Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Catherine Roy Imagine a straw-stuffed figure with a rumpled suit, a twinkle in his button eyes, and a way with words that’s part rural wisdom, part nonsense. That’s Worzel Gummidge, the scarecrow who first appeared in Barbara Euphan Todd’s 1936 book Worzel Gummidge or The Scarecrow of Scatterbrook (TV Tropes (literature wiki)), and here’s how this oddball … Read more
Eliud Kipchoge has captured the world’s imagination with his record-shattering sub-2 hour marathon and Olympic gold medals, becoming a symbol of human potential. This article sorts through verified facts and lingering questions about his career, earnings, and what makes him the greatest marathoner of all time. Official marathon world record: 2:01:09 (Berlin 2022) · Sub-2 … Read more
Bryce Courtenay became a bestselling novelist later than most — he published his first book, The Power of One, at age 56. That debut went on to sell millions and cement his place as one of Australia’s most beloved authors. But the line between Courtenay’s life story and his fiction is surprisingly blurry. We separate … Read more
Few 16‑year‑olds can say they already landed a national fashion collaboration, but Embreigh Courtlyn is one of them. The Alabama‑born TikTok creator has built a multi‑platform audience of millions and, in 2026, partnered with Target on a clothing line. Age: 16 (born April 20, 2010) · Birthplace: Alabama · TikTok Followers: 6.3 million · Instagram Followers: 1 million · … Read more
When someone wears a mask for his entire career, it’s easy to forget that he was a person with a real story. MF DOOM, the British-American rapper who hid his face behind a metal mask, lived one of the most fascinating—and tragic—lives in hip-hop. This article lays out the verified facts of his life, his … Read more
Barbara Palvin has been a familiar face in fashion for over a decade, but the road from a Budapest street discovery to the Victoria’s Secret runway hasn’t been without its share of rumors and label debates. This article separates what’s been confirmed about her career and personal life from the unsubstantiated gossip that keeps circling … Read more
Few rock bands have weathered as many lineup storms as AC/DC, yet the core question for fans remains surprisingly tricky: who’s actually in the band right now, and how many of the original members are still around? Between the tragic loss of Bon Scott, the passing of Malcolm Young, and a rotating cast of drummers, … Read more
If you’ve been scrolling through AFL trade news lately, you’ve probably come across a young reporter who seems to be everywhere at once. At just 22, Xander McGuire is already breaking major stories for 7 News Melbourne and 7AFL, and his recent viral takedown of the AFL’s media policy has only sharpened his profile. Current … Read more
Suranne Jones has commanded the screen in Doctor Foster and Gentleman Jack. Her own story starts on a council estate in Greater Manchester and leads to a five-part Netflix thriller where she plays the British prime minister. Born: August 27, 1978 · Birthplace: Greater Manchester, England · Children: 1 son · Known for: Doctor Foster, … Read more
Few Hollywood names carry the kind of dual legacy that Benjamin Bratt does — a 90s heartthrob who later quietly redefined his priorities. Born in San Francisco on Biography.com (a trusted biographical resource) notes December 16, 1963, he grew up in a household blending Peruvian, German, and English roots. Full name: Benjamin Bratt · Date … Read more