Top cop apologises but defends ‘valid’ strip searches
Australia's largest police force has apologised to a woman forced to remove a tampon during an unlawful strip search, as it faces claims from 3000 other people.
festive event (including carnival)
‘Hands off’: cops get message in strip-search compo win
Police could face a massive compensation payout as a festival-goer subjected to a humiliating strip search says others copped "inhumane treatment".
Feline good: Lions and Cats fans turn out to AFL parade
Diehard fans have turned out to show their support to their footy heroes ahead of the AFL grand final, with many confident their teams can get it done.
As live shows surge, Chappell Roan hot to go Down Under
The Laneway Festival headliner will be US pop star Chappell Roan. The announcement has been made as figures show average ticket prices are higher than ever.
Jam and scones and rock ‘n’ roll are all the bush needs
A music festival that began in a dusty function room at a country motel has grown into a celebration of life outside the cities, mixing scones, snags and songs.
The sport of kings, mates and memories in Birdsville
The Birdsville Races, which started as a meet for outback drovers, has become a bucket-list trip for old mates making new memories in the desert dust and heat.
Over the river and into the sky, art festival takes off
Military flyovers and bridges transformed into art installations are some of the free attractions at the Brisbane Festival.
Brotherly bond key to Birdsville Races epic journey
From bare-back pony rides in the bush to the iconic Birdsville Races in the outback, three trainer brothers have forged a bond through their love of horses.
Outback ice-cream van serves sweet joy amid sorrow
The Gee Whiz ice-cream van is a popular stop for perspiring punters at Birdsville, part of one man's mission to bring happiness after the death of his wife.
Outback music festival built for comfort, not for greed
Organisers of Australia's biggest outback music festival have ruled out building on the event's sold-out crowd of 15,000.
Mad Max adds extra grunt to outback music festival
Music-loving Mad Max devotees have packed extra luggage for a trek to the outback as they pay tribute to George Miller's famed film franchise.
Access all areas for Headliners at outback music bash
All roads are leading to Mundi Mundi as some 15,000 people of all ages and abilities converge in the outback to enjoy three days of live music under the stars.
Milestone year for sweet treat at beloved annual show
A sweet treat that has been savoured by everyone from prime ministers to punters will be in demand as it marks its 75th year at a beloved annual show.
Mad Max meets heavy metal in Top End artist’s backyard
An artist who sculpts junk metal into demonic creatures will spend 10 days trekking across central Australia to show his works at a coastal exhibition.
It’s a washout: heavy rain ends beloved Byron festival
Crowds and organisers are devastated a popular regional festival has been cancelled after heavy rain flooded the event grounds.
Spotlight on youth as sun sets on Garma Festival start
As the sun sets on the first day of a major annual cultural festival, it is the youngest attendees who have stolen the show and been the focus of conversation.
PM lays out economic path to Indigenous empowerment
Traditional owners will be able to advocate for infrastructure, housing and energy projects on their land in a partnership unveiled by the prime minister.
Australia due for ‘massive reckoning’ with its history
Human rights advocates have pointed to the importance of truth-telling despite political leaders opting for "practical measures" in Indigenous affairs.
Aussie rock star living his teenage Meat Loaf dreams
Music has transformed one of the darkest times in the life of the flamboyant frontman of Australian band Chocolate Starfish into a triumphant dream come true.
Excel at spreadsheets. There’s a competition for that?
An Australian documentary follows six teenagers from across the globe as they compete to become the world champion of Excel 'spreadsheeting'.
Bridge project points to the future of arts festivals
Bridges transformed into art by global design duo Craig & Karl are among free attractions at the Brisbane Festival, staged with corporate naming rights.
Fireworks on way to ensure Territory Day isn’t a fizzer
A territory's explosive celebrations are back on track after a seized shipment of fireworks was released, ensuring the beloved event is not a fizzer.
‘Betoota’s got no talent’: festival revives ghost town
The population of Betoota is set to go from zero to 500 when the tiny outpost hosts its first music festival at its storied outback watering hole.
Four people injured in UK parade crash ‘very, very ill’
A man is in custody and dozens of people are injured, including four seriously, after a car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool fans during a football parade.
Parade driver arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
The driver of a car that ploughed into crowds at a Liverpool parade has been charged on suspicion of attempted murder.
Daring stunts wow crowds at ‘special’ country air show
Australia's only female aerobatic pilot has returned to her home-town air show to wow 15,000 fans with gravity-defying stunts.
Dog’s sniff prompted unlawful festival strip search
Strip searches were allegedly routinely carried out at music festivals as a massive payout looms in response to a class action involving more than 3000 people.
Kidman, Madonna, Pharrell shine at ‘Superfine’ Met Gala
The Met Gala is underway with the stars embracing traditional menswear for this year's theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
Kendrick Lamar to headline Aussie Spilt Milk festival
A popular music festival is back in action for 2025, with a Grammy-winner to play alongside rap's biggest names in line-ups across the nation.
Nine dead after car drives into Canada festival crowd
A man has been arrested after he allegedly drove a car into revellers at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, killing nine people and injuring others.
Plea for help so the music doesn’t stop for Bluesfest
As a cloud hangs over the future of Bluesfest, the threat of losing another major festival affects more than just music lovers.