News | Sydney Observer

Animal Adoptions on the Rise

Apr 25, 2020 | News |

Nicholas Grant A silver lining in these troubling times, the RSPCA has reported a significant increase in rescue animal adoptions with over 600 dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds and rabbits finding new homes throughout the month of March. With no current evidence suggesting that COVID-19 can be spread from animals to humans, it makes sense that more people are now inclined to find a fluffy companion to help them through what may be a difficult and lonely period of time. Furthermore, pet ownership has been consistently linked to improved reduced stress, protection from loneliness, and increased physical health, making...

Coles Partners with Bravery Trust in Lead up to Anzac Day

Apr 24, 2020 | News |

Image L-R: Coles Bakery Manager Amber Waters, Bravery Trust CEO Belinda Wilson and Lieutenant Rory McDonald. Coles has launched a fundraising campaign in the lead up to Anzac Day to enable Bravery Trust to support Aussie service men and women who have an injury or illness as a result of their service. From today until stores close on Sunday 26 April, Coles will donate 50 cents from every pack of Coles Bakery branded cookies or biscuits sold at Coles to the Bravery Trust. Customers are also welcome to make their own donations in-store at the checkout. Bravery Trust...

Seed Suppliers Overwhelmed Amid Gardening Boost

Apr 15, 2020 | Home & Garden, News |

Dipti Singh Social distancing and shutdown steps adopted by the government in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic have forced us to reconsider our regular interactions. Yet it’s not all doom and gloom, as positives can also be found! Despite the global uncertainty of the Coronavirus, one industry is witnessing benefits flowing. The horticultural sector in Australia is experiencing a boom as people seek to get their hands on good, locally grown food. Research discloses that almost 52% of all Australians are growing food in their garden. In other words, 4.7 million households are growing vegetables with their own hands...

Commemorating ANZAC Day in 2020

Apr 15, 2020 | News |

Isabella Ross There is no denying that this year has been unlike no other. Yet us Aussies are a determined bunch, and we will continue to commemorate the sacrifices of those who serve our country, this ANZAC Day. April 25th is a time for all Australians to unite and reflect. So, regardless of current isolation and social distancing measures, there are still plenty of ways that locals can commemorate our ANZACs. “There’s no doubt that ANZAC Day 2020 will be very different to ANZAC Days of previous years. While we will not be gathering at services or marches, there...

A Wake-Up Call: The Eco-Friendly Silver Lining?

Apr 8, 2020 | News |

Johanna Rumphorst Cancelled flights, closed schools, offices, bars and restaurants – the COVID-19 pandemic is causing the world to shut down. With industries, tourism and businesses closed down, carbon emissions and pollution are being reduced. With emissions going down and air quality going up, some see the pandemic as a potential silver lining when it comes to the environment and climate change. However, Inger Andersen, the head of the UN Environment Programme, has warned against declaring the crisis simply as beneficial for the environment. The improvements are only temporary and “come on the back of tragic economic slowdown and...