The Citizen
@thecitizenau.bsky.social
Award-winning publication of the Centre for Advancing Journalism. Reporting by journalism students at the University of Melbourne
The koalas of French Island are starving. Once a conservation safe haven, the island’s habitat has been stripped bare by unmanaged population growth, with some critics calling for a controversial koala culling program. Ashleigh Wyss reports.
www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/eat...
www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/eat...
“Eating themselves out of house and home”: French Island koalas facing famine
The koalas of French Island are starving. Once a conservation safe haven, the island’s habitat has been stripped bare by unmanaged population growth, with some critics calling for a controversial koal...
www.thecitizen.org.au
November 13, 2025 at 4:37 AM
The koalas of French Island are starving. Once a conservation safe haven, the island’s habitat has been stripped bare by unmanaged population growth, with some critics calling for a controversial koala culling program. Ashleigh Wyss reports.
www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/eat...
www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/eat...
Labubus are one of 2025’s trendiest and most sought-after toys, but rising demand has resulted in a surge of the dolls’ counterfeit cousin known as “Lafufus”. These fakes are prompting safety warnings from overseas jurisdictions and CHOICE safety experts. Ashleigh Wyss reports.
Labubu warning: Why counterfeit toys could be putting kids at risk
Labubus are one of 2025’s trendiest and most sought-after toys, but rising demand has resulted in a surge of the dolls’ counterfeit cousin known as “Lafufus”. These fakes are prompting safety warnings...
www.thecitizen.org.au
October 10, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Labubus are one of 2025’s trendiest and most sought-after toys, but rising demand has resulted in a surge of the dolls’ counterfeit cousin known as “Lafufus”. These fakes are prompting safety warnings from overseas jurisdictions and CHOICE safety experts. Ashleigh Wyss reports.
While the Pacific frequently makes headlines due to geopolitical tensions, Pacific perspectives are harder to find. With regional journalists facing increasing challenges, industry veterans urge the Australian media to overcome its “shameful” neglect of the region. Ashleigh Wyss Reports.
As Pacific newsrooms struggle to survive, calls for Australian media to amplify Pacific voices
While the Pacific frequently makes headlines due to geopolitical tensions, Pacific perspectives are harder to find. With regional journalists facing increasing challenges, industry veterans urge the A...
www.thecitizen.org.au
October 2, 2025 at 1:08 AM
While the Pacific frequently makes headlines due to geopolitical tensions, Pacific perspectives are harder to find. With regional journalists facing increasing challenges, industry veterans urge the Australian media to overcome its “shameful” neglect of the region. Ashleigh Wyss Reports.
The Human Rights Commissioner says delays to AI regulation are causing “real harms,” while new research shows the role of AI in recruitment is embedding discrimination. Sarah Jensz reports on urgent calls to regulate the new tech frontier.
www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/law...
www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/law...
Lawyers blast government delay to AI regulation
The Human Rights Commissioner says delays to AI regulation are causing “real harms,” while new research shows the role of AI in recruitment is embedding discrimination. Sarah Jensz reports on urgent c...
www.thecitizen.org.au
September 25, 2025 at 4:41 AM
The Human Rights Commissioner says delays to AI regulation are causing “real harms,” while new research shows the role of AI in recruitment is embedding discrimination. Sarah Jensz reports on urgent calls to regulate the new tech frontier.
www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/law...
www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/law...
Homeschooling in Australia surged after the lockdowns on the COVID 19 pandemic. Advocates emphasise its flexibility and more personalised education experience, but is it really a better alternative for students?
Our reporters Heyan Mu and Wenlin Li look at the pros and cons of this growing trend.
Our reporters Heyan Mu and Wenlin Li look at the pros and cons of this growing trend.
Why more Australian families are choosing home schooling
Homeschooling in Australia surged after the lockdowns on the COVID 19 pandemic. Advocates emphasise its flexibility and more personalised education experience, but is it really a better alternative fo...
www.thecitizen.org.au
September 17, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Homeschooling in Australia surged after the lockdowns on the COVID 19 pandemic. Advocates emphasise its flexibility and more personalised education experience, but is it really a better alternative for students?
Our reporters Heyan Mu and Wenlin Li look at the pros and cons of this growing trend.
Our reporters Heyan Mu and Wenlin Li look at the pros and cons of this growing trend.
The controversial French bill to ban female athletes from wearing religious symbols, including the Muslim headscarf, in any sporting event or competition, is yet to pass the National Assembly but, as Yixin Tian, Alipriya Biswas, Zhen Zhou and Jiakai Liang report, the issue has divided a nation.
"Stripped of choice": Muslim athletes condemn France's hijab ban –The Citizen
The controversial French bill to ban female athletes from wearing religious symbols, including the Muslim headscarf, in any sporting event or competition, is still yet to pass the National Assembly bu...
www.thecitizen.org.au
September 17, 2025 at 1:09 AM
The controversial French bill to ban female athletes from wearing religious symbols, including the Muslim headscarf, in any sporting event or competition, is yet to pass the National Assembly but, as Yixin Tian, Alipriya Biswas, Zhen Zhou and Jiakai Liang report, the issue has divided a nation.
Sydney Harbour’s worst maritime tragedy killed three generations of one family. Ava Morrison reports in the latest of our occasional series visiting the Melbourne General Cemetery, Graveyard Shift: Every Body Has A Story.
Beyond the grave: Tragic toll of historic ship and ferry collision
Sydney Harbour’s worst maritime tragedy killed three generations of one family. Ava Morrison reports in the latest of our occasional series visiting the Melbourne General Cemetery, Graveyard Shift: Ev...
www.thecitizen.org.au
September 16, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Sydney Harbour’s worst maritime tragedy killed three generations of one family. Ava Morrison reports in the latest of our occasional series visiting the Melbourne General Cemetery, Graveyard Shift: Every Body Has A Story.
Alfred Hart’s expertise in poultry helped Melbourne families eat, farmers export and women find financial independence. August Mikleus reports in latest of our occasional series visiting the Melbourne General Cemetery, Graveyard Shift: Every body has a story.
Pecking order: The plucky story of Victoria's first Chief Poultry Expert
“There was no one around who knew more about the laying hen.” Alfred Hart’s expertise in poultry helped Melbourne families eat, farmers export and women find financial independence. August Mikleus rep...
www.thecitizen.org.au
September 9, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Alfred Hart’s expertise in poultry helped Melbourne families eat, farmers export and women find financial independence. August Mikleus reports in latest of our occasional series visiting the Melbourne General Cemetery, Graveyard Shift: Every body has a story.
Graveyard Shift: Every Body Has a Story. The doyenne of Melbourne’s hospitality scene for almost 40 years is remembered for anticipating fusion dining trends, training a generation of taste-makers and staff, and her contributions to the arts and food journalism. Siena Kinkela reports.
Cuisine queen: the lasting legacy of the legendary Mietta O'Donnell
Graveyard Shift: Every Body Has a Story. The doyenne of Melbourne’s hospitality scene for almost 40 years is remembered for anticipating fusion dining trends, training a generation of taste-makers and...
www.thecitizen.org.au
September 4, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Graveyard Shift: Every Body Has a Story. The doyenne of Melbourne’s hospitality scene for almost 40 years is remembered for anticipating fusion dining trends, training a generation of taste-makers and staff, and her contributions to the arts and food journalism. Siena Kinkela reports.
A Pacific COP hosted in Australia would provide ‘a moment for those with most power in the world to listen to those with least power’, Fiji’s Deputy PM tells a Melbourne audience. Shayal Devi reports.
Bringing UN climate COP31 to Australia key to spotlighting Pacific realities, says Fiji deputy PM
A Pacific COP hosted in Australia would provide ‘a moment for those with most power in the world to listen to those with least power’, Fiji’s Deputy PM tells a Melbourne audience. Shayal Devi reports.
www.thecitizen.org.au
August 27, 2025 at 2:16 AM
A Pacific COP hosted in Australia would provide ‘a moment for those with most power in the world to listen to those with least power’, Fiji’s Deputy PM tells a Melbourne audience. Shayal Devi reports.
As the Albanese government prepares to set its 2035 emissions target and pursue its bid to host COP 31, there’s an opportunity for Labor to power up climate ambition. But so far, there’s little sign it will seize it, warns former independent MP Zoe Daniel. Ashleigh Wyss reports.
Zoe Daniel warns Labor's 'pragmatic caution' risks wasting climate mandate
As the Albanese government prepares to set its 2035 emissions target and pursue its bid to host COP 31, there’s an opportunity for Labor to power up climate ambition. But so far, there’s little sign i...
www.thecitizen.org.au
August 7, 2025 at 6:33 AM
As the Albanese government prepares to set its 2035 emissions target and pursue its bid to host COP 31, there’s an opportunity for Labor to power up climate ambition. But so far, there’s little sign it will seize it, warns former independent MP Zoe Daniel. Ashleigh Wyss reports.
Every Sunday evening, Emily Hu comes to Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach with a canvas and invites passers-by to draw on it with a simple question: “What do you love?”
Yaqian Zhan reports on a woman on a mission to use art to help people confront their emotions and identify what they care about most.
Yaqian Zhan reports on a woman on a mission to use art to help people confront their emotions and identify what they care about most.
Painting love by the sea
Every Sunday evening, Emily Hu comes to Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach with a canvas and invites passers-by to draw on it with a simple question: “What do you love?”
Yaqian Zhan reports on a woman on a mi...
www.thecitizen.org.au
August 4, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Every Sunday evening, Emily Hu comes to Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach with a canvas and invites passers-by to draw on it with a simple question: “What do you love?”
Yaqian Zhan reports on a woman on a mission to use art to help people confront their emotions and identify what they care about most.
Yaqian Zhan reports on a woman on a mission to use art to help people confront their emotions and identify what they care about most.
As Melbourne’s suburbs continue to rise by both population and crowded skyline, open green space is rapidly becoming a luxury. In Box Hill, a patch of grass once home to a historic brickworks is at the centre of a growing community push against another high rise monolith. Shixin Wang reports.
Green or grey? The fight for Box Hill’s last open land
As Melbourne’s suburbs continue to rise — in terms of both population and the crowded skyline —open green space is rapidly becoming a luxury. In Box Hill, a fenced-off patch of grass once home to a hi...
www.thecitizen.org.au
August 1, 2025 at 1:48 AM
As Melbourne’s suburbs continue to rise by both population and crowded skyline, open green space is rapidly becoming a luxury. In Box Hill, a patch of grass once home to a historic brickworks is at the centre of a growing community push against another high rise monolith. Shixin Wang reports.
Matcha, the emerald jewel of Japan, has become an increasingly popular menu item in Melbourne. But the quality being served up remains hit and miss in a market where cafes and consumers still have a lot to learn about how to serve and appreciate this ancient green brew. Claudia Goundar reports.
Much ado about matcha: appeal for a little respect please for ancient brew
Matcha, the emerald jewel of Japan, has become an increasingly popular menu item in Melbourne. But the quality being served up remains hit and miss in a market where cafes and consumers still have a l...
www.thecitizen.org.au
August 1, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Matcha, the emerald jewel of Japan, has become an increasingly popular menu item in Melbourne. But the quality being served up remains hit and miss in a market where cafes and consumers still have a lot to learn about how to serve and appreciate this ancient green brew. Claudia Goundar reports.
In Melbourne’s rapidly developing inner west Footscray Maker Lab, a not-for-profit, volunteer organisation, provides a creative space for more than 40 artists.
However, the future of this rare collective hangs in the balance, as pressures from developers grow. Yihan Chen reports.
However, the future of this rare collective hangs in the balance, as pressures from developers grow. Yihan Chen reports.
A place to create and belong: Inside 'Footscray Maker Lab'
In Melbourne’s rapidly developing inner west Footscray Maker Lab, a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation, provides a creative space for more than 40 artists.
Amidst the flying sparks and spilli...
www.thecitizen.org.au
July 24, 2025 at 3:10 AM
In Melbourne’s rapidly developing inner west Footscray Maker Lab, a not-for-profit, volunteer organisation, provides a creative space for more than 40 artists.
However, the future of this rare collective hangs in the balance, as pressures from developers grow. Yihan Chen reports.
However, the future of this rare collective hangs in the balance, as pressures from developers grow. Yihan Chen reports.
Even in winter, Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach remains a place where people swim, fish and play. As official water quality monitoring pauses for the winter, replaced by twice daily water quality forecasts, beachgoers must decide for themselves if the water is safe. Photo essay by Kimberlie Chu
Winter pause in St Kilda Beach water monitoring leaves users uncertain
Even in winter, Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach remains a place where people swim, fish and play. As official water quality monitoring pauses for the winter, replaced by twice daily water quality forecasts...
www.thecitizen.org.au
July 23, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Even in winter, Melbourne’s St Kilda Beach remains a place where people swim, fish and play. As official water quality monitoring pauses for the winter, replaced by twice daily water quality forecasts, beachgoers must decide for themselves if the water is safe. Photo essay by Kimberlie Chu
In Melbourne, a tiny Chinese choir uses songs to weave a sense of belonging and warmth. As Yuxi Luo reports, the Melbourne Chinese Choir has been going for more than 30 years and, for the members of this group, rehearsals are not just for performance but also a chance to build community connections.
A tiny choir creates a borderless community
In Melbourne, a tiny Chinese choir uses songs to weave a sense of belonging and warmth. As Yuxi Luo reports, the Melbourne Chinese Choir has been going for more than 30 years and, for the members of t...
www.thecitizen.org.au
July 23, 2025 at 4:40 AM
In Melbourne, a tiny Chinese choir uses songs to weave a sense of belonging and warmth. As Yuxi Luo reports, the Melbourne Chinese Choir has been going for more than 30 years and, for the members of this group, rehearsals are not just for performance but also a chance to build community connections.
Nestled on High Street in the northern Melbourne suburb or Preston, Lucchini Cakes & Cafe is a living archive of a changing community. For over five decades, three generations of the Lucchini family have shaped the bakery into a neighbourhood landmark. A photo essay by Ulysses Zhou.
Cannoli, community and connection in the heart of Preston
Nestled on High Street, in the northern Melbourne suburb or Preston, Lucchini Cakes & Cafe is more than just a bakery—it’s a living archive of a changing community. For over five decades, three genera...
www.thecitizen.org.au
July 23, 2025 at 4:33 AM
Nestled on High Street in the northern Melbourne suburb or Preston, Lucchini Cakes & Cafe is a living archive of a changing community. For over five decades, three generations of the Lucchini family have shaped the bakery into a neighbourhood landmark. A photo essay by Ulysses Zhou.
Jo Chandler @jochandler.bsky.social has been awarded a prestigious Varuna Climate Fellowship for 2025 - extended to writers whose work explores climate change and the environment.
The fellowship offers a week-long residency at Varuna, Australia’s National Writers’ House in the Blue Mountains.
The fellowship offers a week-long residency at Varuna, Australia’s National Writers’ House in the Blue Mountains.
2025 Varuna Climate Fellowship Announcement — Varuna, The National Writers' House
The six recipients of the 2025 Varuna Climate Fellowship have been announced.
www.varuna.com.au
July 21, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Jo Chandler @jochandler.bsky.social has been awarded a prestigious Varuna Climate Fellowship for 2025 - extended to writers whose work explores climate change and the environment.
The fellowship offers a week-long residency at Varuna, Australia’s National Writers’ House in the Blue Mountains.
The fellowship offers a week-long residency at Varuna, Australia’s National Writers’ House in the Blue Mountains.
A new government department was meant to help Victorians access public information including their own. Instead, it’s made freedom-of-information harder, longer and more annoying. Katherine Everest investigates.
Foiled again: critics condemn FOI delays as
A new government department was meant to help Victorians access public information including their own. Instead, it’s made freedom-of-information harder, longer and more annoying. Katherine Everest in...
www.thecitizen.org.au
July 21, 2025 at 1:19 AM
A new government department was meant to help Victorians access public information including their own. Instead, it’s made freedom-of-information harder, longer and more annoying. Katherine Everest investigates.
In West Footscray, a humble secondhand store has become a lifeline for the local community. But after a wave of thefts locals are stepping up to protect what they call their economic sanctuary. In this photo essay, Jiahui Zhou explores how this shop brings a community together.
Footscray's second chance: How one small shop is making a difference
In Melbourne’s West Footscray, a humble secondhand store has become a lifeline for the local community. The Op Shop, a volunteer-run secondhand store supported solely by donations, offers more than ju...
www.thecitizen.org.au
July 2, 2025 at 11:41 PM
In West Footscray, a humble secondhand store has become a lifeline for the local community. But after a wave of thefts locals are stepping up to protect what they call their economic sanctuary. In this photo essay, Jiahui Zhou explores how this shop brings a community together.
The Merri Creek is a green oasis in Melbourne’s north, a place to stroll, run, ride and recharge. Have you ever wondered who’s taking care of it? Friends of Merri Creek is a volunteer group working to maintain the creek for all to enjoy. A photo essay by Ruby Perryman.
Labour of love: Meet the community reviving and restoring Merri Creek
The Merri Creek is a green oasis in Melbourne’s north, a place to stroll, run, ride and recharge. Have you ever wondered who’s monitoring the water quality, clearing the rubbish and nurturing seedling...
www.thecitizen.org.au
July 2, 2025 at 11:34 PM
The Merri Creek is a green oasis in Melbourne’s north, a place to stroll, run, ride and recharge. Have you ever wondered who’s taking care of it? Friends of Merri Creek is a volunteer group working to maintain the creek for all to enjoy. A photo essay by Ruby Perryman.
Morwell’s buzz from the ‘trial of the century’ of accused murderer Erin Patterson has made some locals winners, a few losers, and most unfazed – apart from the difficulty of finding a parking spot. Larissa Sutherland reports on a small Victorian town struggling to turn around a long-term decline.
Judgement day: Mushroom Trial a sideshow for locals
Morwell’s buzz from the ‘trial of the century’ of accused murderer Erin Patterson has made some locals winners, a few losers, and most unfazed – apart from the difficulty of finding a parking spot. La...
www.thecitizen.org.au
July 2, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Morwell’s buzz from the ‘trial of the century’ of accused murderer Erin Patterson has made some locals winners, a few losers, and most unfazed – apart from the difficulty of finding a parking spot. Larissa Sutherland reports on a small Victorian town struggling to turn around a long-term decline.
Carli Reeve is part of a grassroots movement gathering data, asking questions about the environmental implications of seismic surveys, in particular on little penguin colonies, and urging a national moratorium on the practice. Theoné van der Merwe reports.
Co-published with @crikey.com.au
Co-published with @crikey.com.au
Citizen science deals a blow to west Victoria seismic blasting plans
Carli Reeve is part of a grassroots movement gathering data, asking questions about the environmental implications of seismic surveys, in particular on little penguin colonies, and urging a national m...
www.thecitizen.org.au
June 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Carli Reeve is part of a grassroots movement gathering data, asking questions about the environmental implications of seismic surveys, in particular on little penguin colonies, and urging a national moratorium on the practice. Theoné van der Merwe reports.
Co-published with @crikey.com.au
Co-published with @crikey.com.au
Frustrated with what they describe as the Australian Government’s failure to protect them from catastrophic global heating, a group of young Australians are taking their concerns to the United Nations. If Canberra won’t listen, they say, perhaps Geneva will. @ashleighwyss.bsky.social reports.
Generation Justice: Young Australians take climate cry for help to UN
Frustrated with what they describe as the Australian Government’s failure to protect them from catastrophic global heating, a group of young Australians are taking their concerns to the United Nations...
www.thecitizen.org.au
June 13, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Frustrated with what they describe as the Australian Government’s failure to protect them from catastrophic global heating, a group of young Australians are taking their concerns to the United Nations. If Canberra won’t listen, they say, perhaps Geneva will. @ashleighwyss.bsky.social reports.