In November of 2024, the Australian Government passed a law which will enforce a mandatory minimum age of 16 on select social media platforms, beginning in December of 2025. This new law is designed to protect the safety, wellbeing, and mental health of children, as the Government believes the risks of social media outweigh the benefits.Continue readingBeyond the ban: what you need to know about Australia’s upcoming social media restrictions
If you had to represent the human race to an alien civilisation, what two things would you tell them about humanity? What advice do you give to others, but rarely follow yourself? Is it possible to have a genuine relationship with an AI bot? Strangers gather in a park every month, pondering the answers to these questions.Continue readingQuit the small talk, it’s time to get deep
Recently on UCFM’s Australian music show, Local Lunch, The Owl’s James Vandermee sat down with highly praised singer-songwriter Carla Geneve for a chat about what she’s been up to and her new album.Continue readingCarla Geneve on songwriting, her new album and video games
Under the surface of central Canberra lies a curious history which few have ever explored. For a long time now, rumours and stories have spread across the city about ‘the caves under Canberra’. These included recorded stories of a cave under Acton, disappearing pillars under King’s Avenue bridge and thousands of litres of water spilling out of rocks!Continue readingFinding the truth about the caves under Canberra
Like all other continents millions of years ago, Australia was home to a host of prehistoric dinosaurs. Unfortunately, Australian general public knowledge of these great beasts hasn’t taken off quite like it has in the Americas, Europe, or Asia. While Australia may finally be picking up the pace, there’s still a lot to learn about Australia’s dinosaur history. Continue readingLooking back on Australia’s unique history with dinosaurs
Have you ever cried because of a song? Or have you ever felt an overwhelming sense of joy after listening to a song, or perhaps you’ve noticed you’re feeling calmer after putting on some laidback music? Music, while often used for entertainment or the background noise at an event, has so much more power than many of us realise. Research has revealed there are many theories that explain the connection between the effect of music on emotions.Continue readingTuning into emotions through music
When Liberal MLA Chiaka Barry first heard about the death of Charlie Kirk and the political extremism surrounding it, her first thought wasn’t actually about politics but about humanity.Continue reading“A life is precious”: Chiaka Barry MLA on the death of Charlie Kirk, violence and faith
A Canberra suburb once home to more than 700 people is now a ghost town. Westlake was designed to house the workmen who built Canberra and their families. Few people know its story.Continue readingWestlake: Canberra’s forgotten suburb
Just over ten years ago, more than 1,000 Canberrans were sent a letter that changed the course of their lives. This letter outlined that their houses – their homes – were contaminated with deadly loose-fill asbestos, installed as insulation by a Canberra company, Mr Fluffy.Continue readingHomes turned hazardous: the lasting legacy of Mr Fluffy
From a fictional world with magic, superheroes and villains, to a book detailing a dystopian future, fandoms exist everywhere. Today, fandoms create direct pathways to staying socially connected. Fandoms are communities that offer people who love a form of media a chance to go beyond merely consuming the content. They allow fans to bond, connect and form lifelong relationships over their love for the media.Continue readingMore than a fandom