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Gerard Depardieu plays the methodical, ever-observant centre of gravity in Maigret. Picture: Palace Cinemas

Gerard Depardieu brings the weight of the world to the lead role in filmmaker Patrice Leconte's take on the classic French detective

The real crime? That this could be the first and last time we see Depardieu play Maigret

Gerard Depardieu in a scene from 'Maigret'. Picture: Supplied

Maigret as famous a character in his fictional home country as Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot is in ours.

A subtle take on a towering icon

Medicinal cannabis help for hounds making progress

Protesters in Newcastle (left) and marching through Sydney (right) on Friday, May 27.

Some 18,000 teachers and support staff across 540 Catholic diocesan schools went on strike.

Catholic school teachers strike across NSW, ACT

Flu shot 2.jpg

The overall influenza cases are 12 per cent lower this year than in pre-covid years.

Flu cases in children on the rise but 'don't panic' and get the jab say experts

This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning .

Sharp sceptics of The Echidna, thank you

Tom Cruise is back as Maverick. Picture: Paramount

In various ways, the film makes subtle, effective connections with the original movie.

'Top Gun: Maverick' is better than original

One of the best ways for households to shave money off their electricity bill is to contact their retailer and ask for the best deal available.

It pays to shop around when it comes to energy prices

Incoming energy minister Chris Bowen. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Chris Bowen says coming price rises are the legacy of the Coalition government, but claimed Labor's vision to invest in renewables would bring down prices in the long term.

'Nine years of neglect': Labor blames Coalition for energy price rises

Unusually wet weather is forecast for NSW, South Australia, Queensland and the NT this winter, according to the Bureau of Meteorology's Winter 2022 Climate Outlook, which was released on Thursday.

Unusually wet weather is forecast for NSW, South Australia, Queensland and the NT.

Above average rainfall, temperatures forecast this winter

Aussie Joel Edgerton gets a call-back as Uncle Owen. Picture: Disney+

It's a no-brainer Disney continues to mine that galaxy far, far away for guaranteed streaming spice.

Disney's Obi-Wan Kenobi comes with two telling decisions

If you are unclear on exactly what the Uluru Statement from the Heart is and what it calls for, we have your questions answered.

What is the Uluru Statement and an Indigenous Voice to Parliament?

Australians wanted to change the curtains: Former prime minister Scott Morrison. Picture: AAP

Scott Morrison has sat down for his first interview since Saturday's comprehensive election loss.

'Vicious and brutal': Morrison ducks responsibility for election loss

PAST WINNER: The 2018 winner, trailblazing biodynamic farmer and grazier Charlie Arnott, Boorowa, NSW, used his prize money to launch his highly successful podcast The Regenerative Journey.

Time is running out to nominate for the 2022 Bob Hawke Landcare Award.

$50,000 in store for Landcare champion

COST OF LIVING: Inflation is a normal part of a functioning economy, but problems begin when the cost of living is rising faster than wages can grow.

The cost of living has been a huge talking point over the past few months.

Inflation, interest rates, wage growth, cost of living: How does it all work?

It's hard to imagine the campaigning style of Barnaby Joyce helped Liberal moderates battling teal independents in their inner-city heartland. Picture: Getty Images

There is no doubt being in the Coalition made the Liberal brand much less attractive in the party's inner-city heartland.

It's time for the Liberals to rethink their coalition with the Nationals

Anthony Albanese is yet to confirm if his partner Jodie Haydon (left) will move with him into the prime minister's official residence. Picture AAP

Making Canberra the PM's full-time home would send a "powerful signal" about how Mr Albanese intended to govern, the rugby great said.

PM Albanese should live in The Lodge: Pocock

Sushannah Taylor and her six-month-old daughter Luna (right) and a tent their family of four lived in a person's backyard in Bundaberg (left).

Sushannah Taylor her husband Tristan and their two daughters have been homeless in Bundaberg, Queensland since April 10, 2022.

Mum documents family life in tents, motels amid rental crisis

Adam Bandt is prepared to back the Haines model, saying he 'doesn't care' whose name is on the bill. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

The new government has promised an anti-corruption watchdog with teeth. The powerful crossbench wants it within months.

'Ready to go': Greens want ICAC before budget

NATURAL TALENT: Kaison Hao is passionate about learning the piano. Picture: supplied.

He started learning aged five, and he's only be playing for 11 months.

See why this young pianist was named one of the world's best

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Cardinal George Pell is due to be sentenced after being found guilty of child sexual abuse.

Chief Judge Peter Kidd has handed down his sentence after Cardinal George Pell was convicted for attacks on two choirboys in the 1990s.

George Pell sentenced to six years

STRONG: Beautiful toddler Penelope Dean is the sunshine of her mother Emily's life. The brave little girl has been treated for a rare tumour.

Most people know McHappy Day is all about a good cause. The Dean family had first-hand experience of how the charity supports children fighting serious illness.

How McHappy Day helps brave tots like Penelope

Brendon McCullum takes over as England coach with the team winning just one of its past 17 Tests.

England can be saviour of Tests: McCullum

IT'S TIME: "We need either the federal government or the NSW government . . . to prepare and roll out a settlement strategy". 

We need many more houses, but that's not possible without land.

Addressing elephant in the planning room

Numerous adoption days are run across the state by GRNSW's Greyhound As Pets team. Photo: Supplied

Numerous adoption days are run across the state by GRNSW's Greyhound As Pets team

Numerous adoption days on the calendar

BE CAREFUL: Consumers looking to bag a bargain during the online 'Click Frenzy' sales are being urged to use caution and buy from reputable outlets.

online shopping 1.jpg

ACM has compiled a list of current scams identified on sites dedicated to informing people about fraudulent and dishonest activities.

Scamwatch: Beware of holiday deals too good to be true

HEADING IN TO VOTE: A road fatality on election night again taught me the importance of pressing hard on local issues.

Horror on the road bought the election into perspective.

Election night fatality a reminder to vote more wisely

Australia's new Defence Minister, Richard Marles, has an almighty task ahead of him. Picture: AAP

Richard Marles has a huge job before him in taking responsibility of Australia's national security. I look forward to the long-overdue upheaval in our defence planning.

What our new defence minister needs to do

All eight racing rugs now have new sponsorship, but they will all keep the same colours as before. Photo: Supplied

All eight GRNSW race rugs now carry individual sponsorship from wagering companies

New sponsorship deal for race rugs

Young people know what matters to them. Will Anthony Albanese and his government listen? Picture: AAP

Whether in metro, regional, or rural Australia, young people are demanding accountability from the government.

What the election result means for the youth of Australia

Will Anthony Albanese and Labor do a better job than the Coalition when it comes to dealing with the ABC? Picture: Getty Images

The ABC has been utterly abused by the former government. Will the next one do better?

Why Labor must save our ABC

Labor's commitment to a referendum on a Voice to Parliament was supported at the election. Let's make a Yes vote happen. Picture: AAP

A Voice to Parliament is a modest but very meaningful change to Australia's constitution. Let's embrace it.

Australia is ready to take the next step on the path to reconciliation

The latest episode of ACM's Echidna podcast looks ahead for Labor and Liberals as both face dilemmas and choices.

Should the Libs shift leftwards? Should Labor trim its policy for government?

SMALL BUT MIGHTY: the second generation ipod shuffle, Apple's most compact version, was released in late 2006 and came in different colours. Picture: Petula Bowa

Nostalgia flows as Apple announces the end of the iPod.

The end of the iPod marks the end of an era

This is a sample of The Echidna newsletter sent out each weekday morning through the election period.

Why the old petty feuding days need to end

Police officers at the scene after a teenager shot and killed 19 children at a Texas primary school. Photo: AP Photo

Why is it taking so long for meaningful action to be taken on gun control in the US?

Another senseless massacre signals Groundhog Day in 'land of the free'

Incoming Indigenous affairs minister Linda Burney. Picture: AAP

Raising the age is a reform which is not only long overdue, but is also widely supported by the community.

On National Sorry Day, let's not forsake another generation

It turns out that to have a shot at winning a seat in Parliament from a major party you need a credible candidate and some backing. Who knew? Picture: AAP

Surprise, surprise, some in the right-leaning media are suggesting the election result means the Liberals should swing to the right. Hogwash.

The votes are in the centre. It's not rocket science

Truth-telling: proud Narungga woman Sarah Jane Hall at Victoria Park. Photo: Luke Hemer

"My family have - forever, for generations - tried to navigate a foot in both worlds."

Progress on Indigenous justice but are we genuinely sorry?

More than 20 passengers on a tour boat at WA's Horizontal Falls have been injured.

Several injured in WA boating accident

Police are investigating the death of a woman from a gunshot wound on the Sunshine Coast.

Man arrested after woman shot dead in Qld

AMAQ president Maria Boulton says Medicare rebates are no longer keeping up with treatment costs.

Qld doctors seek Medicare, health reforms

ON BOARD: Coleambally rice farmer John Gorman with his Ampan board made from recycled rice stubble. 

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IT’S not quite turning water into wine, but a Coly rice farmer is poised to do the next best thing by turning worthless agricultural waste into a valuable building block.

Building bright future on rice

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A PASSIONATE farming advocate will hold tours of local properties in a bid to educate our city cousins about local food production.

Food bowl to be served up

ROLLED OATS: The site of a truck rollover in Darlington Point last year which damaged the historic town clock. Councillors have resolved to commission another artwork to replace the clock and situate it at another site in town. 

truck.jpg

A NEW monument will be erected in place of Darlington Point’s iconic town clock, which was damaged during a truck rollover on the Point’s main street 18 months ago.

Iconic clock to be replaced

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LOCAL water leaders have demanded the federal government agree to buy a huge parcel of Riverina irrigation entitlement, saying the sale could insulate the MIA against further cuts under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Govt urged to buy water

ON TOUR: The Young Irrigation Network tour group near the start of the Murrumbidgee River.  

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The Young Irrigation Network (YIN) is putting a call out to young people involved in any aspect of the irrigation industry to attend its family fun day on Friday, August 10 from 3.30pm at the Cottage Gallery.

Young irrigators set to gather in Griffith

LONG HAUL: Member for Farrer Sussan Ley, with supporters on Saturday night, has not ruled out putting her hand up to lead the Liberals, and affirmed she is committed to serving a full term after her re-election. Picture: JAMES WILTSHIRE

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley says it's up to party to choose leadership

Ley not ruling herself out for leadership, with lessons to learn for Libs

STRANGE PHENOMENON: Sussan Ley at the Albion Hotel on Saturday night said she would embrace "whatever the future brings". 

Farrer winner and loser ponder future for country as night turns sweet and sour

Victorious Ley, 'ecstatic' Cameron wonder what the future will bring

Anthony Albanese claims victory. Picture: Screenshot

Follow the updates and results for the federal election as they happen here.

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