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Category: Australia

Walking for water, riding for humanity: ARO and AFD unite Australia for clean water

Hundreds of volunteers across Australia walked and cycled in solidarity with children and families struggling to access safe drinking water. Organised by the Australian Relief Organisation (ARO) and Advocates for Dignity (AFD), the nationwide “Walk & Ride for Water” campaign brought together approximately 500 participants across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The initiative aims to raise $60,000 to fund sustainable water wells in Africa and Asia and support a clean water project at a regional Australian school.

FOUR AUSTRALIAN CITIES UNITE FOR CLEAN WATER

Hundreds of Australians joined a nationwide humanitarian campaign on Sunday, 1 November 2026, walking and cycling to raise awareness of the challenges faced by communities without reliable access to safe drinking water.

The “Walk & Ride for Water” campaign, jointly organised by the Australian Relief Organisation (ARO) and Advocates for Dignity (AFD), brought together families, students, community leaders and volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Held simultaneously in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, the campaign attracted approximately 500 participants nationwide.

Participants took part in five-kilometre community walks and cycling routes of 10, 55 and 70 kilometres, depending on the city.

The campaign aimed to draw attention to the daily struggles of children in Africa and Asia who are forced to walk long distances to collect water, often from unsafe sources. Following the morning walks and cycling activities, participants gathered at Amity College’s Prestons campus for a community programme and breakfast.

FEDERAL MP ANN STANLEY: SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN NEED IS A HUMANITARIAN RESPONSIBILITY

In Sydney, approximately 100 people participated in the event, including families, children, cyclists and community volunteers.ARO Board Chair Dr Ma Wai Wai Myint, who delivered the opening address at the Sydney event, acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land and paid respect to Australia’s First Nations peoples.

Highlighting the importance of community solidarity and access to clean drinking water, she thanked the volunteers for their support, saying, “Your presence here today, walking and cycling alongside us, demonstrates just how important this cause is.” ARO has helped establish more than 260 water wells, providing thousands of children and families, particularly in Africa and Asia, with access to safe drinking water.

Federal MP Ann Stanley attended the event alongside NSW State MP Nathan Hagarty, local councillors, educators, students and representatives of community organisations.

Addressing participants, Stanley emphasised the importance of clean drinking water for human health, education and quality of life.

She noted that while Australians generally have access to safe drinking water through their household taps, millions of people around the world continue to face serious difficulties obtaining this essential resource.

Stanley highlighted the humanitarian responsibility of helping those in need and acknowledged the volunteers who had gathered early in the morning to support communities they had never met.

She also commended the organisers and participants for their contribution to the campaign.

ARO PRESIDENT HIGHLIGHTS THE POWER OF COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY

The President of ARO opened the Sydney programme by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land and paying respect to Australia’s First Nations peoples.

In his address, he thanked participants for their commitment to the campaign and highlighted the importance of collective action in improving access to safe drinking water.

ARO has supported the construction of more than 260 water wells, providing thousands of children and families with access to clean water.

Children in some disadvantaged communities walk up to six kilometres each day to collect water, often at the expense of their education and wellbeing.

ARO’s water projects aim to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, improve health outcomes and allow children to spend more time in school.

AFD CHAIR MEHMET SARAL THANKS VOLUNTEERS

AFD Board Chair Mehmet Saral also delivered a brief address during the Sydney programme.

Saral highlighted the importance of humanitarian assistance and community solidarity in responding to the needs of people facing water insecurity.

He thanked the volunteers and participants for supporting the initiative and contributing to the success of the nationwide campaign.

AFD worked alongside ARO in coordinating the activities, bringing together volunteers and supporters from different communities across Australia.

$60,000 FUNDRAISING TARGET FOR AFRICA, ASIA AND REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

The organisers set a fundraising target of $60,000 to support the construction of sustainable water wells in rural communities across Africa and Asia.

The campaign also aims to fund a clean water project at a regional school in Australia.

Access to safe drinking water can improve children’s health and educational opportunities while reducing the daily burden on families who must travel long distances to collect water.

The initiative reflects the organisations’ commitment to supporting vulnerable communities both internationally and within Australia.

CHILDREN LEARN ABOUT THE DAILY STRUGGLE FOR WATER

Alongside the walking and cycling activities, the campaign included family-oriented educational initiatives designed to raise awareness of water scarcity.

One of the activities was the “Water Bucket Challenge”, in which children carried small buckets of water to gain a better understanding of the physical effort required by children living without nearby water supplies.

The organisers sought to encourage younger generations to develop a greater appreciation of clean water and the importance of compassion, volunteering and social responsibility.

Schools, families and community organisations played an important role in supporting the nationwide initiative.

A MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY FROM AUSTRALIA TO THE WORLD

By combining physical activity, fundraising and community engagement, the “Walk & Ride for Water” campaign brought together Australians from different backgrounds in support of a shared humanitarian cause.

The simultaneous events across four major cities demonstrated the contribution of multicultural communities and volunteers to international relief efforts.

Through the campaign, ARO and AFD aim to help improve access to safe drinking water for children and families in Africa and Asia, while also supporting a regional Australian school.

The nationwide initiative highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges: access to safe drinking water.ZAMAN Australia

November 5, 2026
Cricket, climate and colonialism on agenda as Commonwealth leaders meet in Caribbean

The prime minister will advance Australia’s campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council when he meets Commonwealth leaders in Antigua and Barbuda this week, leaving colleagues to face the fallout of a widely anticipated interest rate rise on Tuesday.

As Coalition figures accuse Anthony Albanese of “jetting off” to the Caribbean while Australians struggle with the cost of living, the prime minister said his attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) came at the personal request of King Charles.

“[CHOGM] provides Australia an opportunity to work with some of our closest partners on shared challenges, including climate change, the preservation of our oceans, trade and investment, and the rise of AI,” Mr Albanese said.

“It’s also an important opportunity for Australia to advance our campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2029-30.”

The availability of leaders from 56 nations will also give Mr Albanese an opportunity to speak to key negotiating blocs ahead of summit season, with COP 31, APEC, G20, and the East Asia Summit all in November.

PM to discuss trade, backpackers with UK

Mr Albanese will hold sideline talks with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, and is expected to meet several Pacific and African leaders.

While Mr Albanese and Mr Burnham briefly met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, their first official meeting is set to focus on AI, fuel security amid war in the Middle East, and ballooning British backpacker numbers.

Under a 2021 Morrison-era free trade deal, a rule forcing British backpackers to work in rural and regional Australia was scrapped, leading to a near doubling of UK working holiday-makers.

The government has already directed a “go slow” on processing UK working holiday visas, sitting at about 80,000 per year, but will still allow UK citizens to bypass rural and regional work.

Labor has also introduced a backpacker visa lottery, capping second-year visas at 45,000 and third-year visas at 5,000.

The agreement has been partly blamed for worsening labour shortages in rural Australia and persistently high Net Overseas Migration levels.

‘Untapped potential’ of Commonwealth

CHOGM is one of the few multilateral forums without the presence of the US or China, but geopolitics will still loom large over the summit.

Over the past two decades, China has poured billions into the region, funding major infrastructure projects across the Caribbean, including Antigua’s main port, airport and cricket stadium where CHOGM events will tee off.

Last week, the Trump administration announced it would invest more than $US340 million ($484 million) across 15 Caribbean nations, focusing on digital infrastructure, health care and regional security.

US President Donald Trump is investing more in Carribean nations. (Reuters: Umit Bektas)

In a pre-CHOGM speech, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey called for far greater trade cooperation and social mobility among Commonwealth nations, whose combined economies are worth nearly $30 trillion.

“I believe passionately in the Commonwealth’s potential to benefit its members and their people today and in the future. And that full potential is still untapped,” she said.

Ms Botchwey also called for “bold and urgent change” in the international system amid “a new era of fracture”.

“What’s clear is that business as usual in international affairs will no longer cut it,” she said.abcnews

November 2, 2026
Gold Coast Suns AFLW searching for finals venue over T20 cricket clash

The Gold Coast Suns have earned their place in the AFLW finals — but their reward could be a home final away from home.

After back-to-back seasons near the bottom of the ladder, the Suns have surged into fourth spot with eight wins, booking their first finals appearance since 2023.

A victory over GWS on Sunday would strengthen their grip on a double chance, guaranteeing a home final during the series.

Carrara Stadium is unavailable for weeks two, three and four of the finals series, due to Australia’s T20 clash with England, leaving the Suns and the AFL searching for an alternative venue.

Springfield, home of Queensland rivals the Brisbane Lions and an hour’s drive up the highway, and Southport’s Fankhauser Reserve are among the alternatives being considered.

Southport however comes with a significant caveat — any final would need to be played during the day, when November temperatures average around 28 degrees and humidity can hover around 70 per cent.

A spokesperson for the club said it is “working with all stakeholders on home venues for each week of the finals” where Carrara is not available.

“Our playing group and staff have been resolute all season in their efforts to play anywhere, anytime, across eight different venues and we know they’ll take that attitude into any scenario that presents throughout the post-season campaign,” the spokesperson said.

Despite this, coach Rhyce Shaw said on Tuesday the club is embracing the excitement of a long-awaited finals campaign.

“I took [my son] Henry to swimming the other day and all the staff were getting behind us,” Shaw said.

“It is exciting for our footy club … It’s been a bit of a tough year all round, but for our girls to pick up the slack a little bit and get going and make finals is really, really cool.”

“We’ve got a big job against the Giants and then we’ll think of finals after that.”

If the Suns were to fall to GWS on Sunday, there is the potential for them finish as low as seventh on the ladder.

However, a fifth or sixth place finish would mean they would earn a home final next weekend and the ABC can confirm Carrara Stadium would be available in this instance.

ABC Sport AFLW expert Chyloe Kurdas said regardless of the ladder outcome, the lack of venue certainty is an unwanted distraction.

“I think it is such a valuable home ground advantage [finishing in the top four] but it’s also not just that, it’s the distraction of this conversation right now that happens in the lead up to,” she said.

“It occupies bandwidth and it occupies energy from the playing group and the coaching group and the staff.”

Kurdas said not being able to play at Carrara, a venue the side has won their last three games at, would be a missed opportunity.

“I think there’s a real sweet spot right now with the number of talented kids that are Gold Coast born and raised … that are now playing at the Suns,” Kurdas said.

“Fan engagement is going to be such an important part of this Gold Coast Suns women’s team journey … they’re so talented.”

The Suns have had a 75 per cent increase in AFLW memberships for this season.

A familiar problem

The Suns aren’t the only club caught in a scheduling squeeze.

Second-placed Geelong, one win away from securing a top-two finish, also faces a venue clash, with Kardinia Park unavailable next weekend due to the AUSX Supercross Championship.

While, the AFLW Grand Final, should it be played in Melbourne, has already been locked in for Princes Park — with a capacity of 13 thousand that has sold out for the showpiece game within hours in recent seasons.

Docklands Stadium, with a 53,343-capacity is unavailable, with Harry Styles booked across the weekend, despite players calling for a bigger venue.

The Grand Final has also been scheduled for Friday night, November 27, to avoid a clash with the Victorian State Election.

It’s a familiar problem that’s haunted the competition since it started in 2017.

In the inaugural season, the Brisbane Lions earned the right to host the Grand Final but were forced to play at Carrara, with the Gabba unavailable due to cricket.

Now in its 11th season, the debate continues about where the AFLW competition belongs in the sporting calendar.

The AFL is reportedly considering an earlier start to align the women’s season with the end of the men’s competition.

“You do your due diligence and you look at where is there likely to be these kind of clashes,” Chyloe Kurdas said.

“But ultimately, whenever you choose to play it, you then have to live and die by those decisions.”

She says clubs and the AFL must also be prepared to make commercial decisions that put their women’s programs first.abcnews

October 29, 2026
THREE MEDALS, TWO GENERATIONS, ONE PROUD LEGACY AT NSW PARLIAMENT

Monday 19 October 2026 was a particularly memorable and emotional day for me. It marked my first formal engagement as Zia Ahmad OAM, attending the 2026 New Recipients Welcome Reception hosted by the Order of Australia Association NSW Branch at the historic Parliament House in Sydney.

Having received the Medal of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours in June 2026 for service tojournalism and the Muslim community, I felt privileged to join fellow Australians whose contributions to society hadbeen formally recognised.

But what made the occasion especially meaningful was that, in a sense, I was carrying two generations of service and recognition with me.

On the left side of my chest, I proudly wore my own OAM medal. On the right, I wore the two medals of my late father, Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad OAM, his Medal of the Order of Australia and Centenary Medal, in accordance with the convention for wearing the decorations of deceased relatives.

My father devoted much of his life to community service, and his example profoundly influenced my own journey. Wearing his medals alongside mine was both a tribute to his legacy and a reminder that service to humanity transcends generations.

It was a moment of gratitude, humility and remembrance.

Celebrating Australians who serve

The reception, held in the Strangers Dining Room at NSW Parliament House, brought together newly recognised recipients from diverse professional, cultural and community backgrounds.

The parliamentary host was Nathan Hagarty MP, Member for Leppington and Government Whip, while Martha Jabour OAM, Deputy Chair of the Order of Australia Association NSW Branch, conducted the proceedings as Master of Ceremonies.

Dr John Gullotta AM, Chair of the NSW Branch, welcomed guests and acknowledged the extraordinary voluntary and professional contributions made by award recipients throughout Australia.

He also recognised the indispensable support of families and partners, whose sacrifices often remain unseen behind the achievements being celebrated.

Dr Gullotta spoke about delays in the national honours nomination process, which had reportedly stretched to nearly four years because of resourcing constraints.

He expressed optimism that reforms initiated by the Governor-General would reduce the backlog and restore processing times to approximately 12–18 months.

Gary Smith AM, proposing a toast to the new recipients, beautifully captured the spirit of the occasion:

“Today we honor Australians who have demonstrated that the true measure of service is not what wereceive but what we give to others.”

He reminded recipients that recognition was not simply a reward for past achievements, but an encouragement tocontinue serving.

This message particularly resonated with me. An OAM is not a retirement certificate from community service. Rather, it brings an additional responsibility to contribute, inspire and help others.

From RedBalloon to the responsibilities of recognition

One of the highlights was hearing from Naomi Simson OAM, founder of RedBalloon and well-known Shark Tank investor, who spoke on behalf of the newly recognised recipients.

She humorously recalled almost missing her award notification because the email had landed in her spam folder. When she subsequently received a text message, she initially suspected that too was spam!

Beyond the humour, her reflections carried a powerful message about leadership, trust and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

Recalling advice she had received about continuing to speak and write rather than allowing AI to dominate public discourse, she observed:

“That is the job for all of us in this room. People look to us. They trust us.”

As someone who has spent decades in higher education, journalism, community communication and public engagement, I found her observations particularly relevant.”

Technology is transforming how we communicate, but human credibility, compassion, integrity and trust remain irreplaceable.

A thoughtful gesture of halal hospitality

Amid the formal speeches and celebrations, one small incident left a particularly lasting impression on me.

During lunch and group photography dessert had already been served when the catering supervisor approached and replaced mine. The supervisor explained that the other desserts contained gelatine and that a specially prepared halal dessert had been provided for me.I had not needed to raise the issue myself. It was a simple but deeply appreciated act of thoughtfulness. This was multicultural Australia at its practical best — respecting religious dietary requirements through quiet consideration and professional duty of care.

Such gestures may appear small, but they make people from diverse backgrounds feel genuinely welcome, respected and included.

At a time when we frequently debate multiculturalism, diversity and social cohesion, this experience reminded me that inclusion is demonstrated not only through speeches and policies, but through everyday actions.

Conversations across generations and professions

Equally enjoyable were the informal conversations over lunch with fellow recipients and guests.

I met Australians whose contributions spanned pharmacy education, architecture, heritage conservation, technology and community service.

Our discussions ranged from the early days of computing in the 1970’s to the distinctive Brutalist architecture of UTS Tower building and the Biochemistry Building at the University of Sydney.

These conversations highlighted the extraordinary range of experiences and expertise represented among Order of Australia recipients.

People from very different walks of life had come together through a shared commitment to contributing something meaningful to Australian society.

The formal proceedings concluded with the Loyal Toast to King Charles III, Sovereign Head of the Order of Australia, proposed by Dianne North OAM.

An honour, a responsibility and a family legacy

As I reflected on the afternoon, I thought again of my late father and the values he instilled in our family.

Arriving in Australia from India in 1971 as a young man of 18, I could scarcely have imagined that, more than five decades later, I would be standing at NSW Parliament House wearing my own OAM medal alongside my father’s two decorations.

My journey through science, education, journalism and community service has been shaped by countless individuals, colleagues, volunteers and family members.

Through AMUST, we have sought to inform, connect and empower communities, promote understanding and providea platform for voices that are too often overlooked.

Recognition through the Order of Australia is therefore not simply a personal achievement. It also reflects the collective efforts of those who have worked alongside me over the years.

For me, wearing three medals that day was not merely about celebrating recognition.

It was about honouring my father’s legacy, appreciating Australia’s recognition of community service, and renewing my commitment to continue serving the wider Australian community.AMUST

October 26, 2026
Mary Fowler’s Manchester City held by United to end WSL winning start

Manchester United striker Elisabeth Terland scored a late equaliser to knock visitors Manchester City off top spot in the Women’s Super League table on Sunday evening as a hotly contested derby finished 1-1 at the Leigh Sports Ground.

Matildas star Mary Fowler slid the ball to Bunny Shaw to open the scoring for the champions in the 66th minute.

Making her 100th WSL appearance, Shaw brushed off the challenge of Dominique Janssen and powered a shot into the far corner to break the deadlock and silence the home fans, who booed and heckled her throughout.

However, Norway international Terland was on hand to blast the ball into the net to grab a point for her side in the 89th minute of the game.

It was the first time that City has dropped points this season, allowing Ellie Carpenter’s Chelsea to go top on goal difference after it came back from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 earlier in the day.Chelsea and City both have 19 points, with London City Lionesses third on 16 and Women’s Super League fourth on 11.

On Merseyside, Liverpool’s Jana Fernandez Velasco struck deep into stoppage time to snatch a 2-2 draw at home to London City.

Aston Villa raced out to a 3-0 lead over Everton by the 50th minute with Amalie Vangsgaard scoring twice, but the home side scored twice late on to ensure a nervous finish as Villa held on for a 3-2 win.

Charlton Athletic’s miserable run continued as it slumped to its seventh straight defeat.

Substitute Wilma Leidhammar scored the only goal of the game for Birmingham City in the 68th minute to leave Charlton, who counts Matildas veteran Emily van Egmond among its ranks, still firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and searching for its first point of the season.

Reuters/ABC

October 26, 2026
Solutions-led boxing program Gloves of Hope punching above its weight to support NT youth

Encouraging young boys to put on gloves and fight each other inside a boxing ring may not seem like the most obvious way to keep them out of trouble at first glance.

But those behind this weekend’s amateur Gloves of Hope challenge in Darwin would argue the sport is helping do just that, and much more, for young people in the Northern Territory.

The event is an initiative of local grassroots organisation Hoops 4 Health — an Aboriginal-led service behind several sport programs designed to support struggling youth, including some inside NT detention centres.The free Gloves of Hope program aims to give young men and women a chance to learn boxing skills from professional coaches while building resilience, discipline and a support network in their community.

“We try to improve their mental health, but also guide them with integrity about how they live their lives,” social impact director Matthew Bonson said.

Mr Bonson said the program was based on evidence-backed models of therapy which use patterned, rhythmic exercise to help trauma-affected youth regulate their emotions.

Matthew Bonson says the patterned, rhythmic exercise has been shown to help with emotional regulation. (ABC News: Olivana Lathouris)

“Through sport and the structures around good coaches, you can help these young men stay cool longer and also help young women get more confidence about who they are,” he said.

As the NT grapples with some of the highest youth incarceration rates in the country, particularly among First Nations boys aged 10 to 14, Mr Bonson said providing young people with positive role models was a key part of the program’s success.”Particularly with young men, if you put the right older men in front of them — who they know are trying to help them — they do want to listen,” Mr Bonson said.”It’s not a magic-wand solution, but we’re trying our best to give [young people] positive examples.”

Territory boxing talent on show

On Saturday, Gloves of Hope teamed up with Boxing NT to host one of Darwin’s biggest amateur boxing events of the last decade.

The sold-out event at Marrara Stadium brought together boxing clubs from across Darwin and Alice Springs, with one team even travelling from Kununurra in Western Australia.

Declan Unwin-Walker was one of the fighters competing for the title belt on Saturday and said he was “keen, excited, nervous — but ready to go”.

Mr Unwin-Walker trained with Gloves of Hope for more than a year in the lead-up to the event and said the sport had been rewarding, physically and mentally.

“We all push each other and show up every day and its definitely about pushing each other and just yeah — keep showing up,” he said.

Jerrel O’Riley from the Kununurra Warriors Boxing Club said it was exciting to compete on a big stage.

Jerrel O’Riley and his team were visiting from Kununurra in Western Australia, with plenty of representation from rural Darwin clubs in attendance too. (ABC News: Olivana Lathouris)

“I was pretty surprised to hear there was 1,000 people coming,” he told the ABC ahead of the sold-out event.

“That’s the main thing I’m worried about, getting knocked out in front of 1,000 people.”

Richard Garling, who has coached the sport for more than four decades, was there on behalf of the Humpty Doo Boxing Club.

Mr Garling said pathways into boxing that helped kids from rural areas compete were essential to fostering NT talent.

“There’s a lot of potential in the Territory,” he said.

“Hopefully all these kids tonight can continue their journey somewhere higher — state titles, national titles or Golden Gloves.”

The event also featured a half-time performance by NT music star Yung Milla, fresh from his triumph on reality music competition show The Voice Australia.

The funds raised from ticket sales were donated to help the Gloves of Hope initiative, with organisers hopeful the event will return next year. ABCNEWS

October 26, 2026
Diamonds lose Constellation Cup to New Zealand Silver Ferns with game three defeat

Australia has lost game three of the Constellation Cup 52-49 to New Zealand to hand the trophy back to the Silver Ferns in Sydney.

After leading 41-39 heading into the final quarter of a gripping contest, the Ferns rattled off seven straight goals after three-quarter-time to establish a five-goal lead.

The Diamonds went on their own run to square the ledger at 47-47 as the Test headed into its final five minutes, but costly turnovers and penalties by Australia allowed New Zealand to win the final quarter 13-8.

After falling behind 3-0 in the four-game series, the Diamonds will be playing for pride at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on Wednesday.

The Diamonds are also a chance of losing their world number one netball ranking to New Zealand after the Ferns won gold at the Commonwealth Games in August, while Australia claimed bronze.

Head coach Stacey Marinkovich now has just a 50 per cent series winning record in the Constellation Cup.

Before she took charge in 2020, the Silver Ferns had claimed the trophy once in 10 series. In the six series since, the Kiwis have claimed it three times.

Marinkovich is contracted through to the end of 2027. This is the last time her team will be together before next August for the Netball World Cup in Sydney.

The result looks ominous for the Diamonds’ chances.

However, former Diamond Bianca Chatfield believes Marinkovich’s role is safe, alluding to the challenges of the unlimited import rule in Australia’s Super Netball league.

“I think she’s safe for now … unlike male sports there’s not the money just to pay out coaches and get rid of them, and you do that in the heat of the moment,” Chatfield told ABC’s Offsiders.

“She deserves a chance to go through to the World Cup … She’s facing different pressures to what other Australian coaches have in the past.”

New Zealand head coach Noeline Taurua said the victory was a massive result for the Ferns after a challenging 12 months.

Taurua was suspended from coaching her team this time last year by Netball New Zealand and missed tours of Australia, England and Scotland before being reinstated.

The New Zealand Premiership has also been in fast decline due to poor broadcast deals and management by the national body. Most Silver Ferns jumped ship and signed with Australian teams to ensure they could earn a full-time wage.

“This is our opportunity to write the next chapter of our book,” Taurua said.

“Commonwealth Games gold was obviously the start of that and now backing that up with the Constellation Cup.

“Whether the world number one [is next] or not, we’re within cooee of Australia and getting closer, knowing that we’re building towards the World Cup.

“We’re just riding the wave and enjoying the moment.” abcnews

October 25, 2026
Owner of dogs that left man seriously injured to face harsher penalties under state law

The owner of dogs that attacked and seriously injured a man in Brisbane’s north is expected to face elevated penalties under state law.

The two dogs were captured by police after mauling a 37-year-old man in parkland in Chermside on October 16.

The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his arms.

In a statement, Brisbane City Council chair for customer services Councillor Sarah Hutton said the seriousness of the attack required “much tougher penalties” under state law, rather than council by-laws.

“We know people want swift action and so do we, but we must follow the state government’s strict legal processes,” Cr Hutton said.

She said penalties under the state’s Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act were stronger than the maximum available to the council.

Under state law the owner faces a maximum fine of $120,890 or two years in jail, compared with a $51,810 maximum fine available to the council.

Police were also working to determine whether a second man found dead in the same area two days later had been killed by the dogs.

Dogs’ fate to be decided

A destruction order issued for the dogs last weekend was rescinded on Wednesday when the council instead issued a proposed dangerous dog declaration and the dogs remained “securely held”.

The dogs had not previously been declared dangerous and were registered at a nearby address.

The owner has two weeks to respond to the proposed dangerous dog declaration.

Any response will be considered by council before a decision is made on the dogs’ fate, with one more chance to appeal to the Queensland Administrative Tribunal.

Dogs captured after attack on Brisbane man

Emergency services were called to Kittyhawk Drive in Chermside just after 6pm on Friday after reports a man had been attacked by dogs.

Potential destruction of the dogs will also depend on the progress of the police investigation, which is ongoing. No charges have been laid.

“We’re also working closely with Queensland Police and the progress of our enforcement action will depend on their ongoing investigations,” Cr Hutton said.

“We will use every power available to us to protect residents and hold irresponsible dog owners to account.” ABCNEWS

October 24, 2026
Helen Haines’ condition improves following alleged attack, but remains serious

Independent MP Helen Haines is in serious but stable condition after days hospitalised in a critical condition and the amputation of both her legs.

Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital provided the update on Saturday morning, on the fifth day since Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in regional Victoria on Monday afternoon. She had been in a critical condition since the incident.

Police allege the incident in Wangaratta was a deliberate attack by 43-year-old Tarrawingee man Brendan Nugent, who has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. He allegedly made a sharp U-turn before striking Haines in a Toyota LandCruiser.

Nugent faced Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The MP’s husband Phil Haines said on Wednesday Haines’ right leg had also been amputated despite the best efforts of doctors.

“The good news in all this is that she’s alive. That is the most important thing for our family,” he said at the time.

The incident has triggered an outpouring of shock and grief across the political spectrum and the country.

A number of federal politicians have spoken out about the rising temperature in politics and the uptick in threats they have faced.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

October 24, 2026
Victorian Opposition pledges advertising support for independent multicultural media

Victoria’s Liberal and Nationals Opposition has pledged to direct a greater share of government advertising expenditure to independent multicultural media outlets if elected in November. Independent Multicultural Media Australia (IMMA) has welcomed the commitment and called on all political parties to adopt the same policy.

Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson and Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs Evan Mulholland announced the commitment on Monday, 19 October 2026.

Under the proposal, a Wilson-led government would review Victoria’s existing commitment to allocate 15 per cent of government advertising expenditure to multicultural media and require at least half of the digital spending within that allocation to go directly to eligible independent multicultural media outlets.

The policy would cover advertising on publishers’ websites, applications, newsletters, streaming services and publisher-owned social media channels.

The commitment adopts Recommendation 25(a) of Victoria’s Multicultural Review.

Advertising expenditure flowing to global platforms

In a media statement issued on 21 October, IMMA said much of the advertising expenditure intended for multicultural communities had been directed to global platforms such as Meta and Google rather than independent multicultural media outlets.

IMMA said it had raised this issue over several years and noted that Victoria’s Multicultural Review had reached the same conclusion.

The Opposition’s announcement followed a meeting between Wilson, Mulholland, IMMA Chair Christopher Gogos and Deputy Chair Julius Larobina.

Christopher Gogos welcomes the commitment

IMMA Chair Christopher Gogos described the commitment as a significant step for the sector.

“For years, money set aside to reach multicultural communities has gone to global platforms instead of the local outlets doing the work — in language or within the community, on the ground, every day. This commitment recognises that gap and does something practical to address it.”

IMMA calls on all political parties to match the commitment

Gogos also called on all political parties to make the same commitment ahead of Victoria’s November election.

“We thank Jess Wilson and Evan Mulholland for engaging with this issue and with the findings of the Review. As a non-partisan organisation we encourage all parties to match this commitment, so that whoever forms government after November, Victoria’s multicultural media has a fair share of the advertising spend meant for the communities it serves.”

About IMMA

Independent Multicultural Media Australia (IMMA) is the national peak body for independent multicultural media, representing around 60 member organisations publishing more than 137 titles in over 30 languages across print, digital, radio and broadcast.

October 22, 2026