News Archive

Volcanic sunrise in the heart of Bali

Volcanic sunrise in the heart of Bali

The rhythmic patter of rain on the tent wakes us before our alarm: 3:30a.m. Whose idea was this again? We step out into the pitch black and are met by our smiling guide, Made, who hands us torches and ponchos. How can …
Toxic smog envelops Bejing

Toxic smog envelops Bejing

China has paid for its long-term air pollution with an unprecedented haze shrouding Beijing and sparking mass panic over the past three days. On January 12, the Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Centre (BMEMC) announced that the official measurements of PM2.5 fine particulates had reached 993 …
British outraged at ill-fated Aussie prank

British outraged at ill-fated Aussie prank

Less than 48 hours after writing an article for MegaphoneOz criticising the English media’s reaction to Kate Middleton’s pregnancy, I find myself discussing the extraordinary behaviour of the Australian media as well. The British public is outraged at a prank call made by …

Sydney pole dancers win national title

Australia’s Got Talent’s  Matthew Shields shot to fame overnight for his creative Aboriginal dance style on the pole and his performances have encouraged men to get involved in the female-dominated pole dance. But not many people know he now has a dance partner. …

Gurruwiling Eclipse Festival

While tens of thousands of people headed to Cairns to chase the total solar eclipse on November 14, the Yolngu communities around Gurruwiling, East Arnhem Land, hosted a smaller but magnificent event. Gurruwiling, better known as the Arafura Swamp, is where the …
China welcomes Australia’s vision

China welcomes Australia’s vision

Australia’s Asian Century White Paper was welcomed as a great gift for China’s new president Xi Jinping in the Chinese media which also dubbed Australia a “Reform Vanguard” in the second Industrial Revolution led by Asia. The White Paper, which aims to …