🌞 The group knitting their way into our hearts

Happy Sunday!

It’s been a big weekend of rain and staying indoors for me in Sydney, so I thought I’d share some of the content that’s kept me entertained amid torrential downpour.

Watching: The Pitt (Binge) - I’ve never been one to watch medical dramas, but I’ve really loved this. Note: this one is not for any queasy viewers!

Listening: Olivia Dean (obviously) - When she was last in Australia, Dean covered Clairo for Like A Version. You can watch here.

Reading: Careless People: I was sent a copy of this book and have only just started, but it’s a fascinating insight into one of the world’s biggest companies. As a social media junkie, understanding how the sausage gets made is equal parts terrifying and interesting.

Let me know if you’ve read/watched/listened to any of these!

🎧 New AirPod innovation

Apple AirPods can now officially be used as clinical-grade hearing aids in Australia.

While the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the product for use in December, an Apple update this week means the feature is now available to Australians.

The TL;DR is that users can both test their hearing and use the earphones as a hearing aid. As a starting point, the test can identify hearing loss by showing your hearing ability at different frequencies of sound measured in ‘decibels hearing level’. At the end of the test, users can see the results and will be recommended next steps.

With that information stored, you can then activate the hearing aid mode, which uses the results of the test to boost certain frequencies.

The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss, and more than 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.

I have no doubt we’ll continue to see tech innovation continue to flourish in this space.

🎵 Feel good song of the week

📖 Literary prize winner makes history

Australia's biggest literary prize has been awarded to a children's book author for the first time.

Nukgal Wurra author and artist Wanda Gibson made history when she was announced as the winner of the $100,000 Victorian Prize for Literature for her debut book, Three Dresses.

Three Dresses is about Gibson’s “joyful childhood beach holidays in Far North Queensland” and “celebrates family time, connection to place and finding joy in the simple things”.

Gibson's son Bruce accepted the award on her behalf, and said: “Stories have been a big part of Indigenous culture…Mum has told us stories of our grandfathers and my grandfathers told me stories and they still exist in our hearts.”

On winning, he added: “I'm sure that she's sitting at home on her couch, tears running down her face with all her grandkids around her, and telling her, 'Mum, you got more money than us now.'"

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🦁 Lions experience new life

Five lions rescued from war-torn Ukraine have moved into a new sanctuary in the UK, where they’ve walked on grass for the very first time. Rori, Amani, Lira, Vanda and Yuna were rescued from Ukraine, where experts said they suffered “neglect and abuse”. 

Many lived on concrete and in small cages, with Russia’s conflict in the region resulting in further displacement of the animals. All of the African lions have now moved into the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, which said they’re settling in “beautifully” and “showing curiosity and playfulness as they interact between their habitats.” 

The rescue centre was officially opened this week, after fundraising efforts led to over $AU1 million in donations.

💃 Introducing: Karabi Seniors Knitting Group

I am stoked to report that this week, I was introduced to the best group ever: Karabi Seniors Knitting Group.

The group knits for premature babies in Westmead Hospital and makes lap blankets for nursing homes and disabled children. I’ve also been told they knit hundreds of poppies for Anzac Day and Remembrance Day along with beanies for oncology departments in hospitals all over the state.

Earlier this year, the knitting group was awarded a ‘local legends’ grant by National Pies to “further their mission, buy more yarn and get the funds they need to continue doing so much good for others”. While I personally think a lifetime supply of beef pies goes a long way, the group said they were “deeply touched” by the financial contribution.

More of this in the world, please!

TDA asks