It’s being reported that Queensland’s Suncorp Bank has closed almost a third of branches since 2016.

Suncorp is far from alone in reducing the number of shop fronts with all the banks arguing closures are a response to falling demand for face-to-face services.

President of the Finance Sector Union Wendy Streets tells Mark it is all part of an effort to force people to use internet banking.

To most people Mandy Patinkin is familiar from hit TV shows like Homeland and Chicago Hope and movies such as Princess Bride and Yentl.

Many though may not be as familiar with his work on Broadway, particularly in musical theatre which has earned him rave reviews and even a Tony Award.

Mandy will perform his new show Diaries for one night only at QPAC later this month and he tells Mark there’s something for everyone.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer has been many things - a soldier, a politician and a diplomat - but many people may not be aware he’s a dedicated train enthusiast.

He has now published a new book Steam Australia: Locomotives that Galvanised the Nation which chronicles how the nation was built on the back of steam trains.

Tim tells Mark trains have been a fascination since we was a young boy living in country New South Wales.

41 Australians gave their lives fighting in Afghanistan but at the moment there is no permanent memorial in Queensland to their service and sacrifice.

 

A veteran’s group, 42 for 42, is looking to establish one in grounds of Christ Church at Milton, next to the Suncorp Stadium.

For 42 hours teams and support walkers will again carry 42kg packs around the Suncorp Stadium concourse to raise funds.

42for42 President SEAN MULQUEEN tells Mark the number 42 represents the 41 killed overseas and those who continue to struggle at home.

A new report by the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare has painted the first ever comprehensive picture of the opioid problem in Australia.

While illegal drugs like heroin remain a serious issue the report finds pharmaceutical opioids were far more likely to lead to deaths and hospitalisations.

AIHW spokesperson Dr Lynelle Moon tells Mark about 715,000 people used pharmaceutical opioids for illicit or non-medical purposes between 2016 and 2017.

Three shark attacks in two months at Cid Harbour in the Whitsundays has prompted a roundtable meeting between the state government, the tourism industry and scientists.

The state government has dismissed calls from some quarters for permanent drumlines and a cull in an effort to reduce numbers of limit the threat.

While the threat to life is the major focus there are also concerns about the impact on the tourism industry.

Qld Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind tells Mark the key is better education for tourists and more shark research.

The Westin hotel chain has opened its first hotel in Brisbane in Mary Street offering 299 rooms and suites.

It promises a 5 star experience with a particular focus on its guests health and wellbeing by offering a range of options like spa treatments and even guided runs through the river city.

Westin Brisbane General Manager Brad Mercer tells Mark today has been the culmination of three years hard work.

Books on the history and development of food and cooking are usually rather dry, worthy and academic affairs.

Australian comedian, TV personality and writer Mikey Robbins has taken a decidedly different and irreverent approach in his new book Seven Deadly Sins and One Very Naughty Fruit.

Mikey joins Mark in the studio and tells him while he’s no historian, chef or theologian as a fat 10 year old Catholic schoolboy he knew plenty about food and guilt.

What author and educator Stephanie Alexander doesn’t know about food and cooking probably isn’t worth knowing.

She has just published her latest book The Cook’s Apprentice but unlike her previous tomes it’s aimed at people who want to learn to cook.

Stephanie joined Mark in the studio and told him that it’s never too late to learn to cook well.

The recent warm weather has led snakes across southeast Queensland to rouse from their dormant winter phase with a resulting increase in sightings and bites.

Queensland is home to a range of venomous snakes such as the Eastern Brown, The Taipan, The Black Snake and the Death Adder.

The Ambulance Service is advising people to take extra care and Clinical Quality and Patient Safety Director Tony Hucker tells Mark that fortunately fatal bites are extremely rare.