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.

Victims”The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is calling on members of the public to help identify everyday objects that could hold the key to locating victims of online child sexual exploitation. The appeal, part of the Stop Child Abuse – Trace an Object initiative, asks Australians to examine images released by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) and come forward with any information that could assist ongoing investigations. To the untrained eye, the photos may appear ordinary — a bedspread decorated with tropical flowers, framed red football jerseys, or a kitchen bench with familiar household items. But for investigators, these small details may be crucial leads in identifying victims, offenders, or locations linked to online child abuse. Now in its fourth Australian release, the Trace an Object campaign originated with Europol and has proven effective worldwide in solving “cold case” online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) files. The AFP says nine new images have been released in the latest round, each believed to have an Australian connection through either a victim, offender, or location. While the images have been edited to remove any explicit content, investigators are relying on the diverse knowledge and experiences of Australians to help recognize distinctive objects, settings, or regional details. AFP officials urge anyone who recognizes an item or has relevant information to contact the AFP immediately. Every tip, no matter how small, could help identify and protect a child victim and bring perpetrators to justice. For more details or to view the publicly released images, visit the AFP website: afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/afps-public-plea-help-us-trace-object-find-online-child-sexual. Caption The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is urging the public to help identify everyday objects that could lead to victims of online child sexual exploitation. Through the Stop Child Abuse Trace an Object initiative, the AFP has released new images believed to have an Australian link. Every detail no matter how small could help protect a child and bring offenders to justice. If you recognize any item, contact the AFP. afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/afps-public-plea-help-us-trace-object-find-online-child-sexual  

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.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has launched legal action against Bulmer Farms Pty Ltd, a prominent vegetable grower in Victoria’s East Gippsland, for allegedly underpaying 28 migrant workers a combined total of more than $645,000. Bulmer Farms, which produces lettuce, spinach, and broccoli in Lindenow, is accused of paying workers from Kiribati, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands flat weekly salaries that failed to meet the legal minimums under the Horticulture Award 2010 and 2020. According to the FWO, the alleged breaches occurred between December 2019 and December 2023, and affected workers employed under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme — a federal initiative designed to provide seasonal work opportunities for Pacific and Timor-Leste citizens. Investigators claim Bulmer Farms paid employees between $884 and $1,105 per week based on a 38-hour week, but on many occasions required them to work significantly longer hours without the appropriate overtime pay. In some cases, workers allegedly clocked more than 50 hours per week, resulting in unpaid wages and lost entitlements. The FWO alleges that 40 per cent of the total underpayments relate to unpaid overtime, while additional breaches include failure to pay for public holidays, leave, and minimum engagement periods. Workers were also allegedly subject to unlawful deductions covering airfares, health insurance, and accommodation. Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth condemned the alleged underpayment practices, describing them as “entirely unacceptable.” “Employees must be paid for every hour they work,” Ms Booth said. “Employers cannot rely on annualised salary arrangements that fail to account for all legal entitlements. The law demands transparency and fairness, especially when it comes to vulnerable migrant workers.” Bulmer Farms could face penalties of up to $93,900 per breach if found liable. The company has already repaid $42,189 to affected workers following an internal review but faces further orders to repay the alleged balance, plus interest and superannuation. A directions hearing is scheduled in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on 21 January 2026. The FWO reminded employers that migrant workers have the same workplace rights as other Australian employees, and that visa protections are in place for those who report underpayment or exploitation. Workers seeking advice or to report workplace issues can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94, with an interpreter service available at 13 14 50.

Wyndham Cultural Centre is set for its biggest year yet in 2026, unveiling a new theatre season featuring thirty shows as the venue celebrates its 25th anniversary. Wyndham City Mayor Cr Josh Gilligan has invited residents to explore the program, with tickets now on sale and a diverse line-up spanning world-class performers, local talent and family-friendly entertainment. Big year for 25th anniversary Cr Gilligan said the milestone season would bring leading companies and artists to Wyndham, including Bell Shakespeare, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Ross Noble, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Circa, the Umbilical Brothers and Na Djinang. He described the 2026 program as the biggest yet, designed to cater for all ages and interests with comedy, classical music, musical tributes, children’s theatre, circus and powerful drama. With Christmas fast approaching, residents are being encouraged to consider tickets as gifts, with the season offering “laugh-out-loud” comedy, moving theatre and memorable live experiences. Wyndham City is promoting the program as a chance for locals to celebrate the Cultural Centre’s 25-year contribution to the community while supporting live performance. Season kicks off in February The 2026 season opens in February with the Umbilical Brothers’ Speedmouse, promising mind-blowing physical comedy and non-stop laughs. The launch month also features I’m With Her, a powerful work written by Emmy nominee Victoria Midwinter Pitt. Also in February, comedian Damian Callinan brings Hall Stories to the Little River Mechanics Institute Hall, drawing on local memories and histories of the venue and the Little River community. This show aims to spotlight the stories embedded in local halls and connect audiences with their own neighbourhood heritage. Theatre, music and tributes Across the year, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra will present performances tailored for both adults and children, blending high-quality classical music with accessible programming. In a major first for the venue, Bell Shakespeare will perform Macbeth at Wyndham Cultural Centre, bringing one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies to local audiences. The live music and tribute program includes Joey Fimmano’s Music of the Night and the high-energy Elvis to the Extreme. Following strong demand in 2025, Swift fans can again look forward to The Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show, Reputation, billed as a must-see for local “Swifties”. Shows for children and families Wyndham Cultural Centre’s 2026 season features an extensive line-up for children and families, including Trash with a Porpoise from the Trash Puppets and Where is the Green Sheep?, an immersive visual experience based on the beloved book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Science fans aged 5 to 12 can enjoy The Alphabet of Awesome Science, a fast-paced show packed with scientific surprises. The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra will also present Wurrtoo, the Wombat who fell in love with the sky, combining classical music and storytelling from a distinctively Australian perspective. After debuting in 2025, the Fam Bam LIVE Children’s Festival returns in the September school holidays with The Australian Ballet, Mr Snotbottom, Coach Mon’s Comedy Games, Wolfgang in the Stars and more family entertainment. Ticket information and copyright note Tickets for the 2026 season are now on sale, and audiences are encouraged to book early to secure seats for popular marquee shows and children’s events. The full program and booking details are available via the Wyndham Cultural Centre website at www.wyncc.com.au.

Ararat’s “Skate into Summer” event has been hailed a major community hit, with around 1,000 tickets sold over three days at the Ararat Town Hall and crowds travelling from across western Victoria to join the fun. Family fun on synthetic ice The pop-up ice-simulation rink transformed the historic town hall into a summer skating hub, drawing families, teens and younger children aged 4–16, who appeared to be the most enthusiastic participants. Adults also laced up skates and joined in across the weekend, underscoring the event’s broad appeal as a whole-of-community attraction. Region-wide drawcard for Ararat Skaters and spectators came not only from Ararat Rural City but from towns including Hopetoun, Horsham, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Melbourne and Gippsland, turning the event into a regional tourism booster. Friday’s opening night added to the festival feel, with food vans set up outside the town hall so people could share a meal, sample foods new to Ararat and relax in the warm evening before or after their skating session. Mayor praises community spirit Ararat Rural City Mayor Cr Bob Sanders said the turnout proved that regional communities will respond when quality activities are put on locally, especially at the start of the school holidays and in good weather. He described Skate into Summer as a powerful example of how councils and communities can work together to create memorable experiences for children and families. Inclusive programming and late-night buzz An over-18s karaoke night in the town hall foyer on Saturday combined skating, dancing and singing, giving adults their own high-energy way to cap off the day. The program also included quieter sensory sessions, which drew 25 children and 18 adults who were able to enjoy the skating experience with reduced sound and lighting, supported by a dedicated chill‑out space created by the YEAH Crew youth group. Boost for local traders and festive season Cr Sanders welcomed the decision by some local businesses to extend their trading hours to coincide with the weekend crowds, giving visitors more opportunities to shop and dine in town. The momentum flowed into the Carols by Candlelight at Alexandra Gardens, which brought hundreds of locals together and, in the Mayor’s words, helped the community “slow down a bit and enjoy time with family and friends” as Ararat headed into summer and Christmas.

Adelaide’s St Dimitrios Parish has raised an extraordinary $120,000 to support Orthodox missionary work in the South Pacific, turning a local community lunch into a powerful act of international solidarity and faith. Mission focus: South Pacific communities With the blessing and canonical permission of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the fundraiser was dedicated to the Orthodox Mission in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, overseen by His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand. The Mission provides food, clothing, school supplies, medicine, pastoral care and catechetical instruction to families and children across the Pacific, often in remote areas where resources are scarce but faith is strong. The funds will help sustain key ministries, including Saint Tabitha Orphanage in Saweni, youth formation programs, parish outreach to villages and ongoing welfare support for vulnerable families. Supporters emphasised that every donation, large or small, becomes concrete hope and practical assistance for people living with both material need and deep spiritual commitment. A day of worship and generosity The historic fundraising effort followed the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 7 December 2025, at the Church of Saint Dimitrios in Salisbury, Adelaide, celebrated by Metropolitan Myron together with clergy from the parish. The church was filled with families, children, youth and parishioners, with a prayerful atmosphere marked by reverent chanting and heartfelt participation in Holy Communion. After the service, the parish hosted a Fundraising Lunch prepared by the Philoptochos, Parish Council and volunteers, who offered a generous meal and warm hospitality to the hundreds who gathered. The hall remained full well into the afternoon as people shared fellowship, learned more about the mission and gave with what organisers described as “open hearts”. Living faith beyond Australia’s shores Speakers highlighted that in Fiji and the wider Pacific, the Orthodox faith is “lived” in simple but profound ways: in humble chapels lit by oil lamps before icons, in meals of cassava shared with love, and in children chanting the Creed under palm trees. The mission grows, they said, not through grand gestures alone, but through presence, sacrifice, prayer and the quiet offering of time, love and service—even from those who give out of their own poverty. This latest effort continues a pattern of support from Saint Dimitrios Parish, which has backed the South Pacific Mission consistently over the past three years alongside members of the wider Adelaide community. For many parishioners, the connection with the Pacific is personal, forged through mission trips, parish partnerships and ongoing contact with clergy and communities on the islands. Gratitude to clergy and volunteers At the close of the event, Metropolitan Myron expressed deep gratitude to Archbishop Makarios for his blessing and guidance, and to His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide for his pastoral support of missionary outreach. He paid special tribute to parish priest Fr Michael Psaromatis and Presvytera Stavroula for 13 years of service to the Orthodox Mission in the Pacific, as well as to Fr Stavros, Presvytera Kyriaki and their family for their continuing contributions. Metropolitan Myron also thanked the Philoptochos, Parish Council and volunteers, praising their dedication, quiet labour and philotimo as essential to the success of the lunch and its remarkable fundraising result. He offered a prayer that God grant health, peace and spiritual blessing to all who contributed, so that the Church’s missionary work in the South Pacific may continue to “bear much fruit”. A message for multicultural Australia For Adelaide’s Greek Orthodox community, the day ended in an atmosphere of joy, unity and deep gratitude, with many describing the $120,000 total as a visible sign of what can happen when generosity meets prayer. Community leaders stressed that the story is not only about one parish, but about multicultural Australia extending a hand of solidarity to Pacific neighbours through faith, service and shared humanity. As the Orthodox Mission in the South Pacific looks to expand its programs for children, families and village communities, the funds raised in Salisbury will help ensure that Christ’s presence continues to be made known in word, sacrament and practical care across the islands. For the faithful of Saint Dimitrios, it is a reminder that a single Sunday gathering in suburban Adelaide can blossom into a living message of hope far beyond Australia’s shores.

Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s games powerhouse is set to grow again, with a new Collingwood-based coworking hub and investment fund designed to turn local ideas into global hits. In a landmark partnership between the Victorian Government, VicScreen and award-winning studio Massive Monster, the state is backing its digital games industry with fresh infrastructure, funding and a clear pathway for emerging creators. Backed by a $2 million Victorian Government investment delivered through VicScreen, the new MASS coworking space will open in Collingwood next year and be operated by Massive Monster, the studio behind global smash Cult of the Lamb. MASS will provide affordable workspaces alongside a playtesting area, audio room, VR and streaming facilities, a games library and an events space, giving developers the tools and professional environment they need to build sustainable studios. Positioned as a statewide incubator, MASS will bring students, up‑and‑coming developers and specialist creatives together with established industry professionals under one roof. The hub aims to foster collaboration, mentorship and networking, helping developers move from lone projects to scalable businesses while staying embedded in Melbourne’s creative ecosystem. Victoria already leads the nation in digital games, home to Australia’s largest games workforce and highest number of studios. For three decades the Victorian Government, through VicScreen’s Victorian Production Fund and related programs, has backed boundary‑pushing titles such as Cult of the Lamb and House House’s Untitled Goose Game, proving that homegrown projects can capture global audiences. This legacy is reinforced by initiatives like GameChanger Academy, the country’s first tertiary provider dedicated to animation, visual effects and games, and Play Now Melbourne, a leading games market connecting local studios with investors. MASS now joins this ecosystem as the latest measure to grow skills and capability in what has become the world’s fastest‑growing entertainment sector, valued at nearly $300 billion. Alongside the government’s $2 million support, Massive Monster is launching a new investment fund to help Victorian developers take their projects from prototype through to launch. This combination of physical space, community and capital is intended to give local teams the runway to develop standout IP without having to leave the state. Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said Victoria’s position as home to Australia’s largest digital games workforce and highest number of studios is a springboard for the next wave of success. He said the MASS coworking space will allow talented and aspiring developers to use their skills and creativity to build the next homegrown global game sensation. VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher highlighted that millions of players worldwide are already engaging with games made in Victoria. She said MASS will provide the resources, networks and collaborations creators need to turn bold ideas into global hits, keeping Victoria at the forefront of the fastest‑growing entertainment sector on the planet. Massive Monster Creative Director Julian Wilton described MASS as a bid to set a new standard for game‑development coworking, grounded in Melbourne’s reputation as one of the world’s best places to make games. He said the vision is to make MASS a true home for developers, where studios can grow, collaborate and develop distinctive intellectual property that resonates around the world. Prospective members and partners can register their interest and learn more about MASS at mass.co, ahead of the hub’s official opening next year. For Victorian developers, the initiative signals a new era of structured support, mentorship and investment aimed at keeping world‑class game creation firmly rooted in the state.

Donors are being urged to give generously but carefully as fundraising campaigns surge in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. Bondi appeals prompt warning Following Sunday’s tragic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is warning Australians to be cautious before donating to crowdfunding and other fundraising appeals linked to the incident. The regulator is urging people to prioritise giving to well-governed, registered charities to ensure support reaches those directly affected. MAN TV has identified more than 10 campaigns on GoFundMe related to the Bondi attacks, including one titled “Support the Hero Who Disarmed a Bondi Attacker”, which has already raised more than AU$2 million. The strong public response reflects widespread grief and solidarity following what Commissioner Sue Woodward AM described as a horrific attack directed at Jewish people celebrating a religious event. ACNC urges checks on charities Commissioner Woodward said it is natural for people to want to help in the aftermath of such a traumatic event, including through donations to appeals. However, she stressed that donors should take simple steps to protect themselves and ensure their money is used as intended, starting with checking whether the fundraiser is connected to a registered charity. The ACNC is encouraging donors to search the national Charity Register before giving to crowdfunding campaigns, and to consider donating directly via official charity websites where possible. Ms Woodward said that while many crowdfunding platforms work hard to ensure funds go where organisers say they will, they are “not completely immune from dubious fundraisers”, and the onus remains on donors to verify that campaigns are legitimate. GoFundMe outlines safety measures A GoFundMe spokesperson said the platform is “committed to being the safest place to give and receive help”, and activates a dedicated crisis team in response to major incidents such as the Bondi Beach shooting. The spokesperson said Trust & Safety specialists work around the clock during crises to vet and verify fundraisers for those affected and have created a dedicated hub of verified Bondi-related fundraisers to help donors find campaigns they can trust. The platform acknowledged that some people with no direct connection to victims may launch fundraisers out of kindness and goodwill. In those cases, GoFundMe says donations are held until its Trust & Safety team completes standard checks and confirms that funds can be safely passed on to the intended beneficiary. If specialists are unable to verify a connection, the fundraiser is removed and donors are refunded. Verification, reviews and refunds GoFundMe says suspicious activity can be flagged by internal systems, community reports or when a fundraiser gains rapid momentum, triggering an immediate investigation. For a fundraiser to be verified, it must pass enhanced due diligence, combining human checks by Trust & Safety experts with technical tools designed to detect misuse. The organiser’s identity, their relationship to the intended recipient and how the funds will be used all need to be clear before money is released. If more information is required, GoFundMe can place a hold on a fundraiser, stopping withdrawals until the review is complete. In rare cases of misuse, the platform says it will remove the fundraiser entirely and may ban accounts that breach its terms of service. Donations are backed by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, which promises donors a refund if something “isn’t right”, and the company provides further information and safety tips on its online safety hub. Advice for donors The ACNC is directing Australians to its guidance on crowdfunding for charities and donors to help them navigate the surge in appeals following the Bondi attack. Donors are being urged to: Check the Charity Register before giving to any campaign claiming to raise money for victims or their families. Consider donating directly via official charity websites listed on the Register. Be cautious of appeals where the organiser’s connection to beneficiaries is unclear. Both the ACNC and GoFundMe say that while most campaigns are launched in good faith, vigilance remains essential to ensure that the public’s generosity provides real help to those who need it most.

A Gold Coast man who survived a horrific motorcycle crash against all odds has had an emotional reunion with the paramedics who saved his life. Twenty-year-old Joel Paikea was critically injured in a high-speed motorcycle accident at Burleigh Heads earlier this year. Paramedics rushed to the scene to find him with severe head, chest, and limb injuries. They performed urgent, life-saving treatment including a blood transfusion and inducing a coma before rushing him to Gold Coast University Hospital. At the time, Joel’s family were called to say their goodbyes. But months later, after intensive care, surgery, and rehabilitation, Joel defied the odds and began walking again This week, Joel fulfilled a heartfelt wish: to personally thank the paramedics who fought to keep him alive. Accompanied by his family, he visited Mudgeeraba Ambulance Station to reunite with Ricky Arnold, Adam Flory, and Jan Muhlenberg the first responders who cared for him on that critical night. “It feels special seeing them again,” Joel said. “They saved my life that night.” He admits he remembers little from the crash, but his focus now is recovery. “I go to the exercise physiologist three times a week, physio every day, speech therapy twice a week, and occupational therapy. It keeps me going,” he said, adding he’s looking forward to spending Christmas with his grandpa. For the paramedics, the reunion was both emotional and rewarding. “It’s really good to see him up and about,” paramedic Ricky Arnold said. “We see trauma cases like this often, but to meet someone who has recovered and is back on his feet it’s amazing.” Arnold recalled the critical moments after the crash. “We stabilised him as best we could, performed a blood transfusion, and placed him in an induced coma to protect his brain until the hospital trauma team could take over,” he said. “Seeing him today, it feels like everything we train for truly matters.” The Queensland Ambulance Service shared the touching reunion as a reminder of the dedication and teamwork behind every emergency response and of the power of gratitude and recovery in the face of tragedy.