Toodyay is the natural choice for a winter daytrip

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has suspended its aid distribution due to threats from Hamas, which it claims jeopardize innocent lives, but remains committed to resuming operations. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have recovered the body of Thai hostage Nattapong Pinta, previously held by the Mujahedeen Brigades, as airstrikes in Gaza resulted in 45 deaths amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation, with hospitals facing imminent fuel shortages. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 54,000 Palestinian lives since the...

In Western Australia, respiratory infections like influenza, whooping cough, and COVID-19 have surged, prompting the Australian Medical Association to advocate for vaccinations, especially for at-risk groups. WA's RSV immunisation program has significantly reduced hospitalisations among infants by over 50%, saving the health system millions. However, vaccination rates for COVID and influenza are alarmingly low, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, necessitating urgent action and expert guidance from healthcare providers. Full Article

Ukraine has postponed the exchange of prisoners of war and the acceptance of deceased soldiers' bodies indefinitely, according to Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky. Despite agreements reached during the recent peace talks in Istanbul to exchange over 6,000 bodies and prioritize the youngest and severely wounded prisoners, Ukrainian officials did not respond to inquiries, and Medinsky urged adherence to the schedule. He noted that 1,212 bodies are ready for exchange, and a list of 640 prisoners...

SummaryThe City of Nedlands has defended its management of parkland near the planned Swanbourne children's hospice after WA's Lands Minister John Carey announced intentions to excise the area due to the council's rejection of a $4 million redevelopment proposal by the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation. The city cited bushfire protection concerns and the need to maintain low vegetation as reasons for its stance, while Carey criticized the council for hindering the hospice's development. The excision...

After four days in the vibrant Orchard Road, the author spends a night at the newly opened Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The resort, designed with biophilic principles, offers amenities like a rooftop infinity pool and a Banyan Tree Spa, and emphasizes sustainability, receiving the Green Mark Super Low Energy certification. Guests can enjoy tailored wildlife experiences, including a Night Safari, while appreciating the resort's nature-inspired decor and...

NSW Premier Chris Minns has criticized the federal government's tobacco tax, claiming it is driving law-abiding citizens into the black market, and called for a reassessment of the tobacco excise due to declining revenue. He pointed out the rise of illicit tobacco sales in NSW, with approximately 19,500 tobacco stores now operating and suggested that police resources may need to be redirected to combat this issue. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has ruled out changing the...