Details of the deal for the former Datacom building were initially kept secret.

Just over a third of Aussies are wearing sunscreen most days, despite more than half of us spending more than 15 minutes outside in peak UV hours, according to data analysed by health insurer iSelect.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed just more than half of Australians (54.3 per cent) use three or more measures to protect their skin.

These most commonly include wearing sunglasses, protective clothing, a hat or staying in the shade, but just 38.3 per cent of Australians wear SPF 30+ most days.

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The Cancer Council recommends using sunscreen every day on days when the UV Index is forecast to be 3 or above, in addition to wearing protective clothing, a broad-brim hat, sunglasses and seeking shade when possible.

iSelect general manager Andres Gutierrez said regular sunscreen use was alarmingly low.

"Consistent and effective sunscreen use is low, highlighting a key gap in everyday sun protection habits that could increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer," Gutierrez said.

He said recent sunscreen recalls could potentially cause Australians to question their efficacy.

"There is no doubt that the recent sunscreen recalls have impacted consumer trust and confidence in product safety, leading many Australians to question and be more cautious about which sunscreen they choose and how consistently they use them," Gutierrez said.

"Without strong confidence in sunscreen efficacy and safety, we risk undermining the protective behaviours that are key in reducing sun damage and skin cancer risk."

The data found more than half (61.2 per cent) of Aussies are outside for more than 15 minutes during peak UV hours, adding up to more than two days each week and 9.4 per cent of us still reported deliberately trying to get a sun tan.

"This is extremely concerning as intentional sun exposure significantly increases the risk of long-term skin damage," Guiterrez said.

"The study also revealed that nearly seven per cent of Australians had also experienced a sunburn."

iSelect analysed the ABS data to see which regions are the most sun-safe overall.

It found the Australian Capital Territory had the best sun-safe behaviour, despite having only moderate to high levels of UV and average sunshine hours.

The ACT was followed by the Greater Darwin region and the Greater Brisbane region, where residents were more likely to be aware of the extreme UV risk.

Sun safety was worst in Tasmania, where the UV risk is lower.

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Scientists have captured incredible images of orcas hunting great white sharks with specialised techniques.

The orca pod in question has been seen in the Gulf of California, targeting junior great whites.

Previously, shark-hunting orcas had only been seen around South Africa, where they targeted larger adults.

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The Gulf of California pod, dubbed Moctezuma's pod, also displays specific hunting methods.

They flip the sharks upside-down to induce a temporary paralysis, before eating their livers, which are rich in energy.

"I believe that orcas that eat elasmobranchs – sharks and rays – could eat a great white shark, if they wanted to, anywhere they went looking for one," said marine biologist Erick Higuera Rivas, project director at Conexiones Terramar and Pelagic Life and lead author of the article in Frontiers in Marine Science.

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"This behaviour is a testament to orcas' advanced intelligence, strategic thinking, and sophisticated social learning, as the hunting techniques are passed down through generations within their pods."

The scientists spotted two hunts, killing three white sharks, during routine monitoring of the orcas.

During the first hunt, in August 2020, five orcas were seen pursuing a juvenile white shark.

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They pushed it to the surface and worked together to turn it upside down.

Ultimately, they took it underwater and reappeared with the shark's liver in their mouths.

Shortly afterwards, they did the same with a second juvenile shark.

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A second hunt, witnessed in August 2022, followed a similar pattern: five orcas pushed a juvenile white shark onto its back and up to the surface.

The shark was bleeding from its gills, and its liver was visible. The orcas were seen eating it.

Turning a shark upside down like that induces a state called tonic immobility, by changing the shark's awareness of its surroundings in a way that paralyses it.

"This temporary state renders the shark defenceless, allowing the orcas to extract its nutrient-rich liver and likely consume other organs as well, before abandoning the rest of the carcass," Higuera said.

By looking at the sharks' injuries, scientists think that orcas could have developed a specialised technique to induce this state which minimises the chances of being bitten.

"This is the first time we are seeing orcas repeatedly target juvenile white sharks," said Dr Salvador Jorgensen of California State University, an author of the article.

"Adult white sharks react quickly to hunting orcas, completely evacuating their seasonal gathering areas and not returning for months.

"But these juvenile white sharks may be naive to orcas. We just don't know yet whether white shark anti-predator flight responses are instinctual or need to be learned."

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A man who shot a convicted killer three times, shoved him into a tree and set it on fire has been found guilty of the "cold-blooded" murder.

A NSW Supreme Court jury today delivered its verdict on the death of David Collisson, 53, on a rural property near Mudgee, in central western NSW, on September 25, 2023.

Eric James Forrest will face sentencing submissions in February.

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He joins his victim as a convicted murderer after Collisson was jailed for two decades for the 2000 murder of a teenager in a bungled robbery attempt.

Shahab Kargarian and his girlfriend were eating takeaway in a park on Sydney's north shore in 2000 when Collisson, accompanied by another man, demanded the 17-year-old boy's wallet.

Collisson then shot Shahab four to five times in a robbery gone wrong.

Forrest's trial was told when faced with death on the Mudgee property, Collisson made a desperate appeal to his killer's humanity.

Prosecutors told jurors the victim drove to the country a day earlier to collect goods to sell, but was killed after 9.12pm the next night on a secluded hill.

Forrest pulled out a sawn-off shotgun and pointed it at Collisson, saying forcefully "you want to treat me like a gronk".

"The Crown case is that the accused was angry about something – precisely what is not known," crown prosecutor Emma Blizard told the jury in early October.

She said Collisson pleaded with the younger man, telling him "please don't, I've got kids" and "I love you Eric, like, you're my brother" before he was shot in the neck or shoulder.

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He tried to run away, but Forrest reloaded the gun and shot him twice more, Blizard said.

Collisson's body was moved into a large hollow tree stump and burned, the jury heard.

Bone fragments – including 17 teeth – were found inside the tree.

Forrest's lawyer cast doubt on the prosecution witnesses' evidence, saying they had used ice, which could have affected what they were able to tell the court.

One eyewitness had also received a reduction in his sentence for criminal matters in exchange for his assistance with the three-week trial, Justine Hopper said.

Jurors spent almost a week deliberating before returning a guilty verdict to murder about 11.25am today.

In November 2023, the then-homicide commander of NSW Police said Collisson had been killed in cold blood in a brutal fashion.

"You can only call it callous and cold-blooded, the way he's been killed," Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said.

Forrest will return to court on February 27 for sentencing submissions and will be sentenced at a later date.

The only survivor of a mine explosion that killed two people has sustained permanent hearing damage, her family has said.

An explosion rocked an underground mine in Cobar in far western NSW last week, leaving a man and a woman dead.

Sole survivor Mackenzie Stirling, aged in her 20s, was taken to hospital with hearing loss and shock.

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Stirling is now out of hospital and recovering at home, according to her family, but they have revealed she is suffering from permanent hearing loss.

"While now recovering at home, Mackenzie has sustained permanent hearing damage and continues to struggle with the traumatic events of that day,"  Emma Thomas, Stirling's aunt, said on a crowdfunding page.

"She faces a long road to recovery and, on top of that, the financial strain of covering her bills and medical expenses while unable to return to work."

Fellow worker Holly Clarke, 24, was brought to the surface alongside Stirling, but sadly died of her injuries.

Also killed was Ambrose "Ambie" McMullen, 59, an Irish national fondly remembered as a "true gentleman" by locals.

All three were Cobar locals.

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Authorities are still investigating how the tragic explosion occurred but it is believed the workers were using a ballistic disc explosive to clear a blockage when it detonated.

The explosives are usually detonated remotely.

"We will leave no stone unturned in identifying what has occurred here," spokesperson for the NSW Mineworkers Alliance Tony Callinan said.

"This is a tragic reminder that underground mining is a dangerous job."

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also expressed his sorrow at the "heartbreaking incident," he said last week.

"Everyone who goes to work has the right to come home."

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Health practitioners are calling for a nationwide ban preventing doulas from providing clinical care after "several recent tragedies linked to freebirth", including the death of a Melbourne influencer.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Australian College of Midwives released a joint statement today calling for Health Minister Mark Butler to work with the states and territories to crack down on freebirths.

Freebirths are births without a registered healthcare professional – such as an obstetrician, gynaecologist, doctor, or midwife – present and are typically done at home.

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Individuals sometimes opt to have a doula present for physical and emotional support.

The peak medical bodies want all states and territories to adopt South Australian law, which expressly restricts anyone who is not a registered midwife or medical practitioner from providing clinical care to a person during the stages of labour, childbirth and placenta removal.

Under this model, doulas who breach the rules would face up to $30,0000 in fines or be jailed for up to 12 months for undertaking care by managing any of those stages. 

The Australian College of Midwives warned that birthing without a registered health practitioner could lead to preventable deaths, which is "distressing" for professionals.

"Every woman has the legal and ethical right to make informed decisions about their labour and birth care, however birthing without a regulated health practitioner, such as a midwife or doctor, can lead to preventable death," a spokesperson said.

"Every death is a tragedy, and it is distressing for all health professionals to bear witness to this."

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists President Dr Nisha Khot said while an individual's choice is important, it must "operate within frameworks that ensure safety, quality and accountability".

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The medical bodies believe harmonising national legislation will boost the safety and confidence in births.

Australian influencer and doula Emily Lal, known online as "The Authentic Birthkeeper", was recently banned from promoting her views and providing advice after breaching the health code of conduct.

Victoria's Health Complaints Commissioner Bernice Redley alleged Lal "facilitated and/or participated in home births which may put both mothers and babies at risk".

"I want to remind all Victorians that anyone providing health services must do so safely, ethically and within the limits of their training and qualifications," she said late last month.

Lal's social media profiles were later taken down. 

The investigation into her began on October 8, over a week after Melbourne influencer Stacey Hatfield suffered a postpartum haemorrhage after giving birth to a healthy baby boy, Axel, at home.

She was rushed to hospital, but died. 

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"It was her life's biggest dream to be a mum. She did it. On her terms, exactly the way she always dreamed of doing it," her husband Nathan Warnecke said in a social media post.

Hatfield, known online as Natural Spoonfuls, gained thousands of followers by promoting a toxin-free lifestyle and natural recipes.

The Herald Sun has reported Lal was the doula for Hatfield during her freebirth.

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There's been an unexpected wedding guest at a ceremony on the Gold Coast.

A couple called Marc and Maxine were sharing their vows in the Currumbin Valley, when all of a sudden a Kookaburra landed on the bride's head.

"It's OK," the surprised groom could be heard saying as the bride looked up in shock.

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The Instagram caption theorised it may have been a heavenly blessing from Maxine's late father and Marc's late mother.

It said the Aussie bird symbolises laughter, healing, and family connection.

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The Australian Mint has introduced a limited edition coin to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The design features the depiction of red poppies in a wreath pattern, with each poppy representing a decade since the war ended.

Nearly a million Australians served in World War II, with around 40,000 dying, serving mostly in Asia and North Africa.

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Poppies are a common symbol of Remembrance and are the main symbol of Remembrance Day, which is on November 11th to commemorate the end of World War I.

Along with the poppies, the new limited edition coin features a purple ribbon, which encapsulates a feeling of mourning, dignity and sacrifice, according to Royal Mint's Acting Chief Executive Emily Martin.

"The Mint tells the history of Australia through coin design, and this coin is a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who served," she said.

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"By encircling the poppies with a purple ribbon, we acknowledge not only the sorrow and loss, but also the dignity and reverence that continues to shape how Australians remember this chapter in our history."

Up to 200,000 of the $2 coins will be released into general circulation this week, but are also available to purchase.

A fine silver proof coin and a coloured uncirculated coin will be available from an EQL Ballot from today to Wednesday, whilst both will also be available from the Australian Royal Mint in Canberra from Thursday.

The silver proof coin will cost $90, whilst the uncirculated coin will cost $22.50.

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Sydney is gearing up for what promises to be one of its most dazzling celebrations ever, as the 48th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival officially launches its 2026 program.

Every year, tens of thousands of people from across Australia turn up to watch more than 10,000 participants and more than 200 floats.

Running from February 13 to March 1, 2026, this edition of the festival invites everyone into a world of movement, connection and joy, under the theme "Ecstatica".

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"Ecstatica is about euphoria as resistance, a reminder that our collective queer joy is on a break from the battle," Mardi Gras interim CEO Jesse Matheson told 9news.com.au at today's launch.

"It is actually the fuel that keeps us marching forward.

"Our joy tells us where to go next, and this year's mighty festival is all about just that: evolution, collaboration, connection, community, community, community.

"And joy that's loud, hot, and a little bit unholy."

Matheson emphasised the festival's dual role, celebration and activism, at a time when trans and gender-diverse communities are under renewed pressure.

"Visibility, connection, and joy. These aren't luxuries. They're lifelines."

The festival enjoys enthusiastic support across the entire city.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore, a long-time supporter of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras explained, "Sydney truly comes alive during Mardi Gras. Our city sparkles with diversity, inclusion and love proudly on show. We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Oxford Street to celebrate a festival that stands for joy, equality and belonging."

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Festival program: When and where to see the iconic parade

Sydney is gearing up for 20 days of non-stop celebration from February 13 to March 1, 2026. The festival will feature more than 80 events, from massive parties and music shows to theatre and essential community gatherings.

Key dates

• Fair Day: The community favourite, including the famous pooch parade and drag king games, is set for Victoria Park on Sunday, February 15.
• The Main Event: The 48th Annual Parade will light up the city on Saturday, February 28. The iconic procession will sweep down Oxford Street, Flinders Street, and Anzac Parade, making note to pass through the celebrated Taylor Square "Glitter Club" viewing area.
• Final Bash: The festival closes with the legendary Laneway party on Sunday, March 1, transforming The Beresford and Hill Street into a street celebration.

What's new in 2026?

The festival's theme, Ecstatica, blends its roots in protest and visibility with unashamed joy.

Matheson explained that the new events represent the festival "stepping into a new era that celebrates our past while expanding boldly into the future".

• New Community Hubs: New dedicated event for trans and gender-diverse communities, "Black Cherry," at the National Art School's Cell Block Theatre.
• Arts and Culture: The program features an art activation at the Art Gallery of NSW and major theatre productions like The Normal Heart, revisiting historic moments of LGBTQIA+ significance.
• Digital Shift: A new Mardi Gras App has been launched to serve as a year-round digital home for event listings, safety tools, and discovering queer-owned businesses.

Membership presale is now open with general sale from this Wednesday, November 5 at 10am via mardigras.org.au and the new Mardi Gras App.

Full event listings, volunteer opportunities, and registration for stalls/floats is still to come.

How to dive in

• Dates: February 13 – March 1, 2026
• Parade: Saturday 28 February (Oxford Street → Flinders Street → Anzac Parade)
• Theme: Ecstatica: Joy, movement, connection

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As one meteor shower comes to an end in Australia's skies this week, another is just beginning.

The Leonid meteor shower will kick off this Thursday, November 6, right before the Orionid meteor shower concludes on Friday, November 7.

The Orionids ran for most of October, but those who missed out on seeing the shooting stars it produced have another chance this month as the Leonids light up our horizons. Here's everything you need to know about the Leonid meteor shower, including how to see it yourself.

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Can you see the Leonid meteor shower in Australia?

Yes.

The Leonid meteor shower is visible from both hemispheres and will be visible from all Australian capital cities.

What is the Leonid meteor shower?

The Leonid meteor shower is an annual celestial event which takes place every November.

It was named for the constellation Leo, as the point where the meteors appear to emerge is located in that area.

This meteor shower is not particularly rare as it occurs every year, but it's still an exciting phenomenon well worth looking up for.

It occurs when Earth passes through the debris of the Comet Tempel–Tuttle.

Bits of the debris collide with the Earth's atmosphere and burn up in fiery streaks which appear to the naked eye like shooting stars.

The comet itself isn't visible from Earth, as it takes about 33 years to orbit the sun and only appears in our sky every three decades or so.

It was last visible in 1998 and will appear again in 2031.

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What is the best time to watch the Leonid meteor shower?

The Leonid meteor shower will occur between November 6 and 30.

It will peak on the night between November 17 and 18, which will likely be the best time to watch it light up the sky.

The peak of a meteor shower is usually when there is the most visible activity.

During the peak of the Leonid meteor shower, stargazers should be able to spot up to 10 meteors per hour – provided it's a clear night with good visibility.

Here are the best times to watch on the night of the peak in each capital city:

• Brisbane – 1am to 5pm
• Darwin – 1.30am to 6.30am
• Perth – 2am to 5am
• Sydney – 3am to 6am
• Melbourne – 3am to 6am
• Canberra – 3am to 6am
• Hobart – 3am to 6am
• Adelaide – 3.30am to 5.30am

If it's cloudy or you miss the peak, you can still see meteors on a clear night outside the peak.

Where can I watch the Leonid meteor shower?

The best way to observe the Leonid meteor shower is by finding a secluded spot away from bright lights.

Meteors can appear at any spot in the sky, so choose a viewing location with a clear view of the horizon.

Then lay back and keep an eye on the sky.

You can track the Leonid meteor shower based on your location here.

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What will be the biggest meteor shower in 2025?

If you don't get to see the Leonids meteor shower, don't fret – the biggest meteor shower of 2025 is still on the horizon.

The Geminids meteor shower takes place between December 4 and 20 and is considered by many to be the most spectacular.

With up to 150 meteors set to be visible per hour during the shower's peak on the night between December 14 and 15, it's expected to be stunning.

It will also be visible from both hemispheres, so Aussies will get the chance to witness it.

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