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Cause of fatal Sea World chopper crash finally revealed

A catastrophic combination of radio failure and limited visibility led to the tragic mid-air collision of two Sea World helicopters on the Gold Coast in January 2023, a final investigation report has revealed. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its long-awaited findings on Wednesday, more than two years after the accident that claimed four lives and left nine others injured at the height of the summer holiday season. According to the report, a critical inbound taxiing call from one helicopter, which was carrying five passengers, failed to transmit to a second helicopter preparing for takeoff with six people aboard. Investigators determined that a fault in the antenna of the first helicopter, VH-XKQ, prevented the transmission, despite the pilot having made the call. The faulty antenna had been an issue for several days prior to the crash. While the ground crew had earlier advised that the airspace was clear, by the time the second helicopter lifted off, that advice was no longer valid. The first helicopter had been waiting for a taxi call from the second chopper to ensure safe separation, but the call never came. “Neither pilot was aware of the existence of faults in the radio of VH-XKQ that likely prevented broadcast of the taxi call,” the ATSB report stated. Without functioning radio communications, neither pilot could pinpoint the location of the other aircraft, contributing to the fatal collision. The investigation also identified limited visibility from both helicopters and the pilots’ divided attention – focused partly on boat traffic and other aircraft in the area – as additional contributing factors. Sea World Helicopters’ safety systems, including radio calls, hand signals, and visual warning devices, were found to be inadequate. These shortcomings led both pilots to incorrectly assess the position of the other helicopter. Further compounding the tragedy, the ATSB found evidence that some passengers were improperly restrained, although it could not determine how this affected the severity of their injuries. The report also highlighted operational changes leading up to the crash. A week before the incident, the helicopters were swapped, and a year earlier, the helipads had been relocated – both changes that contributed to a breakdown in safety protocols and increased collision risk. The new aircraft lacked internal company radios, had no live traffic displays, and the pilots were unfamiliar with the systems, the report noted. The collision claimed the lives of pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, 36. Tadros’ 10-year-old son Nicholas survived but required extensive surgeries. Victorian mother Winnie de Silva, 33, and her nine-year-old son Leon were also hospitalised with serious injuries. Michael James, the pilot of the second helicopter, managed to execute an emergency landing despite suffering injuries from shattered glass. He passed away in June 2024 after a battle with cancer. The findings come as Shine Lawyers, representing several victims and families affected by the crash, prepare for civil proceedings. Claims of up to $925,000 per person have been lodged against Sea World Helicopters, and the release of the ATSB report is expected to inform further legal action. “This was such a profoundly unnecessary loss of life which must be prosecuted fully to ensure it never happens again,” said litigation specialist Roger Singh. “We will examine the findings of this report with a view to identifying other potential defendants and further damages which may be sought.” Images: ATSB

Legal

Stunning prediction for Aussie homeowners in wake of Trump's trade war

Australian homeowners could see their mortgage repayments tumble by as much as $9,000 annually if Donald Trump’s escalating trade war triggers a global recession, with experts predicting a double interest rate cut as soon as May. As stock markets worldwide reel from the fallout of Trump’s latest trade moves – with China now deeply involved – fears of a US recession are intensifying. On Monday alone, around $100 billion was wiped from the Australian share market amid growing global trade tensions. Yet, for Australian mortgage holders, there could be a surprising silver lining. According to ANZ, homeowners with a $600,000 loan could save between $76 and $156 a month under four forecasted rate cuts of 0.25 per cent each over the next year. For those with a $500,000 mortgage, repayments could fall by about $76 a month, while families with larger $1 million loans could pocket savings of around $153 monthly – amounting to a staggering $9,000 annually. ANZ’s chief economist, Richard Yetsenga, said the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to cut rates in May, July and August. “We now expect the RBA to ease in May, July, and August – 25 basis points at each meeting,” Yetsenga said, adding that a double rate cut of 50 basis points in May is not off the table if global growth deteriorates further. Earlier this year, the RBA trimmed the cash rate by 25 basis points in February, offering homeowners with variable rate loans some relief – saving them around $100 to $150 a month, or potentially more than $1,200 annually. In a stunning prediction, Treasurer Jim Chalmers echoed these forecasts while hinting at up to four interest rate cuts this year, with the potential for a significant 50 basis point cut as early as next month. “The next Reserve Bank interest rate cut in May might be as big as 50 basis points,” Chalmers said. “Forecasting is difficult enough in stable times, but even more so in uncertain times.” Despite the grim outlook for markets, Chalmers offered reassurance, especially for Australians nearing retirement whose superannuation balances are being rocked by market volatility. “Everyone with a super fund, everyone with shares, probably every Australian, is watching the global markets with trepidation,” Chalmers said. “But we are better placed, better prepared, and Australians should take comfort in that.” The Treasurer also voiced concerns about the impact of the trade war on Asia, noting that tariffs are hitting countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam particularly hard, while China’s economy may prove more resilient. ANZ expects Asian currencies to take the brunt of the adjustment as the tariffs unfold. While uncertainties loom large, for Aussie homeowners at least, the prospect of falling interest rates offers some financial relief in an increasingly unpredictable global economy. Images: Youtube

Money & Banking

Cricket world mourns passing of Ashes legend

Peter Lever, the former England fast bowler and a key member of the victorious 1970-71 Ashes side, has passed away at the age of 84. His former county, Lancashire, confirmed the news on Thursday. “We are deeply saddened by the news that Peter Lever has passed away, aged 84,” Lancashire posted on X. “Peter was inducted into our Hall of Fame last year after playing 301 First-Class matches between 1960 and 1976 — taking 796 wickets. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.” Lever played 17 Test matches and 10 One-Day Internationals for England, including the famous inaugural One Day International in 1971. Known for his aggressive pace and sharp movement, he left a lasting impact on the game. His England career began in 1970 against a Rest of the World XI at The Oval, where he took an impressive 7-83, dismissing cricketing greats such as Garry Sobers, Mushtaq Mohammad, Graeme Pollock, Clive Lloyd and Mike Procter. Although the match was later stripped of its Test status, his performance earned him an official England debut later that year in the Ashes series opener in Perth. Lever played a crucial role in England's 1970-71 Ashes triumph, which remains the last time Australia was whitewashed at home. He returned to Australia in 1975 and delivered a career-best performance, taking 6-38 in Melbourne. On the first day of that Test, he dismissed four of Australia’s top five batsmen for just two runs. Despite England securing an innings victory in that match, it was their only win in the six-Test series. However, one of the most defining moments of Lever's career came in 1975 during a Test match against New Zealand in Auckland. A bouncer he bowled struck debutant Ewen Chatfield on the unprotected left temple, causing him to collapse on the pitch. Chatfield's heart stopped, leading to fears that he had died, but he was revived through CPR by England physiotherapist Bernard Thomas. The traumatic incident deeply affected Lever, who later admitted that he contemplated retirement. Lever played only one more Test match after that, featuring in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s in 1975, where he took two wickets in a drawn game. He retired from first-class cricket the following year, concluding a distinguished career with Lancashire. Peter Lever will be remembered as a fierce competitor and a dedicated servant of English cricket. His contributions to the sport, particularly his role in England’s historic Ashes win, ensure his legacy will endure. Images: Daily Mail UK

Caring

Why do I grieve my childhood home so much now we’ve sold it?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> Grief can hit us in powerful and unanticipated ways. You might expect to grieve a person, a pet or even a former version of yourself – but many people are surprised by the depth of sad yearning they can feel after selling the childhood home. In fact, it is <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">normal to grieve a place</a>. And this grief can be especially profound if it coincides with a parent dying or moving into residential aged care, leading to the sale of their house. Grief is the response to the loss of anything to which we have an emotional connection. A <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">growing body</a> of <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203860731/counting-losses-darcy-harris">research</a> is looking at how grief can extend to “non-person” losses such as infertility, loss of religion and, yes, the loss of a former home. <h2>Why would someone grieve a house?</h2> The childhood home can be an important place for many of us. It literally housed our formative development, family bonds, and core memories. Hopefully, the childhood home is where we learned about safety, security and love. It was likely surrounded by our neighbourhood, and close to important places such as school, playgrounds and friends’ houses. It is no wonder we grieve it when it’s gone. It’s normal to <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315126197-20/grieving-lost-home-marc-fried">grieve things we can’t see and touch</a> but are real and valued. Just as a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.70031">serious diagnosis might trigger</a> grief for an imagined future for yourself, or an <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732314538550">identity</a> you once cherished, loss of a childhood home can hit us harder than we think. When you sell a once-beloved home, you don’t just lose the physical space. You also lose all of what that space might represent, such as birthday celebrations, Christmas lunches, sleepovers with friends or many happy hours playing in the garden. The childhood home often is a symbol of family connection and an anchor in the storm of life. Thinking of the home and all it represents can elicit nostalgia. In fact, the word “nostalgia” <a href="https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/nostalgia-cowbells-meaning-life">derives from the Greek</a> words nostos (return) and algos (pain). The word is rooted in the pain we often feel being away from home. And just as siblings are unique – each with different memories of and connections to their childhood home – their responses to its sale can differ markedly. It is normal if your sister or brother grieves the home in a different way to you – or maybe doesn’t even seem to grieve its loss at all. <h2>A complicated grief</h2> When a childhood home is sold because of the death of parents, the feelings of loss about the home are closely linked. The home being sold can be a type of secondary loss that sits in the periphery to the primary loss of parents. Grieving the deaths might, at first, take precedence over the loss of the home. It might only be later that the loss of the home and all it represents becomes apparent. Because the home provides a connection to the deceased person, the loss of the home might add another layer of grief about your parents. Perhaps you find that whenever you recall memories of mum or dad, they seem always to be at the house. It’s also normal if you feel immense <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">guilt</a> about grieving the home. People might chastise themselves for worrying about “silly things” and not grieving “enough” about the person who died. <a href="https://www.agingcare.com/questions/how-do-i-deal-with-the-guilt-of-selling-moms-house-481550.htm">Guilt about selling the home</a> can also be common. Not everyone has positive memories of their childhood home. Difficult family dynamics, maltreatment and abuse can complicate the emotional connection to childhood spaces and the grief response to their loss. In such cases, the loss of the childhood home can elicit grief about the loss of the childhood that could have – and should have – been. The loss of a home that was the site of discord can be even more challenging than for people with more idyllic childhood experiences. <h2>How can I cope with this loss?</h2> Grief from the loss of a childhood home is <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">real and valid</a>. We should recognise this and be kind to ourselves and others experiencing it. We shouldn’t minimise the loss or make fun of it. Usually, the loss is anticipated, and this allows you to take photos, furniture or mementos from the home or garden before you leave or sell. Grief researchers call these “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X20300031">transitional</a> <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13576270412331329812">objects</a>”. They may help you maintain a connection to what is lost, while still grieving the place. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10615-018-0682-5">Social support</a> while grieving is important. Some people share memories and photos of the home with their siblings, or derive comfort from driving by the home. Just be prepared for the possibility it will likely change as the new owners adapt it to their needs. You might feel affronted, but hopefully can eventually accept the property now belongs to someone else. Chat to your doctor if the loss is particularly difficult, and your grief doesn’t change and subside over time. They might be able to recommend a psychologist who specialises in grief. If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.<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/251058/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-breen-1142446">Lauren Breen</a>, Professor of Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a> 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/why-do-i-grieve-my-childhood-home-so-much-now-weve-sold-it-and-what-can-i-do-about-it-251058">original article</a>. Image: RDNE Stock project/Pexels </div>

Home & Garden

Prince William shares deeply personal message over fallen war hero

Prince William has shared a deeply personal message in remembrance of John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, who passed away on St Patrick's Day at the age of 105. The Prince of Wales, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot himself, took to social media on Tuesday to express his condolences and gratitude for Hemingway’s service. "I was sad to hear about the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway this morning, the last of 'The Few'," the 42-year-old royal wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them." Hemingway, born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1919, joined the RAF as a teenager and became one of the young airmen who defended Britain during the pivotal 1940 Battle of Britain. These pilots, immortalised as "The Few" following a famous speech by then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill, played a crucial role in thwarting the German air offensive during World War II. Churchill’s words – "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" – have since become a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Hemingway and his fellow pilots. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I was sad to hear about the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway this morning, the last of “The Few”. We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them. W — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1901914010863202506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></blockquote> Current Prime Minister Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Hemingway, acknowledging his extraordinary courage and contribution to securing the nation's freedom. "Very sad to hear of the passing of Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last known Battle of Britain pilot," Starmer wrote on X. "His courage, and that of all RAF pilots, helped end WWII and secure our freedom. We will never forget their bravery and service. Thank you, John 'Paddy' Hemingway." King Charles has yet to make a public statement, but RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton honoured Hemingway’s remarkable legacy, remembering him as "an amazing character" who carried the spirit of camaraderie and bravery throughout his life. "Paddy always had a twinkle in his eyes as he recalled the fun times with colleagues in France and London," the RAF said in a statement announcing his passing. Hemingway’s passing marks the end of an era, but his service and sacrifice will live on in history. As the last of 'The Few', he leaves behind a legacy of courage that will continue to inspire generations to come. Images: Instagram \ Royal Airforce

Caring

I’m avoiding a hearing test because I don’t want chunky hearing aids. What are my options?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://www.health.gov.au/hearing-health/resources/publications/one-in-six-australians-experience-hearing-loss-poster-0?language=en">One in six Australians</a> have hearing loss and, for most adults, hearing starts to decline from <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0107720">middle age onwards</a>. Many of us, however, hesitate to seek help or testing for our hearing. Perhaps you’re afraid you’ll be told to wear hearing aids, and envision the large and bulky hearing aids you might have seen on your grandparents decades ago. In fact, hearing aids have changed a lot since then. They’re often now very small; some are barely noticeable. And hearing aids aren’t the only option available for people experiencing hearing loss. <h2>Why you shouldn’t ignore hearing loss</h2> Acquired hearing loss can have a serious impact on our life. It is <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2331216517734088">associated</a> with or can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29222544/">contribute</a> to: <ul> <li>social isolation</li> <li>loneliness</li> <li>not being able to work as much, or at all</li> <li>memory problems</li> <li>trouble thinking clearly</li> <li>conditions such as dementia.</li> </ul> Hearing loss has also been associated with depression, anxiety and stress. A <a href="https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article-abstract/60/3/e137/5369884?redirectedFrom=fulltext">systematic review and meta-analysis</a> found adults with hearing loss are 1.5 times more likely to experience depression than those without hearing loss. A <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768374">large population study</a> in the US found self-reported hearing loss was associated with: <ul> <li>higher levels of psychological distress</li> <li>increased use of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, and</li> <li>greater utilisation of mental health services.</li> </ul> The good news is that doing something about your hearing loss can help you live a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36385406/">happier</a> and <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00232-5/fulltext">longer</a> life. <h2>So why don’t people get their hearing checked?</h2> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17927921/">Research</a> has found adults with hearing loss typically wait ten years to seek help for their hearing. Less than a quarter of those who need hearing aids actually go ahead with them. Hearing declines slowly, so people may perceive their hearing difficulties <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2013.839888">aren’t concerning</a>. They may feel they’re now used to not being able to hear properly, without fully appreciating the impact it’s having on their life. Some people harbour <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2013.839888">negative attitudes to hearing aids</a> or don’t think they’ll actually help. Others may have overheard their <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2013.839888">partner, family or friends</a> say negative things or make jokes about hearing aids, which can put people off getting their hearing checked. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">Stigma</a> can play a big part. People often associate hearing loss with <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2353862">negative stereotypes</a> such as ageing, weakness and “being different”. Our recent <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2446480">research</a> found that around one in four people never tell anyone about their hearing loss because of experiences of stigma. Adults with hearing loss who experience stigma and choose not to disclose their hearing loss were also likely not to go ahead with hearing aids, we found. <h2>What are my options for helping my hearing?</h2> The first step in helping your hearing is to have a hearing check with a hearing care professional such as an an audiologist. You can also speak to your GP. If you’ve got hearing loss, hearing aids aren’t the only option. Others include: <ul> <li>other assistive listening devices (such as amplified phones, personal amplifiers and TV headphones)</li> <li>doing a short course or program (such as the <a href="https://shrs.uq.edu.au/active-communication-education-ace">Active Communication Education program</a> developed via University of Queensland researchers) aimed at giving you strategies to manage your hearing, for instance, in noisy environments</li> <li>monitoring your hearing with regular checkups</li> <li>strategies for protecting your hearing in future (such as wearing earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, and not having headphone speakers too loud)</li> <li>a cochlear implant (if hearing loss is severe)</li> </ul> Hearing care professionals should take a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2190864">holistic approach</a> to hearing rehabilitation. That means coming up with individualised solutions based on your preferences and circumstances. <h2>What are modern hearing aids like?</h2> If you do need hearing aids, it’s worth knowing there are several different types. All modern hearing aids are extremely small and discrete. Some sit behind your ear, while others sit within your ear. Some look the same as air pods. Some are even completely invisible. These hearing aids are custom fitted to sit deep within your ear canal and contain no external tubes and wires. Some types of hearing aids are more expensive than others, but even the basic styles are discrete. In Australia, children and many adults are eligible for <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/hearing-services-program/accessing/eligibility">free or subsidised hearing services</a> and many health funds offer hearing aid rebates as part of their extras cover. Despite being small, modern hearing aids have advanced technology including the ability to: <ul> <li>reduce background noise</li> <li>direct microphones to where sound is coming from (directional microphones)</li> <li>use Bluetooth so you can hear audio from your phone, TV and other devices directly in your hearing aids.</li> </ul> When used with a smartphone, some hearing aids can even track your health, detect if you have fallen, and translate languages in real time. <h2>What should I do next?</h2> If you think you might be having hearing difficulties or are curious about the status of your hearing, then it’s a good idea to get a hearing check. The earlier you do something about your hearing, the greater the likelihood that you can prevent further hearing decline and reduce other health risks. And rest assured, there’s a suitable option for everyone.<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/250925/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-ekberg-1534998">Katie Ekberg</a>, Senior Lecturer, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/barbra-timmer-1199057">Barbra Timmer</a>, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Audiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> 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/im-avoiding-a-hearing-test-because-i-dont-want-chunky-hearing-aids-what-are-my-options-250925">original article</a>. Image: Getty </div>

Hearing

I spy with my little eye: 3 unusual Australian plant ecosystems to spot on your next roadtrip

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gregory-moore-1779">Gregory Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> When the growing gets tough, the tough trees and shrubs get growing. Australia’s environment is brutal. Its ancient, low-nutrient soils and generally low rainfall make it a hard place for plants to grow. Despite this, the continent is filled with wonderfully diverse plant ecosystems. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be easy to miss these seemingly unremarkable species. So, here are three little-known Australian plant species and ecosystems to look out for during your next roadtrip. <h2>1. Cycads and eucalypts</h2> If you are driving a coastal route along southern New South Wales, keep an eye out for the stunning combination of burrawang cycads (Macrozamia communis) and spotted gum (Corymbia maculata). These species live in harmony along the <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-families/cycads#:%7E:text=Meet%20one%20of%20the%20world's%20most%20southern%20Cycads&text=On%20the%20New%20South%20Wales,Spotted%20Gums%20(Corymbia%20maculata).">NSW coastline</a>, from Kempsey to Bega, and inland as far as Mudgee. If you’re on a road trip, now is the perfect time to talk to children about ancient moving continents, volcanoes and dinosaurs. Cycads are <a href="https://anpsa.org.au/APOL2009/feb09-s3.html">ancient gymnosperms</a> (cone-bearing plants) which evolved long before the Gondwanan supercontinent separated. These tough, hardy plants saw the dinosaurs come and go, and their relatives are found all around the world. These <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-families/cycads#:%7E:text=Not%20only%20is%20Macrozamia%20communis,inland%20as%20far%20as%20Mudgee.">cycads</a> form a striking understorey to the spotted gum. As their scientific name (Macrozamia communis) suggests, they form a dense community. Further north in Queensland, pineapple cycads (Lepidozamia peroffskyana), and Western Australia’s zamia palm (Macrozamia riedlei) are also worth spotting. Cycad seeds are poisonous, but First Nations Australians worked out a complex process to prepare them for <a href="https://www.apscience.org.au/apsf20036/">safe eating</a>. This involved dissolving the <a href="https://www.scienceflip.com.au/subjects/chemistry/equilibriumandacidreactions/learn10/">plant’s toxins</a> in running water, cooking, working and grinding the seeds into a powder. Spotted gums evolved long after dinosaurs went extinct. Early eucalypt fossils date from about 34 million years ago, while current species are often only a few million years old. Spotted gums are a great example of how plants that survive tough environments often also do well in difficult <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-humble-spotted-gum-is-a-world-class-urban-tree-heres-why-212540">urban situations</a>. Cycads are similarly found growing in poor soils and arid conditions. They have long, glossy leaves up to about 1.5 metres in length with lots of leaflets. There are both male and female plants. The female cone is an impressive, wide-domed structure that can be almost half a metre across. Its bright orange-red seeds are eaten by <a href="https://backyardbuddies.org.au/backyard-buddies/cycads/#:%7E:text=If%20you%20have%20a%20female,bats%20will%20feed%20on%20them.">foraging marsupials</a>, large birds and flying foxes. Spotted gums are tall, straight eucalyptus trees with dark green, glossy leaves. Old bark creates dark grey spots against their cream coloured trunk, giving them a mottled look. It is interesting to see ancient and modern species in such a close community relationship in cycad-spotted gum forests. Both are also well-adapted to the fires that frequent their habitat. <h2>2. Ancient acacias</h2> Travelling inland, the environment gets even tougher. Most large trees disappear and are replaced by woodlands dominated by <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/abares/forestsaustralia/publishingimages/forest%20profiles%202005/acacia_forests_2005.pdf">inland acacia</a> (wattle) species. These inland acacias are short but mighty, with deep, extensive root systems. Two of these species, <a href="http://theconversation.com/the-mighty-mulga-grows-deep-and-lives-long-118838">mulga</a> (Acacia aneura) and brigalow (A. harpophylla) are part of Australian folklore. A Banjo Paterson character <a href="https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks/e00072.txt">says</a>: “You know how the brigalow grows […] saplings about as thick as a man’s arm”. Nutrients and water resources are limited, so mulga and brigalow trees are often evenly spaced across the landscape. This eerie symmetry makes it look like they were planted by humans. Many people are unaware that the twisted, stunted specimens they see are more than 250 years old and occupy vast tracts of the Australian landscape. <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/action-plan/priority-plants/waddy-wood">Waddy-wood</a> (Acacia peuce) is a rare species of acacia, found in just three locations on the edge of the Simpson Desert. This tree has very strong wood, and was used by Indigenous Australians for making clubs (waddys) and tools for carrying fire. Inland acacias were widely used by Indigenous Australians for their wood, resins and medicinal properties. They have also been used as <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/671421/using-mulga-as-a-forage-supplement-for-livestock-in-droughts.pdf">fodder for livestock</a>, especially during drought. These <a href="https://era.dpi.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/13430/1/QJAS_6%5B2%5D_1949_pp87-139_everist.pdf">crucial species</a> provide important habitat for other plants and animals. But they are under threat. As old trees collapse and die, there are no young trees replacing them. This is because of drought and grazing, compounded by <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/environmental-risk-mitigation-plan-acacia.pdf">climate change</a>. <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/desertification">Desertification</a> – where fertile land is degraded until it essentially becomes desert – is becoming a huge problem due to the massive area dominated by acacias. <h2>3. Boabs</h2> If you’re driving across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, you might come across the <a href="https://theconversation.com/built-like-buildings-boab-trees-are-life-savers-with-a-chequered-past-118821">mighty boab</a> (Adansonia gregoryii). These close relatives of the African and Madagascan baobabs <a href="https://theconversation.com/baobab-trees-all-come-from-madagascar-new-study-reveals-that-their-seeds-and-seedlings-floated-to-mainland-africa-and-all-the-way-to-australia-231031">floated to Australia</a> as seeds or seedlings around 12 million years ago. These <a href="https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2019/07/how-did-the-iconic-boab-tree-get-to-australia/">deciduous trees</a> live in mostly dry environments that also experience strong monsoonal-type rains. Boabs trap and store water in their trunks, allowing them not only to survive but thrive. Their African and Madagascan baobab relatives are sometimes called <a href="https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-african-baobab-tree/">trees of life</a>, as they support many species. Australian boabs are similar. They offer habitat, roosting and nesting sites. Their flowers and fruits are food sources to many species of insects and birds. They were – and are – important trees in First Nations cultures. Carvings and symbols on their trunks can last for more than a century, much longer than on other trees. These are called <a href="https://www.snexplores.org/article/carvings-australia-boab-trees-lost-history-first-nation">dendroglyphs</a>. For example, <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-boab-trees-of-the-remote-tanami-desert-are-carved-with-centuries-of-indigenous-history-and-theyre-under-threat-191676">snake carvings</a> dated to more than 200 years old have been found on boab trees in Northern Australia’s Tanami Desert. While these special trees are usually found far from the beaten track, they can be spotted growing around Darwin and other remote towns. If you get the chance to see them, count yourself lucky. <h2>Tough terrain, tough trees</h2> Plant communities are remarkably resilient. They also display great creativity when evolving ways to survive tough environments. Make sure to keep an eye out as you’re exploring Australia and enjoy the fascinating plants our country has to offer.<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/246129/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gregory-moore-1779">Gregory Moore</a>, Senior Research Associate, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/i-spy-with-my-little-eye-3-unusual-australian-plant-ecosystems-to-spot-on-your-next-roadtrip-246129">original article</a>. </div>

Domestic Travel

"I didn’t stop screaming": Sandra Sully recalls horrifying gun attack

Veteran Ten newsreader Sandra Sully has opened up about the horrifying gun attack she endured back in 1997 in the latest episode of the Stellar Something To Talk About podcast. Sully was held at gunpoint as she was returning from from a late news shift in November 1997. She was getting out of her car a little after midnight when she was attacked by a masked assailant who tried to push her back into the car. There was a struggle and the assailant put a gun to her temple and pulled the trigger twice, but fortunately, it failed to go off. Sully kept screaming until her attacker eventually fled the scene, and the attack was kept a secret from the public for 20 years. The newsreader returned to work just a few weeks later. “Because I was doing night shifts, I had a security detail for 10 years every night when I got home and that gave me real comfort,” she revealed on the podcast. She believed that her screams saved her life, recalling: “It did save me. I really believe that. It was funny, I had a dream as a young woman most of my life about a really frightening experience and that I would be trying to scream and nothing would come out.” “And at the time I remember screaming and I was shocked that it was coming out, and I knew, I found out within a day or two that the people next door had called the police and because I didn’t stop screaming despite him pistol-whipping me, he ran. "That was the only thing that saved me. I was lucky. Because he had a gun, balaclava and handcuffs. So he meant business.” Sully had previously told Stellar that it took her a long time to process what had happened and open up about the ordeal publicly. “It was at least 10 years before I was ready to talk about it to anyone other than my family, and probably 15 years before I felt like I could put it behind me,” she said in the 2017 interview. “I still don’t like to be surprised. If someone makes a loud noise, I jump. I am always aware in a carpark.” Image: Instagram

Ozempic shown to reduce alcohol intake in world-first trial

A world-first study has shown that Ozempic can reduce drinking among those with alcohol-use disorder (AUD). A small clinical trial, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.4789?utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jamapsychiatry.2024.4789">JAMA Psychiatry</a>, studied 48 people with signs of moderate alcohol-use disorder and found that those taking semaglutide – the generic name of Ozempic – for nine weeks saw significantly reductions in how much alcohol they drank, as well as cravings for alcohol, compared with people on a placebo. The findings underscore many real-world claims of those taking these medicines have already hinted at: Ozempic and similar drugs, already incredibly popular, could help reduce risks of over-consuming alcohol, if the results bear out in larger and longer trials. Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at the University of Southern California Institute for Addiction Science and the lead author of the study, said, "We hoped to see a reduction in drinking and craving." "What I didn't expect was the magnitude of the effects looks fairly good … compared to other alcohol-use disorder medications." The drug works in both the gut and the brain, which may be the way they could help with alcohol-use disorder, said Lorenzo Leggio, a physician-scientist at the US National Institutes of Health who wasn't involved in this study. "More research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) of action of these medications in AUD," Leggio, who's published research on semaglutide's ability to reduce alcohol drinking in animals, wrote to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/12/health/ozempic-alcohol-use-disorder-trial/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a>. "Nonetheless, the work done now suggests that mechanisms may include their effect in reducing alcohol craving and in reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol." Whether Ozempic and other similar drugs present a new way of treating AUD will depend on larger trials in patients more heavily afflicted by the disorder, experts said, and potentially whether research can yield a better understanding of how the medicines work to reduce drinking. Image credits: Shutterstock

Body

200 unexploded WWII bombs found underneath playground

Almost 200 unexploded bombs dating back to World War II have been unearthed from beneath a children's playground in the north of England. The discovery was made in Scotts Play Park in Wooler, Northumberland, with 176 bombs recovered and fears that more could be discovered. The first of the devices, which still contain a charge, were found in January and was followed by much larger finds in the following weeks. It is believed the area was used as a Home Guard training ground during the war, and the explosives were buried at the end of Second World War in 1945. After two bombs were recovered by the British Army, the local parish council was then advised that a full survey of the area was required. “I never thought as a parish councillor I’d be dealing with bomb disposal,” Conservative councillor Mark Mather said, as reported by the <a title="www.bbc.com" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0821yqr4wo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC.</a> “It’s quite something to think the children have been playing on bombs and it’s been a really challenging situation. “We’ve only cleared about a third of all the park and we could still find another pit with more bombs in.” The bombs were first discovered in January after the parish council received a grant to build a fully inclusive playground to be added to the existing area. While digging foundations at the site on January 14th, the first bomb was found, with another 150 explosives being found in the following two days. Experts from the local Barracks confirmed the first device was a training bomb and the UK’s Ministry of Defence said a full site survey was needed. “They are called practice bombs so they’re not live,” Mather said. “But they do still carry a charge and were found with the fuse and contents intact so they could be hazardous." “The story we’re getting from locals is that Wooler was a centre for Home Guard training and officers came here from all over the country. After the war it looked like they just buried all the ordnance in one of the pits.” Image credits: Wooler Parish Council

Travel Trouble

Extraordinary winners of the 2025 Sony World Photography Awards

From fiery volcanoes and busy cities, to extraordinary mountains and underwater adventures, the winners of the 2025 <a href="https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sony World Photography Awards</a> have been announced. Over 419,000 images from more than 200 countries and territories were submitted to the 2025 contest overall, this year's awards "celebrate a great diversity of visual storytelling from across the globe". The National and Regional Awards program was set up by Sony and the World Photography Organisation to support "local photographic communities around the world", with the program winners capturing moments of a "crash-landing" penguin in Antarctica, a lava-streaked volcano in Indonesia and an underwater cave on a South Korean island. The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition featuring awarded works will take place in London between April 17th and May 5th. Image credits: Sony World Photography Awards

International Travel

How can I keep my cat happy? 5 tips from a vet to help your feline friend live their best life

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anne-quain-12802">Anne Quain</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Around <a href="https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/report/pets-in-australia-a-national-survey-of-pets-and-people-2/">one third of Australian households live with at least one cat</a>, yet surveys tell us the cats’ <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X19890189">needs are not being met</a>. Cats may <a href="https://www.sup.org/books/media-studies/unified-theory-cats-internet">rule the internet</a>, but humans often misconstrue feline behaviour. Earlier this year, the Washington Post boldly declared <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2024/03/12/cats-behavior-misunderstood/">cat’s arent jerks – they’re just misunderstood</a>. This was prompted by research showing that, contrary to unhelpful stereotypes, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023323000795">cats are not antisocial</a>. They can and do bond closely with humans. The more we learn about cats, the more we realise they are complex individuals with unique <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8300181/">personalities</a> and preferences, capable of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-74006-2">learning</a>. From understanding your cat’s language to keeping them safe and healthy – here are science-backed tips to improve the lives of your feline flatmates. <h2>1. Pay attention to body language</h2> Cats communicate with humans using body language and vocalisation. However, while cats direct meows at humans, and the meows vary depending on the context, humans <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7765146/">are not great at decoding them</a>. But we can read cat body language. For example, slow blinking is likely to indicate a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73426-0">positive emotional state</a>. Cats who are not happy (for example, don’t want to be touched) will freeze, move away, flatten their ears, hiss, or – if they feel they have no other option – scratch or bite. It is better to allow cats to approach you on their terms, rather than pushing for social interaction. A cat approaching you with their tail up is giving a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8469685/">friendly signal</a>, while a tail swishing from side to side signals annoyance. Cats should always have the option to opt out of any interaction, like being touched. If you aren’t sure, just “<a href="https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/purr-science-of-making-your-cat-happy.html">ask</a>”: stop patting them. If they walk away, they’re not keen. If they rub their head against you, they want to continue the interaction. <h2>2. Provide a healthy environment</h2> The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine have agreed upon <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X13477537">five pillars of a healthy feline environment</a>: <ol> <li> A safe space so that cats can retreat if frightened. </li> <li> Multiple, separated key resources (food, water, toileting areas, scratching areas, play areas and resting or sleeping areas) so that cats can comfortably conduct their daily activities. </li> <li> Opportunity for play and predatory behaviour, such as games with wand toys that simulate hunting. </li> <li> Positive, consistent and predictable human-cat interactions, respecting a cat’s choice about whether and how they interact. </li> <li> Respecting the importance of a cat’s senses by avoiding undesirable stimuli (strong smells and loud noises), and providing desirable sensory stimulation (for example, use of <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-catnip-and-treats-like-it-safe-for-cats-heres-how-they-affect-their-minds-and-moods-214947">catnip or silver vine</a>). </li> </ol> These pillars provide a useful checklist. If you read this and realise your cat’s food and water are right next to the litter tray, you can improve your cat’s environment (and their experiences of eating and toileting) by separating these resources right now. <h2>3. Clean the litter tray!</h2> A litter tray may represent an unpleasant chore to you, but the importance of a spacious litter tray to your cat cannot be overstated. Cats <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376635716302972">prefer using a clean litter tray</a>, even if they are the only cat in the household. Cats like to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016815911730151X">spend time in the tray</a> before, during and after toileting, and they generally <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787814000033">prefer a large tray</a>. Poor litter hygiene is associated with a risk of urinary problems, which can be <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16389">life-threatening</a>. A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19890189">survey of over 12,000 Australian cat owners</a> found that urinary problems were more common in households with a low number of litter trays per cat, less frequent removal of faeces from the trays, and the use of crystal-type cat litter. If you switch the type of litter you provide, a <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/8/946">slow transition</a> is recommended to allow cats to get used to the change. <h2>4. Read the room</h2> Do you have more than one cat? Tension between household cats is common but often overlooked, as it’s not always physical fighting. Signs of inter-cat tension can include prolonged staring, or even blocking the use of resources such as the litter tray or cat door, to prevent other cats from using them. In their <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X241263465">2024 intercat-tension guidelines</a>, the American Association of Feline Practitioners note this can case chronic fear, anxiety and stress-related illnesses in cats. Learning to recognise and manage tension between household cats can improve the welfare of all parties. When you love your cat, it is tempting to seek to amplify the joy by adopting another. But many cats prefer to be the only cat in the household, and don’t cope well with a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10083434/">feline flatmate</a>. If they have positive interactions with familiar, trusted humans, they’re unlikely to be lonely. <h2>5. Keep cats and other animals safe</h2> Historically, domesticated cats earned their keep <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169534720300100">protecting grain stores</a> from rodents. But what constitutes responsible cat ownership has changed. Around 65% of Australia’s cat owners <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10215893/">confine their cats</a> indoors always, while 24% keep their cats confined at night. A major driver for indoor-only housing of cats is their <a href="https://theconversation.com/one-cat-one-year-110-native-animals-lock-up-your-pet-its-a-killing-machine-138412">predation of wildlife</a>. Another is concerns about roaming-associated risks to cats, including cat fights, infectious diseases (such as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9546031/">feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV</a>), misadventure and motor vehicle trauma. But owners of cats kept entirely indoors were more likely to report <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159119301054?via%3Dihub">“problem” behaviours</a>. Ideally, cats shouldn’t be allowed to free-roam unsupervised where they can harm wildlife, even within the bounds of the property where you live. More than a third of local councils in Australia <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-19/banning-pet-cats-roaming-native-animals-billions-dollars-council/103856000">now require</a> cats to be contained overnight or 24 hours a day. Outdoor access provides sensory stimulation, with different sights, sounds and smells. Alternatives to free roaming include providing access to a well-designed cat run, harness-training your cat, or supervising your cat. Cats who don’t leave home unless they’re moving house or being taken to the vet, quickly learn to associate the cat carrier with a trip to an unfamiliar environment. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that a vet visit is imminent when the carrier comes out. But that negative association can be changed. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159118302703">Cats who were rewarded with treats</a> when they approached, stepped inside or rested in the carrier for six weeks were much less stressed during veterinary visits. Cats are intelligent, and contrary to popular opinion, can be trained. The process can be enriching for cats and humans alike. With patience and commitment, <a href="http://www.smallanimaltalk.com/2017/04/book-review-trainable-cat-plus-that.html">you can train your cat</a> – from a simple “sit” to voluntarily stepping into the cat carrier. In short, give cats choice, respect their “cat-ness”, pay attention to their needs and try to see our world from their point of view. Your cat will be happier for it.<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/242774/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anne-quain-12802">Anne Quain</a>, Senior Lecturer, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/how-can-i-keep-my-cat-happy-5-tips-from-a-vet-to-help-your-feline-friend-live-their-best-life-242774">original article</a>. </div>

Family & Pets

Top 10 must-do activities around the world in 2025

Global travel brand Time Out has revealed their annual list of the best activities around the world. From a canoe trip in Australia to wildlife encounters in Singapore, here are the top 10 must-do activities and experiences around the world. 10. Take a micro cruise through the Arctic. This year, Micro-cruise specialist Secret Atlas will be taking 12 passengers at a time through the Arctic, for a more "intimate, once-in-a-lifetime, eco-conscious trip". The cruise will take guests on a wildlife-spotting journey through Svalbard's lesser-known northern reaches, while the other cruise will sail past the icebergs in Northeast Greenland, including a visit to one of the most remote towns on earth. These trips, however, aren't cheap with prices starting at £15,500 (around AUD $30,500) for two weeks. 9. Explore the cross-border towns of Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia These three towns make up 2025's European Capital of Culture, with over 400 events to be held throughout the year, including a piano performance on a 200m-high bridge, as well as a food and wine event called Tastes Without Borders. 8. Go on a wildlife-spotting adventure in Singapore's new Rainforest Park The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is opening its fifth zoological park, Rainforest Wild Asia, this year, with 10 different zones, as well as 29 different species of animals, perfect for a family outing. 7. Discover Vietnam by a vintage steam train Time Out explained that two of the "beautifully restored vintage trains" date all the way back to the 60s, and will take passengers between "the central city of Da Nang and the former royal capital of Hue." 6. Visit the Musée Granet celebrating the father of post-impressionism Aix-en-Provence in France is celebrating the life of post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne in his hometown, with the exhibition displaying almost 100 of Cèzanne’s works, as well as tours around the artist’s childhood home, former estate and art studio. 5. Visit the long-awaited Harlem's Studio Museum, New York The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, was first opened 56 years ago, with an archive of almost 9,000 pieces from all kinds of creators. It was closed for construction almost seven years ago and will finally re-open in autumn. 4. Fly directly to Greenland The grand opening of their brand-new international airport will make this stunning location more accessible for travellers wanting to view the Northern Lights and all of the territory's natural wonders. 3. Visit the world's first museum telling stories of migration though art The Fenix museum in Katendrecht, Rotterdam will open on May 16 and is the first museum telling stories of migration through art. 2. Walk, ride or cycle along Murray River, Australia "The Murray River is the crowning jewel of Australia’s Echuca region," said Time Out’s Saffron Swire. With the opening of a new multisport adventure trail this year, cyclists, hikers and paddlers alike will get to enjoy the river in a new way. 1. Join a once-every-quarter-century spiritual celebration in Rome, Italy Italy's capital will celebrate its spiritual Jubilee this year, a Catholic festivity that's held every 25 years, with Italy expert Rebecca Ann Hughes recommending the Seven Churches Pilgrimage, "which began in the 16th century and involves a 25km walk through the city and countryside between the major basilicas." Check out the full list <a href="http://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Shutterstock

International Travel

The most turbulent flights in the world revealed

While many travellers have experienced a bumpy ride while on a plane, there are some routes that are rougher than others. Thanks to <a href="https://turbli.com/historical-data/most-turbulent-flight-routes-of-2024/">Turbli research</a>, the most turbulent flight routes in the world for 2025 have been announced for worried flyers to avoid when booking their holidays. All destinations are situated in just two continents and four countries, and all involve flying over high altitudes. Turbulence is measured in Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR), which describes turbulence levels without regard to aircraft characteristics, meaning the same levels of turbulence may be experienced differently depending on the size and build of the aircraft. Dramatic changes in land altitude, particularly mountain ranges, create eddies, or swirls of disrupted airflow all create turbulence. With 0-20 on the EDR scale is considered light turbulence, these flight paths measure double digits in their levels of severity. Most of these destinations are located in South America, so if you’re particularly adverse to a bumpy flight, maybe take these stats into account before booking your next holiday. Check out the list of the 10 most turbulent flights in the world below. 10. San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina) to Santiago (Chile). 18.475 average EDR. 9. Chengdu (China) to Xining (China). 18.482 average EDR. 8. Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). 18.563 average EDR. 7. Santa Cruz (Bolivia) to Santiago (Chile). 18.598 average EDR. 6. Chengdu (China) to Lhasa (China). 18.644 average EDR. 5. Kathmandu to Lhasa. 18.817 average EDR. 4. Mendoza (Argentina) to San Carlos de Bariloche. 19.252 average EDR. 3. Mendoza to Salta (Argentina). 19.825 average EDR. 2. Córdoba to Santiago. 20.214 average EDR 1. Mendoza to Santiago. 24.684 average EDR. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

World's safest airline for 2025 revealed

The world's safest airline has been revealed, with two major carriers from Down Under nabbing the top two spots in the prestigious AirlineRatings.com rankings. Air New Zealand has been rated the safest airline in the world, with Qantas coming in a close second and only 1.50 points separating the two carriers. Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Emirates came equal third, while Virgin Australia came in fourth and Etihad Airways in fifth. “It was extremely close again between Air New Zealand and Qantas for first place with only 1.50 points separating the two airlines,” AirlineRatings.com CEO Sharon Petersen said. “While both airlines uphold the highest safety standards and pilot training, Air New Zealand continue to have a younger fleet than Qantas which separates the two.” AirlineRatings.com is the world's only safety and product rating website, and Air NZ also won the title last year and in 2022, with Qantas nabbing the top spot in 2023. The watchdog monitors 385 airlines and takes into account serious incidents, recent fatal accidents, audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, profitability, safety initiatives, expert pilot training assessment and fleet age. They also shared the rankings for the safest low-cost airlines, with Cathay Pacific-owned Hong Kong Express claiming the top spot and Qantas-owned Jetstar coming in second. “Everyone at Qantas and Jetstar is incredibly proud of our commitment to safety, which will always be our number one priority. The whole aviation industry is focused on ensuring flying remains the safest way to travel through continual learning and improvement,” A Qantas Group spokesperson told news.com.au. While Air NZ CEO Greg Foran said: “I’m very proud of our entire Air New Zealand whānau for consistently and diligently putting safety at the forefront of everything we do." “Operational integrity is at the heart of our business. We have a strong culture of safety that puts our team and passengers first. I’m proud of how this culture has been fostered over many years and how it underpins every aspect of the airline’s everyday operations.” The Top 25 World's Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2025: <ol> <li>Air New Zealand</li> <li>Qantas</li> <li>Cathay Pacific; Qatar Airways; Emirates</li> <li>Virgin Australia</li> <li>Etihad Airways</li> <li>ANA</li> <li>EVA Air</li> <li>Korean Air</li> <li>Alaska Airlines</li> <li>Turkish Airlines (THY)</li> <li>TAP Portugal</li> <li>Hawaiian Airlines</li> <li>American Airlines</li> <li>SAS</li> <li>British Airways</li> <li>Iberia</li> <li>Finnair</li> <li>Lufthansa/Swiss</li> <li>JAL</li> <li>Air Canada</li> <li>Delta Airlines</li> <li>Vietnam Airlines</li> <li>United Airlines</li> </ol> Images: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

How to turn your gift-giving crisis into a Christmas miracle

Christmas is coming, and with it, the annual What do I get everyone?! panic. Every year it’s the same: endless debates about whether Dad really needs another tie, your sister’s mysterious aversion to gift cards, and the horrifying memory of that one time you gave your neighbour a single fruitcake. Let’s be honest – nobody wants a single fruitcake. This year, skip the stress and let <a href="http://www.hamperworld.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hamper World</a> turn your gift-giving crisis into a Christmas miracle. Hamper World has been the secret Santa we all need for over 25 years, crafting stunning gift hampers packed with the best Australian-made goodies. We’re talking premium wines, gourmet snacks, fancy chocolates and artisanal treats that taste like they were made by elves with Michelin stars. It’s the kind of stuff that makes people’s eyes light up before they’ve even finished unwrapping it. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/12/IMG_0313_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="831" /> The beauty of these hampers is that they don’t just scream thoughtful gift. They also whisper, I didn’t just pick this up on the way here. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, co-workers or that one random person who showed up for Christmas lunch (we all have one), there’s a hamper that’ll fit the bill – and make you look like a gifting genius in the process. Now, here’s the kicker: these hampers aren’t just packed with amazing stuff; they’re also doing some serious good. Every item is sourced from Australian producers, so your Christmas cheer is supporting local farmers, chocolatiers and small businesses. It’s basically like giving two gifts in one: one to your loved one, and one to Australia’s economy. Take that, Santa. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/12/21737A_1280_3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> And don’t get us started on delivery. You know that classic Christmas movie moment where the hero races through the snow (or, in our case, the scorching summer heat), trying to deliver the perfect gift? You don’t need that drama. Hamper World ships all over Australia, making sure your gift arrives looking as festive and fabulous as it did when it left. Whether it’s bound for a city penthouse or a bush retreat, your hamper will get there on time and looking sharp. But the real magic is in the presentation. Hamper World wraps these beauties up like they belong on the cover of a gourmet magazine. No need for awkward DIY attempts at gift wrapping that end with you covered in tape and regret. Just order, sit back and bask in the glory of being the best gift-giver in the history of your family. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/12/IMG_0321_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="831" /> Christmas hampers are also a great solution for those tricky situations. Got a boss who already has everything? Boom, corporate hamper. Want to thank your neighbours for putting up with your late-night karaoke sessions? Sweet treats hamper, done. And don’t forget to treat yourself – after all, nothing says Merry Christmas to me like a hamper full of wine and cheese. So, this Christmas, skip the socks, the scented candles and the questionable DIY projects. Head over to <a href="http://www.hamperworld.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.hamperworld.com.au</a> or call 1800 566 433 and let Hamper World handle the heavy lifting. Because the only thing better than giving the perfect gift is doing it without breaking a sweat – and maybe even snagging a 10% gift card if you order early. Now that’s the holiday spirit. Images: Supplied This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Hamper World

Food & Wine

"I don’t want my son to be called a disease name": Gout Gout's dad weighs in

Australia’s new athletics sensation, "Gout Gout", has become the talk of the nation – not just for his blistering, breathtaking, ridiculous, insane 200m time of 20.04 seconds, but because everyone’s been calling him the wrong name. The 16-year-old sprint prodigy, who shattered a 56-year-old national record over the weekend, now finds himself racing against a linguistic mix-up that’s dogged him since birth. Turns out, his name isn’t actually Gout Gout at all! It’s Guot, pronounced “Gwot”. And his father, Bona, isn’t exactly thrilled about his son being inadvertently linked to an inflammatory arthritis condition. “When I see people call him Gout Gout, I’m not really happy for him,” Bona told 7News. “His name is Guot, it’s supposed to be Guot ... I know that Gout Gout is a disease name but I don’t want my son to be called a disease name ... it’s something that’s not acceptable.” It’s like winning gold but they hand you a medal shaped like a big toe. Nobody wants that. The name mix-up began years ago when an Arabic spelling error during the family’s journey from Egypt to Australia resulted in an unfortunate case of mistaken identity. Bona and his family were intending to move to Canada, but when Aussie paperwork was approved first, that plan became Brisbane - and Guot was then born in Ipswich, Queensland, in 2007, two years after his parents arrived in Australia. Since his epic run over the weekend, even Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic champion, has weighed in on the 16-year-old's stunning performance. “He looks like young me,” Bolt said in an Instagram comment. Guot’s meteoric rise has also attracted attention from sponsors. Having recently signed with Adidas, his career seems poised to sprint toward global stardom. But behind the scenes, his family is working on legally restoring the original spelling of his name before his fame gets forever linked to arthritis medication ads. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> SORRY WHAT?!👂 10.04? 👀 Teenage sensation Gout Gout gets the crowd roaring with a spectacular though windy 10.04 (+3.4) performance in his U18 100m Heat - the fourth fastest time in all conditions by an Australian in history. Stay tuned for the final at 3:40pm AEST. Tune in… <a href="https://t.co/UbXfzH5mj6">pic.twitter.com/UbXfzH5mj6</a> — Athletics Australia (@AthsAust) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthsAust/status/1864879745344901478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2024</a></blockquote> Watch out for media-savvy health organisations to now jump on the Guot bandwagon, perhaps offering free gout awareness campaigns. If nothing else, he’s made gout a household name for the right reasons. For now, Guot is focused on his next challenge: balancing Year 12 studies while training with Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles in Florida. But the family hopes the name change will allow him to leave the painful puns behind. Watch this space, though. No matter what happens, we will be hearing a lot about the sensational young athlete over the coming years. Images: X (formerly Twitter)

Family & Pets

Sydney stages major comeback in World's Best Cities ranking

Sydney has staged a major comeback in the annual ranking of the World's Best Cities, rising 25 places since last year's list. Each year, research firm Resonance compile their list of the best cities in the world, with London coming out in the top spot for 2024 for the 10th time. New York replaced Paris in second place on a top-10 list dominated by European cities, but the most impressive change to the rankings came from Sydney. Sydney leapfrogged Melbourne in the rankings, and jumped from 35th to 10th place in just one year. Melbourne, which was the top-ranked Australian city last year in 31st place, also improved its position to 25th, while Perth at 83rd and Brisbane in 90th rounded out the Aussie cities. The World’s Best Cities rankings combines core statistics from over 400 global cities based on both resident and visitor perception indicators, rankings from trusted sources, and user-generated ratings and reviews. Check out the top 10 list of the World's Best Cities below. 10. Sydney, Australia 9. Berlin, Germany 8. Barcelona, Spain 7. Madrid, Spain 6. Rome, Italy 5. Singapore 4. Tokyo, Japan 3. Paris, France 2. New York, USA 1. London, England Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Australia passes world-first social media ban for children under-16

Children under-16 will be banned from using social media from the end of next year, after the world-first legislation passed the parliament on Thursday. The law means that anyone under the age of 16 will be blocked from using platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook among others, and will make the platforms liable with fines of up to $50 million for failing to prevent these children from holding social media accounts. The Senate passed the bill 34 votes to 19 last Thursday, with The House of Representatives approving the legislation by 102 votes to 13 on Wednesday. The platforms will have one year to work out how to implement the ban before penalties are enforced, however the laws have received mixed reviews from tech companies and mental health experts alike. Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the legislation had been “rushed.” Digital Industry Group Inc., an advocate for the platforms in Australia, also questioned how it would work and the impact it would have on children. “The social media ban legislation has been released and passed within a week and, as a result, no one can confidently explain how it will work in practice – the community and platforms are in the dark about what exactly is required of them,” DIGI managing director Sunita Bose said. The platforms cannot force people to provide government-issued identity documents, including the Digital ID, to assess their age. “This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most, especially in regional communities and especially the LGBTQI community, by cutting them off,” Greens senator David Shoebridge said. Mental health experts agreed that the social media ban could dangerously isolate children who used social media to find support. Christopher Stone, executive director of Suicide Prevention Australia, added the legislation failed to consider positive aspects of social media in supporting young people's mental health. “The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall by rushing this legislation. Young Australians deserve evidence-based policies, not decisions made in haste,” Stone said in a statement. Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, whose 15-year-old daughter Carly was murdered by a 50-year-old pedophile who pretended to be a teenager online, described the Senate vote as a “monumental moment in protecting our children from horrendous harms online," in an email to the AP. Wayne Holdsworth, a father whose son took his own life following a sextortion scam, also approved the decision to introduce the age restriction. Meta Platforms has responded to the new laws saying: “Naturally, we respect the laws decided by the Australian Parliament." “However, we are concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people.” Image: BigTunaOnline / Shutterstock.com

Technology

World's oldest man passes away aged 112

The world's oldest man has passed away aged 112. John Alfred Tinniswood held the title of world's oldest man for nine months and marked his 112th birthday during his reign, which sadly came to an end on Monday when he passed away in a care home northwest England near Liverpool. His family confirmed his death in a statement, saying that the centenarian spent his final day "surrounded by music and love". Tinniswood, who was born on 26 August 1912, the same year the Titanic sank, became the UK’s oldest man in 2020. In April 2024, he was recognised as the world's oldest man by the Guinness Book of Records. Tinniswood, who worked as an accountant for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972, attributed his longevity to "pure luck". "You either live long or you live short, and you can't do much about it," the great-grandfather told the Guinness World Records in April. <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/DC1Lp79NvYI/?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/DC1Lp79NvYI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Guinness World Records (@guinnessworldrecords)</a> </div> </blockquote> He also said that moderation was key to a healthy life. He never smoked, rarely drank and followed no special diet, apart from his ritual of having fish and chips every Friday. "If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much — if you do too much of anything — you're going to suffer eventually," Tinniswood said. His family also said the great-grandfather had an "active retirement", volunteering as a church elder in Blundellsands United Reform Church where he also gave sermons. They have paid tribute to him, saying: "We would like to thank the many people in the UK and across the world who sent well wishes to John on his recent birthdays. "He really appreciated these birthday greetings and other messages of support." "John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf , [we] thank all those who cared for him over the years, including his carers at the Hollies care home, his GPs, district nurses, occupational therapist and other NHS staff." Tinniswood lived through two world wars and served in the British Army Pay Corps in World War II. He is survived by his daughter Susan, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The world's oldest living woman, and oldest living person, is Japan's Tomiko Itooka, who is currently 116. Image: Instagram/ Guinness World Records

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World's oldest man passes away aged 112

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