconds by Evenepoel (20:33)
while Martinez had to fight to keep hold of second place overall with the 13th quickest effort of the day
Martinez managed to keep the charging Vine (20:57) at bay by just 15 seconds but the Australian comfortably leapfrogged the struggling Fortunato into third
who was the first Australian to make the Romandie podium since Richie Porte finished runner-up in 2021
also managed to take home the orange jersey as points classification victor
It was the ideal boost for him before travelling to Albania for the start of the Giro d'Italia on Friday
where he'll be joined in a likely 13-strong Australian contingent that also features Tour of the Alps winner Michael Storer
2022 Giro champ Jai Hindley and eight-time Grand Tour stage winner Kaden Groves
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: Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOSRichmond coach Adem Yze will wrap his arms around Noah Balta in the face of ongoing jeers from opposition supporters
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBalta returned to the sound of boos from Hawthorn fans in the Tigers' 16.13 (109) to 6.8 (44) loss at the MCG on Sunday
after spending a week on the sidelines because of his court-imposed curfew
It was his first match since being sentenced last month for assaulting a man on December 30 last year
Balta was also targeted during a win over Gold Coast - his only other appearance this season after serving a four-match suspension related to the assault - three days before he was sentenced
"Every supporter group can do what they want
but what we can do is put our arms around him and support him," Yze said after Sunday's match
"We've just got to make sure that doesn't tip over the edge and create any anxiety and pressure for him
"We've got to support him as best we can throughout the week and he knows how much we love him
every supporter group can do what they want
but I would be hoping the Tiger Army don't do that to other players."
Balta had a solid game with eight marks and 14 disposals before being subbed out in the last term
who is free to play against winless West Coast next Sunday
limped off in the final minutes against Hawthorn after appearing to roll his ankle
"He was trying his best to get our ball movement going from our back half
Yze also backed Tim Taranto despite the experienced midfielder gifting Hawthorn a goal by shoving James Sicily over and giving away a 50-metre penalty
Sicily had thrown Maurice Rioli to the ground after catching the Tiger holding the ball
Most players on the ground became involved in the ensuing melee
"Sicily's a fiery character and he got into one of our younger players
so for our vice-captain to step in and fly the flag ..
when one of your players is going in to help one of your younger players and fly the flag and lead by example ..
he might have overstepped it but I'd rather him do that than not go in there at all."
and buildings are tearing off at the edges like metal rusting near the sea
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThis is not a city where money has been poured into civic projects
where small ornate details are obsessed over
This is a city that is lived in - like a lounge room where magazines and empty glasses have been tossed on the table and the carpet shows the stains of countless accidents
Picture by Michael TurtleAnd Belgrade has seen a lot of living
It was the centre of one of the most important prehistoric cultures of Europe (the Vinca culture)
So many people from so many lands have walked across this ground
"Serbia is a poor country," the manager at my hotel tells me over a local draught (which sadly is not called Serbeera - a missed marketing opportunity!)
Picture by Michael Turtle"I don't know why you come here
It's not the first time a local has asked me this since I arrived
Although Serbs are extremely patriotic and proud of their nation
they don't seem to always understand the appeal for foreigners
But the greatest charm of Belgrade comes not from the relatively small collection of tourist sites
The very thing that makes this city gritty is what also makes it so dynamic and void of sterility
I decide to at least start with the main landmarks
a complex of defences and palatial spaces that has been the site of the city's main castle or fort for more than two millennia
The current version is from the 18th century
rebuilt during a brief period of Austrian rule
but its role is now recreation rather than protection
and parklands behind the thick stone walls
Picture by Michael TurtleA few kilometres away
the Church of St Sava is a more modern icon of the city
it was only in recent years that the final touches were put on the monumental structure
which is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world
The design is based on Istanbul's Hagia Sophia and the interior glitters with enormous golden mosaics and suspended chandeliers
one of the most important Serbs of modern history - Nikola Tesla
The inventor was clearly ahead of his time
with groundbreaking work on things like motors
He didn't always get the credit he deserved
possibly because his American benefactors favoured US interests
and this is one of the subplots of his life that can be explored in the museum
along with examples of many of his projects
this was a relatively quiet museum when I first visited Belgrade more than a decade ago
perhaps partly because the Tesla name has taken on a new life.)
One of several bombed buildings in the city that have never been repaired
Picture by Michael TurtleFor a general look at the country
the National Museum of Serbia has had a makeover recently and the revitalised space has more than 30 sections covering history from the Roman era right up to 21st-century art
But for a look at its most important modern era
based around the mausoleum of Josip Broz Tito who served as the authoritarian president of the former nation for 27 years
The concept of a united Yugoslavia is still seen positively by many Serbians and the museum has more than 200,000 artefacts commemorating that period
including a large collection of batons used in relay races that celebrated Tito's birthday each year
A bronze statue of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito
Picture by Michael TurtleIt's impossible to visit Belgrade and avoid some of its controversial history - and that's the way the city wants it
After NATO bombings in 1999 during the Kosovo War
rather than repair the damaged army headquarters
a monument to the instability of the 1990s
it's also become a morbid tourist attraction where the twisted metal beams protrude from the shattered concrete
It's just one of several bombed buildings in the city that have never been repaired
On walls that do remain throughout the city
the legacy of that period is explored in street art created by the post-war generation
playful and profound - offer a window into the soul of the youth and how they see their place in Belgrade..
shocked that tourists would see more than the coast of the Balkans
Street art and murals add to Belgrade's vibrant urbanity
If all the places I've already mentioned are not enough to justify a visit
perhaps you only need to stop and look around
I find a table at a traditional Serbian restaurant where the tables are spilling out onto the street and are full on this warm summer evening
Food and drinks are very cheap by Australian standards
the energy moving between them as though Nikola Tesla was controlling it
those centuries of heritage lighting up the city
You can see more things to do in Belgrade on Michael's Time Travel Turtle website.
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 areaContinueIt is a safe seat held by the Nationals' former leader and deputy Prime Minister
the Muswellbrook Local Government Area has been added to the electorate for this election
With its economic dependence on coal mining
Muswellbrook has favoured the Labor Party in previous federal elections
But Mr Joyce has been an outspoken supporter of coal
and it is not expected that his significant margin will change too much with the addition of Muswellbrook to an electorate that runs from the Upper Hunter to Tenterfield in the north
Top left to right - Labor's Laura Huges
Bottom left to right - One Nation's Brent Larkham
and Family First candidate holly Masters.Early voting begins on Tuesday
with the polling booths open in the electorate listed below:
Victoria Park, Hill St, Muswellbrook
Show details and hours
84 Pryor St, Quirindi
426-440 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Hillvue
The booth will be closed on Anzac Day, Friday, April 25.
Photo: Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOSRising star Darcy Jones is drawing inspiration from reigning premiers Brisbane as GWS look to end their early-season form slump with a derby win
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Giants are 4-3 and risk damaging their top-four ambitions if they again give up bragging rights to Sydney at the SCG on Sunday
While Jones admits back-to-back defeats have sent his sixth-placed side slightly spiralling
the small forward says pointing to Brisbane's run to the 2024 AFL flag has helped them refocus
The Lions were 13th (2-5) heading into round eight last year and only made it into the top eight in round 16 after overcoming a spate of injuries
Darcy Jones can't wait to tackle the Swans
(Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)"It's not the end of the world - in our minds
so we just need to stay positive," Jones told AAP
"I look back at Brisbane last year - they were not in a very good stage this time of year
I said as soon as I got on the bus in Canberra after the Bulldogs game ..
"And what better game to win than against the Swans
We'll be ready to get one on the board again."
Sydney defender Lewis Melican says it's the same story across the city
with last year's beaten grand finalists also bent on resuscitating their season
are 14th (2-5) and on a three-game losing streak
Sydney at least have recent derby history on their side
having won their past four meetings with GWS
we'll reach a stage where it might be too far to come back from
so we've got to start playing the footy we want to play soon," Melican told AAP
"I wouldn't really say there's much of a grace period (adjusting under Cox)
"We just need to really knuckle down because he's (Cox) had a pretty clear mindset that he wants to be a defence-first team
we probably haven't been able to do that the way we want to and the scoreboard's been showing it."
dropping forward Tom Hanily and back-up ruck Peter Ladhams
while defender Ben Paton is out with a calf injury
Fellow defender Sam Wicks returns from his own calf injury
alongside midfielder Angus Sheldrick and defender Joel Hamling
Josh Kelly (hip) and Conor Stone (omitted) out of the side
Giants rookie and Western Sydney local Josaia Delana will make his AFL debut
joined by fellow forward Callum Brown and defender Joe Fonti
Photo: 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
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: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSDejan Kulusevski believes Tottenham can handle Bodo/Glimt's artificial surface in the Arctic Circle and stay on track to finish a disappointing season in the best way possible
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 areaContinueSpurs will next week head to Aspmyra Stadion in northern Norway with a two-goal advantage after they earned a 3-1 win in Thursday's Europa League semi-final first-leg tie
A late goal from Ulrik Saltnes provided hope for Bodo
who will have captain Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen back from suspension and boast a formidable home record
Olympiacos and Lazio all defeated there in the knock-out rounds
Ange Postecoglou has taken plenty of criticism for Tottenham's disastrous Premier League season - with the club in 16th position - but backed his squad to "get the job done" in Norway and cited their quarter-final displays against Eintracht Frankfurt as evidence of their ability
Star man Kulusevski echoed the sentiments of his under-pressure manager and talked up the prospect of ending the club's 17-year trophy drought on May 21 in the Europa League final in Bilbao
We play with less risk and we put the ball up more in the space like we did today and we got to keep doing that in Europe
"This season has been really disappointing but at least
We have got to do everything possible every day to make it happen
"It is different football on an artificial pitch
you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that."
Asked if Spurs would train on an artificial pitch before the second leg
I have been playing it in Sweden so I should be prepared."
Postecoglou revealed on Friday morning that Spurs will be without midfielder Lucas Bergvall for the second leg and potentially James Maddison too
"Lucas obviously looks like the injury is significant enough to probably keep him out for the rest of the season," Postecoglou said
still sore from last night but we don't think it's anything too serious
but we're hoping it will settle down pretty quickly
"Madders is a bit more of a concern because it's the knee
We've sent him for a scan and just waiting to hear the outcome."
Photo: Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOSAustralia's women's sevens outfit will wage an Olympics redemption mission after securing a World Championship semi-final duel with Canada
after the men were cruelly denied a podium shot of their own
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 areaContinueTim Walsh's side were unbeaten in three games at the Los Angeles series finale on Saturday (Sunday AEST) and will face the Canadians for a spot in the final
The match-up comes less than a year after Canada stunned the red-hot Australians in the Paris Olympics semi-finals
The Australians will be out to avenge their heartache at last year's Paris Olympics
(Iain McGregor/AAP PHOTOS)New Zealand and USA will meet in the other semi-final to complete a mirror image of the final four who fought for medals in Paris last July
"We've got to go back and review Canada," Australian star Maddison Levi said
"They're a tough team and especially in finals anything can happen."
The Australians were able to overcome a knee injury to veteran Demi Hayes early on the opening day before securing victories over Fiji
USA and France."It's good for our young girls to play some more minutes," Levi said
"This year is all about experience and I think we're building as a team."
Australia's men were a blade of grass from joining them in the final four after a gutting 21-19 loss to New Zealand that went three minutes into extra time
Henry Hutchison barged through two defenders and thought he'd scored the match-winning try
only for officials to determine there wasn't conclusive evidence of a grounding on review
They had earlier upset No.2 and No.3 seeds Fiji and Spain
winning 15-14 and 15-10 respectively with James Turner starring
Australia missed out on a top-four berth by just two points on differential after three of the four teams were locked on seven points
Instead they'll play France in the fifth-placed play-off
New Zealand will play South Africa in one men's semi-final with Spain sneaking ahead of Australia to face Argentina in the other
Photo: AP PHOTOJack Draper has been beaten in three gruelling sets by an inspired Casper Ruud in the Madrid Open final
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 exciting 23-year-old Briton
who will become a top-five player next week
fought back to level the match after losing the opening set on Sunday
but it was three-time grand slam finalist Ruud
Draper was bidding for a second ATP 1000 title in two months following his Indian Wells triumph in mid-March
but he fell short against the tough Norwegian
who triumphed 7-5 3-6 6-4 in just under two-and-a-half hours
overcame both a rib injury sustained in the semi-final and the resilient Draper to secure the trophy after previously dispatching Taylor Fritz
I have been dreaming about this since I was young
so I had to bring my A-plus game," Ruud said in an on-court interview
Draper had looked to be in control early in the first set as he set off in pursuit of a first ATP clay-court crown
forcing the first break of serve to lead 3-1
but from 5-3 down Ruud launched a superb counter-offensive
reeling off four successive games to take the first set in 52 minutes
The turnaround left Draper furious as he remonstrated with himself and his coach
but he quickly regrouped to play solidly before ripping a forehand winner to break Ruud for a second time and move 4-3 ahead
Draper then showed resilience to fend off two break points in the next game to move 5-3 up before breaking Ruud for the third time in the match to level it up at one set each
Jack Draper fell short in his bid to outlast the tough Norwegian champion
(AP PHOTO)The Briton produced a pivotal hold at 1-1 in the decider
surviving three break points in a game that lasted over 10 minutes to edge 2-1 ahead
Both players came under heavy pressure on serve
with Draper letting slip two break points as Ruud drew level at 2-2 before winning the next two games to move 4-2 in front
Draper was a point away from going 5-2 down
and after both players won their next service games
Ruud made no mistake when serving for the title at 5-4
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Courtesy UON Special Collections.HIDDEN far up the Karuah River is a strange sight
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 areaContinueTowering over the river below Booral
a massive stone wall can be glimpsed by boat amid undergrowth at the water's edge
Sydney archaeologist Damaris Bairstow once described it as "an outstanding
is what's left of the historic Booral Wharf
It's claimed locally that when first built
the wharf could have been about 30ft (nine metres) high and 60ft (18m) long
The site was selected because of the depth of water allowed ships of up to 30 tons to visit
the Karuah River was navigable to within 1.6 kilometres from Booral itself to allow goods to be transported further by horse and cart
Booral Wharf was crucial for the export of wool bales
But it probably served its owner for only 22 years
the site was also the scene of a still-unsolved double murder
is a largely unknown reminder of when the Australian Agricultural Company (or A.A.Co)
the nation's powerful pioneering pastoral giant
The A.A.Co's proposed vast sheep empire began on the shores of northern Port Stephens at Tahlee in 1826
it was obvious the company's coastal operation was unsuitable for sheep
The focus moved inland to create the 'English' village of Stroud along the present road route to Gloucester
That's why picturesque Stroud is today regarded as Australia's oldest surviving 'company town'
with many buildings from the 1800s still visible
the A.A.Co's attention shifted to the former convict outpost of Coal River to kick-start the re-named Newcastle by undertaking a major coal mining venture here
The company had received a Crown grant of 2000 acres (810 hectares) in the heart of old Newcastle
this land would become suburbs such as Cooks Hill
the company began subdividing its surface land for houses
One striking example was the company's model suburb with wide streets
This 1914 showpiece was Newcastle's original 'Garden Suburb'
operating probably the nation's largest beef cattle herds instead of merinos
Occupying about seven million hectares across Queensland and the Northern Territory
this represents about 1 per cent of Australia's land mass
Company's seal showing a sheep and the British royal crown.The A.A.Co
formed initially by an act of British Parliament but now publicly listed
is today hailed as Australia's oldest continuously operating company
The impetus for its ambitious project came in 1819 with the British textile industry
demanding wool from a source controlled solely by Britain
According to a report from archaeologist Bairstow
the limitless lands of NSW seemed the answer
with convicts tending fine-wool sheep under the control of free settlers
the (then colonial) government would be rid of the burden of housing
clothing and feeding its convict population while the convicts would be removed from the rum-soaked towns
All that was needed was capital," she wrote
The A.A.Co was incorporated in 1824 with a nominal capital of one million pounds to obtain a land grant in NSW of one million acres
including eight directors of the Bank of England
The idea of the 'deep' Booral Wharf originated from company commissioner Lieut-Colonel Henry Dumaresq
probably the best wharf picture ever taken was during a visit by boat by Hunter naturalist Athel D'Ombrain in August 1976
a group of volunteers from Newcastle WEA under the guidance of archaeologist Damaris Bairstow hacked their way through the lantana-covered site to record the wharf's surviving features
Bairstow later wrote a book in 2003 about the A.A.Co's pioneering role
is contained in her earlier unpublished PhD thesis
kindly made available from Hunter historian Rosemary Melville recently
a permanent goods receiving store was erected on Booral Wharf in 1837
about the same time as a one-ton crane was installed
and the wharf was used by free settlers in 1850
the wharf buildings burned down in a bush fire
was soon being developed as a port capable of handling larger ocean-going vessels
after which the A.A.Co stopped operating from Booral
who soon took over the flour mill at Stroud
Booral Wharf seems to have finally closed in the late 1870s
Bairstow's on-site investigations in 1984 revealed that the "massive stone structure" of the now overgrown wharf was built in two sections
The stone walls rose 5.3 metres above low-water level but may have once been higher
much-quoted 18 metre length of the stone walls is incorrect
being 13 metres in total with a gap of 10 metres between them to allow ships to berth alongside in a widened
Steps still lead up from the water on the south-west wall
other tangible reminders today of the A.A.Co's earliest days are in Stroud
with its historic buildings and Silo Hill above it
two cannons circa-1850 stand guard over unusual underground grain storage silos
Another hidden reminder is from Hamilton's 'Garden Suburb'
a 1914 gateway memorial plinth contains a tarnished plaque with a rare public outing of the A.A.Co's insignia
Photo: Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOSConor McKenna and Jack Payne will return among three Brisbane Lions changes for their massive AFL QClash against Gold Coast
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Suns are unchanged for the round eight game at the Gabba
Will McLachlan is also back for the home side
who lost Kai Lohmann (shoulder) and Logan Morris as James Tunstill was dropped
Brisbane and Gold Coast are two of the league's in-form teams heading into Sunday night's match
The Swans will host GWS on Sunday afternoon in Sydney's derby and they have made three changes apiece
Jake Riccardi has a hand injury and is out of the Giants line-up
while Josh Kelly will miss with a hip problem and Conor Stone has been dropped
GWS academy rookie Josiah Delana will make his AFL debut
Callum Brown and Joe Fonti are the other inclusions
Ben Paton tackles Bailey Humphrey during the Swans' last-out loss to the Suns
(Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)Sydney have lost Ben Paton (calf) and left out Peter Ladhams and Tom Hanily
Angus Sheldrick and Joel Hamling have been recalled
Cam McKenzie (hand fracture) is out of Hawthorn's side for their 100th-anniversary game against Richmond on Sunday afternoon at the MCG
They also lost Karl Amon and Jack Scrimshaw to concussion
The Tigers' Noah Balta will return and Campbell Gray is out of their line-up
AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOSEssendon forward Harrison Jones says his horrific-looking ankle/foot injury has turned out better than first feared
but it remains to be seen how long he'll be out of action
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 areaContinueJones
Jordan Ridley (hamstring) and Jade Gresham (adductor) were injured on Thursday night in a costly 9.11 (65) to 9.8 (62) victory for the Bombers over North Melbourne
The Kangaroos were also left counting the cost
with defender Jackson Archer set to miss some eight weeks with a high grade left hamstring strain
Jones was taken off on a stretcher and taken to hospital following an awkward landing that put his left ankle at a horror angle
Essendon confirmed on Friday night that Jones had suffered a minor fracture in the base of his foot but would not require surgery
The 24-year-old was in good spirits when he briefly spoke to the media earlier on Friday to give an update on his situation
It's a lot better than it could have been," Jones told reporters
I sort of looked down and saw my foot was the other way
Jordan Ridley was another Essendon player to be hurt
(Michael Errey/AAP PHOTOS)Ridley has had a roller-coaster career with quad and left hamstring injuries
but he has also avoided the need for surgery
Gresham suffered a low-grade adductor strain and will miss next week's match against Sydney
Defender Zach Reid was understandably flat despite the win
it doesn't feel like a win in here because of the injuries," Reid told AAP
"The first 48 hours is pretty tough and Harry's my housemate
"He just headed off to hospital but I'll get around him."
Essendon are already without Sam Draper (achilles)
Nick Bryan (ACL) and Tom Edwards (ACL) through season-ending injuries
Essendon coach Brad Scott has told his team they're facing a test of character
(James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)"It's just another test of character," Essendon coach Brad Scott said
the hard thing's to measure the intangibles
and character's one of those and resilience is another one - and character and resilience really only reveal themselves under adversity
and we get an opportunity to stand up again under a bit of pressure
"We've had quite a few players in our emergencies multiple weeks in a row
Scott can also feel comfortable in skipper Zach Merrett leading the Bombers forward after another best-afield showing
"He reminds me so much of Nathan Buckley in his will to win
"The other part of his game that has developed enormously is his leadership
"He's always been a very good player at AFL level
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueTasmania
I'm about halfway into a five-day stint on the federal election campaign
travelling with the Labor contingent to follow the Prime Minister around the country as he makes his pitch for another term as leader
in what will end up being seven plane trips between eight cities before the week is done
Brittney Levinson was on the campaign trail with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Keegan CarrollSwitching my phone off aeroplane mode
A "Welcome to Launceston" message pops up from Uber
but I won't be needing to hitch a ride-share
There's already a coach waiting to take the journalists and camera crews to the next location
Launceston is one of three cities I'll visit in one day
a fairly standard schedule for a journalist on the campaign
Picture by Brittney LevinsonJournalists from all different news outlets join the trail for varying stints
although some weary souls are on board for the entire five-week campaign
to follow Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to a Labor volunteer barbecue
lasts about one hour before we're back on a plane
It's these parts of the campaign that are very much made for television
the staged event is simply a photo and TV opportunity; the Prime Minister takes no questions from reporters
But they're also a chance to observe the leader in the environment, talk to people on the fringes and catch some of the unplanned chaos that can arise, like protests
the Prime Minister gets surrounded by journalists
Picture by Brittney LevinsonDuring a pic fac in the electorate of Banks
the Prime Minister struggles to make his way through the large press pack and volunteers at the pre-polling booth
Mr Albanese manages to stop to hold a baby
but his visit is cut short after a NSW Senate candidate begins heckling him
shouts "There is blood on your hands!" and "What do you have to say to Palestinian Australians?" before the Prime Minister is whisked away into a waiting car
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese struggles through the press pack in Sydney's south-west
Picture by Brittney LevinsonLocal couple Darrell and Joan Schofield are on their way to cast an early vote when they come across the bewildering scene
They're in even more disbelief when they realise the Prime Minister is standing directly across the street from them
The Prime Minister's security detail remains close by at these events and can include up to five or six bodyguards at any one time
They follow Mr Albanese to his press conferences too
which usually happen once a day alongside a policy or funding announcement
There's an unspoken agreement between reporters that the first couple of questions are relevant to the announcement
before they fire off any other questions relevant to their audience
Photographers on the Labor campaign trail quickly check their shots before the bus moves on
Picture by Brittney LevinsonTravelling with the journalists are also a handful of Labor staffers
who do their best to keep the press pack well-fed and corral the group on and off buses
broadcast journalists are often required to do live crosses from their seats
while radio reporters can be heard recording voice-overs from underneath the makeshift soundproofing of their suit jackets
Travel sickness medication can be a necessity for print and digital journalists who use every possible moment of transit to file stories and blog posts
As we retire to the hotel rooms that the Labor team has booked for us (but paid for by our employers)
a message with tomorrow's schedule arrives from the staffers
just strict times for bag drop (often before 7am)
when the bus or plane will be leaving and rough flight durations
A Sky News reporter broadcasts live from the Labor campaign bus
Picture by Brittney LevinsonMystery chartered flights
also all paid for by individual news organisations
usually separate from the main city airports
and the pilots are careful not to mention the destination as they make announcements over the loudspeaker
It's never explicitly said why the flights and bus trips are so secretive
but it's safe to assume that not wanting to tip off the opposition and protestors are big considerations
There's probably a conversation to be had about the kilometres that are travelled by the leaders
their staffers and the trailing press packs
and whether the benefits of these journeys justify the emissions
the campaign trail is the closest they'll get in three years to the leaders of the major parties
to interrogate their policies and get real-time answers (not carefully worded written responses from a "spokesperson" after a three-day wait) on matters voters care most about
Do you have questions about how the campaign trail works? Leave them in the comments below or contact brittney.levinson@canberratimes.com.au
Brittney is part of the federal political bureau, covering politics, the public service and economics. Brittney joined The Canberra Times in 2021 and was previously the property reporter. Got a news tip? Get in touch: brittney.levinson@canberratimes.com.au