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Sydney suburb with ‘highest unmitigated flood risk exposure’ to get 960 new homes

Graphics showing the extent of small floods (1 in 5 chance of happening every year) to the biggest flood possible (less than 0.1% chance of happening in an 80-year lifetime).

A scaled-back version of a proposal previously rejected by the state government has been placed on public exhibition after lobbying by a former premier’s firm.

‘Good character’ references to be abolished during sentencing in NSW

A report handed down last year found positive character references were most likely to be used by those with privilege, status and wealth.

He didn’t hold a hose, but Morrison’s still happy to fan the flames

An incendiary speech by the former PM reminded us that when it comes to matters of cultural sensitivity, he’s still a bulldozer.

Jacqueline Maley
Jacqueline Maley

Columnist and senior journalist

The 10 signs a child is ready to start kindergarten

Composite image for story on school starting age

More parents are delaying when their child starts school, as trends show thousands of students start kindergarten closer to their sixth birthday than their fifth.

The sports minister’s summer of no sport

Anika Wells has skipped every major sporting event this summer and stayed home in Brisbane after her expenses scandal.

David Littleproud will lose his spot directly behind Sussan Ley.

Littleproud and Nats to be shunted back in parliament seating revamp

Parliament will look very different after the federal opposition split, but the government is not rushing to finalise changes in case the former Coalition party leaders change their minds.

Flash juries and Bible verses: How sovereign citizens clog up Australian courts

Flash juries and Bible verses: How sovereign citizens clog up Australian courts

“You get one sovereign citizen and your whole day goes to shit,” said former magistrate David Helipern.

Andrew pictured looming over woman in latest Epstein files

The image from the file appears to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, but there is no detail on where or when it was taken.

Jeffrey Epstein also offered to introduce the former prince Andrew to a “beautiful” 26-year-old Russian woman, emails released by the US Justice Department reveal.

Rybakina’s redemption: Star vanquishes world No.1, now eyeing off her crown

Elena Rybakina with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

Three years ago, Elena Rybakina’s Australian Open dream ended in heartbreak. Now, she’s the queen of the tennis world.

‘With ICE, we make granita’: Anti-ICE protests erupt in Milan ahead of Winter Olympics

People take part in an Anti-ICE demonstration, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.

Plans for ICE agents to assist the American delegation at Milano-Cortina 2026 have triggered widespread anger and confusion.

Why one smile makes Carlos Alcaraz the most dangerous man in tennis

It is reasonable to surmise that Alcaraz is somehow unbothered by the mounting expectation around him.

Lisa Millar wears Jac + Jack dress.

The advice Leigh Sales gave Lisa Millar, 56, during the darkest period of her life

After leaving breakfast TV, Millar talks about finding happiness both on and off screen, and shares some exciting personal news.

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Wildlife

NSW launched a review of wildlife care in 2024. Now the results are in

The Hills Wildlife Sanctuary’s Ben Dessen, with a squirrel glider. Dessen says a more consistent funding arrangement is needed for wildlife rescues.

A $9 million package aims to fix systemic problems including volunteer burnout and poor organisational culture in the struggling sector.

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Sunday Life

‘Who’s looking after the baby?’: When Laura needed support, she faced this instead

Laura McConnell ended up leaving her old job to start her own company after unkind comments led to her experiencing maternal loneliness.

We assume that most new mothers will be surrounded by love and support. But for many, even those with a “village”, the loneliness can be debilitating.

Forget Bali. Indonesia has 17,000 islands – here are 10 of the best

Getting to gorgeous areas of Indonesia, such as Gili Lawa Darat in East Nusa Tenggara, is becoming easier.

For decades, many Australian travellers have treated Indonesia as though it begins and ends with Bali. It’s time to move on.

I wore this outfit on my only first date. It obviously worked, as we’re married now

Set designer Elizabeth Gadsby also shares where to buy the best cropped, wide-legged jeans, and how to make your plane outfits more cosy.

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AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Sydney

The 57-year-old man was arrested in Lewisham on Friday, 30 January 2025.

Alleged fake Disney casting agent charged with child prostitution

“All I did was have a cup of coffee and talk to them, one or two had dinner with me. I was lonely and looking for a bit of company,” he told the court on Saturday.

Ex-brothel owner Eddie Hayson back behind bars after alleged bail breach

Eddie Hayson is back behind bars

His return to prison on remand comes a week after this masthead revealed the police watchdog is investigating allegations senior officers accepted free services from sex workers.

‘Great big holes’ undermine Minns government’s key park promise

A koala in the Great Koala National Park.

A decision to exclude plantations from the future Great Koala National Park could threaten the long-term survival of koalas and a possible World Heritage listing, a new report warns.

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Title Deeds

Siblings who bought $3.1m Sydney block selling for $21m-plus

Jason Rubenstein, the managing director of eco-friendly packaging company EezyPak, and his sister Sarah, have listed their Bondi Beach home with a price guide of $21 million-plus.

The contemporary four-storey, five-bedroom home is close to the beach and comes with an entertainer’s zone and wellness retreat.

‘It’s time to say goodbye’: Hundreds farewell the last V-set train

Passengers bid a final farewell to the Blue Mountains V-set train at Central on Friday morning.

They travelled from Lithgow to make sure they got a seat, snuck on at Parramatta and cheered at Central.

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WEEKEND READS

There are always treasures to be found in a pharmacy.
Opinion

Forget designer clothes, I prefer to get my retail fix at ‘Girl Bunnings’

If these stores are entertaining at home, they are utterly irresistible overseas.

Kerri Sackville
Kerri Sackville

Columnist and author

Summer pinzimonio.

Adam Liaw’s summer pinzimonio

Bring a taste of Milanese aperitivo to your table with pinzimonio, the ultimate shared plate of seasonal veg and seasoned olive oil.

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Sport

The Eels and representative Zac Lomax are embroiled in a contractual impasse.
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NRL 2026

Storm’s latest offer rebuffed as new details emerge in Lomax stoush

As the warring parties prepare to head to the Supreme Court, new twists have emerged in Zac Lomax’s bid to return to the NRL.

Wayne Bennett and  Keaon Koloamatangi.

What happened when Keaon Koloamatangi called Wayne Bennett on Christmas Eve

The South Sydney enforcer on bowing out a winner with the Bunnies – and what appealed to him about St George Illawarra.

Elena Rybakina with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

Rybakina’s redemption: Star vanquishes world No.1, now eyeing off her crown

Three years ago, Elena Rybakina’s Australian Open dream ended in heartbreak. Now, she’s the queen of the tennis world.

Pat Cummins and Steve Smith are among a host of players to withdraw from Australia’s tour of the West Indies.

Pat Cummins out of T20 World Cup, no late call-up for Steve Smith

In a move which further highlights the boldness of Australia’s decision to have him ready for the Ashes, Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup, which starts in Colombo next weekend.

Crash Bros: Royce Hunt and new recruit Bunty Afoa have dropped about 15kgs between them

The Wests Tigers’ ‘Crash Bros’ who stripped 15kgs between them

These two Wests Tigers props have slimmed down but will be impossible to miss when launching off the back fence this year.

Legends Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Rafa Nadal has ‘full respect’ for Novak Djokovic. But he won’t be supporting him in the final

Rafael Nadal says he would still be playing if he had avoided injuries like former rival Novak Djokovic, but he won’t be backing him on Sunday night.

Folau Fainga’a back in blue. The former Wallabies hooker (right) at NSW training this week.

Prodigal guns: How the Waratahs harnessed hunger of stars they previously brushed

The Waratahs have historically had their pick of the best young talent in Australian rugby. This year has seen a different approach.

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