Sydney news

The Victorian Government is spending $49.4 million to boost counter-terrorism capabilities, including hiring 88 new staff to almost double the state's counter-terrorism capabilities.

Sydney Swans draftee Tyrone Leonardis apologises to club for an embarrassing social media gaffe where he supported posts taking aim at club legend Adam Goodes.

Planning is on track for a new harness racing facility in Tamworth and a development application should be submitted by March next year, according to the Chief Executive of Harness Racing New South Wales, John Dumesny.

The tireless efforts of advocates who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of people with disabilities will be recognised at the National Disability Awards tonight in Canberra.

Cartlon's teenage recruit Jacob Weitering now carries the burden of being the AFL's most-coveted draftee.

Residents push for the ACT Government to consider turning Gungahlin's main street into a car-free zone.

When John Whitby signed off after 50 years in his farming job, he closed another chapter of generations of the Whitby family working on the historic Kameruka Estate.

People charged with terrorism-related offences under Victorian law will have to prove exceptional circumstances before getting bail, Attorney-General Martin Pakula says.

ACT police confirm a body found at Majura last week is that of missing Evatt man Andrew Carville.

David Warner saw signs of Trent Boult's best in the second Test, underlining how much of a loss the swing specialist would be if ruled out of the day-night clash.

A Hunter charity is handing out food packages to fishing families affected by Williamtown's toxic chemical leak.

High cattle prices and locals travelling to bigger towns to shop has led to Werris Creek's last butcher preparing to shut up shop.

High-tech drum lines and shark-tracking drones will be used to protect beachgoers on NSW's north coast this summer after a series of attacks this year.

Richmond tests the waters before landing their big catch at the AFL draft.

Charlie Curnow says he is ashamed at being arrested by police just days before being selected in the AFL national draft.

A total fire ban is in place for most of Victoria today, with forecast hot and windy conditions described as the perfect "formula" for triggering bushfires.

Thousands of people are taking part in the annual White Ribbon Walk today, from Randwick to Coogee Beach in Sydney.

The Greens are defending a plan to close five power plants including one in Lithgow, saying it will provide much needed certainty for mining workers.

A 15-year-old boy is charged with stabbing another teenager in the stomach on the Gold Coast.

Events are being held across New South Wales as part of White Ribbon Day, in a bid to end violence against women.

Newcastle's lord mayor is confident council will be able to allay the concerns of the Office of Local Government, about the authority it transferred after the controversial sacking of its general manager.

Adelaide uses its first pick in the AFL draft to pick up South Australian player Wayne Milera while Port Adelaide secures local Riley Bonner.

Cameron Williams is fighting his dismissal from the NJC.

The winning bidder for the first part of New South Wales' electricity network lease will be announced by the State Government today, the ABC understands.

A man will face court today charged with a string of property offences in the Newcastle area, including a home invasion.

A federal MP says he is confident the closure of a few polling booths in his electorate will not adversely affect voters.

Two dogs allegedly behind a spate of vicious attacks in Dunlop, in which two other dogs were killed and a teenager injured, are surrendered.

A regional energy provider is being asked to fix a number of trees it has trimmed in Boorowa to protect the community's safety.

The twin brothers charged in connection with the murder of Leeton High School teacher, Stephanie Scott, are due to appear in court today.

Two years after being freed from jail, Shane Yarran is an AFL-listed footballer.

Newcastle Council has thrown its support behind reducing building height limits in the city's east end.

A Hunter region residents group says construction company Daracon continues to ignore the community's concerns over its Martins Creek quarry expansion.

A Newcastle doctor has been appointed the new chairman of the organisation which operates the Hunter's after hours GP service, Hunter Primary Care.

The ACT Government uses its controversial call-in powers to approve the demolition of controversial public housing along Northbourne Avenue.

A local professor hopes a new research program will help reduce anxiety and depression among cancer patients.

Newcastle Art Gallery could once again have a dedicated director, after council last night adopted a new cultural strategy.

A farm was converted into a classroom for city students looking for a taste of country life.

Dog breeder convicted of animal cruelty

EPA investigation up the creek

Indigenous clans in the Gulf of Carpentaria who have waited "too long" for native title rights to 15,000 square kilometres of their country say a Federal Court decision will give them more power to object against mining proposals.

The Australian Crime Commission says a national criminal database will give police real-time access to interstate intelligence and help combat terrorism, the ice trade and cyber crime.

Adelaide uses its first pick in the AFL draft to pick up South Australian player Wayne Milera.

A man is in a stable condition after being stabbed multiple times in an attack outside Stuart Flats at Griffith in Canberra's inner south.

A rusty tin containing 1920s photographs, hidden away in Port Macquarie back shed has cast new light on the lives of coastal Aborigines at the turn of last century. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the following story contains images of people who have died.

There were very few surprises in this year's draft with Jacob Weitering going to Carlton with the first pick. Look back at how the 2015 AFL draft unfolded.

Police uncover a clandestine racing track in bushland near Darwin, with cars found there painted with numbers and many stripped of their catalytic converters.

West Australian researchers hope a genetically modified fruit fly will help break the breeding cycle of the Mediterranean fruit fly, a destructive pest.

Long lost photos have been found that depict the lives of indigenous peoples around Port Macquarie at the turn of the 20th century.

The United States ambassador to Australia says he will have "more to say" about the controversial decision to lease Darwin's commercial port to a Chinese company with links to the People's Liberation Army.

A man is in a serious condition in hospital, and a woman under police guard, after a double stabbing in the southwest Sydney suburb of Canley Vale.