Southern Highland News
Sunday 11 October 2026
Our Business
Beauty comes to the Southern Highlands: MECCA makes its debut
Queue for Mecca on opening day. Picture by Clemency McRae
Clemency McRae
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Our People

Ditching the devices: Local Scouting boosts mental health and physical fitness

1st North Sydney Venturers at 100m abseil challenge 2026. Picture supplied.
Clemency McRae
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Our Business

"Great businesses don't grow in isolation": How The Office Bowral is backing local startups

Clemency McRae
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The Office Bowral 2026. Picture supplied.

'I won't make it': Woman charged over fatal South Coast road rage incident

The woman is accused of killing a 73-year-old man.
Tim Grey
Hit-and-run victim Trevor Fleet with his sister, Jenny. Picture supplied
Property
Five dream homes for sale across regional Australia. Pick your favourite in our poll
Jade Lazarevic
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23 Mungurra Hill Road, Cordeaux Heights. Picture supplied

Missing Aussie trekker found dead in Peru

1hr ago
Family and friends have confirmed on social media that Jordan Yap has been found dead in Peru. Photo: PR IMAGE PHOTO

Thousands rally nationwide for global Gaza protests

Catherine Bouris • 2hrs ago
Thousands of protesters have attended rallies as part of a "global day for Gaza". Photo: Sarah Wilson/AAP PHOTOS
Our People
The 130km journey: why regional cancer care remains an uphill battle
Clemency McRae
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Can Assist Southern Highland members following a Branch Meeting. Picture Supplied
Why this high school dux is choosing teaching over a high-paying career
Bulli High School principal Denise James (left) with Cooper Delaney and Chelsea Groves. Picture by Adam McLean
Ben Langford
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Teen felt 'violated' after alleged Alan Jones groping
Adelaide Lang
Broadcaster Alan Jones paid upwards of $90,000 to the boy's family before allegedly assaulting him. Photo: Sarah Wilson/AAP PHOTOS

Tahmoor workers 'one step closer' to getting jobs back after major mine development

Tahmoor workers 'one step closer' to getting jobs back after major mine development
Ben Langford
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Healing after tragedy: Local sanctuary offers hope for trauma

Clemency McRae
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Petrea King at Quest for life. Taken by Clemency McRae
Exclusive

'He was my protector': Family's heartbreak after fatal crash

Jimmy Parker
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Lance, Karen and Kelly, inset Grant. Pictures by Jimmy Parker and supplied
From e-bike bans to DV, 'people are the most important thing' for this new top cop
After years of working in the region, Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty is now taking charge.
Nadine Morton
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty in Wollongong. He is in command of the Southern Region. Picture by Robert Peet
Cheryl Grimmer family accuses police of 'catastrophic failure' in investigation
Paul Grimmer and Ricki Nash, and their little sister Cheryl. Pictures by Adam McLean, supplied
Natalie Croxon
Music
Kate Ceberano's bringing the Aussie music to the Illawarra that inspired generations
Nadine Morton
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Kate Ceberano performing during her Australian Made Tour in 2026. Picture by Hunter Brothers Media

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National

Tax changes 'crack the nut' on housing affordability

Australia's housing market is undergoing its biggest affordability improvement in 50 years. Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS
Jacob Shteyman

'No time for him': Hanson gives her Liberal leader pick

Peter Bodkin and Max Aldred
Pauline Hanson has panned Angus Taylor's leadership but says One Nation can work with the coalition. Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS

'Everyday heroes': fallen volunteers hailed for service

Allanah Sciberras
A ceremony has been held to honour volunteers who lost their lives serving the community. Photo: Sarah Wilson/AAP PHOTOS
'Saw what's at stake': Afghanistan veterans honoured
Australian veterans have been honoured for their service in Afghanistan at a ceremony in Canberra. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS
Aaron Bunch and Jacob Shteyman
Mineral royalties pledge as campaign hits the regions
Allanah Sciberras
Ben Carroll has pledged to direct state mineral resource royalties back into regional Victoria. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS
Coalition baulks at One Nation-style migrant nation ban
Jacob Shteyman
Angus Taylor has moved to distance the opposition's migration policy from One Nation's stance. Photo: Susie Dodds/AAP PHOTOS

Sport

'Go Knights': Silverchair responds to public plea to play footy grand final

Silverchair's Ben Gillies, Daniel Johns and Chris Joannou. File picture, background picture by Marina Neil
Madeline Link

NRL legend plea for Silverchair to reunite ahead of Knights Grand Final

Madeline Link
Andrew Johns (right) has made a public plea for Silverchair to regroup for Sunday's grand final.

Paint the town blue and red: fans transform homes ahead of grand final

Josh Leeson
Teigan and Samuel Jobbins have previously painted their fence red and blue. Picture by Marina Neil

150 pics: netball Academy Challenge lured hundreds to regional town

Grace Hamilton
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The 2026 Academy Challenge attracted hundreds of keen netballers from across NSW to Illawarra. Pictures by Adam McLean

This club has only ever known heartbreak. Now fans like me are daring to dream

Caden Helmers
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I might get some Mason Cox goggles if Fremantle wins and wear them to the grocery store. Pictures AAP, Getty Images

Property

Five dream homes for sale across regional Australia. Pick your favourite in our poll

Property
23 Mungurra Hill Road, Cordeaux Heights. Picture supplied
Jade Lazarevic
No comments
Property

'For anyone who is into motorbikes, there is no better property': champ's home hits the market

Jade Lazarevic
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31 Taylors Road, Cooranbong, is listed via expressions of interest with Darcy Mercieca of Global Property. Picture supplied
Property

'This place could win awards': How a throwaway joke could become a reality

Jimmy Parker
"Beladgio" in Millingandi on the NSW Far South Coast, and owners Belinda and Adam Thomas. Picture by No Bad Days Photography and Jimmy Parker
Five dream homes for sale across regional Australia. Which would you choose?
Property
25 Eckersley Avenue, Buderim. Picture supplied
Jade Lazarevic
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Buyers from across the country eye two very different Tassie mansions
Hamish Geale
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The home at 25 Columbus Drive, Blackstone Heights. Pictures supplied
Property
Ask Property: Our home's value dropped and my spouse won't stop spending, should I be concerned?
Nina Hendy
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Even those in long-term relationships need to revisit their financial commitment at least once a year to ensure they are working together. Picture Shutterstock
Today’s Paper
Issue cover

Saturday 10 October 2026

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Read Now

Kate Ceberano's bringing the Aussie music to the Illawarra that inspired generations

Music
Kate Ceberano performing during her Australian Made Tour in 2026. Picture by Hunter Brothers Media
Nadine Morton
No comments
Things to Do

Festivals, live music and art: what's on in the Southern Highlands

Your complete spring guide.
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Festivals, live music and art: what's on in the Southern Highlands

Picton ALIVE secures funding boost for family-friendly events

Damian McGill
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Arts Alive Wollondilly is an example of a great community event. Picture supplied
Our Places

Saving our remnant canopy: Robertson community rallies for nature

Eva Kolimar
Robertson's next generation is saving an ancient rainforest. Artist Ben Quilty and Robertson Environment Protection Society secretary Fiona King (inset). Pictures supplied
Opinion

How a basketball story can teach boys about grief, friendship and hope

Fiona Harris
"Sport is where boys can connect, communicate and heal without having to 'talk about it'," says author Fiona Harris. Picture by Shutterstock

Sponsored

Major five-year agreement forged to help ensure retired racehorse welfare

Racing NSW acting CEO Graeme Hinton and Equestrian Australia CEO Ben Houston celebrate the five-year partnership focused on the welfare of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing careers. Picture supplied
Landmark five-year pact focuses on life beyond the track for horses.
Branded Content

Working smarter means getting longer in the paddock

Increasingly, farmers are also looking beyond outright performance and placing greater importance on ownership costs, up-time and long-term value when it comes to equipment. Picture supplied
Branded Content

Prepare early for summer irrigation demands

Bevan Jones
A remote-start firefighter from Irrigear member, Ultimate Pumps & Irrigation, designed to help rural property owners prepare for the threat of bushfires. Picture supplied
Branded Content

Bye-bye, French fry benders: How to travel without derailing your health habits

Emma Brown
Novotel offers inviting workout hubs packed with light, atmosphere, and variety. Picture supplied
Branded Content

'Everyone deserves the chance': How Ballarat Bulldogs create community

James Buckley
Ballarat Bulldogs coaches Brett Muller and Gary Sternberg with Lexie Hardman. Picture by Lachlan Bence.

Ways to meet others, volunteering and community groups: the noticeboard

Seniors can join a class in Mittagong that helps improve their flexibility, balance and movement through gentle exercises. Picture supplied
Briannah Devlin
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Good News

Oxley College and Harbison share memories and create art across generations

Briannah Devlin
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Oxley College students Ellegra, Sebastian, Annabelle, Charlie, Charlie and Elsie making art with Harbison resident Joan. Picture by Briannah Devlin

'Go Knights': Silverchair responds to public plea to play footy grand final

Madeline Link
Silverchair's Ben Gillies, Daniel Johns and Chris Joannou. File picture, background picture by Marina Neil

NRL legend plea for Silverchair to reunite ahead of Knights Grand Final

Madeline Link
Andrew Johns (right) has made a public plea for Silverchair to regroup for Sunday's grand final.

Paint the town blue and red: fans transform homes ahead of grand final

Josh Leeson
Teigan and Samuel Jobbins have previously painted their fence red and blue. Picture by Marina Neil

Photos and Video

A pottery-mending workshop in Osaka taught me an important lesson about life

Josuke Kita - the Kintsugi master. Picture by Akash Arora
Akash Arora
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Opinion

Why these cheap eats beat an expensive degustation every time

Michael Turtle
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Bangkok's Rung Rueang Tung noodle shop. Picture supplied

Angkor is one of the world's most visited sites - I found a way to beat the rush

Kate Armstrong
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Angkor Wat at sunset. Picture by Getty Image
Opinion

These are the voices that we should be listening to in the feral horse debate

Richard Swain
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Kosciuszko National Park and, inset, the author. Pictures by Finbar O'Mallon, supplied
Our Business

Beauty comes to the Southern Highlands: MECCA makes its debut

Clemency McRae
No comments
Queue for Mecca on opening day. Picture by Clemency McRae

Comment

It's troubled times for Trump as tides turn in America

Opinion
Donald Trump faces the media on October 3. Picture AAP
Bruce Wolpe
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Opinion

These are the voices that we should be listening to in the feral horse debate

Richard Swain
No comments
Kosciuszko National Park and, inset, the author. Pictures by Finbar O'Mallon, supplied
Opinion

Unless you're Pauline Hanson, the migration debate can be a dangerous sinkhole

Michelle Grattan
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Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Pictures by AAP, Keegan Carroll
Explore
Book Now

A pottery-mending workshop in Osaka taught me an important lesson about life

Josuke Kita - the Kintsugi master. Picture by Akash Arora
Akash Arora
No comments

Angkor is one of the world's most visited sites - I found a way to beat the rush

Kate Armstrong
No comments
Angkor Wat at sunset. Picture by Getty Image

Sold it all for two suitcases: how this 65-year-old author lives on the road full-time

Anna Houlahan
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Australian author Mary-Lou Stephens. Picture supplied
Goodbye bucks and hens: the huge travel shift Aussie couples are making
Friends at a hens' party walk on the beach. Picture Unsplash
Anna Houlahan
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Opinion
Teetotal travel is trending - but I'm raising a glass in protest
Mal Chenu
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If you didn't have an Aperol spritz in Venice, did you even go to Venice? Picture by Getty Images
Switching between an e-bike and a yacht, I saw parts of Greece few Australians visit
Susan Gough Henly
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The old main port of Hydra. Picture by Shutterstock

Michelin is coming to SA - and our money is on this restaurant ... inside a church

Rebecca Foreman
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Restaurant Aptos.

An Aussie capital was just voted world's friendliest city - and it isn't Sydney

Sarah Falson
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Flinders Street Station in Melbourne. Picture by Visit Victoria
CarsGuide

Unlikely EV saviour emerges

CarsGuide
Unlikely EV saviour emerges
Stephen Ottley
CarsGuide

Nissan planning hybrid boost

Chris Thompson
Nissan planning hybrid boost
CarsGuide

Mazda CX-6e Azami 2026 review: snapshot | Tesla Model Y

Andrew Chesterton
Mazda CX-6e Azami 2026 review: snapshot | Tesla Model Y
CarsGuide

Do new EV van's price and payload add up?

Mark Oastler
Do new EV van's price and payload add up?
CarsGuide

This is the new Holden Commodore

Laura Berry
This is the new Holden Commodore
The Senior

How a humble coastal payphone earned a national heritage listing

Narooma residents and stranded tourists queued at the payphone amid the bushfires. Picture by Tim Roche
Anna Houlahan
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Using a pillow in the car? New AI road cameras could fine you hundreds

AI seatbelt cameras trigger 700 per cent fine spike.
Carla Mascarenhas
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An impact captured by Transport for NSW of someone not wearing their seatbelt properly. Picture supplied by Transport for NSW.
Editors Pick

AFL legend Dipper is speaking out on a hidden men's health issue

Hawks legend chats footy, men's health and overcoming illness.
Phoebe Loomes
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AFL legend Robert 'Dipper' DiPierdomenico is partnering with Depend to raise awareness about men's health. Picture supplied
The Land

From the bush to the brig: teen finds courage and connection on the high seas

It's a long way from Tullamore to the high seas, but Siara Horsburgh made the journey and came home with plenty of stories to tell. Picture by Fiona Aveyard
Fiona Aveyard
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Old trials, new profits: why historic research still saves you money

Bob Freebairn
In mid-September, native pasture top-dressed with 100kg/ha single super to correct sulphur and phosphorus deficiency showed an outstanding response despite low rainfall. Pictures supplied by Bob Freebairn.

Capel legacy continues as Bungulla Merino rams set record average

Mira Urban
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Equal top price ram tag 250199 with Angus Capel of Bungulla Merinos, purchaser Richard Hunt, Fox and Lillie agent Dave Hallam, Tamworth, auctioneer Paul Dooley and Bungulla Merinos owner Lou Capel. Picture by Mira Urban

A pottery-mending workshop in Osaka taught me an important lesson about life

Josuke Kita - the Kintsugi master. Picture by Akash Arora
Akash Arora
No comments
Opinion

Why these cheap eats beat an expensive degustation every time

Michael Turtle
No comments
Bangkok's Rung Rueang Tung noodle shop. Picture supplied

King's laugh, Queen's tears during royal reading time

King Charles and Queen Camilla sit and read together most nights before dinner, she says. Photo: AP PHOTO