Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Professional tennis sometimes asks players to give more than they get back, and Destanee Aiava’s story is a raw example. At 25, she announced plans to step away from the tour, citing a sport culture she no longer trusted. Full name: Destanee Gabriella Aiava · Date of birth: 10 May 2000 · Nationality: Australian · … Read more
There are few football stories as puzzling as Dele Alli’s. By 2018 he was one of the most exciting midfielders on the planet, a driving force behind England’s World Cup semi-final run. But within a few years injuries, personal battles and a diminished role at Tottenham had nearly erased that promise. This article pieces together … Read more
If you’ve seen Guy Montgomery pop up on a panel show or caught a clip of his Spelling Bee antics, you might have wondered about the man behind the microphone. He’s a New Zealand comedian who turned a web series into a hit TV show, became a dad, and even won a Logie along the … Read more
There’s something about a breakthrough role in a remote Scottish petrol station that sets the stage for a career of quiet power. Chloe Pirrie, born in Edinburgh in 1987, made that leap with the independent film Shell and hasn’t stopped building a résumé that spans period drama, sci-fi, and true-crime television. This article traces her … Read more
Eric Bana has a quality that’s rare among Hollywood stars: he became globally famous and then quietly returned to Melbourne. The Australian actor best known for playing Bruce Banner in Hulk (2003) and starring in Steven Spielberg’s Munich (2005) has built a career on versatile roles while keeping his personal life firmly grounded in Australia. … Read more
Few kitchen trends spread as fast as the current mango ice cream craze. Anyone who’s scrolled through social media lately has seen it — a creamy, golden scoop that looks almost too good to be true. The best part? You can make it at home with just three ingredients, no ice cream maker required. Here … Read more
Anyone who holds ANZ shares or watches the ASX banks has likely noticed the price hovering around A$34, a number that hides a big share buyback, a dividend yield north of 5%, and a split among analysts about where the stock goes next. This guide sorts the confirmed facts from the open questions so you … Read more
If you’ve ever wondered how many times Billy Bob Thornton has walked down the aisle, you’re not alone. The acclaimed actor and filmmaker has been married six times, with his most recent marriage to makeup effects artist Connie Angland marking a rare period of personal stability. Thornton himself has said that his current wife and … Read more
Few TV casts feel as lived-in as the one David Chase assembled for his HBO mob drama. You probably know the faces, but the stories behind who landed those roles—and who almost didn’t—are just as gripping. Seasons: 6 · Episodes: 86 · Original run: 1999–2007 · Main cast members: 9 · Emmy Awards won: 21 … Read more
Anyone who’s glanced at a drugstore shelf or browsed skincare aisles online has likely spotted a bar of soap promising lighter skin, fewer dark spots, and a more even complexion. Kojic acid soap has become a go-to for many, but understanding how it actually works, how to use it safely, and how to tell real … Read more