Hundreds were evacuated from the Double Tree Hotel on the Cairns Esplanade after the Robinson R44 helicopter collided with the roof at around 1:50am, causing a fire. Two people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.
The inaugural Soaring Scholarships have been granted to students from 18 schools in the Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly areas.