Race-by-race tips and preview for Warwick Farm on Wednesday
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-19 08:00
A set of tips for Randwick races on Saturday have been published by News Corp Australia. The tips, provided by Racing NSW, give punters a guide to the horses that are expected to perform well in each race. The tips are given in the traditional format with the name of the horse, the odds, and a brief explanation as to why the horse is expected to perform well. This service is provided to punters as a way of helping them make informed decisions about which horses to bet on. The tips are based on a variety of factors including recent form, the horse's ability, the jockey, and other factors.
Australian wildfire danger causes fire ban in Sydney and closes schools
Associated Press
23-09-19 07:04
Sydney experienced its first total fire ban in almost three years on Tuesday, due to hot and dry conditions across southeast Australia. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has forecasted the most destructive wildfire season since the catastrophic Black Summer fires of 2019-20. A total fire ban has been declared for the Greater Sydney area, and several schools along the New South Wales coast have been closed. The Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Nino weather pattern, which is associated with hotter and drier conditions across the Australian east coast.
Australian heatwave prompts wildfire alert and closes schools
The Independent
23-09-19 11:01
Sydney has imposed a complete fire ban for the first time in three years and schools have been closed in parts of New South Wales as the region experiences an intense early spring heatwave. The fire ban was declared as parts of the region saw their highest September temperatures in decades. The city matched its September maximum temperature record of 34.6 degrees Celsius, which is more than 12 degrees higher than the September average. The heatwave is part of an unusually warm start to spring for much of Australia's southeast, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
Vatican considers child sexual abuse allegations against former Australian bishop
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-19 10:52
The Vatican is reviewing a church investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse against former Australian bishop Christopher Saunders. The investigation, which was overseen by Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge, found that Saunders likely sexually assaulted four Indigenous youths and potentially groomed another 67 Indigenous youths and men. Saunders, who resigned in 2021 as bishop of Broome, has maintained his innocence. The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is processing the case and will make a determination. Saunders is now the most senior Australian cleric accused of child abuse.
India Blasts Canada Over Trudeau’s Allegation That It Played Role in Killing
WSJ
23-09-19 14:57
India has ordered a Canadian diplomat to leave the country after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that the Indian government was involved in the shooting of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India denies any involvement and has called the allegations “absurd and motivated”. The two countries have traditionally had strong ties but there has been tension over the presence of Sikh separatists in Canada who support the creation of an independent state in India called Khalistan. India is concerned that Khalistan activism overseas could revive the movement in the country, where it has been largely dormant for decades. The demand for a separate Sikh homeland raged in India’s northern Punjab state in the 1980s. Sikh bodyguards assassinated Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in October 1984 in retaliation for security forces storming the Golden Temple, a revered Sikh religious site in Amritsar, Punjab, earlier that year to flush out militants. The assassination was followed by a wave of riots that killed thousands of Sikhs, causing a surge in Sikh migration abroad.
Bigger apartment rules in Victoria’s sweeping housing reforms
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-19 19:30
The Victorian government has announced plans to build one million new homes in developed areas by 2050 in order to address the housing crisis. The plan includes incentives for large developers to build social and affordable homes, as well as new design standards for Melbourne's higher-density areas. These standards will require new developments to have more space, better energy efficiency, and more natural light. The government will also introduce faster planning processes and taller height limits in priority precincts to encourage developers to build in these areas.
Young adults in Australia who receive financial support from their parents are almost twice as likely to own their own home compared to those who don't receive assistance, according to a report by researchers from the universities of Sydney, NSW, RMIT and Curtin. The study, funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, found home ownership rates for 25 to 34-year-olds have fallen by more than a quarter since 1981.
It was my dream to run away to a Greek island and write a book - this year, I did it
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-19 19:00
Charmian Clift, an Australian writer, is remembered as a talented author who lived on the Greek island of Hydra with her husband, George Johnston. Clift's books, such as Peel Me a Lotus and Mermaid Singing, captivated readers with their evocative descriptions of life on the island. However, Clift's life was filled with challenges and disappointments, including the loss of her daughter and the deterioration of her marriage. Despite these difficulties, Clift was known for her resilience and determination to pursue her dream of being a writer.
Hydra, the island where Clift lived, is described as a place of contradictions. It is both wild and chic, with designer boutiques and international art exhibitions. Many creative artists, such as Leonard Cohen and Lawrence Durrell, have been drawn to the island’s beauty and tranquility. Clift’s connection to Hydra was deep and profound, and the island became the setting for many of her life’s dramas.
Clift’s marriage to George Johnston was fraught with challenges, including financial worries, infidelities, and constant struggles to find time to write. The couple’s drinking habits and health issues further strained their relationship. Johnston’s novel, My Brother Jack, which was published to great acclaim, contained elements of Clift’s own life and writing. However, Clift’s contributions were not publicly recognized, and she was left to pack up and sell her dream house on Hydra.
Clift’s life ended tragically when she took a fatal overdose of her husband’s barbiturates. She left a note to Johnston, expressing her belief that he would have a successful career. Soon after her death, Johnston won the Miles Franklin award for the second time. Despite the challenges she faced, Clift’s words continue to be read and remembered, and her legacy as a talented writer lives on.
Testing times as Demons pick up the pieces after finals heartbreak
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-19 19:00
Melbourne Demons list manager Tim Lamb faces a crucial off-season as the team's depth is likely to be depleted following consecutive finals exits. Key players Christian Petracca, Jake Lever, Angus Brayshaw, Kysaiah Pickett, Bayley Fritsch, Christian Salem, Jack Viney, Steven May, and Max Gawn are contracted to the club for several more seasons. However, Brodie Grundy, James Jordon, and James Harmes are expected to depart, while Luke Dunstan has retired. Grundy, who is contracted until 2027, is expected to request a trade to Sydney. The Demons would then have two untried rookies as ruck depth behind Gawn. The team may recruit another ruckman, with several out-of-contract players available. Melbourne has a number of draft picks available and could make a play for Gold Coast's pick four or West Coast's top selection. St Kilda's restricted free agent Jade Gresham is also yet to decide on his future, with Richmond and Carlton among the options. The draft and list-management system could also undergo major changes, with first-round draft picks potentially signing three-year initial contracts and clubs being able to trade salary cap space for picks.
The 120,000 homes that are ready to be built – but work hasn’t started
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-19 19:00
Almost 120,000 dwellings have been approved and are ready to be built in the Australian state of Victoria, according to analysis by the Municipal Association of Victoria. The research was released in response to claims that councils are holding up the construction of new housing, leading to a supply shortage. The state government is set to announce measures addressing the housing crisis, including reducing the powers of councils. The study also found that 98% of housing permits were granted by planning officers rather than elected councillors.
Kingswood Golf Course rezoning among five projects suddenly approved by government
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-20 00:12
The Australian state of Victoria has announced significant reforms to boost housing supply. A new agency will handle rental disputes, planning processes will be streamlined for large housing developments that include affordable housing and the state government will rezone government land across 45 sites to deliver at least 9,000 new homes. Tougher regulations will also be introduced to protect tenants, including a ban on rental bidding and longer notice periods for rent increases.
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar: A timeline of events
The Globe and Mail
23-09-19 22:02
The killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia has escalated tensions between Canada and India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that Canadian authorities have credible intelligence linking Nijjar's killing to Indian government agents. In response, Canada expelled an Indian diplomat, and India retaliated by denying the accusation and expelling a Canadian diplomat. The issue of Sikh activism has long strained relations between the two countries, as Canada is home to a large Sikh population and is a major hub for the Khalistan movement, which seeks to create a Sikh homeland in India's Punjab state. India has outlawed the movement and views it as a threat to national security. The accusation made by Trudeau has further strained relations, with India describing the allegations as "absurd" and accusing Canada of supporting the Khalistan movement. The incident comes after months of escalating tensions between the two countries, including the cancellation of trade talks and a tense exchange between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit.
Essendon or Hawthorn? Kangaroo Ben McKay rules out Sydney, narrows options
The Sydney Morning Herald
23-09-20 02:49
North Melbourne defender Ben McKay has ruled out a move to Sydney and is considering offers from Hawthorn and Essendon for the 2024 season. The Kangaroos have the option of matching the deal and forcing a trade if they believe they can get a better pick than the compensation they would receive for McKay. Both the Hawks and the Bombers are keen on McKay for his ability to fill a key defender role.
Victoria to hit short-stay rental platforms with 7.5 per cent levy from 2025
ABC
23-09-20 02:11
The Australian state of Victoria will introduce a 7.5% tax on short-stay rental platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz from 2025. The tax will be used to fund the construction of social and affordable housing. The levy is the first of its kind in Australia and could be followed by other states. Airbnb Australia and New Zealand public policy head Michael Crosby said the rate was "too high" and would hit tourism. Victoria Tourism Industry Council CEO Felicia Mariani said the tax would be "disastrous" for regional businesses.
Hospitalisations for endometriosis have almost doubled over the past decade
ABC
23-09-20 02:11
A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has revealed that one in seven women aged 44 to 49 in Australia are estimated to have endometriosis. The report also showed that endometriosis-related hospitalisations have almost doubled in the past decade, with the greatest increase seen among women aged 20 to 24. While surgery helps to reduce pain in about 70% of patients, symptoms can recur within five years. The report also highlighted the need for better education about the condition and more research into alternative treatments.
The endless depth of love, a dog named Flo and a century of waiting has North Sydney ready for their day in the sun
ABC
23-09-21 08:11
The North Sydney Bears rugby league team are in the grand final of the NSW Cup, which many see as the club's first chance of securing a premiership in over 30 years. The Bears haven't won a premiership in the top flight since 1922, and since then have spent the last 24 seasons outside of the top grade. Despite the lack of success, the club and its fans have never given up hope of returning to the top level. The Bears have been involved in various attempts to return to the NRL, including moves to the Central Coast, Perth and Wellington, but none have come to fruition. Nevertheless, the club's fans remain passionate and loyal, and the club's inclusion in any future NRL expansion plans is regularly discussed.
Australia to host Taylor Swift academic conference
BBC
23-09-21 07:25
Australia is set to host the world's first international academic symposium on the impact of Taylor Swift. The 'Swiftposium' will examine Swift's influence on the music industry, culture, and the economy. The event, which will take place in February, aims to draw researchers from across the Asia-Pacific region. The symposium will explore themes such as the fandom phenomenon, Swift's marketing strategies, and her impact on discussions of gender, identity, race, and intersectionality. Organizers hope to finalize the speakers in the coming months and are also considering a ticketed event for fans to attend. They have extended an invitation to Swift herself to attend the symposium.
Over 140 people have fallen ill with gastroenteritis after attending two separate events at The Park in Albert Park, Melbourne. The cause of the outbreak is still unknown and investigations are being led by the state Health Department with support from Port Phillip Council. The venue has undergone a deep clean and has been permitted to keep trading. The Australian and New Zealand Burn Association, which held one of the events, has been notified of the outbreak and will be kept informed of the investigation’s findings.
Rupert Murdoch steps down from News Corp as new book promises Fox bombshells
The Independent
23-09-21 17:04
Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul, has announced that he will be stepping down as chairman of his Fox and News Corp businesses. He will be replaced by his son, Lachlan Murdoch, following the annual meetings of the companies in mid-November. Rupert Murdoch will become chairman emeritus of both companies. In a letter to staff, he said that the time was right for him to take on different roles, but that he would still be engaged with news and ideas. Murdoch began building his media empire in Australia in the 1950s and went on to acquire several major media companies, including The Sun, The Wall Street Journal, and Fox News. He will be succeeded by his eldest son, Lachlan, who has also worked in the family business and is currently the executive chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation. The change in leadership comes just before the release of a new book by Michael Wolff that examines the recent past and future of Fox News.
Rupert Murdoch, one of the world's most influential media tycoons, is stepping down as chairman of Fox and News Corp. Murdoch has been revered as a businessman for his ruthlessness and energy and has shaped the media landscape in the UK, US, and Australia with his ownership of powerful newspapers and broadcasters. However, the 92-year-old has also faced controversy, such as the closure of the News of the World newspaper in 2011 due to allegations of phone hacking. His papers have also been accused of distorting the news to support his political allies. Murdoch's media empire began in Australia, where he quickly expanded by buying a string of titles and growing their circulation through racy tabloid techniques. He then expanded to the UK, acquiring the News of the World and the Sun, which became Britain's biggest-selling daily newspaper. Murdoch's empire later extended to the US, where he established the Fox television network and became a prominent figure in American TV news with Fox News. However, concerns have been raised about his control over the media landscape and his influence on politics.
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