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The Good News Sunday Edition
From Hospital bed to National Flag, 742 New Reasons to Marvel at the Congo Basin, A Baby Debuted World on an Airport and all the good that's happening around the world
Happy Sunday from Sydney,
Hope you’ve had a restful weekend. Lots of goodness in the world, social and broadcast media could have you feeling otherwise.
Good Things DO Come To Those Who Make, and good things happen for the world as a result.
“The future enters into us, in order to transform itself in us, long before it happens.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
As always, wishing you the very best.
With love,
Charbel
Good Things Happening Around the World
Teenage Waterskier Bounces Back to Represent Australia, Three Years After Boating Accident
742 New Reasons to Marvel at the Congo Basin: The World Wildlife Fund’s decade-long report uncovered 742 new species
A Baby Debuted World on an Airport: Was born just two minutes after a plane touched down, with WA’s far north airport tarmac
Flower Lovers Rally to Help Farmers After 100+ Fresh Bunches Rejected
Giving Tuesday Volunteers Bloom by 4% in 2024: Millions joined the movement this year
More Good News
Words of Inspiration
Teenage Waterskier Bounces Back to Represent Australia
Three Years After Boating Accident
Fifteen-year-old Eira Dalzell is gearing up to represent Australia at the 2025 Disabled Water Ski World Championships, a remarkable feat given her traumatic boating accident three years ago.
A passionate waterskier from Loxton, Eira’s life took an unexpected turn when she lost several fingers and suffered leg injuries after being struck by her family’s boat propeller while practising for a national competition on Boxing Day 2021.
But Eira’s journey didn’t end there. Thanks to determination, a bit of innovation, and a supportive family, she’s back on the water—ready to compete at the highest level.
With modifications to her technique and equipment, including a custom wrist strap created by her dad, she’s set to take on the world next November in Mulwala, New South Wales.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
Eira’s story proves that there’s no challenge too big when determination and family support are at the helm. From surviving a life-altering accident to making history as Australia’s lone skier with a hand injury, she’s not only back on her skis but on track for global glory.
742 New Reasons to Marvel at the Congo Basin:
The World Wildlife Fund’s decade-long report uncovered 742 new species
A fresh study from the World Wildlife Fund reminds us that the planet still holds vast, untapped secrets. Between 2013 and 2023, a comprehensive survey revealed the discovery of 742 previously unknown species within the Congo Basin—home to the world’s second-largest rainforest and river system.
This remarkable find includes everything from plants and spiders to amphibians, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Among the discoveries, scientists made one new mammal species every year on average, including a newly identified monkey, three new types of mice, and even two species of bats.
They also recorded 25 fresh snake species, over 100 new fish, and a staggering 121 insects, among others.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
It’s a win for nature lovers everywhere, but here's the kicker: many of these ‘new’ species weren’t unknown to the people who have lived in the basin for centuries.
Take, for example, the blue-bottomed monkey with a distinctive call, already well-known by Indigenous groups in the Lomami Basin as the “lesula.”
It's a gentle reminder that while science may be discovering new things, Indigenous knowledge is a treasure trove we must continue to respect and learn from.
A Baby Debuted World on an Airport:
Was born just two minutes after a plane touched down, with WA’s far north airport tarmac
In a remarkable turn of events, Shaina Chungulla gave birth to her baby, Louisianna, just minutes after landing at Broome International Airport.
The journey to Broome had been unexpected. Shaina, who lives in Fitzroy Crossing, was initially due to give birth in six weeks, but after feeling early contractions, doctors advised her to head to Broome.
With limited resources onboard, Jade was able to remain calm and prepared, keeping Shaina focused until they were safely on the ground.
When Louisianna arrived, Jade described the moment as one of relief and joy—“one of the most memorable shifts” she had experienced with the RFDS.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
Louisianna’s birth will be a story for the books. Not only is she the first baby born at Broome Airport, but it also highlights the resilience of remote mothers and the dedication of emergency medical teams.
And for Louisianna, her place of birth will forever be a unique detail in her passport—Broome International Airport! A beautiful reminder that life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.
Flower Lovers Rally to Help Farmers After 100+ Fresh Bunches Rejected
After a wholesaler rejected a van-load of her flowers, Lyn Bayfield of Eumundi Roses turned to social media for help.
Her fresh cut flowers, including roses and lilies, had been dismissed because they didn’t meet strict wholesale specs. Despite the initial heartbreak, Lyn’s post inviting locals to buy directly from the farm gate sparked a wave of support. Within hours, the flowers sold out, with customers praising their quality.
Why It's Worth Smiling About
This heartwarming turn of events shows the power of community.
Rather than giving up, Lyn’s quick thinking turned a tough situation into a win for both her business and the locals, offering fresh flowers at unbeatable prices.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best outcomes come when we work together.
Giving Tuesday Volunteers Bloom by 4% in 2024:
Millions joined the movement this year
This year, Giving Tuesday saw a total of $3.6 billion donated, marking a 16% rise from last year.
A whopping 36.1 million people got involved, whether by giving money or donating goods. But that’s not all – a record-breaking 9.2 million folks decided to volunteer their time, contributing to a 4% increase from 2023.
On top of that, companies participating in corporate social responsibility saw a 17% spike in volunteer hours, equating to a staggering 260,000 hours from 21,000 employees across 637 companies.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
This surge in generosity and volunteerism isn't just about the numbers – it's about the tangible impact on local communities.
Whether it’s tidying up neighbourhoods, dishing out meals at food banks, or reading with kids at libraries, these acts of kindness are reshaping our social and environmental landscape for the better.
And let’s face it, the world could use a little more of that right now.
More Good News
Words of Inspiration
“The future enters into us, in order to transform itself in us, long before it happens.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that I must be prepared to be surprised by it.” – Albert Schweitzer
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci
“I am out with lanterns, looking for myself.” – Emily Dickinson
“Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.” – Jean-Paul Sartre
What I’m working on
Velvet Onion & Friends We’re in the process of rebranding Velvet Onion & Friends. Why? It’s an important stage in our evolution, and deepens the link between agency, product & education. | Faster Zebra We’re at the final stages of planning for our pilot program. Working name is “99 Problems But A Pitch Ain’t One;” cute for internal projects, not sure it’s the name. Coming soon! |