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Introducing the individuals dedicated to combating hate and promoting unity within communities.
This week, the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion witnessed a significant change in atmosphere as witnesses presented their testimonies, emphasizing the positive grassroots initiatives aimed at fostering social unity. As the commission approaches its final week of public hearings, it has received insights from scholars, human rights advocates, and community organizations, all underscoring…
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The number of geisha in Tokyo has dramatically declined from 13,000 in 1940.
In a bustling Tokyo shopping center, an impressive hologram of Ikuko, an esteemed 86-year-old geisha, captivated shoppers as she performed in a flowing black kimono. The holographic presentation featured her bowing and conversing with onlookers, effortlessly transitioning to a digitally rendered younger version of herself, demonstrating the intersection of tradition and technology. While Ikuko acknowledges…
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Southern Hemisphere’s Most Extensive Collection of Melanesian Artifacts Faces Closure
Approximately 2,500 artefacts from Melanesia will be moved to off-site storage as the South Australian Museum embarks on an extended restoration initiative. In the interim, the gallery space will host ticketed exhibitions, raising concerns that financial motivations may underlie this decision. The museum has assured stakeholders that it intends to return the collection to its…
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Former Sydney church transformed into LGBT nightclub instructed to halt ‘offensive operations’
A new LGBTQIA+ nightclub, Divine Playhouse, has been instructed by its landlords to halt operations deemed “offensive” following complaints from religious organizations. On July 8, approximately 70 individuals assembled outside the former Catholic church located in Sydney’s Central Business District to protest the establishment’s grand opening. Consequently, all upcoming events at the venue have been…
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Fran Lebowitz: A Master of Wit, Sharp Critique, and Unrestrained Honesty
Fran Lebowitz is seen chain-smoking as she expresses her reluctance to ever return to Australia. At 75, the renowned American writer, critic, and documentary personality is conversing with me in a designated outdoor area for smokers right before we are set to take the stage for a live audience interview. With just moments to spare…
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A Divine Claim: France and Vanuatu Compete for Ownership of Enigmatic Islands
Approximately 300 kilometers to the east of New Caledonia lie two islands, Matthew and Hunter, which some locals believe to be home to a deity. Bruno Senges, who sailed to Matthew Island in 2021, did not have a divine encounter, but he found the island’s dramatic landscape compelling enough to consider the possibility. “The scenery…
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Revitalizing Maryborough: The Visionaries Restoring Historic Landmarks
Residents in Maryborough are actively engaged in restoring a number of heritage-listed structures with the aim of creating a vibrant entertainment and dining district. These initiatives are anticipated to breathe new life into the city’s central business area, which has recently been affected by issues related to anti-social behavior. A community advocate is urging both…
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Exploring Why Darwin Surpasses Melbourne in the Realm of Australia’s Street Art
A collective of artists asserts that Darwin, not Melbourne, holds the title of Australia’s street art capital, supporting their claim with compelling statistics. The organizers of the Darwin Street Art Festival highlight that the city, located in the Top End, features one public mural for every 950 residents, thus earning the distinction of being the…
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New Exhibition Illuminates the Untold Stories of Western Australia’s Pre-Colonial Era
The Menang-led exhibition is transforming the way Australia observes its colonial history, shifting the focus from celebration to a combination of remembrance and historical inquiry. Oral histories that have been specially recorded will be incorporated into the state archive, enriching the documentation of local heritage. Menang elder Carol Pettersen expresses her aspiration for a growing…
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Women of Hormuz Reflect on Their Island Lives Transforming from Paradise to Struggle
For many years, the islands located in the Strait of Hormuz attracted a specific type of visitor. Prior to the onset of conflict, backpackers utilized the spare rooms of local villagers, families delighted in picnicking at the vibrant Red Beach on Hormuz Island, and urban Iranians were drawn to the island’s unique geological formations and…
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Church bells echo for three hours as ringers achieve their inaugural ‘marathon’ peal.
A significant milestone was achieved as a unique set of bells completed its inaugural full peal during an impressive three-hour ringing session. A full peal consists of 5,040 variations in the arrangement of the bells. In Bundaberg, these six bells represent the heaviest set in Australia, weighing a total of 1,400 kilograms, and are among…
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Court Reveals Producer of Rebel Wilson Film Dubbed ‘Indian Ghislaine Maxwell’
Rebel Wilson is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by actress Charlotte MacInnes, who appears in Wilson’s latest film, The Deb. MacInnes alleges that Wilson made defamatory statements about her on social media, suggesting that she falsely claimed to have been sexually harassed by producer Amanda Ghost in exchange for acting opportunities. Furthermore, Wilson has been…
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Zein Confronts Her Lost Memories of Syria and Finds Healing in Acceptance
Zein cherishes her memories of Syria through small, everyday elements. These memories are evoked by the scent of jasmine, the sight of rose bushes, or even the presence of a tabby cat. These fragments connect her to family members who are approximately 12,000 kilometers away. Although she speaks with her grandfather every Sunday, the last…