ABC Central West

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Show & Tell: Sita Walker

What do a book, pickle jar and ring have in common? They're the items author Sita Walker chose for Show & Tell.

Published: YesterdaySat 21 Feb 2026 at 1:57amSource: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Bookswith Rae Johnston

Growers warn 'watered down' lavender oil widespread in surging imports

Despite an Australian lavender industry dating back to the 1850s, you're more than likely using an imported and "watered-down" product, local growers say.

A family stand among lavender plants, with hills and trees in the background

Published: FriFri 20 Feb 2026 at 11:55pmSource: ABC Central WestTopic: Horticulture Industryby Emily Middleton

Volunteers save lives with 'first aid, but on steroids'

In parts of rural and remote New South Wales, groups of volunteers are brushing up on high-level first aid skills to become first responders when an ambulance crew cannot.

A woman wearing a blue unform, standing near a car with paramedic equipment in the back.

Published: FriFri 20 Feb 2026 at 9:09pmSource: ABC RiverinaTopic: Volunteeringby Jess Scully

Drought-hit farmers warn impacts will reach 'city folk'

Over this season's hot and dry summer in New South Wales, farmer Ryan Staniforth has spent much of his time carting water to keep his sheep alive.

A water tanker with a hose, and a man standing next to it

Published: ThuThu 19 Feb 2026 at 2:02amSource: ABC RiverinaTopic: Droughtsby Emily Doak, Amelia Bernasconi and Catherine James

Plan to burn 700,000 tonnes of Sydney's red-bin rubbish near Parkes hits a hurdle

The Parkes Shire Council has formally objected to controversial plans to dispose of some of Sydney's red-bin rubbish on the edge of its biggest town.

A sign stating no Parkes energy from waste incinerator on a fence

Published: TueTue 17 Feb 2026 at 10:19pmSource: ABC Central WestTopic: Recycling and Waste Managementby Joanna Woodburn

Police probe suspicious fire that killed mother and injured two children

NSW Police renew their appeal for information about a suspicious house fire in 2023 that killed a woman and injured her two children.

Close-up portriat of a woman with white-blonde hair in a black top

Published: MonMon 16 Feb 2026 at 7:12amSource: ABC Central WestTopic: Policeby Xanthe Gregory

Pub fire leaves residents mourning more than just a watering hole

The temporary loss of a pub is hitting residents of a country NSW town hard.

Man stands with arms crossed in front of Forbes Inn Hotel-Motel.

Published: 14 Feb 2026Sat 14 Feb 2026 at 10:03pmSource: ABC Central WestTopic: Pubs, Taverns and Barsby Emily Middleton

Listen back

ABC Central West Local News

Local news, updated weekdays at 6:30am.

Duration: 4 minutes 58 seconds

Source: Listen

Show & Tell: Sita Walker

What do a book, pickle jar and ring have in common? They're the items author Sita Walker chose for Show & Tell.

Duration: 22 minutes 21 seconds

Source: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Bookswith Rae Johnston

Newcastle Knights super fans head to Las Vegas

No distance is too far for mother-son duo, who will make the trip to Las Vegas to cheer on the Newcastle Knights.

A man and a woman stand next to each other smiling, they are wearing newcastle knights football jerseys

Duration: 6 minutes 50 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Rugby Leaguewith Paul Turton

A young woman dies in extreme heat doing a job she loved

The death of a young Dutch woman on a Pilbara station is a warning for others to pay attention to the signs of heat stress.

A woman smiles on horseback, wearing a broadbrimmed hat. To her left is a herd of brown and white cattle.

Duration: 8 minutes 48 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Agricultureby Alistair Bates and David Claughton

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Watch

Forbes Inn fire

The Forbes Inn caught alight in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Bystander video of a hotel fire at night

Duration: 10 seconds

Source: ABC Central West

Police release CCTV as part of Lake Cargelligo shootings manhunt.

NSW Police have released CCTV footage of 37-year-old Julian Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, attending a police station on January 22.

CCTV frame shows Julian Ingram outside a police station, wearing high-vis and a brimmed cap.

Duration: 51 seconds

Source: ABC News

Controversy over Parkes rubbish incinerator plans

Across Australia, cities are facing a landfill crisis as tips near capacity. One of the solutions being considered in NSW is to dispose of Sydney's rubbish to regional communities. Joanna Woodburn reports.

Duration: 7 minutes 19 seconds

Source: ABC News

Japanese Elvis Tribute Artist takes centre stage

English isn't Toyokazu Toki's first language but that doesn't stop him getting into the spirit of Elvis Presley.

A Japanese man impersonates Elvis on stage.

Duration: 44 seconds

Source: ABC News

Features

Volunteers save lives with 'first aid, but on steroids'

In parts of rural and remote New South Wales, groups of volunteers are brushing up on high-level first aid skills to become first responders when an ambulance crew cannot.

Source: ABC RiverinaTopic: Volunteeringby Jess Scully

A heart transplant reminded Keith how important his mates were

Keith Cowen was alone on his farm in regional NSW when he had a heart attack. It made him realise how much he needed mates around him.

A man with a blue shirt and grey hair stand smiling in front of a garden holding two pamphlets.

Source: ABC RiverinaTopic: Mental Healthby Nicola Ceccato

How The Dish reintroduced Australia to the Moon landing

The film The Dish helped reintroduce a new generation of Australians to the critical role the Parkes Observatory played in the Moon landing. Twenty-five years after its release, the film has had a lasting impact.

Sam Neill and three actors in front of the Dish

Source: ABC Central WestTopic: Moviesby Hamish Cole

Old fashioned farming with heavy horses

Aleks Berzins is farming the land in the same way his grandfather did, using draught horses for jobs now widely done by machines.

A man sits on an old plough with horses in the foreground

Source: LandlineTopic: Horse Farmingby Emily Doak

What's happening

Know your ABCs in an emergency

This summer know your ABCs; action plan, be safe, connect with us. The ABC has a host of useful resources and tips on how to best prepare yourself for emergency weather so you can keep you and your household safe.

Letters A, B and C in pink, yellow and blue with small infographics of people completing emergency safety tasks

Published: 17 Dec 2025Wed 17 Dec 2025 at 5:08amSource: ABC EmergencyTopic: Bushfires

Download our free ABC listen app

The ABC listen app connects you to the best podcasts and live radio from the presenters you know and love. Download it today and hear the world differently.

Published: 27 Aug 2024Tue 27 Aug 2024 at 4:23amSource: ABC BRISBANE

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Want informative, educational and entertaining stories straight to your inbox? Subscribe to a wide range of newsletters from around the ABC including local and national content.

Published: 17 Jun 2024Mon 17 Jun 2024 at 1:53amSource: ABC BRISBANE

Tell us what you think about our programs

You can help shape what we do by joining our online feedback community, YourSpace. Plus, you'll have a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 gift cards monthly!

Photoshopped YourSpace Header which reads: 'How are we doing? ABC Your Space'

Published: 11 Jul 2023Tue 11 Jul 2023 at 12:02amSource: Radio

NSW Sport

'Awesome' Cherry-Evans lauded on debut by star Roosters teammate

Daly Cherry-Evans shows immediate signs of a strong combination with new Roosters halves mate Sam Walker in his first match for his new NRL club.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: NRL

Cleary facing two-match ban over hit in Panthers' trial loss to Tigers

Nathan Cleary can accept a two-match suspension with an early plea after his high hit on Wests Tigers star Heamasi Makasini.

Nathan Cleary looks on next to a Panthers teammate

Source: ABC NewsTopic: NRL

'She just gave birth today': Samu shines for Tahs after baby birth

Wallabies veteran Pete Samu has helped the NSW Waratahs to consecutive wins to start the Super Rugby Pacific season, just hours after the birth of his child.

Pete Samu of the Waratahs running with the rugby ball, trying to break free of a tackle

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Super Rugby

Milano-Cortina: How Alysa Liu reclaimed her joy and turned it in to gold

Alysa Liu retired from figure skating four years ago, aged 16, saying she'd lost herself in competition. Fast-forward to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and she's back with a gold medal around her neck but perhaps more importantly, she did it her way.

American figure skater Alysa Liu holds her arms out at the Olympics.

Duration: 13 minutes 30 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Sport

NSW News

Quilts 'made with love' bring comfort to end-of-life patients

Over a decade, more than 2,000 quilts have been made for palliative care patients in Taree. The powerful gesture brings dignity and comfort, and a tangible memory for families.

An older person holds a younger person's hand, on top of a bright handmade quilt.

Source: ABC Mid North CoastTopic: Human Interestby Emma Siossian

How Bad Bunny builds community from San Juan to Sydney

This weekend Bad Bunny offers Australia a lesson in community, identity and how to belong without diluting your true self.

composite image featuring two women smiling and one man with a straight expression.

Source: Double JTopic: Musicby Dan Condon

Taking the rhyme and reason of rap behind bars to help young offenders

The musical genre is helping young offenders at a juvenile detention centre in southern NSW find their voices.

A pair of headphones hanging on a pole with a man in the background

Source: ABC RiverinaTopic: Juvenile Crimeby Jostina Basta

Police appeal for information after burnt-out car found in kidnapping probe

Police are probing a 2022 model Toyota Corolla, bearing a Victorian number plate, reported stolen from a Victorian address in January.

A white vehicle completely destroyed by fire.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Kidnappingby Miriah Davis

National News

Trump tells Starmer to avoid 'wokeism' in Chagos Islands agreement

The US president has told the UK it is making a "big mistake" in its decision to transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius.

Four fighter jets on tarmac in front of blue water with another fighter jet in the clear sky.

Published: 9m agoSun 22 Feb 2026 at 4:02amSource: ABC NewsTopic: World Politicsby Lewis Wiseman

Rescue operation underway after multiple boats capsize during Hobart race

A gust of wind causes a number of boats to capsize in the River Derwent during a race.

Published: 3m agoSun 22 Feb 2026 at 4:08amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Accidents and Emergency Incidents

Migraine is more than just a headache. A neurologist explains the four stages

Knowing the four distinct phases of a migraine can help you recognise the symptoms and manage pain at each stage.

Published: 1h agoSun 22 Feb 2026 at 2:31amSource: The ConversationTopic: Health

After a rare Supreme Court loss for Trump, here's his record with the bench

Donald Trump was furious when the US Supreme Court ruled that his use of tariffs was illegal. Here's how earlier cases in that jurisdiction have fared.

Published: 1h agoSun 22 Feb 2026 at 2:13amSource: ABC NewsTopic: World Politicsby Sohani Goonetillake

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ABC Central West

Show & Tell: Sita Walker

Growers warn 'watered down' lavender oil widespread in surging imports

Volunteers save lives with 'first aid, but on steroids'

Drought-hit farmers warn impacts will reach 'city folk'

Plan to burn 700,000 tonnes of Sydney's red-bin rubbish near Parkes hits a hurdle

Police probe suspicious fire that killed mother and injured two children

Pub fire leaves residents mourning more than just a watering hole

ABC Central West Local News

Show & Tell: Sita Walker

Newcastle Knights super fans head to Las Vegas

A young woman dies in extreme heat doing a job she loved

ABC Radio CENTRAL WEST

Live. ABC Sport

Connect with ABC Central West

Forbes Inn fire

Police release CCTV as part of Lake Cargelligo shootings manhunt.

Controversy over Parkes rubbish incinerator plans

Japanese Elvis Tribute Artist takes centre stage

Volunteers save lives with 'first aid, but on steroids'

A heart transplant reminded Keith how important his mates were

How The Dish reintroduced Australia to the Moon landing

Old fashioned farming with heavy horses

Know your ABCs in an emergency

Download our free ABC listen app

Sign up for an ABC newsletter

Tell us what you think about our programs

'Awesome' Cherry-Evans lauded on debut by star Roosters teammate

Cleary facing two-match ban over hit in Panthers' trial loss to Tigers

'She just gave birth today': Samu shines for Tahs after baby birth

Milano-Cortina: How Alysa Liu reclaimed her joy and turned it in to gold

Quilts 'made with love' bring comfort to end-of-life patients

How Bad Bunny builds community from San Juan to Sydney

Taking the rhyme and reason of rap behind bars to help young offenders

Police appeal for information after burnt-out car found in kidnapping probe

Trump tells Starmer to avoid 'wokeism' in Chagos Islands agreement

Rescue operation underway after multiple boats capsize during Hobart race

Migraine is more than just a headache. A neurologist explains the four stages

After a rare Supreme Court loss for Trump, here's his record with the bench

Other ways to listen

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