February 13, 2026
On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, MY ex-boyfriend is in many significant family photos such as Christmases, weddings, birthdays and other occasions. Now we are no longer together, what on earth do I do with all the pictures? It upsets me to look at them, but I don’t want to forget the occasions. Rachel P. Dear Rachel, This one […]

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Letter to the Editor: legal e-bikes
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: legal e-bikes

DEAR News Of The Area, Thanks for Jasminda’s sensible response to the Kids on e-bikes question (NOTA, 4 February). Below is a description of a legal e-bike [from the State Government]. “In NSW, legal e-bikes (Pedalec) must have a maximum continuous motor output of 250 watts, with power cutting off at 25 km/h and only […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

Dear Jasminda, Kids on e-bikes are on the rise. How do we share the road safely with them? Hayley S. Dear Hayley, Having recently observed two young girls powering across a T-intersection on their e-bikes without looking left or right, and after conversations with friends who have similar stories, the safety issue you raise is […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

Dear Jasminda, I was driving up a long and winding road in my ute on the weekend when I passed a cyclist. She seemed to be doing it very tough and wasn’t making much progress. Should I have offered her [and her bike] a lift to the next town? I’m now regretting that I didn’t […]

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Honours list: gender balance ‘cause for concern’
Opinion

Honours list: gender balance ‘cause for concern’

CONGRATULATIONS to the 680 Australians recognised in the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours list, which we the Council of the Order of Australia, recommended to the Governor-General. This represents the highest number since Australia Day 2024. The recipients come from all parts of the country and their service, achievements and impact […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, Frequently when I go shopping someone pushes a trolley into my ankles. How do I avoid this painful scenario? Jim R. Dear Jim, In the wrong hands, a trolley can be a weapon of mass destruction, thrust into the legs of an unsuspecting shopper when they are simply trying to reach for a […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, We have a few family members who work from home and our mannerisms and work styles are getting on each other’s nerves. How do we improve our work-from-home balance? Megan P. Dear Megan, Research by Roy Morgan (2025) stated that more than 6.7 million Australians work from home at least some of the […]

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