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👋 G’day everyone, Archie here.
Not too much to report since Monday, except I did go for my first “run“ in years this morning - I’m only mentioning it here to try and hold myself accountable in a public forum.
(Let’s see how I go but don’t worry you won’t see me putting my Strava in here anytime soon).
Anyway, let’s crack on with the news! 🗞️
As older volunteer cohorts retire in rural and remote regions, challenges in recruiting and training new volunteers are highly likely to lead to gaps in service delivery.
🗣️ Why did it say that?
Australia has released its first National Climate Risk Assessment — and it’s blunt about what’s ahead.
The 300-page report warns increasingly severe fires, floods and storms will put growing strain on emergency services.
One problem: volunteers are ageing. On average, 42% are 55 or older. As they retire, younger people aren’t signing up fast enough — leaving “gaps in service delivery,” especially in rural areas.
And those still on the frontlines are feeling it.
The report says more frequent disasters are already harming emergency workers’ physical and mental health.
For my full breakdown, check out today’s video:
@thenationalaccount Natural disasters are getting worse and our emergency services are feeling the strain #australia #todayilearned #explained #climatecrisis ... See more
We’ve done a few of these over the last couple of days, including this one about marine heatwaves which you can watch here.
@thenationalaccount What more marine heatwaves mean for Australia Reporter @archie_milligan #australia #todayilearned #explained #climatecrisis #news
I’m trying to cover this report as much as possible, given its almost 300 pages in length.
There’s a bunch of really important information throughout the report and, given the government is set to release its pollution reduction targets very soon, there’s a big question around whether it will follow science’s recommendation of a 75+ percent reduction target and actually put us on track to be protected from the worst possible outcomes.
Around the Grounds 🦘
Across the country, things are happening at a local level that have an impact nationally. Here’s the stories you might not hear about in the traditional media.
🏥 Hundreds of hospital jobs on the line
Hundreds of non-clinical roles at Melbourne’s state-run Eastern Health — including orderlies, cleaners and food service staff — are set to be outsourced.
Greg, a Patient Services Assistant for 36 years, told Matthew Sims at the Eastern Melburnian he felt “disposable” and “undervalued” after learning his job could be privatised.
The Health Workers Union says outsourcing would mean “less compensation, weaker entitlements and less secure jobs.”
Eastern Health says no decision has been made, but the union is urging the Victorian Government to step in.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
🏚️ Youth homelessness rising
Across Victoria, youth homelessness is climbing. In 2023–24, 24,530 children needed support from homelessness services — the highest number of any state — up from 22,234 in 2021–22.
Almost 3,000 children who required medium-term housing didn’t get it.
South Gippsland MP Danny O’Brien told Jacob Wallace at the Gippsland Monitor, he’s “never seen so many rough sleepers” in regional towns.
Gippsland led Australia in youth homelessness, with over 1,000 young people affected, below-average school completion, and youth unemployment near 14 percent.
Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin said the data “reveals the magnitude and urgency of a problem that our current system cannot adequately address.”
O’Brien is calling for more government funding to help vulnerable young people across Victoria.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
🐩 Pooches at a post office protest
Huw Bradshaw at the North Shore Lorikeet attended a protest of locals on Sydney’s North Shore to Kirribilli House over the weekend, opposing the closure of the Milsons Point post office.
Australia Post says the site is “unviable” after the state government, which owns the property, raised the rent. But residents say that’s a smokescreen for cost-cutting that will hit elderly and vulnerable communities hardest.
Huw mentioned that he’d never seen a protest with so many well groomed dogs.
Watch that story by clicking below 👇
Thanks for catching up with me. I hope you enjoyed this issue, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just reply to this email and I’ll be on the other side 👋
I’ll be back on Friday.
Cheers, Archie
Thumbnail credit: Australian Institute of Marine Science