April 24, 2025
Cardinal mourns ‘death of much-loved’ Pope More than five million Australian Catholics are mourning the passing of Pope Francis. Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch.
National

Cardinal mourns ‘death of much-loved’ Pope

AUSTRALIANS have recalled Pope Francis’s profound love for the poor, diverse people and all of humanity as millions mourn the pontiff’s passing. His death, on Monday after a recent serious battle with double pneumonia, was marked by tolling church bells and preparations for scores of memorial masses for the Catholic figurehead. It may also prove […]

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Laurieton RSL sub-Branch keep Anzac spirit alive with community programs Laurieton Public School Vice Captains Ivy and Kiera raising the flag at the conclusion of the school’s Anzac Day service. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
National, School

Laurieton RSL sub-Branch keep Anzac spirit alive with community programs

THE Laurieton RSL sub-Branch has been providing community education programs and commemorative services in schools and aged care facilities in the lead up to Anzac Day. Sub-Branch President Allan “Buster” Beatty and School Liaison Officer Pat Slee have engaged with a variety of groups in recent weeks, helping to foster a deeper understanding of Australia’s […]

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Anzac Biscuits and a cuppa as Birdon honours veterans Melanie Barnes, Andrew McAlary, John White, Jamie Bruce, Veteran Mark Albertson, Natasha Hamblin, Brady Pinkstone and Meg Teasdell enjoying the Aussie favourite at the Birdon Anzac Biscuit Morning Tea.
Regional

Anzac Biscuits and a cuppa as Birdon honours veterans

NO cup of tea or coffee is complete at this time of year without an Anzac Biscuit – or three. Birdon made sure they didn’t run short on Tuesday, when 300 were on offer for staff at its Port Macquarie headquarters. It was part of a company-wide morning tea to honour Australian Defence Force (ADF) […]

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Early voting locations in the Camden Haven Early voting opens this week. Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi.
Politics

Early voting locations in the Camden Haven

PRE-POLL voting in Lyne for the Federal election opened on Tuesday, ahead of the main polling day of 3 May. Given past trends in early voting, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) anticipates that approximately half of all voters will cast their vote during the early voting period (a combination of in-person early votes, mobile and […]

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How early voting has upended pollies’ election pledges More and more Australians are opting to get voting out of the way before election day. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS.
Politics

How early voting has upended pollies’ election pledges

PARTIES have been forced to ditch last-minute policy reveals as millions of Australians choose to skip polling day. Pre-polling centres opened from Tuesday, offering voters a chance to get in well before the 3 May election date. Analysts expect many voters going away for the upcoming Anzac Day weekend and school holidays will take advantage […]

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Farmers call for telecommunication focus at election time NFF President David Jochinke.
Politics

Farmers call for telecommunication focus at election time

THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for commitments from all sides of politics to bridge the digital divide for rural and regional Australians in this election. NFF President David Jochinke said that while significant investment has been made in recent years, rural and regional connectivity is still a major problem. “Whether it’s calling for […]

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Boy’s drowning adds to ‘most horrific’ Easter toll A nine-year-old boy died after becoming trapped between rocks at South West Rocks. Photo: AAP Image/Lucy Coffey.
Regional

Boy’s drowning adds to ‘most horrific’ Easter toll

HOLIDAYMAKERS are warned to avoid any unnecessary risks as powerful swells lash the east coast, resulting in record drownings in one state. Seven people are confirmed dead – six in NSW and one in Victoria – with the search for two others missing since Good Friday continuing on Easter Monday. In the latest tragedy, a […]

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Public input sought on hemp industry’s future
Health, Regional

Public input sought on hemp industry’s future

A DRAFT NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan is now open for public comment. The draft plan from the NSW Government proposes an industry vision to establish hemp as a mainstream crop and sustainable source of products in NSW. “Supporting the vision, four development objectives provide strategic direction for actions to capitalise on the key opportunities […]

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Police conducting bail checks on ‘weak’ legal basis Police have been warned about the practice of entering property to check on bail compliance. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Local News

Police conducting bail checks on ‘weak’ legal basis

POLICE in Australia’s largest state have been slammed for regularly entering the private property of former inmates out on bail to conduct compliance checks, without a court order. A damning report from the NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission says police have been stretching their authority and powers by relying on a weak legal principle to […]

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