Qantas and Jetstar have unveiled a “significant” expansion of their flight services to New Zealand, introducing a new route and increasing flight frequency. Starting next year, Jetstar will offer a new service from Brisbane to Queenstown, operating thrice weekly during the snow season from June to October. This expansion will add nearly 210,000 seats between Australia and New Zealand over the next four years. Additionally, Qantas plans to deploy its state-of-the-art A220 aircraft on the Brisbane to Wellington route from February, marking its first international journey.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace stated, “Today marks a significant milestone for the Qantas Group across the trans-Tasman. This latest expansion will provide even more choice and convenience for customers, as well an important boost for tourism economies on both sides of the Tasman.”
Crime Surge Threatens Supermarket Operations
In a separate development, the CEO of Ritchies IGA, Fred Harrison, has expressed concerns over escalating crime rates in Victoria, which have reached what he describes as a “crisis point.” The state is witnessing a surge in violent crimes, including knife-related incidents and retail theft, prompting Harrison to consider closing or relocating some stores.
Harrison revealed that the situation has become so dire that he is questioning the viability of maintaining operations in certain areas. “Is it all round more profitable, safer if we just close and walk away?” he pondered during an interview with the ABC’s 7.30 program.
Ritchies IGA operates 85 stores nationwide, with 52 located in Victoria, the epicenter of the crime wave. Harrison noted, “I’d say 95 per cent of the issues that we are having today as a business are all in Victoria.”
Australian Man Nearly Discards $250k Lottery Win
In a stroke of luck, an Adelaide man narrowly avoided discarding a $250,000 winning scratch card. The man admitted that he almost threw away the ticket due to confusion over its instructions. “It actually took me ages to work out because if I buy one, I usually get a different sort, but this one’s instructions were a little different,” he explained to lottery officials.
Lottery officials have highlighted that there are still 15 major prizes unclaimed across Australia, including a mystery $100 million Powerball win. The potential for unclaimed winnings underscores the importance of thoroughly checking lottery tickets.
Global and Local Developments
Meanwhile, the NRL has announced that American artist Teddy Swims will headline the entertainment for its grand final, expressing his excitement and affection for Australia. “Every time I am there I am overwhelmed by how welcoming the people are,” Swims said.
In international news, German investigators’ prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, Christian Brueckner, is set to be released from prison soon. Although Brueckner has not been charged in relation to McCann’s case, he remains the sole suspect according to German prosecutors.
In the United States, a 13-year-old boy was arrested after police discovered a cache of firearms and writings suggesting plans for a school shooting. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office acted swiftly after alarming social media posts, potentially preventing a tragic incident.
Back in Australia, tensions have risen as Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned an Israeli strike in Doha, Qatar, which targeted Hamas members. Wong emphasized that the strike “violates Qatar’s sovereignty” and could undermine ceasefire negotiations.
As these stories unfold, they highlight the interconnected nature of global events and their local impacts, from international diplomacy to community safety and economic stability.
