FOR the first time in more than two decades, foster and kinship carers across NSW have received a 20 percent increase to their care allowance. The increase aims to ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen support for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. The tax-free increase took effect from 1 January 2026 and applies to authorised carers […]
New ideas to relieve ‘bed block’ in public hospitals
PALLIATIVE Care Australia (PCA), the peak body for palliative care in Australia, has suggested ideas on how to relieve “bed block” in public hospitals in its 2026 Federal Budget submission. PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said palliative care is a practical, compassionate way to free up hospital beds while giving people the care they need at […]
The rain radar and weather map were at the top of the Bureau’s list of fixes. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
Weather Bureau updates unpopular $96.5m website
THE Bureau of Meteorology has implemented the first round of changes to its heavily-criticised $96.5m website. Since launching, the site has attracted 400,000 “items of feedback”. As a result, the rain radar and weather map have been improved and there is more information about daily temperature highs and lows on state, territory and district pages. […]
Camden Haven community support shines through for the homeless.
COMMUNITY at 3 Inc. Chairman Theo Hazelgrove has thanked the local community for its remarkable support of people doing it tough over the Christmas period. In the two weeks leading up to Christmas, Community at 3 assisted 164 people, providing food, support and connection at a time when many experienced heightened isolation and hardship. One […]
Crime data shows sharp rise in domestic and family violence over the Christmas holiday period
St Columba Anglican School delivered a bus load of gifts to Liberty. Lewis Land donated gifts, including vouchers and toys, for women and children supported by Liberty. Miss Motivator Women’s Workouts collected vouchers to empower women during the festive season. Photos: supplied. FOR women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, the holiday period often […]
Report reveals need to address neglect of older people and adults with disability
THE NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC), in partnership with the University of NSW Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), has released a report highlighting the pervasive and complex issue of neglect affecting older people and adults with disability across NSW. Funding was provided by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. The ADC is responsible […]
All the stats from Operation Christmas and New Year
OPERATION Christmas and New Year 2025, the annual statewide road traffic safety campaign, has concluded, with eight people losing their lives on NSW roads during the 17-day period. The high-visibility operation, which ran in conjunction with the double-demerits period, began on Friday 19 December and concluded on Sunday, 4 January. The operation involved Traffic and […]
Detectives issue public appeal over suspicious death of Port Macquarie woman Megan Tangye
The crime scene in Gore Street, Port Macquarie. Photo: Port Macquarie On Scene/FB. Megan Tangye’s family has released this photo of the 31-year-old. Photo: NSW Police. DETECTIVES are appealing to the public to help them piece together what happened to 31-year-old Megan Tangye. Megan died from multiple injuries after being found in a Port Macquarie […]
The report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors. Photo: Leanda Connor.
NSW Government releases report to guide primary industries to lower emissions
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has released a report to help farmers and primary industries reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining or enhancing productivity and sustainability. The NSW Land and Primary Industries Low Emissions Options Report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors including livestock production, […]
NSW gun law reforms tighten controls while allowing exemptions for primary producers
PRIMARY producers across NSW will operate under tighter firearm regulations following new legislation. The State Government emphasises that the reforms recognise the legitimate needs of farmers while strengthening community safety. The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed the NSW Parliament on Wednesday 24 December in response to the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi […]
