A viral Sydney doorbell video is putting Australia Post under pressure after a delivery worker was seen knocking just once and leaving without actually delivering a package.

 

The footage has fueled frustration among locals, many sharing stories of missed or half-hearted delivery attempts.

 

Concerns over the reliability of Australia Post services are growing, with customers reporting drivers who barely try before departing or claim deliveries were attempted when no one came to the door.

 

Addressing these complaints, a spokesperson for Australia Post assured customers of strict delivery protocols and encouraged anyone facing issues to reach out for investigation.

 

With the holiday season ahead, Australia Post is recruiting about 3,000 new casual workers across the country, especially in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, to meet rising parcel demand.

 

Both the organization and the community hope for smoother, more reliable deliveries this festive season.

Australia’s housing market soared to new heights as the national median property price topped A$1 million for the first time in March 2025.

 

Major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne drove this surge, fueled by rising population and a tight housing supply.

 

In sharp contrast, New Zealand’s market continued to cool.

 

By February 2025, the national median home price was NZ$750,000—around 11% lower than the market’s 2021 peak.

 

Auckland, the largest city, saw prices dip to NZ$1.02 million, well below its boom-time figures.

 

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s aggressive interest rate hikes have pushed the cash rate to 5.5%, significantly weakening buyer demand.

 

This shift has caused a sharp drop in sales, while Australians, encouraged by low rates and strong demand, increased new housing loan commitments by 6.4% in Q3 2025.

 

New Zealand’s Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 aims to address supply, though its impact remains uncertain.

 

The two countries’ diverging experiences highlight the importance of balanced economic policies and market sentiment.

Brisbane is alive with festive cheer and pride following recent sporting victories, as the city prepares to celebrate the holiday season with a dazzling lineup of events.

 

Local athletes have catapulted Brisbane to new heights, further cementing its status as Australia’s top sporting city with thrilling wins and inspiring displays of skill.

 

The festivities officially kick off at King George Square, where the City Hall Lights will brighten nights from December 5 to 24 with captivating displays and lively stories.

 

Families can enjoy the Christmas Tiny Doors trail from December 1 to 24, adding a playful adventure through Queen Street Mall and beyond.

 

On December 25, Stamford Plaza Brisbane hosts its signature Summer Snow Celebration, bringing songs, Santa, and unique Christmas fun downtown.

 

Beat the heat with $2 Summer Dips at local pools, and join the Summer Reading Challenge to spark curiosity at city libraries.

 

Infrastructure upgrades, from enhanced lighting at Lota’s Fig Tree Point Park to the new Stones Corner Heritage Trail, promise greater safety and connection for residents and visitors alike.

 

The Australian government has announced the Solar Sharer scheme, offering households three hours of free electricity daily during peak solar times, starting July 2026.

 

This initiative will roll out in New South Wales, South-East Queensland, and South Australia, targeting regions under the Default Market Offer.

 

Residents need a smart meter and must enroll through their energy retailer to participate.

 

The scheme aims to shift high-energy activities to midday, when solar generation often leads to energy surplus and cheaper wholesale prices.

 

Energy Minister Chris Bowen highlighted the program’s financial and environmental benefits for renters, owners, and both solar and non-solar households alike.

 

While some industry leaders, including Louisa Kinnear of the Australian Energy Council, have voiced consultation concerns, the government remains committed to its renewable goals.

 

Consultations are ongoing to expand the scheme nationwide by 2027, empowering more Australians to save money while supporting a greener grid.

Brisbane’s food lovers are in for a treat as the iconic Osbourne Hotel hosts an exclusive Black Tie BBQ on Thursday, 20 November 2025, in Fortitude Valley.

 

The event marks the debut of Jim Beam Black 7-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey, renowned for its extra-smooth richness from extended aging.

 

Guests will enjoy a crafted four-course American BBQ menu, featuring cherry wood-smoked lamb crostinis, spiced pork cakes, and mains like Kentucky black vinegar brisket, Tabasco-brined chicken, and lemon butter barramundi.

 

Classic sides and a decadent Derby bourbon cheesecake crowned with Jim Beam caramel and pecans round out the meal.

 

The evening also promises a special “7 Senses” bourbon tasting, immersing guests in the aromas, flavors, and textures of this distinguished spirit.

 

Live bluegrass music sets an upbeat mood, while the black tie dress code adds a touch of sophistication.

 

Limited to 50 seats at $117 each, this event offers gourmet dining, premium whiskey, and vibrant entertainment in a stylish setting.

South Brisbane District police launched Operation RAZE on October 16 in response to a spike in road fatalities, targeting unsafe driving in Brisbane’s Bayside area.

 

Focusing on the ‘Fatal Five’—speeding, impaired driving, seatbelt neglect, fatigue, and distraction—officers deployed both high-visibility and undercover patrols.

 

Enforcement sites saw Highway Patrol and General Duty officers conducting hundreds of random breath and drug tests, resulting in 22 charges across 15 people for offenses like DUI and unlicensed driving.

 

Fifty wandings led to the seizure of one weapon, and 24 traffic infringement notices were issued.

 

Inspector Mat Kelly underscored the urgency, with 10 Bayside road deaths recorded this year and a statewide toll climbing to 242.

 

Police engaged motorcyclists during Motorcyclist Awareness Month and promoted safety at local events like the Bayside Spring Festival, urging all residents to stay alert and committed to safer streets.

Brisbane and southeast Queensland residents are facing widespread power outages after fierce storms swept through overnight.

 

Severe weather hit regions such as Ipswich, Caboolture, and Samford with damaging winds and hail as large as golf balls, beginning late yesterday afternoon.

 

At the height of the storm around 9:45 p.m., about 4,800 homes lost power.

 

As of this morning, roughly 100 customers are still without electricity, as Energex crews continue urgent repair work.

 

Although the storm risk has passed, the community now faces an intense heatwave.

 

Brisbane temperatures are expected to climb into the low to mid-30s, with a forecast peak of 36°C by Thursday.

 

Warnings are also active for spring heatwave conditions in central and northwest Queensland, impacting areas like Mt Isa, Birdsville, and Thargomindah.

 

Authorities urge everyone to stay alert and take precautions during this extreme weather period.