16 March 2025
TASMANIA THE HEALTHIEST PLACE TO LIVE
A MONASH University study has ranked Tasmania and Hobart as Australia’s healthiest places to live, while Darwin and the Northern Territory ranked the unhealthiest. The Environmental Quality Health Index (EQHI) assesses air quality, green spaces, climate, and socioeconomic factors to measure health risks. Coastal regions generally scored higher than inland areas. The study highlights the need for targeted improvements in lower-scoring regions to reduce health risks and promote wellbeing across Australia.
16 March 2025
PRISON STAFF AND INMATE RETAIONSHIPS
THE NSW Government has strengthened laws to criminalize all sexual relationships between prison staff and inmates, removing the need to prove risk to prison safety. The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 now imposes criminal liability, including prison sentences. This follows an inquiry into misconduct at Dillwynia Correctional Centre, with all 31 recommendations accepted to improve transparency, safety, and trust in NSW corrective services.
16 March 2025
WOOLIES EXPANDS QUIET HOUR TIMES
WOOLWORTHS has expanded its Quiet Hour to five days a week, offering a low-sensory shopping experience for customers with sensory sensitivities. Running Monday to Friday, 10:30-11:30am, most stores will reduce lighting, lower noise, and minimize disruptions. Launched in 2019 with Life Without Barriers, Quiet Hour now operates in 900+ stores nationwide, enhancing accessibility and independence for customers. The expansion follows successful trials during peak shopping periods like Christmas.