Experts say AI can find and exploit software weaknesses in minutes, a speed that could fuel a rise in cyber attacks. The warning follows a recent breach involving flaws in PHP, a programming language that underpins 70 percent of the internet. Several government agencies took websites offline, including a cyber defence portal, to prevent breaches. Security specialists urge governments to use AI for defence, share intelligence with private firms, and recover critical services first.
Three students at Medowie Christian School are reflecting on their final years of school as the Class of 2026 prepares to leave. Bethany says she has grown in confidence through leadership and public speaking, and is proud of helping start Salt and Light, a group where girls can share their experiences. Callum says he is proud of the person he has become, and urges others to commit fully to their goals. Annika, who moved from another country, says school taught her resilience and flexibility, and she expects to miss everyday moments with teachers and friends.
Snakes are drawn to gardens that offer food, shelter and warmth, according to South Gippsland snake catcher Jake Condotta. Messy garden beds, compost heaps and long grass attract the rodents, frogs and lizards snakes eat. Bird seed, pet food, ponds and piles of timber can also draw them in. Condotta says people should keep their distance from snakes and never try to catch or kill them. If someone is bitten, they should call 000 immediately.
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Independent MP Helen Haines was the victim of an attack this week, widely described as shocking but unsurprising. Security agencies have briefed MPs on safety risks. Governor-General Sam Mostyn urged politicians to disagree respectfully, while ASIO boss Mike Burgess has long argued that inflamed language can lead to violence. Several politicians acknowledged the need to lower the temperature of debate. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor defended vigorous argument while condemning intimidation and incitement to violence.
A botanist says crepe myrtles suit gardens and courtyards better than large-scale planting along urban streets. The medium-sized tree is often covered in white, pink, purple or red flowers, and it has become common in new housing developments. Its flowers can shed in large volumes and turn mushy and slippery as they decay. The tree also provides less shade and fewer habitats for wildlife than larger trees. Crepe myrtles can still be a good choice in the right numbers, particularly in small courtyards.
Crepe myrtles, small trees known for their showy white, pink, purple or red flowers, line many Australian streets. Some people love them, while others find them underwhelming and overplanted. A botanist says they suit small courtyards well, but may not be the best choice for large-scale planting in streetscapes. Their fallen flowers can become slippery as they decay. Hybrid varieties resist fungal disease better than the common species. Some people also consider them out of fashion, much like earlier street tree trends. Their drought tolerance may suit a warming climate.
Year 12 students across NSW have begun their Higher School Certificate written exams this week. Students from the Port Macquarie campus of Hastings Secondary College are sitting their papers at the Salvation Army Hall in Lord Street. Student leaders Lachlan Browne and Cameron Carson said they felt prepared after the first English paper. Both plan to take a gap year before further study, with Browne aiming for occupational therapy and Carson for diagnostic radiography. The campus has 73 Year 12 students this year.
After visiting Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney in Westmead, Troy Dodds writes that the House gives families a place to stay, eat and keep working during hospital stays. The charity offers hospital hospitality carts, family rooms at several hospitals and a tutoring program. It relies mainly on public donations, not government funding. A 48-hour Double Donations drive starts at midday on Wednesday, October 21, with every donation matched by partners including FDC.
Experts say online manosphere communities promote narrow ideas of masculinity that oppose feminism and gender equality. Psychologist Zac Seidler says young men are often drawn in by loneliness, a lack of purpose and worries about the future. Developmental paediatrician Billy Garvey advises starting with curiosity, because lecturing young people can push them away. Warning signs include new language, relying on a few influencers and rising grievance against women.
Sony has launched the ECM-W5 wireless microphone kit, priced at $619 in Australia, with a November release. The kit includes two transmitters and one receiver. Compatible Sony cameras can record 32-bit float audio directly into the video file, so creators do not need to sync separate recordings. Each transmitter has 64GB of backup storage, and Sony claims a range of up to 500 metres with a clear line of sight. The kit costs more than DJI's $479 Mic 3 two-transmitter kit, which is limited to 24-bit when connected directly to Sony cameras.
Buyers agents say real estate agents use psychological tactics to win sales. Abdullah Nouh and Michelle May say some listings omit price guides to attract enquiries and gauge buyers. Agents may also ask for verbal offers to test the market, and single-figure price guides can sit at the bottom of a range. Buyers agents advise against committing early, sharing budgets, or accepting pressure to make an offer before auction.
Cold and flu medicines containing andrographis have been recalled across Australia after the herb was linked to rising cases of anaphylaxis. The Therapeutic Goods Administration says these products will no longer be listed as low-risk. It reported a fatal case in June 2024. Several brands, including BioCeuticals Armaforce and Clinical ImmuneForce, are affected. The regulator has warned it will take action against retailers that have not removed the products from mid-October.
Economist Mariana Mazzucato argues governments should actively shape how markets are run, rather than simply fixing failures. In her new book, The Common Good Economy, she says the public sector often carries the risks of innovation while private companies keep the rewards. She proposes sharing profits through taxes and government equity stakes. She also calls for clear public missions and a wellbeing measure that goes beyond gross domestic product. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has previously praised her analysis.
Quizmaster John James Maloney has set ten questions about time and clocks. The questions cover topics including Lord Howe Island's daylight saving shift, the origin of the name Big Ben, and the circadian rhythm. Other questions ask about a Bundy clock, the time of the Apollo 11 Moon landing and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Answers are included, with readers invited to test their knowledge.
The Riverina region will host a variety of festivals and performances this week, including stage productions of The Wizard of Oz and Disney’s Frozen. Griffith will hold its Spring Festival, featuring citrus sculptures and garden tours, while Leeton celebrates its annual town show. Other events include the Spirit of the Land Festival in Lockhart, the Illabo Show, the Mirrool Silo Kick, and Hay Glow, offering activities for all ages.
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