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Coronavirus pandemic
All overseas arrivals into Victoria told to isolate for 72 hours
All overseas arrivals into Victoria and New South Wales will be forced into isolation for 72 hours with more border closures possible amid efforts to block the new Omicron strain from entering Australia.
Updated
South Africa
What we know about Omicron, the new coronavirus variant
Experts are urging caution but not panic, while admitting not enough is known about the new variant of concern that is shutting down flights around the world.
The lamps built from old things that brought a father and son closer together
In a workshop in Belgrave, Michael Hanley breathes light into old objects.
Smith’s return to leadership can help heal wounds of sandpaper affair, says Taylor
Steve Smith’s appointment as Pat Cummins’ deputy was met with opposition from former greats, but he has support from of one of the people who stripped him of captaincy in 2018.
Bodies found after days of rioting in Solomon Islands
Police say more than 100 people have been arrested after violent protests in the Solomon Islands. Australian troops have arrived to help restore calm.
‘Freedom’ rally fills Melbourne’s streets again to protest vaccine mandates
“Freedom” protestors have taken over Melbourne’s streets once again to condemn vaccination mandates, pandemic legislation and other health measures introduced by the Andrews government.
‘This feels like my year’: Skywhale family to take flight
Things are looking up for artist Patricia Piccinini who will have two exhibitions for her work running simultaneously in Melbourne.
A meeting of minds: Bill Gammage and Bruce Pascoe on Indigenous life
They have written two of the most significant books about Indigenous culture in the past few decades, but they don’t necessarily see eye to eye.
In a frank memoir, a writer tackles how trauma shows up in the body
With her book, My Body Keeps Your Secrets, Lucia Osborne-Crowley wants to help readers inhabit their own lives and real selves again.
Who Mattered 2021
Social justice, science, sport: the 2021 game-changers
Here’s to those who stirred things up in the past year and nabbed a spot on Good Weekend’s Who Mattered list.
What in the world?: The global moments that defined 2021
From America to Afghanistan, space tourism to streaming, climate change to China, 2021 has been quite the ride for this planet we all call home.
WEEKEND READS
Opinion
Do products that claim to remove preservatives from wine really work?
Some people who believe they suffer allergic reactions to wine say that these products do work for them.
Huon Hooke
Wine writer
The hidden history of the Paine scandal
As Cricket Australia unveiled its culture review, allegations against Tasmania and Tim Paine landed in the ex-CEO’s inbox.
Local
‘Is this what compliant looks like?’: State’s crossbench conflict
No crossbenchers have had as many legislative wins as Fiona Patten, Andy Meddick and Samantha Ratnam. Some MPs say the three have been bought by the government.
Victoria records 1252 cases, five deaths
Victoria recorded 1252 new coronavirus cases and five deaths from the virus on Saturday.
10k? 20k? Half a million? When it comes to crowds, size is everything
Organisers of Melbourne’s ‘freedom protest’ last week claim it was the nation’s biggest ever protest. Police don’t think so.
‘Completely traumatised’: Greg Lynn’s family breaks silence
The family of the man accused of murdering campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay has broken its silence to ask for privacy.
If St Basil’s had co-operated, fewer residents and staff would have got COVID-19, Sutton tells inquiry
The Chief Health Officer told an inquest had he not ordered the entire St Basil’s workforce be stood down last year, there would likely have been “substantially more infections and possibly deaths of residents” at the aged care home.
See & Do
Exclusive
Christmas grocery supplies under threat as ‘pallet-gate’ intensifies
The timber workers union warns that Christmas grocery shortages are on the way with some supermarkets “desperate” for pallets.
Victoria scraps travel permit system, records 1362 cases and seven deaths
Victoria’s travel permit system and regional border bubble are scrapped.
Politics
How the pandemic changed our population
As COVID-19 stopped migration, experts are asking what should the approach to population be now?
Business
Fortescue to plead guilty to breaching Aboriginal Heritage Act
Pilbara iron ore miner Fortescue will plead guilty to two counts of breaching WA’s Aboriginal Heritage Act when it cleared land in February 2021, a lawyer for the Andrew Forrest-chaired company told Perth Magistrates Court on Friday.
World
Ethiopian PM on frontline with army after declaring media blackout
In his latest attempt to rally all able Ethiopians to fight what he now calls an “existential war” against Tigrayan forces.
Opinion
Why the Premier is so popular despite scandals and challenges
Paul Strangio
Political historian
The nation is rudderless in the face of growing storm
Peter Hartcher
Political and international editor
‘Unimaginable things’: Whistleblowers lift lid on cosmetic surgery underbelly
Adele Ferguson
Investigative journalist and columnist
Our laws protect every thread of our identity, except one
Bilal Rauf
Barrister and spokesperson for the Australian National Imams Council.
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Property bydomain
The unexpected Melbourne suburb that's surprisingly luxurious
With huge homes, stunning parklands and city views, this suburb is a well kept secret - savvy buyers know it would be hard to find much under a million.
Making a sea-change? Try this affordable regional Victorian area
Just over two hours, on a good day, from the big smoke, the region has proven to be a more affordable option for those skipping town for regional life.
Lifestyle
What happens when a resilience teacher stops coping?
Hugh van Cuylenburg wrote the book on finding happiness through gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. But this year, something broke him.
Culture
Venom reboot: Tom Hardy’s Jekyll and Hyde movie not quite weird enough
Directed by Andy Serkis, Venom: Let There be Carnage blends action, horror and bromance.
Sport
Smith’s return to leadership can help heal wounds of sandpaper affair, says Taylor
Steve Smith’s appointment as Pat Cummins’ deputy was met with opposition from former greats, but he has support from of one of the people who stripped him of captaincy in 2018.
Scorchers sink Strikers to claim maiden WBBL title
A flawless bowling power play has guided the Perth Scorchers to their maiden WBBL championship in a 12-run win over the Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium.
Starc, Richardson gunning for Ashes selection
The fast bowlers in quarantine had a strong centre-wicket training session, and hope a similar build up which resulted in India being dubbed the “Adelaide 36ers” works.
Australia 0 USA 3
Friendlies
Matildas’ defensive woes exposed by USA in front of record crowd
Lacklustre Australia were beaten 3-0 in front of 36,109 fans at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Perth only 50-50 chance of keeping Ashes Test: Matthews
The dramatic shift in Christina Matthews’ comments is being perceived in some circles as a play to put pressure on WA Premier Mark McGowan and his government.
No fairytale for Boss as Sound upsets Spanish Mission
Spanish Mission could not complete the deal for Glen Boss, despite an excellent final ride, with Sound too sharp when the race quickened in the Zipping Classic.
The advice that supercharged Gawn – and the advice he’d give
The ruckman has always done things differently. And in leading the Demons to its first AFL flag in 57 years this September, that way of being has paid off.
Have Your Say
‘Strong defence’: Richmond’s youth movement ready for senior challenge
The Tigers have looked to the future in this year’s national draft, and their top two picks - Josh Gibcus and Tom Brown - hope to keep the run of success alive.
