Sydney desk

Filed from the Sydney desk — including multi-city pieces that also ran elsewhere.

Business · 24 October 2026

Airbnb Bans Guest Check‑Out Chores, Hosts Threaten Nationwide Blackout

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Airbnb’s new rule forbidding guests from handling check‑out chores has sparked anger, prompting hosts across the country to consider a coordinated blackout in protest.

Business · 24 October 2026

80‑Year‑Old Dream Takes Off: First Sydney‑Gold Coast Flight Departs Tomorrow

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Tomorrow marks the inaugural commercial flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast, a route that has been 80 years in the making and will cover the journey in about an hour and 20 minutes.

Sports · 24 October 2026

Travis Head Says ‘Take a Breath’: Keep Seasoned Players, Skip the Reboot

Lotte Nguyen, Melbourne desk

After Australia’s defeat in the second Test, vice‑captain Travis Head pushed back against calls for a wholesale overhaul. He urged the side to keep the experienced core and add a few seasoned heads instead of a rad…

Sports · 24 October 2026

Jepchirchir’s 3‑Minute Lead Turns Into an EPO Plot Twist

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Peres Jepchirchir won the 2026 Sydney Marathon by three minutes, becoming the first woman home, before a positive EPO test triggered a provisional ban pending investigation.

Politics · 24 October 2026

If Hanson Finally Figures Out the Light Switch, the Rest of Australia Might Follow Suit

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

A satirical take on an op‑ed that argues if Pauline Hanson can "wise up," every Australian should join the effort, reminding us that we all share the same joys and hardships and can each help improve the nation.

Politics · 24 October 2026

Alpine Region Left with Empty Mental‑Health Shelves After Attacker Gets No Help

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

An attacker who had been flagged for mental‑health support before striking police and an MP received no appointments, leaving Victoria’s Alpine region to confront a stark gap in services, according to researchers.

Finance · 23 October 2026

ASX Takes a Tiny Hop as Oil Hits Five‑Month High

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Australian shares edged slightly higher after a US tech rout sparked AI‑spending worries, as oil surged to its highest level in five months.

Sports · 23 October 2026

Rabada, Mulder and a rogue rainstorm seal South Africa’s innings‑and‑31 triumph, forcing a series decider with Australia

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

South Africa’s hosts rattled Australia in Gqeberha, winning by an innings and 31 runs to level the series, with a mischievous weather pattern playing accomplice. Rabada and Mulder turned the pitch into a comedy stage,…

Finance · 23 October 2026

Energy Technologies Signs $10m Laser‑Glasses Deal – Is It a ‘Sight‑Saver’ or Just a Flash in the Pan?

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Energy Technologies, named an ASX Runner of the Week, has inked a potential US$10 million partnership with an Israeli defence giant to develop next‑generation laser‑technology smart glasses. Market participants are…