Sunrise

Australian surfing champion Steph Gilmore, an eight-time world title holder, has been honoured by Barbie with a custom doll created in her likeness for International Women's Day. The collectible doll features Gilmore's signature golden hair, her Rip Curl wetsuit, and a detailed surfboard complete with fins and leg rope. Gilmore joins an exclusive lineup of women athletes, astronauts and entrepreneurs selected by Barbie for this special recognition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne draws massive crowds as gates open for practice day. Thousands of dedicated Formula 1 fans, some arriving as early as midnight and 3:30am, rush through the gates to reach Melbourne Walk where drivers including Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Lewis Hamilton make their appearances. Record-breaking attendance is expected with over 100,000 people present, potentially reaching 500,000 across the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Super Hot Chilli and Barbecue Festival brings together 35 chilli artisans in Sydney for Australia's largest gathering of extreme heat enthusiasts. The festival features chilli challenges including flaming wings, spicy jerky, and the notorious pod challenge, with peppers ranging from habaneros to the deadly Carolina Reaper. Competitors can win cash prizes for tasting the most products, with recent pod challenge winners including young women who have outperformed their male counterparts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing, a technology brand, has launched a budget smartphone in London featuring a transparent design, customisable glowing lights, and muted interface colours aimed at reducing screen time. The device starts at $649, positioning it in the mid-tier market with a focus on distinctive aesthetics and user wellbeing features. The phone includes customisable LED notifications on the back panel that allow users to identify calls and alerts without checking the screen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British pop star Lily Allen is embarking on her biggest Australian tour in October and early November 2024, performing shows in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. The tour follows the massive global success of her album 'Shook', commonly known as the Divorce album, which has garnered over 275 million streams and chronicles her split from Stranger Things actor David Harbour. Allen, who has been sober for nearly seven years, describes the tour as a more intimate and theatrical experience, marking her first performances without relying on substances or alcohol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British pop star Lily Allen is embarking on her biggest Australian tour in October and early November 2024, performing shows in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. The tour follows the massive global success of her album 'Shook', commonly known as the Divorce album, which has garnered over 275 million streams and chronicles her split from Stranger Things actor David Harbour. Allen, who has been sober for nearly seven years, describes the tour as a more intimate and theatrical experience, marking her first performances without relying on substances or alcohol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capital city mayors are warning that AI data centres could drive up household electricity bills due to limited power grid capacity, with single facilities consuming energy equivalent to over 100,000 homes. New data shows increasing numbers of parents enrolling children in private schools despite cost-of-living pressures, with grandparents reportedly funding up to three-quarters of fees in many cases. United Airlines has introduced mandatory headphone rules for passengers watching videos or listening to audio on personal devices, with non-compliance potentially resulting in removal from flights or airline bans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private school enrolments in Queensland have reached an all-time high, with independent schools now educating 18% of students, representing a 4.6% increase in just 12 months. Teachers attribute the trend to parents valuing educational choice, opportunity, and religious factors, while recent teacher strikes at state schools may have also influenced decisions. The education minister has announced initiatives including anti-bullying programmes and efforts to improve NAPLAN results in response to concerns about state school quality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britney Spears was arrested in Southern California and taken into custody according to Ventura County jail records, with her car being towed. The 44-year-old pop star has since been released and a court date has been set for May. Her representative released a statement calling it an unfortunate and inexcusable incident, stating she will comply with the law and seek necessary help and support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britney Spears was arrested in Southern California and taken into custody according to Ventura County jail records, with her car being towed. The 44-year-old pop star has since been released and a court date has been set for May. Her representative released a statement calling it an unfortunate and inexcusable incident, stating she will comply with the law and seek necessary help and support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britney Spears was arrested in Southern California and taken into custody according to Ventura County jail records, with her car being towed. The 44-year-old pop star has since been released and a court date has been set for May. Her representative released a statement calling it an unfortunate and inexcusable incident, stating she will comply with the law and seek necessary help and support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radio host Kyle Sandilands is reportedly considering legal action against his employer, the Australian Radio Network (ARN), following his termination. His lawyers argue ARN has no substantial grounds for dismissal under his contract, as the network assumed all liability for his on-air statements when he signed his historic $100 million contract in 2023. Sandilands is seeking a payout for the remaining tens of millions of dollars owed under the agreement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A weather system off the coast of Cairns is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone but threatens to bring hundreds of millimetres of rain to North Queensland. Emergency alerts have been issued for the Daintree region, with residents evacuated to higher ground, while Green Island has been evacuated and Great Barrier Reef tours cancelled. The system is expected to cross the coast between Cairns and Townsville, bringing heavy rainfall to already saturated areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A police pursuit of a stolen vehicle across Sydney's lower North Shore ended when the driver crashed the car in Lane Cove, causing it to roll onto its roof, before fleeing the scene on foot. The pursuit began in Longueville but was terminated shortly after it started. Police are actively searching for the driver who remains at large.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has banned the radical Islamic organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir under new hate group laws. Members face up to 15 years imprisonment for continued involvement, with criminal offences now applying to membership, training provision, or funding of the organisation. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke states the ban sends a strong message to radical groups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Military conflict in the Middle East escalates with Iranian drone strikes reported in Azerbaijan, attacks on a US oil tanker in the northern Gulf, and explosions in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Israel continues ground operations in Lebanon while European nations deploy additional military assets to the region. Australia confirms it has deployed military personnel and aircraft to the Middle East, with two Australian sailors confirmed aboard a US submarine that sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global fuel prices are surging to nearly $4 per litre in some Australian regions, triggering widespread panic buying and stockpiling behaviour internationally. People in the UK, Moldova, and India are hoarding petrol in vehicles and containers, with long queues forming at service stations. Authorities are warning against the dangerous practice of storing thousands of litres at home due to significant fire risks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AFL season inspires a Mexican feast featuring chipotle chicken tacos, classic beef tacos, and fresh accompaniments. Michael Weldon from Cooking with Coles demonstrates quick marinades, homemade guacamole, and various salsas including pineapple, tomato, and black bean and corn varieties. A clever hack combines hard and soft taco shells to prevent filling spillage while maintaining the satisfying crunch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne's Albert Park hosts the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, drawing enthusiastic crowds who began queuing from 9:30pm the previous night despite practice sessions not starting until the following day. Pre-race festivities include the glamorous 'Glamour on the Grid' function attended by celebrities including Bec Judd and Lara Worthington, while Australian driver Oscar Piastri participated in a Bunnings sausage sizzle for children's charity and Valtteri Bottas gave away a meat tray at a sponsors event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian families were reunited at Sydney Airport following an emergency evacuation flight from Dubai, where residents experienced missile interceptions and government alerts during escalating Middle Eastern conflict. Sam and her young daughter fled Dubai with only an hour to pack after learning of the flight through a local expat chat group, experiencing five days of loud missile defence activity that shook buildings. The UAE government provided regular safety alerts to residents while maintaining missile defence operations overhead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Lynn, accused of murdering Carol Clay in Wanangatta during a 2020 camping trip, awaits a bail decision in Melbourne. His murder conviction and 32-year sentence were overturned, and his lawyer is seeking bail before a retrial, arguing prejudicial media coverage prevents a fair trial. The prosecution questions the need for bail given a trial could commence this year, while Lynn's son has offered his life savings as surety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ATEEZ, an eight-member South Korean K-pop group with 1.6 billion YouTube views and 11 million Instagram followers, is touring Australia with arena shows in Melbourne and Sydney. The group, who last visited Australia in 2019, has collaborated with Kylie Minogue and amassed over 436 million TikTok likes. Members Hongjoong and Seonghwa discuss their close bond, spending 360 days a year together, and explain K-pop's global appeal as a combination of music, performance, dance and visual entertainment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An American submarine has torpedoed and sunk an Iranian vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka, marking the first time a US submarine has destroyed an enemy ship in 80 years and the first torpedo sinking since World War II. The attack occurred 5,000 kilometres from Australia and 4,000 kilometres from Iran, representing the first time this conflict has extended beyond the Middle East. Israel continues military operations in Lebanon, displacing 70,000 people, while joint US-Israeli strikes have hit 2,000 targets in Iran and depleted 86 percent of Iranian ballistic missile stocks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian government emergency response teams have deployed to the Middle East to provide consular assistance to Australians in Iran, Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Australians are being urged to register online for travel updates and reconsider travel plans to Europe for the next five months due to flight hub closures and disrupted flight paths. The former head of Qantas's safety department warns these disruptions could continue for months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David and Victoria Beckham have publicly wished their son Brooklyn a happy 27th birthday on social media, sharing childhood photos and a message of love. The tribute comes six weeks after Brooklyn released a statement cutting ties with his family. Brooklyn appears to be celebrating with Australian singer Cody Simpson, who shared a post on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East are disrupting critical shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, forcing vessels to divert around Africa's Cape of Good Hope and adding over 14 days to transit times. Freight costs and surcharges are already rising across the supply chain, with fuel supplies facing particular risk as the Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20% of fuel transit. The disruptions are expected to impact everyday costs including groceries, mining, fishing and transport, with Australia's fuel security stockpile running below international recommended levels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collingwood Football Club has released a three-part documentary series providing unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the iconic AFL club. The series captures raw and honest moments from the players' personal and professional lives during the previous season, showcasing the highs and lows of elite sport. The Pies are preparing for their 2025 season opener against St Kilda at the MCG, expecting a crowd of 85,000 fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian unions are launching a campaign to increase the minimum annual leave entitlement from four to five weeks for workers, marking the first major change to annual leave standards in 50 years. The push comes as Australian workers complete an average of 4.5 weeks of unpaid overtime annually, with unions arguing that Australia has fallen behind European countries where five weeks is standard. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus argues the change represents a 2% pay increase and would benefit both workers and businesses dependent on holiday spending.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian radio hosts Kyle and Jackie O have ended their breakfast radio partnership after more than 20 years following an on-air argument. Kyle has been suspended by Kiss FM and given 14 days to address workplace behaviour issues or face contract termination, while Jackie O has been offered her own show in a different time slot. The split raises potential legal implications for both the radio network and the hosts regarding workplace bullying claims.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia warns that the Middle East conflict could trigger higher interest rates and oil price spikes in Australia. Petrol prices are expected to rise, with each $1 increase in world oil prices adding about one cent per litre at the bowser, while airfares and transport costs may also increase due to higher fuel costs. The strong Australian dollar, currently above 70 cents, may provide some buffer against these price increases, though economists warn inflation could still push above 4 per cent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. consulate in Dubai was struck by a drone in an incident that sparked a fire, though no casualties were reported and the fire was quickly extinguished. Most consulate staff had been working from home at the time of the attack. Intelligence analysts suggest Iran has distributed drones and assets across the region to various groups, and the incident occurs amid broader tensions involving U.S. and Israeli operations targeting Iranian infrastructure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treasury warns Australians about potential economic impacts from the Middle East conflict, with inflation projected to increase by 0.15 per cent and petrol prices potentially climbing by 3.5 per cent. Housing Minister Clare O'Neill and Shadow Attorney General Michaelia Cash debate the government's handling of cost of living pressures and economic management. Both politicians address Australia's position on the Middle East conflict, ruling out direct troop deployment while supporting US and Israeli actions against Iran's regime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treasury warns Australians about potential economic impacts from the Middle East conflict, with inflation projected to increase by 0.15 per cent and petrol prices potentially climbing by 3.5 per cent. Housing Minister Clare O'Neill and Shadow Attorney General Michaelia Cash debate the government's handling of cost of living pressures and economic management. Both politicians address Australia's position on the Middle East conflict, ruling out direct troop deployment while supporting US and Israeli actions against Iran's regime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michelle Bullock has warned that inflation remains too high domestically as global oil shocks from Middle East conflict add pressure to the economy. Financial markets are now pricing in a 30% chance of an interest rate hike at the RBA's next meeting in a fortnight, up from just 5% before Bullock's comments at the AFR Business Summit. The central bank is closely monitoring how prolonged energy price disruptions could impact business expenses and household costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Australian woman trapped in a conflict zone describes deteriorating conditions as air defence systems run low on interceptor missiles. Communication with authorities has been minimal, and she remains without her luggage and medication despite contact from the embassy and Qatar Airways. Other foreign nationals are attempting to evacuate by road to Riyadh as the situation is expected to worsen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viking Performance Lab is a six-month-old ice hockey training facility in Macquarie Park, Sydney, featuring synthetic ice surfaces for drills and skill development. The centre includes the OpenShot system, the first in the Southern Hemisphere, which shoots pucks and measures speed, accuracy and reaction time, allowing players to complete 200 shots in 15 minutes. The facility caters to both beginners and advanced athletes, providing a warm training environment without the need for traditional ice rinks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives began as a group of friends sharing content under the hashtag #mumtalk before transforming into a reality television phenomenon with millions of followers. The show explores the lives of Mormon women in Utah, breaking down barriers around sex, religion and modern friendships, with cast member Jessie Draper discussing life in the Mormon Church, which she has since left. Season four premieres March 12th on Disney+, featuring drama, vulnerability and continued relationship challenges among the cast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives began as a group of friends sharing content under the hashtag #mumtalk before transforming into a reality television phenomenon with millions of followers. The show explores the lives of Mormon women in Utah, breaking down barriers around sex, religion and modern friendships, with cast member Jessie Draper discussing life in the Mormon Church, which she has since left. Season four premieres March 12th on Disney+, featuring drama, vulnerability and continued relationship challenges among the cast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iranian missile strikes have hit multiple locations across the Middle East, including a British airbase in Cyprus and the Al Minhad airbase near Dubai used by Australian defence personnel. Over 115,000 Australians remain stranded across the region as airspace closures disrupt travel, while Australia supports US-led action aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Miles confirms all Australian defence personnel are safe and accounted for, with the government working on contingency plans for potential repatriation flights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney-born lawyer Lisa Segalov is sheltering with her four children in a reinforced safe room in Israel as missile attacks from Hezbollah intensify across the region. More than 100,000 Australians are currently in the Middle East conflict zone as President Trump warns of escalating action against Iran and Israel considers a ground invasion of Lebanon. Emergency regulations have closed schools and non-essential services, with residents ordered to stay near safe rooms as the conflict enters what officials predict will be weeks of sustained military action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie O has reportedly sought legal advice and may not return to the Kyle and Jackie O radio show following an on-air incident where Kyle gave her a public dressing down. The situation threatens the radio network's $200 million investment in the duo's 10-year contract, with sources suggesting Jackie O wants to take a stand against workplace treatment. The show has already experienced declining ratings in Melbourne and Sydney, with Ben Fordham winning seven out of eight surveys in Sydney last year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mount Isa has recorded its wettest February since records began in 1926, with more than 319 millimetres of rainfall causing flash flooding and road closures. The Queensland town is now bracing for two additional cyclones while serving as a crucial supply hub for surrounding areas like Burke, Carpentaria and Boulia, which have been cut off since Christmas. Emergency services are coordinating relief efforts and transport of supplies by plane and barge to isolated communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 115,000 Australians remain stranded in the Middle East amid ongoing regional conflict. Aviation experts advise travellers not to cancel flights themselves, as airlines are providing dispensation and refund eligibility depends on ticket types. Travel insurance policies typically exclude war risk coverage, and policies may be voided if travellers departed despite do-not-travel advisories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iranian missiles are striking multiple countries across the Middle East, including a British airbase in Cyprus, while Israel conducts counter-strikes against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Donald Trump's administration is targeting Iran's air defence systems, ballistic missile capabilities and leadership, with 48 key figures reportedly eliminated. The Trump administration faces uncertainty about achieving a stable political outcome, with scenarios ranging from new Iranian leadership seeking de-escalation to a risky popular uprising by disaffected Iranian citizens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian mosques in Sydney are holding three-day mourning services for Iran's Supreme Leader, who was killed in joint US and Israeli airstrikes. NSW Premier Chris Minns has condemned the services as atrocious, calling the Ayatollah evil by any objective measure. The debate centres on religious freedom versus concerns about extremism, with differing views on whether mourning a controversial spiritual leader should be permitted and how various world leaders' actions compare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian mosques in Sydney are holding three-day mourning services for Iran's Supreme Leader, who was killed in joint US and Israeli airstrikes. NSW Premier Chris Minns has condemned the services as atrocious, calling the Ayatollah evil by any objective measure. The debate centres on religious freedom versus concerns about extremism, with differing views on whether mourning a controversial spiritual leader should be permitted and how various world leaders' actions compare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian share market responded to escalating Middle East conflict with significant sector movements. Oil prices spiked initially by 13% before settling around 6% higher at $70 USD per barrel, boosting local energy stocks by 5%. Defence and safety assets rose, with gold reaching $5,300 USD per ounce and DroneShield up 10%, while travel stocks including Webjet, Flight Centre and Qantas fell approximately 5% due to airspace closures and route disruptions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 100,000 Australians are stranded in Middle Eastern transit hubs after airspace closures across the region grounded flights. Travellers are sleeping on airport floors, running low on money and medication, with no evacuation plan currently in place from the federal government. Australian traveller Trina describes being trapped in Qatar after a layover, facing accommodation chaos, running out of heart medication unavailable in the country, and receiving no information from airlines or government authorities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 3rd Doncaster East Scout Group, a 65-year-old organisation with 60 members, provides outdoor leadership programmes for youth focused on resilience and getting children off devices. The group received a $20,000 grant from Westfield Local Heroes to replace old equipment including barbecues, tents and gazebos. Scout leader Daniel, known as Wombat, has served with the group for over a decade and demonstrates pioneering skills including a catapult built by scouts using spars and rope in two and a half hours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly one in three Australian credit cardholders have never reviewed their card's interest rate, fees or features, resulting in an estimated $1.6 billion in extra charges annually. Australians collectively owe $19.6 billion in credit card debt attracting interest charges, costing $3.4 billion per year at an average rate of 18.5%. Switching to cards with rates under 10% and zero annual fees could save individual cardholders with $5,000 debt almost $500 annually, with 11 providers currently offering cards with no fees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.