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Articles by Jackson Vernon
Melinda Hayter
'Kakadu of the South' awash with life as birds, fish return after rains Posted September 02, 2020 10:00:10 A wetland in south-western NSW is brimming with life thanks to winter rain and environmental water flows.
Police say it could be up to a week before it is known what caused the death of eight-year-old Trinity Bates at Bundaberg in south-east Queensland. Her body was found in a drain near her home on Monday morning. Police say they have finished a post mortem examination, and the report finalised, but it will not be released publicly. Bundaberg man Allyn John Slater, 19, has been charged with one count of murder in relation to the death and police say there are no further charges pending at this stage.
The story of Z Special Unit
Wally Pare came to Australia as a 15 year old in 1939, and trained as an army radio operator on the outbreak of World War Two. One day, he was asked to volunteer for something secretive, something dangerous, something which posed a real risk he may not come home. A young man with a taste for adventure, he ageed. He found himself on Fraser Island training with a shadowy team with operated outside the Geneva Convention, today known as Z Special Forces.
Braille camp teaching vision impaired children from remote and regional towns to read
It's tough teaching kids to read, but try teaching them to read with their fingers, then add in the fact they live in remote locations and attend school over the internet. Tracey McCann is head of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) Teleschool which teaches vision impaired children to read braille. "Braille is not an easy skill to learn and can be quite tedious as any skill is," Ms McCann said.
Home and Away actress fights for life as her family are farewelled at funeral
As actress Jessica Falkholt remains in hospital fighting for her life, three members of her family who died in a fiery crash on the NSW Central Coast on Boxing Day have been farewelled at a funeral in Sydney. Hundreds of mourners have gathered at St Mary's Church in Concord for a funeral service to farewell three members of the Falkholt family.
DJ Chris Bradley: Murder accused tried to perform CPR after assault, court hears
A man charged with the murder of a popular Byron Bay DJ at a Christmas Day party will remain behind bars after bail was overturned by a Sydney court. Javen O'Neill, 24, was previously granted bail by the Lismore Local Court over the death of 28-year-old Chris Bradley, known as DAD BOD in the music community. The crown contested this through what is called a detention order in Sydney's Supreme Court, with Mr O'Neill's family from Western Australia in attendance.
All is swell: How Manly's annual surf competition went from wipeout to winning
For the first time, siblings Cooper and Sophia Chapman were set to compete together in next year's Australian Open of Surfing at Manly. But their dreams were crushed when the event was cancelled suddenly in October. "I was a bit bummed for Sophia because I knew she had the wildcard into it and it was going to be her first big event locally," Cooper Chapman said.
WestConnex: Sydney tunnels a year away from completion
Excavation work on tunnels built as part of the Sydney WestConnex project is almost complete, but motorists will have to wait at least a year to drive the underground route. The 5.5 kilometre twin tunnel, costing $3.8 billion, connects Homebush to Haberfield in the inner west and are the first tunnels built for WestConnex, touted as Australia's largest transport project.
Mike Baird could be compelled to give evidence in probe over Parramatta Powerhouse relocation
Former New South Wales premier Mike Baird could be compelled to give evidence over plans to move the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta in Sydney's west. The proposal to relocate the museum from Ultimo in Sydney's CBD has been a major focus of a New South Wales Upper House inquiry which today released its interim report. The proposal was announced under Mike Baird's leadership in 2015 as part of the development of an arts and cultural precinct in Western Sydney.
200-year-old pub uncovered beneath cottage in Western Sydney | The New Daily
Evidence of the existence of one of Australia’s oldest pubs, dating back over 200 years, has been uncovered in Parramatta in Sydney’s west.Archaeologists have spent nearly 10 years working at the site located in the heart of the Parramatta CBD.There they uncovered the cellar of what was known as the Wheatsheaf Hotel, believed to have been built in 1801, along with the remains of an 1800s convict hut and a wheelwright’s workshop, where carts and wagons were once made and fixed.Ralph Millard...
200-year-old Wheatsheaf Hotel ruins uncovered beneath Parramatta cottage
Evidence of the existence of one of Australia's oldest pubs, dating back over 200 years, has been uncovered in Parramatta in Sydney's west. Archaeologists have spent nearly 10 years working at the site located in the heart of the Parramatta CBD. There they uncovered the cellar of what was known as the Wheatsheaf Hotel, believed to have been built in 1801, along with the remains of an 1800s convict hut and a wheelwright's workshop, where carts and wagons were once made and fixed.
Driverless cars 'to save thousands of lives' as trial set for NSW
Once a thing of science fiction, the road is being paved for driverless cars to come to New South Wales. A two-year trial at Sydney Olympic Park will use an automated vehicle that resembles a small shuttle. The vehicle will only travel about 10 kilometres per hour, despite its ability to go up to 50, and the first phase of the trial will be along a closed-off road in the park. HMI technologies is behind the tests and autonomous vehicles director David Verma said the cars were tightly controlled.
Sydney bus driver 'to plead guilty' over near-miss with semi-trailer on M5
A bus driver will plead guilty over a near-miss with a truck while carrying schoolchildren in Sydney's south west, a court has been told. In June, a bus with about 20 children on board pulled out in front of a semi-trailer on the M5 at Hammondville. The truck driver was forced to brake heavily to avoid a collision, causing his vehicle to jack knife.
NSW tenancy agreements potentially unenforceable against interstate landlords
Tens of thousands of renters in New South Wales could discover their tenancy agreements are unenforceable if their landlord lives interstate, following a ruling by the state's highest court. The legal loophole emerged after the Court of Appeal declared in February that the NSW Administrative and Civil Tribunal, which handles a range of small civil disputes, has no jurisdiction if one party lives in another state.
Sydney woman turns unwanted hotel toiletries into kits for the homeless
We've all been guilty of it: taking home the hotel toiletries or inflight sleep kits and putting them in the cupboard. But one Sydney woman has found good use for them at homeless shelters. Through the charity Every Little Bit Helps, items such as shampoos, toothbrushes and combs are donated by the public and companies and put together into kits in red bags. HR worker Katryna Robinson set up the charity after discovering Sydney shelters were not always stocked with the basic essentials.
Yarramundi dog allegedly killed with pick axe as police probe spate of pet killings
Police are investigating if a spate of dog killings in the Blue Mountains are linked, after the body of an another pet was found dumped on the side of the road with head injuries. Yarramundi resident Cherene Campbell has been left devastated after finding her kelpie Drake dead along Springwood Road two days ago. She said vets examined Drake and claimed the dog was struck twice to the head with a sharp, 13cm-long weapon, believed to be a pick axe.
Hugh Garth facing minimum eight years' jail after being convicted under NSW one-punch laws
Hugh Garth has become the first person in New South Wales to be convicted under so-called one-punch laws after being found guilty over the death of another man in 2014. The 25-year-old was on trial for unlawful assault causing death over Raynor Manalad's death at a 21st birthday party in Rooty Hill in Sydney's west. The one-punch laws were introduced across the state in January 2014 to try to curb the number of deaths from single punch attacks.
Western Sydney challenging Victoria for right to host 2030 Commonwealth Games
A battle is brewing between Victoria and New South Wales for the right to host the Commonwealth Games, with business leaders from Sydney's west behind a push for the region to hold the event. Earlier this month, 11 regional Victorian towns, including Shepparton, Geelong and Ballarat, announced a campaign to host the 2030 games.
Badgerys Creek Airport: Residents launch High Court appeal to stop evictions going ahead
Badgerys Creek residents have launched a High Court appeal in a last ditch effort to stop their eviction from land earmarked for Sydney's second airport. Last month the Federal Court dismissed appeals by more than a dozen residents looking to remain in their homes. It comes after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull signed off on the Badgerys Creek plan in December, with stage one of the building process expected to get underway in the mid-2020s.
NSW floods: Meet the heroes of Murwillumbah, a tiny town with a big heart
Its location in the Tweed River valley, just 13 kilometres south of the Queensland border, put the tiny town at the centre of the flood emergency that has gripped Australia's east coast. But amid the carnage, incredible tales of survival have emerged of the town's 3,000 residents fighting for their lives. The water came from everywhere on Thursday night. It was a wall, surging from all angles, bursting from mains and sweeping under houses — which is where it found the Byrne family.
NSW floods: Two dead, evacuation orders issued as waters move south
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejikilian has pleaded with locals to heed SES warnings as the threat from the state's deadly flood crisis moves south from the stricken city of Lismore. There have been two flood-related deaths in NSW; one near Murwillumbah — which was one of the worst-hit towns — and another in the Hunter region.
NSW Labor's former secretary Jamie Clements denies handing electoral roll details to union boss
Former secretary of the New South Wales Labor Party Jamie Clements did not think it was "out of the ordinary" for a union boss to ring requesting the personal details of another man, a court has heard. Clements has pleaded not guilty to improperly disclosing protected information.
Parramatta Girls Home should be turned into a women's refuge, victims say
Former inmates of the notorious Parramatta Girls Home in Sydney's west are fighting to turn parts of the site into a hub for services helping women fleeing domestic violence. Thousands of girls, who were charged with indictable or summary offences, were sent to the reformatory school from the time it was founded in 1887 until its closure in 1974. Bonney Djuric, who was sent to the home when she was 15, said the experience was "terrifying".
Parramasala Festival to showcase the many cultures of western Sydney
A record number of nationalities will be showcased at this year's Parramasala Festival in Sydney's west, organisers of the long-running event have pledged. Now in its seventh year, the festival has grown from its humble beginnings as an Indian festival to one encompassing the dozens of cultures in Western Sydney. Ghanan-born Lucky Lartey is an example of how the festival has evolved.
Badgerys Creek Airport: Residents lose appeal to stay on land earmarked for construction
Badgerys Creek residents have lost an appeal to allow them to stay in their homes which sit in the path of Sydney's second airport. The Federal Court today dismissed appeals by 17 residents who are fighting notices to leave the properties they lease from the Commonwealth. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull signed off on the Badgerys Creek plan in December, with stage one of the building process expected to get underway mid-2020s.
Sydney vets struggling to meet demand for calicivirus vaccine to protect domestic rabbits
Vets in Sydney's west are running low on a vaccine use to protect domestic rabbits against a new strain of calicivirus, which is being introduced across Australia this week. For the first time in 20 years, a new rabbit biocontrol agent will be rolled out nationally in the form of a Korean strain of the calicivirus, known as K-5. Authorities have said they were confident the widespread release of the new strain would put a major dent in the rabbit population within weeks.
Mine pollution levels in Blue Mountains could be some of world's worst, inspect species dying out
Some of the worst environmental pollution in the world has been discovered among the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, according to researchers from Western Sydney University. For several years, environmental science lecturer Ian Wright and his team has been studying the effect of the Clarence Colliery on the Wollangambe River, which runs deep within the Wollemi National Park.
Child sex abuse royal commission hears of Catholic brothers' secrecy culture
A secrecy culture of "don't ask, don't tell" could explain historical allegations of child sex abuse within a religious order, the royal commission has been told. The commission's investigation into the response of the Catholic Church into alleged abuse heard from the De La Salle Brothers, an order which had one of the highest number of alleged perpetrators ministering between 1950 and 2010.
Archaeologists discover 'coexistence' between Aboriginals and settlers in North Parramatta
It may sound like pieces of garbage, but these items are giving historians rare glimpses into one of Australia's oldest colonial sites. For the past two months archaeologists have been digging in North Parramatta, the site of former institutional care facilities. In the early 19th century female convicts were housed in the female factory. The site was then expanded to include a mental asylum and an orphanage.
Wife of man trapped under excavator near Foster says his survival had 'nothing to do with luck'
The wife of a man who narrowly avoided drowning after being trapped under an excavator for hours said his survival had "nothing to do with luck" and was all about mental strength. Dan Miller, 45, kept his nose above water for more than two hours after an excavator rolled and pinned him underwater in a dam on a rural property near Foster. His wife Saimaa Miller said the fact he got out of the ordeal alive was a testament to his mental resilience.
Record cocaine bust: Lawyer warns federal ministers to stop commenting on case
A lawyer for one of the men charged over Australia's largest cocaine bust has told a court he wished federal ministers were not commenting on the case. Six people, including four Australians, a New Zealander and a Swiss-Fijian, were charged over the bust. Police alleged a yacht travelled from New Zealand last month to a ship in the South Pacific Ocean to pick up 1.4 tonnes of cocaine to bring to Australia. The six were not in the Sydney Central Court today when their matter was briefly heard.
Police release CCTV footage in bid to find missing Sydney man Sang Don Yo
In a bid to find missing Sydney man Sang Don Yon, police have released vision of a man who accompanied Mr Don Yo's wife to the airport in the days after his disappearance. Korean-born Mr Don Yo has been missing for four years and police have concerns he has met with foul play. He was 52 years old when he was last seen leaving his work on Bridge Street at Lidcombe in March 2013. His brother, Ho Don Yo, raised the alarm with police when he failed to turn up at work in the following days.
Australian refugee and migrant communities reject US president Donald Trump's temporary immigration ban
Community groups and individuals have rejected US President Donald Trump's temporary immigration ban against seven Muslim dominated countries. Among them is 2017 NSW Australian of the Year Deng Adut. The criminal and refugee lawyer based in Sydney's west was a former child soldier in Sudan and came to Australia as a refugee in 1998.
Golden Guitars: Travis Collins, Sara Storer, Troy Cassar-Daley take out country music gongs
Country music singers Travis Collins, Sara Storer and Troy Cassar-Daley were among a number of artists recognised at this year's Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth. First-time winner Collins took out three awards for his album Hard Light, beating out tough competition to secure Male Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Single of the Year. On receiving song of the year, Collins said country music had guided him through life.
Tamworth Country Music Festival: Aleyce Simmonds brings domestic violence to the table through music
Country music often depicts the hardships of relationships and living on the land, but there is one issue you do not often hear sung about — domestic violence. That's something Australian musician Aleyce Simmonds hopes to change. Her new album, which she is releasing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, is inspired by her own experiences. The four-time Golden Guitar nominee said one song on the album, titled Defeated, delves into an abusive relationship she had with a former partner.
Remembering Granville forty years on
Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th US president on January 20. Get ready for the big day by taking our quiz on past — and future — presidential inauguration ceremonies.
Mohammad Kiad, Omar Al-Kutobi sentenced to 20 years' jail for foiled terror plot
Mohammad Kiad, Omar Al-Kutobi sentenced to 20 years' jail for foiled terror plot Updated December 09, 2016 12:25:19 Sydney men Omar Al-Kutobi and Mohammad Kiad have been sentenced to 20 years jail, for preparing to commit a terrorist attack.Al-Kutobi, 25, and Kiad, 27, originally intended to target a Shiite prayer hall in February last year.But that plan was abandoned in favour of a plot to attack someone with either a knife or machete.They will spend a minimum of 15 years behind bars.More to...
Parramatta's new stadium to put fans closer to the action than any other
A new 30,000-seat rectangular stadium at Parramatta, in Sydney's west, will be the envy of the country, the New South Wales Government has boasted. Premier Mike Baird and Sports Minister Stuart Ayres announced that Lendlease had won the contract to the design and build the new Western Sydney Stadium this morning. Work to demolish the existing stadium will begin early next year and it is expected to be open to fans in 2019.
Western Sydney all-girls school bucks downward trend in maths and science
A high school in Sydney's west is reaching for the stars as it works to get more young girls interested in maths and science subjects. A global report has found Australian 15-year-olds are falling behind their international peers in science, maths and reading. But Cerdon College, an all-girl catholic high school in Merrylands, found there has never been a greater interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.
Nepean Hospital $550 million upgrade, not nearly enough say doctors
Doctors on the frontline at the Nepean Hospital have welcomed a major upgrade announcement but say it does not go far enough to meet projected future demands on the western Sydney facility. NSW Premier Mike Baird and Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced the State Government would spend $550 million to upgrade the hospital, and a further $26 million on the car park.
Terrorism-inspired stabbing: Ihsas Khan made 'extensive admissions' to police, court hears
A man who allegedly carried out a terrorist-inspired stabbing attack in Sydney's south-west made "extensive admissions" in a police recording, a court has been told. Ihsas Khan, 22, is accused of stabbing 59-year-old Wayne Greenhalg while he was walking his dog in Minto in September. Khan is charged with committing a terrorist act with the intent to influence the Australian Government and attempted murder.
Williamtown Air Force Base contamination class action starts in Sydney
A lawyer representing hundreds of residents and businesses in a class action against the Air Force, says the case will be a test for the rest of the country. Law firm Gadens is representing more than 400 residents who are seeking compensation after their property values were affected by toxic firefighting chemicals which leached from an air force base the Williamtown Air Force Base.
Police strike force to examine spate of Sydney shootings and possible underworld links
A number of targeted, execution-style shootings in Sydney over a 17-month period will be investigated by a special New South Wales police strike force. Strike Force Osprey will investigate eight shootings that occurred between June last year and this week's murder of underworld mafia figure Pasquale Barbaro, who was gunned down outside a home in Sydney's inner south-west.
Western Sydney man accused of trying to kill woman in car crash at Westmead
A western Sydney man who is accused of attempting to murder a woman in a car crash will remain in custody after a brief court hearing today. Yesterday, police arrested Paul Moore, 47, after he allegedly drove a car into a power pole on Pye Street at Westmead. A 42-year-old woman was in the car at the time. She was taken to hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries.
28yo man charged with murder over alleged knife attack in Blue Mountains
A 28-year-old man has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing a man to death in the Blue Mountains yesterday. Henry Walcott was arrested after police were called to a house on Kings Road, Leura where they discovered the body of a 34-year-old man. Walcott was taken for questioning to Katoomba Police Station and later charged with murder. "It will be alleged that the man used a knife to inflict fatal wounds to the neck and chest area of the victim," Superintendent Darryl Jobson said.
Toxic chemicals detected offsite of three NSW defence bases
Toxic chemicals have been detected offsite of three defence bases in New South Wales, prompting a wider environmental investigation into the extent of the contamination. Earlier this year, Defence undertook preliminary sampling of 12 sites across Australia for the potential presence of PFASs, which are a component of firefighting foam once used at the sites. The report confirmed the toxic chemicals had been found at all 12 sites tested nationally by the department.
Man who added acid to lubricant dispenser at Sydney gay club Aarows avoids jail
A man who put hydrochloric acid inside a lubricant dispenser at a Sydney gay sex club has avoided jail after being handed a good behaviour bond. In August this year 62 year old Hengky Irawan went to the Aarows club in Sydney's west with a litre bottle of acid, along with a funnel and a knife. He poured the acid into the lubricant container, but set off an alarm when he broke the dispenser's seal, notifying staff at the club.
NRL player agents, including Jarryd Hayne's, raided by NSW Police
The office of rugby league star Jarryd Hayne's agent has been searched by New South Wales Police investigating the Parramatta Eels salary cap breaches. Police are searching the businesses of four player agents in Sydney's CBD, Woollahra and Leichardt. Earlier this year, the club was fined $1 million and docked 12 competition points for the salary cap breaches. The search is part of an investigation by Strike Force Rhodium, run by the State Crime Command's Fraud and Cyber Crime Squad.
Western Sydney centre helping asylum seekers access legal advice
There are fears asylum seekers living in Australia are having to wait more than a year to access crucial legal aid in order to apply for protection visas. Two years ago the Federal Government cut funding for immigration and legal assistance for people who arrive by boat and plane. In response drop-in centres, like the one in Auburn in western Sydney, were set up to fill the gap.
Terrorism-related charges laid against 16-year-olds after Sydney arrest
Terrorism-related charges laid against 16-year-olds after Sydney arrest Updated October 13, 2016 08:55:26 Two 16-year-old boys are facing terrorism-related charges after their arrest yesterday by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team at Bankstown in Sydney. They are expected to appear at Parramatta Children's Court later today. Police will address the media soon. More to come. First posted October 13, 2016 08:47:20
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