The community of Rappville in northern NSW is banding together to make sure everyone gets back on their feet, but Allan Robertson is dreading having to tell his partner that their home is now just ashes.

As ferocious blazes tore through Rappville last week, many of the community's young people displayed extraordinary bravery, rescuing their neighbours and animals while fighting tooth and nail to save homes.

Islamic leaders on the Gold Coast believe they have opened Australia's first drive-through takeaway food service for Muslims observing the month Ramadan.

Queensland police shut down three house parties in the 24 hours after some coronavirus restrictions are relaxed and erect fencing at Burleigh Heads where large crowds were dispersed over the weekend.

Queensland's Corrective Services Investigation Unit is examining the deaths of three prisoners over the past five days — two of which occurred at the same facility in 24 hours.

An angry nursing home operator says she will keep the doors of her facility firmly closed to visitors, claiming the aged-care sector has been "demonised".

People who have been stood down from their regular jobs have helped bolster the volunteer workforce for charities that have lost much of their elderly workforce.

Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock labels Coffs Harbour's Cultural and Civic Space plan "foolish and rash", threatening to change laws to stop it.

For Muriel Halsted, being part of the world of social media isn't something she's ever given much thought to.

The Government's stimulus packages have been set up to get people through the COVID-19 pandemic, but how will unemployed Australians fare as we come out the other side?

Veronica Coen and Ruth Haggar make one final sift through the ruins of their Quaama homes before the first stage of the bushfire clean-up begins.

Elizabeth Lane says her mother, a Newmarch House resident, is a 'sitting duck' as the new COVID-19 cases continue to rise at the Western Sydney aged care home.

A mental health initiative that became a national success story is forced to innovate in the coronavirus era with Zoom walks and online check-ins.

49-year-old Amber Christie walking past Hotel Illawong on Oak Street, Evans Head around 4:00pm on Sunday May 3, 2020.

More than 40 people are searching the Evans Head area, which includes thick scrub and bushland.

Police have called for fresh details about a woman who was found murdered in the state's north west in January.

In musical circles, there's a mythical quality to that name, attached as it is to the father of American protest song, Woody Guthrie.

It is fair to say that any new Tim Winton book, play, film or short story is welcomed with open arms by Western Australians.

The Game of Thrones drama ends today for millions of fans, but in one Aussie household it will live on for this pampered pooch which has its own GoT-inspired iron throne.

Weather conditions start to ease in northern New South Wales where firefighters continue to battle two fires that have burnt through nearly 60,000 hectares of bushland.

A continuing investigation into an infectious health worker at the Mersey Hospital in Tasmania's north-west reveals the person was only at work for 30 minutes before they felt unwell and went home.

Tasmania records its first coronavirus death after a woman in her 80s dies in hospital in the state's north-west, with the state's case tally rising by three to 69.

Researchers in Adelaide are working on turning mushroom waste into items like sunscreen, skincare products and coating for outdoor furniture.

The members of Facebook group Hobart Gal Pals are now asking questions about hand cleaning and self-isolation, and Chit Chat Launceston members want to know who they can visit, as a feeling of community is staying alive during coronavirus self-isolation.

Three more cases of coronavirus in Tasmania are confirmed with two of those from the north-west, as investigations into an outbreak at the North West Regional Hospital continue.

A coronavirus outbreak at Burnie's hospital has prompted a plea for Tasmania's north-west residents to do the right thing over the Easter break, as a drive-through testing station opens in Hobart.

Australia has a chequered history with introducing species, but farmers and scientists are celebrating as our newest dung beetle begins to make itself at home.

Lawyers for two teenagers who threatened to carry out a school massacre tell South Australia's Supreme Court they should be immediately released.

Rivalry keeps sport interesting. But what happens when one team has dominated the same competition for 40 consecutive years?

A new music program, being delivered in regional South Australia, is helping preserve and promote Indigenous culture, language and life for future generations.

Fishing businesses report an increasing demand for carp as a "premium" food product, but fear the looming herpes virus release could kill the industry before it even takes off.

A three-car crash on one of Adelaide's busiest roads leaves a driver in hospital with critical head injuries, with the manager of a nearby business likening the scene to the aftermath of a tornado.

Police investigate the cause of a bushfire that came dangerously close to a Loxton aged care facility in South Australia's Riverland, prompting an evacuation overnight.

Controversial environmental water flows are thought to be the driving force behind the revival of the native southern bell frog, despite the drought.

Despite the heat, hail and fires, the Brumbies are planning to kick off their Super Rugby 2020 season tonight at Canberra Stadium, bringing some short-term relief to local fans.

Former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou claims a commanding win over Sydney FC in his long-awaited match-up against an A-League side as Yokohama F Marinos belt the Sky Blues in the Asian Champions League.

A man who sexually assaulted and murdered a Cambodian refugee in Melbourne three decades ago is sentenced to a lengthy prison term after police use DNA technology not available at the time of the crime.

Letters, flowers and stuffed toys are placed outside the Kiddy Palace childcare centre in Melbourne's north where police say a three-year-old girl was killed after she was accidentally hit by a car.

A Melbourne man on trial for planning terrorist acts allegedly told others he wanted to "go around cutting throats in the city centre", a court is told.

Sydney fails to complete a blockbuster deal to secure Joe Daniher from Essendon on the final day of the AFL trade period, while Bradley Hill moves from Fremantle to St Kilda.

Police say it is "extremely lucky" nobody was killed when an improvised explosive device launched from a vacant block of land tore through the roof of a nearby home in south-east Melbourne.

The Melbourne Storm's Nelson Asofa-Solomona will be available to play in the opening round of the NRL next season, despite being handed a three-match suspension after a violent altercation while on holiday in Bali.

Truck drivers are slamming their vehicles into a bridge at an unusually frequent rate, and a third crash in a week has been caught on camera today. A community group fears lives are at risk and better warning systems are desperately needed.

Airport authorities are calling for a crackdown on drivers touting their services at the the terminal but one driver says it is the only way he can earn enough money to pay his bills.

A small portable ultrasound machine connected to a mobile phone is set to make the stethoscope obsolete, according to a professor at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. It's faster, safer and more accurate.

Melbourne City beats Western United 2-1 in the season's second Victorian derby, while Perth Glory enjoy a win over Phoenix by the same scoreline in Wellington.

Meagan Kite overcame a drug addiction and devastating house fire. Cheryl Norris struggled to find the truth about her ancestor, an Aboriginal woman called No Name. Their stories form part of a unique art project called Women's Stories on display in the Riverland.

Once a lavish home to a mining magnate in the 19th century then a covert map-making location during WWII, Bendigo's Fortuna Villa is filled with tales. Six people who have a long association with its history talk of the mysteries and celebrations surrounding the place.