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Latest news and issues
ANZ at cashless tipping point after fundamental change to bank business model
WHEN does a bank cease to be a bank? Seven months ago, at a hearing of the Federal Government’s House Economics Committee in August 2024, Labor MP Tania Lawrence attempted to ask ANZ Bank chief executive Shayne Elliott about ANZ refusing to accept cash at the counter from customers.
Hard NO to cash mandate that will do more harm than good
The Federal Government has published a proposal for a cash mandate that will only apply to a legislated list of “essential” goods and services and give express permission to more than 97 per cent of businesses in Australia* to refuse to accept cash.
Does the Treasurer have a god complex or is he just trying to avoid the really hard reforms?
THE Senate inquiry into regional bank closures, which delivered its final report in May this year, was an important investigation by...
ANZ's bid to outsmart Suncorp contract reaches new low
ABOVE: From ANZ's response to a customer complaint over the Katoomba closure dated September 6, 2024. JUST when it seemed ANZ’s attempts...
ANZ blows up 'legally binding' Suncorp deal over Katoomba branch
ABOVE: ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott after telling Economics Committee chairman Daniel Mulino for the second time that ANZ had...
A win for the people as Australia's big banks finally go too far
IT is impossible to pinpoint an exact time when Australia’s big four banks turned on their regional customer base but May 24, 2024 will...
When money changes hands, independence is out the window
THE Commonwealth Bank has marked the Sunshine Coast again being named the fastest growing regional migration destination in Australia by...
Banks blow their chance to self-regulate by betraying trust
IT may have taken 20 years but a Federal Government inquiry has finally made good on a warning that if the 'big four' banks did not...
Report signals party is over for Australia's big four banks
OFFICIAL recognition of banking as an essential service, the end of self-regulation of the banking industry and a pathway forward for the...
Latest sport - equestrian
Adelaide turns on the magic for 25th birthday celebration
ADELAIDE’S city parklands have been once again transformed into the stage for one of the most prestigious equestrian events on the international calendar.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival, the only five-star eventing competition in the Southern Hemisphere, returned with four days of elite competition, drawing top riders from across Australia and New Zealand to contest the three phases of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping—right in the heart of the South Australian capi
Dynamic duo makes spotting a future champion look easy
THERE’S an old saying, "he's got a good eye for a horse". It means someone is skilled at recognising all-round quality and that undefinable “something” that is a combination of conformation, temperament and suitability for a specific purpose, such as racing or riding.
SA crowns its new state champions after a solid four days of jumping
THE 2025 South Australian State Jumping Championships showcased the diverse showjumping talent in the region. Held across the ANZAC Day weekend at Talunga Park, Mount Pleasant, riders competed in two rings at the Equestrian South Australia event, culminating in a series of thrilling finales on the final day.
Everyone's wild about Harry - and he's a horse who deserves the love
ABOVE: Global PPS (Harry) and Stephanie Barrington. Picture: DEREK O'LEARY THERE’S always a story behind a great show horse and Global...
Australasia's top drivers head to Longwood for championships
ABOVE: Margaret Sperrin and her Welsh Mountain Pony Mosman Park Foxtrot put in a consistent performance across the three disciplines to...
Riddells Creek Horse Trials provide a perfect Easter outing
ABOVE: Alice Hogan and Curious George from Maldon Pony Club looking the perfect partnership competing in grade four. Picture: DEREK...
Stonewall a glamorous backdrop for NSW Show Horse Championships
ABOVE: Champion leading rein show hunter pony was Sandy Beattie's Bamborough Catapulte ridden by Elizabeth Alexander. Picture: LORELLE...
How the Bendigo showgrounds project became a sports rort (without the sport)
ABOVE: This year's Victorian Agricultural Shows Saddle Horse Championships at the Bendigo Showgrounds attracted more than 300 entries...
Plan confirms sports funding not being used for sports pavilion
ABOVE: From the 2019 Bendigo Showgrounds Master Plan - the proposed sports pavilion in the equestrian precinct (circled top) and the...
Latest lifestyle and features
Guardian of the dressage gate always ready with a kind word
ABOVE: Les Limpus is a familiar face at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. Picture: TY MANNING EACH year at the Adelaide Equestrian...
The Clydie cross a policewoman just couldn't leave behind
ABOVE: Tiffany Williams and Toby, captured by Sydney Morning Herald photographer Steven Siewert. THE Clydesdale cross is one of the most...
What goes on inside the curious world of a cat's mind?
TOM came to us for unknown reasons. A stranger in our midst, yes, but feral? He was clearly somebody’s pet but having learned from other...
Story of the stock saddle a ride worth strapping in for
I HAVEN’T enjoyed a book more for ages. I am deep into Wild Ride, The story of the Australian Stock Saddle by Fiona Carruthers and have...
Four lambs! Tale of Queenie the supermum launches new author
SHEEP farmer Suzanne Lewis has just published her first children’s book and had no further to look for something to write about than her...
Dogs, gardening and welcoming a new puppy into the family
COLUMN: PEOPLE who love dogs often love gardens, and often, keeping mental peace while loving the two can be fraught. Many people have...
The Master: inside the world of an Olympic showjumper
BOOK REVIEW: OLYMPIC showjumper John Fahey’s memoir, The Master, pulls no punches. It is a great read for any horse lover, even if...
Horses put on the map with our national monument and art trail
TRAVEL: AUSTRALIA is a horse-loving country and we are all familiar with the names that have moved into folklore. Our greatest racehorse...
'Big Four' banks casting a dangerous shadow
Are cashed-up and bankless towns just watching the money go round and round? CASTERTON, Grenfell, Home Hill, Nathalia and Toukley. Five...
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