Sydney will host its first official celebration of World Greek Language Day on Monday, 9 February 2026, marking a historic milestone following UNESCO’s recognition of the Day in November 2025. The landmark event will take place at the University of Sydney’s Refectory and is being jointly presented by the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and the University’s Department of Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies. World Greek Language Day, now formally proclaimed by UNESCO, honours one of the world’s oldest living languages and its profound contribution to philosophy, democracy, science, education and global culture. Celebrated annually on 9 February, the Day also coincides with the commemoration of Greek national poet Dionysios Solomos, author of the “Hymn to Liberty,” which became Greece’s national anthem. The evening program in Sydney will open with a welcome reception, followed by official greetings from the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Giorgos Skemperis, and Professor Avril Alba, Head of the School of Languages and Cultures at the University of Sydney. A central feature of the event will be the presentation of awards to HSC top achievers in Modern Greek courses, highlighting the ongoing commitment of young Australian students to Greek language studies. Professor Vrasidas Karalis, Chair of the Department of Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies, will deliver the keynote address, reflecting on the cultural, literary and philosophical legacy of the Greek language and its place in the contemporary world. His remarks are expected to emphasise how Greek has shaped key concepts in politics, ethics, science and the arts, and continues to resonate in modern multicultural societies such as Australia. The cultural program will also include a live musical performance of “Erotokritos,” the iconic 17th-century Cretan poetic work, performed by the Cretan band IXO NYX. The performance aims to showcase the enduring vitality of Greek language through music and oral tradition, connecting audiences to centuries-old storytelling that still speaks to contemporary experiences. A panel discussion moderated by Professor Karalis will bring together prominent Greek-Australian figures, including actress, author and speaker Mary Coustas and entrepreneur Mark Bouris AM, to explore the role of language in identity, communication and cultural continuity. The conversation will look at how Greek language and heritage are maintained across generations in the diaspora, and how language strengthens community ties in a multicultural nation like Australia. The evening will be hosted by journalist Tom Skolarikis and digital creator Kalliopi Roditis, underscoring the strong engagement of both traditional media and new digital platforms in promoting Greek language and culture. Organisers say the event is not only a celebration for Greek-Australians, but an open invitation to the wider community to engage with a language that has helped shape global thought for more than three millennia. UNESCO’s decision at its 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to designate 9 February as World Greek Language Day formally acknowledges the universal cultural significance of Greek. The move followed a multi-year diplomatic effort by Greece, supported by numerous member states, to recognise the Greek language’s unique contribution to humanity’s intellectual and cultural heritage. In Australia, the federal government has also committed to recognising World Greek Language Day, highlighting the deep historical and contemporary ties between the two countries and the contribution of the Greek diaspora. For Sydney’s Greek community and friends of Hellenic culture, this first UNESCO-recognised celebration represents a new chapter in acknowledging the language that underpins so much of Western vocabulary, scientific terminology and political discourse. It also reinforces the role of educational institutions and community organisations in keeping the Greek language alive for future generations in Australia and around the world. Event details (for broadcast lower-thirds and web listing) Event: World Greek Language Day – Sydney Celebration​ Date: Monday, 9 February 2026​ Time: 5:30pm​ Venue: The Refectory, University of Sydney​ RSVP by: 29 January 2026​ RSVP email: pdo.syd@mfa.gr

The City of Gold Coast has officially launched its community consultation on the proposed 2026-27 Annual Budget, inviting residents to share their views on local spending priorities, services and future investment. Published on the City’s official website, the consultation period runs from 27 January to 16 February 2026, during which residents can complete an online survey to register their feedback. Council will consider all submissions before finalising and adopting the budget ahead of the new financial year. Mayor Tom Tate emphasised the importance of community involvement, saying the consultation is a key opportunity for residents to influence how the City allocates its financial resources. “We are calling on all Gold Coast residents to have their say on how we should invest money to improve services, start new projects and infrastructure to create an even better lifestyle for the community,” the Mayor said. The consultation invites feedback on a wide range of topics including city services and facilities, priorities for new or enhanced services and preferences for transport, community spaces, parks and recreation. Last year’s consultation saw 6,486 submissions, with local priorities focusing on road networks, public safety, transport, parks and recreation — feedback that helped shape the City’s $2.678 billion budget for 2025-26. Council will meet prior to the end of financial year to adopt the 2026-27 Budget. 

A new study from Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) has revealed the alarming risks facing children who ride e-scooters, with one in four seriously injured children requiring intensive care and two-thirds needing surgery. Published in the ANZ Journal of Surgery, the retrospective study reviewed cases of paediatric e-scooter injuries requiring hospital admission for more than 24 hours at QCH between January 2009 and September 2024. In total, 64 children aged 16 and under were admitted with serious injuries sustained while riding e-scooters. Disturbingly, two children died from severe brain injuries neither was wearing a helmet at the time. The study also found that 38 percent of children who suffered head injuries from e-scooter accidents experienced ongoing functional impairments affecting cognition, learning, communication, and mood. From 2021 to 2024, e-scooter-related hospital admissions more than doubled, mirroring the growing popularity of e-scooters in Queensland. Head, face, or neck injuries were the most common, accounting for 51.6 percent of cases, with skull fractures recorded in 40 percent. Fractures were the most frequently seen injury overall. Falls were the leading cause of injury (70.3%), followed by collisions (29.7%). More than half of the collisions involved motor vehicles. Notably, 64.3 percent of patients with known helmet status were not wearing a helmet at the time of their injury. Additionally, over 20 percent of the injured children were under the legal riding age for e-scooters in Queensland. Professor Roy Kimble, Director of Paediatric Surgery, Burns and Trauma at QCH, highlighted the “stark reality” of severe and life-altering injuries since the introduction of e-scooters. “The incidence of e-scooter accidents is increasing, and they are causing serious, sometimes fatal, injuries in children,” Professor Kimble said. He noted that more than 65 percent of patients required surgery, including 28 percent who underwent neurosurgery. “A helmet should be non-negotiable, even for short trips. A helmet can mean the difference between an acute head injury and long-term neuro-cognitive consequences.” He further called for more robust safety measures and increased public awareness of the risks posed by e-scooters. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved safety practices and stricter regulations to protect children from the growing danger of e-scooter-related injuries.

The new Glasshouse Theatre at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) will open to the public next month, following the QLD Government’s announcement of the end of construction. The cultural complex will feature a 1500-capacity auditorium made of ironbark timber, improving acoustics and enhancing audience sightlines across two levels, with every seat a winner. More than 2,400 workers were inducted onto this site, including 180 apprentices and trainees, completing over one million work hours. Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said Queenslanders would be able to visit the modern marvel at a free community day on Saturday, 7th March 2026. “The QPAC team is now undertaking extensive training and testing to ensure the best patron experience before the theatre’s incredible opening program of local and international productions commence from late-March 2026.” From late March, the general public will be able to purchase tickets upcoming events, including Queensland Ballet’s Messa da Requiem featuring with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the Australian exclusive production of The Last Ship, and the world premiere of The Drover’s Wife – The Opera, based on the work of Queensland artist, Leah Purcell AM.   The $184 million Glasshouse Theatre was funded with Queensland Government investment of $159 million and $25 million from QPAC.

Brisbane’s public swimming pools have seen record attendance this summer, with more than 513,000 residents taking advantage of the $2 Summer Dips program across December and January. The initiative, introduced as part of the 2023/24 budget, offers $2 entry to 22 public pools across Brisbane. According to council figures, this has resulted in an estimated $2 million in savings for pool users during the two-month period. The program, now in its third year, has reportedly saved Brisbane families around $7.5 million to date, with a total of 1.9 million residents participating since its inception. Each pool offers something unique for swimmers of all ages and abilities – from wading pools, splash buckets and water play equipment, through to traditional 25-metre and 50 metre indoor and outdoor pools. So far this summer, Sandgate Pool has emerged as Brisbane’s most popular swimming spot, welcoming more than 65,000 visitors, followed closely by Newmarket Olympic Swimming Pool with 64,000 visitors and Musgrave Park Swimming Centre with 42,000 visitors. A new swim wall is set to be installed at the Newmarket pool, allowing the space to be converted into two 25-metre pools when required and improving flexibility for swimmers. Works are scheduled to begin in May 2026. Proposals to undertake a major expansion of the Chermside pool will soon begin to flow in, with those interested in the redevelopment of the pool invited to attend an industry briefing this month. The $2 Summer Dips program is scheduled to run until the end of February. TOP 5 MOST POPULAR POOLS THIS SUMMER: 1. Sandgate Aquatic Centre – 65,6032. Newmarket Olympic Swimming Pool – 64,8793. Musgrave Park Swimming Centre – 42,953 4. Yeronga Park Memorial Swimming Pool – 37,9915. Dunlop Park Memorial Swimming Pool – 32,076

Canberra, the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of the Tibetan community were prominently showcased at this year’s National Multicultural Festival 2026, held in Canberra from 6 to 8 February. Organised as part of one of Australia’s most significant multicultural gatherings, the Tibetan Cultural Centre Ltd displayed highlighted traditional Tibetan Buddhist ritual objects, colourful Thangka appliqués, prayer flags, and cultural artefacts that drew the attention of festival visitors. Central to the exhibit was the celebration of the Year of Compassion, a global initiative honouring the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and emphasising kindness, peace, and unity. Alongside the displays, members of the Tibetan community took part in the festival’s vibrant Cultural Parade. Participants, including students from Tibetan language schools in Canberra and Sydney, shared traditional dances and performances, delivering a mesmerising showcase of Tibetan cultural expression. Festivalgoers were also treated to an authentic taste of Tibetan cuisine, with the community’s momo stall proving particularly popular. The stall was visited by the ACT Chief Minister, the Honourable Andrew Barr, who sampled the traditional dumplings, a moment that underscored the event’s role in fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. This year’s festival provided a platform for the Nepalese, Bhutanese, and Tibetan communities, among many others, to share their heritage with visitors from around Australia. The displays and performances not only celebrated ancient traditions but also contributed to a broader understanding of compassion, harmony, and cultural diversity. As a cornerstone of Canberra’s cultural calendar, the National Multicultural Festival continues to reinforce Australia’s commitment to inclusive celebration, community connection, and intercultural dialogue.

Five students from Oxley High School in New South Wales have officially become Australian citizens, marking an important milestone in their personal and educational journeys. The students participated in citizenship workshops designed to support young people from multicultural backgrounds as they prepared for the citizenship process. The tailored sessions aimed to build understanding of Australian civic values, responsibilities, and community participation. School representatives said the workshops helped foster a strong sense of belonging and inclusion among the students, many of whom come from culturally diverse families. The initiative highlights the role schools can play in supporting young migrants and international families as they integrate into Australian society. The citizenship achievement was celebrated as both a personal accomplishment for the students and a reflection of Australia’s multicultural identity. Community leaders have emphasised that initiatives such as citizenship education programs strengthen social cohesion and help young Australians feel connected to their local communities. The milestone serves as a reminder of the importance of education, inclusion and opportunity in building a unified and diverse Australia.

The 2026 Perth Festival has officially opened, transforming the city with immersive installations, powerful storytelling, and large-scale cultural programming that places community and connection at its centre. A highlight of this year’s festival is Karla Bidi, meaning “fire trail” in the Noongar language. The installation stretches along the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), featuring illuminated gathering points that symbolise traditional First Nations practices of coming together around campfires. The light and sound experience invites visitors to reflect on culture, place, and shared history while engaging with Perth’s natural landscape. Festival organisers have positioned the river at the heart of this year’s programming, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and community participation. Among the featured works are interactive installations encouraging residents and visitors to share personal stories, creating a living tapestry of voices across the city. The Noongar-inspired elements underscore the importance of recognising ancient traditions and Country as a living part of Australia’s contemporary cultural identity. Through light, sound, and performance, the festival explores themes of resilience, belonging, and cultural memory. Running until 1 March, Perth Festival 2026 features events for all ages, including evening light displays, performances, and city-wide creative projects celebrating both local and international artists. As the installations illuminate the city each night, the festival continues to draw crowds to Perth’s public spaces, reinforcing the role of arts and culture in strengthening community connection and celebrating Australia’s diverse creative landscape.

Brisbane, The Queensland Government has announced a new suite of gun control measures aimed at tightening firearms ownership rules and bolstering public safety in the wake of rising community concerns. Under the proposed reforms, most firearm licences would be restricted to Australian citizens, limiting access for other categories of permit holders. The laws also introduce tougher penalties for criminal use of guns, including mandatory minimum sentences for offences such as drive-by shootings and serious weapon-related crimes. In addition to citizenship-based licensing restrictions, the legislation targets loopholes that may be exploited for illegal purposes, such as the creation or possession of improvised weapons, including those made with 3D printing technology. Police powers to seize unregistered firearms have also been strengthened under the reforms. The announcement comes as part of a broader effort by the state government to address community safety risks and respond to national debates on gun control following a terror attack in Sydney late last year. Senior ministers have said the changes aim to strike a balance between responsible firearm ownership and greater protections for the public. However, the new measures have drawn criticism from some gun safety advocates and civil liberties groups, who argue that the reforms do not go far enough and could leave gaps in preventing firearm misuse. Opposition parties in Queensland have also signalled concerns about the potential impacts on lawful firearm owners, particularly those in rural and regional areas. Community leaders and victim support organisations have welcomed aspects of the reforms, noting the importance of preventing violent crime and reducing access to dangerous weapons. Public consultations and parliamentary debate on the legislation are expected in the coming weeks. The gun law reforms mark a significant step in Queensland’s approach to public safety policy, reflecting a renewed focus on reducing gun-related harm while balancing the rights and responsibilities of legal firearm holders.

The Australian share market enjoyed its strongest trading session since April 2025 on Monday, as investor sentiment improved and broad gains drove the S&P/ASX 200 index higher. The benchmark ASX 200 rose sharply, climbing by 1.85 per cent, marking its most robust performance in nearly a year and clawing back losses from recent sessions. All 11 main market sectors finished in positive territory, reflecting broad-based confidence among traders and investors. Technology stocks led the rebound, with major firms in the information technology sector posting significant gains. The real estate and financial sectors also delivered strong performances, contributing to the market’s overall upward trajectory. Market analysts said the rebound was supported by renewed optimism from global markets, particularly in technology shares, as well as positive sentiment ahead of a busy corporate earnings week. Local data showing softer household spending in December did little to dampen market enthusiasm, with investors focusing instead on momentum in key sectors. Mining and commodity prices were mixed, with iron ore prices trading lower, while gold continued to rise on sustained demand from central bank purchases. The Australian dollar remained steady against major currencies, supported by the market’s overall resilience. Notable individual stock movements, including gains among technology and infrastructure companies, further boosted investor confidence. Some real estate and financial stocks also attracted buying interest, contributing to the market’s broad gains. The strong performance on Monday provided a welcome rebound after a recent sell-off and offered early-week optimism for traders ahead of important economic data and upcoming company earnings reports.