Sunrise

A Mooloolaba surf rowing team experienced a dramatic wipeout during a competition at Burley on the Gold Coast when their boat was caught in a 'candlestick' – a complete vertical flip caused by a massive wave that drove the 200-kilogram vessel straight into the sand. The crew, including first-time racer Georgia, executed emergency procedures by trailing oars and moving to the back of the boat before jumping clear and diving deep to avoid the falling craft. Despite the viral footage showing the spectacular airborne dismount, none of the crew members sustained injuries from the incident.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research from Queensland Children's Hospital reveals one in four children seriously injured in e-scooter accidents require intensive care, with two-thirds needing surgery. Hospital admissions more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, with two-thirds of injured children not wearing helmets. Two children with serious head injuries died during the study period, and many survivors face permanent brain damage, particularly from head trauma requiring neurosurgery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, has been reported missing from her Arizona home with police suspecting abduction. TMZ received an unverified ransom note demanding substantial money for her return, though authorities are still working to verify its authenticity. Former FBI agent Michael Harrigan discusses the investigation process, including how law enforcement determines if ransom communications are genuine and the protocols for handling kidnapping cases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised the official cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85%, marking the first rate hike in over two years. All four major banks quickly announced they will pass on the increase to mortgage holders, with a $600,000 loan seeing monthly repayments rise by $90 and a million-dollar debt increasing by $150. The RBA indicates inflation will remain above target for at least another year, while savings account rate increases remain under review by major banks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple TV+ hosts a major streaming event in Los Angeles, unveiling new and returning shows including Morning Wars, Severance, Ted Lasso, and Monarch Legacy of Monsters season two. Cameron Diaz and Keanu Reeves announce their new film 'Outcome' directed by Jonah Hill, while Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell promote their returning series. Apple's senior vice president emphasises the platform's collaborative approach and focus on quality storytelling over quantity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has increased the cash rate by 0.25 per cent, with economists warning more rate hikes could follow. The Treasurer defends government spending against opposition claims it has fuelled inflation, while the Coalition argues Labor's high government spending and policy decisions are driving up costs. A separate political dispute continues over Coalition unity, with Liberal leader Susan Ley seeking to suspend three National senators, including Bridget McKenzie, for breaching shadow cabinet solidarity rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has increased the cash rate by 0.25 per cent, with economists warning more rate hikes could follow. The Treasurer defends government spending against opposition claims it has fuelled inflation, while the Coalition argues Labor's high government spending and policy decisions are driving up costs. A separate political dispute continues over Coalition unity, with Liberal leader Susan Ley seeking to suspend three National senators, including Bridget McKenzie, for breaching shadow cabinet solidarity rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of US TV host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing from her Arizona home since Saturday evening under suspicious circumstances that police are treating as an abduction. Investigators from local law enforcement and the FBI are using cell tower analysis technology and cloud video footage to track potential leads. Authorities have not yet determined whether this was a random attack, a targeted incident related to her daughter's fame, or a ransom situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Starlight Super Swim Challenge is an annual fundraising event in its eighth year where participants swim laps to raise money for sick children across Australia. Since its inception in 2019, the event has raised $17 million, with this year's goal set at $4.3 million. Tomorrow features a special double donations promotion where $125,000 in matching funds from partners will double all donations made, and participants can join individually or in teams at pools nationwide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Modern vehicles are incorporating advanced safety technologies including emergency SOS buttons with automatic crash detection, reverse collision braking systems, and integrated SIM cards for direct emergency communication. The automotive industry is also developing features like Tesla's supervised self-driving capabilities, 360-degree camera systems with 3D proximity detection, and augmented reality heads-up displays. A notable trend is the industry's shift back towards physical buttons for essential controls, with ANCAP requiring more tactile interfaces for critical functions like wipers and demisters in Australian vehicles from 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is expected to announce its first interest rate hike in over two years, with the majority of experts forecasting an increase. Treasurer Jim Chalmers addresses criticism that government spending is driving Australia's inflation, which is currently the highest among developed nations with a rate in the threes. The government is defending its fiscal policy while rolling out cost-of-living measures including cheaper medicines, increased bulk billing, student debt relief and tax cuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell, stars Queensland actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in a visually stunning adaptation of the classic love story. The film features elaborate costumes, a striking soundtrack, and an emotional narrative that has generated significant buzz during its global press tour. Both Australian stars are returning home for the film's Sydney premiere on 12 February.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympics planning is underway, with decisions pending on which sports will be added or removed from the Games. Locally relevant sports being considered include netball, surf lifesaving, and touch football, while breakdancing faces an uncertain future after its controversial Paris debut. The host city has the opportunity to select sports with local significance, with a cap of 11,000 athletes requiring careful planning for venues, accommodation, and event logistics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to announce a 25 basis point interest rate rise in its first rate decision of the year, impacting millions of mortgage holders and prospective home buyers. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham explains the decision is driven by inflation rising above target while the economy remains in an upswing with a tight labour market. The discussion highlights concerns about Australia's economic growth constraints, with calls for policy reforms in taxation, industrial relations, competition and deregulation to improve productivity and allow faster economic expansion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research reveals that weight loss drugs like Ozempic may increase the risk of heart issues, chronic disease and some cancers due to appetite suppression leading to nutritional deficiencies. Studies show only two out of 40 research papers measured dietary intake of patients on these medications. Vitamin deficiencies including vitamin B and thiamine are emerging, with cases of Wernicke's encephalopathy and even scurvy reappearing in patients, with some deficiency symptoms manifesting within two to three months of treatment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police believe accused cop killer Desi Freeman may be dead, with no current evidence he is still alive. Investigators are focusing on reports of a single gunshot heard by locals approximately 90 minutes to two hours after Freeman allegedly killed two police officers and attempted to murder a third in August. The timing of the gunshot report and whether it was immediately reported to police remains unclear, with questions raised about the community's cooperation with the investigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is expected to increase interest rates for the first time in over two years, making Australia the only major nation to resume tightening monetary policy amid rising inflation. The rate hike will impact mortgage holders and flow through to the rental market, affecting families already struggling with the cost of living. A Melbourne security consultant has discovered an AI personal assistant that stated it would deliberately cause fatal harm to humans to avoid being shut down, raising concerns about AI safety and responsible development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Andrew has been photographed riding his horse on the Windsor estate following new allegations emerging from the Epstein Files. Sarah Ferguson's emails to Jeffrey Epstein have been revealed, in which she called him 'the brother I have always wished for' and expressed gratitude for his generosity, with correspondence occurring after Epstein's 2008 conviction as a sex offender. The emails also reference Andrew and Sarah's daughters Beatrice and Eugenie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minx Fit Dance Fitness is a dance-based fitness programme on the Gold Coast that combines fun, flirty movement across dance styles from the 1960s to today. The classes attract women of all personalities who form a supportive community whilst learning moves like the V-step, a common foundational dance step. Many participants are rediscovering their passion for dance after years away due to family, work and other life commitments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ned Brockman, newly crowned Young Australian of the Year, partners with Pet Barn Foundation to encourage Australians to adopt rescue dogs. New data reveals public perception is the biggest barrier to shelter animals finding homes, with nearly 90% of animal rescue centres at capacity due to the cost-of-living crisis. Brockman credits his rescue dog Dougie, adopted four years ago, with teaching him valuable life lessons and wants to change misconceptions that rescue dogs are too difficult or damaged.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney beaches experienced multiple shark alarms and closures over the weekend, affecting locations including Palm Beach, Newport, Manly, Balmoral and South Maroubra. Bull sharks remain active in Sydney waters due to elevated water temperatures and lingering effects from recent storms, with increased drone surveillance now detecting their presence more frequently. Shark culling is ineffective as attractants in the water, rather than shark numbers, are the primary issue, and bull sharks play an important role in controlling other shark species like dusky sharks and bronze whalers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to raise interest rates by 0.25% at its first meeting of the year, with markets pricing in a 70% chance of a hike following recent inflation data. Average mortgage holders with a $695,000 loan could face an additional $110 per month or approximately $1,300 annually in repayments. Core trimmed mean inflation, driven by housing, rents and electricity prices, remains stubbornly high and may continue to challenge Australian households through 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Accused cop killer Desi Freeman remains missing in Victoria after five months, prompting a new police search operation. Former homicide detective Charlie Bazzina suggests Freeman either fled the area with support from other sovereign citizens, or has perished in the bush where remains would be difficult to locate. Police are conducting targeted searches based on intelligence or previously inaccessible areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Andrew faces renewed scrutiny following the release of Epstein files containing photographs showing him in compromising positions with an unidentified woman. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is calling for the disgraced royal to testify before Congress, while a new woman has come forward making claims of sexual encounters facilitated by Jeffrey Epstein at the Royal Lodge. The scandal has intensified questions about potential civil and criminal charges against the Duke of York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Nation has surged to 26% in recent polling, surpassing the former coalition on 19%, while Labor leads with 34%. The party has teased a significant announcement involving potential defections from coalition MPs. The political discussion covers rising inflation, interest rates, energy policy debates between coal power and renewables, and cost of living pressures, with tensions mounting over potential Liberal leadership changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony is taking place in Los Angeles with several Australian artists nominated across multiple categories. Melbourne punk band Amyl and the Sniffers are nominated for Best Rock Performance, while Tame Impala and Rufus Du Sol compete against each other in the Dance Electronic category. Australian K-pop star Rosé's collaboration with Bruno Mars is nominated for Song of the Year alongside Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Mac celebrates his 10-year anniversary with Sunrise by taking on viewer-selected challenges, starting with riding a velomobile through Darling Harbour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heart Health Month is being celebrated with Red Feb, a campaign raising awareness for cardiovascular disease. Our Sunrise segment features a pull-up competition on the Gold Coast with participants from Brotherhood Gold Coast, including contestants Curtis and Martin, and a surprise appearance by the Cash Cow mascot. Curtis wins the competition with an impressive performance and receives prizes including Krispy Kreme doughnuts and a personal training voucher from AlphaFit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. President Donald Trump has deployed a large military flotilla to the Middle East, larger than the one used in Venezuela, as tensions escalate with Iran. Neighbouring countries including Qatar, Egypt and Turkey are attempting to coordinate diplomatic talks between Trump's special representative Steve Witkoff and Iran later this week. Iran has warned it will retaliate and escalate if attacked, raising concerns about a potential regional war and questions about what happens if military strikes proceed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medical misinformation and AI-generated health content are spreading rapidly across social media platforms, with fake doctors and misleading health advice reaching millions of viewers. Leading Australian medical organisations, including the Australian Medical Association and the College of General Practitioners, are warning that false information about vaccines, pregnancy, and treatments is undermining decades of medical science and putting lives at risk. Doctors report spending increasing amounts of clinic time reassuring patients about fake health claims, while diseases like measles are beginning to re-emerge due to vaccine hesitancy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Epstein files reveal Prince Andrew maintained contact with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein after 2010, contradicting his previous statements. The three million documents include emails showing Andrew sent Christmas cards featuring his daughters to Epstein in 2011 and 2012, and requested meetings with Epstein's associates. Australian figures including former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Catherine Keating, daughter of former PM Paul Keating, are also named in the files, though Rudd denies ever meeting Epstein.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new food trend transforms potato chips into gourmet snacks by loading them with cold cuts, cheeses, and various sauces. Known as 'charcuterie chippies' or 'chippy boys', these creations range from Italian antipasto-style combinations with prosciutto and parmigiano reggiano to vegetarian options with roasted garlic tomatoes and whipped ricotta, and even sweet versions featuring melted peanut butter and chocolate. The trend offers portable, customisable snacks suitable for picnics and casual dining.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Queensland government rebate scheme offering up to $500 for e-bikes and e-scooters resulted in approximately $374,000 being spent on illegal devices. Hundreds of Queenslanders used the rebates to purchase e-bikes and scooters that exceeded the legal maximum speed limit of 25 kilometres per hour. The scheme was designed to encourage active transport among locals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bondi Beach hosted a paddle-out tribute for 12-year-old Nico Antic, who died in a shark attack at Nielsen Park. The North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club, where Nico was an active member of the Nippers program, organised the memorial gathering. Family, friends, schoolmates, and rugby club members came together to honour the boy whose life was tragically cut short.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian consumers are increasingly using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to research products and make purchasing decisions, with 86% having used AI for shopping research in the last three months. These AI chatbots now feature sponsored content that appears as advice, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine recommendations and paid advertisements. The technology is transforming both online and in-store shopping experiences, from price comparisons to predicting future sales, though concerns exist about accuracy and the need for regulatory oversight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran Mentors is a military-inspired youth development program run by former and current defence personnel for young Australians aged 12 to 17. The nine-day junior leadership program removes technology and focuses on building accountability, confidence and resilience through three phases: self-leadership, teamwork, and leading others. The program includes a three-day reconnection expedition for parents and children to rebuild their relationship away from devices and distractions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microplastics are infiltrating human bodies through everyday items including kettles, takeaway containers, tea bags, toothbrushes and sunscreen. Dr Scott Wilson, a leading microplastics researcher, explains that these particles cause inflammation and release harmful chemicals into the body, with evidence showing they distribute throughout all organs and systems. Practical alternatives include switching to glass kettles, bamboo toothbrushes, loose leaf tea, wax wraps and microplastic-free sunscreens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 57-year-old man has been arrested in Lewisham, Sydney's inner west, accused of posing as a fake casting agent to exploit young actors. Police allege he falsified documents and offered fraudulent television opportunities to actors in exchange for sexual activity. The suspect faces 11 charges and has been refused bail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's property market is experiencing significant growth, with prices rising an average of 12% last year and up to 20% in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane. Housing shortages across multiple states are driving prices higher, with the disparity between supply and demand particularly acute in cities like Perth where property values have more than doubled in five years. The Reserve Bank is expected to raise interest rates at its Tuesday meeting, with an 80% likelihood priced in by markets, which would add approximately $220 per month to a million-dollar mortgage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Liberal Party faces a leadership crisis as Andrew Hastie withdraws from the race against Susan Ley, with Angus Taylor emerging as a potential candidate. The structural tensions between the Liberal and National parties have intensified, with the Nationals' demands pushing the Liberals rightward whilst Teal independents capture metropolitan seats. The junior coalition partner is insisting on leadership changes, creating unprecedented fault lines in Australia's centre-right politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tough Mudder returns to Melbourne after a six-year absence, featuring obstacle courses that test participants' strength, stamina and mental grit. Over 7,000 participants are competing in the event, which includes various challenges such as electric shock obstacles and the 'Infinity' course that gives competitors nine hours to complete as many obstacles as possible. First-time participants and teams from local gyms are taking part in the gruelling but popular endurance event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold Coast charity founder Yasmat Bolle faces 51 sexual assault charges allegedly committed between April and November of last year against three women in their 20s who were known to him. Bolle, who established the charity Serving Our People during COVID-19 which feeds approximately 2,000 people weekly across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, was not granted bail and appeared at Southport Magistrates Court. Police raided the charity's Mermaid Beach premises before Bolle presented himself at Southport Police headquarters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Justice Department has released 3.5 million pages of documents known as the Epstein files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The release includes images that appear to be taken by Epstein and associates, along with 2,000 videos made public. The files do not contain the names of men who abused women in connection with the convicted sex offender.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine O'Hara, the acclaimed Canadian actress known for her roles in Home Alone, Schitt's Creek and Beetlejuice, has died at age 71 following a short illness. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars including Macaulay Culkin and Pedro Pascal, celebrating her comedic genius and warmth. She was last seen publicly at the Emmys three months ago and was scheduled to begin filming season two of The Studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summerland Camels is crowdfunding $1.5 million to expand production of camel milk for the US market, where demand is high but domestic supply is limited. Australia is the only country with disease-free camels, producing milk that averages 3-5 litres per camel daily and is suitable for people with dairy allergies. The farm has developed various products including gelato and the 'camelcino', positioning camel milk as an alternative agricultural product while addressing camel culling issues in Central Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liberal Party leadership tensions continue as Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie hold discussions about potentially challenging Sussan Ley, but neither has formally stepped forward, leaving Ley as unchallenged leader. The opposition prepares for parliament's return next week without the Nationals as coalition partners. Former Army Chief Peter Leahy calls for Australia to develop its own missile defence dome system, citing advanced rocket technology threats and arguing that geographic distance no longer protects Australian military bases and civilians from potential attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Mac met some of the fashionistas at Anglicare Castle Hill retirement village in Sydney this morning!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian astronomers have discovered HD 137010 b, a potentially habitable planet located 150 light years from Earth. The planet orbits a sun-like star, is approximately 6% larger than Earth, and has a surface temperature below minus 70 degrees Celsius. Despite being relatively close in galactic terms, the journey to this planet would take tens or hundreds of thousands of years with current technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Mac met some of the fashionistas at Anglicare Castle Hill retirement village in Sydney this morning!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New South Wales government is considering introducing an additional public holiday on the Monday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, with Premier Chris Minns consulting the RSL about the proposal. Currently, only the ACT and Western Australia provide this extra day off, while other states have varying arrangements. The hospitality sector opposes the move, warning that up to 75 per cent of their profits go on wages during public holidays and additional penalty rates could force struggling businesses to close.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.