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Good Weekend podcast
Behind GW’s best features: we go deeper into our most intriguing issues.
Omicron COVID-19 variant confirmed in Australia
Two overseas arrivals from southern Africa have tested positive in NSW for the new strain of the COVID-19 virus known as Omicron.
‘Caught on the hop’: Confusion and joy for international arrivals facing Omicron isolation
People returning from abroad were willing to isolate but feared sudden changes to the rules as governments respond rapidly to the emerging coronavirus variant.
State to host biggest wind farm in southern hemisphere after approval
Work to build the $2 billion Golden Plains facility at Rokewood will start next year after Victoria’s Planning Minister gave it the nod.
Why WHO chose ‘Omicron’ not ‘Xi’ for new COVID variant
Many have noted that the World Health Organisation skipped a Greek letter that is also the name of the Chinese President in naming the new variant of concern.
Opinion
Education
How COVID-19 has changed academic life
COVID-19 has inadvertently become the stimulant that is reshaping how and what a higher education space should look like.
Dr Wajeehah Aayeshah
Explainer
Insects
‘As loud as a jet taking off’: Why do cicadas sing at dusk?
It’s cicada season again, but summer is no time to relax for these ancient insects. How and why do they produce their high-decibel song?
Inside the eclectic wardrobe of one Australian perfumier
“I’m into classics and being comfortable; I certainly don’t follow trends,” says Craig Andrade of The Raconteur.
One fantasy show to rule all others? That would be The Wheel of Time
This handsome and expensive-looking fantasy series takes a nod at J.R.R. Tolkien’s shows, but then does something even more intriguing.
The sweet treat that was once used to murder people
It seems there’s nothing the Omanis can’t do with their country’s eight million date palms and 60 different varieties of dates.
Mystery over pot stocks’ diminished interest returns from $10 million
Investors are mulling why Cann Global earned only $2,000 in interest in three months on $10 million in cash despite raking in interest payments a quarter earlier.
Opinion
Religious freedom
Invidious bill is proof of how craven our politics has become
The government’s new bill hurts our most vulnerable, and does nothing to address the very real problems the country faces.
Jacqueline Maley
Columnist and senior journalist
Live
World Boxing
Kambosos Jnr wins WBA, IBF, WBO championships against Lopez
The undefeated Australian George Kambosos finally had his title shot at Madison Square Garden in a fight which has been brewing for more than 12 months.
No Paine problem: Tassie ready as fallback for Perth Test
Stinging criticism of Cricket Australia for their treatment of Tim Paine won’t count against Hobart hosting if COVID-19 blocks the Perth Test.
New world cricket boss was one Gary Buckenara kick from grand final
Among Geoff Allardice’s achievements is convincing India to embrace the controversial decision review system. Now he is ICC chief executive.
Just in
Editor's Picks
Opinion
Workplace
I’m exhausted by the Great Exhaustion and how the solutions are all wrong
Parnell Palme McGuinness
Columnist and communications adviser
WEEKEND READS
Five times a day 3000-fold: Jakarta’s earful of out-of-sync calls to prayer
The city has more than 3000 mosques causing the adzan from ‘mosque A’ to ring in “our left ear and the call of prayer from ‘mosque B’ goes in our right ear”.
The power and pain of asking uncomfortable questions
Chanel Contos and Grace Tame have underlined just how rampant sexual assault is – and demanded that we deal with it differently.
Local
Victorian pollies left ‘jittery’ by rise in threats and abuse
The Sunday Age has spoken to insiders from half a dozen political parties and all said they had experienced nothing to compare with the current level of abuse from the public.
‘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.
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.
‘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.
‘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.
emerging from the pandemic
Exclusive
Revised modelling predicts worst COVID hospital wave could be averted
Updated Burnet Institute modelling suggests the state’s high vaccination rate could save hospital wards from an unprecedented influx of coronavirus patients.
Exclusive
Why some parents want to vaccinate their kids, others prepared to wait
A big majority of Australians want kids aged 5-11 to be vaccinated for COVID-19 once the jabs are approved, but parents of kids in this age group are more cautious.
Politics
Exclusive
Australia votes
MPs told to prepare farewells amid talk over Hunt, Porter
Retiring MPs have been told to write their valedictory speeches for the last week of Parliament, with speculation Greg Hunt and Christian Porter will join the ranks.
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
Jakarta has had an earful of out-of-sync calls to prayer
The city has more than 3000 mosques causing the adzan from ‘mosque A’ to ring in “our left ear and the call of prayer from ‘mosque B’ goes in our right ear”.
Opinion
‘I was nearly mirroring Pauline Hanson, and it was scary’
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
Why The Beatles deserve a spot in Western culture
Paul Long
Professor in Creative and Cultural Industries
Why the Premier is so popular despite scandals and challenges
Paul Strangio
Political historian
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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
Opinion
ARIAs
Never thought I’d say it, but: well played, ARIAs
This week’s ARIAs could teach the Grammys a thing or two.
Robert Moran
Culture Reporter
Sport
New world cricket boss was a Buckenara kick from grand final
Among Geoff Allardice’s achievements is convincing India to embrace the controversial decision review system. Now he is ICC chief executive.
‘Some rides committed’: Kah set for return this week
Top jockey Jamie Kah, who missed the entire spring through suspension, is due to return next weekend after her broken nose heals.
No Paine problem: Tassie ready as fallback for WA Test
Stinging criticism of Cricket Australia for their treatment of Tim Paine won’t count against Hobart hosting if COVID-19 blocks the Perth Test.
Vaughan apologises for offensive tweets, Rafiq’s pain
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has apologised “for the hurt” that whistleblower Azeem Rafiq experienced at Yorkshire but denied making racist comments.
Live
World Boxing
Kambosos Jnr wins the WBA, IBF and WBO championships against Lopez
Australian George Kambosos is the new undisputed lightweight world champion after a split-decision victory over Teofimo Lopez in New York.
‘Must learn’: Matildas take valuable lessons from US loss
The Matildas problematic defending showed no signs of improving in their 3-0 loss but Caitlin Foord believes the harsh lessons will prove valuable.
‘Shambles’: Barbarians’ clash called off due to outbreak
British authorities cancelled the game between Samoa and a Dave Rennie-coached Barbarians side just 90 minutes before kick-off.
Have Your Say
Why Tigers are well ahead of Geelong on rebuild road
Richmond and Geelong will enter 2022 attempting what the AFL’s draft and salary cap regime is designed to prevent: to contend for the premiership while simultaneously replenishing playing lists that are reliant upon veteran superstars.
