Community
A vital supported-employment program for individuals with special needs in Mareeba is set to close, leaving nearly 20 families devastated and prompting a strong community response. Local organisations fear the facility, built with community funds, could be lost forever if sold.
A recent change to the Sunshine Coast Council's dog policy has sparked significant concern among local families, particularly those with members requiring mobility assistance. The new regulations have effectively eliminated wheelchair-friendly access to previously inclusive off-leash dog areas, prompting widespread calls for reconsideration and a more balanced approach.
A former Australian Army rifleman and field medic, 24-year-old Brett McMaster, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to trafficking cocaine. The case heard in the Supreme Court of Queensland revealed McMaster purchased drugs to supply fellow Defence Force members.
Arthur 'Slim' Halliday, known as the 'Houdini of Boggo Road,' solidified his legendary status with a daring 1946 prison break. However, his choice of escape companions ultimately proved to be his undoing, leading to a massive manhunt across Brisbane.
A high-speed police pursuit stretching across the Queensland and New South Wales border ended in tragedy early Sunday morning, with a man dying after his vehicle crashed down an embankment near Kunghur. Authorities have launched a critical incident investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal event.
Before gaining international recognition for her satirical presidential portraits, a renowned artist found her calling sparked by a crucial first sale on the Gold Coast. This intimate story highlights the profound impact of early encouragement and an unexpected, enduring connection with her first buyer.
Rural Queensland communities are grappling with a significant loss as beloved local butcher shops are forced to close their doors. Economic pressures, declining tourism, and a critical shortage of skilled apprentices are pushing these essential businesses to the brink.
Authorities in Central Queensland are conducting urgent investigations into the suspicious deaths of two women in separate incidents this week, spanning Rockhampton and Blackwater. Detectives are appealing to the public for information, reassuring residents there is no broader threat to community safety.
A devastating collision between an e-scooter and an electric skateboard in Hervey Bay has resulted in the death of a 39-year-old man, marking the first recorded e-scooter fatality in Queensland this year. Local authorities are investigating the tragic incident, which also left a second man seriously injured, and are intensifying efforts to ensure e-mobility device safety.
A comprehensive new study suggests domestic cats are responsible for a remarkably small fraction of native animal injuries requiring rescue in New South Wales. The findings are reigniting vital discussions about the most effective strategies to safeguard Australia's threatened wildlife.
A new investigation reveals artificial intelligence is being widely exploited by violent extremists to plan attacks and create dangerous scenarios, prompting serious national security concerns across Australia. Recent local incidents highlight how easily these advanced platforms can be weaponized, bypassing existing safeguards with alarming ease.
Families in Mount Isa are making an impassioned plea for a permanent memorial to honour 151 miners who have died at the local mine since the 1930s, with some waiting over 50 years for formal recognition. Despite detailed plans and community advocacy, a dedicated monument remains unfunded, leaving a deep sense of loss unacknowledged for many.
Cutting-edge AI smart glasses are empowering individuals with vision impairments to navigate daily life with unprecedented independence. However, as their adoption grows, experts are raising significant concerns about potential misuse and the urgent need for enhanced privacy protections.
A Cairns teenager is appearing in court today after an alleged stabbing at Trinity Bay State High School yesterday. The victim is recovering in a stable condition while the school community receives counseling support.
Police have seized an unregistered, damaged black Ford Falcon following a fatal hit-and-run in Greenbank, but the driver remains at large. Investigators are urgently appealing for witnesses, including the occupants of two vehicles seen nearby.
A Toowoomba community is reeling after the discovery of a young mother's body in bushland, leading to the arrest and charging of her former partner with murder. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic violence in the region.
The Toowoomba community is united in a desperate search for 30-year-old mother Jana Armstrong, who vanished four days ago from her Newtown home. Her devastated family, caring for her four-month-old son, are pleading for public assistance as police continue their suspicious disappearance investigation.
A tragic period in Queensland has seen one teenager lose their life and 22 others sustain injuries in e-mobility device crashes within just 12 days. These incidents coincide with the implementation of new safety regulations, prompting authorities to urge greater vigilance.
A 15-year-old student was hospitalized today following an alleged stabbing incident at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns. Police have since taken another teenager into custody as investigations continue.
New testimony in the ongoing inquest into the fatal 2023 Gold Coast helicopter crash suggests the tragedy could have been averted if the pilot had maintained focus. A company executive stated the pilot was 'totally distracted' by passengers in the moments before the collision.
Local wildlife rescuers on the Sunshine Coast are taking extreme precautions after a sick seabird found on Noosa Main Beach was tested for the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza. The incident highlights growing concerns as the H5 strain continues to be detected in wild bird populations across Australia.
After a challenging start to the tourism season marked by heavy rains and road closures, North West Queensland is now experiencing a welcome influx of visitors. Savvy "grey nomads" are leading the charge, urging fellow travelers to explore the region and support its vital small businesses.
A Northern Territory firefighter's chance detour into Queensland's 'fossil capital' has transformed him into an accidental palaeontologist. He's now piecing together a 100-million-year-old 'cold case' involving a marine dinosaur, sharing his discoveries with a global audience.
Local resident Donald Walker marked his 89th birthday with an exhilarating skydive over the Sunshine Coast, proving that adventure truly has no age limit. Joined by his grandson, Walker embodies a growing trend of older Australians embracing high-octane thrills.
Approximately 140,000 residents across Greater Brisbane are set to experience quieter skies following significant adjustments to flight paths. While some communities welcome the changes, others express disappointment and call for further action on aircraft noise.
A Toowoomba family is gripped by harrowing uncertainty as their loved one, Jana Armstrong, remains missing for several days. Authorities have escalated their investigation, deeming her disappearance suspicious, as her family prepares for the grim possibility.
From a quiet Queensland studio, the extraordinary legacy of Gunggari artist Bill Dodd continues to inspire. Paralyzed from his youth, Dodd defied physical limitations, creating intricate masterpieces by holding a pen firmly between his teeth.
Redbank Ngarindjerri is a beacon of cultural resilience, actively preserving its rich heritage and fostering strong community ties through various local initiatives. The community is focused on education, well-being, and environmental stewardship, ensuring its unique identity thrives for future generations.
A devastating traffic incident in Gleneagle has claimed the life of a six-year-old boy, days after a two-vehicle collision in the Scenic Rim. Authorities are appealing for witnesses as the community grapples with the tragic loss.
A dedicated volunteer program in Toowoomba is transforming lives by providing essential driving lessons to refugees. This initiative not only teaches crucial road skills but also unlocks greater independence, social connection, and access to employment opportunities for newcomers.
A 13-year-old boy in Queensland faces serious extremism charges, allegedly confessing to months of violent desires and using AI to plot a school massacre. Authorities uncover a web of neo-Nazi ideologies, dark web weapon sourcing, and detailed plans to target children.
For many Queenslanders living with disability, finding suitable rental accommodation remains a significant hurdle. A new collaborative campaign involving tenants, disability advocates, and real estate professionals is working to shift perceptions and create more inclusive housing options across the state.
Queensland continues to face a critical road safety challenge, recording the highest number of fatal motorcycle accidents in the nation for the fifth consecutive year. Authorities are sounding the alarm as new data suggests 2024 could see another tragic increase, prompting calls for enhanced rider safety and infrastructure improvements.
A desperate search is underway in Toowoomba for 30-year-old mother Jana Armstrong, who was last seen on Tuesday night. Police, joined by SES crews and concerned community members, are urgently appealing for public assistance to locate her.
An 83-year-old Cairns man, convicted of the horrific murder and disposal of his wife's body, has had his latest attempt for an earlier parole date resoundingly rejected by the Court of Appeal. He will now remain eligible for parole in 2028.
Gold Coast rents have soared to new record highs, solidifying its position as Australia's most expensive rental market. However, property analysis reveals a diverse landscape, with certain northern suburbs still offering comparatively more affordable housing options.
Australian renters are grappling with unprecedented costs as data reveals record-high rents across all capital cities, driven by dwindling supply and intense competition. A 'landlord's market' is forcing tenants into difficult choices amidst a national housing crunch.
A south-east Queensland business faces a fine for a critical biosecurity breach that led to a million-dollar fire ant eradication effort across multiple Bowen Basin mine sites. This incident highlights the devastating financial and ecological impact of invasive species and the urgent need for robust biosecurity measures.
Four individuals are facing significant fines and potential legal action after allegedly being caught illegally fishing in a protected reef zone during a local competition. Authorities describe the incident as a blatant attempt to cheat fellow competitors and disregard crucial marine conservation efforts.
Recent unprecedented rainfall in Australia's Channel Country has miraculously transformed the arid landscape into a vibrant wildlife oasis, attracting an extraordinary influx of birds and other creatures. This remarkable ecological shift offers a rare spectacle for nature enthusiasts and a significant boost for local industries.