19 h. ago Sydney council cracks down on notorious Christmas Day beach bash

Backpackers have been “strongly discouraged” from attending the bacchanalia this year. Those who attend can expect heightened police and security patrols.

Politics

33 h. ago This Sydney council wants to build a new swimming spot. Rowers are up in arms

Rowers are fighting a rearguard battle to stop construction of a tidal pool close to the last Olympic-length rowing course near the harbour.

Politics

49 h. ago Warning over ‘fake’ Black Friday discounts as Officeworks defends pricing

As Australians take pause after the annual deals before entering Christmas and Boxing Day sales, retailers have come under fire.

Events

57 h. ago It’s been named the colour of the year and is perfect for your Christmas Day outfit

Wearing white for the holidays is a winning strategy - if you follow a few guidelines.

Politics

3 d. ago Lechon, lobster and yum cha: Where to book on Christmas Day in Sydney

Go all-in on a lavish set menu or keep it casual with a la carte at these Good Food-approved restaurants open on Christmas Day.

Culture

5 d. ago Yum cha, bratwurst and omakase: Where to book on Christmas Day in Melbourne

Cancel the catering and head to some of Melbourne’s best dining destinations this Christmas Day, from hatted restaurants to rooftop bars and yum cha.

Culture

1 week ago Half the price at Bunnings: Row over Sydney council’s $20m planter boxes

The eye-watering cost of installing flower boxes in Sydney’s CBD has triggered a debate about whether funds should be redirected into affordable housing.

Economics

2 w. ago ‘Left in limbo’: Sydney council backflips on housing rule to entice developers to ‘failed’ suburb

Ann Attwater wants to sell her home, but she can’t. Nor does she want to risk renovating in a suburb where homes are hard to sell.

Politics

2 w. ago This Sydney council spent $300K fielding complaints. Now it has a plan to deal with them

Liverpool Council dealt with 150 grievances about staff and councillors in one year, an inquiry has been told.

Economics

3 w. ago Employers rostering staff over Christmas holidays put on notice

Bosses must “request, not require” their employees to work public holidays such as Christmas and Boxing Day, a landmark ruling has found.

Politics

3 w. ago ‘Request, not require’: Bosses put on notice over Christmas rosters

Bosses can’t forcibly roster workers on days such as Christmas and Boxing Day, a landmark ruling has found.

Politics

3 w. ago Eastern suburbs council votes to trade native trees for ocean views

A Sydney council has voted to remove trees in clifftop reserves in some of Sydney’s wealthiest suburbs to restore ocean views for waterfront residents.

Politics

3 w. ago ‘Serious impacts’: Sydney council demands to be exempt from Housing Delivery Authority

One of Sydney’s most powerful councils believes it has good reason to be excluded.

Politics

4 w. ago ‘I’ve been described as scary’: Inside the sacking of a Sydney council boss

It’s almost a month since Parramatta council chief executive Gail Connolly was sacked. But division over her leadership at one of Sydney’s biggest councils remains.

Politics