Laramba’s Indigenous residents fear they are at risk of long-term illness and say they need to know who is responsible for fixing the problem. Features editor, Lucy Clark, introduces this story about contaminated drinking water
From alkaline waters to beauty elixirs, added oxygen and probiotics, many brands claim they have ‘enhanced’ water – but what do the experts think? The lifestyle editor, Alyx Gorman, introduces an investigation into the truest properties of water
For most, our previous pandemic is a distant memory. But for these five polio survivors, new health problems have just begun. Features editor Lucy Clark introduces personal stories that take us around the country
The Q-League is a far cry from the refugee camps where some of its players learned to play football using scrunched up plastic bags. Guardian Australia’s sport editor Mike Hytner introduces this story about the inclusiveness of sport and a player’s memory of holding a real football for the first time
Traditional owners are standing together to protect the Fitzroy – a ‘beautiful, living water system’. Gabrielle Jackson, associate editor of audio and visual, introduces this story and its bird-sized spiders
Once fast enough to earn a place in the Stawell Gift hall of fame, the former VFL footballer now lives with Parkinson’s disease. Sport editor Mike Hytner introduces Alan Lynch’s honest and candid account of concussion from sport
A rural community of 5,500 people, with an under-resourced health system, came together to take on Covid. International news editor Bonnie Malkin introduces this story about a community effort to confront Delta
After a decade embroiled in public controversies, one of Australia’s most high-profile feminists is exposing a softer side with her new book, How We Love. Culture editor Steph Harmon introduces this profile on someone who describes herself as wilfully misunderstood
It’s the “mystery that must be solved”. Seven-and-a-half years after the Malaysia Airlines flight disappeared with 239 people on board, head of news Mike Ticher recommends this story as he remembers covering the tragedy when the news broke
Repeat surgeries for endometriosis could be exacerbating pain symptoms, experts say. Gabrielle Jackson, associate editor of audio and visual, introduces a story about a chronic inflammatory condition that affects one in 10 women globally
Finding love across the back fence or apartment corridor is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. Convenient? Yes. But also, potentially, mortifying. Lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman recommends this story about neighbourhood matches and disasters
To fall just short? To never know how it feels to get close? To land between, avoiding either pole? Emma Kemp, deputy sport editor, recommends Geoff Lemon’s treatise on the losing team
Low Covid vaccination rates reflect practical barriers – but Māori have good reason to distrust the government. International news editor Bonnie Malkin introduces Morgan Godfery’s personal investigation of this fraught history
It might be difficult to choose literature for a sheep. Lifestyle editor, Alyx Gorman, recommends this hopeful story about the rehabilitative effects of a reading program at an animal shelter
Dozens of West Papuans were tortured and thrown into the sea 23 years ago. Days later, Australia knew details of the attack, yet remained silent. Evening news editor Julian Drape introduces this story about survivors and campaigners still fighting for accountability
Ranging in age from eight to 87, Scrabblers hit the boards in western Sydney earlier this year vying for national supremacy. Sport editor Mike Hytner recommends this match report on a competitive board game with mind-bending wordplay
Australia’s plant-based meat market is booming, with increasingly sophisticated production techniques aiming to earn a place on carnivores’ plates. Assistant news editor Shelley Hepworth recommends this story about meat alternatives
Two decades ago Richard Stiles escaped an avalanche in New Zealand, but friend Steve Robinson wasn’t so lucky. Now the mountain has given up some of its secrets. Features editor Lucy Clark introduces this unexpected tale about a moment that was captured on film and buried for more than 20 years before resurfacing
When Gadia Zrihan’s family were forced to leave their dog behind, they left a part of themselves too – a part they feared they could never get back. Lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman recommends this story about a heartwarming family reunion during uncertain times
‘Only when you become one of those numbers, when you’re in it, do you realise how serious it is.’ Live news editor Patrick Keneally recommends this story about personal loss and grief behind the Covid headlines
Derek de Vreught runs the last video store in Melbourne. He’s sticking around as streaming takes over television and browsing for DVDs becomes a ‘decidedly niche experience’. Culture editor Steph Harmon recommends this story about a stalwart
The last known thylacine died in 1936, but many are still fixated on proving it lives on. Assistant news editor Rosemary Bolger recommends Gary Nunn’s story about why some are still searching for this animal
Australia’s low death rate from the rare syndrome linked to the AstraZeneca shot is in no small part due to a ‘huge collaborative effort’. Evening news editor Julian Drape recommends a good news story that happened in the midst of the challenging vaccine rollout
Small town residents couldn’t do without them, especially now. Rural and regional editor Gabrielle Chan recommends this story about finding shelter among the shelves of a 90-year-old general store
Despite nearly 18 months of lost income due to border closures, some in the Cook Islands say they have enjoyed the peace while the environment recovers. Pacific editor Kate Lyons recommends this piece about crabs reclaiming beaches
After the black summer bushfires it is time for politicians to act on global heating, Greg Mullins says. Assistant news editor Rosemary Bolger recommends Calla Wahlquist’s profile about courage and crisis on the fire front
Farhad Bandesh made wine in Iran before he was forced to flee. He has now brought that ancient tradition to Australia. Lifestyle editor, Alyx Gorman, recommends this story about one of the many ways that asylum seekers and refugees contribute to Australia’s vibrant food and wine culture
The director says his film was sympathetic to Mark Brandon Read and ‘on his side’. It had to be – to understand his violence. Culture editor Steph Harmon recommends this story about the depiction of a notorious Australian criminal
Louie has been in and out of juvenile detention most of his young adult life. He tells of how he’d pretend to be on the phone to family just to stay out of solitary a few minutes longer. Indigenous affairs editor Lorena Allam recommends this story from Guardian Australia’s reporting on childhood in custody
The space cemetery, named for the fictional captain in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, is where the International Space Station is likely to end up. Deputy editor, David Munk, recommends this story about deep and dark spaces
