On August 4th, 2020, an explosion rocked the Port of Beirut and changed the lives of the people of Lebanon.
Like many second-generation Lebanese, we were heartbroken to hear that Lebanon and its people had yet again dealt with another obstacle to overcome.
Masterchef Australia's Rose Allen and Gogglebox Australia's Jad Nehmetallah decided to come together, with the help of their hospitality community, family and friends, to help raise funds for the people of Lebanon through this book, a very special collection of recipes. 
Click on the link below to purchase and download the book.
https://sohope.org.au/bake-for-beirut 

As with the rest of the entertainment industry, COVID-19 meant things came to a halt for Brisbane based, international touring DJ act: Mashd N Kutcher. 
After 6 years of touring, 2 Platinum records and over 1000 live shows played, the duo saw an entire year of scheduled shows across Australia, Asia, Europe, India and North America cancelled, joining the country in lockdown.
Whilst difficult to collaborate with other musicians and producers, the duo were forced to work with the tools they were given. 
With Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (the daily poster-boy for Australian news, during his Press Conference briefings), the duo decided to get those creative juices flowing one night and to remix a press conference for a laugh, sampling the phrase: “Get on The Beers.”
Within days, this term had turned into not only a household phrase in Australia, but over the coming months, it evolved into something much more.  The Victorian Premier’s words & sayings continued to create new ways for the boys to re-invent the song.  As Melburnians were thrust into the most challenging lockdown of the country, the song has become somewhat of an anthem, carrying a theme of positivity, hope and memories of good times at the Pub with friends, not to mention a laugh which was much needed.
As Pubs and Restaurants (and hopefully soon clubs) now begin to open up around Australia, the momentum is increasing with Mashd N Kutcher’s song being the anthem of choice for pubs around the country to re-open their doors.  Melbourne, it’s time ….. to “Get on the Beers!!”

Geelong Mums is asking for support for vulnerable babies and children by making a
donation to their Christmas Appeal.
2020 has brought many challenges for the Geelong charity and the families they assist.
The charity, founded in 2013 by five local mums, managed to keep their doors open
throughout lockdown and kept up with the overwhelming number of families turning
to them for help.
Since the start of the pandemic, at least 42% of families supported by Geelong Mums
have been negatively affected by COVID-19. Job loss, homelessness and an increase in
domestic violence are just a few of the causes of disadvantage these families are dealing
with right now.
Geelong Mums General Manager, Julia Roache, said, “for many families, this time of year
is tough in a ‘normal’ year. 2020 has thrown even more obstacles into the mix which will
make this Christmas harder than usual. Making a monetary donation that will provide
essential nursery equipment, will bring so much relief to families in crisis at this time of
year. Sadly, it may be the only gift they receive”.
This Christmas, Geelong Mums is asking the community to make a donation that will
pay for a specific item and to leave a message of support for a family.
● $30 will keep a baby snug and safe with cosy bedding
● $56 will provide a clothing bundle for a baby or child with more than 100
items to last them a year
● $134 is the magic number - the average cost per child to help more than
20,000 babies and children in Victoria this year
● $187 will provide a cot and mattress - a safe place for a baby to sleep, dream
and play

● $1,000 for "The Whole Kit & Caboodle” - provide a family with all the material
essentials they need for their young child

“We know so many people are doing it tough this year. Any donation amount will go a
long way in helping to ensure no family misses out this Christmas”, Ms Roache said.

Torquay's Alistair Lawson grew up in England, moving to Australia at age 22. At the age of 6 he started to train in Martial Arts.  Through his life long inspiration from the Great Bruce Lee he has been able to set his goals and focus on achieving many different things.  Later in life, Alistair discovered he had dyslexia, a problem left un-diagnosed.  When reading, words would become jumbled and jump which made reading hard.  However, he does not let this effect his goals and uses this as a way to focus more and connect to others.Alistair runs a full time Martial Arts studio in Torquay, Victoria and has set his goals on helping others achieve their full potential through mental and physical training and understanding.Alistair writes children's rhyming books and poems which have important messages of Never Giving Up, Focusing, Becoming Your Best and many more.  Through his writings he hopes to help others and inspire a new generation.
He's released his first book "My Hero"and checked into The Departure Lounge with Stampsy to chat about this beautiful children's book.

Dr Karl is surfing the Universe for all that's gnarly, awesome, weird and wonderful.

Why is sharpening a pencil in space a risky business?

What makes a sunset red and not blue?

How far would the Earth's viruses reach if you laid them end to end?

Which animal grows an anus every time it needs to poo?

Find out how spiders can fly and count, whether 5G networks are safe, why we're running out of sand, and the answer to the Question on Everyone's Lips - how to make the best coffee.

Plus loads more, including pop-up Karl holograms!

So take a surfing safari with Dr Karl and get ready to Hang Ten - or wipe out.

Kristy Brodie is shaving her dreads off after 14 years to raise money and awareness for Embrace Awareness; a local charity that helps women and children affected by domestic and family violence in the Geelong community.
 The event will be help on Saturday November 7.