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A French national has been charged with allegedly trying to import 22kg of methamphetamine into Australia, hidden in his luggage. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers stopped the man, 20, for a routine examination after he arrived at Sydney Airport on a flight from Amsterdam on 20 July, 2025. They allegedly found 22 vacuum-sealed bags containing a clear crystalline substance. Presumptive testing of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine, with an estimated weight of 22kg. The matter was handed over to AFP officers, who arrested the man and seized the illicit drugs. The seizure has an estimated street value of more than $20 million and could have equated to 220,000 individual street deals.* The man was charged with: One count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and One count of possessing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to subsection 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). Both offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The man appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on 21 July, 2025, and was formally refused bail. He will return to the same court on 16 September, 2025. AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP and ABF continued to see individuals attempting to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia in their luggage. “The AFP is working closely with our partners at the border and overseas to disrupt these importations before the drugs ever hit our streets,” Det Supt Blunden said. “This is not a victimless crime. The drugs these individuals carry fuel violence, addiction and organised crime in our communities. Every kilogram seized is a blow to the networks that profit from harm and a reminder that Australia is not an easy target.” ABF Superintendent Elke West said officers’ intelligence-driven targeting allowed for swift action at the border. “Australian Border Force officers are the first line of defence when it comes to travellers attempting to smuggle harmful contraband into Australia,” Supt West said. “Working alongside our partner agencies, we are at the ready 24/7 to disrupt this criminal behaviour at the border, protecting members of the community one detection at a time.” *Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Drug Calculator. /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined Olympic Gold Medallists Jess and Noemie Fox at Penrith Whitewater Stadium to announce that the Minns Labor Government is providing $250,000 for a Legacy Impact Program as part of the ICF Slalom World Championships Sydney 2025. The Program features a number of initiatives that will inspire the next generation of paddlers and ensure the benefits of NSW hosting the event are felt long after the last medal is presented. The Legacy Impact Program includes the establishment of a Western Sydney Paddle Hub and Paddle Connect mobile outreach program, community group activations, scholarships for under-represented groups to get involved in paddling, coach development programs and the establishment of a new Western Sydney Para Program to provide a pathway for para-athletes. Supported by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, the Sydney 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium from 29 September – 4 October 2025 will see the best paddlers from 50 nations compete at the Olympic venue almost exactly 25 years after Sydney 2000. Up to 20,000 spectators are expected to attend the World Championships which will feature 10 medal events, including Canoe and Kayak singles (C1 and K1), Canoe and Kayak Teams, and Kayak Cross. Tickets are on sale now for the ICF Slalom World Championships Sydney 2025 at Penrith Whitewater Stadium and can be purchased at: https://www.sydney2025.com/tickets Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “The countdown is on until the ICF Slalom World Championships Sydney 2025. “In 10 weeks’ time the world’ s best paddlers will be competing for World Championship Gold on the rapids at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. “Without doubt the stars of the show will be two girls from Penrith, Jess and Noemie Fox, as they strive for glory at their home world championships. “The NSW Government is excited to be providing $250,000 towards a Legacy Impact Program that will create lasting, inclusive participation pathways across NSW to support the next generation of paddlers inspired by the achievements of athletes at the event.” Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said: “Penrith is proud to be the home of the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships, and I’m thrilled to see the NSW Government investing $250,000 in a Legacy Impact Program that will benefit our community for years to come. “This initiative ensures the next generation of paddlers from Western Sydney can dream big and access world-class opportunities. “Hosting the World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium is a major win for our community. “It will bring international attention, boost local tourism, assist businesses and put Penrith on the map as a premier destination for world-class water sports.” Head of the Host Organising Committee Richard Fox said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the world to western Sydney for the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships in less than 100 days’ time. “It is our hope that this event will create an impact beyond the duration of the World Championships, which has now been made more possible thanks to the support of the NSW Government in the way of the Legacy Impact Program grant. “Using the World Championships as the vehicle for promoting health and wellbeing, our team will create opportunities for more people to get on water and participate in paddling, connect with paddling and engage in our paddling community,” he said. /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

Monaro Police are reminding hikers to check for adverse weather alerts after a multi-agency Alpine rescue operation overnight. About 1.15pm yesterday (Saturday 26 July 2025), a search operation commenced after a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) was activated in the vicinity of the Dead Horse Gap Track, Kosciuszko National Park, south-west of Thredbo. Officers attached to Monaro Police District and Police Search and Rescue, State Emergency Service Alpine Search and Rescue operators, and NSW Ambulance Alpine Operations paramedics were deployed to locate the hiking party. The seven hikers – aged from 21 to 48 – were found about 7pm before they were assessed by paramedics and treated for exposure to the cold. All were taken to Thredbo Village in a Snowcat vehicle. Police were told the hikers had become disoriented after a sudden change in weather conditions. Monaro Police District Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Keith Price, said the fact the group had a PLB with them greatly assisted the rescuers. “Activating the PLB meant rescuers had a precise location as well as information about the stranded group, enabling the appropriate resources to be deployed more quickly. “Even experienced hikers with the right gear can be impacted by sudden weather changes and our advice to all hikers in the Alpine area is to always check for weather alerts, plan your route carefully, and take a PLB,” Supt Price said. For more information on safe hiking practices see https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/crime_prevention/outdoor_recreation and for park alerts, visit NSW National Parks https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

Mirage News 27 Jul 2025 3:38 pm AEST Date Time NSW Gov The Minns Labor Government will introduce legislation when Parliament returns in August to limit the pay rises for NSW parliamentarians to 3.5 per cent in 2025-2026. The independent Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal (PRT) has awarded a 4 per cent for NSW politicians. This comes as the Government’s legislated wage freeze of the pay of MPs, senior public servants, judges, the governor, and other office holders for two years came to an end on July 1. It was a significant budget measure that saved the NSW budget hundreds of millions of dollars. Given the Tribunal’s decision to award a higher increase than the base increase offered to essential public sector workers, the Minns Labor Government believes the most responsible and fair course of action is to align the parliamentary pay rise with the pay offer of 3.5 per cent to the general public sector workforce last financial year. This ensures consistency with broader public sector wage settings and reflects the Government’s commitment to responsible budget management and fairness. This will mean in the first three years of the Minns Labor Government, essential workers will have received a minimum pay rise of 10.5 per cent, three times higher than the 3.5 per cent plus super which politicians will have received in three years. Premier Chris Minns said: “We removed the wages cap so we could deliver fair pay increases to the essential workers who keep NSW running – like teachers, paramedics, nurses, firefighters and police.” Special Minister of State John Graham said: “While the government has settled the majority of public sector pay claims, there are still important pay disputes underway. We have taken the view it is the wrong moment for parliamentarian pay to increase by 4%.” /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade We, the Foreign and Defence Ministers of Australia and the Foreign and Defence Secretaries of the United Kingdom, reaffirm our shared commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda as a cornerstone of our foreign and defence policies. Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in October this year, the promise of the WPS agenda remains unfulfilled. Around the world, women and girls continue to be disproportionally affected by conflict and insecurity, and their exclusion from conflict prevention and peace processes is preventing the achievement of lasting peace, security and prosperity. Australia and the United Kingdom have long championed action across the four pillars of the WPS agenda: Participation, Prevention, Protection and Relief and Recovery. This includes driving progress to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence, and both nations are deeply concerned by its pervasive use as a deliberate and devastating tactic of war. Together, we remain committed to the full implementation of the WPS agenda, including to: Promote women’s leadership across all realms of peace and security, including conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peacekeeping operations, and defence institutions. Support women-led organisations and human rights defenders working in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Strengthen accountability mechanisms to prevent and respond to sexual gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. Collaborate internationally to share best practices, build capacity, and advocate for the WPS agenda in multilateral forums and through the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict. We recognise that progress requires sustained political will and inclusive partnerships. As close partners, Australia and the United Kingdom will continue to work together to ensure that the WPS agenda remains central to our efforts to build a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world. Issued in Darwin, this 27th day of July 2025. /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

The archbishop of Warsaw has asked the Vatican to defrock a priest charged with the killing of a 68-year-old homeless man who was beaten with an axe and set on fire in Poland. Prosecutors on Saturday charged the priest, only identified as Mirosław M. in line with Polish privacy rules, with murder with particular cruelty. He is being detained ahead of a trial and faces 15 years to life behind bars. Investigators say the priest and the victim, Anatol Cz., were together in a car late Thursday when an argument broke out, according to Aneta Góźdź, a spokesperson for the Radom District Prosecutor’s Office. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today The fight stemmed from a donation agreement where the priest had agreed to provide lifelong assistance and care for the man, Góźdź said in a statement. The argument escalated over the homeless man’s future housing. The priest allegedly struck the victim on the head with an axe, doused him in flammable liquid and set him on fire, the spokesperson said. The priest then drove away when he saw a bicycle light approaching. The bicyclist found the victim engulfed in flames and called for first responders, Góźdź said. “An autopsy showed that the victim suffered burns covering 80 per cent of his body and head injuries caused by a sharp-edged heavy object,” Góźdź said. Warsaw Archbishop Adrian Galbas on Saturday requested the Holy See to dismiss the priest from the priesthood, the highest penalty in canon law for a cleric. In a statement to the archdiocese on Friday, Galbas asked for Catholics to pray for the victim and his loved ones. The archbishop said he was “devastated” by the crime and pledged to cooperate with investigators. The Vatican did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read More

A sequel to the 2002 sports-drama movie Bend It Like Beckham is in the works. The film, which starred Keira Knightley, Parminder Nagra and Johnathan Rhys-Meyers, is widely credited with inspiring a generation of women to play football, and director Gurinder Chadha thinks now is the perfect moment to launch a sequel. “We’ve been part of changing the game for women, so it felt like this was a good time for me to go back and investigate the characters,” the 65-year-old filmmaker told the BBC. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today The England women’s team has enjoyed significant success in recent years and faced Spain in the final of Euro 2025 overnight, a repeat of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Australia won 1-0 by the Spanish. Chadha says attitudes towards women’s football have changed since the first movie, but admits more progress is needed. “A lot has changed since the original movie, but I think that people still don’t think that women should play football,” she says. “There are people who still don’t take it seriously, although the Lionesses are riding high. “I’ve left it a while, but I thought: look at the Euros, look at the Lionesses.” Chadha hopes the sequel will spread a positive message and “challenge” stereotypes. “What I did was say you can do what you want, and you can have it all, and I think that’s a really great message to put out again,” she says. “I think there’s still stuff to say, and stuff to challenge.” Bend It Like Beckham proved to be a big moment in Keira Knightley’s career, but the actress previously revealed that her friends scoffed at the idea of making the movie. During an appearance on The Tonight Show, she told host Jimmy Fallon: “I literally remember telling people I was doing it and it’s called Bend It Like Beckham, and them going, ‘Oh that’s really embarrassing’. And they were all like, ‘Don’t worry. Nobody will see it. It’s fine.’” Knightley noted that “women’s soccer was not as big” in 2002 as it is now, and so her friends assumed that the movie would flop at the box office. “Women’s soccer was not as big back then, and so the idea of the whole thing was sort of ridiculous,” she says. Despite this, the film proved its doubters wrong, earning more than $70 million at the box office and even inspiring a musical adaptation. And Knightley — who also starred in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise — is still constantly reminded of her role in the movie by fans. “It’s amazing because it’s still the film even today, you know, if someone comes up to talk to me about my work, it’s that one,” she says. “It’s so loved. It’s amazing.” Read More

An important software update has been rolled out on some Google Pixel phone to stop the device’s battery from overheating and catching on fire. Google Pixel 6a smartphones in Chalk, Sage and Charcoal colours sold between June 16, 2022 and April 10, 2025 have been impacted by the overheating issue. “An overheating battery could pose a risk of fire and/or burns to a user,” Product Safety Australia (PSA) said.“Incidents have occurred resulting in serious burn injuries.” Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today An automatic software update to Android 16 was rolled out to the devices in Australia on July 8. The update provides new battery management features that reduce the risk of the battery overheating. According to PSA, the new battery management system will be activated once the impacted device receives the update and reaches 400 battery cycles. “If your device is not impacted by the issue, the firmware update will have no impact on battery management and the device will perform the same as before,” it said. Consumers do not need to return the phone. Once the update has been installed, users can continue using the phone. Some Google Pixel 6a users may be entitled to some form of compensation. People can check their eligibility on Google’s website. Read More

Sydney’s motorsport community is in mourning after a much-loved driver was killed in a high-speed crash at Eastern Creek on Saturday night. Darren Barlow, 53, was a life member and the president of the Supersports Race Car Club of Australia, and a former national champion. He was competing in the NSW Motor Race Championship on Saturday when his car left the track and rolled. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Paramedics rushed to the scene but he was unable to be saved. “His vehicle left the racetrack at high speed and unfortunately rolled and he died as a result of that crash,” NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol assistant commander David Driver said. “There will be a local investigation where the police will prepare a report for the coroner.” In lead-up races Barlow’s vehicle, number 27, had ignition issues but no major incidents in the eight-car field. Darren Barlow, 53, died in a crash at Eastern Creek on Saturday night. Credit: 7NEWS Racing co-ordinator and close friend Ric Shaw said Barlow’s loss would be keenly felt. “[He was] a lovely, friendly guy, he’d make you feel so welcome and so warm,” Shaw told 7NEWS. “We’ve lost a guy who was worth his weight in gold and I honestly don’t know how you’re ever going to replace him. “I’m sure everyone else in motorsport would want to say the same thing: I’d like to say Darren, thanks mate, and we’re really going to miss you.” Read More

Brownlow Medal favourite Nick Daicos put on a clinic as AFL ladder leaders Collingwood ended a two-match losing skid with a hard-fought 36-point win over Richmond. Daicos shone in the wet conditions and was clearly the best player on the ground in the Magpies’ 13.15 (93) to 8.9 (57) victory at the MCG on Sunday. It ensured Collingwood (15-4) finished an 11th consecutive week on top of the ladder, ahead of a huge clash with third-placed Brisbane next round. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Daicos almost certainly claimed another three Brownlow votes against the Tigers as he tallied 42 disposals — one short of the personal best he set a week earlier — to go with three goals, 14 score involvements and 884 metres gained. Daicos switched with brother Josh (30 disposals) between midfield and half-back, and also pushed forward with great effect, in the highest-rated performance of any player this season. “Whatever the measure is, to be the most of anyone in the competition this year says a lot about his game,” Pies coach Craig McRae said. “That’s two weeks in a row he’s been able to create off half-back in moments and then still not lose that dynamic stuff around the ball, and even moving deep forward. “That’s a year full of planning somewhat, and then finding out what the game needs and what we need.” Tom Mitchell (29 disposals) and Ned Long (23, six clearances) were also busy for Collingwood, and Tim Membrey (two) was one of four multiple goal-kickers on return after a week off. Richmond slumped to a 5-14 record, but the rebuilding Tigers were far from disgraced, taking the fight to their opponents despite a gulf in class. Tim Taranto (calf) was a late withdrawal, leaving Jacob Hopper (33 disposals) and Tyler Sonsie (28) to win the bulk of the Tigers’ ball in the middle. Steely Green kicked two goals on his return, including an audacious effort from the boundary line, and Taj Hotton also kicked two in his third senior game. Richmond showed plenty of pluck and were within two points midway through the second term when Green converted a free kick. But the Pies kicked the next three goals without reply before halftime, opening up a 7.6 to 4.4 lead by the main break. Daicos was a class above every other player in wet conditions, tallying 22 touches, two goals and seven score involvements to that point. Green and Noah Balta kicked the opening two goals of the second half for Richmond, while Collingwood lost Lachie Sullivan to a suspected season-ending posterior cruciate ligament injury. But the Pies again accelerated, with Daicos’s brilliant left-foot goal one of five in a row that pushed the margin out to a game-high 41 points before three-quarter time. They were never challenged from there, winning as expected after successive defeats by single-figure margins against Gold Coast and Fremantle. Richmond coach Adem Yze said he decided against tagging Daicos, opting to keep the plan simple for his young players. “You’ve got a responsibility as a midfielder when you’re leaning on someone, but he’s just such a talented kid,” Yze said. “The three goals probably did hurt us in the end, but the last few weeks he’s had 40 (touches) and it hasn’t guaranteed wins for them. “My eye was more to what we were doing, and in the last quarter I didn’t think he had a huge influence, and we kept playing our way.” Read More