Source: South Australia Police
Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Pewsey Vale.
About 12.30pm today (Sunday 22 December), police and emergency services were called to Springton Road after reports that a car had crashed down an embankment.
Major Crash officers are attending the scene.
Please avoid the area if possible.
Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Australian Government will provide an additional $5 million in practical humanitarian assistance to the people of Vanuatu, following Tuesday’s tragic earthquake.
This support builds on the Australian Government’s initial $2 million package and will assist the next phase of the Vanuatu Government’s emergency response.
It includes $2.5 million for medical care for those injured, and to supply water, sanitation and hygiene products and services.
Assistance will also be directed to NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) consortium to address the distinct needs of vulnerable community members and to the Australian Red Cross, who in partnership with the Vanuatu Red Cross will deliver services and supplies including shelter, first aid and non-food items.
An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT), with 16 members will depart tomorrow. They will continue to support local health services to address critical injuries. The team has been drawn from across Australia, and we thank them for their contribution, especially over Christmas.
The 64-member Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which has been assisting with search and rescue efforts, and the six-person AUSMAT team that were deployed on Wednesday will return to Australia tomorrow.
The Royal Australian Air Force will conduct two further flights to Port Vila today. Commercial flights are now resuming.
Australians should be proud of the emergency rescue and medical teams that deployed less than 24 hours after the earthquake. We are grateful to all of those involved in Australia’s response for their work.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is continuing to provide consular assistance where needed to Australians present in the affected region.
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).
Imagery will be available via Dropbox.
Source: Australian Ministers 1
CATHERINE KING: Today the Albanese Labor government is releasing our draft consumer rights charter for airline travellers. This is part of the work we have done this year as part of the Aviation White Paper and the establishment for the first time ever of an aviation industry ombudsman. We know the travelling public has not been happy with the services that they are getting both from our airlines and from our airports, and we want to improve the circumstances. Customers should get what they pay for or they should get a refund. This Charter of Rights, which is out for consultation now, spells out very clearly what people, the flying public, can expect. If they have flight cancellations, they should expect, at no cost of their own, to either be rebooked on that airline or another airline, or they should get a refund and that refund should be a timely refund within 14 days. We also know that people should – if they are stuck away from their home, away from the where they actually live – that they should also get access to accommodation and food to be able to stay overnight then go onto their travels. This is the first time we’ve had a consumer rights for the air travelling public and it’s part of the reforms that we have of trying to make sure customers actually get what they pay for or get a refund.
JOURNALIST: If this charter is ultimately improved, is there a plan to impose penalties on airlines if they don’t comply with it and how will you ensure that they do comply?
CATHERINE KING: We will be legislating next year the aviation industry ombudsman scheme. We’ve got an interim person in at the moment who’s been developing this Consumer Rights Charter and all of those issues in relation to penalties, in relation to the way in which people can get remedies, will all be detailed as part of that legislation. This is the first part of putting that together, drafting the consumer rights charter to make sure we get that right.
JOURNALIST: And what powers can you say at this stage? What powers will the interim ombudsman have?
CATHERINE KING: Well, similar to the communications industry ombudsman, where they will be able to seek remedies directly from airlines, being able to name and shame in terms of the amount of complaints that they are getting, and to seek remedies. But again, all of that will be in the draft legislation.
JOURNALIST: And I understand that this aviation code is now out for public comment until the end of January?
CATHERINE KING: Until the end of February, so 28th of February, people can access it on my department’s website, infrastructure.gov.au and look for the Aviation Charter of Rights, [indistinct] and you can just send an email to the email but basically says we think it should be this way, or we think it should have a shorter time frame, all of those things. It can just be a line in an email to give us some feedback about it.
JOURNALIST: And so after feedback closes, how long could it realistically take for this charter to be approved and become legislation?
CATHERINE KING: Well, not long. We’re obviously subject to parliament sitting, and they’re sitting in February, and then obviously getting it past, but we hope to do so as quickly as possible.
JOURNALIST: The feedback closes at the end of February, after Parliament sits, so at this stage, is it likely there’ll be another sitting after that before the next election?
CATHERINE KING: What we will be doing is that obviously the legislation will reference the charter and then the actual wording of the charter can be finalised later.
JOURNALIST: So you hope to pass this legislation in the February week of parliament, is that correct?
CATHERINE KING: Well we are certainly hoping to introduce the legislation as soon as possible, but again, we announced this back in November that we were establishing an aviation industry ombudsman scheme. The drafting of that legislation is underway, but it is part of our commitment to improving the experience of the travelling public.
JOURNALIST: Obviously, the changes won’t be in effect this Christmas, this travel season, when do you want the changes to kick in, and if companies do not comply with the changes will there be penalties and what will they be?
CATHERINE KING: Well, people already have rights under Australian Consumer Law. The problem we have is, when you’re booking a flight ticket, very few of us look at the terms and conditions of the contract you’re entering into. But people do already have existing rights really under Australian Consumer Law, part of the problem has been, A). not knowing what those rights are, but also having real difficulty enforcing those rights – trying to get hold of someone in the first place, and waiting for hours on the phone to a call centre, or then in some cases, having almost 100 days in some cases before any remedy is put in place. So, building in a Charter that basically says, this is what your rights are, this is making it very clear what our expectation of the airlines and the airports are, provides that opportunity for remedies.
JOURNALIST: And when do you want that to kick in, and will there be penalties?
CATHERINE KING: It certainly when the legislation passes through the parliament, obviously the timing of that will be a part of the legislation but as I said, people do have rights and they should be upheld, but really what this charter is doing – and what we’re consulting on – is trying to codify those rights and ensure that they are part of the legislation and the ombudsman scheme going forward. But we hope for that to be in place certainly for next year.
JOURNALIST: And the penalties for non-compliant?
CATHERINE KING: Again, that would be part of legislation that we’re drafting at the moment.
JOURNALIST: You mentioned that this is the first time that airlines have been held to account or have such harsh laws in place. Why has it taken so long and I understand the Coalition’s private members bill has been up since March on Pay on Delay, why not support that? And do you think you will have the Coalition’s support in Parliament next year?
CATHERINE KING: Well, who knows what the Coalition is going to do, frankly, you know, you never know they seem to have decided to say no to absolutely everything just to cause political havoc, even when it is in the travelling public’s actual interest to do so. We know that the previous government, they were in power for a decade, they couldn’t have cared less about the aviation industry, couldn’t have cared less about aviation consumers, did nothing for a decade. What we’ve seen in the two and a half years of the Albanese Labor Government is the most significant reforms that they aviation sector and the travelling public have ever seen. That’s what we’ve done in the two and a half years that we’ve been in Government. The opposition can be accountable for their lack of action in the last decade.
JOURNALIST: [indistinct] is it enough to deter the practice?
CATHERINE KING: What we’re seeing in terms of the travelling public is where consumers are more informed about what their rights are, where they have information about what to expect and what their rights are, we know that they can be enforced in a much stronger way. Having an ombudsman for the first time, we’ve had a sort of voluntary system at the moment that’s really not been working for the travelling public. Having an ombudsman who then, you know, if you can’t get anywhere with the airline and yourself, then actually going to the ombudsman and having that capacity to get a remedy through that process really will be a significant change from the Australian travelling public.
JOURNALIST: Airlines make it hard enough to get a voucher or switch flight, how hard do you think they’re going to make it for passengers to get a refund?
CATHERINE KING: Well, certainly this is what we’re trying to rectify, we’re trying to make sure that the traveling public either gets what they pay for or they get a refund. If someone wants to have a credit voucher then that it is an option that they have available but it has to be at, the travelling public, if that’s what you want and you want the voucher, then that’s what you get, but that can’t be the default. So that’s what this Charter of Rights lays out really clearly that if you need a refund and you want and refund, then that is what you should actually get, you shouldn’t get a flight credit that you may or may not be able to use later on, unless you want one.
JOURNALIST: Minster, on Sunrise this morning, this flight delays of three hours or more, what about for delays like say a Volcano in Bali or you know, this considered out of the airlines control will you expect refunds for cancellations or at least a some sort of hotel room or meal provided oin those circumstances?
CATHERINE KING: So, certainly refunds for cancellations is part of the charter of rights and that’s important. If a flight gets cancelled, those refunds are important. If you don’t get what you pay for, then you should get a refund, and that is very much part of the charter. In terms of the delay, really, uh, you know, there are delays that, of course, that are no fault of the airlines themselves. Really what this is about is where the airline is at fault, you know, had crewing issues or maintenance issues, or they’ve really not delivered what they should be delivering. Then, really, the next thing is to say can you rebook? how else can we travel? And if you can’t do any of those things, being able to get a refund for your flight or getting your meals and your accommodation paid if you’re not at your home port.
JOURNALIST: Arguable you’ve got bigger airlines, Virgin and Qantas, [indistinct]… do you think that legislation like this might create a barrier for new airlines entering the market?
CATHERINE KING: No, I think that any new airline entering the market really should take into account what they are supposed to do under Australian Consumer Law. People do have substantial rights under Australian Consumer Law. What this draft charter is doing is codifying that, is putting that down in writing, so that people have a much better understanding of it. And of course, any new entrant it has to comply with that law.
JOURNALIST: So far have you had any feedback from the airlines?
CATHERINE KING: Well, we are just releasing it today. I’m sure they’ll have plenty to say. I’m sure the airports will have plenty to say, but at the end of the day, this is about the travelling public and improving the experience for everybody.
JOURNALIST: How much can you estimate this will cost the airlines annually?
CATHERINE KING: Well, we don’t know, hopefully it costs them nothing because they actually deliver the service that people pay for and that’s what really this is about improving the experience of the travelling public, and if nothing goes wrong, then it’s not you know, their fault, then they won’t have to pay for it. And so that’s what this is really about – improving the experience of the travelling public. And again, as I said, you know, we’ve had this is the single biggest reform, we’ve had to the aviation sector. Our demand management system at Sydney Airport, the slots reforms there, and this ombudsman scheme, really is a significant reform and it should improve the services that people are experiencing going forward.
JOURNALIST: And what lost luggage?
CATHERINE KING: Yeah, well, certainly in terms of luggage that is one of the rights that is part of the charter, and I encourage people to have a look at it and again, [indistinct]. So sometimes you have delayed luggage, your luggage, they can’t find where it is, so you might have some costs that are incurred having to buy some toiletries so that you can actually get through the next day or so. So, getting a refund or getting money back for those, but also making sure that you are fairly refunded or compensated for the luggage if it’s lost for good and that is very much part of the consumer rights charter that we’re putting forward at the moment and again encourage people to have a look at that and give us feedback as to whether that goes far enough.
JOURNALIST: Apologies, I haven’t read the paper…
CATHERINE KING: [laughs] I certainly have read it, yes, I’ve read it extensively.
JOURNALIST: Will there be any scope in here for how loyalty programs are managed?
CATHERINE KING: It doesn’t cover so much loyalty programs. Again, there are significant rights that people have under consumer law in relation to those. That certainly has been an area of some contention as well. Uh, but again, this is a draft, it’s out for consultation and we’re happy to have a look at whether there is broader things that needs to be picked up in the charter, or there needs to be something else that the ombudsperson looks at more broadly as part of those flight incentives as well.
JOURNALIST: I’ve just got a few more questions about two unrelated matters, first of all, have you heard the latest about the ADF flights out of Vanuatu?
CATHERINE KING: Yes, so certainly we’ve already repatriated 568 people out of Vanuatu. There are two more flights today, more RAF flights out of Port Vila today, and commercial flights are restarting as well. So options for people to get home continue. Obviously, it continues to be a difficult circumstance on the ground there, but really that’s what we’ve done, so there are two more flights out of Port Vila today and commercial flights are commencing as well. We’ve already repatriated 568 people. We’ve also announced a further $5 million of humanitarian assistance on top of the two million that’s already been there, but, you know, we’re in there for the long haul. This is a really important, one of our important Pacific neighbours and we want to make sure that we do everything we can to help them recover.
JOURNALIST: And looking a bit closer to home, obviously, there’s a bushfire emergency into Grampians at the moment. Can you say at this stage what Federal support is available to people who are evacuating or who might be spending weeks away from home?
CATHERINE KING: At the moment we’re really in the emergency phase. There’s an emergency warning, obviously for Grampians fire and a watch and act in Pomonal. These are communities that we’re hit very hard in February Pomonal, in particular. We’ll let the emergency services agencies do their work at the moment, in fighting the fires. This is going to be something that is quite difficult, but Minister McAllister will have a bit more to say when we are working with the Victorian state government about what emergency services and relief will be put in place fairly quickly for people. But right at the moment it’s really the emergency situation just trying to make sure we keep people safe. I do want to give a shout out to our emergency services personnel, from our firefighters in the air to those that are on the ground, really doing an amazing job, to our relief services, there’s relief centres at Stawell, at Ararat and I believe one opening up at Kyneton shortly. Just doing an amazing job and I want to thank them and say, please stay safe everyone. Take head of the emergency warnings. It is absolutely critical that you do so. Leave if leaving is your best option and leave if they tell you to leave.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police are still actively searching for 19-year-old Maia Johnston, who is missing from Totara Park, Upper Hutt.
Maia was last seen leaving a family home in Totara Park at around 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 21 December).
Previously, Police asked for residents in the Totara Park, Upper Hutt area to share any CCTV footage they might have.
We are now expanding this request and are asking for anyone in the vicinity of Harcourt Park and Brown Owl, as well as those in Totara Park, to review their CCTV for any sightings of Maia after 8:15 PM last night.
We believe that Maia was wearing a black cardigan or light top, short shorts, and black and white converse shoes.
Police continue to search this evening.
Residents of Totara Park may see a drone in the air behind the houses on the northern end of Totara Park and should not be alarmed, as this is part of the search.
If you have any information or CCTV footage that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241222/0237.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia
Issued on
22 Dec 2024 17:51
Issued for
KINGSCOTE in Kangaroo Island.
Warning level
Advice – Monitor Conditions
Action
There is a shed fire at the waste recovery resource centre on North Coast Road, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island.
There is currently no threat to the community. If you are in this area, stay informed and monitor local conditions.
Smoke can affect people’s health. If you are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.
More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Park Chan-dae, floor leader of South Korea’s main opposition party, on Sunday called on acting President Han Duck-soo to promulgate special counsel bills against impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady Kim Keon-hee by Tuesday, vowing to hold him accountable if he fails to do so, Yonhap news agency reported.
Earlier this month, the National Assembly passed a special counsel bill to investigate whether President Yoon committed insurrection and other violations over his declaration of martial law.
The parliament also passed a bill mandating a special counsel probe into two key allegations involving the first lady — her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and interference in election nominations through a power broker.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
Signage at an autism legislation symposium in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]
A symposium focused on advancing the enactment and implementation of autism-related laws and regulations was held in Beijing on Friday. The China Legal Exchange Foundation (CLEF) and Beijing Highking Law Firm hosted the event, gathering experts from the legislative, judicial, education and social service sectors to discuss building a more inclusive society for people with autism.
Zhang Mingqi, vice president and secretary-general of the China Law Society, highlighted the urgency of this initiative. He referenced the decision from the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to improve the social security and service systems for people with disabilities.
“China has over 13 million individuals with autism,” Zhang said. “The challenges they face are multifaceted, spanning access to education, health care and employment, as well as long-term structural issues like social integration and support. This makes the creation of autism-specific laws and regulations both critical and urgent.”
He advocated for an inclusive judicial system with protective measures for individuals with autism in legal proceedings, calling for increased policy support across multiple sectors.
CLEF Chairwoman Zhang Suofei emphasized the symposium’s role in facilitating professional exchange. She expressed hope that it would advance autism-related legislation and create a friendlier, more inclusive social environment where individuals with autism can live with equality and dignity.
Zhang Qinghua, director of Beijing Highking Law Firm, discussed the firm’s two decades of public welfare work and its commitment to supporting the autism community through legal advocacy and public interest initiatives.
Participants attend an autism legislation symposium in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]
Zhang Junru, founder of the Golden Wings Rehabilitation Center, shared the organization’s achievements in empowering autistic youth through art and physical rehabilitation over 14 years. Since its founding in 2010, Golden Wings has developed a unique teaching system that combines art and sports to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment among its participants.
The center provides instruction in painting, music, calligraphy, fitness, basketball and climbing. Participants’ artwork has been converted into postcards, calendars, stickers and silk scarves, generating 1.34 million yuan ($183,649.68) in supplemental income for families.
Golden Wings has helped 1,425 young people with autism develop their artistic abilities, with 523 winning awards at home and abroad. The center has mounted exhibitions in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Japan and seven Chinese cities, displaying 11,888 paintings to over 100,000 visitors.
Experts from Peking University, Beijing Normal University and the Beijing Financial and Tax Law Society joined an Australian autism behavior therapist to offer recommendations for protecting the rights of people with autism.
The symposium marked the official launch of the Starlight Rights and Interests Fund under the CLEF. The fund, initiated by Beijing Highking Law Firm, will support autism research, public welfare activities and legislative efforts while raising public awareness.
Golden Wings students’ artwork is displayed at a charity auction during an autism legislation symposium in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]
The event concluded with a charity auction of paintings by Golden Wings students. Proceeds will support the center’s rehabilitation programs.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
A commemoration event was held in north China’s Hebei Province on Saturday to honor Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune for his selflessness and spirit of internationalism.
Titled “Memories Through Time and Space,” the event was hosted by the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery in the provincial capital Shijiazhuang.
Around 100 people, including soldiers, students and individuals from various walks of life, attended the event.
This year marks the 85th death anniversary of Bethune, who died of blood poisoning at the age of 49 on Nov. 12, 1939 in China while aiding the Chinese people in their fight against Japanese aggression. His remains were relocated to the cemetery in 1953.
The commemoration began at 10 a.m., with participants bowing before the surgeon’s tomb and presenting flower baskets.
“My father met Norman Bethune in Spain during his recovery from battle injuries. Influenced by him, my father aspired to come to China, where he met my mother and later had me,” said Michael Crook, chairman of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives.
His parents, David and Isabel Crook, played an important role in training a large number of foreign-language professionals for China.
“The spirit of Bethune has not faded with time; instead, it has been widely inherited and carried forward in both China and Canada,” said Hu Jinqiang, director of the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery.
Hu noted that today Bethune is not just a name but a symbol of internationalism, humanism and selfless dedication. “We commemorate him to inspire more people to remember history and carry forward his spirit.”
By ,
New Zealand’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) says impending bad weather for Port Vila is now the most significant post-quake hazard.
A tropical low in the Coral Sea is expected to move into Vanuatu waters, bringing heavy rainfall.
Authorities have issued warnings to people living near landslide-prone areas around the Vanuatu capital.
People living near low lying areas or rivers have also been told to move, should water levels rise.
The heavy rain may also cause flash flooding.
USAR team leader Ken Cooper said last Tuesday’s 7.3 earthquake caused significant landslides.
“With the weather system that’s coming in, there is a high likelihood that the landslides continue and we need to ensure that there’s no life risks if those landslides should move further,” Cooper said.
Death toll now 12
Aftershocks have continued, and early this morning, the US Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 6.1 quake, at a depth of 40km west of Port Vila.
New Zealand and Vanuatu engineers were assessing prioritised areas in the capital, and a decision would then be made as to whether a community needed to be evacuated, Cooper said.
Since the team had been in Vanuatu, it had taken damage assessments of buildings and infrastructure, with the Vanuatu government, allowing them to prioritise the biggest risks and to assist the community in recovering more quickly, he said.
The official death toll from Vanuatu’s 7.3 magnitude quake is now 12 according to the Vanuatu Disaster Management office.
This has been confirmed by the Vila Central Hospital.
Earlier unofficial reports had placed the death toll at 16.
The team had completed almost 1000 assessments, alongside the Australia USAR team, which was a significant task, Cooper said.
Both teams shared common tools and practices, which had allowed them to work simultaneously and helped the teams to quickly carry out the assessments, he said.
“When we undertake the assessments that really gives us a clear picture of what should be prioritised and we work with the [Vanuatu] government and their infrastructure cluster, and some of the priorities we have looked at are bridges, [the] airport, the port, and also landslides,” he said.
Resilience shown by locals
The deployment lead for New Zealand in Vanuatu praised the resilience of the Ni-Vanuatu people following the 7.3 earthquake.
Thousands of people had been affected by the disaster but the response effort was being hampered by damage to core infrastructure including the country’s telecommunications network.
Emma Dunlop-Bennett said the New Zealand teams on the ground were working in partnership with the Vanuatu government.
She said she was in awe of the strength of locals after the disaster.
“As we go out into communities, working . . . with the government, people are out there, getting up and doing what they can to get themselves into business as usual, life as usual. I am really in awe and humbled.
The purpose of the New Zealand team being in Vanuatu was three-fold: To provide urgent and critical humanitarian assistance, a response for consular need to New Zealanders, and to support a smooth transition from relief, response to recovery, Dunlop-Bennett said.
Then to business as usual, working along side the priority need identified by the Vanuatu government, she added.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LegCo delegation continues duty visit to Japan (with photos)
LegCo delegation continues duty visit to Japan (with photos)
************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, continued its duty visit to Japan today (December 22). In the morning, the delegation visited the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama and met with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nissin Foods Company Limited, Mr Kiyotaka Ando. The delegation learnt about the company’s latest business development in Hong Kong and Japan, including the use of smart production lines to enhance production efficiency. Both parties also exchanged views on Hong Kong’s role in international trade of food products and the development of industrial tourism. Members highlighted that enterprises can attract customers and expand the market in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by making use of the brand of “Made in Hong Kong” and its quality assurance. Members added that Hong Kong can take reference from Japan to turn the production lines and factories to be tourist attractions. The delegation later visited Yokohama Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Asia, and exchanged views with the Vice President of the Yokohama Chinatown Development Association (the Association), Mr Akio Takematsu. Members took the opportunity to learn about the latest development and the street management of the area, as well as the communication between the Association, which represents business operators, with the local government and residents, and the enhanced promotional strategies after the COVID-19 pandemic to attract visitors. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse to understand its operation, and the successful experience in enriching visitors’ experience with a blend of the Eastern and Western cultures so as to stimulate consumption. Before departing for Yokohama, several members of the delegation held a breakfast meeting with Mr Kenichi Okada, who left his role as the Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong at the end of last month. They exchanged views on further developing tourism and cultural co-operation opportunities between Hong Kong and Japan. Mr Leung, on behalf of LegCo, also expressed gratitude to the former Consul-General, Mr Kenichi Okada, for his assistance in facilitating this duty visit. The delegation will continue its duty visit in Japan tomorrow (December 23).
Ends/Sunday, December 22, 2024Issued at HKT 19:40
NNNN
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
UK secures special protected status as geographical indications for a further 39 British food and drink products in Japan.
Woman shopping for vegetables
Diners in Japan will be tucking into authentic UK products this festive period after the country granted special protected status to nearly 40 British food and drink products.
Festive favourites such as Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese are just some of the products to receive the status, which means British businesses can export to Japan with confidence that their products are protected against imitation.
The news has been welcomed as an early Christmas present by food and drink businesses across the UK and could see a boost to British exports in Japan.
Japan’s population of 124 million has a strong appetite for international food and drink and the country’s status as the world’s fourth largest economy in 2023 highlights the strength of its consumer market and the commercial opportunities for premium British products.
39 distinctive products from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, already protected and celebrated by the UK Government as geographical indications (GIs), have formally gained protection following the completion of Japanese scrutiny processes.
These protections will safeguard British food and drink products with a distinct local identity, supporting jobs and tourism in mainly rural areas and boosting local growth, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
The latest batch of GIs follows 37 that gained protection in the country earlier this year, including Cornish Pasties and Anglesey Sea Salt.
I’m thrilled to see there’s a taste for authentic British food and drink in Japan. We are committed to growing trade opportunities for British producers around the world as part of our Plan for Change, boosting growth and benefitting businesses across the country.
The UK is home to a feast of flavours from every corner of the British Isles. With the new agreement between the UK and Japan, consumers will now be able to chew over their choices with confidence, knowing they’re getting the quality and reputation that British food is known for – it’s the perfect recipe for success.
Iconic UK products such as Ayrshire New Potatoes and Carmarthen Ham will now benefit from protected status in Japan. From Sussex to Armagh we are securing protections for unique British food and drink products, ensuring Japanese consumers can rest assured that they are receiving authentic, high-quality British produce.
This early Christmas present to British producers will give them confidence when exporting to Japan, helping them sell more, grow their business and ultimately drive economic growth.”
We launched Rathfinny’s Traditional Method Sussex sparkling wines in Japan in 2023 and are delighted that the Sussex PDO will now be afforded protection in Japan. The Sussex PDO is a mark of both provenance and quality, ensuring any wine with ‘Sussex’ on the label has had to pass a stringent blind tasting and high analytical standards.
Rathfinny’s Traditional Method Sussex sparkling wines are produced on a single-site vineyard, in the iconic South Downs near the Seven Sisters in East Sussex. They are now available across Japan through the specialist wine importer, Vin Passion.
Japan is an important market for world-class single malt whisky, making it a key target market for Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky.
We have a great partner (Whisk-E) and together we plan to build awareness and reputation for our unique brand from Wales. The establishment of the geographical indication for Single Malt Welsh Whisky in 2022 was an important milestone in the development of the whisky industry in Wales and to have recognition in Japan will be a great achievement to support our export strategy.
We are proud to have the name and method of Halen Môn recognised in Japan as authentic and possessing the special qualities that set it apart from other salts.
GI status offers brands such as Halen Môn protection against passing off and another way of differentiating ourselves from our competitors. We know that Japanese consumers recognise the premium quality of British brands and are keen to buy the authentic product, so it’s great to hear that Japan is recognising further GIs from the UK.
Further British GIs have been recognised across the world in recent months, with fourteen UK GIs including Welsh Laverbread, Vale of Evesham Asparagus and London Cure Smoked Salmon granted protection in Iceland on 4 December under the Free Trade Agreement between the UK and Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and the Kingdom of Norway.
This followed new protections for Scotch Whisky in Brazil, South America’s largest economy, in August, tackling counterfeits and giving distillers the confidence to up their exports to Brazil.
Published 22 December 2024
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Christopher Dietzel, Postdoctoral fellow, the DIGS Lab, Concordia University
The Australian government recently passed legislation that bans social media for anyone under 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the legislation for putting “the onus on social media platforms — not young people or their parents” — for protecting youth from online harms.
Australia is the first country in the world to pass a nationwide ban of social media for teens, set to take effect in a year. But other measures have been enacted or considered here in Canada and elsewhere.
In the United States, it will be illegal for children under 14 in Florida to have social media accounts starting Jan. 1, 2025.
Beginning in 2024, Québec began banning cellphones in classrooms. This fall, with the start of the 2024–2025 academic year, Ontario also began banning cell phones in schools. This follows a lawsuit filed by four school boards in Ontario against social media companies for disrupting youth learning.
Québec is reportedly considering a social media ban — following Australia’s lead — that would limit social media use for teens under 16. Provincial governments recognize that social media and cellphones can be problematic for youth, and they’re not waiting on the federal government to take action.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that the proposed Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), originally introduced in February 2024, will be separated into two bills. The idea is to pass the part of the bill focused on child protection to address problems like sextortion, image-based sexual abuse, revenge porn and other forms of online sexual violence.
Since the Online Harms Act is still being debated, MPs in Canada may look to other countries, like Australia, for guidance on protecting youth from these online harms.
Some people in Canada approve of Australia’s social media ban and see it as a potential solution, including some teens. This idea has received a lot of traction in public discourse too, including with the book The Anxious Generation that argues social media should be banned until age 16.
Many of us may recall the stories of Rehtaeh Parsons, Amanda Todd and more recently a boy in British Columbia who died by suicide after being cyberbullied and sextorted.
Some studies have shown that social media use is related to anxiety and depression among adolescents. Bans or regulations raise important questions about how we, as a society, should respond to social media use among youth and deal with online harms.
We are a team of researchers who study technology-facilitated sexual violence among youth aged 13–18 in Canada. We have conducted 26 focus groups with 149 youth from across the country, and launched a nationally representative survey of around 1,000 youth to learn about their experiences with online harms, what they know about the law and which resources work — and which ones don’t.
Our initial findings show that youth experience a range of harms as they use digital platforms and social media. We also found that algorithms are fueling harms. Youth have emphasized they want tailored supports and resources to help them have safe, healthy and enjoyable experiences with technology.
A full ban of social media is not realistic, in part because social media companies have no idea how to implement it. Some ideas are to use facial recognition technology or check someone’s age using credit cards. Another idea is to upload government IDs to third-party platforms for age verification.
However a ban is implemented, it will almost certainly gather more user data, which raises questions about youth data privacy and security. These measures may also drive youth towards other platforms that are less regulated, such as on the dark web. This could actually make it harder to protect youth from online harms.
Bans also don’t actually solve the problem. For example, abstinence-based interventions don’t work when it comes to sex education. It is unlikely that an abstinence-based approach would work with social media.
Furthermore, technology is increasingly integrated into our daily lives, and youth need to be taught about healthy and responsible online interactions.
Youth are learning how to become digital citizens. Kicking the problem down the road until they’re 16 or older will postpone the consequences, not solve them. This could cause more harm than a ban intends to solve.
A ban also frees social media companies, governments and parents from any accountability. Rather than meaningfully addressing the harmful content and their impacts, a ban removes any and all responsibility from the people and institutions whose job it is to protect youth.
Technology companies need to develop their products with kids in mind, rather than prioritizing their profits and putting child safety and health second. Kids need guidance and support, and a ban does nothing to remove harmful content or resolve its negative impacts.
Rather than bans, we suggest implementing holistic interventions that emphasize digital citizenship and youth rights and responsibilities so people of all ages learn how to have safe and healthy interactions with technology. This requires a consolidated effort across various sectors of society, including schools, community organizations and, importantly, both tech companies and government agencies.
While there are resources available for educators, parents and youth about how to have safe and healthy online interactions, we need to act now.
Rather than resorting to blanket bans, we should prioritize comprehensive societal changes that address the root causes of these harms. By doing so, we can promote youth safety and help our communities confront online harms.
Christopher Dietzel receives funding from Le Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC).
Kaitlynn Mendes receives funding from SSHRC and the Canada Research Chairs Program.
– ref. Australia is banning social media for teens. Should Canada do the same? – https://theconversation.com/australia-is-banning-social-media-for-teens-should-canada-do-the-same-245932
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francisco Jose Testa, Lecturer in Earth Sciences (Mineralogy, Petrology & Geochemistry), University of Tasmania
As a kid, it was tough for me to grasp the massive time scale of Earth’s history. Now, with nearly two decades of experience as a geologist, I think one of the best ways to understand our planet’s history and evolution is by condensing the entire timeline into a single calendar year.
It’s not a new concept, but it’s a powerful one.
So, how do we go about this? If we consider Earth’s age as 4.54 billion years and divide it by 365 days, each day of the Gregorian calendar represents about 12.438 million years.
Let’s say we want to calculate what “day” the Paleozoic started in our new Earth calendar. We just need to subtract 541 million years from the age of the planet and divide it by 12.438 million years. Simple, right?
As I ran these equations, I noticed something amusing. Some of the most significant events in Earth’s history coincide with major holidays in the Western world. By this reckoning, the dinosaurs went extinct on Christmas Day.
View the events in the infographic above, or scroll down to read about the entire year in order.
4.54 billion years ago: Formation of proto-Earth as part of the Solar System
Dust and gas in the early Solar System collide and combine under gravity. This process eventually leads to the formation of a molten planet, our proto-Earth.
4.5 billion years ago: Theia’s impact and the formation of the Moon
A Mars-sized planet, Theia, collides with the proto-Earth, changing the composition of our planet forever. This massive impact ejects a significant amount of material into orbit around Earth, which eventually coalesces to form the Moon.
4.1 billion years ago: Beginning of the Late Heavy Bombardment
Earth, the Moon and other inner bodies of our Solar System experience intense asteroid and comet impacts, which shape their surfaces. Unlike Earth, the Moon still retains these craters today because it lacks an atmosphere, water and tectonic activity. The bombardment continues until the very end of February – 3.8 billion years ago.
3.97 billion years ago: Beginning of the Archean Eon
By Valentine’s Day, the hottest period in Earth’s history – the Hadean Eon – has finally come to an end. With these hostile conditions in the past, the stage is lovingly set for life to emerge as the Archean Eon begins.
3.6 billion years ago: Formation of the first supercontinent, maybe
For a couple of weeks now, Earth has been cool enough to form stable continental crusts. Vaalbara is a theorised supercontinent consisting of two cratons (ancient, stable and thick blocks that form the cores of continents): Kaapvaal in eastern South Africa, and Pilbara in north-western Western Australia. While still under debate, this would make Vaalbara 3.6 to 2.7 billion years old, one of the oldest supercontinents we know of.
3.48 billion years ago: Earliest direct evidence of life
Right before the end of the first quarter of the year, simple prokaryotic organisms appear during the Paleoarchean. These are the earliest direct evidence of life recorded as microfossils (stromatolites).
2.7 billion years ago: Cyanobacteria become the first oxygen producers
Blue-green algae called cyanobacteria develop oxygenic photosynthesis. They use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. It’s a milestone for the development of our current atmosphere.
2.46 billion years ago: The Great Oxygenation Event
A dramatic rise in oxygen levels occurs in shallow seas and in Earth’s atmosphere, driven by oxygenic photosynthesis from cyanobacteria. This event lasts approximately 400 million years, transforming Earth’s environment and paving the way for more complex life forms to thrive on a radically changed planet.
1.3 billion years ago: Formation of the supercontinent Rodinia
One of the first supercontinents to form on Earth, Rodinia brings together most of the planet’s landmasses. During its 550 million years of existence, Earth is predominantly inhabited by simple life forms, including prokaryotes and early eukaryotes.
750 million years ago: Breakdown of Rodinia and Snowball Earth events
By Halloween, Rodinia begins to crack apart just like candies in a kid’s trick-or-treat bag. The breakup of Rodinia dramatically influences the planet’s climate and ocean circulation, potentially triggering Snowball Earth events. These two major global glaciations, lasting approximately 70 million years, play a significant role in shaping Earth’s history.
635 million years ago: The Ediacaran Period begins
Right before the start of the Paleozoic, the first large, complex, multi-cellular marine life forms appear. The Ediacaran biota includes diverse, soft-bodied organisms – early animals, algae and other complex life. Today, curious visitors to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia might be lucky enough to spot some Ediacaran fossils.
538.8 million years ago: The Cambrian Explosion
The Cambrian Explosion lasts no more than two days (25 million years). During this time, sudden development of complex life occurs in the oceans. Almost all present-day animal phyla appear, and other groups diversify in major ways. Undoubtedly, this is a critical period for life on our planet.
470 million years ago: Plants first colonise Gondwanaland during the Ordovician Period
Early land plants are simple, non-vascular organisms that colonise moist environments – much like moss today. Over time, plants evolve more complex structures, including vascular tissue specialised for transporting water, nutrients and food, allowing them to thrive in a wider range of terrestrial habitats.
370 million years ago: First vertebrates move onto land
On the very first day of December, four-limbed animals called tetrapods are the first animals with backbones (vertebrates) to transition to a life on land during the Late Devonian period. These are the ancestors of all land-dwelling vertebrates, living and extinct.
252 million years ago: Permian-Triassic mass extinction
Life is almost entirely obliterated after a series of massive Siberian volcanic eruptions trigger global warming and a lack of oxygen in the oceans. The Great Dying is the largest extinction in Earth’s history, wiping out more than 90% of marine species and about 70% of terrestrial species.
230 million years ago: The rise of dinosaurs
The very first dinosaurs are small, bipedal reptiles that eventually evolve into the diverse group of animals that dominate Earth during the Mesozoic Era. Dinosaurs reign over our planet for 13 days, meaning their kingdom endures for an epic 165 million years.
66 million years ago: Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction
Christmas Day is not a joyful day for dinosaurs: they go extinct. The current leading hypothesis for their demise is an asteroid impact in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. A massive space lump of coal from Santa, if you will.
56 million years ago: The rise of mammals
Boxing Day is a good day for mammals. During the Palaeocene, right after the extinction event, mammals begin to grow in size and diversity. By noon, when the Eocene starts 56 million years ago, they have evolved into the first large herbivores and carnivores.
~7 to 6 million years ago: The planet of the apes
The very first hominids, either Sahelanthropus or Orrorin, appear by noon on December 31. These species represent some of the earliest common ancestors of humans and other great apes, such as gorillas, orangutans and chimpanzees.
300,000 years ago: Modern humans finally arrive
The very first Homo sapiens emerge in Africa, marking the beginning of anatomically modern humans.
We’re almost at midnight, and nearly all of humanity’s history can be condensed into the last ten minutes of the year.
~86,377 years ago: Homo sapiens migrate out of Africa into Eurasia. Thus begins a significant global colonisation by early modern humans.
~77,740 years ago: The first symbolic art. Engraved ochre in South Africa’s Blombos Cave is considered one of the earliest symbolic artworks created by humans, indicating the development of cognitive and cultural sophistication.
~69,102 years ago: The Last Glacial Period. An ongoing global cooling event intensifies, forcing humans to adapt to harsher climates.
~60,464 years ago: Humans reach Australia. This marks the earliest known migration across sea, and settlement on a new isolated continent.
~51,826 years ago: Upper Paleolithic Revolution. Humans arrive at a capacity for well-developed language, more complex social structures, and highly specialised tools.
~43,119 years ago: The Neanderthals go extinct. Multiple factors cause their demise, including violence, diseases, natural catastrophes and being outcompeted by Homo sapiens, the only remaining hominid species on Earth.
~34,551 years ago: Symbolic art flourishes and culture emerges globally among modern humans. This time is characterised by significant advancements in creativity and social organisation.
~25,913 years ago: The Last Glacial Maximum. Ice sheets reach their greatest extent, covering large parts of North America, Europe and Asia. This is the peak of the most recent ice age, affecting both ecosystems and human migration.
~17,275 years ago: Warming begins after the Last Glacial Maximum. Ice sheets gradually retreat, leading towards the end of the last ice age.
~8,638 years ago: Significant events take place globally. The Agricultural Revolution has started, with humans cultivating crops and domesticating animals, leading to the first permanent settlements and village life.
8,638 years ago to today: A great deal happens in the last few seconds of the year. From the Bronze and Iron Age, to the rise and fall of major empires, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, world wars, space exploration, the internet and artificial intelligence.
Francisco Jose Testa does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Interactive: What Earth’s 4.54 billion-year history would look like in a single year – https://theconversation.com/interactive-what-earths-4-54-billion-year-history-would-look-like-in-a-single-year-245373
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
OKINAWA, Japan –
U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa volunteers brought the holiday spirit to Yomitan Village, Okinawa, Japan, on Dec. 19, 2024, with a special visit to a local daycare center.
The day’s festivities began with Santa’s grand arrival in a fire truck, courtesy of USAG Okinawa’s Fire and Emergency Services. Children from the Takenoko and Pono-Pono daycare centers greeted Santa, posed for photos with him and the fire truck, and enjoyed sweet treats shared by his helpers.
More than 100 children and teachers participated in the event, which was filled with laughter, questions for Santa, and plenty of holiday cheer.
“In Japan, Christmas is seen as a joyful celebration and an opportunity to spend time with family and friends,” said Yumiko Uchima, USAG Okinawa Community Relations Specialist. “It’s heartwarming to see the children’s excitement and happiness during this special occasion.”
The event underscored the value of community and shared traditions. It allowed the Army to share the spirit of Christmas while learning about how their host nation embraces the holiday season.
“These events mean a lot because we get to share our traditions and learn about the local community’s celebrations,” said USAG Okinawa Command Sgt. Maj. TaJuana Nixon. “It’s about the joy of bringing our two communities together.”
Through shared smiles, laughter, and the joy of giving, the day served as a reminder of the season’s true meaning: unity, joy, and community.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ari Mattes, Lecturer in Communications and Media, University of Notre Dame Australia
Marketing is critical to the success of commercial films, and companies will often spend half as much again on top of the production budget to let people know about a film. But this is usually not the case with the local industry.
Frequently, Australian films will do well enough on the festival circuit to be picked up by a theatrical distributor who spends virtually nothing on marketing – and then pulls the film when it doesn’t prove to be the next Muriel’s Wedding.
This is painfully in the back of my mind as I try to compile a list of my top five Australian films of 2024. Top five? Did I even see five? It turns out I did. Did I miss many? A few, because they never crossed my radar – no posters, no advertising, no social media presence.
Out of the, let’s say ten, Australian films I did manage to see in 2024, this is my top five (which isn’t to say they are, necessarily, five films that I would recommend).
Written and directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, Late Night with the Devil is a solid genre film.
The narrative frames the film as found footage. We watch an episode of a late night talk show from Halloween 1977, in which a supposedly possessed girl becomes the centre of the show, unleashing (or not?) various demonic events.
David Dastmalchian is commandingly goofy in the lead as ratings-hungry host Jack Delroy, and the supporting cast provide some nice character touches.
The production design is first rate, with everything we love about 1970s horror cinema – and television culture – recreated in vivid strokes.
Starved of unpretentious and non-didactic cinema, one is tempted to declaim the brilliance of this enjoyable romp. But, at the end of the day – and despite Stephen King’s comment it’s “absolutely brilliant” – it’s just a good horror film, sure to please fans of well-made cinema with a retro bent.
Though released at select cinemas at the end of 2023, I’m including the well-made (and low budget) Christmess on the list, as it secured a mainstream release in 2024.
The film follows a trio of recovering addicts in a halfway house during the holiday period, centred around once-famous actor Chris (beautifully played by Steve Le Marquand) as he successfully – and unsuccessfully – deals with his demons.
Christmess is sentimental without being overly schmaltzy, the characters are rendered with nuance while still containing a recognisably mythical dimension, and it feels hopeful while still making sense.
Writer-director-producer Heath Davis does exactly what is needed for a low budget film. It is economically but effectively shot in the Sydney suburbs, the writing is razor sharp, and the performances are (mostly) excellent. Films like Christmess give hope independent Australian cinema has life yet.
Now we’re getting into trickier territory for a top five list. Force of Nature is the sequel to The Dry from 2020, and treads similar ground, with Eric Bana returning as federal police detective Aaron Falk.
This time it’s a mystery surrounding a hiking trip and a disappearing informant.
As with the first film, Force of Nature is an engaging genre film with some arresting moments and effectively handled elements (the cinematography, music, performances are all fine). But it’s also totally forgettable and uninspired, pale in comparison to some of the great variations on the cop-mystery theme of the past.
Popular at SXSW, Birdeater makes the list by virtue of its style alone.
What begins as an intriguing look at the horrors of group dynamics when a bunch of youngsters leave the city for a buck’s party quickly fizzles into nothing, the early gestures towards Ted Kotcheff’s masterful Wake in Fright proving little more than hot air.
But it looks and sounds amazing, one of the most stunningly shot Australian films I’ve seen – actually warranting that haphazardly thrown about adjective “cinematic” – and is worth watching for this dimension alone.
Some may think writer-director Jon Bell’s The Moogai is an impressive horror film, cleverly integrating a critique of Australian colonisation into a possession story about motherhood and the anxieties of the parent-child relationship.
I found its treatment of a potentially engaging story humdrum and forgettable, the critique of colonisation obvious and uninteresting, and the performances strained.
Unlike Jennifer Kent’s excellent The Babadook, which anchors its allegorical dissection of parenthood to specific and weird horrific moments, The Moogai depends too much on the abstract, on the viewer’s knowledge of events and the world outside the film, and suffers as a work of art for this.
Before you attack my evident myopia, there were a handful of Australian films released in 2024 I haven’t seen and that look like they might be worthwhile. Don’t blame me, blame the marketers!
Sting, directed by Aussie genre maestro Kiah Roache-Turner, looks like a rousingly trashy monster film (there hasn’t been a good giant spider film for years).
The Rooster, written and directed by actor Mark Leonard Winter, looks like a potentially solid character mystery (and has received great reviews).
In the Room Where He Waits – which looks like a disturbing Repulsion-like thriller about a queer actor losing his marbles in a hotel room – has also received excellent reviews.
And this isn’t to discount the potential mirth of a film like Runt, a sweet-looking kids’ film about a ten-year-old girl and her friendship with a dog.
The biggest Australian film of the year was George Miller’s latest Mad Max endeavour, Furiosa. While some swear by Fury Road, as a long-time fan of the Mad Max films I found it shrill and incomprehensible, a senseless assault on the viewer with little payoff and no dynamism. Well, Furiosa is this, but a little worse.
How can Screen Australia ensure 2025 (well, 2026 now) has a more robust offering of Australian films? Less money invested in American productions, more on Australian films with lower budgets – and more spent on marketing!
Ari Mattes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. I was asked to come up with my top 5 Aussie films of 2024. It was a difficult task – https://theconversation.com/i-was-asked-to-come-up-with-my-top-5-aussie-films-of-2024-it-was-a-difficult-task-243922
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Saman Khalesi, Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead in Nutrition, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia
The holiday season can be a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence in delicious foods and meals. However, for many, it can also be an emotional and stressful period.
This stress can manifest in our eating habits, leading to what is known as emotional or stress eating.
There are certain foods we tend to eat more of when we’re stressed, and these can affect our health. What’s more, our food choices can influence our stress levels and make us feel worse. Here’s how.
The human stress response is a complex signalling network across the body and brain. Our nervous system then responds to physical and psychological events to maintain our health. Our stress response – which can be subtle or trigger a fight-or-flight response – is essential and part of daily life.
The stress response increases production of the hormones cortisol and insulin and the release of glucose (blood sugars) and brain chemicals to meet demand. Eating when we experience stress is a normal behaviour to meet a spike in energy needs.
But sometimes our relationship with food becomes strained in response to different types of stress. We might attach shame or guilt to overeating. And anxiety or insecurity can mean some people under-eat in stressful times.
Over time, people can start to associate eating with negative emotions – such as anger, sadness, fear or worry. This link can create behavioural cycles of emotional eating. “Emotional eaters” may go on to develop altered brain responses to the sight or smell of food.
Stress eating can include binge eating, grazing, eating late at night, eating quickly or eating past the feeling of fullness. It can also involve craving or eating foods we don’t normally choose.
For example, stressed people often reach for ultra-processed foods. While eating these foods is not necessarily a sign of stress, having them can activate the reward system in our brain to alleviate stress and create a pattern.
Short-term stress eating, such as across the holiday period, can lead to symptoms such as acid reflux and poor sleep – particularly when combined with drinking alcohol.
In the longer term, stress eating can lead to weight gain and obesity, increasing the risks of cancer, heart diseases and diabetes.
While stress eating may help reduce stress in the moment, long-term stress eating is linked with an increase in depressive symptoms and poor mental health.
The foods we choose can also influence our stress levels.
Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugar (such as sugary drinks, sweets, crackers, cakes and most chocolates) can make blood sugar levels spike and then crash.
Diets high in unhealthy saturated and trans fats (processed foods, animal fats and commercially fried foods) can increase inflammatory responses.
Rapid changes in blood sugar and inflammation can increase anxiety and can change our mood.
Meanwhile, certain foods can improve the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate stress and mood.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, are known to reduce inflammation and support brain health. Magnesium, found in leafy greens and nuts, helps regulate cortisol levels and the body’s stress response.
Vitamin Bs, found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and animal products (mostly B12), help maintain a healthy nervous system and energy metabolism, improving mood and cognitive performance.
Food is a big part of the festive season, and treating yourself to delicious treats can be part of the fun. Here are some tips for enjoying festive foods, while avoiding stress eating:
1. slow down: be mindful about the speed of your eating. Slow down, chew food well and put down your utensils after each bite
2. watch the clock: even if you’re eating more food than you normally would, sticking to the same timing of eating can help maintain your body’s response to the food. If you normally have an eight-hour eating window (the time between your first meal and last meal of the day) then stick to this even if you’re eating more
3. continue other health behaviours: even if we are eating more food or different food during the festive season, try to keep up other healthy behaviours, such as sleep and exercise
4. stay hydrated: make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This helps our body function and can help with feelings of hunger. When our brain gets the message something has entered the stomach (what we drink) this can provide a temporary reduction in feelings of hunger
5. don’t restrict: if we have a big day of eating, it can be tempting to restrict eating in the days before or after. But it is never a good idea to overly constrain food intake. It can lead to more overeating and worsen stress.
1. shift your thinking: try reframing festive stress. Instead of viewing it as “something bad”, see it as “providing the energy” to reach your goals, such as a family gathering or present shopping
2. be kind to yourself and others: practise an act of compassion for someone else or try talking to yourself as you would a friend. These actions can stimulate our brains and improve wellbeing
3. do something enjoyable: being absorbed in enjoyable activities – such as crafting, movement or even breathing exercises – can help our brains and bodies to return to a more relaxed state, feel steady and connected.
For support and more information about eating disorders, contact the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.
Saman Khalesi was previously supported by a Postdoctoral Fellowship (Award No. 102584) from the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
Talitha Best is affiliated with Australian Psychological Society.
Charlotte Gupta does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. You could be stress eating these holidays – or eating your way to stress. 5 tips for the table – https://theconversation.com/you-could-be-stress-eating-these-holidays-or-eating-your-way-to-stress-5-tips-for-the-table-244156
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Woods, Lecturer, Nursing, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University
Summer is here and for many that means going to the beach. You grab your swimmers, beach towel and sunscreen then maybe check the weather forecast. Did you think to grab a first aid kit?
The vast majority of trips to the beach will be uneventful. However, if trouble strikes, being prepared can make a huge difference to you, a loved one or a stranger.
So, what exactly should you be prepared for?
The first step in being prepared for the beach is to learn about where you are going and associated levels of risk.
In Broome, you are more likely to be bitten by a dog at the beach than stung by an Irukandji jellyfish.
In Byron Bay, you are more likely to come across a brown snake than a shark.
In the summer of 2023–24, Surf Life Saving Australia reported more than 14 million Australian adults visited beaches. Surf lifesavers, lifeguards and lifesaving services performed 49,331 first aid treatments across 117 local government areas around Australia. Surveys of beach goers found perceptions of common beach hazards include rips, tropical stingers, sun exposure, crocodiles, sharks, rocky platforms and waves.
Sun and heat exposure are likely the most common beach hazard. The Cancer Council has reported that almost 1.5 million Australians surveyed during summer had experienced sunburn during the previous week. Without adequate fluid intake, heat stroke can also occur.
Lacerations and abrasions are a further common hazard. While surfboards, rocks, shells and litter might seem more dangerous, the humble beach umbrella has been implicated in thousands of injuries.
Sprains and fractures are also associated with beach activities. A 2022 study linked data from hospital, ambulance and Surf Life Saving cases on the Sunshine Coast over six years and found 79 of 574 (13.8%) cervical spine injuries occurred at the beach. Surfing, smaller wave heights and shallow water diving were the main risks.
Rips and rough waves present a higher risk at areas of unpatrolled beach, including away from surf lifesaving flags. Out of 150 coastal drowning deaths around Australia in 2023–24, nearly half were during summer. Of those deaths:
People who had lived in Australia for less than two years were more worried about the dangers, but also more likely to be caught in a rip.
Read more:
Drugs and the sun – your daily medications could put you at greater risk of sunburn
So, beach accidents can vary by type, severity and impact. How you respond will depend on your level of first aid knowledge, ability and what’s in your first aid kit.
A first aid training company survey of just over 1,000 Australians indicated 80% of people agree cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the most important skill to learn, but nearly half reported feeling intimidated by the prospect.
CPR training covers an established checklist for emergency situations. Using the acronym “DR ABC” means checking for:
A complete first aid course will provide a range of skills to build confidence and be accredited by the national regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority.
Read more:
Snakes are waking up. What should you do if you’re bitten? And what if you’re a long way from help?
Whether you buy a first aid kit or put together you own, it should include ten essential items in a watertight, sealable container:
Before you leave for the beach, check the expiry dates of any sunscreen, solutions or potions you choose to add.
If you are travelling to a remote or unpatrolled beach, your kit should also contain:
Make sure you carry any “as-required” medications, such as a Ventolin puffer for asthma or an EpiPen for severe allergy.
Vinegar is no longer recommended for most jellyfish stings, including Blue Bottles. Hot water is advised instead.
In remote areas, also look out for Emergency Response Beacons. Located in high-risk spots, these allow bystanders to instantly activate the surf emergency response system.
If you have your mobile phone or a smart watch with GPS function, make sure it is charged and switched on and that you know how to use it to make emergency calls.
First aid kits suitable for the beach range in price from $35 to over $120. Buy these from certified first aid organisations such as Surf Lifesaving Australia, Australian Red Cross, St John Ambulance or Royal Life Saving. Kits that come with a waterproof sealable bag are recommended.
Be prepared this summer for your trip to the beach and pack your first aid kit. Take care and have fun in the sun.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Hitting the beach? Here are some dangers to watch out for – plus 10 essentials for your first aid kit – https://theconversation.com/hitting-the-beach-here-are-some-dangers-to-watch-out-for-plus-10-essentials-for-your-first-aid-kit-243037
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kasey Symons, Lecturer of Communication, Sports Media, Deakin University
We are well and truly in cricket season.
The Australian men’s cricket team is taking centre stage against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series while the Big Bash League is underway, as is the Sheffield Shield.
It is a packed summer schedule, with the Australian women’s cricket team competing in an Ashes series against England that will culminate in a historic Test at the MCG on January 30: the first women’s Test played at the venue since 1948–49.
That match will also be the 90th anniversary of the first ever women’s Ashes series, when England toured Australia in the summer of 1934–35.
It’s an exciting schedule for fans and one Cricket Australia will be looking to capitalise on.
But is all this cricket driving participation?
Like most sports, cricket faces a challenge to retain junior players in an oversaturated sports market. It is also competing with other entertainment offerings, increased screen time, financial pressures, and parent and guardian unavailability.
Read more:
No cash, no play? Have cost-of-living pressures impacted sports participation in Australia?
Ahead of the 2024–25 summer, Cricket Australia released its annual report, which included 2023–24 participation numbers.
On the whole, things are looking somewhat positive, with growth in junior cricket (ages 5-12) increasing 5%.
For women and girls, the numbers are even more encouraging, with Cricket Australia reporting 18% growth for the 2023–24 season, attributed to a 44% rise in school competitions, 6% growth in social competitions and a record-breaking year of youth girls’ participation (ages 5–12).
But Cricket Australia highlighted challenges in that next phase – the teenage years, with the governing body reporting an overall 5% drop in teenage participation.
There has been reflection recently about the decline of junior participation in some demographics and a changing cricketing landscape.
A query that often arises in these conversations is whether the sport’s traditional breeding ground, backyard cricket, is under threat.
What is interesting is the nostalgia many cricket fans hold for the days of the iconic pastime and how it is central to a person’s, and maybe even our national, identity.
Backyard cricket has long been a staple for many Australian families (and those in cricketing countries). It has attracted a certain rose-coloured nostalgia that fills the memories of generations – the sounds of a ball bouncing off a wheelie bin, the shouts of “car!” in quiet suburban streets and maybe sometimes, of smashed glass and the cries of angry parents to not play near the windows.
Cricket fans can connect to stories of backyard cricket, reflecting on simpler times, mates made in the streets and maybe even how they perfected their action in narrow driveways, to avoid trees or to not lose the ball over the neighbour’s fence.
Cricket lovers can not only recall their childhood and growing cricket fandom, but also imagine how their cricketing heroes were likely doing the exact same thing.
In 2009, Steve Cannane wrote the book First Tests – Great Australian Cricketers and The Backyards That Made Them. The book is a testament to the romance of backyard cricket and how we can relate as fans to the icons of the game, who also experienced modest beginnings in similar streets. They were just like us.
But recreation looks different to today’s teens, with the rise of technology and other entertainment options, as well as changing social patterns where organic interactions are less likely or not encouraged.
This can make it hard to find fielders for those long cover drives down the driveway.
I recently discussed this on ABC Radio’s The Conversation Hour. We discussed how children might be less likely to approach other children to play today, which might be a result of COVID restrictions or general concerns about children’s safety.
Australia’s changing housing market is also affecting backyard cricket.
Apartment living and smaller homes in urban areas with limited outdoor space make the activity not only very difficult but not visible to invite others in.
Modern city planning appears focused on making cities more compact and experts note the loss of outdoor space could increase the risks of physical and mental health problems among city residents.
It appears for many, the days of walking down a street, seeing kids playing a game and joining in until your parents called out “dinner” (or “tea” in the rural neighbourhood I grew up in) are long gone.
Kerry Packer’s 1977 World Series Cricket is what inspired CEO of Softball Australia Sarah Loh to pick up a cricket bat when her family migrated to Australia when she was six years old.
She told ABC Radio Melbourne:
There were those great characters, and that is when my love of sport and cricket came.
While traditional cricket fans often bemoan new formats, flashy tournaments and increased commercialisation of cricket, for many, these innovations also offer entry points, drive interest and allow their fandom to grow.
Cricket Australia’s chief of cricket James Allsopp has spoken of the need for more social forms of cricket to keep kids interested in the game and prevent the drop-off in teen years.
A balance must be achieved in our rapidly changing society – the challenge for cricket’s administrators will now be to connect with kids, women, and diverse communities in ways that respond to their needs and bring them to the sport on their terms.
They must also do this in a way that protects the history that has already brought so many people together every summer in front of televisions, in stadiums and in backyards across the country.
Kasey Symons consults to and conducts research for a number of organisations across Australia. Her research has received funding from organisations including the Victorian Government, and national and state sport governing bodies including the Australian Football League and its clubs and the National Rugby League. Dr Symons is also one of the co-founders of Siren: A Women in Sport Collective.
– ref. From smaller homes to screen time, backyard cricket is facing challenges in modern Australia – https://theconversation.com/from-smaller-homes-to-screen-time-backyard-cricket-is-facing-challenges-in-modern-australia-241351
Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 23 December 2024
DOC Wildfire Manager Brent Swanson says it’s crucial people check whether fires are allowed in the area, and the fire status for the region, before lighting fires in the outdoors.
“The day you head out on your trip, go to the Check It’s Alright website first to follow the fire safety advice and check the local fire danger level. This tool will tell you whether it’s ok to light a fire.”
Brent says there are already very dry conditions in some places this season. There have already been several significant fires, including on conservation land, such as the December blaze in Craigieburn, Canterbury. The eastern parts of the country in particular are expected to have a high fire risk.
“Conservation land is always in a restricted or prohibited fire season, depending on the fire risk, and some areas have a year-round total fire ban.
“Although all conservation land is in a restricted fire season, people may light fires at a campsite’s designated fireplace, or in the backcountry according to specific conditions outlined on the DOC website. Care should be taken to thoroughly extinguish any campfires before leaving a site.
“If it’s a prohibited fire season, it means there is a fire ban and no fires can be lit, though fireplaces inside huts can still be used.
“There may also be useful fire safety information on the DOC webpage about the specific track, hut, or campsite being visited.”
Brent says disposing of hot ashes outside can start devastating wildfires, so ashes from hut fireplaces should be put into the metal bins provided at huts and then soaked with water.
“Gas cookers and enclosed liquid fuel stoves can usually be used at any time, but extra care should be taken if the fire risk is high. Set them up in an area that’s at least 3m clear of any vegetation on a stable, level surface, and be careful when balancing heavy pots on top as they could tip the cooker over.
“Another thing to think about is where to park the car at the start of a trip, as a hot exhaust in long grass can start a fire.”
“Fires on conservation land are often accidentally caused by people. No one wants to see native ecosystems, recreation assets, or heritage and cultural sites destroyed because of a fire, so we’re asking people to stay fire safe in the outdoors this summer.”
Find out about local fire restrictions at the Check it’s alright website.
Read more about lighting fires on public conservation land.
Public conservation land is always in a Restricted or Prohibited fire season:
You can light campfires at DOC campsites or day amenity areas only if:
You can light campfires in the backcountry only if:
Backcountry refers to areas that are more than an hour’s walk from the nearest road end.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ty Ferguson, Research associate in exercise, nutrition and activity, University of South Australia
It’s never been easier to stay connected to work. Even when we’re on leave, our phones and laptops keep us tethered. Many of us promise ourselves we won’t check emails during our break. But we do.
Being away from the workplace, and even in a new location, is often not enough to detach psychologically. We might still be thinking about a demanding project we raced to finish or even feel guilty about leaving others to cover for us.
It mightn’t be spelt out by our employers but having phones and laptops can create an underlying expectation we are constantly available, even outside the usual work hours.
This feeling of connection or “digital presenteeism”, can impact our health by making us stressed, anxious and burnt out.
Switching off our work tools when we are out of the office or on leave can remove these problems as well as helping improve and enjoy our non-work activities and relationships.
While recently passed right to disconnect laws in Australia legally support workers to switch off, there’s another option already available to workers. Taking annual leave.
Unfortunately, many workers don’t take advantage of this valuable resource, with an estimated 160 million annual leave days banked up by Australian workers. One in five have more than the typical yearly allocation of four weeks unused.
Taking a break doesn’t just feel good, it’s been shown to benefit your health.
A 2017 meta-analysis of 86 studies revealed taking holidays can lead to reduced stress and less exhaustion during the holiday period.
So what do we do with all the extra time we have? Sleep more? Do more exercise? Studies show that’s exactly what happens when we are on holiday. We studied movement patterns of 375 adults during annual leave. We found people were more physically active, less sedentary and had more sleep each day – all of which are good for our health.
Holidays can also be associated with changes in how our body functions. A study of 112 holiday makers who attended a wellness resort for six days in the United States had increased heart rate variability which indicates greater resilience to stress.
Also, the odds of meeting metabolic syndrome criteria decreased with each break taken each year in a cohort of workers who took on average five holidays each year.
If you’re male and still not convinced, there is evidence that taking holidays is linked with living longer. Men who take more frequent holidays and more leave days a year have lower mortality rates than those who don’t?
Simply taking leave is beneficial. Longer breaks do not have increased benefits and where you go is also unimportant.
A study of locations found those who took a short four day break in a hotel did not benefit more than those who took a break at home. Both groups showed positive changes to stress, recovery, strain and wellbeing.
In our study, the largest favourable changes were experienced by people who took one to two weeks’ leave or those who spent time outdoors camping or hiking. However positive changes were observed for all types of holidays.
Ultimately, the best vacation is the one that fits your preferences and budget – there’s no such thing as a perfect holiday.
If you haven’t already, book some time off and get away from the workplace. Here are five ways to make the most of the time:
1. Finish up your to-do list and clear out your inbox: returning to work after a summer holiday with fewer unfinished tasks allows the positive effects of the holiday to linger longer.
2. Step away from the normal routine: try to limit work-like activities (such as shopping, cleaning, computer-based tasks) and find environments that feel removed from your typical routine and obligations.
3. Engage in “soft fascination” activities: exploring nature is an example of an activity that gently holds your attention while leaving headspace for reflection. These types of activites have been shown to provide restorative mental benefits.
4. Reduce the friction and chaos: avoid putting yourself in settings of conflict (such as visiting a difficult family member), confusion (busy, unfamiliar environments) or tension (excessive travel and/or tight timelines).
5. Take more frequent breaks: aim for multiple short breaks throughout the year, rather than a single longer vacation. This spreads out the benefit with more lead-in time and longer comedown.
The research is clear: vacations are essential for our health and wellbeing. So, if you haven’t already, book some time off and get away from the workplace.
Carol Maher receives funding from the Medical Research Future Fund, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the National Heart Foundation, the SA Department for Education, Preventive Health SA, the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, the South Australian Office for Sport, Recreation and Racing, Healthway, Hunter New England Local Health District, and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.
Rachel Curtis receives funding from the Medical Research Future Fund, National Health and Medical Research Council, SA Department for Education, SA Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Preventive Health SA, Healthway, Hunter New England Local Health District, and SA Department for Innovation and Skills, the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation.
Ty Ferguson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Switching off from work can be difficult but taking a proper break is good for your health – https://theconversation.com/switching-off-from-work-can-be-difficult-but-taking-a-proper-break-is-good-for-your-health-244744
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Old, Associate Professor, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Western Sydney University
At this time of year, images of reindeer are everywhere. I’ve had a soft spot for reindeer ever since I was a little girl. Doesn’t everyone?
While I work on Australian mammals, especially marsupials such as wombats, I still find reindeer fascinating.
I’ve spent a great deal of time reading up about reindeer. Some of the research may interest you too.
So here’s everything you need to know about this iconic animal, including why they need antlers, why they really can have red noses and how their eyes change colour!
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandua) are herbivores, which means they eat plants. But because they live in the Arctic, where snow and ice covers the ground for most of the year, they can’t be too fussy.
Their diet mostly consists of lichen, a plant-like organism that grows on rocks and trees. They also eat grass, moss and fungus when they can get it. I’m sure they’d love a carrot or two, but they’re more likely to find only tough “vascular” shrubs and bushes in the Arctic.
Like rabbits and koalas, reindeer also eat droppings – specifically barnacle goose poo. Who knows, maybe eating goose droppings give reindeer special flying powers at Christmas time?
We’ve all heard the Christmas song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Yet you may not realise reindeer really can have red noses!
Blood flow in the nose can increase or decrease to control heat exchange. So when reindeer need to cool down, their nose looks red because blood is pumped closer to the skin. It’s a bit like when fair-skinned people get hot and flushed.
Reindeer can also regulate the temperature of the skin on their legs by a similar mechanism, to conserve energy.
They build up very large fat reserves over the warmer months. Around 25% of these reserves are then used for energy in winter.
Reindeer can also break down their own protein for energy over winter.
Specialised hair acts to minimise heat loss. Reindeer fur is thickest in winter with more dense woollen underfur.
Hollow “guard hairs” stand out from the rest to provide both colour and insulation from the cold.
As reindeer fur is broader than other deer fur, with a larger hollow cavity, it probably also supports buoyancy. Perhaps it helps keep reindeer afloat when they cross lakes and rivers during migration. Maybe it could even make them lighter, just as birds have hollow bones, and enable flight.
But these cold climate specialists may suffer as the world warms. Last year researchers described how female reindeer responded to an extreme heatwave in Finland. The reindeer became less active as their body temperature increased and heart rate decreased, reducing the ability to build up their fat reserves.
Reindeer noses are not the only body part that changes colour. Part of the back of their eye shines a gold-turquoise colour in summer, and deep blue in winter.
The colour change corresponds to changes in the spacing of collagen fibres and pressure within the eye itself. It all has to do with making the most of the light at different times of the year.
In summer, reindeer have sponge-like footpads that help grip the soft ground. In winter, however, their footpads are smaller and the hoof rim is exposed, enabling reindeer to cut through snow and ice to find food.
Reindeer toes on the front feet play a braking role – making for easy landings on roofs perhaps – while toes on the back feet are used for pushing.
Reindeer are unique among all deer in that both males and females have antlers. But only females have antlers all year around.
The size of male reindeer (bull) antlers is second only to that of the moose. But relative to body size, reindeer antlers are the largest among living deer.
Bulls use their antlers and body size to win over females. Older males have larger antlers with more spiky projections.
Bull antler buds appear in March or April, become fully developed during summer then shed from August to September. Bulls also grow a mane and their neck thickens by this time.
The older males shed their antlers earlier than younger (or weaker) bulls, with antlers dropping off sometime between November and May.
Unlike bulls, cows need to keep their antlers throughout winter to compete for food and prevent unwanted attention from young bulls.
Young cows develop antlers early to earn a higher rank among the herd, which can be maintained for life.
The clicking sound from reindeer knees is a curious feature. It’s thought to come from the tendon within the knee when it slips over the bone.
The sound is likely to be louder in bigger reindeer with longer tendons, as observed in eland (Taurotragus oryx). So knee clicking can provide an acoustic signal to rivals, allowing combatants to determine if they want to engage in battle or not.
Reindeer are essential to the health of the Arctic grasslands and forests, and have great cultural significance to the many Indigenous peoples of the regions in which they live.
Yet reindeer are vulnerable to extinction. The global population has declined from about 4.8 million to 2.9 million over a couple of decades.
People are largely to blame. Farming, mining, forestry, hunting and now climate change threaten the survival of the species.
Fortunately, Santa is not the only person to keep reindeer. Many are kept in captivity, ensuring this amazing species’ survival for a while yet.
Julie Old does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Yes, reindeer actually can have red noses – and other fascinating facts about this Christmas icon – https://theconversation.com/yes-reindeer-actually-can-have-red-noses-and-other-fascinating-facts-about-this-christmas-icon-242739
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Please attribute to Detective Inspector David de Lange of Eastern District Police:
A woman has been arrested in relation to the murder of Wayne Dewes in Gisborne in October.
Police were called about 4.20am on 28 October after Mr Dewes was rushed to hospital with severe injuries, dying a short time later.
A homicide investigation was launched and now a 27-year-old woman has been charged with murder.
She is due to appear in Gisborne District Court today, Monday 23 December.
We are pleased to have made an arrest in this case, and hope it brings some sense of reassurance to whānau and the wider community.
Police would like to extend our thanks to those members of the public who have come forward with information.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police are appealing for any sightings of 13-year-old Jazz after being reported missing in Paraparaumu this morning.
Jazz was last seen at his home address at around 2am, and is believed to be wearing a black hoodie, dark green jacket and may have a green backpack.
It is believed that Jazz may have travelled to the Upper Hutt area.
Police and Jazz’s family are concerned for his welfare and would like to see him return home.
If you have seen Stanley or may have information that can assist Police in locating him, please contact us on 105.
Please use the reference number P061041676.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Department of Conservation
Perhaps you know your Daffy from your Donald, your Huey from your Louie and Dewey, but do you really know your ducks?
Communications and Media Advisor Krysia Nowak takes a duck-dive into the shallows for a quick wade around the ducks of Aotearoa.
This is the final episode, friends, with a focus on the fantastically fabulous whio. Found only in Aotearoa New Zealand (unless you happen to take a $10 note overseas), whio are more threatened than some species of kiwi – it’s time we showed them some love!
What’s in a name?
As Shakespeare almost once said, ‘a blue duck by any other name would still be blue’. Except these aren’t, really. At a stretch they might be a steel blue, but my personal opinion is that the name came about because ‘grey duck’ was already taken (See Ducktales Episode 1: Quacking the case on mallards and grey ducks). A more accurate name, then, is the te reo Māori ‘whio’, or ‘kowhiowhio’, said to resemble the whistling sound the males make.
Whistling you say? That’s right, no generic quacking for our whio whānau. Males have a piercing whistle, synonymous with out backcountry river soundscape, while the females utter a purring sort of growl.
Make of that what you will.
Listen here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/native-animals/birds/bird-song/blue-duck.mp3
A whitewater wonder
You may be used to ducks living on still water, perhaps gently flowing water, a pond, a stream, a lowland river. Not so the whio; they’re thrill-seekers. Instead, picture these hardy ducks on rapids we’d usually associate with rafting and adventure sports. Even the ducklings can handle strong currents with ease, thanks to their oversized ‘umbrella-like’ feet.
Whio are only distantly related to our other ducks, as they separated from other species a long time ago. They’ve specialised in this fast-flowing environment, in fact, they’re one of only four species of duck in the world adapted to live in ‘torrent’ environments!
To give an example of their specialisation, I once saw a whio family on the pond at Tongariro National Trout Centre (they pop in occasionally, a holiday from the river I guess). I had the privilege of watching one of the adult whio chasing a mallard around the pond. Swimming near each other the differences were stark – whio with their streamlined bodies racing through the water, next to the dingy-like mallard at a relaxed pace. Needless to say, the mallard ceded the pond, and the whio emerged victorious.
Clean, clear, and cold
Whio need clean, clear, cold water to survive. Well…mostly so they can eat. Visual hunters, they peruse the current and under rocks for tasty insects and worms (with a cool beak!). They can handle the occasional flood muddying the water, but permanently silty environments kill their kai, and their ability to find it.
So why clean and cold? Well not a whole lot of things like to live in pollution (except humans, apparently), and whio food is no exception. Prime whio fodder like mayflies, caddis, and stoneflies have high oxygen needs. Pollution uses up oxygen, and warm water holds less oxygen, so clean and cold is where it’s at.
Stoatally uncool
Imagine whio back before mammalian predators were introduced, when threats came from other birds like harriers and black-backed gulls. Birds are visual, and most (with a couple of notable exceptions) don’t have a good sense of smell. So, the ultimate whio defence strategy was born: look like a rock. People unfamiliar with whio spotting often fail to spot the ‘slightly animated rocks’ that betray a stealthy whio. Ducklings are a black and white combination that somehow disappears completely in the rapids.
Try and count whio ducklings on the move. Go on, I dare you.
Enter mammalian predators, like stoats, with an excellent sense of smell to tell boulder from bird. Suddenly, whio are *ahem* sitting ducks. Whio aren’t completely defenceless; they’re feisty and can often fight off predators, but they have no way to hide from predators who can sniff them out, and it’s difficult to fight a stoat and keep your eggs alive at the same time. If a stoat finds a female whio sitting on her nest, it’s only a matter of time before it either kills her or drives her off and eats the eggs. All the while, the male whio is diligently watching the river and sky for threats, not realising the real threat now comes from the land (this breaks my heart).
By the time conservationists realised there was a problem, there were estimated to be less than 2500 whio left in the entire country.
Whio Forever?
So, how can we stop the decline of whio? Partner up!
If we control stoats in whio habitat, we give whio their best chance of resilience in the face of other threats like climate change. We’re pretty fortunate here at DOC to have a partnership with Genesis, and with their support we’ve been able to protect more than 1,500 kilometres of river in whio habitat in locations across New Zealand.
Stoats aren’t the only threat to whio though, many of our rivers aren’t as healthy as they used to be, so habitat loss is right up there, along with climate change. Helping to keep our rivers healthy (don’t litter, plant trees, wash your car on the grass, etc), and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions (you know the drill) are actions that can help the wider picture for fabulous whio.
Well, I’m all out of ducks, and you’ve made it to the end of the ducktales blogs; well done you! Now you get to go on and share all these new facts at your Christmas parties. You’re welcome; you can thank me by being decent to ducks:
Be decent to ducks
Be a responsible cat owner, by:
Be a responsible dog owner:
Please don’t feed ducks, feeding wild birds can:
Trap introduced predators at home or in your community:
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
USAG HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, travels to the Republic of Korea during a trip to the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility, Dec. 20.
Paparo met with ROK Acting Minister of National Defense Kim, Seon ho to discuss commitments to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and the ironclad U.S.-ROK Alliance. They ensured one another the U.S.-ROK combined defense posture remains strong and ready to respond to any external provocations or threats.
During the visit, he also officiated the United States Forces Korea change of command ceremony, where Army Gen. Xavier T. Brunson relieved Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, who retired upon the completion of the ceremony with 40 years of honorable service to the United States.
USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.
“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see loved ones, embarking on a road trip with friends, or exploring all that New Zealand has to offer, please take care and drive responsibly,” Mr Brown says.
“You can expect to see Police anywhere, anytime, on the road. They will be out to deter any dangerous behaviour that impacts the safety of road users including speeding and driver impairment, and ensuring road users are wearing their seatbelts.
“Drive to the conditions. Don’t put yourselves and others at risk. If you’re having a drink this holiday season, don’t drive.
“Drunk and drugged drivers are the highest contributors to deaths on our roads, and the Government is focussed on increased enforcement and providing new tools to police to reduce alcohol and drug related deaths on our roads.”
Over 850,000 more alcohol breath tests were undertaken on our roads in 2023/24 compared to the previous year with a new increased target set of 3.3 million alcohol breath tests and screenings per year.
“We know alcohol breath testing and drug testing are incredibly effective at saving lives. That is why we are prioritising road policing and enforcement to improve road safety,” Mr Brown says.
The Government is also progressing legislation to enable roadside oral fluid drug testing to be rolled out in 2025. The oral fluid testing will give the Police the power to screen drivers for drugs at the roadside using oral fluid testing devices, similar to drink-driving enforcement.
“Plan ahead. Check the weather conditions, determine where you’re going to have breaks, and ensure you’re not under the influence when you get behind the wheel,” Mr Brown says.
The official 2024 Christmas New Year holiday period begins 4pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and ends 6am on Friday 3 January 2025.
Business employment data: September 2024 quarter – data revision – 23 December 2024 – We have updated ‘filled jobs (workplace location based)’ data at the territorial authority and regional levels for the quarters ending March 2021 to September 2024.
Some jobs were incorrectly allocated to locations, which made it appear as though jobs in certain territorial authorities and regions had been ‘lost’, when this was not the case.
National level data for ‘filled jobs’ by workplace location is not affected by this issue as the information is fully sourced from data in the tax system. We are confident that it is robust and of high quality.
For a sub-national breakdown of job numbers and changes, we recommend using the data for ‘filled jobs’ (produced by employee location at the territorial authority and regional level) as this is fully sourced from tax system data and is of higher quality. This differs from the ‘filled jobs (workplace location based)’ data, where the issue was found and corrected.
Source: New Zealand Government
Kiwis planning a swim or heading out on a boat this summer should remember to stop and think about water safety, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop and ACC and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say.
“New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers are some of the most beautiful in the world and are part of many Kiwi families’ summer plans – including mine,” Mr Bishop says.
“While Instagram feeds fill up with snaps of happy Kiwis frolicking in and on the waves, sadly we know that, statistically speaking, an average of 36 families will experience the devastation of a loved one’s preventable drowning this summer.
“So our message to you this summer is to take personal responsibility for protecting your family from that heartbreak.
“Fortunately there are some easy steps you can take to to keep yourself and your loved ones safe around the water. New Zealand’s water safety code was updated this year, and following the ‘five ways to survive’ can prevent tragedy.
“Always find the safest place to swim – much of our coastline is treacherous and many places don’t have lifeguard patrols, so always try to swim on patrolled beaches. If you’re going out on a boat, wear a lifejacket. It’s not rocket science and it saves lives, so get on board with water safety this summer.”
“Earlier this year the Government announced an investment of $63.6 million to Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand so they can continue their important work of keeping people safe in, on, and around the water,” Mr Doocey says.
“These largely volunteer-driven frontline water safety organisations have saved countless lives and will save many more. The funding increase is helping to cover increases to operational expenses for both organisations as well as rescue equipment, facilities and maintenance.
“But amazing as our Coastguard and Surf Life Saving volunteers are, there’s only so much they can do unless the rest of us play our part. So, this summer please help them by swimming at a patrolled beach during patrolled hours.
“If you’re heading out on a boat, even if you’re a strong swimmer, bear in mind that of the 17 people who drowned in a boating incident so far this year, Water Safety NZ reports that just one of them was wearing a lifejacket.
“Lifejackets save lives, and could save yours – it’s that simple.
“And remember to always keep in close contact with children in or around water. Their safety relies on you being with them to help when things go wrong.
“While our drowning fatalities for 2024 are currently lower than they were at the same time in 2023, keeping the numbers of preventable drowning tragedies down is going to take a combined effort from us all.
“Let’s all have a safe summer in, on and around the water this year.”
Note to Editor:
Source: Tasmania Police
Fatal single vehicle crash, Tasman Highway Tonganah
Sunday, 22 December 2024 – 6:49 am.
Sadly a 66-year-old woman has died following a crash on the Tasman Highway at Tonganah this afternoon.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 3:20 pm on Saturday the 21st of December.
Initial inquires indicate a silver Honda Accord was travelling east on the Tasman Highway at Tonganah when the vehicle has left the road coming to rest in a ditch. The female passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene whilst the male driver and only other occupant of the vehicle aged in his sixties was conveyed the Launceston General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Anyone with information or relevant dash cam footage is asked to contact Northern Crash Investigation Services on 131 444. Our thoughts are with the female’s family and loved ones. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 7:46PM by PIB Delhi
At the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. This was his first visit to Kuwait. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bayan Palace on 22 December 2024 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the highest award of the State of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Given the traditional, close and friendly bilateral relations and desire to deepen cooperation in all fields, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The leaders stressed that it is in line with the common interests of the two countries and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Establishment of a strategic partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. In light of the newly established strategic partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive and structured cooperation in key areas, including political, trade, investment, defence, security, energy, culture, education, technology and people-to-people ties.
The two sides recalled the centuries-old historical ties rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. They noted with satisfaction the regular interactions at various levels which have helped in generating and sustaining the momentum in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized on sustaining the recent momentum in high-level exchanges through regular bilateral exchanges at Ministerial and senior-official levels.
The two sides welcomed the recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) between India and Kuwait. The JCC will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations between the two countries and will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. To further expand our bilateral cooperation across various fields, new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasized on convening the meetings of the JCC and the JWGs under it at an early date.
Both sides noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. They also emphasized on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages.
Recognizing that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging major economies and acknowledging Kuwait’s significant investment capacity, both sides discussed various avenues for investments in India. The Kuwaiti side welcomed steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for foreign direct investments and foreign institutional investments, and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including technology, tourism, healthcare, food-security, logistics and others. They recognized the need for closer and greater engagement between investment authorities in Kuwait with Indian institutions, companies and funds. They encouraged companies of both countries to invest and participate in infrastructure projects. They also directed the concerned authorities of both countries to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that potential exists to further enhance it. They discussed avenues to transform the cooperation from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Both sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining, engineering services, petrochemical industries, new and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to discuss participation by Kuwait in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.
Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of Defence that will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.
The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. The Indian side praised the results of the fourth high-level conference on “Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Building Resilient Mechanisms for Border Security – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process,” which was hosted by the State of Kuwait on November 4-5, 2024.
Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. Both sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation in the ongoing discussions on an MoU between the drug regulatory authorities.
The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector.
The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India.
The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both sides agreed to work closely towards increasing the deployment of solar energy across the globe within ISA.
Both sides noted the recent meetings between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. The two sides discussed the increase of bilateral flight seat capacities and associated issues. They agreed to continue discussions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.
Appreciating the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, which will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in arts, music, and literature festivals, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. which will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations.
Both sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. Both sides also expressed interest in collaborating on Educational Technology, exploring opportunities for online learning platforms and digital libraries to modernize educational infrastructure.
As part of the activities under the MoU between Sheikh Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), both sides welcomed the proposal to organize the Special Course for diplomats and Officers from Kuwait at SSIFS in New Delhi.
Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Kuwait relationship. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Kuwait for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Kuwait are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait.
The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. Both sides agreed to hold regular meetings of Consular Dialogue as well as Labour and Manpower Dialogue to address issues related to expatriates, labour mobility and matters of mutual interest.
The two sides appreciated the excellent coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s entry as ‘dialogue partner’ in SCO during India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. The Indian side also appreciated Kuwait’s active role in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The Kuwaiti side highlighted the importance of making the necessary efforts to explore the possibility of transforming the ACD into a regional organisation.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness the Amir on Kuwait’s assumption of the Presidency of GCC this year and expressed confidence that the growing India-GCC cooperation will be further strengthened under his visionary leadership. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024. The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.
The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:● MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.
● Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.
● Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.
● Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kuwait. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also invited His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait to visit India.
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MJPS/ST/SKS
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