Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Thomas Walsh 
Anyone who remembers watching Karen Smith stumble through “Mean Girls” cafeteria scenes might not have guessed that the actress behind the line-readings would go on to win an Emmy. Amanda Seyfried has traveled a long road from soap operas to serious drama, and along the way she has been refreshingly open about motherhood, body image, … Read more
Few workplace arrangements sound as straightforward as swapping extra hours for time off—until you try to apply it across different contracts, countries, and payroll systems. Time in lieu—also known as TOIL—can be a flexible alternative to overtime pay, but the rules governing it vary significantly between Ireland and Australia. Maximum average working week (Ireland): 48 … Read more
Few workplace policies spark as many questions as time in lieu. If you’ve ever worked extra hours and wondered whether you’d get paid overtime or time off instead, you’re not alone. We break down what time in lieu (TOIL) actually means, how it works across Ireland, the UK, and Australia, and what your rights are … Read more
If you’ve searched for “Michael Ross yoga” and found yourself staring at a mix of Instagram accounts, crime documentaries, and soap opera plot summaries, you’re not alone. The name Michael Ross belongs to at least half a dozen very different people, and the yoga teacher you’re looking for might not even be named Michael. People … Read more
Nothing kills the momentum of a party game faster than a heated debate over what word to use, but an imposter game generator solves that by instantly assigning two distinct secret words — one for the majority and a different one for the imposter (Charades Generator, free online party game tool). After testing five free … Read more
When a band from your hometown announces a homecoming tour, it’s more than just a concert—it’s a celebration. Rufus du Sol, the Grammy-winning electronic trio born in Sydney, will bring the Inhale / Exhale World Tour to Qudos Bank Arena in November 2025. Whether you’re after ticket details, set times, or just want to know … Read more
While most specialty retailers have consolidated or vanished, Morris & Sons has held steady as a family operation for over 50 years. This article traces its journey from a small tapestry craft shop to Australia’s leading needlecraft retailer. Founded: 1973 · Family-Owned: Yes, over 50 years · Headquarters: Sydney, Australia · Online Store: morrisandsons.com.au Quick … Read more
Optus prepaid plans range from a $10 starter option to 365-day long-expiry plans with 300GB of data, but the real value hinges on which tier matches your actual usage. This guide breaks down the full lineup, the trade-offs against competitors, and the cheapest long-expiry alternatives running on the same network. Starting price: $10 for first … Read more
There’s nothing worse than reaching the checkout and realising you have no idea how much is left on your gift card. Whether it’s a Coles Group, Myer, or Coles Myer card, the good news is that checking the balance is simple when you use the right tools. Gift card types covered: Coles, Myer, Coles Group … Read more
Next Hotel Melbourne sits somewhere between a boutique independent and a global chain property — without the identity crisis that usually implies. The 255-room Curio Collection by Hilton opened in Melbourne’s CBD with Dyson hairdryers, espresso machines, and a cocktail-mixing station in every room, but it also brings the reliability of Hilton’s booking infrastructure and … Read more