Queensland’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games could be hit by worker shortages and rising construction costs, the state’s auditor-general has warned. QLD Olympics workforce warning A new report from the Queensland Audit Office has flagged a growing risk that major infrastructure projects will be delayed or become more expensive due to shortages in key trade and professional roles. The warning covers both the broader state capital program and projects linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The report highlights that Queensland’s infrastructure pipeline relies heavily on a skilled workforce spread across multiple government entities, making coordination and capacity planning critical to delivering projects on time and on budget. Shortages in engineering, project management, and trade positions are already increasing risk for projects still in planning or early delivery phases. Forecast shortfall of up to 50,000 workers Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) estimates an average shortfall of 18,200 construction workers over the next eight years. That gap is forecast to peak at about 50,000 workers in the 2026–27 financial year, coinciding with a ramp-up in major infrastructure delivery.​ Projects funded through capital grants, including some Olympic and Paralympic venues and related infrastructure, are competing for the same pool of workers as other construction and civil projects across the state. This competition is expected to intensify pressure on timelines and costs, as employers bid for scarce skilled labour, contractors, and suppliers. Early-stage planning adds risk Planning for Brisbane 2032 remains in its early stages, with much of the venue program still to progress through key approval and procurement milestones. As of 30 June 2025, 11 of the 17 planned venues were still undergoing detailed business case assessments, while the remaining six were in early procurement. The report finds that this combination of tight deadlines, constrained workforce capacity, and early-stage project planning presents “delivery risks” for both the broader capital program and Brisbane 2032. It recommends that delivery agencies regularly review workforce capacity, project readiness, schedules, and cost estimates to maintain realistic and achievable delivery plans over the next decade. Critical occupations in short supply National advisory body Infrastructure Australia has identified three key occupational groups as essential to delivering major infrastructure: engineers, scientists and architects; project management professionals; and trades and labourers. As of June 2025, most roles within these groups were experiencing shortages relative to current and forecast demand. These jobs typically require a mix of general, technical and specialised skills that can take years to develop through education, training and on-the-job experience. Within the construction and engineering stream, CSQ reports the largest shortages among “miscellaneous labourers” such as railway assistants and electrical or telecommunications trades assistants, aligning with broader findings by the Queensland Productivity Commission on persistent construction workforce gaps. Government response and industry pressure With fixed deadlines for Brisbane 2032, the report notes that Olympic-related projects will continue to compete with other public and private developments for limited workers and materials. This dynamic is likely to drive further cost escalation, driven by supply-and-demand pressures in the market.​ Responding to concerns about workforce capacity, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the government would “beg, borrow, and steal” to secure the workers needed to build Games venues. He told reporters he remained confident after discussions with major contractors, suggesting that incentives were not yet considered necessary to attract interstate workers and that “it will work out.”​

Queensland has recorded its worst flu year in more than a decade, with confirmed cases surging across almost every health region in the state. Health authorities are closely monitoring the unprecedented spike and urging Queenslanders to remain vigilant as the virus lingers into summer. Statewide flu cases hit record high Queensland Health data shows there have been 93,753 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases so far this year, an 18 per cent increase on last year’s total of 79,770, which was already the highest in ten years. The latest tally far exceeds earlier years, with only 6,038 cases recorded in 2020 and just 283 in 2021, when pandemic restrictions and border controls kept flu circulation unusually low. The surge has been broad-based, with all major health regions reporting thousands of cases. Metro South, which includes Brisbane’s southern suburbs and Logan, has recorded the highest number of notifications, with 23,650 cases in 2025, up from 19,719 in 2024. Metro North has also seen a sharp rise, from 14,395 cases last year to 18,387 this year. North West region records steepest jump While south-east Queensland has the largest number of cases, the North West health region has experienced the most dramatic percentage increase. The region, covering communities such as Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Mornington Island and Normanton, recorded 321 cases in 2024. That figure has soared to 843 this year, a jump of 162 per cent. Other regional centres have also been hit hard. On the Gold Coast, influenza cases climbed from 9,485 in 2024 to 13,843 in 2025, an increase of around 43 per cent. The Sunshine Coast saw cases rise from 5,368 to 6,850, while Townsville’s numbers nudged up from 3,902 to 4,082 over the same period. Mixed picture in Queensland regions Not every part of the state has seen an increase. The South West region, which includes Roma, Charleville and St George, recorded 449 cases this year, down from 618 in 2024, a fall of about 28 per cent. West Moreton, covering Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley, has also recorded a decline, with cases dropping from 7,382 to 6,721. Some smaller regions have remained relatively stable. The Central West recorded 161 cases in 2025, compared with 162 last year, while Torres and Cape dropped slightly from 574 to 566. Even so, overall statewide numbers continue to trend sharply upward, raising concerns about ongoing pressure on health services if high transmission persists. Hospitalisations and calls for vaccination Despite the record case numbers, hospitalisations remain comparatively low in proportion to total infections. As of 14 December, 66 people were in hospital with influenza across Queensland, with the majority aged over 65. Health authorities say this highlights the particular risks flu poses to older people and those with underlying health conditions. Queenslanders are being urged to stay up to date with influenza vaccinations, especially older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Officials are also reminding the community to stay home when unwell, practice good hygiene and seek medical advice if flu symptoms become severe or do not improve.

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

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

Australia needs a calm, united, and principled response to the Bondi Beach Hanukkah terror attack: grieving with the victims, protecting Jewish communities, resisting any backlash against wider communities, and strengthening security and social cohesion at the same time. This is also a test for the media and political leaders, whose words and behaviour in the coming days will help decide whether this becomes a moment of division or a turning point toward a more resilient, peaceful multicultural Australia.​   The moment Australia is in   The Bondi Beach shooting is now recognised as Australia’s deadliest terror incident and the worst mass shooting since Port Arthur, with at least 16 people killed and dozens injured at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration. Authorities have declared it a terrorist attack with antisemitic motives, and Jewish communities across the country are reporting shock, fear and renewed concerns about safety at religious and cultural events.​   Like Port Arthur and the Cronulla riots, this attack will sit in the national memory as a defining moment that forces a reckoning with questions of hate, security, and what kind of country Australia wants to be. International coverage has already framed the attack as a test of Australia’s multicultural model, in a global context where democracies from the United States to France and the United Kingdom are struggling with repeated terror incidents and community polarisation.​   How people should respond   Ordinary Australians now carry a dual responsibility: to stand visibly with the victims and Jewish communities, and to reject both antisemitism and any retaliatory hatred toward Muslim, Arab or other minority communities. Community vigils, interfaith events and respectful public statements from local leaders can send a clear message that the country’s response will be empathy and solidarity, not suspicion and scapegoating.​   At the same time, the public can help keep the country safe without fuelling panic by reporting credible threats, challenging hate speech in their own circles, and being careful about sharing unverified rumours or inflammatory social media content that extremists often rely on to amplify fear. In countries such as the UK and France, experience shows that communities that stay engaged, informed and united – rather than retreating into fear – are better able to resist the long-term social damage terrorists seek.​   Media’s duty after a terror attack   Around the world, research shows that the way terrorism is reported can massively increase or reduce the impact of an attack, sometimes giving extremists far more attention than the violence itself. Responsible media coverage means reporting facts quickly and accurately, avoiding sensational images and language, and refusing to amplify propaganda, manifestos or unverified claims that give attackers the fame or platform they often seek.​   For Australian outlets, including multicultural platforms like MAN TV, this is a moment to prioritise: accurate casualty and security information; clear explanations of what is known and not yet known; context about antisemitism and far‑right or extremist ideologies; and strong editorial lines against hate speech in comment sections and talkback formats. Lessons from the Cronulla riots show that careless media framing and inflammatory talkback rhetoric can fuel racism and street violence, while careful, community‑informed reporting can instead build understanding and defuse tensions.​   What political leaders must do   In the immediate term, national and state leaders must give clear, non‑partisan reassurance: condemning the attack as an assault on Jewish Australians and on the whole nation, outlining concrete security steps, and committing to protect all communities equally. Global experience from cities such as London and Paris shows that mixed messages, culture‑war language or attempts to score political points in the wake of terror incidents deepen division and can undermine trust in security agencies.​   Over the medium term, Australian politicians will be judged on whether they match tough counter‑terrorism measures with investment in social cohesion, anti‑racism, and community‑based prevention programs, rather than relying solely on policing and surveillance. Experts on the Cronulla riots, for example, argue that sustained engagement, respectful listening and cross‑cultural initiatives helped rebuild trust after 2005, offering a model for proactive leadership instead of reactive blame.​   Social ideals to move forward   This attack challenges Australia to recommit to a practical version of multiculturalism that means more than slogans – one where Jewish Australians can celebrate Hanukkah in safety, Muslims can attend mosque without fear, and difference is seen as part of a shared civic identity, not a threat. A mature response would elevate core ideals: zero tolerance for antisemitism and all forms of racism, protection of freedom of religion, and a shared understanding that collective security depends on the dignity and safety of every community.​   Internationally, countries that have weathered repeated terror attacks without fully fracturing – such as Norway after the Breivik massacre, or the UK after attacks in London and Manchester – have emphasised the rule of law, human rights and democratic accountability as non‑negotiable values even under pressure. For Australia, that means resisting calls for blanket suspicion of migrants or particular faith groups, while being honest about the reality of violent extremism and the need for targeted, evidence‑based interventions.​   Preventing the next incident: key focus areas   Experts in terrorism and social conflict argue that prevention starts long before an attack, in the places where people live, work, worship and spend time online. For Australia, the Bondi attack highlights several “micro focuses” that need urgent attention: community intelligence and trust in police; monitoring and disrupting online radicalisation and hate networks; securing major events and soft targets; and improving mental‑health and exit pathways for people drifting toward violent extremism.​   The Cronulla riots showed how alcohol, organised extremists and local grievances can mix suddenly into violence, while Port Arthur led to sweeping gun reforms that dramatically reduced mass shootings. In the same way, Bondi should trigger a serious, independent national review into security at religious and community events, the handling of antisemitic and racist threats, and coordination between federal and state agencies, modelled on inquiries undertaken in other democracies after major

The Federal Government has confirmed that Australia’s Permanent Migration Program for 2025–26 will maintain its total intake at 185,000 places, emphasizing a continuing focus on skilled migration to fill workforce shortages and support regional development.   Skill Stream Dominates Migration Intake   The Skill Stream remains the cornerstone of the program, accounting for approximately 71% of the total intake, or 132,200 places.   This strong weighting toward skilled workers signals the Government’s ongoing efforts to target labour gaps in critical industries such as health care, construction, engineering, and technology.   Key allocations within the Skill Stream include:   Employer Sponsored visas: increased to 44,000 places, giving Australian businesses greater access to overseas talent to address persistent shortages. State/Territory Nominated visas: 33,000 places, supporting local workforce planning and regional development strategies. Regional visas: another 33,000 places, ensuring migrants are encouraged to settle in communities outside metropolitan centres, contributing to sustainable population growth and economic expansion.   Family Stream Strengthens Community Ties   The Family Stream has been allocated 52,500 places, with the majority being Partner visas (40,500) to reunite families and support community cohesion. The Government maintains a balanced approach to family migration while ensuring processing remains efficient for applicants waiting to join loved ones in Australia.   New Visa Settings Reflect Evolving Priorities   From 1 July 2025, several critical policy changes have taken effect to support Australia’s evolving migration priorities:   The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been lifted to $76,515, ensuring that salary levels for sponsored workers reflect fair market standards and reduce the risk of exploitation. The introduction of the National Innovation Visa represents a major reform, replacing previous global talent visa streams. This new visa will attract highly skilled professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs who can drive innovation and technological advancement across Australia’s key growth sectors.   Focus on Regional and Economic Balance   Migration Ministerial statements highlight that these settings align with broader objectives to boost economic productivity, strengthen regional communities, and manage sustainable population growth.   Regional governments welcome the renewed emphasis on decentralisation, with higher allocations for skilled and regional visas expected to bring both talent and investment to smaller cities and towns.   Implications for Migrants and Employers   For migrants, these updates mean increased opportunities for skilled professionals, particularly those willing to settle in regional areas or contribute to innovation industries. For Australian employers, the policy creates a pathway to recruit and retain overseas talent under competitive and ethical salary conditions.   As the new migration year approaches, industry experts advise applicants and sponsors to monitor upcoming Department of Home Affairs announcements for further details on application processing times and program requirements.

Record arrivals and population change   Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show around 415,760 permanent and long‑term arrivals from January to September 2025, the highest number ever recorded for this period, and about 468,390 arrivals in the 12 months to September. September 2025 alone logged roughly 35,890 permanent and long‑term arrivals, confirming that elevated migration has become Australia’s “new normal” as the country relies more heavily on overseas talent.   At the same time, Australia’s fertility rate has fallen to around 1.48 births per woman, the lowest level since national records began in 1921, with every state and territory recording sharp declines since 2019. The ACT’s fertility rate has dropped to about 1.27 and New South Wales has recorded its lowest number of births in 20 years, making immigration essential to maintaining population growth, tax revenue and funding for essential services.   Trans‑Tasman talent flow   New Zealand’s latest migration statistics reveal a dramatic outflow in 2025, with about 72,700 citizens leaving in the year to September, the highest figure on record. The net migration loss of roughly 46,400 New Zealanders, most of whom are relocating to Australia, reflects the stronger Australian labour market and higher wages on offer across key sectors.   Arrivals from New Zealand to Australia remain close to pre‑COVID peaks, reinforcing Australia’s position as the region’s most attractive destination for skilled workers and graduates seeking long‑term settlement. For employers and policymakers, this trend underlines Australia’s growing role as a magnet for regional talent at a time of global competition for skills.   Housing, infrastructure and skills crunch   One of the central themes in the December 2025 update is the collision between ambitious housing and infrastructure targets and a tightening labour market. To reach the national goal of building 1.2 million new homes by 2029, Westpac CEO Anthony Miller has urged the federal government to prioritise skilled migrants, fast‑track regional housing development and use immigration policy as a key lever to fill labour gaps.   Migrants currently make up about one quarter of the Australian construction workforce, yet only around 5 per cent of new workers joining the industry in the past five years have come from overseas. Infrastructure Australia has highlighted a projected shortfall of roughly 300,000 skilled construction workers by 2027, linked to a national infrastructure pipeline valued at about 242 billion dollars, warning of serious delays and cost blowouts unless skilled visa settings are reformed quickly.   Sectors most in demand   The biggest gaps are emerging in civil construction, electrical and energy trades, engineering, renewable energy projects and project management roles. For skilled migrants, this translates into strong demand across visa programs such as the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), Skilled Work Regional (491) and employer‑sponsored pathways, particularly in states and regions facing acute shortages.   New student visa rules: MD115   A major policy shift for international students has arrived in the form of Ministerial Direction 115 (MD115), which replaces the previous MD111 and reshapes how student visas are processed. Under MD115, processing speed is now tied to how close an education provider is to its allocated student capacity and to its visa and compliance performance, creating clear incentives for responsible growth.   Education providers operating below 80 per cent of their allocated capacity are placed in faster processing lanes, while institutions above 115 per cent capacity move into the slowest lanes, where visa decisions can take 8–12 weeks. Providers with high refusal rates or compliance concerns may also be automatically “slow‑laned”, while priority goes to universities that expand student housing, deepen recruitment in Southeast Asia and invest in transnational education models.   The National Planning Level for 2026 will lift international student places from about 270,000 to 295,000, confirming that international education is being used as a long‑term workforce strategy as well as an export earner. Policy changes aim to give students stronger links to employment, better access to internships and clearer pathways to skilled visas in sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, engineering and regional services.   Human stories and 2026 outlook   December’s migrant spotlight, as profiled by the Office of Immigration Australia, focuses on a graduate who successfully broke into the Australian agriculture sector and offers practical advice to newcomers. The story emphasises the importance of simplifying resumes, building interview confidence, asking questions, starting early even in junior roles and building networks, with opportunities often arriving faster once a migrant has their first Australian job.   For skilled professionals planning to migrate in 2026, specialists recommend getting skills assessments underway, securing competitive English test results, updating Expressions of Interest and understanding which states and territories are actively seeking their occupation. With record migration, record‑low fertility, rising trans‑Tasman flows and a looming 300,000‑worker infrastructure gap, demand for skilled migrants is growing faster than supply, and the doors to Australia are wide open for those prepared to move.   “This MAN TV report draws on official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Infrastructure Australia, New Zealand migration statistics and analysis by the Office of Immigration Australia, which first compiled these December 2025 insights.”

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has concluded an official visit to Australia, declaring that the treatment of First Nations peoples, children, and migrants constitutes a persistent “human rights crisis”. While Australia’s criminal justice system contains legal safeguards against arbitrary detention, serious concerns remain regarding the country’s punitive approaches to detention.   In a comprehensive statement concluding their visit, the experts urged Australian authorities to enact major reforms, focusing on ending mandatory migration detention, substantially reducing the imprisonment of First Nations peoples, and raising the minimum age of criminal detention to at least 14 years.   Overincarceration of First Nations Peoples   The Working Group highlighted the “gross overrepresentation” of First Nations peoples in prison populations as a central crisis. Although First Nations people comprise only 3.8 percent of Australia’s total population, they account for 35 percent of those imprisoned nationwide. The disparity is even more extreme for women, with Indigenous women imprisoned at more than 20 times the rate of non-Indigenous women. Furthermore, the experts noted that over 30 Indigenous persons have died in custody this year.   The experts heard persistent reports of racial profiling and over-policing, despite legal prohibitions against such practices. They stressed that addressing this situation requires authorities to move beyond punitive measures and instead work in genuine partnership with First Nations communities to co-design solutions, including early intervention strategies and effective reintegration programs.   Detention of Children and Vulnerable Groups   The UN Working Group was also highly critical of the detention of children as young as 10, noting that the minimum age of criminal responsibility remains 10 years old in several Australian jurisdictions. Experts stated that “Keeping children as young as 10 in adult prisons is inhumane”.   In response, they called for the minimum age of detention to be raised to at least 14 years. They also demanded a complete ban on the use of international law-prohibited practices against children, including restraint chairs, spit hoods, and solitary confinement.   A related concern noted by the experts was the rapidly rising unsentenced, or remand, population. Currently, 42% of prisoners are unsentenced. The Working Group linked much of this population growth not to community risk, but to disadvantage stemming from discriminatory practices, social conditions, and homelessness. This issue has been exacerbated by recent restrictive bail reforms, which have dramatically increased the unsentenced population. Chronic staff shortages across many facilities also contribute to prolonged solitary confinement, denying prisoners access to fresh air, programs, and legal consultations.   Mandatory Migration Detention Criticized   Australia’s default reliance on migration detention also drew sharp criticism. The experts stated that merely entering a country irregularly should not automatically result in detention. They expressed alarm over mandatory detention practices that have kept some detainees incarcerated for over 15 years. The Working Group further criticized the Australian government for resuming the transfer of migrants to Nauru, a practice that has been found to violate international human rights obligations.   Despite these significant concerns, the Working Group did acknowledge that Australia maintains robust procedural protections intended to limit arbitrary detention, including widespread provision of legal aid. They noted positive measures such as justice reinvestment initiatives like Maranguka, specialist Indigenous sentencing courts, and a 24/7 legal advice service specifically for First Nations people.   However, the experts concluded that “urgent action is needed” to address the critical issues of mandatory migration detention, the detention and mistreatment of children, and the overincarceration of Indigenous peoples. The Working Group also regretted that its mandate was undermined when authorities denied them access to detention facilities in the Northern Territory and to youth detention facilities in Western Australia. A final report on the visit is scheduled to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.  

 Gold Coast City Council Libraries are inviting children to “Build Your Imagination” this summer by participating in the annual Summer Reading Club and a range of free School Holiday Activities centered around the “Creature Creations” theme. These fun and free programs are set to run throughout December and January at library branches across the City.   Children aged 6 to 12 are encouraged to unleash their creativity through a special line-up of hands-on activities. The free holiday activities include Bookmark Creatures, Folded Christmas Trees, Creature Creation Book Strip Art, Letters to Santa, a Creature Scavenger Hunt, and The Great Linktopus Challenge.   In addition to the holiday workshops, Gold Coast Libraries are hosting the Summer Reading Club, a fun and free program designed to keep kids and teens engaged with books throughout the entire summer. Running from December 1 until January 31, the challenge helps prevent the “summer slide” in reading.   To participate in the Summer Reading Club challenge, young readers can pick up a Bingo card from their local library. By completing reading challenges, children have the chance to win a book pack. The more they read, the more chances they have to win, as each completed card earns another entry into the draw.   Families are encouraged to visit their local library to borrow books and take part in the Summer Reading Club this year. The libraries offer programs and resources for all ages, including the Kids eLibrary for eBooks and eAudiobooks, and programs for babies and toddlers such as Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time, and Storytime, which help build crucial pre-literacy and social skills. Storytime sessions are available at many locations including Burleigh Heads Library, Nerang Library, Robina Library, and Southport Library.  

QLD Health Issues Summer Alert for Cryptosporidiosis Following Record 2024 Case Spike   Queensland Health has issued an alert regarding the risk of cryptosporidiosis this summer, urging residents to prioritize good hygiene habits as they seek relief from the heat in local pools and water parks.   Cryptosporidiosis, commonly known as crypto, is a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite called Cryptosporidium and is a frequent cause of acute diarrhoea. The risk of contracting the illness increases as more people enjoy recreational water activities during the summer months.   Queensland consistently records higher numbers of crypto than anywhere else in Australia, recording its highest number of reported cases in 2024. The state recorded over 6,100 cases across the state in 2024, which was more than four times the total recorded in 2023, and nearly eight times higher than the five-year average. While annual crypto notifications tend to fluctuate, typically peaking every three to five years, current case numbers are trending lower, with only 630 cases recorded up until the end of November this year.   Transmission and High-Risk Groups   Crypto spreads easily from person to person, especially in household and childcare settings, and can also be contracted from handling infected farm animals and pets, or from contaminated food and water. Contracting the illness can also occur through swallowing contaminated recreational water at splash parks and swimming pools.   Cases are most common in two demographic groups: children up to the age of nine and adults aged between 30 and 39. Symptoms of the illness typically include watery diarrhoea, though patients may also experience headache, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.   Hygiene and Exclusion Measures Crucial   Dr. Heidi Carroll from Queensland Health’s Communicable Diseases Branch emphasized that taking precautions through good hygiene practices is vital to protecting the wider community.   Dr. Carroll stressed that strict rules must be followed for those recovering from the illness. Children who have had diarrhoea should not return to school or childcare until at least 24 hours after their symptoms have stopped. Food handlers and health care workers must remain away from work for at least 48 hours following their last episode of diarrhoea, alongside maintaining strict hand hygiene. Because individuals can remain infectious even after symptoms settle, they must avoid swimming while they have diarrhoea and for two weeks after it has stopped.   If symptoms are severe, prolonged, or worsening, individuals should seek medical advice. People with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe or prolonged illness and should seek advice early.   Key Prevention Directives:   Queensland Health has issued clear guidance on how to prevent the spread of cryptosporidiosis:   DO:   Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing nappies, before eating or handling food, and after contact with soil, pets, cattle, or other farm animals. Shower before and after swimming in pools and splash parks. Wash fruit and vegetables before consumption. If water quality is unknown, boil untreated water for at least one minute before drinking. DON’T:   Swallow water in swimming pools or other recreational bodies of water. Drink untreated or inadequately filtered water. Avoid swimming in natural waters, such as creeks, rivers, dams, or surf, within a week following heavy periods of rain. Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk products. Do not share linen or towels while diarrhoea is present and for two weeks after diarrhoea has stopped.