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Articles by Gavin Coote
Health authorities issue unapproved peptide use warning after surge in NSW hospital visits
A surge in hospitalisations related to the use of unapproved peptides promoted as "wellness" products has prompted a warning from NSW health authorities. New data from NSW Health shows 1,180 people turned up to hospital emergency departments across the state between July last year and September this year seeking medical treatment after taking unapproved peptides. Monthly hospital presentations increased from just 5 in July 2025 to almost 220 last month.
Youth hubs pushed as solution to youth crime and loneliness
Youth hubs and 'third spaces' for young people are being touted as solutions to growing concerns about youth crime, loneliness and radicalisation. Three recent NSW parliamentary inquiries have all recommended further investment in youth hubs and other programs to strengthen belonging and address isolation. Youth hubs are community spaces staffed by qualified youth workers, where young people can build connections with peers and mentors.
NSW overhauls supervised foster care visits with new Family Time team
Thousands of children in foster care are improving ties with their birth families, as part of an overhauled supervision system in New South Wales. More than 300 specialist workers have now been recruited by the Department of Communities and Justice to accompany children on supervised family visits. These Family Time visits can vary widely in setting — from picnics and sports events, to theme parks and zoos.
Sydney Olympic Park Metro Station development plans to ease traffic and crowd congestion released
Sydney Olympic Park will be home to a four-platform metro station, the only one its size on Sydney's rapidly expanding metro network, aimed at easing transport headaches at the major events hub. Plans for the new Olympic Park Metro Station, unveiled on Friday, also include a public plaza and two new high-rise residential towers.
Qantas passengers on Sydney-bound flight recount panic after seeing flames spit from engine
People screaming and widespread panic are how passengers have described the moment they heard loud bangs and saw fire spitting from an engine on a Sydney-bound Qantas flight. On Saturday afternoon, Flight QF122 had just left Queenstown in New Zealand when it had to be diverted to Christchurch in what the airline said was a "suspected engine issue".
Parramatta Open event unlocks historical Western Sydney buildings for one day
Some of Western Sydney's most interesting and historic sites, including Australia's oldest surviving public building, will be unlocked to the public for one day. Parramatta Open will make its debut on Saturday, offering visitors rare access to 16 buildings and spaces that are normally off limits to members of the public. Ten governors called Old Government House home.
Top US Jewish leader issues stark warning to Australia on antisemitism
The leader of one of the world's most high-profile Jewish organisations says Australia faces a crucial test on how it tackles the rise of antisemitism as the royal commission resumes in Sydney. On Tuesday, in its seventh hearing block, the commission will analyse the democratic function of protests, hateful conduct that sometimes occurs at protests and how police manage demonstrations.
More green space revealed for Sydney's west with creation of Gulguer National Park
A major new national park will be created in Western Sydney, aimed at protecting threatened species and providing green space for the city's rapidly growing population. Gulguer National Park will be established west of Bringelly, incorporating two existing conservation areas, along with about 700 hectares of new land acquired from old farming and rural residential development.
Bondi Beach terror attack victim critical of YouTube's decision to allow 'false flag' video
A victim of the Bondi Beach terror attack has expressed outrage at YouTube's decision to keep a video on its platform in which creators suggested he had lied about his injuries. The video features a group of men describing Bondi Beach shooting victim Arsen Ostrovsky as an "intelligence asset", who had a "degree in theatre" and "seems very crisis actor-ish". Warning: This story contains graphic images of a person with bloody physical injuries.
Satellite tracker monitors humpback whale entangled in rope and buoys off Sydney
Wildlife rescue teams are tracking an entangled humpback whale near Sydney, one of eight currently entangled off the New South Wales coast. The whale, an estimated eight metres in length, was spotted on Saturday afternoon about three kilometres off South Head entangled in green rope and five white buoys. Volunteers from the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) were tracking the animal, along with a private whale-watching vessel.
Satellite tracker monitors humpback whale entangled in rope and buoys off Sydney
By Gavin Coote Topic:Animals Sat 27 Jun 2026 at 6:46pmSat 27 Jun 2026 at 6:46pm Sat 27 Jun 2026 at 6:46pm Loading... In short: A satellite tracker is monitoring a humpback whale after it became entangled off the NSW coast. The whale is entangled in green rope and five white buoys, and was last seen travelling south past Cronulla Beach. What's next? A wildlife spokesperson says rescue teams will resume their efforts on Sunday if the satellite tracker remains in place.
The winners and losers in the 2026 NSW budget
The NSW government has unveiled its spending and saving decisions for the coming financial year. Cost-of-living relief will be offered through a cheaper toll cap, frozen public transport costs and cuts to vehicle registration fees for one year. Here are the winners and losers, and some of the biggest state budget announcements. One of the biggest new budget measures is the $561 million transport affordability package to help ease travel costs.
Fatal shooting of police worker Curtis Cheng by teenager unpreventable, inquest finds
An inquest into the shooting death of Sydney police accountant Curtis Cheng has found there was "no reasonable opportunity" for law enforcement officials to intervene prior to the incident. The 58-year-old police civilian employee was shot and killed by 15-year-old Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad outside police headquarters in Parramatta on October 2, 2015.
Program: ABC mourns death of James Valentine
Veteran ABC broadcaster James Valentine has died aged 64 following an ongoing battle with cancer. His media career spanned almost four decades, and gained a loyal audience over generations with his popular afternoon radio show.
Sydney kids turn struggle with school into ambitious art show
At an art gallery in Sydney's inner west, a group of mostly neurodivergent children are staging their first exhibition — and for many of them, it is the first time they have felt seen. On display at the Studio 551 gallery in Newtown are dozens of artworks ranging from brightly-coloured abstract paintings and intricate ceramic works, to collages reflecting on social issues.
Sydney summers have increased in length by nearly 50 days since 1990, study finds
Sydney's summers are becoming hotter and have increased in length by nearly 50 days since 1990, according to a new global climate study. Researchers from the University of British Columbia analysed weather data on 10 global mid-latitude cities between the polar cold regions and the tropics — including Tokyo, Paris, Toronto, Reykjavík, St Petersburg and Sydney.
The 'mudcrabs' volunteering to remediate Sydney's Cooks River from toxic pollution
Scurrying about the banks of Sydney's Cooks River, an army of volunteers known as the 'mudcrabs' is working to bring one of the nation's most toxic waterways back to life. With gloves, wheelbarrows and pincer-like tools for picking up rubbish, the Cooks River Mudcrabs have been working for 20 years to restore bushland and clean up pollution around the river.
The 'mudcrabs' volunteering to remediate Sydney's Cooks River from toxic pollution
Horror infestation under Aussie nurse's skin after bush walk: 'Hundreds of them' Michelle Colpus spent hours getting the parasites pulled out of her skin, and is now urging others to be prepared. Aussies venturing out in the bush …
Neo-Nazi Joel Davis granted bail over alleged threats to 'rhetorically rape' Allegra Spender
Neo-Nazi Joel Davis has been granted bail at the fourth attempt. Mr Davis, 30, was charged in November last year after allegedly asking Telegram users to "rhetorically rape" federal MP Allegra Spender Mr Davis had "time to reflect" on how he expresses his views while in jail, the court heard. A prominent neo-Nazi has been granted bail on his fourth attempt after being charged with threatening a federal MP last year.
Indigenous families in NSW to receive more support to prevent child removals in $350m funding boost
At the age of 33, Tarnika Steward knew she had to change her path or risk losing her son to child protection services. Two of her other children had already been removed due to a years-long battle with substance abuse. "Being an addict and having an addiction, that was the only cycle I knew," she said. "And I was like, 'Nup, I'm getting old. I'm not losing another baby'." Tarnika says that "being an addict was the only cycle I knew".
Domestic violence accounts for 40pc of the more than 200 kidnappings that take place annually in NSW
The alleged murder and kidnapping of a Sydney grandfather has shocked the city, but experts insist such abductions remain "highly unusual" in Australia. Chris Baghsarian, 85, was abducted from his home in North Ryde in the early hours of February 13, in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity. Two men charged over the alleged kidnapping and murder faced court on Thursday and did not apply for bail. Chris Baghsarian was taken from his North Ryde home on February 13.
NSW unveils sweeping foster care reforms for thousands of vulnerable children
Teresa's formative years were more disruptive than most, having spent much of her teens living in foster and out-of-home care facilities across Western Sydney. "It's incredibly challenging, particularly as someone who was quite young at the time," she said. Teresa spent six months in foster care, before living in various out-of-home care residences and — for a brief period — staying in hotels under supervised care.
Marine biologists fight to save endangered seagrass species under Sydney Harbour
A centuries-old nautical technique is being redesigned within a small Sydney cove in a bid to save a tiny remnant population of a dying species. Posidonia australis is a slow-growing plant native to the southern Australian coastline but is endangered in all six estuaries across New South Wales.
Developers desert plans for new apartments in Sydney's west due to construction costs and interest rates
After renting in Western Sydney for almost a decade, Dave Anderson fears his aspirations of buying a home in the region are becoming even more out of reach. "Unless I suddenly win the lottery, I'm not going to own a house in Sydney," Mr Anderson said. While new free-standing homes are being constructed across parts of his neighbourhood, the 38-year-old public servant feels locked out of the market, due to a lack of affordable apartments.
NSW premier considering extra public holiday in April for Anzac Day
New South Wales residents could get an extra public holiday in April with Anzac Day falling on a weekend in 2026 and 2027. Anzac Day remembrance services will be held nationwide on Saturday, April 25, but only Western Australia and the ACT will get an additional public holiday on Monday, April 27. NSW Premier Chris Minns on Thursday said his government was going to "have a look at" creating a new public holiday in the state.
Prime minister announces more details for national day of mourning for Bondi terror victims Original
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled further details of the national day of mourning for the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack, to be held on Thursday, January 22. The national day will be themed 'Light will win — a gathering of unity and remembrance' and will honour the 15 lives lost at a Chanukah by the Sea event at Bondi Beach last month. With flags to be flown at half-mast at government buildings across the country, Mr Albanese says the private sector will be asked to follow suit.
The 'heroic' couple in twin coffins, a 'gifted musician' and a 'woman of integrity' laid to rest across Sydney
A couple hailed as "heroes in every sense of the word", a "gifted musician" and a "woman of integrity" have been farewelled in ceremonies across Sydney. They were four of 15 innocent victims killed during a targeted terror attack against the Jewish community celebrating the Chanukah by the Sea event on Bondi Beach last weekend.
From stacking supermarkets to 'chairman of everything', David Gonski exits uni leadership job
Businessman David Gonski believes artificial intelligence (AI) will "improve" rather than "destroy" the education system, as he exits his most prominent role in the sector. Mr Gonski will on Thursday step down as chancellor of the University of New South Wales — a position he has held for more than 20 years. Now a household name in education — best known for his Gonski review into schools funding — he was already a respected figure in business and arts circles in the decades prior.
Tens of thousands of new homes in limbo due to lack of sewerage and roads
More than 12,000 homes rezoned for the Wilton area in Wollondilly Shire are stalled due to sewerage constraints. Across the country at least 82,000 homes slated for construction cannot go ahead because they lack sewers and roads. The federal housing minister says the government is investing $1.5 billion to build "critical home-unlocking infrastructure".
Teenage boy dies in stabbing at reserve near schools in Sydney's Rouse Hill
A 17-year-old boy has been fatally stabbed in the leg with a knife in Sydney's north-west. A 15-year-old boy is under arrest after presenting to a police station and is assisting with the investigation. Police said they were still looking for as many as two other people allegedly involved in the incident. A young person is under arrest after a teenage boy was fatally stabbed in a park near two schools in Sydney's north-west.
Who is Kellie Sloane, the frontrunner to lead the NSW Liberals?
Kellie Sloane is only in her first term as the Member for Vaucluse and she is already slated to become the NSW Liberal opposition leader. The shadow minister was endorsed by Mark Speakman during a press conference announcing his resignation on Thursday afternoon. Following days of speculation, Ms Sloane had been resisting pressure from her colleagues to directly challenge Mr Speakman. In the hours before his resignation he even declared he would need to be "blasted out" of the role.
Sydney youth workers fighting to keep kids away from a life of crime
Some of Sydney's vulnerable young people are being steered away from a life of crime, addiction and homelessness by a pair of youth workers who have had their own share of hardships. Yousif Tamim and Taylor Gleeson spend their evenings visiting suburban shopping centres, skate parks and train stations, trying to connect with young people.
UTS to axe 1,100 subjects across education and public health, cuts 134 jobs
UTS will close its schools of education and public health, cutting 167 courses and 134 jobs. The proposal is part of a major restructure to save $100 million and put the university back in surplus. A consultation period will run until October 15. The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will close its schools of education and public health under a multi-million-dollar restructure that will cut more than 1,100 subjects and 134 jobs.
Western Sydney is set to dramatically heat up, but there are solutions
A "shocking" warning that heatwave deaths in Sydney could skyrocket by more than 400 per cent has brought the issue of urban heat back into sharp focus, particularly in the city's west. The dire prediction comes from the Australian government's first-ever National Climate Risk Assessment, released on Monday, which modelled the impact of climate change under three different warming scenarios. Heatwaves already cause more deaths in Australia than all other extreme events combined.
Sydney marks 25 years since hosting Olympics
Today marks 25 years since the Olympic opening ceremony in Sydney, kicking off what top officials at the time declared the "best games ever". The Sydney 2000 Olympics reached billions of viewers, and put both Sydney and Australia on the sporting map at the turn of the millennium.
How Sydney's Olympic legacy continues to unfold, 25 years on
It has been 25 years since the Sydney Olympics — the event officials declared the "best games ever" and marked one of the proudest moments in Australian history. In September 2000, just after the turn of the millennium, the world watched as running champion Cathy Freeman lit the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony. It kicked off perhaps the biggest party Sydney has ever hosted, lasting 16 days and nights.
Sydneysiders warned of major disruptions on Sunday with three protests, marathon in CBD
Sydneysiders are being warned to expect disruptions across the CBD on Sunday, as the city prepares to host a global marathon along with three separate protests. More than 35,000 runners will compete in the Sydney Marathon as it makes its debut in the World Marathon Majors series. The 42-kilometre race starts on Sunday morning in North Sydney, finishing at the Opera House. An additional 6,000 people are also expected to participate in a 10-kilometre running event.
Fresh battlelines drawn over 'game-changing' housing plan in affluent Woollahra
The NSW Premier is vowing to stare down criticism over plans to resurrect Woollahra Station and rezone nearby land for up to 10,000 new homes. Questions have been raised over the government's ability to deliver on the new homes, and how many will be set aside for affordable housing. The opposition has labelled the housing target as "pie in the sky".
NSW Police worried child abusers who 'shop around' care centres are going undetected
The head of the NSW Police Force's Child Abuse Squad says offenders are moving between childcare centres without being detected. A state parliamentary inquiry into child care has found crucial "red flags". The inquiry is also examining the police processes for investigating cases of neglect and abuse in the sector. The head of NSW Police's Child Abuse Squad has detailed how offenders are moving between childcare centres without being detected.
'Lessons to be learned' after police gun fired during Sydney Airport arrest
The AFP will conduct an internal review after a police firearm was discharged during an arrest at Sydney Airport. Security expert Neil Fergus says "there are always lessons to be learned from any of these incidents". AFP officers began using short-barrelled rifles in major Australian airports in 2019. A security expert says he expects there will be "lessons" from an internal review into how a police firearm was discharged during an attempted arrest at Sydney Airport.
Parramatta councillor unsuccessful in bid to seek more detail on reported ICAC raid
Attempts by a Parramatta councillor to seek more information on reported ICAC raids have been knocked back at a council meeting. Councillors on Monday night voted against a motion seeking more information on reports the corruption watchdog raided its offices last month. The ICAC has declined to comment on the reports of a raid at the Parramatta council chambers.
Kathleen Folbigg compensation payment opens dollar amount on wrongful imprisonment debate
Experts are calling for more transparency in the way compensation is calculated for people who are wrongfully imprisoned, after a $2 million payment offered to Kathleen Folbigg was slammed as "totally inadequate". On Thursday, NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley granted the payment to Ms Folbigg, who spent 20 years in jail after being wrongfully convicted in 2003 of killing her four children. Ms Folbigg walked free from prison in 2023, and last year she applied for a compensation payment.
Thousands in NSW could be modern slavery victims, but one scheme may worsen the situation
Australia faces a potential escalation in cases of modern slavery, the NSW anti-slavery commissioner warns, as sectors such as aged care become increasingly reliant on temporary migrant workers. James Cockayne, who was appointed to the role in 2022, estimates more than 16,000 people in NSW are living in modern slavery conditions. Each week on average, his office receives four reports of slavery — through the 1800 FREEDOM hotline — but he fears many more cases go unreported.
Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants for foreign nationals including Australian citizen Feng Chongyi
An Australian man has discovered he is wanted by Hong Kong authorities via messaging platform WhatsApp. Feng Chongyi is among 19 foreign nationals who Hong Kong police have imposed bounties on, accusing them of national security crimes. According to Hong Kong police, the activists, who also include UK citizens, worked for what the force called a "subversive organisation" named Hong Kong Parliament, a pro-democracy non-government group.
Mark Latham denies breaching parliamentary rules, abuse allegations in lengthy statement
Independent NSW MP Mark Latham has again denied breaking any laws or breaching legislative standing orders in a lengthy public statement addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour in state parliament. The former federal Labor leader has faced mounting political pressure over media reports alleging emotional and physical abuse of his ex-partner Nathalie Matthews, and that he allegedly participated in a consensual sex video in his office.
'People elected him': Why Latham is likely to remain in NSW parliament
As politicians call for Mark Latham's conduct in parliament to be investigated by the privileges committee, a top constitutional lawyer says it would be "very, very difficult" to have him expelled even if the allegations were proven. It follows media reports he allegedly took photos of female colleagues speaking in parliament and made disparaging comments about them in private messages and participated in a consensual sex video in his office. Mr Latham has denied any wrongdoing.
Mark Latham under mounting pressure
Former federal Labor leader-turned Independent New South Wales M-P Mark Latham is under mounting political pressure amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour. It follows media reports he took photos of female colleagues speaking in parliament and made disparaging comments about them in private messages, and recorded a sex tape in his parliamentary office. Mr Latham has denied any wrongdoing. Featured: Professor Anne Twomey, constitutional law expert, Sydney University
Mark Latham's alleged behaviour condemned
Pressure is mounting on the NSW Parliament to take action against former federal Labor leader, now Independent state MP Mark Latham. It comes after media reports of inappropriate behaviour towards female MPs and an allegation he recorded a sex tape in his parliamentary office.
From potential PM to abuse claims: Who is Mark Latham?
He once had a chance at the top job in the nation — now Mark Latham is defending himself against allegations of domestic abuse and being involved in a sex tape in his NSW parliamentary office. The former federal Labor leader-turned-One Nation firebrand is facing mounting political pressure following media reports he took photos of female colleagues speaking in parliament and made disparaging comments about them in private messages.
Mark Latham denies ex-partner's allegations of domestic abuse and 'degrading' sex acts
New South Wales MP Mark Latham has emphatically denied a former partner's allegations of a "sustained pattern" of domestic abuse and pressuring her to engage in "degrading sex acts". The allegations are detailed by Nathalie Matthews in an apprehended violence order (AVO) application filed in a NSW local court against the former leader of both federal Labor and NSW One Nation, first reported by The Australian newspaper this week.
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