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Articles by Sofie Wainwright
Housing crisis pushes frontline services to limit in record summer surge - Everybody's Home
Frontline organisations supporting people impacted by Australia’s housing crisis have faced their worst summer on record, experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, according to Everybody’s Home. The national housing campaign’s ‘Under Pressure’ sector survey of dozens of frontline organisations found that nearly nine in ten (87%) had a major increase in workload during December and January compared to previous years, due to the worsening housing crisis.
Three in five voters back investor tax break reform - Everybody's Home
Most Australians are open to winding back tax handouts for property investors, with less than a quarter supporting the status quo, according to a new poll commissioned by Everybody’s Home.
'Our time is getting closer': Long-term caravan park residents fear homelessness as demolition begins in NSW Original
Kim Berry prays that she does not end up homeless in a few months' time.
Power couple tie the knot after shared love of electric vehicles sparks romance
The love that Margaret McDonald and Hugh Sykes have for each other is best described as electric. The pair had lived houses apart in a retirement village on the NSW Central Coast for a few years. But they weren't aware of each other until a new electric vehicle (EV) drove through the front gates. "I had heard all this village buzz that this man called Hugh Sykes had bought a Tesla," Ms McDonald, 77, said.
Flooded Hawkesbury River oyster farmers suffer mass losses but remain stubbornly resilient Original
On June 16 this year, Pete O'Sullivan received a text that changed his world. "Mullet Creek and Porto Bay harvest areas are open for direct harvest," the message from the NSW Shellfish Program said. After seven months and relentless bouts of rain, the salinity of the Hawkesbury River was finally adequate for him to harvest his oysters. But it only lasted two weeks. What came next was "the fourth flood event in 18 months, which is unheard of", Mr O'Sullivan said.
Australia - Wamberal beachfront property owners question how seawall will be funded
Dozens of houses at Wamberal Beach have been affected by coastal erosion for decades with the most recent scare almost two years ago. Central Coast Council has released draft engineering design requirements to help in the preparation and evaluation of development applications for future coastal protection works along the beach. Among the council's key criteria is for a seawall to be "constructed, owned and maintained by property owners".
Sonar to ping dangerous debris and 'caravans' concealed underwater in Sydney and northern NSW rivers after flooding
Crews are relying on soundwaves to find dangerous underwater flood debris in rivers in northern NSW and Sydney.
Emergency department doctor celebrates Indigenous Labor members' 'historic' result
An Aboriginal emergency doctor who snatched the bellwether seat of Robertson says having more First Nations members of parliament will create more inclusive policy. Key points: Gordon Reid snatched the seat of Robertson previously held by Liberal's Lucy Wicks The Wiradjuri man is one of six First Nations people in the Labor Party caucus The 29-year-old is a former emergency department doctor Wiradjuri man Gordon Reid, 29, was born and bred on Darkinjung country on the NSW Central Coast.
Potholes key election agenda for candidates in two marginal seats, but some voters disagree
Potholes are largely a council and state responsibility, but they have become a key federal election issue on the New South Wales' Central Coast.
Sixth leatherback turtle found dead, another entangled in shark net, on NSW Central Coast
The death toll of the world's largest sea turtles continues to climb on the NSW Central Coast, with a sixth leatherback washing ashore and another found entangled in a shark net this week.
Giant endangered leatherback turtles found dead on NSW Central Coast beaches
Four of the world's largest sea turtles that are rarely found close to Australian shores have washed up on the NSW Central Coast over the past couple of weeks, in what experts have described as concerning and unusual.
Hawkesbury River residents in 'forgotten' council areas overlooked for flood relief funds
There is mounting pressure on the NSW government to allow more areas to access its latest flood cash grants, with some Hawkesbury River residents missing out.
Wet autumn outlook for parts of eastern Australia as the BOM predicts above average rainfall
For anyone looking for an end to the wet weather soaking Australia's east coast, the news isn't good — above average rainfall is set to continue.
Coral wishes her daughter was alive to attend her new rehab centre, which aims to 'love people back to life'
The songs of bellbirds fill Coral Hennessy with peace. WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains names of people who have died. They echo around a picturesque rural landscape at Wyong Creek, on the New South Wales Central Coast. "Just what people need for healing," Malyangapa woman Ms Hennessy said. Now, the 4.45 hectare property is home to the state's first Aboriginal community controlled women's drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation centre.
Former Labor MP Craig Thomson charged over alleged fraudulent COVID-19 grant applications
Former federal MP Craig Thomson will face court on a range of fresh charges today, including allegedly making fraudulent applications for COVID-19 grants. The ABC understands the new charges include dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, as well as publishing misleading material and making false documents relating to the small business COVID-19 grants. It will be alleged Mr Thomson made fraudulent applications for government grants totalling $25,000.
Wamberal Owners Against The Wall group forms in search for erosion prevention alternatives
It is a commonly held view that property owners on the Central Coast's erosion-prone Wamberal Beach want a seawall to stop their homes from being claimed by the sea.
Would you live with a vulnerable stranger? These programs are making it happen
Pattie and Jutta are a couple of unlikely housemates. "We're totally different," Pattie says. But these women, who are in their 70s, share some interests and traits. As Pattie puts it, they are "two strong individual women coming together". And their arrangement works. Pattie, who needed an affordable place to live, gets cheap rent at Jutta's Sydney apartment in exchange for doing chores and providing companionship. "I didn't want to live alone," Jutta said.
Father Rod Bower, author of politically charged church billboard, leaves Central Coast
It may not be as thought-provoking, politically charged, or controversial as his other church signs but his final one is just as to the point. Key points: Father Rod Bower is leaving Gosford Anglican Church for a job at Lake Macquarie After 22 years at the church, Father Bower says his most memorable sign was about LGBTQI+ rights There are plans for his successor to continue crafting clever signs 'Father Rod signs off'.
Doctors, nurses, receptionists train to improve support for domestic violence patients
Sally (not her real name) says her doctor knew she was in a violent domestic relationship before she herself was willing to recognise it.
Oyster farmers on Hawkesbury River expand into tourism to keep industry alive
Almost a year ago, you would have been forgiven if you said you had seen tables floating in the flooded Hawkesbury River. Key points: Oyster farmers are expanding their tourism offerings because of challenges in the industry It comes as international tourists are set to return to Australia Diseases and floods have wiped out millions of oysters Now, six of them are purposely placed in a row.
Island with chequered past may become Aboriginal land council's 'jewel in the crown' if ownership granted
A picturesque island north of Sydney with a chequered history may soon be in the hands of local Aboriginal people.
Land value soars in Hunter Central Coast region as property market continues to boil
In the year she has spent trying to secure a family home in Newcastle, Sally has missed out on multiple auctions and offers. Key points: The NSW Valuer General's report for 2020-21 reflects the boom in regional and coastal housing markets Across the state residential land values increased by almost 25 per cent Residential values rose by more than 38 per cent on the Hunter Coast "Homes are going $300,000 to $400,000 over guide," she said. "It's a really tough time to enter the market.
Sydney Opera House unveils Centre for Creativity to encourage interactive audience participation
Performances at the Sydney Opera House have enthralled spectators for almost half a century but a new space aims to get audiences more creatively involved. Key points: A former office has been transformed into a new hands-on creative space at the Sydney Opera House It's the first new dedicated programming venue to open under the sails since 1999 The space will open to the public in early January The Centre for Creativity is a former office turned versatile hub.
Floodwaters spill into Forbes after days of waiting for possible record water levels
Water is slowly creeping into streets and properties in the central west of New South Wales this morning as the Lachlan River continues to rise.
Primary Health Network wants Hunter, Central Coast 12 to 15-year-old vaccination rates to 'accelerate'
The vaccination rates for 12 to 15-year-olds are tracking well for the New South Wales Hunter and Central Coast but there are hopes uptake will accelerate, according to the regions' Primary Health Network.
Shelterbags arrive for Central Coast's homeless ready for when lockdown lifts
Four hundred swag-like shelterbags have arrived on the New South Wales Central Coast for people living rough, some who will benefit if they return to the streets once lockdown lifts.
Anxiety builds in regional NSW as towns go into lockdown after COVID-19 spills out of Sydney
Coronavirus is on the march and regional New South Wales communities are nervous with the latest wave of the pandemic breaching Greater Sydney and cases causing panic in multiple locations across the state.
Vaccination cancellations leave Hunter, Central Coast residents confused and angry
There is frustration, anger, and confusion in the Hunter and Central Coast regions after COVID-19 Pfizer vaccinations, including those for priority workers, were cancelled and redirected to Sydney hotspots.
Family dog mauls five-week-old baby to death on NSW Central Coast
A five-week-old boy has been mauled to death by the family’s pet dog on the New South Wales Central Coast. Emergency services responded to reports of a baby being attacked by a dog at a house in Kariong, west of Gosford, about 2:20am. Police from the Brisbane Water Police District attended the scene and performed CPR. Paramedics assisted a short time later, but the newborn could not be revived and died at the scene. Police could not confirm the type of dog that was involved in the attack.
Five-week-old boy mauled to death by dog on NSW Central Coast
ABC NEWS 51 mins ago By Sofie Wainwright A five-week-old boy has been mauled to death by the family's pet dog on the New South Wales Central Coast. Emergency services responded to reports of a baby being attacked by a dog at a house in Kariong, west of Gosford, about 2:20am. Police from the Brisbane Water Police District attended the scene and performed CPR. Paramedics assisted a short time later, but the newborn could not be revived and died at the scene.
Police say first responders met by scene of 'tragic proportions' as family dog mauls newborn to death
Police say a dog that mauled a newborn baby to death in a horrific attack on the NSW Central Coast had also attacked a neighbour's dog four weeks ago.
A-League's Central Coast Mariners coach Alen Stajcic stands down after successful season
Alen Stajcic has called it a day with the Central Coast Mariners after masterminding the club's revival this season.
Suspended Central Coast deputy mayor slams administrator's call to ban councillors from re-election
The suspended deputy mayor of the beleaguered New South Wales Central Coast Council says the outgoing interim administrator has overstepped his remit in proposing dismissed councillors be prevented from standing at the next election.
Community Defib Project installing potentially lifesaving devices in vulnerable communities
It was a regular afternoon at a western New South Wales copper mine until the maintenance engineering manager collapsed. Key points: Automated external defibrillators (AED) are used to shock the heart back into its normal rhythm and can save lives Vulnerable communities with limited or no AEDs are raising funds to have them installed 35 publicly accessible AEDs have been installed across 12 communities since late 2019, under the Community Defib Project.
Hawkesbury River community threatened by fires and floods works on emergency plan
"Forgotten" residents living on the Hawkesbury River are often cut off physically and technologically when natural disasters strike, so they are working with organisations to improve their preparedness and resilience.
Townsville Basketball can't afford to join redress scheme leaving child sex abuse survivor 'devastated'
A man who was sexually abused by a basketball referee supervisor as a child in North Queensland is "devastated" the institution will not take part in the National Redress Scheme.
'We need to move forward together': Aboriginal flag to permanently fly at more NSW Police stations
New South Wales Police is working to fly the Aboriginal flag permanently in front of more regional stations in a bid to improve relationships with Indigenous communities.
How a 'musically precocious' kid from Newcastle ended up singing at Prince Philip's funeral
Miriam Allan stood out as the only female in a four-person choir that sang at Prince Philip's scaled-back funeral at the weekend, but that was no surprise to her father who was watching proudly from the family home in Newcastle.
NSW Nationals backflip on 'dirty tactic' during hotly contested Upper Hunter by-election
The NSW Deputy Labor leader has called on the Nationals to scrap what she has described as "dirty tactics" being used against rival political candidates.
Dangerous catch for fishers as caravans, fridges and chemical drums float down swollen river
Boaties and fishers are continuing to dodge debris submerged in the Hawkesbury River following last month's floods. Key points: Boaties are being urged to remain vigilant after last month's floods Fishers say catching debris is slowing down their operations Authorities are working to remove unwanted items The maximum speed on most of the river has been reduced to 15 knots as large objects, including fridges, caravans and bicycles, remain in the water.
Boat explosion victims' long wait highlights NSW Central Coast paramedic shortage concerns, union says
Victims of a horror boat explosion north of Sydney reportedly waited 25 minutes for paramedics who should have been on the scene within seven minutes, an union representing paramedics says.
NSW flood victims salvage what they can, holiday park residents 'devastated' and 'emotionally exhausted'
Residents of a holiday park on the New South Wales Mid North Coast are crying out for help after their properties are left destroyed by last week's flooding. Key points: About 200 residents at the Brigadoon Holiday Park in North Haven are counting the cost of the flood The area was one of the first locations where people were told to evacuate a week ago They are in need of donations including at least 110 fridges Brigadoon is a holiday park by name, but for many it is the only home they know.
NSW Oyster farmers devastated as Easter sales are washed away by floods
Floodwaters have devastated the New South Wales oyster industry just days before the usually lucrative Easter break. Key points: Floods have battered the New South Wales coast leaving oyster leases damaged by debris The industry has been left reeling after successive setbacks including 2020 bushfires Now a lot of mature stock has been lost just days before the busy Easter period Oyster leases in waterways along the coast have been damaged during the deluge.
'Prisoner in your own home': Residential park homeowners want 'fairer' legislation
People who have bought homes in residential parks are warning that unjust site fees and unscrupulous operators are threatening their quality of life.
Vaccine rollout 'a bit of a mess' as multiple delays hit aged care facilities
Residents at multiple regional aged care facilities across New South Wales have had their COVID-19 vaccinations postponed, despite expecting to be among the first to participate in the national vaccine rollout.
Business owners urge community to give disengaged, at-risk youth and juvenile offenders a chance
North Queensland business owners who are trying to steer disengaged, at-risk young people and juvenile offenders on better pathways say community proactiveness is part of the solution in tackling crime.
Palm Island's brumby management plan sparks controversy among horse lovers
Brumbies have been roaming a North Queensland island for generations, but now there are calls for a sustainable management plan. Key points: Horses have roamed free on Palm Island for generations and are used for travel and leisure The council says it plans to address the number of wild horses for health and environmental reasons 168 horses died during a cull in 2019 Resident Vern Daisy says there is a rule about one particular grey stallion on Palm Island.
Thorsborne Trail is one of Australia's great wilderness walks, but hikers are scrambling to get permits
Hikers are missing the opportunity to walk a pristine and protected North Queensland trail because of its soaring popularity, but abrupt border closures and a clunky government booking system is not helping.
Man charged for damaging Townsville businesses as city reels from recent crime incidents
At least 13 businesses are picking up the pieces of damage caused by a man throwing rocks in North Queensland. Key points: A 29-year-old man has been charged for smashing windows in a vandalism rampage Frustrated owners are counting the cost of insurance excess and improving security Townsville has ongoing issues with crime Police have arrested 29-year-old for allegedly smashing the windows of the businesses on Ingham Road in Townsville about 1.20am.
COVID-19, crime and child safety on Townsville minds as Queensland Cabinet sits in the city
The Townsville community hopes Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her ministers listen and act on a range of important issues that will likely be raised during their visit to the city this week.
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