First Mildura marathon expects 650 runners, with some having beaten the odds to get to the starting line

Commonwealth sport has gained significant interest, with seven nations from four continents vying to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, including Canada, India, and Nigeria, alongside two mystery nations. Following Victoria's withdrawal as the 2026 host, Scotland will host the Games in Glasgow, serving as a pivotal step towards future events. The new collaborative selection process aims to encourage innovation and flexibility, with a host to be recommended by Commonwealth Sport at their General Assembly in...

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton showcased confidence in his second debate against Prime Minister Albanese but failed to make a significant impact, with neither side achieving a decisive advantage. Dutton's focus on criticizing Labor's record and offering tax cuts fell short of presenting compelling solutions, leading to evasiveness on key issues like housing and climate change. Despite the lackluster performance, with both leaders failing to inspire undecided voters, Dutton's campaign struggles remain evident as he seeks...

GreenTech Metals reported promising results from its diamond drill program at the Whundo copper-zinc project near Karratha, achieving significant intercepts such as 7.14m at 1.46% copper and 1.23% zinc from the Austin conductor and 9.94m at 1.32% copper from the Shelby conductor. The drilling program, which faced delays due to weather, aims to explore mineralised extensions along the Whundo trend and assess potential resource expansion, with plans for a second stage focusing on continuity between...

Extensive coral bleaching has been confirmed at Australia's Great Barrier Reef for the sixth time in less than a decade, driven by warming oceans and severe floods. Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures has led to 41% of surveyed reefs experiencing medium to high bleaching, with the worst stress recorded from Cooktown to Cape York. Experts emphasize the urgent need for climate action, with calls for the Australian government to adopt policies that significantly reduce climate...

China has appointed Li Chenggang as its new top international trade negotiator, replacing Wang Shouwen amid ongoing tariff tensions with the US, where China faces 145% taxes on exports. Despite a reported 5.4% annual economic growth in early 2024, analysts predict a significant slowdown due to US tariffs, with China responding with 125% tariffs on American exports. As domestic consumption struggles, China is exploring alternatives to the US market, including leveraging its vast consumer base...

Bank of Queensland's Financial PerformanceShares in Bank of Queensland (BoQ) rose 4.7% to $6.81 despite the bank warning of an expected increase in bad loans due to economic uncertainty. For the six months ending February, BoQ reported total income of $793 million, slightly lower than the previous year, but post-tax cash earnings rose 6% to $183 million, surpassing expectations. The bank completed the conversion of its branches and declared an interim dividend of 18¢ per...