The Ryuku Islands, particularly Okinawa, are renowned for the longevity of their inhabitants, attributed to a philosophy emphasizing nature, balance, and community support. The Okinawan diet, rich in vegetables and modest in seafood and soy products, along with a love for turmeric tea, contributes to their long life. The concept of ikigai, or life purpose, is central to their way of life, fostering a sense of passion and mindfulness. Okinawa's unique environment, culture, and traditions play a significant role in the well-being and longevity of its people.

Far North Queensland is a tropical paradise in Australia, offering a unique experience for holidaymakers, honeymooners, and backpackers. The region features the Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, and a variety of local wildlife, including the endangered Southern Cassowary. Key destinations include Mission Beach, Cape Tribulation, Atherton Tablelands, and the Gulf of Savannah, each offering its own natural wonders and cultural experiences. The article provides a personal perspective on the beauty and attractions of Far North Queensland, highlighting hidden spots and activities such as bushwalks, mud-crab spearfishing, and exploring local food production.

Sydney Harbour's construction has led to the loss of 90% of its coastal defence structures. The Living Seawalls project, led by Macquarie University scientists, aims to restore marine biodiversity by attaching eco-friendly concrete panels to infrastructure. These panels provide semi-natural habitats for marine life, showing significant success with up to 115 species colonizing them. The project has expanded globally, with installations in various locations. The Ocean Lovers Festival, co-created by Anita Kolni and Carolyn Grant, will be held in Bondi Beach, featuring events to promote ocean conservation and awareness.

Imogen Kars shares transformative lessons on feminism learned from her interactions with Meryem, a Moroccan woman. These lessons include the importance of speaking directly to Muslim women to understand their experiences, recognizing that feminism is not one-size-fits-all, and the need to be an ally for Muslim women locally. Kars reflects on her own prejudices and the impact of media narratives, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and local activism in supporting Muslim women.

Sydney Harbour's construction has led to the loss of 90% of its coastal defence structures. The Living Seawalls project, developed by Macquarie University scientists, aims to restore marine biodiversity by attaching eco-friendly concrete panels to infrastructure. These panels provide semi-natural habitats for marine life, showing significant success with up to 115 species colonizing them. The project plans to expand globally. Additionally, the Ocean Lovers Festival, co-created by Anita Kolni and Carolyn Grant, will be held in Bondi Beach, featuring various events to promote ocean conservation.

Santiago Mills, a 23-year-old Indigenous student at CQUniversity Cairns, is committed to enhancing infrastructure in Torres Strait Islander communities. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Mills aims to use his construction management skills to benefit his community and inspire other Indigenous youth. He emphasized the importance of Indigenous autonomy and the need for resources to manage their own affairs. Mills shared his vision during CQUniversity's Festival of Change, which focuses on resilience and positive transformation amid COVID-19. The event, hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp, continues to promote sustainable regional development and healthy communities.

Imogen Kars shares her personal journey of living with severe carpal tunnel syndrome since childhood, detailing the physical and emotional challenges she faces daily. Despite seeking medical help for 14 years, she only recently received an official diagnosis. The article highlights her struggles with daily tasks, the financial burden of upcoming surgery, and the emotional toll of her condition. Kars reflects on the lack of timely medical intervention and the impact it has had on her life, while also finding moments of solace and resilience in her situation.

The author shares their personal experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability, detailing the challenges and adaptations required to continue exploring the world. Despite facing physical limitations and fluctuating health, the author remains determined to travel, finding unique ways to manage their condition while on the road. The narrative highlights the evolving nature of disability and the importance of redefining personal capabilities.

The author shares their experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability that affects their mobility and energy levels. Despite the challenges, they have continued to explore the world, adapting their travel methods to accommodate their fluctuating abilities. The narrative includes adventures across Southeast Asia, a difficult period in Cairo, and a road trip through South Australia in a Wicked van that allowed for more comfort. The author emphasizes the specialness of seeing the world in their own way, despite the difficulties posed by their disability.

The author shares their experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability that affects their mobility and energy levels. They recount adventures across Southeast Asia, a significant moment in Turkey when they realized the severity of their condition, and the challenges faced while traveling in Cairo. The pandemic provided a period of reflection and redefinition of living with their disability. Post-pandemic travels included a road trip through South Australia in a Wicked van, accommodating their physical needs, and a solo trip to India, where they navigated the challenges of their disability independently.

The author shares their experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability that affects their mobility, energy levels, and pain. Despite the challenges, they have continued to explore the world, adapting their travel methods to accommodate their fluctuating abilities. From backpacking in Southeast Asia to road tripping in a Wicked van through South Australia, the author's determination to travel remains undeterred, even when facing difficulties such as handling doorknobs and carrying heavy items. The narrative emphasizes the importance of travel in the author's life and their commitment to continue despite their disability.

The author shares their experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability that affects their mobility, energy levels, and pain. Despite the challenges, they have continued to travel the world, adapting their adventures to their fluctuating abilities. From backpacking in Southeast Asia to road tripping in South Australia with a Wicked van that accommodated their needs, the author emphasizes the specialness of seeing the world in their own way.

The author shares their personal experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability, detailing the challenges and adaptations required to continue exploring the world. From solo adventures in Southeast Asia to struggles in Turkey and Egypt, the narrative highlights the fluctuating nature of their condition and the resilience needed to navigate travel. Despite the difficulties, the author remains determined to keep traveling, finding unique value in seeing the world through their own lens.

The author shares their personal experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability, detailing the challenges and adaptations required to continue exploring the world. Despite facing significant physical limitations and health issues, the author remains determined to travel, finding unique ways to manage their condition while on the road. The narrative highlights the fluctuating nature of their disability and the resilience needed to pursue their passion for travel.

The author shares their personal experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability, detailing the challenges and adaptations required to continue exploring the world. Despite facing physical limitations and fluctuating health, the author remains determined to travel, finding unique ways to manage their condition while on the road. The narrative highlights the evolving nature of their disability and the resilience needed to pursue their passion for travel.

The author shares their personal experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability. Despite facing significant physical challenges, they continue to explore the world, adapting their travel plans to accommodate their fluctuating health. The narrative highlights the difficulties and triumphs of disabled travel, emphasizing the author's determination to keep traveling despite their condition.

The author shares their personal experiences of traveling with a chronic, invisible disability, detailing the challenges and adaptations required to continue exploring the world. Despite facing physical limitations and fluctuating health, the author remains determined to travel, finding unique ways to manage their condition while on the road. The narrative highlights the evolving nature of disability and the importance of redefining one's capabilities in the face of adversity.

Screenwest has unveiled a project called RED, featuring eight Indigenous female writers and directors from Western Australia, to create an 80-minute anthology film. The project is driven by Indigenous production companies PiNK PEPPER, Ramu Productions, and Aotearoa/New Zealand's Brown Sugar Apple Grunt. The anthology will explore stories from a female Aboriginal perspective, focusing on the theme of 'missing Indigenous women', an issue gaining attention with the US government's Savanna's Act. The participants, including Kodie Bedford, Debbie Carmody, Jub Clerc, Kelli Cross, Karla Hart, Chantelle Murray, Ngaire Pigram, and Mitch Torres, will each develop a short film for the anthology. The initiative aims to provide a platform for these women to tell their stories and to inspire young Indigenous people to pursue creative careers. Despite COVID-19 restrictions affecting pre-production, the team is optimistic about the project's development and impact.

The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving with the integration of smart technology and virtual reality experiences, as highlighted by a report co-produced by YouGov and industry experts. Australian consumers are increasingly interested in venues that offer virtual reality activities like wine tastings and hotel tours. Brands such as me&u, Marriott Bonvoy, and Moxy Hotels are pioneering these digital experiences, with M Social becoming the first hospitality group to establish a hotel in the metaverse platform Decentraland. These advancements aim to merge the metaverse with the tangible world, offering new ways for guests to explore and interact with hospitality venues.

Buddee, an allergy-friendly spread created by Seong-Lee Ang and Rodney Chieng, has secured $1 million deals with Australian supermarkets Coles and Woolworths before selling a single jar. The product, which features roasted chickpeas, was developed in response to the lack of no-nut, allergy-friendly spreads in the market. It aims to be tasty, allergy-friendly, and healthier than existing options. Buddee has received high health star ratings and has found a customer base among both children and adults. The co-founders plan to expand the Buddee brand into a broader range of products.

Australian society has historically been out of touch with disability rights, but the conversation has improved recently. The Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service and the National Disability Insurance Scheme have been key governmental responses to disability support needs. However, gaps remain, particularly for invisible disabilities, First Nations people, and culturally diverse Australians. The Greens, Labor, and Liberal parties have varying levels of commitment to improving disability support, with the Greens proposing comprehensive policies and Labor aiming to enhance the NDIS. The Liberal Party lacks a clear plan for disability rights. The article encourages voting for disability rights in the upcoming federal election and is written by journalist Imogen Kars, who covers disability, politics, and the environment.

Traditional Owners in the Northern Territory, including Nurrdalinji Chair Johnny Wilson, are concerned about potential water pollution from fracking in the Beetaloo Basin as the wet season approaches. Despite opposition, companies like Santos and Origin have continued operations. The Northern Territory Fracking Inquiry has acknowledged the risk of waste storage ponds flooding. Wilson fears contamination could have severe consequences for drinking water, bathing, cooking, raising animals, and the local beef industry. He calls for better environmental protection and community support.

The article discusses the author's personal struggles with infertility and multiple disabilities, highlighting the recent decision by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to temporarily ban IVF treatments due to the Omicron wave. The author contrasts the public outcry over the IVF ban with the lack of attention to the medical needs of disabled individuals, criticizing societal ableism and the healthcare system's neglect of disabled people. The piece calls for greater awareness and support for the disabled community, emphasizing that while IVF is important, it is not lifesaving compared to other critical medical treatments that are being delayed or denied.

Sydney Harbour's construction has led to the loss of 90% of its coastal defence structures. The Living Seawalls project, led by Macquarie University scientists, aims to restore marine biodiversity by attaching eco-friendly marine panels to infrastructure. These panels have shown significant success, supporting up to 115 different species. The project plans to expand globally. Additionally, the Ocean Lovers Festival, co-created by Anita Kolni and Carolyn Grant, will be held in Bondi Beach, featuring various events to promote ocean conservation. Sponsored by Volvo, the festival will include art, music, workshops, and more, highlighting the importance of ocean health.

The Living Seawalls project, led by Macquarie University scientists including Associate Professor Melanie Bishop, has developed marine panels that enhance biodiversity by providing habitats for marine life on man-made structures. Since the first installation in Sydney Harbour in 2018, the project has seen up to 115 different species colonizing the panels, with a significant increase in biodiversity compared to flat surfaces. The project aims to expand globally, with around 1000 panels already installed in various locations. The Ocean Lovers Festival, co-created by Anita Kolni and Carolyn Grant and sponsored by Volvo, aims to raise awareness and explore solutions for ocean conservation, featuring events, workshops, and talks in Bondi Beach.

Aussie Tiny Houses, founded by Fabio Paulucci, has seen significant growth since its launch in 2017, driven by increasing interest in sustainable living and downsizing. The company offers tiny houses starting at $44,000, featuring options for off-grid living. They are also collaborating with Youturn and Noosa Council to address youth homelessness. Betta Stone, founded by Robert and Roshni Thompson, produces eco-friendly kitchen benchtops from recycled glass, reducing landfill waste and avoiding harmful crystalline silica dust. Their products have been adopted by companies like T2 and L'Occitane, emphasizing a commitment to the circular economy.

The sustainability movement has inadvertently marginalized the disabled community by promoting practices that are not inclusive of their needs. The push to eliminate plastic straws and pre-chopped vegetables, for example, fails to consider their necessity as accessibility tools for many disabled individuals. The zero-waste movement, represented by figures like Lauren Singer, has been criticized for its ableist undertones. The disabled community faces unique challenges in the face of climate breakdown and disasters, as highlighted by studies showing their increased vulnerability. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought some visibility to these issues, but there is a call for a more accessible and inclusive approach to sustainability that truly accommodates the disabled community.

Two Australian studies reveal mixed experiences with telehealth among rheumatology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. A study from Adelaide hospitals shows varied satisfaction, with older patients and those with lower health literacy less satisfied. Convenience drives acceptance, but some patients report negative impacts on health and involvement in care. Another study finds high telehealth satisfaction among Australians with inflammatory arthritis, with no significant demographic patterns. Both studies highlight the potential for a mixed-model consultation approach post-pandemic.

The 2020 National Consumer Survey by Musculoskeletal Australia reveals the extensive impact of musculoskeletal conditions on individuals' lives, highlighting significant mental health issues, social isolation, and financial stress. The survey, which included responses from 3,500 people, underscores the need for more affordable treatment options and government support. Rob Anderson, CEO of MSK, emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these challenges to improve healthcare and support services for affected individuals.

The 2020 National Consumer Survey by Musculoskeletal Australia reveals the extensive social and mental health impacts of musculoskeletal conditions on Australians. With responses from 3,500 individuals, the survey highlights that 93% of respondents feel negatively affected by their condition, with significant impacts on daily pain, mental health, and social relationships. Financial stress due to treatment costs is also a major concern, with many calling for increased government support. The findings aim to drive consumer-driven improvements in healthcare and support services.

The article discusses the establishment of a new Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC), the Nurrdalinji Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, by Native Title holders in the Beetaloo Basin, Northern Territory, Australia. This move is in response to the Australian Government's plan for a 'gas-led recovery' which involves developing the Beetaloo Basin for gas exploration. Traditional Owners from nine communities aim to regain control of their land and protect their water sources from the risks associated with fracking, a concern highlighted by both Janey Dixon, a senior Mudburra woman, and Amelia Telford, National Director of the Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network. The article also touches on the previous management of Native Title rights by the Northern Land Council and the community's desire for self-determination and investment in sustainable futures rather than the fossil fuel industry.

Netball Australia has made a Declaration of Commitment to address the challenges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face in participating in the league. This comes after controversy during the Suncorp Super Netball's Indigenous Round when Jemma Mi Mi, the league's only Indigenous player, did not play. The commitment was signed by 20 clubs and bodies and will involve extensive consultation with community groups. Sharon Finnan-White, among others, will help develop a strategy framework that includes cultural awareness training and aims to increase Indigenous representation in various roles within five years. The league's State of the Game Review findings and key milestones are forthcoming.

The Karajarri Traditional Lands Association has approved a land use agreement with Theia Energy for oil and gas fracking in the Great Sandy Desert, southeast of Broome, Australia. The project, which could produce up to 100,000 barrels a day, has been met with protests from some Traditional Owners. The WA Government lifted a fracking moratorium last year, granting more negotiation power to Traditional Owners. The CSIRO's report on fracking's environmental impact has been criticized for potential conflict of interest and inadequate methodology. Theia Energy, awaiting environmental approvals, plans to begin drilling in 2022.

The new National Agreement on Closing the Gap, introduced in July, aims to address longstanding disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through 16 new socioeconomic targets and shared decision-making. Despite limited progress over the past 12 years, there is optimism for the new agreement, particularly with the inclusion of targets for safe housing and reduced incarceration rates. Key figures like Pat Turner AM and Nerita Waight express concerns about the government's commitment and the adequacy of the new targets. The article highlights persistent gaps in child mortality, employment, life expectancy, and education, while advocating for community-controlled services and formal partnerships to drive meaningful change.