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.

Christmas no longer means flying home For millions of Italians who now live permanently overseas, Christmas no longer automatically means a plane ticket back to Italy and a big family lunch at their parents’ house. More often, the festive season is spent in the country where they live and work, where they have built a new daily life, without cutting the ties to their Italian roots. A “widespread Italy” from Europe to Australia Today Italians living abroad number more than six million, spread across Europe, the Americas, Australia and newer destinations in Asia and the Middle East. This is no longer mainly temporary migration: for many, the decision to live abroad is permanent, with jobs, families and children born and raised far from the Peninsula, creating layered, plural identities.​ Christmas stays Italian, but changes shape Far from Italy, the climate, timetable and often even the menu may change, but key symbols such as the Nativity scene, Christmas Mass and traditional dishes adapted to local contexts remain central. In Australia, for example, Christmas falls in the middle of summer, under hot sun and high temperatures, yet Italian homes still gather around shared meals, festive sweets and rituals passed down from grandparents. Communities and parishes as extended family When parents and relatives are far away, associations, regional clubs, social circles and parishes become the new heart of Christmas. Italian-language Masses, carefully prepared Nativity scenes, community lunches, children’s plays and charity events turn Christmas into a collective embrace uniting different generations.​ Language, memory and the new generations The festive season is also a key moment to pass language and traditions on to children and grandchildren who often grow up in bilingual or multilingual environments. At Christmas, Italian families abroad bring back words, stories, songs and gestures that describe an Italy sometimes known only through grandparents’ memories, building a living bridge between past and future.​ Nostalgia turned into creativity and dialogue The thought of elderly parents, hometowns and childhood places makes Christmas abroad a time of deep nostalgia, yet that feeling often becomes a source of creativity and commitment. Open lunches with local friends and colleagues, neighbourhood tombola nights and fundraising for people in need transform celebrations into spaces of intercultural encounter and shared solidarity in the host country.​ A Christmas that redefines “home” For many Italians around the world, “home” is no longer a single address in Italy, but a web of relationships, memories and traditions stretching across borders and continents. Christmas is therefore not only a journey back, but an inner and communal journey in which a plural identity is reaffirmed: profoundly Italian, yet able to live, grow and renew itself anywhere in the world.

Warning over technology’s silent takeover Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia, His Eminence Makarios, has used his 2025 Christmas message to warn that digital devices and artificial intelligence are quietly taking over people’s daily lives. He said an era “dominated by technology” risks distancing people from real human connection, time with loved ones and the deeper joy at the heart of Christmas.​ Church says ‘yes’ to progress, ‘no’ to virtual worlds Archbishop Makarios stressed that the Orthodox Church is not against scientific progress or technological innovation when they serve the common good. However, he raised concern about a growing “virtual reality” that can replace authentic relationships with curated online lives and “artificial paradises” that never truly satisfy. Time, attention and prayer under pressure In his message, the Archbishop highlighted how social media, constant notifications and screen time are eroding the most precious resource people have: time that never returns. He contrasted artificial intelligence that can “compose excellent prayers” with the uniquely human act of actually praying, insisting that no machine can feel, love or stand before God on behalf of a person.​ Call to rediscover real joy at Christmas Makarios urged families across Australia, and especially young people, to put down their phones over Christmas and rediscover face-to-face conversation, shared meals and community life. True peace and lasting joy, he said, will not be found in endless scrolling or digital escape, but in Christ’s birth, which offers hope to a world wounded by war, injustice and loneliness.​ A message to a multicultural, digital Australia Addressing a diverse and highly connected Australian society, the Archbishop invited believers to use technology responsibly while refusing to become its slaves. His Christmas wish was that the New Year would bring less dependence on screens and more room in people’s hearts and homes for faith, family and genuine community.

Greater Western Water has been thrown a last-minute financial lifeline by the Victorian Government after a botched billing system rollout triggered an estimated $150 million in losses and left the utility unable to cover its interest bill. The Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, has issued a formal letter of financial support to keep the state-owned corporation operating as a going concern after a year of mounting cash flow problems and customer complaints. Financial strain laid bare GWW’s 2024-25 Annual Report reveals the utility recorded a negative operating cash flow of $191.7 million and an interest coverage ratio of -0.3, meaning it did not generate enough cash to service its debt costs during the year. The report also shows the value of current liabilities exceeded net current assets, underscoring how dependent the utility has become on the Treasurer’s support to avoid effective insolvency.​ The report details that more than $36 million was spent on information technology in 2024-25, largely tied to stabilising the new Billing and Collections system introduced in May 2024. That system upgrade triggered widespread billing disruptions and data issues, driving both the financial hit and a surge in customer complaints.​ Customers bearing the burden Households and businesses across GWW’s service area have faced months of uncertainty, with tens of thousands of customers incorrectly charged while others had their personal information exposed in the fallout from the system changeover. The number of customers on flexible payment plans climbed to 28,981 in 2024-25, a 23 per cent increase in just one year, as bill stress intensified.​ Payment-related complaints have also spiked, with the rate of payment issue complaints more than tripling to 0.68 per 100 customers over the year. Consumer advocates warn that the combination of billing errors, higher reliance on hardship support and ongoing cost-of-living pressures is placing additional strain on families in Melbourne’s west and north-west.​ Political blame game The Opposition has seized on the Christmas Eve release of the Annual Report, branding the Treasurer’s letter of support a “de facto bailout” and accusing the Labor Government of trying to bury bad news during the festive season. Shadow Treasurer Jess Wilson says Labor’s mismanaged billing upgrade has “driven one of Victoria’s largest water corporations to the financial brink,” arguing that GWW would likely be insolvent without the emergency backing. Shadow Water Minister Tim McCurdy has also slammed the government’s stewardship of essential services, saying Victorians are “paying the price” for failures in basic service delivery. The Opposition claims the saga reinforces a broader pattern of Labor being unable to manage money or major projects, while calling for greater transparency around the bailout and full accountability for the IT rollout.​ What’s next for customers GWW has already flagged a multi-year program to stabilise its systems and restore normal billing cycles, backed by an enforceable undertaking that includes an estimated $130 million in customer redress. The utility says it remains committed to supporting affected customers through payment plans, bill credits and hardship assistance while it works to rebuild trust and financial stability.​

The Crisafulli Government has unveiled a bold new era for Queensland’s tourism industry, announcing major expansions from four leading international airlines as part of a $75 million Connecting Queensland Fund — a key pillar of the state’s long-term Destination 2045 plan. Under the initiative, Qantas, Fiji Airways, Air New Zealand, and China Southern Airlines will all increase their services to Queensland, delivering what Premier David Crisafulli called “a fresh start for the state’s tourism sector after a decade of decline under Labor.” Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the new routes signal Queensland’s resurgence as Australia’s “home of the holiday.”“These new flights mean more visitors, more jobs, and more money flowing into local economies. We said we’d boost connectivity — and we’re doing exactly that,” he said. Boost for the Brisbane Gateway The largest expansion comes from China Southern Airlines, which will double its Brisbane–Guangzhou services to twice daily from March 30 next year. The airline’s upgraded schedule will add more than 114,000 seats annually, generating an estimated $498 million in visitor spending and creating around 1,600 new jobs. Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said this marks a milestone moment.“Double-daily flights will supercharge Brisbane’s connectivity to China and give travellers greater choice when flying between the two regions,” he said. Gold Coast Takes Off Qantas will return to the Gold Coast’s international network in June 2026 with a direct Auckland–Gold Coast service, strengthening links with New Zealand and injecting an estimated $85 million into the state economy. The Gold Coast will also welcome a new Fiji Airways route from Nadi, operating three times a week. The connection is expected to contribute more than $50 million in tourism spending while opening new pathways to North America through Fiji’s Pacific hub. Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said the expansion cements the Gold Coast as Australia’s most connected airport to New Zealand.“This partnership with the Queensland Government is about growing regional connectivity, tourism and trade,” she said. More Seats Across the Tasman Air New Zealand will boost services between Brisbane and New Zealand by 35,000 seats for the March–October 2026 season. The airline will increase Brisbane–Auckland services to 26 flights per week and Brisbane–Christchurch to eight. Air New Zealand’s General Manager for Australia, Kathryn O’Brien, said demand for Brisbane travel continues to soar among Kiwi families and visitors.“We’re seeing more New Zealanders choosing Brisbane for its warm climate, outdoor lifestyle, and world-class attractions,” she said. Driving Growth Statewide Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler said the Connecting Queensland Fund highlights the importance of strategic investment.“Reliable aviation access is essential for our regions and operators. These partnerships show what can be achieved through long-term collaboration,” she said. The government says strengthening connectivity is key to unlocking greater prosperity for local businesses — from café owners and restaurants to tourism operators who rely on visitor numbers. As Queensland prepares to welcome the world in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Crisafulli Government says this investment in air links is just the beginning of its plan to make the Sunshine State more connected than ever.

The Crisafulli Government has announced that Springfield will be the site of Queensland’s newest HOPE Hub — part of a major $7.8 million initiative to strengthen support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence across the state. The first of three new centres will open at Orion Springfield Central in early 2026, delivering on a key election commitment to expand access to vital recovery and support services. The HOPE Hubs, operated by community organisation Beyond DV, will provide wrap-around assistance for victims of domestic and family violence — from trauma-informed counselling and social services to housing, legal and financial support. The additional two hubs are expected to open during the 2026–27 financial year. Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said locating the hubs in major shopping centres would make help more accessible to those who need it most. “Shopping centres provide a safe and discreet access point for victim-survivors, helping to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help,” Minister Camm said.“These hubs are not just about providing services – they’re about creating communities where victims feel safe, supported and empowered to rebuild their lives.” The government’s expansion of HOPE Hubs builds on broader reforms aimed at protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. Current initiatives include a GPS tracker trial for high-risk offenders in Caboolture and Townsville, new Police Protection Directions allowing officers to protect victims for up to 12 months, and a study by ANROWS into misidentification in domestic violence incidents. Beyond DV Founder and Director, Carolyn Robinson, said the Springfield hub would extend the proven success of the model already operating in Carindale. “Our HOPE Hubs provide a safe, highly accessible space where people can seek information, referrals and long-term recovery support,” Ms Robinson said.“We’re proud to bring this model to Greater Springfield and continue making a positive difference in the lives of families affected by domestic violence.” Elisabeth Rung, Centre Manager at Orion Springfield Central, said hosting the new HOPE Hub reflected the centre’s commitment to community wellbeing. “We are honoured to welcome the HOPE Hub to Orion Springfield,” Ms Rung said.“This partnership represents our dedication to creating safe and inclusive spaces while tackling vital issues like domestic abuse and mental health.” The Beyond DV HOPE Hub at Orion Springfield is expected to open its doors in early 2026, offering seven-day-a-week access to confidential support and recovery pathways for local residents.

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 commuters are being warned to expect extensive changes to their travel routines from tomorrow, as major track closures and timetable alterations roll out across the South East Queensland (SEQ) rail network. The disruptions, which will run from 20 December to 26 January, are part of a coordinated effort by the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and Queensland Rail to complete critical infrastructure works and maintenance during the school holiday period. Authorities say the works are essential to delivering a “once-in-a-generation” transformation of the state’s rail system, while positioning SEQ for a growing population and the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. What’s happening and why? The closures will allow crews to safely undertake a range of large-scale projects within the rail corridor. These include: Installing new signalling infrastructure Forming and realigning tracks Conducting drainage works between Albion and Bowen Hills Cable relocation and testing Installation of overhead and communications wiring Under-track crossing installations between Salisbury and Boggo Road station At the same time, Queensland Rail will use this period to complete track maintenance between Bowen Hills, Wooloowin and Ferny Grove, as well as on the Cleveland line in the new year. Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton said the program of works extends far beyond the new tunnel system. “The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority is responsible for more than just the underground tunnels – our crews are undertaking a variety of surface works that will support the wider transformation of South East Queensland’s rail network,” Newton said. “While trains aren’t running, crews will be busy in the rail corridor constructing new stabling yards to increase the number of trains that can be accommodated on the network, installing signalling infrastructure, testing signalling and communications systems, and undertaking upgrade works at Dutton Park, Salisbury and Moorooka stations.” Key impacts for passengers The works will affect every line on the network at different stages. Some of the major impacts include: 20–28 December: All lines impacted by closures and travel changes. Buses replace trains on all lines between Roma Street and Northgate/Eagle Junction. Buses replace trains on the Ferny Grove line. 20–21 December: Beenleigh and Gold Coast line trains operate as a combined all-stops service between Varsity Lakes and Banoon. Buses replace trains between Yeerongpilly and Banoon. 22–24 December: Stations from Roma Street to Northgate/Eagle Junction and the Ferny Grove line are closed. Buses replace trains during this period. 29 December – 1 January: All train lines operate under a special timetable, including additional services for New Year’s Eve. From 2 January: All train lines return to a regular timetable for a short period. 3–26 January: Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines again operate as a combined all-stops service between Varsity Lakes and Banoon. 3–11 January: Buses replace trains between Yeerongpilly and Banoon. 12–26 January: Buses replace trains between Boggo Road and Banoon. 24–26 January: Buses replace trains between Cleveland and Manly to allow a three-day track reconditioning of the Birkdale Road overbridge. Normal services are expected to resume from first service on Tuesday 27 January 2026, aligning with the start of the new school year. Advice for commuters Acting Head of Translink, Dean Helm, acknowledged the inconvenience but urged commuters to see the works as an important investment in long-term reliability and capacity. “These works are part of a wider transformation to South East Queensland’s rail network, which will support our growing population and readiness for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Helm said. “If you are travelling during this period, please consider your transport options, plan ahead and allow plenty of travel time.” He added that the timing had been deliberately chosen. “We understand this will be an inconvenience to customers, which is why these works occur mostly during the school holidays, when fewer customers travel on the network.” Translink is encouraging all passengers to: Check the Translink app or website before travelling Allow extra time for journeys, especially when transferring between trains and replacement buses Look out for station and onboard announcements, signage, and staff directions Be aware of changed stopping patterns and altered departure times “We will have plenty of services available to help get you where you need to go, including connections to regular bus routes and rail replacement buses,” Helm said. “All rail replacement bus timetables will be in the journey planner, so please check the Translink website closer to the closure date.” For regular commuters, shift workers and holiday travellers alike, the message is simple: expect changes, plan ahead, and factor in additional time to get to your destination.