Festival drug arrests as pill testing trial starts
One person has suffered a drug overdose at a festival hosting the start of a pill testing trial, while two men have been charged for trafficking.
festive event (including carnival)
New year welcomed with dazzling fireworks displays
The New Year has been welcomed with a bang in Australia with millions gathering to watch spectacular firework displays across the nation.
Cities across the globe prepare to welcome the new year
Cities around the world are getting ready to ring in the new year with celebrations highlighting local cultures and traditions.
‘Best New Year’s Eve ever’ for most, but some trouble
One of the world's first celebrations of the new year reached new heights, with most enjoying their night, but some have larger troubles than just sore heads.
Rain threatens new year party for east coast revellers
Festivities are ramping up across Australia as the nation prepares to farewell 2024 but rain may dampen the spirits of some.
Train pain ahead of New Year’s Eve fireworks threat
Cancelling Australia's biggest New Year's Eve fireworks display could send businesses to the wall, but the impacts of rail network chaos are already in play.
Work bans dropped after premier knocks back free fares
A long-running stand-off between a transport union and state Labor government over pay appears a long way from resolution as a peace deal is rejected.
Australia set to go off with a colourful bang on NYE
Preparations are under way for a fireworks extravaganza across the nation with Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne all set to sparkle with skyline light shows.
Through dagwood dogs or hot wings, country shows unite
The man behind one of the biggest agricultural fairs in the US is set to visit Australia, sharing wisdom on everything from Pluto pups, to pigs and parking.
Mardi Gras votes to let police march in 2025 parade
A proposal to stop police from marching at the 2025 Mardi Gras parade has been narrowly voted down by organisers.
Lions fans roar as Swans fly high at grand final parade
Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans fans have had a pre-game glimpse of their teams as the players paraded through Melbourne's streets ahead of the AFL Grand Final.
Artists bypass gallery system at affordable art fair
While the Affordable Art Fair presents more than 60 galleries, it also showcases artists who've left the gallery system behind to succeed on their own.
Consultation on police involvement in Sydney Mardi Gras
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras board is consulting on the participation of NSW Police at future events.
Live music ‘extinction event’ as Bluesfest tunes out
A long-running blues and roots festival is the latest live music show to call time, with its organiser pleading for help to save an industry "on its knees".
Hope for ‘better future’ as PM lands at Garma Festival
Australia's largest Indigenous cultural festival has officially opened with bunggul (dance) as the prime minister joined attendees in Arnhem Land.
‘New path’: PM to speak at first Garma since voice vote
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to reflect on the failed voice referendum when he addresses the first Garma Festival since the 2023 vote.
Yolngu people vow to renew as PM urges ‘new path’
Yolngu people will renew their efforts to forge a path to unity, as the Prime Minister outlines a new focus for Indigenous economic empowerment.
PM accused of walking away from treaty and truth
Advocates for the Uluru Statement from the Heart have urged the prime minister not to backslide on treaty and truth after his address to the Garma Festival.
PM walks ‘new path’ in tackling Indigenous disadvantage
Indigenous leaders have reflected on the voice referendum defeat as the prime minister spoke of old roads and new paths in tackling disadvantage.
PM urges walking together to reconcile with history
Australia would benefit from being more united, the prime minister says, drawing on the term Makarrata, which he says means coming together after struggle.
Government ‘talking through’ Makarrata process, PM says
The government is being accused of abandoning its commitment to truth-telling and treaty as the prime minister says it is "talking through" a Makarrata process.
Schoolies pill testing as more young women take drugs
Australia's biggest Schoolies event will make pill testing available for the first time but an opposition party has vowed to scrap the plan if elected.
‘Don’t overthink it’: thousands take nippy solstice dip
A record 3000 people have taken a naked plunge in Hobart's River Derwent to mark the winter solstice.
Concerns over crowd control at Sydney’s Vivid Festival
Additional police will be on duty after larger than expected crowds prompted security concerns around Sydney Harbour after a drone show at the Vivid festival.
What would Banksy think? Big data steers mega art bucks
A multimillion-dollar company is using data to bring global entertainment to cities across Australia - but does it matter if what they offer is the real thing?
Tuning out: party ends for a third of music festivals
A landmark report into Australia's live music festival sector has revealed at least one in three events lose money.
Rock legend Barnesy makes stage return at Bluesfest
One of Australia's most celebrated singers, Jimmy Barnes, has joined local and international artists at Bluesfest for his first performance since major surgery.
‘Good to be here’: Rock legend Barnesy in stage return
One of Australia's most celebrated singers, Jimmy Barnes, has joined local and international artists at Bluesfest for his first performance since major surgery.
‘Taking year off’: gig is up for Splendour in the Grass
Splendour in the Grass has been cancelled, disappointing Kylie Minogue fans after the superstar was announced as the annual musical festival's headliner.
Southeastern Australia swelters as temp records tumble
An autumn heatwave in southeastern Australia has smashed records for March with extreme temperatures continuing this week in NSW , Tasmania, SA and Victoria.
Memories of allegedly murdered men marked in Mardi Gras
The deaths of two young men broke hearts in the community as Sydney's annual Mardi Gras parade paid tribute to the pair.