Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
When Tom Dearden stepped onto the field as co-captain of the North Queensland Cowboys in 2024 at just 22, few could have predicted the path that brought him there. Two years earlier, he was a fringe player at the Brisbane Broncos, searching for a foothold in the NRL. Now, at 23, he’s not only leading … Read more
Few animated characters have sparked as much conversation about disability representation as Dory, the blue tang with severe short‑term memory loss. Pixar’s 2016 sequel Finding Dory didn’t just bring back a beloved fish—it introduced the studio’s first same‑sex couple and prompted parents, educators, and therapists to ask what Dory’s condition really means. Here’s a clear‑eyed … Read more
There’s a quiet presence behind Dwayne Johnson’s larger-than-life persona — and she has a voice of her own. Lauren Hashian, the singer-songwriter who married the former wrestler-turned-actor in 2019, has built a career in music production while raising two daughters. Age: 40 (born September 8, 1984) · Occupation: Singer-songwriter, producer · Marriage date: August 18, … Read more
Anyone who follows the British royal family knows that the youngest members rarely dominate the headlines. But when Prince Louis, the seven-year-old son of William and Catherine, appeared only a handful of times in public in 2025, the internet filled with questions. Full name: Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Wales · Date of birth: 23 … Read more
Few guitarists can claim to have shaped Australian rock as deeply as Ian Moss, the man whose fretwork has been the backbone of Cold Chisel for over four decades. But beyond the stages and platinum records, a simple detail keeps popping up in fan searches: why does Ian Moss wear nail polish? This isn’t just … Read more
There’s something about a mountain that makes you want to see it up close — especially when it’s Japan’s highest and most iconic peak. At 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707, yet it remains one of the most climbed mountains in the world. Height: 3,776 m … Read more
Few soap characters have been through as many changes — both in casting and in life — as Sam Mitchell. Since first appearing in 1990, she’s been a rebellious teenager, a killer’s accomplice, and a mother of two, but her most recent departure leaves more questions than answers about the Mitchell family’s wild card. First … Read more
Tennis fans often remember the grace of a champion long after the last serve. For Evonne Goolagong Cawley, that memory carries extra weight: she was not just a world No. 1 but a Wiradjuri woman who changed Australian sport forever. Grand Slam singles titles: 7 · Wimbledon singles titles: 2 (1971, 1980) · World No. … Read more
A 9% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 66% audience rating tell the story of a film critics hated but audiences embraced. Joe Dirt, released in 2001, bombed with critics but found a second life on home video and streaming — a textbook case of a cult comedy. Release Year: 2001 · Runtime: 91 minutes · … Read more
If you’ve watched Gen V or Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, you’ve already seen Jaz Sinclair’s work. She’s the actress who brings a grounded intensity to her roles, whether she’s playing a clairvoyant teen or a superhero in training. Full name: Jaz Sinclair · Date of birth: July 22, 1994 · Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, … Read more