Stories from Australia

Scientists at the University of Queensland in Australia have extracted cellulose fibers from native spinaflex grass to enhance latex. These fibers are added to latex to create a stronger and thinner condom. Researchers have also mixed graphene, a carbon-based material, into latex to improve both strength and heat conductivity. Researchers also extracted cellulose fibers from native Spinifex grass to add to latex for creating stronger and thinner condoms. The study aims to enhance material properties using both carbon-based graphene and plant-derived fibers. No specific institution or lead researcher was named in the report. Researchers are conducting experiments involving the use of graphene in condoms. The source described graphene as a carbon-based wonder material. The source confirmed that no gelatine-based condoms currently exist.

Six boys aged between 13 and 17 have been charged with assaulting a 13-year-old boy at a shopping centre in Blacktown. The victim was left in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

First Nations communities across Australia are mourning the death of a baby from the Kumanjaya community. The death was described as deeply and distressing by broadcasters.

Australian surfer Stephanie Gilmour-Sally has reached the second round of the Gold Coast Pro at Snapper Rocks. The 36-year-old eight-time world champion defeated Canadian teenager Aaron Brooks to secure the win. This marks Gilmour's first victory on the tour in 2026 following a two-year hiatus. The 38-year-old world champion secured her first-heat win on the World Surf League Tour in 2026 following a two-year hiatus. Other Australian women, Sally Fitzgibbons and Tyler Wright, also advanced to the second round. The South Australian government stated it is maintaining contact with live golf following news that the tour lost key funding. Saudi Arabia reportedly withdrew its backing overnight, leaving the tour searching for new funds.

Water police in Melbourne have recovered the body of a man from Port Phillip Bay. The deceased is believed to be a crew member who went missing from an oil tanker on Thursday. The identity of the man has not been released.

A pendulum swing ride became stuck approximately four metres above the ground. Sixteen children were on the ride at the time of the malfunction. The ride features separate seats with shoulder bars to secure passengers.

Transport for New South Wales announced that construction on the $3.1 billion M6 motorway between Arncliffe and President Avenue in Kogarah has been halted. The project, which connects Arncliffe to Kogarah, was suspended following the emergence of sinkholes in 2024.

Hobart reached a maximum temperature of 26.9 degrees Celsius just after 2:30 PM today. This marks the warmest May day recorded in 139 years of temperature data in Tasmania. The report was provided by Guy Stena.

More than 100 public servants gathered outside the ACT Legislative Assembly in Canberra to demand a better pay deal. The Community and Public Service Union rejected the ACT government's offer of a 3% annual pay rise.

Lawyers for Queensland surgeon Dr. Police allege the offenses occurred on the Gold Coast. The surgeon stated he is primarily concerned with the welfare of his family and patients during the coming weeks. The investigation into the alleged offenses is ongoing. Police charged 64-year-old surgeon Dr. Officers searched his Burleigh Heads unit and declared it a crime scene during an investigation. The charges relate to an alleged sexual assault of a woman in her 30s on March 30. Adib attended the Southport police station this afternoon. O'Deib was granted bail and has left the Southport police station. He is scheduled to appear at the Southport Magistrates Court. O'Deib has been in a relationship with former Queensland Premier Estasia Pallochet since 2021. Pallochet is not accused of any involvement or wrongdoing.