Little National Post Edition 14 — Summer Issue 2024 FA Digital by Little National Post

Movie buffs the world over are starting to recognise a new screen siren featured in recent Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘THE FALL GUY’ with Ryan Gosling, and ‘ANYONE BUT YOU’ with Sydney Sweeney.

That screen siren is Australia, with Sydney’s glittering harbour receiving many a close-up. Australia has also recently hosted of a slew of big-budget, big-studio feature films, including Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and Thor: Love and Thunder with Mark Wahlberg’s Balls Up and Priyanka Chopra Jonas’

The Bluff also currently under production here. Even folkloric Australian productions are getting the Hollywood treatment with George Miller’s Furiosa: A Max Max Saga starring native son (but highly bankable) Chris Hemsworth and Anya TaylorJoy, while Julia Roberts and George Clooney snuck into Cairns during Covid to film Ticket to Paradise but pretended the location was Bali.

That’s a lot of big-budget and A-list action for Australia. But now, our lure of Hollywood is about to go high-definition.

In July, the Australian Government passed legislation which promises some of the most generous financial incentives in the world for big-budget productions to film on our highly photogenic shores.

Despite the Australian film industry’s small size relative to other countries, we have historically punched above our weight in cracking Hollywood’s attention.

thousands of Australian screen workers and businesses and triggering investment into new industry capacity and capabilities”.

The departmental spokesperson said the Australian screen industry advocated for an increase to the Location Offset for over a decade and that Australian stories would not miss out as they would continue to receive direct funding as well as incentives such as Screen Australia, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, the Producer Offset and the Post, Digital and Visual Effects Offset.

The Government will provide an additional $14.5 million over four years from 2024-25 to the Australian Children’s Television Foundation to support the production of Australian children’s screen content.

Indeed, recent changes to the Producer Offset will allow more Australian drama series to benefit from the scheme.

This includes a 30 per cent rebate for any production that spends $500,000 in Australia on post-production; and a 40 per cent producer offset, which is made available to any company that

Despite the Australian film industry’s small size relative to other countries, we have historically punched above our weight in cracking Hollywood’s attention. Our large talent pool has always been easily recognised—from actors such as Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts, Heath Ledger, and those ubiquitous Hemsworth brothers, to directors like Phil Noyce, George Miller, Peter Weir and Baz Luhrmann.

We also have tenacious and dedicated film crews who are always in demand.

But this is an ambitious step to lure in the big end of Hollywood.

Producers must have budgets of at least AUS$20 million (US$13.3 million) for production, or AUS$1.5 million (US$1 million) per hour for a TV series.

And this has led to some criticism that taxpayer incentives are being diverted to an already cashedup industry rather than to support Australian content at its much less salubrious roots.

A Department of Communication and the Arts spokesperson countered that the policy does much to support the Australian industry. Alongside the increased tax rebate, the new legislation “also introduces new eligibility requirements for productions to meet minimum training obligations or contribute to the broader workforce and infrastructure

capacity of the sector, and use one or more Australian providers to deliver post-production, digital and visual effects for the production.”

The Government believes “This will see international investment into our sector encouraging an expansion of our infrastructure, generating research and development activities, and increasing employment opportunities and the training and upskilling of local crews,” the spokesman said.

In 2023-24, international productions filming in Australia injected over $1.14 billion into the local economy and employed more than 28,000 Australian cast, crew and extras. These figures are certainly set to grow with the increased rebate as more large-scale productions choose to film in Australia, the spokesman said.

The Australian Government policy has certainly been warmly received overseas. Upon passage of the legislation, The Hollywood Reporter ran the headline “Australia Juices Hollywood Blockbuster Incentives”. Variety Magazine heralded the move as Australia “Securing Position as Magnet for International Film, TV Production.”

CEO of Ausfilm Kate Marks said “This is fantastic news for the industry. The 30 per cent location offset will provide

contracts an Australian company to provide production services also support local industry talent.

More than 40 jurisdictions around the world have some version of incentive programs aimed at luring large-scale productions, but as of July, Australia is among the most generous.

Yet an analysis of the impact of the new changes by The Guardian Australia questions the extent of the largesse for international lures and points to unease within the Australian cinematic community and among creatives about the “soft” money flowing to Hollywood.

Perhaps, more importantly, the analysis considers the cultural bias to US stories, which is now being embedded in our budgetary system. While the Australian film industry can always qualify for the same exemptions under the Location Offset, the homegrown industry is far less likely to reach the funding caps.

For instance, one of the country’s most acclaimed Australian-made films of 2022 was The Drover’s Wife, by Leah Purcell, which considers race relations in postcolonial Australia. But costing just over $7 million, it did not qualify for the offset. Meanwhile, two Baz Luhrmann films did qualify— The Great Gatsby and Elvis—both distinctly celebrating American cultural periods and phenomena.

Still, it’s hard to not to feel some twinge of pride, watching Ryan Gosling mastering stunts across Sydney Harbour Bridge, or Sydney Sweeney diving into the crystal waters off Palm Beach. Some of us may even remember the collective nationalistic fervour that gripped Australia as we watched Paul Hogan introducing his American girlfriend to a water buffalo in the outback in Crocodile Dundee This film cracked the glass ceiling for Australia, not only injecting “put another shrimp on the barbie” into the vernacular

Our industry continues to go from strengthto-strength, providing long-term career prospects for our local screen practitioners to showcase their skills and experience to global audiences.

The Australian Government is banking on luring more large-scale productions in Australia which will, in turn, take our iconic landscapes and lifestyles to larger international audiences.

This is sure to have an impact on future tourism and related economic benefit. It is also hard not to imagine those international productions bringing closer cross-cultural ties to our own industry.

Having the global studios here will lead to relationship-building in Australia, and an ongoing pipeline of work in the screen sector. It could, fingers crossed, inspire greater Australian content creation.

On that we will have to wait and see.

Perhaps the last word should go to Arts Minister Tony Burke, who said “These stories are going to be told, these movies are going to be made… The jobs either live here or the jobs live overseas.”

Meanwhile, it’s not just Sydney basking in the limelight. When Mark Wahlberg’s Balls Up (an Amazon MGM Studios and Skydance film from director Peter Farrelly of Green Book, and There’s Something About Mary) screens in cinemas across the world, it will be the Gold Coast and Brisbane which host the action.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said that securing Balls Up was the result of the Queensland Government’s own combination of competitive incentives, versatile locations and the

HOLLYWOOD PRODUCTIONS FILMED

Brad Carlson, Executive Vice President of Physical Production at Skydance, said several factors influenced their decision to make Balls Up in Queensland.

“With its wide variety of urban and rural locations coupled with a robust incentive program and talented crew base, Queensland was the perfect choice to base our production.”

It’s busy up there too, with Queensland also the chosen location for filming Ron Howard’s upcoming film, Eden

It’s clear Australia is prepared to pay for a greater share of screen time in Hollywood, and the next few years are likely to see something of a boom in film production here as companies test the new financial incentives.

Whether the offsets generate financial activity to pay their way remains to be seen. At the very least, the calibre of celebrity spotting in the major cities and beyond is likely to be upped. And watching Mark Wahlberg re-take a chase scene in inner-city Brisbane, or Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt having a Tim Tam break (reportedly their favourite biscuits) at Darling Harbour, is always going to be welcome entertainment. ●

IT’S BEEN ALMOST TWO DECADES since

American author Elizabeth Gilbert created a spiritual manifesto through her book Eat, Pray, Love sparking generations of mainly women to travel independently to seek their own path to enlightenment and to throw off the shackles of duty and expectation.

Gilbert is heading to Australia in February for a series of talks and workshops to discuss the big issues of sparking creativity, embracing mindfulness, and finding hope amidst our often frightening realities.

Eat Pray Love is one of those books that won hearts across the world. How does it feel to know you’ve written something that resonated so deeply and changed so many lives?

It’s a beautiful thing. I’ll give you an example of why it feels so great.

Last year, was flying into John F Kennedy Airport from a trip overseas, and when was passing through customs, the officer asked me what did for a living. told her was a writer, and when she asked what kind of books I write, said that the book I was most well-known for was Eat, Pray, Love. Instantly, she lit up. “You’re Eat, Pray, Love?!” she said. “That’s amazing!” Then she excitedly told all the other customs officers, “This is the lady who wrote Eat, Pray, Love!” They all started laughing, and then she explained: “Every single day on this job, we see women who are coming back into the country after a solo trip to some weird place. And when we ask what the purpose of their travel was, they say, “I was doing my own Eat, Pray, Love!"

This is such a beautiful legacy. It’s not that women never travelled alone before I wrote my book, but we never had a term for it before, a cultural shorthand for, “This is my moment, as a woman, to go on an adventure all my myself, in order to find myself.”

One of the themes of Eat, Pray, Love is rebirth and being a seeker. Do you feel you’re still a seeker and if so, what are you currently seeking? do seem to be doomed to constantly be seeking! And there have definitely been moments in life where I really felt like got it, like landed in serenity or wisdom, and maybe I could just kind of coast or float from there, without having to work so hard.

But here’s what happens: Inevitably, the environment changes. Just when you have found a way to understand the world and your place in it, the world shifts—because that is the nature of reality. New emergencies and challenges arise, and they have to be faced. And sometimes what worked for you last year, in terms of keeping yourself stable, suddenly isn’t working anymore. Life becomes overwhelming, disappointing, or confusing again— and that is the signal that it’s time to go seeking once more, to find new solutions to new situations. At least, that’s how I experience life.

But the lovely thing is, you get to keep all your attainments that you gather along the way. All the lessons and strategies that I’ve learned thus far are mine to keep. It’s just that sometimes it isn’t enough, and then have to get curious again, like; “Now this is a tricky maze! How shall we find our way through this puzzle?”

Your Sydney event ‘A Weekend Retreat with Elizabeth Gilbert’ asks simply for participants to be ‘interested in living a life that is based more upon curiosity than fear’. Tell us about what this means to you.

I’ve always felt that curiosity is the antidote to fear. And recent advancements in neuroscience have now proven that this is, in fact, literally true.

Your curiosity centre and your fear centre are on opposite sides of the brain, but in the exact same location—and it appears that they work on a toggle switch. Either one of them is online and operating, or the other one is. But curiosity and fear cannot both operate at the same time.

It’s not that women never travelled alone before I wrote my book, but we never had a term for it before, a cultural shorthand for, “This is my moment, as a woman, to go on an adventure all my myself, in order to find myself.

Of course, for most of us (myself included) the fear centre is highly evolved, because I’ve had a lot of practice and reinforcement about feeling frightened. But when I can remember to slow down and get interested in the situation, rather than terrified of it, something magical occurs. A different part of my brain and my being takes over. And suddenly instead of the world feeling like a terrible place filled with awful outcomes, it becomes a fascinating place filled with an endless infinitude of possibilities.

All you need to be is about 1 per cent more curious about something than afraid of it, and the whole scenario changes. So that’s where I try to stay—in an open mind, with a wide lens, rather than the narrow panic of fright.

What do you think your 2005 self would think if she saw where you are now?

I think my younger self would be surprised if she could see where am now, but suspect that is probably true of all of us.

I have often said that, after at least the age of 40, pretty much every woman in the world could write a book called Not Exactly What I Planned When came back from the Eat, Pray, Love journey and wrote that book, I really thought I had life all figured out and sewn up. Which is a kind of audacious thing for 35-year-old woman to believe!

What would be most surprising to my younger self, I think, is how ferociously life has still be doing its work on me. would not have expected to ever get divorced again, or to have to face some of the troubles that the years have brought. That said, I think my 35-year-old self would really like and admire my 55-year-old self, and would want to sit at her feet and learn some lessons about spiritual surrender, setting boundaries, and accepting life on life’s terms.

I’ve always felt that curiosity is the antidote to fear. And recent advancements in neuroscience have now proven that this is, in fact, literally true. Your curiosity centre and your fear centre are on opposite sides of the brain, but in the exact same location— and it appears that they work on a toggle switch.

worst possible outcome. But if life has shown us anything, it’s that any outcome is possible. Why, then, always expect the worst? There could just as well be a plate of cupcakes in your future as a terrible car accident. And life has always shown me that sometimes the very worst

WHY YOUNGER GENERA TIONS ARE PUTTING DOWN THEIR PHONES TO FIND THE ONE

The rise of dating apps like HINGE , TINDER and BUMBLE across the last decade signalled a new way to find love—among other things. But in a post‑pandemic world, tech ‑weary Millennials and pessimistic Gen Zs are looking at offline ways to meet THE ONE . Is online dating in DECLINE ?

“SEE, YOU HAVE TOO MANY MIRROR SELFIES on your profile. You need some photos taken by someone else.” It’s 8pm and I’m at an inner-city bar at a networking event, surrounded by other young professionals. The event’s hosts would probably like us to be talking about our careers and shared interests. Instead, our small table is filled with singles, comparing our online dating profiles. The consensus? Online dating is done.

“This is great,” adds Hany, a 27-year-old entrepreneur reviewing my Hinge profile, pointing to an Instagram Reel had included. I feel a rush of validation, not dissimilar to that felt when someone likes your profile. Both are short-lived, replaced by worry about his earlier criticism. One of my fellow female attendees, a sunny public servant, shows me her profile, filled with photos of her at weddings and baby showers. need more photos like that. She looks over the entrepreneur’s shoulder at my profile.

“Your profile is so much funnier than mine,” she moans. “Mine is boring.”

Welcome to the world of app dating—the sport where your net can be as wide as you like, the chase is exhausting and your competitors all but invisible. It’s no wonder that many singles are choosing to put down the phone when looking for love.

Welcome to the world of app dating—the sport where your net can be as wide as you like, the chase is exhausting and your competitors all but invisible.

In a long-term relationship for most of her twenties, 34-year-old public servant Phoenix* only heard bad things from her single Millennial friends about dating apps. But that didn’t stop her from exploring them when her relationship ended in her early thirties.

“I thought, okay well, might look through the apps and see what the deal is,” she says.

“I didn’t really go into it looking for a relationship… wanted to have a nice date, a funny story and meet some cool people.”

Because of this relaxed approach, Phoenix says she wasn’t disappointed by people she met on apps—in fact, they were a far cry from the horror stories her friends had told her. But as for the prospect of meeting a serious partner on there?

“If was looking at it from the lens of wanting to find someone, it was pretty trash,” she admits. “I think one of the biggest issues I had was the communication—there's a huge disconnect between how someone will communicate [online] and how they’ll come across in person.”

potential suitors might handle rejection.

“You can just be like, ‘I don’t want to see you’, of course, but there’s a bit of a safety risk sometimes for women, guess. Like, how do tell this guy ‘no’ if I’m not sure how he’s going to take it?” Phoenix ended up only spending a few months ‘on the apps’ before meeting someone through work. As for why she feels so much more comfortable dating him, Phoenix is pensive.

“I’ve tried to delve into that… Am more comfortable with him because there is a history there or is it that we are just more compatible humans than the other people that I’ve met? didn’t find that level of connection on the apps.”

searching for something more… but it’s not the right place.”

“Seeing someone out and asking them out on the spot has so much more power and more meaning. It’s almost like an old trade that’s been lost—a lot of men don’t have that anymore.” Despite Gen Z being the most digitally native members of the dating pool, Hany says having access to someone’s digital “resume” isn’t actually helpful.

“I like taking a mobile number instead of focusing on the social

I think one of the biggest issues I had was the communication— there's a huge disconnect between how someone will communicate [online] and how they’ll come across in person.

Some matches wouldn’t stop messaging her while others held great conversations online only for dates to be “like pulling teeth”.

“They wouldn’t ask a single question,” says Phoenix. Then there was the worry about how

Seeing someone out and asking them out on the spot has so much more power and more meaning. It’s almost like an old trade that’s been lost—a lot of men don’t have that anymore.

As for why Gen Zs, having only entered the dating pool recently, are already sick of dating apps—with a Forbes Health Survey claiming that 79% of Gen Z report ‘dating app burnout’—I turned to my trusted source, Hany.

On the subject of Gen Z’s use of dating apps, he is blunt.

“I use dating apps for a dopamine hit,” he says. “I think [users] are looking to connect with people, but the conversations I’ve had on there are either really shallow or have an ulterior motive which is some sort of sexual experience. Some people are

I feel like Instagram is a little bit more dating app than an actual dating app…

“I

A“Machine intelligence is the last invention that humanity will ever need to make.”

rtificial Intelligence has been hailed the answer to all of humankind’s immediate issues, from solving climate change to curing cancer. But it has also prompted a period of deep introspection across the Western World as we’ve welcomed ChatGPT into our workplaces and living rooms and pondered whether we, as a species, may one day become redundant.

For Dr Nici Sweaney, there are many legitimate concerns to be had about technology which appears both limitless and without a moral, legal or even criminal framework (as of yet)—but she is directing her energies towards demystifying the technology and teaching others the myriad ways to use it to our advancement, particularly in the workplace.

Dr Sweaney spent nearly two decades as an academic scientist and a data analyst consulting for global organisations like the UN, World Bank, and AusAID before becoming so obsessed with Generative AI that she founded Ai Her Way in 2023. The consultancy specialises in deploying AI to enhance operational efficiency and eliminate administrative workload while championing ethical practices and gender equality.

Before we go any further—no, Dr Sweaney does not believe AI will be the end of the world as we know it. She says that the narrative that AI will lead to a dark and dystopian future often comes from a place of misunderstanding or sensationalism.

“I don’t think AI will destroy the world. At least not by itself. However, AI does have the potential to disrupt it in profound ways and it will—both positively and negatively.”

Dr Sweaney, who has delivered more than 50 talks over the past year—including TEDx and eduTECH—on what AI means and how to best engage with it, says the first place to start is to demystify the technology.

“When we teach a baby what a dog is, we show them various pictures of dogs and say, “dog” and over time, the baby learns to associate the word “dog” with the images they’ve seen. When they finally say the word, we, as parents, congratulate them and therefore help concrete that concept in their brains, as humans love the dopamine hit that comes with praise,” she explains.

“AI operates in a similar way, but on a much larger scale and with far more data. We feed AI systems vast amounts of information, and through processes called ‘machine learning’ they begin to recognise patterns and make decisions or predictions based on those patterns. Except instead of one or two parents that a baby might have giving

them that validation, tools like ChatGPT have a hundred million parents a day, validating and correcting its responses. That’s a lot of learning!” It’s crucial to remember, however, that AI doesn’t truly ‘understand’ in the way humans do— it’s just very good at spotting patterns in the information it has been given. It is data, put together in a way that we, as humans, interpret as having meaning.

Dr Sweaney believes AI can be truly transformative in the workplace, particularly when it comes to increasing efficiency and expanding reach.

answer frequently asked questions and queries, freeing the humans to spend more time on creativity, strategy, and moving their businesses forward.

“Leveraging AI for these purposes saves time and creates physical and mental space for people to do wonderful ‘people’ things. That is a positive outcome,” she says.

“But often emphasise that the real danger with AI isn’t so much that it will turn against us in some science fiction-like scenario, but rather that it could exacerbate existing inequalities and biases if we’re not careful.”

This is where Dr Sweaney sees the potential for harm—not from AI itself, but from the way it is shaped by the biases and limitations of its creators.

Dr SWEANEY’S TIPS on HOW to EXPLOIT AI for PRODUCTIVITY GAINS

AI’s ability to handle repetitive, process - based tasks at scale, freeing up humans to focus on more creative and strategic activities, is hands - down something that excites me.

“AI’s ability to handle repetitive, process-based tasks at scale, freeing up humans to focus on more creative and strategic activities, is hands-down something that excites me.”

For example, in her work with allied health professionals, she’s helped automate routine documentation, allowing healthcare providers to spend more time on patient care rather than administrative tasks. Similarly, she’s created automations to handle the administrative workload for teachers, giving them back the time they need to focus on their students, where their true value lies.

She’s also developed maintenance triage systems that streamline property maintenance, saving countless hours and reducing wasted costs. She’s ‘cloned’ key executive personnel, so the clones can

“AI models are trained on vast amounts of data scraped from the internet, reflecting not the society we aspire to be but the one we currently are, with all its flaws. For example, the rise of deepfakes is already having devastating impacts on women, with fake explicit content being used to harm and discredit them. This is just one instance where AI can be weaponised in harmful ways if left unchecked.”

There’s also the broader issue of representation and access. Women are severely underrepresented in the field of machine learning, with less than 30 per cent of those working in the sector being women. This disparity means that the voices and perspectives of women are often missing in the development of these technologies. Additionally, women are less likely to use AI tools, further widening the gap. This lack of diversity not only affects the types of solutions being created but also risks leading us toward a future where women are left disenfranchised and disempowered.

Dr Sweaney is also concerned about the issue of job displacement, especially in roles that are heavily administrative or repetitive.

“While AI can take over these tasks, it’s crucial that we think about how to retrain and redeploy people in more fulfilling roles,” she says. The pace of change can also be overwhelming. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, staying updated and making informed decisions about which tools to use can be challenging, especially for small businesses.

“Finally, there’s the ongoing concern about data privacy and security, particularly in sectors that deal with sensitive information like healthcare and education,” she says.

“While we take steps to ensure compliance with standards like SOC 2 (the US-based security and privacy audit standard) and GDPR (the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation) the potential risks can’t

everyone on the team should know how to use large language models to enhance productivity and make room for innovation. However, not everyone needs to be involved in building complex AI workflows—that role should be reserved for someone/a small group who can drive the change and efficiency. This person/these

NICK BOSTROM, PHILOSOPHER

THE RETRO WARDROBE

DARBY STREET

This cute and quirky line of stores is a shopaholic’s dream. Wander through the streets to find an array of mixed independent boutiques to suit every taste, including locally made or hand-made clothing and accessories.

Darby St. Cooks Hill facebook.com/DarbyStreet

EDDE

106 Maitland Rd. Islington edde.com.au

NEWCASTLE BEACH

HORSESHOE BEACH

BATHERS WAY WALK

NOBBY’S BEACH

TEN YEARS AGO, IT WAS ALL ABOUT FILLERS AND ANTI WRINKLE INJECTIONS. NOW, A NEW GENERATION OF TREATMENTS IS CHANGING THE WAY WE LOOK AT SKIN. WE SPEAK TO COSMETICS INDUSTRY LEADER SUZIE HOITINK ON THE FUTURE OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE.

SHE HAS PAVED THE WAY FOR SKIN to be seen in a new light as a Registered Nurse and the founder of Clear Complexions. Now at the helm of her own company HTNK Advisory, Suzie delivers strategic advice to hundreds of skincare clinics across the country.

Here, she takes us through the new realm of lasers, bio-remodelling, exosomes, and how they can change our complexions, health outcomes, and state of mind for the better.

What sparked your interest in skin?

Necessity. suffered from teenage acne and later melasma. It affected my sense of self and bounced from pharmacy to dermatologist trying harsh treatments and finding nothing that worked. My overwhelming motivation in entering the industry was wanting to get some element of control in my life. It is an industry which has a bad rap for vanity and excess, but at its core, it can help restore people’s sense of self-worth and confidence.

What’s new in the industry?

We are embracing regenerative medicine rather than the quick fix of fillers. Fillers are 35 per cent down globally and we are no longer relying on the needle when we can use biostimulators to stimulate and maintain hydration, collagen and elastin.

controlled treatments that can be tailored to individual skin types and concerns, resulting in more predictable and satisfying outcomes for patients, ultimately leading to quicker recovery and better overall satisfaction.

Can the new resurfacing and CO2 lasers be safely used on all skin types, including darker skin tones?

Advances in laser technology have led to improved customisation options, allowing practitioners to adjust the intensity and depth of the laser treatment to minimise the risk of hyperpigmentation and other adverse effects that darker skin tones may face. It is crucial for providers to conduct thorough assessments and to use the right techniques to ensure safe and effective outcomes, enabling patients of all skin types to benefit from these procedures.

What is the expected downtime for patients undergoing treatment with the latest lasers?

It typically ranges from three to seven days, largely depending on the intensity of the procedure and individual skin types. During this recovery period, patients may experience redness, swelling, and peeling, similar to a moderate sunburn, which is a normal part of the healing process. However, advancements in laser technology have made it possible to achieve effective results with reduced

The development of more sophisticated technology, such as fractional lasers and high-intensity focused lasers, has enhanced their effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions.

Laser treatments have also undergone significant advancements, particularly in precision and safety. The development of more sophisticated technology, such as fractional lasers and high-intensity focused lasers, has enhanced their effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions, from mild skin resurfacing to more complex non-surgical and surgical procedures. Improvements in targetting ability allow for minimal damage to surrounding tissues, resulting in faster recovery times and reduced side effects.

What is the current generation of lasers, and how are they used?

There are a variety of technologies, such as ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers, picosecond and Q-switch lasers, which are used across dermatology and cosmetic surgery. These lasers are primarily utilised for skin rejuvenation, dyschromia and tattoo removal, offering the advantage of precision and minimal invasiveness.

Pros include shorter recovery times, reduced risk of complications, and more effective results compared to earlier lasers.

Cons may involve potential discomfort during the procedure, the need for multiple sessions for optimal outcomes, and variations in effectiveness depending on skin type and condition.

The most common barriers to use include fear of pain or discomfort, concerns about safety and side effects, and misconceptions about the effectiveness and necessity of the procedures. Many people may also hesitate due to the financial investment required, as laser treatments can be costly and often aren’t covered by insurance.

How does the new generation of lasers target problem areas?

Modern fractional CO2 lasers deliver targeted energy in a grid-like pattern, promoting rapid healing while effectively addressing issues like wrinkles, scars, and sun damage with reduced risks of side effects. Compared to older continuous-wave lasers, these new technologies allow for more

and subtle enhancements, promoting a more holistic approach to anti-aging.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that retains moisture and provides structural support to the skin. In bio-remodelling treatments, high-viscosity hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin to stimulate fibroblasts, leading to increased collagen and elastin production, which enhances skin elasticity and firmness. This process not only improves hydration by attracting and binding water to the skin but also promotes a smoother, more youthful appearance over time.

What is the longevity of results?

Typically, patients can expect to see noticeable results from bio-remodelling after just one to two sessions, with optimal outcomes often achieved after a series of three treatments spaced about four to six weeks apart. The initial session helps establish a foundation by stimulating collagen and elastin production, while subsequent sessions enhance and consolidate these effects for more significant rejuvenation. Individual responses can vary based on skin type, age, and specific concerns, but many patients report gradual improvements in skin texture, firmness, and overall appearance over time, making it a highly effective option for long-term skin rejuvenation.

The results from bio-remodelling treatments

downtime compared to earlier generations of lasers, allowing many patients to resume normal activities within a week while still benefiting from significant skin rejuvenation.

What are the benefits of light therapy?

Medical-grade light therapy offers numerous benefits, including improved skin tone, texture, and elasticity, reduction of acne and inflammation, and enhanced collagen production. At-home light therapy masks provide convenience and the ability to maintain skincare routines, making them a viable option for ongoing maintenance. However, there is a notable difference in intensity, wavelength, and effectiveness compared to clinical devices. Professional treatments typically utilise higher-powered LED technology and more specific wavelengths tailored for targeted concerns, leading to faster and more pronounced results. How does bio-remodelling differ from traditional wrinkle treatments?

Bio-remodelling involves the use of injectable hyaluronic acid to stimulate the skin’s natural processes for regeneration and rejuvenation. Unlike traditional wrinkle treatments that primarily focus on filling lines and restoring volume, bio-remodelling enhances the skin’s overall structure and elasticity by encouraging collagen and elastin production. This results in more natural-looking improvements in skin texture and firmness over time, rather than just temporarily plumping wrinkles. Additionally, bio-remodelling treatments typically offer gradual

typically last between 6 to 18 months, depending on individual factors such as skin type, age, and lifestyle. To maintain optimal results, it’s recommended that patients undergo follow-up sessions every 6 to 12 months, allowing the skin to continually benefit from the ongoing stimulation of collagen and elastin production. Regular maintenance not only helps preserve the initial improvements but also enhances the skin’s overall quality and resilience over time, ensuring long-lasting and youthful-looking results. Every patient’s regimen may vary, so it’s essential to consult with a qualified practitioner to develop a personalised maintenance plan.

Medical-grade light therapy offers numerous benefits, including improved skin tone, texture, and elasticity, reduction of acne and inflammation, and enhanced collagen production.

Exosomes are powerful biocompatible agents that facilitate cellular communication and repair. Derived from stem cells, exosomes contain growth factors, proteins, and microRNAs that promote healing and regeneration at a molecular level, enhancing the efficacy of various skin treatments, including microneedling and laser therapies.

What role do exosomes play in modern skin rejuvenation treatments?

What $2 million will buy you around the world.

IT DOESN’T SEEM ALL THAT LONG AGO when a million-dollar property was the stuff of Richie-Richstyle mansions, with all the mod-cons thrown in. These days, $1 million will barely get your foot in the door of the property market. In fact, if you call Sydney home, you may be pushing it to secure a home in your ideal location even with a $2 million budget.

According to the Domain June 2024 House Price Report, the median house price in Sydney now sits at a whopping $1.6 million. Over the past decade, Sydney house prices have risen an eye-watering 104%, which is on par with growth over the same period in Brisbane (also 104%) and Hobart (111%). Yet when it comes to affordability, Sydney far outpaces the other capitals.

“Sydney’s always been the most expensive capital city in Australia to purchase,” says Domain’s Chief of Research and Economics, Dr Nicola Powell.

“What we have seen is extraordinary rates of price growth in Sydney. It was the first Australian city to break a million dollars, which was midway through 2015, so it’s been a million-dollar housing market for a long time now.”

There’s no surprise why so many people choose to live in Sydney. Between its pristine beaches and harbours, mild climate, world-renowned views, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s an attractive offering. But there are a number of other Sydney-specific factors that mean when it comes to house prices, they’ve remained consistently high.

“Firstly, Sydney has not densified. It’s one of the least dense cities in the world, which means that homes are large, blocks are large, and for a major capital city, that is not good for affordability,” says Dr Powell.

“Another aspect is Sydney has not built enough homes to meet population growth. And the third thing is Sydney is really contained geographically. It’s contained by the ocean on one side, Blue Mountains on the other side and national park, which means that land is at an absolute premium. And that premium is always going to be there for Sydney.”

Sydney’s also a popular destination with international migrants, who tend to make either Sydney or Melbourne their first stop in Australia before deciding where to call home more permanently. And while that adds to population figures, Sydney is now also experiencing a big population drain away.

“It’s particularly losing people in their prime years. So young families, people prime in their working life that are just unable to afford a home.

When you’ve got a scenario of a big capital city where the median income cannot afford the medium price house, that is a problem,” says Dr Powell.

But that’s barely making a dent for the many Sydneysiders who are choosing to stay put yet feel they can’t even get a look-in at buying their own home.

So what could help ease the pressure? Densification and diversification could play a role. There is a push by state government to create more mixed-use developments, particularly near established transportation hubs.

Sydney was the first Australian city to break a million dollars, which was midway through 2015, so it’s been a million-dollar housing market for a long time now.

If you’re trying to make the your first move into the property market, an apartment could be worth considering.

“Units are a hugely important part of the landscape of the property portfolio for Sydney, as well as that missing middle of terrace homes, townhomes, and duplexes. We need to ensure there is a diverse array of housing,” says Dr Powell.

“The average unit price in Sydney is currently sitting at $797,000, so it’s about half the price of a house, and that’s a wide price gap between property types. What that proves is the premium price paid for land.”

While Dr Powell says there is potentially a slight weakening in the Sydney market on the horizon, looking at the long term forecast, prices are just expected to continue to rise.

According to Domain’s latest future forecast, by the end of June 2025 the median house price will increase 6-8%, to set a record of between $1.73-$1.76 million. The increase in unit prices is predicted to be slightly more subtle at 4-6%.

“The average prices are far out of reach for a first-time buyer. And think the crux of the issue is housing unit inequality. What we’ve seen for Sydney’s housing market is it is driven by people who have got a stake in the game. They own property, or they’ve got family members who can support them on their journey to home ownership,” says Dr Powell.

If you want to make your budget stretch as far as possible in Sydney, Dr Powell says it’s worth looking at units.

“Two million dollars in Sydney can get you a well-located apartment. But for houses, you’re going to have to look at an outer location, maybe even south of Sydney,” says Dr Powell.

Global house shopping Is Sydney not your bag? Or perhaps you’re keen to try and stretch your budget a bit further elsewhere? If you take your money and head abroad you may find it goes a lot further—or nowhere at all. At the time of searching, in Manhattan an AUD $2 million budget (1.3 million USD) could get you a look-in at a range of studio, one or even two-bedroom apartments. It all depends on the area you want to live in, and how modern you’d like your lodgings—although either way, don’t expect much space. If you’re willing to push your search a little north, such as Washington Heights, you could nab an older-style semi-detached home with three bedrooms.

After a bit more room? In Saint-Jean-Piedde-Port in the south of France, $2 million (1.204 million EUR) can stretch for a 14-bedroom, 11-bathroom chateau. The budget won’t go quite so far in Paris. You could go for a light-filled one-bedroom apartment in the 3rd arrondissement, while up in Montmartre, we found a three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment that spans the top three floors of a low-rise building.

Two million dollars in Sydney can get you a well-located apartment. But for houses, you’re going to have to look at an outer location, maybe even south of Sydney.

Across the channel in London, at the time of searching, we found a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex apartment in Chelsea coming in just under the AUD $2 million (1.02 million GBP) budget, or a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom flat with communal garden access in the heart of Notting Hill. Much like Sydney, if you want a freestanding house, you’ll need to look much further out. In the heart of downtown Dubai, an AUD $2 million budget (4.89 million AED) can cover a two-bedroom, three-bathroom luxury apartment, which includes access to a suite of premium shared facilities. Whereas in Hong Kong, a scroll of property listings may have you longing for Sydney. Your AUD $2 million budget (10.3 million HKD) will barely cover a particularly poky studio or one-bedroom apartment.

Miniscule metro apartment or sprawling countryside mansion—it’s the $2 million choice. ●

Dr. NICOLA POWELL

Chief of Economics & Research

On the lookout for your next big literary adventure or need to escape the daily grind? Here’s a stack of new and notable books perfect for summer.

The Seven by Chris Hammer

Chris Hammer is back again with another gripping rural noir. The Seven is set in the country town of Yuwonderie, where homicide detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan are sent to investigate the murder of a member of one of the seven founding families. But what are the secrets The Seven are so desperate to keep hidden?

Funny Story

Emily Henry

Taking place during a sizzling summer, this romance will set the mood for the season. From the bestselling author of Book Lovers People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Read Funny Story is a warm and sexy story that will tug on your heartstrings. Hailed as the queen of rom-coms, Henry has delivered a fresh take on the friend-to-lovers trope and the perfect beach read.

Untethered by Ayesha Inoon

The winner of the 2022 ASA/HQ Fiction Prize, Untethered is an eye-opening story about a young Muslim woman’s immigration journey to Australia. Inspired by her own experiences, this debut novel from Sri Lankan-Australian writer Ayesha Inoon weaves together themes of family, culture, and tradition and examines the question immigrants often ask themselves: did they do the right thing?

Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

We could have an uninhabitable earth in a century. And it could happen in as little as 26 minutes and 40 seconds. Nuclear War: A Scenario is an intense non-fiction book that takes the reader second-by-second through a scenario where North Korea sends nuclear warheads toward the United States. Based on dozens of new interviews with military and civilian experts, phenomenal writer and journalist Annie Jacobsen will reel you in.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

It was an instant hit on BookTok, and for good reason. Written from the perspective of a man in his thirties grieving a very rough breakup, Good Material is a warm, wise, funny, and achingly relatable, story about love, loss, and the mystery of what draws people together (and pulls them apart).

Dolly captures the essence of everyday life, including all of the laugh-out-loud, eye-roll relatable, and ‘stop you in your tracks’ heart-wrench moments.

The Last Love Note by Emma Grey

Emma Grey is no stranger to fiction writing, but The Last Love Note is her first adult novel and it’s making waves in the literary world.

Intertwining romance and humour, The Last Love Note was written in the wake of her husband’s death as a tribute to their love. Leaving readers laughing, crying, and wanting more, it perfectly captures the magnitude of her grief and her commitment to hope.

The Work by Bri Lee

Lally has invested everything into her gallery in Manhattan and the sacrifices are finally paying off.

Pat is a scholarship boy desperate to establish himself in Sydney’s antiquities scene. When they meet, their chemistry is instant—but what price will they pay for wanting it all?

A debut novel about art, power, love, and money from the acclaimed and bestselling author of Eggshell Skull The Work is a vibrant story that explores the gap between the person we wish to be and who we actually are.

MED’ S SAGANAKI with LEMON, HONEY and OREGANO

CANB ERRA’S CULT RECIPES

LOUIS’ LAMB RUMP with SUGARLOAF CABBAGE and MERGUEZ SAUSAGE

INGREDIENTS

Don’t

FEW PEOPLE KNOW Canberra’s restaurant scene, its history, people or machinations as well as Chris Hansen.

The hospitality veteran remembers the iconic Canberra restaurants he ate at as a child, those he worked while studying at university, the one he created, others he opened, and the names and faces that came through the hospitality recruitment company he created. Not to mention those he helped save from closure during the pandemic by pivoting into an online delivery service Canberra Eats.

So it seems a natural progression for him to channel his knowledge and obvious affection for all things local food into one, all-encompassing culinary bible, Chefs Eat Canberra

“The book is as much about the people as the recipes and it’s a cross between my own version of a good food guide and a recipe book, as well as a tribute to the pioneers of the Canberra restaurant industry,” he says. When asked to define how Canberra's dining is scene distinct from the other states and territories, Chris suggests its massive sense of camaraderie.

“A lot of the really successful chefs and restaurateurs have worked together in other venues and they all support each other’s product and brand.

The respect is real and as Canberra has its roots as a large country town, it really is a case of cooking for one another,” he says.

“In addition, can’t think of many cities in the world where you have 30 incredibly high-quality restaurants, all within 20 minutes’ drive of each other.

It's a sign of the high esteem in which Chris is held that he has managed to coax some of the city’s most iconic recipes out of the hands of its top chef to be included in the book. They sit alongside a history of the growth of the city’s dining scene and newsy interviews with industry stars that ask the essential questions, such as which local meals they love for under $20 (Dash Rumble from Such and Such), what 10 records they play most (Nick Smith from Bar Rochford) and what they would do for 12 hours in Tokyo (Raku’s Hao Chen).

“Cult recipes cannot happen overnight!” Chris exclaims.

“These are recipes which have been improved and refined to a point where they are classified over time as ‘must try’ dishes by the public. They are recipes which other venues don’t try to replicate (at least on their own menus) out of respect for the chefs who created them and have worked so hard to bring them as close as possible to the point of perfection.”

Here are three of those recipes via their creators at three top Canberra restaurants: Louis, Med and eightysix. ●

garlic cloves, minced 38g harissa

40ml iced water

4 lamb rumps, approx. 250g each 1 white turnip, peeled 1 bunch cime di rappa (broccoli rabe)

METHOD

For the merguez sausage mix

Place cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds in a cast iron skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder and grind into a fine powder. Transfer spice mixture to a small bowl and mix in paprika, salt, and cayenne.

Place lamb shoulder and fat in a large bowl. Add in spice mixture, garlic, and harissa. Toss to thoroughly coat meat and fat in spices. Refrigerate until chilled, about 20 minutes.

Grind mixture through a meat grinder, fitted with small die, into a medium bowl set into a large bowl filled with ice.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix ground meat on low speed for 1 minute. Add in water and mix until liquid is incorporated and sausage is uniform and sticky, about 1 minute more. Season.

For the sugarloaf cabbage

1. Quarter and steam cabbage until tender.

2. Loosen leaves and stuff with merguez sausage mix. Pressing in tightly.

3. Grill cabbage and glaze in lamb jus.

For the white turnips and cime di’rapa

Slice turnips 3mm thick and punch out with ring cutter (if using baby white turnips skin can be left on and cut into slices or wedges)

2. Blanch turnips for 30 seconds, drain and place into hot pan, add washed cime di rappa and toss until wilted. Season lightly with salt and lemon juice.

For the lamb rump

1. Roast lamb rump in the oven at 180.C for 15-20 minutes (to medium) and then rest and slice.

To serve, present with grilled stuffed cabbage, turnips and cime d’rappa

MOTHER-OF-TWO, MODEL and CO-FOUNDER of fashion label HENNE, NADIA BARTEL is always ON THE GO and always ELEGANT. She shares her TIPS for building a STYLISH and VERSATILE travel wardrobe.

What staples are essential for a stylish capsule travel wardrobe? always plan my travel wardrobe based on the type of trip. Whether it's a work trip, beach holiday, lots of dinners, or exploring European cities, plan outfits around the activities. like to pack versatile separates in neutral tones (black, white, grey, and tan), ensuring everything mixes and matches effortlessly. Key staples like cotton tees, ribbed tops, shirts, tailored pants, and denim are my go-tos. These anchor my wardrobe, allowing me to create multiple looks with minimal items. How do you elevate basics into unforgettable outfits?

Accessories are key. Sunglasses, earrings, and shoes can totally transform an outfit. also think about hairstyles—a sleek bun or blow-dry—and adding a pop of colour with lipstick or blush. Small changes can make a big impact. What are your top tips for successful holiday packing?

Packing cubes are a game-changer—they keep everything organised. I transfer my hair and skincare products into smaller travel containers to

Are you a carry-on fan or check-in devotee?

NADIA BARTEL