PREPARING WILDLIFE RESPONDERS
FIGHTING VIOLENCE
GKR Karate Campbelltown will host a women-only, free community self-defence class on October 26 as part of the club’s second annual “Stop Domestic & Family Violence” Purple Belt Campaign. The class will focus on situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and basic self-defence skills suitable for participants of all ages. The class is part of a month-long national initiative, which aims to raise funds to support RizeUp Australia’s programs for domestic violence victim-survivors.
In 2024, GKR Karate raised over $80,000 for RizeUp across all of its clubs nationally. More page 3.
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LOCALS SUPPORTING NATION CAMPAIGN
Free self-defense for women
GKR Karate Campbelltown will host a women-only, free community self-defence class on October 26 as part of the club’s second annual "Stop Domestic & Family Violence" Purple Belt Campaign. The class will focus on situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and basic self-defence skills suitable for participants of all ages.
The class is part of a month-long national initiative, which aims to raise funds to support RizeUp Australia's programs for domestic violence victim-survivors. In 2024, GKR Karate raised over $80,000 for RizeUp across all its clubs nationally.
Throughout October, GKR students and instructors nationwide will wear specially designed purple belts and campaign t-shirts during regular classes, with all merchandise proceeds going to RizeUp Australia to help fund their rapid response, youth support, and housing programs.
The campaign addresses a critical community need, with Australian statistics showing that one in four women and one in eight men has experienced domestic violence.
GKR Karate instructor Gavin Samin said the partnership with RizeUp Australia reflects GKR's commitment to using martial arts for positive change.
"As a community, we're committed to raising awareness of critical issues like domestic and family violence in a safe and supportive environment," Gavin Samin said. "Our students understand that true strength comes from protecting others, not harming them. Our club brings people together to contribute to meaningful change, and the response from our students and their families has been amazing."
CEO of RizeUp Australia, Nicolle Edwards, said community partnerships like GKR's campaign are vital for supporting victim-survivors.
“We are deeply grateful for the powerful support of GKR Karate and their incredible community as they step into Purple Belt Month. Domestic and family violence is devastatingly pervasive, touching lives in every suburb, every town, every community. That’s why this initiative matters so much, not only for the funds it raises, but for the vital awareness and advocacy it brings. Through the support of GKR, we can
say ‘yes’ more often—yes to setting up safe homes, yes to creating new beginnings, and yes to standing beside families as they rebuild.”
The class will be held on Sunday, October 26, 10.00 am - 12.00 pm at 304306 Queen St, Camp belltown, and is open to women in the commu nity as well as current female club students.
Registration details: https://www. gkrkarate.com/freese minar
About GKR Karate: Karate is one of the world's largest karate organisations with more than 40,000 active members throughout Australia, New Zealand and the UK. For over 40 years, GKR has provided a positive and inclusive training environment for students from all walks of life.
RizeUp Australia
RizeUp Australia is a national organisation that works in partner-
If
ship with domestic violence agencies to enhance the service options they provide. The RizeUp mission is to drive awareness of domestic and family violence within society by generating life-changing, practical support for the families affected, giving them hope, empowerment, and ability to move on to a life free from violence.
Preparing wildlife first responders
CRITIAL training is being rolled out across Australia to help wildlife groups better prepare for the next bushfire.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) recently held bushfire training at St Helens Park. The wildlife search and rescue training course was developed in the aftermath of the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires.
Since the 2019-20 fires, government and the wildlife sector have focused on improving how wildlife is managed during bushfires, but IFAW animal rescue officer Robert Leach says more needs to be done.
“The processes don’t prepare your everyday wildlife rescuer for the challenges they may face in a disaster,” Mr Leach said.
“When you’re heading into a fireground, everything is thrown out the window. You don’t know what you’re going to find, where the animals are, or how you will be able to help them. This training will upskill wildlife rescuers into wildlife first responders.”
The training aims to better prepare wildlife rescuers to navigate a fireground efficiently and safely while searching for wildlife.
Expert guidance will improve skills in key techniques, including safety on the fireground, search strategies, mapping, setting up triage clinics, what to do when encountering an animal on the fireground, and responder mental health.
“We do not want a repeat of the Black Summer bushfires, where we had animals suffering, and members of the public and wildlife rescuers putting themselves in harm's way to rescue them. We must do all we can to minimise that hero behaviour where human safety is not prioritised,” Mr Leach said.
“We are trying to do better for our wildlife, so they do not suffer so immensely again.
“Hopefully, better prepared wildlife experts will mean fewer members of the public will put themselves in danger. They can put their trust in committed well-trained experts to save animals.”
Climate change is making disasters more intense and frequent, especially
in Australia. IFAW has decades of experience in disaster response in Australia and across the world and is committed to ensuring that more people are trained, empowered, and ready to deploy and rescue animals when needed.
“We can’t control the intensity of the next fire or disaster, but we can make sure we are more equipped to safely and effectively respond – ultimately saving more animal lives and not compromising our own or the public’s safety,” Mr Leach said.
Members of the public are urged to download the free IFAW Wildlife Rescue App, which connects individuals to their closest wildlife rescue organisation. The app can be used in times of emergency and daily.
Discover exclusive townhome living in Oran Park.
Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a backyard and the low-maintenance qualities of apartment living.
You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved attractions. Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences offer excellent value-for-money.
• Spacious, designer interiors
• Landscaped grounds
• Two to five-bedroom layouts
• Private porches and courtyards
• Family-friendly living areas
• Premium finishes and inclusions
• Tranquil locations
Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfort and practicality. A beautiful lifestyle in one of Australia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits.
Arena - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
The Circuit - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
Civic Collection - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes Banksia - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
The Residences -
Typical example of Oran Park townhomes TOWNHOMES
Business Profile
Mark Clarke and Harrington Kitchens
MARK Clarke never imagined his small home office dream would turn into a million-dollar company. What he did have was a love for craftsmanship, an entrepreneurial spark, and an unshakable belief that kitchens could be more than just places to cook. They could be the heart of the home.
Growing up in NSW, Mark was surrounded by hardworking tradespeople and a community that valued dedication and honesty.
These values shaped his character from the beginning. He wasn’t content just working on projects; he wanted to build something lasting, something that would reflect his commitment to quality and people.
The Birth of Harrington Kitchens
In the early 1990s, Mark made a bold decision. From a small home office and workshop, he started Harrington Kitchens. He had no investors, no flashy marketing campaigns, just a few tools, determination, and the vision of creating kitchens that combined beauty with functionality.
Those first years weren’t easy. Mark wore every hat in the business: designer, builder, salesperson, and delivery driver. He poured countless hours into meeting clients face-to-face, listening to their dreams, and ensuring every detail was right.
His reputation spread not through advertising, but through word-ofmouth, as families began to recommend him to neighbours and friends.
Staying in Business — The Real Challenge
While starting a business was tough, staying in business became the true test. Over 30 years, Mark and his team faced changing design trends, economic downturns, and the growing competition of large-scale retailers. The Global Financial Crisis tightened budgets, supply chain challenges made projects unpredictable, and the pandemic tested resilience once again.
Yet through it all, Harrington Kitchens endured. The key? Mark’s unwavering focus on people: both customers and staff. He built a company culture where relationships mattered as much as craftsmanship. Every client was assigned a dedicated consultant from start to finish, ensuring the process was personal, not transactional.
His employees were family, many staying with the business for years.
Scaling with Integrity
What started at a kitchen table grew into a thriving company with a
Pollie Pedal has wrapped up for another year.
We travelled almost 1000 kilometres through regional South Australia including the Clare and Barossa Valleys, raising valuable funds for Wandering Warriors, a charity dedicated to supporting our Special Forces veterans and their families.
I’m pleased to say we’ve raised around $250,000 which will be spent on providing education, mentoring and life- changing support to those who’ve given so much to our country.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott started Pollie Pedal back in 1998.
Over that time, we’ve ridden, around 25,000 kilometres and raised more than $7 million dollars for various charities.
To other news and I had the privilege of attending the 25th Anniversary of the Mater Dei Foundation Dinner held at the Cube in Campbelltown.
This is the organisation’s biggest annual fundraiser and I’m pleased to say that more than $380,000 was raised. Congratulations to all the hard-working committee members on hosting another successful event. And thank you to everyone who came to my coffee catch up held at the Cornerstone Café in Bringelly.
Several issues were raised about growth pressures, rezoning and noise mitigation for Western Sydney Airport.
If you couldn’t make it and would like to raise any issues, please email angus.taylor.mp@aph.gov.au
dedicated manufacturing facility, two showrooms in Narellan and Bowral, and a team of over 25 locals.
Mark insisted on using Australian-made materials wherever possible, prioritising quality and supporting local suppliers.
This balance of growth and integrity is what turned Harrington Kitchens into more than just a business. It became a trusted brand in the Macarthur and Southern Highlands regions.
Lessons from 30 Years in Business
Mark’s journey with Harrington Kitchens offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs:
• Starting is only half the battle. Longevity requires resilience, adaptability, and commitment to evolving with your market.
• Customer trust is everything. Treat every project as personal, not just a transaction.
• Culture sustains growth. Build a
team that believes in the same values and you’ll weather challenges together.
• Stay true to your roots. In an age of mass production, quality craftsmanship and authenticity never go out of style.
Looking Ahead
As Harrington Kitchens celebrates 30 years, Mark remains as passionate as ever about his work. His success is not defined by flashy expansion or overnight wins, but by steady growth, genuine relationships, and kitchens that stand the test of time.
It’s a story that reflects the Australian dream: a humble start-up built with grit, resilience, and community spirit, now thriving three decades on.
Visit: www.harringtonkitchens.com.au
Admitting driving while distracted
NEW AAMI research reveals nine in 10 Australians admit to driving distracted, with 38% involved in an accident or near miss. Key distractions include smartphones (25%), adjusting music or GPS (60%), people-watching (40%), crash scenes (40%), and
eating (65%). Over a third cite cognitive distractions, while a quarter won’t change until facing direct consequences. To improve road safety, AAMI has launched the AAMI Driving Test (ADT), helping drivers assess and strengthen their skills.
Access for mobile related disability
MORE than two million Australians with mobility-related disabilities can now access over 1,000 safe and secure public toilets and Changing Places facilities with the Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). Developed 30 years ago, the MLAK offers lifelong, subsidisable access through the NDIS. Advocates highlight its importance for independence, safety, and inclusion, while councils
are urged to expand installations. The MLAK also works at Liberty Swings and other facilities, ensuring dignity and reliable access for those who need it most.
Happy life drives worker satisfaction
AN international study of 160,000 people reveals life satisfaction is the strongest driver of job satisfaction, not the reverse. Published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, it shows happier individuals are 32%
more likely to experience increased work satisfaction over time. Researchers stress that workplace wellbeing must focus on holistic strategies - flexible work, mental health support, personal growth, and valuing life outside work - if employers want engaged, fulfilled staff. The study urges a people-first approach for lasting workplace satisfaction.
Money to research brain cancers
ANEWCASTLE-led research team, led by Professor Matt Dun, has secured an $18.7M Australian Government grant to develop next-generation therapies for high grade gliomas (HGG), the deadliest brain cancers. Backed by global experts, the team is creating brain-penetrant drugs to overcome the blood-brain barrier and improve survival when combined with radiotherapy. With clinical trials targeted within five years, the research offers new hope for patients and families facing DIPG and glioblastoma, cancers that currently have no effective treatment.
Tips to detect possible stroke event
Dangers of MORE than 110 Australians suffer a stroke daily, with one in four linked to atrial fibrillation (AF). AF affects over 500,000 Australians, often undiagnosed, and doubles stroke risk and mortality. During Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (22–28 September), Hearts4heart director Dr Geoff Lester, himself a heart surgery survivor, has urged Australians of all ages to learn simple pulse checks to
detect AF early. Cardiologists stress early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can prevent debilitating AF-related strokes, reducing costs and saving lives.
Govt seeks EOI for housing program
THE NSW Government has opened Expressions of Interest for its Pre-sale Finance Guarantee (PFG) program to accelerate housing construction in NSW. The five-year initiative will commit up to $1B billion in pre-sales by purchasing up to 50% of off-the-plan homes in eligible projects, valued at up to $2M each. Designed to address finance hurdles and delays, the program reduces risk for lenders and developers, boosts housing supply, and ensures quality through NSW Building Commissioner oversight. Developers ready to build within six months are encouraged to apply.
Rural doctors finally recognised
RURAL Generalists (RGs) have been formally recognised as a distinct medical specialty in Australia, marking a milestone for rural healthcare. This recognition, announced by Minister Mark Butler, follows decades of advocacy by ACRRM, RACGP, and the RG Recognition Taskforce. RGs provide comprehensive care across clinics, hospitals, and emergency settings, particularly in rural, remote, and First Nations communities. The move boosts visibility, remuneration, and training opportunities, ensuring equitable, high-quality healthcare for all Australians regardless of location.
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Contact SWR 99.9 FM
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
Why we can’t do business alone
KYLIE KING
IF you’ve read some of my previous articles, you will have noticed me mention that running a business can feel lonely sometimes.
You’ve got a million ideas running through your head, endless decisions to make, and no “boss” to bounce them off. And while independence is what so many of us love about being in business, the truth is… we’re not meant to do it all alone.
Like that saying: “it takes a village to bring up a child,” I feel it’s the same for a business. “You need a community to run a business.”
And when you have found a community that you feel aligned with, it changes everything. It’s the late-night message to someone who just gets it. It’s that one connection at a networking event that turns into a referral, a collaboration, or even a lifelong friendship. It’s having people around you who remind you that you’re not crazy for chasing your dreams, even on the days when it feels too overwhelming or impossible.
When I first started the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative, it wasn’t about creating another business group.
It was about creating a space where women could show up as their whole selves, including the messy middles, the faceplants, the wins and still feel supported.
Because let’s be honest: most of us are juggling families, finances, clients, and life on top of building a business and without community, the load gets heavy quick.
I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when women come together. At our networking events, it’s not just about swapping business cards, it’s about someone jumping in to help another woman set up her ABN, or share tips for social media, or recommend the best local printer for her flyers.
At the ALIBI Awards, the magic isn’t just in the trophies, it’s in the way finalists cheer each other on, promote each other’s businesses, and celebrate every chapter of the journey.
That’s the real power of community. It’s not competition, it’s collaboration. It’s not about who’s “ahead” or “behind.” It’s about knowing that your success doesn’t take away from mine, and mine doesn’t take away from yours. In fact, when one of us wins, we all rise a little higher.
I can tell you from my own experience, there have been plenty of times I’ve questioned what I’m doing. Times when it felt too hard, too much, or not worth it. And every single time,
it’s been community that’s pulled me through.
A kind word, a kick up the bum or a reminder that I’m not the only one who’s been there. Sometimes it’s even just the laugh we share when everything’s going sideways and all you can do is shake your head and keep going.
So, here’s my reminder for anyone reading this: don’t try to do business in isolation. Find your people. Go to the networking event. Join the online group.
Start the conversation. Because yes, you can survive on your own but when you’ve got a community behind you, you don’t just survive… you thrive.
In the end, success isn’t just about the dollars or the titles. It’s about the people we walk beside on the journey.
And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: business is better, braver, and a whole lot more fun when we do it together.
Kylie King is a hypnotherapist, business and mindset mentor, and the founder of th e ALIBI Awards, a national business awards program that celebrates women doing business their way. She believes every chapter of your journey deserves to be honoured. especially the ones that required the most courage. Visit: www. alibiawards.com.au
in Western Sydney Mental Health Matters
Mental health affects how we live, work, and connect. In Western Sydney, over half of residents report low psychological wellbeing¹—yet support is available, and help is always within reach.
Know the Signs
Look out for:
• Ongoing sadness or worry
• Trouble sleeping or eating
• Withdrawing from others
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for help.
Support for Everyone
Free mental health services are available for:
• Young people
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• People leaving hospital care
• Those with complex or co-occurring needs
Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
Find the Right Support
WentWest offers free services across five levels of care:
1. Self-help tools – apps, online programs
2. Low intensity – short-term counselling
3. Moderate intensit – face-to-face therapy
4. High intensity – complex mental health support
5. Specialist care – acute and hospital-linked services Start with your GP or call a mental health line. Mental health support is here for you—no matter your background, age, or situation. Reach out. Speak up. Support is just a call away. Learn more: wentwest.com.au/mentalhealth
NSW Mental Health Line
1800 011 511 (24/7)
Free advice and referrals from trained professionals.
Medicare Mental Health Line 1800 595 212 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5pm) Connect with local services and supports.
MY SPRING ROAD TRIP Through Southern NSW
BEAUTIFUL spring days, great boutique shopping and new experiences, all within a four and a half hour drive southwest of Sydney’s CBD. The Riverina towns of Junee, Temora and Coolamon are perfect for a few days away, don’t overthink it. Just book in your accommodation and get on the road.
Night One Junee
Roll out of Sydney and enjoy the scenic drive to Junee, heading straight for the historic Junee Hotel for a classic pub dinner and a chat with the locals. With renovated rooms and a very relaxed atmosphere, night one will set the tone for your whole trip (and this pub is moving to dog-friendly accommodation in 2026, take a note for future trips). In the morning, make your way to the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, a must-visit destination, a mix of decorate-your-own- chocolates, cafe for yummy meals, a lovely garden and live music.
Ready for Junee shopping?
Head to Studio on Sunshine, showcasing homemade products, art and homewares. Keen on antiques? Drop into RB Firman and Co for pieces from the Edwardian and Victorian era with a mix of Aussie, French and Aussie pieces. Or try your hand at Junee Junk Gypsies with their mix of old and new collectables. Stock up on 100% genuine sheepskin at Aussie Uggs or find gifts and homewares in
Country Meadows. Enjoy a delicious pub lunch at the Commercial Hotel or a light lunch in Cafe Ganmain before driving 40 minutes onto your next lovely town of Temora. This is hopping day done right.
Night Two Temora
There are amazing choices for accommodation in Temora to give you a feel for country life. Haberton House, a beautifully restored heritage building is ‘next-level gorgeousness’, decorated in all whites, oversized armchairs, stunning tapware and tile choices and a lovely backyard courtyard. SkyLodge Temora offers modern queen, king and family rooms right at Temora Aviation museum, which is a fun way to end the day. Three Ponds Estate has self-contained thoughtfully put together modern tiny homes to enjoy the sun going down in this fantastic part of the world. Wake up the next morning, grab a coffee and breakfast from Expresso House. Start your shopping across the road at A Little Rae of Sunshine for very cool gifts and clothes, shop sustainable fashion at Kindly, Darling or modern and antique home furnishings at Mabel Rose. Check out Tanza’s vibrant colours and prints before pointing the car west.
A scenic 30 minute drive away is Coolamon, a classic country town with a main street lined with heritage buildings that house cafes, homewares shops, boutiques and galleries. Enjoy lunch at the Coolamon Cheese Co and taste award-winning cheeses and purchase gourmet food items. Drop into Somerset Rose for jewellery and accessories, quirky artworks and ornaments at Echoes of Arbortree and gorgeous signature pieces at Fisher and Farmer. Stay at the stunning renovated Coolamon Pub, it’s the perfect place for a fantastic pub meal downstairs with the locals.
Night Three Coolamon
Sleep late and head to the Station Collective at Coolamon Railway for great coffee and brekkie. Grab some last minute indoor plants, gifts and pots at The Sill before taking your time to meander back to Sydney and beyond.
It’s fun to support regional economies, to talk to locals and learn how they live and work in towns that create our agricultural industry. This region’s paddocks turn a brilliant yellow during Canola flowering season of August and Sept, read about it in Outer Edge magazine, Canola Country (outeredgemagazine.com/go-wild-in-canolacountry). Take a few extra gourmet treats home, the holiday season is just around the corner.
GO WILD AT AUSTRALIA’S
Favourite Outdoors EXPO
ACROSS Gippsland’s rolling hills,
a new culture is unfolding - one that blends food, lifestyle, and sustainability, turning ‘pest to plate’ and ‘field to fork’ into a way of life. And there’s a seat waiting for you at the table.
Join thousands of visitors at Australia's premier event for hunting, fishing, 4WDing, camping, and outdoor adven-
ture enthusiasts, the Wild Deer Expo.
For more than 10 years, the Wild Deer Expo has been the country’s favourite hunting and outdoors expo, showcasing the latest gear, expert-led workshops, live demos, and activities for the whole family.
Under new ownership, the Wild Deer Expo is returning to Lardner Park, Victoria, on October 11–12, drawing over
Internationally renowned game chef Jo Barrett - The Age Good Food Guide 2024 Chef of the Year and World’s 50 Next Pioneer - will give talks on cooking game meat, reducing waste, and starting hunting with no experience. Her latest project, ‘Wildpie,’ turns Australian wild game and invasive species into handcrafted pies, offering conscious consumers organic, free-range proteins that support national population management.
A new outdoor lifestyle:
10,000 visitors and up to 150 exhibitors in a vibrant celebration of the outdoors.
As the world urges us to unplug, step away from screens, and rethink our digital lives, be part of the quiet wave of Australians answering the call, by rediscovering the simple joy of reconnecting with the outdoors.
Field to fork experiences:
The Wild Deer Expo showcases how sustainable hunting and wildlife management translate directly into gourmet experiences. From “pest to plate” demonstrations to workshops on preparing venison in haute cuisine style, the expo celebrates a responsible, sustainable approach to food.
Among those headlining the expo include chef, game-harvester, and former co-host of SBS’s 'Gourmet Farmer' Ross O'Meara. With more than three decades of culinary experience and a passion for ethical, paddock-to-plate eating, Ross is a sought-after authority on game meat harvesting and sustainable food.
Beyond the kitchen, the expo immerses visitors in the great outdoors with exhibitors offering guided hunts, 4WD adventures, camping gear, and wildlife education.
The Wild Deer Expo brings together a powerhouse lineup of people and brands under one roof with industry legends like Rick Petersen, Karla Pound and “Muzza” from the TV series Alone, sharing their bushcraft skills alongside prominent names in the hunting and outdoors world. Whether you’re after cutting-edge gear, premium optics, backcountry apparel, the latest in outdoor tech, or just want to learn something new, you’ll find it here.
Local and sustainable focus:
The expo highlights the importance of local ecosystems, ethical sourcing, and culinary creativity, showcasing how outdoor enthusiasts can engage with food in a sustainable, mindful way.
This is your chance to explore, connect, and gear up for your next hunt or outdoor off-grid adventure.
Find out more at www.deerexpo.com.au
A joyous watch for series fans
BY JACOB RICHARDSON
MARY (Michelle Dockery) finds herself in the midst of a public scandal, and wonders whether her place among society has forever been tarnished. Meanwhile, her father, Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) struggles with the idea of letting go, and passing the mantle to Mary.
To throw everything into disarray, Lady Grantham’s (Elizabeth McGovern) brother Harold Levinson (Paul Giamatti) returns with a mysterious stranger Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), complicating things with money woes, and the family and servants plan a dinner with Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and Noel Coward (Arty Froushan) to try and win back Mary’s place among the town.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is kind of like a really long episode of the show. But not one of the good or important episodes; more like a middle of the season, nothing really happens episode. That’s because, as far as can be discerned, this film has no arcs whatsoever.
Ostensibly the final chapter in the DA oeuvre, The Grand Finale endeavours to wrap up, in some way, shape
or form, the stories of this coterie of characters. And in many ways it does. There’s an ending that sees each of these staples of your TV and cinema screen find their resolution; be it transformation, retirement, commiseration or comfort.
But the film is curiously devoid of any real sense of finality because there is so little arc to any of these characters. The film is hamstrung by the fact that this plays out like a serial on TV, and so we get moments that mid-season might have enough impact to carry the 30 minutes, but on the big screen feel underwhelm-
ing. The final result is emotionality that feels less like a gut punch, and more like a cool wind somewhere off in the distance.
The cast is just as perfect in these roles as they have been for years, and the settings lose none of their grandeur. On the visual front, perhaps the only shame is that the film feels somewhat cheap on the big screen - although it can hardly be blamed for that, when it has to carry the visual cinematography tone and style from a TV show into a medium where the crisp clarity no longer feels like prestige period piece but rather cheap melodrama.
Ultimately, for the uninitiated, this film is going to be a completely baffling experience. Very little happens to justify a big screen presence, none of the characters are built up to care about in this single film, and the visuals feel out of place for the cinema. But this movie isn’t for the uninitiated, and these problems would likely be the same for anyone jumping into the new Avengers as their first Marvel experience, or catching Fast X as their first drag race with Dom and the family.
No, this movie is for the fans. And if you’re a Downton fan, what more could you ask for? All the favourites, back together on the big screen. The wonderful family manor home, resplendent in soft dappled sunset. Witty repartee, banter and the frolics, fancies and rules of this period of aristocracy.
Sure, the film misses something crucial in the loss of Dame Maggie Smith, but that doesn’t stop the thing that will make this a win for its audience - when the Downton Abbey theme plays, you can’t help but feel a familiar stirring in your heart.
Welcome back to Downton. If it’s for the last time, then those who love this series will find this a bittersweet, if satisfactory, ending to the saga. 3 Stars.
AI AND JOB APPLICATIONS
Many admit using AI to create CVs
ARTIFICAL intelligence
is fast becoming a tool of choice for job seekers, with new research from people2people Recruitment revealing that 1 in 4 Australians (25%) have used AI to help write their CV or cover letter.
For some, it’s become a frequent habit – with 14% admitting they use it a lot.
Generationally, AI use during job search is highest among:
• Gen X (33%).
• Millennials/Gen Z (24%).
• Baby Boomers (22%).
But while AI promises efficiency, it is also raising concerns about honesty in ap-
plications. The research found:
• 35% of Australians have lied or exaggerated on a CV or cover letter, and 24% admitted to doing so multiple times.
• 45% of Millennials/Gen Z were likely to exaggerate, compared with 32% of Gen X and 31% of Baby Boomers.
• G0% of Australians believe AI makes it easier to mislead on job applications, with Baby Boomers the most wary (96%).
• The biggest fear when using AI is “sounding fake” (33%), followed by getting caught (23%) and accidentally lying (12%). Interestingly, 32%
say they have no fear at all when using AI.
Catherine Kennedy, NSW Managing Director at people2people Recruitment, says while AI can be a powerful support tool, job seekers need to tread carefully.
“AI can help candidates polish their applications, but employers are looking for authenticity. A CV or cover letter that sounds fake or over-engineered can raise red flags. AI should be used as an assistant, not a replacement for personal voice, accuracy, and honesty,” she said.
“Hiring managers are
becoming more alert to AIwritten applications, and many now run extra screening or verification steps. Candidates who rely too heavily on AI risk being overlooked before they even get to interview. The most successful applications are still the ones that feel real and human.”
Advice for job seekers using AI in applications:
1. Keep it authentic – Use AI for structure or grammar, but ensure your skills, experience, and tone are your own.
2. Fact-check everything –AI tools can ‘make up’ details. Always double-check that
what’s written is accurate.
3. Add personalisation –Tailor applications to the role and employer. Employers can spot generic AI text instantly.
4. Don’t overdo it – Use AI as a polish, not to create your application from scratch.
5. Be honest – Exaggeration can backfire. Employers often verify experience, and dishonesty can cost you the job. AI is here to stay, and job seekers are embracing it. But trust is the currency of recruitment and if candidates misuse AI, they risk damaging their credibility before they even reach the interview stage.
Catherine Kennedy.
