Saturday 3 October 2026New South Wales edition
Sydney Times News

Local stories, community first — Sydney and beyond.

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Community
Junee Jail Staffing Levels to Remain Unchanged Despite Inmate Increase

A recent inquest has heard that Junee Correctional Centre in southern New South Wales will not be increasing its staff despite taking on an additional 100 inmates from the now-closed Goulburn prison. The inquest was examining the circumstances surrounding the death of 40-year-old inmate Alexander Gavranic, who died by suicide in his cell at Junee Correctional Centre in February 2023.

11 days ago
Community
Gun Laws Crush Firearms Businesses: 'We're Losing Everything'

Firearms dealers in New South Wales are struggling under the state's new gun laws, with some business owners losing their retirement savings and being forced to sell their homes. The new laws have resulted in a significant decline in trade for many firearms businesses.

11 days ago
Community
Loved ones describe Jesse Baird's growing fear of Beau Lamarre-Condon in double murder trial

Loved ones of Jesse Baird have described his growing fear of Beau Lamarre-Condon in the months leading up to his death. The television presenter was shot dead in his Paddington home in February 2024, along with his boyfriend Luke Davies.

11 days ago
Community
Osborne footballer Jed Griffin remembered for cheeky smile after quad bike death

A 25-year-old footballer has died in a quad bike accident at the Osborne Football Club's home ground, leaving a community in shock. The player, Jed Griffin, is being remembered as a fierce competitor and much-loved teammate.

11 days ago
Community
Carbon credits to fund NSW's Great Koala National Park, but critics question the plan

The New South Wales government's plan to create the country's largest dedicated koala national park has passed a key hurdle, but the plan to fund it through carbon credits has sparked debate. The Great Koala National Park will span 476,000 hectares and is expected to be completed by the March 2027 election.

11 days ago
Community
AI leak detection trial aims to save 2,700 megalitres of water in NSW schools and public buildings yearly

The NSW government is trialling AI-powered leak detection technology to save water in schools, TAFEs, hospitals, and public housing. The technology has the potential to save 2,700 megalitres of water per year.

11 days ago
Community
Mary Poppins statue turns to mark new beginnings in Bowral

In Bowral, NSW, year 6 students participate in a coming-of-age ritual that marks their transition to high school by turning a 5-metre bronze statue of Mary Poppins 180 degrees on the equinox. The tradition celebrates the town's connection to beloved literary character Mary Poppins and author PL Travers.

11 days ago
Community
Mother charged with murder after three children stabbed in NSW Blue Mountains

A mother has been charged with murder and attempted murder after three young children were stabbed in the NSW Blue Mountains on Sunday. The 42-year-old woman was charged in a bedside hearing on Tuesday and is due to appear at Penrith Local Court on Friday November 20.

12 days ago
Community
Ex-police officer accused of sexual assault on male colleagues

A former NSW Police officer is on trial for allegedly sexually touching three younger male colleagues and sexually assaulting one of them. Matthew Stephen Cameron, 33, has pleaded not guilty to 10 charges, including nine counts of sexual touching without consent and one count of sexual intercourse without consent.

12 days ago
Community
Aged Care Provider Ordered to Back Pay $1.39m to Mostly Migrant Staff

A prominent aged care provider has been ordered to back pay over $1.3 million to 335 employees, mostly migrant staff, following an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The underpayments occurred between July 2018 and March 2025, and affected employees including nurses, allied health professionals, and care managers.

12 days ago
Community
Home Invasion in Lalor Park Leaves Two Men with Serious Head Injuries

Two men are in a serious condition after being hospitalised with head injuries following a home invasion in Sydney's Lalor Park. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, with police establishing a crime scene and launching an investigation.

12 days ago
Community
Sydney's Hidden Treasures: Islamic Artefacts Take Centre Stage at Powerhouse Parramatta

A new film series, Moments in Waiting, features significant objects from the Islamic world found in Sydney's suburbs. The series highlights the stories behind these extraordinary items, including a centuries-old kanun instrument and a collection of calligraphic manuscripts of the Koran.

12 days ago
Community
Sydney Shooting: 11-Year-Old Boy in Critical Condition After Norwest Home Incident

An 11-year-old boy is in a serious condition after being shot in the face and neck inside a unit in Sydney's Norwest. Three men have been arrested in connection with the incident, which police do not believe is related to organised crime.

13 days ago
Community
Man's breach of AVO contributed to fatal crash that killed ex-partner near Orange

A NSW District Court judge has told a 31-year-old man that if he had not breached an apprehended domestic violence order against his ex-partner, she would not have died in a fatal car crash near Orange. Rolong Stanley has pleaded guilty to aggravated dangerous driving causing the death of his former girlfriend Justine Hammond in February last year.

13 days ago
Community
Indecent Assault Charge Dropped Against Alan Jones Amid Ongoing Trial

Prosecutors have dropped another indecent assault charge against broadcaster Alan Jones, reducing the number of complainants midway through his lengthy criminal trial. Mr Jones, 85, now faces 21 charges in relation to five male complainants.

13 days ago
Community
Tragedy Strikes: Three Swimmers Drown at Unpatrolled Beaches in Northern NSW

Three swimmers have died in separate incidents at unpatrolled beaches in northern New South Wales. The fatalities bring the number of drowning deaths across the state since July to eight.

13 days ago
Community
Mildura Power Outage: Thousands Left in Dark as Restoration Takes Days

A car hitting a power pole in Birdwoodton has left over 2,700 homes and businesses in Mildura without power, with restoration efforts expected to take several days. A relief station will be set up to help affected residents charge devices and access the internet.

13 days ago
Community
Blue Mountains stabbing: Mother suspect in alleged domestic violence incident that killed five-year-old boy

A five-year-old boy has died and two younger children are critically injured after being stabbed in a Blue Mountains car. The incident is being treated as an alleged domestic violence matter, with the children's mother a suspect.

13 days ago
Community
New Family Time team improves foster care visits for NSW children

Thousands of children in foster care are improving ties with their birth families under a new supervision system. More than 300 specialist workers have been recruited to accompany children on supervised family visits.

13 days ago
Community
Beau Lamarre-Condon's Trial Begins Over Alleged Murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies

The trial of Beau Lamarre-Condon, a former police officer accused of murdering Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, has begun in the NSW Supreme Court. Mr. Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to two counts of domestic violence-related murder and one of aggravated break and enter.

13 days ago
Community
From Philippines to Canola Fields: A Family's New Life in Rural Australia

A Filipino woman has left her husband and three young kids in the Philippines to start a new life in Coolamon, a small agricultural town in New South Wales. She has since been joined by her family, and they are thriving in their new community.

14 days ago
Community
Blue Mountains Stabbing: Child Dies, Three Others in Critical Condition

A child has died and two other children and a woman are in a critical condition after a stabbing in the Blue Mountains. NSW Police have confirmed that all the children involved are under the age of five.

14 days ago
Community
Three women killed in separate domestic violence incidents across NSW

Three women have been killed in separate suspected domestic violence-related incidents across NSW within 24 hours. A 90-year-old woman was fatally stabbed in Sydney's east, while a 23-year-old woman was killed in Wagga Wagga and a 70-year-old woman was found dead in the state's Northern Tablelands region.

14 days ago
Community
Childless not by choice: A couple's journey through infertility

A Sydney couple shares their heart-wrenching journey through infertility and how their love for each other helped them heal and redefine what family means. Susanne and Mike Armour's story is a testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.

14 days ago
Community
Uncle Benjamin 'BJ' Cruse's Decades-Long Fight for Justice After Alleged Historical Healthcare Abuse

Uncle Benjamin 'BJ' Cruse, a Yuin and Monaroo elder, has spent a lifetime grappling with the trauma of alleged historical healthcare abuse at Macleay District Hospital. He claims that as a young boy, he was physically and emotionally abused while being treated for dysentery at the hospital.

14 days ago
Community
Blue Mountains lookout Pulpit Rock reopens after Black Summer bushfire devastation

A popular lookout in the Blue Mountains has reopened six years after being destroyed in the Black Summer bushfires. The Pulpit Rock lookout has been restored with upgraded facilities and new infrastructure.

14 days ago
Community
How to Help a Friend in a Domestic Violence Situation

A young woman's tragic death has highlighted the urgent need for awareness and support for those affected by domestic violence. Friends and experts share advice on how to help a loved one in a domestic violence situation.

15 days ago
Community
Sydney Homeowners Left Reeling After Building Defects Exposed

Homeowners in Sydney are struggling to cope with major structural defects in their buildings, leaving them financially trapped and uncertain about their future. The issue has led to an inquiry into the NSW Independent Corruption Against Corruption (ICAC) and raised concerns about accountability.

15 days ago
Community
Rice industry struggles hit small town Deniliquin

The rice industry is struggling in Deniliquin, NSW, with the loss of 68 jobs at the local SunRice mill and fears of more to come. The industry is a key economic driver in the region, but a shortage of water and high prices are making it difficult for growers.

15 days ago
Community
Friend describes 'sharp shift' in athlete's relationship with Alan Jones

A friend of a prominent athlete has told police that he noticed a significant change in the athlete's relationship with broadcaster Alan Jones around the time of an alleged assault. The athlete has accused Jones of indecent assault and sexual touching.

16 days ago
Community
Growing Your Own Cut Flowers: A Beginner's Guide

Growing your own cut flowers can be a fun and rewarding way to add some colour to your home, while also reducing your environmental footprint. With a little bit of sunshine, good soil, and some basic care, you can enjoy a constant supply of fresh flowers.

16 days ago
Community
Norfolk Island morepork owl on brink of extinction due to genetic bottleneck

The critically endangered Norfolk Island morepork owl is facing a genetic bottleneck that could lead to its extinction unless urgent action is taken to introduce new birds from New Zealand. The entire population of about 25 owls is descended from a single female, leading to concerns about inbreeding and a dwindling population.

16 days ago
Community
Sydney Woman Jailed for Manslaughter of Husband

A Sydney woman has been sentenced to a minimum of three years in jail for the manslaughter of her husband, whose body was dismembered and disposed of in rubbish bins. The woman, 55, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter on the basis that it was a case of excessive self-defence.

16 days ago
Community
Bushfire survivor and architect launch fire-resistant tiny home

A bushfire survivor and her architect husband have designed a fire-resistant tiny home to help those affected by disasters get back on their feet. The flat-packed Casa Manyana can be assembled in two weeks and is an affordable housing option for bushfire-prone communities.

16 days ago
Community
Norman Griffiths Oval Redevelopment Costs Blow Out to $24 Million

A Sydney council is facing a $24 million cost blowout to upgrade a local football pitch, five years after it closed for redevelopment. The project has been plagued by delays and cost blowouts, with the council now set to decide on a synthetic or natural turf field.

16 days ago
Community
Sydney Council Bans Smart Glasses from Leisure Centres and Pools

A Sydney council has banned smart glasses from local leisure centres and pools, citing concerns about misuse by "perverts and paedophiles". The ban aims to address growing community concerns about privacy and safety.

16 days ago
Community
Woman arrested over death of baby found in Sydney bin

A woman believed to be the mother of a baby found dead in a Sydney bin last month has been arrested. She was taken to hospital for assessment and arrested after being released.

17 days ago
Community
Shabtay Yaacoby Receives Record 14-Year Prison Sentence for $50 Million Money Laundering Scheme

Shabtay Yaacoby has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for laundering more than $50 million of scam funds. The sentence is the longest ever for a money laundering offence in Australia.

17 days ago
Community
Prominent athlete tells court he can't get alleged kiss 'out of my memory'

A high-profile athlete has denied making up an allegation that he was kissed by a prominent broadcaster at a public event. The athlete, known as Complainant M, is giving evidence in the broadcaster's criminal trial, alleging the broadcaster kissed him on the mouth twice without his consent in 2015 and 2020.

17 days ago
Community
Maremma dogs help farmers tackle feral predator problem

A Central West NSW farmer has found a solution to livestock losses caused by feral predators in an ancient breed of dog. Maremma livestock guardian dogs have been used to protect his flock, with a significant reduction in mortality rates.

17 days ago