CN Newsletter: April 27
Issue 6/2025: NSW doctors strike, vigil for murdered student, Netflix's 'Adolescence' not the solution, 'The Pub Test'
Happy Sunday!
In this week's edition, Central News brings you the latest on the NSW doctors strike, why experts are warning that Netflix’s Adolescence is not the solution, the beachside vigil remembering murdered student Audrey Griffin, how hit show The White Lotus is dissecting themes of wealth and comfort, the premier of Australian cult classic films at this year’s Cinema Reborn festival, and the latest episode of Central News’ podcast The Pub Test.
Tidbit
Pope Francis dies
Head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis died on Easter Monday aged 88. The Vatican confirmed the Pontiff died from a stroke and heart failure, following a 38-day stay in hospital last month after suffering a bout of bronchitis. In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first Pope outside of Europe for a thousand years as well as the first Jesuit Pope, where he chose his name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, the Saint of the poor. During his time as Pontiff he criticised the criminalisation of homosexuality, acted as a strong environmental and Indigenous rights advocate, championed interfaith dialogue efforts, and appealed to an end to the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza war.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese - who is a Catholic - paid an emotional tribute, where during a press conference he expressed how the late Pontiff “urged us to remember all we hold in common, and he asked the world to hear the cry of the earth, our common home”.
On Saturday evening, world leaders gathered in St Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ funeral, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prince William of Wales, President of the United States Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn in attendance. The Pontiff was laid to rest in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major, becoming the first to do so since Clement IX in 1669.
A papal election known as a conclave will be held 15 to 20 days after the papacy has been vacated, where the gathering of the College of Cardinals will elect a new Pontiff.
You can read more about who the likely candidates for the next Pontiff are here.
News 🗞️
Doctors warn of brain drain amid dangerous working conditions
Junior doctors in NSW have warned of a ‘brain drain’ of medical staff in the state, as they continue to negotiate for better pay and hours with the Minns government. Though NSW has the highest proportion of Australia’s medical professionals, its junior medical staff are the worst paid in the country, making as much as $7 less per hour compared to their peers interstate. The doctors’ strike a fortnight ago was the first in 25 years, but it failed to produce a resolution between NSW Health and the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation. In the full story, Amelie Zreika speaks to doctors across NSW, who say they are “tired, burnt out and numb”.
Hundreds hold vigil for murdered UTS student Audrey Griffin
Hundreds of Central Coast residents have staged a vigil on Terrigal Beach to remember murdered 19-year-old University of Technology student Audrey Griffin. Most mourners wore white at the request of the talented sportswoman’s family, as Griffin’s mother commemorated her daughter by calling for action against gender-based violence, saying “enough is enough”. Read the full story by Ellouise Ham here.
Teaching boys about misogyny with Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ a bad idea, say experts
Following the success of the Netflix series Adolescence, the UK government made all its episodes free to watch in UK high schools last month. However, Australian youth charities disagree with using the show to teach boys about misogyny. Adolescence - centred on the rise of the “manosphere” and incel culture - is targeted primarily towards the caregivers of young men and boys and does little to prevent them from joining misogynistic spaces online. Sophie James spoke to representatives from Australian youth charities who say education efforts should focus on supporting young boys and men as they reach adulthood.
CN Audio 🎧
The Pub Test: ‘We must address climate’
In the latest episode of The Pub Test, hosts Roman de Vallance and Sam Lawrence talk to Berowra Independent candidate Tina Brown on how she hopes to break the Liberal Party’s hold over the seat of Berowra come May 3. Brown shares her views on why Independent candidates matter most this election and how she plans to target issues most important to voters. Listen to The Pub Test now to catch up on the latest election news, polls, key issues, and what key election promises mean for voters in the lead up to the election. You can listen to the full episode here.
Arts and Culture 🎬
How White Lotus dissects wealth, comfort – and our own complicity
As The White Lotus closes out its third season, the hit HBO series is once again drawing attention for its glossy take on wealth, privilege and power. The show, which exposes how wealth shapes relationships, morality and mobility behind the melodrama and sun-kissed escapism, has left critics divided about its portrayal of the class divide. In the full article, Zac Nickolovski talks to Dr Sarah Attfield about how the show’s portrayal of the wealthy reflects a broader issue in media culture. Read the full article here.
Australian cult classics premiere at retro cinema festival
The annual film festival of restored and rediscovered films, Cinema Reborn returns for its eighth year with its biggest line-up of restored classics yet. Founded in 2018, the festival gives moviegoers the opportunity to see classic films on the big screen with movies spanning from the 1920’s onwards, preserving classics from around the world. This year’s festival will include the showing of seven restored Australian films as well as featuring films from other countries including Ukraine, France, Lebanon, Spain, the Philippines and more. Cinema Reborn is set to take place in Sydney at Ritz Cinemas Randwick from April 30 to May 6. Audrey Man spoke with Geoff Gardner, one of the founding members of Cinema Reborn on how the festival has expanded over the years and their hopes to attract younger people back to the cinema. Read the full article here.
Until next week.
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