A surprising spectacle rescues the Sydney Biennale from irrelevance and other top stories.

• A surprising spectacle rescues the Sydney Biennale from irrelevance

  

  The 19th Biennale of Sydney in 2014 was a disappointment that bordered on disaster. Five of the selected artists boycotted the event because one of the major sponsors, Transfield Holdings, had a stake in a company operating the Manus Island detention centre. The Arts Minister, George Brandis, threatened to punish the Australia Council for supporting the Biennale and, perhaps most importantly, the show itself was incoherent with few memorable highlights. This was a historic low point for the bie..

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• Sydney continue strong ACL form after upset win over Pohang

  

  Sydney, who haven't won their last eight A-League matches, dating back to their 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on 16 January, produced a strong first-half performance and were ultimately rewarded through Chris Naumoff in the 42nd minute. A clever George Blackwood through ball found Naumoff, whose sliding finish from an acute angle, beat Pohang goalkeeper Shin Hwa-yong and gave the visitors an unlikely lead. For the Sky Blues, who hadn't won outside New South Wales all A-League season, th..

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• Gallen encourages participation

  

  Paul Gallen at the Play NRL Round launch earlier in the week. Credit: Grant Trouville. Copyright: NRL Photos. There's not a lot Paul Gallen hasn't done in rugby league, and now the Cronulla Sharks and New South Wales skipper is urging the rest of the nation to become involved in the game he loves.The 259 NRL game veteran was on hand to promote the Play Round NRL Round at NSW State Parliament House on Wednesday afternoon along with former stars Anthony Minichiello, Matt King and..

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• Best trip beyond the black stump

  

  Walking among the spectacular open forest of Coolah Tops National Park. Picture: Catherine StubbsIN the central west New South Wales town of Coolah there are a lot of things named after a black stump.The butcher, the servo, the only motel, one of the two pubs, and a rest area just out of town that is said to be on the site of the “original” Black Stump Wine Saloon, which burned down in 1905. When you drive into town it’s via The Black Stump Way. Signs into town welcome you to the home of the bla..

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