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30/01/2025

Heartwarming milestones and memorable moments were abundant as Queensland students and teachers returned to classrooms this week for that start of another school year.

Around 890,000 young people donned their school uniforms across the state, with thousands of teachers welcoming them, alongside new colleagues.

At St Augustine's Parish Primary School Currumbin Waters, long-serving teacher Alan Dick shared the teacher reins with Zac West, one of his former students.

Mr Dick, who has taught at the school for 46 years, said Mr West entered his Gold Coast classroom as a “high-spirited” Year 7 student.

“I remember Zac as a talented sportsman and a good lad from a wonderful family,” he said.

“It’s a full-circle moment for me. Seeing someone I taught return as a teacher is one of the greatest rewards of this profession.

“It’s a reminder of the lasting impact we have as educators.”

Mr West said Mr Dick was “a great teacher.”

“(He was) firm, fair, and always had a sense of humour. It’s exciting to work alongside him now.”

Mr West said walking back into the grounds brought back memories of going to the Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) school.

“The school turns 100 in 2026, and I feel honoured to be part of its legacy,” he said.

Up on the Sunshine Coast, the St Joseph's Primary School Nambour community doesn’t need to wait to celebrate its centenary, ringing in that momentous milestone in 2025.

For past student James De Vere the centenary holds special significance, as not only will he witness the unveiling of a time capsule he saw buried 25 years ago, when he was in Year 1, but his son started Prep at the school this week.

“Now, I’ll be sitting there with my son, Ben, sharing this milestone with him at the very school where my journey began,” Mr De Vere said.

Ben’s journey at St Joseph’s marks the third generation of his family connected to the school.

Principal Michelle Young said Ben’s grandfather, Stephen, played a part in constructing the school’s Harmony Garden.

Ms Young said it was an enduring symbol of the school’s commitment to community and care.

“Since St Joseph’s founding by the Good Samaritan Sisters in 1925, it has been a cornerstone of faith, learning, and community in the Sunshine Coast region,” she said.

The community focus is reflected at two other BCE schools at the forefront of providing students with a seamless transition to school.

St Eugene College, Burpengary and My St Patrick's College Gympie are making significant strides in tailoring their approach to meet the needs of students.

St Eugene College Principal Louise Olley said her staff was embracing the idea that “school readiness is a two-way street”.

“We don’t believe that the student must be ready for school,” Ms Olley said.

“The school must also be ready for the student.

“We engage our Prep and Year 7 students at the very start of their educational journey, to find out what their expectations are of school.

“This allows us to tailor our approach to support their individual needs and ensure a smooth transition to Prep and secondary school.”

She said they kept the conversation going throughout the year, which helped the school make adjustments and ensure students were always supported as they grew.

St Patrick’s College Principal Mark Newton and his team was dedicated to helping Year 7 students tackle math misconceptions as they transitioned from primary to secondary school.

“If a Year 7 student enters high school with gaps in their understanding of certain mathematical concepts, this can impact their ability to build on foundational knowledge,” he said.

“At St Patrick’s we’re using strategies to help bridge these gaps and make connections between concepts.”

Students at Unity College Caloundra are bridging the gap between the classroom and the environment, building on a boat building project which is set to make waves in local waterways.

Principal Brett Jones said students built a boat that would allow them to deploy durable oyster baskets, currently being constructed in partnership with the local fishing group OzFish.

Mr Jones said, now fully afloat, the boat would soon transport oyster-filled baskets, which would provide crucial homes for baby oysters, naturally filtering the water as they grow.

He said each oyster could filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, making them an effective and sustainable solution for cleaner waterways.

“The oyster baskets originated as an extension of the boat-building project, which began as a simple boat construction initiative.

“As the project progressed, it evolved into a broader educational experience, incorporating skills in fabrication, environmental science, and teamwork,” he said.

Unity College teacher Kevin Visser said by involving students in every part of the process, from cutting to welding, assembly of the boat, and finally, the launch and deployment of the oyster baskets, the project underscores Unity’s commitment to sustainable practices and cross-curricular learning.

“Students across multiple classes have contributed to both the boat and oyster basket projects, gaining skills that are directly applicable to future careers, all while earning valuable certifications through our Vocational Education and Training program,” Mr Visser said.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/education/milestones-and-moments-mark-back-to-school-magic/

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Heartwarming milestones and memorable moments were abundant as Queensland students returned to school. | Newsreel

30/01/2025

Celebrated international ballet professional Ivan Gil-Ortega is Queensland Ballet’s new Artistic Director.

Queensland Ballet Chair Brett Clark said Mr Gil-Ortega had more than 25 years’ experience, holding roles with companies and creatives around the world, including Principal Dancer, Assistant Director, Artistic Consultant, Freelance Rehearsal Director, Stager, and Coach.

Mr Clark said his career was marked by artistic excellence, technical proficiency, and compelling character interpretations, showcasing elegance and remarkable partnering skills.

“Since 2007, Ivan has represented multiple international ballet companies, directing, and staging major productions worldwide,” he said.

Mr Clark said Mr Gil-Ortega was brimming with ideas around nurturing home-grown talent in Australia as well as exploring world-stage collaborations and exchanges, which would see him leaning into his international peers and networks.

“Throughout the recruitment process, Ivan articulated his vision very clearly with a particular focus on our dancers of today and our dancers of tomorrow, through the work of our Academy.”

Mr Gil-Ortega said Queensland Ballet was a Company he had always admired and one that had dared to dream big.

“It feels like everything has aligned perfectly to make this the right opportunity for me and for Queensland Ballet —the people, the place, and the potential.

“This is a dream come true for me and my family, and I am eager to add my energy and passion to the inspiring Queensland Ballet team.”

Mr Clark extended his gratitude to the Acting Artistic Director Greg Horsman, who took the reins following Leanne Benjamin’s departure in August 2024.

“It is no secret that we have been through a turbulent time of late and we acknowledge Greg, (Executive Director) Dilshani (Weerasinghe) and the wider Queensland Ballet team’s dedication which saw us closing 2024 in good spirits.”

Mr Clark said Mr Gil-Ortega would arrive mid-February and oversee a fully programmed 2025 season.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/arts/gil-ortega-new-queensland-ballet-artistic-director/

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Celebrated international ballet professional Ivan Gil-Ortega is Queensland Ballet’s new Artistic Director. | Newsreel

30/01/2025

Researchers have developed a one-minute video game which can accurately differentiate between children with autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dr Stewart Mostofsky, from the Kennedy Krieger Institute in the United States, said the tool, called the Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI), used motion-tracking technology to detect differences in motor imitation skills.

Dr Mostofsky said the tool was a step forward in how to diagnose autism.

“Diagnosing autism can be challenging, especially when children have overlapping traits with other conditions like ADHD,” he said.

“If the condition is misdiagnosed, it can impact support and resources for the child.”

Dr Mostofsky said in the study, 183 children, aged 7–13, were asked to copy the dance-like movements of a video avatar for one minute, while their imitation performance was measured using CAMI.

He said the video game tool was able to correctly distinguish children with autism compared to neurotypical children with an 80 percent success rate.

“CAMI also differentiated autism from ADHD with 70 percent accuracy.

“This is a particular challenge because ADHD and autism often co-occur, and it can be hard to identify the diagnoses.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/new-video-game-effective-in-identifying-autism-in-children/

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Researchers have developed a one-minute video game which can accurately identify children with autism. | Newsreel

30/01/2025

Academy Award-winner actor Russell Crowe heads back to Queensland next month for filming of the action thriller Bear Country.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said Bear Country would be shot in and around the Gold Coast.

Ms Feeney said the production would benefit from the skill and expertise of local screen practitioners as well as helping grow the industry’s next generation.

“We hear time and time again from Australian and international producers that Queensland’s crew base is second to none,” she said.

“It’s fantastic that we can welcome back a global star like Russell Crowe to experience all our screen production sector can offer while enjoying the best of our Queensland lifestyle.”

Ms Feeney said after filming Land of Bad in late 2022, Crowe was returning to the sunshine state to reunite with Unhinged director and co-writer Derrick Borte on Bear Country.

She said Bear Country would also provide crucial training opportunities for emerging crew through Screen Queensland’s Attachment Program which offered paid, on-set positions working under experienced industry veterans.

Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the production would employ around 95 people, while generating an estimated $11.9 million for the economy.

“Queensland’s international reputation as a production powerhouse (and) I’m confident the Gold Coast’s incredible natural environment will shine in Bear Country.”

Nickel City Pictures Producer and CEO Mark Fasano said the Gold Coast offered a combination of diverse locations, talented local crews and fantastic creatives.

Mr Fasano said Bear Country was adapted from the Thomas Perry novel Strip and sees Crowe play an ageing but formidable club owner, Manco Kapak.

“When Kapak is robbed by a masked gunman, his aspirations of selling his club and riding off into the sunset alongside his girlfriend appear more distant than ever.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/arts/russell-crowe-back-in-queensland-for-bear-country/

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Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe heads back to Queensland next month for filming of the action thrilling Bear Country. | Newsreel

29/01/2025

Queensland women with an aggressive type of breast cancer have the opportunity to take part in a world-first trial of a new treatment.

Research by QIMR Berghofer scientists has led to the development of a promising combination therapy that targets a currently treatment-resistant breast cancer.

Professor Sudha Rao said the treatment could offer hope for patients who have few options to treat the deadly disease, with the Brisbane-based Institute recruiting 24 women with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, to receive the combination therapy at sites across Queensland.

Professor Rao said the treatment was a result of QIMR Berghofer scientists collaborating with Australian drug development company Kazia Therapeutics, and combining its drug candidate, paxalisib, with immunotherapy in pre-clinical models.

She said the team discovered that this combination approach triggered a molecular epigenetic process where dormant cancer cells were re-programmed, making them visible to the immune system, while also reinvigorating the immune cells to fight the tumour cells.

“The hope is to prolong survival of patients through the new combined therapy.”

Professor Rao said triple-negative breast cancer was more commonly diagnosed in younger women, aged under 40 years.

She said if the disease spread to other parts of the body, treatment options were very limited.

“There is no cure for advanced triple-negative breast cancer and the life expectancy for these women is tragically short. We want to identify treatments to extend the duration and quality of life of these patients,” Professor Rao said.

“This could be a game changer because we know immunotherapy is only successful in a handful of patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

“Our pre-clinical findings have given us real hope that paxalisib could ensure immunotherapy is effective for more patients.”

Professor Rao said the clinical trial had begun recruiting patients at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, with more trial sites planned for the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/education/world-first-queensland-trial-targets-aggressive-cancer/

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Queensland women with aggressive breast cancer have the opportunity to be part of a world-first trial of a new treatment. | Newsreel

29/01/2025

A renewable energy system developed to preserve agricultural land has been found to increase greenhouse emissions.

A study in the United States found that floating solar, the emerging practice of putting solar panels on bodies of water to spare agricultural and conservation lands, increased greenhouse gas emissions on small ponds by nearly 27 percent.

Cornell University Assistant Professor Steven Grodsky said this was the first manipulative study of floating solar which produced empirical results.

“It’s saying, here’s what’s actually happening. And what we found was that there was increased greenhouse gas emissions from ponds with floating solar,” Assistant Professor Grodsky said.

He said researchers covered three ponds with solar panels, at 70 percent coverage, and found that, almost immediately, methane and carbon dioxide emissions increased – by 26.8% compared to ponds without solar panels – and dissolved oxygen throughout the ponds substantially decreased.

“If you put floating solar on there, you’re drastically reducing oxygen availability for organisms, you’re messing with ecological processes, how decomposition takes place, the microbes, the way wind moves across the surface of the water. It’s all connected.”

Assistant Professor Grodsky said the data was important because much of the floating solar development in the United States was currently happening on small lakes and ponds.

He said the study did offer some bright sides for floating solar.

“When comparing floating solar to terrestrial solar in total emissions cost, from site development to maintenance and disposal, the floating solar’s greenhouse gas emissions (per kilowatt hour of energy generated) are likely still lower than terrestrial solar and fossil fuel-based energy production.”

Assistant Professor Grodsky said 70 percent coverage also represented an outer limit, and the panels’ impacts may be offset by reducing coverage or installing a bubbler to agitate the water, although more research was needed.

“It’s all about trade-offs. But we need to be aware of what’s happening to be able to adapt – maybe siting differently, or designing the panels differently, or changing the percentage of cover,” he said.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/floating-solar-triggers-increase-in-greenhouse-emissions/

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A renewable energy system developed to preserve agricultural land has been found to increase greenhouse emissions. | Newsreel

29/01/2025

In an era when nearly everyone is being bombarded by scam phone calls and text messages, police are encouraging locals to make sure a potentially life-saving, but unusual, phone number is not blocked.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is calling on residents to update phone settings and “favourite” the Emergency Alert (EA) phone number, +61 444 444 444, to stay informed during an emergency or disaster. (WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE STORY ON OUR WEBSITE).

Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said Emergency Alert was the national telephone-based warning system used to send voice messages to landlines and text messages to mobile phones to warn people of emergencies.

Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said this included dangerous weather with potentially severe impacts.

“An Emergency Alert is just one way for authorities to warn communities of a dangerous situation in the area and only issued when necessary.

“They are not issued for every circumstance but the message will include important, potentially life-saving directions which require you to take action to stay safe,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said Queenslanders did not need to register to receive an Emergency Alert, just add the number to your Contacts, so you can then add it to Favourites.

“Messages from +61 444 444 444 are not a scam, they are official phone warnings as part of a national geo-targeting emergency alert system.

“Residents are being asked to check the number is not blocked on their device and to add it to their ‘favourites’, so they don’t miss the alerts.”

He said if those steps were followed, even if the phone was set to “do not disturb”, the phone would still receive the alert, no matter what time of the day or night it was issued.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/call-from-444-444-444-not-a-scam-it-could-save-your-life/

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Queensland police are encouraging locals to make sure a potentially life-saving, but unusual, phone number is not blocked. | Newsreel

28/01/2025

Preps rule at South-East Queensland’s newest school, with the youngsters making up more than a quarter of the student population, for this year at least.

The 52-strong cohort at Notre Dame College Bells Creek, on the Sunshine Coast, are among the foundation students of the new P-12 Brisbane Catholic Education school, which opened its doors for the first time this week.

Foundation principal Dan McShea said the Prep students would join 151 other students starting at the College between Years 1 to 3 and Year 7.

Mr McShea said the new College would continue to grow towards its capacity of more than 1800 students, from Prep to Year 12, across a 7.9-hectare plot that would offer students Catholic schooling in a modern campus.

But for the moment the youngsters will rule the roost and the open spaces of the school.

Notre Dame College Parent Jenna Kosch said her four-year-old son Harry was excited about having a new field to play footy and soccer on.

“He is also talks about the new playground after he spoke with Mr McShea about it at our first meeting,” Ms Kosch said.

She said she chose Notre Dame College as the family wanted to give Harry the best opportunity for a great education and to develop in a school that would instill strong values in him as he grew.

“We are really looking forward to 2025 and the many years to come as our children grow and develop at Notre Dame,” she said.

Located within Stockland Aura, Senior Development Manager Genaea Keith said Notre Dame College was a welcome addition to the Aura community on the Sunshine Coast.

“This new school will help to meet the growing educational needs of local families and the wider community, offering a high-quality learning environment close to home,” Ms Keith said.

“Liveability is at the heart of our vision for Stockland Aura – we want to create a well-connected community where essential amenities, including education facilities like this, are within easy reach for our residents.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/education/sunshine-coasts-new-p-12-college-where-preps-rule/

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Preps rule at South-East Queensland’s newest school, with the youngsters making up more than a quarter of the student population. | Newsreel

28/01/2025

People struggling to maintain their New Year’s resolutions are being urged to stay the course, with new research finding habits take longer to form, and break, than previously thought.

University of South Australia (UniSA) researcher Ben Singh said that contrary to popular belief, healthy habits take far longer than three weeks to lock down.

“At the beginning of the year, many of us are setting goals and making plans for the months ahead, things like being more active, cutting back on sugar, or making healthier food choices, but while common wisdom suggests that it takes just 21 days to form such habits, these claims are not evidence-based,” Dr Singh said.

He said, in the first systematic review of its kind, UniSA researchers found that new habits could begin forming within about two months, but some could take up to 335 days to establish.

“In our research, we’ve found that habit formation starts within around two months, but there is significant variability, with formation times ranging from four days to nearly a year.

“So, it’s important for people who are hoping to make healthier habits not to give up at that mythical three-week mark.”

Dr Singh said the study also found that certain factors could influence successful habit formation.

Read the full story 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/road-to-healthy-habits-a-longer-journey-than-21-days/

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People struggling to maintain their New Year’s resolutions are being urged to stay the course to cement new habits. | Newsreel

28/01/2025

A triple treat with a twist is being celebrated at an inner-city Brisbane school this week.

As St Agatha's Primary School, Clayfield marks its 100th anniversary this year, it is also set to welcome three sets of twins beginning their Prep journey.

Ahead of their first day of Prep tomorrow (January 29), the Brisbane Catholic Education school opened its doors for a special Prep orientation last Friday (January 24).

Principal Anne-Marie Maw said the school, founded in 1925, had been a cornerstone of the Clayfield community, and the year-long festivities were set to honour a century of memories, milestones, and education.

Ms Maw said the combination of “triple digits for 100 years” and three sets of twins made this an extraordinary and symbolic start to the school year.

“From their very first steps into the classroom, our 2025 Preps are stepping into history,” she said.

“Our 100th anniversary isn’t just about celebrating a school; it’s about honouring the generations of students, teachers, and families who have been part of our St Agatha’s story.”

St Agatha’s Primary School Parent, and mother of Prep twins Teddy and Tori, (Prep) Emma Godfrey, said her twins were thrilled to start Prep.

“They have started eating out of lunchboxes at Kindergarten in preparation for big school,” Ms Godfrey said.

“We’re new to the community, but the idea of our children being part of this milestone year is special.

“It’s a wonderful way to feel connected to the school’s history.”

Ms Maw said even though the school would be celebrating the past in 2025, they were also looking to the future.

“In 2025, we will unveil a new senior precinct, with new classrooms for Years 4, 5, and 6,” she said.

“The library has also found a new home in the hall, and a state-of-the-art canteen will open in 2025 thanks to a generous $180,000 contribution from the Parents & Friends Association.”

Ms Maw said special edition shirts for Year 6 and jackets for Year 5 had been created, while a limited run of 100 commemorative tea towels would serve as souvenirs.

She said as part of the 100-year celebrations, a time capsule would be created to encapsulate current uniforms and newsletters from 2025, while a display of school artefacts will also be on display.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/education/seeing-double-a-triple-treat-for-st-agathas/

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A triple treat with a twist is being celebrated at an inner-city Brisbane school this week with turns 100. | Newsreel

27/01/2025

A decision to place funding to complete the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail on the backburner has raised the ire of Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli.

Mayor Natoli said future stages of the rail line and the Mooloolah River Interchange both faced uncertainty after they were removed from Infrastructure Australia’s Federal funding priority list.

She said both projects were needed now to cope with the traffic congestion the Sunshine Coast had been experiencing for many years.

“Our region is experiencing extraordinary population growth which is placing significant pressure on our transport infrastructure.

“The strain is becoming a serious issue for our community and visitors.”

Mayor Natoli said both the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council had identified the Direct Sunshine Coast rail line as region-shaping infrastructure.

“It is urgently required to help Sunshine Coast maintain our liveability and reduce our current high levels of car dependence,” she said.

“The Sunshine Coast has the second highest rate of daily private vehicle trips of any regional area in Australia because we don’t have an adequate public transport system.

“We need to get people out of cars and onto public transport to reduce traffic congestion, reduce emissions and increase productivity and better connect people as they try to get to their workplaces, to the shops and to services.”

Mayor Natoli said the project would enable residents and visitors to choose public transport over private vehicle travel and would accelerate the delivery of more than 3000 affordable and diverse homes around new rail stations over the coming decade.

“Direct Sunshine Coast from Caloundra to Maroochydore has been on the table for decades. It is needed now. It cannot be put off any longer. The planning will take years, let alone the construction.

“Removing it from the infrastructure priority list puts our residents and our region behind the eightball once again.”

She said there was 370,000 people calling the Sunshine Coast home and in less than 20 years there would be another 200,000 people living in the region.

“We need a safe, modern public transport system because our roads will be choked.”

Mayor Natoli said the Mooloolah River Interchange, the intersection of Kawana Way, Sunshine Motorway and Brisbane Road, had also been considered critical decades ago.

“This key junction connects several major centres in the region and is a vital link to other transport projects, including Direct Sunshine Coast,” she said.

“The interchange is already under enormous pressure.

“It is a serious traffic bottleneck and has become more so since the opening of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in 2017.”

Mayor Natoli said Council was willing and able to play a crucial role in continuing to advance major region-shaping infrastructure.

“However, we cannot do this without Australian Government assistance.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/government/rail-and-road-funding-critical-to-bust-coast-congestion/

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A decision to place funding for the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail on the backburner has raised the ire of the Sunshine Coast Mayor. | Newsreel

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