As Queensland prepares for one of the busiest retail periods of the year, the Crisafulli Government is urging shoppers to show patience, respect, and kindness toward workers during the festive rush.Queensland’s multicultural communities will share half a million dollars in new state funding, with 70 community organisations supported to deliver cultural events across the state in the first half of 2026. Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations, Jarrod Bleijie, has reinforced the government’s zero-tolerance stance on workplace violence and aggression this Christmas season. The government has announced its support for the “Be Kind in Retail” campaign — a national initiative led by the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) — promoting respect for retail, hospitality, pharmacy, security, and cleaning staff during the holiday period. Under the theme “Kindness Never Goes Out of Style,” the campaign aims to reduce abusive and aggressive behaviour towards frontline workers. Reports of workers being yelled at, threatened, and even physically assaulted have sparked renewed concern across Queensland’s retail and service sectors. Mr Bleijie said it was vital that Queenslanders remember the human side of the festive rush. “Our message is simple this Christmas and all year round – be kind to workers,” he said. “Workers across retail, hospitality, and other industries are doing long hours to serve the community. We want every worker to feel safe and go home to their family at the end of the day.” The campaign brings together a wide coalition of industry groups, including the National Retail Association (NRA), Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL), Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and the Building Service Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA). SCCA Chief Executive Angus Nardi welcomed the Queensland Government’s endorsement, noting the initiative will reach more than 300 shopping centres and 3,500 digital screens nationwide. “Our campaign has a simple message for the community: be kind and show respect in our retail environments this Christmas.” Australian Retailers Association CEO Chris Rodwell added that retailers employ 1.4 million Australians, many of whom are young people or those beginning their careers. “Every retail worker deserves a safe and respectful workplace,” Mr Rodwell said. Leaders from the pharmacy and convenience store sectors echoed similar sentiments, noting workers in these environments often face unacceptable levels of verbal and physical abuse, especially during peak periods. In addition to the safety call, the government reminded Queenslanders that extended trading hours are in place from 18 to 23 December, allowing large retailers such as supermarkets and department stores to operate until midnight.Trading will also continue throughout the state on public holidays, except Christmas Day. Public holidays for the 2025–26 Christmas and New Year period are: Christmas Eve: Wednesday, 24 December (6pm to midnight) Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January Mr Bleijie said the extended hours would help “take the pressure out of the Christmas rush” for both workers and shoppers. For details about trading hours and shop classifications, visit the Business Queensland website.

The Crisafulli Government is highlighting a major construction milestone on Brisbane’s Cross River Rail, with the new Albert Street underground station now visibly taking shape in the CBD. Key milestone in the CBD Significant progress is underway at Albert Street station, where the 153-tonne station canopy is now clearly visible from street level and will provide shade over a new public plaza at the main entrance. Sections of the Albert Street “green spine” between Mary and Elizabeth streets, designed as a shady subtropical boulevard with outdoor dining, are already open to the public.​ Below ground, Queensland’s longest escalator, measuring more than 37 metres at the station’s northern entrance near Queen Street, has been installed as part of a network of 29 escalators – the most of any underground Cross River Rail station. Major engineering works are continuing across the site, with productivity restored after earlier disruptions. Government’s rail transformation plan First Cross River Rail passenger services are now expected to commence in 2029, compared with the former Labor Government’s original promise to deliver the project for $5.4 billion by 2024. The Crisafulli Government has confirmed the final price tag at $19.041 billion and says it is “getting the project back on track” after what it describes as years of mismanagement and cost blowouts. Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the milestone reflects the government’s commitment to a once-in-a-generation rail transformation and essential transport infrastructure. He noted more than 140 days were lost to protected industrial action under the former government and said new arrangements are in place to restore momentum.​ Quotes from the Minister “We’re getting on with the job of delivering Cross River Rail’s Albert Street station following a challenging period for the project under the former Labor Government, including more than 140 days lost to protected action,” Mr Mickelberg said. “The canopy is in place, the plaza is taking shape, and the station is moving closer to completion.”​ “With projects like Cross River Rail, Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail, and The Wave on the Sunshine Coast, we’re building the public transport network Queenslanders need for 2032 and beyond,” he said, pointing to broader upgrades across the southeast.​ Network works over holidays Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton said Albert Street station is set to become a prominent inner-city landmark in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. He explained that while the underground tunnels and stations are a major focus, teams are also carrying out essential works across the wider rail network during the quieter school holiday period.​ Those works include installing new signalling infrastructure, improving drainage and forming new tracks, with passengers urged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time where closures or service changes are in place. Newton said scheduling these works during holidays helps minimise disruption while keeping the long-term rail upgrade program on track.

Organisers of a planned anti-Israel rally in Melbourne’s CBD have cancelled the event following intense backlash from political leaders, community representatives and business groups, but are preparing a smaller “speak-out” at Victoria’s Parliament early next week.​ Rally cancelled after backlash A rally planned for Saturday at the State Library by fringe group Anti-Zionism Australia has been scrapped after internal discussions within the organisation. The decision follows strong criticism over the timing of the event, which was scheduled for the same weekend that funerals are being held for victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the planned protest “deeply inappropriate” and warned that anyone seeking to inflame hatred or division would be “dealt with by police”. New “speak-out” planned Despite cancelling the CBD rally, Anti-Zionism Australia has announced it will instead hold a “speak-out” on Monday on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament. The organisers say the event will focus on opposing the federal government’s proposed adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and the recommendations of Australia’s antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal.​ Segal’s report calls for tougher hate speech and hate crime laws, including measures targeting violent or intimidating protest activity, stricter screening of foreign nationals for antisemitic views, and potential withdrawal of funding from institutions that fail to address antisemitism. Community and business concerns Jewish community leaders have condemned the cancelled rally, arguing that ongoing weekly protests are normalising intimidation and dehumanisation. Melbourne Rabbi Daniel Rabin accused the organisers of being “morally bankrupt” and said the timing of the planned event showed a lack of respect for Jewish victims and their families. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also urged the Allan government to consider urgent steps to prevent protests that could inflame tensions, warning of risks to public safety, social cohesion and economic activity during one of the busiest trading periods in the CBD.​ Police powers and public safety Victoria Police have declared Melbourne’s CBD a designated area over the Christmas and New Year period, granting officers expanded powers to stop and search individuals, including protesters. Although Saturday’s rally has been cancelled, police have confirmed they will maintain a visible presence at other demonstrations planned for the weekend and emphasise that public safety remains their top priority.

South-East Queensland residents are being urged to prepare for sizzling conditions this Christmas, with an incoming heatwave expected to send temperatures soaring. While Christmas Eve may bring slightly milder weather, Brisbane is forecast to hit daily highs between 33°C and 35°C throughout the festive week. Further inland, southern Queensland districts will experience even hotter conditions — with maximums ranging from 32°C to 38°C on Monday, 30°C to 35°C on Tuesday, around 30°C on Wednesday, and climbing again to 31°C to 37°C on Thursday. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), a heatwave is defined as three or more consecutive days when both daytime and overnight temperatures remain well above average compared to the local climate and recent conditions. It’s the high overnight temperatures that make heatwaves especially dangerous, as the body struggles to cool down and recover. Health officials warn that prolonged heat can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. To stay safe and comfortable during the hot spell: Keep cool indoors using fans or air conditioning if possible. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing when outside. Avoid long periods in direct sunlight. Check in on vulnerable family members, neighbours, and friends. Don’t forget your pets — make sure they have shade, fresh water, and a cool space to rest. With soaring temperatures ahead, taking simple precautions can make all the difference to staying safe this Christmas week.

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.

Australia’s private-sector economy is still growing but lost momentum in December, with services cooling even as manufacturing picked up slightly.   December PMI snapshot   According to the latest S&P Global Flash Australia PMI, the composite output index eased to 51.1 in December, down from 52.6 in November and marking the weakest expansion in seven months. Any reading above 50 signals growth, so the data point to a slower, not reversing, economy heading into year-end.   Within that composite, the services business activity index slipped to 51 from 52.8 month on month, highlighting a notable deceleration in Australia’s dominant services sector. By contrast, the manufacturing PMI edged up to 52.2 from 51.6, suggesting factory output is improving modestly after a more subdued period.   Demand, jobs and sentiment   New orders continued to rise but at a more “mitigated” pace than in November, with S&P Global attributing much of the slowdown to intense competition weighing on services demand. Even so, service providers increased staffing as firms responded to heavier workloads, signalling that employers still see enough pipeline to justify hiring.   S&P Global economist Jingyi Pan said it was “positive” that new orders were still expanding and that business confidence improved in December despite the softer output numbers. This suggests Australian firms, particularly in services, remain cautiously optimistic about the outlook into 2026 rather than bracing for an imminent downturn.   Cost pressures and inflation risks   One clear warning sign in the December data is a renewed build‑up in cost pressures across both manufacturing and services. Input costs accelerated, indicating businesses are facing higher bills for labour, materials and other operating expenses as the year closes.   If companies attempt to pass these higher costs on to customers, price pressures could complicate the Reserve Bank of Australia’s task of keeping inflation in check in 2026. However, with activity growth already slowing, many firms may have limited pricing power, potentially squeezing margins rather than reigniting broad-based inflation.   What it means for Australian businesses   For Australian businesses, the latest PMI report paints a picture of an economy that is still expanding but under increasing competitive and cost strain. Service-sector operators, from professional services to hospitality and retail, may need to sharpen pricing and productivity strategies as growth in new work softens.   Manufacturers, meanwhile, can take some comfort from the uptick in activity, though the broader trend over recent months has been shaped by fluctuating demand and global headwinds. Across the private sector, the combination of slower output growth, rising costs and still‑solid hiring points to a delicate balance between maintaining margins and preserving jobs as 2025 comes to a close.

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.”

Two Officers Stationed At Mass-Casualty Event   Only two police officers were on duty inside the Hanukkah festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach when a father-and-son gunman team opened fire on a crowd of around 1,000 people on Sunday night, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has confirmed. The shooting, designated a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community, left 15 people dead and dozens wounded, making it Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades and the deadliest antisemitic attack outside Israel since October 7, 2023.​   Minns said the pair of officers were assigned to the site, with additional police in the vicinity who arrived within moments of the first shots and engaged the attackers with sidearms from about 50 metres away, killing one and critically wounding the other. Witnesses reported that the gunmen fired into the crowd for up to ten minutes as families marked the first nights of Hanukkah in an open-air park beside the beach.​   Gunmen Identified, Motive Probed   Authorities have identified the attackers as Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24‑year‑old son Naveed, who opened fire with long‑arms on the gathering before being shot by police. Sajid was killed at the scene, while Naveed was taken to hospital under police guard after being critically wounded during the gun battle. Investigators say the attack is being treated as an act of terrorism inspired by Islamic State ideology, and are examining the pair’s recent overseas travel and links to extremist networks.​​   Indian police have confirmed that Sajid was originally from Hyderabad in southern India, but say his relatives there deny any knowledge of his radicalisation or activities before the attack. Australian domestic intelligence agency ASIO is reported to have previously looked into Naveed’s associations with a Sydney-based Islamic State–aligned circle and a controversial local cleric, though he was not on a current terror watchlist at the time of the shooting.​   Civilians’ Courage Amid Chaos   New footage and eyewitness accounts have highlighted the actions of unarmed bystanders who tried to intervene before and during the attack. One man, identified as 35‑year‑old Sydney resident Ahmed al‑Ahmed, tackled one of the gunmen and wrestled away his weapon before being shot multiple times in the arm and shoulder; he remains in hospital and is expected to recover.​   Premier Minns praised the responding officers who confronted the attackers at distance with only sidearms against long‑arms, saying they faced offenders who had a tactical advantage yet still managed to stop further bloodshed. Community members and first responders described scenes of panic as people tried to shield children, drag the wounded to safety and provide first aid while gunfire continued.​​   Grief, Funerals And Identification Efforts   Jewish emergency organisation Zaka has flown a specialist team from Israel to assist with recovery and religious preparation of the victims’ remains. Volunteer Simcha Greineman said police gave the team access to the crime scene only on Tuesday, and that painstaking work to collect all remains would continue through the night to allow dignified burials in accordance with Jewish law.​   At least six of the 15 victims are scheduled to be buried on Wednesday, as families in Australia and overseas struggle with formal identification and repatriation. Officials say some of the dead are foreign nationals, complicating efforts because local authorities do not yet hold matching DNA or other forensic records needed to confirm their identities.​   Community Outrage Over Antisemitism And Security   Australian Jewish leaders have reacted with anger and sorrow, accusing federal and state authorities of failing to heed warnings about escalating antisemitism and violent rhetoric at anti‑Israel rallies since October 2023. Speaking at a vigil at Bondi Beach, North Shore Chabad Rabbi Nochum Schapiro said community representatives had repeatedly urged governments to clamp down on demonstrators who shouted “Gas the Jews” or “Where’s the Jews” at a notorious Sydney protest, but saw no prosecutions, deportations or firm action.​   Schapiro said he had written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese months ago warning that Canberra’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood would embolden antisemites and endanger Jews in Australia, but said he received no response. “When Israel is vilified, antisemites hear that it is acceptable to attack Jews,” he argued, calling for urgent legislation to tackle incitement and to strengthen protection for Jewish institutions nationwide.​   Calls For Tougher Action On Terror And Hate   Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Western governments to urgently reinforce security for Jewish communities and to adopt “zero tolerance” policies towards antisemitism in the wake of the Bondi attack. In a video message, he warned that unchecked incitement inevitably translates into violence and demanded concrete measures rather than “belated condolences” after mass‑casualty attacks.​   Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, meeting in Jerusalem, jointly condemned the Bondi shooting as part of a broader terror threat confronting both democracies, pledging continued cooperation against extremism “in all its forms and manifestations.” Australian Jewish bodies, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, are now pressing state and federal authorities for an independent review of security planning around the Hanukkah event and a comprehensive strategy to curb hate‑motivated violence.​  

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.

Italy’s national cuisine has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, marking the first time an entire country’s cuisine has received this global recognition.​   Italy is celebrating a landmark cultural victory after UNESCO added “Italian cuisine” to its prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, recognising the nation’s food not just as a menu of dishes, but as a way of life that binds families and communities. The decision was confirmed at a UNESCO committee meeting in New Delhi, where delegates endorsed Italy’s 2023 bid to have everyday cooking  from regional pastas and breads to slow-cooked sauces and shared Sunday lunches formally acknowledged as living heritage.​   Cultural significance   Italy’s submission framed its cuisine as a “cultural and social practice” built on regional diversity, seasonal ingredients and skills passed down through generations in homes, trattorias and local markets. UNESCO’s listing notes that these traditions extend well beyond restaurant culture, encompassing family rituals, neighbourhood festivals and the informal teaching of recipes and techniques from elders to younger cooks.​   Reaction in Italy   Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the inscription as a powerful endorsement of Italian identity, arguing that it validates the role of food at the heart of national life as well as in the country’s global image. Government officials and industry groups say the status will strengthen efforts to protect authentic Italian products and methods from imitation abroad, while also supporting small producers and family-run businesses.​   Economic and tourism impact   The hospitality and tourism sectors are already talking up the potential economic benefits, with analysts expecting a fresh boost in “food tourism” as visitors seek out genuine local experiences in regions beyond Italy’s major cities. Restaurateurs and tour operators hope the UNESCO label will draw more people into rural food routes and neighbourhood trattorias, even as some warn that popular destinations must avoid becoming culinary theme parks aimed only at tourists.​   Global context   Italian cuisine now joins other food traditions on UNESCO’s lists, such as French gastronomy, Mexican cuisine and Japanese washoku, but stands out as the first national cuisine recognised in its entirety rather than through a single regional style or specific practice. For Italy, the decision is being framed as both a tribute to grandmothers’ kitchens and a tool to safeguard a living culture that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in local ingredients, shared tables and everyday rituals.​