Global Pulse

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大洋洲

  • Australian Paralympic gold medallist dies at 28

    Australian Paralympic gold medallist dies at 28

    The Australian sporting community is mourning the sudden loss of Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco, who passed away at the age of 28. Greco, a celebrated para-cyclist, secured Australia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and was a beacon of inspiration for many. Her untimely death occurred on Sunday at her Adelaide home following a sudden medical episode, as confirmed by AusCycling, the national governing body for cycling.

    Greco’s family expressed their profound grief and pride in her accomplishments. Her mother, Natalie Greco, shared in a statement, ‘Paige meant everything to us. Her kindness, determination, and warmth touched our family every single day.’ Greco, who had cerebral palsy, initially pursued track and field before transitioning to cycling in 2018. Over her illustrious career, she amassed multiple World Championship titles and World Cup medals.

    At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Greco set a new record in the women’s C1–3 3,000m individual pursuit and later earned bronze medals in the C1-3 road race and time trial. Despite health challenges that kept her out of the 2023 Paris Games, she made a triumphant return this year, clinching another bronze at the para-cycling World Championships in Belgium.

    Tributes from across Australia’s sporting world have highlighted Greco’s extraordinary impact. AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner described her as ‘an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of the sport,’ while Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray praised her kindness and quiet determination, noting her ability to uplift those around her. Greco’s legacy of resilience and inclusivity will undoubtedly endure.

  • Nearly 70 schools to close in Australia over fears of asbestos in play sand

    Nearly 70 schools to close in Australia over fears of asbestos in play sand

    In a significant public health response, 69 schools across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will remain closed on Monday following the recall of colored play sand due to asbestos contamination risks. The recall, initiated by major retailers Kmart and Target on Saturday, was prompted by the discovery of asbestos traces in some product samples. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has assessed the risk of asbestos becoming airborne as ‘low,’ but authorities are taking no chances. ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry confirmed that air testing across all schools has so far returned negative results for airborne asbestos. However, comprehensive inspections are ongoing and may take several days to complete. This development follows the partial or full closure of several schools and preschools in the region last Friday, triggered by similar asbestos concerns in sand products sold by Officeworks. The issue has also extended to New Zealand, where at least two schools are set to close for testing on Monday. Berry emphasized that the recalled sand products are more widely used in ACT schools than the Officeworks items, necessitating a broader response. Over the weekend, State Emergency Service volunteers and school staff conducted thorough inspections, mapping all colored sand in school premises. The ACT government has assured the public that individuals exposed to the products do not require clinical assessments, but the government is committed to eliminating risks ‘as much as reasonably practicable.’ Meanwhile, 23 schools will remain open, either due to minimal stock or the absence of the recalled products. The affected items include the Active Sandtub 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set and Blue, Green, and Pink Magic Sand. Asbestos, a hazardous material once commonly used in construction, can release toxic fibers when disturbed, posing long-term health risks such as cancer. Both Australia and New Zealand strictly prohibit the import or export of asbestos-containing goods.

  • Nine injured after car rams into crowd at Australia demolition derby

    Nine injured after car rams into crowd at Australia demolition derby

    A tragic incident unfolded during the annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally in southeastern Australia, leaving nine people injured, one critically, after a car veered off the track and crashed into a crowd. The accident occurred on Saturday night in the town of Walcha, New South Wales, during a demolition derby—a motorsport event where drivers intentionally collide with each other. According to police, the car breached a fence and struck the grandstand, causing injuries to bystanders aged between 20 and 75. The critically injured individual is a 54-year-old man. Authorities revealed that the 27-year-old driver had been involved in a collision on the track moments before the crash. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. The Walcha Council expressed shock and sadness in a statement on the rally’s Facebook page, pledging to collaborate with authorities to examine the causes of the accident. Local politicians, including Brendan Moylan, Member of Parliament for Northern Tablelands, and Barnaby Joyce, former deputy prime minister, extended their thoughts and prayers to the victims, praising the emergency responders for their swift and professional actions. The Walcha Motorcycle Rally, described as a grassroots event for motorcycle enthusiasts, ended on a somber note as the community grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy.

  • Australia’s Hazlewood out of first Ashes Test

    Australia’s Hazlewood out of first Ashes Test

    Australia’s preparations for the first Ashes Test in Perth have suffered a significant setback with the confirmation that Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a hamstring strain. The veteran fast bowler, who has claimed 295 wickets in 76 Tests, had initially been cleared after scans following a hamstring issue during a New South Wales match on Wednesday. However, subsequent imaging revealed a muscle strain, forcing him to withdraw from the series opener. This adds to Australia’s bowling woes, as captain Pat Cummins is already sidelined with a back injury. The absence of two key bowlers leaves Mitchell Starc as the sole member of Australia’s famed pace trio, with Scott Boland stepping in and Brendan Doggett poised for a Test debut. Michael Neser, 35, has been called up as cover, marking his potential return to Test cricket after a hiatus since 2022. Meanwhile, England received a boost with Mark Wood cleared of his hamstring issue. Hazlewood’s injury history is concerning, having missed most of the last Ashes in Australia due to a side injury. While Cummins is expected to return for the second Test in Brisbane, Hazlewood’s availability beyond Perth remains uncertain. Australia’s statement emphasized that initial scans can sometimes underestimate low-grade muscle injuries, leading to the late confirmation of Hazlewood’s strain. With backup seamer Sean Abbott also injured and long-term absentees Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris unavailable, Australia’s bowling depth is severely tested. Jhye Richardson, recovering from shoulder surgery, remains a potential option later in the series as he continues his comeback in domestic cricket.

  • The Aussie giving War & Peace a ‘bogan’ remake

    The Aussie giving War & Peace a ‘bogan’ remake

    In a bold and unconventional literary venture, Ander Louis, a Melbourne-based IT worker and part-time writer, has crafted a ‘bogan’ rendition of Leo Tolstoy’s monumental novel, ‘War & Peace.’ This unique adaptation transforms the 19th-century Russian aristocracy into a world filled with Australian slang, where princes become ‘drongos’ and princesses are referred to as ‘sheilas.’ Louis, whose real name is Andrew Tesoriero, began this project in 2018 as a humorous experiment, aiming to make the dense and often intimidating text more approachable and entertaining. The bogan version, characterized by its irreverent tone and casual language, has since garnered unexpected attention, particularly after excerpts were shared online by a New York-based tech writer. The sudden surge in interest led to a spike in sales, with Louis selling 50 copies overnight. He attributes this newfound popularity to the ‘Bluey effect,’ referencing the widespread appeal of Australian culture in the United States. Louis’s adaptation not only makes the classic more accessible but also challenges traditional notions of literary reverence, as he playfully reinterprets Tolstoy’s work through the lens of Australian colloquialism. Despite its unconventional approach, Louis believes that Tolstoy, who himself renounced his noble privileges later in life, might have appreciated the bogan version for its audacity and humor.

  • Australian schools shut over asbestos risk in children’s sand

    Australian schools shut over asbestos risk in children’s sand

    Approximately 30 schools in Australia have been fully or partially shut down following the discovery of tremolite asbestos in children’s colored sand products. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice on Wednesday after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of this naturally occurring asbestos. While the ACCC emphasized that the risk of asbestos becoming airborne or inhalable is ‘low,’ it cautioned that the substance ‘may still pose a risk.’ By Friday, at least 15 schools and seven preschools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) had closed entirely, with six others partially shutting down as a precaution. Reports also emerged of a school closure in Queensland. The affected sand products, imported from China and sold nationwide between 2020 and 2025, include Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg). These items were distributed by major stationery retailers, including Officeworks. New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment also issued a voluntary recall for EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg) as a precautionary measure. Yvette Berry, ACT’s education minister, acknowledged the potential distress for families, stating that school closures would expedite testing and remediation efforts. Meanwhile, Victoria and New South Wales have opted against closing schools, citing the low health risk. Authorities in these states are working to identify and remove the recalled products from educational settings. Asbestos, a banned substance in Australia, poses severe health risks when inhaled, potentially causing lung damage and cancer.

  • ‘Fortune teller’ and daughter allegedly behind A$70m fraud in Australia

    ‘Fortune teller’ and daughter allegedly behind A$70m fraud in Australia

    A mother and daughter, allegedly part of a highly sophisticated criminal syndicate, have been arrested in Sydney, Australia, for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme targeting vulnerable members of the Vietnamese community. The duo, aged 53 and 25 respectively, are accused of scamming nearly A$70 million (approximately $46 million) through deceptive practices, including posing as a fortune teller and feng shui master. The mother allegedly convinced victims to take out loans by promising them a future as billionaires, while keeping a significant portion of the funds for herself. The pair were arrested at their multi-million-dollar mansion in the exclusive suburb of Dover Heights, where police seized luxury items, financial documents, and a 40-gram gold bar worth A$10,000. The mother faces 39 charges, including directing a criminal group and obtaining financial advantage by deception, while her daughter faces seven charges related to money laundering and involvement in criminal activities. The investigation, led by NSW Police’s Strike Force Myddleton, has uncovered a broader syndicate involved in large-scale fraud and money laundering, with assets worth A$75 million already frozen. The case, dubbed the Penthouse Syndicate, is believed to be one of the largest financial crime operations in Australia, involving corrupt bank staff and fraudulent loans to purchase luxury properties.

  • Hazlewood cleared of injury but Abbott out of Test

    Hazlewood cleared of injury but Abbott out of Test

    Australian cricket fans can breathe a sigh of relief as veteran pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has been declared fit to join the squad for the first Ashes Test against England, despite a recent injury scare. However, the team has suffered a setback with the exclusion of fellow fast bowler Sean Abbott due to a hamstring injury. Both players sustained their injuries during a Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria earlier this week. Scans revealed that Hazlewood, 34, did not suffer a muscle strain, while Abbott, 33, has been diagnosed with a ‘moderate grade’ injury. The absence of Abbott, who is yet to make his Test debut, is unlikely to significantly impact the team’s strategy for the Perth Test, as Hazlewood is expected to partner Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as the primary seamers. Meanwhile, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins remains sidelined for the opening Test as he recovers from a back injury, with Steve Smith stepping in as interim captain. Cummins is anticipated to return for the second Test in Brisbane. Hazlewood, who had not played a first-class match in over a year prior to this week, experienced tightness in his hamstring during the match against Victoria but opted for precautionary measures. Both he and Abbott refrained from batting in New South Wales’ second innings, which ended in a 300-run defeat. Cummins emphasized the importance of caution, stating, ‘We’re a week away from the Test series – always err on the side of caution.’ He also expressed relief at seeing Hazlewood in good spirits after the injury scare. Abbott, a seasoned white-ball cricketer with 57 caps, will be missed, but uncapped seamer Brendan Doggett has been included in the squad as backup. The Ashes series, set to begin on November 21, promises high stakes as Australia aims to defend its title against a formidable English side.

  • Australia’s spy chief accuses China of targeting key infrastructure

    Australia’s spy chief accuses China of targeting key infrastructure

    Australia’s top intelligence official has issued a stark warning about the escalating threat of cyber-attacks linked to China, targeting the nation’s critical infrastructure. Mike Burgess, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), revealed that hackers associated with the Chinese government and military are actively probing and attempting to breach vital systems, including water, transport, telecommunications, and energy networks. Speaking at a business forum in Melbourne, Burgess emphasized that these activities pose a significant risk of “high-impact sabotage” in the coming years. He specifically identified two Chinese hacking groups, Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon, as key perpetrators. While Salt Typhoon focuses on espionage, Volt Typhoon aims to disrupt critical infrastructure, potentially causing widespread societal and economic damage. Burgess highlighted the potential consequences of such attacks, including the crippling of financial systems, contamination of water supplies, and prolonged power outages. He also noted that foreign espionage has already cost Australia an estimated A$12.5 billion in the past year, with A$2 billion worth of trade secrets and intellectual property stolen. Burgess described the hackers’ methods as highly sophisticated, enabling them to maintain persistent, undetected access to compromised systems. The Chinese embassy has yet to respond to these allegations.

  • Evidence of ancient tree-climbing ‘drop crocs’ found in Australia

    Evidence of ancient tree-climbing ‘drop crocs’ found in Australia

    In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have uncovered Australia’s oldest known crocodile eggshells, believed to belong to the enigmatic ‘drop crocs’—tree-climbing crocodiles that once roamed the continent. The 55-million-year-old eggshells were found in a sheep farmer’s backyard in Queensland, with the findings published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. These eggshells are linked to the mekosuchines, an extinct group of crocodiles that thrived in inland waters when Australia was still connected to Antarctica and South America. Co-author Prof. Michael Archer, a palaeontologist at the University of New South Wales, described these creatures as ‘bizarre,’ suggesting they may have hunted like leopards, dropping from trees onto unsuspecting prey. The mekosuchines, which could grow up to five meters in length, were abundant long before their modern counterparts arrived in Australia around 3.8 million years ago. The eggshells were discovered decades ago but were only recently analyzed with the assistance of Spanish scientists. This discovery complements earlier findings of younger mekosuchine fossils in 25-million-year-old deposits elsewhere in Queensland. Prof. Archer has been part of a team excavating a clay pit in Murgon since the early 1980s, a site renowned as one of Australia’s oldest fossil locations. The area, once a lush forest, was home to the world’s oldest-known songbirds, Australia’s earliest frogs and snakes, and a variety of small mammals with South American connections. Prof. Archer recounted how he and a colleague first approached the farmer in 1983, leading to the excavation of this prehistoric treasure trove. He expressed optimism that further digging will reveal even more surprises from this ancient ecosystem.