Catherine James

For one day each year, the town of 335 people swaps tractors for tribute acts, grain trucks for glitter and everyday life for an all-out ABBA extravaganza.

A remote town in north-west New South Wales is claiming a world first – for lawn bowls. Lightning Ridge is hosting what organisers say is the richest bowls competition on the planet with a first prize of $80,000 up for grabs. Story by Catherine James.

Thu 28 May 2026 at 11:04am In short: A coronial inquest into the suicide of a NSW Police probationary constable has heard differing opinions about whether his death was "directly connected" to his work.

Sat 30 May 2026 at 5:47am In short: Donny Hobbs has been refused bail, accused of driving at police officers and crashing into Mudgee Police Station in western New South Wales.

Construction of the museum boasting the world's greatest public collection of opalised dinosaur fossils has been on hold since the project ran out of money last year.

I don't have a telly. The fact I say "telly" indicates just how long ago it was since I last had one in my home—I know this because I…

Fri 19 Jun 2026 at 7:38am In short: A NSW inquiry into the state of the live music scene has heard from regional stakeholders including conservatoriums.

Mon 13 Jul 2026 at 7:58am A man has died after he was attacked by his dog on his property in north-west NSW.

Wed 15 Jul 2026 at 10:33am A heavily pregnant worker at a Western NSW school has been denied bail after she was charged with possessing child abuse material.

In one of my very first columns, I wrote about the dearth of things to see and do when I moved to the Isle of Wight in the early 'nineties.