Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Charlotte Singh 
There aren’t many figures from the 16th century whose body still draws crowds of pilgrims and curious visitors—yet St. Francis Xavier is one of them. A close friend of Ignatius of Loyola and a founding member of the Jesuit order, Xavier spent the last decade of his life crisscrossing Asia to spread Christianity. What makes … Read more
When a voice that helped shape the soundtrack of several generations falls silent, the music somehow still echoes. Neil Sedaka, the Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter whose catalog of more than 500 songs included unforgettable hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and “Calendar Girl,” died on February 27, 2026, at age 86. Born: March 13, 1939 … Read more
Few actors become part of the holiday season’s fabric like John Heard, whose role as Peter McCallister in Home Alone made him a familiar face in millions of living rooms. He died in 2017 at age 71 from cardiac arrest, raising questions about his family life and professional legacy despite a career that spanned decades … Read more
Most people know Sam Harper as the wicket-keeper who keeps things lively behind the stumps for Victoria and the Melbourne Stars, but he’s also working toward a teaching qualification while balancing a professional cricket career. Full Name: Samuel Bryan Harper · Born: 10 December 1996 · Age: 29 · Batting Style: Right hand Bat · … Read more
Few athletes pack as much drama into a single season as Sam Kerr did between 2024 and 2025. Between an ACL tear that sidelined her from Chelsea and a criminal trial that ended in a not-guilty verdict, the Australian striker has been through the wringer. Nationality: Australian · Current club: Chelsea (Women’s Super League) · … Read more
Finding a travel discount code that actually works at checkout feels better than it should, and for Qantas passengers, promo codes are a real savings tool — but they arrive in your inbox, not on coupon forums. The Qantas Help Center (official airline support) confirms that codes are sent via email with the subject line … Read more
Queensland’s Digital Licence app, launched in July 2023, has already replaced physical licences for over a million residents. This guide covers how to get it, where it’s accepted, and everything else you need to know. Users: Over 1 million Queenslanders · Launch date: July 2023 · Cost: Free · Platforms: iOS and Android · Licence … Read more
Carlos Alcaraz silenced doubts about a tournament plagued by mass withdrawals, defeating Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller on 1 February 2026 to claim his first Australian Open title and become the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam at 22 years, 8 months, and 27 days old. Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, … Read more
Names carry weight. Give a child one label, and the world responds differently — shaping who they become, who loves them, who survives them. Florence Knapp explores this in her debut novel, The Names, where a single choice ripples across three parallel lives for 35 years. If you’ve ever wondered how different your life might … Read more
Best and Less Online: Ultimate Comparison Guide The retail landscape in 2025 presents a more nuanced picture than simple online-versus-offline binaries. While e-commerce continues expanding its footprint, traditional in-store shopping maintains significant consumer appeal, creating an environment where hybrid strategies increasingly define success. Understanding the specific advantages and limitations of each channel has become essential … Read more