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.

In a decisive move to strengthen Queensland’s education integrity, the Crisafulli Government has released the Investigation into the 2025 Teaching of Incorrect Ancient History Topic in Nine Queensland High Schools Panel Report. The independent review, led by Dr Grant Webb, examined how a curriculum error affected Year 12 Ancient History students across seven state and two non-state schools. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek confirmed the findings and directed the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), the Non-State School Accreditation Board (NSSAB), the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC), and the Department of Education to act on the report’s recommendations. The incident impacted approximately 140 students who were unknowingly taught incorrect syllabus content. Despite the disruption, every affected student achieved a passing grade (C or above), with more than 40 percent earning an A—thanks to prompt departmental intervention and additional academic support. All results were reviewed through an expert committee, including independent statisticians, ensuring fairness and consistency. Dr Webb’s panel identified two key contributing factors behind the teaching error: Gaps in local school communication and handover procedures. Limitations in QCAA’s messaging and absence of a validation process for syllabus updates. While no single point of failure was found, the combination of these issues increased the risk of confusion across the affected schools. Minister Langbroek described the incident as “completely unacceptable,” adding that it had caused undue stress for students, teachers, and parents. “We promised Queenslanders swift accountability, and we have delivered that through an immediate overhaul of the QCAA Board, which now includes stronger expertise in governance and communication,” he said. The Crisafulli Government has implemented structural changes to ensure such errors are not repeated, including improved risk mitigation protocols ahead of the 2026 external examinations. The government also commended the exceptional support provided to both staff and students during the resolution process, which the panel described as “second to none.” Dr Webb’s investigation involved 27 consultation sessions with educators, parents, and sector representatives to ensure a comprehensive understanding of how Queensland’s curriculum oversight can be improved. The full report is available via the Department of Education’s website here.

The national consumer regulator is warning big retailers not to mislead shoppers as Boxing Day sales ramp up across Australia. The ACCC has urged businesses to ensure their discounts and promotions are genuine and clearly advertised, not tricks that confuse or deceive customers. ACCC warns retailers The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has written to a number of major retailers ahead of Boxing Day, reminding them of their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law when advertising sales and promotions. Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said all sales and discount claims must be “accurate, clear and not likely to mislead or deceive consumers.” These letters follow a recent Black Friday sales sweep, where the ACCC reviewed retailers’ online advertising to identify potentially misleading practices. Initial findings suggest some businesses are still using questionable tactics during major sales events. Misleading tactics under scrutiny The ACCC’s initial review found retailers using misleading time representations, such as countdown timers or phrases like “3 days only” that do not match the real duration of the sale. It also identified promotions that may misrepresent how big or widespread discounts actually are. Among the tactics of concern are: Claims of “store-wide” or “site-wide” sales when significant exclusions apply. Fine print or disclaimers that quietly limit headline offers, including member-only deals or excluding popular product ranges. “Up to X% off” promotions where the “up to” is not prominent, or only a small number of products are discounted at the maximum rate. Misleading “was/now” or strikethrough pricing that does not reflect genuine previous prices. Enforcement and retailer obligations The ACCC has made misleading pricing practices in retail a compliance and enforcement priority. Lowe said the regulator will “continue to closely monitor any sales or discount claims made, particularly by large retailers,” and warned that enforcement action will be taken if businesses are found to be in breach of the law. Retailers are being urged to review ACCC guidance on advertising and promotions to ensure their Boxing Day campaigns comply with the Australian Consumer Law. The regulator emphasises that sales and discounts are powerful marketing tools and must not be used in ways that create a false impression of savings. Advice for consumers With sales periods becoming longer and more frequent, the ACCC wants shoppers to be confident that discounts are genuine rather than inflated or misleading. Consumers are encouraged to: Be wary of broad claims about discounts or “huge savings” and always look for conditions or exclusions. Check fine print and disclaimers, particularly for member-only deals or heavily advertised offers. Track prices before major sales if planning a significant purchase and focus on the final price, not just the advertised percentage off. Lowe said consumers should “shop around, compare, and keep an eye on prices before big sales events like Boxing Day” to make sure they are getting a real bargain, not just clever marketing.

Brisbane’s CBD has been transformed into a whimsical festive trail, with residents invited to discover a series of tiny Christmas-themed doors hidden throughout the city. These miniature installations, designed and created by local environmental artist Mace Robertson, are turning everyday streetscapes into scenes of curiosity and delight. Each tiny door is carefully crafted and themed, encouraging families, children and city workers alike to slow down, look closer, and reconnect with a sense of wonder during the busy holiday period. Running from 1–24 December, the Christmas Tiny Doors trail has been installed across some of Brisbane’s best-known city locations, including: Queen Street Mall King George Square MacArthur Central Post Office Square Queens Wharf Queens Plaza Uptown Wintergarden Robertson, who is based in Brisbane, is well known for his work as a “tiny door maker” and environmental artist, often using miniature public installations to challenge the way people interact with urban spaces. His tiny doors are designed to be discovered unexpectedly at the base of a wall, tucked into a corner, or nestled near a staircase giving the city a playful and imaginative edge. For families, the trail provides a free and accessible activity that can be incorporated into Christmas shopping trips or city outings. Children are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for the colourful doors and to count how many they can find in one visit. City representatives are urging residents and visitors to join in and share their experience online. “Brisbane comes alive at Christmas, and the Tiny Doors are a wonderful way for people of all ages to engage with the city in a new way,” a spokesperson said. “It’s about joy, discovery and connection and capturing those small magical moments that define the festive season.” Those who take part are being encouraged to take photos of the doors they find and share them on social media by tagging @brisbanecity and using the hashtag **#ChristmasBrisbane for a chance to be featured. For many, the trail is also a reminder of the role local artists play in shaping the culture and character of the city. By commissioning and supporting creators like Robertson, Brisbane continues to expand its reputation as a vibrant, creative and family-friendly destination over the festive period. As Christmas approaches, the Tiny Doors are quietly waiting to be found – a small but powerful reminder that magic can still be discovered in the most unexpected places.

The festive season rush is once again turning Queensland shopping centre car parks into high-risk zones, with new data naming Maroochydore, Carindale and Indooroopilly as the state’s three worst hotspots for car park collisions. The findings come from AAMI’s national survey and claims analysis, which examined more than 17,300 car park insurance claims lodged across Australia between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025. The data confirms what many shoppers experience firsthand car parks become increasingly chaotic in the lead-up to Christmas. In Queensland, the most problematic locations are concentrated around busy retail hubs, with Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast and Carindale and Indooroopilly in Brisbane leading the list for car park prangs. Nationally, the worst locations for car park incidents are Doncaster in Melbourne’s east and Chadstone in the city’s south-east, reflecting the enormous traffic volumes moving through those major centres. The research also reveals: December is the worst month for shopping centre car park collisions, with 1,876 incidents recorded nationwide. The peak days for car park crashes are Fridays, followed closely by Thursdays and Saturdays. Sundays are comparatively safer. The peak time for incidents is the afternoon period between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm, when crowds are heaviest and driver fatigue and frustration can set in. The most common causes of claims are accidental damage while parked (40%) and collisions with stationary objects, such as bollards, poles, or shopping trolleys (24%). AAMI Motor Claims Manager Leah James said a combination of stress, distraction and congestion was to blame. “The festive rush turns shopping centre car parks into a real battleground – think last-minute gift runs, distracted shoppers and a whole lot of circling,” James said. “It’s no surprise we see so many fender-benders at this time of year.” One of the more interesting elements of the report is the breakdown of driver behaviour into five distinct “festive car park personas”: The Traditionalist (40%) – Always heads to the same level or section, believing routine will deliver results. The Santa Stalker (27%) – Follows shoppers back to their car, waiting to swoop on their spot as soon as they reverse out. The Christmas Miracle (24%) – Somehow always lands a park quickly, whether by luck, timing or sheer Christmas magic. The Christmas Spendthrift (6%) – Pays extra for valet, premium parking or car wash services to secure a guaranteed spot and reduce stress. The Naughty-List Driver (4%) – Resorts to rule-breaking by parking in restricted areas such as “parents with prams” bays, on median strips, or in no-parking zones. Beyond these behavioural patterns, the report also identifies a modern safety concern: electric and hybrid vehicles. Their much quieter operation compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars may make them harder for pedestrians and other drivers to detect, especially in dimly lit or multi-level car parks. “This season, we also flag the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles as a safety issue,” James said. “They’re much quieter than conventional cars, so pedestrians and other drivers may not hear them approaching or reversing  especially in dimly lit car parks.” Queensland drivers are being urged to slow down, be patient and remain aware of their surroundings as the peak shopping period continues. Simple measures like avoiding mobile phone use while driving, indicating early, staying within marked bays and allowing extra time to find a park can dramatically reduce the risk of collisions. For those heading to busy centres like Maroochydore, Carindale and Indooroopilly, leaving a little earlier, considering off-peak times, or using public transport where possible could help ease both congestion and anxiety. The message from safety advocates is clear: getting a prime parking spot is never worth a crash, a confrontation or a costly insurance claim.

What began as a simple interaction at a school event has grown into a powerful story of connection, community and kindness between Queensland Police officers and a young man with a lifelong dream. Eighteen-year-old Max Dezolt, who lives with cerebral palsy, has long been fascinated by policing. That interest turned into something deeper two years ago, when he walked up to Police Liaison Officer Michelle Jardine, pointed at her badge and said, “po-po”. From that moment, a special bond was formed. PLO Jardine recalls the day vividly. “He walked straight up to me, pointed at my badge and said ‘po-po’ and we immediately formed a strong bond,” she said. Recognising how much policing meant to Max, Jardine organised a police shirt for him through the Uniform 4 Kids program when he turned 16, along with a short drive around the block in a police car. It was a small gesture – but it made a big impact. Since then, Max’s enthusiasm for the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has only grown. When he was asked to plan his dream graduation experience, he knew exactly what he wanted: a navy suit, LED lights on his wheelchair, and a police car escort to his high school Valedictory Dinner at the Lucinda Point Hotel. Max’s wishes were carefully compiled onto a vision board, where he imagined how his big night would unfold. “When his teacher asked him to plan his dream formal, Max knew what he wanted straight away,” PLO Jardine said. “He made every decision himself and was so certain about wanting police to be part of it.” To help make that dream a reality, QPS officers Senior Constable Sean Krumin and Constable Rowan Lee stepped in. On the night of the formal, they arrived in a marked patrol car to escort Max and his friends to the venue, lights flashing and sirens sounding in celebration rather than emergency. For Senior Constable Krumin, it was a reminder of the human side of policing. “When you choose a career in policing, you do so knowing that some days will be incredibly difficult, but days like this where we get to make someone’s dream come true is so rewarding,” he said. “It’s a strong reminder that our service in and to community comes in so many different forms. Max is a remarkable young man and it was a privilege to help make his graduation that extra bit special.” As the police car arrived at the venue, the group was met with cheers, clapping and smiles from onlookers who quickly understood that this was not a standard police arrival. Max’s mother, Trudi Dezolt, said the escort has become the highlight of her son’s final year of school. “He’s been very excited to know the police are coming to pick him up and take him down to his graduation, and has talked about it over and over,” she said. “He’s worked very hard to get here and overcome so many challenges, not just in his school life but life in general, so this is all about celebrating his massive achievement.” She also spoke of the support her son has received from classmates, teachers, family and the wider community. “We have been very blessed with how wonderful his friends, family and teachers are with him, because everybody just falls in love with Maxie because he has such an infectious personality,” Ms Dezolt said. “Just to put a smile on a child’s face like this is amazing.” When asked via his iPad why he wanted to arrive in a police car, Max replied simply: “The lights and sirens make me feel safe.” For the officers involved, the night was just as memorable. For Max and his family, it was a dream fulfilled and a story that showcases the power of genuine community policing. As Max looks towards the future, one question naturally arises: does he want to be a policeman one day? When asked, he gave a firm answer: “Yes.”

The Gold Coast community is preparing to come together in a powerful show of solidarity and remembrance following the antisemitic attack during Chanukah celebrations at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. The attack, which targeted members of the Jewish community during a time of religious and cultural significance, has deeply affected people across Australia. In response, the City of Gold Coast Light & Unity Vigil will be held on Monday 22 December 2025 at the HOTA (Home of the Arts) Outdoor Stage.   The event is designed to honour the victims, stand alongside the Jewish community, and send a clear message that hate-fuelled violence has no place in Australia. Organisers say the vigil aims not only to mourn those affected, but also to offer a space for healing, reflection and unity. The vigil is a free event, but tickets are required for entry, with a maximum of four tickets available per order to manage attendance. The gates will open at 5:00 pm, providing time for people to gather, find a place to sit and quietly reflect before the formal program begins. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small chair or picnic rug so they can sit comfortably during the proceedings. The program is expected to include speeches from community leaders, interfaith representatives and local officials, as well as moments of silence and candle lighting. The City of Gold Coast has emphasised that the vigil is open to all residents, regardless of background or faith, to demonstrate broad community support for those directly impacted by the attack and for the broader Jewish community both locally and nationally. In recent years, rising concerns about antisemitism and other forms of hate speech and violence have prompted calls for stronger protections, better education and more visible displays of solidarity. Events like the Light & Unity Vigil are intended to counter fear and division with collective resilience and compassion. Organisers say they hope the vigil will serve as a reminder that the Gold Coast – and Australia more broadly remains committed to being a place where all communities can live, worship and celebrate safely. As candles are lit and names are remembered, the message from the Gold Coast will be simple but powerful: hate has no place here.

Queensland Police are investigating a disturbing act of vandalism at a mosque in Brisbane’s north, where antisemitic and white supremacist graffiti – including a Nazi symbol – was sprayed onto the building overnight. The incident occurred between 8:00 pm on 17 December and 3:00 am on 18 December at a site near Telegraph Road in the Bald Hills/Fitzgibbon area. Unknown offenders targeted the local mosque, defacing it with hateful slogans and symbols. Police say the vandalism is being treated seriously, given its nature and timing. It follows closely on from an antisemitic attack in Bondi that resulted in multiple deaths, contributing to heightened fear and anxiety across religious communities in Australia. Queensland Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant information – including dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage from the area around the time – to come forward. In the meantime, officers have stepped up their presence around places of worship and other sites of cultural or religious significance to reassure community members and deter further incidents. Authorities have reiterated that any acts targeting people based on religion or ethnicity are considered unacceptable and will be investigated thoroughly. Local MP Bisma Asif, Labor Member for Sandgate and Shadow Assistant Minister for Multiculturalism and Citizenship, condemned the attack in strong terms on social media. “Overnight, the local Bald Hills Mosque was vandalised with white supremacist symbols and the subject of death threats. This on the back of 15 innocent people losing their lives at the hands of extremists in an antisemitic attack on Sunday,” she wrote. “Frankly, I’m sick of the constant antisemitic, Islamophobic and racist incidents we’ve had in our community.” Ms Asif called for unity rather than retaliation or division.   “This is not the way forward. This is not how we get through this. Not with more hate. Not with retaliation. Not by tearing each other apart.” She also took aim at those she accuses of exploiting tensions for political gain. “I’m sick of the constant political opportunism by those intent on dividing this country to revive their failing political careers. Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe in their homes, places of worship and at work.” Ms Asif renewed calls for the State Government to act on racial vilification laws. “Now more than ever, it is important we stand together against divisiveness. Now more than ever, it is vital our State Government acts and passes the racial vilification laws it has delayed indefinitely.” The incident adds to a growing list of reported racist, antisemitic and Islamophobic events in recent times, prompting community leaders to push for stronger legal protections, better education and more visible public opposition to hate speech. Police have confirmed that they are continuing to support and engage with local religious communities, including Muslim and Jewish leaders, and have increased patrols around mosques, synagogues and other places of worship to provide reassurance. As investigations continue, community advocates are encouraging residents to respond to such incidents not with fear, but with solidarity – showing up for neighbours, reporting hate where it occurs, and reaffirming that Brisbane and Queensland are places where diversity is valued and protected. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or their local police station.