Woodford Folk Festival is set to return to Woodfordia from 27 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, transforming the 500-acre site north of Brisbane into Queensland’s biggest summer celebration of arts, music and culture. Colourful summer at Woodfordia Held about an hour’s drive from Brisbane in Jinibara Country, the 2025/26 Woodford Folk Festival will once again draw thousands of visitors to its purpose-built cultural parkland at Woodfordia. Over six days and nights, the former dairy farm turned regenerated festival village becomes a temporary town dedicated to performance, creativity and community.​ Largest gathering of performers Billed as Australia’s largest gathering of performers, the festival will host more than 450 acts across multiple stages, spanning folk, rock, blues, classical, roots and contemporary sounds. Alongside the music, audiences can expect a packed program of dance, cabaret, comedy, street theatre and visual arts that keeps the site alive from morning until late.​ Beyond music: ideas and learning Woodford’s program extends well beyond entertainment, with forums, talks, workshops and film sessions inviting audiences to engage with social, cultural and environmental issues. These spaces for ideas and reflection sit alongside wellbeing, movement and creative workshops, offering opportunities for festival-goers to learn new skills and connect with diverse perspectives. Family-friendly festival experience A major focus in 2025/26 is the festival’s family-friendly offering, including a dedicated Children’s Festival precinct with performances, hands-on activities and creative workshops designed for younger audiences. Parents and carers are able to enjoy the wider program while knowing there are curated, safe spaces where children can play, learn and participate in the festival in their own way. New Year fire and camping culture One of Woodford’s most iconic moments is the New Year fire and renewal ceremony, a dramatic fusion of fire, music and storytelling that symbolically ushers in the year ahead and draws crowds from around the world. Camping on site remains central to the Woodford experience, with extensive tent and camper facilities helping foster a close-knit festival community and giving visitors the chance to wake up in the heart of the action each day.​

A Canberra teenager has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly performing Nazi salutes in public and distributing extremist propaganda at shopping centres and a university campus in the nation’s capital. Alleged incidents Police allege the 18-year-old Weston man made two separate Nazi salutes directed at members of the public at suburban shopping centres in recent months.Investigators also accuse the teenager of repeatedly trespassing at the Australian National University (ANU) in August and September, where he allegedly placed propaganda-style stickers on buildings and other Commonwealth property. In one October incident, a member of the public reportedly confronted the teenager as he was allegedly putting up stickers at a shopping centre, with police alleging he responded by giving a Nazi salute before leaving the premises.A second alleged Nazi salute was reported on 12 December at a different Canberra shopping centre. Police operation and seized items An Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Security Investigations team, supported by ACT Policing, executed a search warrant at a Weston property on Wednesday 24 December.Officers seized mobile phones, a computer, stickers, storage devices, a video camera and items of clothing as part of the ongoing investigation. The teenager is due to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court, where he will face a range of criminal charges linked to the alleged behaviour. Charges and potential penalties The man has been charged with two counts of publicly displaying prohibited Nazi symbols or giving a Nazi salute under the Criminal Code Act 1995.These offences carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and are subject to mandatory minimum sentencing provisions. He also faces two counts of damaging Commonwealth property, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, and two counts of offensive or disorderly behaviour on Commonwealth premises.All charges relate to alleged conduct at Commonwealth properties and public spaces in Canberra. AFP warning on antisemitism and radicalisation AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Stephen Nutt said antisemitism would not be tolerated in Australia and condemned the alleged Nazi salutes as criminal conduct that harms the Jewish community and broader social cohesion.He said the AFP’s National Security Investigations team, established in September, is focused on individuals and groups causing serious harm to Australia’s social fabric, including those seeking to vilify marginalised communities. Assistant Commissioner Nutt described antisemitism as a “cancer that requires swift and direct action” and emphasised the importance of working with partner agencies to prevent hate, division and violence.The AFP has urged families and communities to remain alert to signs of possible radicalisation among young people, such as social withdrawal, increased use of extremist rhetoric, fixation on conspiracy theories and intensive engagement with fringe online forums. Community impact and social cohesion The case has renewed concern about the visibility of extremist symbols in public spaces and their impact on Jewish and other multicultural communities in Canberra and across Australia. Authorities say strong enforcement of laws banning Nazi symbols, combined with early intervention around radicalisation, is essential to protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining social cohesion. The matter remains before the courts, and the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has used a Christmas Day visit to the Reverend Bill Crews Foundation in Sydney to highlight both Australia’s compassion for vulnerable people and the nation’s resolve in the wake of the recent antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. PM’s Christmas message of hope Speaking alongside Reverend Bill Crews in Ashfield, the Prime Minister praised the Foundation’s “world’s best practice” model of caring for people doing it tough, from free meals to healthcare and welfare support. He said the Christmas gathering embodied “kindness, generosity, compassion, and togetherness,” stressing that every Australian no matter “how low they are in the pecking order of life” deserves to know they matter.​ Albanese acknowledged that this Christmas feels different following the Bondi attack, describing it as a moment where Australians had seen “the worst of evil and the worst of humanity,” but also “the best of humanity” in those who rushed toward danger to help others. Support for Rev Bill Crews Foundation and food relief The visit also highlighted a major funding boost for front-line community services that support Australians facing hardship over Christmas and beyond. The Federal Government has delivered a $10 million commitment to secure and expand the work of the Reverend Bill Crews Foundation, helping provide more free meals, domestic violence support, literacy programs, and GP and dental appointments for people in need.​ Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek announced an additional $2 million for national food relief organisations including OzHarvest, SecondBite, Foodbank and Good360, noting that “this has been a very tough Christmas for some people” and that millions rely on these services each year. She described the work at Ashfield as “compassion on steroids,” saying Reverend Crews is there “every single time” a community is in need.​ Honouring Bondi heroes and backing Jewish community Albanese confirmed that the Commonwealth has written to the Governor-General to establish a special national honours process to recognise the bravery and service of those who confronted the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi. The new awards will sit within the Australian honours system and acknowledge both civilians and first responders who showed extraordinary courage. The Prime Minister said this period must also be one of solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community, just 11 days after what he called “Australia’s most serious terrorist attack” motivated by antisemitism and ISIS-inspired extremism. He condemned reports of further antisemitic incidents, calling them “beyond comprehension,” and urged Australians to “wrap our arms around” Jewish communities and “root out any evil that is antisemitism across the board.”​ NSW Premier backs volunteers and tightens protest controls NSW Premier Chris Minns joined the visit, paying tribute to the Foundation’s volunteers and to emergency service workers, police, paramedics and hospital staff who work through Christmas. He said the organisation offers both meals and “an antidote to loneliness” for people who might otherwise spend the day alone. Minns also backed the NSW Police Commissioner’s decision to use new legislation to temporarily ban authorised protests in three parts of metropolitan Sydney for 14 days, with the option of renewal up to three months. He described the powers as “extraordinary” but “absolutely essential” to maintain public order after promised “peaceful” demonstrations included chants such as “Globalise the Intifada,” which he characterised as hate speech that risks tearing at social cohesion. “Hope over fear” at Christmas Amid the sombre national mood, Albanese said Christmas must remain a time where “hope over fear” and “kindness over violence” define the Australian story. He pointed to the overwhelming numbers of people volunteering at the Bill Crews Foundation so many that some are turned away as proof that the country is still driven by compassion and a desire to look after one another. For the hundreds of people sharing a Christmas meal at Ashfield, the presence of the Prime Minister, the NSW Premier and senior ministers added symbolic weight to the message that no one should feel forgotten at this time of year. As Reverend Bill Crews told the gathering, “in the place where you least expect it, when you least expect it, and who you least expect it from, new hope comes.”

Coca-Cola has helped turn this Christmas into a little less lonely for many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Australia, launching a 24-hour “SoundOfHome.FM” radio broadcast filled with carols and heartfelt messages from families back in the Philippines. The initiative, created in partnership with SBS, Australia’s multicultural and multilingual public broadcaster, transformed the airwaves into an emotional bridge between Filipino communities across two countries.​ Running from 6pm on Christmas Eve to 6pm on Christmas Day, SoundOfHome.FM carried recorded songs and dedications from parents, children, and spouses who are separated from their loved ones by thousands of kilometres. For many OFWs listening while on shift in service stations, kitchens, construction sites, and care facilities, the familiar voices and classic Filipino Christmas tunes offered a rare moment of comfort and connection. The campaign was built over weeks through a nationwide Caroloke Caravan in the Philippines, where Coca-Cola teams visited key cities and major Pasko festivals to help families record personalised messages and carols. Others were able to participate online via a dedicated digital platform, uploading voice notes and songs that were then scheduled into the broadcast.​ To make the experience even more intimate, families could register details so that OFWs in Australia received notifications when their message was about to air, allowing many to pause and listen in real time. Coca-Cola also released a short film, “Sound of Home”, capturing genuine reactions from Filipino workers as they heard their families’ voices mid-shift, from a mechanic wiping away tears to a shop clerk stunned into silence. Francis Izon Reyes, Coca-Cola Marketing Director for ASEAN & South Pacific, said the project came from “a place of deep respect” for OFWs who quietly sacrifice time with family to support loved ones back home. “With Sound Of Home.FM, we wanted to bring a small piece of home to Filipinos overseas – a familiar voice, a favoritism carol – to remind them that their sacrifice, love and dedication are seen, valued and deeply appreciated,” Reyes said.​ Creative partner Ogilvy @ WPP OpenX described the broadcast as a 24-hour “audio love letter” that may not shorten the distance, but helps close the silence. For multicultural Australia, the project stands as a timely reminder that even when oceans separate families, the feeling of home can still travel through sound.

The National Multicultural Festival will return to the heart of Canberra from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 February 2025, transforming the city centre into a vibrant celebration of culture, food, music and community representing more than 170 multicultural groups from across Australia and the world. Festival overview Over three days, the 2025 National Multicultural Festival will feature more than 270 stalls and more than 200 performances across multiple stages and venues, turning Civic into a showcase of global traditions, stories and creative expression. Organisers say the event is designed not only as a party, but as a space for people to explore, learn and connect through cultural exchange in the heart of the nation’s capital. Stages, music and performances The festival will officially open at 5pm on Friday with a ceremony honouring Ngunnawal culture, including a Welcome to Country by Aunty Violet Sheridan, storytelling by Johnny Huckle and a performance by the Ngunnawal Dance Academy. Across the weekend, eight stages and venues will host a packed program spanning everything from reggae and K-pop to traditional dance, Indigenous music and contemporary Australian acts. Headline performers include Zimbabwean-born, Canberra-based soul and R&B artist Thndo on Friday night, and ARIA-winning Gamilaraay singer-songwriter Thelma Plum, whose Sunday afternoon set will bring deeply personal, culture-rich ballads to the main stage. Specialty showcases will range from the Mini Nepal in Australia program with Nepalese popstar Asmita Adhikari, to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Showcase featuring acclaimed storyteller Frank Yamma, as well as themed events like Cowboys & Cowgirls from Around the World, an Azerbaijan Dance & Music Workshop, Rio Samba, Son de Mexico, Kokoloco dancers, The Seben Brothers, Assyrian dance-rock group Azadoota and more. Global food and markets Food will again be one of the major drawcards, with hundreds of food stalls and food trucks inviting visitors to “eat around the world” in one weekend. The culinary program launches with “Foodie Friday”, promising everything from paella, raclette and Brazilian hot dogs to Japanese rice burgers, smoky slow-cooked meats, sizzling kebabs, delicate baos, tacos and dumplings. Akuna Street will host Food Truck Alley, where the aromas of smoked meats, street-style snacks and specialty drinks will fill the air, alongside a dumpling offering that spans Chinese xiaolongbao through to Tibetan momos. Sweet options will include classic multicultural desserts such as baklava, cannoli and Portuguese tarts, giving festival-goers a chance to finish their food journey with a taste of Europe and the Middle East. Hands-on culture and family activities Beyond the stages and food, the festival will offer a wide range of interactive, family-friendly and educational activities designed to bring culture to life. Visitors will be able to try saree draping, sample Chinese ink painting, feel the beat in African drumming workshops and explore global cinema through the Multicultural Film Festival at Elise’s Film House. Sunday will feature live cooking demonstrations showcasing dishes such as Chinese chive buns and crispy street-style tofu, while embassy villages and Sunday-only market stalls will present jewellery, handicrafts and clothing from around the world. Families can join the colourful Smartraveller Parade at 4pm on Saturday, which will feature participants from more than 50 cultures in national and traditional dress, alongside music and dance as the procession winds through the city. Throughout the weekend, children will be catered for with bilingual story-time sessions and an Instrument Petting Zoo at the Canberra Museum and Gallery in partnership with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, while parents can make use of a Family Sanctuary with quieter spaces, face painting and craft. Seniors will have access to a dedicated “Chill Zone” hosted by COTA at the Civic Library, offering a calm retreat from the crowds, and all ages are invited to join in a family-friendly silent disco after dark. Getting there and more information The festival will take place in Canberra’s city centre, with organisers promoting the central location as easy to reach by free public transport and shuttle bus services running across the weekend. For interstate visitors and those wanting to stay in the city, a range of discounted accommodation packages will be available through participating hotels partnering with the event. Canberrans and visitors are being encouraged to mark 7–9 February 2025 in their calendars and “come hungry and curious”, ready to immerse themselves in the flavours, sounds and stories of cultures from every corner of the globe. Full program details, maps, accommodation deals and accessibility information are available at the official festival website, multiculturalfestival.com.au.

Australia’s vibrant cultural spirit will take centre stage once again as the 2026 National Multicultural Festival transforms Canberra City into a living celebration of diversity and unity from 6–8 February 2026. Leading the star-studded lineup are two powerhouse performers from distinctly different musical traditions: country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley and Australian hip-hop phenomenon L-FRESH the Lion. Cassar-Daley, one of Australia’s most beloved artists with a career spanning three decades, will perform on Sunday 8 February from 4 pm to 5 pm. A proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, the multi-award-winning musician is renowned for his heartfelt storytelling that captures “the everyday triumphs, struggles, and joys of Australians from the city to the outback.” With more than 30 No. 1 singles, gold and platinum albums, and a deep connection to country music traditions, his performance is expected to be a festival highlight. Joining him is L-FRESH the Lion, the Sydney-born artist of Punjabi-Sikh heritage, whose innovative blend of hip-hop and cultural identity has earned him national acclaim and international collaborations with icons such as Nas, Hilltop Hoods, and Talib Kweli. Performing on Friday 6 February from 10 pm to 11 pm, L-FRESH promises a high-energy set that embodies empowerment, identity, and unity themes central to the festival’s spirit. Adding to the excitement, Canberra’s own Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga, a proud Wiradjuri and Tongan vocalist known for her breathtaking performances on The Voice, will support Cassar-Daley during his main stage performance. The three-day festival will also feature hundreds of cultural performances, food stalls, and family-friendly experiences. Highlights include: Fields of Belonging – a sports and multiculturalism panel featuring athletes from the Raiders, Brumbies, and Cricket Australia. Queen of Hearts – an all-female Mariachi band blending modern sounds with traditional Mexican influences. MusicACT Takeover – a showcase of contemporary artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. Family favourites like Glow and Tell by Patch Theatre, the Rice and Peas Jamaican Dancehall Party, and the CMAG Family Sanctuary. ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson MLA, called the 2026 edition “unmissable,” emphasising that it will combine the best of tradition with fresh experiences: “In its 28th year, the festival is all about discovery, where beloved favourites meet fresh experiences that surprise and delight,” he said. “Even after almost three decades, there’s always something new to experience at the National Multicultural Festival.” The annual event, known as one of Canberra’s most cherished celebrations, continues to unite more than 150 cultures in a joyous display of music, food, dance, and community connection  reflecting the essence of Australia’s multicultural identity. For more information about the program and schedule, visit the ACT Government’s official website.

Queenslanders are being urged to help shape a new long-term plan to protect one of the state’s most beloved native animals, with the Crisafulli Government opening public consultation on the next South East Queensland Koala Strategy and committing fresh funding to frontline conservation work. Fresh strategy for SEQ koalas The new SEQ Koala Strategy aims to secure the future of koalas in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions by focusing on habitat protection and restoration, disease management, better monitoring and mapping, and stronger partnerships with local communities. Queenslanders can now have their say on the draft directions, with public consultation open until 15 March 2026 via an online discussion paper and survey. Koala council to drive action A new Koala Ministerial Advisory Council (KMAC) has been established to keep koala conservation “front and centre” of government decision-making. Chaired by Environment Minister Andrew Powell, the council will bring together experts from industry, science, local government, property and conservation groups to advise on the strategy and oversee its rollout from early 2026.​ Funding lifeline for Coomera/Pimpama koalas As part of its plan, the government has committed $950,000 to save the Coomera/Pimpama Koala Population Stewardship Partnership, plugging a funding gap and allowing Endeavour Veterinary Ecology to continue life-saving work. The funding will support critical programs such as chlamydia treatment, health monitoring, and tracking of rehabilitated and released koalas in a key habitat corridor under pressure from urban growth.​ “Part of who we are” Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the strategy was central to protecting Queensland’s identity as well as its biodiversity. “Koalas are part of who we are as Queenslanders, and we’re determined to protect them for generations to come,” he said, pointing to an existing $80 million commitment to expand protected areas and wildlife hospitals as a foundation for the new plan.​ Koala Haven’s national significance Endeavour Veterinary Ecology CEO Michael Hornby OAM described the Koala Haven project within the Coomera/Pimpama partnership as a “conservation milestone” for South East Queensland. He said the hub would deliver ongoing disease management, health monitoring and habitat protection, with lessons expected to benefit koala conservation efforts across Queensland and nationally by connecting multiple habitats into a broader, sustainable network. How Queenslanders can get involved Residents are encouraged to contribute local knowledge and ideas by completing the online survey or making a submission on the SEQ Koala Strategy discussion paper by 15 March 2026. Consultation materials and the survey link are available at the Queensland Government website: qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/koalas/seq-discussion-paper.

Queensland has surged ahead of the rest of Australia in 2025 for new power generation and storage connections, with the Crisafulli Government claiming the top spot for adding large-scale projects to the grid as part of its push for affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. Queensland leads on new projects In 2025, transmission operator Powerlink connected 11 new generation and storage projects to Queensland’s power system, delivering almost 3 gigawatts (GW) of additional capacity. The projects include the Broadsound Solar Farm, Swanbank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Tarong BESS, and the Clarke Creek Wind Farm, underscoring a mix of solar, wind and battery investments across the state. Energy Roadmap and “market-led” approach Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the volume and diversity of new connections showed the government’s commitment to a market-led approach under its Queensland Energy Roadmap. He argued the roadmap is “grounded in economics and engineering,” aiming to upgrade existing assets while building new capacity to put downward pressure on prices and attract more private investment into generation and firming technologies.​ Big build-out forecast to 2030 and 2035 Looking ahead, the Energy Roadmap forecasts up to 6.8GW of additional wind and large-scale solar, around 600MW of new gas-fired generation and as much as 3.8GW of extra storage by 2030. By 2035, Queensland is expected to host at least 3.1GW of short-duration batteries—about 2.4GW more than today—plus up to 3.4GW of medium-duration storage to back up the grid as the generation mix evolves. Batteries key to firming the grid Powerlink Interim Chief Executive Darryl Rowell said four new connection agreements signed in 2025 will add another 850MW of capacity, all of it from battery projects now moving into delivery. He said these batteries will be vital for grid strength and stability, storing Queensland’s abundant daytime solar generation for use during evening demand peaks and supporting a more complex energy mix.​ Massive pipeline and future-ready network Powerlink is currently processing connection applications representing more than 43GW of new generation and storage, highlighting the size of the investment pipeline waiting to connect in Queensland. Rowell said the focus heading into 2026 is on building a “resilient, future-ready transmission network” that can support the state’s energy needs while delivering long-term value for customers, communities and the broader economy.

A US-born Greek restaurant chain, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, is set to make its Australian debut in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, bringing its fast-casual Mediterranean offering to one of the city’s busiest dining precincts. The first local outlet will open by mid to late February in the historic TC Beirne building on Brunswick Mall, with space for around 100 diners indoors and outdoors. Founded in Las Vegas in 2011, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has grown to almost 100 locations across the United States, built on family recipes passed down through generations in Greece and adapted for modern service. The Australian expansion is being led by Brisbane-based operators Surjit Salwan and business partner Chirayush Patel, who have secured an international area developer agreement with parent company United Franchise Group to roll out the concept locally. The Fortitude Valley restaurant will follow the brand’s established fast-casual model, with food prepared fresh on site daily and positioned to appeal to health-conscious diners seeking Mediterranean-style meals served quickly but with an elevated feel. Signature dishes are based on original Greek Armenian family recipes from the first Las Vegas venue, with the operators emphasising authentic, third-generation flavours and generous portions.​ Salwan and Patel plan a cautious rollout once the flagship opens, signalling two or three additional restaurants in 2026 before a larger push across South-East Queensland and along the coast. Leasing agents describe securing the TC Beirne tenancy as a significant boost for the building after a period of higher vacancy, with the new restaurant expected to activate the Brunswick Mall frontage and surrounding laneways. For Brisbane’s multicultural food scene, the arrival of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill adds another international name to Fortitude Valley’s growing mix of global cuisines, reflecting the city’s appetite for diverse, community-focused dining options.

Italy’s expanding space program is offering a powerful new way to see the country from orbit, with satellites now central to how Italians monitor climate change, manage emergencies and build international partnerships that reach all the way to Australia. Italy’s National Space Day Italy now marks a National Space Day each December to commemorate the launch of its first San Marco 1 satellite and to highlight how space technology shapes daily life on the ground.​ Events led by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), research centres and embassies focus on public outreach, STEM education and the message that space is no longer niche science but critical national infrastructure. Satellites watching a changing planet Earth-observation satellites give Italian authorities a continuous view of coastlines, cities and farmland, helping them track erosion, urban growth and environmental stress that are difficult to see from the ground alone. These images feed into disaster planning and climate adaptation strategies, supporting civil protection during floods, storms and heatwaves as Italy confronts more frequent extreme weather.​ Space, security and the new economy Italian leaders now describe space as a strategic domain, arguing that communications, navigation and data from orbit are as vital as roads and power grids for economic resilience and security.​Investment is flowing into satellite constellations, secure telecommunications and space-enabled services, with the emerging “space economy” expected to generate new high-skill jobs and export opportunities.​ Italy–Australia partnership above the clouds One of the most visible links between Italy and Australia is SpIRIT, a nanosatellite in orbit that carries an Italian-built HERMES X-ray detector to hunt for powerful cosmic explosions called gamma-ray bursts.​ Australian and Italian agencies describe the mission as proof that combining Australian engineering with Italian instruments can deliver cutting-edge science and deepen long-term strategic cooperation in space. Why it matters for multicultural audiences For Italian and broader multicultural communities in Australia, Italy’s space ambitions and joint missions like SpIRIT show that ties with the “old country” now extend beyond culture, food and sport into advanced science and technology.​By unpacking these developments in accessible language, platforms such as MAN TV can connect viewers to complex debates about security, climate and innovation, and show how decisions taken in orbit are already reshaping life on Earth.