Company-X’s VR training is already used by the Royal New Zealand Navy.

A longer-than-normal influenza season is having an impact on hospitals in New South Wales, health officials have said.

In the week ending on November 16, more than 3100 cases of the flu were identified around the state, with 370 people presenting to emergency departments with flu-like symptoms.

NSW Health also reported that Healthdirect, an online health platform, has seen over 50,000 calls from people experiencing respiratory symptoms during this flu season.

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It was the second week in a row that cases climbed, and were similar to the amount of cases seen at the start of June, where flu season is considered to be near its peak.

It is a sign the flu is remaining prevalent around the states, and experts admit this is unusual so close to summer.

"When we compare this respiratory illness season to others, we are experiencing a longer tail, which is a concern," Chief Health Official Kerry Chant said.

"Usually by September or early October, influenza levels have tapered to quite low levels from the peak, which traditionally occurs during winter. 

"But we're well into November and notifications are increasing."

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Whilst officials insist the state's health system is managing to deal with the surprise number of flu cases, they are urging people in the state to take precautions, especially with the busy Christmas and New Year period approaching.

​"My worry, and the worry of our health experts, is that we're seeing an increase at a time of year where people are rightfully getting together to celebrate, but the last gift we want to be giving each other is a dose of influenza," Health Minister Ryan Park said.

He said there is one way residents can protect themself year-round from a bout of the flu.

"By getting the influenza vaccination and staying home when we're unwell, we can all do our bit to support health staff and protect loved ones from serious illness," he said.

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Millions of Aussies have no idea they could lose thousands of dollars in benefits by December 31, a study claims.

The extras benefit limits of many health funds reset on New Year's Day, meaning any unclaimed health insurance extras such as dental, optical or physio will be wiped out.

This means 15 million Aussies with health insurance only have a month to use up these extras, and a survey by Money.com.au revealed up to 40 per cent of Aussies didn't even realise they have unclaimed extras that could disappear by the end of this month.

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"Australians are effectively walking away from thousands of dollars in value every year," Chris Whitelaw from Money.com.au warned.

"Many people don't realise those benefits vanish overnight on December 31. It's a classic 'use it or lose it' scenario."

Around 31 per cent of Aussies say they still have some benefits left unused on their plan, and 15 per cent admitted they have used none or very little of their extras.

The survey found older Australians were more likely to be uncertain about whether they have unclaimed extras, with Whitelaw explaining attitudes may impact this trend," he said.

"This means they're less aware of their annual limits."

However, younger Aussies are more likely not to use any of their extras benefits at all, costing them the most.

Around 19 per cent of Millennials say they have used none or a very small amount of their extras this year.

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Dozens of climate change protesters have been arrested amid further disruptions at the world's largest coal port.

More coal ships were blocked from entering the Port of Newcastle today as Rising Tide protesters on kayaks and other small vessels called for taxes on fossil fuel export profits and an end to new coal developments.

Police said 141 people, including 18 children, believed to be associated with the multi-day event had been arrested by 4.30pm today.

Of the 123 adults arrested, most were charged with various offences under the Crimes and Marine Safety while inquiries continued into two women arrested on board a ship. 

Footage from today showed a banner reading "phase out coal and gas" being unfurled by two people hanging from the side of the vessel.

The Port Authority of NSW reportedly said four ships were disrupted on Sunday, including two not linked to coal. 

"Our intention was to stop coal ships from entering or leaving the Port of Newcastle and we've succeeded in doing this today," Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield said.

"By continuing to approve new coal and gas mines, the Albanese government is failing to protect us from the worst impacts of climate change and when the government fails us, the people must rise."

Police alleged one boat, driven by a 26-year-old protester collided with a police jet ski that gave chase after the larger vessel refused to stop as it entered an exclusion zone. 

About 11.20am, a fight "allegedly involving attendees of the event" was reported at Foreshore Park. 

Police said a 46-year-old man was taken to Calvary Mater Hospital in a stable condition after suffering lacerations to his back, arms, legs, and head, and a 17-year-old boy who intervened was also injured. 

An 18-year-old was charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) and other offences. 

"The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly," Police said, in a statement.

"However, the priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community and there will be zero tolerance for illegal and dangerous behaviour.

Organisers say they are looking to stall new coal developments and tax fossil fuel export profits.

Newcastle sends 150 million tonnes of coal offshore annually.

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A display pilot has died after two light planes collided in Sydney's south-west.

Reports were made at 11.50am that the two Van's Aircraft RV-7 planes collided near Napperfield Airfield in Wedderburn, near Appin.

One of the planes crashed in nearby bushland.

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The body of the pilot, Eddie Seve, from Sydney's Hills District was found by emergency services.

He was part of the Freedom Formation Display Team, which confirmed its aircraft was involved on Facebook.

The other plane landed safely at the airfield and the pilot, Ollie Geraghty, was uninjured.

Police are investigating, along with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

It said the two aircraft had been involved in a formation flight of four that was returning to land at Wedderburn Airport when the collision happened.

"One of the aircraft involved in the collision landed safety but the other aircraft collided with terrain and its pilot was fatally injured," a statement said.

It's the second crash at the airport in a year.

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Earlier torrential rain left cars driving through door-high flooding in Onehunga.

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The clouds with a ‘wild swell look’ are due to thunderstorm and wet weather activity.