Local Land Services has launched a new and improved training course for landholders using restricted pesticides to manage pest animals.The refreshed Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training (VPIT) course features more interactive elements, better visuals and improved accessibility.These upgrades offer participants a more engaging and user-friendly experience and aim to increase learning outcomes.Available online and face-to-face, the free VPIT course takes landholders through the legal responsibilities, safety requirements and practical considerations for the safe and effective use of baits and pesticides to control pest animals.All NSW landholders must hold an AQF3 Chemical Accreditation or VPIT certification to acquire and use pesticides and bait products for feral pigs, rabbits, wild dogs and foxes.Local Land Services’ Principal Program Manager Biosecurity, Jake Tanner, said the upgraded VPIT course made it easier than ever for landholders to gain this certification.“Education is a key part of Local Land Services’ role in supporting and providing best practice advice to farmers and landholders across NSW.“As with all our pest control programs, we want as many landholders as possible to participate to ensure the best results.“We’re encouraging landholders to attend one of our face-to-face training sessions or save time and complete the course online.”The online course is a streamlined version of the face-to-face workshop and takes only a few hours to complete. Certification is valid for five years.The course upgrades were funded by the 2023-24 Feral Pig Program.Visit the Local Land Services website for more information or to register for Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training.Those interested in participating in coordinated pest control programs should contact their nearest Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299.

Byron Bay Council is reminding residents and visitors to the Byron Shire with pets in tow this summer to make sure they understand the rules to avoid hefty on-the-spot fines.“The rules for taking dogs into public spaces differ so if you’re moving around or visiting from other areas, it’s important you understand where you can and can’t take your dog, and what your responsibilities are as a dog owner,” Council’s Manager Public and Environmental Services, Sarah Nagel said.“Dogs need to be on a lead AT ALL TIMES, unless you’re in one of Byron Shire’s off-lead dog exercise areas,” Ms Nagel said.Dogs are prohibited in some areas of the Shire including national parks, sporting grounds, popular beaches such as Main Beach Byron Bay, and signed wildlife protections areas.Off-lead beach areas include sections of Tallow Beach, Belongil Beach, Brunswick Heads Main Beach, New Brighton and South Golden Beach. Off-lead park areas can be found in Suffolk Park, Mullumbimby and Bangalow. Information about dog off-lead locations is on Council’s website.  “We want our resident and visiting four-legged friends to get the run around they need, while we protect our unique and precious wildlife and respect the needs of everyone using our open spaces.Rules that apply in the off-lead dog exercise area include:Dog owners must ensure their dog is under effective voice control at all times and does not become a nuisance or impede on the enjoyment of other users of the area.Dog owners must clean up and properly dispose their dog's faeces.Remove your dog if it becomes anxious, aggressive or annoys other dogs or people and seek professional dog behavioural advice.Do not socialise your dog with other dogs if they are showing signs of illness.Ensure your dog’s vaccinations and worming treatments are up-to-date.“Unlike some other shires along the east coast, we don’t have time-share arrangements for our beach ‘off-lead’ areas, which makes them special but often very busy spaces.“For everyone’s enjoyment and safety it is critical to stick to the ‘off-lead’ etiquette while you’re in a dog-exercise area, or risk a fine,” Ms Nagel said

Three teens have been charged following a pursuit in Casino yesterday.Operation Regional Mongoose is a high-visibility police operation aimed at curbing serious property-related crime, committed predominately by young offenders.About 2:45am yesterday (Saturday, 11 January 2025), police were told three teenagers forced entry to a property in Dean Street, Casino, where they assaulted a 67-year-old woman before stealing her vehicle, a Hyundai i30 sedan.A short time later, officers attached to Richmond Police District sighted the Hyundai, along with a Holden Captiva that had been allegedly stolen two days earlier. Police attempted to stop both vehicles,however, they failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.The Holden Captiva was dumped a short time later in Boronia Crescent, Casino with the occupants being picked up by the Hyundai i30. The pursuit continued but was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.At 5:35am today, the Hyundai was seen again by police on the Bruxner Highway near Tabulam. Another pursuit was initiated with road spikes deployed on the Bruxner Highway at Black Gully Bridge. The vehicle stopped prior to the road spikes and then reversed into a police vehicle that was following.The vehicle continued over the road spikes before colliding with a parked police vehicle in Hare Street, Casino.Three teens allegedly tried to leave the scene but were arrested by officers, with one officer sustaining abrasions during the arrest. During a subsequent search, police allegedly located a satchel containing two knives and a pair of gloves.Two boys aged 16 and one aged 17 were taken to Casino Police Station, where they were charged with a range of offences including:Aggravated break, enter and steal whilst armed in company,Use weapon to avoid apprehension,Take conveyance without consent of ownerParticipate in criminal groupCarry cutting implement upon apprehensionBreach of bailPolice pursuit (second offence)All were refused bail to appear before a children’s court later today (Sunday, 12 January 2025).

RICHMOND Valley Council is inviting all residents and visitors to join the fun and celebrate what makes our country great on Australia Day at the Broadwater Community Hall on Sunday, 26 January, from 9am.This family-friendly event serves as the official celebration for the Richmond Valley Council area and is highlighted by the Richmond Valley Australia Day awards announcement, which gets underway at 10am. The 16 nominees of these awards across six categories - Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year, Sportsperson and Young Sportsperson of the Year - represent the very best of what makes the Richmond Valley a rich and diverse place to live, work and play, and encompass all aspects of our community.The nominees are: Ruby Beckenham; Neil Burnett; Indi Butcher; Calean Cooper; Philip Cornish; Paul Cowles; Travis Dhu; Shae Fuller; Joshua Fussell; Crystal Gill; Stephen Humphrys; Scott Lambeth; Melinda McLennan; Elyse McMaster; Christine Warren; and Abby Watson.As part of the awards, a multimedia exhibition of photos and videos will be on display on the day, with each of our nominees telling their stories about working for their community. Following Australia Day, this exhibition will be moved to the Casino Community and Cultural Centre for an additional month’s viewing.Mayor Robert Mustow will also have the honour of welcoming the newest Australian citizens to the Richmond Valley. Eleven people from all parts of the world will take the oath of allegiance to their new home, Australia, before the awards ceremony.There’s plenty on offer to make this Australia Day one to remember for the whole family, with the hall and Broadwater Memorial Park filled with the sound of live music and children’s entertainment, as well as food and market stalls.Come along and celebrate everything that is wonderful about our country and the Richmond Valley this Australia Day.For further information, visit the Richmond Valley Australia Day Facebook page

Farmers are urged to take part in a trial of Farm Fire Units in NSW as unprecedented bushfires continue to burn in the United States. Under a NSW Government trial in place until 31 March, private farm vehicles used for firefighting purposes known as Farm Fire Units – or Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles (FFFVs) – can be used unregistered under certain conditions. NSW Farmers Business Economics and Trade Committee Chair John Lowe said the catastrophic damage caused by bushfires overseas was a reminder of the importance of having key firefighting tools available in emergency situations. “These out-of-season bushfires are burning out of control in the United States, and they’re nothing if not a stark reminder of how fires here in NSW can get out of hand if we don’t have the right tools available locally,” Mr Lowe said. “Farm Fire Units play a key role in firefighting efforts in our rural communities, and a trial of these units will be key to ensuring we can find a permanent pathway to using these units legally and under the protection of third-party insurance. “Stopping fires as quickly as we can is critical, and Farm Fire Units have been a proven cornerstone to fast bushfire control, year in, year out on-farm.” As the state’s bushfire season continued, Mr Lowe urged farmers in NSW to nominate eligible vehicles to participate in the trial and support efforts to secure a more permanent solution for the use of the vehicles. “If you’ve got a vehicle that’s in a safe operating condition and has firefighting equipment permanently attached, then we strongly encourage you to nominate it for the trial as soon as possible,” Mr Lowe said. “Farmers deserve to have as many tools in the toolbox available to fight fires safely and effectively, and this trial will take us one step closer to ensuring that.“Preventing the devastation we’ve seen overseas and in our own country, in years not long past, is something we want to avoid at all costs.” To nominate a vehicle for the trial, submit this digital Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle Nomination Form and declare that your vehicle is in a safe operating condition. More information on the program and criteria for eligible vehicles is available via this factsheet. 

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on Summerland Way to carry out slope remediation work at Kilgra, about five kilometres north of Kyogle.Work starting Monday, 20 January will be carried out from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm Saturdays, and is expected to be completed by July, weather permitting.Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the duration of work for the safety of workers and road users.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes extra travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for LARGE HAILSTONES, HEAVY RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS for Kyogle and other northwest parts of the Northern Rivers.The thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations that may be affected include Numinbah, Tyalgum, Kyogle, Urbenville, Liston and Wiangaree.The State Emergency Service advises that people should:* Move your car under cover or away from trees.* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.* Unplug computers and appliances.* Avoid using the phone during the storm.* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.The next warning is due to be issued by 9:10 pm.

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment has taken an important step forward, with a portion of the former Grafton Gaol set to be acquired from Property and Development NSW to support the upgrade of the hospital.The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to improve health outcomes and meet the growing needs of Grafton and surrounding communities.In addition to the site acquisition, a Development Application has been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel to refurbish two administration blocks within the former minimum-security portion, on the north-eastern corner of the gaol, to provide contemporary administrative, office and training support facilities.  Clinical services will remain on the existing Grafton Hospital site.The former Grafton Gaol operated between 1893 and 2020, it was closed following the opening of the new Grafton Correctional Centre in Lavadia. The former Grafton Goal was added to the state’s Heritage Register in 1999.The adaptive reuse of a portion of the former gaol site aligns with the conservation management plan prepared for the site in 2021, to ensure areas of heritage significance within the site are preserved and activated. Work is underway on the planning and design for the main works of the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, which will deliver a new three-storey acute services building, including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.  The current Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two additional operating theatres, increasing overall capacity. Construction timeframes for the full redevelopment will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder has been appointed, with the refurbishment works at the former gaol site expected to start this year.For more information visit: https://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopmentMinister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “The acquisition of this section of the old Grafton Gaol will provide critical new space to support the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.“This multi-million dollar redevelopment will improve healthcare capacity and ensure the hospital has the best, most up to date models of care for the residents of Grafton and the surrounding communities.”Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said, “The transfer of this part of the subdivided site to NSW Health ensures the Old Grafton Goal doesn’t remain an unused relic.“This great outcome enables new uses for this important community asset, while also providing a major economic benefit for the Grafton community.”Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said, “We have delivered another important milestone to revitalise and reuse one of our state’s key former correctional centres. “Grafton Gaol is an iconic place with a somewhat dark history, so it is wonderful we are delivering a positive new chapter that will ensure this monument serves the local community for years to come.” 

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week in Grafton to carry out essential maintenance work on the old Grafton Bridge on Bent Street. The bridge will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic from Monday, 6 January 2025, while Transport for NSW removes existing asphalt, lifts out the deck and installs new deck panels, lays asphalt and carries out line marking. From 6 to 19 January, work will be carried out from 6am to 6pm, and from 19 January, we will be working from 6pm to 6am for five nights, finishing at 6am on Saturday, 25 January, weather permitting.  The work requires the full closure of the old Grafton Bridge for three weeks between Bent Street, just north of the turnaround bay and between Riverside Drive and Clarence Street. Pedestrian walkways and cycle paths will also be closed. Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured over the new Grafton Bridge via Shirley Adams Way.  Access to properties within the closed sections of work will be permitted under the direction of traffic control. Motorists should allow up to 15 minutes extra travel time, are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time. For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701. 

Can you help police find these two men?Detectives investigating the homicide of a 23-year-old woman in Caboolture on December 22 have issued arrest warrants for 29-year-old Codye Thomson and 32-year-old Kaine Thomson-Gleeson and have released new images of a vehicle of interest in New South Wales.Investigators believe that the two men may be camping in northern New South Wales and may be travelling in a white Holden Commodore wagon with Queensland registration 953 HO4.The vehicle was last sighted on December 30, travelling through northern New South Wales.Arrest warrants have now been issued for both men for the offence of murder.Moreton District Detective Inspector David Harbison said that investigators are very interested in speaking to anyone in the northern New South Wales area who may have seen either the men or the vehicle.“Obviously, these men have travelled some distance from Caboolture to across the border and would’ve interacted with members of the public along their journey,” Detective Inspector Harbison said.“I would appeal to anyone in northern New South Wales or even those in southern Queensland who believe they may have seen these men or this vehicle to come forward to police,”“Any little bit of information can go far in helping us in this investigation.”Anyone who may have seen the men or knows their whereabouts is urged not to approach them but to immediately call Triple Zero (000).

Two men have died following separate single-vehicle crashes in the Northern Rivers.The first occurred at Loadstone, about 33km north of Kyogle, on Monday, 30 December 2024. Officers attached to Richmond Police District commenced an investigation into the whereabouts of a 49-year-old man from Queensland, who had not made contact with family members since Christmas Day, after visiting a property at Cougal.About 11.00am yesterday (Tuesday 31 December 2024), police located a Ford Ranger 4WD overturned and partially submerged in a creek on Gradys Creek Road at Loadstone.Police found the body of a man, believed to be that of the 49-year-old, deceased inside the vehicle.Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner regarding the man’s death.The second fatality occurred about 9.40am (Wednesday, 1 January 2025). Emergency services were called to Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby, following reports a car had crashed into a pole.The driver and only occupant – a man aged in his 60s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended and established a crime scene.Inquiries into the incident have commenced, and police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.A report will be prepared for the Coroner.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Emergency services have responded to a fatal recreational aircraft crash in the state’s north today.About 11.20am (Sunday, 29 December 2024), emergency services responded to reports of a recreational aircraft crash on Palmers Island – about 8km west of Yamba.The pilot of the aircraft died at the scene. While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of a man aged in his 60s.The other occupant – a man believed to be aged in his 30s – suffered serious injuries and was taken to Gold Coast Hospital for treatment.Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District are currently at the location and have secured a crime scene.Members of the public are urged to avoid the area.No further information is available at this stage.Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A teenager has been charged following an alleged home invasion in Lennox Head yesterday.About 12.20am (Friday, 27 December 2024), officers attached to Richmond Police District were called to Gibbon Street, Lennox Head, following reports of a home invasion.Police will allege three unknown people entered the home and threatened the occupants – two men aged 36 and 37 – with a knife, before demanding keys to a Kia Sportage and a Mitsubishi Pajero parked at the location.The trio then left the location in the two vehicles.The occupants were not injured and contacted police.At about 12.35am, police attempted to stop the Mitsubishi in Lennox Head, and when it failed to stop, a pursuit ensued. It was terminated a short time later in Woodburn.A short time later, the same vehicle was located again in Coraki, and a second pursuit was initiated and continued to Elm Place, Casino, where the vehicle stopped and the occupants allegedly fled on foot.While patrolling the area, officers located and attempted to stop the Kia travelling along Queensland Road, Casino.When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit commenced through Casino before the vehicle came to a stop on McDougall Street, and the occupants fled on foot.The two vehicles were seized for forensic examination.Following investigations, today (Saturday, 28 December 2024), a 16-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Casino Police Station.He was charged with aggravated break & enter commit serious indictable offence-people there, take and drive conveyance w/o consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, custody of knife in public place and two counts of attempt stalk/intimidate intend fear of harm.The teen was refused bail and will appear at a children’s court on Friday, 10 January 2025.Inquiries into the incident continue.

With the Boxing Day sales in action today, NSW Fair Trading is encouraging shoppers to be savvy about their rights before they hit the stores or start clicking ‘add to cart’.Every consumer has the right to purchase products that are safe, fault-free, and fit for purpose under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), and if a product doesn’t meet these standards, customers are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund—even during the festive sales shopping season.Whether you're splurging on a luxury gift, or hunting for a Boxing Day bargain, consumer rights don’t take a holiday during the shopping season, and these rights apply equally to full-priced and sale items. NSW Fair Trading has already handled more than 6,300 complaints this year about defective or unsatisfactory products, ranging from broken gadgets to poor-quality purchases.To avoid adding to this tally, shoppers should stay informed and prepared.Common refund and return pitfalls to remember:No receipt, no refund? – Not necessarily. Proof of purchase doesn’t have to be a paper receipt. Bank statements, digital invoices, or an email invoice can support your claim.Change of mind? – While many retailers do offer refunds or exchanges just because you changed your mind, retailers aren’t legally required to, so check their policy first.Sales stock rights? – Discounted items aren’t ‘lesser goods’. Sale items are still covered by the same refund rights as full-priced ones, unless the fault was disclosed upfront.Tips for savvy festive shoppers:Check the return policy – Policies differ between retailers, particularly for change-of-mind returns. Some stores offer flexibility, while others stick to stricter rules.Inspect before you buy – Whether in-store or online, examine the product details carefully to avoid surprises. For online purchases, ensure the seller has a clear returns process.Keep proof of purchase – Snap a photo of your receipt or save your digital confirmation. This could save you a lot of hassle.For more information about consumer rights or to lodge a complaint, visit the NSW Fair Trading website: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/buying-products-and-services/repairs,-replacements-and-refundsMinister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:“Nobody wants to play refund roulette over the holidays, and knowing your rights before you shop can help you avoid disappointment during the festive shopping season.“Consumer rights don’t take a holiday when it comes to repairs, replacements, or refunds, and these rights apply equally to full-priced and sale items.“If you unwrap a faulty gift or discover your sale bargain doesn’t meet expectations, don’t let the discount stop you from asking for a repair, replacement, or refund – the Australian Consumer Law protects you no matter what the price.“A little extra effort upfront, like reading return policies and keeping your receipt, can save you from a big headache later on.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has been kept busy early in the festive season holidays with two hospital transportations yesterday.Around 5.00pm yesterday (Monday, 23 December), the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a motor vehicle accident near Casino. A man in his 30s was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter's critical care medical team for multiple injuries before being transported to Gold Coast University Hospital.Around 9.00pm yesterday, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance on an urgent inter-hospital transfer from Grafton Hospital to Gold Coast University Hospital. A woman in her 40s, suffering from a critical medical condition, was stabilised by hospital staff, the NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and a NSW Health doctor from the helicopter’s critical care medical team before being airlifted to Gold Coast.

A woman has died after being involved in a serious crash last week north of Ballina.Emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Tintenbar, at about 12.30pm last Wednesday (18 December 2024) after a vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree.A 97-year-old woman, who was travelling in the front passenger seat, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition.Police have since been advised the woman died later that day.The driver of the car, a 35-year-old woman, and two rear-seat passengers – aged 15 and 16 – were treated for relatively minor injuries.Inquiries are continuing and police from Richmond Police District will prepare a report for the information of the coroner.

A hardworking Casino dad has described his $1 million prize as “the best Christmas present ever” after discovering his magical win in Friday night’s Weekday Windfall draw.The New South Wales resident held one of two division one winning entries nationally in Weekday Windfall draw 4484, drawn Friday 20 December. Each division one winning entry pocketed a clean $1 million.The happy winner was moved to tears when an official from The Lott confirmed the special news. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” he cried. “Thank you, lord. This is the biggest blessing. I’m crying. “I can’t believe it. I checked my ticket yesterday and haven’t stopped thinking maybe it’s just a dream. “I work so hard for my children and their future, and I pray every day for blessings like this for our family. “This is the best Christmas present ever, ever, ever in my entire life! “I work every day. I’ll be working over Christmas too. It’s all for my family. “This is going to set us up. I’ll be able to buy a house. “Thank you so much!” His winning 15-game QuickPick entry was purchased at Plaza News, Shop 1, 169 Canterbury Street, Casino. Plaza News owner Bill Rose said he was thrilled to sell a Weekday Windfall division one winning entry. “It’s so exciting. I’ve been telling customers all year that I am going to sell a winning ticket, and I did it!” he said. “Our lovely customers will be over the moon. We’ll be spreading the good news to them all week. “The last time we sold a division one winning entry was in October 2018. “Congratulations to our winner on your life-changing win. We are so happy for you.” The winning numbers in Weekday Windfall draw 4484 on Friday 20 December 2024 were 20, 45, 7, 15, 14 and 31, while the supplementary numbers were 42 and 4.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released experimental estimates of LGBTI+ populations. These estimates are the first of their kind in Australia.In a new approach, the ABS combined data from nearly 45,000 people who responded to one of four recent ABS health surveys to shed light on LGBTI+ people in Australia.Linda Fardell, ABS head of health statistics, said: ‘The new data shows that about 4.5 per cent of all Australians 16 years and older are LGBTI+; that’s over 900,000 people.’‘Younger Australians are more likely to be LGBTI+. Nearly 10 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 24 years are LGBTI+.’About 740,000 Australians are lesbian, gay, bisexual or use a different term to describe their sexual orientation. That’s 3.6 per cent of Australians. One in three LGB+ Australians are married or in a de facto relationship.Nearly 1 per cent of Australians are trans and gender diverse. This includes trans men, trans women and non-binary people. That’s around 178,900 Australians.‘About 0.3 per cent of Australians report they know they were born with variations of sex characteristics – that’s around 63,300 people,’ Ms Fardell said.The Australian figures are very similar to New Zealand’s 2023 Census data. As in Australia, 3.6% of New Zealanders are lesbian, gay, bisexual or use a different term to describe their sexual orientation. Around 0.9 per cent of Australians and 0.6 per cent of New Zealanders are trans and gender diverse.The 2026 Australian Census will include questions on gender and sexual orientation for people aged 16 years and over. This will provide more detailed data by geography and population characteristics for LGB+ and trans and gender diverse populations in Australia.The ABS would like to thank participants in ABS surveys for contributing to these important findings. More information can be found from Estimates and characteristics of LGBTI+ populations in Australia on the ABS website.Acronyms used:LGBTI+ represents people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or use a different term to describe their sexual orientation, trans and gender diverse, and people born with variations of sex characteristics.LGB+ represents people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or use a different term to describe their sexual orientation.

MOTORISTS are now experiencing better Bruxner Highway travel west of Mallanganee after a $1.2-million safety upgrade was completed.Delivered through the Minns Labor Government’s Safer Roads Program in partnership with Kyogle Council, the upgrade included: Installation of safety barriersShoulder wideningIntersection improvements andVegetation clearing Work started earlier this month on the 2.6-kilometre upgrade to the highway near Mallanganee, about 40 kilometres west of Casino. Transport for NSW crews will be back in the new year to install additional signage and complete line marking and installation of audio tactile line marking, also known as rumble strips.  State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has welcomed completion of the work and thanked work crews for their efforts. “The Bruxner Highway is an increasingly busy road, and I am pleased the Minns Labor Government has provided the funds to make these important safety improvements,” Ms Saffin said.  “We’re continuing to improve the Bruxner Highway to ensure all those who use this important freight, tourism, agricultural and commuter corridor have safer, better journeys.  “This section of highway, between Casino and Tabulam, carries about 1,100 vehicles a day.” Kyogle Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said: “Connectivity, and safe connectivity, is a key driver in the sustainability of our local industries and communities. “It is through our partnership with the State Government that we delivered this result, and we hope it will be one of many such partnerships going into the future,” Cr Mulholland said.  “Safety is paramount along the range, particularly during heavy rain or fog, and this project will go some way towards reducing those risks to all drivers."