MORNING BRIEFING: A NSW police officer is left with bite marks after an attack by a man who also swallowed a balloon, while divers resume their search for a car that crashed into the Hawkesbury River last night.

A father who lost his son in a shocking crash 13 years ago channels his grief into a mission for better road safety with a driver-training centre that could save countless lives.

A Brisbane multi-millionaire who donated $300,000 to a charity associated with a group later found in court to be an "exploitative cult" says he gave the money freely as a reward for treating his chronic pain.

Rappville residents share stories of survival after a bushfire swept through their small community in northern NSW, with one 82-year-old pensioner hiding in his shed in a bid to escape the inferno.

A student critical of the University of Queensland's ties to Chinese Government organisations says he is facing expulsion over his activism, but authorities say it's a matter of policy.

Queenslanders find innovative ways to commemorate Anzac Day from home and online after coronavirus distancing restrictions forced the cancellation of gatherings.

A veteran discovers 72 unmarked war graves at a cemetery west of Brisbane, working tirelessly to identify the lost servicemen who died in a mental asylum with most having no next of kin, to get plaques placed on their final resting place.

Researchers make some interesting discoveries about Fitzroy River humpback dolphins.

Thousands of residents from across Far North Queensland embrace the region's proud Anzac legacy, despite COVID-19 restrictions.

On the Queensland–Northern Territory border, the Urandangi pub is one of the very few in the country that is a hive of activity during coronavirus shutdowns.

A controversial idea to build a bridge over Far North Queensland's Daintree River is back on the agenda, with the new Douglas Shire Mayor narrowly winning a vote on the issue.

Staff at the Age of Dinosaurs in Winton breathe new life into the showcase for a time when tourists return to its prehistoric plains.

Despite busy bottle shops, the same can't be said about the many craft breweries around Australia.

Cooler-than-average temperatures are likely to be felt in southern and central Queensland from today as a cold front works its way through the state.

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

Australian Medical Association of Queensland warns its members against signing new contracts to perform elective surgeries under the public-private partnership model.

Abortion service providers are left with chartering private flights to regional Queensland, saying infrequent schedules and short-notice cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic make flying commercial untenable.

A survey conducted by the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce finds 35 per cent of respondents fear they won't be solvent by the end of June, due to the coronavirus crisis.

A 14-week coronavirus drug trial involving volunteer military personnel has resumed despite previous concerns from doctors and veterans about its ethics.

Words like 'iso' and 'sanny' are slipping into every day vocabulary, as COVID-19 slang goes viral like, well, "the 'rona'. Experts say its creating a sense of community.

Eighteen-year-old Tayla Slater has a broken vertebrae after falling from her horse when it was startled by a driver revving his engine.

Five people have serious injuries after an explosion at Grosvenor coal mine at Moranbah in central Queensland's Bowen Basin.

The five men suffered upper torso and airway burns in the explosion.

A professional beekeeper appeals for public help to find thieves who stole beehives from Toolara State Forest, north-east of Gympie.

New funding will help a Nerang-based conservation group to build a 'fodder farm' for recovering wildlife.

The seventh album from Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero brings plenty of energy but also some pauses for thought in a live recording of mixed results.

ABC North Coast resident arts reviewer, Jeanti St Clair looks at the latest music and theatre to hit the region.

Subtle emotion can sometimes take a while to process and when it's in an album, like this second long player from the much-lauded Bon Iver, it may take several listens to appreciate.

MORNING BRIEFING: Photos shared on social media appear to show two NRL players defying coronavirus restrictions on a camping trip on the NSW Mid-North Coast, while aged care homes say the PM's advice on visitors is "cavalier and careless".

Forty experts from the Asia-Pacific will train animal workers to spot virus outbreaks before they even begin, in a new government-funded scheme to reduce the risk of another virus crisis.

MORNING BRIEFING: The NSW Premier's leadership through the coronavirus crisis receives a 70 per cent approval rating, while Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches reopen for exercise only.

MORNING BRIEFING: Relatives are insisting they be allowed to see loved ones at an aged care home where 11 people have died of COVID-19, while the Waverley Council applauds people for abiding by rules at reopened beaches.

MORNING BRIEFING: NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro is considering a switch to federal politics, after the resignation of Labor backbencher Mike Kelly triggers a by-election in the seat of Eden-Monaro.

Police find NRL player Nathan Cleary committed no offence after videos emerged of a group of women at his home, but the five women have been slugged with $1,000 fines.

On March 31, the Premier enacted stricter social-distancing measures "for our own good" — here's how people in Australia's worst-affected coronavirus state survived, and thrived amid the lockdown.

MORNING BRIEFING: People in NSW are warned they should still practice social-distancing as coronavirus restrictions are eased from today, while two men are shot in Merrylands in what is believed to be a targeted attack.

A disability carer has been charged with 16 offences including counts of producing child abuse materials, after an investigation into a care home in Sydney's west.

Health authorities in NSW carried out more than 8,800 tests yesterday, and they're delighted that only five came back positive.

The native desert rice flower plant that appeared on New South Wales properties after widespread rainfall has caused death and serious illness in cattle

Patients who end up on ventilators often face a long, slow and traumatic period of recuperation, which often includes relearning how to swallow, speak, breathe and walk.

MORNING BRIEFING: The aged care facility in Sydney's west is stepping up measures to address an outbreak of coronavirus after a staff member worked six shifts with mild symptoms.

Sick of isolation? It might be time to explore the slow TV genre. From the comfort of your lounge room you can cruise down the Manning River as video producers live stream their tranquil journey.

Sam Davis and Spencer Austad getting ready to motor down the Manning River.

MORNING BRIEFING: An aged care operator at the centre of Australia's second biggest coronavirus cluster has requested a worker be stood down after alleged breaches of infection control.

A rampant outbreak of COVID-19 is sweeping the western Sydney aged care facility, and has so far killed 15 of it's residents.

MORNING BRIEFING: The multi-arts venue hosts Vivid, Sydney Writers' Festival and Fashion Week, but a new proposal would see the Sydney Opera House take control.

It was the New South Wales rail disaster that killed six people and injured 100 more. Some of those on board share their recollections of that day.