Search

"It's just my name": Aussie mum's number plate banned for being too offensive

<p>In what may be the most <em>Queensland</em> story of the year, a local mum has been left scratching her head after being told her own legal name was too controversial to be printed on a number plate.</p> <p>Indica Bradford, a Sunshine State resident with a name more commonly found in dispensaries than baby name books, says she was crushed after Personalised Plates Queensland (PPQ) refunded her deposit and rejected her application for custom plates bearing her first name.</p> <p>“I’ve been planning this since I got my licence,” Indica told <em>A Current Affair</em>, possibly while sipping chamomile tea and definitely not sparking up anything illegal. “Everyone has personalised plates and I could get my full name because it’s so unique. I was really excited.”</p> <p>After confirming over several years that INDICA was still available (possibly due to others being less keen to broadcast a botanical classification of cannabis), Indica finally pulled the trigger. She bought a new car, put her chosen plates on lay-by, and waited for her custom dream to become Queensland highway reality.</p> <p>Then came the buzzkill.</p> <p>PPQ refunded her money, called her up, and delivered the bad news: Indica had been rejected. The reason? The Department of Transport and Main Roads had deemed the name inappropriate, saying it could be interpreted as promoting illegal drugs or criminal activity.</p> <p>Which, to be clear, was a surprise to Indica, who has spent her entire life thinking her name was simply a pretty word her mum liked. “She loved it for years,” Indica explained. “She finally had me and named me the name she loved.”</p> <p>Neither mother nor daughter had any idea it had a... greener meaning.</p> <p>“I think the majority of Australia would probably be the same. They wouldn’t even know what it meant,” she said, perhaps optimistically.</p> <p>To be fair, Sativa Bradford probably would’ve had the same issue.</p> <p>Despite the bureaucratic bummer, Indica isn't backing down. “I’m not trying to offend anyone. It’s just my name, yeah, my legal name, on my birth certificate,” she said, clutching her paperwork and likely resisting the urge to add a middle name like "TotallyLegal".</p> <p>The Department of Transport and Main Roads replied with a characteristically dry statement about how personalised plate content is reviewed “against several criteria” and is updated “to reflect current community and social norms”.</p> <p>Translation: no weed names, even if it’s literally what your mum called you before the first ultrasound.</p> <p>Still, all is not lost. The department said Indica can request a formal review, a chance for justice, or at least a small victory for people named after misunderstood plant strains everywhere.</p> <p>For now, Indica is driving around incognito. But if you spot a car with “ND1K4” on the back, give her a wave. </p> <p><em>Images: A Current Affair</em></p>

Legal

Pauline Hanson and One Nation senators criticised for turning their backs during Acknowledgement of Country

<p>A silent protest by four One Nation senators who turned their backs during an Acknowledgement of Country in the Senate has drawn strong condemnation from across the political spectrum.</p> <p>The incident occurred during the ceremonial opening of parliament on Tuesday, when the traditional statement of respect for First Nations peoples was read aloud. Instead of standing in observance, the four right-wing senators from Pauline Hanson's party physically turned away from the proceedings, a move that Cabinet Minister Clare O’Neil slammed as “disrespectful and rude and childish”.</p> <p>“It’s disappointing that their actions became a point of focus, especially on a day when there were so many beautiful moments of unity during the Welcome to Country ceremonies,” Ms O’Neil said on Wednesday. “To treat people that way on the first day of parliament was absolutely appalling.”</p> <p>The protest has reignited debate around the role of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country protocols in national life, which some conservative voices have recently branded “divisive”.</p> <p>One Nation leader Pauline Hanson defended her party’s actions, repeating her long-standing view that the Acknowledgement of Country has become “increasingly forced” and politically charged.</p> <p>Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie offered a more nuanced take, saying that while she personally listened respectfully to the statement, others had a right to express differing views. “The problem in a liberal democracy like ours is when we can’t express different views,” she told Sunrise. She likened the action to MPs who choose to walk out during morning prayers or decline to support the monarchy.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This afternoon in the Senate, every One Nation senator stood with me to turn our backs on the divisive and increasingly forced Acknowledgement of Country.</p> <p>I’ve made this protest on my own for years, but today, our whole team made it clear: we’ve had enough of being told we don’t… <a href="https://t.co/iUoZbiDqn6">pic.twitter.com/iUoZbiDqn6</a></p> <p>— Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺 (@PaulineHansonOz) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulineHansonOz/status/1947576558287523975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>But Minister O’Neil rejected that framing, arguing that First Nations guests had extended a hand of welcome to parliamentarians and deserved better treatment. “Whatever your views about the Welcome to Country, this was about showing respect,” she said. “We were being invited to reflect on 65,000 years of heritage that enrich our country.”</p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in, praising the ceremony as a meaningful way to open parliament and reflect on Australia’s shared history. “Like a lot of the more positive things about our nation, we shouldn’t take it for granted,” he said, adding that the Acknowledgement of Country “should not be controversial”.</p> <p>The incident comes amid growing tension around Indigenous cultural protocols, with recent flashpoints including the booing of a Welcome to Country address by a neo-Nazi group during an Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne.</p> <p>Despite the backlash, the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to the practice, with Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also noting the symbolic importance of the ceremony. “It set the tone as we re-commit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunity for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country,” she said.</p> <p>Welcome to Country ceremonies are conducted by Traditional Owners, while Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect for Indigenous peoples and connection to land, and can be made by anyone, regardless of background.</p> <p><em>Images: 7 News / X (Fomerly Twitter)</em></p>

Legal

Award-winning ABC journo passes away just one month after retiring

<p>Veteran journalist and Walkley Award winner Peter Ryan has died at the age of 64, following a long battle with metastatic thyroid cancer.</p> <p>Ryan passed away in Sydney on Friday night, his family confirmed. The esteemed journalist spent 45 years reporting for the ABC, earning a reputation for his fearless reporting, deep integrity and generous mentorship.</p> <p>Diagnosed in 2014, Ryan continued to work through his illness, most recently serving as the ABC’s senior business correspondent before retiring in June this year to enter palliative care. He chose to spend his final months with his wife Marry Cotter and daughter Charlotte.</p> <p>Beginning his career as a cadet and copyboy at the <em>Sydney Daily Mirror</em>, Ryan went on to become a pillar of the ABC newsroom. His roles included head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria, Washington bureau chief, and founding editor of Lateline Business, which evolved into The Business in 2012.</p> <p>In 2017, Ryan won a Walkley Award for his investigative coverage of the Commonwealth Bank scandal, uncovering how millions of dollars flowed through the bank’s intelligent deposit machines to criminal syndicates. Five years later, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his service to journalism.</p> <p>Upon his retirement, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers described Ryan as an “absolute legend”.</p> <p>“If you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got the essential elements of what was happening in the economy, it would be Peter’s,” Chalmers said.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in from colleagues and admirers across the country.</p> <p>Former ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland called Ryan “unrivalled” in his journalism, noting that he was both “courageous” in his work and a “generous mentor”.</p> <p>“He had a big impact on so many ABC careers,” Rowland said. “We’ve all lost a good one.”</p> <p>ABC News senior director Justin Stevens praised Ryan’s “significant legacy”, saying he touched the lives of many at the broadcaster through his mentorship and friendship.</p> <p>“Through his journalism, he had a profound impact on the lives of Australians and our society,” Stevens said. “It was a privilege to know him and work alongside him.”</p> <p>Even as his career drew to a close, Ryan remained focused on nurturing the next generation of reporters. In his final words of advice, he urged young journalists to stay passionate and curious, to be prepared and kind.</p> <p>“Avoid cynicism – be passionate,” he said. “Show up early. Be kind and caring to people who need it.”</p> <p>Peter Ryan’s voice, insight and warmth will be deeply missed.</p> <p><em>Images: ABC</em></p>

Caring

Aussie Vietnam hero finally awarded Victoria Cross after 60 years

<p>More than half a century after risking his life to save his mates in Vietnam, Richard Norden has finally received the nation’s highest military honour: the Victoria Cross.</p> <p>It’s a moment veterans, families and history-lovers have long hoped for: recognition for a young man from Gundagai whose extraordinary courage in 1968 helped save lives and left an unforgettable mark on those who served beside him.</p> <p>Norden was only 19 when his platoon was ambushed during the Vietnam War. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, he ran straight into enemy fire – killing two enemy soldiers, rescuing his wounded section commander Joe Kelly, and retrieving the body of his mate Chris Nisbet with grenades in hand.</p> <p>"If it wasn't for Dick, there would have been more of us coming home in body bags that day," fellow veteran Stan Barrett told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-cross-awarded-posthumously-to-vietnam-war-veteran-who-rescued-wounded-comrade/2fe31b9a-4057-4552-9b30-5ee746d0e89a" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Current Affair</em></a>.</p> <p>At the time, Norden was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. But even Sir Roden Cutler, himself a VC recipient and then-Governor of New South Wales, felt the recognition didn’t go far enough.</p> <p>For decades, friends, comrades and advocates continued the fight to have his bravery properly honoured. One of them was veteran George Hulse, who took on governments and the military until 2022, when the case for a Victoria Cross was finally accepted.</p> <p>"And (Cutler) said the words, ‘What does one have to do these days to get the Victoria Cross?’" Hulse recalled.</p> <p>In a cruel twist, Norden never lived to see the moment. After surviving Vietnam, he joined the Australian Federal Police, but tragically died in a motorcycle crash in 1972. He was just 24.</p> <p>On behalf of a grateful nation, Norden’s widow Robynn accepted the long-overdue medal in an emotional ceremony, honouring the love of her life and the hero he always was.</p> <p>For the men who served beside him, the recognition is bittersweet. But finally, Richard Norden’s name takes its rightful place in history.</p> <p><em>Images: A Current Affair</em></p>

Family & Pets

Call for life ban after ugly post-Origin incident

<p>NSW utility Connor Watson was nearly <a href="https://www.codesports.com.au/nrl/can-thrown-at-nsw-star-reece-robson/video/80a0dcf962b88497d7ad6a708b743739" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hit by a full can of alcohol</a> in a shocking post-match incident at Accor Stadium, moments after Queensland’s State of Origin win on Wednesday night.</p> <p>The ugly episode unfolded as the Roosters player made his way through the stands to see loved ones after the final whistle, with disturbing footage showing a projectile narrowly missing him as he greeted fans.</p> <p><a href="https://www.codesports.com.au/nrl/can-thrown-at-nsw-star-reece-robson/video/80a0dcf962b88497d7ad6a708b743739" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Captured on video and shared by Code Sports</a>, Watson had been walking up the first tier of seating when the object – reportedly a full can of Canadian Club – was hurled from above.</p> <p>The video shows stadium-goers shouting Watson’s name before the can is thrown. The item lands alarmingly close to him just as he shakes hands with a spectator.</p> <p>Watson later described the moment as “shocking”.</p> <p>“I’ve had to go up there, my family and friends were up there,” Watson told Code Sports. “One of my mates is in a wheelchair, and he can’t come down the stairs, so I have walked up there to go see him.</p> <p>“As I’m walking, a can of Canadian Club lands right next to me and it’s like someone had thrown it at me.</p> <p>“If they did throw it... the words I want to use for it... I can’t say right now.</p> <p>“If it was thrown, it’s disappointing to think someone thinks it’s OK to do that.</p> <p>“If that got me in the head... it seemed like it came from the top level.</p> <p>“These younger guys, came up to me saying they have footage of the incident, of me walking and the can landing right next to me.</p> <p>“It’s disappointing to be honest.</p> <p>“I’m just going up to visit my family and friends, I shouldn’t have to worry about someone throwing a can at me.</p> <p>“If someone has done it, they should do something about it.”</p> <p>Security was later seen responding to the area. A stadium spokesperson confirmed the incident is under review.</p> <p>“Stadium security staff are reviewing CCTV footage and will work with police,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>The person responsible could face a ban from future events at the venue, and police may launch a formal investigation.</p> <p><em>Images: Code Sports</em></p>

Legal

Why women live longer than men

<p>It turns out the real survival champions of history weren’t the sword-wielding warriors or the swashbuckling adventurers – they were women. Yes, even during famines, plagues and periods of mass human awfulness (see: enslavement and measles), women have been quietly outliving men like it’s just another Tuesday.</p> <p>That’s the conclusion of researchers who dove deep into history’s most miserable moments, including the Irish Potato Famine, enslavement in Trinidad and Icelandic measles outbreaks, only to find that female bodies just won’t quit.</p> <p>According to a study led by demographer Virginia Zarulli, even newborn girls during these crises had better survival rates than their male counterparts. That’s right; baby girls basically stared down famine and disease and said, “Not today”.</p> <p>So, what gives? According to science – and a new CNN-backed book titled <em>The Stronger Sex</em> – the female body is a marvel of survival engineering. Despite monthly bleeding, pregnancy (aka growing a human from scratch) and the general rollercoaster of hormones, women consistently outlive men. It’s like Mother Nature looked at the assignment and went “build to last”.</p> <p>Part of the secret lies in the chromosomes. Women are rocking two X chromosomes (which are loaded with immune-boosting genes) while men are stuck with a lonely Y that brings little to the survival party. According to evolutionary biologist Dr Sharon Moalem, this gives women a sort of immunological superpower. As he put it, “Women have immunologically evolved to out-mutate men.” Translation: their immune systems are like Swiss Army knives. Men's? More like... rusty butter knives.</p> <p>And hormones help too – specifically oestrogen, which acts like a biological bodyguard, boosting immune responses, upping antibody production and improving long-term disease resistance. Meanwhile, testosterone (the male hormone known for encouraging risky behaviour and unnecessary purchases of motorcycles) appears to weaken the immune system. In fact, early animal experiments showed that removing testosterone improved immunity. (No word on whether the animals also started asking for directions.)</p> <p>It gets better. Recent research has found that women’s small intestines are longer – which may not sound sexy, but is biologically brilliant. More intestine means more nutrients absorbed, which means better odds of surviving when calories are scarce. Essentially, women can squeeze more nutritional value out of a potato than a man can out of a steak.</p> <p>Add all that to the fact that women typically engage in fewer risky behaviours (looking at you, lawnmower-beer-balancing stunts), and you’ve got a recipe for a longer life. Even when women adopt some of the same bad habits as men (like smoking) they still tend to outlive them. Because of course they do.</p> <p>To be fair, there is a catch: women’s superhero immune systems can sometimes turn on them, leading to more autoimmune diseases and chronic conditions. But even then, women often live with those conditions longer than men would.</p> <p>So, what’s the takeaway here? For one, the next time someone calls women the “weaker sex”, feel free to laugh out loud. And second, it’s about time medicine caught up. Researchers argue that understanding these biological differences can help create more personalised healthcare – for all genders.</p> <p>In short: female bodies aren’t just built different. They’re built better, tougher and, according to science, longer-lasting; kind of like the biological version of a Toyota Hilux.</p> <p>Move over, Superman. It’s Superwoman who’s still standing.</p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / Chelsi Peter</em></p>

Body

What causes the 'winter blues' and why is it more common in women?

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Winter is here. As the days grow shorter and the skies turn darker, you might start to feel a bit “off”. You may notice a dip in your mood or energy levels. Maybe you’re less motivated to do things you previously enjoyed in the warmer months.</p> <p>The “winter blues” can feel like an inevitable part of life. You might feel sluggish or less social, but you can still get on with your day.</p> <p>However, if your winter blues are making everyday life difficult and interfering with your work and relationships, it could be the sign of something more serious.</p> <p>Seasonal affective disorder is more than a seasonal slump – it’s a <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/symptoms/">recognised psychiatric condition</a>. Here’s what to look for and how to get help.</p> <h2>What is seasonal affective disorder?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395623001899?via%3Dihub">The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</a> officially recognises seasonal affective disorder as a recurrent major depressive disorder “with seasonal pattern”.</p> <p>In other words, the condition shares many symptoms with major depressive disorder, but it also follows a seasonal rhythm. While this might be most common in winter, the disorder can also occur in <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder">summer</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/symptoms/">Symptoms include</a>:</p> <ul> <li> <p>persistent low mood or feelings of sadness</p> </li> <li> <p>loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed</p> </li> <li> <p>low energy and fatigue, even after lots of sleep</p> </li> <li> <p>changes in appetite</p> </li> <li> <p>weight gain or weight loss</p> </li> <li> <p>difficulty concentrating</p> </li> <li> <p>sleeping more or less than usual</p> </li> <li> <p>feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness</p> </li> <li> <p>in some cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Research suggests seasonal affective disorder affects up to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/PRBM.S114906">10% of the global population</a>.</p> <p>Although it can affect anyone, it is more common in <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4673349/">women</a>, people aged between <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4673349/">18 and 30 years</a>, and those living <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08039480902799040">far from the equator</a>, where winter daylight hours are especially limited.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395623001899?via%3Dihub">review</a> of the Australian research on seasonal affective disorder showed the highest proportion of Australians with seasonal affective disorder was found in the most southern state, Tasmania (9% of the population).</p> <h2>What causes it?</h2> <p>Unfortunately, the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder is still poorly understood.</p> <p>Some theories propose it is primarily caused by a lack of light in the environment, although we are not exactly sure how this leads to depression.</p> <p>As sunlight is responsible for the production of vitamin D, some have suggested a lack of vitamin D is what causes depression. However, the evidence for such a link is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2530312022000431">inconclusive</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.31887/DCNS.2007.9.3/alewy">Others</a> suggest a lack of light in winter delays the circadian rhythms which regulate our sleep/wake cycle. Poor sleep is related to many mental health difficulties, <a href="https://theconversation.com/theres-a-strong-link-between-anxiety-and-depression-and-sleep-problems-and-it-goes-both-ways-76145">including depression</a>.</p> <h2>Seasonal affective disorder can be treated</h2> <p>Fortunately, there are several evidence-based treatments for seasonal affective disorder. Relief may be found through a combination of approaches.</p> <p><strong>Bright light therapy</strong> is usually the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2017/6867957">first treatment recommended</a> for seasonal affective disorder. It involves sitting near a specially designed lightbox (with a strength of 10,000 lux) for about 20 to 30 minutes a day to mimic natural sunlight and help regulate the body’s internal clock.</p> <p><strong>Cognitive behavioural therapy</strong> aims to help people develop some flexibility around <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">the negative thoughts</a> that might maintain seasonal affective disorder symptoms (for example, “I am worthless because I never get up to anything meaningful in winter”).</p> <p><strong>Lifestyle changes</strong> such as regular exercise, time spent outdoors (even on gloomy days), a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">can all support recovery</a>.</p> <p><strong>Antidepressants</strong> – especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">may be prescribed</a> when symptoms are moderate to severe, or when other treatments have not worked.</p> <h2>What else helps?</h2> <p>Even those without seasonal affective disorder might need to fight the winter blues. So, what works?</p> <p><strong>Prioritise social connection</strong></p> <p>Schedule regular, achievable and pleasant <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-024-02722-1">activities with friends</a>, such as trivia at the pub or a brisk walk.</p> <p><strong>Reframe winter</strong></p> <p>Rather than dreading the cold, see if you can embrace what is special about this time of year. The mindset of “<a href="https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/hygge">hygge</a>” (a Danish and Norwegian term for cosiness and contentment) may help.</p> <p>Let winter be your excuse for snuggling on your couch with a thick blanket and hot chocolate while catching up on books and TV shows. Or see if there are any winter-specific activities (such as night markets) where you live.</p> <p><strong>Maximise daylight</strong></p> <p>Taking a walk during lunchtime <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">when the sun is out</a>, even briefly, can make a difference.</p> <h2>The bottom line</h2> <p>If your “winter blues” last more than two weeks, start interfering with your daily life or feel overwhelming, then it might be time to seek professional help.</p> <p>Speaking to your GP or mental health professional can help you get support early and prevent symptoms getting worse.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/259375/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kelvin-shiu-fung-wong-1468053">Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong</a>, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trouble-getting-out-of-bed-signs-the-winter-blues-may-be-something-more-serious-259375">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / </em></p> </div>

Caring

Why women turn to illegal cannabis despite rising medical demand

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>The number of women using medicinal cannabis is growing in New Zealand and overseas. They use cannabis treatment for general conditions such as <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jwh.2020.8437">pain, anxiety, inflammation and nausea</a>, as well as gynaecological conditions, including <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40445778/">endometriosis</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39766334/">pelvic floor conditions</a>, and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10314536/">menopause</a>.</p> <p>However, their experiences with medicinal cannabis remain under-explored in research and overlooked in policy and regulation. As our work shows, they face several gender-specific barriers to accessing medicinal cannabis. Some of these hurdles lead women to seeking cannabis from illegal markets.</p> <p>New Zealand introduced the <a href="https://www.health.govt.nz/regulation-legislation/medicinal-cannabis/about-the-medicinal-cannabis-scheme">medicinal cannabis scheme</a> five years ago to enable access to legal, safe and quality-controlled cannabis products for any condition a doctor would deem suitable for a prescription.</p> <p>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39418607/">recent analysis</a> found the number of medicinal cannabis products dispensed has increased more than 14-fold since 2020, with more than 160,000 prescriptions administered during 2023/2024.</p> <p>In the first two years of the scheme, women were the primary recipients of medicinal cannabis prescriptions. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of prescriptions issued to female patients <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-regions-age-groups-and-ethnicities-using-the-most-medicinal-cannabis/LNG7NHEDI5GYJMG6SCER7B3HKQ/">doubled to 47,633</a>.</p> <p>Our findings from a <a href="https://nzdrugtrends.co.nz/">large-scale national survey</a> show that although women perceive physicians as supportive of prescribing medicinal cannabis, they were less likely to have prescriptions than men. This is similar to <a href="https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-024-00992-1">findings from Australia</a>.</p> <p>Potential reasons include the <a href="https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/annual-update-key-results-2022-23-new-zealand-health-survey">cost of visiting health professionals</a>, unpaid care-giving duties, lower workforce participation and a <a href="https://www.women.govt.nz/women-and-work/gender-pay-gap">pay disparity</a> – all creating barriers to accessing health services.</p> <p>Women were also more likely not to disclose their medicinal cannabis use to others, citing it would be less accepted by society because of their gender.</p> <h2>Gendered risks in illegal cannabis markets</h2> <p>Our <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687637.2025.2481297?src=#d1e531">latest study</a> aligned with <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/3/1536">Australia</a> in finding that women often seek cannabis from illegal sources because of perceived lower prices. Many could not financially sustain accessing legal prescriptions because medicinal cannabis is not funded by New Zealand’s drug-buying agency Pharmac.</p> <p>Study participants discussed the health risks of accessing illegal cannabis such as consuming products without knowing how strong they are or whether they have been <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/news/news/tga-warns-consumers-about-potential-harm-unlawfully-supplied-medicinal-cannabis">contaminated</a> with harmful substances.</p> <p>They also characterised illegal cannabis markets as unsafe and intimidating for women, with little legal protection and the presence of predatory male sellers. Some even described gender-specific experiences of physical assault, intimidation and sexual harassment, particularly when cannabis buying occurred in drug houses or locations controlled by the seller.</p> <p>Women accessing medicinal cannabis in illegal markets increasingly relied on female suppliers, viewing them as safer and more reliable. Some also helped connect others to these suppliers and used social media to warn other women of unsafe male suppliers. This created informal women-led support networks for access.</p> <h2>Accessing legal prescriptions</h2> <figure class="align-right "><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <p>One of our <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2025.2476989">recent studies</a> found many women begin their journeys with medicinal cannabis online via social media, often leading them to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-09021-y">cannabis clinics</a> with a strong digital presence. Women are now a growing demographic for specialised medicinal cannabis clinics in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32019776/">New Zealand</a> and in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229921000819">other countries</a>.</p> <p>Cannabis clinics have a reputation among medicinal cannabis consumers for being more knowledgeable and positive about treatments than general practitioners and other health providers. Women have been encouraged by positive online testimonies from other women using cannabis treatments for gynaecological and other conditions.</p> <p>Female medicinal cannabis patients also described the financial burden of accessing a prescription, including consultation fees and the costs of products as barriers to access.</p> <p>Their relationships with their GPs strongly influenced their decision to seek a prescription. Those with prior experiences of having their pain underestimated or misdiagnosed in mainstream care were more likely to source legal medicinal cannabis from cannabis clinics.</p> <h2>Policy and practice</h2> <p>The current scientific evidence for using medicinal cannabis for gynaecological conditions is still emerging. Clinical trials are under way in Australia to evaluate cannabis treatment for <a href="https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/nicmhri/research/research_projects/medicinal_cannabis_and_endometriosis">endometriosis and period pain</a>.</p> <p>Women’s reliance on online sources and personal recommendations to learn about medicinal cannabis highlights a gap in public awareness and government education about the legal prescription scheme. <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/hc/HC22122">Hesitance to discuss and recommend cannabis</a> treatment among GPs also persists as a barrier to access.</p> <p>Online peer networks on social media platforms are promoting women’s agency and informing their decision making around medicinal cannabis, but also raise the risks of misinformation.</p> <p>Although marketing of medicinal cannabis to women may improve their engagement with the prescription scheme, it may also put them in a vulnerable position where they are encouraged to pursue expensive treatment options which may not be effective.</p> <p>The collective findings from our studies indicate complex financial, social and systemic factors affecting safe and equitable access to medicinal cannabis for women. To improve women’s engagement with New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis scheme, we suggest GPs should have informed and non-stigmatising discussions with female patients to explore when medicinal cannabis might be an appropriate treatment option.</p> <p>Better access to good official consumer information about medicinal cannabis and greater investment in clinical trials for gynaecological conditions would also improve and support women’s decision making about their health.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/258797/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vinuli-withanarachchie-1278697">Vinuli Withanarachchie</a>, PhD candidate, College of Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/te-kunenga-ki-purehuroa-massey-university-806">Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-wilkins-1110463">Chris Wilkins</a>, Professor of Policy and Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/te-kunenga-ki-purehuroa-massey-university-806">Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marta-rychert-1108013">Marta Rychert</a>, Associate Professor in Drug Policy and Health Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/te-kunenga-ki-purehuroa-massey-university-806">Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/more-women-are-using-medical-cannabis-but-new-research-shows-barriers-push-some-into-illegal-markets-258797">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / Binoid CBD and </em><em>Alesia Kozik</em></p> </div>

Caring

Cricket icon dies just days after receiving King's Birthday award

<p>The cricket world is in mourning following the death of David “Syd” Lawrence, the pioneering fast bowler who became the first British-born Black cricketer to play for the national side. Lawrence, 61, passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease, a diagnosis he received just last year.</p> <p>The former Gloucestershire star, remembered as much for his generosity and spirit as for his fearsome pace, was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. It was recognition that filled him with pride in his final months. “It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name,” he said just last week. “I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.”</p> <p>Lawrence’s family confirmed his passing in a statement filled with love and sorrow. “’Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed,” they said.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described Lawrence as a “trailblazer” and a man who made an “indelible mark” on the sport. ECB chair Richard Thompson reflected on his extraordinary legacy: “David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes... Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.”</p> <p>Lawrence’s international career, which promised so much, was cruelly cut short by a devastating knee injury during England’s 1992 tour of New Zealand. He played five Tests but left an unforgettable impression, not least for his fiery pace and unrelenting passion.</p> <p>His beloved Gloucestershire Cricket Club, where he played 280 matches over 16 years and later served as president, expressed their devastation. “Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David’s family during this terribly sad time.”</p> <p>Before England’s clash with India at Headingley, the cricketing world paused to remember Lawrence, with stars including Ben Stokes joining in a minute’s applause – a small gesture to honour a giant of the game whose courage, charisma and kindness touched so many.</p> <p>Lawrence’s loss leaves a hole in the heart of English cricket – a reminder of a player who not only broke barriers but inspired generations.</p> <p><em>Images: England and Wales Cricket Board / X (formerly Twitter)</em></p>

Caring

Elle Macpherson celebrates her sixties in style

<p>Australian supermodel and wellness icon Elle Macpherson has landed yet another magazine cover – this time gracing Maxim’s 2025 Hot 100 edition.</p> <p>Macpherson, famously dubbed The Body, reflected on her journey into her sixties, describing it as “a new beginning” and “a rebirth into the auspicious role of a wise woman in the community who embraces beauty as soul-deep”.</p> <p>The Sydney-born model and entrepreneur, who has become a champion of wellness and sobriety, added: “My sixties are not an ending. I’ve found a new sense of freedom and ease.”</p> <p>On the cover, shot by her ex-husband and renowned French fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon, Macpherson exudes effortless style in white jeans and a jumper draped over her shoulders.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLFquJhszxe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLFquJhszxe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by MAXIM (@maximmag)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Speaking about the modelling industry, she highlighted the importance of staying dynamic: “Adaptability and the willingness to evolve are the keys to longevity, which is why so many girls from the supermodel era are still working and relevant 30 years later.”</p> <p>Beyond her career, Macpherson is happily dating American musician Doyle Bramhall. She recently celebrated their one-year anniversary with a heartfelt post, calling their relationship “life beyond my wildest dreams”.</p> <p>In 2023, she marked 20 years of sobriety, sharing a photo of her Alcoholics Anonymous badge with her 778,000 Instagram followers – a milestone she describes as part of her ongoing journey of self-discovery.</p> <p>From supermodel to wellness entrepreneur, Elle Macpherson shows no signs of slowing down, proving that true beauty and strength only deepen with age.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Karl's Origin bet sees NRL star run nude across Bondi Beach

<p>Nothing kicks off the weekend quite like your morning coffee, a cheeky croissant, and a surprise unblurred penis on national television. That’s exactly what <em>Today</em> show fans copped around 6am this morning when Channel 9’s breakfast crew decided, apparently, that broadcast standards were merely a suggestion.</p> <p>Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo were front and centre for the chaos, as sports reporter Danika Mason crossed live from Bondi Beach. Mason was joined by retired NRL star Aaron Woods – who, thanks to a State of Origin bet gone sideways, had only his dignity to keep him warm (spoiler: it didn’t).</p> <p>Woods had promised to streak if NSW lost Game 2. Queensland, being Queensland, delivered the goods in Perth on Wednesday night, so Woods kept his word, stripped down, and bolted starkers into the surf. The <em>Today </em>team howled with laughter as he made his break for the briny deep – so far, so PG.</p> <p>But then Woods did what no one expected. In what can only be described as a truly bold move, he turned to face the camera. Editors had roughly zero seconds to react. Viewers had roughly zero seconds to look away. And the <em>Today</em> show had roughly zero seconds before the complaints line started ringing off the hook.</p> <p>“No! Don’t show it!” shrieked Abo, as newsreader Jayne Azzopardi presumably contemplated her next career move. Meanwhile, Woods grinned like a man who knew exactly what he'd done.</p> <p>Danika Mason, ever the professional, summed up the moment with the sort of innuendo that will no doubt earn her a spot at next year’s Logies: “The smallest sporting event I’ve seen.”</p> <p>The man of the hour eventually reappeared on screen – mercifully clothed – declaring, “I’m feeling good, it was good fun. It was a long run, it was like ‘when is this water going to get closer?’” A sentiment shared by viewers who were wondering when their corneas might recover.</p> <p>It turns out Woods' bare-all sprint wasn’t just eyebrow-raising, but technically illegal. NSW Premier Chris Minns had warned him beforehand, but Woods seemed blissfully unaware that public nudity is frowned upon – even at Bondi. “But at the beach!” he protested, in what’s sure to become the rallying cry of accidental exhibitionists everywhere.</p> <p>Minns, showing off his dry wit, suggested Woods try his luck at one of Sydney’s many legal nude beaches next time. “It’s been illegal forever,” he deadpanned on radio. Woods could now be staring down a fine, though fans are hoping common sense (and perhaps a sense of humour) prevails.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Woods’ mate Beau Ryan said the footy star was “genuinely shocked” by the revelation. “You can’t be nude in public,” Ryan told him. Woods: “But at the beach!” Ryan: “Still public, mate.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLGNU0tToP9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLGNU0tToP9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by thetodayshow (@thetodayshow)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>To add another layer to the inter-state banter, Minns himself has a State of Origin bet with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli – the loser must star in the other state’s advertising campaign. So at least if Woods ends up in court, he can rest easy knowing that somewhere out there, a Premier might soon be forced to smile awkwardly in a “beautiful one day, perfect the next” ad.</p> <p>In the meantime, <em>Today</em> producers are probably googling “delay button for live TV” and breakfast viewers are recovering from seeing a little more than they bargained for with their Weet-Bix.</p> <p><em>Images: Today show</em></p>

Bubsie rides again: A century-old journey retraced across Australia

<p>A century ago, a humble 5-horsepower car named "Bubsie" made history by becoming the first motor vehicle to circumnavigate the Australian continent. Now, a century later, its spirit roars back to life as a devoted team of enthusiasts prepares to retrace its entire 17,500km journey – in a painstakingly restored replica of the original 1923 Citroën 5CV.</p> <p>The year was 1925. With little more than swags, spare tyres and unwavering faith, 22-year-old Seventh-day Adventist missionary Nevill Westwood and his friend Greg Davies set off from Perth in a tiny yellow car. They had a simple mission: deliver literature to the remote outback. What they accomplished was far more profound: a trailblazing voyage across Australia, at a time when roads were scarce and courage was the only constant.</p> <p>Through flooded riverbeds, makeshift tracks and across the sun-scorched Nullarbor, the young men pressed on. With knees jammed beneath the steering wheel, they bounced across the nation in what Westwood affectionately dubbed "Bubsie". The 5CV was small, simple and entirely unsuited for such a grand expedition – yet it carried them across six states, through monsoonal downpours and desolate plains, forging a path for motoring history.</p> <p>Now, exactly 100 years since that audacious journey, a new crew is preparing to retrace their route in a meticulously restored 1923 Citroën 5CV. The project, dubbed <a href="https://rightaroundaustralia.tij.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Right Around Australia</a>, is led by the faith-based media group The Incredible Journey and has brought together passionate motoring enthusiasts from across the country.</p> <p>Warren May, a car restorer from Western Australia, joined the project in mid-2023 and quickly immersed himself in the mammoth task of rebuilding a vehicle worthy of the original Bubsie. After months of searching, the team found the perfect base: a rare 1923 Citroën 5CV owned by collector Paul Smyth.</p> <p>"It was 102 years old – and in rough shape," Mr May <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-18/bubsie-citroen-circumnavigation-1925-retraced-in-2025/105257744" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the ABC</a>. “We had to fabricate a lot of new panels because it was just so old.” The motor, miraculously, was still in good shape. But the bodywork was another story.</p> <p>What followed was a year-long restoration odyssey, with over 1,000 hours of labour, rust cut away and replaced, and every nut and bolt sandblasted and repainted. With the help of friends Colin Gibbs and Graham Tyler, the team brought the little French car back to life – ready to relive one of Australia’s great adventures.</p> <p>The replica has been touring Australia since early 2025, and this June, it will officially begin retracing Bubsie’s route. Starting from Bickley, Western Australia – where Westwood once lived – the car will travel thousands of kilometres, mostly by trailer but driving short stretches through regional towns and historic locations.</p> <p>“It’s about commemorating the courage and determination of those early explorers,” said event organiser Kevin Amos. “Nevill and Greg didn’t have highways. Sometimes they had no roads at all. They literally bush-bashed their way across the country.”</p> <p>Indeed, from the Kimberley to Mount Isa, their journey was defined by improvisation and grit. When they came to the Fitzroy River in northern WA, locals rigged a pulley system to carry Bubsie across. In the Northern Territory, they slid through mud and monsoon rains. They stopped to help others – including a stranded trio near the Nullarbor, who were out of water and near death. Westwood gave them water, fixed their car, and saved their lives.</p> <p>For the modern team, this centennial journey isn’t just about honouring history – it’s about reliving a story of quiet faith and mateship.</p> <p>Dr Laura Cook, curator at the National Museum of Australia where the original Bubsie now rests, said Westwood’s photographs and letters provide a vivid, almost daily account of the 1925 expedition. “His story is more than just a motoring milestone,” she said. “It captures the spirit of a generation who dared to push boundaries. These weren’t professional drivers – they were people of vision and courage.”</p> <p>By December 1925, after six gruelling months, Westwood rolled back into Perth – completing the first full circumnavigation of Australia by car. His companion Greg had returned home early to resume nursing studies, but Westwood pressed on alone. When he returned from overseas the next year, he tracked Bubsie down (it had been sold) and bought it back.</p> <p>Today, Bubsie is more than a car. It’s a symbol of Australia’s pioneering spirit. And as its modern twin prepares to hit the road once more, that legacy rolls forward – not in horsepower, but in heart. So keep an eye out for Bubsie's twin as it rolls through your town, and history comes alive.</p> <p><em>Images: National Museum of Australia / Right Around Australia</em> </p>

Domestic Travel

Millions of Aussies set to receive cost-of-living pay bump

<p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has thrown his government’s support behind a “fair” pay rise for Australia's lowest-paid workers, setting the stage for a potential showdown with employer groups ahead of the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review.</p> <p>In a submission to the Commission, the federal government recommended a real wage increase – meaning one above the rate of inflation – for around three million Australians earning either the minimum wage or under an industry award. The push is part of Labor’s broader strategy to ease cost-of-living pressures and boost household incomes.</p> <p>“This will help around three million workers across the country, including cleaners, retail workers and early childhood educators,” said Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth in a joint statement. “Boosting wages, cutting taxes for every taxpayer and creating more jobs are central parts of our efforts to help Australians with the cost of living.”</p> <p>While the government did not specify an exact figure, it made clear that any increase should outpace inflation, a stance likely to be met with resistance from employers. Business groups, including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are calling for a more modest 2.5% increase, warning that anything higher could hurt struggling businesses, especially with superannuation contributions set to rise from 11.5% to 12% on July 1.</p> <p>Last year, minimum wage earners received a 3.75% pay rise, lifting the national minimum wage to $24.10 per hour, or $915.90 per week. With headline inflation then at 3.6%, workers saw only a marginal real wage increase of 0.15%.</p> <p>However, the economic backdrop has shifted. In the year to March, overall wages grew by 3.4% while the consumer price index rose just 2.4%, indicating a real wage growth of 1% for many Australians. Inflation is now within the Reserve Bank’s target band of 2-3%, which the government says supports its call for a generous, yet “economically responsible” wage hike.</p> <p>“An increase in minimum and award wages is consistent with inflation sustainably remaining within the RBA's target band and will provide further relief to lower income workers who are still doing it tough,” Chalmers and Rishworth added.</p> <p>Since Labor took office in 2022, the minimum wage has surged by historically high margins: 5.2% in 2022 – the largest rise in 16 years – and 5.75% in 2023. In total, the minimum wage has increased by $143 per week under the Albanese government.</p> <p>Despite concerns from employers over weak economic growth and rising business costs, the government remains optimistic about a rebound in domestic demand. Its submission acknowledged global risks, including the potential impact of Donald Trump's trade policies, but forecast stronger growth in 2025 and 2026.</p> <p>Prime Minister Albanese reinforced Labor’s commitment to wage growth during a cabinet meeting this week, saying a further increase to the minimum wage would be one of his top priorities heading into the next federal election. “Labor will always stand for improving people's wages and conditions,” he declared.</p> <p>Still, the looming expiry of the government’s $75 quarterly electricity rebates at the end of 2025 poses a risk of reigniting inflationary pressures – something the Fair Work Commission will weigh carefully as it prepares to announce its decision in June.</p> <p>The outcome of the review will directly affect 180,000 workers on the national minimum wage and an additional 2.7 million on industry awards, making it a critical flashpoint in the battle over how best to balance worker welfare and economic sustainability.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

What every parent should read before becoming the bank of mum and dad

<p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In late 2023, economists Jarden estimated </span><a style="color: #467886;" href="https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/the-bank-of-mum-and-dad-is-good-for-70-000-new-analysis-concludes-20231129-p5enpp"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">15 per cent of mortgage borrowers received some form of financial support</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> from their parents. A separate poll by comparison site Finder around the same time </span><a style="color: #467886;" href="https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/first-home-buyers-reveal-huge-amount-aussie-parents-gifted-them-201221909.html"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">put the figure at 11 per cent</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">. Fast forward to February this year, with a UBS survey </span><a style="color: #467886;" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-06/cost-of-living-sting-lessened-by-bank-of-mum-and-dad/104882754"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">suggesting almost half of first home buyers receive parental assistance</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">. Clearly, the Bank of Mum and Dad is a rapidly growing source of funds for younger people seeking to purchase property. However, some older Australians are now paying a hefty price for having done so without adequate planning and protections.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">On the hook</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Amid the excitement of homebuying, many parents overlook the fact they could be left on the hook to cover any shortfall. The worst-case scenario here is losing your own home, as well as your child losing theirs, if you went guarantor on their loan and they defaulted and you didn’t have a backup plan. If you loaned them money which they subsequently can’t repay, the principal amount goes unrepaid and you also miss out on the interest/compound growth that money could have earned if invested elsewhere. You may even be asked to fork out more in future if your child needs help to keep the property or to subsequently buy a replacement property. Unlike for a real bank, there is no public bailout for the Bank of Mum and Dad.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Financial shortfall</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">A common problem that I and other financial advisors are now seeing is parents inadvertently giving their children more than they can actually afford. Take people who acted as Bank of Mum and Dad before the pandemic hit. They budgeted how much they would need for retirement and then gave their adult kids money towards buying a home of their own. Then COVID-19 arrived. Countless jobs were lost and businesses shuttered. Many would-be retirees were forced to stay in the workforce for longer than planned. Next came the inflation crisis, with mortgages and living costs soaring. Retirement budgets blew-out as more money was suddenly needed for everyday expenses, particularly energy, insurance and food. Meanwhile ballooning house prices over the pandemic years saw first homebuyers needing even larger deposits. That all translated to significant financial shortfalls for the Bank of Mum and Dad.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Elder abuse</span></strong></p> <p><a style="color: #467886;" href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/population-groups/older-people#abuse"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Government figures from 2023</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> estimate one in six older Australians suffer elder abuse in some form, with 2.1 per cent experiencing financial abuse – undue control, pressure or restricted access to their own money and financial decisions. Half (53 per cent) of elder abuse perpetrators are family members, with adult children the most common offenders.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Given the amount of money involved in property purchases, and the stresses associated with housing affordability, the potential for the Bank of Mum and Dad to suffer elder abuse is alarmingly high.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Relationship breakdowns</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Money is perhaps the greatest source of tension in relationships. Usually that is between partners, yet these can multiply for the Bank of Mum and Dad and its stakeholders. Some examples include:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">You and your partner disagree on what or how much assistance to provide.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Your other children feel disadvantaged if they don’t receive the same financial assistance.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Having provided the finances, you then interfere in how your child manages the property or their general finances, causing resentment to build.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">A marriage breakdown (yours or your child’s) affects the repayment of a loan or the nature of a mortgage guarantee.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Protect yourself</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">While supporting children is the foremost concern of the Bank of Mum and Dad, it is important to protect yourself too. A written agreement outlining the nature of the support, conditions and contingencies is crucial to keep every aligned. Independent advice from your financial adviser, lawyer, mortgage broker and accountant ensures you fully understand what you are on the hook for, how much you can afford to contribute, and whether there are less-risky options.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Finally, be sure that the decision to support your child’s property ambitions is your own and that you aren’t coerced into it. If you’re concerned that you may be experiencing elder abuse, call the free </span><a style="color: #467886;" href="https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/elder-abuse-phone-line"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">elder abuse line on 1800 353 374</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #242424;">Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, <em>Money For Life: How to build financial security from firm foundations (Major Street Publishing $32.99).</em> Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children<em>. </em>Find out more at </span></strong><a style="color: #467886;" title="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/" href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/"><strong><span style="line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</span></strong></a></p> <p><strong><em><span style="line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #242424;">Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754.</span></em></strong></p> <p><em><span style="line-height: 18.4px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #242424;">Image: Shutterstock</span></em></p>

Money & Banking

Pope Francis' cause of death and burial wishes revealed

<p>The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke followed by heart failure, according to an official statement released by the Vatican press office. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, with underlying health conditions also contributing to his death.</p> <p>In a statement signed by Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Vatican City State, the Vatican revealed that Francis had suffered a previous episode of acute respiratory failure, along with arterial hypertension and type II diabetes.</p> <p>Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a brief Easter blessing to thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square. Unable to finish reading his address, the ailing pope sat as an aide delivered the rest of the speech, which called for peace in war-torn regions such as Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan.</p> <p>Following his death, the Vatican also made public the burial wishes outlined in the pope’s will. Francis requested a simple burial in the ground at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – marked only with the Latin inscription <em>Franciscus</em>. This will be the first time in over a century that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican.</p> <p>According to the will, an anonymous benefactor has agreed to cover the costs of his burial.</p> <p>With the pontiff’s passing, the Catholic Church now enters a traditional period of mourning known as the Novendiales, lasting nine days. During this time, Pope Francis will lie in state as preparations for his funeral are made.</p> <p>The conclave – the sacred process to elect a new pope – is expected to begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days following his death.</p> <p>Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. His death marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, progressive stances and a deep focus on global humanitarian issues.</p> <p><em>Images: Wikimedia Commons</em></p>

Caring

UK Supreme Court makes major ruling on definition of "woman"

<p>In a landmark ruling that has stirred celebration and concern in equal measure, the UK Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the legal definition of "woman" refers exclusively to someone born biologically female.</p> <p>The decision effectively excludes transgender women from being counted as women under the Equality Act, marking a decisive turn in a years-long legal battle over gender identity and women's rights in Scotland.</p> <p>The case, brought by the feminist campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS), challenged guidance issued by the Scottish government that included transgender women with gender recognition certificates in official gender quotas. The ruling has been hailed as a victory by women's rights advocates who argued that expanding the definition undermined protections for biologically female people.</p> <p>“Everyone knows what sex is and you can't change it,” said Susan Smith, co-director of FWS, celebrating the court’s decision outside the courthouse. “It’s basic common sense. People have tried to deny science and reality. Hopefully, this now brings us back to reality.”</p> <p>The Supreme Court’s five justices ruled unanimously that the Equality Act permits single-sex spaces – such as women-only changing rooms, shelters, and medical services – to exclude transgender women, even those who hold gender recognition certificates.</p> <p>In his written opinion, Justice Patrick Hodge said that the ruling does not strip transgender people of their broader protections under UK law but rather clarifies the scope of “sex” in certain legal contexts. “Interpreting ‘sex’ as certificated sex would cut across the definitions of ‘man’ and ‘woman’… and create heterogeneous groupings,” he wrote.</p> <p>The dispute originated from a 2018 Scottish law requiring that at least 50% of board members of public bodies be women. The inclusion of trans women in this target was central to the legal challenge, with FWS arguing that such a move effectively redefined the concept of womanhood without parliamentary authority.</p> <p>Aidan O’Neill, legal counsel for FWS, told the court that “sex” should be interpreted in the “ordinary, everyday” sense, based on biology from birth. “It is an expression of one’s bodily reality,” he said. “An immutable biological state.”</p> <p>The ruling has sparked celebration among gender-critical activists. Outside court, campaigners from several women’s groups opened champagne and chanted, “Women’s rights are human rights.”</p> <p>Maya Forstater, founder of the advocacy group Sex Matters, said: “The court has given us the right answer: the protected characteristic of sex refers to reality, not paperwork.”</p> <p>Author JK Rowling, a vocal supporter of FWS, praised the campaigners as “extraordinary” and “tenacious.” In a post on X, she said, “In winning, they've protected the rights of women and girls across the UK.”</p> <p>However, the judgment has drawn sharp criticism from trans rights organisations and human rights advocates. The campaign group Scottish Trans said it was “shocked and disappointed,” warning that the ruling risks eroding legal protections for trans people.</p> <p>Green Party Member of the Scottish Parliament Maggie Chapman called the decision “deeply concerning” and a “huge blow to some of the most marginalised people in our society.”</p> <p>“Trans people have been cynically targeted and demonised by politicians and large parts of the media for far too long,” Chapman said. “This has contributed to attacks on longstanding rights and attempts to erase their existence altogether.”</p> <p>Amnesty International also condemned the ruling, arguing that it clashes with broader human rights standards. “A blanket policy of barring trans women from single-sex services is not a proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim,” the organisation stated.</p> <p>The UK government welcomed the Supreme Court's clarification, stating, “Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.”</p> <p>Scotland’s semi-autonomous government, which initially defended the inclusion of trans women in public board quotas, said it accepted the court's decision. “We will now engage on the implications of the ruling,” said First Minister John Swinney. “Protecting the rights of all will underpin our actions.”</p> <p>The ruling is expected to have wide-reaching implications for public policy, equalities law, and gender identity debates across the UK – a country increasingly at the centre of a global reckoning on the boundaries of sex, gender and rights.</p> <p><em>Images: For Women Scotland</em></p>

Legal

Sophie Delezio marries her childhood sweetheart in stunning style

<p>Love is in full bloom for childhood sweethearts Sophie Delezio and Joseph Salerno, who have officially tied the knot! The couple exchanged vows over the weekend in a stunning ceremony held at the picturesque Anambah House in the Hunter Valley, surrounded by their closest family and friends.</p> <p>Sophie, 24, looked radiant in a classic ball gown with intricate beaded detailing across the bodice. Her bridal look was perfectly complemented by her bridesmaids, who wore elegant champagne-coloured dresses, each in a unique style that reflected their individual personalities. Meanwhile, Joseph cut a dashing figure in a smart brown suit, complete with matching boots.</p> <p>The celebrations were nothing short of joyful. As soon as the couple was declared husband and wife, the festivities kicked off with cheers, champagne pops and plenty of laughter. Behind-the-scenes moments captured by friends showed the newlyweds and their bridal party revelling in the magic of the day, with Sophie's bridesmaids even lending a hand to carry her gown’s flowing train across the venue’s lush grounds.</p> <p>Fans were treated to glimpses of the festivities when Sophie shared a few cherished moments on her Instagram story, offering a peek into their special day.</p> <p>The wedding marks yet another beautiful milestone for the couple, who welcomed their first child, a son named Frankie, in September 2024. Their original wedding plans were lovingly postponed to celebrate their growing family, making their eventual walk down the aisle even sweeter.</p> <p>Sophie has recently spoken about the challenges of balancing motherhood and her career as a content creator, admitting that "there’s no pause button to soak in the joy of newborn life". With her wedding on the horizon, she decided to take a well-deserved break from social media to focus on her family, cherishing these precious moments that will last a lifetime.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHuxj9_zgqg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHuxj9_zgqg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sophie Delezio (@soph.delezio)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Joseph's romantic proposal in 2023, which took place at their home in Sydney after nearly a year of travelling the world together, set the tone for their enduring love story. He presented Sophie with a breathtaking three-stone engagement ring, symbolising their past, present and future as partners.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

"Game changer": Aussie women welcome new early-detection cancer test

<p>Australian women will soon have access to a revolutionary blood test designed to aid in the early detection of breast cancer. The innovative test, known as BREASTEST plus™, was developed by BCAL Diagnostics and is set to complement traditional breast cancer screening methods such as mammograms and ultrasounds.</p> <p>BCAL Diagnostics chair Jayne Shaw <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/public-health/australian-first-blood-test-to-help-early-detection-of-breast-cancer-comes-to-sydney-before-nationwide-rollout-c-18153750" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed to 7NEWS</a> that the development of the test had taken 15 years, describing it as a "game changer" for women worldwide.</p> <p>“The breast test is a game changer for all women everywhere because it’s a blood test to detect breast cancer alongside other diagnostic tools like ultrasound and a mammogram,” Shaw said.</p> <p>She pointed out that a similar blood test for prostate cancer, which has been available since 1989, has significantly improved clinical outcomes for men. “Early diagnosis for all cancers will lead to improved survivability rates, and it was only inevitable that a blood test would be developed to diagnose breast cancer earlier,” she added.</p> <p>One of the major advantages of the new blood test is its ability to detect breast cancer in women with high breast density. Around 40-50% of Australian women undergoing screening have high breast density, which can obscure abnormalities on mammograms and make diagnosis more difficult.</p> <p>With the ability to identify breast cancer markers, the blood test will provide a valuable additional tool for detecting cancers that might otherwise go unnoticed.</p> <p>Breast Cancer Network Australia director Vicki Durston welcomed the new test, especially for its potential to improve the reporting of high breast density cases, where cancers are often missed. “Breast Cancer Network Australia has long been calling for the uplift in the breast density statement nationally to see standardised reporting across the country,” Durston said.</p> <p>She also noted that while high breast density is just one of many risk factors, the new test represents an innovative step forward in improving early detection and treatment.</p> <p>Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, accounting for approximately 28% of all new cancer cases. In 2024 alone, around 21,194 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia, including 20,973 women and 221 men. However, survival rates have improved dramatically, with Australia’s peak breast cancer body reporting that the five-year survival rate has risen from 78% in 1994 to 92% in 2020, with many people living long and healthy lives beyond this period.</p> <p>While the test currently comes at an out-of-pocket cost, there is hope that the Australian government will eventually provide subsidies under Medicare to make it more accessible. The first tests will be available at the <a href="https://www.sydneybreastclinic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Breast Clinic</a> starting Thursday, followed by a rollout in Melbourne, with plans to expand nationwide by the end of the year.</p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock / 7NEWS</em></p>

Body

"It's not our way": Young Indigenous woman speaks out against Acknowledgment of Country

<p>A young Indigenous woman has sparked controversy by criticising the Acknowledgement of Country, claiming the practice is 'made up' and not representative of Indigenous Australian culture.</p> <p>Kiescha Haines Jamieson was asked on social media whether the formal observation is an 'actual traditional practice' or a 'modern white saviour thing'.</p> <p>'It is a made up protocol by Reconciliation Australia,' she claimed. 'It's not culture. It's not our way.'</p> <p>The Acknowledgement of Country is a relatively recent practice, emerging in the 1990s during what the Keating Government called 'the Reconciliation Decade'. It was formalised as part of efforts to improve Indigenous-state relations, with former Labor senator and Yawuru man Pat Dodson playing a key role in its establishment.</p> <p>'The work of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation encouraged strangers to recognise country, then, as people got stronger, the welcome developed,' Dodson explained.</p> <p>The practice is distinct from a Welcome to Country, which is a ceremony performed by a traditional owner to formally welcome visitors to their land. Acknowledgement of Country, by contrast, is often delivered by non-Indigenous people or organisations to recognise traditional owners.</p> <p>Ms Jamieson argued that the practice has now been 'institutionalised to make people think that it is our culture'. Her comments resonated with some social media users, who agreed that the protocol was 'made up'.</p> <p>'Finally someone with the guts to tell the truth,' one user wrote. However, others pushed back, arguing that acknowledging country has deep cultural significance for some Indigenous groups.</p> <p>'It's a traditional thing for our mob, but not as grand as it's shown on TV,' one commenter noted. 'It's not really a welcome, it's more like a way to notify the spirits and ancestors that mob are travelling.'</p> <p>Another person added: 'You don't speak for all mobs and you don't speak for mine.'</p> <p>Yawarllaayi/Gomeroi elder Barbara Flick Nicol has previously stated that welcoming and acknowledging visitors has existed for thousands of years in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.</p> <p>'It's always been something that we did as a people, understanding and observing the fact that when you are in somebody else's country, that you acknowledge them,' she told NITV in 2020.</p> <p>Ms Flick Nicol said that formal acknowledgments began appearing in New South Wales after the landmark Mabo decision in 1992, with councils raising Aboriginal flags and formally recognising traditional owners at meetings and conferences.</p> <p>Former federal politician and Wiradjuri woman Linda Burney, who was involved in the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, defended the practice, saying it evolved organically. 'It wasn't strategised or planned. Once it got out to civic life it was something that people saw as an important way to tell the truth of the Australian story,' she said.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

Grief as European royal passes away at just 46

<p>Archduchess Estelle de Saint-Romain of Austria has passed away at the age of 46. A statement published in Le Figaro's Carnet du Jour confirmed that Estelle Lapra de Saint-Romain, wife of Archduke Carl Christian of Austria, died on March 4, 2025. Her family laid her to rest at the Monastère de Cimiez in Nice, France, a week later.</p> <p>"Her husband, Archduke Carl Christian, their children, her parents, and her in-laws are deeply saddened to announce that Archduchess Estelle of Austria, née Lapra de Saint Romain, was called to God on Tuesday, March 4, 2025," the statement read in translation. The cause of death was not disclosed, though reports indicate she had previously been diagnosed with cancer.</p> <p>Born in 1979, Estelle married Carl Christian in 2007. He is the great-grandson of Emperor Charles I of Austria, the last ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Together, they had five children: Zita, 17, Anezka, 15, Anna, 12, Paola, 10, and Pier-Georgia, 4.</p> <p>The funeral service, attended by several European royals, took place at the historic Monastère de Cimiez. Among those in attendance were Belgium's Princess Astrid, Luxembourg's Princess Marie-Astrid, the Duke of Castro, and Ferdinand of Habsburg. Brother Antonio Basso led the ceremony, remembering Estelle for her "loving wisdom" and recalling how she and her family regularly attended Mass at the monastery.</p> <p>Despite the dissolution of the Austrian monarchy in 1918, the Habsburg family remains prominent in European society. Estelle and Carl Christian’s wedding in 2007 attracted significant attention, with crowds gathering to witness the event. Three hundred distinguished guests attended, including Princess Astrid, Liechtenstein’s Prince Gundakar, and Jean-Christophe, Prince Napoléon.</p> <p>Carl Christian, the eldest son of Archduke Rodolphe de Habsbourg-Lorraine and Archduchess Marie-Hélène, née Baroness de Villenfagne de Vogelsanck, is part of an extensive noble lineage. His cousin, Archduke Karl von Habsburg, is the current head of the Austrian Imperial House.</p> <p>Archduchess Estelle’s passing marks a great loss for the Habsburg family and the European aristocracy, as she is remembered for her grace, devotion, and dedication to her family and faith.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

"It's just my name": Aussie mum's number plate banned for being too offensive

Pauline Hanson and One Nation senators criticised for turning their backs during Acknowledgement of Country

Award-winning ABC journo passes away just one month after retiring

Aussie Vietnam hero finally awarded Victoria Cross after 60 years

Call for life ban after ugly post-Origin incident

Why women live longer than men

What causes the 'winter blues' and why is it more common in women?

Why women turn to illegal cannabis despite rising medical demand

Cricket icon dies just days after receiving King's Birthday award

Elle Macpherson celebrates her sixties in style

Karl's Origin bet sees NRL star run nude across Bondi Beach

Bubsie rides again: A century-old journey retraced across Australia

Millions of Aussies set to receive cost-of-living pay bump

What every parent should read before becoming the bank of mum and dad

Pope Francis' cause of death and burial wishes revealed

UK Supreme Court makes major ruling on definition of "woman"

Sophie Delezio marries her childhood sweetheart in stunning style

"Game changer": Aussie women welcome new early-detection cancer test

"It's not our way": Young Indigenous woman speaks out against Acknowledgment of Country

Grief as European royal passes away at just 46

Our Partners