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Critically endangered bettongs survive fires, floods to double population in NSW

A program re-introducing brush-tailed bettongs to a conservation area in the Pilliga State Forest shows promise, after an east-coast extinction lasting more than 100 years.
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A close up of a small, hairy, brown brush tail bettong with a darker fluffy tail in dry grass.

As the 'loneliness pandemic' continues, a new mum sets out to adopt a grandma for her baby daughter

First-time mum Nina Peterson felt lonely in the first months of her daughter's life so she decided to find daughter Millie a grandparent. And along came Christine.
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A mother with her infant daughter at a shopping centre cafe.

Jamahl was non-verbal before starting kindergarten. This year he's school captain

Over the years, Jamahl Ali has thrived with support from his teachers, family and therapists. Now this boy with "a very kind heart" is leading his peers at Toronto Public School.
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Jamahl and his mum Shanna hug in front of a rainbow wall at the school

Researchers celebrate frog conservation win 'decades in the making' with high country release

Biologist Deon Gilbert says this month's Victorian release of 70 juveniles from a spotted tree frog breeding pool is incredibly heartwarming.
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How this rural town provides care for locals from early childhood to twilight years

Communities struggling to get early childhood and aged care services can take inspiration from this unique solution.
A group of kids play child sized large plastic cars and water buckets on grass in front of a large playground

This whopping sapphire was unearthed in Qld. Meet the gem hunters vying to find more

While the sapphire rush of the 1890s is long gone, these modern gem hunters are still eager to strike it lucky and enjoy the colourful lifestyle of Queensland's Gemfields.
Close up of man holding uncut green gem the size of aa 50-cent piece

Thousands of Aussies have joined community running clubs recently with social media fuelling the trend

Running clubs are rapidly growing in popularity across Australia, and organisers say it's thanks to social media providing support and accountability.
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SoSo portraits

The medical students helping cancer patients one note at a time

A group of Gold Coast medical students are performing as string quartet in an oncology ward to bring joy to people going through the darkest of times.
Musical medicals 2

Tasmanian birthday road trip ticks off milestones for Nita's 90th

Granddaughter Kate Bishop hopes the 90th birthday road trip will inspire other families to seize the moment and celebrate their loved one.
Family home Nita Rojewski

From tech wizards to housing experts and social workers, local librarians are in ever-evolving roles

You might go to your local librarian for a book recommendation, but people are increasingly asking them for help with social services too, or getting on the housing list, or even booking to see a GP.
A library worker stands behind a desk chatting to and laughing with a customer borrowing books.

Sky's the limit for these tenacious hikers taking on Australia's highest peak for charity

Fifteen young people and a team of supporters climb Mount Kosciuszko to defy stereotypes about disability, while raising funds for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
a girl smiles at the camera while walking in a blue tutu

From gel blasters to cup pong, the fun games that are helping people with dementia feel good again

Stimulating the right side of the brain with creative activities has helped residents with dementia be less aggressive, less reclusive, and even talk again at this high-level care home.
An elderly woman in a hat, smiling at the camera, waving a small Australian flag.

4yo aspiring firefighter 'walks into station like he owns it' on 85th station visit

Liam Moffitt wants to visit as many of the 334 Fire and Rescue stations in New South Wales as he can as part of a fundraising mission for burns survivors.
Liam Moffitt dressed in bright red helmet, custom-made firefighting uniform, holding trauma teddy

Living five hours from the coast hasn't stopped Sam chasing her dream of ocean swimming

Living in western NSW leaves Sam Thompson with few opportunities to train for open water swimming, but she's not letting that get in the way of her goals.
sam thompson competing

How robots and AI can change the way Australia's favourite fruit gets harvested

It takes effort to get bananas from the farm to the fruit bowl, with growers relying on a significant workforce to pick and pack. Now scientists are working on technology to make it easier and safer.
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A green hand of bananas bunched on a stem

Afghan artist stuck in Iran makes waves in rural SA thanks to love connection

Fereshteh Ahmadi doesn't have much money for art supplies, so her husband Mohammad Mohammadi has worked with the council in Bordertown to get her art on display — and it has received a very positive reception.
A young woman in a hijab sits in front of an easel bearing a photorealistic artwork.

Police are coaching kids in the boxing ring to build relationships, and demand is in the rise

In a western NSW sports hall, dozens of young people gather each week to hone their hooks, jabs and upper cuts. And while it might sound serious, the sessions at Bourke PCYC are also full of laughter and conversation.
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Kids participating in the boxing program with the help of a boxing coach and officers.

'Tipping point' for house designs as homebuyers seek climate-proof comforts

Architecture expert Anthony Burke says the fallout of climate change has "landed squarely in the living room of the average Australian", and that's dictating new home designs.
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A father and his two daughters and son stand in front of a home on an overcast day.

Despite celebrating Valentine's Day in aged care, Di and John's love hasn't dwindled in 67 years

John Thompson is visiting his wife Di for Valentine's Day at a Queensland aged care home. She is among more than 60 residents who received a gift from the community after a six-week COVID-19 lockdown.
An elderly woman and man in a nursing home room with yellow balloons in the background

How respect, good manners and a little innocence let love blossom

Taking it slow and sneaking "a few kisses in a parked car after the movies" worked for these couples. Here are some of their secrets to making love last.
Young newlyweds head off on their honeymoon in the fifties.

Muster Dogs season 2 winner 'humbled' by judges' decision

Zoe Miller's connection with Buddy the border collie was obvious from the start. Now the pair are looking ahead to new challenges.
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A smiling young woman cuddles a dog on a country property.

Do you believe in love at first sight? These singles are willing to take their search for love offline

In a world dominated by online dating apps, face-to-face meetings can feel a little more daunting. But an old-fashioned speed dating event is sparking hope this Valentine's Day.
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Sasha Gray is sitting on the lounge, enjoying a glass of wine smiling

Outback pilots urge Aussies to embrace 'rich' adventures in the bush

Flying chaplains are encouraging more people to head to the outback where they say a world of opportunities awaits. After 16 years of servicing remote residents, pilots Natalie and Simon share their experiences.
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A man in a helicopter over land

At 52 Jose Petrick became a cadet journalist. On her 100th birthday, she says 'take every opportunity you have'

Historian and community advocate Jose Petrick has celebrated her centenary with an enthralling ballet recital in her honour and a party with extended family in Alice Springs.
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A composite of an elderly woman and a younger woman standing on a rock

These city kids moved to the outback to teach. But they met each other, fell in love, and the rest is history

Ross Clark moved to Broken Hill reluctantly in the 1970s, when the road to Sydney wasn't paved. But then he met Maureen and their shared love of adventure blossomed into a marriage, which is still going strong after more than 50 years.
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Two newspaper pages overlapping showing black and white photos of a man and a woman

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