Stories about Oceania
Australian town of Onslow hits record 50.7 degrees Celsius, as global warming rolls on relentlessly
A disaster film occurring daily in real time... Rising ocean temps are inextricably linked to massive extreme weather/climate events, destabilization of Antarctic ice shelves and massive sea level rise
Police violently break up Afghan refugee protest in Indonesia
Some refugees in Indonesia have been in limbo for more than 10 years. Protesters gathered outside the UNHCR building in Medan to call for resettlement and demand better living conditions.
Australia’s refugees react to double standard over tennis star Novak Djokovic's treatment
"It's sad that so many contacted me about Djokovic. I've been in a cage for 9 years, I turn 24 today, and all you want to talk to me about is that."
New Caledonia votes to stay with France in referendum boycotted by the Indigenous population
"The future of New Caledonia cannot be built without its indigenous people. The Kanak voice is the cornerstone of New Caledonia’s common destiny."
Citizens start clean-up and recovery efforts after protests and riots in Solomon Islands
"We bring hardships and struggles upon ourselves, our family members, relatives and community members by involving in unlawful activities like riots, arson and looting."
‘Strollout’: Australia’s word of 2021 alludes to the slow vaccine rollout and delayed climate action
Cartoonist Veteran Peter Broelman joked, "‘The government is a bunch of heartless climate-denying rorting crooks who only look after themselves’ was too long to fit on a page."
Meet the Pacific Islanders fighting for climate action at COP26
"We are resilient people, but we recognise the need for other countries to build their resilience as well if we are to have a fighting chance!"
Billboard satire blasts Australian government's tepid climate change stance for Glasgow COP26
"They are laughing at us in Times Square, as they should be: our response to climate change is the biggest joke on earth."
Prince Charles calls on Australia's Prime Minister to attend Glasgow global climate change conference
After jibes from Britain, reports indicate that Prime Minister Morrison will likely attend COP26. However, government sources have apparently denied that the prince’s remarks may have influenced him.
Eleven-year-old Aussie's online magazine showcases women's sports
'If you want a feel good podcast — meet Abbie, the creator of @HerwayMagazine. She’s 11-years-old and smashin’ ceilings!'
Three Melbourne teenagers inspire public with their COVID-19 data tracking website
"[We] had our first dose of vaccine. Thought this would be a good time to share who we really are. Thrilled that we will finally be included in our data!"
France blasts Australia's nuclear-powered submarine deal with US and UK as ‘duplicity’
'I wanted to underline the level of anger that exists here in France at the moment. Your government is an embarrassment, ...the damage regarding the Australian image here is huge'.
Rejection of new Australian coal mine is a rare win for community environmental campaigners
"Finally! A good news Aussie fossil fuel story. Brilliant news that Hume Coal Project has been rejected in Berrima."
Ken Behrens-Canberrans caption error creates Australia's accidental COVID-19 hero
"In response to Chief Minister Andrew Barr’s kind words, I’d like to say 'You’re welcome' ;p. Though please don’t tell him that I’m not actually at home right now!"
Australia's iconic Kosciuszko National Park faces threats on two fronts
"...commercial interests will be dictating developments within the park with scant attention to nature conservation, landscape, and heritage values for which the park was dedicated."
Journalists call for the release of Cheng Lei who has spent a year in detention in China
"We are concerned about the chilling affect her arrest has on the practice of journalism, which has never been more critical."
Climate change in the Pacific: “The time is now” to avoid catastrophe
"This is a final call for action and that we do not have any more excuses, or time to lose, and that every single degree matters."
Thousands of #StrandedAussies angry as border restrictions expand
The hashtag #StrandedAussies trended as citizens criticized Australia's expanded border restrictions.
From Mexico to Australia, Indigenous youth reimagine the internet for their languages
The internet plays a role in imposing hegemonic language, but young people are using it to carve space for their languages.
New Zealand government apologizes for dawn raids targeting Pacific communities in the 1970s
"I stand before you as a symbol of the Crown that wronged you nearly 50 years ago."
Samoa’s first female prime minister takes helm three months after former leader refused to concede defeat
"My administration is committed to returning this country to the special place dreamt of by our forefathers when they grabbed the mantle of independence almost 60 years ago."