Sunrise

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Financial wellness coach Betsy Westcott evaluates popular spending choices, recommending coffee machines, robot vacuums, stylists, building and pest inspections, and quality mattresses as worthwhile investments. She advises against Uber Eats, brand name pantry items, cars beyond one's budget, bottled water, and extended warranties as poor uses of money. A coffee machine can save approximately $37,000 over six years compared to café purchases, while switching to generic brands can save $3,500 annually.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fossil discovered near Richmond, Queensland reveals unprecedented evidence of prehistoric predator-prey relationships from over 100 million years ago. The six to seven metre ichthyosaur fossil contains pterosaur remains in its stomach and displays more than 50 bite marks throughout its skeleton from a larger marine carnivore, a plesiosaur. The specimen, found in 2019 and fully excavated three years later, required over 600 hours of laboratory preparation and represents the first time scientists have documented both stomach contents and extensive predation evidence in a single ichthyosaur fossil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A massive saltwater crocodile was filmed tracking young children standing dangerously close to the water at Kales Crossing in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. The family ignored warning signs and pedestrian access restrictions at the notorious crocodile hotspot, prompting park rangers to intervene. Kakadu National Park manager Kyle Lindner warns that such behaviour encourages crocodiles to become more vigilant around humans, creating life-threatening situations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pauline Hanson is seeking to appeal a Federal Court decision to the High Court after the court upheld its original verdict that her 2024 tweet directed at Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi constituted a strong form of racism. The One Nation leader has engaged one of Australia's top high court advocates to pursue the appeal and potentially overturn the Federal Court's ruling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan faces a leadership challenge with the majority of her colleagues reportedly wanting her to step down just four months before the state election. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll is positioned as the likely successor, though concerns exist about whether a leadership change can salvage Labor's electoral prospects. The challenge comes amid 71% dissatisfaction polling for Allan and criticism over her handling of bail laws, corruption issues, and infrastructure decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly half of full-time workers in Australia now engage in side hustles, earning approximately $1,000 per month to help manage rising cost of living pressures. Popular side hustles include online coaching at up to $500 per hour, tutoring at around $100 per hour, labour jobs like cleaning and gardening through platforms like Airtasker, and selling pre-loved goods online. What was once considered extra spending money has become a significant contribution to household budgets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia faces potential economic challenges with inflation forecast to surge past 7% and oil prices potentially doubling to over 200 US dollars per barrel if Middle East conflicts continue to escalate. The Federal Government has announced plans for a new oil refinery in Western Australia, which could take seven to ten years to become operational, as part of efforts to secure the nation's energy supply. Strategic oil stocks from IEA member countries that have helped contain prices are set to run out in coming weeks, while global refining capacity faces shortfalls due to Russian refineries halting exports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Ferguson, founder of a major independent news platform, has announced her candidacy to challenge Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the seat of Graindler at the next federal election. Ferguson, a local resident born in the electorate, criticises Albanese's 30-year tenure and accuses him of being beholden to gambling and fossil fuel lobbies. Her campaign focuses on gas export taxation, gambling advertising reform, and political transparency, targeting what she describes as a broken political system that fails to represent progressive community interests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miniature donkeys Humphrey and Mabel live at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane. These intelligent animals possess remarkable memories that allow them to remember faces and potentially hold grudges. The sanctuary has successfully trained them using target training techniques, which enables handlers to move them voluntarily and reward positive behaviours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iona Anderson wins gold for Australia in the women's 100 metres backstroke final in Glasgow, overtaking Canadian leader Kylie Mars in the final 25 metres. Anderson, who has Scottish heritage, demonstrated dynamic stroke work and strong underwater technique throughout the race. Hannah Fredericks also competed for Australia, showing a strong start and different racing strategy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian swimmer Cam McEvoy wins gold in the 50-metre freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, completing his collection of major swimming titles after a 12-year journey that saw him finish silver in the same pool in 2012. McEvoy revolutionised his training approach by reducing his weekly swimming distance from 30 kilometres to just 1.5 kilometres while significantly increasing strength training and adding 15 kilograms of muscle mass. The victory marks his final missing piece after previously winning World Championship gold, Olympic gold, and setting world records.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American Express is committing up to $2 million in grants to support Australian small businesses, offering 50 grants of $20,000 each, with potential for another 50 grants based on customer purchases made with Amex cards at small businesses between the first and seventh. A new Amex survey reveals Australia's favourite small business shopping destinations, with South Melbourne topping the list, followed by Surry Hills, Paddington and Darlinghurst tied for second, and Parramatta in third. Surfer and business owner Mick Fanning serves as an Amex ambassador for the initiative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Spear, former Home and Away actor, has been cast in the lead role of the Australian premiere of Mrs. Doubtfire the musical, playing both Mrs. Doubtfire and Daniel Hillard. The West End production will debut at Melbourne's Princess Theatre in November 2025 before moving to Sydney in March 2026. The musical is based on the beloved 1993 film starring Robin Williams, with Spear undergoing a three-hour prosthetics process to transform into the iconic Scottish nanny character.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Holland and Zendaya discuss their decade-long journey with the Spider-Man franchise as they promote the fourth instalment, 'A Brand New Day'. The film picks up from the previous movie where a spell made the world forget Peter Parker's identity, exploring themes of anonymity and fame. Holland reflects on the privilege of working with people he loves while growing up together through the franchise, while Zendaya celebrates her breakthrough year with multiple major film releases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's unemployment rate remains steady at 4.4 per cent, with 76,000 new jobs added to the economy and increased workforce participation. CEOs are increasingly choosing to retrain existing staff in AI and technology skills rather than hiring new workers, with EY reporting twice as many organisations committing to reskilling programmes. The demand for AI capabilities is reshaping workforce requirements and career development strategies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian swimmers dominate at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with multiple gold medals, including victories by Cam McEvoy, Lani Pallister, Iona Anderson, Tim Hodge, and the men's 4x200m relay team. Cam McEvoy's self-designed training method proves successful after doubts from the swimming community, while Tim Hodge wins gold in the 100m backstroke following his role as King's baton bearer. Distance swimmer Lani Pallister continues her impressive performance despite a gruelling schedule, and Sam Short sets his sights on Ian Thorpe's Australian record.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended an exclusive dinner at a $40 million Sydney harbourside home owned by the son of a Chinese billionaire who is accused of funnelling money from China into Australian bank accounts and is subject to a tax office security claim. The Australian Financial Review reported that a $1 million donation to the Labor Party was promised at the dinner, prompting criticism from Senator David Pocock about cash for access to government. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek defended the attendance while highlighting new electoral donation disclosure laws starting 1 January that will cap individual donations at $50,000 and require real-time disclosure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running for Resilience is a Canberra-based initiative founded by Wallabies and Brumbies legend Ben Alexander, 2026 ACT Local Hero, with the goal of making Canberra suicide-free. The organisation hosts various community events including running, yoga, pickleball, tennis, stand-up paddleboarding, and other activities designed to bring people together and reduce stigma around mental health conversations. Young Australian of the Year Ned Brockman joins the group for a morning run in the nation's capital as Australian of the Year nominations close.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost half of all dementia cases could be prevented through lifestyle modifications, according to a new World Health Organisation report. Key preventative measures include avoiding soft drinks, limiting alcohol to four standard drinks per week, eliminating artificial sweeteners, and steering clear of toxic relationships and social isolation. Beneficial practices include eating whole foods like berries, leafy greens and oily fish, engaging in strength training to maintain muscle mass, and pursuing lifelong learning activities such as dancing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media companies are allegedly deliberately flouting Australia's laws designed to protect teenagers from social media access, with whistleblowers claiming they seek court battles to overturn the bans. The companies reportedly want to challenge the legislation on grounds of whether they're taking reasonable steps to keep children off their platforms. Australia's communication minister has vowed not to back down on protecting children, as other countries including France adopt similar measures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ricotta gnocchi is made from scratch using flour, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, combined with a kale pesto made from Tuscan kale, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil. Chef Jamie Gannon demonstrates how to mix the dough, roll it into ropes, cut it into pillows, and cook the gnocchi in boiling water until it floats. The dish is finished by tossing the cooked gnocchi with kale pesto and pasta water.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gulguer National Park is being established west of Bringelly in Sydney's west, spanning an area more than three times the size of Centennial Park. The park will provide habitat for 28 threatened species and preserve Aboriginal rock art and artefacts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Ramani, a world-renowned psychologist with over 2 million online followers, explains narcissistic personality traits including low empathy, entitlement, manipulation and gaslighting. She discusses early warning signs such as blame-shifting, difficulty tolerating frustration, and how these relationships leave people feeling confused and self-blaming. While personality change is difficult, she emphasises understanding these patterns and setting realistic expectations rather than solely focusing on cutting contact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian swimmer Lani Pallister has won gold in the 200 metre freestyle and silver in the 400 metre freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the 1500 and 800 metre events still to come. Her mother Janelle Pallister, herself a gold medallist at the 1990 Commonwealth Games and former Olympian, discusses watching her daughter's races and the dedication required to reach elite competition level. Janelle emphasises the importance of memories over medals and supports Lani's training under coach Dean Boxall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Helena Popovic joins the Sunrise crew discussing measures that can be taken to prevent dementia. The advice from the WHO includes avoiding soft drink, toxic relationships and social isolation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of motorbike riders take the streets of the Gold Coast today commemorating Jack Beasley and raising awareness against knife violence. The ride honours the life of Beasley who was fatally stabbed in December 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media companies are reportedly defying Australia's under-16 age ban by deliberately ignoring the law and preparing for potential court challenges, using tactics similar to those employed by the tobacco industry. Industry whistleblowers claim 80% of children under 16 are still accessing social media platforms despite the ban. A US university has launched an undergraduate major in content creation, sparking debate about whether influencer careers warrant formal tertiary education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia dominates the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a commanding lead at the top of the medal tally, achieving 23 medals compared to England's 15. Australian athletes deliver outstanding performances including Sam Short's gold in the men's 400-metre freestyle with a 1-2-3 podium sweep, Molly O'Callaghan's victory in the 200-metre freestyle, and the Diamonds' 61-point win over Tonga in netball. Sam Williamson's emotional gold medal in the 100-metre breaststroke proves particularly inspiring, as he was told he might never swim breaststroke again after a severe knee injury just 12 months earlier.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golden retrievers gather annually at Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast for a community event where owners and dog enthusiasts can meet and spend time with the breed. The weather forecast covers conditions across Australian capital cities, with Brisbane reaching 21 degrees and sunny conditions, while other cities experience varied weather including fog in Canberra and showers in Adelaide and Perth. The event coincides with Australia's gold medal success at the Commonwealth Games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia secured 20 medals in the first two days of swimming competition at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, including nine gold medals. Notable performances included a clean sweep of the men's 400m freestyle podium, Molly O'Callaghan winning the women's 200m freestyle, and Sam Williamson claiming gold in the breaststroke just 12 months after a serious knee injury that left him unable to walk. Elijah Winnington won silver in the 400m freestyle despite being unwell in the 24 hours before his race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queensland has recorded its first case of H5 bird flu after a deceased petrel washed up on Moreton Island tested positive for the virus. The sample has been sent to CSIRO laboratories for confirmation by the federal government, with results expected in several days. State authorities have contacted poultry farmers across Queensland and increased biosecurity measures, while advising the public that the risk to humans remains low.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Gray from the Pipers of Distinction performs traditional Scottish bagpipes on Australian breakfast television ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Gray and his group of 62 musicians are departing for Glasgow to compete in the World Championships, having spent 18 months fundraising and preparing for the trip. The performance celebrates Scotland's cultural presence at the Commonwealth Games and promotes Scottish piping and dancing traditions to new generations in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians are spending an average of $106 per month on hobbies and passions, totalling approximately $26 billion annually, despite ongoing cost of living pressures. Sport and outdoor activities top the list of hobby spending, with younger Australians spending around $130 per month compared to older generations who spend approximately $80. ING research reveals households have protected their budgets for both essential expenses and recreational activities that bring them joy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A police officer sustained a knee injury during an RBT operation in South Granville, Western Sydney, when a male passenger re-entered a vehicle and drove away after being removed. The 27-year-old female driver remains in custody at Granville Police Station while police continue searching for the male companion who fled the scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GWS Giants captain Toby Greene discusses the upcoming Sydney Derby against crosstown rivals the Sydney Swans as both teams compete for finals positions. Greene addresses speculation about his playing future amid reported interest from Geelong, stating he will make a decision after the season ends while expressing confidence in the Giants' direction. The longtime rivalry match features high stakes as the Giants aim for consistency in their finals push.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S. Kidman is an Australian clothing brand specialising in handcrafted hats, boots and country wear, inspired by cattle king Sidney Kidman who became Australia's biggest landowner starting in 1899. Each custom hat takes three to five hours to create through a detailed process including steaming, sanding, burning and shaping. The brand is opening a new flagship store in Brisbane's Eagle Street in late August and is partnering with Hancock Prospecting to support Australian athletes at the Commonwealth Games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coles Ambassador Courtney Roulston demonstrates how to prepare sticky cashew beef, an Asian-inspired slow-cooked dish that combines diced beef with Chinese cooking wine, soy sauce, five spice, ginger, garlic, and roasted cashews. The recipe requires only 10 minutes of hands-on preparation before slow cooking for an hour and 15 minutes, then reducing to create a thick, sticky sauce served over thin noodles. This dish is part of Coles' World of Flavour series showcasing international cuisines popular with Australian home cooks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 'protein halo' is a marketing strategy where food manufacturers label products as high in protein to make them appear healthier, often charging premium prices despite minimal protein content differences from regular versions. Many protein-labelled products require only 5-10 grams of protein per serve, with manufacturers determining serving sizes themselves. Natural protein sources like Greek yoghurt and eggs provide equivalent or superior protein content at significantly lower costs than specialty protein-marketed products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pam the Bird graffiti on Melbourne's Bolte Bridge is being removed at a cost between $100,000 and $200,000, despite a petition with 10,000 signatures calling for its preservation. The removal involves rope access specialists abseiling 140 metres to paint over the 200 square metre artwork, which has been displayed for 16 days. The graffiti artist responsible is currently in custody facing multiple graffiti charges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samsung has unveiled its newest foldable phones in London, featuring a wider design optimised for landscape video viewing rather than traditional scrolling. The device includes AI-powered camera features like 'my fan cam' for refocusing shots and dual recording for reaction videos. Samsung is also launching smart glasses as part of its push towards wearable technology that doesn't look overtly tech-focused.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data reveals the Australian postcodes that produced the most lottery winners over the past financial year, with Victorians claiming 138 Division One wins out of 492 nationally. While Victoria had the most winners, New South Wales players took home the largest total prize money at $452 million. The postcodes for Cairns-Irville in far north Queensland and Melbourne CBD each sold four Division One winning entries, the highest in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have threatened to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, days after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. The blocking of both straits could choke off almost 30% of global oil and gas shipments, forcing Saudi Arabia to use longer, more expensive shipping routes around Africa that add four weeks to delivery times. Australia, which imports 90% of its oil needs from Asian refineries, faces higher costs as the world's biggest diesel importer competing for limited supplies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump has threatened to bomb civilian infrastructure in Tehran, including bridges and power plants, if Iran continues attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The warning follows the deaths of four US service members, with three killed in an Iranian attack on their base in Jordan and one in northern Iraq. The Pentagon reports 18 American soldiers have been killed and over 100 wounded during the five-month conflict, while Iran's foreign minister has vowed retaliation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Melbourne woman, Michelle Buckley, was incorrectly declared dead by a hospital after another patient's discharge summary contained her name and date of birth. Her family mourned for approximately two weeks before the error was discovered, causing significant distress to relatives including an elderly aunt. Michelle has launched legal action through Slater and Gordon to investigate how the mix-up occurred and ensure it doesn't happen to others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian teachers are conducting their second strike of the year, walking off the job after rejecting the state government's offer of a 28.3% pay increase for all staff. The Australian Education Union Victoria argues that the dispute centres on workload conditions, school funding shortfalls, and teachers working an average of 12 hours unpaid overtime weekly, with only 3 in 10 members planning to stay in the public sector until retirement. Union representatives criticise Victoria as the lowest-funded state for public education despite being called the 'education state'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales Transport Department is considering an automated enforcement system where artificial intelligence would issue traffic fines for mobile phone use and seatbelt violations without human oversight. Currently, AI scans for infringements but all detections are manually verified by humans before fines are issued. The proposed system would use AI-assisted decisioning and adjudication, raising concerns about accuracy and the appeals process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures from Mozo reveal the average Australian has more than $40,000 in savings accounts, with the nation holding approximately $1.5 trillion in deposits. The household savings ratio has grown to 6.2%, though balances vary significantly by generation, from baby boomers averaging $68,000 to those in their 20s holding between $8,000 and $10,000. Despite cost of living pressures, 46% of Australians report that maintaining savings remains a priority for financial confidence and peace of mind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian actress Charlotte McGuinness plans to appeal a judge's ruling in her defamation case against Rebel Wilson. The judge dismissed the case and found both parties to be unreliable witnesses during proceedings related to Instagram posts. McGuinness has been ordered to pay Wilson's legal costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mapleton is a small town on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, home to the historic Mapleton Public House, a paddock-to-plate pub built in 1909 that sources produce from a regenerative farm just three kilometres away. The town is surrounded by Mapleton National Park and waterfalls, offering bushwalking and scenic views towards Maroochydore. The region is hosting a food festival expecting 10,000 visitors over 10 days, showcasing local produce and food experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.