Newsreel Australia

21/08/2025

Weekend partying is not just leading to dusty Mondays. It has spawned a new sleeping disorder.

Researchers from Adelaide’s Flinders University found late nights, alcohol, and smoking could be triggering a newly identified sleep health concern known as “social apnea”.

Study lead author Dr Lucia Pinilla said the research, which analysed data from over 70,000 people worldwide, found a consistent and significant increase in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) severity on weekends.

Dr Pinilla said lifestyle choices and irregular sleep patterns drove the increased severity of OSA, leading researchers to coin a new term to describe the phenomenon.

“Sleep apnea is already a major public health issue, but our findings suggest its true impact may be underestimated,” she said.

“Most clinical diagnostic testing is done on a single night, typically a weeknight, missing the weekend effect we’re now calling social apnea.”

Dr Pinilla said this weekend surge in sleep-disordered breathing may heighten the risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, depression, dementia, and extreme fatigue and motor vehicle and other accidents.

She said the study found that participants were 18 percent more likely to have moderate to severe OSA on weekends (Saturdays) when compared to mid-week (Wednesdays).

“Changes in sleep schedules, such as staying up late on weekends or sleeping in, worsened sleep apnea.”

Dr Pinilla said sleeping an extra 45 minutes or more on weekends increased the risk of worse sleep apnea by 47 percent, with men 21 percent more likely to be affected, compared to a nine percent increase in women.

She said younger adults (under 60) had a 24 percent higher risk on weekends, compared to seven percent in those aged 60 and above.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/people/disorderly-weekends-trigger-new-sleeping-disorder/



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Weekend partying is not just leading to dusty Mondays. It has spawned a new sleeping disorder called social apnea. | Newsreel

21/08/2025

Antarctic sea ice is disappearing far quicker than ice in the northern hemisphere, heightening concerns around accelerated coastal sea level rises.

A new Australian-led research review found record summer sea-ice lows in 2017, 2022 and 2023, suggesting that a “regime shift” could be underway in the region.

Australian Antarctic Program Chief Scientist Professor Nerilie Abram said the loss of sea ice was one of the rapid changes across the Antarctic environment already underway, or imminent.

Professor Abram said there was also a weakening of the ice sheet and ice shelf stability, and population declines in some marine and terrestrial species, due to habitat loss.

“It is worrying that the abrupt changes emerging in Antarctica have many interconnections, so that a change in one part of the system can trigger further impacts on Antarctica’s ice, ocean and ecosystems,” she said.

“Antarctic changes also have global consequences, including accelerating sea-level rise along our coasts, and amplifying human-caused climate warming.”

Professor Abram said their analysis examined the impact of “regime shifts”, where the structure and function of a biological or physical system transitioned from one state to another, on the functioning of Antarctica and its influence on the planet.

Study co-author and Australian Antarctic Division sea-ice scientist Dr Petra Heil said one of the key drivers of regime shifts in Antarctica was a change in sea-ice cover, as a result of global warming.

Dr Heil said the Antarctic sea-ice cover deficit, in winter and summer, was far below what would be expected from natural variability and the rate of decline was dramatic when compared to the Arctic.

“In summer, the Antarctic sea-ice minimum has declined 1.9 times faster in 10 years than the summer sea-ice decline in the Arctic in 46 years, which is the length of the satellite record,” she said.

“The winter deficit of Antarctic sea ice over the past 10 years is of similar magnitude to the total Arctic winter sea-ice deficit over the past 46 years.”

Dr Heil said there was “overwhelming evidence” of a regime shift in Antarctic sea ice, which would have flow-on effects to other parts of the environment.

Access a link to the full study 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/southern-ice-disappearing-quicker-than-the-arctic/

Photo Credits: Adrian Pate, Peter Hargreaves, Pete Harmsen and Kirsten le Mar (Australian Antarctic Division)



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21/08/2025

A Queensland business is cleaning up and looking to expand overseas after using artificial intelligence to leverage capacity in the laundry sector.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, The Laundry Lady has raised $1 million in seed funding to launch in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Founder Susan Toft started the business in 2012, connecting customers with a network of home-based contractors through its proprietary TimeBoss platform.

Ms Toft said the company currently operated throughout Australia and New Zealand, with over 375 contractors providing washing, drying, folding and ironing services to thousands of residential and business clients.

She said the new investment marked a pivotal moment in The Laundry Lady’s growth.

“Having built this business from the ground up over the past decade with no external capital, we’ve demonstrated both the demand for our service and the effectiveness of our business model.

“This funding will accelerate our technology development and support our expansion plans into Canada and the United Kingdom, where we see tremendous opportunity for our tech-enabled contractor model.”

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the region was proving itself as a thriving base for innovative businesses with global ambitions.

“Congratulations to Susan and the entire team at The Laundry Lady. We’re so proud to see a local business take its next big step onto the world stage,” Mayor Natoli said.

“The Laundry Lady exemplifies a truly collaborative approach to innovation, having received extensive mentoring, support and connections from across our local network.”

Ms Toft said the oversubscribed round was led by Karl Jacoby and supported by Brisbane Angels, AngelLoop, AI entrepreneur Dr Catriona Wallace, and other South East Queensland-based angel investors.

She said the funding round included support from the Federal and State government, including Queensland Government’s Female Founders Co-Investment Fund and Austrade’s Export Market Development Grant, bringing the total to $1million.

Ms Toft said the business planned to use the new capital to enhance its platform with mobile apps, AI tools, and advanced segmentation capabilities.

She said the company’s approach differed significantly from traditional franchise models, with its low-barrier entry helping it rapidly scale its contractor network, while maintaining quality service.

“We’ve built a business that not only provides an essential service to busy families and businesses but also creates flexible income opportunities predominantly for women,” Ms Toft said.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/the-laundry-lady-set-to-clean-up-overseas/



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A Queensland business is cleaning up and expanding overseas after using AI to leverage capacity in the laundry sector. | Newsreel

20/08/2025

Brisbane’s experience economy is set for a more than $11 billion infrastructure boost in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA) latest State of the City report, which shows the Queensland capital’s economy cracked $200 billion for the first time last year, highlighted a pipeline of major projects to maintain the momentum.

BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said the report found Brisbane was undergoing an historic infrastructure transformation, with the pipeline now exceeding $100 billion.

“This includes more than $11 billion in experience economy infrastructure, from new entertainment venues and sporting facilities to tourism attractions like the Mt Coot-tha Masterplan, creating unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Ryan said.

He said the unprecedented wave of investment was reshaping the city’s landscape, driven by bold initiatives spanning lifestyle, transport, housing and entertainment.

“Our city is fertile ground for entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders looking for the next breakthrough, city-defining project or global success story.”

Mr Ryan said the report, released today in partnership with Deloitte Access Economics, revealed the city’s economy reached $201 billion in 2024, a $28 billion uplift since 2020, representing 16 percent growth in four years.

He said employment has jumped by 274,000 since 2020, up 22 percent, boosting skills in health, logistics, construction and tourism.

“A major driver of this growth is Brisbane’s experience economy, from world-class events and tourism to a thriving hospitality and cultural scene, attracting more visitors, more investment and more jobs than ever before.

“Driven by Australia’s fastest-growing working-age population, this jobs growth is powering Brisbane’s economy towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said with the global spotlight on the city in the lead-up to the Games, momentum had never been greater.

“Our experience economy is booming as people are coming here to dine, explore, play, and be part of world-class events, and that’s creating jobs and opportunities right across our city,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.

“We’re delivering record jobs, record investment and a booming experience economy that’s putting Brisbane on the world stage.”

Deloitte Access Economics Lead Partner Pradeep Philip said the report forecast strong 10-year growth across property and construction (41 percent), advanced manufacturing (29 percent), transport and logistics (43 percent) and the knowledge economy (50 percent).

“Few cities in the world can match Brisbane’s current momentum, which is fuelled by strong population growth, a diverse economy and massive infrastructure investment,” Mr Philip said.

“From tourism to quantum computing, Brisbane is setting the pace nationally and internationally, and is on track to hit $275 billion by 2041 with South East Queensland projected to be home to six million people by 2046.”

Access the full report 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/billions-to-boost-the-brisbane-experience/



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Brisbane’s experience economy is set for a more than $11 billion infrastructure boost in the lead-up to the 2032 Games. | Newsreel

20/08/2025

Just when you thought it was safe to get in the water – Jaws is at cinemas across Brisbane and in sync with a live orchestra to celebrate 50 years of the blockbuster movie.

Fifty years ago Jaws forever changed the movie industry – and the world which has never looked at the ocean the same way since the film’s groundbreaking release.

It was the film that launched Steven Spielberg’s career. The score by John Williams went on to win an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globes, and a Grammy Awards, perfectly captures the sheer terror of the unknown.

QPAC audiences now have the chance to see the film in sync with the 65-piece Metropolitan Orchestra conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams.

QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy said it was ironic that, for all his soaring romantic tunes, expert orchestrations, thorough knowledge of jazz and avantgarde techniques, John Williams’ most powerful earworm is just two ominous double bass notes.

“Hearing the score to JAWS live makes you appreciate how much more there is to it: it’s a thrilling and evocative piece of orchestral writing full of knowing references to Debussy and Stravinsky,” she said.

“But there’s also genius in those two notes of terror whose holiday appearance in your mind’s ear can have you scurrying for dry land.

“Hopefully you’ll have forgotten it all by the time summer comes around and the beach beckons.”

JAWS in Concert is on at QPAC on Saturday, November 22.

Access QPAC ticket information, and a list of Brisbane cinema's screening the movie between August 28 and September 3, in the story on our website. 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/arts/catch-jaws-with-extra-bite-across-brisbane/



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Just when you thought it was safe to get in the water - Jaws is at cinemas across Brisbane and in sync with a live orchestra to celebrate 50 years of the blockbuster movie | Newsreel

20/08/2025

The Women’s Softball World Cup will be held in Queensland in 2027.

State Sport, Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Minister Tim Mander said the eight best teams in the world would contest the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in the City of Moreton Bay in April of that year.

Minister Mander said four games would be played per day over six days, with the event marking a mega-year of World Cups in Queensland, that included the Men’s Rugby World Cup.

“Queensland will be front-and-centre on the world stage for the benchmark global softball event prior to the LA28 Olympic Games,” he said.

“We want to see more global sporting events call Queensland home over the next seven years to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Women’s Softball World Cup is a perfect fit.”

Minister Mander said softball had a strong Olympic history, having been included in the Games in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2020, before returning in Los Angeles.

“We all remember the impact of the Matildas in 2023 and competing on home turf in a Softball World Cup in 2027 will inspire more young women to emulate their sporting heroes on the field.”

Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells said the Softball World Cup was another great edition to the green and gold runway towards 2032.

“The Softball World Cup will build on our successful hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup next year, the World Netball Cup in 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029,” Minister Wells said.

“This event means our Aussie Spirit side can have home support for what will be the first Softball World Cup in Australia since 1965.”

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh said the tournament would be a tremendous boost for the sport in Queensland.

“The return of the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup to Australian soil is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation with Olympic dreams, boost grassroots participation and deliver lasting benefits to local communities,” Ms Loh said.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/softball-world-cup-in-queensland-adds-to-mega-2027/



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The Women’s Softball World Cup will be held in Queensland in 2027, with games to be played in the City of Moreton Bay. | Newsreel

19/08/2025

If you were told your genes made you more susceptible to skin cancer, would you really change your habits?

That’s what researchers at QIMR Berghofer have been tasked with finding out.

The team at the Herston-based medical research institute, in Brisbane’s inner-north, have secured funding to investigate whether personalised genetic risk information can improve skin cancer screening outcomes.

Led by Associate Professor Matthew Law, the project will also involve experts from The University of Queensland, University of Sydney and Frazer Institute.

Associate Professor Law said the study would leverage existing genetic and survey information from the QSkin database, one of the largest cohort studies ever conducted on skin cancer and included people representative of the Australian population.

He said researchers would examine whether informing participants of their individual risk for developing melanoma was associated with stronger adherence to recommended skin cancer screening guidelines.

“Cutaneous melanoma is highly treatable when detected early. However, population-wide skin screening of everybody is not currently recommended due to concerns around over diagnosis and a lack of evidence that it reduces mortality,” he said.

“This trial will investigate whether it is possible to motivate individuals to adhere to screening best practices by informing them of their genetically-based risk for developing melanoma."

Associate Professor Law said the successful grant submission was supported by a consumer and stakeholder panel comprising members of QSkin, the public, and stakeholders including the Skin Cancer College Australasia and the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network - MSCAN.

He said the panel would play a vital role in shaping the study, from informing how risk scores and educational materials were communicated through to contributing to trial reports and publications.

“We are looking for the best, clearest, and most effective way to provide people with information about their individual risk of developing melanoma,” said Associate Professor Law.

“To achieve this, we need input and guidance from consumers and stakeholders. Their perspectives help us understand what matters to everyday Australians, so we can make sure we provide the most impactful information possible.”

MSCAN founder and CEO Tamara Dawson said MSCAN advocated for “the right person having the right skin check at the right time”, but that was not happening.

“This research project is a crucial step towards solving this problem and reducing the burden of melanoma and skin cancer in Australia.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/education/trial-to-test-impact-of-genetic-skin-cancer-warnings/



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19/08/2025

Australian retailer Kmart Australia is the top local brand in the eyes of Gen Z.

The latest Australia’s Top 100 Youth Brands Report has revealed cost-of-living pressures have shaken up the latest rankings.

Compiled by YouthInsight, the research arm of youth support platform Student Edge, the survey of Australians aged 14 to 24 showed Woolworths had lost its title as Gen Z’s favourite retail brand, dropping to sixth place, as Kmart replaced it due to its “affordability and trendiness”.

Student Edge Co-Founder Damien Langley said financial pressure was shaping a more cost-conscious mindset and driving love for brands which could meet these needs for young people.

“Australian success stories include Kmart which has emerged as the favourite Australian brand of Gen Zs as it helps them get new clothes and furnish their rentals without breaking the bank,” Mr Langley said.

“Canva too is another local brand which is up there in favourability above many of the biggest names in global tech as it helps young people unleash their creativity in a fun and easy way.”

He said, overall, YouTube (90 percent) was the most popular brand in the report’s top 10 list, followed by Spotify (84 percent), Kmart (83 percent), Google (82 percent), Netflix (81 percent), Officeworks (80 percent), Instagram (80 percent), JB Hi-Fi (80 percent) and ALDI Australia (79 percent).

The report showed Gen Z’s top 10 brands featured seven global brands and three Australian brands, showing how overseas names carried more clout with young Australians than homegrown.

Overall, the top 10 Australian brands to make the top 100, behind Kmart, were Officeworks (80 percent), JB HI-FI (80 percent), Chemist Warehouse (78 percent), Woolworths (77 percent), Coles (74 percent), BIG W (74 percent), Bunnings Warehouse Australia (72 percent), Canva (70 percent) and Boost Juice (69 percent).

“In the food category the Colonel has beaten the Clown as KFC (73 percent) has taken over McDonald's (70 percent) as the most popular brand, with young deal seekers rating it for its good value, as the former number one fell to fifth spot this year,” Mr Langley said.

“Meanwhile, Japanese clothing maker Uniqlo (69 percent) has edged out Australia’s Cotton On@ (68 percent) as Gen Z’s favourite clothing brand, both popular for their affordable prices.”

He said despite Gen Z concerns around AI and job security, ChatGPT (72 percent) had shot past tech giants like TikTok (58 percent), Messenger (54 percent), Snapchat (53 percent), Discord (52 percent), Facebook (49 percent), and X (31 percent) in overall youth favourability, showing its popularity with young people for work, study and life.

“Social media brands took the biggest hit in 2025, especially legacy platforms like Messenger which fell 7 places, X down 6 places, Snapchat dropping 4 places, and Facebook declining 4 places.

“Instagram (80 percent) however has held onto its number one position as the most popular app and social media brand with Aussie Gen Zs.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/trendy-kmart-top-brand-for-budget-conscious-gen-z/



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Australian retailer Kmart is the top local brand in the eyes of Gen Z, according to a new report | Newsreel

19/08/2025

Professor David Whiteman’s hunt for answers about skin cancer has meant criss-crossing Queensland in an old Ford Falcon, taking skin samples from people in caravan parks, workplaces and homes.

“About 90 percent said, ‘Yeah, no worries’,” Professor Whiteman recalled in a special podcast for QIMR Berghofer.

“You’d never get that approved the same way today.”

Now deputy director for the Brisbane-based medical research institute, Professor Whiteman is one of the world’s top cancer epidemiologists, leading research into how genetics and the environment shape cancer risk.

In the podcast series, created to commemorate QIMR Berghofer’s 80 years of medical research in Queensland, he recalls his journey at the Institute which began in 1993 as a PhD student under skin cancer pioneer Professor Adele Green.

“She was fiercely intelligent and set incredibly high standards,” Professor Whiteman said.

“You just wanted to prove yourself worthy of being in her group.”

Back then, participant recruitment meant letters and stamps.

“A letter on QIMR letterhead felt important, like a letter from the Queen,” he recalled.

Professor Whiteman said his career had taken unexpected turns, including stepping in as acting director when COVID-19 hit in early 2020.

“We were fortunate to have infectious disease experts and global contacts, so we were ahead of the curve,” he said.

“It was incredibly unifying. Everyone asked, ‘What can I do to help?’”

Looking ahead, Professor Whiteman sees artificial intelligence reshaping research.

“AI has enormous potential, but I hope there’s always a place for human brains,” he said.

Three decades on from those first melanoma studies, Professor Whiteman is still driven by the same mission.

“There’s so much more to learn about cancer,” he said.

“That’s what keeps me going.”

Access a link to the full podcast series 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/education/from-caravan-parks-to-cancer-breakthroughs/



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Professor David Whiteman’s hunt for answers about skin cancer has meant criss-crossing Queensland in an old Ford Falcon. | Newsreel

19/08/2025

Pedestrian access on one side of Brisbane’s Story Bridge will be restored by the end of the year with work under way to install 1.5km of steel supports.

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city-side footpath would be the first to reopen, with the eastern path to follow in 2026.

“Crews have begun installing more than 1500m of locally sourced steel to build a brand-new support frame for the replacement footpath decking,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.

“This frame will hold the strong, lightweight decking that will replace the aging footpaths.”

He said the latest expert engineering advice found the footpaths should be replaced in the next two to five years.

“However, out of an abundance of caution, Council made the decision to replace the footpaths now.”

Lord Mayor Schrinner said the custom-made footpath decking would be installed using a temporary special mobile platform that allowed crews to work safely above the river.

“Similar decking was installed on the Cultural Centre boardwalk near the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art and State Library of Queensland.”

He said the almost $7 million investment to install the replacement footpath decking was in addition to the nearly $80 million invested in the Story Bridge since 2019.

“This upgrade is part of the long-term restoration plan to keep the 85-year-old in great condition for the future.”

Lord Mayor Schrinner said the $5 million Story Bridge Restoration Business Case would also be completed in 2026.

He said the business case would develop a staged plan to progressively restore the Story Bridge as required over the next 15 to 20 years.

“The Story Bridge is just like every old Queenslander home, you can keep up maintenance by painting and plugging the leaks, but eventually you need to replace the roof and redo the stumps.

“Installing this new decking is a vital step to getting the Story Bridge footpaths open again for Brisbane residents and visitors.

“Our plan is to have one footpath reopened by the end of this year so people can once again choose the Story Bridge as an option if they’re walking or cycling across Brisbane.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/council-steels-itself-to-open-story-bridge-footpath/



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Pedestrian access on one side of Brisbane’s Story Bridge will be restored by the end of the year. | Newsreel

19/08/2025

Sunshine Coast ratepayers are the most satisfied in the State, based on a recent community survey on Australia’s local governments.

Conducted by Snap Send Solve, an online platform built to allow people to report issues to councils, Sunshine Coast Council received a satisfaction rating of 65.1 percent, ranking it 14th in the country and top in Queensland.

Snap Send Solve CEO Danny Gorog said Councils played a critical role in supporting communities throughout Australia.

“We believe the Snap Send Solve community satisfaction index is an important tool to help guide that work,” Mr Gorog said.

He said the company would use the index and supporting data to assist councils in engaging with and meeting the needs of their residents.

Mr Gorog said the survey report combined responses from more than 13,700 Australians with more than 200,000 platform user ratings.

“(This) creates the most definitive snapshot of how residents view their councils and the local issues that are most important to them.”

He said the survey found the national satisfaction average was 61.2 percent with the West Australian City of Mandurah achieving the highest rating in the country at 67.4 percent.

In Queensland, the report showed Bundaberg Regional Council, with 64.5 percent, ranked second behind the Sunshine Coast, with Brisbane City Council third on 63.3 percent.

It found that, overall, Queensland councils ranked fifth among states for community satisfaction, scoring 61.2 percent.

“Queensland residents voted roads as the top priority for councils, scoring 55.7 percent, ahead of footpaths and cycling 48.8 percent, and parks and gardens 42.5 percent,” the report stated.

Discover the Top 10 Queensland councils and download the full report 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/government/satisfaction-index-puts-sunshine-coast-on-top/



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Sunshine Coast ratepayers are the most satisfied in the State, based on a recent community survey on Australia’s local governments.

18/08/2025

The need for a range of blood tests may soon be over with researchers developing a new patch to test for various conditions.

Scientists in the United States have created a self-powered microneedle patch to monitor a range of health biomarkers without drawing blood or relying on batteries or external devices.

Study author Michael Daniele, from NC State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said in proof-of-concept testing with synthetic skin, the researchers demonstrated the patches could collect biomarker samples over periods ranging from 15 minutes to 24 hours.

“Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes, which can help us monitor health and diagnose medical conditions,” Associate Professor Daniele said.

“The vast majority of conventional biomarker testing relies on taking blood samples. In addition to being unpleasant for most people, blood samples also pose challenges for health professionals and technology developers,” he said.

“That’s because blood is a complex system, and you need to remove the platelets, red blood cells, and so on before you can test the relevant fluid.”

Associate Professor Daniele said the new patch used microneedles to sample the fluid that surrounded cells.

“This is called dermal interstitial fluid (ISF), and it contains almost all of the same biomarkers found in blood,” he said.

“What’s more, ISF makes for a ‘cleaner’ sample – it doesn’t need to be processed the way blood does before you can test it. Essentially, it streamlines the biomarker testing process.”

Professor Daniele said the microneedle patch was “fully passive” and didn’t rely on either batteries nor external energy sources to take or store ISF samples.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/education/new-patch-to-replace-blood-tests-and-big-needles/



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The need for a range of blood tests may soon be over with researchers developing a new patch to test for various conditions. | Newsreel