The April 5 Edition
A tiny beetle is ravaging large numbers of trees (including century-old Moreton Bay figs and maples) in Perth – and it could be coming to a park or backyard near us on the east coast, if we’re not careful. The pest, no bigger than a grain of rice, is known as the polyphagous shot-hole borer, and its deadly talent is excavating a maze of tunnels inside a tree’s trunk and branches, leaving behind a trail of fungal spores which gradually cut off its supply of water and sap. As journalist Victoria Laurie tells us in her story this week, the borer, a native of South-East Asia, arrived on our shores about four years ago. This has already led to 4500 large trees across Perth being cut down – and many thousands more having branches removed. What has environmentalists, scientists and fruit-growers losing sleep is the prospect of the beetle hitching a ride to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and, in a worst-case scenario, spurring mass tree deaths in the eastern states. Also in this issue, the remarkable world of Cody Simpson, the former teenage pop idol and Commonwealth Games swimmer now receiving plaudits for his lead role in Guys & Dolls. – Acting editor, Greg Callaghan.
From pop idol to swim star to leading man: ‘Annoyingly gifted’ Cody Simpson’s new gig
He’s already been a pop-phenom heartthrob dating the likes of Miley Cyrus, and a champion swimmer. Now, the Gold Coast-raised prodigy is in his third act.
- by Konrad Marshall
A beetle is killing some of Perth’s grandest trees. The eastern states could be next
In the WA capital, century-old Moreton Bay figs are among the trees falling victim to an alarming pest – and the city is taking extreme measures to counter it.
- by Victoria Laurie
Walking’s great – but to strengthen bones, a little heavy lifting goes a long way
Poor bone health puts two out of three Australians aged over 50 at risk of fractures, falls and a shortened lifespan. Many are fighting back – with dumbbells.
- by Erin O'Dwyer
From mirror lakes to roo-hunting at dusk: Fresh photographic takes on Australian life
Here’s our pick of the Galah Regional Photographic Prize finalists.
Two of Us
For subscribers
After Port Arthur, Walter Mikac found a ‘superpower’. He’s sharing it with Izzy
Isabella was born five years after the tragedy in which Walter’s first two daughters and their mother were killed.
- by Amanda Hooton
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘Honey, we’re not doing it for you’: Rhoda Roberts on the welcome-to-Country backlash
The artist and festival director on the link between songlines and welcomes to Country – and the tragic reason why she hasn’t celebrated her birthday for years.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru
Should I have corrected my son’s teacher’s spelling?
Give them a break, writes our Modern Guru. They were exhausted, possibly inebriated – and thankfully, not relying on autocorrect.
- by Danny Katz
Resistentialism
The last step on the landing had always had it in for her, tripping her countless times. Mollie had issues with the coffee table, too, the way its malicious angles clattered her shins. Worst of the lot, she brooded as she fetched the tool kit, was the bastard bedroom-door handle. How often, as she’d rushed past, had it reached out and violently reefed her handbag off her shoulder, or grabbed at her shirt, hauling her back? She’d warned it many times, but it never listened. Well, it would now, she thought, noting, with satisfaction, the heft of the hammer in her hand. Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
Finding hope in Ecuador: The doco following an Aussie surfer’s journey to her roots
Plus: Get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Pilar Paredes, Barry Divola, Jonathan Seidler and Damien Woolnough
Torn fig and mozzarella salad with almonds and balsamic dressing
A seasonal autumn salad that celebrates figs, and can be given more “main-course energy” with the addition of sliced prosciutto.
- by Danielle Alvarez
Double Happy’s a nostalgia trip – but is it worth taking?
Callan Boys digs the cosplay dining room, but wonders if diners should spend their money at a theme-park tribute or a family-run original.
- by Callan Boys
Review
Toby's Estate
Is it worth paying $30 for this cup of coffee at Fitzroy’s shiny new cafe?
Don’t worry, $5.50 flat whites, as well as bagels and other popular items, are also available at Toby’s Estate sleek new flagship venue.
- by Dani Valent
Why does my favourite wine vary in taste so much?
Did you just eat cheese or garlic or coffee?
- by Huon Hooke
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/national/the-april-5-edition-20250210-p5lauc.html