Sydney desk

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

Business · 30 September 2026

Alaska’s Hawaiian Fleet Rewrites Pacific Rules, Eyes Sydney for Europe‑Asia Expansion

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

After a 2024 takeover, Alaska Airlines re‑assigned Hawaiian’s 787s to trans‑Atlantic routes, sparking speculation that Sydney‑bound travellers could soon hop on a Hawaiian‑Alaska hybrid flight to Europe or Asia…

Finance · 30 September 2026

Bankers Add a Quarter Point to Home Loan Rates: The RBA’s Latest Cash Rate Move Hits the Aussie Mortgage Market

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

After the Reserve Bank of Australia hiked the official cash rate, the four big banks each raised variable home loan rates by 0.25 percentage points, sending market participants into a mix of bemusement and mild anxiety.

Business · 30 September 2026

Capped by Cost: Aussies Will Keep $5,000 Handsets for Four Years, Says Vodafone

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Vodafone reveals that Australians are extending their mobile contracts to four years, driven by the sky‑high price of some handsets.

Sports · 30 September 2026

Neale’s Pies-to-Lions Transfer: The Ultimate Trade That Leaves Fans and Boards in a Stir

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Lachie Neale has officially confirmed a switch from the Gold Coast Suns to the Brisbane Lions, sparking a bidding war for compensation and raising questions about the future of the ‘Pies’ and the Lions’ lineup.

Business · 30 September 2026

KFC's 'Bigger, Crispier' Chicken Sparks Market Speculation Over Protein Size

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

KFC is revamping its core menu with larger, crisper chicken pieces, a move that has prompted market participants to weigh the financial implications of a product that may be more about size than taste.

Sports · 30 September 2026

Roosters’ Sixth Sense Keeps Cup at Bay: A 70‑Minute Mystery

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Roosters have remained unbeaten this season, but a 32‑minute glitch earlier forced a change. Now they’re only down for 70 minutes in the latest match, thanks to a mysterious sixth sense.

Business · 30 September 2026

Larvotto’s Hillgrove Mine Unveils 32‑Metre Lode of Gold‑Equivalent and 11% Tungsten, Market Participants Rubbing Their Eyes

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Larvotto Mining announced a new 32‑metre lode at its Hillgrove site in New South Wales, delivering 5.68 g/t gold‑equivalent and a sizzling 11.13 % tungsten content, prompting market participants to wonder if the…

Finance · 30 September 2026

Tasmanian Homeowners Trade Wombats for Mortgage Payments as Rate Hike Turns Property Market into a Slow‑Moving Koala Elevator

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

After another interest rate climb, Tasmanian property owners are scrambling to keep up with mortgage payments in a state where wages lag behind the mainland. Market participants are now considering unconventional trades�…

Politics · 30 September 2026

Shoebridge’s Greens: The New Labor Replacement Plan

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

After a dramatic leadership ballot, NSW senator David Shoebridge has taken the reins of the Greens, vowing to replace Labor. The move comes after Larissa Waters’ resignation and a surge of One Nation, leaving the party…