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Newly released documents expose plans to close Tharwa Preschool due to low enrollment, despite equal promotion efforts. Parents and community members express concern over the decision, citing lack of advertising support and discouragement from Education Directorate staff. The debate over keeping this rural preschool open continues to intensify.

Dr. Sima Samar, Afghanistans first female vice-president, warns of a looming apartheid-like oppression in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Despite real gains made from 2001 to 2021, including millions of girls in school and women in parliament, the current situation is dire. Women and girls face severe restrictions, and the world is losing interest. Samar urges global recognition of the old governments diplomats and pressure on the Taliban through womens rights treaties, while holding onto hope for a better future.

Discover Victorias hidden fossil treasures along its surf coast, where families play and researchers uncover whale bones, shark teeth, and remnants from the Oligocene era. Jan Juc beach is a hotspot for Janjucetus, primitive dolphins, and massive penguins, all hunted by a prehistoric shark linked to the megalodon. Victorias geological twists expose rocks from the Cambrian to recent times, making it a fossil hunters paradise just a short drive from Melbourne. Everyday people and experts alike are unearthing Australias first dinosaur claw, shark teeth, and urchins. Ongoing digs at Beaumaris beach and Dinosaur Dreaming yield marine fossils and Cretaceous dinosaurs. Palaeontologists rely on the public to report finds, ensuring these ancient stories endure for science and exploration.

Now You See Me Live magic show premieres at Sydney Opera House, featuring illusionists Adam Trent, Enzo Weyne, Andrew Basso, and Gabriella Lester. The two-hour performance includes daring tricks like eating live scorpions, saving iPhones from blenders, and escaping explosive boxes. A massive communal card trick engages the entire audience. The show attracts diverse crowds, from families to trendy twenty-somethings, who lose themselves in the fun. Despite its high-energy vibe, the production maintains secrecy with close-up cameras, proving magics power to captivate when logic fades.

Despite the rise of streaming, Australian cinemas are holding strong, especially during the Boxing Day holiday. Experts like Liam Burke from Swinburne University argue that people still value the communal experience of watching movies with loved ones. Independent cinema boss Kristian Connelly at Melbournes Cinema Nova saw profits rise last year, thanks to hits like Anora. While attendance has decreased slightly, movie-going remains Australias favorite cultural pastime. With blockbuster franchises like Toy Story, Super Mario, Hunger Games, and Avengers on the horizon, the holiday cinema tradition shows no signs of fading away.

Aussies traveling to Indonesia or Bali in 2026 must obtain an e-Visa and pay a tourist levy. New border rules started on October 1, 2025. The e-Visa costs around $45 and can be applied for online. A separate tourist levy of $13.55 per person is also required. Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly. Indonesias new criminal code increases penalties for cohabitation or sex outside marriage if someone files a complaint. Bali is the most popular destination for Aussies, so plan ahead for a smooth holiday.

Discover how to unblock cookies in popular browsers to enjoy full website features and personalized content. From Facebook app settings to Firefox and Chrome options, weve got you covered. Mobile Safari users, dont forget to accept cookies from visited sites for a seamless browsing experience.

Jenna Price, a columnist, discusses the Australian governments ban on social media for under-sixteens, providing a new excuse for parents to limit screen time. She reminisces about her strict TV rules, which led to a variety of activities for her children, keeping them engaged and away from TV potatoes. Despite sneaky attempts, Price emphasizes the importance of open communication and debates, which help children understand the benefits of their parents rules.

From December 27th, Australian search engines like Google and Bing will blur explicit and violent images in results to protect children from accidentally encountering harmful content. This new online safety code follows a survey of 1,000 teens aged 16-18, revealing one in three first encountered porn before age 13. By June 27th, 2026, companies must implement age assurance measures, and under-18 users will see filtered results. AI-generated results also face the same rules, though clicking through still works for adults. Despite challenges, expect tighter online controls ahead in Australia.