In a remarkable display of wartime bravery, a small team of Australian commandos embarked on a daring mission as part of the z special unit into Japanese-occupied Singapore. Operating with exceptional military intelligence, these operatives navigated through enemy waters under cover of darkness, showcasing extraordinary historical courage as they prepared to strike at the heart of Japanese naval power in the pacific theatre operations.

In today’s video we examine this extraordinary covert operation that would leave an indelible mark on military history. We will also dive into the involvement of Australia’s first commandos as they cause terror behind Japanese lines during World War 2.

Photo Justin Chambers – Palletised cargo descends under parachute from a C-17A Globemaster III to the sea ice drop zone near Mawson Research Station, Antarctica.

Operation Southern Discovery is the Australian Defence Force contribution to the Australian Antarctic Program.

Operation Southern Discovery is an enduring peace-time activity in support of the Australian Antarctic Division and the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP). It includes Australia’s national interests, which are based on the region’s scientific, environmental, strategic and economic importance.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) involvement in the AAP is consistent with the Antarctic Treaty’s prohibition of any military activity other than the provision of personnel or equipment in support of scientific or other peaceful purposes.

Operation Southern Discovery covers approximately 7 per cent of the world’s surface and includes Antarctic locations, the Southern Ocean south of 60 degrees, the internationally recognised Australian exclusive economic zone of Macquarie Island as well as the territory of Heard Island and McDonald Island.

Operation Southern Discovery occurs annually, and is primarily, although not exclusively, in support during each Austral summer period (i.e. November to March).

ADF elements regularly allocated to Operation Southern Discovery include:

• Royal Australian Air Force aircraft providing a logistics air bridge from Hobart Airport to Wilkins Aerodrome in Antarctica.
• Royal Australian Navy hydrographic capabilities to ensure safety of marine navigation and assist scientific research.
• Royal Australian Navy meteorological capabilities providing weather forecasting and climate research and analysis.
• Australian Army geospatial survey capabilities assisting infrastructure projects and airfield surveys.

The Straits Times

Recent Chinese naval deployments in the East and South China Seas have prompted heightened alertness in Taiwan. However, a US military official characterized the activity as routine, stating that the current levels of Chinese naval manoeuvres align with past large-scale exercises.

Despite this reassurance, Taiwan’s defence ministry has described the recent deployments as the most significant in nearly three decades. This divergence in assessment underscores the contrasting perspectives on regional security and the evolving dynamics in the Taiwan Strait.

China has maintained silence regarding the recent naval exercises. In a departure from its usual practice of issuing statements, often with a nationalistic tone, the Chinese military has refrained from confirming the existence of any ongoing drills.

Observers anticipated that the deployments might be a response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s recent Pacific tour, which included stops aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s international relationships. However, the US official did not attribute the naval activity directly to Lai’s diplomatic engagements.

While the US official’s remarks suggest continuity rather than escalation in China’s military posture, Taiwan’s interpretation reflects its vulnerability and the growing complexity of its security environment. As such, the differing narratives signal the need for careful monitoring and clear communication to mitigate the risk of miscalculation in this sensitive region.

For those confused about the new Syrian leader, here’s a quick rundown of Mohammad al-Jolani, the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who is trying to rebrand himself from a notorious terrorist to a moderate leader

Mohammad al-Jolani’s transformation from a feared terrorist leader to a figure attempting to position himself as a moderate is nothing short of remarkable—and controversial. Al-Jolani first rose to prominence through his associations with Al-Qaeda and ISIS, earning himself a $10 million FBI bounty in 2017.

Key milestones in his radical journey include:

• Early Life: Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1982 to Syrian exiles, al-Jolani’s radicalization began during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s.
• Militant Roots: At 21, he joined Al-Qaeda in Iraq, where he quickly ascended the ranks.
• Formation of Jabhat al-Nusra: In 2011, he founded this group, pledging allegiance to Al-Qaeda in 2013. By that year, he had already been designated a global terrorist by the U.S. State Department.

Breaking Ties

Al-Jolani’s efforts to shed his terrorist image began in 2016 when he severed ties with Al-Qaeda. This move set the stage for a rebranding effort aimed at gaining broader legitimacy.

• New Names: His group first became Jabhat Fath al-Sham before evolving into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
• Targeting ISIS: HTS has fought against ISIS, most notably in operations such as the 2023 killing of ISIS leader Abu Hussein Al-Husseini al-Qurashi.

Ruling Idlib

Today, al-Jolani’s HTS governs the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, a region home to more than 3 million people. This governance is conducted under the umbrella of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG).

• Civil Services: The SSG provides essential services such as education, healthcare, and a judiciary.
• Sharia Law: While supporting Sharia law, al-Jolani has expressed ambitions to implement it nationwide.
• Human Rights Concerns: Despite accusations of human rights violations, al-Jolani denies the claims, even inviting inspections of HTS-run prisons.

Rebranding for Western Audiences

Al-Jolani is actively attempting to reshape his image to appeal to Western powers. In his most publicized moves:

• He denies being a terrorist or posing a threat to the West.
• He sought dialogue with the Trump administration to form potential partnerships.
• In a CNN interview, he portrayed his past radical affiliations as a youthful mistake.

Final Thoughts

Al-Jolani’s transformation raises significant questions about the boundaries between pragmatic rebranding and deeper ideological shifts. While his attempts to present himself as a moderate leader may resonate with some, his past—and the continued implementation of Sharia law—remains a point of contention for many observers.

News.com.au

Australia is grappling with an intensifying housing crisis, and two recent surveys highlight a clear public consensus: it’s time to significantly reduce immigration to alleviate pressure on the housing market. With housing access and affordability reaching a national crisis point, a recalibration of immigration policies must be prioritized to secure the future for Australians.

Public Sentiment is Clear

The latest True Issues survey conducted by JWS Research reveals a staggering 78% of Australians agree that housing affordability has reached crisis levels. This statistic underscores a pervasive anxiety gripping the nation, with soaring property prices and rental costs pushing many into financial hardship or homelessness. Another recent survey echoes these concerns, showing that Australians overwhelmingly support lowering immigration levels to ease demand on housing and infrastructure.

The Impact of High Immigration Levels

For decades, high immigration has been a cornerstone of Australia’s economic and demographic policy. While it has contributed to economic growth, it has also placed immense strain on critical infrastructure, including housing.

Between 2012 and 2023, Australia welcomed over 1.8 million permanent migrants, while housing construction lagged woefully behind demand. This imbalance has led to skyrocketing property prices, rental shortages, and a generational divide where younger Australians struggle to achieve the dream of home ownership.

Housing Supply vs. Demand

The link between immigration and housing affordability is irrefutable. More people mean more demand for housing, and when supply fails to keep pace, prices soar. The current housing shortfall is exacerbated by labour shortages, high construction costs, and restrictive zoning regulations—challenges that immigration only amplifies. Reducing immigration would provide a much-needed breathing space to address these underlying issues.

Social and Economic Considerations

Reducing immigration isn’t just about housing; it’s also about preserving social cohesion and ensuring equitable access to resources. Overburdened schools, hospitals, and transport networks are straining under population pressures, further diminishing quality of life for Australians. Moderating immigration levels would ease these pressures, allowing governments to invest in infrastructure and services without being perpetually outpaced by demand.

A Call to Action

Policymakers must heed the message delivered by these surveys. A major reduction in immigration would:

• Relieve Pressure on Housing: Lower demand would stabilise property prices and rental markets, making housing more accessible.
• Enhance Infrastructure Planning: Slower population growth would enable governments to catch up on infrastructure deficits.
• Prioritize Australian Workers: Reducing reliance on imported labour would encourage investment in training and development for the domestic workforce.

Conclusion

Australia’s housing crisis is a national emergency that demands decisive action. Reducing immigration levels is not an isolationist policy but a practical solution to a pressing issue. By prioritising the needs of existing Australians and addressing the root causes of housing unaffordability, the nation can rebuild a sustainable and prosperous future for all. It’s time to listen to the voices of Australians and put their interests first.

Downer Release

Commencing in December 2020, Downer delivered a series of critical upgrades at RAAF Base Williamtown, including major aircraft pavement reconstruction, stormwater drainage improvements, aeronautical ground lighting (AGL) runway upgrades, and the installation of two advanced aircraft arrestor systems. This $180 million project forms a key part of the Department of Defence’s National Airfield Program, managed by the Security and Estate Group on behalf of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The National Airfield Program focuses on ensuring Defence airfields across Australia remain fully operational and capable of supporting Defence operations. At RAAF Base Williamtown, these upgrades enhance the base’s ability to accommodate larger Defence aircraft and improve its operational readiness. Additionally, the upgrades to the runway and taxiway network will allow Newcastle Airport to handle larger Code E civilian aircraft, including the Airbus A330, A350, and Boeing 777 and 787, providing significant benefits to civilian air travel in the region.

Jamie Flood, General Manager of Defence Major Projects at Downer, reflected on the project’s successful completion, saying:

“Downer was privileged to be involved in this project from the outset, providing construction advice to the Commonwealth during the planning stages and subsequently delivering these important upgrades.

“The works required significant coordination with military and civilian airfield operators to ensure minimal disruptions to aircraft operations.

“We’re pleased to have successfully delivered another major project to support Defence capability, delivering outcomes to help safeguard Australia’s future.”

Key Achievements During the Project:

• 213,000 tonnes of asphalt placed on airfield surfaces.
• 112 km of airfield ground lighting primary cabling installed.
• 426 night shifts conducted on a closed airfield with zero impact on daily base operations.
• 771,251 total hours worked, with 220 personnel on-site daily during peak construction.
• 4.7% of the project’s value delivered by Indigenous-owned businesses.
• 85% of the workforce sourced locally.

The project’s seamless execution highlights the effective collaboration between Downer, the Department of Defence, and various stakeholders, ensuring that operational requirements were met without compromising the safety and efficiency of airfield operations. These upgrades are a testament to Australia’s commitment to maintaining robust Defence infrastructure while simultaneously supporting regional economic growth and civilian aviation.

On the 21st of June, 1906, the port of Fremantle witnessed a sight that became the talk of the town—a steamship, NORFOLK, arriving not under its intended power, but jury-rigged with makeshift sails. This was no ordinary sight, as the era of steamships had long since overtaken the age of sail, and vessels powered by steam were symbols of modernity and progress.

The NORFOLK, a sturdy steamship of British design, had departed from its last port with cargo and passengers bound for Australia. Somewhere along its voyage, disaster struck: the vessel’s engine failed, leaving it adrift on the open sea. For days, the crew wrestled with the predicament, aware that their steamship, which relied entirely on its engine, was helpless without propulsion.

The captain and crew, seasoned mariners with experience in both sail and steam, refused to surrender to the misfortune. Using every resource available, they improvised sails from canvas, tarpaulins, and even bed sheets. The rigging was cobbled together using spars, ropes, and whatever sturdy materials could be salvaged. This jury-rigged solution transformed the NORFOLK into a strange hybrid—a modern steamship temporarily converted into a sailing vessel.

With the improvised sails catching the wind, the ship inched its way across the Indian Ocean. The journey was slow and fraught with challenges. Steering a steamship designed for precision propulsion was no easy feat with only makeshift sails. However, the crew’s determination, ingenuity, and teamwork triumphed over the adversity.

When the NORFOLK finally came into view of Fremantle, it was met with awe and curiosity. Residents, workers at the docks, and officials gathered to watch the extraordinary vessel make its way into the harbor. The spectacle of a steamship arriving under sail was a stark reminder of the resilience and adaptability of seafarers in the face of adversity.

The story of the NORFOLK‘s journey spread quickly, becoming a symbol of courage and innovation. It served as a testament to the maritime spirit, blending the traditions of the age of sail with the advancements of the steam era.

The ship was eventually repaired and returned to its full functionality, but the tale of its remarkable journey to Fremantle remained a part of maritime lore, celebrated in the annals of Australian shipping history.

Doug Hegdahl, pictured in captivity around Christmastime in 1968, was serving with the Navy on a warship off the coast of Vietnam in 1967 when he fell overboard – paving the way for him to become the youngest, lowest-ranking US POW at the Hanoi Hilton, where he brilliantly pretended to be a fool as he gathered intel against the Communists (US Information Agency)

CLICK LINK to read the story

How a Navy sailor fell off his ship, played dumb — and became a Vietnam POW hero

Next Tuesday, the 17th, Julie and I will be flying to beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand, before heading to Wanaka to spend Christmas and New Year with our son and his family. We’re absolutely thrilled about the trip and can’t wait to together during the festive season.

In the spirit of relaxation and family time, I’ve decided not to take my laptop along, though the decision was slightly influenced by a light-hearted (but firm!) “Leave it behind or else” warning. We’ll be returning home on the 3rd of January. While I might be able to share updates here and there from my phone, we’ll have to see how that works out.

Reflecting on this past year, it has been nothing short of wonderful and fulfilling. Julie and I are deeply grateful for all the support you’ve given me personally and to Frontline as we continue to grow and take on new challenges together. Your encouragement and dedication mean the world to us.

As we approach 2025, we both want to wish you and your families a truly joyous and memorable Christmas and New Year. May the season bring happiness, peace, and love to your homes. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead for all of us! Cheers! 🎄✨

Ray & Julie