Sydney news

Wool growers have been told leading world economies risk slipping into troubled times, and innovation is needed to develop the right wool garments.

A 10-month-old baby is in a coma after suffering "blunt force trauma" and significant burns at a home in western Sydney. The de facto partner of the baby's mother has been charged over the attack.

Three fires in Western Australia, which earlier caused emergency warnings to be issued, are downgraded to "watch and act".

Broken Hill City Council hopes an investor's announcement that it will increase funding for Australia's film industry could help more locally-made films off the ground.

Police in the Bega Valley on the New South Wales far south coast are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the person responsible for wedging a syringe in the seat of a public toilet.

Aged 56, Senior became the oldest player to win the Masters, eclipsing American Gene Littler in 1980 by six years.

Questions about the South Australian Government's stance on fracking dominated discussion at last night's Country Cabinet community forum in Mount Gambier.

Martin Guptill scored an unbeaten ton in New Zealand's day-night tour game against Western Australia, but the opener was less comfortable with the pink ball in the field.

Oxley MP seeking safety improvements on Pacific Highway at Valla

The businesswoman leading a fight against "intolerance and hate" in Bendigo says the city's anti-mosque demonstrations must be stopped before they spread across Australia.

Police are investigating an explosion in a car at Minmi.

Police made five arrests overnight in the Schoolies party town of Victor Harbor on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Pacific Dawn will be the first of several cruise ships to visit Newcastle over the next six months when it enters the Port today.

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson says the pink ball is a game changer when it comes to tactics, noting how much it will swing under lights in the day-night Test.

A young girl is in a serious condition in hospital after being attacked by a dog at a home in Ferntree Gully.

The ACT Government moves to fix problems in the building industry that are causing financial loss and safety concerns.

A Millicent woman will appear in court charged with five counts of arson following a series of fires around the south-east South Australian town in the past few weeks.

ABC Rural takes a look at how El Nino affects farmers beyond Australia's shores

The head of the State Emergency Service has paid tribute to outgoing Hunter controller Amanda Williamson for overhauling the region's SES units.

A 23-year-old man is charged after a baby suffered severe burns to his body as well as significant head and facial injuries.

Allegations council workers were told to ignore asbestos contamination in soil used in parts of south-west Sydney will be investigated, the CEO of Liverpool Council says.

Two separate delegations are to visit Kimba on SA's Eyre Peninsula, the tiny town shortlisted by the Federal Government to be the site of a nuclear waste dump.

Another world renowned spy is set to be the drawcard for Goulburn's festival which is celebrating all things espionage.

The Upper Hunter town of Willow Tree could be drought proofed by the end of the year.

A man has been charged with shooting at a group of men on his property at Mudgee.

Walgett police are investigating a number of rock throwing incidents which have caused injury and damage to property.

There has been a change of fortunes for the once troubled Murrook Cultural Centre at Port Stephens with the first stage of a multi million dollar redevelopment underway.

Port Stephens Council said the annual koala count shows the local population is stable, and there is no evidence of decline.

A five-year-old girl who was stabbed multiple times in an attack at an apartment block in Ballarat, western Victoria, is now in a stable condition.

Hunter farmers are being encouraged to future proof their herds and pastures by developing a drought plan.

The Race Discrimination Commissioner has described yesterday's anti-Islam rallies around the country as ugly and disappointing. Anti-Islam campaigners clashed with anti-racism protesters. There were violent scenes in Melton, in Melbourne's west, where six people were arrested and weapons including knives were seized. Police there were forced to subdue some protesters with capsicum spray.

Hundreds of people gathered in the Hunter Valley at the weekend for two rallies - one protesting against plans for a new mosque, and the other showing support for the local Muslim community.

Firefighters in Western Australia are working through the night to control and contain several blazes.

One emergency fire warning remains in place in Western Australia, where authorities have battled blazes fanned by strong winds.

The family of murdered Indian woman Prabha Arun Kumar unveils a plaque in her honour during an emotional memorial at the western Sydney park where she was killed.

Those living rough in the Tweed say the council is trying to hide it's homeless problem whilst squeezing them out of the shire.

Residents in WA are being urged to seek safety as four emergency bushfire warnings are issued across the state.

A five-year-old girl is in a critical condition after being stabbed multiple times in Ballarat.

Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets battle out a goal-less A-League draw at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Melbourne City continues its perfect start to the W-League season with a 4-0 win over Brisbane Roar, moving 10 points clear at the summit.

Wests Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe returns from a family holiday to meet with disgruntled star Robbie Farah.

Newman residents condemn a decision to extend the lease on BHP's FIFO work camp, with fears it segregates workers and stops economic benefits flowing into the town.

Veteran golfer Peter Senior wins a third Australian Masters title, enjoying a two-shot triumph at Huntingdale, while Adam Scott's struggles continued.

Protesters and police clash in Sydney's Martin Place as hundreds of anti-Islam and anti-racism demonstrators stage rival rallies.

About 20 police keep rival demonstrators apart at a rally apart in Hobart on the lawns of Parliament House.

Craig Lowndes confirms his place as the master of Phillip Island after claiming an 11th career V8 Supercars win at the coastal circuit, but Mark Winterbottom does enough to remain firm favourite for the title.

Residents in the WA southern coastal town of Esperance are again told to evacuate their homes as a bushfire breaks containment lines.

Adam Scott finishes off the pace in his quest for a third Australian Masters title, unable to make up for a horror third round.

A teenager with critical burns to his upper body and face tells police he was doused in petrol and set alight on the Gold Coast.

Hundreds of rival demonstrators face-off at a Reclaim Australia rally on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra.