NSW Police is renewing an appeal for information as the search continues for a 77-year-old man missing in the state’s south, after his dog and vehicle were located. Police say John Locker (pictured) – also known as Tony – was last seen on Culey Avenue in Cooma, about 1pm on Monday April 29th. Family reported Mr Locker missing to Monaro Police District that evening. “Officers attached to Monaro Police District, with assistance from PolAir, the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Services (RFS), NSW Marine Rescue, and ACT Police have been involved in land and water searches, but Mr Locker ..read more

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has conducted a memorial service in The Netherlands, finally laying to rest Second World War RAAF pilot Flight Sergeant Charles Carr Atkin, who was killed in a plane crash more than 80 years ago. On the night of 4/5 March 1943, a Royal Air Force (RAF) Wellington aircraft, piloted by Flight Sergeant Atkin, was tasked on a mission from RAF Station Wymeswold, England, to drop leaflets over Breskens in The Netherlands. During this mission, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed into a nearby field. Flight Sergeant Atkin was the sole occupant of ..read more

Blacktown City Council has paid tribute to Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, who passed away suddenly last night. In a statement, Deputy Mayor Chris Quilkey said it was with great sadness that the Council learned of the 77-year-old Mayor’s death. It’s understood Mayor Bleasdale died while on a flight home from China following a study tour. He had been leading a delegation to Council’s sister cities in South Korea and China and had been due home this morning. “First and foremost, our thoughts are with Tony’s wife Nina, his children and their extended family,” said Cr Quilkey. He said Mayor Bleasdale’s ..read more

A body, believed to be that of a 63-year-old woman reported missing this week, has been found near a waterway in Kahibah today. Police say that on Wednesday, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District commenced inquiries into the whereabouts of the woman, Vicki Davey, who had been reported missing from the local area. Police say Ms Davey was last heard from at around 11.30am on Thursday. They believe she may have gone for a bushwalk in the Glenrock nature reserve prior to her disappearance. Around noon today, the body of a woman was located near a waterway at Glenrock nature reserve ..read more

The Victorian Government is reminding Victorians to be extra cautious when buying gifts this Mother’s Day – with data showing May is a peak month for scams. Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gabrielle Williams, urged Victorians to be on the lookout for scams when shopping in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day on 12 May, particularly when purchasing gifts online.  “The lead up to Mother’s Day is a peak period for shopping scams – Victorians should be aware of scammers using fake advertisements and payment methods to rip off both buyers and sellers,” said Minister Williams. “Avoid ..read more

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Rosanna Natoli, is urging community members to beware of fake social media messaging after she became the victim of multiple cyber impersonation attempts this week. Mayor Natoli has one official Council Facebook account – Mayor Rosanna Natoli – but says fake accounts have been set-up in her name. As well as fake profile social media accounts, the scammers have allegedly been messaging and Skype calling people asking for personal information, bank details and organising meetings, she said. “Please know that I would never seek money from community members ..read more

Rockhampton Regional Council has welcomed the region’s first community palliative care facility, as the Fitzroy Community Hospice (FCH) prepares to open its doors to patients in coming weeks. Mayor, Tony Williams and Councillors this week toured the new facility, which has been funded entirely through the generosity of local businesses, stakeholders, and individuals committed to providing palliative care to those in need. “In recognition of the crucial role the Hospice will play in bridging a significant healthcare gap within the community, Rockhampton Regional Council also demonstrated its fu ..read more

Campbelltown Hospital is today marking an historic milestone with NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car and Health Minister Ryan Park officially opening the new northern entrance – the last of the major works in a $632 million redevelopment. The new entrance links directly into the main hospital concourse, Hospital Street, providing easy access to amenities and healthcare services for patients, visitors and staff. Since construction began in 2018, the redevelopment has delivered a 12-storey clinical services building, the centrepiece of the project, as well as extensive refurbishments across the hospita ..read more

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria CEO, Chris Potaris, has today announced he is stepping down from the role. “I’ve decided to leave COTA Victoria after a successful period of revitalisation, unparalleled organisational change, and focus,” said Mr Potaris. “I’ve handpicked a talented senior management team who work with dedicated social workers, advocates, and lawyers to produce outcomes benefitting older Victorians throughout this state. “I’m proud to have achieved a financial surplus during my tenure, alongside four years of confirmed funding from government an ..read more

An innovative new partnership between Ear Science Institute Australia and National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) will see hearing researchers from across Australia united with the shared goal of improving treatments for millions dealing with hearing issues. “This powerful partnership with the Ear Science Institute Australia brings together many of the brightest and most ambitious hearing researchers in Australia,” said National Acoustics Laboratories Director, Brent Edwards. “All with the shared vision of having a significant impact on hearing healthcare to improve the lives of people with heari ..read more