SCU’s Anne Hardy and colleagues have been researching how to use marketing to keep people away from tourist destinations. Here’s what they found.
Social
Posted inPolitical, Regulars, Social
Begin Rant: We never dealt with COVID and it shows
RK Crosby writes that according to a One Nation fan, she is responsible for fuel prices, his unemployment, whatever was wrong with his car, a court decision denying him custody of his children, the lack of staff at the front desk, the war with Iran, the general state of the world, and some sprawling conspiracy that was apparently ruining his life. You’re welcome.
Posted inOpinion, Regulars, Social
Opinion: What Finland can teach us about education and homelessness
Paul Sekfy reflects on the Finnish education system and its focus on school readiness, arguing that Australia needs better parental leave and mandatory preschool to support regional students.
Posted inSocial
Opinion: Lismore’s businesses offer hope for others rebuilding after disaster
Dan Etheridge from SCU’s Living Lab Northern Rivers and Caitlin McGee from UTS argue that as communities across Australia rebuild from a summer of fires, heatwaves and floods, we need more examples of how small businesses and communities can recover.
Posted inSocial, Solutions, Something to Think About
Opinion: Firefighters face repeat trauma. We learned how to reduce their risk of PTSD
First responders face high risks of PTSD, but new research shows it isn’t inevitable. A trial of the “SOLAR” mobile app – a confidential, self-led program teaching practical resilience skills – significantly reduced depression and trauma symptoms in firefighters.
Posted inIdeas, Social, Something to Think About
Opinion: An ‘AI afterlife’ is now a real option – but what becomes of your legal status?
Generative AI now allows you to create a “digital twin” for your loved ones to interact with after you die. But this booming “grief tech” industry raises serious unanswered questions about copyright, privacy, and who actually owns your digital identity once you are gone.
Posted inNational, Social, Something to Think About
Opinion: New research shows Australians support buying local for different reasons – and not all will pay more
As the “Australian Made” logo turns 40, new research reveals a divide in why we buy local. While older generations prioritize the economy and jobs, younger shoppers are driven by ethics and the environment – and are surprisingly more willing to pay a premium.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Social
Opinion: We either believe in Human Rights for all or we don’t
Annabel Doherty from Armidale writes: An act of terrorism occurred on Noongar Country in Boorloo on 26 January 2026. The people targeted were supporting a First Nations Invasion Day event.
Posted inOpinion, Political, Regulars, Social
Opinion: Ableism is the ism we refuse to see
RK Crosby says the ableism hides in plain sight, including in the NDIS.
Posted inSocial, Something to Think About
Opinion: Cost doing business
Mal Peters says he has seen some pretty tough times, but for some reason it seems harder today than he can recall.