ABC Sunshine Coast

23/08/2025

In an increasingly throwaway society, tip shops and second-hand stores are playing a vital role in keeping rubbish out of landfill.

However, as consumers turn toward e-commerce retailers like Shein and Temu that sell items at a very low cost, second-hand stores are being overwhelmed with donations of poor quality.

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Consumers are increasingly turning to op shops amid the cost-of-living crisis, but a researcher warns the sustainable practice is having little impact due to fast fashion giants.

23/08/2025

The number of alleged incidents of unlawful sexual contact in residential aged care facilities is estimated to be about 50 a week, according to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's report, which described it as a "disgrace".

A Queensland parliamentary inquiry has been established to investigate the devastating consequences of elder abuse — including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and financial — to better protect older people from harm.

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One Far North Queensland sexual assault support service says it's helped 41 older women in the past three years.

23/08/2025

The Queensland government has stood by its guidelines restricting government funded youth justice organisations from speaking to the media, saying such agreements are standard practice.

Opposition youth justice spokeswoman Di Farmer says the restrictions amount to a "media gag".

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The guidelines include that they "must not" discuss or post anything about funded programs with "anyone in the media or related to media".

21/08/2025

Rain in south-east Queensland is set to ease from this afternoon, making way for a sunny weekend for much of the state.

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A sunny weekend is forecast for much of the state, after parts of south-east Queensland receive double the average rainfall for August.

21/08/2025

Locals say 50-cent fares and council crackdowns on rough sleepers in Brisbane and Moreton Bay suburbs have shifted the problem up the railway line.

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Locals say 50-cent fares and council crackdowns on rough sleepers in Brisbane and Moreton Bay suburbs have shifted the problem up the railway line.

21/08/2025

The Australian Energy Market Operator says there are "short-term" challenges for the area and a "reliability gap".

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The Australian Energy Market Operator says there are "short-term" challenges for the area and a "reliability gap".

20/08/2025

A report by the Queensland Productivity Commission recommended the state should opt out of the National Construction Code's accessibility standards.

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A report by the Queensland Productivity Commission recommended the state should opt out of the National Construction Code's accessibility standards.

20/08/2025

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting up to 70 millimetres of rain, and thunderstorms, in parts of Queensland on Thursday.

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The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting up to 70 millimetres of rain, and thunderstorms, in parts of Queensland on Thursday.

20/08/2025

The thoughts of ‘H’
(topside)

When all seems lost and shattered in its’ own distasteful spot,
and life moves on without us, take a look at what we’ve got.

“Cross our hearts and hope to die” if our lot is not enough,
and what’s happening all around us
well…is it truly all that tough?

Do we crumble far too easily in this hectic world we live?
Are our strengths a little dubious, do we give all we can give?

Or are we programmed to society just to swallow what we’re fed. Instead of using that great mass of veins and tissue in our head.

Yes, that wonder organ in there is for us alone to use.
To work out for ourselves each living outcome we should choose.

To make decisions solely on what’s best for us right now.
Instead of following someone else’s lead to unhappiness, somehow.

It’s a hell of a better outcome when we decide to simply choose our own unique direction, when there’s nothing left to lose.


For when choices are decided the world takes on a whole new slant.
Each day seems all the brighter, all the greener, every plant.

And the feeling that comes over us is quite simply that of self.
As our individuality comes skipping off the shelf.

Because we’ve made our own decisions through the use of our own brain.
No one else has done our thinking and our dignity remains.

How more simple can we make it, think for self and feel the joy, of knowing every outcome
is for our mind to employ.

For that thing behind the forehead is the weapon of our choice.
That exquisite piece of ‘topside’ gives each one of us — our voice.

Harry Donnelly
21-08-25

We share the written poems on our page and audio on 90.3/95.3FM every Thursday.
You can also join Harry's free email list at [email protected]
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20/08/2025

The man who smashed his way into a childcare centre, sending staff and children into lockdown, had multiple convictions for drug, stalking, and weapon offences.

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The man who smashed his way into a childcare centre, sending staff and children into lockdown, had multiple convictions for drug, stalking, and weapon offences.

19/08/2025

The 15-year-old travelled from Golden Beach to Noosa on an electric hydrofoil board, breaking the distance record by 20 kilometres.

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The 15-year-old travelled from Golden Beach to Noosa on an electric hydrofoil board, breaking the distance record by 20 kilometres.

19/08/2025

The police Ethical Standards Command is investigating the death of a man at a childcare centre on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

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The police Ethical Standards Command is investigating the death of a man at a childcare centre on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.