Latest news with #Bunurong
Time Out
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Melbourne is the second most diverse and inclusive city in the world, according to locals
Here at Time Out Melbourne, it's easy to assume that our beloved city is a friendly space where diversity and inclusivity are welcomed. After all, Melbourne is a thriving metropolis that prides itself on being highly liveable, with cool neighbourhoods and streets that are home to various cuisines, communities and cultures. But sometimes it's good to get that confirmation from others, and off the back of Time Out's huge annual survey, we can reveal that locals themselves actually consider Melbourne the second most diverse and inclusive city in the whole world. The survey asked 18,500 city-dwellers what they think of their hometown's transport, food, nightlife, green spaces and more. But all of this is pointless if people don't actually feel welcome, so we also wanted to find out whether they would describe their city as 'diverse' and 'inclusive' too. Melburnians responded in an overwhelmingly positive fashion, with 77 per cent of people agreeing with the sentiment. The city that (just!) nabbed the crown ahead of Melbourne was London, with 78 per cent of locals deeming the UK capital diverse and inclusive. And look, we get it – with a long history as a hub of immigration and around 300 languages spoken, it's a true representation of what a modern, multicultural city looks like. Rounding out the rest of the top five were Brighton (also in the UK) and New York City tied for third, followed by Los Angeles and Chicago, respectively. So what are some of the factors that make our city worthy of the silver medal? Melbourne – aka Naarm – is located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples, and boasts a rich First Nations history. There are many ways you can learn more and immerse yourself in this culture, including through walking tours or exhibitions like Wurrdha Marra and 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art. And let's not forget the culinary influence of Melbourne's many international communities. Box Hill is known for its abundance of fantastic Chinese restaurants, while Footscray boasts some epic bánh mì spots thanks to its large Vietnamese population. Oakleigh is the Greek heartland for souvas and gyros, and recent waves of migration from Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon have culminated in a mushrooming of West African eateries. Add in a stacked line-up of festivals and events, a proud and ever-growing queer community (Melbourne was even voted the fourth most LGBTQIA+-friendly city in the world in 2022), and a thriving nightlife scene – and we're not surprised that locals would consider our capital a place where everyone is welcome to show up and be their most authentic selves. So, come as you are – Melbourne is open to all. These are the most diverse and inclusive cities in the world: London, UK Melbourne, Australia Brighton, UK = New York, USA Los Angeles, USA Chicago, USA Madrid, Spain Barcelona, Spain Bangkok, Thailand Johannesburg, South Africa = Cape Town, South Africa Montreal, Canada = Medellin, Colombia = Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia = San Francisco, USA This Melbourne university has been named in the world's top 20 for 2026, beating out Yale and Princeton
ABC News
24-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
The maternity care that took Tara's BMI out of the equation
Early in her pregnancy, Tara Sawyer was told the local hospital would not be able to accommodate her. "Because of my higher BMI, you automatically have to go to Box Hill rather than Angliss Hospital," says the 29-year-old from Emerald/land of the Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples in Victoria. "Initially I was quite upset about that because I'm a teacher, I work full-time, and it meant all my appointments had to be an hour away, so I had to take a whole day off work to have an appointment. "It led to stress in my job, which was not ideal." Tara says she also felt ashamed to tell people why she had to travel to a different hospital. "My husband and I talk about weight all the time, but even just to tell him I can't go to this hospital because I'm overweight, was quite embarrassing." Recent research from Monash University has found reducing women's experiences of weight stigma should lead to better care and better pregnancy outcomes for larger-bodied women. It shows larger-bodied women are sometimes automatically treated as high-risk, which the authors write is "problematic because it focuses on body size rather than health". BMI is a method used to sort patients by weight into four categories from underweight to obese. Its appropriateness as a measure of healthy weight for individuals has long been contested. For Tara, the redirection to a hospital further away ended up being a "blessing in disguise", thanks to a program dedicated to maternity care for women with a high BMI. "It meant that I could opt to not be weighed at each appointment, not be told about my weight, or be told only if I wanted," Tara says. We spoke to Tara about her pregnancy journey, and how, for the first time, her weight meant she received more care, rather than less. These are her words. I had been on a health journey for about 10 years prior to being pregnant, with what I assumed was an autoimmune disease. I really struggled to get care early on. The default response from most doctors about my symptoms was to exercise more and lose weight. I was aware of my weight, but struggled to lose any, and suspected whatever else condition I had was contributing to that. I also have anxiety, and at one point I was having some internal bleeding investigated. When they didn't find a cause, I had a specialist gastroenterologist tell me what it was probably just anxiety causing those symptoms. After about three years of fighting to have my voice heard, I was finally referred to a rheumatologist who has taken my condition seriously. I also found a fantastic GP who has listened to my fear of being dismissed because of my weight, and made sure unless my bloods indicated it was a problem, or I came in concerned about my weight, it would not be factored into my care and treatment. I actually fall into the catchment of Angliss Hospital, but due to having a suspected autoimmune condition, borderline high hypertension, and a high BMI, I was told I had to present to Box Hill and receive care there. I was quite frustrated and embarrassed I had to do that. But it did work out for the best. I was told about the PEARL (Pregnancy Elevated BMI Antenatal Risk reduction and Lifestyle) program. It's run by this beautiful midwife Maddy (Madeline Hawke). She was concerned about weight stigma with pregnancy and how many women deal with a lot of weight conversations in pregnancy that are not necessarily important to that pregnancy. I saw Maddy and the same obstetrician throughout my pregnancy. We didn't really discuss weight. At one point I raised concerns about how much I was putting on, but I was assured it was in the normal range for women with my BMI. There was also an honest conversation about why it's sometimes recommended women with high BMI be induced, but it was presented to me as research and fact, rather than pressure or opinion to sway me one way or the other. I kind of got the "royal treatment". I met another woman in the program and she said to me, "It's like the first time that being overweight has been a positive in my life". I felt the same way. Despite the great care, I had such an awful pregnancy with pain and pre-natal depression. It was a really hard time. But I would give birth every day of the week. I loved it. It was such a positive experience. The midwives and team were amazing. I put that down to all the research I did. Familiarising myself with hospital policies on what I could and couldn't push back on. Having a thorough birth plan. I learnt that I was always entitled to ask for a second opinion, and ask for a second doctor if I wasn't happy with my care. It's your right to ask for that. And I know it's really hard; as women we are seen as being rude and up-front when advocating for ourselves. But pregnancy is one of the most vulnerable times in your life, you want to make sure the people in the room have your best interests at heart, and don't look down on you because of your weight.
7NEWS
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
The tiny suburb that boasts heritage homes and a celebrity guest list
WATCH: $5m FIXER-UPPER hits Toorak | | 7NEWS Prahran East is a rising star suburb nestled between Melbourne's high-brow and hip. Originally home to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nation, the suburb's unique blend of urban cool and village charm is quickly making it one of Melbourne's most compelling addresses. The suburb got its unique name from the Indigenous word for the area, Pur-ra-ran, meaning 'land partially surrounded by water'. Located slightly further down 'the hill' from Toorak and Armadale's mansions, Prahran East originally housed the workers and servants of these grand houses in single-fronted Victorian workers' cottages and Edwardian terraces. From the 1970s, the area began to gentrify and houses were renovated and restored. The 1980s saw a wave of Greek migrants move into the area creating a shift in demographics. VIEW LISTING: 12 Greville Street, Prahran, VIC However, it was during the 1990s that the suburb gained its status as an artistic hub when it became an enclave for creatives and the gay community, who were attracted to the avant-garde Prahran TAFE (previously an art school) leading to further gentrification in the 2000s. Now, Prahran East is a tightly held enclave on the cusp of Armadale's leafy prestige and Prahran's edgy vibrancy. A - List credentials It's not just locals who've fallen in love with Prahran East, some big celebrity names have called it home too. Rock legend Chrissy Amphlett of The Divinyls, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, and AFL greats Ted Hopkins and Chris Judd have all called this tiny pocket of Melbourne home. A grand circa- 1863 residence on Greville Street, was once home to The Divinyls' frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett during the early days of her music career. Years later, Carlton premiership hero Ted Hopkins lived there for more than a decade following his time on the field. It recently sold for $5,250,000. Cate Blanchett and her husband quietly listed their Prahran East terrace in 2024, selling the stylish three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 5 Trinian Street for $3.01 million through Kay & Burton. The A-list couple had held the property since 2006, when they snapped it up for just $745,000, according to public records. With its blend of charm, character and low-key luxury, it's easy to see why Prahran East quietly attracts Australia's who's who. A suburb that has it all When it comes to lifestyle, Prahran East is a suburb that simply has it all. "You're smack in the middle of everything, but still get that genuine community feel," says sales consultant and auctioneer at Jellis Craig, Ashley Maikousis. "You don't feel locked away in a bubble here, which makes it really inviting." Its proximity to destinations such as Hawksburn and Toorak Villages, and retail hot spots, High Street in Armadale and Chapel St, make it a location that delivers the best of both worlds: high end sophistication and urban soul. "The leafy, tree-lined streets with beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes give it classic charm," says Maikousis. "You've got a great mix of young couples, families, and long-time locals who all appreciate the convenience of being close to the city but still having their own peaceful village vibe." Residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out with an evolving food scene filled with standout restaurants. Mount Erica Hotel has a buzzy vibe with courtyards perfect for alfresco dining all year round. In nearby Armadale, charming classics like the Orrong Hotel, a 150-year-old art deco pub, stand proud. Andrew McConnell's boutique grocer Morning Market has taken up residency in the village, offering locals everything from pantry staples to gourmet meals to freshly cut flowers. The suburb also has great access to public transport, sought-after schools, and the arts scene. A blend of heritage and character Residential architecture in Prahran East is predominantly a mix of single storey Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses, with larger double storey terraces located closer to the main shopping strips. "A lot of young couples buy a charming single-front Victorian or Edwardian here to start with, and when it's time to upgrade, they nearly always want to stay," says Maikousis. "Most people end up renovating or extending rather than moving because the location is just unbeatable. "It's not uncommon for long-time locals to encourage their kids to buy here, knowing it's not only a fantastic lifestyle but a smart investment too." Due to this popularity, the suburb has been an attractive choice for developers keen to offer buyers an alternative residential option. Managing Director of Abadeen, Andrew Leoncelli, says the suburb was a top choice for his latest development due to its "local village" feel. "We chose Prahran East as the site for Grandview because it is one of the most incredible local villages in the inner south eastern suburbs," says Mr Leoncelli. Mr Leoncelli believes the development will appeal to buyers who love the area, but are unable to purchase a stand-alone house. "We offer a more affordable option to young professional couples who want two-to-three bedrooms with secure car spaces, but can't afford the small cottage homes that are typically in need of a renovation," he says. "These are basically out-of-reach for buyers who are time-poor and wanting to start a young family." The next evolution of Prahran East Director of Marshall White Developments, Leonard Teplin, has worked in the area for 15 years and believes the suburb is undergoing a "significant transformation". "The area has grown in sophistication with a more curated offering of shops, dining, and lifestyle services," he says. "The arrival of high-end names like Andrew McConnell, P Johnson Tailors, MCM Studio, and Leaf Store have elevated the local experience." Loading Instagram Post Much like its previous evolutions, Mr Teplin says he is witnessing a change in Prahran East's property landscape with buyers seeking out a wider range of housing options. "The housing landscape is evolving, with a move away from investor-style apartments and toward larger, architecturally designed homes." Mr Teplin says he is seeing an increase in downsizers and professional couples seeking out boutique developments that offer them the best of both worlds: house-sized living and luxury amenities. "These buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes with no renovation required," he says. "The ability to customise, combined with the boutique scale of developments, adds to the appeal." When he looks towards the future, Mr Teplin sees Prahran East remaining a tightly-held, low-density suburb, known for its character and exceptional lifestyle offering. "There's a genuine sense of community here that continues to resonate with residents," he says.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
New Liberal leader Sussan Ley weighs in on Welcome to Country ceremonies: 'It's simple'
Sussan Ley has offered her 'simple' and straightforward view on Welcome to Country ceremonies. The newly-elected Liberal Party leader was asked whether she agreed with former leader Peter Dutton 's claim that the Indigenous ceremonies were 'overdone'. It became a national talking point during the last week of the election campaign after a Welcome to Country ceremony during Melbourne 's Anzac Day dawn service was booed. Ley made her own views clear on Tuesday afternoon. 'With respect to Welcome to Country, it's simple: if it's meaningful, if it matters, if it resonates, then it's in the right place,' she said. 'As Environment Minister and Health Minister I listened carefully and participated in Welcome to Country ceremonies that were all of those things. 'If it is done in a way that is ticking a box on a Teams meeting then I don't think it is relevant. 'I think it actually diminishes the value of what it is and it's important that we understand that.' It became a national talking point during the last week of the election campaign after a Welcome to Country ceremony during Melbourne 's Anzac Day dawn service was booed (pictured: A Welcome to Country is conducted prior to the Rugby league Women's State of Origin game one match between Queensland and NSW at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on May 1) The cultural practice became a major issue in the final week of the election campaign after an address by Bunurong elder Mark Brown at Melbourne 's Anzac Day dawn service was drowned out by boos and jeers. One of those responsible was a neo-Nazi and the ugly scenes were condemned across the political spectrum. But the episode sparked a national debate after a veteran was filmed telling a Channel Nine reporter it was a 'slap in the face' for those who have served their country in battle to be welcomed to it. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he thought the ceremonies were 'overdone', later clarifying that he did not think they were appropriate on Anzac Day.
The Guardian
09-05-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Helmeted honeyeaters return to Cardinia in Victoria for first time since 1983's Ash Wednesday bushfires
For the first time in 42 years, critically endangered helmeted honeyeaters have returned to Cardinia in south-east Victoria, where they were found until the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983. Helmeted honeyeaters are charismatic, energetic and curious, according to Dr Kim Miller, the manager of threatened species at Healesville sanctuary. Even though the birds can be quite territorial, they're social and will shake their gold and black feathers in 'a really beautiful greeting to each other'. Twenty-one birds captive-bred at the sanctuary were released into forest on Bunurong country where researchers will monitor them to see if they breed and can establish themselves as a new wild population. Sign up to get climate and environment editor Adam Morton's Clear Air column as a free newsletter 'The location at Cardinia has some really good habitat features that helmeted honeyeaters require,' said Miller, who has worked with the species for a decade. 'It has the right vegetation structure and some of the food plants that they need. That combination is hard to come by.' Fewer than 250 helmeted honeyeaters remain in the world. Miller said 99% of the species' habitat had been wiped out across its range and genetic diversity was a problem because the remaining wild birds were incredibly isolated. Sign up to Clear Air Australia Adam Morton brings you incisive analysis about the politics and impact of the climate crisis after newsletter promotion One remnant wild population can be found at Yellingbo nature conservation reserve in the Upper Yarra Valley. A second wild population is found at Yarra Ranges national park, where scientists working with the decades-long conservation breeding program began releasing birds in 2021. The program has been releasing birds every year since 1995, mostly to boost numbers at Yellingbo. A couple of populations introduced at other sites have been unsuccessful. 'Releasing species into new locations, there's no guarantee of success,' Miller said. 'The recovery team has been working really hard for more than a decade in finding suitable sites that can support a population of helmeted honeyeaters.' Miller said researchers planned to release more birds at the Cardinia site over the next few years to try to increase their numbers and genetic diversity. A radio transmitter has been attached to each of the birds for temporary tracking. Miller said it would fall off after a few weeks, after which each bird would be monitored over the long term via the unique leg bands they had been fitted with. Zoos Victoria's helmeted honeyeater field officer, Dr Nick Bradsworth, is at the site to feed and monitor the birds for the first few weeks. 'To see them flying around and squabbling with each other where they would have been doing this over 40 years ago, it feels like the right thing,' he said. 'This is just the start. We are just going to keep building from here. Hopefully we can create even more populations throughout eastern Victoria through their former range, so our bird faunal emblem can thrive for years to come.'
