Australia’s Asia strategy may need to look closer to home. With millions of Australians speaking Asian languages at home, language education and cultural understanding could play a bigger role in strengthening community connections, public services and social cohesion.

Australia’s Catholic bishops are calling for stronger social cohesion amid concerns over racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and growing social division. Their latest Social Justice Statement encourages Australians to listen, engage across differences and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Australia’s debate over immigration, multiculturalism and national identity is moving beyond politics, with thousands of students taking to the streets as One Nation gains support and calls for a more “monocultural” Australia face growing opposition.

Melbourne’s Indian Film Festival is back for its 17th year, showcasing more than 130 films across 38 languages. From Bollywood to regional and independent cinema, the festival is bringing India’s diverse stories, languages and cultures to audiences across Victoria.

After 27 years in Victorian politics, former premier Jacinta Allan has announced she will leave Parliament at the November 28 election. Her decision comes just weeks after she was replaced as premier by Ben Carroll following an internal Labor leadership challenge. Allan, who entered Parliament at 25, leaves behind a career spanning minister, deputy premier and premier while Labor now faces a fight to retain her Bendigo East seat.

A patient’s death at Ballarat Base Hospital has sparked fresh concerns over Australia’s struggling regional healthcare system. Staff say overcrowding, shortages of inpatient beds and prolonged emergency department waits are creating unsafe conditions, with some patients reportedly spending days in corridors. Between January and March, around 3,300 patients across Victoria spent at least 24 hours in emergency departments, 70% of them in regional and rural hospitals.

Australia’s property market is cooling, but affordability remains out of reach. Home values fell 0.7% in July, while Australians now need more than 11 years to save for a median-priced home. Falling prices may not be enough to solve the housing crisis.

A growing number of men are questioning whether traditional employment still offers the purpose, dignity and sense of belonging it once did. As workforce participation declines in some countries, experts are looking beyond economics to examine a deeper crisis of meaning, identity and social connection. The conversation raises important questions about work, masculinity, technology and what gives people a sense of purpose in modern society.

A Virgin Australia Boeing 737 has aborted its takeoff at Sydney Airport after its crew spotted a Qantas 737 crossing the runway ahead of them. The incident is under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, amid growing concerns following several recent aviation near-misses at the airport.

Australia’s Census is about more than counting people. The data helps shape healthcare, schools, public transport, interpreting services and other support for multicultural communities. Did you know? 27.6% of Australians were born overseas, while 48.2% have at least one parent born overseas. As Australia becomes increasingly diverse, accurate Census data helps ensure communities are seen, understood and properly supported