Editors Picks
16 October 2025
HSC KICKS OFF ACROSS NSW
CLOSE to 75,000 HSC students will put pen to paper over the next 17 test days as written exams officially get underway, beginning with English Paper 1 this morning.
HSC written exams mark the conclusion of 13 years of schooling for students, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned during their education.
When the written exams finish on Friday 7 November, with Food Technology being the final examination, HSC students will have sat over 400,000 exam sessions in 123 different subjects from Mathematics to Construction.
Students have already completed language oral exams, practical performances, and major projects during Term 3.
Thousands of dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff are working behind the scenes during the HSC, ensuring written exams run smoothly and delivering a fair outcome for every student. Students will receive their HSC results and ATAR on Thursday 18 December.
With an additional 9,000 students undertaking at least one exam as part of an accelerated pathway, or completing the HSC over multiple years, it means around 84,000 students will complete an HSC course in 2025.
The 2025 HSC written exam timetable can be found on the NESA website, along with the 2025 HSC enrolment snapshot.
THE NSW Government has reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, resulting in the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Labor Government took office.
15 October 2025
TOBACCO GRACE PERIOD ENDS FOR RETAILERS
THE three-month grace period for NSW retailers and wholesalers to apply for a licence to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products as part of the NSW Government’s new Tobacco Licensing Scheme ends at midnight tonight. From tomorrow, retailers must have a valid tobacco licence and display it at the point of sale to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products. Those who continue to do so without holding and displaying the license will face penalties. If a retailer or wholesaler has submitted a valid license application on or before October 1, 2025, they can continue to trade until notified of the outcome of their application. The Government gave retailers and wholesalers a three-month grace period from 1 July to 1 October to apply for a license, after the Tobacco Licensing Scheme laws came into effect.
09 October 2025
RETIREMEMT LIVING A MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION
NEW research shows retirement living is becoming a more affordable option, due to soaring house prices and rents, while freeing up much needed housing for the wider community.
StewartBrown’s latest Retirement Living Performance Survey Report shows the median entry costs for a two-bedroom retirement living unit is equivalent to just 53 per cent of the median house price in the surrounding suburb, rising to 66 per cent for three-bedroom units.
The lower entry cost allows retirees to stay in the same community, close to family and friends, while freeing up equity from their homes to boost savings and reduce financial stress.
Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said the results add to findings from last year’s Catalyst Research Report showing people in retirement living consistently report higher rates of happiness and wellbeing than all older Australians.
According to the report, those in a Retirement Community scored significantly higher on the Catalyst Wellness Index (77.5) compared with the average for all older Australians (71.3).
“As property prices rise, more older people are realising that retirement communities aren’t just convenient they’re a smart, positive financial choice for living well later in life,” Mr Symondson said.
“More than downsizing it’s about upgrading to a lifestyle that offers freedom, community and long-term affordability,” he said.
“It also frees up much needed housing for the growing families of the future.”
Featured
05 October 2025
FIRE DESTROYS HISTORIC LOXLEY ON BELLBIRD HILL
Iconic wedding venue loved by many
A DEVASTAING fire has gutted one of the Hawkesbury’s most beloved heritage venues, Loxley on Bellbird Hill at Kurrajong.
A DEVASTAING fire has gutted one of the Hawkesbury’s most beloved heritage venues, Loxley on Bellbird Hill at Kurrajong.
Featured
03 October 2025
GRAND FINAL TRANSPORT TACTICS
Fans urged to plan trip to Accor Stadium
A CROWD of up to 80,000 footy fans is expected to converge on Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park this Sunday, October 5 to back their teams in the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals.
01 October 2025
RURAL DOCTORS FINALY RECOGNISED
RURAL Generalists (RGs) have been formally recognised as a distinct medical specialty in Australia, marking a milestone for rural healthcare. This recognition, announced by Minister Mark Butler, follows decades of advocacy by ACRRM, RACGP, and the RG Recognition Taskforce. RGs provide comprehensive care across clinics, hospitals, and emergency settings, particularly in rural, remote, and First Nations communities. The move boosts visibility, remuneration, and training opportunities, ensuring equitable, high-quality healthcare for all Australians regardless of location.
01 October 2025
GOVT SEEKS EOI FOR HOUSING PROGRAM
THE NSW Government has opened Expressions of Interest for its Pre-sale Finance Guarantee (PFG) program to accelerate housing construction in NSW. The five-year initiative will commit up to $1B billion in pre-sales by purchasing up to 50% of off-the-plan homes in eligible projects, valued at up to $2M each. Designed to address finance hurdles and delays, the program reduces risk for lenders and developers, boosts housing supply, and ensures quality through NSW Building Commissioner oversight. Developers ready to build within six months are encouraged to apply.
