Authorities say a "perfect storm" has caused a disturbing rise in domestic violence cases, as the parents of murdered woman Hannah Clarke ask Queenslanders to support a vigil to remember victims.

Wide Bay macadamia grower Kate Rose is crediting 'Korean natural farming', which she says improves the microbiology in the soil using indigenous microorganisms, for a large increase in crop yield.

Firefighters have praised the "gutsy" efforts of police who helped them rescue an 18-month-old boy from a burning house in Rockhampton last night.

The five men suffered upper torso and airway burns in the explosion.

The 80-year-old from Beaudesert broke her hip and was unable to move for more than four days.

Cairns Regional Council records significant increase in waste created by residents since coronavirus restrictions came into effect in March.

Rowing machines and online coaching are keeping these teenage rowers motivated amid the coronavirus shutdown, and their coaches say many are even achieving personal best times.

Mother's Milk Bank is hoping four mothers in every 100 can donate breast milk to help build a reserve for emergency events like fire, drought, floods, and now a global pandemic.

A Torres Strait art centre has come up with a way for people to get involved from home with its internationally renowned artworks, using DIY kits, after all its exhibitions were cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions

Sam Neill says he's in the "cheering-up" business. Acting is his profession, winemaking is his passion and now in times of COVID-19, the 72-year-old is delighting the masses on social media.

An angry nursing home operator says she will keep the doors of her facility firmly closed to visitors, claiming the aged-care sector has been "demonised".

Melbourne Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr and the South Sydney Rabbitoh's fullback Latrell Mitchell post an apology on their social media accounts after footage emerged of the NRL players on a camping holiday with around 10 other men. The trip prompted a NSW Police investigation.

Metadata has not provided any evidence the allegedly falsified annual report was downloaded from the City of Sydney website by anyone in Energy Minister Angus Taylor's office, NSW police confirm.

Farmers are finally starting to pick up the pieces from a devastating drought, but now those on the land say they have an even bigger issue as the wild dog problem strengthens.

Walgett Cafe 64 closes its doors due to dwindling income revenue caused by coronavirus.

Victoria has recorded two new coronavirus cases overnight as of April 28, 2020, as Premier Daniel Andrews says the state is aiming to conduct 100,000 tests over the next two weeks.

Cressida Cains' industry innovation has been recognised at the 2020 New South Wales' Rural Women's Award.

NSW Chief Medical Officer Dr Kerry Chant has declared Lithgow to be a COVID-19 hotspot after an untraceable case emerged over the weekend.

MORNING BRIEFING: Relatives are insisting they be allowed to see loved ones at an aged care home where 11 people have died of COVID-19, while the Waverley Council applauds people for abiding by rules at reopened beaches.

It started with a "scratchy throat", but now almost every day at Newmarch House brings another death — here's what we know about the nursing home at the centre of a massive coronavirus outbreak.

Police hunt two men they believe broke into a Cherrybrook home and assaulted 86-year-old Colin Saliba, who sustained fatal head injuries in the attack, and his wife Josephine, who remains in hospital.

A family warns that compassionate exemptions to the coronavirus ban on interstate travel are unclear after dad was turned back at the border.

Jeered in more conservative times for ordering a swimmer "wearing nothing but a smile" to cover up, lifesaving legend Warren Young now looks to call it a day.

A New South Wales Rural Fire Service shed that was destroyed last year, while firies battled to save homes in their community, is set to be rebuilt.

Transport NSW says the Metro West line take 20 minutes to travel from Parramatta to Sydney CBD.

A judge finds BOC Limited is not responsible for the actions of a "disobedient" contractor involved in a gas mix-up at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital that left a newborn baby dead.

Widespread soaking rain in the New South Wales Central West has upped farmers' confidence for a bumper winter cropping season.

Police find NRL player Nathan Cleary committed no offence after videos emerged of a group of women at his home, but the five women have been slugged with $1,000 fines.

The Government's stimulus packages have been set up to get people through the COVID-19 pandemic, but how will unemployed Australians fare as we come out the other side?

MORNING BRIEFING: People in NSW are warned they should still practice social-distancing as coronavirus restrictions are eased from today, while two men are shot in Merrylands in what is believed to be a targeted attack.

After soaking rains in February, for the first time in three years farmers have a real opportunity to sow a crop, but they must first face international importation issues and supply shortages of agricultural chemicals and fertiliser.

Ms Berejiklian says there needs to be better communication between aged care facilities and relatives after a 13th person has died from coronavirus at the Newmarch House.

After a frustrating wait, the bushfire clean-up effort is set to ramp up in South East NSW with around 300 properties to be cleared each week.

The Illawarra union movement pays tribute to a Dapto man who has not missed a May Day march in 88 years.

Graziers are set to appeal the finding that they used herbicide to remove critically endangered grasslands on a farm partly owned by MP Angus Taylor.

Health authorities in NSW carried out more than 8,800 tests yesterday, and they're delighted that only five came back positive.

The number of positive coronavirus diagnoses have fallen dramatically since the end of March.

Newmarch House records another death as cases there continue to climb, while more than 7,200 people were tested in NSW yesterday, the highest testing on a Saturday so far.

If you're thinking of sending flowers for Mother's Day next week, order early because some growers are predicting a sell-out of supply.

Patients who end up on ventilators often face a long, slow and traumatic period of recuperation, which often includes relearning how to swallow, speak, breathe and walk.

The number of coronavirus related fatalities at the Newmarch House aged care facility in Western Sydney rises again, putting the death toll at 15.

A major redevelopment in Sydney's north west is given the go-ahead days after the announcement of an expedited approvals program — prompting criticism that the process seemed "predetermined".

Sick of isolation? It might be time to explore the slow TV genre. From the comfort of your lounge room you can cruise down the Manning River as video producers live stream their tranquil journey.

Amber Christie, 49, has been reported missing by her family and friends after failing to return to her Evans Head home from a Sunday afternoon walk.

MORNING BRIEFING: The multi-arts venue hosts Vivid, Sydney Writers' Festival and Fashion Week, but a new proposal would see the Sydney Opera House take control.

It was the New South Wales rail disaster that killed six people and injured 100 more. Some of those on board share their recollections of that day.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Dr Kerry Chant provided an updated on coronavirus for May 6. NSW has confirmed nine new cases of COVID-19 overnight.

A drop in the number of domestic violence incidents reported in the NSW Central West in recent months sparks concern at a local support service.

A court hears the NSW Rural Fire Service may ask the state's Attorney-General to relax restrictions so it can distribute the $51.3 million raised by comedian Celeste Barber to help victims of the Black Summer bushfires.

The NSW Liberal Minister announced his withdrawal from the Eden-Monaro by-election this morning.