Editors Picks
18 November 2025
KAREN JONES APPOINTED CEO OF DESTINATION NSW
KAREN Jones has been appointed as CEO of the government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Ms Jones has been Acting CEO of Destination NSW since January 2025. During her five-month tenure, NSW has celebrated its highest-ever visitor expenditure, while the agency has delivered events including Australia Day in Sydney, Great Southern Nights and Vivid Sydney 2025. Prior to joining Destination NSW, Ms Jones served as CEO of the Office of Sport, where she drove its Strategic Plan, Play Her Way strategy and involvement in the ‘10 World Cups in 10 Years’ initiative. Ms Jones has more than 27 years of leadership experience in state and local government. She is an accomplished and respected chief executive with a track record of driving growth, efficient operations and strategic partnerships across diverse sectors.
18 November 2025
MOST AUSSIES SAY HOLIDAYS LEAVE THEM WRECKED
AUSTRALIANS might be clocking up the frequent-flyer points - with 23 per cent (5.2 million) planning an overseas trip and 57 per cent (13 million) a domestic holiday in the year ahead - but new research has revealed they’re coming home more exhausted than ever. A survey of an independent panel of 1009 Australians commissioned by travel insurance provider Insure&Go found 75 per cent admitted they finish a holiday feeling more tired than when they left. One in five (21%) confess they always need ‘a break after my break’, while only a quarter (24%) return genuinely refreshed. Sabotaging our valuable holiday time at the top of the list is poor sleep from red-eye flights, late nights and lumpy hotel mattresses, tops at 34 per cent. Closely followed by itinerary overload with 27 per cent admitting they cram so much in that their escape becomes an endurance event. Planning and organisation stress drags another 18 per cent into the fatigue zone, and the stress of work preventing 7 per cent of Aussies ability to switch off.
18 November 2025
REV BILL CREWS OPENS A NEW CLINIC
A NEW purpose-built medical clinic in Blacktown has been officially opened by NSW Premier Chris Minns to provide care for western Sydney’s most vulnerable residents. The clinic marks a major expansion of The Reverend Bill Crews Foundation’s healthcare services which provides free, wraparound healthcare to people living with disability, mental illness, addiction and complex physical conditions. “This clinic is about giving people dignity, care, and hope,” said Reverend Bill Crews. “Often we see patients presenting without Medicare, secure housing or a stable income so for them this free service is a lifeline.” “Too many people in Western Sydney are going without basic medical treatment. We built this clinic so that no one is left behind.” The new clinic extends the Foundation’s renowned services beyond its Ashfield headquarters. The new clinic in Blacktown aims to service 2,400 medical and 1,300 dental appointments each year, and up to 3,000 social work intake cases.
10 November 2025
WHY AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY INVESTORS ARE CONSIDERING DUBAI
AS Australia’s property market continues to tighten under rising interest rates and regulatory constraints, a growing number of investors are looking offshore for yield, tax efficiency, and portfolio diversification. On Thursday, November 20 2025, Sydney will host an exclusive event - Invest Smart: Unlock Your Gateway to Dubai Property with Confidence, at Proxima 2, Sydney Olympic Park, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (AEDT). Presented by Property Finder Real Estate Group in collaboration with DAMAC Properties, one of Dubai’s prominent luxury developers, the event will unpack a new frontier of international investment and how Australians can tap into Dubai’s booming property sector safely, strategically, and with expert guidance.
Dubai has emerged as one of the most lucrative property markets globally, offering rental yields of 5–9%, no income or capital gains tax, and a streamlined ownership process for international buyers. With demand for both residential and short-stay accommodation surging, the city presents a compelling case for Australian investors seeking long-term value and global exposure.
What attendees can expect:
- Market insights: Hear directly from DAMAC’s investment leaders on the current Dubai real-estate climate.
- Exclusive opportunities: Preview select off-plan and completed projects available only to Australian attendees.
- Financial and legal clarity: Learn the full purchasing process for international buyers, including ownership structures and finance options.
- Real-world case studies: Discover success stories of Australians who’ve already built profitable Dubai portfolios.
- Expert Q&A: Engage one-on-one with property, tax, and legal specialists experienced in global transactions.
Event Details
Date & Time: Thursday, 20 November 2025 — 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (AEDT).
Venue: Proxima - 2 Australia Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park.
08 November 2025
HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMS COME TO AN END
THE 2025 HSC exams have officially ended when 4,300 students completed their Food Technology exam.
Over the past 17 test days, close to 75,000 HSC students have sat more than 400,000 exam sessions in 123 different subjects, running across more than 750 exam locations.
This year’s exams included the assessment of new syllabuses in Geography, Software Engineering, and Computing – with the latter two examined online for the first time.
Thousands of dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff have been working behind the scenes during the HSC, ensuring exams run smoothly and deliver a fair outcome for students.
Marking is well underway, with over 6,500 markers assessing responses from more than 1.2 million exam papers. Students will receive their HSC results and ATAR on Thursday 18 December.
The 2025 HSC enrolment snapshot can be found on the NESA website.
05 November 2025
FREE PARK ENTRY FOR VETERAN CARD HOLDERS
THE NSW Government will extend free vehicle entry to NSW national parks for all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders from July 2025. Previously limited to some DVA Gold Card holders, the expanded program will now include White and Orange Card holders, allowing more veterans to access 45 fee-paying parks. The initiative aims to support veterans’ physical and mental wellbeing while recognising their service. NSW has 895 national parks and reserves, with only 5% charging entry fees. Applications will open via the NSW National Parks website.
05 November 2025
SCAMMERS USE FAKE TERM DEPOSIT SCHEMES
BENDIGO Bank is warning that scammers are increasingly targeting Australians aged 65 and over with fake term deposit schemes. Criminals impersonate legitimate financial institutions and lure retirees into transferring large sums by promising unrealistically high returns. Older Australians reported almost $100M in scam losses last year, making them the most affected age group. The bank advises people to be wary of unsolicited investment contact, avoid clicking links, verify account details, and seek trusted advice. Suspected scams should be reported immediately.
