An obscure character from traditional Japanese folklore has become an unlikely unifier in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courts of law exist for good reason, but the judicial process can also retraumatize, rather than heal, victims and witnesses who are exposed to it. Therapeutic jurisprudence offers a different approach

Panic immediately set in at the sight of an injured Ellyse Perry limping from the field, but her limited role in the Australian T20 team might mean the side can cope better than expected, writes Geoff Lemon.

Perry was helped off the field after an off-balance throw in an attempted run-out.

Australia's superstar all-rounder Ellyse Perry will go under the knife and face six months out of cricket after injuring her hamstring during her team's T20 World Cup campaign.

It was predictably branded as "politically correct". Yet rather than a legitimate beef with the promotional video, you wonder if the real objection was that it did not fit the needs of those yearning for the past, writes Richard Hinds.

Justin Langer took over as the coach of the Australian cricket team after the sandpaper crisis shook the game to its core. The former player tells Barrie Cassidy about the steps he and the team have taken to rebuild the trust, respect, and integrity of the team.

Whale watchers off the north coast of New South Wales have held a front-row seat to the rarely witnessed and gruesome spectacle of a pod of killer whales devouring a juvenile humpback whale.

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.

Like all zoos and wildlife parks around the country Townsville's Billabong Sanctuary is closed because of the coronavirus lockdown, but the important business of caring for the residents never stops.

With many people struggling to adapt to social isolation and other issues associated with coronavirus, a growing number are turning to mental health services to help them cope with anxiety.

Rajkumar Janagani stabbed his wife more than 20 times while she slept in their Brisbane home. She survived, but has suffered serious physical and emotional trauma.

The bashing was so violent, a nurse at the hospital couldn't do a blood test when the 79-year-old was first admitted because he'd "lost that much blood". His grandson was later convicted of assault.

Queensland mother Nina Hensley says the jumping castle has helped her daughter with Angelman syndrome cope with coronavirus restrictions.

Nicholas John Crilley is sentenced to life in prison for what prosecutors said was the "sadistic" torture of a woman that left her with broken facial bones and burns to almost half her body.

Suzanne Miller earnt a high wage but in a "gross abuse of high office" she also illegally spent a further $75,000 in taxpayer funds on personal purchases, a Brisbane court hears.

Queenslanders hit the waterways and public spaces on the first day of relaxed restrictions, with residents able to picnic or visit national parks for the first time in weeks.

The Mayor of Queensland's Central Highlands hopes work and lifestyle attract people to the region during the coronavirus pandemic.

Many restaurants and cafes are struggling to keep their businesses alive on takeaway only and the industry is lobbying the Queensland Government for further relaxing of social distancing restrictions to get people eating out again.

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

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

Gold Coast builders have backed calls for urgent industry stimulus measures and say restoring confidence is the key to saving the local construction sector.

A Torres Strait art centre has come up with a way for people to get involved from home with its internationally renowned artworks, using DIY kits, after all its exhibitions were cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions

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

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

It is almost impossible to sit still when listening to The Jungle Giants.

Tara June Winch has won three major prizes at the NSW Premier's Literary Awards for her novel of love, family, history and language, The Yield.

Experts warn unemployment could soar to 20 per cent in the Shoalhaven, so how will a region that relies on tourism survive when no tourists are allowed in?

NSW has recorded two new coronavirus infections with 4,400 tests conducted. It is the lowest number of new cases recorded in the state since March 8.

Melbourne Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr and the South Sydney Rabbitoh's fullback Latrell Mitchell post an apology on their social media accounts after footage emerged of the NRL players on a camping holiday with around 10 other men. The trip prompted a NSW Police investigation.

There have been five new cases from over 4,112 people tested in the last 24 hours in NSW.

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

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Chief Medical Officer Dr Kerry Chant and Transport Minister Andrew Constance provide an update on the coronavirus outbreak on April 29, 2020. NSW Health has confirmed 11 new cases after 5,400 tests were done overnight.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro may be on the verge of announcing a switch to federal politics, in an audacious bid that would diminish Labor's parliamentary numbers and put Nationals leader Michael McCormack on notice.

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?

Ms Berejiklian says there needs to be better communication between aged care facilities and relatives after a 13th person has died from coronavirus at the Newmarch House.

A man is jailed for circling a family in his car and hurling anti-Islamic abuse at them on the New South Wales south coast last year.

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

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has announced he will not run for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro

A major redevelopment in Sydney's north west is given the go-ahead days after the announcement of an expedited approvals program — prompting criticism that the process seemed "predetermined".

Three girls accused of attacking another teen near Wollongong face a maximum 25 years behind bars if found guilty of the shopping centre assault.

A NSW health district has collated its data from recent weeks and it shows a clear picture of how COVID-19 arrived and spread in the west of the state.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is grilled over the behaviour of ministers Andrew Constance and John Barilaro at an awkward press conference on May 7, 2020. Mr Constance and Mr Barilaro had been engaged in a public spat amid pre-selection for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro, in which there will be a by-election.

Youth taking part in the Down The Track initiative can learn how to shear sheep, get a certificate in agriculture and can learn hospitality skills for at least another 12 months.