Sydney shark attack survivor thanks supporters after difficult recovery
A woman bitten by a shark at Sydney's Coogee beach has publicly thanked those who supported her during recovery, while authorities on Phillip Island began vaccinating penguins against bird flu.
Leah Stewart, who was bitten by a shark at Sydney's Coogee beach several months ago, has publicly thanked the people who supported her throughout her recovery. Writing on the fundraising platform GoFundMe, she said that after an "incredibly difficult" few months, she was happy to have progressed enough to regain some independence and finally see some light after the ordeal.
Following the attack, Stewart was placed in an induced coma and underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one arm.
Penguins vaccinated against bird flu
On Phillip Island, south-west of Melbourne, authorities have begun vaccinating as many of the island's little penguins as possible against the H5 strain of bird flu. The island is home to a colony of about 5,000 penguins, which follow a nightly ritual of returning to the same burrow along the same path — a habit that makes them well suited to a vaccination campaign.
The move comes a day after authorities confirmed the death of a seal from the virus, marking the first confirmed mainland mammal fatality from the disease in Australia.
Housing investment near Perth
Australia's National Reconstruction Fund will invest $120m in an advanced manufacturing project north of Perth valued at $240m in total. Once fully operational, the project is expected to be capable of building up to 2,000 apartments a year.
The investment is supported by a further $20m grant from the Western Australian government and a $100m equity stake from retail conglomerate Wesfarmers, owner of brands including Kmart, Bunnings and Officeworks. The Built Living project will use advanced manufacturing methods to produce apartments up to 20% cheaper and up to 50% faster than traditional construction, with work due to begin before the end of the year.
