The number of vaccination doses in NSW has reached the 7 million mark and 70 per cent of people over the age of 12 have now had their first dose.
A slight easing of some COVID restrictions comes into effect today as vaccination rates continue to increase across NSW.
Find out what restrictions have changed.

After living through a pandemic for more than 18 months and 2 major lockdowns, many are wondering what the future will hold as the battle with COVID continues. Virologist and NSW's 2020 Scientist of the Year, Eddie Holmes, has made some predictions based on worst, most-likely and best case scenarios.

Going in and out of lockdowns regularly is starting to have a compounding impact on children's wellbeing. Experts say lockdowns and missing out on playtime at school and parks could hamper development of gross and fine motor skills.The National Children's Commissioner says the nation needs a long-term plan to get kids back to school and deal with developmental and educational losses. So what does this mean for their long-term growth?

Last week ABC Sydney Focus host Cassie McCullagh asked listeners to write the blurb to their own life story in 50 words or less. Hundreds of entries were received, showcasing the varied and inspiring stories of ABC Sydney’s community members.
Winner Mark McGuire (pictured right) wrote of his father's (pictured left) courage and forgiveness after being stolen from his family in 1947. Based on the positive reception, Mark has been inspired to write his father’s full biography.
We’ve included Mark’s moving entry here, along with the other shortlisted entries.

Baking white rice with the fragrant infusion of saffron and juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin adds a rich flavour, while being so easy to cook! If you've never tried cooking rice in the oven, here's your sign to give it a go. It's a foolproof method that gives you beautiful, fluffy, flavoursome rice that's perfectly cooked every time.