Sydney desk

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

Business · 3 October 2026

Tasmanian Golf Club's $30,000 Water Overhaul Foiled by Policy Puddle

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

After investing a hefty $30,000 to upgrade its irrigation system, a local golf course found itself back in the mud when TasWater’s policy changed, leaving the club’s green as dry as its budget.

Business · 3 October 2026

Shoe‑in to the Sunset: Australian Fashion Brands Decline Faster Than a Summer Sales Rush

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

A wave of well‑known Australian fashion labels has quietly folded, prompting market participants to wonder whether the country’s sartorial soul is simply out of style.

Sports · 3 October 2026

Knights Knighted: From Wooden Spoon to Grand Final Glory

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Newcastle Knights snatched the NRL grand final from the Sydney Roosters, turning last year’s wooden spoon into a glittering trophy and proving that redemption can be served on a silver platter.

Business · 3 October 2026

Boomers Bail Out: Superannuation, Housing and the Market’s Biggest Exit Poll

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

A satirical look at how Baby Boomers, now in their 80s, are retiring en masse, and how the financial world, from property markets to earnings reports, is feeling the heat as market participants scramble to adjust.

Sports · 3 October 2026

Mum’s ‘No’ to the NRL Turns into a ‘Yes’ After a Roosters Reunion

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

A single, heartfelt gesture from two Roosters legends convinced a determined mum to lift her ban on her son Mark, turning a potential career‑ending decision into a triumphant comeback.

Politics · 3 October 2026

Greens Unveil ‘No‑Weapons, No‑Submarines, Just Cannabis’ Platform

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

The Australian Greens have announced a bold, leaf‑green manifesto that scrambles the AUKUS submarine pact, cuts weapons aid to Ukraine and legalises recreational cannabis – a move that could see them win votes, or at…

Business · 3 October 2026

One Nation’s Timber Revival Promise Leaves Market Participants Both Excited and Confused

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

When One Nation vowed to restart native timber logging in Victoria, market participants in the timber, real‑estate, and environmental sectors found themselves oscillating between hopeful growth charts and green‑eyed…

Sports · 3 October 2026

Cats’ Dynamic Duo Dazzle Tigers While Dees Skipper’s Neck Remains a Mystery

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Geelong’s Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison lead a dominant Cats win over Richmond, yet Dees skipper’s neck injury remains an unanswered question.

Politics · 3 October 2026

Albanese urged to swap pleasantries for policy as world spins faster than a Sydney ferry at peak hour

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

A chorus of councils, unions and a bewildered meteorologist are warning the prime minister that endless reassurance won’t keep up with climate, tech and commuter chaos, urging him to trade slogans for substance.