'I've always been an activist': Jack's all right and he has plenty to say

When Uncle Jack Charles talks people listen. In part that’s because it can be hard to get a word in edgeways once the self-confessed “loudmouth” is in full flow. But mostly it’s because of the credibility that comes not only from the veteran Indigenous actor’s successful stage and screen career but also from his many…

Revealed: 'Coach Whisperer' inspires gung-ho Queensland coach Walters

When Kevin Walters threw decades of Queensland Origin tradition out the window by forgoing underdog status in favour of a bullish, ''expect to win'' mentality, it was a startling change in tack from the Maroons coach. Now his motivations have become clearer: Walters has been working with Bradley Charles Stubbs, the famed 'Coach Whisperer' who…

'Death blow': Corals, algae don't acclimatise to more acidic seas

Coral and algae species subjected to more acidic seawater showed no acclimatisation to the new conditions for over a year, a new study has found, suggesting that vulnerable reefs may not be able adapt fast enough to cope with climate change. With oceans absorbing about 22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere a…

Existing rail system shouldn't be forgotten in rush to shiny new train lines

If the first two days are any guide, Sydney's travelling public has spoken – they want more frequent and reliable train services. A staggering 140,000 people travelled on a new 36-kilometre metro line between Chatswood and Rouse Hill in the city's north west on the opening day on Sunday, forcing the private operator to quickly…

At 91, Hong Kong's second-richest man is retiring

Hong Kong's second-richest man, Lee Shau Kee, is stepping down as chairman of Henderson Land Development, joining the ranks of the city's aging tycoons handing the reins to the next generation. The 91-year-old billionaire announced his retirement from the top post before the developer's annual meeting Tuesday. While he remains as an executive director at…

Sydney 'polar jet' winds forecast to continue on Tuesday as snow falls in Blue Mountains

Damaging winds that caused gusts of up to 90km/h in Sydney's CBD and up to 125km/h in the regions on Monday are likely to return on Tuesday in association with a new cold front, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned, after Sydney's seemingly endless summer came to an abrupt end. In Sydney, winds whipping through…