Otago Daily Times News Feed

Switzerland has won Eurovision 2024 in Swedish host city Malmo, beating runner-up Croatia, after having been among bookmakers' top-three to win the competition.

Palestinians flee Rafah after Israeli forces launched a ground and air operation in the eastern part of the city. Photo: Reuters Israel has called for Palestinians in more areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah to evacuate and head to what it calls an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, in a further indication that the military is pressing ahead with its plans for a ground attack on Rafah.

Joshua Terrey pictured with his mother, Lyn Hartnett, and father, Peter Terrey. The three people responsible for his 2019 kidnapping and assault have now all been dealt with by the court. Photo: Supplied by family After ensuring a young father was held at a house under the ruse of getting drugs, Sophie Skye turned up with baseball bat and launched a "brutal" 23-minute attack under the belief he was responsible for breaking into her storage container.

Many people have goals of making it big in the film industry, or in the sporting arena.

Presbyterian Support Otago Family Works foodbank co-ordinator Marilyn Donaldson stands amid the diminishing supplies on the foodbank’s shelves, as demand climbs and donations fall. Photo: Brenda Harwood Reports nationally that families are struggling with the cost of living and are cutting back on essentials are being mirrored in Dunedin.

Mosgiel Community Foodbank co-ordinator Michelle Kerr says the steadfast support of the Taieri community helps keep the foodbank’s shelves well-stocked, even in tough times. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD The cheerful team at Mosgiel Community Foodbank have been caring for Taieri community members facing food insecurity for more than 30 years.

A Bennett’s wallaby. PHOTO: DOC Hunters releasing wallabies taken in as pets have contributed to scattered sightings of the pest animals in Otago, a regional councillor says.

Catherine Goodyear in 2014. Photos: supplied CATHERINE GOODYEAR  Social worker   A strong sense of family and motherly compassion guided Catherine Goodyear in her lifelong servitude to the less fortunate.

Isabella Falconer’s been accepted into the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. PHOTO: TABITHA ARTHUR PHOTOGRAPHY New York’s theatrical world is beckoning for a rising Queenstown star.

Kristy Jennings. Jeremy Presbury. PHOTOS: DAVID SUTTON PHOTOGRAPHY Three from three.

The officiating crew for the Highlanders-Moana Pasifika match in Tonga last weekend is (from left) assistant referee Jackson Henshaw, TMO Glen Newman, sideline manager Rebecca Stanaway, assistant referee Stu Curran and referee Ben O’Keeffe. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Glenavy rugby referee Jackson Henshaw was a part of history last weekend.

Old Boys first five Inoke Fisilau helped his side beat Athletic Marist 46-37 last weekend for their first win of the season. PHOTO: NIC DUFF When I die, bury me in an Excelsior jersey, because I might just come back.

Lightning Strike wing attack Ruby Fox looks to pass the ball during the opening round of their premier A netball game against Wildfire last weekend. PHOTO: NIC DUFF It was school mate against school mate and even coach against coach in the opening round of the North Otago premier A netball competition last weekend.

Oamaru Phoenix Bowling Club Kerry Kelly is the first North Otago player to win 50 centre titles. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A history-making North Otago athlete has described her achievements as "just another day".

Paws of Hope founder Nikki Marchant-Ludlow and her dog Lily love providing pet food to foodbanks. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The generosity of one pet-loving Waikouaiti resident has been reciprocated by a newly formed charity.

Oamaru Barnardos Early Learning Centre hosted a workshop earlier this week to learn how to implement a new programme called Engage. PHOTO: NIC DUFF It turns out that teaching young children skills in self-control may provide a better and longer-lasting alternative to existing treatments for ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Ryda programme co-co-ordinator Liona Stanicich speaks during the Ryda Road Safety Day in Oamaru last week. PHOTO: NIC DUFF Future road users were encouraged to make "low risk decisions" behind the wheel at an educational workshop last week.

Part of the Oamaru Creek bridge in Severn St has been coned off after being hit by a vehicle last month. PHOTO: WYATT RYDER One of Oamaru’s busiest bridges was damaged last month, but repairs may still be weeks away.

Oamaru Sings organiser Sally Randall in 2021. PHOTO: ARCHIVE A new project has begun to give aspirational singers of Oamaru a voice, regardless of their skill level.