Royals make a House call to say happy birthday
LUCY CARROLL Thousands of spectators gathered at the Opera House's 40th Anniversary Gala Concert.
Latest NSW news
Sex abuse accused sues landlord from jail
![Grant Davies](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/27/4865208/mb_thumb_davies_20131027192025465012-90x60.jpg)
NICK RALSTON A Sydney dance teacher charged with sexually abusing his students has launched legal action from jail in a bid to recoup thousands of dollars from the landlord of his former dance studio.
'Racial vilification can escalate into violence'
![bondi attack](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4862766/320th-bondi-attack-90x60.jpg)
Kim Arlington Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner has condemned an attack on members of Sydney's Jewish community, saying it was a reminder that racial vilification could "escalate into racial violence".
Report kept quiet by chemical giant
![Orica](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/27/4865217/mb_thumb_orica_20131027195946104119-90x60.jpg)
Natalie O'Brien Chemical giant Orica has tried to keep secret a potentially damaging report into whether the dangerous metal mercury might have been leaking off site from its former chlor-alkali plant.
DisabilityCare to be sent to private providers
![DisabilityCare](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/27/4865212/mb_thumb_disability_20131027200503874993-90x60.jpg)
ANNA PATTY The NSW government plans to transfer all its disability services to the private sector from next year in preparation for the introduction of the national scheme, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, in 2018.
Oil slick danger from tyres in fire
![Fire](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/27/4865207/mb_thumb_chippo_20131027201358140936-90x60.jpg)
PETER HANNAM An official crackdown has begun on the illegal storage and disposal of tyres in NSW - about a week too late to prevent a huge toxic fire and oil slick in Sydney's south-west.
Weekend warriors sweat for charity
![Marathon](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/27/4865259/mb_thumb_running_20131027215955340751-90x60.jpg)
AMY CORDEROY Two last-minute entrants have taken out the top spots in the inaugural Run Sydney half marathon at Sydney Olympic Park.
Obeid cafe lease renewed at start of inquiry
![Eddie Obeid.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/27/4865285/mb_thumb_obeid_20131027222152182597-90x60.jpg)
Deborah Snow The O'Farrell government signed a new lease for a cafe linked to NSW Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid on the same day a corruption inquiry into his affairs opened last year, the ABC has revealed.
History for sale at South Head
![Hornby Head Lightkeeper's Cottage, South Head.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4863996/ab-th-history-20131026200038851887-90x60.jpg)
NICOLE HASHAM It has long been a tonic for the city-weary: a crooked finger of land where one can enjoy wild scenery and the ''best air in the colony''.
6000 go for fun, glory and charity
![Rebel Sport Run4Fun 2012.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4864000/ab-th-6000-20131026193404864828-90x60.jpg)
ESTHER HAN More than 6000 pairs of feet will pound the streets, bike paths and running tracks around Sydney Olympic Park for the Rebel Sydney fun run on Sunday.
Residents fume over changed relief payments
![A couple look at a house burnt out by bushfires.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4863987/ab-th-residents-20131026212358682046-90x60.jpg)
Alexandra Smith Blue Mountains residents who fled their homes and returned to find they had no gas, electricity or hot water have slammed government changes to disaster relief payments.
Towns emerge from flames to count cost
![Dusk in the Blue Mountains.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4863983/ab-th-towns-20131026212920269570-90x60.jpg)
Damien Murphy As firefighters rest in the Blue Mountains, disaster workers take their place on a new front line.
Law on foetal rights 'will put women at risk'
![Foetus.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4863976/ab-th-law-20131026221845177748-90x60.jpg)
KIRSTY NEEDHAM The medical care of more than 100 women a year in NSW could be put at risk if a controversial law giving personhood status to a foetus of 20 weeks is passed through Parliament.
Sex abuse of children on rise, say police
![Maria Rustja.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4863999/ab-th-sex-20131026200634777092-90x60.jpg)
CATHERINE ARMITAGE The NSW Police child sex abuse squad's caseload continues to increase, its commander, Superintendent Maria Rustja, has told the child sex abuse royal commission.
School funding cuts 'worse without Gonski'
![Adrian Piccoli.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4863995/ab-th-funding-20131026202600558416-90x60.jpg)
KIRSTY NEEDHAM Funding cuts to disadvantaged NSW schools would have been worse if the Gillard government had not tipped in $100 million in Gonski cash.
Gypsy myths span the globe
![Sarah Bedak & Nenad Radic.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4863990/ab-th-gypsy-20131026205334378957-90x60.jpg)
Natalie O'Brien Sarah Bedak and her partner Nenad Radic Rroma may look like just a couple of fun-loving musicians who happen to use a Gypsy caravan as a stage.
Public housing no bar to property gains
![Housing commission home](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/25/4862282/mb_thumb_housing-20131025221904179112-90x60.jpg)
Julie Power Fears that affordable housing for low-income earners will turn neighbourhoods into ghettos or slums are unfounded in 80 per cent of cases, and have little or no impact on property prices.
Air freshener used to conceal mother's death
![Melissa Peacock, whose mother's body was left in a bedroom for six months.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/25/4860830/MOR-melissa-peacock-20131025161933222673-90x60.jpg)
NICK RALSTON A woman allegedly left her mother dead in bed in their Sydney home for up to six months, changing sheets and using air freshener to mask the smell while using her money to stay at luxury hotels.
Rule change allows for council bypass
![Shoebridge](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/25/4862300/mb_thumb_shoebridge-20131025220303891548-90x60.jpg)
NICOLE HASHAM The O'Farrell government will allow developers to leapfrog councils to get large projects approved under measures that will lead to unwanted development, community and environment groups say.
Princess Mary visits Five Dock school
![SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 24: Crown Prince Frederick and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark arrive at the Opera House forecourt on October 24, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. Prince Frederick and Princess Mary will visit Sydney for five days and will attend events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House and the Danish architect who designed the landmark, Jorn Utzen. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/24/4857966/th-danishroyals3-90x60.jpg)
DAISY DUMAS From the Opera House to Government House ... to Five Dock Public School.
Unlikely board fellows
![University of Sydney](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/26/4862488/th-usyd-90x60.jpg)
DAISY DUMAS Business, media and politicians all want a job at Sydney University.
Thomas Kelly's mother decries 'senseless act'
![Thomas Kelly](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2012/07/19/3469963/th-654644653-90x60.jpg)
PAUL BIBBY Sydney teenager Thomas Kelly lost his life in a "senseless act of violence and cowardice" that has left those who loved him with "a life sentence", members of his family have told a Sydney court.
Minister will open state forests to hunters
![Hodgkinson](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/25/4862295/mb_thumb_hodgkinson_20131025222743868588-90x60.jpg)
SEAN NICHOLLS Hundreds of state forests are set to be reopened to amateur hunters as early as mid-November after Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson began the redeclaration process.
Reservoir gives up secrets of our colonial past
![An ink well/pot artefact dated 1830-80's found at the Prospect Reservoir site](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/25/4862297/mb_thumb_reservior_20131025193258783762-90x60.jpg)
Kim Arlington Beneath the surface of Prospect Reservoir the remains of an early colonial settlement lay hidden for more than a century. Wooden posts traced phantom fencelines under the water. Handmade bricks marked the remnants of wells, fireplaces, stables.
Teacher got harsh treatment: filmmaker
![Mrs Karen Carey](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/25/4862284/mb_thumb_carey_20131025222228213989-90x60.jpg)
GARRY MADDOX The director of Mrs Carey's Concert has revealed the film's star music teacher was devastated after being repeatedly criticised and threatened with dismissal before her shock resignation from MLC School.
Still no return to full light rail service
![Trams](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/25/4862305/mb_thumb_tram_20131025194243166199-90x60.jpg)
JACOB SAULWICK Part of Sydney's light rail line will remain out of action until early next month amid growing frustration with the failure of the operator and government to explain the lengthy suspension of services.
Nuns argue fracking is a habit we can't afford
![Father Greg Burke](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/25/4862292/mb_thumb_nuns_20131025191150400555-90x60.jpg)
NICOLE HASHAM Theirs is a cloistered, holy life far from the whirl of Sydney, where the only sound some mornings is the flap of habits and the squawk of cockatoos.
Manufacturing
Electrolux to shut last local fridge plant
![An employee of Electrolux](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/24/4857745/th-fridge-90x60.jpg)
Anna Patty More than 500 staff will lose their jobs after Electrolux decided to shut down Australia's last refrigerator plant in Orange, NSW.
Defence apologises for starting State Mine fire
![News
The vice chief of the defence force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin announces the finalisation of an inquiry officer report regarding an insider attack in Afghanistan august 2012 resulting in the death of three Australian soldiers
The Canberra Times
25 September 2013
Photo Jay Cronan](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/24/4857347/dn-binskin-th-20131024172633732225-90x60.jpg)
DAVID WROE The military demolition specialists who sparked a massive fire during an exercise last week are suspected of having used too much explosive.
ICAC chief David Ipp to retire
![ICAC Commissioner the Hon David Ipp AO QC during the opening address of the public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the issue of invitation to Doyles Creek Pty Ltd to apply for mining exploration licence at operations Indus/Jasper/Acacia sites.
18th March 2013
Photo: Wolter Peeters
The Sydney Morning Herald](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/24/4856869/MOR-david-ipp-thumb-20131024151415654824-90x60.jpg)
Sean Nicholls, Michaela Whitbourn The man who oversaw the sensational inquiries into Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald will retire from the ICAC in January.
'We feel like we've helped'
![NCH NEWS
Catherine Hill Bay fire aftermath story
PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS PIC ONLINE UNTIL MIDNIGHT 20TH OCTOBER
Pictured shows RFS volunteers Brothers Josh & Matt Jones-Power with Catherine Hill Bay township in the background.
20th October 2013
NCH NEWS Picture by DEAN OSLAND](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/24/4858090/th-wefeellike-90x60.jpg)
Ashleigh Gleeson A photo from the NSW bushfires has had millions of people across the world using just one this week - heroes.
'Deranged screaming' before balcony fall
![Joshua Rathnell, key witness in the Simon Gittany murder trial, after giving evidence today at supreme court Darlinghurst
Smh news
Photos Ben Rushton
October 24 2013](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/24/4858170/th-777336890-90x60.jpg)
PAUL BIBBY It was the sound of ''deranged'' screaming that allegedly made the young man look up as he walked through Hyde Park on the way to work.
Foley outlines his vision for the west
![AFR USE ONLY. 080414. peak hour traffic travelling west on the M4 freeway. generic traffic , cars , greenhouse , emissions , petrol , fuel , travel , freeway , roads , logistics , infrastructure. Photo by ROB HOMER SPECIALX 82971](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/24/4858509/th-sa-foleyoutlines2-20131024233403952291-90x60.jpg)
SEAN NICHOLLS Labor's planning spokesman Luke Foley has called for a high-powered commission of ''eminent persons'' to oversee Sydney's growth.
Man killed in fire at Botany home
![Fire](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/05/03/4241315/th_fire-90x60.jpg)
MEGAN LEVY Firefighters have found a body after a fierce blaze tore through a home in Sydney's south-east.
Bushfire strategies: Aggressive and high-risk
![Fires threaten to break out across Mountain Lagoon Road near Bilpin.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/23/4854638/_20131023202339631024-90x60.jpg)
Nick Ralston and Sarah Whyte and Peter Hannam A high-risk gamble by firefighters has paid off, with NSW escaping from one of its most threatening bushfire days on record mostly unscathed.
Median
Sydney beats $700,000 price barrier
![House prices](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/23/4854293/1_1_prices320-90x60.jpg)
TOBY JOHNSTONE Sydney house prices have smashed through the $700,000 barrier for the first time, taking the market into ‘‘uncharted territory’’.
Bubble turns head at Sculpture by the Sea
![Sculptures by the sea.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/23/4855019/ab-th-bondi-20131023224907816225-90x60.jpg)
ANDREW TAYLOR A child chewing gum would hardly turn heads among the show-offs of Sydney's eastern suburbs. But Qian Sihua's two-metre-high blood red sculpture of a head blowing bubble gum is a scene stealer.
Opponents fear threats from new bill
![Andrew Stoner.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/23/4855028/ab-th-parks-20131023230550945648-90x60.jpg)
Michaela Whitbourn Legal experts are alarmed by a bill giving the O'Farrell government sweeping powers to approve commercial activities on public land such as parks and beaches.
Chaka Khan to open Sydney Festival for free
![Chaka Khan](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/23/4853765/rw-chaka-th-20131023152502392719-90x60.jpg)
STEVE DOW US singer Chaka Khan will headline a free concert in The Domain on the opening weekend of the 2014 Sydney Festival, as organisers bat away criticism that the festival lacks an opening day of free entertainment.
Trains halted but tourists still come
![Great Western Highway in Blackheath.](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/23/4854980/ab-th-trains-20131023214526546600-90x60.jpg)
NICOLE HASHAM Destructive bushfires halted train services and closed a major motorway on Wednesday, but the emergency was not enough to deter curious tourists from visiting the Blue Mountains.
Three emergency warnings issued
![chopper](http://web.archive.org./web/20131028075258im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/23/4853014/dh_chopper-20131023120855818061-90x60.jpg)
MEGAN LEVY Strong wind gusts of up to 100km/h are fanning large bushfires already burning across parts of NSW, while new blazes are breaking out in the afternoon's deteriorating conditions.
Cate Blanchett's long wait
Between now and the morning of January 16, 2014, Cate Blanchett is set to be one very busy lady.
Royals tour a source of Danish pride
Whisper it: even among the Danes Princess Mary seemed to eclipse Crown Prince Frederik on day one of the Danish royals' tour of Sydney.
Erica Packer keeps up appearances after split
Erica Packer will not divulge the reasons why her six-year marriage to casino billionaire James ended, but she has made it clear she is not about to disappear into obscurity.
Video
Kerchink! Kerchink! Kerchink!
That’s the sound of cash dropping into vendor’s bank accounts after a record auction weekend.
Eddie Obeid revisits ICAC
Kate McClymont reports on the three new hearings former Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid will face at the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
'It starts with us'
It is important for the community to speak out against 'racial vilification and violence' says the Race Discrimination Commissioner after the recent attack in Bondi, on Radio 2UE.
Private Sydney: Baz's show blowout?
Rumours circle Baz Luhrmann's latest multi-million dollar production Strictly Ballroom The Musical, claiming the stage show is riddled with delays and budget blowouts, reports Andrew Hornery.
No cooling off for spring auctions
Which auctions will the Domain team be checking out on Saturday?
Glowing embers light up the night
A surreal scene greets Reporter Emma Partridge and photographer Dallas Kilponen on the Bells Line of Road in the Blue Mountains on Thursday night.
Date with Kate - Wog Boys
Fairfax's Kate Waterhouse has lunch with Wog Boys, Nick Giannopoulos and Vince Colosimo.