South Australian police have officially suspended the search for four-year-old Gus Lamont, who vanished from his family’s remote sheep station nearly three weeks ago. Despite a renewed effort involving 80 Australian Defense Force personnel, no trace of the boy has been found. Gus was last seen playing outside his home near Yunta, approximately 300 kilometers from Adelaide, on September 27. His grandmother had left him unattended for about 30 minutes before discovering his absence, triggering one of the largest search operations in the region’s history. Authorities, who do not suspect foul play, have transitioned the case into a ‘recovery operation.’ The search covered an expansive area of 470 square kilometers—twice the size of Edinburgh—but the rugged, harsh terrain and unpredictable weather conditions have significantly hindered efforts. A 12-person taskforce has been established to continue the investigation, with future searches not ruled out. Gus, described as adventurous yet shy, was last seen wearing a gray hat, light gray pants, boots, and a blue long-sleeve T-shirt featuring a yellow Minion character. His disappearance has captivated national attention, with widespread media coverage and online speculation. Police have urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, particularly after fake AI-generated images of Gus circulated on social media. The Lamont family remains ‘devastated,’ expressing their profound grief and longing for Gus. Commissioner Grant Stevens acknowledged the family’s resilience, describing the situation as ‘traumatic’ and emphasizing the emotional toll of not knowing Gus’s whereabouts.
标签： Oceania
大洋洲
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Labuschagne hits another ton to push for Ashes recall
Marnus Labuschagne has reignited his cricketing career with a remarkable fourth century in just five innings, strengthening his case for a return to Australia’s Ashes squad. The 31-year-old batsman delivered a commanding 159 on the second day of Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match against South Australia. This performance follows his impressive scores of 130 and 105 in Australia’s domestic 50-over competition and a 160 in the previous round of red-ball matches. Labuschagne, who boasts 11 centuries in 58 Tests, was notably omitted from Australia’s three-Test series against the West Indies earlier this summer due to a slump in form. His last Test century dates back to the fourth Test of the 2023 Ashes, with an average of 24.74 over 30 subsequent innings. Despite his resurgence, Labuschagne’s return alone may not address all the batting concerns for Australia’s first Test against England in Perth on November 21. In his most recent Test, the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa, he scored 17 and 22 after being promoted to open. Currently batting at number three for Queensland, his traditional position, Australia still faces a dilemma in finding a reliable opener. Youngster Sam Konstas, who managed only 50 runs across six innings in the West Indies, has struggled in domestic cricket this season. Meanwhile, uncapped opener Jake Weatherald made a strong case with a 99-ball 94 in a low-scoring match against Western Australia. If Labuschagne were to open, it could allow Cameron Green to bat at number three, retaining all-rounder Beau Webster in the middle order, though Green has only one fifty in eight innings in that position. Webster is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, while Green is part of Australia’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India. The Ashes series between Australia and England is set to run from November 21, 2025, to January 7, 2026, with comprehensive coverage available on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport website and app.
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Australia’s rainforests are releasing more carbon than they absorb, warn scientists
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature, Australia’s tropical rainforests have been identified as the first globally to transition from carbon sinks to carbon emitters, a shift attributed to the escalating impacts of climate change. Traditionally, rainforests function as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon dioxide than they release, with new tree growth offsetting emissions from decaying vegetation. However, research analyzing data from Queensland’s forests reveals that extreme temperatures have accelerated tree mortality, disrupting this balance. Dr. Hannah Carle of Western Sydney University, the study’s lead author, emphasized that these findings challenge existing models that overestimate tropical forests’ capacity to mitigate fossil fuel emissions. The study, spanning 49 years of data from 20 Queensland forests, highlights that increased tree deaths have turned woody biomass—dead trunks and branches—into carbon sources rather than absorbers, a trend that began approximately 25 years ago. Dr. Carle warned that forests, which play a critical role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, are now under threat. The research also links rising tree mortality to climate-driven factors such as extreme heat, atmospheric dryness, and prolonged droughts. Additionally, the study notes that more frequent and severe cyclones have further exacerbated tree loss and hindered new growth. Dr. Carle described Australia’s rainforests as a ‘canary in the coal mine,’ signaling a potential global trend. Senior author Patrick Meir echoed these concerns, suggesting that other tropical forests may follow suit, though further research is needed for a comprehensive assessment. Australia, one of the world’s highest per capita polluters, recently pledged to reduce emissions by 62% from 2005 levels by 2033. However, the nation continues to face criticism for its reliance on fossil fuels, exemplified by the government’s approval of a 40-year extension for Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project. A recent climate report also revealed that Australia has already surpassed 1.5°C of warming, with communities facing escalating climate risks. This study underscores the urgent need for global action to address the dual crises of deforestation and climate change.
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Australian Olympic swim star Ariarne Titmus retires at 25
Australian swimming sensation Ariarne Titmus has announced her retirement from competitive swimming at the age of 25, marking the end of an illustrious career that saw her clinch four Olympic gold medals and set world records. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday, Titmus revealed that the decision to step away from the sport was a difficult but fulfilling one. ‘The time feels right to step away,’ she wrote, reflecting on her 18-year journey in swimming. ‘I’ve always loved swimming, it’s been my passion since I was a little girl.’ Titmus, who took a break after the 2024 Paris Olympics, shared that she had come to realize other aspects of life now held greater importance. The world record holder in the 200m freestyle, Titmus retires with an impressive tally of 32 international medals, including eight Olympic medals. Her career highlights include victories in the 400m freestyle at both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as gold in the 200m freestyle in Tokyo and a team gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay in Paris. Titmus also opened up about the health challenges she faced, including surgery to remove an ovarian tumor before the Paris Games, which she described as a mentally taxing experience. In a poignant letter to her seven-year-old self, Titmus expressed pride in her relentless pursuit of excellence, stating, ‘You walk away knowing every stone was turned, no regrets. You’re fulfilled, content, and happy.’ Tributes poured in from fellow swimmers, including American rival Katie Ledecky, who hailed Titmus as an ‘outstanding competitor, champion, and person,’ and Australian teammate Mollie O’Callaghan, who celebrated her ‘amazing career.’
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Why do Australia play in Asia and not Oceania?
In 2006, Australia made a pivotal decision to leave the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), aiming to streamline their path to World Cup qualification. Historically, the OFC’s top team faced a challenging two-leg playoff against a South American team for a World Cup spot, while Asia offered four automatic qualifying positions and a playoff opportunity. Australia had previously missed out on World Cup qualifications in 1986, 1994, 1998, and 2002 through inter-confederation playoffs. However, their move to the AFC proved successful, as they qualified for the 2006 World Cup by topping their Oceania group and defeating Uruguay in a penalty shootout. The decision was further justified by Australia’s dominant performances in Oceania, including a record-breaking 31-0 win over American Samoa and a 22-0 victory over Tonga in 2002. Both FIFA and the AFC unanimously approved Australia’s transition, allowing them to compete in the AFC Champions League and participate in the Asian Cup. Since the switch, Australia has qualified for every World Cup, including the 2026 tournament, which will feature 48 teams. FIFA’s expansion of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico has allocated one automatic qualifying spot to Oceania and eight to Asia. Both Australia and New Zealand secured their places in the 2026 World Cup, marking the first time both nations will compete in the tournament since 2010. Former Australia coach Graham Arnold praised the decision to join the AFC, stating that it has significantly improved the nation’s football standards by exposing them to tougher competition. When asked about the possibility of returning to the OFC, Arnold humorously noted that New Zealand might not welcome such a move. This strategic shift has undeniably elevated Australia’s football profile on the global stage.
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Sia’s ex demands $250,000 per month in spousal support
Australian pop sensation Sia Furler, renowned for chart-topping hits like ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Titanium,’ is embroiled in a high-profile divorce battle with her estranged husband, Daniel Bernard. Court documents reveal that Bernard, a former radiation oncologist, has requested over $250,000 per month in spousal support to sustain the ‘luxurious and upper-class lifestyle’ he enjoyed during their marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in December 2022 and share an 18-month-old son, cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ when Sia filed for divorce in March 2024. Bernard claims he became financially dependent on Sia after quitting his medical career to co-run a short-lived business venture. According to the filings, the couple’s monthly expenses exceeded $400,000, covering private jets, lavish holidays, fine dining, and a team of full-time staff. Bernard argues that the temporary support is ‘necessary’ as Sia was the primary earner during their union. Additionally, he seeks funds to cover legal fees and forensic accounting services. Sia’s representatives have yet to comment on the ongoing legal dispute.
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Private numbers of Australia PM and Donald Trump Jr publicly listed on website
A controversial US-based website has sparked widespread concern after publishing the private phone numbers of several prominent individuals, including Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump Jr. The platform, which leverages artificial intelligence to scrape and compile data from various online sources, has listed personal contact details that remain publicly accessible. The BBC, while verifying the authenticity of the numbers, has opted not to disclose the site’s name. The issue was first brought to light by Ette Media, an independent Australian outlet, prompting Prime Minister Albanese’s office to acknowledge the situation and initiate an investigation. Similarly, the office of Australia’s opposition leader, Sussan Ley, whose private number was also exposed, described the incident as ‘obviously concerning’ and has requested the removal of the information. The website, which claims to possess contact details for hundreds of millions of professionals, is reportedly utilized by recruiters and sales representatives. While it remains unclear how the site obtained the data, Australia has recently experienced a series of significant data breaches. Users can access a limited number of contacts for free or subscribe to a paid service for broader access. According to its website, the platform aggregates public information, such as filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and employs AI to gather data from social media networks, web crawlers, and job portals.
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Cummins ‘unlikely’ to be fit for first Ashes Test
Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, has cast doubt on his availability for the first Ashes Test against England in Perth next month, citing ongoing recovery from a back stress injury. The 32-year-old fast bowler, who last played competitively in July, has resumed running but has yet to incorporate bowling into his rehabilitation. Cummins described his chances of playing in the opening Test as “less likely than likely,” emphasizing the need for at least four weeks of bowling preparation to ensure match readiness. With the first Test scheduled for November 21, Cummins’ tight recovery timeline raises concerns about his participation in the series. Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, echoed these concerns, stating that Cummins would require significant preparation to be fit for the high-stakes contest. Should Cummins miss the Test, former captain Steve Smith is expected to lead the team, with Scott Boland stepping into the bowling attack. Cummins’ injury woes are a recurring theme in his career, dating back to his Test debut at 18, when he suffered a heel injury. Despite his challenges, Cummins has established himself as one of cricket’s most formidable bowlers, with 309 Test wickets and a legacy of leading Australia to victories in the World Test Championship, World Cup, and Ashes series. His potential absence could significantly impact Australia’s bid to retain the Ashes urn, which they have held since 2018. Meanwhile, England faces its own fitness concerns, with captain Ben Stokes nursing a shoulder injury. As both teams grapple with key players’ fitness, the upcoming Ashes series promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
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‘Australia break new ground to leave Healy one mountain to climb’
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Alyssa Healy led Australia to a historic victory against India in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The match, held on Sunday, saw Australia complete their first-ever ODI chase of over 300 runs, reclaiming the record for the highest chase in women’s 50-over cricket. Healy’s masterful century was the cornerstone of this remarkable achievement, showcasing her resilience and competitive spirit.
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Labuschagne boosts Ashes case with another century
Marnus Labuschagne has reignited his chances of reclaiming a spot in Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming Ashes series, following a stellar run of form for Queensland. The 31-year-old top-order batter notched his third century in four innings, scoring 105 off 91 balls in Queensland’s One-Day Cup defeat to Tasmania. This performance comes just days after he hammered 160 runs against the same opponents in the Sheffield Shield, Australia’s premier red-ball competition. Labuschagne’s recent exploits also include a 130-run knock off 118 balls in Queensland’s One-Day Cup opener against Victoria in September. Despite being dropped from Australia’s Test squad for the July series against the West Indies, Labuschagne has been in scintillating form, attributing his resurgence to a back-to-basics approach. ‘I felt good out there,’ Labuschagne remarked after his Shield century. ‘I’ve really stripped it back, and my focus is just on scoring runs. It’s not too technical—just what I need to perform.’ Labuschagne faces stiff competition from the likes of Travis Head, Sam Konstas, and Nathan McSweeney for a place in the Ashes squad, potentially as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner. Australia has yet to announce their squad for the Ashes, with the first Test scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth. England, meanwhile, have already named their squad for the highly anticipated series.