Tag Archives: oceania

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Record spending predicted for Boxing Day sales

Australians are being warned to watch their wallets at this year's Boxing Day sales, with record spending predicted.

The Australian Retailers Associated has estimated people will spend $21 billion in the post-Christmas sales through to mid-January.

But RateCity.com.au has warned people to keep a check on their spending, particularly if using a credit card or a buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) service.

READ MORE: Cities that are cancelling their New Year's events

The new NSW Omicron case attended shopping centres during the Black Friday sales.

The comparison website said the latest RBA credit card statistics showed Australians paid $250 million in interest in just one month on $17.08 billion of credit card debt.

While the number of credit card users has been on the decline since 2018, there are still more than 12.4 million accounts in Australia.

However, it's not just credit cards stinging shoppers.

A RateCity.com.au survey of more than 1000 people found 55 per cent of BNPL users had gotten into some level of financial trouble at least once using these platforms.

READ MORE: Baby with organs on outside of body will finally be home for Christmas

Australian $100 notes (Getty)

A quarter of respondents said they had cut back on essential spending like meals, while others said they had borrowed money from family and friends, taken on extra work, or taken out a loan to cover what they owed.

RateCity.com.au research director Sally Tindall said people should plan ahead before shopping in the sales.

"Before you hit the shops, whether that's in-store or online, check your bank balance and any outstanding debts so you know how much you can afford to spend," she said.

"Don't get carried away buying things you don't need and can't afford. Write out a list ahead of time and try not to get distracted."

READ MORE: What the weather will be like on Christmas Day

2021 in review: Biggest national stories of the year

Meanwhile, retailers are also predicting a boom in spending.

"On Boxing Day alone, from sales both in-store and online, we expect to sell more than 20,000 sheet sets, 30,000 dinner sets, 122,000 towels, 52,000 t-shirts and 13,000 pairs of jeans," Myer chief customer officer Geoff Ikin said.

"Millions of customers are expected to shop in-store and online over this highly anticipated sale period."

Unions are calling for shoppers to be mindful and respectful of workers during the sales.

Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association in NSW (SDA NSW) secretary Bernie Smith urged customers to wear masks in shops – which will be mandatory in multiple jurisdictions.

And he suggested people take advantage of the sales after Boxing Day proper.

"Boxing Day is on a Sunday this year, meaning Monday and Tuesday are public holidays too," Mr Smiths aid.

"So, we ask that customers give retail workers their break on Boxing Day and shop the sales on the days after instead."

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Record number of 'rogue planets' discovered roaming the galaxy

Astronomers have discovered a record-breaking number of 'rogue planets' roaming the galaxy after comparing telescope footage spanning 20 years.

Researchers have discovered at least 70 new rogue planets using data from several European Southern Observatory (ESO) telescopes, a new study published in Nature Astronomy has revealed.

Rogue planets are cosmic masses that are like planets except for the fact that they do not orbit a star and instead roam freely across the galaxy.

READ MORE: Comet streaks across Australian skies in journey 40,000 years in the making

First author of the study, Núria Miret-Roig, an astronomer at the Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Bordeaux, France the University of Vienna, Austria, told Science Daily the researchers did not expect to find the largest amount of rogue planets ever recorded.

"We did not know how many to expect and are excited to have found so many," Ms Mire-Roig said.

The team used a range of telescopes to make the discovery including Chile's MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope.

Ms Miret-Roig said the researchers "measured the tiny motions, the colours and luminosities of tens of millions of sources in a large area of the sky".

"These measurements allowed us to securely identify the faintest objects in this region, the rogue planets," she said.

The study suggests there may be more rogue planets.

The exact number is difficult to determine because the observations do not allow the researchers to measure the planets' masses.

It is estimated the study found between 70 and 170 rogue planets.

Scientists are yet to discover how the rogue planets are formed.

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Cities that are cancelling their New Year's events

For a while there, it appeared we might be able to ring in New Year's Eve in major cities across the world with something resembling big past celebrations.

Another COVID-19 surge and the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus have dashed those hopes – at least in some parts of the world.

In New York City, the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square will be "scaled back," with fewer revellers and everyone required to wear a mask, Mayor Bill de Blasio's office said on Thursday.

But some major cities in Europe, where the spread of Omicron has been startling, have already announced they're flat-out cancelling plans.

READ MORE: Mask mandate returns to NSW for Christmas

Australians will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots after four months from early next year, and then three months from the end of January.

Other cities around the world with traditionally iconic celebrations still plan to host their events but with safety precautions in place.

As of December 24, this what some of the world cities with traditionally huge New Year's Eve events are doing.

The following cities (or nations) have already announced they're cancelling their big shindigs:

ATHENS

No fireworks show over the Acropolis this year. Health Minister Thanos Plevris said during a news briefing on Thursday, December 23, that all public Christmas and New Year celebrations planned by municipalities are cancelled.

All travellers arriving in Greece will be strongly advised to take COVID-19 tests on the second and fourth days after their arrival, on top of the existing requirement to provide a negative test result to enter Greece.

Starting at 6 am, Thursday, December 24, masks will become mandatory again in both indoor and outdoor spaces. For supermarkets and public transport, a double mask or a high protection mask will be required.

The measures will last until January 3, when according to Mr Plevris, more restrictions might be put forward concerning sport and entertainment venues.

BERLIN

Germany will impose strict contact restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 starting on December 28 and prohibit New Year's Eve gatherings, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Tuesday, December 21.

That means no big fireworks gathering in Berlin, the capital, nor in other big gathering spots such as Munich and Frankfurt.

From December 28, a maximum of 10 people will be allowed to meet in groups, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or recovered, Mr Scholz said. Children 13 and younger are exempt from the new contact restrictions.

People walk in the gardens of Charlottenburg Palace covered in snow on February 12, 20211 in Berlin, Germany

EDINBURGH

Public New Year's Eve celebrations in Scotland will be cancelled, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Tuesday, December 21.

In a statement, Sturgeon explained details for post-Christmas restrictions on large events to blunt the spread of Omicron.

Ms Sturgeon said the move will "also mean unfortunately that large-scale Hogmanay celebrations — including that planned here in our capital city — will not proceed. I know how disappointing this will be for those looking forward to these events."

Time Out chose Leither, Edinburgh as one of the coolest cities in the world

LONDON

A planned New Year's Eve event in London has been cancelled over COVID-19 concerns, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted on Monday, December 20.

"Due to the surge in Covid cases, we've taken the difficult decision to cancel our NYE event in Trafalgar Square," said the tweet from Mr Khan's verified account. "The safety of all Londoners must come first."

A statement attached to the tweet said the celebration had been expected to host 6,500 people in Trafalgar Square.

Instead, a program will be broadcast at midnight on BBC One, Mr Khan said.

London will be open to Aussies from November 1

NEW DELHI

The government of India's union territory of Delhi, which encompasses the national capital of New Delhi, has announced a ban on all social, cultural, political and festival gatherings until further notice because of a rise in COVID-19 cases, CNN's New Delhi Bureau reports.

All officials "shall ensure that no cultural events/gatherings/congregations take place for celebrating Christmas or New Year" in the region, according to the Delhi government's order.

Bars and restaurants will be allowed to operate at only 50 per cent capacity.

PARIS

Paris has cancelled its traditional fireworks display over the Champs-Elysées Avenue to welcome the New Year because of the renewed coronavirus surge.

"The fireworks will not take place, nor unfortunately will there be any DJ sets," the mayor's office told AFP in a report on France24.com.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Friday, December 17, that major public parties and fireworks would be banned on New Year's Eve and recommended that even vaccinated people take a self-test before getting together for year-end parties, according to Reuters.

People wearing face masks to protect against COVID-19 walk past the Eiffel Tower in Paris,

RIO DE JANEIRO

New Year's Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's party capital, have been cancelled because of rising coronavirus concerns, Mayor Eduardo Paes tweeted on Saturday, December 18.

"We respect science. As there are divergent opinions among scientific committees, we will always stick with the most restrictive," Mr Paes wrote.

"I make the decision with sadness, but we cannot organise the celebration without the guarantee of all the health authorities. Unfortunately, we cannot organise a party of this size, in which we have a lot of expenses and logistics involved, without the minimum time for preparation," the mayor said.

39. Ipanema Beach – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ROME

In Italy, Rome is among several cities that have decided to cancel festivities over COVID-19 health concerns.

The Campania region has also banned feasts and alcohol consumption in public areas from December 23 to January 1. Venice also cancelled its open air concerts and New Year's Eve fireworks.

Events still scheduledNot all the world's cities have called off their celebrations. Here are some of the cities traditionally renowned for their exceptional fireworks and big New Year's Eve events that were still moving forward with their plans as of December 21.

BANGKOK

Thailand's capital will hold its celebrations, but with some some safety caveats. According to the Bangkok Post, only open-air venues are allowed. Attendees must be fully vaccinated, tested within 72 hours and registered to attend.

CAPE TOWN

South Africa's beautiful seaside city is still allowing NYE events for its residents, according to its tourism website, but with lots of safety checks in place. Those include early venue closings and strict curfews. Find more details of South Africa's safety measures here.

Cape Town is one of three non-American cities in the top 50.

DUBAI

The pyrotechnics at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, are still planned, according to VisitDubai.com. The emirate is requiring visitors who want to be at the celebration to register using the U by Emaar app to receive individual QR codes that will allow access.

LAS VEGAS

America's gambling magnet still plans to launch fireworks from the top of eight hotel-casinos on the Strip for eight minutes, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal. A downtown Las Vegas fireworks show will also be held.

SYDNEY

Australia's biggest city is going ahead with plans, but you'll need tickets to attend this year, according the the city of Sydney's New Year's Eve website. Full vaccinations are not required but are highly encouraged.

TAIPEI

The largest city on the island of Taiwan plans on holding its annual countdown show and fireworks at the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper, according to the Taipei Times and other local media.

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Schoolchild helps saves two lives in one day

An Oklahoma sixth-grader was honoured by law enforcement and school officials for his heroic actions not just once, but twice in the same day.

Earlier this month, Davyon Johnson used the Heimlich manoeuvre on a classmate who was choking on a bottle cap at his school in Muskogee. Later that same day, he helped a woman escape from a burning house, the Muskogee Phoenix reported.

Last week, Davyon was named an honorary member of the police and sheriff's departments at the Muskogee Board of Education meeting, the newspaper reported.

READ MORE: Mask mandate returns to NSW for Christmas

"I felt good, excited," Davyon said about the honour.

Principal Latricia Dawkins called Davyon a "dual hero" and said the recognition couldn't have happened to a better person.

"He is just a kind soul and well-liked by his peers and staff alike," she said.

Ms Dawkins recalled the incident that earned Davyon the honour. She said a student was trying to fill his water bottle and loosen the cap with his mouth. The cap slipped into his throat, she said.

The choking student stumbled into a nearby classroom, where Davyon happened to be, she said.

READ MORE: 'I am concerned. There is exponential growth right now': Top doctor's warning over Omicron variant

"Davyon immediately sprinted over and did the Heimlich manoeuvre," Ms Dawkins said.

"From the account of the witnesses, when he did it the bottle cap popped out."

Davyon demonstrated how he got behind the choking student, wrapped his arms around the student and "burped him, kind of".

Davyon helped a woman evacuate her burning house later that day.

"It was a disabled lady and she was walking out of her house," Davyon said.

"She was on her porch. But I thought, being a good citizen, I would cross and help her get into her truck and leave."

He said the back of the house was on fire, "but it eventually got to the front of the house".

READ MORE: Royal Caribbean cruise ship prevented from entering two island nations due to COVID-19 outbreak

Davyon said he learned to do the Heimlich manoeuvre on YouTube and said it is a valuable procedure to learn.

"Just in case you're in the situation I was in, you can know what to do," he said.

Davyon's mother, LaToya Johnson, said she's not surprised he behaved the way he did. She said her brother, Wendell Johnson, is an emergency medical technician.

"I'm just a proud mom," she said.