Australia's best doughnut and pie competition heats up

Art therapy helps isolated communities reconnect

Community Plus Neighbourhood House in Melbourne's Greater West has been operating for over 40 years, providing programs that help isolated community members connect with others through various barriers including language, financial, and educational challenges. The organisation runs a six-week Art Therapy Creative Connections program where participants create collaborative murals together, using art as a non-confrontational way to express themselves and build connections. The program has become particularly valuable following Victoria's COVID-19 lockdowns, helping people overcome isolation by bringing them out of their homes to create art with others. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Are you smarter than AI: Hair care edition

A television segment tests AI platforms including ChatGPT, Microsoft Co-Pilot, and Google Gemini against professional hairdresser Jacqueline Shell's expertise on common hair care questions. The comparison covers DIY hair treatments, optimal haircut frequency, and solutions for hair thinning and balding. The AI platforms provide mixed results, with some accurate general advice but lacking personalised context that a professional stylist can offer. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Thousands gather for Leah Stewart solidarity swim

Hundreds of swimmers gathered at Coogee Beach to support shark attack victim Leah Stewart, a teacher, mother and deputy principal at Hurstville Adventist School who remains in ICU in critical but stable condition. The community swim, which drew over a thousand participants from surf clubs across Sydney including Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama, far exceeded organisers' expectations of one hundred attendees. Lifesavers and drone surveillance provided safety measures as swimmers entered the water one week after the attack, with hero Charlie Verko, who rescued Leah from the water, among those participating. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Seven Mile Beach and Berry's farm-to-table dining

Seven Mile Beach on the New South Wales South Coast offers diverse recreational activities including fishing, horse riding and beach golf. The region features premium local dining experiences, with Zara Dining at Moraya Farm in Berry set to open, showcasing 80% farm-grown produce and locally sourced seafood including Ulladulla bluefin tuna and regional catches. Berry is located approximately three hours from Sydney, combining coastal access with rural farm life. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

From homelessness to hope with the Salvos

Nathan Stafford, known for transforming overgrown lawns and gardens for free, credits the Salvation Army with saving his life over 20 years ago when he was homeless and contemplating suicide. The Salvation Army's foster house in Sydney, run by Ruth and Peter, provided Nathan with the support he needed to turn his life around, and he now gives back by fundraising for Heart Kids and helping others in need. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.