ABC Australia

30/09/2025

The HIV/AIDS epidemic ignited a community movement of care, education and activism in Australia.

In 1985, after the Hawke government encouraged grassroots groups to band together, the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) was born.

From safe s*x campaigns in s*x on premises venues, to handing out condoms at Sydney's Sleaze Ball, ACON was a lifeline for countless people.

Through the late 80s and 90s, its volunteer army grew - working with activist groups to fight for public access to HIV treatments.

40 years on, ACON remains at the forefront of LGBTQ+ health advocacy.

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30/09/2025

Bacteria, and even viruses, can live on the tools we use to wash dishes — whether that's a sponge, brush, or cloth. So how often should you change them?

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Bacteria, and even viruses, can live on the tools we use to wash dishes — whether that's a sponge, brush, or cloth. So how often should you change them?

30/09/2025

You probably have a favourite on-screen music teacher. Whether that's Richard Dreyfuss in Mr Holland's Opus, Jack Black as Dewey Finn in School Of Rock, or even Julie Andrews's Maria in The Sound Of Music.

But on-screen portrayals of teachers are not that realistic, according to Hugh Gundlach from the University of Melbourne.

Dr Gundlach and his colleagues have just published a paper which analyses more than 50 school music teachers in films released between 1940 and 2025.

They say those films have some problems. Not only do they help shape our perception of actual music teachers, they might also influence how many people consider taking up the profession.

Australia still grapples with teacher shortages, including music teachers.

What's missing from the films, says Ed Le Brocq, is that "teachers have to be like a musical rock for students by being calm, consistent and just be there."

Read the story to find out which are the most problematic cliches and why real music teachers like Ed Le Brocq say teaching music is incredibly rewarding: https://ab.co/4nw4e11

✍ Story by Ria Andriani for ABC Classic

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30/09/2025

Should driving lessons be recorded?

Driving instructors could be required to install inward-facing cameras to record their lessons, under reforms being considered by the WA Government.

📝 Abby Richards
🎬 Veronica Buck

Via ABC Perth

29/09/2025

Health and farming bodies say a junk food tax is needed to address rising obesity and malnutrition among Australian children. | ABC Rural

UNICEF says more children are now overweight and under-nourished than too thin, stirring fresh calls by health experts and farming bodies to tax ultra-processed food producers.

29/09/2025

Refresh your weekly rotation with these five easy meals. | ABC Lifestyle

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If you're looking for light dinner ideas as the weather warms up, we have plenty of easy options. Think veggie-filled frittatas and beef taco bowls with a few healthy swaps.

29/09/2025

"Breastfeeding in public is not necessarily the choice the community may think it is. It's simply a mother responding to baby's needs and cues." | ABC Lifestyle

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Last week a breastfeeding mother was asked to leave a Virgin Australia lounge for pumping. Experts says while there is a level of awareness that breastfeeding in public is protected, some people in the community still view it as "inappropriate".

29/09/2025

🎼When Astrid Jorgensen started Pub Choir in a small bar, she never imagined it would become a global sensation.

The vocalist, conductor and composer is out to prove that everyone can sing and make art.

📺 Watch the 'Striking a Chord’ on ABC iview

29/09/2025

After 22 years in the spotlight, Guy Sebastian has become intentional about where he directs his energy, with one particular fan encounter opening his eyes.

"I remember I responded to a troll on social media, and someone said something awful to me, and I sent them a message back," Sebastian tells ABC iview's The Assembly.

"One of my fans wrote to me, and she said, 'Guy, I've sent you over 100 messages saying I love you and I support you … I've never had a response, yet this troll who doesn't follow you throws shade at you and gets your attention.'"

He says the encounter made him "burst into tears".

"I almost felt this deep shame of where I was directing my energy, and our energy is precious. We only have a certain finite amount of it.

"I think it's a daily reminder to wake up and think, 'Am I going to devote my energy to the people who love me? Or am I going to waste it on people who aren't in my corner?'"

Read more: https://ab.co/4838FLW

The Assembly — Stream the brand new season on ABC iview and ABC TV.

29/09/2025

"The volunteering just assured me that I was on the right path doing the right things." | ABC Lifestyle

Stay on top of the things that matter to you with the ABC Lifestyle newsletter: https://ab.co/ABCLifestyleNewsletter

If you're considering a career change, or want a taste of a new industry, volunteering can be a great option.

29/09/2025

Lucy once spent weekends hiking with her family. Now, Taekwondo is their shared passion - something that keeps them active and connected.

Meet the Takeover Burnie winners: http://ab.co/4pwNpo4

Starting taekwondo with my family has made us even closer.

28/09/2025

There is hope that a trial of new planning rules for mobile tiny homes could become a blueprint for approving the dwellings.

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Shellharbour Council approves a plan for a tiny homes planning pathway which it says could be adopted statewide, as owners face uncertainty around legal installation.