The Australian Sports Commission has urged parents and children not to specialise in a single sport before the age of 12. Its position statement warns that early specialisation can lead to reduced motivation, burnout, injury and psychological stress. Australian Institute of Sport director Matti Clements said the aim is for children to keep their enjoyment and stay involved in sport. Survey figures show participation in popular sports, including soccer, typically drops off in the teenage years. The statement says athletes who play broader sports until after age 12 are more likely to succeed in their chosen sport.
Justin, Mr VicBears 2026, is hosting a community conversation this Saturday about what it means to hold a title. He says the role has shifted from looks towards being a voice for the community. Justin has spoken openly about burnout and wants to prepare future winners. He will be joined by four former title winners and a rubber community figure, who will discuss the ups and downs of competing and what comes after a title year.
Business owners in Moree spoke about the personal pressures of running local firms at a Chamber of Commerce evening held during Small Business Month. Helena Doran, who runs Bella Santé Skin & Body Centre, described exhaustion and pain before learning to set limits. Georgie King, who runs Print Anything and Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety North West, said finding staff had forced her to look beyond Moree. She urged residents to give local businesses a chance. Toby Osmond, who runs Yaama Ganu Gallery, said local shops were where people checked in on each other.
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More than one in three Australian workers are experiencing burnout, according to a new survey. The State of Workplace Burnout Report found that workers in workplaces with high levels of system friction were far more likely to be affected. Study author John Chan said the survey sought to identify differences between organisations with very low and very high burnout rates. Experts say poorly designed systems, bureaucracy, pointless meetings and job insecurity are among the factors linked to burnout.
More than a third of Australian teachers say they plan to leave the profession before retirement, and a further third are unsure. A 2025 Australian study found 90% of teachers reported severe stress. A scoping review of 247 studies from 42 countries looked at positive psychology interventions aimed at keeping teachers well and motivated. It found that socio-emotional learning, mindfulness and combined wellbeing approaches were most often linked to lower stress and burnout. The authors say schools could support brief mindfulness practices, stronger relationships among staff, and reduced administrative workloads.
Moree businesswoman Helena Doran will lead the Business Beyond Burnout panel, hosted by the Moree Chamber of Commerce during Small Business Month. Doran, owner of Bella Santé, has experienced burnout herself and says she has found a way to manage it. She plans to share her story at the event, which brings local business owners together to discuss the pressures of starting, running and growing a business. The evening will be held at the Bank Art Museum Moree on Friday, October 16, from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets cost $50 per person.
