June 6, 2026
Husband’s responsibility takes flight
Jasminda's Advice

Husband’s responsibility takes flight

Dear Jasminda, When I travel with my partner on a plane, he ignores the safety announcements and instead reads a book. I feel like if something goes wrong, I’m the only one who will be able to assist. Bettina L. Dear Bettina, I’ve come across a range of different travellers over the years. Because I […]

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Letter to the Editor: love all, serve all
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: love all, serve all

DEAR News Of The Area, (In response to: “Lyne MP’s bid to amend legal definition of ‘woman’ and ‘man’,” 26 May). Babies may be identified as male or female by their genitals at birth, but the chromosomes really determine their gender. Some societies used to have 5 genders. Please see information on differing chromosome patterns. […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I am aware that during meetings, staff members appearing via Zoom are more insightful and intellectually engaged. I don’t understand the disparity. When they appear in person, they seem very different. Should I move all meetings to Zoom? Kevin P. Hi Kevin, I remember the good old days of staff meetings. The whole […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I find there are times during my working day when I lack energy or wonder at the futility of an office job. How do I keep my momentum going for the next 45 years? Melissa W. Dear Melissa, I had some general ideas for you and was about to start composing my response […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, Last night I made a birthday dinner for my mum. I decided to make the veggie burgers that I used to love as a teenager because I thought it would be nostalgic. The dinner was panned by every family member as being ‘bland’, ‘missing something’ and ‘disappointing’. I feel as though my energy […]

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OPINION: The hidden payments issue costing local businesses money
Opinion

OPINION: The hidden payments issue costing local businesses money

WALK down any main street in regional Australia and you’ll find small businesses doing what they do best: serving their communities with pride, hard work, and a personal touch. Businesses in our regional towns thrive on trust, the kind that comes from knowing the people behind the counter. But there’s a growing issue quietly affecting […]

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