I am a Hong Kong-born Irish-Australian journalist and photographer with more than 13 years of experience as a reporter and photojournalist.

Since 2004, I have worked as a staffer for the South China Morning Post, Toronto Star and Cambodia Daily newspapers.

My work has also appeared in The ...

Mangrove collapse ‘inevitable’ unless emissions curbed

30 Jun 2020  |  news.mongabay.com  |  English  |  Environmental Science

Mangrove forests are at risk of collapse within the next 30 years if sea level rise and greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate. Mangroves serve as buffers against severe weather and are significant carbon sinks. Research indicates they can withstand up to 7mm of sea level rise per year, but surpassing this threshold will lead to their inevitable collapse. The study, involving sediment samples from mangroves dating back 10,000 to 7,000 years, suggests that controlling emissions could prevent reaching a critical rate of sea level rise. Mangroves also face threats from erosion, deforestation, and coastal development that hinders their ability to migrate inland.

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Macquarie University Wetlands International

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I am a widely-published and versatile freelance journalist with 15 years' experience currently in London. See **** for work. I am an Australian-Canadian dual citizen who has reported from across Africa, Asia, the UK, and Australia. I have been published with The Sydney Morning Herald, News Deeply, ...

A mantra for mental health

30 Jul 2022  |  The Saturday Paper  |  English  |  COVID-19

The article explores the mental health benefits of chanting, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gemma Perry, who has conducted significant research on the subject, began online chanting sessions for Italians affected by the pandemic. Studies have shown that chanting can reduce stress and foster community. The practice is gaining recognition, with the Grammys renaming an award to include chanting. Other researchers like Shikha Malviya and Jill Bormann have also found chanting to be beneficial for mental health, particularly for conditions like PTSD. Despite its widespread cultural roots, chanting has not been commodified like mindfulness.

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University of San Diego Central Queensland University Macquarie University University of Newcastle The Recording Academy The American Journal of Psychiatry Grammys

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I'm an Irish journalist, based in Asia. I'm currently in Kuala Lumpur. I specialise in environmental, health, and human rights issues and have my own website, Changing Times (****). I have been a journalist for more than 45 years and am a skilled editor, proofreader, and French-to-English ...

Australian landholders pit their strength against the might of the gas companies

26 Sept 2016  |  CHANGING TIMES  |  English  |  Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)

The article discusses the severe impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) exploitation on the health, environment, and livelihoods of residents in the Darling Downs region of Australia. It highlights the struggles of several families, including the Benders, Jenkyns, Nothdurfts, and others, who have faced harassment from CSG companies, health issues, and even suicide due to the stress caused by the industry. The article also covers the legal and regulatory framework, the lack of government action, and the community's fight against the CSG industry. It mentions the role of organizations like Property Rights Australia and the Western Downs Alliance in supporting affected landowners. The article also touches on the broader implications of CSG exploitation, including its impact on indigenous heritage sites and the environment.

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Macquarie University GasFields Commission Property Rights Australia (PRA) Western Downs Alliance Ngarrabulgan Native Title Aboriginal Corporation Independent Expert Scientific Committee Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM)

Australian journo exploring intersections of media and justice. Media literacy educator and creative. Bylines for @PassionPassport @NatIndigTimes etc

Living Seawalls found in Sydney Harbour to increase biodiversity

19 Jan 2022  |  couriermail  |  English  |  Climate Change

Sydney Harbour's construction has led to the loss of 90% of its coastal defence structures. The Living Seawalls project, led by Macquarie University scientists, aims to restore marine biodiversity by attaching eco-friendly marine panels to infrastructure. These panels have shown significant success, supporting up to 115 different species. The project plans to expand globally. Additionally, the Ocean Lovers Festival, co-created by Anita Kolni and Carolyn Grant, will be held in Bondi Beach, featuring various events to promote ocean conservation. Sponsored by Volvo, the festival will include art, music, workshops, and more, highlighting the importance of ocean health.

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Macquarie University Ocean Lovers Festival Yuin Nation

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Tom Melville is a mutli-media and broadcast journalist based in Tunis, Tunisia.

Indigenous rangers help scientists at Botany Bay

10 Sept 2024  |  www.abc.net.au  |  English  |  Marine Conservation

Marine scientists and Indigenous rangers collaborate at Botany Bay, Sydney, to study local marine life, leveraging the valuable traditional knowledge of First Nations people. Despite historical mistrust, this partnership, led by Dr. Robert Cooley and Dr. Vanessa Pirotta, aims to address the impact of industrialization and pollution on marine mammals. The collaboration highlights the complementary nature of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, fostering trust and mutual goals for ocean conservation. The research findings will be presented at the Society for Marine Mammalogy in Perth.

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Macquarie University La Perouse Aboriginal community Society for Marine Mammalogy

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Christine Schindler is a journalist based in Brisbane City, Australia.

The Hanfu Movement: China's Cultural Renaissance Through Traditional Dress

05 Apr 2023  |  Goldthread  |  English  |  Chinese Culture

The article discusses the resurgence of hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing, in modern China, particularly in Chengdu. Zhang Qinglin and Chen Lijun are among the individuals who have embraced hanfu as a way to connect with their heritage. The movement, which has grown significantly over the past 15 years, is driven by a desire to rediscover ancient Chinese culture and traditions. While some scholars like Kevin Carrico view the trend as nationalistic, others, including Philip Jun Fang, believe it's an oversimplification and that the reasons for wearing hanfu vary. The hanfu community has expanded, with organizations like Sichuan Hanfu promoting it as both an academic subject and mainstream fashion. The article also touches on the commercial aspect, noting the success of hanfu sales on platforms like Taobao. The piece includes insights from various hanfu enthusiasts who find a sense of identity, community, and expression through the garments.

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Macquarie University Northwestern University Sichuan Hanfu

Mark Scott is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Dancing may be better than other exercise for improving mental health

01 Oct 2023  |  South Sydney Herald - Celebrating the lives of the diverse people of South Sydney, inviting discussion on issues of concern and interest, adding encouragement to possibilities for community.  |  English  |  Scientific Research

A structured dance program of at least six weeks can significantly improve psychological and cognitive health outcomes, comparable to other forms of exercise, according to a study published in Sports Medicine. The research, conducted by a multidisciplinary team from several Australian universities, found that dance interventions are generally equal to or more effective than other physical activities in enhancing emotional well-being, depression, motivation, social cognition, and memory. The study highlights the benefits of dance across various age groups and health conditions, suggesting it as an enjoyable and sustainable alternative to traditional exercise.

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Queensland University of Technology Macquarie University University of NSW University of Sydney

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