Sunrise

There are national calls for other states to follow Victoria and Tasmania's free public transport pledge amid the ongoing fuel crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Drake, a 22-year-old from New South Wales, built a two-by-two-metre tiny home on top of his Toyota Hilux for approximately $7,000-$8,000, compared to $60,000 for a new model. He travels around Australia with his mate Johnny, camping in various locations including beaches and public areas, dealing with challenges like theft and finding legal camping spots. The mobile home includes a fold-out double bed, fridge, kitchen, microwave, and a portable shower and toilet setup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Super Mario Bros Movie sequel is set for release following the original film's $2 billion global box office success in 2023. The animated blockbuster reunites stars Jack Black, Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy, with the global premiere taking place in Kyoto, Japan during cherry blossom season. Cast members walked the red carpet and discussed their returning roles, with Jack Black reprising his character Bowser and sharing behind-the-scenes insights about the production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government is considering cutting fuel excise as petrol prices surge, following Coalition calls to halve the tax for three months. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek and One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce debate the measure's impact on inflation, with the government having already released 20% of national fuel stockpiles and introducing legislation to support fuel companies purchasing overseas supplies. A new poll shows 60% of Australians blame Donald Trump for rising petrol prices due to Middle East conflict, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's dissatisfaction rating has risen to 57% amid cost-of-living pressures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government is considering cutting fuel excise as petrol prices surge, following Coalition calls to halve the tax for three months. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek and One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce debate the measure's impact on inflation, with the government having already released 20% of national fuel stockpiles and introducing legislation to support fuel companies purchasing overseas supplies. A new poll shows 60% of Australians blame Donald Trump for rising petrol prices due to Middle East conflict, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's dissatisfaction rating has risen to 57% amid cost-of-living pressures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major fire engulfed a plastics factory in West Java, Indonesia, requiring firefighters to battle the inferno for nearly seven hours before bringing it under control. The blaze was successfully contained with no reported injuries due to the sustained efforts of emergency responders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private health insurance premiums in Australia are increasing by 4.41% on average, the highest rate in over nine years, taking effect in two days. Health funds justify the increase by citing surged costs and $30 billion in member benefits paid out in the past year. Consumers can potentially save hundreds of dollars by comparing policies on privatehealth.gov.au during peak recruiting season when health funds offer deals such as up to two months free coverage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lorenzo Carcassi violin worth $290,000, made in Florence, Italy in 1740, was stolen from a North London bar. UK police have charged a man with the theft of the rare instrument, which was on loan to violinist David Lopez Ibanez for performances with London's Philharmonia Orchestra. It remains unclear whether the nearly 300-year-old violin has been recovered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Federal Police have charged six foreign nationals after seizing one tonne of cocaine worth $500 million from a custom-built drug smuggling vessel off Sydney. The MV Raider was initially intercepted by French Navy in French Polynesia where 4.8 tonnes of cocaine was discovered and disposed of, before the vessel attempted to enter Australian waters and was finally brought to Sydney Harbour in March after issuing a distress call. The vessel was specifically designed with sophisticated hidden compartments to transport illicit drugs from Central and South America, with capacity to carry up to six tonnes of cocaine valued at over $2.5 billion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three capybara pups have been born at Palm Beach Zoo in Florida to parents Yari and Zeus, marking the third litter for the couple. The triplets have begun exploring their habitat and have already taken their first swim, delighting visitors at the zoo. Capybaras are the world's largest rodent species.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six-time world champion Shannon Eckstein is supporting a campaign to include surf life-saving as an event in the 2032 Olympic Games to be held in Brisbane. The sport could be hosted on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, with approximately 60,000 young Australians currently participating in NIPA's programs nationwide. A decision on which sports will be included in the 2032 Games is expected to be made at an Olympic Congress meeting in June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queensland police have charged a 31-year-old Logan man following a hooning incident on Brisbane's Gateway Motorway involving approximately 30 vehicles. The incident began when a driver in a red Holden Commodore allegedly attempted to ram a business at Eagle Junction before reversing into a police dog vehicle and fleeing northbound at 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Police have seized vehicles and are continuing to search for additional drivers connected to the hooning activity that blocked traffic on the busy motorway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Cabinet meets to address Australia's fuel crisis, with discussions focused on work-from-home arrangements, carpooling, and free public transport initiatives. Tasmania and Victoria have already announced free public transport measures, while New South Wales remains hesitant. A Redbridge poll shows 61% of respondents blame Donald Trump as the related conflict enters its second month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kylie Minogue has been confirmed as the headline performer for the 2024 AFL Grand Final at the MCG. She will be the first Australian homegrown artist to headline the event since 2021. The pop icon has historical connections to Australian football dating back to 1986, when she attended a Fitzroy Football Club fundraiser during her Neighbours days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria and Tasmania have introduced free public transport to help residents cope with rising fuel prices during the ongoing petrol crisis. Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide face mounting pressure to implement similar measures, with alternative suggestions including toll relief for rideshare and taxi drivers, increased public transport services, or discounted 'happy hour' travel periods. Petrol prices continue to rise with no immediate relief in sight as the fuel crisis extends into its third week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A capybara named Samba has escaped from a zoo in the UK through a hole in her enclosure, while her sister Tango has been recaptured. Authorities are conducting an extensive search using specialised dog units and thermal drones to locate the missing rodent, which was last spotted on a riverbank before disappearing. Capybaras can run at speeds up to 40 kilometres per hour, are excellent swimmers with webbed feet, and can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel has intercepted two cruise missiles believed to be fired by the Houthi militant group from Yemen, raising concerns about the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The strait, which translates as Gate of Tears, is a narrow and treacherous waterway at the bottom of the Red Sea through which 10 per cent of the world's oil passes. Combined with the Strait of Hormuz, 30 per cent of global oil supplies could be at risk from the expanding Middle East conflict, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio faces diplomatic resistance from G7 allies over calls to protect shipping routes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly one million Australians are owed money from Medicare rebates totalling $272 million. The unclaimed funds belong to people who visited doctors without registering their bank details with MyGov, preventing automatic rebate payments. The average amount owed is $280, with more than 300 Australians owed $10,000 or more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Norell has devastated the West Australian town of Exmouth, leaving it completely isolated with no road or air access. Homes and businesses have been destroyed, forcing residents to shelter together as the storm swept through multiple streets. The town remains without power and has limited water supplies, with recovery efforts anticipated to take months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brisbane Airport has released security footage showing common accidents during the holiday travel period. Nearly one-third of airport injuries occur on escalators and travelators, often involving passengers losing balance while managing heavy luggage. The footage also highlights safety concerns with children riding on suitcases, prompting airport staff to urge travellers to prioritise safety during busy periods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manly Sea Eagles have terminated head coach Anthony Seibold's contract just three games into the NRL season following a 33-16 loss to the Roosters on Thursday night. Seibold was called into a meeting with club bosses yesterday, with the decision coming as a shock to players who had been working with him on match preparation that same morning. The club is now searching for a replacement, with Leeds coach Brad Arthur among the reported frontrunners for the position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denise Scott returns to headline the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with her new show 'Tickety Boo' after completing treatment for breast cancer. The Australian comedy legend shares personal stories from her three-year treatment journey, creating material that resonates with audiences through authentic, real-life experiences. Her show features interactions with audience members and reflections on ageing, grandchildren, and finding humour in difficult circumstances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech giants face 50 million dollar fines for failing to enforce Australia's social media ban for teenagers, following landmark legal losses for Meta and YouTube. Australians spend nearly two hours daily on social media across six platforms, with features like infinite scroll, autoplay and algorithm-driven content designed to keep users engaged. Children under 11 show addiction signs through behavioural problems and difficulty disengaging, while teenagers experience compulsive checking, social comparison and anxiety linked to likes and feedback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf legend Tiger Woods has been involved in a rollover crash on Jupiter Island, Florida, occurring around 2pm local time. The 50-year-old's condition remains unclear following the accident. Woods previously suffered serious injuries in a 2021 crash in Southern California that left him trapped inside his vehicle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Severe weather is impacting Australia's east and west coasts, with an intense low-pressure system generating 10-metre swells and 110-kilometre winds off Sydney's coast, particularly affecting Bondi Beach where the sand has been washed away and ferries have been cancelled. Melbourne is experiencing an unseasonably cold snap with 100-kilometre winds, hundreds of SES calls, and early snowfall at Mount Hotham, more than 10 weeks before the official snow season begins. Authorities have effectively closed coastal areas and are urging residents to stay out of dangerous surf conditions after six lives were lost the previous weekend during similar conditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Severe weather is impacting Australia's east and west coasts, with an intense low-pressure system generating 10-metre swells and 110-kilometre winds off Sydney's coast, particularly affecting Bondi Beach where the sand has been washed away and ferries have been cancelled. Melbourne is experiencing an unseasonably cold snap with 100-kilometre winds, hundreds of SES calls, and early snowfall at Mount Hotham, more than 10 weeks before the official snow season begins. Authorities have effectively closed coastal areas and are urging residents to stay out of dangerous surf conditions after six lives were lost the previous weekend during similar conditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States anticipates concluding military operations against Iran within weeks, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating objectives can be met without ground troops. President Donald Trump is considering deploying up to 10,000 troops to the Middle East while postponing strikes on energy targets to allow Iran time to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for oil transportation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glen Waverly Secondary College students have raised $26,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave. Student Caitlin is shaving her head completely in honour of her brother Nathan, who was diagnosed with cancer at age 14 in year nine in 2020. The school community is participating in the fundraising event with multiple students contributing to support leukaemia research and patients.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An online influencer shares her frugal habit of extracting every last bit of toothpaste from seemingly empty tubes, claiming at least seven days' worth remains. The discussion expands to other money-saving habits people employ to maximise product use, including watering down shampoo and tomato sauce, cutting open pump bottles to access remaining contents, and various techniques for getting the last drops from containers. Panel members share their own methods for stretching household products like honey, sunscreen, and body moisturiser to avoid waste.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney experienced severe storms with toppled trees and hail across the southwest, resulting in over 400 SES call-outs and 5,000 homes without power. A severe storm warning remains in place for the Snowy Mountains and south coast of New South Wales, with damaging winds up to 100 kilometres per hour forecast. A burst water main at the West Ryde pumping station has left a quarter of a million homes under water restrictions, with repairs expected to take days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Beaches local Matt Curtin has launched a social media search to find a woman he shared a brief moment with on a Sydney bus after attending a rugby match. His Facebook post about the encounter has garnered hundreds of supportive comments from people hoping the pair reconnect. The music producer and mixing engineer, who specialises in electronic music, shared the story on Sunrise as his search for the mystery woman continues to gain traction across Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bluey, the Australian animated series about a Blue Heeler family, has released a new album titled 'Bluey Up Here' featuring 17 brand new recordings from the show. Award-winning composer Geoff Bush discusses his creative process, revealing how he scores music from a child's perspective and works closely with the show's creators to capture the emotional depth of episodes like 'Sleepy Time' and 'The Sign'. The album introduces children to classical orchestral music through pieces they can emotionally connect with, including the iconic Bluey theme performed on a melodica.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian petrol stations are implementing fuel purchase limits of 50 litres per vehicle as the crisis intensifies, while Tasmania introduces price caps at the bowser. The federal government faces pressure to coordinate a national response, with calls to reduce the fuel excise from 51 cents per litre to 21 cents, similar to measures taken during COVID. Separately, new analysis shows over a quarter of Australian parents are preventing children aged 4-17 from playing contact sports like footy and rugby due to concussion concerns, with some even restricting non-contact activities like park play and bike riding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enterprise bargaining workers in Australia have received pay rises of approximately 3.7% for the ninth consecutive quarter, benefiting around 2.7 million workers including nurses, teachers, retail and manufacturing employees. While this increase exceeds inflation rates at the time of implementation, experts warn that expected inflation reaching 5% by mid-year will quickly erode these wage gains. Financial advisers recommend avoiding lifestyle creep and setting aside extra income to prepare for tightening budgets later in the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has issued warnings to Iran regarding negotiations, stating the country may have missed its opportunity for diplomacy and describing their situation as a disaster. Iran has responded by asserting its legal rights to the Strait of Hormuz, while Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu announced the killing of an IRGC Navy commander allegedly involved in blocking the strategic waterway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

York's council is meeting to determine whether to strip Sarah Ferguson of her Freedom of the City of York honour, which was granted to her in 1987. The former Duchess of York faces this potential removal due to her association with the Jeffrey Epstein scandal through her former husband Prince Andrew, who was already stripped of the same honour in 2022. City residents are pushing for the removal because of the negative association between York and the Epstein saga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government is strengthening enforcement of its under-16 social media ban following a landmark US case where tech giants Meta and YouTube were successfully sued for $4 million over platform addiction and mental health impacts. US lawyer Matthew Bergman, who won the case involving a 20-year-old Californian woman, has urged the Albanese government to enforce its ban, stating that moral persuasion of tech companies has failed. Australian law firms Slater & Gordon and Shine Lawyers are now exploring potential local claims.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qantas is adding 1,400 extra seats per week on European routes as the airline redirects capacity away from Middle East services disrupted by ongoing conflict. From mid-next month, the airline will operate three additional flights from Perth to Rome and Singapore, while the Sydney to Paris route will increase from three to five flights weekly. Despite the increased capacity, aviation experts indicate prices are unlikely to decrease due to rising fuel costs and ongoing uncertainty in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tropical Cyclone Norell has made landfall in Western Australia as a Category 4 system, directly impacting the town of Exmouth with winds up to 250 kilometres per hour. The cyclone represents the most severe weather event to hit the tourist town since Cyclone Vance in 1999, causing flooding and dangerous conditions for residents and visitors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breakfast TV host Savannah Guthrie has given an emotional interview 54 days after her mother's disappearance, revealing details about the suspected kidnapping for ransom. The family initially hoped it was a medical emergency after finding her mother's back doors propped open, but discovered blood on the front doorstep and a ripped-off ring doorbell camera. Guthrie confirmed that at least two ransom notes demanding Bitcoin sent to media organisations were real, and she agonises over the possibility her mother was targeted because of her fame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney petrol stations are implementing voluntary 50-litre purchase limits amid growing fuel shortage concerns. Independent service stations like Shell at Cromer are introducing these caps on a trust-based system, with owners relying on community relationships to enforce the restrictions. The limits significantly impact truck drivers who typically require 250-300 litres per fill, while average cars with 150-litre tanks can only receive a third of their capacity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South East Australia experiences its first winter cold snap with rain, hail and snow forecast for the Alps. Sydney faces severe storms with temperatures reaching 30 degrees before dropping to 20, while the Alps could receive 20-30 centimetres of snow above 1400 metres. Cyclone Narelle, currently a Category 3 system, is expected to strengthen to Category 4 and impact Western Australia's Kimberley and Pilbara coast before potentially affecting Perth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surf Life Saving New South Wales operates drones across more than 80 beaches along the entire state coastline, conducting two flights per hour, seven days a week to detect sharks and protect swimmers and surfers. The drone program detected over 1,200 sharks during the 2026 summer season alone, using early detection systems and immediate response protocols including sirens, radio alerts to lifeguards, and beach evacuations when necessary. The uncrewed aerial vehicles also assist Rural Fire Service with fire spotting, SES with flood response, and police with search and rescue operations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Simpson, an Australian barista, was crowned World Barista Champion in Milan after nearly a decade of dedication to his craft. The Melbourne International Coffee Expo features Simpson alongside cafe owners, roasters and coffee enthusiasts, showcasing equipment suppliers, roasters, milk companies and chocolate providers. Simpson emphasises the importance of quality equipment, fresh coffee within a month of roasting, and precise measurement of variables, while recommending milk temperature stay below 70 degrees to preserve proteins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A US jury has found Meta and Google guilty of negligence in a landmark social media addiction trial, ruling that the design of their platforms, not just content, caused mental health harm to users. The verdict opens the door to approximately 10,000 pending lawsuits in the US, with former Facebook Australian boss Stephen Skeeler noting that while addiction wasn't initially considered in early social media development, companies didn't do enough to address it once it became apparent. The case represents a significant setback for major tech platforms as legal action may spread globally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Women's Weekly columnist Julie Goodwin demonstrates how to make a seafood pie topped with golden mashed potato using a béchamel sauce base with mustard and fresh dill. The recipe features ling and prawns but can be adapted with various seafood options including smoked fish, tinned tuna, scallops or mussels. The dish requires approximately 30 minutes of baking and can alternatively be topped with puff pastry instead of mashed potato.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Socceroos face Cameroon in a friendly match as final preparation for the FIFA World Cup. Players compete for selection in Tony Popovic's squad ahead of the tournament in the United States in June. The match coincides with a reunion of Australia's 2005 World Cup qualification squad at the iconic stadium where goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer made crucial penalty saves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whittlesea Bakehouse, a family-owned bakery north of Melbourne, has won the award for Australia's best hot cross buns, defeating more than 130 bakers nationwide. The bakery has previously claimed titles for best sausage rolls and plain mince pies, and recently placed third in the vanilla slice competition. Manager Adrian Caporetti attributes their success to quality ingredients, fresh spices, and a traditional recipe they've been using for approximately 25 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers warns Australia could face an economic crisis comparable to the GFC as fuel prices surge 67% due to Middle East conflict disrupting supply through the Strait of Hormuz. The government is negotiating fuel supply deals with Asian countries, including potential energy swaps with Japan, while petrol stations across the country experience supply shortages. Australia's fuel distribution infrastructure, described as inadequate after 15 years of neglect, is struggling to cope with increased demand and hoarding behaviour, despite sufficient fuel having arrived in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister plans to convene National Cabinet on Monday to discuss emergency fuel-saving measures including public transport discounts, carpooling and work-from-home arrangements. The meeting follows international examples like South Korea asking citizens to reduce shower times and charge phones during daylight hours, and the Philippines considering grounding flights. A panel discussion also covers Ruth's Chris Steakhouse's controversial dress code banning gym wear and singlets, and comedian Howie Mandel's reaction to being told he looks great at 70.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.