Life Matters - Separate stories podcast

We trust the aged care system to care for our loved ones as if they were family. That's why the stories of abuse and neglect uncovered during the Aged Care Royal Commission were so heartbreaking.Four years on from its final report, one of the Commission's cornerstone reforms came into effect on Saturday: a new federal Aged Care Act.It's meant to streamline legislation and processes, and includes a new Statement of Rights designed to put people at the centre of the aged care system.So what are your rights in aged care? And do these changes bring us closer to a system we can trust to care for our parents ... and ourselves?

In Australian primary schools, many tuckshops are struggling, teachers are paying for kids' lunches out of their own pockets, and some public primary schools are hiring chefs.And yet, many kids are still going to school hungry and without lunch.So, why is lunch a growing challenge for Australian schools?

If the grandkids are over, it seems like you should be the ones setting the rules about screen-time, but what if the kids aren’t on board, and their parents aren’t either ?  

Author of the international bestseller The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living, Dr Russ Harris says ruminating, over-thinking and worrying can all be kinds of "suffering." Dr Harris says evidence shows that with practice, anyone can rewire their neural paths and dramatically shift their thinking patterns.  

For many people, a trip to a national park involves loading up the car, then setting up a tent, grabbing drinks out of cooler ... and hoping you've remembered to pack the batteries for your torch.But increasingly, a national park experience can look very different: luxury lodges, glamping, catered dining, maybe at the end of the day... a relaxing shiraz in an actual glass.It's nature with luxury conveniences. And it's part of a growing trend that's seen national parks around the country used for permanent, private, and plush accommodation.This week the news broke that New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service has called for expressions of interest from businesses to provide "supported camping" in 16 national parks and reserves across the state.Details are scant, but the government says it'll be a service that provides fully set-up camping sites... for locals, and travellers from interstate and overseas.The parks include our most iconic like Kosciuszko and the Blue Mountains.So, is this a valuable source of revenue? Does it make our national parks more accessible? Or is this just privatising public space?NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service statementThe Government is exploring new ways for more people to enjoy our incredible network of National Parks. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) invited Expressions of Interest submission from businesses who can offer optional camping equipment hire and set up service at 23 campgrounds across 16 national parks and reserves.We know camping gear can be a significant upfront cost for campers. Research tells us that in NSW around 10% of people have never camped before but are keen to try, drawn to travel and nature but lack the necessary equipment for a weekend camping.By offering a service that provides fully set-up camping gear, camping can be made more accessible, encourage more people to explore the outdoors and help them gain confidence.NPWS hopes to see many more families trying camping without having to invest in or store equipment. Supported camping will also allow travellers from interstate and overseas opportunities to camp, without having to bring all their gear with them, which is often impractical.Camping support services may include tent or caravan hire and or setup, equipment and bedding hire, and optional food and related offerings.Supported camping will operate side by side existing campsites. All campgrounds will remain open to the public, there will not be exclusive use of any campsite by a private operator.There are restrictions on the number of sites that can be used (in many* locations the limit is two to five) and there are also some restrictions on timing (eg. not during school holidays).Having a variety of businesses operating within national parks is not new and has been occurring since 2009. Private businesses already offer guided tours and equipment hire, which sometimes include supported camping.There are currently 383 licensed operators. They book less than 1% of overnight stays and most of them are for school children participating in outdoor education programs.Revenue from this service is expected to be minimal (less than $30,000 per year) for national parks. Since 2023, NPWS has invested $42 million to upgrade, expand and build new campgrounds, including 18 new campgrounds and 36 upgrades.* EDITOR’S NOTE: November 19, 2025: According to New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service documents, three of the 23 campgrounds will have restrictions on the number of sites that can be used for commercial use.

The Bureau of Meteorology has revamped its website and to say that people have strong opinions is an understatement.Whether you like or loathe it, the flood of reactions shows how the weather means so much more to us than small talk. So what is it about the weather... why are we so obsessed?

Suzanne Somers was one of the biggest TV stars of the 1980s and 1990s... starring on sitcoms like Three's Company and Step by Step.She also made a name for herself marketing the iconic fitness gadget - the ThighMaster.Sadly, Suzanne died of cancer in 2023... but now her husband of 46 years has brought her back... kind of.Somers' widower Alan Hamel has created an AI clone of her ... saying when he sees the two of them side-by-side even he can't tell which is real and which is AI. Next, he plans to upload "her" ... to be a 24/7 AI chatbot for her fans.

It might be hard to believe but one of the biggest social media platforms Instagram turned 15 years old this month.From the carefree days of grainy filters and photos of Sunday brunch to influencers and doomscrolling, social media has shaped our lives in so many ways.So are our lives better or worse with social media? And with the growth of AI, what does the future look like on these platforms?

If your head hits the pillow and you're out like a light each night... good luck to you. For many people, sleep is a little more complex.And for more and more people, their bedtime involves tech... wearable sleep trackers like rings and watches... even gadgets for under the mattress.Sleep monitoring is a booming industry. People who are deep into analysing their shut-eye have even been labelled "sleep data nerds."But is all this extra data helping people get a more restful night's sleep?

In 2003, Courtney Act made a splash as a contestant on the first season of Australian Idol.And since then Australia's most famous drag queen has a string of achievements under her heels. But for many, Courtney made a more significant impact by educating people on queer issues such as gender fluidity and sexuality.Now the man behind Courtney - Shane Jenek - is stepping into the spotlight. And he's just released his first children's book titled Confetti and the Rainbow Garden.