Here's what you need to know this morning.
Major events to boost economy
The NSW government says Sydney's events calendar is set to boost the city's visitor economy.
Tourism Minister Ben Franklin said the events, set to take place over the coming months, would be a major drawcard for the Harbour City.
"In sport, we've got the NRL grand final, the Women's basketball world cup," Mr Franklin said.
"And it's not just about sport ... we've also got Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber and Elton John in terms of concerts.
"We've got Moulin Rouge and Beauty and the Beast as shows (which are then) topped off by World Pride."
The event calendar currently includes 84 major events and is forecast to deliver over $500 million in visitor expenditure for NSW.
Lettuce aplenty but consumers are missing
Vegetable prices in NSW are easing as supplies improve but consumer demand still needs to return to pre-flood levels, according to the industry.
The industry suffered significant losses during the floods which pushed up prices.
The CEO of the NSW Chamber of Fresh Produce Megan George said supplies have been rebuilding with significant volumes now at Sydney's Flemington markets and this is reflected in prices.
“Lettuce in the past was gold dust, in some of the shops I have seen up to $14 a lettuce and I am very pleased to see that the lettuce price in particular has plummeted beautifully for consumers to only a couple of dollars per lettuce,” she said.
But Ms George is concerned consumer demand is lagging after people sort alternatives during the price peak, now large volumes of vegetables are not shifting.
“Walking through the markets this week I’ve seen towers of lettuce and other produce but the stalls are much quieter than usual.”
While the supply chain is good at the moment the industry is nervously watching what impact a third La Nina may have on farming regions.
Farmers concerned over coal mines
Farmers are concerned about the impacts potential new coal mines will have on water sources in Narrabri, in regional NSW.
It follows the state government approving exploration licence applications for a coal company.
A new mapping analysis by community group Lock the Gate found a parcel of land known as Gorman north, released for exploration by the government in 2020, covers a recharge zone for the Great Artesian Basin, 182 water bores and a portion of the Pilliga Forest.
Narrabri farmer Andrew Mullins said he was concerned about the impact of any work in the area.
"The exploration process — the drilling associated with that — is going to put contamination risks on our water sources, which we are reliant on," he said.
"We drink it, wash in it, as well use the water for our livestock. If they progress to mining, it's going to be destruction for the recharge zone in the Great Artesian Basin."
Last Friday, the NSW government approved two exploration licence applications in the release area.
Documentary film festival releases line-up
The Antenna Film festival has announced its program guide ahead of its 10-day October event in Sydney.
The festival will feature 52 documentaries from across the globe.
Antenna programmer Tristan Dearden said the festival would open on October 14 and run until October 23.
"Our opening night film is Matthew Heineman's Retrograde, and we're really excited to be hosting the Australian premiere of this film," Mr Dearden said.
Drowning deaths highest since 1996
New research has revealed a major spike in drowning deaths over the past 12 months.
The latest figures show Australia has reported its highest number of drownings since 1996.
Royal Life Saving Society research manager Stacey Pidgeon said 39 of those deaths were flood related.
"The latest research shows that 339 people drowned across Australia last year," she said.
"Tragically, this is the highest number of drowning deaths we've had in 25 years."
Several trends emerged this year.
More than 28 per cent of all 94 drowning deaths were in people over the age of 65 — an increase of 34 per cent on last year.
And fifteen children aged 5 to 14 drowned — a 7 per cent increase on last year, which might be a reflection of children missing out on swimming lessons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report's findings highlight the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on drowning risk, including Australians being more likely to visit unfamiliar, unpatrolled water locations and children lacking necessary swimming skills due to pandemic-induced lesson cancellations.
Mount Wilson bushfire apology
Almost three years after Australia's catastrophic Black Summer bushfires, senior members of the NSW Rural Fire Service have met with a "wounded" community, which had been demanding an apology.
The Mount Wilson backburn was intended to protect several Blue Mountains communities from the Gospers Mountain fire, burning to the north.
But as weather conditions deteriorated, fire crews lost control of the backburning fire, and up to 20 structures were destroyed.
Independent analysis found the blaze burned for 53 days, destroyed 63,700 hectares, and would go on to make up part of the biggest forest fire in Australian history.
RFS Assistant Commissioner Jayson McKellar addressed the Mount Wilson community at the town hall.
"We're sorry for the heartache, the pain, the anguish that everyone has been through, especially those who lost property … and those who lost their life," he said.
Police to review arrest that left teenager injured
NSW Police will conduct a review into an incident that left a 14-year-old Indigenous boy hospitalised after an arrest in the state's north at the weekend.
The teenager and a 13-year-old boy were arrested by officers from the Richmond Police District in the Coraki area, south of Lismore, as part of an ongoing investigation into several property offences.
Footage shortly after the arrest has been posted to social media showing both boys sitting on the ground back-to-back in handcuffs with the 14-year-old's face covered in blood.
Family members allege the teenager suffered head injuries during the incident.
