At just 16, Mohammed Albaqeri (Yagoona) fell four-storeys while working on a construction site. Miraculously, he survived but was left with debilitating injuries, unable to work. Along with a significant family breakdown, he found himself homeless. Ahead of the Mayor’s Lights Out Sleepout being held later this month at Belmore Sportsground, Mohammed (now 18) shared his experiences with Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek. “It was just …

Bega Valley Shire Council Project Officer Dillon Aldridge has been named the 2026 recipient of the esteemed Cr Pat Dixon Memorial Scholarship. The proud Yuin and Kamilaroi man received the prestigious scholarship at the recent Local Government Week Awards, hosted by LGNSW. Mr Aldridge was selected in recognition of his dedication to Bega Valley Shire Council and his commitment to …

B-roll and stills available:  https://bit.ly/4vNrU4b A new national park more than three times the size of Centennial Parklands is being created in Western Sydney in a major boost for affordable recreation and threatened wildlife. The Minns Labor Government is establishing Gulguer National Park, west of Bringelly, offering a new backyard for walkers, mountain bikers, nature lovers and our native animals to …

Widely recognised as one of the world’s leading yidaki (didgeridoo) players and composers, Will Barton joins Adelaide University’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) to share his cultural and musical knowledge with students. A proud Kalkadunga man, Barton is internationally renowned for expanding the horizons of the yidaki by blending the traditional instrument with European classical music. The appointment …

One of Australia’s leading economists says the solution to the housing crisis lies in telling NIMBYs (residents who say “Not In My Back Yard”) to “suck it up”. Speaking to 7NEWS podcast The Issue, Chris Richardson says the fact that interest rates and house prices have both gone up in the last four years, is evidence that supply is the …

It is easy to see the happiness in his eyes whenever he speaks about the memories of yesterday and the achievements of today. It is as though he is reliving a long journey that began under difficult circumstances and ended in a remarkable success story—one he has every reason to be proud of. He arrived in Australia carrying big dreams …

“I Worked 20 Hours a Day… I Never Saw Failure as the End of the Road, but the Beginning of a New Journey.” In the world of business, success is not measured solely by profits, but by the ability to turn challenges into opportunities and setbacks into valuable lessons. Every successful business begins with an idea, but its growth and …

Lionel Messi was denied both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards after Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain 1-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored a 106th-minute winner to ensure that the European champions won their second title. Rodri was awarded the prize after being key to Spain’s success in the …

Argentina could face additional disciplinary proceedings following the brawl that marred the end of their World Cup final defeat to Spain. Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle after clashing with Spain’s Eric Garcia and Gavi while Nahuel Molina appeared to take a swing at Spain captain Rodri. Fifa will investigate the post-match scenes before deciding whether to …

A World Cup campaign that brought Australians together across cultures, languages and backgrounds For a few unforgettable weeks, the Socceroos gave Australia something more than football. They gave the nation a shared experience — one that crossed cultural, social and generational boundaries. From cafés and pubs to living rooms, community centres and public spaces, Australians gathered to watch their national …