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.

The Queensland Government has confirmed that it will continue its pause on initiating Stage 1 (puberty blockers) and Stage 2 (gender-affirming hormone) therapies for minors with gender dysphoria in the state’s public hospitals, extending the pause until at least 2031. The announcement follows the release of an Independent Review Advice Report into the use of puberty suppression and gender-affirming hormones for children and adolescents in Queensland’s public health system. The review was led by Professor Ruth Vine, and its findings have now been made publicly available. Under the decision, no new initiations of Stage 1 or Stage 2 therapies will occur in the public system for minors with gender dysphoria until the results of the UK PATHWAYS Trial, which is currently underway, are known in 2031. International context and evidence base In its statement, the Queensland Government noted that similar moves are being made internationally. The United Kingdom has changed legislation to restrict the prescription and supply of puberty blockers to children. Other countries, including France, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden, have also tightened regulations around prescribing hormone therapy for children and adolescents. At the national level, the Federal Government has also initiated its own review into the provision of care for minors with gender dysphoria, with advice on the use of puberty blockers expected by the middle of 2026. Queensland’s position, the government says, is grounded in evidence and the best interests of children. Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, said the review highlighted concerns around the strength and depth of the evidence supporting hormonal treatments for this age group. “The Review has found that the evidence base underlying the use of Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone therapy for young people with gender dysphoria is limited, and further, there is a paucity of evidence about other long-term risks or benefits of these treatments,” Minister Nicholls said. “Cabinet has carefully considered the Review and its policy advice and has decided that the current pause of the initiation of puberty blockers and gender affirming hormone treatment for minors in the public health system for the treatment of gender dysphoria will continue until 2031 at which time the UK’s trial is expected to be completed and results available.” “This is consistent with the recently announced model for treatment in New Zealand.” What does this mean for patients? The Government stressed that existing patients who are already receiving Stage 1 or Stage 2 treatments through Children’s Health Queensland will continue to receive care and will not have their current treatment suddenly withdrawn. Additionally, children and adolescents with gender dysphoria will continue to have access to non-medical interventions, including: Mental health and psychological support Social work support General wellbeing and family support services The Government has framed its decision as one focused on ensuring that care delivered to minors in the public system is based on the strongest possible evidence, particularly when it involves interventions that may have long-term health consequences. “The Government is of the view that it is in the public interest that the provision of health care to children in our public hospitals should be based on the strongest available evidence,” Minister Nicholls said. The Independent Review and the extended pause are expected to remain points of significant public discussion, as families, clinicians, advocacy groups and community organisations continue to debate how to best support young people experiencing gender dysphoria. For now, Queensland joins a growing list of jurisdictions taking a more cautious approach to medical interventions for gender dysphoria in minors while awaiting further high-quality, long-term data.

  Bupa HI Pty Ltd (Bupa) has been ordered to pay a $35 million penalty by the Federal Court for engaging in unconscionable conduct and making false or misleading representations concerning private health insurance benefits. The penalty stems from Bupa’s incorrect assessment of claims and advice provided to thousands of members, hospitals, and medical providers between May 2018 and August 2023.   The Federal Court declared that Bupa engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct by incorrectly advising members they were not entitled to benefits for any part of their claim, despite the fact that these members were entitled to coverage for certain treatment under their policy. Furthermore, the Court declared that Bupa engaged in unconscionable conduct between June 2020 and February 2021 in connection with its incorrect assessment of specific claims.   Incorrect Rejection of Mixed Coverage Claims   The core issue involved “Mixed Coverage Claims,” primarily for hospital treatment where two or more procedures were performed at the same time. In scenarios where part of the treatment was covered by a member’s policy but part was not, Bupa incorrectly rejected the entire claim.   ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe stated that Bupa’s conduct impacted thousands of consumers who suffered significant harm, including financial loss, pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Due to being incorrectly told they were ineligible for benefits, some Bupa members chose to cancel, delay or forego necessary treatment, potentially leading to medical risks or complications. Hospitals and medical providers were also impacted by not receiving entitled payments for certain members’ claims.   “We consider this to be extremely serious conduct, and this is reflected in Bupa’s admission that it engaged in unconscionable conduct, which is one of the most serious types of misconduct under the consumer laws that we enforce,” Ms Lowe said.   Court Orders and Remediation Program   In addition to the $35 million penalty approved by the Federal Court, the Court also imposed an injunction restraining Bupa from engaging in the contravening conduct for a period of five years.   Bupa acknowledged the Federal Court’s orders in response to breaches of the Australian Consumer Law. The health insurer cooperated with the ACCC during the investigation and agreed to make joint submissions to the Court regarding liability and penalties.   “We remain deeply sorry for these errors and have apologised to our affected customers for the impact this has had on them and their families,” Bupa stated, confirming that they have accepted the Federal Court’s decision.   Bupa commenced a remediation program prior to the court action and provided the ACCC with a court enforceable undertaking in June this year to complete the process. This program compensates affected members, hospitals, and medical providers, covering the amount members were entitled to but did not receive, plus interest. To date, Bupa has already paid back a total of $14.3 million covering more than 4,100 affected claims, as of November 5, 2025.   The ACCC emphasized that the outcome should serve as a strong reminder to all health insurers regarding their obligations to correctly assess claims and ensure members receive their entitled benefits.

  By Juliano Moreira Oliveira   In the wake of the tragic terrorist attacks in Bondi, Australians have responded with an extraordinary outpouring of kindness and solidarity. Across the country, blood donors have set new benchmarks for generosity, breaking two national donation records in a single day.   Nearly 50,000 donation appointments were booked—more than double the previous record—while 7,810 donations of blood, plasma, and platelets were made nationwide. This unprecedented surge has led to record numbers in Queensland and New South Wales, underscoring the enduring Australian spirit of unity and compassion during times of crisis.   Speaking to MAN TV, Liam Richardson, Relationship Manager at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, reflected on the incredible public response.   National Response and Rising Demand   “Following the tragedy in Bondi, there has been a significant increase in blood donations across Australia, with record numbers in Queensland and New South Wales,” Richardson said. “People have been booking appointments weeks in advance, and the need for blood continues—especially for O-negative and O-positive types.   “Lifeblood is experiencing high demand and even some website issues due to the volume of interest. We encourage continued donations and emphasize the importance of booking appointments so staffing and resources can be planned effectively. We do welcome walk-ins,” he added, “but bookings help ensure availability and smooth operations.”   Richardson expressed admiration for how quickly the public united:   “I think that in terms of when a tragedy happens in Australia, Australians band together, and they do whatever they can to honour the people that experience that tragedy, and also want to do something very practical for the community as well, to to get to absolutely to do something very practical and very worthwhile for the community. And we see that in times of great national tragedy… that the Australian public have really banded together, and one way that they do that is through donating blood. So we saw some incredible scenes yesterday up here in Queensland, but especially in New South Wales, around where the event took place, where people lined up for hours to donate.”   He added that the response has been remarkable across Australia:   “We’ve seen an incredible response all across the country, not just in Sydney. Here in Brisbane, we saw record numbers across several donor centres. And what we’ve also seen is people booking in for weeks ahead. We saw as many people as we possibly could yesterday, but now we’re seeing appointments coming in right through to the new year. I think people are starting to understand that blood only lasts outside the body for a maximum of 42 days.”   Richardson noted that the tragedy placed particular pressure on O-negative blood:   “During the tragedy, a large volume of our O-negative blood—being the universal donor—was used. In emergencies, O-negative is vital because it’s safe for anyone to receive when their blood type is unknown. Our O-negative stocks were significantly depleted, and we sent blood from other states to New South Wales to ensure supply . “We urgently need O-negative and O-positive donors, but all blood types are absolutely essential,” he emphasized.   Donors Share Their Stories   The tragedy has inspired both regular donors and those returning after a long break to roll up their sleeves.   Joyce, a 35-year-old regular donor, shared her routine and reflections:   “I donate blood every month. I’m always booking in advance because I want to make sure I’ll have the day available for this. I’m pretty shocked after seeing what happened in Bondi. No one would ever expect to see something like this. However, I’m glad to witness the kindness of so many people who came here today.”   Sam, 44, spoke of his personal motivation for donating again:   “My father-in-law unfortunately died of leukaemia six months ago. So you’re just trying to kind of give that to the community that gave us the extra time.”   It was his first donation in a decade, but Sam urged others to make donation a habit:   “Don’t stop donating. It’s easy and quick.”   A Tradition of Generosity   This extraordinary wave of donations follows an already record-breaking start to 2025, with January marking the biggest donation month on record—more than 150,000 donations nationwide.   Australia’s generosity remains vital to meeting the immense demand for blood products. So far this year, 580,324 donors have contributed over 1.6 million donations, amounting to 1,069,721 litres of blood, plasma, and platelets for patients nationwide.   In the face of tragedy, Australians continue to prove that unity, compassion, and action are the nation’s greatest strengths.

The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) has become the first hospital in Queensland to roll out a groundbreaking translation trial, introducing a 24/7 on-demand video and phone interpreting service in its adult Emergency Department (ED). The initiative aims to break down communication barriers and deliver faster, safer care for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.   Accessed via a simple iPad app, the service connects staff to certified interpreters around the clock — providing almost instant language support at the bedside or triage desk.   Cutting Wait Times from Hours to Seconds   Metro North Health Senior Multicultural Officer Madi Hope said the new system was designed to address one of the emergency department’s most pressing challenges — delays in accessing interpreters during critical situations.   A similar program trialed interstate recorded an average connection time of 36 seconds across all languages, with the most commonly used languages achieving connections in as little as 20 seconds. These languages include Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, AUSLAN, Korean, and Spanish.   “Providing in-language care and information from the moment patients enter the ED is essential,” Ms. Hope said. “It reduces confusion, enhances safety, and ensures patients can understand and participate in their own care.”   Meeting Queensland’s Multicultural Needs   With more than 200 languages spoken across Queensland and one in five Metro North residents speaking a language other than English, the demand for rapid, reliable interpreting services is high. Emergency care environments — operating around the clock — have traditionally faced challenges in securing in-person interpreters due to logistical, spatial, and infection-control constraints.   The new trial directly tackles these challenges, giving clinicians the ability to connect instantly with professional interpreters “at the touch of a button.”   Quality and Reliability at the Core   The system, provided by a Queensland-based company, ensures that all interpreters are NAATI-certified to maintain high professional standards. If a video interpreter is not available within 20 seconds, the system automatically offers to switch the session to an audio call, expanding access and ensuring seamless connection.   Ms. Hope said the initiative is expected to make a significant impact: “We are confident this trial will reduce communication errors and improve patient outcomes at The Prince Charles Hospital.”   If successful, the trial could serve as a model for hospitals across Queensland, improving access and equity in care for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.  

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched separate Federal Court proceedings against home meal delivery services HelloFresh and Youfoodz, alleging they misled consumers about how to cancel subscriptions and avoid being charged for their first order.   Both companies are owned by German parent HelloFresh SE, with HelloFresh offering weekly meal kits and Youfoodz providing ready‑made weekly meals through websites and smartphone apps.   Alleged “subscription traps”   The ACCC alleges that HelloFresh and Youfoodz breached the Australian Consumer Law by advertising that new customers could easily cancel subscriptions through their online account settings before a specified cut‑off time.   In reality, the regulator claims, many consumers who cancelled online before that deadline were still charged for and received their first delivery.   “Despite being able to sign up easily through the websites and apps, consumers were only able to cancel the first delivery if they spoke with a customer service representative,” the ACCC said.   ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said the cases were brought because the conduct involved “a suite of confusing and unclear subscription practices” that breached Australia’s consumer laws.   “Despite what HelloFresh and Youfoodz represented to new Australian subscribers, tens of thousands of consumers were charged for their first order, even though they cancelled their subscription before the cut‑off date,” Mr Woodward said.   Tens of thousands charged despite cancelling   The ACCC alleges that HelloFresh’s conduct occurred between 1 January 2023 and 14 March 2025, while Youfoodz’s alleged conduct ran from 1 October 2022 to 22 November 2024.   During those periods, 62,061 HelloFresh customers and 39,408 Youfoodz customers were charged a fee despite cancelling their subscription before the cut‑off time for the first order.   The ACCC began its investigation in October 2024 after receiving a large number of consumer complaints about the companies’ subscription and cancellation processes.   Specific claims against HelloFresh   The ACCC alleges that HelloFresh required consumers to provide payment details simply to view and select meals from the full menu.   During the sign‑up process, the company allegedly represented that customers would not be charged unless they actively selected meals. However, the ACCC claims that when consumers clicked the button to move to the meal selection screens, they were automatically entered into an ongoing subscription and charged for the first delivery.   Many HelloFresh customers were reportedly unaware they had been subscribed until they received a delivery or a payment notification.   In one example cited by the ACCC, a consumer entered payment details on the HelloFresh website to view the menu but decided not to proceed. They later received a PayPal notification that they had been charged and found it difficult to contact HelloFresh about the payment.   Specific claims against Youfoodz   The ACCC alleges that Youfoodz told consumers who had taken steps to cancel their subscription in their online account settings that the first delivery was cancelled and they would not be charged.   However, the regulator claims the first delivery could not actually be cancelled through that method, and customers were still charged.   In another example, a consumer signed up for a Youfoodz subscription and cancelled online within minutes. They later received a text stating their delivery would arrive the next day and that they had been charged. After multiple calls, they were eventually offered only a 50 per cent refund.   What the ACCC is seeking   The ACCC is seeking a range of orders from the Federal Court, including: Compensation orders for affected consumers Civil penalties Declarations that the companies breached the Australian Consumer Law Publication orders (requiring the companies to publish corrective notices) Implementation of a compliance program Costs   Mr Woodward stressed that businesses must clearly communicate when consumers are signing up for a subscription and how they can cancel and avoid being charged.   “Businesses using confusing and complicated subscription cancellation policies is a matter of significant public concern and, where there is evidence of breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and consumer harm, the ACCC will take enforcement action when appropriate,” he said.   Festive season warning   The ACCC also urged consumers to carefully review contract terms before paying for any subscriptions, particularly when purchasing gift subscriptions during the festive season.   Consumer and fair trading issues in the digital economy are among the ACCC’s key enforcement priorities for 2025–26.  

Australia is facing a prolonged shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) transdermal patches, with supply disruptions expected to continue until at least July 2026. The shortage is affecting patients managing menopause and perimenopause who rely on these vital treatments.   Pharmaceutical companies Sandoz and Juno Pharmaceuticals have advised the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of difficulties supplying both estradiol and combination estradiol/norethisterone (norethindrone) patches. The problem stems from global manufacturing constraints and an unexpected surge in demand.   In response, the TGA has fast-tracked approvals for several overseas-registered HRT patches to help meet patient needs. These alternative products will be subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), ensuring continued affordability and access. Pharmacists can order them through the Section 19A approvals database, where contact details for approved suppliers are listed.   To minimise disruption, pharmacists are now authorised to substitute approved alternatives without requiring a new prescription. This measure allows patients to continue treatment even if their regular brand is unavailable, though some may need to switch between brands during the supply shortage.   The TGA acknowledged the “concern and frustration” caused by the ongoing shortage and said it remains difficult to predict when Australian-registered patches will return to full supply. Patients are advised to consult their pharmacists for up-to-date information and guidance on obtaining their medication during this period.

A young koala has survived a heart‑stopping dash across a busy Brisbane road and ended up clinging to the grab rail of a city bus, in what rescuers say is one of their most unusual call‑outs.   Peri’s wild night out   The male koala, later nicknamed “Peri”, was spotted on Saturday night crossing a traffic‑heavy street in Camp Hill, in Brisbane’s inner east. A Brisbane City Council CityGlider bus driver saw the animal narrowly avoid being hit by a car before scrambling up a metal pole on a traffic island. Fearing the koala could slide back down into oncoming traffic at any moment, the driver gently covered its head with a jacket, removed it from the pole and brought it onto the bus to keep it safe. Peri then took refuge on the bus’s internal grab rail, turning a standard suburban service into an impromptu koala shuttle.   Rescue and health check   Koala Rescue Brisbane South’s rescue lead, Brianne Barkla, said she was stunned when she received a report of a koala actually inside a public bus. She described it as the first time the group had been called to retrieve a koala from a council bus, despite years of inner‑Brisbane rescues.   When Barkla arrived, Peri appeared healthy but was transported to the RSPCA for a precautionary veterinary assessment. By the following day, vets confirmed the young “sub‑adult” koala, estimated to be more than 12 months old and old enough to be independent, had no injuries and was cleared for release.   Safe release and festive name   On Sunday afternoon, Peri was released into Seven Hills Bushland Reserve, the closest patch of suitable habitat to where he was found in Camp Hill. Rescuers say koala sightings in that reserve are relatively uncommon, making Peri’s late‑night city adventure both encouraging for the local population and worrying in terms of how far he wandered.   In a nod to the festive season, the rescue team chose the name “Peri” after workshopping Christmas‑themed ideas, drawing inspiration from the classic “partridge in a pear tree” line in The Twelve Days of Christmas. Barkla said the rescue highlighted how young koalas continue to move through urban areas, especially towards the end of the breeding season.   Urban pressures and safety warnings   Koalas in south‑east Queensland face growing threats from vehicle strikes, dog attacks, disease and the gradual loss of habitat as development pushes further into bushland. Barkla said the organisation receives relatively few calls from around Seven Hills Reserve but expects koalas to be more visible on roads and in backyards at this time of year.   She urged the public not to attempt hands‑on rescues, warning that koalas are both delicate and capable of inflicting serious scratches with their claws. Instead, residents who see a koala in trouble are advised to keep their distance, monitor the animal if it is in immediate danger and contact dedicated wildlife rescue services.   Brisbane’s “most Australian” bus ride   Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner praised the driver’s quick thinking and compassion, saying the incident showed council drivers go “above and beyond” to look after both passengers and wildlife. He quipped that he often describes Brisbane as “the most Australian place on earth, and a koala on one of our buses just proves it”.   The Lord Mayor also reminded residents to call wildlife professionals rather than intervening themselves if they encounter distressed native animals. For MANtv viewers, Peri’s unlikely bus ride is a feel‑good reminder that even in a fast‑growing city, Australia’s most iconic marsupial is still very much part of everyday urban life.