Months after a police chase ended on Scarborough Beach, officials are overhauling security to prevent anyone from driving into the sand again. Dubbed the Scarborough Beach Precinct Community Safety Improvement plan, City of Stirling councillors hope to increase security and safety in Scarborough. On March 20, a 46-year-old man drove down Scarborough Beach in a […]
A seaplane has crashed into the water while taking off at Rottnest Island, sparking a rescue operation by water police and civilian vessels.
Violent crimes have skyrocketed in South Africa, sparking an exodus among residents looking for a safer future. Reporter Zane Holmes investigates why Australia has become the second most popular destination for South Africans leaving home. Read the full report here: https://murdoch-university.shorthandstories.com/escaping-crime/index.html
A Western Australian man has lost $153,950 as scammers target the state’s real estate sector, government officials reveal. In a WA Government statement scammers were said to intercept emails between the victim and his settlement agent, before altering bank details to reroute the payment. “The scammers sent the buyer a fake email pretending to be […]
Smart phones and lawyers will be provided to victims of domestic violence in a women’s prison program in a bid to stop the cycle of abuse. The $2M, 3-year trial program, called Leave Safe, Stay Safe (LSSS), launched in May at Bandyup Women’s and Greenough Regional Prisons. It is the first program in WA to […]
Domestic abuse is not always an incident of violence, there is not always a point of crisis. It can be silent. A pattern of behaviours used to control, intimidate, create dependency and render victims powerless. Across Australia, investigations are underway into the impacts of coercive control and whether it should be criminalised, but domestic violence […]
Dozens of organisations have called upon the McGowan government to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years old in a report by Aboriginal justice campaign group Social Reinvestment WA. The report, released on Monday, was endorsed by 72 groups including Curtin University, Anglicare and the Unity Church in Australia, details the […]
Nursing students at Notre Dame University, in Perth’s south, have had their practical placements cancelled or suspended following a cyber attack. The placement issue has been blamed on a widely-used software application. In addition, Notre Dame nursing student Emma Plant said more than 40 people in her unit were kicked from a placement course because […]
It’s ballroom dancing with a twist, wheelchair users are taking to the international stage as part of the world para dance championships. Just like traditional ballroom dancing, para dancers don glittery gowns and partner up for moves like the foxtrot and waltz. But unlike traditional ballroom dancing, participation is open to people of all abilities […]
As Perth children return for term 2 at school, the State Government has rolled out student assistant payments to relieve cost-of-living pressures on WA families. Totalling $75m, these payments allow parents to claim up to $250 for high school students and $150 for primary-aged children and is intended to support parents with the cost of […]
Childcare fees will be slashed next month for the 1.2m families that benefit from a government subsidy for working parents. Amendments to family assistance legislation will spring into action from July 1, off the back of yet another rise in the cash rate target from the Reserve Bank of Australia earlier this week. The reformed […]
By Maryam El-Malak Instead of reaching for a notebook and pen, some WA school children will soon be donning virtual reality headsets to help learn maths and science. Penrhos College, in Perth’s south, will become the first WA school to use new technology that immerses the students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through […]
A feral honeybee invasion is threatening the survival of native Australian species, experts warn. A Curtin University study completed by native bee ecologist Kit Prendergast has revealed that European honeybees, once thought to have limited impacts on the Australian environment, reduce food supply and impact offspring. “In and around Perth, we have a really high […]
As Australia braces for the arrival of the highly infectious H5 bird flu, egg shortages are affecting consumers already grappling with confusing labels. Last month, major retailers, Coles and Woolworths, introduced a two-carton limit on egg purchases. The move comes as the highly contagious H5N1 virus impacts bird populations around the globe. Experts expect H5N1 […]
Activists have taken their protest against Woodside’s controversial Burrup Hub gas expansion into state government offices. More than a dozen campaigners stormed the assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson’s Fremantle office on Tuesday. Disrupt Burrup Hub and Voices for Climate campaigners want the Cook government to disallow a $50bn proposal to extend […]
Western Australians can hold off reaching for the winter coat, with unseasonally dry and warmer temperatures forecast until the end of May. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says the nation can expect “above average” daytime temperatures during the coming months following “serious rainfall deficiencies” since January. “There is an increased chance of below average […]
Things that glow in the dark may usually be associated with Halloween, but now scientists are uncovering the chemical make-up of Australian mammal fur to work out what makes it light up under ultraviolet light. While researchers have long-known that feathers, shells and even human hair are luminescent, the exact chemistry behind the glow was […]
Months after a neurological condition began felling magpies at record numbers across WA, scientists are are yet to uncover what’s causing paralysis in the birds, as government officials pass the buck. WA rescue centres across Perth begun reporting up to a five-fold increase in the number of magpies, ravens, mudlarks and karawans being admitted with […]
Officials have revealed that more than a dozen bores are licensed to be used for water bottling across WA, as the fight to stop Coca-Cola extracting groundwater heats up in the Perth Hills. As Perth suffers through one of the driest Autumns on record and Perth Hills’ residents fight to stop Coca-Cola trucking groundwater in […]
Experts warn that Australia’s feral camel population will explode after a $19 million plan fails to reduce numbers. Australia has more than one million Arabian camels, Camelus dromedarius, the biggest population in the world, and scientists predict this number could double every nine years without urgent government intervention. For those in rural towns battling the […]
A mission to restore Shark Bay seagrass – a vital oceanic food source for dugongs – is being hampered by environmental red tape, according to volunteers. The Malgana people, Shark Bay’s Indigenous traditional owners, have been working with a family-run project to restore almost 1,500 sq/km of seagrass in Shark Bay, destroyed by a marine […]
Motorists are urged to watch for wildlife as winter approaches and collisions surge across the nation. The RAC’s most recent data shows a 19 per cent increase in animal collision claims in April 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, prompting a warning for the upcoming winter months. RAC spokesman Glen Walker says the […]
It may not be the Ritz Carlton, but a new fish hotel installed just outside of Narrogin is hoping to provide respite for the inhabitants of the Harvey River. For the first time in WA, scientists have installed the wooden structures that will hopefully become a breeding ground for endangered freshwater species. The nine “hotels” are constructed […]
Perth’s vulnerable penguin population could starve if a container port in Kwinana goes ahead without extreme caution, researchers say. The warning comes after the State Government announced plans to dredge Cockburn Sound to build a new container port in Kwinana, called Westport, that will replace Fremantle Port as it nears capacity. Murdoch University ecologist Joe […]
By Craig Duncan. A land of rusted rock running into reefs, the Burrup Peninsular is home to five traditional Aboriginal peoples, critically endangered marine wildlife, and some of the oldest rock carvings in the world. It is also the proposed site for potentially the most polluting fossil fuel project in Australian history: the Burrup Hub.
Shark fishermen in a small Indonesian village are turning their backs on the lure of the lucrative shark fin trade, amid concerns about the industry’s dangers and viability. With the help of Australian shark conservationist Maddison Stewart and organisation Project Hiu, the fisherman are transitioning to ecotourism – taking their hooks out of the ocean, […]
Extreme heat and dry weather are forecast to fuel more bushfires in summer, with El Niño expected to hit Australia by the end of the year. The Bureau of Meteorology has declared a 70 per cent chance of the weather phenomenon, which reduces rainfall, increases daytime temperatures and bushfire danger. CSIRO senior research scientist Dr Nandini Ramesh said […]
The secret world of pollinating insects is being revealed by scientists using new DNA technology that can pinpoint which species are interacting with flowers. Curtin University research has revealed analysing the “environmental DNA” of avocado flowers can more effectively identify which insect species interacted with plants compared to traditional methods, such as camera recordings and […]
Cat Haven have built bereavement rooms to give a space to those forced to surrender their cats, as the rental crisis tightens it grip on WA. Major renovations will soon be completed at the animal rescue centre in Shenton Park, through funding provided by the State Government. The new space will contain an upgraded reception, […]
A Western Suburbs private golf club has begun the first stage of its environmental management plan earlier this week, with 20 volunteers from the community planting over 1700 native plants across the course. Proponents of the plan, Town of Mosman Park and the Mosman Park Golf Club, say it aims to rehabilitate degraded natural […]
A Perth golf club that illegally chopped down 22 trees frequented by endangered black cockatoos has been given the green light to remove dozens more. Mount Lawley Golf Club was approved by the City of Stirling on May 30 to chop down 42 mature trees from its grounds. The club rents the land from the […]
Environmental advocates have taken Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to court over the approval of a new Bunbury Highway that will clear 60ha of habitat critical to endangered animals. The Friends of The Gelorup Corridor faced Perth’s Federal Court of Australia again this week to argue that Mains Roads have not shown how it will […]
By Maddie Toth Researchers have issued a call to arms to the Perth community to help save a native cockatoo species fighting for survival. For the first time, researchers, indigenous groups and local governments are collaborating to install drinking stations and revegetate Carnaby black cockatoo habitat across WA. Members of the public are asked to […]
By Zuban Cheema By Zuban Cheena Key recommendations in a four-year-old government report stating cats should be confined to homes by law have not been enacted, despite devastating impacts on native wildlife. A 2019 Statutory Review of the Cat Act 2011, that received 5822 online responses and involved rangers and local government staff, found strong […]
Wildlife rescuers say they were forced to take matters into their own hands and defy government orders to relocate 22 western ringtail possums away from homes in WA’s South-West. Native wildlife centre FAWNA president Suzanne Strapp says the centre wanted to place rehabilitated possums onto a wildlife property but were officially instructed to release the […]
Western Australian waterways are under threat of drying out, with ancient and endemic aquatic life disappearing forever in some areas, scientists warn. Wetland Research and Management senior environmental consultant and aquatic ecology researcher Dr Nicole Carey says that waterways are drying out all across our Southwest region which is impacting a range of life, including […]
A City of Fremantle shark fishing ban has been extended across all town beaches after fears the practice is attracting sharks close to shore. The move comes just 6 months after a fatal shark attack off Port Beach, on November 21, and follows rules enforced by the neighbouring councils of Cockburn and Cottesloe. Shore-based recreational […]
By Harry Grigson A Munster cement company, that is the subject of dust and odour complaints, has failed to stop burning coal three years after promising to end its use. This month, Cockburn Cement Limited, which is owned and run by construction material company Adbri, admitted that it has broken a promise to stop using coal […]
How animals navigate across the ocean to isolated targets has perplexed researchers for more than 150 years, but new research is unravelling the secrets of the endangered hawksbill turtle.
By Harry Grigson WA’s recreational fishers will be impacted by a planned overhaul of fishing laws to protect pink snapper and dhufish populations between Kalbarri and Augusta. Industry professionals taking part in a research panel warn that a new 10-year plan, which aims to reduce fish mortality by 50 per cent, could change the minimum […]
By Maryam El-Malak The survival of dozens of Australian reptile species, including turtles, crocodiles and lizards are threatened with extinction, a global team of scientists have revealed. A 20-year study, involving hundreds of researchers, including a team from the University of Western Australia, have found that 1 in 5 reptiles in Australia could become extinct […]
By Harry Grigson Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute says it plans to investigate the greatest threat to WA’s three species of black cockatoo, including how residential growth, deforestation and loss of habitat impact the birds. A Murdoch University spokeswoman said the Black Cockatoo Conservation Management Project study will use new tagging technology that scientists can use […]
Cost of living pressures are putting Perth veterinarians and rescue shelters in the devastating position of turning away animals they may otherwise have been able to save. Reporter Zane Holmes investigates how increased expenses, economic pressures and WA’s rental crisis are driving up costs for vets, pet owners and rescues organisations alike, resulting in “compassion […]
Australia’s cheerleaders are leaping from the sidelines and aiming for a place on the world’s biggest stage – the Olympics. Reporter Tegwen Bescoby charts the sport’s journey from poms poms to a dream of Olympic podiums. Read the full report here: https://murdoch-university.shorthandstories.com/from-sidelines-to-spotlight-cheerleadings-goal-of-olympic-glory/index.html Competitive cheerleadings are hoping to move from the national to international stage. Picture […]
Violent crimes have skyrocketed in South Africa, sparking an exodus among residents looking for a safer future. Reporter Zane Holmes investigates why Australia has become the second most popular destination for South Africans leaving home. Read the full report here: https://murdoch-university.shorthandstories.com/escaping-crime/index.html
Perth is known for having only a few gay-friendly bars for queer people to have a fun night out, but a desire for safe spaces where they can be their authentic selves is inspiring the LGBTQ+ community to create the next generation of queer nightclubs. Maddie Toth dives into Perth’s emerging underground queer nightclub scene: […]
By Craig Duncan. A land of rusted rock running into reefs, the Burrup Peninsular is home to five traditional Aboriginal peoples, critically endangered marine wildlife, and some of the oldest rock carvings in the world. It is also the proposed site for potentially the most polluting fossil fuel project in Australian history: the Burrup Hub.
By Narelle Towie Perhaps the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament would be a less divisive issue if the dark tales of WA’s institutionalised children were better understood. The short film A Crying Shame adds to the harrowing testimonies of neglect and abuse perpetrated on First Nations children who were ripped from their families between 1910 and the […]
Shark fishermen in a small Indonesian village are turning their backs on the lure of the lucrative shark fin trade, amid concerns about the industry’s dangers and viability. With the help of Australian shark conservationist Maddison Stewart and organisation Project Hiu, the fisherman are transitioning to ecotourism – taking their hooks out of the ocean, […]
Environmental advocates have taken Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to court over the approval of a new Bunbury Highway that will clear 60ha of habitat critical to endangered animals. The Friends of The Gelorup Corridor faced Perth’s Federal Court of Australia again this week to argue that Mains Roads have not shown how it will […]
Dozens of refugees have been denied Medicare rebates and Centrelink payments after two government departments failed to communicate with each other. Advocates claim some affected refugees were left paying out of pocket for medical treatment – including psychiatric medication and postnatal care – or were evicted from their homes because they could not pay rent. […]
Domestic abuse is not always an incident of violence, there is not always a point of crisis. It can be silent. A pattern of behaviours used to control, intimidate, create dependency and render victims powerless. Across Australia, investigations are underway into the impacts of coercive control and whether it should be criminalised, but domestic violence […]
Every month, Gerry Georgatos stops by a nondescript duplex in Perth’s east. Today he’s brought two bags of groceries and some Coles vouchers, paid for out of his own savings. Nikkea Graham, half-asleep, thanks Gerry and takes the groceries inside. Then they set off for the real purpose of Gerry’s visit – wandering down to […]
The Silent Killer Plagued by isolated days consumed with suicidal thoughts, fatigue, and sensory overload, and crippled by the noise of the so-called ‘silent killer’, everyday victims of a Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy are fighting to have their voices heard. Read the full report by Taylor Renouf here: https://murdoch-university.shorthandstories.com/cte-the-silent-killer/index.html
Monstera Mania: the house plant worth thousands Lustrous leaves marbled by hues of green and white, pitted by maturity and sitting pretty in thousands of Australian homes, the variegated Monstera has plant lovers reaching deep into their pockets. Read Taylor Renouf’s report on the house plant worth $600 per leaf cutting here: https://murdoch-university.shorthandstories.com/monstera-mania/index.html
As Australia braces for the arrival of the highly infectious H5 bird flu, egg shortages are affecting consumers already grappling with confusing labels. Last month, major retailers, Coles and Woolworths, introduced a two-carton limit on egg purchases. The move comes as the highly contagious H5N1 virus impacts bird populations around the globe. Experts expect H5N1 […]
At first glance, the plants look like any other supermarket fodder, but these fruit and vegetables have a hidden secret – they’re space food. Now, Perth will be given a chance to view the fruit and vegetables that have been genetically modified to survive beyond Earth and feed astronauts. Researchers say, this is the future […]
A South-West resident claims that noise from Alcoa’s alumina refinery in Wagerup, about 100km from Perth, is impacting his health. Des Busher, who lives 3km from the refinery, has repeatedly recorded noise levels that breach allowable night-time limits during the past decade. At times the noise peaks at between 40 to 50 decibels on his […]
A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool to detect and classify brain tumours has been developed by Australian National University researchers. The tool, DEPLOY, analyses tissue to look for chemical changes in DNA and allowing doctors to quickly and more accurately diagnose tumours. ANU biomedical data scientist Dr Danh-Tai Hoang says the process uses a three-pong […]
The role of religion, a fear of dying and nightmares is being investigated by scientists hoping to improve sleep therapies. The first-of-its-kind study to be carried out at UWA was launched earlier this month, and it tackles the relationship between dreams and if people of religious faith are less likely to have dreams about death. […]
Smart phones and lawyers will be provided to victims of domestic violence in a women’s prison program in a bid to stop the cycle of abuse. The $2M, 3-year trial program, called Leave Safe, Stay Safe (LSSS), launched in May at Bandyup Women’s and Greenough Regional Prisons. It is the first program in WA to […]
Hundreds of lives may be at risk by the closure of 30 mental health clinics next month, after government funding was cut to the GROW program. The program, which has been running for 56 years and aims to support people across Perth and the South-West, has been forced to close the door of all but […]
By Nathan-lee Abrahams WA’s economy might be the strongest in the nation, but those riches are making little different to thousands of children going without food and health care across the state. As the state budget recorded a surplus of $4.2b this month, the latest government snapshot of children in WA was released, revealing that […]
By Holly Bolton-Taylor As the countdown begins to new 60-day dispensing rules from September, pharmacies are pleading for help, saying people will go without medicines and businesses will go under. Funding changes in the Federal Budget bolsters the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and extends the supply limits of 325 types of medicines from 30 days’ […]
Dozens of refugees have been denied Medicare rebates and Centrelink payments after two government departments failed to communicate with each other. Advocates claim some affected refugees were left paying out of pocket for medical treatment – including psychiatric medication and postnatal care – or were evicted from their homes because they could not pay rent. […]
Outraged residents say living near Karrinyup Shopping Centre is “hell” and describe the traffic and changes to the area as “dramatic”. Davenport Street resident Valerie Severn says that she is shocked by the number of people that drive up along the footpath, including furniture and delivery trucks, or even food delivery cars who park across […]
It’s ballroom dancing with a twist, wheelchair users are taking to the international stage as part of the world para dance championships. Just like traditional ballroom dancing, para dancers don glittery gowns and partner up for moves like the foxtrot and waltz. But unlike traditional ballroom dancing, participation is open to people of all abilities […]
On the eve of the Eurovision semi-finals, Australia’s main international broadcaster SBS is set to air the multi-country music competition despite nations across Europe calling for Israeli exclusion. Four nations have approached event organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, calling for the removal of Israel and its national broadcaster KAN from the contest. This follows 72 […]
You’ve heard of basketball, netball and even dodgeball, but have you heard of goalball? Played on a basketball court by blind or visually impaired players, goalball involves rolling a 1.25kg ball into an opponent’s net and the South Australian team, the Aussie Belles, are taking their game to the world cup next month. The 8-player […]
An initiative to provide a safe space for social media purchases, such as second-hand goods from Marketplace, has been criticised as a “cost that should be better spent on other things”. From April 1, the City of Stirling will implement a 12-month trial to provide a “well-lit” and “high traffic area” on Beaufort Street that […]
Perth is known for having only a few gay-friendly bars for queer people to have a fun night out, but a desire for safe spaces where they can be their authentic selves is inspiring the LGBTQ+ community to create the next generation of queer nightclubs. Maddie Toth dives into Perth’s emerging underground queer nightclub scene: […]
By Narelle Towie Perhaps the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament would be a less divisive issue if the dark tales of WA’s institutionalised children were better understood. The short film A Crying Shame adds to the harrowing testimonies of neglect and abuse perpetrated on First Nations children who were ripped from their families between 1910 and the […]
A new safe plastic that is biodegradable in soil, land and water is being developed by Murdoch University in the fight to curb microplastic pollution. MU Bioplastics Innovation Hub scientist and lead Joseph Boctor said his team is “reprogramming and re-teaching” bacteria to replace synthetic plastics. “We are getting certain bacteria to produce certain types […]
A feral honeybee invasion is threatening the survival of native Australian species, experts warn. A Curtin University study completed by native bee ecologist Kit Prendergast has revealed that European honeybees, once thought to have limited impacts on the Australian environment, reduce food supply and impact offspring. “In and around Perth, we have a really high […]
An Australian study has discovered athletes buying sports supplements online have a one in three chance of their purchase containing a prohibited doping substance. A joint survey conducted by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Human and Supplement Testing Australia (HASTA) analysed 201 common athletic supplements purchased on the Australian online marketplace. The study found 70 […]
As Australia braces for the arrival of the highly infectious H5 bird flu, egg shortages are affecting consumers already grappling with confusing labels. Last month, major retailers, Coles and Woolworths, introduced a two-carton limit on egg purchases. The move comes as the highly contagious H5N1 virus impacts bird populations around the globe. Experts expect H5N1 […]
Nursing students at Notre Dame University, in Perth’s south, have had their practical placements cancelled or suspended following a cyber attack. The placement issue has been blamed on a widely-used software application. In addition, Notre Dame nursing student Emma Plant said more than 40 people in her unit were kicked from a placement course because […]
Outraged residents say living near Karrinyup Shopping Centre is “hell” and describe the traffic and changes to the area as “dramatic”. Davenport Street resident Valerie Severn says that she is shocked by the number of people that drive up along the footpath, including furniture and delivery trucks, or even food delivery cars who park across […]
Activists have taken their protest against Woodside’s controversial Burrup Hub gas expansion into state government offices. More than a dozen campaigners stormed the assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson’s Fremantle office on Tuesday. Disrupt Burrup Hub and Voices for Climate campaigners want the Cook government to disallow a $50bn proposal to extend […]
With the Pirates gone, NRL supporters in Perth are now faced with the idea of jumping ship to the Western Bears, but how will this play out for fans? The Western Bears are the 18th team in the NRL and the first national team to represent Perth, since the Western Reds demise in 1997. NRL […]
It’s ballroom dancing with a twist, wheelchair users are taking to the international stage as part of the world para dance championships. Just like traditional ballroom dancing, para dancers don glittery gowns and partner up for moves like the foxtrot and waltz. But unlike traditional ballroom dancing, participation is open to people of all abilities […]
On the eve of the Eurovision semi-finals, Australia’s main international broadcaster SBS is set to air the multi-country music competition despite nations across Europe calling for Israeli exclusion. Four nations have approached event organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, calling for the removal of Israel and its national broadcaster KAN from the contest. This follows 72 […]
Months after a police chase ended on Scarborough Beach, officials are overhauling security to prevent anyone from driving into the sand again. Dubbed the Scarborough Beach Precinct Community Safety Improvement plan, City of Stirling councillors hope to increase security and safety in Scarborough. On March 20, a 46-year-old man drove down Scarborough Beach in a […]
Western Australians can hold off reaching for the winter coat, with unseasonally dry and warmer temperatures forecast until the end of May. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says the nation can expect “above average” daytime temperatures during the coming months following “serious rainfall deficiencies” since January. “There is an increased chance of below average […]
You’ve heard of basketball, netball and even dodgeball, but have you heard of goalball? Played on a basketball court by blind or visually impaired players, goalball involves rolling a 1.25kg ball into an opponent’s net and the South Australian team, the Aussie Belles, are taking their game to the world cup next month. The 8-player […]
Things that glow in the dark may usually be associated with Halloween, but now scientists are uncovering the chemical make-up of Australian mammal fur to work out what makes it light up under ultraviolet light. While researchers have long-known that feathers, shells and even human hair are luminescent, the exact chemistry behind the glow was […]
As Perth children return for term 2 at school, the State Government has rolled out student assistant payments to relieve cost-of-living pressures on WA families. Totalling $75m, these payments allow parents to claim up to $250 for high school students and $150 for primary-aged children and is intended to support parents with the cost of […]
At first glance, the plants look like any other supermarket fodder, but these fruit and vegetables have a hidden secret – they’re space food. Now, Perth will be given a chance to view the fruit and vegetables that have been genetically modified to survive beyond Earth and feed astronauts. Researchers say, this is the future […]
An initiative to provide a safe space for social media purchases, such as second-hand goods from Marketplace, has been criticised as a “cost that should be better spent on other things”. From April 1, the City of Stirling will implement a 12-month trial to provide a “well-lit” and “high traffic area” on Beaufort Street that […]
Months after a neurological condition began felling magpies at record numbers across WA, scientists are are yet to uncover what’s causing paralysis in the birds, as government officials pass the buck. WA rescue centres across Perth begun reporting up to a five-fold increase in the number of magpies, ravens, mudlarks and karawans being admitted with […]
A seaplane has crashed into the water while taking off at Rottnest Island, sparking a rescue operation by water police and civilian vessels.
Cost of living pressures are putting Perth veterinarians and rescue shelters in the devastating position of turning away animals they may otherwise have been able to save. Reporter Zane Holmes investigates how increased expenses, economic pressures and WA’s rental crisis are driving up costs for vets, pet owners and rescues organisations alike, resulting in “compassion […]
Australia’s cheerleaders are leaping from the sidelines and aiming for a place on the world’s biggest stage – the Olympics. Reporter Tegwen Bescoby charts the sport’s journey from poms poms to a dream of Olympic podiums. Read the full report here: https://murdoch-university.shorthandstories.com/from-sidelines-to-spotlight-cheerleadings-goal-of-olympic-glory/index.html Competitive cheerleadings are hoping to move from the national to international stage. Picture […]
Violent crimes have skyrocketed in South Africa, sparking an exodus among residents looking for a safer future. Reporter Zane Holmes investigates why Australia has become the second most popular destination for South Africans leaving home. Read the full report here: https://murdoch-university.shorthandstories.com/escaping-crime/index.html
Perth is known for having only a few gay-friendly bars for queer people to have a fun night out, but a desire for safe spaces where they can be their authentic selves is inspiring the LGBTQ+ community to create the next generation of queer nightclubs. Maddie Toth dives into Perth’s emerging underground queer nightclub scene: […]
A Western Australian man has lost $153,950 as scammers target the state’s real estate sector, government officials reveal. In a WA Government statement scammers were said to intercept emails between the victim and his settlement agent, before altering bank details to reroute the payment. “The scammers sent the buyer a fake email pretending to be […]
The sports shooting community in Western Australia is on edge as new firearm reforms loom, following public concern heightened by the recent killings of two Floreat women. WA will become the first Australian jurisdiction to limit the number of firearms a license holder can own, with sports shooters restricted to owning no more than 10 firearms. […]
A giant goose skull from Australia’s megafauna past has been uncovered in South Australia by a group of Flinders University researchers. The fossilised foul, Genyornis newtoni, roamed Australia’s outback around 45,000 years ago and was believed to be the same height as a full-grown male giraffe, while weighing the same as a baby grand piano. […]
Pickleball Australia memberships have skyrocketed by 300 per cent in the past year, as the pickle-themed sport continues to grow by 1,000 new players every six weeks. Pickleball, a paddle sport combining elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong, has grown from 3000 players in early 2023 to 12,000 current members across 160 clubs nationwide. Memberships […]
A South-West resident claims that noise from Alcoa’s alumina refinery in Wagerup, about 100km from Perth, is impacting his health. Des Busher, who lives 3km from the refinery, has repeatedly recorded noise levels that breach allowable night-time limits during the past decade. At times the noise peaks at between 40 to 50 decibels on his […]
Researchers are advancing organoid research by using machine learning to develop personalised treatments for liver cancer, sparking ethical questions among experts. Lead organoid researcher Dr Benjamin Dwyer and his team at Edith Cowan University (ECU) are creating “mini organs in a dish” from patient stem cells to mimic the structure and function of tissues. “Their […]
Officials have revealed that more than a dozen bores are licensed to be used for water bottling across WA, as the fight to stop Coca-Cola extracting groundwater heats up in the Perth Hills. As Perth suffers through one of the driest Autumns on record and Perth Hills’ residents fight to stop Coca-Cola trucking groundwater in […]
Experts warn that Australia’s feral camel population will explode after a $19 million plan fails to reduce numbers. Australia has more than one million Arabian camels, Camelus dromedarius, the biggest population in the world, and scientists predict this number could double every nine years without urgent government intervention. For those in rural towns battling the […]
A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool to detect and classify brain tumours has been developed by Australian National University researchers. The tool, DEPLOY, analyses tissue to look for chemical changes in DNA and allowing doctors to quickly and more accurately diagnose tumours. ANU biomedical data scientist Dr Danh-Tai Hoang says the process uses a three-pong […]
Local support organisations say they are struggling to provide services for the growing population of people experiencing homelessness in Fremantle. Demand for services has grown with the number of people experiencing homelessness and financial disadvantage doubling at the start of the year, a City of Fremantle spokeswoman said. Greens MLC and former Mayor of Fremantle […]
A mission to restore Shark Bay seagrass – a vital oceanic food source for dugongs – is being hampered by environmental red tape, according to volunteers. The Malgana people, Shark Bay’s Indigenous traditional owners, have been working with a family-run project to restore almost 1,500 sq/km of seagrass in Shark Bay, destroyed by a marine […]
One man’s trash could be the aviation industry’s treasure with researchers turning methane gas into jet fuel. While landfill emissions are already captured for electricity generators, The University of Sydney researchers are turning the methane into “efuels”, such as diesel and jet. Landfills globally major emitters of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2 and methane. UoS chemical […]
Motorists are urged to watch for wildlife as winter approaches and collisions surge across the nation. The RAC’s most recent data shows a 19 per cent increase in animal collision claims in April 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, prompting a warning for the upcoming winter months. RAC spokesman Glen Walker says the […]
It may not be the Ritz Carlton, but a new fish hotel installed just outside of Narrogin is hoping to provide respite for the inhabitants of the Harvey River. For the first time in WA, scientists have installed the wooden structures that will hopefully become a breeding ground for endangered freshwater species. The nine “hotels” are constructed […]
Perth’s vulnerable penguin population could starve if a container port in Kwinana goes ahead without extreme caution, researchers say. The warning comes after the State Government announced plans to dredge Cockburn Sound to build a new container port in Kwinana, called Westport, that will replace Fremantle Port as it nears capacity. Murdoch University ecologist Joe […]
By Narelle Towie Perhaps the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament would be a less divisive issue if the dark tales of WA’s institutionalised children were better understood. The short film A Crying Shame adds to the harrowing testimonies of neglect and abuse perpetrated on First Nations children who were ripped from their families between 1910 and the […]
Shark fishermen in a small Indonesian village are turning their backs on the lure of the lucrative shark fin trade, amid concerns about the industry’s dangers and viability. With the help of Australian shark conservationist Maddison Stewart and organisation Project Hiu, the fisherman are transitioning to ecotourism – taking their hooks out of the ocean, […]
The role of religion, a fear of dying and nightmares is being investigated by scientists hoping to improve sleep therapies. The first-of-its-kind study to be carried out at UWA was launched earlier this month, and it tackles the relationship between dreams and if people of religious faith are less likely to have dreams about death. […]
Western Australia is a step closer to becoming a hub for major sporting tournaments after new laws pass that could attract event such as the Cricket World Cup, Rugby League World Cup, and Formula 1 grand prix to the state. The Major Events Act became law in May it improves WA’s competitiveness to bid for and […]
Childcare fees will be slashed next month for the 1.2m families that benefit from a government subsidy for working parents. Amendments to family assistance legislation will spring into action from July 1, off the back of yet another rise in the cash rate target from the Reserve Bank of Australia earlier this week. The reformed […]
Extreme heat and dry weather are forecast to fuel more bushfires in summer, with El Niño expected to hit Australia by the end of the year. The Bureau of Meteorology has declared a 70 per cent chance of the weather phenomenon, which reduces rainfall, increases daytime temperatures and bushfire danger. CSIRO senior research scientist Dr Nandini Ramesh said […]
The secret world of pollinating insects is being revealed by scientists using new DNA technology that can pinpoint which species are interacting with flowers. Curtin University research has revealed analysing the “environmental DNA” of avocado flowers can more effectively identify which insect species interacted with plants compared to traditional methods, such as camera recordings and […]
Cat Haven have built bereavement rooms to give a space to those forced to surrender their cats, as the rental crisis tightens it grip on WA. Major renovations will soon be completed at the animal rescue centre in Shenton Park, through funding provided by the State Government. The new space will contain an upgraded reception, […]
A Western Suburbs private golf club has begun the first stage of its environmental management plan earlier this week, with 20 volunteers from the community planting over 1700 native plants across the course. Proponents of the plan, Town of Mosman Park and the Mosman Park Golf Club, say it aims to rehabilitate degraded natural […]
Former National Basketball League champion Greg Hire is jumping onto Banksia Hill courts to pass on his wisdom and experience to the kids of the detention centre. Hire has spoken publicly about his troubled upbringing. which included exposure to domestic violence, drug use and a lack of positive role models and is looking to share […]
A Perth golf club that illegally chopped down 22 trees frequented by endangered black cockatoos has been given the green light to remove dozens more. Mount Lawley Golf Club was approved by the City of Stirling on May 30 to chop down 42 mature trees from its grounds. The club rents the land from the […]
Smart phones and lawyers will be provided to victims of domestic violence in a women’s prison program in a bid to stop the cycle of abuse. The $2M, 3-year trial program, called Leave Safe, Stay Safe (LSSS), launched in May at Bandyup Women’s and Greenough Regional Prisons. It is the first program in WA to […]
Despite the risk posed by bushfires every summer, the WA Government has turned its back on firefighters who today marched on Parliament for better pay. More than 500 firefighters and other union reps descended on parliament house to send a message to Industrial Relations Minister William Johnston after he refused to move beyond a 3 […]
Perth can expect to be transformed into an international hub for woman’s football, as teams from across Asia descend on the state in October. The Matildas are set to face off against the teams of IR Iran, Philippines, and Chinese Taipei as part of the qualifying rounds for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Perth’s HBF […]
Bacteria transfer during sex could be the new secret weapon to uncovering perpetrators of sexual assault. The so-called “sexome” bacteria, coined by Murdoch University forensic scientists Brendan Chapman and Ruby Dixon, will be a game-changer for sexual assault investigations. The researchers say while everyone has the same “sexome” bacteria, an individual’s bacterial genetic code is […]
Hundreds of lives may be at risk by the closure of 30 mental health clinics next month, after government funding was cut to the GROW program. The program, which has been running for 56 years and aims to support people across Perth and the South-West, has been forced to close the door of all but […]
There are suicide fears for deep sea divers working in high-risk environments after a survey found that 140 clearance divers had thought of taking their own lives, a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has heard. Chairperson of the Navy Clearance Divers Trust, Denise Goldsworthy, told the ninth public hearing into Defence Force suicide […]
A popular Mosman Park skate bowl has been temporarily filled with sand after it was deemed unsafe, sparking outrage from local parents. The Mosman Park Council turned the Mann Oval skate bowl into a sandpit this week, after it was assessed to be a safety hazard, due to cracks and damaged coatings. More than 90 […]
Environmental advocates have taken Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to court over the approval of a new Bunbury Highway that will clear 60ha of habitat critical to endangered animals. The Friends of The Gelorup Corridor faced Perth’s Federal Court of Australia again this week to argue that Mains Roads have not shown how it will […]
Holly Bolton-Taylor A local soccer team have appealed an “unfair” spectator ban issued after rival fans threw projectiles – claiming the penalty will cost the club $20,000. Mandurah City Football Club lodged its appeal to Football West on Wednesday evening. In the appeal it stated that it was unclear how the club had breached the […]
By Nathan-lee Abrahams WA’s economy might be the strongest in the nation, but those riches are making little different to thousands of children going without food and health care across the state. As the state budget recorded a surplus of $4.2b this month, the latest government snapshot of children in WA was released, revealing that […]
By Holly Bolton-Taylor As the countdown begins to new 60-day dispensing rules from September, pharmacies are pleading for help, saying people will go without medicines and businesses will go under. Funding changes in the Federal Budget bolsters the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and extends the supply limits of 325 types of medicines from 30 days’ […]
By Maddie Toth Researchers have issued a call to arms to the Perth community to help save a native cockatoo species fighting for survival. For the first time, researchers, indigenous groups and local governments are collaborating to install drinking stations and revegetate Carnaby black cockatoo habitat across WA. Members of the public are asked to […]
By Nathan-lee Abrahams Plans to inject half a billion dollars into WA social housing and homelessness initiatives has been blasted as grossly inadequate by advocacy groups. In the state budget papers just released, WA Premier Mark McGowan announced that $511 million has been set aside to boost housing supply, with plans to build around 700 […]
By Zuban Cheema By Zuban Cheena Key recommendations in a four-year-old government report stating cats should be confined to homes by law have not been enacted, despite devastating impacts on native wildlife. A 2019 Statutory Review of the Cat Act 2011, that received 5822 online responses and involved rangers and local government staff, found strong […]
Wildlife rescuers say they were forced to take matters into their own hands and defy government orders to relocate 22 western ringtail possums away from homes in WA’s South-West. Native wildlife centre FAWNA president Suzanne Strapp says the centre wanted to place rehabilitated possums onto a wildlife property but were officially instructed to release the […]
Vets are calling for dog blood donations, critically needed for saving man’s best friend. A bit like the Red Cross, Murdoch University’s Animal Hospital Blood Bank plays a life-saving role in supplying blood for cats and dogs in need of a transfusion. But Murdoch’s Animal blood bank coordinator Clare Gaughan says many of the donor […]
Western Australian waterways are under threat of drying out, with ancient and endemic aquatic life disappearing forever in some areas, scientists warn. Wetland Research and Management senior environmental consultant and aquatic ecology researcher Dr Nicole Carey says that waterways are drying out all across our Southwest region which is impacting a range of life, including […]
WA food charities are struggling to fill their pantries with fruits, veggies and kitchen staples as grocery prices hit an all-time high. The total cost of commonly purchased grocery items has jumped from an average of $90.26 in 2019 to $141.68 in 2022 – a 57 per cent increase, according to The West Australian. Seeds of […]
One of Perth’s oldest football clubs is losing tens of thousands of dollars after a major ground redevelopment was delayed. North Fremantle Football Club has been forced to seek new training facilities, which it says is costing the club about $5000 a week in lost revenue from bar and merchandise sales. North Fremantle Football Club’s […]
A City of Fremantle shark fishing ban has been extended across all town beaches after fears the practice is attracting sharks close to shore. The move comes just 6 months after a fatal shark attack off Port Beach, on November 21, and follows rules enforced by the neighbouring councils of Cockburn and Cottesloe. Shore-based recreational […]
While climate policy was key on election day, Australia’s lack of investment in renewables will cost taxpayers billions to rectify in coming years, a political scientist warns. Murdoch University environment and political policy researcher Dr Tobias Ide wants the Australian government to address financial and environmental issues exasterbated by a delays in effective climate policy. […]
The largest humanitarian event in the world, The World Games, has selected Perth as the preferred host for the 2027 Special Olympics, for the first time in history. The event, which occurs every four years and attracts 8000 athletes from 170 nation, is a global sporting competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Letters of support […]
By Abbey Bishop With almost two-thirds of ballots counted in the federal WA seat of Swan, Labor has already won back a seat it has not controlled since the mid-2000s. Labor’s Zaneta Mascherenas has become Swan’s first female representative, thanks to Greens preferences cementing her lead at more than 14,000 votes and counting. So far, […]
By Harry Grigson WA’s recreational fishers will be impacted by a planned overhaul of fishing laws to protect pink snapper and dhufish populations between Kalbarri and Augusta. Industry professionals taking part in a research panel warn that a new 10-year plan, which aims to reduce fish mortality by 50 per cent, could change the minimum […]
By Maryam El-Malak Instead of reaching for a notebook and pen, some WA school children will soon be donning virtual reality headsets to help learn maths and science. Penrhos College, in Perth’s south, will become the first WA school to use new technology that immerses the students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through […]
Dozens of organisations have called upon the McGowan government to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years old in a report by Aboriginal justice campaign group Social Reinvestment WA. The report, released on Monday, was endorsed by 72 groups including Curtin University, Anglicare and the Unity Church in Australia, details the […]
A new safe plastic that is biodegradable in soil, land and water is being developed by Murdoch University in the fight to curb microplastic pollution. MU Bioplastics Innovation Hub scientist and lead Joseph Boctor said his team is “reprogramming and re-teaching” bacteria to replace synthetic plastics. “We are getting certain bacteria to produce certain types […]
Nursing students at Notre Dame University, in Perth’s south, have had their practical placements cancelled or suspended following a cyber attack. The placement issue has been blamed on a widely-used software application. In addition, Notre Dame nursing student Emma Plant said more than 40 people in her unit were kicked from a placement course because […]
Vets are calling for dog blood donations, critically needed for saving man’s best friend. A bit like the Red Cross, Murdoch University’s Animal Hospital Blood Bank plays a life-saving role in supplying blood for cats and dogs in need of a transfusion. But Murdoch’s Animal blood bank coordinator Clare Gaughan says many of the donor […]
By Harry Grigson Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute says it plans to investigate the greatest threat to WA’s three species of black cockatoo, including how residential growth, deforestation and loss of habitat impact the birds. A Murdoch University spokeswoman said the Black Cockatoo Conservation Management Project study will use new tagging technology that scientists can use […]
Activists have taken their protest against Woodside’s controversial Burrup Hub gas expansion into state government offices. More than a dozen campaigners stormed the assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson’s Fremantle office on Tuesday. Disrupt Burrup Hub and Voices for Climate campaigners want the Cook government to disallow a $50bn proposal to extend […]
On the eve of the Eurovision semi-finals, Australia’s main international broadcaster SBS is set to air the multi-country music competition despite nations across Europe calling for Israeli exclusion. Four nations have approached event organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, calling for the removal of Israel and its national broadcaster KAN from the contest. This follows 72 […]
As Perth children return for term 2 at school, the State Government has rolled out student assistant payments to relieve cost-of-living pressures on WA families. Totalling $75m, these payments allow parents to claim up to $250 for high school students and $150 for primary-aged children and is intended to support parents with the cost of […]
Local support organisations say they are struggling to provide services for the growing population of people experiencing homelessness in Fremantle. Demand for services has grown with the number of people experiencing homelessness and financial disadvantage doubling at the start of the year, a City of Fremantle spokeswoman said. Greens MLC and former Mayor of Fremantle […]
A mission to restore Shark Bay seagrass – a vital oceanic food source for dugongs – is being hampered by environmental red tape, according to volunteers. The Malgana people, Shark Bay’s Indigenous traditional owners, have been working with a family-run project to restore almost 1,500 sq/km of seagrass in Shark Bay, destroyed by a marine […]
Western Australia is a step closer to becoming a hub for major sporting tournaments after new laws pass that could attract event such as the Cricket World Cup, Rugby League World Cup, and Formula 1 grand prix to the state. The Major Events Act became law in May it improves WA’s competitiveness to bid for and […]
Childcare fees will be slashed next month for the 1.2m families that benefit from a government subsidy for working parents. Amendments to family assistance legislation will spring into action from July 1, off the back of yet another rise in the cash rate target from the Reserve Bank of Australia earlier this week. The reformed […]
A Perth golf club that illegally chopped down 22 trees frequented by endangered black cockatoos has been given the green light to remove dozens more. Mount Lawley Golf Club was approved by the City of Stirling on May 30 to chop down 42 mature trees from its grounds. The club rents the land from the […]
Despite the risk posed by bushfires every summer, the WA Government has turned its back on firefighters who today marched on Parliament for better pay. More than 500 firefighters and other union reps descended on parliament house to send a message to Industrial Relations Minister William Johnston after he refused to move beyond a 3 […]
Environmental advocates have taken Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to court over the approval of a new Bunbury Highway that will clear 60ha of habitat critical to endangered animals. The Friends of The Gelorup Corridor faced Perth’s Federal Court of Australia again this week to argue that Mains Roads have not shown how it will […]
By Nathan-lee Abrahams WA’s economy might be the strongest in the nation, but those riches are making little different to thousands of children going without food and health care across the state. As the state budget recorded a surplus of $4.2b this month, the latest government snapshot of children in WA was released, revealing that […]
By Nathan-lee Abrahams Plans to inject half a billion dollars into WA social housing and homelessness initiatives has been blasted as grossly inadequate by advocacy groups. In the state budget papers just released, WA Premier Mark McGowan announced that $511 million has been set aside to boost housing supply, with plans to build around 700 […]
While climate policy was key on election day, Australia’s lack of investment in renewables will cost taxpayers billions to rectify in coming years, a political scientist warns. Murdoch University environment and political policy researcher Dr Tobias Ide wants the Australian government to address financial and environmental issues exasterbated by a delays in effective climate policy. […]
By Abbey Bishop With almost two-thirds of ballots counted in the federal WA seat of Swan, Labor has already won back a seat it has not controlled since the mid-2000s. Labor’s Zaneta Mascherenas has become Swan’s first female representative, thanks to Greens preferences cementing her lead at more than 14,000 votes and counting. So far, […]
![West Australian's say young people still won't be able to afford a house under PM's new superannuation scheme. [Image: Michael Miller via Flickr]](https://quendanews.murdoch.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/housesold-300x219.jpg)
By Zahra Al Hilaly Scott Morrison’s new plan to help first home buyers use their superannuation to purchase a house is a “terrible populist policy for extra votes,” a Perth economist says. The Super Home Buyer Scheme allows first-home buyers to use up to 40 per cent of their superannuation, capped at $50,000 maximum, as […]
Local support organisations say they are struggling to provide services for the growing population of people experiencing homelessness in Fremantle. Demand for services has grown with the number of people experiencing homelessness and financial disadvantage doubling at the start of the year, a City of Fremantle spokeswoman said. Greens MLC and former Mayor of Fremantle […]
A new safe plastic that is biodegradable in soil, land and water is being developed by Murdoch University in the fight to curb microplastic pollution. MU Bioplastics Innovation Hub scientist and lead Joseph Boctor said his team is “reprogramming and re-teaching” bacteria to replace synthetic plastics. “We are getting certain bacteria to produce certain types […]
A feral honeybee invasion is threatening the survival of native Australian species, experts warn. A Curtin University study completed by native bee ecologist Kit Prendergast has revealed that European honeybees, once thought to have limited impacts on the Australian environment, reduce food supply and impact offspring. “In and around Perth, we have a really high […]
Western Australians can hold off reaching for the winter coat, with unseasonally dry and warmer temperatures forecast until the end of May. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says the nation can expect “above average” daytime temperatures during the coming months following “serious rainfall deficiencies” since January. “There is an increased chance of below average […]
Things that glow in the dark may usually be associated with Halloween, but now scientists are uncovering the chemical make-up of Australian mammal fur to work out what makes it light up under ultraviolet light. While researchers have long-known that feathers, shells and even human hair are luminescent, the exact chemistry behind the glow was […]
At first glance, the plants look like any other supermarket fodder, but these fruit and vegetables have a hidden secret – they’re space food. Now, Perth will be given a chance to view the fruit and vegetables that have been genetically modified to survive beyond Earth and feed astronauts. Researchers say, this is the future […]
Months after a neurological condition began felling magpies at record numbers across WA, scientists are are yet to uncover what’s causing paralysis in the birds, as government officials pass the buck. WA rescue centres across Perth begun reporting up to a five-fold increase in the number of magpies, ravens, mudlarks and karawans being admitted with […]
A giant goose skull from Australia’s megafauna past has been uncovered in South Australia by a group of Flinders University researchers. The fossilised foul, Genyornis newtoni, roamed Australia’s outback around 45,000 years ago and was believed to be the same height as a full-grown male giraffe, while weighing the same as a baby grand piano. […]
Researchers are advancing organoid research by using machine learning to develop personalised treatments for liver cancer, sparking ethical questions among experts. Lead organoid researcher Dr Benjamin Dwyer and his team at Edith Cowan University (ECU) are creating “mini organs in a dish” from patient stem cells to mimic the structure and function of tissues. “Their […]
A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool to detect and classify brain tumours has been developed by Australian National University researchers. The tool, DEPLOY, analyses tissue to look for chemical changes in DNA and allowing doctors to quickly and more accurately diagnose tumours. ANU biomedical data scientist Dr Danh-Tai Hoang says the process uses a three-pong […]
One man’s trash could be the aviation industry’s treasure with researchers turning methane gas into jet fuel. While landfill emissions are already captured for electricity generators, The University of Sydney researchers are turning the methane into “efuels”, such as diesel and jet. Landfills globally major emitters of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2 and methane. UoS chemical […]
It may not be the Ritz Carlton, but a new fish hotel installed just outside of Narrogin is hoping to provide respite for the inhabitants of the Harvey River. For the first time in WA, scientists have installed the wooden structures that will hopefully become a breeding ground for endangered freshwater species. The nine “hotels” are constructed […]
The role of religion, a fear of dying and nightmares is being investigated by scientists hoping to improve sleep therapies. The first-of-its-kind study to be carried out at UWA was launched earlier this month, and it tackles the relationship between dreams and if people of religious faith are less likely to have dreams about death. […]
Extreme heat and dry weather are forecast to fuel more bushfires in summer, with El Niño expected to hit Australia by the end of the year. The Bureau of Meteorology has declared a 70 per cent chance of the weather phenomenon, which reduces rainfall, increases daytime temperatures and bushfire danger. CSIRO senior research scientist Dr Nandini Ramesh said […]
The secret world of pollinating insects is being revealed by scientists using new DNA technology that can pinpoint which species are interacting with flowers. Curtin University research has revealed analysing the “environmental DNA” of avocado flowers can more effectively identify which insect species interacted with plants compared to traditional methods, such as camera recordings and […]
Bacteria transfer during sex could be the new secret weapon to uncovering perpetrators of sexual assault. The so-called “sexome” bacteria, coined by Murdoch University forensic scientists Brendan Chapman and Ruby Dixon, will be a game-changer for sexual assault investigations. The researchers say while everyone has the same “sexome” bacteria, an individual’s bacterial genetic code is […]
By Maryam El-Malak The survival of dozens of Australian reptile species, including turtles, crocodiles and lizards are threatened with extinction, a global team of scientists have revealed. A 20-year study, involving hundreds of researchers, including a team from the University of Western Australia, have found that 1 in 5 reptiles in Australia could become extinct […]
The Socceroos are set to face Japan on Thursday in a crucial Asian Qualifier game that could determine their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After winning their last two games, the Socceroos are set to verse Japan at the Optus Stadium with their star lineup, and comradery and team-bonding being in their plan […]
An Australian study has discovered athletes buying sports supplements online have a one in three chance of their purchase containing a prohibited doping substance. A joint survey conducted by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Human and Supplement Testing Australia (HASTA) analysed 201 common athletic supplements purchased on the Australian online marketplace. The study found 70 […]
With the Pirates gone, NRL supporters in Perth are now faced with the idea of jumping ship to the Western Bears, but how will this play out for fans? The Western Bears are the 18th team in the NRL and the first national team to represent Perth, since the Western Reds demise in 1997. NRL […]
It’s ballroom dancing with a twist, wheelchair users are taking to the international stage as part of the world para dance championships. Just like traditional ballroom dancing, para dancers don glittery gowns and partner up for moves like the foxtrot and waltz. But unlike traditional ballroom dancing, participation is open to people of all abilities […]
You’ve heard of basketball, netball and even dodgeball, but have you heard of goalball? Played on a basketball court by blind or visually impaired players, goalball involves rolling a 1.25kg ball into an opponent’s net and the South Australian team, the Aussie Belles, are taking their game to the world cup next month. The 8-player […]
Australia’s cheerleaders are leaping from the sidelines and aiming for a place on the world’s biggest stage – the Olympics. Reporter Tegwen Bescoby charts the sport’s journey from poms poms to a dream of Olympic podiums. Read the full report here: https://murdoch-university.shorthandstories.com/from-sidelines-to-spotlight-cheerleadings-goal-of-olympic-glory/index.html Competitive cheerleadings are hoping to move from the national to international stage. Picture […]
The sports shooting community in Western Australia is on edge as new firearm reforms loom, following public concern heightened by the recent killings of two Floreat women. WA will become the first Australian jurisdiction to limit the number of firearms a license holder can own, with sports shooters restricted to owning no more than 10 firearms. […]
Pickleball Australia memberships have skyrocketed by 300 per cent in the past year, as the pickle-themed sport continues to grow by 1,000 new players every six weeks. Pickleball, a paddle sport combining elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong, has grown from 3000 players in early 2023 to 12,000 current members across 160 clubs nationwide. Memberships […]
Western Australia is a step closer to becoming a hub for major sporting tournaments after new laws pass that could attract event such as the Cricket World Cup, Rugby League World Cup, and Formula 1 grand prix to the state. The Major Events Act became law in May it improves WA’s competitiveness to bid for and […]
Former National Basketball League champion Greg Hire is jumping onto Banksia Hill courts to pass on his wisdom and experience to the kids of the detention centre. Hire has spoken publicly about his troubled upbringing. which included exposure to domestic violence, drug use and a lack of positive role models and is looking to share […]
Perth can expect to be transformed into an international hub for woman’s football, as teams from across Asia descend on the state in October. The Matildas are set to face off against the teams of IR Iran, Philippines, and Chinese Taipei as part of the qualifying rounds for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Perth’s HBF […]
A popular Mosman Park skate bowl has been temporarily filled with sand after it was deemed unsafe, sparking outrage from local parents. The Mosman Park Council turned the Mann Oval skate bowl into a sandpit this week, after it was assessed to be a safety hazard, due to cracks and damaged coatings. More than 90 […]
Holly Bolton-Taylor A local soccer team have appealed an “unfair” spectator ban issued after rival fans threw projectiles – claiming the penalty will cost the club $20,000. Mandurah City Football Club lodged its appeal to Football West on Wednesday evening. In the appeal it stated that it was unclear how the club had breached the […]
One of Perth’s oldest football clubs is losing tens of thousands of dollars after a major ground redevelopment was delayed. North Fremantle Football Club has been forced to seek new training facilities, which it says is costing the club about $5000 a week in lost revenue from bar and merchandise sales. North Fremantle Football Club’s […]
The largest humanitarian event in the world, The World Games, has selected Perth as the preferred host for the 2027 Special Olympics, for the first time in history. The event, which occurs every four years and attracts 8000 athletes from 170 nation, is a global sporting competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Letters of support […]
Activists have taken their protest against Woodside’s controversial Burrup Hub gas expansion into state government offices. More than a dozen campaigners stormed the assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson’s Fremantle office on Tuesday. Disrupt Burrup Hub and Voices for Climate campaigners want the Cook government to disallow a $50bn proposal to extend […]
An initiative to provide a safe space for social media purchases, such as second-hand goods from Marketplace, has been criticised as a “cost that should be better spent on other things”. From April 1, the City of Stirling will implement a 12-month trial to provide a “well-lit” and “high traffic area” on Beaufort Street that […]
A seaplane has crashed into the water while taking off at Rottnest Island, sparking a rescue operation by water police and civilian vessels.
The sports shooting community in Western Australia is on edge as new firearm reforms loom, following public concern heightened by the recent killings of two Floreat women. WA will become the first Australian jurisdiction to limit the number of firearms a license holder can own, with sports shooters restricted to owning no more than 10 firearms. […]
Officials have revealed that more than a dozen bores are licensed to be used for water bottling across WA, as the fight to stop Coca-Cola extracting groundwater heats up in the Perth Hills. As Perth suffers through one of the driest Autumns on record and Perth Hills’ residents fight to stop Coca-Cola trucking groundwater in […]
A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool to detect and classify brain tumours has been developed by Australian National University researchers. The tool, DEPLOY, analyses tissue to look for chemical changes in DNA and allowing doctors to quickly and more accurately diagnose tumours. ANU biomedical data scientist Dr Danh-Tai Hoang says the process uses a three-pong […]
It may not be the Ritz Carlton, but a new fish hotel installed just outside of Narrogin is hoping to provide respite for the inhabitants of the Harvey River. For the first time in WA, scientists have installed the wooden structures that will hopefully become a breeding ground for endangered freshwater species. The nine “hotels” are constructed […]
A popular Mosman Park skate bowl has been temporarily filled with sand after it was deemed unsafe, sparking outrage from local parents. The Mosman Park Council turned the Mann Oval skate bowl into a sandpit this week, after it was assessed to be a safety hazard, due to cracks and damaged coatings. More than 90 […]
By Holly Bolton-Taylor As the countdown begins to new 60-day dispensing rules from September, pharmacies are pleading for help, saying people will go without medicines and businesses will go under. Funding changes in the Federal Budget bolsters the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and extends the supply limits of 325 types of medicines from 30 days’ […]
WA food charities are struggling to fill their pantries with fruits, veggies and kitchen staples as grocery prices hit an all-time high. The total cost of commonly purchased grocery items has jumped from an average of $90.26 in 2019 to $141.68 in 2022 – a 57 per cent increase, according to The West Australian. Seeds of […]
By Maryam El-Malak The survival of dozens of Australian reptile species, including turtles, crocodiles and lizards are threatened with extinction, a global team of scientists have revealed. A 20-year study, involving hundreds of researchers, including a team from the University of Western Australia, have found that 1 in 5 reptiles in Australia could become extinct […]
By Harry Grigson Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute says it plans to investigate the greatest threat to WA’s three species of black cockatoo, including how residential growth, deforestation and loss of habitat impact the birds. A Murdoch University spokeswoman said the Black Cockatoo Conservation Management Project study will use new tagging technology that scientists can use […]
