Some good news this June

In light of current events, you’ve probably noticed that we’ve been sharing some good news stories each month. We’re going to keep bringing you these posts to help take our minds off the pandemic for a minute and hopefully spread a little bit of joy. 

Veteran whale counter says numbers of migrating humpbacks look strong this year

Whale enthusiast Leigh Mansfield spends his winters atop Port Macquarie Headland with binoculars in hand. Currently, Mr Mansfield is taking part in ORRCA’s (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia) East Coast Whale Migration Research Project, where he is one of several volunteers counting the number of whales passing by particular vantage points along the eastern coast of NSW. The researchers record whale numbers, species and anything of special interest about individuals, for example, if they’re a parent travelling with a calf, or if they’re clearly sick or injured.

Mr Mansfield said Port Macquarie is one of the best locations to spot whales, having counted 13,000 last year, compared to Sydney’s count of 5,000. Pleasantly, he commented that humpback whale numbers are looking strong this year, with the whale population as a whole improving over the last few years. 

Story via the ABC

The F1 of the future: Flying cars set to take to the skies in outback Coober Pedy

Flying race cars are no longer the stuff of science fiction and futuristic movies thanks to Airspeeder, a startup company looking to host an exhibition race in Coober Pedy before the end of this year. Cofounder Matt Pearson commented on the relevance and growth of the industry by saying, “with electric aviation, with the drone industry, with the autonomous vehicle industry boom — all the technology that makes autonomous electric cars possible, are making the electric flying cars industry.”

The flying cars are made with Formula One-like chassis and use drone technology to hover and manoeuvre above ground. Like F1 vehicles, they are built for speed and thrilling entertainment. The Coober Pedy race planned for later this year will demonstrate two remote controlled cars, with no in-vehicle drivers, as Airspeeder hasn’t yet received its license to fly people. If you’re unsure about the chosen location’s appeal, the Coober Pedy Business and Tourism Association Treasurer summed it up nicely with her comment, “where else would you see flying cars in an alien landscape?”

Story via the ABC

The roaming geese of Riddells Creek — dangerous menace or ‘comical’ tourist attraction?

Riddells Creek is a town north of Melbourne home to a unique cause of traffic congestion: geese. The geese arrived in town about 20 years ago – though no one can pinpoint how exactly – and their population has been expanding ever since. With over 60 geese now roaming the small town freely, community members are divided as to whether or not they’re a nuisance. 

They have been known to cause road accidents and frequently stop traffic as their gaggle waddles across the road. “There’s [also] a fair bit of poo,” which proves an inconvenience to some. Others claim the geese have put the small town on the map as visitors now come to Riddells Creek just to sit by the lake where the geese congregate and feed them. Some even view the geese as the town’s pets and appreciate the chance to slow down their day when they get stopped by geese crossing the road. 

The local council has no plans to remove the geese; instead, they’ve put forward requests to reduce the speed limit on the main road and install educational signs to help protect the geese.

Story via the ABC

We hope these stories provided you with at least a moment’s relief from all the other news we get these days! Stay tuned for next month’s good news stories.

Feel free to share any of your good news with us too!