Sydney councils have been accused of using Covid-19 as a cloak to cancel Australia Day events and avoid controversy relating to the “change the date” movement, as others prepare to forge ahead with their own celebrations.

Australia has passed the peak of Omicron and is approaching the “beginning of the end” of the pandemic, according to leading infectious disease specialists.

The body of a young woman who was last seen at a Central Coast railway station was secretly disposed of by the alleged murderer’s brother.

And in sport, there are growing concerns some of the NRL’s ­biggest stars are seriously considering not taking part in the upcoming All Stars match unless the NRL makes changes to some of the tough Covid protocols that will be in place for the six days players are in camp in Sydney.

For updates and breaking news throughout the day, take out a subscription at dailytelegraph.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.