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22/10/2025

Australia’s red centre has been named as one of the 25 best places in the world to visit in 2026 by National Geographic.

The iconic publication listed the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park as a must see, stating that in April visitors would be able to stay overnight within the park for the first time.

“The Anangu Traditional Owners collaborated with the Tasmanian Walking Company to develop five-day, fully guided treks,” it said.

“After long days on the trail between Kata Tjuta and Uluru, hikers will sleep in eco-friendly lodges, stargaze by campfires, and learn from Indigenous guides about how to take care of the land, which connects to the well-being of the people and the environment.”

The magazine listed the National Park, home to “the world’s largest monolith, Uluru, formed over 500 million years ago and sacred to the local Anangu people for tens of thousands of years”, among other global attractions, such as the Dolomites, in Italy, Quebec, Canada and Rabat in Morocco.

The National Geographic listing also called out Uluru’s Gallery of Central Australia, which focuses on the work of contemporary Indigenous artists and the permanent drone installation Wintjiri Wiru which uses Uluru and the surrounding desert as a backdrop to tell ancient Anangu stories using modern tech.

“The show relies on 1200 drones, six 30-watt lasers, seven 12-kilowatt projectors, and more than 30 bright field lights.”

See the full list of must-sees and why you should visit 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/uluru-kata-tjuta-on-national-geographic-must-see-in-26-list/

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Australia’s red centre has been named as one of the 25 best places in the world to visit in 2026 by National Geographic. Newsreel

22/10/2025

With the deadline for Australia’s under 16 social media ban looming, many parents are now turning their attention to supporting their children through the change.

Child safety and wellbeing expert, Associate Professor Lesley-Anne Ey, from the University of South Australia, said the key to a smooth transition was education, reassurance, and open, age-appropriate conversations.

Associate Professor Ey said as the December 10 deadline loomed children were already worried about losing touch with their friends.

She said while the onus was on social media platforms to act, the real battle would be at home, where parents must enforce the rules, manage their children’s reactions, and help them adjust.

“Many children and teens use apps like Snapchat and TikTok to connect with their friends. They’ve grown up with this technology – it’s part of who they are – and they’re used to communicating through videos, emojis, photos and filters.

“When the ban kicks in, kids may feel like they’re facing a social penalty where they won’t be able to connect with their friends in the same way.”

Associate Professor Ey said the fear of losing touch with friends was real, so parents would need to invite questions and show understanding and empathy about what their kids would see as a loss.

“Brainstorm alternative ways to stay connected. If they liked TikTok dances, an app like Just Dance could suit; if they want to chat, use closed group chats or messaging apps; and if they enjoy gaming, find multiplayer games where they can connect safely.

“Supporting kids through this is about empathy – and keeping the lines of communication open.”

Access a list of tips for what parents need to know about guiding kids through the social media ban 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/government/tips-for-parents-as-u16-social-media-ban-looms/

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With the deadline for Australia’s under 16 social media ban looming, many parents are looking to support their children . | Newsreel

21/10/2025

A unique photography competition will showcase the Sunshine Coast’s most accessible and inclusive places.

Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the Accessible Sunshine Coast Photo Competition was an opportunity for those with a lived experience of disability and their families to share their favourite accessible or inclusive destinations in the region.

Cr Bunnag said residents were invited to capture everyday moments, with a short description of the location and the story behind it.

He said the competition celebrated the places and spaces that fostered access, inclusion and participation.

“We encourage everyone to showcase their favourite accessible places and spaces that contribute to greater participation by people with disability in community, sporting and cultural activities.”

Cr Bunnag said entries would be accepted between October 29 and November 22, with the winner, who would receive a family pass to Australia Zoo, announced on December 3, International Day of People with Disability.

Access a link to entry details in the story 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/government/extra-exposure-for-special-inclusive-places/

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A unique photography competition will showcase the Sunshine Coast’s most accessible and inclusive places. | Newsreel

21/10/2025

The workplace has become a battleground for free speech with organisations caught between employee rights to have a political opinion and sensitivity around controversial views.

This is prompting some employers to set tighter rules for their people and pursue “radical blandness” to keep controversial views in check.

McCullough Robertson Lawyers Workplace Relations Partner Kate Peterson said there had been a “big uptick” in disputes over what opinions employees could express publicly.

“Part of the trend comes from shifting expectations of citizenship at work. There’s a sense in recent years that you are encouraged to come to work as your ‘whole self’, and all that that entails,” she said.

“This is seen as a positive thing, but it also brings difference, debates and frictions into the workplace, which might leave the employer grappling with the grievances of employees who feel alienated or deeply offended by the expression of views that they do not align with.

“At work you are protected from adverse treatment due to your political opinion but that can become a very thorny, provocative kind of terrain.”

Ms Peterson said even though there were protections for employees to have political opinions, the concept of “political opinion” was not defined in legislation and there were relatively few cases that established a clear definition, meaning the issue tended to be dealt with “unevenly” across workplaces.

Read the full Newsreel feature for more insights 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/new-frictions-emerge-in-thorny-workplace-issue/

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Organisations are becoming caught between employee rights to have a political opinion and sensitivity around controversial views | Newsreel

20/10/2025

Prepare for fright night with our spooktacular roundup of some of the best ways to spend Halloween in Brisbane in 2025.

Wynnum Now Halloween Parade

The streets of Wynnum will set the scene for an eerie parade on Saturday October 25. There will be trick or treat in the streets from 3pm, street entertainment, and entertainment on the main stage before and after the parade, plus food trucks and markets. Embrace the spirit of Halloween and arrive in costume. The parade starts at 5.30pm at Bay Terrace, Wynnum. Entry is free, but everyone wishing to enter the best dressed competition and parade must register.

Redcliffe Markets Festival of Frights

The seaside Redcliffe Markets are preparing for an evening of ghostly delights and pirate plunder on Friday, October 25. Eats, beats, tricks and treats await at the jetty foreshore where you’ll find the region’s best street eats, live entertainment, more than 200 fa-boo-lous stalls, and a fireworks display. There are prizes to be won in the Best Dressed Halloween competition or pirate’s scavenger hunt.

Victoria Park Golf Complex Spooky Putt Putt

The fairways at Victoria Park are crawling with creepy surprises – from giant pumpkins to lurking critters and cursed tombs. Bring the kids, your mates, or a date for a little fear and a lot of fun waiting around every corner. Until November 2.

Scavenger Hunt

Explore haunted buildings, track ghosts and menacing ghouls in this Questo app-guided scavenger hunt around Brisbane. Join the hunt any time between October 30 and November 2 for 90 minutes as you race against the clock and compete with friends or other teams. Put on your best costume and hone your problem-solving skills.

Oasis Brisbane Themed River Cruise

The Oasis is where spooky meets stylish this Halloween with a floating party of cocktails and costumes. There will be a Walk the Plank fashion parade with prizes. On Friday October 31 at the City Botanic Gardens River Hub from 7pm – 11pm.

Questo Haunted Hop Pub Crawl

This Halloween Bar Crawl includes entry to Pig ‘N’ Whistle, Finney Isles, O'Skulligans, Blute’s Bar, BrewDog, and HonkyTonks on Friday October 31 from 7.30pm. All venues are in walking distance so costume-up and crawl your way through Brisbane’s bars with eerie drink specials and a Halloween night to remember.

eat South Bank Trick or Treat Little Stanley St

Don your costumes at Little Stanley St, South Bank for a free scavenger hunt, ghost trains, and children’s craft Halloween markets on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1. Movies on the big screen include Casper (Friday 5.30pm), The Addams Family (Friday 7.30pm), Scooby Doo (Saturday 5.30pm) and Co**se Bride (Saturday 7.30pm).

DJ Harry K Halloween Hall at The Warehouse

The Warehouse venue will be transformed into a nightmarish Haunted House featuring a full main stage production with LED screens, lasers and DJs as part of Brisbane’s Melt Festival. On Saturday November 1 at 8 MacLachlan St, Fortitude Valley. Halloween Dress up is not mandatory but highly recommended.

Ghost Tours Australia - Brisbane Ghost Tours Guided Ghost Tours

Jack Sim runs guided ghost tours in the Brisbane CBD, at Boggo Road Jail, and at the Toowong, South Brisbane, Nundah and Lutwyche cemeteries. This month he will hold special Halloween tours on various dates.

Links to all ticket information in the story on our website 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/the-best-halloween-events-in-brisbane/

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Prepare for fright night with our spooktacular roundup of some of the best ways to spend Halloween in Brisbane in 2025 | Newsreel

20/10/2025

People living with Parkinson’s disease are nearly three times more likely to suffer from chronic pain compared to the general community.

QIMR Berghofer Associate Professor Miguel Rentería, who led the major study which made the discovery, said it was common for patients with Parkinson’s to report pain, but there was a lack of data about the issue.

Associate Professor Rentería said the study was the first time the extent and severity of chronic pain had been measured on such a large scale in Parkinson’s disease.

He said it highlighted the urgent need to treat this issue alongside motor symptoms such as tremors, to improve the quality of life of patients.

“Chronic pain is a symptom that is often underrecognised, underdiagnosed and undertreated, and it really impacts the quality of life of people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“Previous studies were done in only small groups of people so there was a need for more evidence.”

Associate Professor Rentería said, in this study, researchers analysed data from 10,631 participants in the Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study (APGS) which was led by QIMR Berghofer and funded by the Shake It Up Australia Foundation for Parkinson's Research and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

He said two-thirds of study participants (66.2 per cent) reported chronic pain, defined as pain that persists for more than three months and occurs every day or most days, which was significantly higher than the general population of a similar age, where the prevalence of pain was estimated at 23 percent in men and 30 percent in women.

“The study found pain was more common and more severe in women, with 70.8 percent of female participants experiencing pain compared to 63.5 percent of men.”

Associate Professor Rentería said the most common body sites affected were the buttocks (35.6 percent), lower back (25.4 percent), neck (19.4 percent) and knees (17.2 percent).

He said the research also highlighted the major impact that pain had on the quality of life of participants, affecting mobility, sleep, independence and emotional wellbeing.

Neurologist Dr Kishore Kumar, a co-author on the paper and researcher at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, said the findings raised awareness about the need to spend time in the clinic asking patients directly about pain.

“As clinicians, we are often focused on the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s but we need to make sure we are not neglecting the non-motor symptoms like pain so we can treat that aspect of the disease and improve the lives of patients with Parkinson’s,” Dr Kumar said.

Shake It Up Australia Foundation CEO Vicki Miller said the results highlighted a long-standing gap in Parkinson’s care.

“Many people with Parkinson’s suffer in silence. Pain is invisible, but it’s real and this research finally gives us the numbers to back what the community has been saying for years,” Ms Miller said.

Access a link to the full study and watch an explainer video 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/education/parkinsons-pain-a-chronic-problem-often-overlooked/

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People living with Parkinson’s disease are nearly three times more likely to suffer from chronic pain than most. | Newsreel

19/10/2025

A more than 50 percent jump in the amount of superannuation accessed for dental work has sparked the release of new guidelines from the dental profession’s peak body.

Australian Dental Association (ADA) President Dr Chris Sanzaro said the guidelines reiterated that Compassionate Release of Super (CRS) could only occur when there was a life-threatening injury or illness, acute or chronic pain, or where dental treatment would help with a mental illness and there was no other way to afford it.

Dr Sanzaro said the CRS guidelines for dentists were developed out of a need to provide clarity around the system which had seen some cases of system abuse.

He said an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) review on the early release of superannuation found dental care was the highest category for CRS, with $817.6 million released last year, up from $526.4 million the previous year.

“The ability to access superannuation early to pay for critical dental treatment is an important part of our health safety net.”

Dr Sanzaro said the guidelines aimed to clear up some of the misinformation surrounding the scheme.

Explore some of the misinformation and access the guidelines 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/economy/new-guidelines-for-dentists-as-817m-pulled-from-super/

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A more than 50 percent jump in the amount of superannuation accessed for dental work has sparked the release of new guidelines. | Newsreel

17/10/2025

A Brisbane medical research institute, which translates innovation into practical support for Australia’s military veterans, is this year remembering 20 years of life-changing work.

Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) has its defence connection at the heart of what they do by being based at the former war and repatriation hospital, now Greenslopes Private Hospital, in the city’s inner south-east.

The institute’s research directly addresses contemporary health issues among veterans, their families and the wider community.

In the lead-up to its 20-Year Anniversary Fundraising Gala, at Brisbane City Hall on November 1, GMR CEO Miriam Kent said the organisation’s goal was to translate research into practical tools and programs for better community health outcomes.

“Our research investigates the unique physical, mental and social health impacts of military service,” Ms Kent said.

“We then translate our research into tools and programs co-designed with veterans to ensure they reflected lived experience and lead to effective interventions.”

She said the November gala, which aimed to raise at least $100,000 on the evening to support pioneering veteran health research, was an opportunity to honour GMR’s pioneering research and the support that had shaped two decades of discovery and impact.

On the night, keynote speaker Daniel Alan Keighran VC, will share reflections from his service in Afghanistan and his belief in GMR’s mission to support and improve veteran health.

“Leaders from all levels of government will also take the stage to acknowledge GMR’s contributions to Australia’s research landscape,” Ms Kent said.

Access links to buy tickets to the gala or raffle, or make a donation, in our story 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/gallipoli-medical-research-celebrates-20-years-of-innovation/

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A medical research centre, which translates innovation into practical support for veterans, is remembering 20 years of support. | Newsreel

16/10/2025

The first passengers on Brisbane’s Cross River Rail’s are still four years away, with the project costing taxpayers more than $19 billion by then.

Following almost a year of negotiations with contractors, the Queensland Government has revealed the final price tag for the project, which involves a new 10.2km rail line, that includes 5.9km of twin tunnels running under the Brisbane River and CBD and four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street.

State Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg MP said the Government had now reached an agreement with the contractors, with performance-based funding and strict milestone accountability in place.

Minister Mickelberg said in December it was thought the project would exceed $17 billion and would not be completed until 2029.

He said the final cost would be $19.041 billion, with the 2029 completion date still expected.

“The former Government originally promised Queenslanders the project would be completed for $5.4 billion by 2024.”

Minister Mickelberg said the project had been plagued by industrial disruptions, with more than 140 days lost due to protected industrial action and further cascading impacts from unprotected action.

“We’ve put contractors on notice. There are now clear expectations and consequences.”

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton said the reset provided a clear path forward for the project.

“This reset has allowed us to establish a realistic and achievable delivery schedule, and we’re committed to working closely with our delivery partners to meet the revised milestones,” Mr Newton said.

“Cross River Rail remains a transformational project for South East Queensland, and despite the challenges, we’re focused on delivering the infrastructure that will support our growing population and future transport needs.”

Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the organisation was preparing to welcome Cross River Rail into the network and deliver more services for passengers.

“We’re looking forward to integrating Cross River Rail into our network and delivering the extra train services that will come with it,” Ms Stapleton said.

“This project will transform how people move across South East Queensland, and we’re focused on ensuring a seamless transition that enhances the customer experience and supports future growth.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/10km-cross-river-rail-to-now-cost-19-billion/

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The first passengers on Brisbane’s Cross River Rail’s are still four years away, with the project costing more than $19 billion. | Newsreel

16/10/2025

South Brisbane residents are being urged to ditch their cars, with an active and public transport focused plan set to bring more than 5000 new homes into the inner-city area.

Under Brisbane City Council’s Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct Plan proposals have been lodged for 5075 new dwellings, across 11 projects, including apartments, student accommodation and hotel rooms.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said plans included three 50-storey towers on Nott Street, three towers ranging from 24 to 50 storeys on Melbourne Street, six towers ranging from 12 to 30 storeys on Donkin Street and almost 525 student accommodation rooms across 19 storeys plus a rooftop space on Tribune Street.

Lord Mayor Schrinner said with train, bus and active transport options already in Kurilpa, owning a car would be optional.

He said the precinct also had CBD-style maximum mandatory car parking limits.

“The precinct already offers shops, cafes, transport and essential services, placing future residents within easy walking distance of daily needs.”

Lord Mayor Schrinner said the Precinct Plan allowed taller, more sustainable buildings above existing height limits, bringing CBD-style heights to the area.

He said, under the Plan, all new residential buildings above existing heights must exhibit design excellence with subtropical design principles, promotion of sustainable design outcomes, deliver new green spaces and pedestrian plaza’s and contribute to public art and creative lighting.

“With strong transport links and established amenities, Kurilpa is a prime inner-city location where high-density growth can occur without adding strain to suburban roads and infrastructure.”

Lord Mayor Schrinner said by focusing new housing in areas already supported by transport and services, the city could protect the character of its suburbs while meeting the needs of a growing population.

“Kurilpa has the potential to become one of Brisbane’s most connected and sustainable neighbourhoods, offering diverse homes within easy reach of jobs, parks and public transport.

“Our long-term vision is to deliver an anti-sprawl approach that creates thousands of new homes in vibrant, connected communities rather than pushing more cars and congestion into outer suburbs.

“Just like Teneriffe and Newstead were transformed into dynamic destinations, Kurilpa will showcase how Brisbane can grow while keeping the qualities that make our city so special.”

See a list of developments within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct in our story 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/government/cars-optional-as-5000-homes-planned-for-south-brisbane/

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South Brisbane residents are being urged to ditch their cars, with an active and public transport focused plan in place. | Newsreel

15/10/2025

Canberra children as young as three are learning about the power of democracy through an innovative and interactive new program.

The Guardian Childcare & Education Forrest centre introduced the program after their children started asking about signs they were seeing during the 2025 Federal Election.

This sparked the idea for the Democracy Project, designed to give children aged 3-5 early insights into democracy, inclusion and community participation.

Guardian Canberra (ACT) Portfolio Manager Stefano Passeri said the project was in line with the centre’s philosophy that, even at an early age, children were citizens and had a right to have their voices heard.

“Parliament House is only eight minutes’ walk from the centre, so the team has started weekly walks there to inspire discussions about leadership, fairness, and community.” Mr Passeri said.

“During the election some of the children were seeing corflute signs in the surrounding streets, and many of their families work in the public service and discuss these types of issues at home.

“Now the project includes children holding their own elections, voting peers into Safety Minister roles, taking on responsibilities and signing agreements.”

The project is built into play at the centre where children use clay, blocks, sketching, and painting to represent important buildings and architecture around Canberra.

The children have explored flags and their importance, contributed to a Democracy Canvas and even drafted their own constitution which was opened up for family input.

“They have been writing letters to government ministers and inviting them to visit the centre for an incursion (centre visit),” Mr Passeri said.

“Through the project children get to practise leadership, respect, fairness, and inclusion and this helps them to build confidence, creativity, and collaboration.

“I am proud of our Forrest Centre Manager, Lauren, and her team for embarking on such a progressive and innovative program in an early childhood setting.”

The Democracy Project is part of the wave of innovative learning programs being introduced at Guardian Childcare centres.

This includes the To BE Me learning program, which launched earlier this month (October).

To BE Me is based on an exclusive age-and-stage curriculum that helps link observed behaviours in children to progress towards reading, writing, numeracy and other important areas of development.

Guardian Childcare CEO Warren Bright said each child was being given a My Learning & Development Book which tracked their progress and learning from when they were babies to when they started school.

Learn more about the To BE Me program and access links to book centre tours in our story. 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/education/guardian-childcare-gives-an-early-start-on-democracy/

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Canberra children as young as three are learning about the power of democracy through an innovative and interactive new program | Newsreel

15/10/2025

Australia’s first AI-fluent work cohort is embracing the technology, despite most believing it will lead to fewer jobs.

A new Microsoft Australia survey found Gen Z workers, those aged under 28, were approaching artificial intelligence at work with “cautious optimism”.

Microsoft ANZ National Technology Officer Sarah Carney said the study found 71 percent of young Australians worried that AI could lead to fewer jobs, yet eight in 10 said their AI skills had boosted their visibility with leaders and influence in shaping strategy.

“Our first AI-fluent generation is moving fast with technology, but with eyes wide open,” Ms Carney said.

She said survey of early-career professionals across Australia, conducted in August, showed a generation navigating simultaneous optimism and career anxiety about the same technology.

“Rather than letting fear hold them back, this is fuelling Gen Z to take charge of their careers, using AI to work smarter while keeping a critical eye on its outputs.”

Ms Carney said 83 percent reported that senior leaders had asked them for help or ideas on using AI and 78 percent had introduced a new AI tool, workflow, shortcut, or prompt “hack” that was later adopted more broadly.

She said a digital divide was emerging that risked creating a two-speed workforce, with 30 percent of young workers saying they were not given access to AI tools from their employer, raising organisational data security and confidentiality concerns.

“AI should be a launchpad for every worker, not a privilege for a few. Especially for young professionals whose entire careers will be shaped by how they harness AI.

“Even in heavily regulated sectors, the answer isn’t to stand still; it’s to adopt AI safely and responsibly, because there is also the risk of doing nothing.”

Ms Carney said this generation wasn’t naive to AI’s limitations and while appreciating the productivity boost, also asked hard questions about how AI could erode the deep learning and critical thinking that helped talent grow.

She said 49 percent of Gen Z felt they didn’t learn new content as deeply as they did before AI was part of their daily toolkit, yet, 92 percent were confident in their ability to critically assess and challenge AI generated outputs.

Access the full report in our story 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/economy/young-ai-fluent-workers-have-eyes-wide-open/

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Australia’s first AI-fluent work cohort is embracing the technology, despite most believing it will lead to fewer jobs. | Newsreel

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