Saturday 3 October 2026New South Wales edition
Sydney Times News

Local stories, community first — Sydney and beyond.

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Community
Constable Mia Lay to be honoured on NSW Police Wall of Remembrance

Constable Mia Lay, 20, who died in a car crash while on duty, will be added to the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in Sydney. A service at the Domain for National Police Remembrance Day will observe a minute's silence for officers who have lost their lives.

5 days ago
Community
Sydney Data Centre Project Scrapped Amid Community Outcry

A proposed $1.2 billion data centre development in Sydney's Lane Cove has been withdrawn amid community opposition. The project was scrapped due to changes in the regulatory environment and feedback from the local community.

6 days ago
Community
Endangered bogong moths descend on homes across NSW

Residents in parts of New South Wales are finding their homes invaded by endangered bogong moths, with hundreds of people reporting sightings. The sudden influx has sparked concern, but experts say the large numbers are a sign that something is going right for the endangered species.

6 days ago
Community
Knights Fans Get Clear Run to Grand Final as Track Work Postponed

The track work on the Newcastle train line has been postponed to ensure a smooth journey for Knights fans heading to the NRL grand final in Sydney. The move comes after commuter chaos on the Newcastle line caused major delays for fans traveling to the preliminary final.

6 days ago
Community
Fatal hit-and-run: police appeal for woman driver to come forward

Police are urging a woman they believe was involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Bega, NSW, to come forward. The incident occurred on August 31, and 73-year-old Trevor Fleet died in hospital the next day.

6 days ago
Community
Former friend tells court Beau Lamarre-Condon asked for help hiding a body

A former friend of Beau Lamarre-Condon has told a jury that he asked her if he killed someone, would she help hide a body, in a conversation that left her "really scared" and feeling "surreal". The conversation took place nine months before the alleged murders of a Sydney couple.

6 days ago
Community
Dolphins Spotted West of Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sign of Improving Water Health

A pod of dolphins has been spotted in Sydney Harbour west of the bridge, a rare sighting that has been hailed as a sign of the harbour's improving environmental health. The dolphins were seen swimming in waters off Birchgrove by a kayak tour early this morning.

6 days ago
Community
Husband of missing woman in Nepal floods calls for continued search efforts

The husband of a woman missing in the Nepal floods is calling for search efforts to continue, as the international community rallies to support those affected by the disaster. Reshma Patel, from Newcastle, was on a pilgrimage to the Mount Kailash Mansarovar region when the floods struck.

6 days ago
Community
Scaffolding Collapse in Ultimo: Community Breathes Sigh of Relief

A section of scaffolding collapsed in Ultimo yesterday, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the incident.

6 days ago
Community
Scaffolding collapse at Sydney building site raises safety concerns

A section of scaffolding at a Sydney building site partially collapsed onto parked cars on Saturday, narrowly missing drivers on the street. The incident occurred just before 6:45pm on Wattle Street in the inner-city suburb of Ultimo.

7 days ago
Community
The alarming rise of sexual strangulation among young Australians

Young Australians are increasingly normalizing sexual strangulation as part of their sexual encounters, despite the serious health risks associated with the practice. Health professionals and advocates are calling for change, citing the need for education and awareness about the dangers of strangulation.

7 days ago
Community
Probe into Wedderburn Hazard Reduction Burn After Fire Truck Destroyed

A hazard reduction burn in Sydney's south-west has sparked an investigation after a fire truck was destroyed and a firefighter hospitalized. The fire intensified suddenly on Saturday, causing damage to several properties and prompting a swift response from emergency services.

7 days ago
Community
Cyclist Cameron Butcher 'died eight times' before heart transplant

Wollongong cyclist Cameron Butcher, 26, has had a remarkable recovery after a heart transplant two years ago. He is now competing in the Australian Transplant Games in Launceston.

7 days ago
Community
EV Owners Warned to Plan Ahead for Bushfire Season

As bushfire season approaches, electric vehicle owners are being warned to plan ahead to avoid being stranded. A series of incidents has highlighted the need for EV owners to have a backup plan and be aware of the unique challenges of driving an electric vehicle during a bushfire.

7 days ago
Community
Sydney Nightclub Club 77 Redesigns Venue with Accessibility at Forefront

Club 77 in Sydney's Darlinghurst has undergone a major redesign with accessibility in mind. The venue's new features include an adjustable DJ booth, accessible bathrooms, and a sensory area.

7 days ago
Community
Australian Scientists Develop Groundbreaking Satellite Tech to Predict Bushfires

Australian scientists are developing a world-first satellite technology to measure eucalypt flammability from space, aiming to provide critical data for bushfire planning and response. The OzFuel project could help reduce Australia's reliance on foreign-owned satellites and save billions in disaster damage.

7 days ago
Community
Community Mourns Constable Mia Lay After Fatal Redfern Crash

Family and friends of Constable Mia Lay gathered at the Redfern crash site to pay their respects to the 20-year-old police officer who was killed in a car crash. Constable Lay's partner, Daniel Vasquez, remembered her as the love of his life and a kind-hearted person who loved her work.

8 days ago
Community
Retired Tasmanian doctor faces indecent assault charges

A retired Tasmanian GP has pleaded not guilty to three indecent assault charges. A patient who alleges he was indecently assaulted by the doctor two decades ago has told the court that he was frightened of reporting the incident at the time.

8 days ago
Community
Sydney Double Murder Trial Hears of Obsessive Behaviour

The Sydney double murder trial of Beau Lamarre-Condon has heard that Jesse Baird had expressed concern to friends and family about his former partner's obsessive behaviour. The court was told that Mr Baird had received a photo from his son, Jesse, at a concert with a message that Luke Davies was now his boyfriend in early 2024.

8 days ago
Community
Constable Mia Lay remembered as 'confident and capable' by Sydney resident

A Sydney resident has fondly remembered a young police officer who was killed in a car crash on Friday, describing her as 'confident and capable'. Constable Mia Lay, 20, was a promising young officer who left a lasting impression on those who met her.

8 days ago
Community
Calls for Specialist Endometriosis Education in NSW Public High Schools

A push is underway to introduce specialist endometriosis education classes in NSW public high schools, with a parliamentary petition gaining over 1,700 signatures. The program, run by the Pelvic Pain Foundation, aims to educate students about pelvic pain and menstrual issues in a comfortable and supportive environment.

8 days ago
Community
Sydney man jailed for Nazi salute under new mandatory sentencing laws

A Sydney man has been sentenced to three years in prison for performing a Nazi salute and publishing offensive online posts under new mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Nathan Ballesty is the first person to be jailed under the laws introduced in February 2025.

9 days ago
Community
Former childcare worker Hamish Tait faces 444 charges of child abuse

A former Sydney childcare worker is facing 444 charges related to the alleged abuse of children over a 16-year period. The Australian Federal Police have laid an additional 115 charges against Hamish Tait, who allegedly abused more than 130 children.

9 days ago
Community
Friend 'Froze' After Beau Lamarre-Condon Asked About Killing Someone

A friend of former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon has told a jury he asked her what she would do if he told her he had killed someone, and whether she would help him hide the body. The defendant is standing trial for the murder of his ex-partner and his new boyfriend.

9 days ago
Community
Kandos Waste Plant Plan Sparks Government Dispute

A $1 billion waste processing plant proposed for the former Kandos Cement Works near Mudgee has sparked a dispute between the New South Wales government and the project's proponents. The plant would process 450,000 tonnes of rubbish per year using gasification technology.

9 days ago
Community
Sydney's $78m wharves sit idle: Ferry service still a distant dream

Two $78 million ferry wharves in Sydney's Kamay Botany Bay National Park have no ferry service a year after opening. Locals are calling for the NSW government to offer a financial sweetener to attract a private operator.

9 days ago
Community
Tragedy Strikes: Police Officer Killed in Inner-Sydney Car Crash

A police officer has died in a car crash in inner Sydney after a marked vehicle crashed into a tree at Redfern. The female constable in the passenger seat died instantly, while the male driver was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

9 days ago
Community
NSW Planning Department Admits Mistake Over Data Centre Gas Plant Consultation

The NSW planning department has admitted it failed to consult key agencies before setting assessment requirements for a major gas plant to power a data centre in Moss Vale. The department's admission has sparked concerns over the planning process and the potential impact of the project on the environment.

9 days ago
Community
Top college faces class action over unaccredited degree claims

A leading private college is facing a Supreme Court class action by students who claim they were misled about the accreditation status of their degrees. The class action against The International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) seeks compensation for distress, HECS debts, and further study costs.

9 days ago
Community
Tragedy Strikes: 11-Year-Old Boy Dies After Shooting in Sydney's North-West

An 11-year-old boy has died after being shot in the face and neck at a Norwest unit in Sydney's north-west on Monday. Police are investigating links to organised crime and have charged 18-year-old Isaac Bechara with concealing a serious indictable offence.

9 days ago
Community
Tragedy Strikes Blue Mountains: Second Child Dies After Family Stabbing Incident

A second child has died after a mother allegedly stabbed her three children in the Blue Mountains on the weekend. The mother has been charged with a second count of murder and is due in court in November.

10 days ago
Community
Spiritual Group Accused of Misusing $2.55m in Loans from Former Follower

A northern NSW spiritual group is facing a $2.55 million lawsuit from a former follower who claims she loaned the group the money under the understanding it would be repaid. The group, led by Drew Porter, allegedly used the money for luxury trips and business expenses.

10 days ago
Community
Grimmer family gives premier deadline to review 56-year-old cold case murder

Cheryl Grimmer's family has given the NSW premier a deadline to review the 56-year-old cold case murder of the three-year-old girl, accusing the state's top prosecutor of a "catastrophic failure of public accountability". The family demands an independent audit of the case and will seek government records if the government does not respond by September 29.

10 days ago
Community
Man charged after leading police on high-stakes pursuit across NSW-ACT border

A 22-year-old man was charged after leading police on a pursuit across the NSW-ACT border multiple times. Officers found a large sword, a flick knife, gloves, and balaclavas in a search after the man was arrested.

10 days ago
Community
Jury sees CCTV of Beau Lamarre-Condon buying surfboard bag before alleged double murder

A jury has been shown CCTV footage of former Sydney police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon buying a surfboard bag days before the alleged murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. Prosecutors allege Lamarre-Condon planned to use the bag to dispose of Mr Baird's body.

10 days ago
Community
Former Butler Testifies in Alan Jones's Indecent Assault Trial

Alan Jones's former butler of nearly 20 years testified in Jones's indecent assault and sexual touching trial, describing how Jones would greet a prominent athlete with a hug and a "slap on the bottom". The butler, David Allan, detailed his extensive work for Jones, including managing his luxury apartment and hosting high-profile guests.

10 days ago
Community
Sydney Airport Passengers Warned of Delays Amid Strikes

Passengers travelling from Sydney Airport today are being warned to arrive with extra time before their flight, as two separate strikes impact airport security and ground services. The strikes, involving around 400 security staff and hundreds of ground service employees, are over pay and working conditions.

10 days ago
Community
Search resumes for missing man near Albury

A 28-year-old man with an intellectual disability has been missing for four days after walking away from his home near Albury. A major search operation involving police, mounted officers, and a helicopter is underway to find Daniel Trenchard-Harry.

10 days ago
Community
Jehovah's Witnesses relax blood transfusion rules after years of criticism

A prominent Christian denomination has changed its doctrine to allow individual members to choose whether to accept blood transfusions in emergencies, a move that has sparked relief and anger among members and former members. The change comes after years of criticism and reports of lives lost due to the church's previous stance on blood transfusions.

10 days ago
Community
Police Criticized for Handling of Simone Strobel Murder Investigation

NSW Police have been criticized for not adequately investigating multiple persons of interest in the unsolved 2005 killing of German tourist Simone Strobel. The senior barrister who acted as counsel assisting at the most recent coronial inquest into her death said police focused too heavily on one main suspect, Tobias Moran, formerly Tobias Suckfuell.

10 days ago